I Went Bare-Faced with #EclosGoBare!

Do you know what's harder than having problem skin? The answer: growing up in a family of women with flawless skin.

My mother and her mother both have amazing skin. Neither of them wear make up and they don't need to. I, on the other hand, have struggled with acne and blemishes since I hit puberty. I have a cadre of cosmetic products to hide behind such as concealer and corrective foundation.

But what I want more than anything is to have the confidence to go make-up free. My wish was granted when Eclos beauty products reaches out to me with the Dare to Go Bare 2-week skin care challenge. I said yes because my skin has been a wreck from stress and hormones (Aunt Flo came back after I weaned Desmond).

You know I am a stickler for what I put on and in my body, but I didn't have to worry with Eclos. Their products are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes/fragrances, mineral oil or petroleum. Eclos is an anti-aging skin care regimen formulated with Apple Stem Technology extracted from a rare Swiss Apple. FANCY! I have been using the skin prep Cleanser, moisture therapy Regenerative Cream and HydraPrimer SPF 30 religiously for the past two weeks and the results are amazing! See for yourself:


Not only is my skin clearer, the texture of my skin is unbelievably soft and bonus: the dark circles under my eyes are less visible! I did not put on a drop of make up to go to work today, and I do not feel self-conscious. I feel like I am putting my best face forward!

Eclos is available for purhase through online retailers such as Amazon, Target and Walgreens. Become a fan of Eclos on Facebook. 

I was given a free product or sample because I am a Klout Influencer. I am under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Review: Nui Organics 100% cotton kids clothing

You know I a HUGE supporter of Eco-fashion. So I happily accepted an opportunity to review Nui Organic's line of organic cotton apparel for children from newborn to 6 years old.

The collection includes organic essentials like onesies, sleep bags, tights and tees, but also sportswear and darling heavier weight cotton sweaters. In the Fall and Winter they carry fabulous merino wools from t-shirt weight to thicker gauge knits (peak at their online lookbook). The best part is that everything is 100% organic and certified by the Global Organic Cotton Standard (GOTS). I selected this Weymouth Terry Playsuit in Gold for Marlie. It's breathable and itch-free, so perfect for the warm weather. Plus she looks muy fashionista!

price: $34. Also comes in sky stripes and teal. Free shipping on orders over $100.

Ever since a popular television spot crowned cotton the fabric of our lives I have been educating myself on cotton production. Cotton fabric has been used to make clothing as far back as the prehistoric era but this natural material is now being grown and manufactured with toxic chemicals. The residue from these chemicals get absorbed through your skin and can harm your health. They are also bad for the environment.

Nui Organics is improving the environmental impact of cotton by using 100% certified organic cotton and sustainably sourced merino wools. Nui is an Austin based brand founded by Amanda Searanke, an eco-conscious expat New Zealander and mom. In Maori, the native language of New Zealand, 'nui' means 'big' or 'important' hence the name Nui Organics. They believe a clean start is a big thing for a little person. No harsh chemicals for your child, or their planet.

You can help support organic textile manufacturing by shopping at Nui Organics and receive your package via carbon neutral shipping!

Conscious Box 3-Month Subscription Giveaway

If you ever wished someone would invent a way to sample organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products each month your wish has been granted!

The Conscious Box subscription is a monthly delivery of pure and sustainable products that are handpicked from businesses that care for the planet—just like you! They selectively choose the products, only allowing the purest companies working toward the most ethical goals. Each month, you meet 10-20 of these companies right at your doorstep. (It's like a birthday, every month!)


Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts! They've got some incredible boxes coming up (including an Earth Day box!).

Buy a subscription for yourself or as a gift today!

Buy It: Get a 50% OFF discount for any Conscious Box subscription. Use code: DISCOVERNATURAL  

Win It: One Marlie and Me reader will get a 3-month Conscious Box subscription – a $59 value! Enter for your chance to win below! UPDATE: The Rafflecopter form had the wrong post link to leave a blog post comment for exta entries. It's been corrected, but if you left a comment prior your entry still counts!
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#GiveAHoot Giveaway Hop: $25 GreenDeals.org + Owl Tee

This is my first giveaway of the new year and I am tickled to be participating in the Giveaway a Hoot Hop hosted by A Spectacled Owl and Kids, Clutter & Chaos. All of the bloggers are offering prizes that are owl-related. You have until midnight January 31st to enter them all. It's going to be a hoot!

