We are in the home stretch of distance learning for the year before summer starts. This Friday is the last week of school for the twins and Kevin Ka’eo finished school on the 15th. We are so excited for summer to start but we are also planning accordingly for social distancing. Distance learning hasn’t been so easy the last couple of months, but the boys have been troopers.
Before the change in hair color and hair cuts, enjoying our time under the stars and by the fire pit.
A lot has happened over the last week and I didn’t get a chance to share here. The boys have new hair. We decided to change things up a bit since I was planning to change my hair as well. Kevin Ka’eo has pinkish-red hair, Luke wanted to have purple hair but stopped at bleached yellow/orange (I need to tone it again) and Isaiah has a turquoise green shade. They seem to be enjoying it a lot and the process was quite easy for them. All three boys have never bleached their hair before, so they were excited to try something new. They’ve been loving it so far and I’m glad we were able to mix things up a bit.
We’ve also been spending some time outside roasting mallows. We have been gifted a fire pit from one of my sisters and we’ve been making lots of good use out of it.
What’s been shakin lately?
The twins received some help from one of their teachers with their math. It was a specialized math zoom class that focused on math problems. It was pretty helpful and the boys feel confident that they can do those problems on their own. We’ve also been busy cleaning out the house and organizing our storage. We’ll be having flooring put in (instead of carpet) and some repairs made to our home, so everything has to come out. There’s a lot that will be done during the summer months, so we are trying to organize and get things together the best we can.
Hawaii Is Reopening
While that was happening, it seems like Hawaii started reopening again, while still keeping with social distancing protocol, of course. *For most people anyway. I understand that many need to get back to work to make money, but I’m just worried that we are not in the clear yet to start celebrating. I also don’t think that things are ready to go back to normal. Parks are still closed unless you are exercising, the same as the beaches. The boys are looking forward to jumping in the ocean as soon as school is done, but there will be no sunbathing or hanging out. We swim (for exercise) and then leave. Honestly, we don’t mind that – because the boys have all been indoors for months now and they are restless. We are looking forward to getting in a little water therapy soon.
What’s Next?
What’s in store for us the next few weeks? Well, none of us really know. Dad has gone back to work in the office, instead of from home. So it will be just the boys and I during the week. We hope that we can still go on adventures together as we like to do during the breaks from school. My goal is to catch as much of it as I can on camera. Honestly, the last couple of months have been a bit of a blur seeing as most of it consisted of doing everything at home. We are definitely looking forward to having time away from the house but we’re not quite sure what that will entail.
Are you looking forward to summer? How are you planning to keep busy while still social distancing?
Come and follow our distance learning journey, see what we have been up to the last few weeks. And, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram to get the daily dose of our life in photos.
We just completed Week 6 of Distance Learning and our daily schedule is starting to become the new norm around here. Last week finished with its fair share…
I can’t believe we are midway through week 4 since distance learning has become the new norm. The boys are feeling the pressure as the sanctuary they call…
We are almost done with Week 3 of this Stay-at-home order in Hawaii, due to the Covid-19 Global pandemic outbreak. Schools have been closed and homeschooling has become the new norm. To keep up with my “Confessions” posts here on the blog, I figured I would share a series detailing my confessions of homeschooling during the covid-19 stay at home order. For those of you parents that are teaching your children from home, I’m here for you and I’m with you.
Teachers – We do not give you enough credit!
I’d be lying if I said that this was easy. I have always been so proud and thankful of teachers who have not only taught me but my children, but my gosh – am I so grateful for them, more so now. Distance learning has been a challenge for everyone and I feel like I’m not only going back to school (because I have to relearn this stuff all over again) but also teaching it and it’s a struggle. Teachers truly do deserve so much more credit than we give them. I’ve been tackling day to day duties on the home front and spending about 4-6 hours a day teaching the twins from home and to say it is a challenge, is an understatement.
What is this Common Core witchery?
