Living Green With Jerinda: Make All-Natural Sodas at Home with "The Artisan Soda Workshop" Recipe Book

Soda is something most Americans enjoy, so when I was offered The Artisan Soda Workshop recipe book, I was excited to learn to make my own, all-natural sodas. With 70 yummy and interesting recipes, step-by-step instructions, and dozens of appetizing photos, this book makes it easy to create your own fizzy drinks using fruits, herbs, and spices.

When we got the book, we immediately started checking out all the different concoctions to choose which ones we thought we’d like best. We knew classics like cherry cola, root beer, and cream soda would be big hits, but we wanted to try out some of the other more unique ones like Fizzy Cantaloupe Agua Fresca, Green Tea, Grapefruit, and our new favorite, Apple Cider. With nearly all these recipes, you make a syrup, then add it to seltzer when you’re ready to drink it.

For the Apple Cider soda, you combine apple cider and spices over high heat until it boils. You then let it boil down for approximately 15-20 minutes, watching closely so you don’t scorch it. You then add maple syrup and stir it well and use a mesh strainer to strain out the spices. You can then add it to seltzer, or store it in the fridge for up to 5 days so you can have fresh soda all week long. This soda is delicious; unlike anything I’ve ever had. It wasn’t difficult to make either and we loved that we could enjoy the soda easily all week.

We have also made the soda and root beer varieties, and they were amazing as well. Not only are the delicious, but it’s nice to drink soda without all the guilt that usually goes along with it, not to mention all the harmful ingredients and chemicals that are in commercial soda. We definitely look forward to drinking more homemade sodas in the future.

The Artisan Soda Workshop by Andrea Lynn retails for $14.95 and is available through many major book retailers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Thank you to Andrea Lynn for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Living Green With Jerinda: Oransi Robby Wash Ball

Laundry is one of those never ending chores that seems to suck the life out of you and drain your bank account. Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but laundry really isn’t fun. Finding good laundry detergent that works well, smells nice, is perfect for the whole family, and is easy to use can be a daunting task. The Robby Wash Ball by Oransi is a perfect solution to laundry woes.

The Robby Wash Ball is a very unique laundry detergent because it has pellets, called macromolecules, that fill a plastic ball. One packet of macromolecules can do literally months worth of washing. In fact, their guarantee is that one set of the wash ball kit will last for one year! Between uses, you just have to make sure to set the ball in a well ventilated area and make sure to never put it in the dryer.

(Click any photo to enlarge)

The starter kit comes with several packets of macromolecules, the plastic wash ball, and a stain remover stick along with instructions for use. We’ve been using the wash ball for several weeks and I must say that I really like it! My clothes smell fresh, are stain-free, and the ball is so easy to use. It’s really nice not having to measure out laundry detergent every time. The Robby Wash Ball makes doing laundry much easier and I’m glad we got to try it out.

To learn more about Robby Wash Ball, visit Oransi’s Facebook page or Twitter page. The Robby Wash Ball starter kit retails for $32.95.

Thank you to Oransi for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon and of providing an additional product for our contest prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck in the drawing!

Living Green With Jerinda: Country Save High Efficiency Powdered Laundry Detergent

For years I have been using natural detergents on our clothes. Country Save Powdered Laundry Detergent has been one of my favorites since the first time I used it. Country Save offers laundry detergent that is fragrance, dye, and phosphate free, completely biodegradable, and gluten free. It is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, but also cleans very thoroughly.

I started using Country Save back when I was cloth diapering my youngest son because it is one of the best detergents to use for diapers. I liked it so much, that I continued to purchase it even after we quit using diapers. It leaves our clothing smelling clean, fresh, and takes care of even the toughest stains without harming our laundry. It dissolves completely and rinses out easily. Plus, you can trust that it is safe for your family and the environment, which is a big plus in my book. Country Save has and will continue to be a favorite detergent of mine for many years.

Country Save is not widely available in mainstream stores, but my local health food store carries it in stock. You can order 4-pack boxes of Country Save with Free Super Saver Shipping on Amazon.com.  You can also purchase this product online and find a local retailer by visiting www.countrysave.com.

Thank you to Country Save for providing a complimentary product sample for us to base this review upon.

Top 8 Green Products of 2010

This year has been a year of change for us as we tried to rid our home of all chemicals and be more “green” overall. We have sought out fair trade, fair labor, and eco-friendly products and in the process found many things we really loved.


Here is my list of top Green products for 2010, in no particular order . . .

I said no particular order, but I have to say that our Planet Box is, by far, our favorite Green product we received this year. This amazing stainless steel lunch box is still used almost daily by us and is showing no signs of wearing out. Some people are scared of this lunch box’s price, but I can assure it’s worth that and more.

We really, really loved our Cascades Tree we received for Christmas. The kids had a BLAST painting the ornaments and I really loved how unique and beautiful it was.

