Our kids are busy this summer and it's a hot one. Between sports and just plain running around outside at the park, our kids need to refuel. We were given the chance to try Power Ice, a frozen low calorie sports drink. These pops contain no High Fructose Corn Syrup or artificial sweeteners but they are full of vitamin C. The orange flavor was certainly a hit but overall, they were ALL gone in a very short time! Find out more here: PowerIce.net

Did you know that studies show only seven percent of American children are getting their daily-recommended allowances of fruits and vegetables? Kid tested and two thumbs up in our home on this sample: Voots is a supplement that provides a full day’s serving of fruits and vegetables in two candy-like tarts. The dentists says to avoid the gummy vitamins and the kids don't always like the chalky ones but these are a nice replacement. The founder of the company is passionate about getting our kids healthy. We posted some of his great tips, click here. To find out how to get your hands on these unique vitamins, visit: EatYourVoots.com

I put my purse in the shopping buggy like always and then it hit me. What did I just put it on? And to think...I take it home and put it on the kitchen counter. I shuddered at the thought. When I shop with my kids (without the cart cover), I always wipe down the seat area, but when I'm alone, I grab the cart and go. This product kills bacteria without messing or sticky chemical gels. The Pocket Purifier™ uses a Germicidal Ultraviolet Light (UV-C) to destroy germs, viruses, mold, spores, fungi, and bacteria at their DNA core. Sounds a little star trekky, but it works on surfaces that otherwise can't be washed or exposed to liquids. Find out more here: PurelyProducts.com

When asked to sample cake and you happen to love cake more than any other food, would you say no? Didn't think so. I tried a bundt cake - red velvet - from Nothing Bundt Cakes, a wonderful mom-owned business currently exploding across America. I mean how can you not love a kitchen success story? The presentation alone preps you for a delicious and fun cake (it's almost too pretty to eat...almost). You can send these cakes as gifts and you customize the cake for any occasion. Why send flowers when you can send a beautiful and delicious cake? Personally, I love it when companies offer a creative brand from top to bottom (oh yes, franchise opportunity). Find out more here: NothingBundtCakes.com

We've got a couple of visionaries among us. Reusable feeding products (plates, cups, bowls and utensils) made from CORN! Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods uses a unique corn (PLA) formula. Unlike conventional plastic, which is largely made from petroleum, their bioplastic is primarily made from corn. Seriously. Polylactic acid (PLA) requires significantly less fossil resources, and generates far fewer green house gases than conventional plastic. And corn is a renewable and sustainable resource. Finally, getting a little farther away from conventional plastic a little each day. Find them here: DandelionForBaby.com

We stumbled upon this shop, Millefleurs, on our weekend getaway to Dana Point, CA and picked up this oil-free body spray. Came home to find out we can order it online! It's formulated with anti-oxidant Vitamin E and Sodium PCA (a derivative of amino acids that is very water absorbing). Since my current shower time allowance has dwindled due to the increase of small children needing my attention, this quick spray is the perfect solution. Bonus? You can create your own scent! I picked Gardenia and it is long lasting! Find it here: OhMillie.com

 

Waking up to crying or snoring, disrupting a sleep cycle in the middle of the night, can make anyone exhausted. We tried these ear plugs (taking turns listening for kiddos, of course) and we were pleasantly surprised....not to mention rested the next AM. Sleep Pretty In Pink (Zonk Out for men) ear plugs are the softest, most comfortable we've experienced. They reduce noise by 32 decibels so it's a comfortable reduction allowing some peace and quiet.  Bonus? They have a convenient carrying case for easy storage. Find them here: SleepInPink.com

It's approaching that time of year again. Are you like us? We have squirmy kids that HATE to stand still for sunscreen applications but we don't hit the outside fun without it. This new line of oil and alcohol-free products from KINeSYS comes in a handy microSPRAY® formula. It goes on smooth and dries quickly. Non-aerosol spray application is super gentle and it's sweat and water resistant. Why else do we love it? All KINeSYS products are carbon neutral and 100% cruelty-free; KINeSYS is a proud signatory of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Find the full line here: www.kinesys.com

Soft, absordent and perfectly sized, this new towel and wash cloth combo from aden + anais is just what we needed around here for our growing family. The towel is longer than the typical toddler bath towel and it is made of super soft and gentle cotton without the bulk. The wash cloth is huge and made with muslin (just like the muslin swaddlers that have made aden + anais the swaddlers to have) and is perfect for wiggly bathers. Find more great products here: www.adenandanais.com

Finally, a great diaper cream from an all natural skin care line that does not use synthetic fragrances, paraben, sodium lauryl sulfate, or DEA. Why do we like it? Simple. It works. We liked the product so much, we decided to highlight the creator, Melanie Mayron, and her story in our featured neighbor section. Her face is familiar and she really hit it out of the park with this line. Cruelty-free products that she developed with her chemist dad. Keep an eye out for the entire line of great products

