Congrats to the Winners

Cangles Eco Jewelry $20 G.C. 4/30 Winner #4 Dina
Organic Pillow 4/30 Winner #242 Stevie
Hawaiian Honu Origami Co. 4/30 Winner #24 The Beauty Pirate and #4 Julie
All winners chosen by random.org

Pure Anada Pure Makeup

Made in Canada, Pure Anada is a beautiful line of natural cosmetics created for all women! Their products are free of artificial fragrances, colorants, and preservatives...
simply fabulous color and coverage from nature! Their complete line of color cosmetics are made in Manitoba, Canada from pure, natural ingredients that have been purchased responsibly from around the world.
Synthetic preservatives, dyes, fragrances and flavors or anything that may cause negative short, or long term consequences to your health or the environment is avoided.

Their lip glosses are wonderful! I love the shimmer without having a too much of a thick gloss look. It's a keeper in my purse. I also tried their lipsticks that are enriched with natural oils and botanicals. There are no silicones in this gloss! It is said the average woman consumes over 5 pounds of lip gloss in their lifetime! Make sure yours is edible. They have a lot of colors to choose from and I especially like how their lipstick stays on.
paraben-free - gluten-free - mercury-free
97% natural ingredients (sourced from nature)

I was so pleased to find this mascara, with just one application my lashes looked fuller and thicker with no clumps. Pure Anada mascara is formulated to be PH balanced for eyes. I feel so much better that I am not putting Mercury or parabens on my lashes every day. Also, Pure Anada is water-resistant so it will last longer.

They also carry many other wonderful products. You can find Pure Anada Natural Cosmetics at salons, spas and natural product boutiques across Canada and the US! To find a location near you or to buy online: CLICK HERE
Follow them on Facebook as well for up to date information.
*Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom'sBestBets

Giveaway Winners

The Winners chosen by random.org are:

Fisher Price Camera: #465 Gail

Children's handmade Hammock #63 Dor

Kiss My Face Mouthwash #171 Nellie

Little Green Books Review and Giveaway!

Earth Day was a few days ago. I hope that you had the opportunity to talk to your kids and/or students about how we can all work together to take care of the place where we all live. Caring about the Earth should only be on one day but every day! I had the opportunity to read some educational, insightful, and very fun children's books from Little Green Books.

I am very excited to be able to share with you about them. The generous folks at Little Green Books is offering one reader a bundle of these 5 Eco friendly books.

Santa Claus Is Green!
How to Have an Eco-Friendly Christmas (Part of Little Green Books)
By Alison Inches
Illustrated by: Wednesday Kirwan
Our Price: $5.99

Review

I just love this title and my daughter was thrilled to be able to hear about Santa in April! In the spirit of Christmas giving, Santa shows boys and girls that they can give to others while giving back to the Earth -- and have fun while they're doing it! Simple things like riding bicycles to the store rather than taking a car, taking the tree to the community mulching center, using discarded newspapers for gift wrap, and making decorations and presents for one another rather than buying new ones, are all ways that kids can help Santa have a green Christmas. Printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper. I thought this is was a sweet story with helpful fun tips. We will definitely be putting these to practice in December. BONUS: It also includes a sheet of more than 20 stickers made from 10% recycled paper to help spread holiday cheer and environmental awareness. A great way to celebrate white and green Christmas!

This Is Our World
A Story About Taking Care of the Earth (Part of Little Green Books)
By Emily Sollinger
Illustrated by: Jo Brown
Our Price: $7.99

Review

Join the fun on this interactive journey while learning to clean the air, reduce pollution, recycle, and more. Nine double-sided puzzle pieces are included in this book so kids can create two different puzzles! I thought that this is an excellent book to show kids how they can help in their daily activities. It is also fun and colorfully illustrated!

The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle
A Story About Recycling (Part of Little Green Books)
By Alison Inches
illustrated by: Pete Whitehead
Our Price: $3.99

Review

This was my daughter's favorite book. Peek into this diary of a plastic bottle as it goes on a journey from the refinery plant, to the manufacturing line, to the store shelf, to a garbage can, and finally to a recycling plant where it emerges into it's new life...as a fleece jacket! It's not only very informative but fun and humorous as well. She just couldn't believe that a plastic bottle could be transformed in so many ways. You got to read this!

