Prevent Pouch Messes with Pouch Pal [review]

When we started to transition our son to table food, pouches became a hot topic. I felt like every mom around me was pulling out pouches left and right. I finally decided to purchase some for our long drive to the beach. I thought it would be a good option for giving a snack in the car and a novelty for my son. However, at 14 months, he wasn't quite ready to consume the pouches on his own. So, I didn't purchase pouches for a long time. My son is almost 3 years old and can handle a pouch on his own, but I still worry about him squeezing it when it's not in his mouth and making a mess. Pouch Pal is a hard plastic case that houses a baby food pouch in such a way that babies and toddlers are able to suck the pouch dry without being able to squeeze it!

Pouch Pal      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Easy to use	Made from plastic
Compact
Does prevent pouch messes

Pouch Pal has a ton of awesome features that makes it the only product of its kind on the market. It has child-resistant latches that little fingers can’t pop open, a curvy design that is easy for those little hands to grasp, and a cap-saver space to hold the cap to the baby food pouch while your kid is snacking.

The Pouch Pal’s design pinches the sides of the pouch and pushes it up from the bottom so that all the food can be sucked out with no vacuum seals forming. The first time I gave my toddler a pouch in the car was in the Pouch Pal. I was confident that he wouldn't squeeze it all over himself and the car seat. Plus, he enjoyed playing with the Pouch Pal cover! If your kid is a thrower, consider wrapping a hair tie around the waist of the Pouch Pal before handing it over to your little one.

The key to successfully loading a food pouch into a Pouch Pal is to “rainbow” the bottom of the pouch and load it from the bottom first. Inserting a pouch into the Pouch Pal is pretty simple, and it will take just a few times to get it down. After using Pouch Pal a few times, I had figured out the trick!

Most major brands (and a ton of smaller ones) are compatible with Pouch Pal. In general, pouches up to 4.22 ounces fit in Pouch Pal. Here is a list of pouches that are compatible. Some pouches with different nozzles, or those where the nozzle is on the side, won’t fit. Here is a list of non-compatible pouches. Trader Joe's pouches are a little on the smaller size, but they still fit well in the Pouch Pal.

Pouch Pal is available on Amazon, and shipping is free if you purchase two or more. The following colors are available: turquoise, cobalt, bubblegum, and coral. Use the Pouch Pal coupon code BRTQLNST for an additional 25% off of your order (expires March 31, 2016)!

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Natural Ways to Support Your Heart [Giveaway + review]

Did you know that more than 610,000 people die each year in the US alone from heart disease? That is about 1 in every 4 death being from heart disease. Heart disease is prevalent in both men and women and has become the leading cause of death. Eating fish and fish products help to support cardiovascular function and reduce the incidence of heart disease. A diet high fish and natural fish oil supplements like Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X are natural ways to support your heart.

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X      
Nordic Naturals CoQ10 Ubiquinol          
The Complete Mediterranean Diet         

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  I am not a medical professional. Information about the products was sourced from the company website. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received the products for free to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest.

The Good	The Not So Good
100% pure and natural
High concentration
No artificial preservatives

Fish Oil has become part of my diet again and I have even introduced it into my toddler's diet. While I prefer fish oil in liquid form, I do appreciate the convenience of the capsule form. Nordic Naturals is a brand that I keep purchasing because it is one of the front runners for high quality fish oils and supplements. The company takes great strides in keeping their standards high.

Ultimate Omega 2X Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, natural lemon flavor), natural lemon flavor, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract (a natural preservative).

Ingredients are gluten-free, milk-free, artificial color free and artificial flavor free. The natural lemon flavor comes from lemon rind.

CoQ10 Ubiquinol Ingredients: organic extra virgin olive oil, soft gel capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin, carob color), ubiquinol, beeswax, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract (a natural preservative).

Ingredients are gluten-free, milk-free, artificial flavor free. The label does not state that ingredients are artificial color free, so I wonder if the carob color is artificial or natural.

I feel confident about the ingredients list and the high quality of the ingredients in these Nordic Naturals supplements. I would like to see the company move toward more organic ingredients, though I do like that ingredients are non-GMO verified. I like that the ingredients list is simple.

