My True Nature: Non-Toxic Bath Products for Kids and Families

My daughters have been busy playing with the My True Nature bottles in the tub since they arrived.  The 1 fl. oz. size is perfect for little hands, and they adore the characters on the labels-- Bobo the dragon, Milo the skunk, Clio the teddy bear and Ollie the octopus. Each has its own personality, and its own dedicated bath-time product.  We particularly like Milo the skunk, who is "stinky by nature."  For once, I don't have to worry that the character is--

a.  inherently sexist
b. culturally offensive or
c. part of mass marketing campaign to the 3-5 year old set

And thankfully, the products are non-toxic, made by a concerned mama, who wanted to create bath products that work and don't include any yucky stuff.  You can be sure they have no:

*parabens
*petrochemicals
*phthalates
*sulfates
*synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances,
*triclosan or preservatives
*and no animal testing

The Bobo's Baby Bubble Bath foams up great, and smells delightful. Milo's 2 in 1 shampoo and baby wash works well on my girls' long hair, and they love the stinky skunk on the label.

My True Nature practices green business ethics as well.  Their bottles are made in the U.S.A. from 100% FDA approved post-consumer PET plastic. Post-consumer plastics have already been processed from a fossil fuel to plastic, so to reuse the material in a new bottle does not require the further depletion of new fossil fuels. Because of this, their bottle manufacturer estimates that the carbon footprint of My True Nature's bottles are approximately 60% less than with regular PET plastic bottles.

Thanks to My True Nature for supplying a safer, fun, and super functional line of bath products for babies, toddlers and children.

**FCC rules:  I did receive 3 small travel sized samples of these products to use for this review.  I was not compensated to write this review, it is based solely on my experience and opinion.  And, of course,  the opinion of my two highly paid, very capable (and sometimes volatile), product testers, ages 3 and 5.  

TEDx on: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Check out this unprecedented worldwide web event on plastic pollution. The TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch conference takes place Saturday, Nov 6 from 8:30am to 6pm Pacific Time. Beth Terry (a blogger/crusader against plastic usage and pollution) of Fake Plastic Fish will be joining an incredible lineup of speakers, including Dr. Sylvia Earle, Van Jones, David de Rothschild, Ed Begley Jr, Captain Charles Moore, Stacy Malkan, Arlene Blum, and many many others for this one day information marathon covering topics from plastic in the ocean to plastic in our bodies, and covering solutions from personal actions to global initiatives and getting businesses on board. See the complete agenda here. Beth is scheduled to go on some time after 1:20pm PT.  

Go, Beth!  We are so proud that you are included in this important event.  

You should be able to view the live stream in the player below. If you have any trouble, please click to view at www.TEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch.com.

Watch live streaming video from tedxgp2 at livestream.com

News from Green Mamas around the Blogosphere

There are so many amazing women blogging about green living, safer products for families, and parenting these days.  It is hard to keep up with!

They are discovering and sharing important information every day.  Here are a few that I have been reading lately.  It's high time to spread some bloggy link love.  Grab that cup of coffee or herbal tea, and settle in.

*Check out this post from the Safe Mama.  She's uncovered the long sought after true story about Muir Glen's cans.  Do they contain BPA or not?  Sound like, both.  Read on to learn more.  

*I know you have probably started thinking about the holiday.  Even I have, and I am a reluctant (read, lazy) shopper.  Thankfully Green and Clean Mom has found 20 Green Gifts for Under 20 bucks.  Be green, and save green (sorry, I couldn't resist).

*Wondering what to do with your jack o lantern?  Here are some ideas so it doesn't take up landfill space and can actually compost in your bin, from the Green Mom Review.

*Sick of politics?  Feeling overwhelmed by the results of this week's election?  Diane at the Big Green Purse knocks some sense into us.  She reminds us that our actions still matter,  no matter who is in office.

Go enjoy some lovely green mama bloggy goodness.  What are you reading?

Pledge to Vote Kids First!

In the wealthiest nation in the country, during this election season, not many politicians have been talking about children.  Especially when you consider these statistics:


*Nearly one in four children lives at risk of hunger;
*One in three children are either overweight or obese;
*One in ten kids were uninsured last year;
*Only one in three fourth-graders reads at a “proficient” level; and
*One in five children lived in poverty in 2009.

As parents, we can all only imagine the heartbreaking struggles behind these numbers.  Maybe you know children and families who have been directly effected by these issues, or are feeling the effects in your own family.  So today, please remember the children as you cast your vote.  Take a look at this video from Voices for America's Children to learn more about the facts listed above, and reactions from parents in Washington D.C.  You can then pledge to vote for candidates that will address the pressing needs of children in America.  From that page you can find out voting information and how your candidates stand on issues effecting our nation's children.  

Gift for Mama: Isabella Grace Jewelry

Last  mother's day, I ordered myself a present.  I wanted to wear something I loved that symbolized my daughters-- and I had seen some of the motherhood inspired necklaces from Isabella Grace Jewelry.  In fact, I had coveted one particular necklace (shown above) for over a year.  Instead of telling my husband about it, I just took out the middleman.  

Now I wear it almost everyday.  My girls love it.  We talk about how they are always with me, even when I am away.  I've actually caught my youngest looking at me wearing it, and smiling.  So sweet!

Isabella Grace has several styles of mama charm necklaces.  They are absolutely lovely, all of them.  I particularly like the smaller dog tags.  Sadly, I had the heart charm shown above but it went down the drain one depressing morning as I got ready for work.  Sigh.  Isabella Grace Jewelry also carries jewelry for children, and a wide collection of other creative, gorgeous pieces. 

You can get any charms that you want, and have them engraved with initials.  You can have one for every child, or for every member of your family.  There are lots to pick from-- you can find sweet gifts for sisters, mothers, and dear (lucky!) friends.  

Isabella Grace supports www.breastcancer.org, and GirlTalk, a mentoring program for middle school girls.  When my girls in those tough middle school years, I will be buying them these necklaces with inspirational words like "soar" and "believe in you" so they can hold these messages close.  And finally, all Isabella Grace jewelry is made in the USA.  

One friend of mine buys herself a Christmas present every year, wraps it, and puts it under the tree from Santa. I love this idea!  When do you ever give yourself permission to buy something nice just for you?  Go ahead, mama, you deserve it.  You get up in the middle of the night.  You are the one they want when they are throwing up.  For the first few years, you barely had time to shower and brush your teeth.  

Seriously.  Forward this message to any spouses who might need help.  Or post this on their Facebook page.  Or do what I did, take out the middleman, and order it yourself.

PS- the personalized necklaces take 3-4 weeks to ship, so be prepared!