I’ve complained before about common core math, but man, can someone just give me a 1+1=2 question without needing to do 15 different steps to come up with the same answer? I know that common core is a great way for the kids to come up with their answers easily, utilizing different ways to solve a problem… but the fact that it is so different from how I was taught math in the 80s and 90s – well, it makes teaching (and learning) a struggle. Thank you, YouTube for having so many resources available to learn these techniques so I can teach my children. And, thank you to the teachers who post these videos online so we can continue to teach them to our kiddos.
School Support is so important!
Yesterday I went to the boys’ school for a drive up and pick up to grab some paper packets and one of their Chrome books. We are lucky that our household has computers and tablets for them to do their work, but it is helpful to have an additional computer since we have 3 boys working from home. Our eldest has been doing distance learning with his teachers via web apps like Zoom and Google Classroom and the twins have had assistance from their teachers via ClassDojo and Zoom as well. Thank goodness for these applications and to the teachers that have been making resources available to them. Without this, it would be very difficult to keep the boys up to date with their learning.
Overall – How is homeschooling going?
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a challenge. Kevin Ka’eo – who is in 10th grade has been keeping up with studies since his school has his teachers online during their normal hours. I keep the twins on a daily schedule with little wiggle room, but I try to keep them with structure so they do not get too relaxed and then not want to work. I’m thankful for the resources available to keep them learning and overall – I think they are doing okay.
I didn’t realize how much of a challenge homeschooling would be, but considering the circumstances, I think we are doing okay. Last week, I wanted to pull my hair out and this week, I think I’m able to maneuver through lesson plans a little easier. On a positive note, the boys and I have been reading Manic Magee by Jerry Spinelli. I originally read this book when I was in the 4th grade so I thought it was a great book to read with the twins.
Hope you are all staying safe and helping to flatten the curve during this pandemic. It’s definitely a challenge to keep our kids active, occupied and learning – but together we can do it and keep each other inspired.
I know that staying home and having a binge session of Netflix shows sounds appealing to many as they begin the Lockdown or self-quarantine due to the Coronavirus…
Here in Hawaii, most of us are on day 5 or more of the self-quarantine, social distancing, and lockdown during this coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Our Mayor just released…
We are literally just a few short days away from celebrating Mother’s Day. As a mother, I look forward to spending this day with my husband and sons because they are the ones that make me a mom, but this year, my eldest son will be off island for a band concert and I’m certainly going to miss him. If you’re wondering why it has taken me so long to share with you a little gift guide as I tend to do each year, well – that’s the reason! I’ve been able to spend this day with all of my boys since they were born so I have been in my own little pity party the last few days knowing that he wouldn’t be home. A few days ago, I realized that I needed to get over myself and be thankful that my husband and sons treat me like Mother’s Day is every day and no special day on the calendar is ever required. So – while I am a bit late at sharing my gift lift with all of you – I figured that I would make this post because any day is a great day to get a treat – right?
The first thing on my list is this gorgeous necklace from The Vintage Pearl which you can find on The Grommet. The Grommet has to be one of my go-to websites for finding unique gifts for my loved ones. This Messy Nest Necklace is a cute treasured keepsake and I absolutely love it. Whether you are getting it for your moms or grandmothers, I’m sure it will be a hit. The necklace starts at $42.00 and is handcrafted in the United States of antiqued silver wire. Each nest is handcrafted and filled with freshwater pearls – one for each child in the wearer’s heart. It’s set on a sterling silver ball chain and can be customized to match the number of children in the family. The creator of The Vintage Pearl is a mom herself and started creating from her kitchen table in hopes to be able to be a stay at home and work from home mom. This is probably one of my favorite pieces to share with you because it’s certainly a sentimental piece. I hope that The Vintage Pearl will offer this in gold one day.
Get a Messy Nest Necklace from The Vintage Pearl here.
Next is another gorgeous piece that can also be found on The Grommet. The Family Tree Necklace by Vintage Stamp Jewels is a great piece that can be worn every day. The delicate family tree charm represents the life connections that matter to each of us. You can choose the color and number of Swarovski crystal charms that accompany your tree. The bezel-set crystals can represent any important moments or people from birthstones of children or grandchildren, milestones and anniversaries or any special date or time that is close to your heart.
You can learn more about this gorgeous piece and get one for yourself or a loved one here.