My prize package is worth $37 and open to US residents:



A $25 credit to GreenDeals.org to buy something environmentally-friendly. Read my review. Remember to Give a Hoot and Don't Pollute!

An awesome "Owl ♥ U Forever" Tee from Target similar to the one in this photo (source polvore). It has pink sleeves and collar and is size XL. Perfect for Valentine's Day! It's so soft I would sleep in it.



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Save Big on Green Products

I am hooked on daily deal sites! I scour my inbox for offers every morning and I hit the BUY button at least once a week. So imagine my delight now that I can satisfy my passions for online bargain-hunting and green shopping at GreenDeals.org.

GreenDeals.org launched in October 2010 to offer discounts and deals from local and national green businesses approved by Green America. GreenDeals also offers contests, content, tips, and promotes green living to thousands of consumers. Here's a sample of one the deals currently available:

GreenDeals is offering these Yoga Grips Socks that retail for $20 for 25% off. They can be yours for $15 and shipping is included! I have never heard of yoga socks, but they look comfy and useful. That's the beauty of GreenDeals. You will discover new green brands and feel good about your purchase. 

But you don't have to wait for GreenDeals daily specials to buy eco-friendly, fair trade and organic products. Thanks to their newly re-branded Go Green Marketplace you can shop from over 1,500 apparel, personal care, and home goods from the comfort of your home. New items are being added weekly and shipping is free on orders over $50. 

Get a jump start on green shopping at GreenDeals and Go Green Marketplace with a $5 off coupon code: marlieandme5. Hurry. it expires a month from today!

Walgreens Launches Green Household and Personal Care Products Line

I just love it when a brand gets on the green bandwagon! 

I was already a Walgreens loyalist because they carry some of my favorite natural healthy and beauty products. I like being able to walk down the street and grab some teething tablets when I need them. Plus, their W brand save me a lot of money. Now I am going gaga over their newest line of household cleaners and baby and personal care products labeled simply, Ology. 

Free of harmful ingredients and affordable, Ology is a green mom's dream come true! I picked up two bottles of all-purpose cleaner (regularly priced at $3.99, on sale for $2.99) and laundry detergent (regularly priced at $6.99, on sale for $4.99) for less than $15!


The Ology detergent comes in a 50 fl oz bottle made from 100% post-consumer materials and does 33 loads. I only use natural laundry detergent because my baby is eczema prone. Ology laundry detergent is plant based, free of dyes, artificial fragrances, and phosphates. It contains no chlorine bleach or formaldehyde and is not tested on animals. I have been using the Ology detergent for two weeks and it did not negatively affect his skin. Stain-fighting power is important too, so I put that to the test with a spaghetti stain on my favorite shirt. As you can see in the comparison photos below a faint mark remains, so next time I'll try pre-treating. I really like the way our clothes smell after the wash thanks to the natural lavender and vanilla scent. Ology detergent can be used in both HE and conventional washing machines which is a plus!


Next up is the Ology All-Purpose Cleaner, also packaged in a bottle made from 100% post-consumer materials. This stuff is tough! As you can see below in the comparison photos, it tackled the grease and grime in my kitchen sink and left it sparking clean. My favorite use is wiping down the baby's high chair and my daughter's table because I never want to use harmful chemicals where they eat. Ology All-Purpose Cleaner is citrus based and free of dyes, artificial fragrances, and ammonia. It contains no harsh solvents and is not tested on animals. The natural Meyer lemon and lavender scent will make you want to hang out wherever you spray it!


Ology is exclusive to the Walgreens family of companies, but with almost 8,500 locations nationwide it's easy to get your hands on them! Ology also offers light bulbs and 100% tree-free paper products. They are endorsed by Healthy Child Healthy World, which is a major seal of good, green housekeeping!

Enter to Win $74 Worth of Prizes in the #GreenChristmas Gift Giveaway!

I have a couple of great green gifts for the eco-warrior on your holiday list! A ReUsies two-pack and a trio of Mira Mariu mineral makeup products!

Welcome to the Green Christmas Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering, Going Green with Grizls and The Reynolds Mom. 50+ members of the Green Moms Network have come together to offer you tons of chances to win green-themed Christmas gifts! There’s sure to be something for everyone on your list. We hope you’ll discover some great new brands to add to your Christmas list too! Below my entry form, you'll see the other giveaways to enter as well as information about entering to win the Grand Prize!

