Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Celebrate Earth Day With Five Eco-Friendly Brands

Happy Earth Day! Today you can spread awareness and appreciation for the nature around us and the environment we live in.  Every year on April 22nd we are encouraged to observe the beauty of the planet we live on and do our part in preserving life around us. Plant a tree, start a vegetable garden, take a nature walk, observe critters, or pick up litter throughout your neighborhood. No matter the weather, rain or shine, spend your time outdoors. Create your own companionship with nature. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore and discover some of the wonderful brands that support our planet by selling natural, vegan, and organic products.
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Cascadian Farm Organic Review

Since becoming a mom three years ago, my lifestyle and diet has noticably changed. Living in Colorado I was introduced to natural food stores, farmer’s markets, and a healthy way of eating.  I have noticed that eating organic is not only a trend but now a lifestyle for many Americans. I, myself have been trying to wiggle in more natural products into my family’s diet. Eating organic is not only healthier but it allows you to enjoy the true flavors of each ingredient. One of the most popular brands I have purchased is Cascadian Farm. All of the products that Cascadian Farm offers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients. This means there are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or extra junk to alter the appearance. Cascadian Farm currently has 75 delicious, high-quality organic products on the market. These include granola, cereal, granola bars, frozen fruit, vegetables, and much more. 

Cascadian Farm was kind enough to send me two of their upcoming products, Berry Cobble Granola and the Crunchy Granola Bars in Oats & Honey. The first thing I was eager to try was the Berry Cobbler Granola. Does the title alone not sound absolutely yummy? I love granola and am always taste testing new brands to find what I like to call, my “Holy Grail Granola!” Cascadian Farm is actually  known as being America’s Favorite Granola Cereal Brand. Granola can be eaten so many ways and I don’t think many people realize how versatile it can be. You can eat it on yogurt, in milk, baked into treats, or even tossed in a trail mix. 

The Berry Cobbler flavor is made with organic whole grain oats, crisp rice, dried cranberries, and blueberries. Short and simple, huh? The medley of these ingredients baked into the granola makes it crunchy and flavorful. It doesn’t get soggy quickly and when you open the bag there are big crunchy chunks instead of a ton of small flakes. When you bite into one of the dried fruit pieces, they are chewy and add a nice contrast of texture. I don’t think it’s going to get any better than this but I am anxious to try the Crunchy Granola Bars too. 

The Cascadian Farm Crunchy Granola Bars are available in two flavors at the moment. These include Almond Butter and Harvest Spice. In 2013 we will see the release of three new flavors, Oats & Honey being one of them. The other two are Peanut Butter and Oats & Cocoa- YUM! When I received my package I was thrilled to see the Oats & Honey inside because I regularly eat snack bars with both main ingredients. Each box contains 10 individual packages with two crunchy bars inside. While they are delicious eaten just as they are, I like to sometimes break mine up and toss them into vanilla yogurt as a snack! The Oats & Honey flavor has the perfect amount of sweetness, crunch, and hint of vanilla. Compared to other leading brands, you can really taste all of the natural flavors blended together. 

By taste alone it would be hard to tell that they are only made with seven wholesome ingredients. I’ll admit, I am not used to buying products with such a short list of ingredients on the back. It was refreshing to see that I recognized everything inside- rolled oats, sugar, sunflower oil, honey, sea salt, molasses, and vanilla extract. With 23 grams of whole grain per serving, these are an excellent healthy snack for adults and children. It is estimated that 48 grams of whole grain are recommended each day. By eating one package of crunchy bars that takes care of almost half! They are great for packing in lunches or serving as an after school snack. I really haven’t been able to stop eating them myself…

With basic natural ingrediants, Cascadian Farm is keeping it simple while also delivering a ton of flavor in each of their products.  To learn more about Cascadian Farm and their organic products, visit the website here. You can also interact with the brand by liking them on Facebook. Keep an eye out in 2013 for more delicious releases!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. I will not be compensated and all opinions are my own. 

