TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: The Squatty Potty Stool {Giveaway Ends 11/24}

 

Alright, you may think I'm crazy for including this next product in my gift guide. However, that's a matter of opinion and I really think this would be a hilariously funny, but incredibly useful gift for Christmas!

This review, my friends, is for Squatty Potty.  They sell toilet stools and accessories that promote optimal colon health and healthy toilet posture. This is by far the most embarrassing topic I'm written about on my blog, but it's an important one! Talking about poo just isn't that easy, but each and every one of us uses the toilet each day so really it's a topic we can all understand and relate to.

My husband's been begging asking me to contact Squatty Potty for months now. Not becuase he needed it but because he likes interesting, useful products. Initially I said NO WAY because it's simply ridiculous (or so I thought). What the heck is a stool for your feet going to do and what's the point? Then one day while using the toilet I realized my elimination was taking a bit long (TMI, I know). So, I decided to humor myself by putting my feet up on my son's Elmo stool to simulate the Squatty Potty (he'll love that story some day). Let's just say it worked immediately and I had to tell my husband I didn't think he was crazy anymore. I just had to get my hands on a Squatty Potty to try the real deal. 

So how does the Squatty Potty help you? The Squatty Potty stools encourage a healthy colon and more effective elimination by changing the angle at which you do your business. Apparently our bodies are designed to squat for elimination, not to sit as we do on the toilet which is really a recent "luxury" in our history.

 

 

The squatting position in addition to a potty stool provides for the most natural elimination position possible by improving the anorectal angle as seen in this graphic. Simply sit down on the toilet, pull the Squatty Potty forward, put your feet on it, and voila! You're ready to experience the best elimination of your life. And no, I'm not kidding. If changing your diet isn't enough to help you in this department, healthy toilet posture could be the answer and this product is your best bet. And, it's completely natural!

Watch this video for a comprehensive look at what squatting can do for you:

We received two Squatty Potty stools to bring this review to you. The Ecco model is made from plastic and is the best choice for the whole family. It's sturdy, affordable and functional. It works well for our guest/kid bathroom. The Classic model is made from 100% recycled wood fiber. It's their best seller, has sleek lines and a trim look. Both are of exceptional quality, and I'm really quite impressed! The stools fit perfectly snug around and under your toilet. They don't get in your way when not in use either. You might occasionally tap your heels on it when you sit down on the toilet, but that's about it. After choosing your stool's style, you also choose the stool height of 5", 7" or 9" high depending on your toilet's height and your flexibility. It's recommended that you start with a 7" so that's what we received and I think they're the perfect height for us.  

Needless to say, we're "enjoying" our Squatty Potty stools and highly recommend them to anyone. It's one of those products that has you scratching your head at first, but then you realize it's worth! It's certainly can't hurt to try, and holds a multitude of benefits for a healthier you. I'm definitely curious about what guests will think about the Squatty Potty behind their legs while on the pot, but I think it's a great conversation. Hilarious at best, and informative at the very least!

I'm an all natural girl and I have to say that the Squatty Potty is a great gift for anyone that appreciates natural remedies, has a crunchy lifestyle, or loves hilariously useful gifts. Looking for a gag gift this year? Take the Squatty Potty! The lucky recipient will thank you some day. :) Shipping is a flate rate of $5 on all Squatty Potty orders so take advantage and get a few!

Price: Squatty Ecco - $35.95, Squatty Classic - $59.95, Squatty Tao Bamboo - $79.95

 

Buy It: Check out SquattyPotty.com to order yours today!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive a Squatty Potty stool! Choose from the Ecco, Classic, or Bamboo models! {up to $79.95 RV!}

TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: Monthly Global Adventures for Kids with Little Passports! {Giveaway Ends 11/23}

Kids LOVE getting stuff in the mail. With the great popularity of monthly subscription boxes, it's great to see so many options for the kiddos too. This next gift idea is not only fun and exciting, but educational too.

Little Passports is an award-winning monthly subscription service for kids that takes them on a traveling adventure with a new box mailed to your door each month. Choose the World Edition for kids age 5-10, or the brand new USA Edition for kids age 7-12. Your kids will travel along with fictional characters Sam and Sofia and learn geography, history, culture, and language through fun activities in each box, and online activities too. The first box at the start of your subscription is your Explorer Kit, which is what I received. Beyond that, each month the World Edition features a new country and the USA Edition features 2 new states.  

Here's the darling Explorer Kit we received for the World Edition. Since Buddy is a bit young for Little Passports at 3 1/2, the suitcase quickly became his favorite part! He's confiscated it already to store some toys and wants to use it as a lunchbox for a picnic (he's so cute). I fully expected that to happen since the World Edition would be better suited when he's 5 and able to actually participate as intended. However, he does love looking at maps though so we've been pulling out the World Wall Map and discussing many concepts about the world with him which he loves.

