Nova Nature~ Eco Toys Review and Giveaway (TWO WINNERS)

Did your kids get too many plastic toys again for Christmas? If so I have a couple of great alternatives: lovely wooden 3D Puzzles and natural rubber bath toys - from Nova Nature. This Vancouver based company specializes in toys that are safe for children and for our planet. Read on to learn more about Nova Nature and to find out how you can win a rubber duck and a wooden puzzle.

Nova Nature is a company that has grown out of the desire to provide toys that are safe, eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable. Nova Nature is a mom owned and operated business that distributes Ecowoods 3D wooden puzzles, and Lanco natural rubber toys. Both of these brands strive to produce high quality, completely natural and safe toys that you can feel good about letting your children play with. Not only are these toys safe and environmentally friendly, they are also manufactured by companies that provide fair working conditions and fair wages for their farmers, artisans, and employees.

The rubber duck from Lanco is adorable and a huge hit with my youngest daughter. Her bath toy stash is admittedly a little small since it is so hard to find safe bath toys. Even after the huge recall of soft plastic bath toys a couple of years ago, most bath toys on shelves today are not free of toxic phthalates, BPA, and PVC-how scary! Like most babies, my daughter loves to chew and suck on her bath toys, so finding non-toxic toys is a must. This is why I am so excited to have discovered Lanco natural rubber bath toys. These soft rubber toys are made from the sap of actual rubber trees and are painted using non-toxic and completely lead free paints.

Lanco bath toys are not only safe, but they are also a lot of fun. My daughter loves her rubber duck. He has a sweet happy face, and makes a fun squeaky noise. He is great fun in the bath and floats and squirts water. My daughter also plays with him outside the bath, and he has become one of her favorite car toys. The Duck is light and squishy and perfect for little hands to grab and squeeze. Besides the duck we tried, Lanco makes natural rubber ducklings, fish, frogs, turtles, dolphins, and frog teethers.
Nova Nature also distributes beautiful 3D natural wooden puzzles by Ecowoods. We tried the elephant puzzle, which was quickly snatched up by my 8 year old. She loves it, and actually so does everyone in my family. The 3D puzzle is challenging and a lot of fun. Nova Nature also carries puzzles shaped as hippos, owls, bears, dolphins, turtles, dinosaurs, rhinos, horses, lions, cows, and pigs. These puzzles do have small parts, so are recommended for children 3 and older. I love how beautiful and decorative the Ecowoods puzzles are. They also have a great natural wood smell, and feel wonderfully smooth to the touch. Like the name insinuates, Ecowoods puzzles are also an environmentally friendly product. Ecowood puzzles are made in Bolivia using the discarded scrap pieces of sustainable harvested woods. Ecowoods puzzles are also treated with all natural finishes such as linseed oil, eucalyptus oil, sunflower oil, almond oil and beeswax- making them completely safe for little ones. I completely recommend these puzzles for everyone, young and old.

Where to Buy: Ecowoods puzzles and Lanco bath toys can be found at a growing number of retail locations.

The Giveaway: Nova Nature has very generously offered a Ecowoods puzzle (in winners choice of animal) and a Lanco natural rubber duck to be given away to my readers. So we will have two winners- yay!

To Enter: Visit Nova Nature and comment below telling me your favorite puzzle design AND your favorite Lanco bath toy. Please also leave me your e-mail in your comment. (this first entry is mandatory before any additional entries can count)

Additional Entries:

~Follow my blog (two entries, leave two comments)

~Grab my button on the right and comment

~Comment below telling me how you found out about this giveaway

~Follow Natural Mama Reviews on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (daily tweet) leave a link

~Subscribe to my blog on right and comment

~Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link

~Enter another Giveaway on my Blog and comment (one extra entry only)

This Giveaway ends January 20th at 9pm. Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before a new name is drawn. US and Canadian residents only.

The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Nova Nature provided me with the above mentioned toys to try out and I provided this review.

In The Garden, In The Snow WINNER

Congratulations Jennifer B (Comment #119) you are the winner of the Peggy Collins Books; In The Garden and In The Snow. These Books are so wonderful, I hope you enjoy them. I will e-mail you later tonight.



Thanks so very much to the very talented Peggy Collins for sponsoring this giveaway.

Simply Stacie

Woo Whoo I'm the featured blog this week on Simply Stacie!

Thanks Stacie, what a wonderful Christmas gift it was to see my blog featured on your site!


Visit Simply Stacie when you get a chance, this Canadian Blogger has some great giveaways!

Merry Christmas

From my family to yours- we wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy, love, and laughter.