My Prize Pack (US Only):

• ReUsies reusable snack and sandwich bags in your choice of design. $16 value! Read My Review.
• Mia Mariu Perfect Finishing Mineral Primer, Mineral Concealer and Mineral Cream Foundation in your shade. $58 value! Read My Review.

Our hosts are featuring 5 fabulous grand prize packages from these green and natural brands: For Your Bug-a-Boo, Blue Manatee Boxes, Bulk Herb Store, Snug Bug Diapers, Nosefrida, My Pretty Playhouse, Wonder Forge, Kelly Kits, Kerrific Online, LibreTea, Grounds for Change, Zulka Sugar, Justin's Nut Butters, Better Life, ReuseIt, Strawesome, generationMe, Soybu, Purely Gorgeous, A Mothers Design, Dr. Bronner's and Xmittens! Click here to enter the grand prize.
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This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Happy Mothering, Going Green with the Grizls and The Reynolds Mom, and not to Facebook. Please note that Happy Mothering, Going Green with the Grizls, The Reynolds Moms and the Green Christmas Gift Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. We will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.
 

Mira Mariu Cosmetics Review [Giveaway Coming!]

One of the hardest things I had to do when I adopted a green lifestyle was to give up my favorite brand of makeup. It was chock full of chemicals that were bad for my skin and the environment. I stopped wearing makeup for awhile until I learned about natural and organic cosmetic lines.

Mira Mariu is a natural cosmetics line that uses Bontical-based formulas. The company was kind enough to send me several of their Perfect Finishing mineral makeup products: Mineral Primer, Mineral Cream Concealer and Mineral Cream Foundation. The makeup does contain some natural plant ingredients like Camellia Sinesis Leaf (White Tea) Extract, shea butter and aloe, but they also include parabens (a controversial synthetic preservative).

Now let's talk about efficacy of the makeup. I cannot tell a lie...it's amazing! The primer is the key to a smooth makeup application. The concealer hid the dark circles under my eyes and a couple of dark spots on my cheeks. The cream foundation matches my skin tone perfectly and didn't leave that line of demarcation between my jaw and neck. I was left with a smooth canvas that I really liked! If only Mira Mariu switched to a natural preservative, then I would be in complete love.


Connect: Facebook

Buy It: Mineral Primer, $20. Mineral Cream Concealer, $15. Mineral Cream Foundation, $23. Visit Mira Maiu's online store to shop!

Win It: Come back November 28-December 7 for your chance to win this trio of Mia Mariu cosmetics (in your shade) in the Green Christmas Giveaway Hop. Hint: leave a comment for extra entries!

I received this review opportunity through Tomoson.com.

[Guest Post] Green Advent Meditation

I invited my former pastor to share her green craft ideas for spiritually connecting with the holiday season in a series of guest posts. Enjoy!

Green Advent Meditation
by Courtney Pinkerton

The Advent Wreath
Advent wreaths are an ancient way of marking each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas and celebrating the feast. This wreath couples old-world style with a repurposed materials aesthetic. It evokes the charms of the season with a gold-leafed rustic wood base, flickering candle light (in safety-conscious glass-enclosed candles) and the rich smells of rosemary, lavender and other locally-harvested herbs. It makes a lovely centerpiece for special holiday gatherings and meals. This Advent wreath is designed to appeal to all the senses. It includes several elements which can be touched, smelled and enjoyed, including:

1. a flexible outer “wreath” of wire and vintage buttons. This wreath drapes around the candles and herbs and is created with a 3:2 pattern. It can be used as a meditation tool with even the very young; the three button pattern representing “faith, hope & charity” or other centering words and the two button pattern representing the light and the humanity within each one of us.
2. The inner “wreath” of wire and buttons is wrapped around the Christ Candle and also can be a meditation tool: the red button represents all who suffer in our world, the blue button represents Mary, the mother of Jesus, the wooden button represents Joseph, the father of Jesus, the luminous metallic button represents the mystery of love, the yellow button represents the birth of the “child of light.” A few additional buttons have been added to the inner wreath which can serve as reminders of prayers for specific loved ones or other concerns on the heart.
3. The bundles of organic herbs: rosemary, lavender and thyme can be handled and rubbed to release more aromas, and even used for cooking. As they dry additional aromatic clippings (such from a branch of a Christmas tree) or other natural objects (leaves, feathers etc) can also be added to fill in and personalize the wreath.