Results: The supplements are easy to take. The Ultimate Omega 2X has a slight lemon flavor, but I did not find it off putting. Since I have started taking a fish oil supplement regularly, I feel like I am able to recover quicker from illness.

Cardiovascular Health: Starting with a Mediterranean diet and supplementing with high quality supplements is a great way to ensure a reduced risk in getting heart disease. In our house, we try to cook as much as possible, choose nutrition ingredients and cooking oils like olive oil, stay physically active, and supplement with natural supplements. Since we have history of heart disease and high blood pressure on both sides of the family, it is extremely important for us to maintain heart hearth. Dr. Ozner's book, The Complete Mediterranean Diet, was a good reminder for me about maintaining a nutritious diet full of whole foods! The book is also full of over 500 recipes that will help any family start a healthier lifestyle!

Nordic Naturals Coupon Code: HEART16 
Receive 15% discount on phone and web orders; free shipping on all orders over $25
Expires 05/01/16

Enter below to win a prize package from Nordic Naturals and Dr. Ozner!

Please use the Giveaway Tools entry form. Open to US only. All entries will be verified. Duplicate, incomplete and invalid entries will be deleted. 

Giveaway

Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X
Nordic Naturals CoQ10 Ubiquinol
The Complete Mediterranean Diet book
($130 RV)

Entry-Form

Disclosure: All Natural Katie is not responsible for companies/sponsors who fail to ship the prize. Nordic Naturals will be shipping the prize to the giveaway winner.

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Luxury Maternity and Nursing Cover [review]

Once you become a mom, the stuff that you take with you when you leave the house seems to multiply! Though I have downsized over the months and years, I try hard to find products that are multipurpose. A maternity and nursing cover that can be worn at least 15 different ways is a must have nursing item for any pregnant woman or nursing mother.

Boho Mama Nursing Cover      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. 

The Good	The Not So Good
Made from organic bamboo fabric	Snaps might need reinforcement
Soft and stretchy

The Boho Mama nursing cover is not just a nursing cover, but a must have accessory for every pregnant or nursing mom. The cover is made from organic bamboo with a little bit of spandex. This combination makes for very luxurious feeling fabric. I am a very touch oriented person and want soft items for my child.

The nursing cover is a combination of a true nursing cover and a nursing scarf. The size is a bit bigger than what I would usually wear as a scarf, but I could see myself wearing it during the colder winter months. It's nice that it can just be thrown on like a scarf or a cover for myself instead of stuffing yet another item in the diaper bag. If I do need to put it in the diaper bag, the cover takes up very little space.

Usage: There are many different ways to use the Boho Mama cover, here are some of them:

1. Wear it around your neck like a scarf.
2. Wrap around your shoulders like a shawl.
3. Wrap around the baby as a blanket or swaddle.
4. Use as a cardigan or wrap around yourself.
5. Wrap around baby while baby wearing for extra warmth.
6. Use as a car seat cover.
7. Use as a changing pad.

The beauty of investing in the Boho Mama cover is that it can be used during pregnancy, during breastfeeding, and beyond.

My Thoughts: I really like the Boho Mama cover. Although I am no longer breastfeeding, I still have a 2.5 year old toddler to take care of every day. One of my favorite things about the cover is that I can use it in so many different ways. I like having a blanket/cover type item with me when I leave the house, whether I need to wrap something around my shoulders to stay warm, or I need to change a diaper on the go. The cover is a good size and is similar to my pashmina scarf that I wear all the time. I am 5'4 and have a slim athletic build, so the larger size worked as a good shawl/torso cover.

The Boho Mama luxury nursing wrap is the perfect gift for a baby shower or a sprinkle shower. A classic nursing cover with a modern feel and function will make any mom feel special. Get rid of the big cotton tent around yourself and the baby and cover both of you with breathable, soft fabric.