My First Garden
(Part of Little Green Books)
By Wendy Lewison
Illustrated by: Miki Sakamoto
Our Price: $6.99

Review

This book is in the shape of a basket where you learn to dig up soil, plant a flower bed, and water the seeds to make a first garden. Children learn their colors as they watch the vegetables grow. The handle can also be held to carry with them.

The Polar Bears' Home
A Story About Global Warming (Part of Little Green Books)
By Lara Bergen
Illustrated by: Vincent Nguyen
Our Price: $3.99

Review

Come along on an Arctic adventure with a little girl and her father and learn all about polar bears! This 8 x 8 storybook shows how global warming affects two baby polar bear cubs and their family. Includes tips for kids on what they can do to help slow down global warming.

I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations in this book. My daughter just loved the sweet bears and also learned about the environment, endangered animals, recycling, and much more.

So, read with your kids every day so that they can malama (take care) of this land they call home.

WIN THESE 5 BOOKS
To Enter: Visit Little Green Books and tell me what other book you would like to read.

EXTRA ENTRY:

1 Extra Entry- Follow MBB with Google friend connect

1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets

1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Twitter and tweet for extra chances

3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.

3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me

*This contest ends 5/20 Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.

Winner will be notified via email.Open to USA and Canada only.

*Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Hapari Swimwear: Look Great Giveaway!

Yes, summer is coming. In Hawaii we wear bathing suits all year round and I do mean seven days a week. But for many, the cold months are behind them and swimsuit season is fast approaching. This should bring you excitement not dread because there is swimwear that can make you look your best.

Hapari Swimwear enhances the curves you love and hides the curves you don't. They make modest swimwear and tankinis that are stylish and comfortable for all body types. Hapari has a new line of tankini swimwear you can feel great in. Tankinis can be worn 3 different ways; halter, tank and criss cross.

From their vast selection of tankinis and modest swimwear, you can mix and match any top with any bottom. Hapari's swimwear line offers several different styles of modest swim suits. Each fashion style provides comfort and appropriate coverage. Hapari's modest swimwear is designed with their body shaping secrets that enhance your figure, and allow every woman to feel confident and beautiful in her swimsuit!

Now you have the chance to Win a bathing suit of your choice!

To Enter: Visit Hapari and tell me what suit you would choose
EXTRA ENTRY:
1 Extra Entry- Follow MBB with Google friend connect
1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets
1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Ectra Entry -subscribe to Hapari by email
1 Extra Entry- Follow Reduce on Facebook
2 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Facebook and Hapari
1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Twitter and Hapari and tweet for extra chances
3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me
*This contest ends 5/20
Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified via email.
Open to USA and Canada only.
*product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Giveaway: Organic Gournet Dinner for Mom

Win a fabulous Organic Dinner for Mom!
Helen's Kitchen makes USDA organic GMO free foods. This is a gourmet line of dinners that are good for you and tastes amazing. I have posted previously about the the "farfalle and basil pesto" which was creamy, delicious, and totally satisfying. The red thai curry was very authentic and the mac and cheese...we never tasted because my daughter confiscated it. I recently had their cheese enchiladas which was very good and had some spiciness to it. All I can say is,"

Thank-you Helen for giving moms a deserved night off of cooking and the peace to know what they are eating is safe and tastes great.

The best part is all of you will have a chance to take a break from the kitchen and Win 2 of Helen's organic meals of your choice! There will be 4 winners total each winning 2 dinners!

FREE ORGANIC MEALS....how to win:

**1. Respond to this post telling me you want to win and "follow" Mom's Best Bets!

For extra chances to win:

*Follow me on twitter and tweet about it (1 extra chance)Win Dinner for 2 at http://momsbestbets.blogspot.com/2009/10/organic-gourmet-giveaway.html

*Follow me on facebook and Helen's (2 extra chances)

*Follow Helen's on Twitter (1 extra chances)

*Copy and paste my button on your site (3 extra chances)
*Enter another of Mom's Best Bets Giveaways (1 for each giveaway)
*Blog about this giveaway linking back to here (3 extra chances)

