As part of our 12 Days of Giveaways (Day 5) we asked you to pitch to us and tell us why you would make a good sunscreen reviewer. The winner, Tara, has done a bang up job testing and then writing the following review for us. We did provide her with free product for the review, but encouraged her to say whatever she wanted.
Summer time is my favourite time of year. I love the colours, the smells, and the warmth of the sun on my face. I am, however, the biggest worrier I’ve ever known. I worry about absolutely everything, including the toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis. We find toxins in virtually everything we use, including hair care, skin care, and even our food. Over the past few years, I have started to educate myself on organic products and healthy alternatives. I read labels… so many labels that my husband cringes at the thought of shopping with me. I am careful about the nutrition/ingredients in my food as well as the source (we prefer organic, although we have not switched exclusively because sometimes it comes down to the cost). I have eliminated chemicals from my household cleaners by becoming a Norwex representative, and I use things in my wash like ceramic washer balls (instead of toxic laundry soap). I do not use laundry soap, dryer sheets, or liquid fabric softener. I do not use anything but water & antibac microfiber to clean my floors, bathrooms, and kitchen.
I also read labels on my cosmetics & skin/hair care. This includes the sunscreens we put on our skin. Traditional “drug store” sun screens are full of chemicals. Many of the ingredients are what David Suzuki includes on his list of “the dirty dozen”. These are things we should avoid in our products because of toxicity levels, hormone disruption, and cancer causing properties (among others).
Now that I am coming off as a bit of a fanatic, I will get to the point of my blog! I recently won a contest on www.rockymountainkid.com in their twelve days of giveaways. I won two sunscreens and a sunscreen stick, and after trying them out, I was asked to compare them. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by BOTH sunscreens (TruKid and Green Beaver). I had previously been using a natural sunscreen (I tested two from the health food store) and both of those sunscreens (that I will not name) were like spreading white baby butt cream on my kids & myself. My husband refused to wear it and resorted to the chemical sunscreen. Both the TruKid and Green Beaver applied easily and both rubbed into the skin nicely. Because they are natural (physical) sunscreens, they still sit on top of the skin, but not anything like the other brands I’ve tested. Here are my observations:
Non-whitening Non-whitening Rubs into skin better than other natural sunscreens Rubs into skin, but is slightly greasy Lasts for 80 minutes Lasts for 80 minutes Water resistant Water resistant Yummy (subtle) fruit scent Unscented The company is easy to deal with and provided me with interested information about sunscreen when I contacted them Canadian company I also tested the TruKid stick, which I love because it makes sunscreen application easy on the nose & ears. It is definitely more zinc based (thicker), but it works well.
It takes a LOT of effort to change to a green and organic lifestyle. Once you make these changes though, it will become easier and a natural part of your life. I read a magazine article once about organic food. The cost is much higher than traditional grocery store food, but if everyone started buying organic products, it would drive the cost down. Non-organic farmers would also be forced to make the change toward organic farming to remain viable.
Thank you to Kristy & RockyMountainKid.com for your generous contest and for introducing me to a safe & natural product that I am using on my entire family!
Tara Casey, B.A., B.Ed.
My 3 year old riding with dad in the ibert last summer
Last year we brought the iBert Safe-T-Seat into the store. We immediately tore into one of the boxes and installed one on my husbands bike. It was a huge hit with our 3 year old last summer. This year she has surpassed the weight and height limit (38 lbs / 17.5 kg) for the seat and so her sister has joyfully taken over the seat. As a matter of fact we sometimes have problem getting her out of the seat.
Our 1 year old has now moved into the seat
Some people ask, why this seat? The iBert seat offers a better way to bike with small children. Your child has a better view and does not have to contend with dirt, dust, or rocks being thrown in their face.
We have a chariot trailer that we also use for bike rides. I pulled both the girls to the park in the double trailer just the other day. I love my chariot. I should be sales rep for them because I am always telling people how great they are. The iBert however offers a different experience. Rather than being low to the ground behind the bike, your wee one gets to really enjoy the view and you can talk to each other.
