Mama Speaks

Sun & Earth

 For everything under the sun.

I always love finding new eco-friendly cleaning product lines - it means more options for all of us when it comes to protecting the Earth and our families. I've tried many of them over the past few years comparing effectiveness and price, and I have to say that Sun & Earth is way up there on both fronts. I tested a whole slew of their products, and not one of them failed to do anything short of an excellent job in achieving its intended purpose. Even more impressive to me is how comprehensive the Sun & Earth line of products really is, including some items I don't think I've ever seen in an eco-friendly, non-toxic, cruelty-free and vegan form.

Let's start with their collection of laundry-related items [$5-12]. In addition to the 2X Concentrated and Deep Cleaning Detergents, Sun & Earth has a few little additions that are pretty rare. The Dryer Sheets are hypoallergenic, biodegradable and available in Unscented and Fresh Citrus. I have to admit, I've really been missing dryer sheets, so this was pretty exciting for me. And I've never actually used fabric softener before in my life so to do so with theirs was also a welcome surprise. But I have to give special props to the new Sun & Earth On The Spot Instant Stain Remover. Seriously, I don't know how they did this, but it's awesome. I believe my husband's exact words while using it on his newly salad dressing-stained pants were, "This is amazing . . . How does it do this?"

Now onto the kitchen sink. Their line of dish products [$3-6] includes the Ultra Dish Liquid, the Xtra Concentrated version of the same, and the Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs. All are great (and affordable!). And that's really saying something because I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been searching for an effective detergent for use in the dishwasher - I've had some that, while non-toxic and safe, really just don't do the job and leave me standing there, staring into the machine trying to figure out if it's been run. But not so this time. This one is biodegradable, safe for use even for kid items, and it totally works. No more drinking from glasses with my own lip stains.

Shall I keep going? All righty then. They have general housecleaning products too - an All-Purpose Spray Cleaner and a Glass Cleaner [$4], which, between the two of them, pretty much cover every possible surface that one needs to clean. They do the job and smell great too. The Fresh Citrus Scent for all of these products comes from orange oil, which is sweet, natural and not at all over the top.

When you're done with everything, wash your hands of it all with the Liquid Hand Soap [$4], which, like so many of their other products, is ideal for those of us with sensitive skin.

Sun & Earth products are available at many of your local retailers and on their website.

Win It!
We have a Sun & Earth Reusable Folding Shopping Bag filled with coupons for a free dishwashing liquid, an all-purpose or glass cleaner, and a laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets. To enter email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Sun & Earth as your subject and tell us what makes these products smell so yummy. Giveaway ends 4.24.09.

- Beth

The Sweet Unfolding

Say it Sweet

Throwing a baby shower? Welcoming a new baby home? Decorating a room or throwing a birthday party? When it comes to choosing a banner to shout it out we'd like to encourage you to stay as far away form those bright funky chain store ones as possible. Why not create a keepsake that will last a little longer than that special day?

The handmade banners [$18+] available from The Sweet Unfolding will help celebrate your special day and then some. Each beautiful banner features layered paper circles hand cut and threaded onto satin swiss dot ribbon. Best of all you can customize your banner with any name, phrase or color combination you'd like for a decoration that definitely doesn't need to come down when the party's over.

Natalie's Nest Gift Tins

Givers Keepers

I'm really a fan of reusable gift wrapping ideas, and sort of a bit of a "container" whore.  I can't get enough of awesome boxes and things to put stuff in, big and small, and I can always find something to put in them.

When I first came across Natalie's Nest Gift Tins [$3.50] I couldn't believe the total cuteness of the designs.  A horse, an owl, even a sweet Chihuahua (above), all the images were just plain adorable.  Immediately I started day dreaming about all the tiny gifts I could find to give to people, just so I could have an excuse to use these.  I have some that I like to put anything from pills to earrings in, and I just love them.  The price and the style are just right, so get yourself some of your own and enjoy!

-Arianne

BUY

Boon Bug Pod & Flo

Snug As A Bug

This is one bug you won't mind in your tub. The Boon Bug Pod [$35] adds a splash of color and fun. In red and black all ladybug-style, the Bug Pod is THE shower caddy with a whole lot of function! Quickly clear the clutter after bathtime as you scoop up the toys, drain 'em, and keep 'em put until next time. The convenient attached base even houses the soap and shampoo. Quite a tidy fly lady.

The Boon Flo [$15] safely covers the sharp edges of the water faucet and even dispenses bubbles, spilling the water out with a water-fall effect (Mom, you'll love this come hair rinsing time). And it's about time you replaced that big yellow rubber duckie faucet protector... babies are so mod now, don't you know?

Oh, and 10% of Boon's profits support charities specifically benefiting children in need, so you can feel good from the bathroom wall and beyond.

-Steph

BUY

Fish Lips Designer Note Cards

Something's funky in here.

Bold and beautiful, the designer note cards from Fish Lips are cool and funky, no matter what the occasion. These bright, unique cards come either blank [$12 for set of 8] or customized with your personal message [$16 for set of 8]. And you'll feel great giving them as all cards are printed on 100% recycled paper using soy and vegetable based inks. Each set comes with 100% post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free envelopes. I particularly love the modern designs of the "Bold " assorted set, because I'm a bold kind of gal. But I love those nature-inspired Palm Fronds too.

