Adorable #BearsForHumanity Animal Pals

August 6, 2016 by 7 Comments

Disclosure- We received the belwo in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are our own. For more infomration, see “I Disclose”.

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If you have never heard of Bears For Humanity, you should definitely check them out. Bears For Humanity is a social commerce company that believes in 100% certified organic products, healthy children and a sustainable environment. They manufacture Teddy Bears and Animal Friends with an organic faux fur that is the closest thing to hugging a real bear (but much safer).  When a customer buys a Bear For Humanity stuffed pal, another just like it is sent to a child in need.  They also employ their workers through the “Welfare to Work” program. It’s a great program that helps at risk moms and caregivers get back to work.

We all shop, we all buy gifts, but how often do we see a company who donates one for one (buy one, donate one) to children in need?

Typically, when you purchase an item online, you are asked for your name, credit card and perhaps an option to join the mailing list. When you purchase a teddy bear from Bears For Humanity™, you get to choose which charity – Toys For Tots, Save The Children, Semper Fi Fund, OneSimpleWish.org, Lucile Packard– they will donate a bear to, because your purchase instantly doubles as a gift for a child in need.  You can also save even more by using this free shipping coupon code: FREESHIPPING4MOM which is valid through the end of August for online purchases on the Bears for Humanity website.

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After you order, the cuddly pal that you have helped donate is personally delivered to a veteran’s house, a children’s hospital, or an underprivileged household. It’s a win-win way to run a company! The stuffed bears come in two sizes – 16” Premium Bear and 7” Baby Bear (19.99). The many charity options and five color choices are splashed across www.BearsForHumanity.com website that opens to a philosophical question – Can A Teddy Bear Change The World?

The bears are really soft, as well.  Bears For Humanity pals are the only 100% Certified Organic Cotton/ Hemp, GOTS Certified Organic Cotton teddy bears in the world. Plus, they are naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic which gives parents the peace of mind they don’t get from polyester plush toys.

You can follow Bears for Humanity on social media here:
Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Heroic Red and Valiant White Wines Give Back To Soldiers

December 31, 2015 by 1 Comment

Heroic Red and Valiant White wines are distributed by Leer Vineyards in Byron, CA. The wines are pretty much like Tom shoes but for wine. $1.50 for each bottle of wine sold goes to purchase a mortgage and tax free home to a wounded warrior. They’ve already presented four houses to soldiers this year.

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Heroic Red shows aromas of boysenberry with hints of leather, cedar and cigar tobacco. Flavors are of raspberry jam, chocolate and black pepper, with a faint echo of blake tea on the long finish. This blend contains 58% Syrah, 29% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon.

pic5Valiant White shows aromas of peach and orange blossoms, the circus flavors are intense, peaches and tropical fruits dominate. It’s a soft and luscious mouthful with a hint of effervescence for a beautiful liveliness and a balance to the sweetness. While crisp and sweet this Moscato is a perfect pairing with spicy seafood or chicken and is amazing while paired with bleu cheese and desserts that include pears or peaches.

Cofféy is the official spokesperson for Heroic Red/Valiant White and his song Mr. Red White and Blue has garnered over 4 million views on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ds3MvMUdNk

Leer Vineyards is nestled in East Contra Costa County in the town of Byron complete with stunning views of Mount Diablo that features a tasting room and will host summer concerts as well as weddings, private parties and corporate events.  The property is a unique 44-acre parcel that boasts a softball diamond, Bocce Ball court, snack bar, and 36 acres of lush vineyards.
Leer Vineyards is a quiet, relaxing piece of property that encourages picnics, lounging, and simply hanging out with a glass of wine.
The Leers moved to Byron in September of 2013 and hand picked over 3 tons of grapes themselves. The grapes were then transported to Estate Crush, a custom crush facility in Lodi, California. Currently the Leers are working with winemakers in the Lodi area to crush, barrel and bottle current varietals. The Leers have produced several varietals of wine and have already sold out of many

Get your wines here, and know that every purchase gives back.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , ,

Share Some Goodness this Holiday! Gifts that Give Back

December 22, 2015 by 8 Comments

Looking to give gifts that not are not only great gifts, but will make the gift-ee feel better as well? Life is Good, ORGANIC INDIA and Manduka make giving feel even better- and they are fantastic, ethical companies that also give back.  These are fantastic brands with really awesome items, you will love them.

