Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products for Home and Office

Clean as Grandmom Would Have Liked

You could be polluting your home or office without even knowing it. Some of the chemicals that are used to clean affect the air inside our homes in negative ways. If you knew that when you were cleaning you were actually putting your family’s health at risk, wouldn’t you want to make a change? Many people believe that in order to be clean, the house has to smell like a bleach (or other cleaning product) factory. This isn’t the case at all. You can choose environmentally friendly green cleaning supplies to keep your home or office clean and your family safe without the “knock you down at the door” smell of some of the commercial cleaning products on the market.

What are eco-friendly products? You’ve seen ads for cleaners that are organic or “green.” These products comply with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for product ingredients that are safe for the environment. If these products won’t poison the earth, they are a lot safer for you don’t you think?

Think about it. About 50 to 100 years ago our ancestors improvised with what was available and cleaned in other ways. They didn’t have all the cleaning product choices found on grocery store aisles or janitorial cleaning supplies available commercially today. If they could do it,  so can you. Part of the return to environmentally friendly products is that they don’t use chemicals that can breakdown and affect the soil and water and ultimately animals and humans.

Check the labels when you go to the store. Look for products that are specifically designated as “green” cleaning products. Most major manufacturers and even industrial cleaning supply companies have come out with their own line of cleaning agents geared towards being gentler to our bodies and the earth.

In addition to buying eco-friendly products, try to encourage your family and friends to “go green” also!

photo credit: CarbonNYC

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Back-To-School In Style With Carolina Pad: Review and Giveaway

Back-To-School

Carolina Pad Kendall and Sasquatch Collections

In a few weeks it will be Back-To-School, and I’m a little melancholy.  You see, my youngest daughter recently graduated college and it’s the first time in oh how many years that I won’t be sending my prodigy off to school.  At least, not for awhile, as she’s taking a break before starting on her Masters degree.

No waiving to the school bus any longer – time goes by so quickly, and the kids grow so fast!

I’ve recently had the opportunity to review a line of  Back-To-School product from Carolina Pad and Paper.

Our products rock – at least that’s what our consumers tell us! With trendy design and great function, Carolina Pad notebooks, binders, and other school and office products stand out from the crowd. You might also catch a glimpse of our fashion collections, with clever names like Hot Chocolate and Pattern Play, on hit shows like 90210, Greek, and Gossip Girl.

There are two exciting lines that have been recently released, and Carolina Pad is generously offering a Giveaway to readers of Moomette’s Magnificents.  Whether you homeschool or have children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren that you’ll be waiving goodbye to on the school bus, you’ll want to check out these school supplies:

Sasquatch – Leave Nothing But Tracks

Made from recycled materials, these beautifully designed notebooks, folders, binders and divider tabs also include an environmental education component that reminds young people about everyday actions they can take to become even better stewards of the environment.

The product collection is appealing to school age girls and boys as well as moms who want to teach their children to live green. Sasquatch products enable them to express their love of the environment through nature-oriented designs and to learn how they can make the world a better place.

Carolina Pad’s Sasquatch Web site,  is an interactive destination designed to give visitors information on environmental issues. From interactive games to informative tips, blogs and links to additional green resources, kids can use the site to make a difference. They can also connect with Sasquatch through Twitter and Facebook.

Kendall Kollection – Inspired by a Special Little Girl

The notebooks and office supplies in this collection are not only eye-catching and beautiful, but they are also a small way for a designer and a company to give back to a little girl who was stricken with leukemia.

Here is a little more about Kendall’s story.

When Jacqueline Savage McFee, signature designer for Carolina Pad  – the industry leader in trendy school, office and organizational fashion products, got the devastating news that her two-year-old cousin, Kendall Sierens, was diagnosed with leukemia, it brought things into perspective for her. It also created a spark. The Kendall Kollection – a collection of colorful high-end school supplies inspired by the artist’s young cousin – was born in 2008 and has been raising funds and awareness for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The partnership between Jackie McFee, Carolina Pad and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society continues for 2009 with fresh new designs.

Kendall is now almost six-years old and in remission, but the battle continues for thousands of other children just like her. Carolina Pad looks forward to another year of helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its effort to find cures and better therapies for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Mothers and their daughters adore the look of the collection, but really love knowing that purchasing these products helps those in need.

Available at major national retailers including Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Office Max, as well as grocery and drug store chains.

Become a Carolina Pad fan on Facebook, follow @CarolinaPad on Twitter

For More Information Visit: Carolina Pad

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) set of your choice, either the Kendall Kollection or the  Sasquatch – Leave Nothing But Track Collection.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Carolina Pad and leave a comment about another fact that wasn’t mentioned in this post and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until August 17, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EDT

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Contests and Giveaways Linky Roundup

Please take my banner and display it to add your contests/giveaways here. Displaying my blog banner helps to promote my site and your Contests and Giveaways. You may also sign up by email to receive my free Newsletter for updates.