Now, when I think of Mother’s Day – I always associate a really great face mask as a gift. Here’s the deal, I LOVE an awesome face mask and some of my favorites come from Miss Spa. If you’ve been a long time follower of my blog, then you know I’ve raved and talked about this brand a lot over the years. What I love about Miss Spa is their wide range of masks available for a variety of skin types and textures. You literally can find one to fit your needs or someone you love.
Did I mention that these masks are so affordable? Depending on the type you select, they start at about $4.00 each and go up in price from there and you can easily find a mask that suits you. I definitely love a great face mask for Mother’s Day because I don’t have time for an at Spa pampering so I love doing it at home.
You can learn more about Miss Spa products, purchase your own or get it as a gift here or at your local Ulta or Drugstore.
Bath Bombs are a favorite gift to receive and to give on Mother’s Day. For years my sons and I made creations of our favorite scents and dried flowers to give as gifts, a tradition that my sisters and I did when we were teenagers. One of my long time favorite handcrafted websites for great bath, body and essential oils is Sky Organics. I’ve been using their essential oils for a few years now and I just had to include them in this guide. All moms deserve a little pampering and bath bombs are those little fizzy wonders that just help any mom relax. Sky Organics offers their Organic Bath Bombs Gift Set for just $25.99 (one of my favorites besides my own handmade ones) and it includes 6 beautiful bath bombs in an assortment of scents – Caribbean Coconut (my favorite), Lavender Lemon Muffin, Love Potion, Mermaid Kiss, Strawberry Milkshake and Sugar Rose. These beauties are made in the USA and each bath bomb has a net weight of 5 oz. It’s a total steal for sure.
If bath bombs aren’t your thing, then be sure to check out their wide range of essential oils. They offer a set with all of their oils for just $50. Did I mention they also provide FREE SHIPPING. Head on over to their website here for more information.
LATHER is another company I recommend to anyone and they offer gift sets that are perfect for Mother’s Day or any day of the year. Their Dream On set ($58.00) includes their blue chamomile foaming bath treatment, lavender aromatherapy candle, Art of Tea sleep tea handcrafted loose leaf tea (organic), tea infuser, quiet night relaxing balm, eye mask, and a reusable gift box. All of these essentials are perfect for treating mom to a night of a little peace, quiet and relaxation. With my sleepless nights and insomnia, this kid would be the absolute perfect way for me to just settle down and relax.
Learn more about LATHER’S gift sets and products here.
I’ve been swooning over IT Cosmetics the last few months now and I knew I just had to include some of these beauties. Honestly, I’ve been totally stalking IT Cosmetic’s website now making a VERY LARGE wish list of items I want to try. I have literally only tried their Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment and Bye Bye Under Eye, so I find that this portion of my post has an ulterior motive for me… hehehe! Maybe my friends and family who see this will snatch something from IT for me for Mother’s Day. Hey, one can hope, right. j/k! This year IT Cosmetics is offering a bunch of IT girl essentials that will literally have your Mom feeling her most beautiful on this special day and always.
The Your BeautifulBasics Airbrush 101 5-Piece Face and Eye Getting Started Brush Set $58 is the perfect set for any makeup loving addict. Every woman needs a great basic brush set in her makeup bash and the Airbrush 101 is how you get started with it all. Blend, blur, buff and perfect for a flawless airbrushed finish with a brand of brushes that are known to be super soft and luxurious.
Now – of course, makeup brushes are definitely my thang so I had to share with you the Face & Eye Essentials Mini 5-Piece Face and Eye Travel Brush Set. This set retails for $30 and it wold be a great hit for Mom. An awesome powder, eye shadow brushes and liner brush can help you get ready in a flash. Four brushes are included to line, define, smoke out and blend. Plus, you get an all-over complexion brush for all the basics from foundation to blush and illuminizer. This is a great kit that includes the tools to get that fab look.
The Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment ( I just mentioned about how this is one of the products I have tried from IT) is also a great gift selection. But, this NEW Je Ne Sais Quoi Lip Treatment is now available in Rose. It contains the essential butters and oils, hyaluronic filling spheres and antioxidants for your softest and smoothest looking pout while it flushes your lip to the perfect rosy pink. The original is my go-to when I’m in a rush or not feeling makeup but want a little color to my lips. It’s definitely something I’d buy for my mom and something I’d love to receive as a gift. It retails for $24.00
Lastly from IT Cosmetics, I wanted to share with you the Bye Bye Pores Blush (retail $24). This award-winning Bye Bye Pores formula is infused with optical-blurring pigments which instantly diffuse the look of pores and discoloration. It’s filled with skin-loving ingredients like anti-aging silk, hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants, and peptides which will give any Mom (any body) a youthful flush. I definitely think this is perfect for me or my mom because we love a great blush and anything that is infused with ingredients we love, well – it’s definitely a must have.
You can purchase any of these products on IT Cosmetics website here.
Who says hair products and tools don’t make great gifts? Not me! I would love to get a fab hair tool for Mother’s Day so I figured I would include something that would help mom eliminate the “hair tool storage” and get a 3 in 1 that can do the trick. The CHI Ellipse 3-in-1 Styling Iron is a great tool to make convenience mom’s game. You can create a multitude of looks using this very versatile styler that includes 3 styling options in one tool. With Teflon and Titanium plates to create smooth and sleep styles on a non-stick surface. You can great smooth hair, curls and waves with just one tool. The styler has adjustable temperature settings that heat up to 410 °F / 210 °C. It has a ceramic heater for consistent temperature and an LED touch sensitive temperature control and display. You also get a temperature lock feature (oooh… fancy) and a 1 hour shut-off. I also love that it comes with it’s own glove, so you have everything you need for the perfect hair style. The CHI Ellipse 3-in-1 Styling Iron retails for $110 but the price is reasonable considering the quality of the product and the fact that you can use it for more than one style.
You can learn more about this tool or grab one for yourself or your mom here.
This next gift idea is untraditional, but definitely something worth mentioning. The Revolar Instinct (I’ll have a full review on this product in the next week or so) has been a very important part of my everyday. Retailing for $80, this little device can be the perfect gift in a big way. The Revolar is a product that is brand new (the Indiegogo campaign has just completed) but a tool that I think is very worth the while. It’s a quarter sized connect button that with 1-3 clicks, the Instinct can send different custom alerts to friends and family to let them know where the user is and what level of help they need. Unfortunately, sexual assault is on a rise here in the United States and violence against women is at an all-time high. You can send help to your location with a few clicks of this wearable device. It not only empowers you to be proactive about your safety, but this little Instinct will help ou stay in touch with loved ones as well. Did I mention it also tracks your steps? There are no chords, and easy to use device and you can replace a battery in about a year so you don’t have to worry about charging it. Last year my mom was sitting in a parking lot when someone tried to attack her. Luckily she was in her car and was able to escape. When I was 4 years old, a man attempted to kidnap me, I was in his car and he was about to drive away when my dad stopped him in his tracks. Devices like this are easy to use and definitely worth it. I wish I had one for each person in my family. I had to share this with you because it’s a gift I think that would be invaluable to any mom and anyone. Like I said, a full review will be coming soon – so stay tuned.
Learn more about the Revolar Instinct and find out how to get one for yourself here.
I’ll be honest, as a mother, I can honestly say that any type of gift is such a wonderful sentiment, but I never expect it. I think that Mother’s Day is every day of the year for me and I’m so lucky to call myself a mom. I love creating handmade gifts for my mom and my mother in law from all of us because I think it’s special and I’m quite good with a glue gun. Little flowers or hairpins decorated in fabric or paper always seem to make our loved ones happy. At the end of the day – a gift should come from the heart, whether purchased or made. My sons make me handmade cards each year and I cherish them with all my heart.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
I want to remind you that Mother’s Day is every single day of the year. If you’ve been following me a while then you know that I believe this to be so with Valentine’s Day too. Hmmm… I wish Christmas and birthdays were every day of the year also, hahaha! Anyway – no matter the gift or sentiment you give to the moms in your life, make it special. This last minute gift guide was not intended to be late, but I’m reminded that a present for mom doesn’t have to be given only one day a year so even if you miss picking up one of these for that special lady in your life – feel free to use this as a guide to put together a special treat for her at anytime.
