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Healthy Snacks for a Road Trip {courtesy of OneBar}

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of OneBar.

healthy snacks for a road trip

Are you getting ready for a road trip this summer? Anything that takes longer than one hour in the car for us is considered a “road trip” since we don’t do it often. We will be visiting Connecticut this weekend so I’m thinking about what snacks to pack to keep the whole family happy, and quiet, for the three hour drive.

The kids recently taste tested the OneBar and they gave it a big “yummy” when they tried out the apple, cherry and mango flavors. Kids can be very picky about eating fruit and the OneBar can help fill in the gaps. Each bar counts as a full serving of fruit, but is low calorie so the kids will still eat their next meal.

On car rides, one thing that drives me crazy is accidentally packing a snack that leads to very messy hands in the car. Since we drive a minivan, those kids are wayyyy in the back and I can’t just wipe hands off as we travel. Maybe your kids love cherries, but you won’t take the risk of packing cherries in the car. Could you imagine? Just pack a OneBar and they get a favorite treat and you don’t have to deal with the mess. Each bar is “dusted” with a superfruit called baobab. The dust keeps hands from getting sticky, but also delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Onebar-what's inside?

For parents packing for kids with allergies or food sensitivities, the OneBar is made without gluten or wheat. Plus it’s made without added sugar, and no food dyes either. Sometimes life moves at a fast pace and it’s great to have a snack ready for a road trip or in between school and sports practice.

Packing a variety of snack items for the family on a road trip not only helps keep everyone’s energy level up, but it helps beat boredom. Try to pack a rainbow of colors and see if the kids can name every color they ate. Pack up snacks in individual bags so you can avoid sibling squabbles.

onebar flavors

Which flavor OneBar would your family like the most? Any new flavors you want to see in the mix?

All Random Recycling readers can enter to win a giveaway for three boxes (all three OneBar flavors, including Apple, Cherry and Mango). Don’t want to wait for the contest? Order now with the coupon code EasyFruit – good for 25% off their total order placed by August 31 at OneBar. Check out where everyone else is enjoying their OneBar by searching the hashtag #easyfruit.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

onebar healthy snack

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of OneBar. All opinions shared here are my own.
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Tommee Tippee Winter Essentials Giveaway- 6 month baby update

Although I generally don’t share a ton of baby updates here on the blog, I’m sharing a bit today as I partner with Tommee Tippee to giveaway a set of their winter essentials for baby.

Baby C six months

Our little guy is now six months old and has been such a wonderful addition to our family. He is generally a very easy baby, with one exception. He hates taking a bottle. Even when it’s mama’s milk, he was very difficult to feed when I was out of the house. We were told to supplement his feeding with extra pumped milk due to his slow weight gain, but he refused the bottles. We had to start solid food at four months to make sure he was getting enough calories since he tends to sleep through the typical night-time feedings. (I know, terrible, right?) Even though that wasn’t what I planned, we all had to adjust.

tommee tippee winter essentials #giveaway

Now at six months, we had turned a slight corner. We switched over to the Tommee Tippee bottles I was given and switched to the faster flow nipple. Finally we have some success when it comes to a bottle. Although he does tend to growl his way through it, at least I know he won’t go hungry if I’m working. We are also using the electric bottle and food warmer, more often for the food. He likes his meal on the warmer side so it’s handy to put in a jar while I’m getting meals ready. I like using this instead of a microwave for his food as we try to rely on a microwave less and less.  Connor is still breastfed primarily and we hope to until he can have regular cow’s milk.

Now you can win a very fun winter essentials pack from Tommee Tippee. If you don’t need it, get it for a friend or donate it to a local charity. The contest is open to US residents only and ends at midnight, Friday December 20th.

The Tommee Tippee winter essentials pack includes:

·         Limited edition snowflake bottle and pacifier set (available exclusively at Target). The winter-themed snowflake gift set includes 3-9 oz. Bottles and 2 pacifiers, and retails for $19.99.

