OK. I'm not sure that's a word but it works, right?

Anywho, this post is not about the genius words I make up. Although, I could spend an entire day writing just about that. (Just ask my hubster, I have many original words.)


Rather, this is about a great blog I just found.

I've always loved to see the craftsmanship of others. I think handmade items are unique, gorgeous, and most times green. (See where the "Greenspiration" word comes in?) But, as a very busy mom of 2, I don't have time to peruse Etsy (among other websites) to find the latest and greatest in the handmade department.

Enter solution here!

I've found a blog that promises to cover that for me and she does it so well. Not only does Deanna at My Handmade Addiction share her favorites in her shopping endeavors, she also has my taste. It's true. Everything she's posted so far has made me say, "Oh, I love that!".

And what's better than that? Well, dear readers, she shares my love of coffee. Mmmhm! It's a match made in heaven. Oh, and she posted about the BEST travel mug ever. (Click that link to see)

She'll do the shopping and post about it, and I can just keep tabs with her blog and make a wish list of my own. Simple bo-dimple.

Care to have your own personal shopper? Just follow her blog. :)

Thanks, Deanna! I'm excited to see what you find next.

**I was not compensated in any way for this post. My "finds" are selected and posted by my own choosing while I receive nothing in return. (is it that hard to believe a blogger would post something without gaining anything? lol)

Eye Spy ~ "Greenspiration"

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Recently, my family and I visited the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, OH. If you would like to read about our stay, click the highlighted words above. 

I want to share with you an interview with the location's General Manager, Matt Lawrence:

Hello, Matt.

Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for myself and my readers. 

My family is so excited to be staying at Great Wolf but I noticed some hotels in the area very similar in their design and amenities. What does Great Wolf offer its guests above the competition?
ML:  No one can really compete with the level of guest service and attentiveness we offer our guests.  We reserve our waterpark facilities exclusively for the registered guests of the resort.  Because of that, we’re constantly hearing from our guests how much they appreciate the shorter lines and the safe atmosphere that the exclusivity provides.
ML:  We’re competitive in our markets, and actually provide quite a value when you consider the amenities and other offerings at Great Wolf Lodge.  For the price of a room, guests receive waterpark admission the day of arrival and the day of departure, nightly story time in the Grand Lobby, fun activities in Cub Club and more. 

I love all the different activities you offer for the families who stay here. With so many options, I’m sure a child wanders off from time to time without telling their parent or guardian. What type of security and/or procedures do you have in place should something like this happen?
ML:  Any family and child should feel safe while staying with us.  All of our Pack Members are trained to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to assist should a child (or a parent) becomes lost.  As mentioned earlier, our resort is exclusive to our guests, so our facilities never become overcrowded. Finally, we do provide security and have all exterior doors locked 24 hours per day.

I’ve noticed all the different places to eat here at Great Wolf Lodge. Which is your favorite and what item from the menu would you suggest?
ML:  The combination of the ambiance and all-you-can-eat breakfast including made-to-order omelets and waffles, in Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty is my favorite.  Our Bear Paw Sweets & Eats is also at the top of my list when I truly want to indulge in our homemade fudge. 

I see you offer conference rooms for businesses to use. What is special about this for the businesses that use this option? Why is this helpful for the Great Wolf Lodge?
ML:  We see an increase in bookings during school holidays and weekends, but our weekday business is growing through our focus on attracting group sales business.  Combining a meeting and conference venue with a full-service resort allows event or meeting attendees to mix business with pleasure.  The ability to bring the family along and extend a trip into a min-vacation is an attractive option that many other types of hotels or event space aren’t able to offer – especially under one roof. 

What do you hope families take away from their stay at Great Wolf?
ML:  We’re fond of saying that there’s no time like a Great Wolf time, and it’s the unique, extra amenities we offer that truly create the Great Wolf experience.  Things like our animatronic Great Clock Tower show and nightly pajama story time in our Grand Lobby are things that you can’t find anywhere else. 

What do you enjoy most about managing this Great Wolf Lodge location?
ML:  My favorite part about managing Great Wolf Lodge is when families check-in and I see the excited expression on children’s faces as they look out the enormous window to the waterpark.  Our mission is, to create family traditions one family at a time, and I truly enjoy seeing families have a memorable experience.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to stay here and experience the Great Wolf Lodge with my family. I’m hoping that this is something we’re able to do every year.
ML:  We’re happy to have you and your family staying with us and hope to see you again!

I would also like to tell you about Project Green Wolf.  Great Wolf Lodge is the very first brand of hotels to be Green Seal Certified. How did they accomplish this?