Open to USA and Canada

Giveaway ends: 5/9/2010

REDUCE: Melaboo 5pc Mixing Bowl Set Giveaway

Reduce products make it convenient and economical for consumers to reduce household waste as they reduce their carbon footprint everyday. The series of eco-friendly home products currently includes a line of reusable water bottles, innovative recycling cans and biodegradable bamboo tableware made of composite materials. Create your REDUCE eco friendly kitchen and start reducing everyday!
Check out my Super Healthy Salad in my Melaboo Bowl

The Melaboo product lineincludes

Measuring Spoon Set,
Measuring Cup Set Batter Bowl Set 5pc Utensil Set Mixing Bowl Set Juicer
Soup Bowls Salad Plates Dinner Plates Fruit Bowls Serving Bowls and Colanders

I received their Melaboo 5pc Mixing Bowl Set
Melaboo™ which is made from 100% biodegradable bamboo fibers. Great for your eco-friendly kitchen.

• Set includes .25qt, .5qt, 1.25qt, 2qt, and 3.25qt bowls.
• These bowls can be used for preparing and serving meals.
• Bamboo materials are biodegradable and sustainable.
• Biodegradable, sustainable and non-toxic
Green Quality
Biodegradable components ultimately help reduce kitchen waste because the materials will decompose in 18 months under normal conditions in a landfill.
Price
$34.99

The shiny earth tones just brightened up my kitchen for summer. You won't want to store them behind a cupboard because they are just too pretty. They conserve space too because they are nesting inside of one another. I use them for salads and mixing. The above picture is my farmer 's market salad with chia seeds, butter lettuce, cucumbers, organic tomatoes, and a bit of lemon, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese-simply yummy!

They can also be used for batter bowls, but if you prefer having the spout for pouring then check out these. You can purchase Melaboo products at Reduce.com or Amazon carries some as well

Win it: Reduce is offering one Mom's Best Bets reader a mixing bowl set!

To Enter: Visit Reduce and tell me what other product you would like

EXTRA ENTRY:

1 Extra Entry- Follow MBB with Google friend connect

1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets

1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Extra Entry- Follow Reduce on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Twitter and tweet for extra chances

3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.

3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me

*This contest ends 5/20

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified via email.

Open to USA only.

*product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Babies The Movie

Babies is a documentary film by Thomas Balmes, depicting the early lives of four infants growing up in Mongolia, Namibia, San Francisco and Tokyo

For all of my Hawaii readers: Get a complimentary pass (admits 2) for a special advance screening to this beautiful movie –
BabiesTheMovie.com!

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 @ 7pm – Kahala Theaters
Pick one up at Whole Foods Kahala Customer Service Desk

Oompa Giveaway: Indoor Garden Set

I love natural, innovative, safe, and REAL toys. This is probably why I like Oompa so much! Oompa carries quality products for babies and kids. Many of their products are made in Europe and the USA. They also go through safety checks from the following groups:

American Society for Testing and Materialshttp://www.astm.org
US Safety Standard Linkshttp://www.toy-tia.org
European Union Safety Standardshttp://www.bsi-global.com
US Consumer Products Safety Commissionhttp://www.cpsc.gov
American National Standards Institudehttp://www.ansi.org

This is truly a one stop shop. They offer toys, games, furniture, wall deco, and even school gear.
Oompa sells my favorite brands of eco friendly toys, including Green toys. I love their BPA free tea set and their BPA free indoor garden set.

Youe little green thumbs can watch nature at work by growing an indoor garden in just a few days with this environmentally friendly indoor gardening kit.
This planting kit comes with a peapod-shaped planter, 3 planting pots, a trowel, 3 packages of organic seeds and soil disks.

My daughter and I planted herbs and flower seeds in our cheery yellow planters last week and we already have sprouts!
I love that the set is made from recycled plastic milk containers
Dimensions: Length: 16.0 "; Height: 5.0 "; Width: 5.0 "; Depth: 5.0 " .

Oompa is generously giving away a Green Toys Indoor Gardening Kit to one Mom's Best Bets reader!

To Enter: Visit Oompa and tell me what other product that you like.
EXTRA ENTRY:

1 Extra Entry- Follow MBB with Google friend connect
1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets
1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email
1 Extra Entry- Follow Oompa on Facebook
1 Extra Entry - Follow MBB on Facebook
1 Extra Entry - Follow Oompa and MBB on Twitter and tweet for extra chances
3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me
*This contest ends 5/20
Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified via email.
Open to USA only.
*product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Mom's Best Bet Mondays!

