Red, irritated and just downright annoying patches of eczema and and dry skin are a constant struggle for my 5 year old! Of course, it doesn’t help that we live in FL… and like any child, she loves to run and play! After an hour outside, her little face is sweaty… and the red patches flare up in the creases of her elbows and behind her knees. Now that she is older, she tells me when she needs her eczema cream, so we keep many varieties on hand. It’s always amazing to me when we try a new brand that some that claim not to irritate skin, actually sting and bother her, and we have to wash it off quickly!

ClearLotion Spray 2016

We were recently sent Theraplex® skincare to try, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the line! Not only is the Theraplex Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Skin Protectant creamy and easy to apply, it does not contain parabens, fragrances, phthalates, gluten, or sodium laurel sulfate. Plus, the line is made in the USA without animal testing. Most importantly, it does not irritate my little girl’s skin any further!

If you have children who don’t stop moving (and who doesn’t!?), try Theraplex ClearLotion. It is a light, fast penetrating emollient oil spray, and when applied to damp skin, it uniquely wraps around water on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture and replacing the natural oils that water and soap can strip away.

As the summer weather heats up, it is not unusual for people to experience a dramatic increase in perspiration, often causing sensitive skin to “flare up.” This is especially true for children who have eczema. To help keep your child’s skin “cool in the shade,” the experts who make Theraplex® skincare offer summer tips designed to keep sensitivities in check.

Eczema Therapy 2016

Summer Skincare Tips

· To help keep your child feeling cooler and drier, avoid the sun when it is at its’ strongest (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m).

· Apply a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Many pediatric dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens as they may be less irritating than chemical sunscreens.

· If your child has been in the ocean or pool, rinse chlorine or salt off with a gentle cleanser and immediately apply a moisturizer such as Theraplex ClearLotion. ClearLotion has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. After towel drying, ClearLotion leaves skin moisturized for hours without greasiness. And, because ClearLotion is a spray, you will be able to apply it to even the wriggliest of children!

· Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and stays hydrated.

· For added protection and comfort any time of day or night, try Theraplex Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Skin Protectant with natural colloidal oatmeal. It also has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This enriched moisturizing formula helps to relieve dry skin with superior moisturization that lasts for hours. It soothes your child’s dry, sensitive skin without parabens, fragrances, preservatives, or lanolin.

To learn more about Theraplex® skincare, or to learn additional skincare tips through their Eczema Resource Guide, visit Theraplex.com.

*Company generously provided samples, images, and expert tips for this article. All thoughts on the product line are my own.*

How is it the middle of November already? With Thanksgiving a short two weeks away, and the weather cooling down for many parts of the country… cold + flu season is here! With my daughter facing seasonal allergies & a cold, and my son sick all weekend with a tummy bug, it was the perfect time to break out all of the germ-fighting essentials from one of my go-to brands, Babyganics!

Babyganics offers an array of essentials and remedies you need to protect your little ones (and you!) from germs… at home, school, daycare, and just out and about during the day!

babyganics mini hand sanitizer

Tuck this mini hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack, purse or diaper bag, or on hand in the car for a quick clean up on-the-go!

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Throw alcohol-free sanitizing wipes in your diaper bag to wipe down sticky hands and yucky surfaces anywhere, or keep in close proximity at home for clean-up, too!

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Should colds and flu happen, Babyganics has a Vapor Bath that offers gentle relief to your little one, and helps to open nasal passages as your child soaks & relaxes in the tub. The Vapor Bath has fragrances of menthol, eucalyptus, and rosemary to work on baby’s congestion, achiness and crankiness.

Babyganics Chest Rub - Box-1000px

Afterwards, use the Cold Relief Chest Rub to soothe your child with a natural blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender.

Babyganics is available at Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us, as well as on their website.

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

Introducing Q Drink Healthy, a quercetin-based powder drink mix designed to bolster everyday health, energy, and performance that delivers electrolytes to help the body recover! This new drink mix comes in convenient travel-ready packets, so you can tuck them along in your gym bag or backpack for quick energy & hydration on-the-go!

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Q’s synergistic blend is a superior alternative to high caffeine or sugar performance drinks and carries with it a laundry list of benefits such as increased endurance, a stronger immune system and decreased fat cell production. The best part – all the energy and health benefits come without the painful crash! Plus, it comes in 3 delicious flavors, including Wild Berry, Orange and Lemon Lime.

The quercetin, a naturally occurring compound found in fruits and vegetables, is accompanied by eight different vitamins and herbal extracts including potassium, B vitamins, green tea extract (catechins), ginseng, gingko biloba and rhodiola. You can view a full list on ingredients on their website.