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Creative Builder Set [review]

As my son is growing into a little young man, I work hard to find toys that will promote creativity with an educational aspect. I prefer toys that do not require batteries and do not make noise. Among the noises that come from watching TV, videos on the iPad, or some of the battery-operated toys that we do have, I find it beneficial to have quiet toys. The quiet toys are the ones that keep my 2.5 year old's engagement. Develop creativity, imagination, and problem solving skills with the 85 piece creative builder set.

Koolsupply Creative Builder Set      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest. Reference: f2d2f8f6b7d1

The Good	The Not So Good
Sturdy pieces	Made from plastic
Can build just about anything
Gender neutral
Adults can join in!

Koolsupply Creative Builder Set comes with 85 pieces that are used to create just about anything that you would want to create. The pieces include 4 wheels, a wrench, and plastic pieces and screws to build with. The pieces are made from sturdy plastic and are housed in a plastic storage bin with a lid and a handle. I really like that everything is contained. The builder set is ready to go if we need to take it with us to occupy our toddler in the car or at someone's house.

The builder set is safe for children 3+ because of smaller parts. However, I can see a child as young as 2-2.5 years old enjoying the set with adult supervision. The great part is that older children, teenagers, young adults and older adults can also play with this set. Everyone can join in!

Usage: Open the box, look at the instruction sheet for suggestions, and start building!

Results: My 2.5 year old son really enjoyed playing with the builder set. He is able to play with Legos fairly well, so I knew this set was a good next step. The first few times, I sat down with him and showed him briefly how stuff goes together. I try to minimize instruction with him and allow him to figure stuff out on his own. He was able to get a good hang out putting pieces together, though he's not old enough yet to be able to build something like a dinosaur without help from an adult. I also enjoyed building with him, so that is a big plus in my book! The plastic storage bin with the snap-on lid is a great feature to take the set outside the home.

We have not had to clean the set yet, but I can see it being really easy to do so. My strategy for cleaning plastic toys with smaller parts is to fill the sink with soapy, swirl the toys around in it, rinse, and dry. Then, let air dry.

The Koolsupply Creative Builder Set is a toy that my child will continue to come back to. He can make something new every time and it will keep his imagination going as he gets older. I would highly recommend this toy for any child on your holiday gift list.

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Target Gift Cards [Giveaway]

Dropprice is an interesting concept! Share items that you want to purchase on your social media platforms to get other moms to drop the price and purchase items at a much lower cost. Read below to learn more about Dropprice and enter to win a Target Gift Card.

 

Dropprice is an innovative startup that rewards moms for being social. Essentially, they empower moms to drop prices of kids & baby products with a click. The price continues dropping as more moms click “Drop the price”. Every week new promotions are launched and moms drop prices by sharing them on social media. See the chart below to understand the power moms have and how important it is to share with other moms.

   

In today’s promotion for the Rainstick Rattle, it started out at $18.00 and for each mom that clicks, the price drops a bit. The price will continue to drop for each mom that participates until it reaches $5.00 (72% off).

     

You can choose to share on social media to get more moms to click “Drop the price”, or you can “Buy Now” at the current price. Keep in mind that when the price gets low, they usually sell out and you will no longer have the chance to buy that item. As an added bonus every item on Dropprice ships for free! 

Do you want to give it a try? This is such a fun and exciting way for moms to save lots of money by collaborating with each other. If you would like to have a chance to win a $100 Target gift card, you can experience dropping the price by following the instructions below.   

  Giveaway: Win one of five $100 Target Gift Cards

 All you have to do is help moms drop the price of this Rainstick Rattle and you will be entered to win one of five $100 Target gift cards. Just click “Drop the price” on the entry form below for a chance to win. For even more entries, share it on your social media networks via the entry form — every time one of your friends also clicks to drop the price, you’ll automatically receive additional giveaway entries! This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 9/8/15. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes and will contact the winners. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site.  

 

Terms & Conditions | Powered by Dropprice

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#MedelaRecycles Medela Freestyle Pump [Giveaway]

A lot of people might not know that you are not supposed to reuse open breast pumps because breast milk can get inside the motor and can cause contamination of your breast milk. Only closed breast pumps like hospital grade breast pumps can be reused. Read about Medela's breast pump recycling program and enter to win your own Freestyle Pump below!