·         Our Closer to Nature Electric Bottle and Food Warmer, which heats bottles and baby food quickly and safely

·         Hat + mittens to keep your baby warm for the first snow (winner to specify if they have a boy or girl and will receive the gender-appropriate set; please note that both are pictured below)

·         Hand warmers for mom + dad to stay toasty

·         Hot chocolate for mom + dad to enjoy while baby’s drinking from his or her snowflake bottle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sister feeding baby C

I have a little helper now to feed Connor.

Disclosure: I have received Tommee Tippee products when Connor was first born…thank you! We have been using the products above and the Diaper Disposal system too (that seals each individual diaper…when we use disposables at night.) All opinions shared here are my own. 

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Zebra ERGObaby Carrier Giveaway from Thanks Mama

Ergo zebra giveaway

When someone asks me my favorite thing about babies I often think about babywearing. I love having my little one all snuggly warm next to me. Even better is when they fall asleep against my chest and I can relax and give the big kids my full attention. I’ve used different carriers with all three kids and I finally have an ERGObaby Carrier for baby #3! This week I’m excited to bring you an opportunity to win an ERGObaby Carrier from Thanks Mama natural parenting store!

Thanks Mama online baby store features a selection of twelve baby carrier brands, among them the popular ERGObaby Carrier. This particular brand was the one that started it all and revolutionized babywearing to be truly comfortable and suitable for every day life. The ergonomic design of this carrier supports the correct sitting position for baby and also balances baby’s weight on the parent’s hips and shoulders.

 

My Favorite Features of the ERGObaby Carrier: 
  • Reinforced stitching between fabric intersections make a safer carrier
  • Padded waist belt supports the lumbar area
  • Can be worn on the front, back, or hip
  • Attached sleeping hood that can be tucked away
  • Thick, comfortable foam straps
  • Fits babies from 7 to 45 pounds (with infant insert)

 

My Favorite Features of the Thanks Mama Store: 
  • Large selection of 28 brands of cloth diapers
  • Over 15 options of reusable potty training pants
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic baby care solutions
  • Classic and modern wooden toys
  • Non-toxic mattresses for the whole family
  • Eco-friendly furniture for baby and kids made of rubberwood
  • Free shipping on all U.S. orders over $60 and Worldwide shipping rates available
  • Earn rewards dollars with every purchase

Purchase: You can purchase the ERGObaby carrier at Thanks Mama. Use code CARRIER for 15% off!

Win It! Thanks Mama is generously giving away the Zebra print ERGObaby Carrier to one winner.

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Thanks Mama and all participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends November 21st at 11:59 pm, open to U.S. residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!




Disclaimer: Random Recycling, AnaB Social, Eco-Babyz, and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I did not receive compensation for this post but hope one of my readers can win this wonderful piece of baby gear for themselves or a friend. 

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The Story Behind Lunch Love (Giveaway)

A few weeks ago, I was surprised by an email from Pinterest that had my Lunch Love board featured in it. It is one of my favorite boards and it has helped me create lots of healthy lunches for my kids. I think it’s no coincidence that my Lunch Love board is a favorite, as packing lunches was what first clued me in to living a more sustainable lifestyle.

The Story Behind the Lunch Love Pinterest Board (giveaway)

My daughter started at day care and I was packing lunches for the first time. First it was breast milk and baby food, and then toddler food. Suddenly, there seemed to be a lot more waste happening. I wanted to make a switch and thankfully, there were lots of other mom-based business offering products to help. Reusable bags, cute toddler sized lunch boxes and kid friendly glass containers were suddenly a normal part of our lunch packing routine. After this switch in our routine, I made other small changes at home. Cloth napkins, cloth diapers, less paper towels, composting and so on. One small step kept leading to another and I was happy about cutting down on the waste happening…that’s really how the name Random Recycling came to be. I wanted to try to cut down on the massive amount of waste/stuff that was coming into our home when we first started having kids. Now the blog clearly has a larger focus and family nutrition is a big part of it.