Here is my favorite- lovely yet sad- Christmas Song (sung by the amazing Sarah McLachlan).

Squishy Fish Organic Clothing~ A Review and Giveaway

I am hooked on Squishy Fish! This Canadian Company sells beautifully simple, eco-friendly clothing for babies and toddlers. Read on to learn more about Squishy Fish Clothing and to find out how you can win a squishy fish tee for the little one in your life.
We were sent a lovely organic t-shirt to try, and it has quickly become a favorite of mine and my daughters. Squishy Fish designs clothing that is unique, colorful, and sure to be loved by parents and children alike. The t-shirt designs are inspired by the wonders of childhood and the sweet moments that parents cherish. With fun graphics and messages such as dream,explore, grow, imagine, and shine; Squishy Fish t-shirts convey values that every parents wants for their children. I know I love the "Grow" t-shirt that now belongs to my daughter- there's just something about the simple, precious message that puts a smile on my face.

Squishy Fish onesies and tees are amazingly soft and made with high quality extra thick organic cotton. I have a lot of organic t-shirts and Squishy Fish tees are BY FAR the thickest and softest. This ultra soft cotton makes Squishy Fish t-shirts so very cozy next to babies delicate skin. The thick cotton is very warm in the winter, yet wicks away sweat making it cool in the summer too. Our tee also fits amazing, and has a very nice cut. I completely recommend Squishy Fish to everyone looking for high quality organic baby and toddler wear.

All of the clothing at Squishy Fish is not only very cute, it is also completely baby and toddler friendly. Our t-shirt washes up beautifully with no shrinkage and is durable enough for even the most active child (and my youngest is definitely active). Squishy Fish specializes in short sleeve onesies, long sleeve onesies, and t-shirts that are available in a variety of sizes from three months to toddler. The sizing Of Squishy Fish clothing is very generous and seems to fit very true to age, unlike most baby clothing that fits so small. Besides the adorable T-shirts mentioned above, Squishy Fish also sells comfy organic blankets, adorable organic pants, and organic gift sets.

Squishy Fish tees are made from natural cotton that is chemical free, unbleached and organic; making it a natural and safe choice for babies and for the planet. Squishy Fish has made a huge commitment to being environmentally and socially responsible, and has moved all of their production to Ontario Canada. This ensures that each garment is made completely fair trade and to the highest standards of organic production. Not only is all of Squishy Fish clothing made from certified organic cotton, but safe Azo free dyes are also used. Squishy Fish also practices environmentally friendly business practices- using only recycled, reused, and sustainably made packing. This is a company I feel great supporting!

Buy your own Squishy Fish T-shirt online at Squishy Fish.ca , or though one of their many retailers.

The Giveaway: Squishy Fish has very generously offered to give an organic Squishy Fish T-shirt or short sleeved onesie (in winners choice of style and size) to one of my readers.

To enter: Visit Squishy Fish and comment below telling me your favorite shirt or onesie design (This first entry is mandatory and must be completed before any additional entries).

Additional Entries:
~Follow my blog (two entries, leave two comments)
~Subscribe to the Squishy Fish newsletter (at the bottom of their site) and comment
~Grab my button on the right and comment
~Follow Natural Mama Reviews and Squishy Fish on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (daily tweet) leave a link
~Subscribe to my blog on right and comment
~Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link
~Enter another Giveaway on my Blog and comment (one extra entry only)

This Giveaway ends January 18th at 9pm. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before a new name is drawn. US and Canadian residents only.

The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Squishy Fish provided me with a t-shirt to try out and I provided this review.

Patagonia T-shirt Winners

Congratulations to Debbie (comment #133) and Roxxy Roller (comment #11) you have both won an organic Patagonia t-shirt from Rocky Mountain Kid. These tees are so cute, I know you will love them. I will e-mail you later tonight.

Thanks so much to Rocky Mountain Kid for sponsoring this giveaway.

Eco Mama~ Aleva Bamboo Wipes Review and Giveaway

In the last year I have made a huge effort to become more green in my life (although I am far from perfect). One of the major changes I have made is to switch to cloth diapers. I try to also only use cloth wipes, but always have a case of disposable wipes on hand just in-case. Now I am happy to have discovered a more eco-friendly holistic disposable option; Bamboo Wipes by Aleva. Read on to learn more and see how you can win a pack for yourself.