The Season of Advent
It is a time of waiting in winter darkness and anticipating the return of the light. This shifting of the natural seasons reminds us to tend to the inner light, a light of clarity and peace. The green meditation shared below helps cultivate our awareness that we belong to a greater Whole.*


Advent starts this year on December 2. Begin the season by finding a home for your wreath. If you have children (old enough not to knock over the candles!) you might place it on a low table in the corner of a common room. The center of your kitchen or dining room table is also a good option. If you have a dark blue cloth/runner (the color of hope and waiting) you can drape it over the table. As the weeks go by a sense of expectancy and anticipation grows as new elements enter the scene. Each week we focus on different elements of our environment: mineral, plant, animal and human as well as centering on the four traditional Advent virtues: hope, love, joy & peace. 

First Week of Advent 
In week one place beautiful stones and crystals around the wreath and light the first candle as you focus on “hope,” the foundation of our spirit.

Second Week of Advent 
In week two add small greenery to the house, mantle, and table. This is a great week to bring in a Christmas tree and take a quiet moment to light again the first candle and add the second candle of “love” and consider all the ways that you can nurture and grow love in your life and home. 

Third Week of Advent
 In week three bring out the stable or crèche with the animals in it. Light the first two candles and also the third candle in your wreath for “joy” and consider all the animals and other living creatures in our world -- the birds who surprise us with beauty on a branch, the farm animals who provide us with nourishing milk and eggs, and even earthworms who help the garden grow.

Fourth Week of Advent 
Bring out Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds into the stable. Place the Magi across the room and move them slowly from windowsill to windowsill, nearer to the stable with each passing day. Light the first three candles and add the fourth candle of “Peace” and pray for peace for all areas of human conflict, including the conflicts within our own hearts. This is also a great week to make a special donation to an organization which supports peace, locally or globally.

Christmas Eve/Day
Jesus, the Child of Light, comes into the manger. Light all the candles, one by one, and remind yourself of all the hope, love, joy, and peace which has been cultivated in anticipation of this time. Light the center Christ candle, remember a baby born into a stable with only animals’ breath to keep warm and reflect on the mystery of our connections: one to another, one to the earth, one to the Light.

12 Days of Christmas
Historically Christmas was a feast which lasted over several days. Observing these twelve holy days and twelve starry nights can be a powerful antidote to the blues which often come after the holiday rush—so stretch out time and savor it! Lighting the wreath every night until January 6, also know as Epiphany, is one way to continue to enjoy the season.

* I am indebted to Waldorf educator Sharifa Oppenheimer and her book Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children for elements of the meditation I share here. 

Courtney Pinkerton is a holistic life coach, writer and retreat leader at Bird in Hand. She earned her BA at SMU (1999) and completed dual Masters Degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Harvard Kennedy School (2008). A mom to three young children, Courtney enjoys helping people craft home traditions which connect spirituality with green living and social engagement. Courtney lives in Oak Cliff with her husband and one-time Peace Corps companion, Richard Amory, and their family. She can be reached through her website www.courtneypinkerton.com and www.facebook.com/birdinhanddallas.

#FallGreen Giveaway: clickR Day Brilliant Lotion w/ SPF 15

Fall is here and the leaves are starting to change, but we can still celebrate being green in other ways! Welcome to the Fall Into Green Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and Happy Green Mama through the Green Moms Network. Each participating blog is hosting a green or eco-friendly giveaway worth at least $25. You can find the list of participating blogs at the bottom of my post. 

My giveaway is for a 1.7 fl oz. jar of clickR Day Brilliant Lotion with SPF 15 (a $45 value). It is formulated with plant-based ingredients. ClickR's skin care line is so green that it positively glows and so will your skin! Read my Review.
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We also have a fabulous Grand Prize for this giveaway hop, sponsored by Maggie Bags. Two lucky winners will each receive The Tote of Many Colors in The Fall of Leaves or Camo – Maggie Bags’ most eco-friendly bag! Made of super durable recycled seat belt webbing, this roomy tote will hold everything you need and want, even that extra pair of shoes! You can also get 25% off at Maggie Bags with code FallGreen good now through November 10 on their Premier Line!

