Seventh Generation Healthy Home Starter Cleaning Kit Review: How do Seventh Generation's Products Compare to other Household Brands?

Seventh Generation Home Cleaning Kit Review: How do Seventh Generation’s Cleaning Products Compare to other Household Brands?

First and foremost, I must admit a strong loyalty to Seventh Generation.  For quite a few years now, my family has used their laundry detergent, dish soap, and dish washing liquid not only because they are safer for our home and for our environment, but because they work and they work well.  After receiving and testing additional items from their line of cleaning products, I have grown more and more impressed and to be honest with you,  a little shocked at how well a few items in particular work in comparison to other household products I've used in the past.  Since then, I've replaced many of our cleaning products with Seventh Generation's due to their outstanding performance.  Seventh Generation's products have yet to let me down.

Below are thoughts on the products contained in Seventh Generation’s Home Cleaning Kit I tested for review:

• The recycled/reusable bag is ALWAYS handy to have for shopping trips or storage.  Using a cloth bag replaces the use of plastic bags which overcrowd landfills.  Plastic bags are made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) which exists on the earth for up to 1,000 years.  Yuck! 

• Natural Paper towels 120sht work like... paper towels.  I’m not sure if they compare better than other paper towel brands I’ve used in the past but one thing is for sure…they are the only paper towels that are made from post recycled materials.  I try not to use paper towels unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary (cleaning up dog messes to be precise).  Consumers must decide that if paper towels are a must, is it worth the extra cost to purchase Seventh Generation’s paper towels made form post recycled materials than from other store brands?

• The All-Purpose Cleaner (free and clear) has been a reliable source for wiping down my furniture and does a spectacular job cleaning up my gas stove from grease and food spills while cooking in comparison to any other all-purpose cleaners I’ve chosen on the market that claim to also be non-toxic.   Since my son likes to wander with food in his hands where the food often times makes it to my couches, I can use this with a damp cloth to wipe my furniture clean.  I also use it for my dusting, wiping down my bathroom counter tops and toilet, and using it for small baby messes on the floors.  This cleaner works really, really well.  It also does not leave any streaking after use.  It's so nice to be able to use a cleaner while my son sits next to me and know that he isn't breathing in the toxins that make up regular household cleaners.  Common household cleaners often times contain chlorine (a.k.a. hypochlorite), which is a skin, eyes, nose, and lung irritant.  Keep clean and breathe easy folks!

• The kitchen cleaner is awesome!  Not only does it clean my Silestone countertops with no streaks, the sticky spills from the inside of my refrigerator, and my son's high chair squeaky clean, it smells of yummy wild orange and cedar spice!  In comparison to other kitchen all-purpose cleaners I’ve used that are non-toxic, this product exceedingly works the best.  I highly recommend this as your all purpose kitchen cleaner. 

• The toilet bowl cleaner also works great...just like anything I've used in the past but without the damage and guilt of putting highly corrosive "cleaner" straight into our drainage systems.  It also has a nice faint sent of Cypress and Fir for an added bonus.

• The tub and tile cleaner is my absolute favorite of all the products I reviewed for Seventh Generation.  It works phenomenally...and I'm not exaggerating.  I've got an older home where the tile in my tub/shower seems to grow mold quite quickly.  In the past, I tried other natural cleaners in attempt to remove the mold and nothing seemed to work.  With my son being in the tub every night, I was determined to keep it clean as a whistle for him so I am ashamed to admit...I had been using Soft Scrub because it worked great.  However, it also contains harmful toxins that are not good for anyone in our house or the water system.  But alas, no need to worry anymore!  I found a great product that works and it's safe for all of us!  I HIGHLY recommend this product.   

Thank you to all for entering and a special thanks to the sponsor for not only donating the kit to this event but for putting their time and creative energy into producing such wonderful products that are safe for the planet.

Mommy Bridget

               

Scratching the Surface of Stainless Steel

Note to mothers:

I know this is a horrible picture but you get the point.

Do not allow for any magnet toys such as Leap Frog learning toys to make it to your refrigerator door if you have stainless steel.  It scratches the steel and I cannot remove the scratch by buffing it off.  Does anyone have any other ideas?  I know it's not that big of a deal but I hate the way it looks and well, my appliances aren't going anywhere anytime soon so I would like to keep them in a decent condition.     