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I found the Wild Berry to be my favorite flavor, and it was easy to take along the packets in my gym bag to enjoy post-workout, along with the handy shaker cup that Q Energy provided! I weight lift daily, so Q Energy has provided a much-needed boost at the end of my training session!

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

Mom” resides in Florida, where the sun shines most of the time, and protecting her little ones from the effects of sun damage are a big concern! Just in time for Spring break, which means many hours spent at the park, on the beach, and splashing in the pool, DERMA E has launched a new natural mineral sunscreen! Just as important for “Mom” is protecting her children from harsh chemicals, and DERMA E is committed to ethical beauty, meaning they are cruelty-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, recyclable, sulfate-free, and paraben-free!

Extremely lightweight, DERMA E’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby provides gentle sun protection while leaving baby’s skin soft and fortified. Eco-friendly, Non-Nano Mineral Zinc Oxide protects your little one from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Formulated with calming Chamomile Extract and Vitamin E, the sunscreen helps to leave skin soft and soothed. The tube packs easily in a beach bag or diaper bag when “Mom” is on-the-go in the FL sunshine with her kiddos in tow!

A little goes a long way, and the new Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby isn’t just for babies – it can be used by the entire family, and is especially wonderful for those with sensitive skin, like “Mom’s” little girl!

You can learn more about DERMA E’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Baby on their website.

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

Your toothpaste and mouthwash can do all that? Dr. Ginger’s is an improved holistic oral health care routine that also purifies your whole body! This Fluoride Free, Triclosan Free, Alcohol-Free formula for both toothpaste and mouthwash utilizes coconut oil, which is known for its natural ability to maintain a healthy mouth and gums. If you have tried the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling, you are familiar with its oral care benefits, but the taste truly leaves much to be desired! Leading Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Ginger, came up with a much more refreshing and palatable way to cleanse the mouth, freshen breath, and achieve healthier teeth and gums.

I have tried oil pulling in the past, and loved the benefits (whiter teeth, fresh breath) but not the taste! The thickness of the oil also can be hard to take after the recommended 20 minutes of swishing! Plus, the coating on your teeth afterwards just feels odd, and it is recommended that you brush your teeth. With Dr. Ginger’s Coconut mouthwash, one only needs to swish the mouthwash for 2 minutes, and the combination of coconut and a light mint flavor is truly sublime! I can’t recall a time when my mouth felt this fresh after rinsing with mouthwash! Usually after rinsing with mouthwash my mouth just feels extremely antiseptic, like I rinsed with bleach!
Dr Ginger Toothpaste

Coconut Toothpaste

This all-natural, delicious coconut-mint flavored toothpaste is made specifically to deliver the myriad of oral and overall health benefits of coconut oil. We love that it contains no fluoride! Dr. Ginger recommends using it either instead of or alongside your regular toothpaste to boost gum health, freshness, whitening, etc.

Dr Ginger Mouthwash

Coconut Mouthwash

We cannot get enough of this pleasant-tasting, all-natural coconut-mint flavored mouthwash formulated to deliver the same amazing health benefits as “oil pulling.” It is recommended that you use the mouthwash 2-3 times daily after brushing with Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste for fresher breath, improved gum health, and protection from toxins and bacteria.

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

The weather is frigid, the family is staying and playing indoors more, and germs are abundant. This is cold + flu season…but not to fear! Stock up on these plant-based essentials from Babyganics to help the entire family fight germs and reduce symptoms – naturally!

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Babyganics Cold Relief Chest Rub

Mom” applies this rub literally on the back, chests, and feet of her littles during the chillier months. Babyganics natural blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender soothes, calms, and helps to clear stuffy noses. The glide on stick is designed for hands-free application, making it easy and quick to apply, which “Mom” loves!

BabyGanics Bubble Bath

Babyganics Vapor Bubble Bath

They say when children are cranky to place them in water and let them splash around! When your little ones have a cold, what could feel better than a warm, soothing bubble bath with natural fragrances of menthol, eucalyptus, and rosemary to ease their congestion, aches and general crankiness? The Vapor Bubble Bath smells amazing, soothes the skin with NeoNourish Natural Seed Oil Blend, and is non-allergenic.

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Babyganics Foaming Hand Sanitizer & Alcohol Free Sanitizing Wipes

Made with plant-based ingredients, Babyganics foaming hand sanitizers and alcohol-free hand sanitizing wipes leave hands (both yours and your baby’s!) fresh and clean, both at home and on-the-go. High five to that! “Mom” loves that the sanitizing wipes are individually packaged, which are perfect for tucking in a diaper bag or purse, or in your child’s lunch box or backpack for school!