The iBert safe-T-seat installs in minutes. The patented stinger system attaches to your bike in just two minutes. The seat can then be attached to the stinger in 15 seconds. And taking off the seat is just as quick. Buy a second stinger assembly for your spouse’s bike and you can switch the seat between the two bikes in a matter of seconds.
The safe-T-seat is designed for children age 4 and under. The minimum age is 12 months as the child needs to be able to sit up well and hold the weight of a helmet on his/her head. The maximum height of the child that can use the safe-T-seat is 42 inches / 107 cm. Kids much taller than that will be uncomfortable. The recommended maximum weight is 38 lbs / 17.5 kg. Above 38 lbs / 17.5 kg and the manoeuvrability of the bike may be affected.
The safe-T-seat is the most adaptable child carrier on the market today. It fits more bikes than any other front mounted seat. A minimum of 3/4 inch is needed on the handle bar stem to accommodate the stinger assembly.
One lucky person is going to win one of these. This giveaway will be open until midnight Friday June 24. TO ENTER: Tell us who would be riding in this seat if you win. Bonus points for telling us where you will be riding to. Multiple household entries are aloud, so get the hubby or grandma to comment to get you an extra entry.
iBert Safe-T-Seat
Small Swoop Bag from Flat Bags – (Day 11)
I’m wild about bicycles. In the past I have talked about how I hoard bikes. I am also not a girly girl, I like to look good, but I am practical and a little granola at heart. So it goes with out saying that when I first heard about Flat Bags I thought they were totally cool.
Small Swoop Bag in Fire Engine
Flat Bags are made with reused bike inner tubes and a colourful array of rediscovered fabrics.
Flat Bags founder Shannon Hames, has this to say about the bags invention:
“Being an avid mountain biker for years, there was always piles of old inner tubes in my basement. So in 1996 the first inner tube was cut, instead of patched… and with some old rain pants for material, I made the first Flat Bag.
Now we collect used bike inner tubes and fun fabrics from colourful era’s to make a simple line of carrying bags.
Flat Bags can be found all over the world…usually near someone who feels it is important to recycle.”
Small Swoop Bag in Fire Engine
Today’s winner will recieve a small swoop bag. This is a prize you don’t have to share with the kids unless you want to. This bag is a stylish and eco-friendly way to carry diapers, something to read and a few snacks.
The bag features, two inside compartments, an outside zippered pocket, adjustable 1 inch wide shoulder strap,front flap with adjustable clip closure, inner tube bottom and sides of bag. Available in 3 great colours.
Small Swoop Bag in Save the Animals
TO ENTER: Tell us about your relationship with bikes. Do you like em? Do you have 1? Do you have 12? Are you currently teaching your kids to ride? BONUS POINTS: If you send us a link to a picture of your bike.
How many people can say they knew what BPA was 5 years ago? How many people know what it is now? A few years back there was a big BPA scare whereby everyone started to ditch their water bottles, baby bottles and plastic food storage containers because of concerns about BPA in these products. It is a lot more common now, than it was 5 years ago, to see people toting their drinks in glass and stainless steel. A product we have carried at Rocky Mountain Kid for a while now is the range of stainless steel baby bottles from organicKidz.
9 oz Wide Mouth Bottle
This is what the organicKidz website has to say about BPA:
Bisphenol A or BPA is a compound used in many polymer based plastics like Polycarbonate Plastic (Shatter-proof clear plastic). This plastic is used to make baby bottles. BPA is used to strengthen and make plastics more flexible. Plastic without BPA can be more fragile. In the body, BPA acts as an estrogen receptor agonist, which leads it to behave in a similar way to human estrogen.
Many studies have indicated that there are concerns about BPA’s effects on infant and fetal development. In April 2008, the Canadian Government listed BPA as toxic and banned the use of polycarbonate plastic in baby bottles and infant formula can linings.
