Spring Cleaning & Greening!

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Spring has sprung! It is time for a refresh around the home… so throw out those conventional toxic home cleaning products, and make room for greener, more eco-friendly options to clean and sanitize everything from the kitchen counters to your clothing & bedding! At Tiny Green Mom, we were given the opportunity to try an array of earth-friendly cleaning products & items that truly stood up to the test of a busy household with little ones!

Grab Green Tangerine All-Purpose Cleaner

Grab Green Home

This eco-fabulous line was recently seen at Natural Products Expo West… and the secret is out! With a wide range of green products, including a line of laundry pods and dishwashing detergent shown in third-party studies to outperform Tide and Cascade in several key cleaning tests, Grab Green Home quickly made an impression in our home. Not only do the products clean effectively, but the scents are a-mazing! Done with dinner? Quickly wipe up with their All-Purpose Cleaner in Red Pear with Magnolia, Tangerine with Lemongrass or Thyme with Fig Leaf! I know – hard to choose, right?!

Proudly Made in the USA with no harsh chemicals or phosphates, the line is safe, non-toxic, and uses naturally derived ingredients. You can learn more at http://www.grabgreenhome.com/.

Bright Endeavors

Bright Endeavors

Once your home has been cleaned and refreshed, create the perfect atmosphere with Bright Endeavors, a social enterprise that is lighting the way out of poverty for young moms with their flagship signature glass candles. Packaged in compostable boxes and made from recycled glass and clean-burning soy wax, these candles are packed with uplifting fragrances to brighten and freshen your home, including Lime Lemongrass, Sandalwood Patchouli, and Water Lily. Not only do the candles give off a delightful aroma (we loved the Lime Lemongrass!), but you can feel good about the mission behind this company every time you light one!

Bright Endeavors helps adolescent moms through their paid job training program. Each candle is handcrafted and signed by participants on a path towards professional success, and one hundred percent of the proceeds go to participants who are not only learning job skills to gain independence and raise their families, but make a difference in their communities and shape the future. www.brightendeavors.org

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Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaner

Save yourself a trip to the dry cleaners (and $$$) and save the planet at the same time! Dryel is an at-home dry cleaner that uses the power of steam to clean and deodorize clothing all in a home dryer. Dryel refreshes and renews clothes in 15 minutes or deep cleans in 30 minutes. Unlike conventional dry cleaners, Dryel does not use the harmful chemical PERC (perchloroethylene). According to the EPA, PERC is a synthetic, volatile organic compound (VOC) that poses a health risk to humans and a threat to the environment. Even minimal contact with PERC can cause adverse health effects on the nervous system that include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness. PERC is not only hazardous for people who work in dry cleaning shops or bring home dry cleaned clothes. PERC can also get into our air, water, and soil during the cleaning, purification, and waste disposal phases of dry cleaning, according to the EPA.

Making it easy and planet-friendly to clean & deodorize your clothing at home, which is a sanity saver as a busy working mom, the Dryel Starter kit includes a reusable fabric protection bag that can be used up to 40 times and avoids stretching or damage to your clothes. For budget-conscious moms, that means you are cleaning garments for as little as 25 cents a piece! www.dryel.com

Enviroscent Bursts True Cotton

Enviroscent Bursts

Did you know that most home air fresheners contain cancer-causing solvents? To freshen up the home and rid it of harmful chemicals, turn to the sustainable and eco-friendly option for home fragrance – Enviroscent Bursts. “Mom” is loving these new alternatives to toxic air fresheners! Bursts are non-toxic and last up twice as long as wax melts without the fragrance ever changing. Enviroscent Bursts are entirely recyclable and sustainably sourced. Either place on a warmer for a more intense scent or place in a jar for an added pop of color (and scent) in any room! Scents include True Cotton, Wild Lavender, Paradise Breeze, Amber Woods, and White Winter Fir. Available at Wal-Mart or online at http://smellthegood.com/.

You can visit their website for a printable $1.00 off coupon, too!

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Moore’s Baby Blue Slaw

Loads of fresh vegetables are showcased beautifully in this unusual & lively slaw from Moore’s Marinades that is perfect for late spring and early summer barbecues!

Moore’s Baby Blue Slaw

Ingredients

½ cup Moore’s Blue Cheese Buffalo Wing Sauce
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
½ cup celery, chopped
1 celery root, grated
1 large jícama, grated
¼ cup Vidalia onion, sliced
¼ cup green bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (“Mom” prefers Vegenaise by Follow Your Heart)
Tortilla strips, organic
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
½ cup blue cheese crumbles

Preparation

In a large bowl, combine carrot, celery, celery root, jícama, onion, green bell pepper and apple vinegar.

