Review of Sharkies Organic Fruit Snacks

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We recently were sent samples of Sharkies Chews fruit snacks and we love them. Tasty, nutritious and a snack the whole family can enjoy. The kids will be off to day camp in a few short weeks and we’ll need to provide them with snacks for their active morning. I love that Sharkies Chews are an organic snack the kids enjoy and I can feel good about packing them a fun treat.

Sharkies organic energy & fruit chews deliver naturally occurring electrolytes, providing clean fuel for active lifestyles.

About Sharkies:
~USDA Organic Ingredients
~No high-fructose corn syrup
~Non-GMO ingredients
~No artificial dyes
~No artificial flavors
~Only 140 calories per bag
~Kosher & Vegan
~Made in the USA

Allergy-friendly:

Gluten-free Soy-free
Wheat-free Dairy-free
Tree-nut free Egg-free

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Sharkies Chews are also available for adults. Sharkies Organic Energy Sports Chews feature energy boosters and natural electrolyte replacements. My husband said they were refreshing and had a good flavor. The flavor was not too strong or overpowering. He favored the Fruit Splash over the Watermelon Scream but liked both. We both appreciated that Sharkies snacks are made without HFC, trans fats or GMO ingredients. Sharkies organic energy sports chews are good for active lifestyles and natural energy boosts.
To learn more about Sharkies Chews, visit their site,sharkiesinc.com
like sharkies chews on Facebook
@sharkieschews

I was not compensated for this post. We did receive samples.

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Green Polka Dot Box, Review

Green Polka Dot Box is an online green business that brings the best of the best in green products right to your front door. As Kermit the Frog once said, “It is not easy being green.” and while I sometimes share his sentiment, I am finding more and more ways to find the green products I need at the prices that suit my budget. Green Polka Dot Box is easy to use, finding the green products you are interested in is a simple click away and the best part? The prices are, on average, about 20% cheaper than both in stores and other online distributors. Green Polka Dot has natural and organic items that are always GMO free, priced competitively, and guaranteed! My items arrived in a timely fashion, were packaged neatly and compactly and I didn’t think there was excessive packaging. Visit Green Polka Box for recipes, daily green living tips, and many pricing specials and shipping discounts.

It is often hard to find many of the organic items I seek and I often have to travel farther than I would like to pick them up. Now I can get those hard to find items, at a better price, delivered right to my door. Green Polka Dot box has everything from organic grass-fed beef, to organic hand lotions, and green cleaners. The savings on green tools for the kitchen was over 40%!

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a membership as a gift and wanted to share this amazing online business. If you would like to sign up, CLICK HERE to sign up through a fellow greenie and support her mission to “greenify” all your purchases.

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Yomega Yo-Yo review & giveaway

Yomega has a few new toys that are perfect for those spring days, afternoons outside and or when the rain keeps the kids indoors. I love classic toys, especially ones that are not battery operated and require skill. Toys that engage children independent yet competitive activities are perfect for building confidence, keep boredom at bay and help to build usable skills. [Read more...]

Babyganics Greener Products Review

Babyganics offers a full line of baby care as well as household cleaning products. I’m always on the hunt for healthier, greener alternatives for my family, so when Babyganics asked me to give some of their products a try, I didn’t hesitate.


Although I usually clean with warm water, baking soda and vinegar, I know that most people like the idea of a prepared spray cleaner. Traditional cleaners are filled with chemicals, chemicals that are known to cause harm to us, our children and our pets. I think most parents would prefer to clean their home with safer cleaners but don’t want to compromise on the cleanliness of their homes. I agree! Babyganics spray cleaner effectively cleaned every surface I tried to on from the bathroom sink to the kitchen counters. It worked hard on grease, filmy soapy messes, and dirt-ridden tile floors. Although I didn’t love the scent of the lavedar All Purpose cleaner, I would simply choose the fragrance-free next time.I love that the All-Purpose cleaner is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or toxins.

As far as baby products, I love their bubble bath. The kids love the super suds, and the refreshing scent. I love how it gets them squeaky clean, even tackling glue, paint, and stamp ink with no problem. We use the bubble bath for the whole family. I love that the bubble bath is free of synthetic fragrance, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum.

I also tried the Babyganics face and hand wipes, and although I prefer cloth wipes, I do keep disposable wipes in my car for times when water and soap are unavailable. (We venture into NYC often and those wipes came in handy when traffic was at a standstill and bellies were in desperate need of a snack!) The wipes were super soft, not overly large and worked well! The best part? No toxic chemicals! No chlorine, parabens, sulfates, or phthlates.

BabyGanics’ Products can be purchased at Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, Amazon.com, Diapers.com and Vine.com

To learn more about BabyGanics, follow them on twitter @BabyGanics or “like” them on facebook for new product information and promotions.