BabyGanics Cold relief Stick

Babyganics Organic Lip + Face Balm

Help your children’s faces resist the elements — and 1,000 kisses. Chapped lips and faces are no fun – here’s a natural, plant-based formula made with Shea Butter and Vitamin E to protect and soothe. Plus, it’s pediatrician and dermatologist tested. Baby is now prepped for wind, cold, heat and kisses.

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

As we are in the midst of cold and flu season, caring for little ones is a parent’s top priority! Be prepared and stock your medicine cabinet with these natural remedies & items to soothe, comfort and care for the youngest members of your family!

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Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™

Fevers always seem to happen in the middle of the night! Take the stress out of caring for your little ones with the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™, ideal for parents who are caring for a sick child. Made in the United States, the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™ is the number one preferred thermometer by both nurses and pediatricians, and is backed by more than 50 clinical studies proving its accuracy. “Mom” loves how non-invasive this thermometer is when taking a little one’s temperature!

The TemporalScanner™ comes with four ways to make it even easier to take a temperature:

· A softly illuminated display for easy reading in any light – perfect for checking the temperature of a sleeping infant in a darkened room

· Beeping sound indicating scanning can be turned off or on to avoid waking a sleeping child

· Automatically retains the last eight temperature readings for instant recall to check on fever progression

· Ability to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius modes

Made in the United States, the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™ is the number one preferred thermometer by both nurses and pediatricians, and is backed by more than 50 clinical studies proving its accuracy. Visit www.exergensmartglowthermometer.com.

Boogie Wipes

Boogie Wipes

As the temperature drops, so does the moisture our skin so desperately needs. Cold temperatures, low humidity and hot showers are all a recipe for dry, itchy skin, and the harsh conditions also take a toll on the face, which is sometimes the hardest to treat. Red, dry, chapped noses are caused by the lack of moisture and constant friction with dry tissues. nstead of tissues, help keep little noses healthy and intact during the season with Boogie Wipes! Boogie Wipes are saline infused moist wipes made with aloe, chamomile and vitamin E to add moisture while keeping noses smooth and clean after every wipe. Keep individual packs handy by your child’s bedside or tucked in your purse or diaper bag during cold & flu season to help soothe chapped and irritated little noses! “Mom” loves the unscented variety for use in her home. Visit http://www.boogiewipes.com/.

Rainbow Light Fiber Garden Gummies

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™

If your little ones are having trouble going to the bathroom, don’t worry, they’re not alone – reports show that at least 30% of children suffer from acute constipation. Childhood Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including a change in diet, not drinking enough fluids, not taking the time to make bowel movements, and changes in daily routine. With the holidays behind us and cold/flu season upon us, it’s especially important for parents to recognize normal patterns in bowel movements, as well as to take preventative measures in keeping children as balanced as possible.

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ are the perfect option during the winter, when the freshest seasonal fruits and veggies aren’t always available and outdoor activity isn’t possible at times due to inclement weather.

Benefits of Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ include:

· Provide 4 g of fiber plus the ORAC (antioxidant) equivalent to 2 servings of fruits and vegetables
· Digestion enhanced with NutraFlora (FOS), a prebiotic fiber that supports immunity and digestion
· Xylitol is also included to support oral health
· Single-serve packets preserve freshness and purity and are perfect for nutrition on-the-go
· 100% natural and free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or additives
· Free of the most common allergens such as gluten, lactose, nuts and yeast, and thus perfect for sensitive tummies

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ retail for 19.99/30-ct box. Learn more at http://www.rainbowlight.com/.

Mommy's Bliss Probiotic Drops

Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops

Mommy’s Bliss has just launched an amazing new product for little ones – Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops! This product is pediatrician-recommended, 100% vegan and vegetarian, and quickly becoming a favorite amongst health-conscious parents. Mommy’s Bliss© Probiotic Drops promote digestive health & support immune function. “Mom” loves that these drops are formulated for the youngest members of her household.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that scientific research has shown to benefit human health. In some cases they are similar to, or the same as, the microbes already found in a healthy digestive tract. It may also help with occasional gas, diarrhea & constipation. Formulated with non-GMO Corn Oil and the live culture Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, this new product may safely and effectively ease baby’s digestion.

Mommy’s Bliss® Probiotic Drops does NOT contain any of the following: gluten, starch, dairy, wheat, yeast, dill, chamomile, alcohol, parabens, artificial colors, artificial flavors, sucrose (table sugar), or petroleum-based by-products. 100% vegetarian & vegan. Learn more at http://mommysbliss.com/.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article.*

Credit card bills, short days, plummeting temperatures and maybe even a few extra pounds from all those holiday celebrations and libations. According to a recent article on psychcentral.com, “studies show as many as 25 percent of Americans suffer from low-grade to full-blown depression after the holidays.”[1]. And then there is Blue Monday – the third Monday in January, believed to be the most depressing day of the year.