Mommy Bridget

Seventh Generation Giveaway

There are only a few days left to enter into the Seventh Generation Home Cleaning Kit Giveaway.  Drawing ends February 28th at midnight.  My review on the products to come soon...all I can tell you now is that I'm hooked!

It's the Seventh Generation Healthy Home Starter Kit to help you get started greening up your household.  The bag contains the following:

•  (1) Seventh Generation Recycled/Reusable Bag                      
• (1)  Natural Paper towels 120sht
• (1) All-purpose Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Glass and Surf Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Kitchen Cleaner
• (1) Shower Cleaner
• (1) Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• (1) Tub and Tile Cleaner

I was given the opportunity to choose between this kit as a giveaway from Seventh Generation or a kit of their line of baby products.  It was tough but my decision was based on my strong belief that using safe, responsible, sustainable, earth friendly products in your home are important to create a better environment for your family.  In addition, I've been a member of the Seventh Generation Nation for years now because I swear by their cleaning products so it seemed fit.

To add your name into the drawing, subscribe to my blog (if you haven't already), become a member of the Seventh Generation Nation to receive updates and valuable coupons, and email me (thecuriouscaseofmommyhood@gmail.com) your contact information and the answer to the question below: 

Seventh Generation derived their name from where?                       

Good luck!

Mommy Bridget

Another day, another milestone

Today was surely a hallmark in my son's life and in my life as a mother.  At around 1 pm (naptime), I hesitantly (because of usual defiance from my son) walked down the stairs to get Park out of his play room for naptime.  As soon as I said let's go go take a nap buddy, he put his new favorite Thomas the Train toys away in a drawer, motioned for me to turn off the light, and ran up the stairs.  As we reached the hallway landing, I was sure Park would turn left towards the kitchen and want to snack.  Instead and to my stark surprise, he turned right and ran to his bedroom.  He then had a big smile on his face because he knew it was breastfeeding time (or in other words, his favorite bonding time).

He went down for his nap without a peep.

My son is getting so big.  I love moments like these in which you know that you have done something right when your son puts himself down for his afternoon nap!

Grateful and sleepy myself,

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Bill that curbs smoking in the car with kids advances

ksl.com - Bill that curbs smoking in the car with kids advances

I can't believe it's taken this long! It's about time...

Greening Your Design

I love home design. If I am ever watching the television I turn to HGTV and watch their array of programs about home design. I am on year 2 of my kitchen renovation and although I complain that it is taking FOREVER, I secretly enjoy working on it, picking out colors to paint and the tile for our backsplash...down to the corner edging for our mud room. There is something to be said about making such improvements and not hiring out. Not only are we saving a TON of money, but there is a bit of satisfaction with each new day's progress. 

Another reason why I love HGTV is that they are always promoting "greening" your home. They have programs specific in building using renewable resources and nontoxic materials. They are working on Green Home Project outside of Boston and it's fun to learn more and more about how to build and design in such a way. And so I want to share with you some design tips from an expert in their Green Design Team.

Green Decorating Basics

(today I plan on finishing priming my stairway with FreshAire Paint so I can begin painting soon!!!)

Enjoy!

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Pediatricians urge choking warning labels for food

ksl.com - Pediatricians urge choking warning labels for food

I felt this was important enough to repost. Labeling foods children eat that are choking hazards would save lives. One thing I distinctly remember regarding foods to avoid for little ones came from my sister in law Andrea (thank you!!!). She said some items that were easy for toddlers to choke on that you may not think of were hot dogs, carrots, and popcorn. I would also add cheese sticks and frozen fruit bars (I choked on a popsicle in high school (thank God they melt!)) to that list. My son choked on string cheese at around a year old. He took a bite before I got the chance to peel it for him...and when he eats his turkey hot dogs, I still cut them into small pieces.

It's better to be super safe than to be sorry later on.

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Bill would make homes more energy efficient

ksl.com - Bill would make homes more energy efficient

This would be fantastic if it passed legislation. I would love to use Utah's soaring solar energy as a means to provide energy to my house.

One Week Left to Enter Free Seventh Generation Cleaning Products

Here we go everyone...it's my first blog free giveaway.  And it's awesome! 