Click here to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway.

ZeroWater Pitcher Review + Giveaway {2 Winners!}

When I first started following a holistic health program six years ago, one of the first things I learned was how important drinking purified water is to keeping the body functioning at an optimal level. That is why I am so thrilled to give the ZeroWater Pitcher a try. I live in Northeast Texas, Dallas to be exact, I call it the hard water capitol of the south. The tap water here tastes vile. I bought a water filtration pitcher right after we moved here and it does an okay job, but I can still detect a slight metallic aftertaste when I drink from it.

When my ZeroWater Pitcher arrived I literally tore open the box. I read all the literature that was included and learned about the TDS or Total Dissolved Solids in water. TDS comes from natural deposits and man-made sources and causes water to taste bad. The FDA standard for purified bottle water is a TDS reading of 000-010. A typical TDS reading for tap water in the US is 240 parts per million. I used the free TDS look-up at ZeroWater.com to find the reading for my zip code, it measures 176 pp/m. Ick. The ZeroWater Pitcher comes with a TDS meter, so I performed a little comparison experiment measuring the TDS of my tap water, the water from my old filtration pitcher (in order to be fair, I changed the filter in my old pitcher and washed it clean before the comparison test), and the ZeroWater Pitcher. Here are the results:



I was surprised that my tap water TDS was lower than what the zip code look-up said, but I was even more surprised that the TDS of my old water filtration pitcher so high...only 49 pp/m lower than the tap water! What have I been drinking for the last four years?!

Why I love my ZeroWater Pitcher:

• It keeps bottles and filters out of landfills. Even better, ZeroWater is the first major company to recycle gravity-fed filter cartridges from US consumers!
• The capacity. It holds 10 cups of water which is twice the size of my old pitcher and means less refilling. Its filter is even bigger. No wonder it can catch all those nasty solid particles.
• The water tastes fantastic...pure and clean!

Buy It: You can buy the ZeroWater Pitcher directly from their website for $34.99. Use coupon code MC30, to get 30% off your purchase. Also follow ZeroWater on Facebook!

Win It: 2 lucky readers will get a free ZeroWater Pitcher! Open to US residents only.

Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on this blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. There have been some changes to Rafflecopter! For instance, you now have to login with Facebook or your name/email address. This enables you to see your entries in a giveaway and edit them if needed. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter. Login to get started, click "Do It" next to each task to see the instructions, and start collecting your entries!

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#HonorEarth Give Away: $50 GreenBox from GreenDeals.org

Eco-living should be a year-round goal, but at this special time of year we redouble our commitment to save our planet from wasteful and toxic consumption. Welcome to the Honor the Earth Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and DeDa Studios. Each of the participating blogs has a prize package worth at least $20 that will help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. After you enter my green giveaway, be sure to visit all of the other amazing blogs listed below the Rafflecopter form. Thank you and good luck!

My sponsor is GreenDeals.org, which offers discounts and deals from local and national green online businesses approved by Green America every 24-48 hours. Each Green Approved Business is examined for you to ensure they have deep commitments to social and environmental responsibility in their policies, practices, and products. GreenDeals is here to help you live greener, spend, consume, and conserve for a better world. That's why GreenDeals gives you more than just great deals. They also feature green tips for everyday living, green coupons, and other offers from their Green Approved Businesses.

Buy It: The GreenBox is a monthly package of 10-20 products, samples, and coupons from various Approved Green Businesses from Green America. Each month you will have the opportunity to purchase the GreenBox starting on the 1st of the month. Inventory is very limited so make sure to check back on the 1st of each month to grab your GreenBox before they are gone. Join GreenDeals today to start saving on your favorite eco-friendly products! Get $5 in GreenDeals credits by entering promo code “MarlieMe5” when you setup a new member account and get $5 in your account to use on eco-friendly and green products

Win It: Win a GreenBox filled the following products, valued at around $50 (US residents only): 

• Green Irene Cleaning Kit 
• Organic Sunscreen 
• Flax Crackers 
• Glee Gum
• Organic Scrubbing brush 
• Organic Laundry soap 
• Plus various coupons from Green Companies.

Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on this blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. There have been some changes to Rafflecopter! For instance, you now have to login with Facebook or your name/email address. This enables you to see your entries in a giveaway and edit them if needed. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter. Login to get started, click "Do It" next to each task to see the instructions, and start collecting your entries!

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Win Natural House Trio of Cleaners + $5 iTunes gift card: Green Spring Clean Giveaway Hop March 21-30

[This is a sticky post. Please scroll down for the most recent articles]

Happy Mothering and SAPsMaMa are excited to bring you the Green Spring Clean Giveaway Hop March 21-30 for your chance to win eco-friendly and green products!

Spring Cleaning is a “tradition” in many households, but have you ever thought about all of the chemicals in the household cleaners you use to get that shiny countertop and lemony-fresh bathroom? We challenge you to more “Green” this year with eco-friendly, non-toxic household cleaners that will not only lessen your impact on the environment, but can increase your health by decreasing your exposure to harmful chemicals and increasing your indoor air quality!

My sponsor for this giveaway hop is Natural House, makers of a line of natural probiotic cleaners that are as tough as commercial cleaners, but safe for the environment and the members of your home! After you've entered my giveaway, go visit the other 20+ blogs in the Spring Clean Giveaway Hop listed in the linky below the Rafflecopter form and see what other prizes you can win! Good luck!

I will be posting a review in the next two weeks, but in the meantime watch this video to learn more about how Natural House products work to clean and eliminate odors from the most challenging areas of your home for up to one week using non-toxic probiotics:


Buy It: You can purchase Natural House products directly on their website or on Amazon.com for $3.99-$4.99 each.

Win It: Win a 30-day supply of Flushy, Trashy, and Sinky. I am also throwing in a $5 iTunes gift card for the winner so that you can whistle while you work! Open to US residents only.

Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on this blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. There have been some changes to Rafflecopter! For instance, you now have to login with Facebook or your name/email address. This enables you to see your entries in a giveaway and edit them if needed. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter. Login to get started, click "Do It" next to each task to see the instructions, and start collecting your entries!

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$57 in Prizes for Green is Beautiful Event Feb. 20-28! #greenbeauty

*This is a sticky post. Please scroll down for the newest articles on Marlie and Me*

Welcome to the Green is Beautiful Giveaway hop hosted by Happy Mothering! Our team of green bloggers have joined forces to bring you this event filled with prizes that will GREEN your beauty regimen. After you're done entering my giveaway, please visit the other blogs, which you'll find listed below the Rafflecopter form. Good luck!


I have two amazing prizes (US only)...

Prize #1:Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Hair Treatment ($25 value)
This glass pint contains the answer to dry scalp and brittle hair. Virgin coconut oil is an excellent hair conditioner and is 100% pure and natural. I even use it on my skin as a pre-shower moisturizer.  Read my REVIEW POST.


Prize #2: clickR Skin Care Vanishing Mist ($32 value)
From the brand that put the kibosh on derma drama, the clickR Vanishing Mist is a must in your skin care arsenal! It's effective without harsh ingredients and completely vegan. Read my REVIEW POST.


Please Read How to Enter This Giveaway: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on this blog post for the required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. There have been some changes to Rafflecopter! For instance, you now  have to login with Facebook or your name/email address. This enables you to see your entries in a giveaway and edit them if needed. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter. Login to get started, click "Do It" next to each task to see the instructions, and start collecting your entries!

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#Spa4Ma Giveaway Hop Is Here! (US)

*This is a sticky post. Scroll down for latest articles at Marlie and Me!*

The Spa for Ma giveaway hop is finally here! This event organized by Measuring Flower and Graphoniac was created to offer great giveaways that will help moms relax. From August 18th to 31st blog readers can enter to win some awesome prizes by hopping from one blog to the next through the linky list. So after you enter my giveaway, scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of all the participating blogs that are offering giveaways during this hop. Enter as many as you can!

It's time to unveil the Spa for Ma prize package at Marlie and Me...One Winner Takes All!

Jaxx Candles Wax Warmer With Melts Read Sponsor Spotlight	$30 to spend at evaelena recycled jewelry Read Sponsor Spotlight
Tropical Traditions Skin Exfoliator Read Review Post	Sample Box of GreenTeaDAILY Read Sponsor Spotlight

Plus, I am sponsoring a $25 Bath & Body Works Gift Card!