I was sent a pack of Aleva Wipes to try out, by Carine at Eco Mama. This wonderfully Canadian eco-friendly online shop has a great selection of green products for parents and babies. Besides the Aleva Wipes that I tried, Eco Mama also carries Bravado Nursing wear (which I love and have blogged about before), Druid hair and body products, soapworks natural soaps, and Diva Cups and Luna Pads- just to name a few. I feel great about shopping at Eco Mama and completely recommend this shop. Eco Mama has green business practices, lots of great deals, and is owned and operated by a mom like myself.

I have been really happy with the Aleva Bamboo Wipes that we tried. They work great, smell fresh, and are much softer than any disposable wipe I have used. They are also free from all the scary things that can be found in baby products including: alcohol, petroleum, parabens, phthalates,Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), colorants and perfumes. Aleva Bamboo wipes contain natural and organic ingredients such as certified organic Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Natural Tea Tree and Lavender Oil. They are completely hypoallergenic too, so they make a great choice for babies with sensitive skin. My daughter has very sensitive skin and most wipes irritate her, but these are so mild that her skin has been left healthy and soft after using them.

As mentioned, in our home we try to use cloth wipes whenever possible, but when we are on the go, traveling, or low on laundry, we use disposables. Aleva Bamboo Wipes are a great choice for parents who want to be eco-friendly and use natural products- but also need the convenience of disposable wipes. They are as gentle on the planet as they are on your babies. They are made from easily renewable bamboo, and are 100% biodegradable. They are also not tested on animals- which makes me and the animals of the world happy!

Aleva wipes aren't only for bums. I've been using them on messy faces and dirty hands too. Unlike most wipes, these do not irritate my babies face. Aleva Wipes are perfect for wiping down messy kids in restaurants, at the fair, on camping trips, and anywhere else where you may not have access to water. The snap-lided soft bag is also ideal for tossing in your diaper bag or purse.


Buy: To purchase the Aleva Bamboo Wipes mentioned above please visit ecomama.ca . When you buy 3 packs of Aleva Wipes from Eco Mama, you receive the 4th pack for free. This makes these already affordable wipes an amazing deal.

Save at Eco Mama: Right now Eco Mama is having some great sales. Kleen Kanteens are on sale for 40% off and Luna Pads are 15% off. Also shipping is free on all orders over $150.

The Giveaway: Ecomama.ca has offered one of my readers a package of Aleva Bamboo Wipes of their own. I know whoever wins will love these wipes.

To Enter: Visit Ecomama.ca and have a look around. Then Comment below telling me what other products that you would love to try. (this first entry is mandatory before any additional entries may be used)

Additional Entries:

~Follow my blog (two entries, leave two comments)

~Subscribe to the Eco Mama newsletter (at the bottom of their site) and comment below

~Follow me and Eco Mama on twitter and tweet about this giveaway and comment (daily retweet too)

~Grab my button on the right and comment
~Subscribe to my blog and comment

~Become a fan of Eco Mama on Facebook and comment

~Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link

This Giveaway ends January 10th at 9pm. Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before a new name is drawn. US and Canadian Residents only.

The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Eco Mama provided me with the above mentioned product to try out and I provided this review.

Sweet Punkin Patch WInner

The winner of a wonderful AIO diaper from My Sweet Punkin Patch is.... Attila & Tamara (comment #276). Congraultaions! I hope you love your diaper as much as we love ours. I will e-mail you soon.




Thanks so much to My Sweet Punkin Patch for sponsoring this giveaway.

Sweet Leaf Bath Review and Giveaway

One of my favorite things about winter is taking long hot baths and indulging in natural bath products. A new favorite brand of mine is the luxuriously natural Sweet Leaf Bath co. This Canadian company sells natural bath products that are so yummy and fresh that you will think you are at the spa. Read on to find out more about this great company and to find out how you can win some natural products for yourself.

I was lucky enough to try out two wonderful products from Sweet Leaf Bath. The first is the fresh and wonderfully citrus scented- Sweet Sugar Scrub. I get very dry skin in the winter, and nothing gets rid of dry skin better than a good exfoliation. The Sweet Sugar Scrub not only scrubs away dry skin, it is also packed full of natural moisturizers and skin nourishers that are known to improve blemishes, dry skin, scars, and stretch marks. Since I have been using this scrub, my skin has become noticeably softer and smoother. I completely recommend it to everyone, it works amazingly well and feels great too.

The other great product that I tried is the Peppermint Lip Balm. I love using Lip balm,especially in the winter when my lips get easily chapped. The Sweet Leaf Lip Balm is one of the better ones I have used. It smells deliciously minty, and immediately soothes my sore winter lips. I Love that this lip balm is made with only natural and gentle ingredients- so it is safe to use on small children too. My youngest has had very chapped lips this year, so I have been sharing this lip balm with her. We are both very impressed with this product. I also highly recommend this lip balm, for you and your little ones.