Izy and Oly Kids Cloth Napkins

Izy and Oly Kids Cloth Napkins

Lunch Love can be a fun part of your routine too. Get your kids involved picking out lunches. Pick up a copy of Weelicious Lunches(which is just awesome!) and get some new ideas on what to pack. Plus tips on “how” to pack kids lunch as it’s so important to keep it simple for them. The time available for lunch is generally short so keep food simple and easy to unwrap. Make sure their containers are easy to open so they can be independent eaters as they sit with their friends.

To kick off my Lunch Love Celebration Week, here is a fun giveaway to enter. One winner will get the following:

  • Rock the Lunch Box assortment of samples and coupons from Stonyfield, Annie’s and Horizon Organics
  • Izy and Oly cloth napkins, just the right size for little hands
  • Squooshi reusable squeeze pouches

Squooshi reusable squeeze pouch for kids

 

Enter below using the Rafflecopter. Giveaway is open until midnight, Sat Sept 28th, 2013. Open to US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join me on Thursday night as I chat with Danielle Shea Tan, a health coach who will walk us through how to pack a healthy lunch for our kids. She will have tips for picky eaters and we will talk about how to create the right balance between healthy choices and kids favorites. RSVP for this Google + hangout and we will be talking online at 8:30 pm EST. During the talk, I’ll be giving away one copy of Weelicious Lunches to someone who has RSVP’d!  See you there!

I hope you continue to find inspiration on the Lunch Love board. And thank you Pinterest peeps for sharing it!

I was a partner this summer with Rock the Lunch Box where real moms shared their favorite lunches. Check out the site for loads of ideas and photos. I also received samples of the Izy and Oly napkins and Squooshi pouches so I could test them out first. My kids love both fun accessories in the lunch box! The Weelicious Lunch link to Amazon is an affiliate link, which means this site gets a little kick-back at no cost to you.

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Keep Kids Healthy Naturally with Erba Vita – Giveaway

Erba Vita Tips to keep kids healthy naturally

As the kids return to school, so comes the return of the running noses and germy hands. With a little baby at home, I am super aware of the imminent germs coming into our home. There are a few new things we are doing this year to keep us all healthy and the germs at bay. Here are some ways to keep your kids healthy naturally this season, plus a giveaway for natural remedies from Erba Vita. Erba Vita is a European company with high quality natural products that are effective, GMO-free, and pesticide-free.

  • Buy a fun soap canister for the kids so they enjoy hand washing. Help them from an early age learn how to wash their hands well. Get them to sing a favorite song so they learn how long they should wash their hands.
  • Offer kids a balanced diet with lots of variety in their fruits and veggies. Offer favorite fruits for snack, or make them a fun strawberry fruit roll-up.
  • Use a hand sanitizer when you are out and about. We tested out the Mother’s Therapy Organics kids sanitizer Erba Vita Immun Kids and love it so far. It’s not as drying as most alcohol based sanitizer as it includes aloe vera-based lotion. I keep a small one clipped on my diaper bag so I can use it after changing diapers on-the-go. The kids gave it a “no sting” vote.
  • Get the kids to bed early. (And mom and dad too!) A good night sleep helps the body defend against germs during the day.
  • Boost immunity with a supplement, like Erba Vita’s Immun Kids. For ages 4 and up, it contains active herbal ingredients to help support a healthy immune system.
  • Keep tissues handy so they are ready for sneezes. Teach kids how to sneeze into their elbow by encouraging them to “catch” their sneeze.
  • Keep extra toothbrushes on hand so you can replace them quickly if someone gets sick.
  • Everyone in the house should get a flu shot. I know people have strong opinions on this, I’m voting for flu shots for our family since our littlest one can’t get a shot and I want to keep him as healthy as possible in his first year of life.
  • Make sure the kids stay hydrated. Send a water bottle to school and limit the amount of sugary beverages they consume.