*The following is taken from their official press release*

• Management of Fresh Water Resources

Water conservation programs include guest linen recycling; laundry facilities that recycle most of the consumed water; low-flow showers, toilets, and faucets; and waterless urinals. Additionally, by using the latest in pool filtration technology, most of the water in the waterparks can be recycled.

• Waste Minimization, Recycling and Reuse

Recycling bins are available in all public areas, guest rooms and employee areas. When possible, Great Wolf Lodge works with local waste specialists to compost food waste and donate unused food items to local charities.

• Energy Efficiency

Throughout the resorts, Great Wolf Lodge uses energy-efficient bulbs, highly efficient heating and ventilation equipment, and Energy Star appliances.

• Environmentally and Socially Sensitive Purchasing

Great Wolf Lodge’s purchasing partners are held accountable to ensure that every item ordered is environmentally sensitive. All paper products are post-consumer recycled, dishwashing and laundry detergents are biodegradable, and paint is low VOC.

• Guest Education

Great Wolf Lodge focuses on family, so it’s only natural Project Green Wolf would include children’s environmental learning programs, developed in partnership with National Geographic Kids. There are active learning areas, a Green Wolf TV in-room channel, and interactive Web content, all dedicated to teaching kids how to be kind to the environment.  

So now, you know even MORE about the Great Wolf Lodge and hope you find even more reasons to visit with your family.

Great Wolf Lodge ~ My Review Stay (follow up)

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All images are from the website

 

 With little ones, you can't be too careful about the choices you make for body care products. For example, my son has always had extremely sensitive skin. We've had to be very picky about everything from lotion to detergent to insect repellent. That's why I was so happy to learn some wonderfully, natural products were now being sold in my neighborhood Meijer.

That's right, Ecostore USA is selling their products in many Meijer stores across the Midwest. 

There are many different items available. My friend Becca is hosting a different review/giveaway from this very company right now. (hint, hint. check it out)

We were able to try out some wonderful baby care items in our home.

First up, is the Baby Anytime Bath Aromatherapy. This body wash is gentle and has a wonderful scent. This not only washed Alex up, but it also helped him relax before bedtime. His sensitive skin was only made softer and he had no reaction to it.

 

The Baby Shampoo works wonderfully and also has a very clean, relaxing scent. It cleans his hair so well and helps with his dry scalp. 

Alex is almost 2, so he doesn't get massages any more than when we apply his moisturizer. So, when I gave him a little massage with this oil, it was a real treat for him. Again, the oil does not have a harsh scent and is quite relaxing. Alex liked his massage and I liked that the oil didn't leave a greasy residue everywhere. 

Overall, I think these products are worth the purchase and I feel better using something that has "No nasty chemicals" in it for my son's skin to have a bad reaction to.

How would you like to shop the Ecostore USA website?

THE GIVEAWAY

Ecostore USA is giving away one gift certificate to use in their store for $25.

To enter:

1. Go to EcostoreUSA and tell me which item(s) you would like to try. Add your e-mail to your comment and you're all set with your first entry.
2. For additional entries:
1. Follow this blog
2. Grab my button and sport it on your sidebar.
3. Enter Becca's giveaway
4. blog about this giveaway with a link back. (leave a link to your post in your comment)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. This contest is open to US only and will run until March 20th.

Ecostore USA (review & giveaway)

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 Just released! A new line of cleaners that are 99% natural and leave only a clean scent behind.  Nature's Source has a 3 cleaners from Scrubbing Bubbles and one cleaner from Windex available. These products are just as effective as others and are safe for you to use in your home.

I was able to review the Bathroom Cleaner in my home.

This product worked fantastically well. I decided to test it in the bathtub on a patch of soap scum.  All I did was spray the surface, and wiped it once over with a paper towel. The cleaner cut through the soap scum without needing any elbow grease at all.

The scent afterwards, was fresh and not harsh. I'm personally a huge fan of things that smell clean after I work so hard to clean them. ;)

I would suggest this and other Nature's Source cleaners to anyone. Something that cleans easily and keeps your family safe at the same time is worth investing in. Thanks, Family Review Network and Nature's Source for the opportunity to try something new in my home.

THE GIVEAWAY

Nature's Source is giving away a Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner to one lucky winner!

To enter:

1. Visit Nature's Source and share with me your favorite from their selection of "Tips & Tricks". Leave your e-mail address with your comment for it to count!!
2. For more entries:
1. Subscribe to or Follow my blog
2. Grab my button

Leave separate comments for each entry! This contest will end on March 18th at 8:00pm EST.

Nature's Source (review & giveaway)

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