Everything at Sweet Leaf Bath is handmade in small bathes using only the finest natural, organic, and fairly traded ingredients. The products are full of pure essential oils, botanical, and minerals. Each product is free from fragrances, dyes, additives or any of the toxic ingredients found in many skin care products. I have sensitive skin, so I am always happy to find good natural products that work while being gentle and non-irritating. As mentioned I tried out a sugar scrub and lip balm, but Sweet Leaf Bath co also has some scrumptious looking body butters , soothing bath soaks, lovely soaps, and fizzy fun bath bombs.

I love that Sweet Leaf Bath co. lists all of the ingredients of each product on their site, so you always know exactly what you are buying. This is especially great for people with allergies or sensitivities to certain products. Sweet Leaf Bath also has an information page on all the ingredients that they use- explaining what the product is and what it is used for. I found this very helpful, when choosing products that would best suit my skin care needs.

Sweet Leaf Bath co is more than delicious products, this mom and daughter ran company is also extremely ethical. They have worked hard to become fair trade certified, ensuring that the ingredients that they use come from cooperatives that build up communities, promote sustainability, and contribute to the health of the people who make them. Sweet Leaf Bath strives to inspire others to "think and shop with a global and social conscience". I know I try my best to shop ethical, and believe that even one persons shopping choices can make a huge difference in the lives of people all over the world.

Buy your own little piece of heaven: Make it your New Years resolution to take some time to pamper yourself this year- since I know everyone could use a little more "me time". To find the products mentioned above, visit the Sweet Leaf Bath co web-page.

THE GIVEAWAY: The girls from Sweet Leaf Bath have very generously offered to give one of my readers a three pack of their wonderful soap, in winners choice of scents. These soaps look so amazing- I wish I could enter :)

To enter: Please Visit Sweet Leaf Bath and comment below telling me what product/s you would love to try. (this first entry is mandatory before any additional entries)

Additional Entries:
~Follow my blog (two entries, leave two comments)
~Become a facebook fan of Sweet Leaf Bath co and comment below
~Follow me and Sweet Leaf Bath on twitter and tweet about this giveaway and comment(daily retweet too)
~Grab my button on the right and comment

~Visit the Sweet Leaf Bath co blog and become a follower

~Subscribe to my blog and comment
~Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link

This Giveaway ends January 6th at 9pm. Winners will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before a new name is drawn. US and Canadian Residents only.


The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Sweet Leaf Bath provided me with the above mentioned products to try out and I provided this review.

Livie and Luca~ A Shoe Review

Livie and Luca -oh how I love thee! There are few things that I love to buy better than shoes. I actually have a bit of an obsession- I think I've mentioned this before. Anyway one of favorite brands is Livie and Luca. Their toddler shoes are so lovely, unique, and well made.

We were sent the London Boots to try out, and we have really been impressed with them. These boots and so comfy and are by far the coolest shoes in my little girls shoe stash. We get compliments on these boots everywhere we go. They look great with tights and a dress or jeans, making them super versatile. The side velcro closures are also great and make dressing an active toddler easy as pie. My daughter actually loves them so much that she has learned the word "boots" and will put them on for fun and run around the house in them.

Livie and Luca shoes are made by hand with quality materials. The boots we tried are made with very soft breathable leather, and seem to really form to my daughters feet. The inside of The London Boots are very soft and cushiony and the tall sides give great ankle support. The soles are made with no slip rubber, that is sewn around the edge for extra durability. The soles of these boots are also lightweight and very flexible, which creates the stability and balance that kids need to run, play, and be kids. Livia and Luca boots are just perfect and oh so cute!

Livie and Luca is a mom-owned business. It was started by three moms who couldn't find stylish high quality, yet affordable toddler shoes. These moms know what parents and kids are looking for: high quality, comfortable, and modernly funky shoes. I completely recommend their shoes for any toddler. I love them because they are so unique and adorable and my daughter loves them because they are so comfy and easy to wear.

I try to only support ethical companies, and Livie and Luca is a company that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and helping non-profit groups. They use high quality leather remnants to make all of their shoes and boots. These small pieces of leather would otherwise be sent to the landfill. Livia and Luca shoes are also packaged in re-usable cloth bags. Another thing that Livie and Luca does to reduce and help others, is they have a shoe recycling program. You can send back your Livia and Luca shoes and they will be distributed to needy families in Honduras. Livie and Luca also has a "Sharing is Caring" initiative- and have committed to give back 10% of all online sales to non-profit organizations such as Feed America.