There are so many great ideas, reviews, and giveaways going on around the blogosphere that it is hard to remember them all. There is something new going on here every Monday that you can be a part of.

Let's share our BEST BET on the Linky or in the comments section below. It could be something you read about, an outrageous recipe, or maybe a product that is outstanding, or an amazing giveaway that you want to share about.Whatever your best bet is, please share below and we will choose a few to shine in the "Mom's Best Bets Spotlight!"

There were many Best Bets from last week. Here are 2 perfect picks for the little ones:

**Head over to~ Mommy Is Green - Earth Mama Angel Baby $25 GC(5/2)

because this is some fabulous smelling organic goodness for baby!

** Natural Baby Goods is giving away the cutest personalized lunch box!http://www.naturalbabygoods.com/freckle-personalized-lunch-box-review-and-giveaway/

****Check out all of the Marvelous GIVEAWAYS on Mom's Best Bets (upper left corner) and be sure to share your links below!

USDA Organic Coconut Flour Giveaway

I love tweaking my recipes to make them even healthier and still taste wonderful. I use coconut flour in many recipes such as chocolate cake and muffins. I just tried Tropical Traditions organic coconut flour for the first time and love it!

This flour is the fiber from the coconut meat after most of the oil has been extracted to make Virgin Coconut Oil. It is certified organic, unsweetened, and has not been treated with sulfites. Tropical Traditions organic coconut flour is high in dietary fiber and protein, and is gluten-free. It has more fiber than gluten-based grains. Tropical Traditions organic coconut flour can be added to standard wheat-based recipes to add extra fiber, by substituting 10-30% of the grain-based flour with our coconut flour. Some recipes, such as muffins and quick breads, can be accomplished with 100% Tropical Traditions organic coconut flour and therefore be 100% gluten-free! It is a must in my kitchen.

Tropical Traditions is giving away 1 bag of Coconut Flour to one Mom's Best Bets reader!

To Enter: Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me what other product that you like and why.

EXTRA ENTRY:

2 Extra Entry-Review Me on Alexa.com

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me with Google friend connect

1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets

1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Extra Entry-sign up for TT's newsletter

1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Twitter and tweet for extra chances

3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.

3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me

*This contest ends 5/10

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified via email.Open to US only.
*Coconut Flour provided from Tropical Traditions for review purposes.

ReBinder Giveaway

Rebinder makes office and promotional products that replace those that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This is perfect for school or work organizational needs. I really like the natural look. You are sure to make an impression using these eco friendly ans sophisticated products.

"Making products responsibly means considering the source of the materials, the use of the products and where they end up at the end of their life. When used for Sales & Marketing, Events & Training or simply every day internal use, our innovative, durable and practical products raise both brand and environmental awareness while helping responsible organizations reduce solid waste and lower their carbon footprint."

Together, thier customers have saved:
Millions of pounds of greenhouse gases
Millions of gallons of water
Tens of thousands of trees
Tens of billions of BTUs of energy
Hundreds of tons of solid waste

Green Office Supply Sample Pack $25

RePocket: two pocket folder

1" ReBinder: The original 3 Ring Binder with a removable and recyclable cover.

RePouch -- (IN THE 1" BINDER): When your proposal requires an additional pocket, CD and or business card,

ReTab -- (5 TAB Dividers):

1.5" ReBinder: contains our unique removable ring metal assembly.

ReSleeve: A Recycled CD jewel case...

RePlay: Ideal for one disc or two,

ReBadge

ReWrite mini -- LINED: We've created the perfect sized 5" x 8"recycled notebook for taking notes, sketching or doodling.

..................................................................................................

Rebinder is generously giving away the Green Office Supply Sample Pack above

TO ENTER: Visit Rebinder and tell me what else you like

EXTRA ENTRY:

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me with Google friend connect
1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets
2 Extra Entry -subscribe by email
1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Facebook
1 Extra Entry - Follow Rebinder on Twitter and MMB Twitter and Tweet daily (for extra chances)
1 Extra Entry- Follow Rebinder on Facebook
3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me
*This contest ends 5/10 11:59 pm Pacific Time.Winner will be notified via email
Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Mamma Michal's Fresh Body Care

Mamma Michal's makes fresh body care products that are natural and smell wonderful. There are never any artificial, synthetic, preservatives, or petrochemicals in their ingredients. Their products are never tested on animals. What is in them are wonderful oils and healthy herbs.