For more product info and ordering, visit: www.mayronsgoodbaby.com

Well, anyone with tender, sore, nursing breasts needs a Shower Hug™, for sure! This unique product brings therapeutic relief that is long lasting, by providing support and relief when and where it is needed most. It is also perfect for those who are recovering from mastectomy, augmentation, reduction, reconstruction and lifts. It's generously sized, soft and easy to use. Find this great product (made for moms by moms) here: showerhug.com/shop

The last time I went to the grocery store, my hand actually stuck to the handle on the shopping cart. I had no idea what it was but I was lucky not to have the little oh- let- me- touch- that- and- immediately- put- my- little- hand- in- my-  little- mouth guy with me. I found a cute and stylish solution for the next trip. These shopping cart covers from Hula Moon are perfectly padded for comfort and wonderfully large to cover the entire buggy seat. Ewwww, I have the shivers. Find them here: shoppingcartcovers

Anyone with young children can tell you, finding a system that works in a positive way is the number one goal. This "My Choice Chart" focuses on the good behavior and positive choices that help shape the characters of our growing little ones. Using responsibility and accountability, this creative system helps them make good behavioral choices instead of focusing on punishment. It is not a rewards based system, it is an interactive teaching tool that supports ongoing character development and family togetherness. It's working wonders in our home. Available here: My Choice Chart

Natracare products are chemical and additive free, and biodegradable and contain only organic and natural ingredients sourced from sound ecologically managed producers. We tried an assortment from nursing pads to baby wipes (our favorite) and all of the products are a wonderful alternative and exremely high quality. Why wouldn't you want to use products made from plant-derived ingredients and are biodegradable, free of plastics, polyacrylate super absorbents and other synthetic materials that are also kinder to the environment? See all the products here: www.natracare.com

Glow Mama is flush with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients you need whether you're eating and drinking for two, breastfeeding your newborn, or trying to keep up with a newly mobile toddler. It's a healthy complement to your daily prenatal vitamin. Flavored with Kiwi, an exceptional source of vitamin C, E and potassium, this invigorating drink is made with natural ingredients and is extremely refreshing. The web site offers some great information as well as recipes for making "mocktails" for any occasion. Find more info here: DrinktoGlow.com

We love to try them all, don't we? Of course, it's always best to wash your hands, but when you can't, this is perfect for the job. The spray bottle is easy to use and easy to tote in your bag. We have the three pack and put one in each bag. The bonus is this product is not alcohol based and the smell is quite pleasant. It also doesn't dry out your hands and kills 99.99% of germs. Find more info here: www.oxibrands.com

We finally found that great "Dr. Sears" approved adjustable baby sling in wonderful updated styles. They are so hip and trendy and if you like carrying your little one in style, there is no other option. They come in eight styles and they even have a pocket in the front. These are perfect for 6-25 lbs, are machine washable and can be worn by anyone. Not a bad price either ($59.95). Find them here: AdjustableSling

Wii Fit goes old school. Even today's technology is giving credit where credit is due. The original Hula Hoop that became a cultural phenomenon 50 years ago (at one point the company was producing 20,000 per day!) is still going strong. Promoting outdoor activity with their fantastic line of simple yet timeless toys, Wham-O says Happy Birthday to a classic. We love the Hula Hoop in our house. Get outside this summer and check out the other fun toys from Wham-O. www.WHAM-O.com

If you are like us and the stroller shade never seems to cover enough no matter what time of day it is, you'll love this stroller parasol by ShadyBaby. The version we checked out was the Sock Monkey style - so stylish. The sturdy construction and versatility is an engineering coup. The attachment fits on all five strollers we tried and the simple push button adjustment allows you to easily change the position of the umbrella as you are strolling. The tilt feature on the top canopy allows even more flexibility for maximum shade protection without obstructing your view (said our most height-challenged user). Bonus? It's SPF 50+!! This is a hottest accessory to make all the other stroller jockeys jealous. You can find them here: ShadyBaby.com

So if you heard the buzz about the new mascara that would replace your fasle eyelashes, let me tell you the personal testing results we found. We LOVE this mascara, but only because it's a good mascara. We did not find the "false eyelash-like" results as advertised. Bummer because we all love a good lash and even for a fancy occasion, glueing those puppies on takes time. The fibers in the product are supposed to interconnect to form long lashes. Again, we love this product but only because we love a good mascara. I waited to find this on the shelf because my local Sephora was sold out week after week but I finally found a tube in San Francisco. Worth the $22 price tag? Depends. We found a mascara that cuts the mustard just as well for less than $9 (L'Oreal Clean Definition Telescopic). Find Fiber Wig at Sephora online here.