It's the Seventh Generation Healthy Home Starter Kit to help you get started greening up your household.  The bag contains the following:

•  (1) Seventh Generation Recycled/Reusable Bag
• (1)  Natural Paper towels 120sht
• (1) All-purpose Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Glass and Surf Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Kitchen Cleaner
• (1) Shower Cleaner
• (1) Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• (1) Tub and Tile Cleaner

I was given the opportunity to choose between this kit as a giveaway from Seventh Generation or a kit of their line of baby products.  It was tough but my decision was based on my strong belief that using safe, responsible, sustainable, earth friendly products in your home are important to create a better environment for your family.  In addition, I've been a member of the Seventh Generation for years now because I swear by their cleaning products so it was a fit.

To add your name into the drawing, subscribe to my blog, become a member of the Seventh Generation Nation to receive updates and valuable coupons, and email me (thecuriouscaseofmommyhood@gmail.com) your contact information and the answer to the question below: 

Seventh Generation derived their name from where?                       

Good luck!

Mommy Bridget

My Son the Slugger

Lately, it seems as though I struggle with the battle of the hitter more than any other battle. No, not the baseball kind. Not the spousal kind, heavens no! But the child hitter. Yes, I confess I have a hitter. My son hits...he's 21 months old and he hits and has been since last summer.

Lately, he seems to be hitting more than ever. He hits whenever he is frustrated and it has proven to be very difficult to deal with...I'm out of options with which to handle the hitting because guess what ladies and gents, I've been dealing with this for 7 months. And although at one point I thought we were over it...it ever so unexpectedly made a whopping in your face reappearance in early December 5 minutes into a very long day of flying. And now it's stronger and fiercer than ever.

I never thought I would have a child with such a behavior. I've come to the conclusion that no matter how many things I did or do right with Park, his behavior is ultimately a part of his make-up. I know this to be true because I live it day in and day out. To those of you who have had the luxury of not having a child who hits...count your blessings my friends! And to those of you who are judging me this very moment and like to pretend your children would NEVER hit...let me tell you something...your day WILL come. It may not be hitting...but it will be something else. Something that embarrasses the hell out of you, something that screams attention needed!!!

And so I offer to any of you who struggle as I am struggling not only my strong condolences, but an honest and true testimony that you are not alone in the fight to end the behavior...and you are NOT a bad mother/father/caregiver.

If anyone has any good ideas or information to shed some light on the topic of hitting behavior, opinions are welcome. (and btw, I've already tried ignoring it, time outs and deep discussions so any ideas other than that are welcome)

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Utah Senate rejects EPA global warming policies

ksl.com - Utah Senate rejects EPA global warming policies

Great. No, not really great...sarcasm great.

ksl.com - Teen dies after accidentally shooting himself

ksl.com - Teen dies after accidentally shooting himself

I know that it's becoming redundant that I keep posting articles from my local news about guns and accidents related to guns but in doing so, I'm hoping that what I see on a daily basis due to the lax laws our country has on gun ownership, you will see how we urgently need stronger and stricter gun laws. I am alarmed at how much protest there is regarding the issue and can only pinpoint this being due to cultural practices...especially out here in the wild wild west.

I would really love some input from others who live outside of the US, are from another country, or are Natives to this land on the topic of gun laws.

This topic, although about guns, is so concerning to me as a mother. Sometimes when I'm home alone, I worry about intruders with guns and how my family could escape the harm of them. I worry about my son growing older and going to public schools where yearly, there are shootings in our country where children are killed from the wrath of an adolescent with a gun. And I worry about the possibility of having a child with severe depression...one that in a given moment of sadness, would choose to take their own life with a gun. This topic affects us as mothers in every way possible. I urge you to rethink your stance on why guns are made and the devastation they produce.

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Sen. Bennett protesting two potential national monuments in Utah

ksl.com - Sen. Bennett protesting two potential national monuments in Utah

One can only hope that the San Rafael Swell and Cedar Mesa become national monuments. There are a million other places to drill for oil...come on Senator Bennett. You suck.
Who's with me?

Mommy Bridget

10 Tips for Mindful Work

10 Tips for Mindful Work

Posted using ShareThis

Preview: Anastasia's Attic

Preview: Anastasia's Attic

I love this store... I had the opportunity one day long ago to work with the creative owner on a photo shoot in California. If you live in the area or are visiting the Salt Lake Valley, I recommend stopping into the store.