Check out some of their products below that I had the pleasure of sampling:

If you like lavender, then I recommend their lotion. It has an herbal lavender scent and is very moisturizing, leaving a silky glow on your skin.

Peppermint Lip Balm
Peppermint lovers rejoice!
Lip care at its very BEST. Specifically forumated to help handle the dry Phoenician climate, Mamma Michal's Peppermint Lip Balm© offers long lasting relief for dry and chapped lips. You'll immediately feel the therapeutic effect on your lips after the first application (There will be a sense of tingling when first applied. That means it's working on healing your lips). And you'll smell mint fresh too!
Ingredients:
Food grade castor oil, jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil infused with peppermint leaves, beeswax, vegetable glycerin (100% pure), vitamin E oil (natural antioxidant and fantastic for the skin!) and peppermint essential oil.

Lavender Lotion
Ideal for any occasion, light, absorbs well and keeps your skin feeling great all day long!
Ingredients:
Lavender hydrosol, virgin sweet almond oil, extra virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, unrefined jojoba oil & hemp seed oil infused with lavender flowers, beeswax, emulsifying wax, stearic acid & lecithin powder (natural stabilizers), vitamin E oil, lavender essential oil and Citricidal.

Herbal Healing Salve
This is a basically an all purpose healing salve intended as a first aid option to handle minor cuts, sun burn and irritation caused by bug bites.
Ingredients:
Lavender, Comfrey, Calendula, Plantain, St. John's wort, Lavender essential oil, extra virgin olive oil and beeswax.

*Samples provided for review

April Winners!

Cold Plasma Winner #247 Socalmama

Seventh Generation Kit Winner #268 Janejoe

Organic Episencial Sunscreen Winner #39 AZ

Mrs. Smith Diaper Bag Winner # 120 Melanie

Kids Konserve Winner #7 mommy2luke2008

Grapefruit Seed Extract: Uncovering The Secret

Not to be confused with Grapeseed, Grapefruit Seed Extract is some amazing stuff. I first learned about this liquid treasure when I read that a few hospitals and clinics were using Grapefruit Seed Extract to disinfect and as a sanitizing agent.

I use NutriBiotic GSE® (Grapefruit Seed Extract) Liquid Concentrate. It contains Citricidal®. "Citricidal is a natural quaternary compound synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown grapefruit. The manufacturing process converts grapefruit bioflavonoid (polyphenolics) into an extremely potent compound that has been proven highly effective in numerous applications. Citricidal is used by health care professionals worldwide as nutritional support for individuals with certain health concerns."

So, what is it used for?

You can dilute a few drops in water to take orally (READ instructions-it's highly concentrated and powerful), as a Ear Rinse, Nasal Rinse, Facial Cleanser, Skin Rinse, Nail Treatment, Scalp Treatment, Toothbrush Cleaner, Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash, Dish and Utensil Cleaning Additive, and Cutting Board Cleaner.

I used it for cleaning and washing. This is truly amazing stuff. I have to admit that the taste at first is rather metallic but they also sell their NutriBiotic GSE Capsules, which are Vegan • Hypoallergenic • Gluten and a GMO FreeDietary Supplement.
Nutribiotic GSE is a Mom's Best Bet for your disinfecting, cleansing, and cleaning needs:) This is a product I make sure is always in my kitchen!

Happy Earth Day!!!

It's a great day to talk to your kids about recycling, eating local, and taking care of the place where we all live! Have a happy day!

Get Tropical with Derma E

Derma e, natural award winning paraben free skincare, has a new natural body care line called Tropical Solutions. It smells wonderful with subtle hints of tropical flowers and fruit scents.

Their facial scrub is my favorite. I use it often and my skin does feel refreshed with a visible glow after each use.Tropical Solutions Facial Scrub gently exfoliates dull aging cells from the skin’s surface and draws out impurities with this invigorating formula. Rich in exotic botanicals, beneficial antioxidants and vitamins, this tropically scented exfoliant renews and revitalizes for a soft, smooth and glowing complexion.