Our Clementine paints we received are definitely a fave of mine. I am a sucker for non-toxic children’s stuff that is good quality, and these paints live up to it.

The pumpkin scrub we received from Clientele is still used and loved by both me and my husband. I love that it heats up and exfoliates so well and the smell is delicious.

The lime-print apron I received from Global Girlfriend makes my top faves list because it’s cute, well-made, and something I use frequently. Plus, I still like what Global Girlfriend stands for.

Happy Tiffin sent me a set of four, divided stainless steel plates that we use daily and are still in great shape. I had been coveting these plates for a while, and am still thrilled I got them.

This is a two-part rave for two different review opportunities. First, EcoMom sent me a great small bamboo composter that finally prompted my husband and I to start composting all our food. Later, Clean Air Gardening send us a large Spin Bin composter to test out and that has began our official composting life. I love that we are teaching our children such a valuable lesson in life: don’t be wasteful.









Of course, I have been nothing but thrilled to try out each and every product I had been sent, but these hold a special place in my life and I think they are worthy of one more look. Here’s to 2010, a great year now over. Let’s make 2011 even better!


Although we were sent complimentary product samples from either the brands or a retailer associated with the above-mentioned products for the original reviews, we did not receive any compensation for including these products on this list.  This list was compiled based on our own personal experiences with these products.

Giveaway & Review: Zuvo Water Filtration System (ARV $300) [CLOSED]

Being a health-conscious person, we only drink filtered water from our fridge because of all the nasty chemicals (such as mercury, formaldehyde, and more) and other things we don’t want to ingest. We’ve always wanted to get a sink-attached filtration system, but we haven’t gotten around to yet. So, when we were sent the stainless steel Zuvo Water Filtration System, we were happy to finally have an above-the-counter water filtration system.

The Zuvo Water Filtration System produces clean, healthy, great-tasting water by using a patented five-step process . . .

(from ZuvoWater.com)

• Step One: Ozonation. In nature, ozone is generated by lightning and cleans the air where rainwater forms. The Zuvo Water Filtration System mixes ozone with incoming tap water to treat taste and odor contaminants and improve taste. Like chlorine, ozone is a powerful oxidizer. Unlike chlorine, ozone leaves no chemical residue.

• Step Two: Ultraviolet Light. The ozone saturated water is flooded with high-intensity UV light - the same as the solar energy that cleans water in the upper atmosphere.

• Step Three: Photo-Oxidation. The Zuvo Water Filtration System combines UV and ozone in a patented process known as photo-oxidation which releases powerful oxidizers to further treat the water.

• Step Four: Filtration with Lead Removal. Pure spring water is created by passing through fine particles in the earth. Zuvo uses the same principle by passing water through a Class 1 Particulate Reduction Filter, reducing chlorine taste and odor, lead, and tiny particulates.

• Step Five: Post-Filration UV. The filtered water is again exposed to high-intensity UV light as it leaves the Zuvo Water Filtration System, ensuring that you get clean, healthy, great tasting water...just the way nature intended!

With the Zuvo Water Filtration System, you get super clean, good quality water with the pull of a switch. It’s very easy to install, looks fine on our kitchen counter, and I trust that it is doing its job. Plus, it keeps clean water at our fingertips, thus eliminating the need for costly and wasteful bottles of water. If you buy bottled water, you could purchase a reusable bottle and fill it with this healthy, clean Zuvo water and save yourself some money and spare the landfill the useless trash.

We really love everything about the filtration system except its affect on our water pressure. Even when the filter isn’t running, our water pressure from the faucet is drastically reduced and when trying to get water from it, it comes out painfully slow. Zuvo has a faucet that can be purchased separately which would probably fix this problem. Nonetheless, we really like the Zuvo and are very happy with its quality of water. Plus, the kids love the UV light that comes on.

You can buy the Zuvo Water Filtration System at ZuvoWater.com, Amazon.com, and soon at Brookstone. It retails for $299.99 and is also available in a below-the-counter model for slightly more.

Thank you to Zuvo Water for sending us a complimentary sample system to base this review upon and for providing a second system for our contest prize.

What you can win:
One lucky reader will receive a stainless steel Above-Counter Zuvo Water Filtration System (ARV $300).

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Read about the main benefits of using the Zuvo Water Filtration System. Then leave a comment telling me one thing you learned. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND ZuvoWater.com . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow Zuvo Water on Twitter and/or "Like" Zuvo Water on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

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(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, November 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Giveaway & Review: O-Cedar ProMist Mop Floor Cleaning System (2 Winners) [CLOSED]

Not many people enjoy maintaining their floors. I know we do not, especially since our household has become so busy. In fact, we feel that way about most household chores. That is why I am always seeking out solutions to make our chores less difficult to complete and to help them be completed in less time. The O-Cedar ProMist does this for us.

For my readers who are trying to make their household more "green", this mop allows you the choice of using a diluted floor cleaner of your choice or to clean with straight water. Home cleaning and organization expert Peter Walsh suggests making a safe cleaning solution by combining water with white vinegar or lemon juice.