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive samples from Babyganics.
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Strider ST-4, Balance Bike Review & #Giveaway

Strider Balance Bikes are a fun and easy way to increase your child’s balance skills and prepare them for riding a bike without training wheels.

I had never heard of a “balance bike” before my neighbor’s son glided down our driveway on one. A bike with no pedals? How can that be? When Strider contacted me to have the children try them out on their own, I knew they would be beyond excited!

A Strider Balance Bike is perfect for any child ready to ride, from those with little or no experience to those already zooming on two wheels. The Strider SD-4 is easy to assemble, and as easy to adjust if need be. Both the height of the seat and handle bars can be adjusted to fit your child’s needs. With no heavy pedals in the way, your child will zoom their way into better balance in no time.They need to rely on their core strength to keep the bike upright and as they push-off with their feet (much like one would do with a skateboard or scooter) they propel themselves forward and have the feeling of riding a bicycle. I love how the handle bars are firm and easy to grip (foam rips easily and is not as comfortable) and the tires never need air as they are molded plastic not rubber. The Strider Balance Bike sits low to the ground, and was easy for both my 3 and nearly 5-year-old to ride. Our 3 yr old is less inclined to hop on her bicycle (with training wheels) but has been on her Strider nearly every day since it arrived.

My son, almost 5, loves it to zoom down ramps, hilly driveways and to speed along with his friends. Our niece and nephew ride their Striders weekly in a “BMX” type race course. Since we have had the Striders I see a dramatic difference in both children’s level of confidence, and balance skills. Using a Strider is also great exercise for children and a great way to keep them active and engaged. We have been keeping ours in our trunk so the kids can ride them every day after school. Every day instead of hearing, “Let’s go ride bikes”, we hear, “Let’s go Strider”.

The Strider ST-4 Balance Bike offers these features:

It retails for $109.oo and can be purchased HERE. One LUCKY Winner will win a Strider ST-4 Balance Bike in their choice of one of 6 colors. The Strider ST-4 Balance Bike is perfect for any walking child up to age 5 (based on height and weight).

To WIN your own Balance Bike from Strider, Enter via the rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post, thanks to Strider for our 2 ST-4 Balance Bikes.

#BTS with Zarbee’s Review/Giveaway #ZarbeesCares

As my readers know, I was happy to have learned about the all-natural cough remedies by Zarbee’s. I have used the products several times, and recommend it to anyone with a sore throat, cough, allergies or cold. I love that it is dye-free, drug-free, suitable for children and is as safe as it is effective. If you missed my FULL REVIEW of Zarbee’s all natural cough remedies, CLICK HERE.

At a recent luncheon during BlogHer, I was lucky enough to meet new mom, Kristin Davis as well as chat with Dr. Zarbock once again.

Zarbee's event NYC

She, like many of us moms, felt reassured knowing there is a all-natural way to treat her own allergy related-cough and that she will be armed with a safe and effective product for her child should the need arise. Here are some of her tips for new moms:

  • Eat Right: Prepare healthy meals and snacks (like brown rice) when you have a few minutes so you can throw it in the refrigerator and have something healthy on hand when you get the chance to eat.
  • Go Natural: Rely on natural products you can trust, especially when you get sick. You can’t be at your best when you feel terrible! I love Zarbee’s because it’s an all natural product that helps with coughs and allergies without making me drowsy
  • Make Time for Yourself : It is hectic being a mom so try to carve out some “me” time during the day – even just a minute to breathe and assess what you need so you can be at your best for your baby.
In addition to Kristin’s tips, Dr. Zarbock offers his own tips just in time for Back to School. As parents we can use these guidelines to help us make the decision to send our child to school or to keep them home. I appreciate this information as this is the first year both Big B and Lil B will be going to school (sniff!). As a former teacher, I can tell you I wish I had these guidelines to hand out to all of my students on the first day of school. I know it would have prevented a lot of absences as well as controlled the spread of infection.

The Cough Conundrum – Stay Home or Safe to Go Out?

On average, a young child will have 6-10 colds per year and the virus swap is at its peak during the winter season. Below please find tips from Zarbee’s creator, Dr. Zak Zarbock, on when it’s safe for children to go to school and when it’s best for them to stay home and recover.

Red Light
Keep your child home, avoid contact with others and consider seeing your pediatrician if symptoms include:

  • Fever of 101 degrees or higher
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath during normal activity
  • Cough that disrupts regular activities
  • Constant yellow or green drainage from the nose
  • Ill appearance or excessive fatigue

Yellow Light

Trust your judgment. Your child may continue regular activities unless he or she needs additional rest or is showing early signs of red light symptoms. These symptoms may include:

  • Improving fever. Your child can return to a regular routine once he or she has been fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications
  • Sporadic cough that minimally interferes with activities
  • Congestion may be present, but minimal green or yellow discharge from the nose

Green Light

While not 100%, your child is okay to return to school. Symptoms may include:

  • Mild, infrequent cough that does not negatively impact daily activities
  • Clear runny nose
  • Active, playful, and rested

Remember, the most important way to keep children healthy and in school is by reducing the transmission of viral infections. Proper hygiene including the use of disposable tissues and coughing into the elbow should be encouraged. Frequent hand washing cannot be overemphasized. Avoid touching the mouth, nose and eyes, as they are the gateway for unwanted viruses. “I see over 30 coughing, gagging, fevering children a day and these tips are what keeps me going,” says Dr. Zarbock. And finally, when in doubt don’t hesitate to contact your pediatrician – they are there to help.