 

Erba Vita is offering one lucky reader a $150 worth of products of your choosing. You can check out their Kids’ Line, Women’s Health, Weight Loss, and more. Please enter via the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway is open to US residents only until Sept 30th. Winner will be notified via email.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received some of the Erba Vita products to review, including their Leg Light Gel that I used at the end of my pregnancy. It was great to use at the end of the day. I appreciate their commitment to using quality ingredients and following the safest standard of testing. You can get some of their product line in Whole Foods now or order online. All opinions shared here are my own. 

I also received the Mother’s Therapy Organic line of hand sanitizer and lotion. So far it’s one of the kids’ favorite as it’s not too sticky and doesn’t sting like most alcohol based sanitizers. 

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Time to get mom organized for back to school (Giveaway)

Tiny Prints Back to School

When we think about back-to-school it’s usually about getting the kids ready. But really it’s mom’s time to get ready for back to school. Here’s some quick tips for getting Mom ready for afterschool sports, birthday parties, meal planning and more.

School Zone at Home

  • Pick a spot for backpacks. Have the kids leave them there when they get home and return them there after completing homework so they are ready for the morning.
  • Put together a craft supply basket with scissors, pencils, markers, etc. to be used in a homework zone. Now is the time to stock up with back to school sales.

Meal planning

  • Pick a Sunday afternoon to put together a few freezer meals for when life gets busy and you don’t have time to make dinner.
  • A new notebook and meal planning printables are a great way to stay organized. Make notes of what dinners are favorites and incorporate them into your week’s meal plan.
  • Pinterest is my go-to for meal planning. You can find my meal plan posts here and dinner recipes here. If you need some lunch box inspiration, head over to my Lunch Love board.

Play dates

  • Schedule one or two in advance so you can plan for some free time to check things off your list.
  • Mom contact cards make connecting easy on the playground or in passing at pickup time.

After school activities

  • Pack a bag in advance with sports gear, clean and ready to go. (Pack second small bag for siblings if they will be hanging out waiting)
  • Keep some snacks ready to go and prepackaged so getting out the door is a little easier.

Birthday Parties

  • Buy a few gifts at a time for a certain age group so you are always ready
  • Gift tags are handy to have on hand and personalize a store wrapped gift.

Tiny Prints Labels

 

To help get Moms (and Dads) ready for Back to School season, Tiny Prints is offering a great package of products to get you started! The giveaway is up to a $97 value!

  • 5 sets of 24 gift tag stickers
  • 1 – 5×8 lined notebook
  • 100 – mommy/play date/contact cards

Giveaway is open until August 22nd to US and Canada residents only. (Canada must pay for shipping~ sorry!) Please enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get another chance to win by entering Tiny Prints Back to School contest for another $200 in prizes! Contest is open until August 28th.

I will also be receiving my own customized Tiny Prints back to school package…I can’t wait to pick out some new labels for the kids and I will get new mommy cards with all THREE kids names on them! All opinions shared here are my own. 

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Canon Powershot G15 Giveaway from 42nd Street Photo

 

This year I’ve spent a fair amount of time trying to improve my photography skills. I have a great camera and finally learned how to shoot manual, thanks to a class by the wonderful Kerry Goodwin. I’m excited to partner with other bloggers and 42nd Street Photo on a giveaway for the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera. Life flies by fast, especially when you have kids. Especially young kids. It’s vital to capture our time with them while they are young and be able to share it with them when they are older.

42nd Street Photo is a camera store based in New York City and they have a vast selection of digital cameras and camcorders. They have been in business for over 40 years, established back when we used to capture memories on film! It’s convenient to shop there as they have great deals and sales, a variety of ways to pay, free shipping, and a free cleaning kit with your purchase. 42nd Street Photo is generously sponsoring this giveaway for the Canon Powershot G15, a small camera with big performance. This camera is a great step-up from the average point-and-shoot with a lot of features of more expensive DSLR cameras in a compact package. It also receives raving reviews from users!