Green Grab Bag Review

To all of my monthly subscription box lovers, let me introduce you to the Green Grab Bag! As part of this eco friendly program each month you will get at least 6 beauty samples that are natural, organic, and vegan. These samples will include skin or hair products, makeup, fragrances, and more. Unlike many of the subscription programs floating around, the Green Grab Bag is known for keeping their service 100% natural. Not only are their products organic, BUT their packaging is even eco-friendly! This includes their bag, shredded filler paper, tape, and even their wrapping materials. It’s refreshing to see a company that is truly devoted to providing the greenest of the green! I have read a numerous amount of positive reviews on the Green Grab Bag and was thrilled when given the opportunity to experience it myself. 

The August edition of the Green Grab Bag embraces the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The samples provided are meant to assist in hydrating, exfoliating, and replenishing for a fresh fall look. In my bag I received six different generous sized samples. Taking a quick look at everything, most of these products remind me of things I would find in my local Whole Foods or natural food store in their cosmetic section.  

  • Selma Valentines Whipped Body Butter: soothe dry skin with this decadent body butter, made from moisture rich coconut oil.
  • Green Tea Skin Anti-Aging Cream: it’s never too late to reverse & repair, and this multi-use, antioxident rich cream does the trick on face, neck, hand and eye areas.  
  • Emtage Hair SILKtage Rejuvenating Serum: turn your dry, parched hair into silk with this amazing product that offers 30 benefits in one bottle. 
  • Moody Sisters Organic Eye Cream: fight those fine lines and deflate those bags with this luxurious cream, loaded with vitamins and essentials oils. Great for nails and cuticles too.
  • Tierra Mia Organics Raw Goat Milk Soap: baby and nourish your skin with one of these delicious smelling soaps. Everything your skin needs and nothing it doesn’t.
  • Scrubz Natural Skin Care Lipz Shea Butter Lip Balm: you should crack a smile, not your lips. Keep them soft and smooch ready with pure shea butter and eight botanical oils. 
 I can’t say that there was one sample that I did not enjoy using from this bag. My favorite product was the whipped body butter because it smelled amazing and was the perfect size to keep in my purse. Even the eye cream has become a staple in my nightly routine. Green Grab bag allows you to try new products and their deluxe samples can even be used more than once. This is a great way to try before you buy. The upcoming September Green Grab Bag is currently being curated by the Whole Body Department of Whole Foods Market. It’s going to feature deluxe samples of some of their most popular national brands that are being hand selected for next month’s bag. With that being said, you will not want to miss out on September!

If you are interested in subscribing to Green Grab Bag, they offer two different subscription options. You can pay $15 a month or you can purchase their yearly membership with a 20% discount attached. If you are someone that enjoys trying natural, organic, and vegan products then this program is something you will probably enjoy. For more information you can visit the Green Grab Bag website or stop by their Facebook to see what other fans are saying about their experience!
Disclosure: I received the products above from Green Grab Bag for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara Review

Everyone has one beauty product that they could never be without. For some people it may be foundation to even their skin tone, concealer to hide any redness, or even a brow pencil to give them more defined eyebrows. My go to – “must have” – could never be without – beauty product is mascara. You can probably go ahead an assume that the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara is my favorite. A few months ago I had started using the PF products, more specifically their blushes, when I noticed that there were a lot of positive reviews online. I loved their Happy Booster blush and quickly replaced it as soon as it ran out. When in comes to makeup and beauty products I usually go for higher end and avoid drugstore brands. But after being disappointed the past year with all of the high end makeup counter mascaras, I decided to do a little research and look into other options. Luckily I came across the Organic Wear and gave it a try. 
There are so many things that I love about this product. Not only is the packaging 100% recyclable, but if you didn’t know PF is a cruelty free company. No testing on animals- huge plus! Given the formula this mascara does not burn your eyes or cause any irritation. I wear contacts everyday and this has never given me any issues.  I am not usually a fan of the rubber brushes or wands but this one i do like. It helps to lengthen, thicken, and plump your lashes without causing any clumping. You can continuously coat your lashes and they will not get brittle, dry, or flaky. It also gives them a natural look while still being flexible and soft. Living in South Florida it can be hot and humid here nearly everyday. With that being said I have never had a problem with it smudging or smearing. If you are on the search for a new mascara then please give this a try! I would never write about a product if I didn’t believe in it or think it performed well. If you are also a fan of PF cosmetics, what products do you use?

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