And remember when customizing it's all about you and your needs. The recommendations on the Fish Lips site include names and initials as well as greetings. I love the sample they sent me of the Crabby design with the message "Sorry I was Crabby." Yeah, I could probably use a set of those. Can I buy in bulk?

-Beth

BUY

Preserve Kitchen

Nothing Wasted.  Everything Gained.

We are huge fans of Preserve products in our house, everything from the toothbrushes to the razors--it's all so sturdy and functional.  The fact that it's made from recycled BPA plastic is more than icing on the cake--it puts this brand over the top when we are looking for smart and slick products for our home.

Now Preserve has come out with Preserve Kitchen, and leaves us swooning once again with the form and function combo they are so skilled at.  We've been using the Apple Green Colander [$13] and loving it's ease of use and funky look.

It's important to have brand you can trust, so that when new products come out you already know the safety and long lasting reputation will continue.  That's the case once again with Preserve, so check out their kitchen goodies, they won't disappoint!

-Arianne

BUY

Kata Golda Pottery

Tea for Two

Crafted with loving care, Kata Golda tea sets provide the ideal table setting for a perfect little tea party. The non-toxic stoneware tea cups [$15] hold one ounce of "tea," are dishwasher safe, and are available in 18 different animal designs. The whimsical critters that adorn these miniature cups include birds, giraffes, rabbits, and turtles, and are wearing cute little outfits, birthday hats, or perhaps just their birthday suits. The tea sets [$168] include a tea pot with a lid and six of the tea cups, and there are three different collections available (including the birthday-hatted beasties as well as the nudie guys). My boys were fascinated by the beautifully-made tea cups, perfectly sized for a tiny beverage, the feeding of various stuffed animals seated at the table, and just for holding in their small hands.

The designs of Kata Golda's work are inspired by her daughter's drawings, and truly the images evoke the joy of childhood itself. And 5% of the proceeds of this independently owned business go to local elementary schools for art supplies and organic gardening, encouraging children to create away.

-Beth

BUY

Sweetbeets

Feeling Good About Paper

Getting mail, like real mail that is not of the bill or the "e" variety, is something special nowadays. And perhaps that means that when it does happen, it is that much more delightful. There are times when a real, physical card is in order, and when those occasions arise, why not do something unique? The one-of-a-kind designs of Sweetbeets letterpress stationery provide a perfect way to celebrate those wonderful moments. Specializing in illustrations especially appropriate for birthdays and baby showers, Sweetbeets cards [$5 each, $18 for a set of 4] make a lovely statement, and the gift tags [$6 for a set of 8] are sure to make your present stand out.

When it comes to nice stationery (and I'll admit I have a thing for stationery), it's about both the look and the feel. The chlorine free, 100% post-consumer recycled cards from Sweetbeets are not only eco-friendly, but are beautiful in content and execution. The whimsical illustrations will take you right back to your own childhood. I love the "Birthday Numbers" series inspired by childhood toys, and the "birthday boy growing up" is just really fun. Honestly, I could keep going on, linking up every single design, but I'll try and control myself (but be sure and check out the baby cards too!). But paper is about the texture as well - you want it to feel good when one opens it - and these cards are weighty yet soft, and you can actually see and feel the impression made by the vintage letterpress. And when great designs are carried out exceptionally well? That's how you get beautiful stationery.

Real mail - it feels good to send it, it feels good to receive it, and sometimes it just feels good, literally.

Want it?
Enter code MamaSpeaks at checkout for 20% off. Code is good through January 31, 2009, and discount will be applied using Paypal after purchase.

-Beth

BUY

Short Stories Press

Telling Tiny Tales

When it comes to personalizing a nursery, kids room or even a space of your own with a piece of art it's nice to have options. Even better is when that artwork can tell a story that's relevant to it's keeper. That's what we love most about Short Stories Press, the brain child of artist and printmaker Laura Zeck.

She's taken tiny pieces of our imaginations, glimpses of our day dreams, images of our lives and used them to tell the story of you. With hundreds of gorgeous hand drawn images to choose from the process can seem a little overwhelming but we promise, it's as easy as getting lost in those day dreams.

First, you choose a layout. Everything from a single card to four image square to a thirty image rectangle. Next (this is where it gets fun) you can either choose each image yourself or select a theme and Laura will create a unique, personalized theme just for you. With each story plate printed by hand your order will take 2-3 weeks to arrive but the wait, and gasp of glee when you see it in person, are well worth it.

BUY

Shi Shu Baby

Heaven In A Blanket

I bear no shame in wanting to treat my baby like royalty- she deserves to wrapped up in the softest of swaddles. Shi Shu Baby blankets [$88] are made of 40% bamboo and handwoven in the most beautiful patterns spreading wide at 30" x 40". Delicate and intricate with bamboo sateen trim, they are everything a baby blanket should be. It's the one blanket I'm sure to carry when my little angel is dressed in her best (and maybe when we want to impress.)

For a smaller version, Shi Shu Baby snugglers [$29] make a great gift and are just the right size for your wee one to nestle up with. In blue, pink, lemon, or celedon- there's a blanket or snuggler to compliment every nursery, bassinet, or Mama's lap in luxury.

-Steph

BUY