Mommy Bridget

peaceful parenting: Massachusetts MGM Bill Public Hearing

peaceful parenting: Massachusetts MGM Bill Public Hearing

Protecting Planet Home

Sweetheart's Day

As I ponder the special day in which we call Valentine's Day, I relish the idea that we need to dedicate a day to sit back and focus on cherishing the ones we love.  Not that we don't cherish the ones we love daily...but really devote more time and effort into these people who help make us who we are and remind us why it's so amazing to be alive.

Even though I didn't wake up to a bouquet of red roses nor did I buy anything extra special for my my lovey, I love today.  Today means so much to me because I know how blessed I am to have people in my life that are extra extra special to me.  My husband is so wonderful.  There aren't enough words to describe his warm heart, his sensitivity to his family and friends, and especially the way he loves me and what we as a unit mean to him.  Our son is to us a large display of the love Marshall and I have always had for one another.  Park is so beautiful, so loving, so eager to learn, to be his own self.  My family is by far more amazing than I could have ever dreamed a family to be....and not only my little family but also the family in which I came from. 

My siblings and I share a common true respect and deep love for one another, despite the distance between all of us.  We share a common bond that I have yet to see in another family.  I love that the minute my son sees any of my family members he is comfortable enough to hug them, to kiss them, to smile at them with his cute little dimples, and to fall asleep in my sister's loving arms like he would my very own.  Although we are so different from one another in terms of personalities and interests, we often times sense one another's needs and emotions.  There is nothing in comparison to the love me and my rockin' sibs have for one another and for one another's children.  And I can only think that these ties as siblings are the effect of coming from a loving home, a home where our parents love one another more deeply than the day they were married.  We are all so blessed and I am thankful.

Valentine's Day to me is a day where I relax and remind myself how truly blessed I am to love and to be loved.  And even though Marshall and I aren't getting ready to go out to a beautiful dinner (I'm making chili), I am even happier knowing that as my sweet son sleeps soundly in his bedroom, I anxiously await his awakening to where we all will view a video of the day my husband and I were married.  With a glass of champagne in hand of course;)

Happy Valentine's Day to you all,

Mommy Bridget

FREE GIVEAWAY

Here we go everyone...it's my first blog free giveaway.  And it's awesome! 

It's the Seventh Generation Healthy Home Starter Kit to help you get started greening up your household.  The bag contains the following:

•  (1) Seventh Generation Recycled/Reusable Bag
• (1)  Natural Paper towels 120sht
• (1) All-purpose Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Glass and Surf Cleaner- free and clear
• (1) Kitchen Cleaner
• (1) Shower Cleaner
• (1) Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• (1) Tub and Tile Cleaner

I was given the opportunity to choose between this kit as a giveaway from Seventh Generation or a kit of their line of baby products.  It was tough but my decision was based on my strong belief that using safe, responsible, sustainable, earth friendly products in your home are important to create a better environment for your family.  In addition, I've been a member of the Seventh Generation for years now because I swear by their cleaning products so it was a fit.

To add your name into the drawing, subscribe to my blog, become a member of the Seventh Generation Nation to receive updates and valuable coupons, and email me (thecuriouscaseofmommyhood@gmail.com) your contact information and the answer to the question below: 

Seventh Generation derived their name from where?                       

Good luck!

Mommy Bridget

Potty Time

So as my son ran around wild this evening in the buck, my husband and I thought it was a good time to work on a little interaction with the potty.  No not us, our son.  It was a good time for Park to get a little comfortable with the strange seat Mommy and Daddy sit on every now and again.

We sat Park on the toilet, holding him up underneath his arms and talking to him about potty time...but the toilet appeared to be swallowing his cute little body so I decided it wasn't worth our time until I purchased a potty seat Park's size to fit on our adult size toilet seat (in our case short people adult size toilet seat).  As we came back into the living room and sat down, Park quickly ran back into our hallway and the bathroom door shut.  A minute later, Marshall went back to retrieve our son from his bathroom mischief but to his surprise, found our little guy standing on the toilet seat and peeing.

And it was glorious...despite the fact that the toilet seat cover was down and pee was everywhere.  But hey, he has part of the idea right?!!!