A number of US States are looking into banning BPA in baby products
4 oz Narrow Baby Bottle
Here is Jane, the founder of organicKidz, showing some of the different handles and tops for the bottles and showing how to measure with them.
We have one stainless steel bottle from organicKidz to give away to a lucky winner. Included are also 2 handles as well as a 2 pack of the sippy spout adapters, so the bottle can be converted into a toddler cup. TO ENTER: Tell us if you have switched any of your baby or personal products to glass or stainless steel. What were your reasons?
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It’s Day 9 of our Great Giveaway and today we have some Julbo Sunglasses to give away. I have used these for both my girls since their first days spending time outside. Science aside, I know that I like to wear sunglasses, so I have always felt it’s more comfortable for my kids too.
Now for the science: Children’s eyes do not yet have a mature capacity for ocular protection; it takes about 25 years to develop. In the meantime, UV rays are permanently breaking down the eye’s capacity to absorb sunlight. Exposure without protection is dangerous for the surface of the eye, as well as for the crystalline lens and retina.
Between the ages of 3 and 10, children are extremely active and they need sunglasses that can take a lot of knocks while still looking cool and providing great eye protection.
That said, I think it is fair to say that wearing hats and sunglasses does not come naturally to children, but than neither does brushing their teeth or moderating their sugar intake. Kids wearing glasses comes down to a few simple things. Kids are more likely to keep glasses on if they fit well. I have seen plenty that don’t and they end up at the bottom of the sandbox because it’s too much work to keep them on, and the kids are constantly reminded of them at each adjustment. When they fit well, they are like a second skin, you forget about them. Secondly, it requires some training.
How early should kids start wearing sunglasses? Infants should be wearing them as soon as they are out in direct sunlight.This is also a great time to get kids used to the glasses, before they can start taking them off themselves. Kids will take them off just like they take hats off. In my experience the earlier you start the better and you just need to keep telling them that if they want to play outside they need to keep their hat/sunglasses on.
While sunglasses are important in all kinds of weather, it is important to note that being on snow or water seriously increases the potential for damage.
Certain types of surface that increase the risks:
• laboured soil reverberates 15%
• water 20%
• light-coloured sand 35%,
• snow 85%”
Sporting the Shades
Every model of Julbo kids sunglasses is designed to improve protection, hold firm on the face in all conditions, and ensure absolute comfort and total functionality. When it comes to children, Julbo believes the world needs their vision. All Julbo lenses are optical class 1, which offer 100% protection against UVA, B and C rays.
ONE lucky winner is going to get a pair of Julbo Sunglasses for their kid to sport this summer. TO ENTER: Tell us what you think of sunglasses on kids. Have you ever considered them? Are they just a fashion statement? Are they impossible to keep on? Does your guy or girl just love to wear them?
FuzziBunz One Size Diapers – Day 8
I recently blogged about my new found cloth diapering passion. Cloth diapering is making a comeback and for good reason. A lot of us are searching for ways to be kinder to the earth and to our pocket books. Cloth diapering technology has also come a long way since the day of pokey pins and fold up diapers.
No Pins Here! FuzziBunz in Blueberry
FuzziBunz One-Size Diapers are intended to fit a baby through all the diapering years, so you never have to buy more than one set as they grow. These are the most adjustable and innovative one-size cloth diapers on the market today! Adjust the diapers to fit babies 7-35 pounds and get a snug fit every time with the button-adjusted waist and leg casings. The leg casings adjust to 8+ settings and the waist adjusts to 4+ settings. Never before has a pocket-style cloth diaper been SO adjustable!
And the great thing about FuzziBunz® is that they always use sturdy snap closures which will withstand 3+ years of use and elastic that is easily replaceable if it ever fails making it a long standing and dependable diapering system for years to come.
FuzziBunz Onesize Features
Today we have 2 Onesize FuzziBunz diapers up for grabs for 1 lucky winner. TO ENTER: Tell us about your cloth diapering journey. Have you tried it, have you wanted to try it? Love it, hate it? Trying to sell all your friends on the idea?