Hosted by Live Life Naturally

Sponsored by Medela

Medela recycles and you win! This program encourages moms who have finished using their pumps to recycle them through a special program so that moms in need, with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, can have a pump to help nourish their infants.

Read below how the program works and then enter to win!

Medela is proud to announce Medela Recycles, a program focused on helping moms who have finished their breastfeeding journey help another mom start hers. Each pump we receive through Medela Recycles supports the donation of new hospital-grade, multi-use breastpumps and supplies to Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®). The goal is to provide moms with the same high-quality equipment they use at the hospital during their stay at a Ronald McDonald House. This consistency will ease the transition from the hospital to a Ronald McDonald House and give families caring for a baby in the NICU one less thing to worry about. The simple act of recycling your trusted pump through Medela Recycles provides you with both the peace of mind that your pump will be recycled properly with the added benefit of knowing you are supporting another mom on her breastfeeding journey during a challenging time.

If you're interested or know a mom who can help: Medela Recycles FAQs

Connect with Medela on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube

One winner will receive a Medela Freestyle Pump ($399ARV) . 

Ends August 3. Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: All Natural Katie has not been compensated for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

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Organic Toddler Pillow for Optimum Sleep [Review]

Clean eating and clean living not only involves eating whole and organic foods, but it also involves removes toxins from our whole environment - body products, beauty products, clothes, furniture, bedding, etc. One of my goals as a stay at home mom is to provide the least toxic environment for my son. For the past several years, I have spent a lot of time researching the most natural and organics products to purchase. Babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so choosing organic bedding is of utmost importance. Snugg Organic "My Little Big" organic toddler pillow is a premium natural shredded latex pillow with an organic pillow case.

Snugg Organic My Little Big Pillow      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Made with natural latex	Initial latex smell (non-toxic, temporary)
Organic cotton blend pillow case
Durable and long lasting (up to 20 years)
Hidden zipper

Snugg Organic toddler pillow is made from premium shredded latex that is covered with an organic cotton blend. The case is hypoallergenic, dust mite resistant and durable. Each pillow comes with a lifelong guarantee and could last up to 20 years with proper care and use. The pillow size is meant for toddlers and children age 2+. The size is a little larger, so it will last the toddler through childhood. Pillow size: 20" x 14" x 3".

Let's talk about the latex. Latex is made from the rubber tree. My Little Big Pillow is made with organic 100% pure shredded latex filling, which is chemical-free and healthier for a child. Synthetic pillows, and even natural down pillows, can be treated with pesticides and chemicals. The company representative said that there are no other chemicals used during the latex manufacturing process. The latex is 100% organic.

There is a latex smell and it is temporary. The smell is non-toxic and goes away with time. The pillow is 100% chemical-free, so the smell is not from any chemicals, but just the natural rubber latex. When I took the pillow from the plastic packaging, I noticed the smell. It was not too strong, but I would not put the pillow out for use immediately upon receiving it. I kept the pillow out in the house and in the breezeway (on warmer days) to let it air out and within about 1-2 weeks, the smell mostly seemed to go away.

The pillow cover is very soft. The inner cover is made from 100% polyester and the outer cover is made from 40% cotton and 60% polyester. No flame retardants or other chemicals are used. The organic cotton fabric blend has a quilted look to it and is very thick. The zipper on the side is hidden. The only part that can be felt is the little zipper pull. My husband and I were both impressed with how soft the pillow case is. The pillow cover is machine washable.

 

The latex filling is shredded pretty small. It is hard to tell it's even shredded latex from feeling it on the outside. The pillow is about medium firmness.

My Thoughts: I love this pillow because it is made from organic and natural materials, it is very durable and will last a long time, and it is the perfect size for my toddler and will last him for years to come. I would like to see the company use 100% organic cotton, especially for the outer cover, which would touch a child's skin. I asked the company representative why 100% organic cotton is noted used and she mentioned that the cotton blended with the polyester makes the cover softer and washes better.

I would purchase this pillow and would recommend it. Aside from needing to let the latex smell wear off, this toddler pillow is eco-friendly and non-toxic.

Disclosure: I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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