Want to be armed and ready for this year’s cold season? Enter below to #win a giftbox full of Zarbee’s Cough Remedies for children as well as adults.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post.

Santa Cruz Organic Sweet Deeds Review and Giveaway

Santa Cruz Organics invites you to join the Sweet Deed Society. Read on to help fight hunger and one of two chances at a Santa Cruz Organic prize pack! [Read more...]

Chaco Eco Friendly Shoes for Kids

Looking for new school shoes? Chaco shoes are not only high quality shoes but they are eco-friendly too. To read my full review on the new Chaco Kids’ Line, CLICK HERE to read my post on Momtrends. Chaco shoes are perfect for back to school and for those looking to make a greener shoe choice!

Hanna Andersson hits the Roosevelt Field Mall

Hanna Andersson opened its first Long Island store, right in the Roosevelt Field Mall. Hanna Andersson is a brand I have come to love for easy, adorable and comfortable clothing for the children. The designs are always whimsical and fun and the quality of every item I have purchased is superior to most other brands I have tried. I love Hanna Andersson for their organic pajamas but noticed at the store’s opening that more than half of the Hanna collection is tested for over 100 harmful chemicals. This means the clothes you are buying for your children are safer overall.

This could be the B's !

If you want to move toward choosing healthier living, starting with organic cotton pajamas is a great way to go. Your children spend a lot of time in their PJ’s and we should choose healthy fabrics that do not contain flame retardants to promote a healthier night’s sleep.

Hanna Andersson has a range of solid basics like long sleeve t’s, leggings and cardigans for girls as well as t’s, hoodies and “easy” pants for boys. Hanna Andersson is perfect for newborn to preteen or US size 14. Hanna Andersson uses a cm sizing system but is easily converted by size charts or by their knowledgable staff. Hanna Andersson also has a no-nonsense 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their clothes will last and I can tell you that one pair of organic cotton pajamas passed through 4 children! Well worth the few extra dollars!

Hanna Andersson offers a full line of children’s clothing, backpacks, gifts and even women’s sleepwear and “match me” outfitting. Hanna Andersson even sells my favorite chair for kids of all ages, the Tripp Trapp by Stokke.

They are currently gearing up for back to school and are running amazing sales!

Hanna Andersson is now open at the Roosevelt Field Mall, in Westbury, NY.
To shop Hanna online CLICK HERE.

I was not compensated for this post.

UNREAL candy bars and chocolate treats review/giveaway

UNREAL sent us a family size box filled with chocolate bars, candy coated chocolates, and peanut butter cups. It was a good thing that it was a family size because that box of treats quickly vanished. We of course tried each and every variety in order to give you our honest opinion….all in the name of research, you know!?

UNREAL candies and chocolates are delicious! We enjoyed the chocolate caramel nougat bar the best (put it in the freezer…yummo!) We enjoyed each variety and thought the quality, taste and appeal of each one was top notch! I will admit that my least favorite was the Candy Coated Chocolates, they were good, but I’ve always been a fan of another candy coated treat (unfortunately, the kind that is horribly bad for me!)
The UNREAL mission is: “We believe that all junk food can be made differently, with better ingredients, without the junk, with great taste, and people don’t have to pay more for it.”

We are not huge on junk food here but when I want a snack, I prefer it be good for me (at least better) while tasting great and satisfying my craving.

What stood out to me most about UNREAL was the lowered sugar content and increased dietary fiber.

UNREAL treats DO NOT contain :

  • Corn syrup
  • Artificial preservatives
  • Hydrogenated oils/fats

UNREAL Treats DO contain:

  • Real cane sugar
  • Real milk from cows that graze on grass not corn that is GMO, and don’t use artificial hormones and antibiotics.
  • More protein and fiber
  • More cacao -almost twice as much as other leading brands

Great taste, better for you and you don’t have to pay extra for all the goodness!

Follow the Get Unreal campaign on twitter @getunreal using #getunreal or on Facebook.com/unreal

Thank you to Healthy Child, Healthy World (HCHW) for introducing me to UNREAL! For more information and tips on raising a healthier family and living a greener lifestyle, visit www.heatlhychild.org. Follow along on twitter @healthy_child and Facebook.

To purchase UNREAL goodies, click here! To win your own BOX of UNREAL goodies, enter via the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a box of UNREAL treats to devour review.

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