Our Favorite Features of the Canon Powershot G15: 
  • Fast 5X zoom lens
  • 12.1 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, enables rapid continuous shooting, no lag!
  • Exceptional low-light performance to ISO 12800, 1.8 to 2.8 aperture
  • 1080p HD Video Capture
  • High speed automatic focus
  • Intelligent image stabilization
  • Bright, high-resolution LCD
  • RAW image capture capability
  • Hot shoe for optional flash in addition to build-in one
Purchase: You can purchase the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera at 42nd Street Photo. 

Win It! 42nd Street Photo is generously blessing one winner with the Canon Powershot G15 digital camera!

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to 42photo.com and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends September 3rd at 11:59 pm, open to residents of US and Canada, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!



Disclaimer: AnaB Social and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I did not rece

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Ettitude Bamboo Sheet Set Giveaway

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the events at the Boston Marathon yesterday. I’m so thankful today all of our family and friends are safe, but my heart goes out to those who have a difficult road ahead. Please keep those families in your prayers today.

We are in bedding shopping mode as we rearrange the kid’s sleeping set up to make way for baby in June. I have been reading through information about crib mattresses and crib bedding again to see who makes non-toxic options. Sheets touch your body so much I just feel better knowing they don’t contain pesticides and other toxic materials.

Ettitude Bamboo Bassinet Sheets

These bamboo bassinet sheets are on my wish list for new baby.

Creating a safe sleeping environment for the family can be a challenge today with toxins in nearly all mattresses and bedding. One material that is a great choice for your bedroom is bamboo, it is grown without pesticides and is a rapidly renewable resource. It’s the perfect solution for adults and kids with sensitive skin as it is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. Bamboo is basically “naturally organic” as it doesn’t need any pesticides for growing it quickly.
In addition to bamboo sheet sets, Ettitude has a vast selection of bamboo comforters, duvet covers, crib sheets, pillows, mattress protectors, and towels to name a few. Ettitude was founded on the simple idea that all home and family essentials should not only be practical but also be unquestionably safe, Eco friendly, beautiful, and convenient.

 

Our Favorite Features of the Ettitude Organic Pure Bamboo Sheet Sets: 
  • Available in six beautiful colors (white, sand, coffee, gray, aubergine, blue nights)
  • Equivalent to around 1000 thread count in cotton, luxuriously soft and silky!
  • Naturally antibacterial, great for sensitive skin and allergies
  • Wicks sweat away from body, cool in the summer, warm in the winter
  • Made from bamboo, a pesticide free, sustainable, and rapidly renewable resource
  • 100% biodegradable
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100
  • Easy care – cool wash, line dry
  • Even the packaging is eco-friendly: recycled, recyclable, and non-toxic.
Purchase: You can purchase Ettitude Organic Bamboo sheet sets directly on their website. 

Win It! Ettitude is generously blessing one winner with an Organic Pure Bamboo sheet set in your choice of size (twin, full, queen, king, or California king)!

 

Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to Ettitude and all the fabulous participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends May 14th at 11:59 pm, open to residents WORLDWIDE, ages 18+. See detailed terms and conditions on entry form. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below (see directions on how to enter here). Thank you!
Disclaimer: Random Recycling and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. I did not receive anything for this giveaway but wanted to share the product with my readers. I think it would be a great prize for someone looking to make the switch to less toxic bedding.

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Eat the Rainbow, Run the Rainbow Giveaway

Eat the Rainbow Fruit Skewers RandomRecycling.com

Start the day with a rainbow of fruit on skewers.

Spring is finally in the air and we are spending lots more time outside. As my kids burn more energy now running and biking, making sure they are eating well is even more important. As a Mom, I talk about what my kids are eating, or not eating, with friends and family a lot. I am lucky to have two kids who are not very picky, they just tend to want to eat all the time. I think snack is JJ’s favorite word, right behind show. Feeding them real food is so important to me and I am happy to partner with New Balance and Chop Chop magazine to help support their campaign to “Eat the Rainbow, Run the Rainbow.”