Another way this mop is better for the environment is that the scrubber is a machine washable microfiber pad. The pad just attaches itself to the Velcro on the unit. This pad can be used and washed up to 100 times. If you mop once a week, then one pad could last up to nearly two years.

This mop is very lightweight, even when the bottle is full of water or cleaning solution. It is very sleek and does not take up much room to store. The fact that this mop does not require a bucket makes it an even better space-saver.

The refillable bottle is graduated so it is easy to make your cleaning solutions without having to worry about measuring your components. There are even instructions printed right on the bottle for your convenience.

Once the bottle is snapped back into place, you need only to squeeze the lever on the handle to produce a spray out the front of the mop.

We tested this mop out on our stone tile floors, which are bumpy, uneven, and hard to clean. We were very pleased that the O-Cedar ProMist was able to clean some bits of food that were stuck onto the grout in between the tiles.

(Click any image to enlarge)

Take a look at all the dirt that came off our floor. This mop cannot replace an old fashioned scrubbing with a stiff bristled brush, but it is perfect for maintaining floors once or twice a week.

You can find the O-Cedar ProMist Cleaning System at most major supermarkets and hardware stores. For a limited time, snag a $5 mail-in-rebate for the ProMist on HomeCleanOver.com .

Thank you to O-Cedar for sending us a sample mop free of charge to base this review upon and for providing two additional mops for our contest prizes.

What you can win:
Two lucky readers will each receive an O-Cedar ProMist Dry or Wet Cleaning System.

Limitations:

This giveaway is open to U.S. entries only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Gain Entries:

Leave a comment telling me which floor in your home you would want to try this mop on first. You MUST do this to be eligible to win this contest.

Extra Entries:

1) For 5 extra entries, leave a relevant comment on one of my non-giveaway posts. Then leave FIVE separate comments with the name of the post on which you commented. You will earn 5 extra entries for each different non-contest post you comment on.

2)

For 5 extra entries, enter one of my other contests. Leave FIVE separate comments here telling me which contest you entered. You will earn 5 extra entries for each contest you enter.

3) For 10 extra entries, blog about this contest linking back to this post AND O-Cedar ProMist . Then come back here and leave TEN separate comments with the link to your blog post.

4)

For 1 extra entry each, if you are a Friend of mine on Facebook and/or if you have "liked" the 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires Facebook page, then leave a separate comment here telling me so with the link to your Facebook profile.

5) For 1 extra entry each, follow OCedarProMist on Twitter and/or "Like" O-Cedar ProMist on Facebook. Then leave a separate comment for each with the link to your Twitter or Facebook profile.

6)

Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.

7)

Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment. You may do this once per day until the end of the contest.

8)

Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

9)

Subscribe to A Blog of Goodies' feed (the sister site to 3 Garnets & 2 Sapphires). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.

10)

Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.

<br /> <a href="http://www.3garnets2sapphires.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd206/Busymonkeez/Graphics4Me/NEWBlogButton125x125.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)


Random Drawing:

This contest will be closed on Monday, October 4th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A random number drawing will be held shortly after. The winner will be announced here and will be contact via email or through their blog. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new number will be drawn.

Good luck in the drawing!

Living Green With Jerinda: Kathy Gruver's "The Alternative Medicine Cabinet"

As you’ve realized by now, I am a person who tries to be eco-friendly. We recycle, try not to be wasteful, reuse everything we can, support companies that encourage and advocate for Green practices, buy as much organic and natural as we are able, and we utilize many forms of alternative medicine. We get most of our groceries at our city’s Farmers Market and we frequent our local health food store many times a week. Homeopathy keeps my family healthy and I am always researching more and more ways to be naturally healthy. Therefore, when I was sent a book by Naturopath Kathy Gruver, I was thrilled to read it.

The Alternative Medicine Cabinet is an easy read, but packed with information that everyone should know. From pregnancy, to stress, to cancer, Gruver covers many excellent aspects of naturopathy and homeopathy. I pride myself on being well-educated in this area, but Gruver’s book still taught me several things I did not know before. For instance, I knew that massages are very good for your body and mental health, but I never knew why each type of massage is different and what each one is specialized in. I will definitely be using this guide to massage as I make future appointments.

The book is well written, covers a lot of information without being boring and is very easy to navigate. The table of contents gives a great breakdown and explanation of each chapter, which will make it easy to go back and find certain information without having to re-read the entire book. If you are interested in natural ways to treat your ailments and illnesses, this book would be great for you. Even if you are new to using this form of medicine, this would be a great guide to get you started.

To learn more about the book The Alternative Medicine Cabinet and author Kathy Gruver, visit TheAlternativeMedicineCabinet.com . You can purchase the book right on this website or from book retailers such as, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Overstock.com .

Thank you to Kathy Gruver for sending us a sample copy of this book free of charge to base this review upon.