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Life is Good, lifestyle brand spreading the power of optimism, from t-shirts, self-help book, mugs to comfy pj’s, introduces  the Holiday collection ($10-78) and has something for the kids, mom, the office, and even the grinch who could use some positivity in their life. There is a lot to choose from, and the quality is top notch- nothing that will have to be quickly tossed. The clothing line lasts, and wears well.  They will have their items a long, long time. (I still have a t-shirt I got in high school!) It’s nice to be able to spread a nice message wherever you go. In addition, Life is Good donates 10% of their net proceeds to kids in need-–that’s something to smile about. 
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ORGANIC INDIA’s, Tulsi Tea Line ($5.99) have become one of my son’s favorites. He especially loves the peppermint variety, (there are several to choose from) and I like that it’s completely organic. These USDA organic teas are infused with a sacred Indian herb that’s packed with goodness + deliciousness in over 20 flavors. A cup of Tulsi tea warms up the soul – lowers stress, bolsters immunity, enhances stamina and promotes a healthy metabolism. He has some health issues, so I am all for anything that will give him any kind of a boost.  These teas are not only good tasting and good for you, as well as environmentally friendly- but they are good for the people who farm them. ORGANIC INDIA works directly with marginalized farmers in India providing healthcare, education, gender equality and empowerment programs. Sipping fireside, never tasted so good! 

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Manduka, leader of yoga gear, offers the most sustainable yoga gear for the fitness fanatic in your life ($4-128). From eco-conscious eKO mats, fully recyclable LiveON Mats for kids and adults, one-mat-for-life PRO Mat, yogitoes towels made from recycled plastic bottles, hbands headbands, bags, to props, Manduka takes mindful gifting to another level.

My son likes his new mat, and so does mommy.  If it weren’t so grinchy, I’d be tempted to “borrow” it for my own class.  He also likes the color and the feel of it- he doesn’t like when his mats feel “sticky” to him, but this texture is great.  It’s also comfortable, gives enough cushion, and works well for him.  It’s easy to get into his yoga bag as well.

These are great “feel good” items for many reasons- they feel good to give, feel good to get, and are from companies who care and give back- which feels good to everyone.  This holiday season, give from the heart and support those that support others.

Happy Holidays from me and mine to you and yours!

Filed Under: food, gifts, health, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, natural, review Tagged With: , , , ,

Breast Cancer Living Locket from OrigamiOwl.com

October 9, 2015 by 4 Comments

October is the month to think pink! Origami Owl, the customizable jewelry company is joining the cause and supporting strong women everywhere.  Whether you’re a survivor, want to honor a friend of family member, or are just an ally of the cause, Origami Owl has designed a Living Locket featuring themed charms to commemorate those who have given us hope and courage.

Not only is this piece beautiful, but you can either buy it “as is” or make it your own and design and customize it as you like.  It comes with it’s own little pouch, so you you can keep it safe while you are not wearing it.  This is exactly what it looks like if you purchase “as is”, without alterations.

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It is a great way to show your support, not just during the month of October, but year round. It’s also very pretty, and it does brighten up an outfit.  The eye goes right to it!  The silver color goes with just about anything, too. It’s easy to dress up or down, and unlike some articles of jewelry, does not “jingle” when you or it moves.  I don’t know about you, but when my jewelry jingles, it drives me mad.

The Breast Cancer locket features the Silver Heritage Living Locket with the pink ribbon charm, hope charm and rose Swarovski stardust crystals, with options to add additional charms and crystals to further personalize your locket. But the customizing doesn’t stop there – the locket also includes a Silver heritage plate to inscribe a special message, a date or initials for an everlasting memory.

Retailing at $90.00, the Breast Cancer Living Locket will be available for purchase through the month of October at OrigamiOwl.com, and for every necklace purchased 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Face in the Mirror, a non-profit organization that provides cancer patients with makeovers that calm the spirit and touches the inner person, giving back hope and self-esteem.

Filed Under: fashion, review Tagged With: , ,

Maytag Dependable Leaders

November 23, 2013 by 2 Comments

Disclosure- I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Maytag. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

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Maytag needs your help to select the best candidate for the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award – an award to recognize someone committed to making a difference in the lives of youth – through America’s Vote competition. From November 12th through November 29th, visit www.bgca.org/Maytag to learn about all five finalists and the exemplary work they do in their respective communities, and to help make a difference, vote once a day for the nominee they find to best represent a Maytag Dependable Leader! The finalists are:

Albert Hernandez – Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena
Ethan Harris – Boys & Girls Club of Bryant
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Rufus the Red Monkey – Monkeez Make a Difference #SockMonkey

October 16, 2012 by 6 Comments

We are always looking for ways for Little Man to be able to express his more sensitive side. The Little guy wants to help everyone possible all the time, and an important part of helping others is getting that feeling of actually helping. This can be in the form of meeting someone new, a smiling face, or even a heartfelt thank you. Yes, I know you can’t do something philanthropic for the reason of getting recognized for doing it- that is just wrong. But it’s nice to hear “thank you”, isn’t it? Especially for a child who is learning to express himself, social awareness, and care for others as he does himself.

We are also huge fans of companies (big or small) who try to make the world a better place then they found it. The creators of Monkeez and Friends are one of those companies. The idea behind their newest line of toys Monkeez Makes a Difference is to teach kids how to help others in different ways while still having fun and enjoying yourself. Getting recognized for helping, being generous and sharing. The [Read more…]

Filed Under: kids Tagged With: , , , , , ,