Pour in Moore’s Blue Cheese Buffalo Wing Sauce and mayonnaise, and mix well.

Garnish with tortilla strips, cilantro and blue cheese crumbles.

Enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Moore’s Marinades & Sauces.*

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Morning Delight Smoothie

“Mom” typically starts her morning with a plant-based protein packed smoothie. This creamy smoothie includes coconut milk which adds a silky texture, and the right amount of healthy fats so you’ll feel satiated. Lacuma, a superfood hailing from Peru, is low-glycemic and packed with antioxidants, fiber, and protein.

“The Morning Delight is a hearty beverage packed with vitamins, nutrients, and healthy carbs, which is going to give you the get up and go everyone needs in the morning without the coffee crash,” says Brooks.

Morning Delight Smoothie

Ingredients

11/2 cups coconut milk
1 tsp lacuma
2 tsp pure matcha tea powder
2 frozen bananas
2 to 3 dates, pitted
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract OR 1 vanilla bean
Small handful of ice (optional, depending whether you froze your bananas)

Preparation

Add the coconut milk, lacuma, and matcha to your blender and process until completely mixed. Turn off, then add the rest of your ingredients and blend until totally emulsified. If using the vanilla bean, split the bean in half and scrape out the vanilla pods.

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Karliin Brooks, author of Squeeze Life and the founder of The Squeeze, a cleansing and juicing lifestyle brand located in NYC.*

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6 Non-Candy Easter Basket Treats & Surprises

Instead of chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and other sugar-filled treats, we have compiled our favorite Easter basket surprises that children will delight in finding on Easter morning! We think that they are just as sweet!

An Easter Surprise and Plush Gift Set

An Easter Surprise & Plush Gift Set

Make Easter morning extra magical by taking your little one on an “eggs-traordinary” egg-hiding adventure around the world! An Easter Surprise gives your child the chance to plan his or her very own Easter mission! Soaring as high as the moon in a hot air balloon, delivering eggs all over town, and stashing tasty treats all down the streets, your little one will be thrilled at the surprise twist in this Easter adventure!

This entertaining Easter storybook can be personalized with your child’s name and hometown, along with a special message and photo on the dedication page. The incredibly soft, snuggly bunny that comes with the gift set is the perfect addition to your child’s Easter basket… and for lots of cuddles while reading together. $19.99 paperback, $34.99 hardcover, $44.99 gift set. http://www.putmeinthestory.com/personalized-gifts-for-kids/an-easter-surprise-and-plush-gift-set.html

Sophie the Giraffe

Sophie the Giraffe

Tuck the iconic Sophie the Giraffe into your baby’s Easter basket! There is just something magical about Sophie, isn’t there? From the way she looks, to the way she smells (faintly of vanilla), to how easy she is to grab and wave, it’s no surprise Sophie is one of the first toys babies adore! Handmade exclusively in France, Sophie the Giraffe is a timeless design that has been capturing the imagination and tiny hands and mouths of babies since 1961. Every Sophie is painstakingly made from 100% natural rubber and painted with food grade dyes so babies can chew and squish to their hearts’ delight. Easy to clean – simply wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth after baby has drooled on and played with Sophie. https://www.sophiethegiraffe-usa.com/

Mackenzie I Love You More Romper

Tenth & Pine Romper

Looking for a cute and egg-citing outfit to place in your child’s Easter basket? At Tenth & Pine, they offer a variety of gender neutral clothing pieces that will help your little boy or girl look their Sunday best! With everything from footwear to rompers, onesies, beanies, tees, and leggings, you can pick out the perfect outfit for them. Keep your little one up with the latest fashion as they go on their Easter egg hunt! “Mom’s” pick for her little guy – a full length romper that moves easily for all of the running and playing he does! Available in sizes for a newborn all the up to a 4-year-old toddler!

Zoonicorns

Zoonicorns

If you have a child who loves unicorns, they will love finding one or more of the Zoonicorns inside their basket on Easter morning! Zoonicorns are a collection of four adorable plush toys that are a combination of an exotic zebra and mythical creature, each with their own unique and loveable personality. In addition to the plush toys, Zoonicorn offers a new children’s app, online games, and stories that make the perfect gifts to stimulate your child’s mind, sharpen critical thinking skills and discover prominent life lessons through magical adventures. Named Valeo, Aleil, Ene or Promithea – your child will love seeing a favorite creature brought to life on the new app! If you are traveling over the holiday, the app will engage and inspire your child on a long car or plane ride! www.zoonicorn.com.