I have started to use their Tropical Solution Anti-Aging Night Creme after their scrub and love the moisture it provides. It can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this restorative antiaging formula. It is a rich crème with exotic botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins and CoQ10 to promote a radiant, younger looking complexion. I especially like to use this after a day at the beach, when my skin needs to be hydrated after sea salt and sun. They are both sold at a great price and are on sale right now on Derma E's website. You can also find Derma E in many stores near you. To find a store click here.

Meet Lanie~American Girl 2010 Doll of the Year!

"At American Girl, we celebrate girls and all that they can be. That's why we develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play."

When I was little, I just loved American Girl Dolls. The Samantha doll was my favorite. Their historical characters explore America’s past and teach children through their books more about these important times. Since, I was young, their collection has expanded...a lot! They now have American Girl characters, Just Like You® Dolls, Bitty Baby®, American Girl magazine, American Girl stores, and many Books.

Earth day is in just a few days and to help teach about the importance of our environment, I would like to introduce you all to a new member of our household, Lanie. She is the 2010 Girl of the Year! Lanie, adorned with blond curls and hazel eyes, loves to be outside in the sunshine. She is an "outdoors kind of girl" who is full of curiosity and want to explore the world around her. Lanie arrives in her own striped rugby dress, a double-ribbon headband, blue canvas shoes, and cotton underwear. She’s soft and huggable with hair for styling. Lanie also comes with a paperback book that tells the story about this energetic girl who discovers the world in her own back yard .

My daughter just loves looking at the American Girl catalog (I do too:)) So, when Lanie arrived, she was full of squeals and excitement. We started to read her book, which introduces who Lanie is and reveals a wonderful story about Lanie's friend who gets to travel. In this book, Lanie desires to discover nature and the exciting world around her. This was a perfect match for my young little "Hawaiian" outdoors girl.

We also read The Cutest Nature Book Ever! (with Lanie, of course) which is just one of the books from The American Girl's bookstore. This book is a girl's guide to having fun in the great outdoors! Designed to get girls outside, it's filled with games and craft ideas using items found in nature. There are story starters and space for girls to jot down their thoughts. Plus, this book includes easy-to-follow instructions for preserving things found in nature, such as how to press leaves and flowers. I think Carrie Anton does a great job making this book bright and fun for kids. My four year old had a blast writing down discoveries today (with a little help of course).


Lanie's first activity with our family was planting new herb seeds for Spring. They did a great job together (see picture at the top). We are thrilled with the quality and accessories associated with American Girl dolls and in particular with the Lanie doll. I would definitely recommend this doll to any little girl. Even though these dolls might be a better match for a seven or eight year old, my daughter enjoys her thoroughly. She is already inquiring about taking Lanie camping and to Jack Johnson's Earth Day festival!
You can also explore the magical world of the American Girl shops, featuring dolls, books, and toys that can bring a smile to any girl's face. Have you heard about the tea parties, salons, movies, and outings your little one and doll can have? I can't wait to go. Please feel free to share your American doll buying or outing experience. We would love to hear about it! Also, stay tuned for more amazing American Girl book reviews!

Kyler by Joy O Green and Gorgeous Jewelry Giveaway!

My new dazzling Kyler by Joy O earrings are lovin' Hawaii! Let's celebrate Earth Day in Style! What am I wearing? Kyler designs by Joy O! She creates eco chic, eco friendly, and sustainable green designer eco jewelry. Is that fabulous or what? I was very impressed with these beautifully crafted light weight earrings. They have a unique cut and luminescent glow. What I just loved was how they were packaged. They came folded neatly in a recycled black tote bag~very chic and green-love it!

Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz, and Jessica Alba are a few celebrities that heart Kyler's latest pieces

Artisan glass nugget chain cascades in gold - as worn by Jessica Alba and seen in InStyle Magazine!


Kyler by Joy O creates sustainable designer necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with eco-friendly incentives driving material choices, and so, design. Her contemporary style and focus on nature in her design and shape, brings life to her collections."Designing her jewelry is an intricate art—while Joy lets the materials guide her, her meticulous workmanship is also architecturally influenced"
Joy finds inspiration from the materials she uses, from nature, and from the ongoing life of her jewelry. Her pieces have an evocative aesthetic, as Joy allows the small details of objects in life to guide her design. Using recycled stainless steel, black zinc, recycled sterling silver, recycled 14 karat gold fill, and 24 karat gold plating along with recycled artisan glass accents ensures the durability, sustainability, and heirloom quality of all of her pieces.