 
Contents of the Explorer Kit:

• Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sam and Sofia
• World wall map
• Travel passport
• Fun stickers
• Activity sheet
• Access to online games and activities with our boarding pass

Little Passports is a well thought out concept that gets kids interested in the world around them. Each month after the Explorer Kit includes an adventure letter from Sam and Sofia, fun souvenirs, stickers for the suitcase, passport and map, activity sheets, photos, and boarding passes to gain access to more online games and activities each month. By learning about a new country each month it's an excellent opportunity to start a conversation about the way other people live around the world. By also using the World Wall Map from the Explorer Kit your kids can get a visual grasp on who/what/where of each country. I also think Little Passports is a great way to keep your kids' minds active and engaged, especially during summer and school breaks.

Since I had the privilege of traveling around Europe for 3 months in college, I understand and appreciate the immense value of teaching children about the world and cultures different from our own. I "grew up" in a sense and the experiences I had are ones that will stick with me forever. Little Passports gives kids a passageway to experience new places, discover new cultures and appreciate the world around them without the expensive, exhausting travel involved! 

 Little Passports is the gift that keeps on giving since a new box arrives each month. Inspire your kids to travel and explore their world! Subscribe today to get the Explorer Kit in time for Christmas morning and get your kids excited to learn about a new place each month!

Price: Choose from a month-to-month subscription plan or pay up front for longer subscription for your child or as a gift. Pricing is as low as just $10.95 per month, so Little Passports is definitely affordable!

 

Buy It: Check out LittlePassports.com to start your subscription!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive a 2-month subscription to Little Passports!

TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: Soybu Performance Apparel {Giveaway Ends 11/23}

 

Since I'm a mom and often quite busy, a simple, on-the-go look is crucial so I don't have to fuss with my wardrobe in the morning. I'm sure many of you can relate! I've found an amazing company that has the perfect performance apparel to get you out the door and even works to transition you to your morning yoga routine (without needing to change!). Guys, are you listening? Your wife/fiance/girlfriend/mom would LOVE to open a box of some yummy apparel from Soybu!

Soybu performance apparel is inspired by life and deisgned with the active, stylish woman in mind. They offer flattering fits, superior quality, and eco-friendly fibers like organic cotton, bamboo, soy, and recycled polyester. Whether you're looking for stylish performance apparel, sporty lounge wear, or a comfortable on-the-go ensemble, Soybu has you covered with sustainability, responsibility and exceptional pricing.

I received the Lotus Pant, Nirvana Hood, and the Full Circle Tank. Each one is made from 44% Conventional Polyester, 44% Recycled Polyester, and 12% Spandex. Browsing online I thought the Lotus Pant and Nivana Hood were a slicker, perhaps shiny, material. However, they are a matte black color, and feel like a super soft brushed cotton. The material is also relatively thin, although very high quality and breathable making them an amazing option for performance apparel. Heck, the more I wear them the more I feel like I should go work out! Baby steps, baby steps. :) The sizing is definitely correct for each one. I requested a size small in each piece and each one fits very well. For reference, I'm generally a size 2 or 4, 5' 7" and 120 pounds.

The Lotus Pant is a very comfortable style of bottoms with a medium rise, fitted thigh and slight bootcut hem. Soybu uses flatlock seams which means optimal comfort. The seams down the side of the legs are actually placed a little more towards your backside for a very flattering, rear-accentuating fit! The contoured waistband is a no-flip style so it will stay where it's supposed to be - finally. I actually have a very hard time finding workout/yoga-style pants so I was actually very surprised to see how well the Lotus Pants work for me!

The Nirvana Hood is a slender fitting hoodie with curved seams for, once again, a very flattering fit. Hoodies tend to be short in the arms and body for me. But this one is great! The bottom cuff hits at my hits and doesn't ride up despite vigorous activity. The wrist cuffs are actually cut extra-long but can be easily rolled up if you need them shorter. The material makes this hoodie a great option for a little extra warmth without hindering activity or motion. My only complaint about this hoodie is that front pockets are a bit small for keeping your hands warm and won't necessarily hold your phone and keep it from falling out. The website description describes invisible zippered pockets but I have looked all over this hoodie and there are none to be found! Otherwise, I really like this hoodie!

The Full Circle Tank is a beautiful top. I received it in white which was the only color available at the time other than black. Right now I also see it available in Kale green and Periwinkle blue now too! The white is not necessarily completely see through, but enough to make me want to wear an actual bra underneath. I'm small-chested though so I practically disappear in any bra-less top anyway! However, the shelf bra feature is very supportive, and even hugs my small chest instead of creating a big gap. I love the back which has somewhat of a razor style, allowing for more range of motion and comfort. The Full Circle Tank has a flattering and comfortable fit, plenty of length, and stays put!