Please also follow me on Twitter – I am @Moomettes

I have an extensive following on Twitter, and will tweet my post multiple times over the course of the week, as well as post and promote it on the various ning and other social sites I belong to.

Here’s a listing of the latest Contests & Giveaways from my friends around the blogosphere! Please visit their websites for details, rules and ending times.

Would you like to have your contest listed? Just add your Contest or Giveaway to the Mr. Linky listing!

Entries Must be in the following format:

• Link up the NAME OF THE CONTEST- NOT YOUR BLOG NAME.
• LINK DIRECTLY TO THE CONTEST, NOT JUST TO YOUR BLOG
• Ending Date

All entries will be deleted that don’t follow this format. Contests/Giveaways that have ended will be removed each Sunday evening.

I also am available for Product Reviews and offer affordable Advertising rates. Please contact me for info.

Listings are offered here as a courtesy, Family-Friendly only.

<a href=”http://moomettesmagnificents.com/blog” mce_href=”http://moomettesmagnificents.com/blog”><img alt=”Moomette’s Magnificents” src=”http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/mattci/banners/mmbanners125.jpg” mce_src=”http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u221/mattci/banners/mmbanners125.jpg”/></a>

Be sure to Visit Connie’s View to add your listings to another great Giveaway Roundup!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Eliminate Washing Machine Odor: Smelly Washer Cleaner – Review

When my oldest daughter and charming son-in-law asked me to take a look at the new house they were planning on buying, I immediately had real estate house-envy.  I walked in the kitchen door, and there it was ~ a first floor laundry room!

Many of my loyal readers know that I live in Connecticut ~ known for it’s haunting, quaintness and historic homes.  My house isn’t exactly quaint, but it’s on it’s way to being historic.  It was supposed to be our “starter” home.  Well, the Hubster and I didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye, and we’re still in it, 32 years later.

My “laundry room” is in the basement.  The washing machine sits right next to the slop sink.  Actually, we have an unfinished basement, which thankfully, is dry.  Nonetheless, basements do tend to take on a “smell” usually from all the old junk vintage collectibles that are stored down there.

I’ve been asked to review Smelly Washer.  Since this Baby Boomer has been married 35 years in June, I’ve probably gone through about 5 washing machines, all of which have sat in said unfinished basement.  The one I’m using now is about 5 years old and better last awhile longer!

Smelly Washer is an environmentally safe way to remove washing machine odor, smell, mildew, mold, stink, and fungus!  Green and environmentally friendly, all scents or dyes have been removed to conform with all natural product standards.

The Hubster, the in-house mechanic,  can be found repairing our cars as well as anything mechanical around the house, so that often means oily, greasy  clothing and such get run through the machine.

I used as directed and let the machine soak overnight.  The next day I emptied the washing machine and did a normal load of wash, using my normal laundry detergent.

We have city water from what has been called the best water source in Connecticut.  My load of clothing did, in fact, come out clean and fresh smelling, as it normally does.

Whether it was due to my using Smelly Washer, I can’t say, however using Smelly Washer probably might have helped.

If you have a definite problem with your laundry and washing machine odors, now you have a remedy!

Smelly Washer would like to offer readers of Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews a 10% off discount code coupon for ordering.  Use Discount  Code MOOMETTES

Give it a try and see if it helps with your family laundry!

For More Information Visit: Smelly Washer

Review Courtesy of Mom Fuse

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Baby Go Green ~Natural Parenting Products, Made Easy and Affordable ~ A Review

Baby Go Green features Natural Parenting Products,
Made Easy and Affordable!

The new luv of my life arrived on August 5, 2008.  I now have a new Grandson!

This is going to be quite an experience for me, after having 2 daughters, and one granddaughter.  Not only do I not really know how to shop for anything remotely connected to entertaining toddler boys, but I’m not great at picking out clothes for them either!

To my rescue comes Baby Go Green ~ Natural Parenting Made Easy & Affordable!

I did a Product Review for Lori, a WAHM of 3 girls earlier this summer highlighting the wonderful Fuzzy Farm Puzzle.

Now that Slugger’s on deck, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you about the 100% Organic Baby Clothes that Baby Go Green has to offer.

The UTN Union Suit HIPPO is a  cozy suit that is  great for outings or just around the house.  Made with the finest 100% Organic Egyptian Cotton, Slugger will be comfortable and cozy in this super-soft outfit that is suitable for wearing through the rest of the Summer through Fall, here in New England.  It has plenty of thin snaps for comfort and easy changing.  And do I need to mention how breathable natural cotton is?