I want to take this time to wish all of the mommies out there (whether you have human children or fur babies) a wonderful Mother’s Day this Sunday. May your day be filled with lots of love and hugs and a whole lot of warmth and happiness.
“To the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the World.”
Disclaimer: Some of the products featured in this post were sent for review consideration, while others were purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased, as with anything you see on this site. Affiliate links may be posted throughout.
The boys and I have reviewed toys here in the past and today is no exception. With the holidays just a few short weeks away, I wanted to make sure to share a fun toy concept with all of our readers. Today – we introduce you to Max and Landry, the Buddy Balls.
Buddy Balls was created by a little guy named Max. One day, he came home with a school project and had to create the “best toy ever”. He decided to combine two of his favorite toys – his love for sports and his beloved plush sleep buddy. With a little help from his parents, Buddy Balls were born. MaxLand Toys was inspired by Max’s creation with a goal of producing a high-quality plush toy that would become a childhood favorite. And, in our household – it certainly has.
The original collection of Buddy Balls includes four stuffed friends – Max, Landry, Sam and Eva and MaxLand Toys has since added four more additional buddies in the Sports Collection. With a few twists and flips and a push and pull – Max and Landry transform into a bright colored plush ball.
The twins absolutely love their new furry friends. Each of the buddies are so plush and soft and they use their friends’ zipper area as storage for their favorite toys – cars, legos, etc. The bears come in four different colors and the pattern on their paws show what color the ball is.
“Zip it, Flip it, Love it!”
The twins have found a new cuddly buddy and love sleeping with Max and Landry because their fur is so soft and smooth. Each bear we received is very plush and would make the perfect gift for any child or child at heart. And, did I mention that Buddy Balls offers accessories for their buddies? Sports uniforms & jerseys are available for purchase to give your buddies clothes and extra love and care.
Buddy Balls are Award Winning and have been honored with a Parent’s Choice Foundation Award. Buddy Balls also helps to support Child Life Services Hospitals and chronically ill children. Do you have someone in your life that would love a Buddy Ball? This would make a great gift for anyone.
You can learn more about Max, Landry and MaxLand Toys as well as purchase your own Buddy Ball as a gift or for yourself here: http://www.buddyballs.com/
Disclaimer: The products featured in this post were sent for review consideration and feature. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted through out.
With all the kiddos heading back to school for the 2016-2017 school year, Target has you covered. The “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” product collection includes leading natural, organic and sustainable brands for you to choose from. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. Are you a Target shopper? If so, read on and check out some of these brands that you can add to your list the next time you’re out shopping.
Target is one of my favorite stores to shop at and I’m excited to share a few fun brands for you to check out as a part of the “Made to Matter Handpicked by Target” collection. These brands and products offer an assortment of great products and today I’m going to share them with all of you.
Pacifica is a brand that I know and love and I’m very thankful to be a Pacifica Beauty Ambassador. The Made to Matter product from Pacifica is the DreamBIG Lash Extending 7 in 1 Mascara ($15.99) which I wrote a review on previously (you can find that here). This mascara provides instant amplification with natural plant fibers that build and build plus fortify your lashes with an innovative peptide serum. It also includes a magic wand that changes up your mascara game with a twist. Fake it till you make it with this awesome mascara.
Shea Moisture Made to Matter Products – Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.99 each). I’m a huge fan of the Shea Moisture products but have not tried this particular line from the brand until now. These nourishing recipes are made with natural and certified organic ingredients and are designed to hydrate and soften dry, brittle hair. Key Ingredients include: Peace Rose Oil Complex (Alpine, Damask and Must Rose Oils) to help soften and silken dry hair. Date Pam Extract to provide protective moisture barrier with sensitivity pathway blockers and Camellia Leaf Extract contains antioxidant properties, soothing minor skin and scalp irritation. I have been LOVING these hair products and plan to have a full review up on the blog in the coming weeks.