I'm really impressed with how Soybu apparel fits. No straight, bulky seams and the spandex adds just enough stretch for a smooth look against the body. Everything seems to be perfectly contoured and shaped with optimal comfort and a flattering fit in mind. I also love how Soybu can go from performance apparel to sporty lounge wear at home with ease. The pieces I received are versatile and have such a luxurious feel that makes you feel great! I would highly recommend Soybu apparel as Christmas gifts for all the ladies on your list this year. They'll love you for it!

Price: Lotus Pant - $49, Nirvana Hood - $65, Full Circle Tank - $39

 

Buy It: Check out Soybu.com to order today or find a store near you!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive the Lotus Pant & Nirvana Hood! {$114 RV}

TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: Gourmet Snacks From Nicobella Organics {Giveaway Ends 11/21}

If you're anything like me you enjoy chocolate but don't want all the guilt. But if it's organic dark chocolate you can say goodbye to the guilt and hello to a whole new world of gourmet indulgence. My next gift idea is a great way to treat anyone to the healthful benefits of decadent organic dark chocolate goodies.

Nicobella Organics was started by Nichole who is a dietician and yoga instructor. She's passionate about clean, simple eating and chocolate. The two can go hand in hand with her gourmet chocolate truffles and Munch snacks. This review is for the Munch, but I did write a review of the truffles back in April 2011 and you will definitely want to check that out!

The Munch 3-Pack includes 3 varieties of Munch (keep in mind that these are actually 1oz samples, not full-size). Nicobella Organics' Munch line is a great example of how easy it is to be able to indulge in a delicious treat while still maintaining a real food, healthy diet. Each flavor is made with Organic, Fair Trade 75% Cocoa for a yummy treat that's packed with high levels of antioxidants. Add the nuts in each one and you've got yourself nutrient-rich, healthy fats too. Ingredients are extremely simple and all organic so you can rest assured there is no garbage in any goodies from Nicobella Organics. All Munch flavors are soy-free, dairy-free, vegan, and made with gluten-free ingredients.

Maple Nut Munch

The Omega Munch highlights candied walnuts and flax clusters for a unique flavor throughout this dark chocolate. It's crunchy and even a bit earthy because of the nut and seed combo. I really like it!

The Maple Nut Munch is very tasty and the most complex and varying flavor of the three in my opinion. It's rich dark chocolate is made sweet with maple-coated pecans and has a lovely rich aroma. Although a little crunchy, this flavor is not too hard to bite into and in a way it actually melts in your mouth. The sea salt brings out all the flavors for a well-rounded finish.

Reminiscent of my old favorite candy bar (but healthier), the Coco-Nut Munch features dark chocolate, roasted almonds and finely cut toasted coconut. It's hard to say since I love each flavor, but I think this might be my favorite. I'm a chocolate/coconut girl!

Nicobella Organics is amazing at bringing multiple flavor profiles into one product. Their truffles are an incredible experience for the senses, and the Munch has definitely surpassed my expectations as well! It's exciting to see such a worthy company expand and grow, and I'm very excited to hopefully see them in a store near me some day. Each Munch package is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer, an addition to a gift basket, or added to any package as a special treat! This holiday season, delight your senses and check out Nicobella Organics.

Price: Munch 3-Pack - $15 

 

Buy It: Check out NicobellaOrganics.com to order or find a retailer near you!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive a Munch 3-Pack! {$15 RV}

TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: Kid-Safe Glass Kitchenware from Be Kind {Giveaway Ends 11/20}

By now you've figured out how much I love glass, right? Clearly I'm a huge fan of this completely toxin-free, safe method of serving and storing food and drinks. This next sponsor focuses on the wonderful option of glass for the youngest members of the family!
 

Be Kind offers tempered glass kitchenware for kids. They offer glass plates, bowls, tumblers and the Silisipper. They operate under the premise of being kind to kids and kind to the earth. With glass, you are doing both of these! Free of nasty chemicals like BPA, lead, and PVC, glass is by far the best option for kitchenware in my opinion. 

This is the Tempered Stackable Glass Bowls set, a Picardie Tumbler and a Silisipper Training Top Lid. Are you excited yet!? I just love glass way too much. We've had so much using them that Buddy asks for his "big kid cup" all the time. We already have a set of glass cups but this one is his favorite!

 

Many of you may cringe when you think of handing your small child glass. Believe me, I understand! But, because Be Kind glassware is made of tempered glass, it's perfect for kids. It's 2.5 times stronger than regular glass, along with being shatter resistant, suitable for hot and cold liquids, microwave and dishwasher safe, and stackable. These bowls really do stack beautifully! They are designed to nest in such a way that they won't stick together, potentially causing breakage. They are fabulous and I'm not nervous at all about grabbing a glass bowl for anything and everything. For heavens sake, this stuff is sturdy!