Available in Sizes Newborn ~ 3 Months & Sizes 6 ~ 9 Months

USD $24.00

Check out Baby Go Green for Cloth Diapers, Diaper Covers, Baby Care items & More.

Have a Baby Shower coming up?  How about starting your Holiday Shopping early  ~ Lori is kind enough to offer readers of Moomettesgram’s Musings  Free Shipping! Use Code FREESHIP50

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Baby Go Green ~ Fuzzy Farm Animal Puzzle ~ A Review

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to review a delightful product from Baby Go Green!

Baby Go Green features Natural Parenting Products, Made Easy and Affordable!

Lori, a busy WAHM of 3 girls, is the site’s owner and has been in business since late 2007.  Lori was kind enough to send me a Hand-Crafted Fuzzy Farm Animal Puzzle to review.

My oldest DD is expecting her second child very shortly, and I’ve been assigned the task of picking up ‘Lil Moomette from daycare and bringing her to my house until Charming Son-In-Law picks her up after work.  Therefore, I’m always eager to try and keep new toys on hand to keep the little darling toddler occupied until the magic hour arrives.

I surprised ‘Lil Moomette, my 20-month old granddaughter when I picked her up from day care, and we experimented with the puzzle together.  This is a terrific first wooden puzzle that encourages creative play.  The puzzle pieces are just the right size for little toddler hands to grasp and have matching pictures underneath.

Each barnyard animal is covered in soft felt so as to stimulate the sense of touch, feel & imagination in your child.

The puzzle itself measures 0.51″ x 9″ x 12″ assembled.  The animals include a cow, duck, lamb and pig.

What I liked about this toy is that it helped ‘Lil Moomette to identify her colors, facial features (ears, eyes, nose, mouth) as well as feet and tail!  Moomette was able to practice learning to identify a fence, water (swim swim), butterfly, flowers & more.  The puzzle packed quite a bit of creativity into one activity toy!

When the pieces are removed, there are facsimiles underneath to help your child put the pieces back in the proper place.

The wooden puzzle is hand-crafted, and all the edges were very smooth, with no rough edges for little fingers.  No worries there!

Recommended Ages: 1+ year(s)

Baby Go Green also features Cloth Diapers and Diaper Covers, Blankets, Bedding, Accessories & Gifts for Mama and Baby.

For more delightful offerings, please visit Baby Go Green! Lori is kind enough to offer my readers Free Shipping! Use Code FREESHIP50

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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When Traveling Think Green & Be Eco-Concious this Summer ~Rent a Car from Advantage

I was tagged for a Meme earlier this week. In my full disclosure, I mentioned that I’ve lived in the same town virtually my entire life!

Such is not the case for my brother. Once he left for college out of state many moons ago, he never returned (to live in Connecticut.) My travels to visit him always involve flying, sometimes with my toddler DD when she was younger, and a 91-year-old grandmother in tow.

When my brother graduated from college, I made a mad dash to try to make it to the ceremonies – as it was a one day road trip, fly there and return home the same day and had to rent a car.

If flying to family weddings, reunions, graduations, vacation resorts or visiting Grandma and Grandpa are in your travel plans this summer, check out the special car rental offers at Advantage Rent A Car. What I like about this company is that they America’s first major rental car company to commit to going 100% Green!

Booking your reservation and choice of vehicle is easy, as Advantage is located in most major airports. And don’t forget ~ Advantage is committed to going Green!

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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Earth Day is April 22, 2008 – Conserve Energy to Save the Planet for your Kids & Grandkids to Enjoy – Musings

Earth Day is April 22, 2008 this year.

The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970. That was the year I was a Senior in high school, the Vietnam War was raging, and it was a very tumultuous period. We all wanted to be Flower Children. My DH recalls Earth Day specifically as he flew out and back that same day from Connecticut to visit Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI where he ended up going to college.

The photo pictured above is one of my favorites that I took this past summer while on a camping trip to the Connecticut shoreline (come visit us!) I can’t imagine living anywhere that isn’t close to some type of water or anything nautical ~ specifically the ocean, but I’ll take a lake. Summer and Fall are my favorite seasons. I love the smell of the salt water, marshes, (my family disagrees with me here,) the scrub pine needles. I love the four seasons; scents of beach Rose Begosa; and sand between my toes. Nothing is more peaceful than falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves. Cape Cod, Massachusetts has got to be one of my favorite places on the planet. I prefer to think of it in the past tense ~ think “Summer of ‘42” ~ when it wasn’t so crowded, and “discovered”. You can’t beat Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for tranquility. Ask Bill. I’m looking forward to perhaps some day camping there again with my family, charming Son-in-Law, ‘lil Moomette, and her soon-to-be born brother.