Buy your own pair: Livie and Luca Shoes can be bought online directly from Livie and Luca. You can also search for a store near you or other online retailers here. As mentioned we tried the London Boots, but Livie and Luca has so many cute shoes and boots. My other favorites are the D'Anjou Purple Shoes, The Hoots Boots, and The Yellow Holland Boots. I wish I could buy them ALL!

Connect with Livie and Luca: You can join The Livie and Luca mailing list at the top of their site for the latest shoe updates.

The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Livie and Luca provided me with a pair of boots to try out and I provided this review.

Miss Mae Little Chef Apron Review and Giveaway

Do your kids love to cook in the kitchen with you? If so I have a unique and fun gift idea: Miss Mae Little Chef Aprons. These beautiful aprons are home-made in Canada and are wonderfully functional. We love our apron, and are super excited to be able to offer you a chance to win one for the little chef in your life.

With three girls that love to cook we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so I was really looking forward to trying out an apron from Miss Mae. After making our fabric selection, we were sent a lovely custom made Little Chef Apron. Our apron arrived so quickly, and came tied up in a sweet bow. The moment it arrived, my girls were excited to open it up and try it on their little sister. My youngest loved her apron immediately, and is so proud to have an apron like her mom. I love that I can also order a matching apron for myself, or my older girls. We have used this apron several times now (yes the Christmas baking has begun) and I'm sure we will use it for years to come.

Miss Mae Aprons are so cute, are reversible, come in adult and child sizes, and are made with modern fun fabrics. We choose the pink bird fabric, and Miss Mae choose coordinating colors for the trim, the back, the pocket, and the straps. The combinations of patterns she chooses are unique and very pretty. Miss Mae Aprons are also beautifully sewn with high quality 100% cotton. I really love my daughters Little Chef Apron, and I completely recommend them for anyone who loves to cook- young or old.

Miss Mae sells more than aprons. This lovely mom-owned shop has a great assortment of home-made items that make parenting a little more stylish. I love the Diaper Duty Pouches, Drool Catchers, Plush Balls, and the Everywhere Blankets. Miss Mae also sells the most gorgeous home-made quilts. Everything at Miss Mae is made from a lovely assortment of ever changing modern, hip fabrics blended together is pretty combinations. The Prices at Miss Mae are also very reasonable. The Little Chef Apron is only 25$.

Just in time for the Holidays, Miss Mae now carries Gift Boxes and Chef Apron Gift Boxes. Each Gift Box comes filled with three co-ordinating Drool Catchers, an Everywhere Blanket, and a Keep'em Busy Ball. These would be wonderful gifts for any new or expectant mother on your Christmas list. They also make gorgeous baby shower presents. Miss Mae Chef Apron Gift Boxes contain a Little Chef Apron and a matching adult sized Miss Chef Apron. Again these make amazing gifts, especially for a mom and child who love to bake or cook.

Buy: All of the gorgeous items mentioned in this giveaway can be bought online at Miss Mae's Etsy Shop.

The Giveaway: Miss Mae has offered one of my readers a chance to win a Little Chef Apron in winners choice of great fabrics.

To enter: Visit the Miss Mae Etsy Shop and comment below telling me your favorite item -and fabric choice. (This first entry is mandatory and must be completed before any additional entries)

Additional Entries:
~Follow my blog (two entries, leave two comments)
~Become a fan of Miss Mae on Facebook and comment below
~Grab my button on the right and comment
~Follow Natural Mama Reviews on Twitter and tweet this giveaway (daily tweet) leave a link
~Subscribe to my blog on right and comment
~Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link
~Enter another Giveaway on my Blog and comment (one extra entry only)

This Giveaway ends December 30th at 9pm. Winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before a new name is drawn. US and Canadian residents only.

More ways to win: Miss Mae is also having a progressive giveaway on Facebook. To enter just become a fan of Miss Mae on facebook and leave a comment on the Miss Mae Facebook Wall. You will be entered for a chance to win great prizes that progress as her number of fans increases- so fun!!

The opinions expressed in the above review are my honest experiences and thoughts. I did not receive any money for writing this review. Miss Mae provided me with an apron to try out and I provided this review.

Putumayo Kids~ CD Winner

Congratulations to Kim (comment #70) you are the winner of the Putumayo Kids CD~ A family Christmas. We love this Cd, and hope you will too. I will e-mail you tonight.

Thanks a bunch to Putumayo Kids for sponsoring this giveaway.