Here we decided to have an interesting lunch together (just Buddy and me). Each glass bowl held a nice portion of chicken meatballs, cheese chunks, pineapple or avocado. When either of us said "switch" we had to switch our bowls around and eat something else! Needless to say it was so much fun. These bowls are awesome for snacks, lunches, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and so much more for Buddy. You know what? They're not just for kids! I use them too! They're actually perfect for regular portions of my morning oatmeal, yogurt, and other snacks.  They also have a smaller size which I'm really excited about too. I want to switch out all my non-glass kitchenware!

This is the Picardie Tumbler in the large 7.4oz cup size. It's ridges are perfect for little hands and the small size is great for keeping milk portions under control. Buddy has already mastered drinking straight from a cup without a lid, but I imagine that the 100% food grade silicone Silisipper I received would have saved me from cleaning up lots of spills in the process of transitioning to a regular cup! Also, the spout-free, one-piece design is better for your child's mouth development and easier to clean (and you won't lose pieces in the wash!).

When I go visit my mom I can't help but cringe when I see her collection of plastic cups that are literally peeling around the rim. Using glass is ideal and safe for everyone. Peeling is obviously never an issue. It's easy to forget how long you've had your plastic cups and bowls and realistically how many times they've gone through the dishwasher. Plastic breaks down over time, exposing you and your children to nasty chemicals that you can't see. Is it worth it? No. Absolutely not. Needless to say I'll be buying my mom a new set of glass cups this year for Christmas! My point is that it's so important to invest in our health NOW. Not later when it could be too late, the doctor bills are stacking up and natural remedies are not going to fix you any more. So, invest in your children or grandchildrens' health this year by making the switch to tempered glass kitchenware from Be Kind!

Price: Tempered Stackable Glass Bowls, Set of Four in Large - $15.65, Picardie Tumblers, Set of Four in Large - $18.95, Silisipper Silicone Training Tops - Set of Two - $7.95

 

Buy It: Check out BeKindKidShop.com to shop today!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive The Perfect Place Setting from Be Kind! {$19.65 RV}

TRM's Christmas Gift Guide :: Modest Fashions From Mikarose! {Giveaway Ends 11/19} US/CAN

Dressing up for holiday parties is so much fun, but shopping for that perfect dress is not always that easy. However, I found a great place that offers effortless style with beautiful modest dresses that flatter every figure. Looking to wrap up something gorgeous for that special someone this year? You can do that too with Mikarose!

Mikarose is reinventing modesty by offering a beautiful selection of modest dresses, tops, skirts and accessories for women. They specialize in fashionable, elegant styles and I dare say they are absolutely stunning! I had the hardest time narrowing down my favorite dress to review for you. It was a hard choice!

I decided to go with the MaryAnn, Striped Top Dress to review. The top is a black and white stripe, fully lined polyester/spandex knit material that features gathered short sleeves, sewn-on details at the chest, and a decent mid neckline. The bottom skirt starts high giving you a flattering waistline, front pleats, side pockets, and a small vent on bottom in the back. This dress also comes with the black patent, elastic-back belt for a very polished look.  

I LOVE this dress. It fits me like a glove, I feel amazing in it, and it provides great coverage in all the right places. I like to be comfortable now matter what I'm wearing and this dress makes me look like a million bucks without the hassle of suffering for it! I can still move around easily and help my son with whatever he needs without risking worrying about a short skirt or a low neckline. No slip is really required with this dress since the top is lined and the black skirt is a thick polyester that has you properly covered. Yeah for no underwear lines! The pockets are one of the many features of this dress that I just adore. I've always wanted a dress with pockets! Overall, the feminine elegance and chic style of the MaryAnn dress have won me over!

Based on this dress, I'm so confident that Mikarose only sells amazingly beautiful, high quality clothing at great prices. I'm beyond impressed with the dress I received and I can't wait to wear it to a holiday gathering or two, on a few date nights (honey, are you reading this!?), and beyond that to church or other dressy occasions. This is not a wear-one-time-and-let-it-hang-in-your-closet-forever kind of dress! So ladies, what I'm saying is that I highly recommend Mikarose for your dressy occasions this season and I suggest putting Mikarose on your wishlist too!

Price: MaryAnn, Striped Top Dress - $54.99

Buy It: Check out Mikarose.com to order your favorite dress, skirt or top today!

 

Win It!

One winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Mikarose!

Winners Announcement!

The winner of the Vitacost giveaway is...
 

Rafflecopter Entry #1,468 Sarah C.!  

The winner of the Educational Insights giveaway is...
 

Rafflecopter Entry #3 Leanne M.!  

The winners have been contacted by email! Congratulations to you both!