Wee Blessing

Wee Blessing

Give the gift of an adorable Easter outfit, or a special outfit to wear throughout the year with Wee Blessing. Wee Blessing is a professional children’s styling service tailored to your taste, budget and lifestyle that helps you feel your best and gives you back what matters most… your time! Wee Blessing provides parents and children hand-picked outfits from the most-popular and top name brand companies for 40-60% off retail price. Available for newborns to children aged 14 years-old, you pick the box that works best for you.

Here’s how it works: Fill out the personal style profile with your child’s name, clothing size, favorite colors, princesses, superheroes and more, then choose a one-time service, monthly or quarterly box that all come complete with four outfits, or you can choose a one-time outfit for a gift. You will only be charged for what you keep and a flat $5 shipping and handling fee. You will not have to pay return shipping or restocking fee. If you decide to keep all four outfits, Wee Blessing will give you an additional 10% off. Perfect for Easter for newborns on up! www.weeblessing.com

strawberry-banana Sunkist Trail Mix

Sunkist® Fruit Lover’s Trail Mix™ Single Serve Packs

If you want to add a treat that is nutritious and delicious, Sunkist Snacks’ new Sunkist® Fruit Lover’s Trail Mix™ Single Serve packs are a perfect choice for a healthy Easter basket. Small enough to fit in an Easter egg, Sunkist Snacks single serve packs contain delicious premium fruit and tree nuts (no low cost fillers like raisins and peanuts) to give you and the kids a satisfying, perfectly portioned snack. Choose from Strawberry Banana Blend, Pineapple Coconut Blend and Breakfast Espresso & Granola Blend. The Strawberry Banana Blend is a definite kid-pleaser with Cranberries, Banana Chips, Papaya, Strawberries, Almonds, and Cashews! We love that there are no artificial colors or flavors… just 6 nutritious ingredients! Sold at major grocers such as Walmart and Ralph’s as well as online at SunkistSnacks.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own. Image courtesy of jannoon028 from FreeDigitalPhotos.net*

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In Mom’s Kitchen: Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

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In our home, we are always looking for organic, clean-ingredient fruit snacks when craving something sweet & healthy! When on-the-go with little ones, having a treat to reach for in a hurry that won’t spoil a meal beforehand is always a plus…or when they spy something they want but shouldn’t have going through the checkout line at the grocery store. Tuck a few Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars in your purse or diaper bag for these situations…we’ve all been there!

Pure Organic Pineapple PassionFruit

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars are dual-flavored, triple-layered fruit snacks made from organic fruit and vegetable juices and purees, with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. The Layered Fruit Bars are produced in a nut free facility, which makes them an ideal allergy-friendly treat to pack in your purse, kids’ lunchbox, beach bag & more! Each fruit-based bar contains 12 grams of sugar with only 60 calories. The bars are made with USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, vegan and kosher ingredients.

Pure Organic Layered Fruit Bars

The bar is available in Strawberry Banana and Pineapple Passionfruit and sold in a 24 pack for $10.99 per variety box at Costco – making it ideal for families on a budget. We are loving the Pineapple Passionfruit flavor – think tropical sunsets on an island!

Pure Organic’s Layered Fruit Bars are also available at Sprouts, select Safeway locations, Albertsons, and Whole Foods, as well as many other natural food stores and online at PureOrganic.com.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Frozen Yogurt with Berries

It’s strawberry season, and every grocery store you head into has specials it seems, so it is the perfect time to stock up on organic strawberries to make delicious recipes, such as these fun frozen yogurt pops using Dolcedi!

Frozen Yogurt with Berries

Ingredients

5 tbsp of strawberries (organic)
4 tbsp of raspberries (organic)
1 tbsp of Dolcedì
1.5 cups of yogurt (“Mom” prefers organic, whole milk yogurt)
3 tsp of vanilla extract

Preparation

Cut the fruit into large pieces and put it in a saucepan with 1 tbsp of Dolcedì.

Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes. The fruit will melt and begin to thicken.

Pass the sauce through a sieve so as to remove all fruit seeds.

Add to the mix the yogurt, a little Dolcedì, the vanilla extract and mix well.

Leave to set in the freezer at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Enjoy!

*Recipe and image courtesy of Rigoni di Asiago.*

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