Ecostore USA review and giveaway!

Let's face it, who WOULDN'T want to try and better themselves and our surroundings by being more "green"? In this day and age , we see it everywhere. Earth friendly laundry detergent. Cloth diapering back on the rise. Re-usable shopping bags. Even my beloved Raisin Bran has an organic version. I strive to expose my kids to the least amount of junk as possible (OK, i need to try harder, but I AM working on it. ) But I'll be honest, in this current economy, I am often hesitant to spend money on new products for fear that they will be less than satisfactory.

When Melissa of Ecostore USA contacted me about reviewing some products on my blog, I jumped at the opportunity to try to be more "green". They graciously sent me the Baby Nappy Balm protection lotion for my sweet baby Kain's booty, and the Manuka Honey and Kelp Soap for mama's weathered skin. Ecostore USA is an extension of Ecostore, founded in New Zealand over 20 years ago. Their product line, from household cleaners to skin, pet, and baby care, are made from plants and minerals, and free from any toxins or chemicals. They strive to provide environmentally safe solutions that also help to reduce our carbon footprint, and actually WORK. So without any further ado, my reviews:

Baby Nappy Balm $10 for 2 oz.

I'm not going to lie, when I opened the package I was a little shocked at how tiny the container was. I guess that's just a side effect of our "bigger is better" society full of S.U.V's and super size beverages. But don't let the size deceive you on this product. Ecostore USA claims to have found a way around the intimidating cost of all natural and organic products by safely super-concentrating each formulation. And they weren't kidding. Just the tiniest dab on my finger of this nappy balm covered Kain's entire butt. For those of you who have seen the size of my behemoth not quite 8 month old will know that this is quite the feat! The balm has a very neutral scent, nothing overpowering like many other brands I'm sure you moms and dads have already tried. And the best part? Besides, of course, leaving my baby's skin as smooth as, well, a baby's butt: the ingredients. Olive oil, sesame oil, beeswax, horopito extract, and zinc oxide. And that's it. Not only is the product itself great, but I feel 100% safe putting those ingredients on my precious baby's skin!

Manuka Honey & Kelp Soap $4 for a 2.9 oz bar.

If you are anything like me, you think of all natural soap and you think of lard, lye, and whatever else they used to use back in the 1700's . This soap, however, felt like something I should have gotten at an expensive spa. This exfoliating soap has a very light, refreshing scent. And in the bar of soap: Bran. No joke! Who knew something I eat for breakfast could be such an awesome exfoliant. I used it yesterday for the first time after my Beach Run and it left my skin feeling not only smooth, but CLEAN. Not something I would have expected from an "all natural" bar of soap.

So, long infomercial-esque review aside: would I recommend these products? Absolutely. And NOT just because they gave me some free stuff, haha. I intend on ordering some more in my attempts to "green" my own family and home. Those of you in the Midwest can find ecostore products exclusively at your local Meijer Retail stores. For the rest of us, Ecostore USA is offering free shipping on all orders over $25. Can't beat that!

Melissa and the kind people at Ecostore USA have offered up a $25 gift certificate to one of my readers. See? Reading my rambling CAN pay off, haha. So here's how you can enter RunFasterMommy's first official blog give away:

Become a follower and leave a comment on this post. That's it!

BUT..

If you would like to get 2 additional entries:

make a donation to my fundraising efforts for the Ulman Cancer Fund here:
http://www.active.com/donate/TF2009/heathergannoe
$1, $5, $20, I don't care. Just make a donation for this awesome cause, and consider it an "online raffle ticket" Those of you who have already donated will get your two extra entries.

Next Monday I will put all of your entries in a hat, literally, and have Rowen the 2.5 year old personality pull one name out. So, get to it, and tell all your friends ;)

Thank you again Melissa and the good people at Ecostore USA!