Proud Mommy Bridget

Is Utah Earthquake Ready?

Following the earthquake devastation that ripped apart the country of Haiti, I've found myself thinking about the preparedness of the earthquake zone in which I live...specifically the Wasatch Range area of Utah.  According to The Earthquake Education Services or EES at the University of Utah, there are potentially dangerous faults throughout the Wasatch Front area, such as in the West Valley City area, under the Great Salt Lake, and just north of the Great Salt Lake.  Knowing this information begs the question,  is my family prepared if a large earthquake were to occur here?  The answer is no.  Do we even own a flashlight? 

And so I heard of one way to begin preparing in case such an event were to occur.  It's called a 72-hour kit.  Apparently, or so it seems, most people I know from Utah have been making these kits for years.  Gotta love those scouts!  So since our beautiful Utah is a snowy winter wonderland today, I decided today is as good a day as any to begin "preparing"

Better safe than sorry later right!

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - House measure questions global warming science

ksl.com - House measure questions global warming science

Oh come on people...where is your common sense? What's more important to you...the "economy" or your health?

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Family loses 2nd child in suspected pesticide poisoning

ksl.com - Family loses 2nd child in suspected pesticide poisoning

So sad.

Air

On a lighter note...

If you are wondering what the hey this is supposed to mean, it means we have a green air quality day!!!  We have had great air since last I complained about it.  Green means very healthy to breathe, to play in, to run in.  "Green" as green should be. 

Pictures of my views of the mountains and the valley to come soon.

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - Layton home cleared of deadly gas; investigation continues

ksl.com - Layton home cleared of deadly gas; investigation continues

What was thought to be a routine procedure in handling pest control ended in tragedy. A family near Salt Lake had a pest control company come by their home to take care of a rodent problem and because of carelessness in handling and using the toxin, a 4 year old has died from the inhalation of toxic gas and a 15 month old is hanging on for his/her life.

My Absence

To my faithful followers, (and to those of my close family and friends which by the way have the opportunity to at any time opt-out from receiving my posts through email), I apologize for my absence.  I am in the process of moving my blog to a better place...one that has real people that can help me 24/7 with any questions I may have with the technical side of my blog.  So if you are wondering where I am at, where I have been, whether I gave up on my blog, whether I couldn't take those who disagree with any statements I make on my blog...II am still here and I'm not planning on going anywhere any time soon.

I will let you all know where you can find me as soon as my new site is up and running.  Until then, you can continue contacting me through here and I promise I will do my best to continue updating you on any news that interests me or on my super cool life.

Much love,

Mommy Bridget

Running shoes

Speaking of marathons or running in general (see side bar), I thought I would share with you my little secret...

www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com

I've been purchasing my running shoes from this company for about 5 years now for a fraction of the cost one would find elsewhere...AND New Balance shoes are awesome for running!!!

ksl.com - Researchers find link between serotonin levels and SIDS

ksl.com - Researchers find link between serotonin levels and SIDS

Another good article to share with you today! This could be a huge breakthrough in the fight to understand SIDS.
I recommend also sleeping with or very near your baby...of course:)

Mommy Bridget

ksl.com - St. George parents concerned over football team photos

ksl.com - St. George parents concerned over football team photos

What kind of country do we live in where it's "cool" to be holding semiautomatic weapons for a high school football team picture? This reminds me of photos I've seen of other kids in Uganda proudly holding their weapons together standing together as a "team". The only difference is the kids in Uganda holding such weapons have joined militant forces to rape, pillage, and murder innocent people throughout the country in the name of religion. I believe this football team photo strongly sends the wrong message.

Guns...again.

Mommy Bridget

Toddlertime

For any of you living in the Salt Lake area, did you know that our public libraries have a "toddlertime" one day a week?  Last week when Park and I made our visit to pick up some books and let Park explore, I glanced at the calender of events and to my surprise saw that in addition to all the opportunities for 3-6 year olds they now offer a time where we can get out 18 month-3 year olds together.  I'm not sure what to expect today but am very excited about Park interacting with other children his age.  There is so much to say about how beneficial childhood interaction is for our youngsters.  It's also a great opportunity for Mommas to meet other Mommas too:)

Mommy Bridget