All Kyler designs are made 100% in the US. Their plating vendor uses cyanide-free chemistry and eco-friendly processing. Their designs are accented with partially recycled glass, a virtually infinitely recyclable material, and made by trained artisans in fair trade working conditions.

Also, their packaging products are made from reusable and recyclable recycled paper, and shipping boxes are certified cradle-to-cradle. Kyler designs strive for all aspects of their business to be sustainable. Kyler by Joy O supports charitable causes such as environmental rehabilitation, women's heart health, breast cancer awareness and research, and alleviating hunger in the US

Giveaway!

One lucky MMB reader will win a pair of Kyler's Moth Earrings (pictured above)

(Two recycled steel intaglio pendants, inspired by a delicate, fluttering moth's wing, are hung from 14 karat gold fill or sterling silver earwires)


TO ENTER: Visit Kyler by joy o and tell me what other design you like

EXTRA ENTRY:

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me with Google friend connect

1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets

2 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow Kyler on Twitter and MMBTwitter and Tweet daily (for extra chances)

1 Extra Entry- Follow Kyler on Facebook

3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog

3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me

*This contest ends 5/10 11:59 pm Pacific Time.Winner will be notified via email

Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets

Mom's Best Bets Monday!

There are so many great ideas, reviews, and giveaways going on around the blogosphere that it is hard to remember them all. There is something new going on here every Monday that you can be a part of.
Let's share our BEST BET on the Linky or in the comments section below. It could be something you read about, an outrageous recipe, or maybe a product that is outstanding, or an amazing giveaway that you want to share about.Whatever your best bet is, please share below and we will choose a few to shine in the "Mom's Best Bets Spotlight!"
There were many Best Bets from last week:

Check out Mama Buzz to win a sanitizer wand here: http://www.mamabzz.com/2010/04/violight-review-giveaway.html

****Check out all of the Marvelous GIVEAWAYS on Mom's Best Bets (upper left corner) and be sure to share your links below!

NOVICA: Artisan Jewelry From Around The World Review

I have always had a passion for travelling and studying different cultures. I also love to buy gifts from different places that you cannot just buy at your local mall. A vase from India or a handmade bracelet from Sri Lanka is much more than a thing of beauty. It means more because there is a culture and a story behind the piece. It's not just a mass produced item that we are used to buying. This is why I am head over heels for shopping at Novica. They give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity.

Once you visit this website, I'm sure you too will fall in love with the merchandise, artist's stories, and unique gifts available. You will have access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values.

If you aren't a world traveler, you now can experience the thrill of having some beautiful and very different pieces like no other in your home.
NOVICA brings this opportunity to you: The World is Your Market.

I had a wonderful experience buying this Tiger's eye pendant necklace, 'Wild Nature' from Novica. The only hard part was choosing from the thousands of items for sale. I truly liked everything. Their handmade jewelry was very appealing and after a few hours I finally made my choice. The Tiger's Eye seemed to call to me.

"Tiger's eye glows with mystical candor in the modern design of this necklace. Tiger's eye is regarded as a highly protective stone, also known to bring clear-thinking and insight. Khun Boom crafts the necklace by hand, selecting a large and ornate silver toggle to double as pendant. .950 silver."

When it arrived, I was pretty excited because I have never received an international package before. The handmade box was simply beautiful and the necklace was stunning. Each Tiger's Eye bead was cut to perfection. I wore it the following night to dinner and it was dazzling under the lights.

An artisan story card was also included with the package.

The talented artist who made my Tiger's Eye Necklace is Khun Boom.

This is a quote from her:
"I feel that I am doing well for my age, and I am very content with how far I have come. But my real measure of success is seeing my mother smile, as she means the whole world to me."
Khun Boom grew up in Chiang Mai. She is trained in design and art, and earned a degree in fine art from the Chiang Mai Institute of Technology.

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*Product provided for review purposes. All opinions are Mom's Best Bets.