As a blogger who focuses on kid friendly food recipes, I get to read a lot of cookbooks and nutrition books when they first get released. The recipes that always get the best response are those that are pretty. Pretty to my kids means there are lots of colors on the plate. Eat the Rainbow is such a simple message, but it really drives home what you should be feeding your kids. They may not eat it all, but there have been studies that show the more variety of color that is offered on a plate, the better the overall intake is of food. This is great for parents of picky eaters. Although they may throw it at you, at least you know you are offering them the best chance for a well-balanced meal. If you have young kids, I really like the book, Give Peas a Chance: The Foolproof Guide to Feeding Your Picky Toddler.

New Balance Rainbow Shoes RandomRecycling.com

Now here is the fun part. You get two chances to win some great products from both New Balance and  Chop Chop magazine. Head over to their main contest page to enter to win monthly prizes. Then, enter here to win a pair of New Balance 890v3 Rainbow sneakers and a one year subscription to Chop Chop magazine! The shoes are just adorable. I know this since my daughter gets complimented on her special pair wherever we go. They come in both infant/preschool sizes with velcro and switch to laces at size 10 1/2 and up. It’s Madison’s very first pair of lace up shoes…not great timing for me at 32 weeks pregnant. I tie those shoes a lot!

Rainbow Giveaway RandomRecycling.com

The giveaway is open to US residents until April 21, 2013. The winner will be announced on Earth Day, April 22! Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided a pair of New Balance Rainbow Shoes and subscription to Chop Chop magazine for which I am very excited about. All opinions expressed her are my own. 

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Yes, Summer is Coming. Someday. {Albion $100 Giveaway}

Albion Fit Giveaway RandomRecycling

Who is ready for some spring fashion? I look outside and there are still little pockets of snow on the ground. The forecast is calling for yet more snow and I’m just done. Done looking at grey skies, done with the piles of snowy hats and gloves and done waiting for warmer weather. It’s time to look ahead to spending the summer at the beach, under a brilliant blue sky, while I enjoy my kids running around in the warm sun.

Chevron swimsuit Albion Fit

Chevron is such a huge trend, why not at the beach?

On my list of things to be “greener” about is my choice of clothing. While a lot of my kid’s clothes are either shopped at a local consignment sale or made from organic cotton, I haven’t done a great job myself of finding eco-friendly clothing on a regular basis. Part of the reason is it’s a little confusing. Is it more important to choose eco-friendly fabrics, or choose companies that focus on reducing their carbon footprint through greener manufacturing processes? Recently I was asked to take a look at Albion Fit, a company that combines these two goals.

Albion Fit is a small, family owned company from Utah that makes women’s fitness and swimwear. For someone like me who basically lives in a swimsuit for the month of July, I loved the idea of finding a more eco-friendly swimsuit. I was in luck as I had trouble deciding which bathing suit I wanted to check out myself.

Blousy Navy swim top Albion Fit

My swimsuit choice, since July will be just 4 weeks post-partum for me!

The clothes are made in Guatemala, in a fair-trade, family owned manufacturing facility that provides scholarship opportunities and fair compensation for all workers and their families. Things you can feel good about when you shop here, either online or in their new flagship store in Salt Lake City. There are tops and bottoms perfect for a yoga class, or for lounging around on a Sunday. If you are a tennis player, the skirts are adorable.

graphite capri pant Albion Fit

The yoga wear assortment is beautiful, either for a class or for lounging at home.

I’m excited to offer one of my readers a $100 gift card to pick out their own swimsuit or fitness outfit from Albion Fit. Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. Contest will be open until 3/30. If you just can’t wait for the giveaway to end, you can get $15 off any order of $50 or more. Use code: randomrecycling15

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided product samples to help facilitate this review. This in no way influenced my opinions shared here.

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