It’s no surprise that the David Suzuki foundation says: “Outdoor fun is good for kids and the planet”. Suzuki goes on to say that: “Our children have exchanged the experience of outdoors and nature with the enclosed world of electronics, resulting in “nature deficit disorder”. For those of us who are concerned about the state of the biosphere, this is disturbing because a person for whom nature is a stranger will not notice, let alone care about, environmental degradation.”
I think most of us are looking for ways to engage our children with nature whether that means investigating tidal pools or picking up autumn leaves. Recently I have been thinking about the love affair we Canadians have with our gardens and with camping, most of us just cannot wait to get started. After a long Canadian winter, most of us are yearning to connect with nature I think.
Today’s prize, the Nature Bag is new to the Rocky Mountain Kid lineup.
- Nature Bag
What is in a naturebag?
An activity booklet that will guide you through hands-on educational activities for
children between 3 and 12. Everything you need to do the activities is right there in the bag:
1 rubber wood magnifier
1 box of soy based crayons
hemp twine
8 recycled cardboard colour cards
2 recycled cardboard leaf viewers
1 recycled notepad
1 recycled jeans pencil
1 organic cotton blindfold
1 activity booklet
Naturebag was created by Sylvie de Sousa and Katharine Byers, two mums with one vision – to help children and their families reconnect with nature. They suggest hanging your naturebag near the front door so it is ready to grab as you head outside on a new adventure or when off to revisit a favourite spot!
“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”
ONE lucky person is going to win one of these bags. TO ENTER: Tell us how you are fostering a love of nature in your children. Bonus points for clever ideas the rest of us can put into practice.
Day 6 Tsitah Threads Baby Blanket and Bandana
Today’s prize is perfect for those of you with a baby or toddler or for someone wanting to give a unique baby gift. We have a Tsitah Threads baby blanket and bandana up for grabs.
Tsitah Threads is a Squamish BC based company that produces “unique accessories for wee fashionistas”. They are a west coast apparel company with a commitment to creative expression and a passion for the outdoors.
THE BLANKET: perfect to drape over baby stroller while out for a jog or a walk.
The fleece is made from post-consumer recycled plastic and will keep your baby cozy and warm in the winter weather. Fleece is considered a VEGAN alternative to wool. It is lightweight and warm and maintains its insulating properties even when completely wet. The outer shell is made of WATER REPELLENT ripstop nylon. Bring on the West Coast rain. 32”L x 27”W
Winter Baby Blanket from Tsitah Threads
THE BANDANAS: are west coast hippie meets California surfer baby.
Toddler Bandana by Tsitah Threads
To enter tell us which prints you would pick if you won.
Today we are doing something a little different. Everyone is talking sunscreens and safer sunscreens. Today’s winner will receive two tubes of our very popular sunscreens, TruKid Sunny Days and Green Beaver Organic Sunscreen for kids. This time there is a small catch. We want our winner to do a review and guest blog post on their experience with the two sunscreens. Are you up for the job? The review could be as simple or as detailed as you would like, we’re reasonable people, we know you have other things on your plate.
To enter: Pitch to us (in the form of a comment below) as to why you think you would be a great sunscreen tester and reviewer.
TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen
30 SPF Certified Organic Sunscreen for Kids from Green Beaver
Welcome to day 4 of our 12 days of giveaways. If you have already been participating, thanks for making it to our blog to play along. It came to our attention that “that other social networking site” no longer allows contests to run on pages and so we have had to switch platforms. The remainder of the contest will take place here on the blog, but we will send out a little reminder via “that other social networking site” linking to the daily posts so you can come by.
Today we are giving away a pair of Chameleon sandals from Merrell. Your little guy or gal will be trekking in comfort this summer in these breathable shoes with a serious sole and stellar fit.
Chameleon in Navy
To enter: Comment below by telling us about the most incredible walk you have ever taken. Was it exceptionally long, beautiful, nerve wracking and/or spent in good company. Basically you can tell us whatever you want, we just like good stories and are looking forward to a few.
Chameleon in Pink