Please Read How to Enter to the Win Bath and Beauty Prize Packages: you must use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. Comments left on the blog post for required or extra entries don't count unless you record it on the Rafflecopter form. Please wait for the form to load, it may take longer to pop up than the rest of the web page. Make sure you have java script enabled and your browser updated. If you encounter an error, refreshing the page usually resolves the problem. If problem persists, please report the issue to Rafflecopter.

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CLOSED...Tropical Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner Review + Giveaway

Moms and dads are busy.

When it comes to cleaning our house, we want cleaners that get the job done fast and right the first time. But what about safely?

Many of us are convinced that we need chemicals like bleach and ammonia to get our home clean. Pregnant women are are instructed to avoid the VOCs (volatile organic compound) of common household products like cleaners and paint, but what about exposure to your newborn baby, toddler, or preschooler? The nervous system and organs of young children are still vulnerable, so why would you want to use toxic cleaners around them?

A slew of research studies are coming out exposing the health hazards of household cleaners (see U.S. News article, EPA report, Women's Voices report). I can't imagine any parent will want to spray their kitchen counter or bathtub with octylphenol after reading these reports.

So, what is a concerned parent to do? You could make your own cleaners from natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. But if you aren't into mixing potions, there are natural cleaning products on the market if you know where to look.

Tropical Traditions makes a line of natural cleaners that won't pollute your indoor air or poision your family and pets. I recently reviewed the Glass and Surface Cleaner which was handy because my house has lots of mirrors and windows, plus a glass cooktop that is a pain to clean.

I am a little embarrassed to show you the before and after pictures of my cooktop, but for the sake of full disclosure here it is:

Can you see the difference? This stuff is like magic! I did have to scrub hard to get the more caked-on stuff off, but I'd rather use my own elbow grease than some toxic solvent. I got a clean glass cooktop with the benefits of:

• No ammonia, alcohol or harsh volatile solvents
• 0% VOC (Volatile organic Compounds)
• No rinsing required
• Non-streaking
• No fragrance or dye added

Buy It: Tropical Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner normally retails for $22.50 for an 128 oz jug, but is on sale for $12.99 for a limited time! You can also receive a complimentary copy of the Virgin Coconut Oil book with your first online order by typing in my User ID # 5632947 when selecting "Referred by a friend" under the "How did you hear of us?" drop down menu after you complete your account information. The book will be automatically added to your order. If you have problems, please contact customer service and someone will gladly help.Win It: Thanks to Tropical Traditions one lucky Marlie and Me reader is going to win an 128 oz jug of Glass and Surface Cleaner!

Mandatory first entry: Check out the Household Traditions page and leave a comment here with the name of another nontoxic cleaner you'd like to try

All extra entries listed below are worth one (1) additional admission into this giveaway. Please leave a separate comments for each extra entry you complete)Extra Entries for Supporting the Sponsor:

• Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions sales newsletter
• Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter (leave Twitter name)

Standard Extra Entries:

• Be a current or new follower of Marlie and Me via Google Friend Connect
• Be a current or new subscriber of Marlie and Me via email (subscription must be activated)
• Grab my button (leave the URL in your comment)
• New! Add Marlie and Me to your blog roll (leave your URL in the comment)
• New! Follow Marlie and Me at Networked Blogs on Facebook (leave your FB initials)
• New! Follow me on Twitter and tweet this message (can tweet once daily. leave the URL to the tweet in your comment): @Mommy2Marlie is hosting a #giveaway for Tropical Traditions Glass & Surface Cleaner. Enter to #win at www.marlieandme.com US/CAN. Ends 4.23
• New! Vote for Marlie and Me at Picket Fence Blogs (click button above Google Friend Connect widget)

The rules:

• This giveaway will end on 4/23/11 at 11:59 pm CST
• Winner will be chosen randomly from all comments posted using a random number generator
• The winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure I can contact you either by having an email address visible on your blog profile or leave your email address in your comment(s).
• In the event the prize is not claimed in the allotted time another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to US/Canada. Must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Void where prohibited.
• By accepting the prize, the winner is granting permission to be identified as such.The winner's mailing address will be forwarded to the sponsor for prize fulfillment.
• The winner has one (1) month from the date of claiming the prize to report any problems (lost shipment, broken product). I will not be responsible for resolving issues after this time.
• Entries that do not follow instructions or are falsified will be disqualified