So much has changed since 1970. I’m a Boomer now, on the verge of retirement. Not only do I not look the same, but I know the earth isn’t the same as I remember, either. As an Analyst, my current FT profession is focused on Energy Conservation and heavily promotes Green Clean Products, Energy Efficiency, Fire Prevention, Environmental Protection, Recycling, Water Conservation and more. I am responsible for researching trends on a daily basis and keeping up with current events. What I’m seeing isn’t pretty.

Do something special this year in honor of the day. Save the Earth, for your children and grandchildren.

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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EBAY ECO-FRIENDLY ATTITUDE SENT DOWN THE RIVER

I’ love eBooks. I have several favorites, from recipes, cookbooks, How-To eBooks on a variety of topics. It’s great being able to download them immediately by digital delivery, and have them right on my computer to refer to when I need to. I’ ve even sold them in my eBay Store, Moomette’s Magnificents where I’m a Power Seller. But recently eBay changed their policy and no longer allows digital delivery as the means to transfer the product to the consumer. This has thrown quite a few eBay sellers out of business.

As a result of this policy change, like a good soldier, I now sell all of the eBooks on my Moomette’s Magnificents Olde Towne Shoppes site, and still offer Free digital delivery.

Additionally, I belong to several forums. Here’s a post from eBay Coach Free Forum, that I feel is worth mentioning for the purpose of fostering discussion. I’m a Moderator on this forum, (which by the way ~ come visit ~ it’s an active community of eBay sellers that’s a breath of fresh air!) What’s nice about this forum is, although everyone may differ in their opinions, everyone’s genteel & polite if they aren’t in agreement.

Although I may not be in total agreement with all of the comments posited by the author of the following post, I feel the post is worth mentioning. The part that I’m in agreement with is going “Green” and conserving and saving the planet.

EBAY ECO-FRIENDLY ATTITUDE SENT DOWN THE RIVER

April 1, 2008, eBay announced a ban on digital delivery products through its core auction site.

At a time of consumer concern for reduction in unnecessary waste, eBay, the international auction giant, is encouraging sellers to enlarge the carbon footprint of literature. Sellers are being told to move away from computer delivery in favor of selling unsustainable physical products shipped by snail mail.

Sellers are boycotting eBay over the new policy in addition to price increases, and many are on the front steps of Amazon.com.

As a purported “green” company, eBay is now permitting only physical information products in their core selling categories in the U.S. and other countries. The move is seen by buyers and sellers alike, as an inefficient, backwards, and ecologically unsound position for the global auction Goliath.

Sellers of digital products must now use separate $10 per month classified ad listings to sell their digital delivery goods, compared to pennies per month in an eBay store listing. This amounts to eBay charging 100 times more after April 1 than it did before April 1, for listing an identical product.

After years of telling buyers and sellers to not do business outside of eBay for security reasons, they are now expecting sellers to build consumer trust for eBay in this new selling category. Purchases through classified ads are consummated directly between buyer and seller.

eBay’s new policy also blocks sellers from putting adequate contact or purchase information in their classified ads by not allowing links to leave the eBay platform or redirect to PayPal for purchase payments. PayPal is the payment and credit processing service used by eBay buyers and sellers, primarily at eBay’s urging. eBay owns PayPal.

Classified Ads is now the only category in which the digital delivery format may be sold, making the shopping experience for thousands of buyers less than friendly.

It seems eBay is willing to risk its reputation with this politically incorrect posture by establishing and enforcing policies that belong in the middle of last century.

Among many eBay members, the company is seen as being as ecologically foolish as they were greedy with fees increases, another issue that has irked eBayers into staging boycotts.

This may be the misstep that will peeve eBay stockholders even more than buyers and sellers who wish to use the digital format. Sellers of digital delivery products are welcomed at Amazon.com. Last holiday season Amazon beat out eBay for the first time as the leader for internet holiday retail sales. eBay’s blunder may put Amazon in the number one spot for good, as sellers of digital delivery products leave eBay for a friendlier environment and an even bigger buyer base.

eBay buyers and sellers have long thought the company to have an eco-friendly orientation. New eBay policies bring this thinking into question as digital format sellers jump the eBay ship to sell down the Amazon River.

-END-

This article presents one view of the current direction of eBay, that of the author, Annie Haselwood, April 13, 2008,
http://www.FirstVarietyStoreOnTheMoon.com

If you’ve been a buyer of eBooks from eBay in the past, what do you think? Where will you go to buy your eBooks now?

Copyright 2010 Moomette’s Magnificents – All Rights Reserved

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