Method Rebecca Atwood + Method Pumpkin Clove Gel Handwash ($3.49) is a design-driven, planet-friendly home and personal care product that was designed in collaboration with Brooklyn-based designer Rebecca Atwood. The line includeds four custom painterly patterns and fragrances that span a variety of method products in this limited edition collection for fall – bringing sophisticated style to everyday products. The bottle is gorgeous with a chic design that is show stopping and the scent of the soap is awesome. Method met the clean label challenge for the Made to Matter program by sharing all product ingredients with Target’s Sustainability Index team so that they could verify the safety and sustainability.
Suja Pressed Probiotic Waters in Raspberry, Orange, Ginger Pineapple, Pineapple Lemon Cayenne & Ginger Lime ($2.99) are the perfect back to school drink. Suja has created the first enhanced water on teh market with no additives of any kind and no natural or artificial flavors. Suja’s Pressed Probiotic Waters are Organic, Non-GMO and Cold-Pressured. Suja’s waters are the first-ever enhanced water made with nothing but organic fruits, vegetables and vegan probiotics. 10 calories and one gram of sugar or less, the pressed probiotic waters offer a subtle sweetness and no additives of any kind. They also contain 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of vegan probiotics, these waters provide a clean dose of immune and digestive benefits.
Annie’s Snacks ($3.45/box) and Justin’s Peanut Butter + Banana Chip Snack Packs ($1.99) are delicious snacks that are perfect for back to school. These treats are conveniently packed to put into the lunchbox and are a nutritious snack for the whole family. They are tasty and fun and I love that they are perfect for on the go.
Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Masks ($2.99) are single use Ultra Hydrating paper masks that naturally hydrate and provide the skin with and extra dose of tropical scented moisture.
Tom’s of Maine just launched their first natural antiperspirant for Men – Naturally Dry North Woods. Selected for the “2016 Made to Matter-Handpicked by Target” Program. 48 Hour odor and wetness protection with no petrochemicals or artificial fragrances. It’s also non-irritating and with every purchase Tom’s of Main donates 10% of profits back to helping people and the planet. Tom’s Main Naturally Dry Deodorant ($4.49) is reasonably priced and smells nice. But I especially like that it will not cause irritation to my husband who has sensitive skin like me.
Tom’s of Maine Luminous White Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste ($4.99) is their newest, most advanced natural whitening toothpaste designed exclusively for Target. Luminous White offers effective whitening with only naturally derived ingredients that work to remove surface stains. Most importantly, it’s safe on enamel and selected for the 2016 “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target program because it contains no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or artificial sweeteners like saccharin. It’s also gluten free with no animal testing and clinically proven, dual silica whitening technology.
The Honest Company has been one my family has really grown to love. The Organic Healing Balm ($12.95) is a favorite mainly because it is very similar to those that I currently use from other brands. It’s an all purpose salve for dry, chafed or sensitive skin and a favorite in our household because I can easily carry it in my purse and take on the go for when I need it most. It’s all natural, soothing and hypoallergenic which make it all great for my sensitive skin and my family. Award winning, this balm is a must have, super versatile salve to help soothe my very dry and sensitive skin and so much more. With organic sunflower, olive and coconut oils along with shea butter to nourish and moisturize, my dry skin gets the relief it needs. It’s also made without petroleum, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, dyes and most ingredients that cause common allergies.
The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray ($2.98) is also a favorite in our house. It smells so refreshing and bright with an orange citrus scent and moisturizes with aloe vera. Kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, this antiseptic + moisturizer offers antimicrobial protection made with plant-based ingredients. Soothing botanicals help to reduce drying, redness and chapping and there are no harsh chemicals. I love that it is in a convenient (easy to travel and use on the go) packaging and it’s a favorite to always have on hand.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Vinegar Gel Cleaner ($3.99) is something new to our family and I have not used it prior to this. Heritage-inspired specialty cleaners that are bleach-free but still work hard on grease, grime and soap-residue. Mrs. Meye’s Vinegar Gel Cleaner in Lemon Verbena smells nice and is naturally thickened vinegar with the Lemon Verbena fragrance to help clean stainless steel to a bright, brilliant shine without needed to rinse. Use to clean countertops, the refrigerator, handles, knobs and all those little do-it-yourself vinegar jobs but with more of a pleasant scent. I love it… I am someone who keeps a bottle of vinegar on hand just for cleaning the house and this product is awesome.