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The fact is: the sun is out a bit longer each day and people are starting to think about spring, warm weather and bathing suit season. January is the month to actually take advantage and get ready for a new year.

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It’s also “National Staying Healthy Month,” so here are five simple things everyone can do to feel healthier and spring into 2016:

1. Walk, don’t run.

2. Baby steps – take the stairs.

3. Eat fruit – consider freeze-dried fruit snacks when fresh fruit is not available.

4. Stay hydrated – water is best, but try some of the new natural beverages.

5. Sit less – pace, stand, get a walking desk. Just don’t sit.

*Article and image courtesy of Crispy Green. Exercising image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net  and nenetus.*

As 2015 draws to a close, head into the New Year prepared to snack smarter and healthier! Why wait to make changes to your diet when the following nutritious snacks are easy to keep on hand to combat cravings!

Pure VanillaPure Vanilla Almond Bars

Simple, wholesome, and organic, the new Vanilla Almond bars from Pure are the perfect go-to snack when cravings strike! As with all Pure products, these delicious bars are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan and kosher, and will satisfy your sweet tooth, while providing balanced nutrition for your body. “Mom” loves tucking these in her purse for a great sourse of energy while on-the-move with little ones in tow!

Pure Vanilla Almond is the newest flavor to be added to the popular Ancient Grains line. Pure’s crispy ancient grain blend, made with quinoa, amaranth, flax seeds, and hemp, is now enriched with Sacha Inchi, an exotic seed that is a source of complete vegan protein. Combining mouth-watering vanilla with whole grains and almonds, the Pure Vanilla Almond bar has only 150 calories and 6g of sugar, and has fiber and antioxidants as well as 4g of protein. Learn more at www.thepurebar.com.

pure_clusterscp_chocolatepeanutPure Crispy Clusters

Mom” is loving these little handfuls of goodness and flavor that are decadent and delicious! These healthy alternatives to sugary and salty snacks are a win-win for taste buds and health! A perfect blend of crunchy and nutty, Pure’s new Crispy Clusters are a light and healthy snack that are great at any time of day. Made from healthy whole grains, Crispy Clusters have only 110 calories, less than 5 grams of sugar and provide 3 grams of fiber per serving. They also contain complete protein, from ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, making them an ideal snack suitable to people with dietary restrictions. To top it off, all three flavors are low in sodium, containing 140mg or less per serving. Learn more at www.thepurebar.com.

SuperSeedz Maple SugarSuperSeedz

Who knew pumpkin seeds could be seasoned so perfectly! “Mom‘ discovered these nutritious and absolutely delicious gourmet pumpkin seeds that are perfect to keep on hand for a quick yet healthy snack! SuperSeedz boast up to 9g of plant-based protein per serving, and are peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, soy-free and made with gluten-free ingredients. Plus, they are Non-GMO Project Verified! The newest flavor, Maple Sugar & Sea Salt, joins the brand’s eight other existing flavors which includes Really Naked, Sea Salt, Cinnamon & Sugar, Coco Joe, Tomato Italiano, Curious Curry, Somewhat Spicy and Super Spicy, and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, or as a welcome addition to cereal, yogurt and more! Keep SuperSeedz within reach when temptation strikes as we head into the New Year! Learn more at www.superseedz.com.

Endangered Species Chocolate - Dark Chocolate & Sea SaltEndangered Species Chocolate

Eat chocolate and do good? Yes – it is possible! Endangered Species milk and dark chocolate bars and bites are made with ethically traded, shade grown cacao and natural ingredients. 10% of net profits from your purchase are donated to support conservation efforts! You can learn about at-risk species by reading the inside of each 3oz. bar wrapper, and know that each bite you enjoy is doing good, too! Choose from a variety of flavors to tantalize your taste buds and learn more at www.chocolatebar.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

Blast through the holidays with ease by recharging yourself with this delicious smoothie packed with goodness, including fresh organic strawberries, oranges and coconut milk!

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MegaFood’s Vitamin C Blaster Smoothie

Ingredients

10 oz. water
10 oz. coconut milk
1 large or 2 small oranges, with pith
1/2 pint or organic strawberries
2 scoops of MegaFood Daily C-Protect Nutrient Booster Powder
Handful of Ice

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. “Mom” uses frozen organic strawberries so the smoothie is extra icy and cold. Enjoy!

*Recipe courtesy of MegaFood.*

*Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net by satit_srihin.*

FDA DISCLAIMER: *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*