Happy Family Organics Brand Happy Tot Super Smart Organic Pears, Peas & Mangos ($1.60) I have been seeing kiddos around our neighborhood and at football practice sipping on these pouches over the last couple of weeks and I was excited to be able to try one. Since a toddler’s brain doubles in size from birth to age 2, it’s essential to give them the proper support for a tot’s growth. These Super Smart pouches contain 20mg of DHA and 100mg of choline, both important nutrients to help support brain health in a growing toddler. But, while these are formulated mainly for toddlers, the boys tried them and really enjoy it. I know they have a variety of flavors for older kids too so we’ll be checking those out in the next week or so and stocking up.
Babyganics Moisturizing Lotion ($7.29 for 11oz bottle) is the only baby lotion designed specifically for baby’s developing skin, featuring NeoNourish Natural Seed Oil Blend and the 100% natural scent of chamomile verbena (also available fragrance free). It’s free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, dyes or synthetic fragrances and the boys enjoy it as well as I do. Non-allergenic, pediatrician & dermatologist tested and never tested on animals, this is a really nice brand that includes Shea butter, Aloe, Vitamin E, Olive and Avocado Oil and the Babyganics 100% natural NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend.
Bitsy’s Brainfood Smart Crackers ($3.99) has been a fun new treat for us. Clean Label, USDA Organic, Non-GMO, nothing artificial and low in sugar, high in nutrition with 1/2 serving of vegetables. Smart Crackers are baked in a zero waste die and no scrap dough and the boys love that there are puzzle games on the 1005 recycled paperboard. The crackers are made with real organic veggies and come in three yummy flavors: Cheddar Chia Veggie, Mapple Carrot Crisp and Sweet Potato Cinna-Graham. They are made with love in the USA in a peanut and tree nut-free bakery. My sons really enjoy them and I think they taste really good… YUM.
Nature’s Path Organic EnviroKidz Granola Bars ($4.99 / 6 bars) are made with gluten-free rolled oats, chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle. The first and only granola bar made totally organic, gluten free and peanut free so they’re the perfect allergy-friendly lunchbox snack. The boys love these and love the way they taste, plus – the cute monkey on the packaging is a total fun way to snack.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent Packs ($12.99) include Seventh Generations trusted Free & Clear laundry formula that is now available in EPA safer Choice certified all-temperature laundry packs. These bio-based laundry packs use quadruple-enzyme power to remove stains and leave your clothes looking good as new. The product includes 45 toss-and-wash single-dose pods to make laundry day simple and mess-free. Their EPA Safer Choice certification means that every ingredient in their laundry packs have been reviewed by the EPA to ensure it meets their stringent human health & environmental criteria. What I enjoy the most about these laundry packs is that they are perfect for sensitive skin and my family is full with sensitive skin bodies. I think this will become a favorite our ours in the future and you may see a full review on this in the months to come.
As I mentioned before, “Made to Matter – Handpicked by Target” is a collection of products of leading natural, organic and sustainable brands. At the heart of Made to Matter is an assortment of great products made with simple, recognizable ingredients that are designed to be higher quality for everyone and accessible to anyone. It is always a great thing to walk into my local Target store to see the “Made to Matter” logo and emblem on product displays because I know what they are about and am proud to support these brands. This year I was introduced to brands I have never tried before and some that I have loved over the years and my family and I have been enjoying them all.
It’s always great when a company offers such great quality but higher standards and I’m excited for my readers and friends to try some of these brands for themselves.
Make sure to shop all of these amazing #MadeToMatter favorites on Target/MadeToMatter website: http://www.target.com/c/made-to-matter or at your local Target Store.
Thank you Target and Pacifica Beauty for sending my family and I this awesome gift of goodies, we surely love them and look forward to trying more.
Disclaimer: The products discussed in this post were sent for review and feature consideration and as gifts. All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased. Affiliate links are posted through out.
