Aden + Anais: Made for Baby Designed for You Muslin Swaddling Blankets Review

One of the first things new parents learn at the hospital is to swaddle. Swaddling has many benefits to include eliminating a startle reflex, provides comfort to a little one and giving a good night's sleep.  Swaddling in muslin, a natural cotton material, provides additional comfort while not overheating your baby.  Muslin is a finely woven, breathable fabric that is delicate yet durable.  It's also stretchy making it the perfect candidate for swaddling.  Because muslin is lightweight, it allows air to circulate the baby.

Aden + Anais has a nice collection of different products made of muslin:

Swaddle

• Classic Collection - 100% natural cotton muslin swaddles can be used for swaddling, stroller covers, burp cloths, nursing shields, summertime and tummy time blanket, change table cover, portable crib sheets and many more!
• Organic Collection - 100% organic and certified
• Cozy Collection - double the thickness but still made of 100% natural cotton muslin
• Bamboo Collection - luxuriously soft and natural

Slumber

• Classic Slumber Collection - used over pajamas which provides extra comfort of not worrying about tangled blankets or fallen blankets.
• Cozy Slumber Collection - four times the thickness of the Classic Slumber Collection.  The extra layers are perfect for winter.

Burpy Bibs:

• Two packs that are made of Aden + Anais' special shape that helps to keep baby and you clean.  Made of muslin and comes in a variety of chic patterns.

Towel & Washcloth Sets:

• Natural, gentle muslin washcloth and hooded bath towel.  Available in four designs.

Washcloth Sets:

• Soft, gentle muslin meets durable cute patterns to help keep your little one clean.

Dream Blankets:

• Perfect for the older baby and toddler.   Four layers of soft muslin provides warmth and comfort in fun styles.

Issie:

• Natural muslin in the perfect form as a security blanket.  Available in two packs with great looking designs.

Swaddle Love:

• A book featuring entertaining and practical guide on swaddling.

The Review:

The Alpha Bit Swaddle four pack which also is 100% cotton muslin and is very soft and lightweight.  The extra large size allows for full proof swaddling.  Too often in my experiences, blankets have been too small to effectively swaddle or too large and fluffy to get a good swaddle completed.  The muslin allows for such ease in ensuring the folds stay in place without worrying about the baby getting too hot.  The description states the more you wash, the softer they get.  This is very true and it feels wonderful!  No irritation or roughness.

We also found the Swaddle blanket was perfect size to lie down to protect the carpet from messes and the baby from the harsh fibers.

I loved the fact that there is an option for organic and how soft and soothing they are.  I definitely will have to try the sleeping bags as I love the idea and need to have Aden + Anais make bigger ones as my two and six year olds will not keep blankets on.

I would recommend Aden + Anais.

Follow Aden + Anais on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Free ground shipping on orders $60 and over.

*Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary four pack in exchange for my review.  I received no financial compensation.

Green Mountain Coffee (Fair Trade Certified™) Organic Trio Review & Whole Bean Giveaway WINNER ANNOUNCED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

KATY!

An e-mail was sent to her and she has 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered and stay tuned for more great giveaways!

Ever heard of Green Mountain Coffee?   If you haven't, you should as not only are some of the brands organic but they are recognized as a socially responsible, innovative, high growth company by Forbes, SustainableBusiness.com and others.  They also have been ranked #1 on the list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens twice.  Green Mountain Coffee was founded in 1981 and are recognized in the industry for producing award-winning coffees along with innovative brewing technology.

Green Mountain Coffee has over 100 types of coffee that sell under the Green Mountain Coffee name and Newman’s Own® Organics brands, including one of the largest selections of Fair Trade Certified™ organic coffees in the country.

Green Mountain Coffee supports local and global communities by offsetting 100% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions, investing in Fair Trade Certified™ coffee and donating at least five percent of its pre-tax profits to social and environmental projects.  To read about their amazing partnerships and programs that are impacting others, go to HERE.

Until 12/15/09, orders of $55 or more, get free shipping with code WB234-2495.

Look at the yummy sounding seasonal varieties also available HERE.  Green Mountain Coffee also has a variety of other products:

• K-Cup Coffees
• K-Cup Teas and Cocoa
• Brewers and Accessories
• Gifts and Samplers

 You can even join their Coffee Club for special savings, convenience and free!  Click HERE for more information.

NOTE:  I'm jumping ahead of the taste review as I want to get this giveaway up and running in time for a Christmas delivery for the winner.  The taste review for the French Roast is below with the other two forthcoming.

The Review will consists of the following three ground varieties:

• French Roast - dark and complex, roasted and blended for bold but sweet intensity.  This is the first coffee my husband and I reviewed. As soon as you open the tightly secured bag, you can smell the richness of this dark blend that doesn't inundate a house with the aroma like some coffee does.  I note that because my oldest dislikes the aroma of coffee.  The aroma was deep and smoky and was just enough in the kitchen to make you come back for more. If you like dark blends, you will love this coffee.
• Sumatran Reserve - exotically lush, sweet and heavy-bodied, born in the mountains of Indonesia.  This is a really smooth, rich tasting coffee that doesn't have a bitter taste.  The aroma is wonderful and has a slight hint of vanilla.  This is my favorite.
• Ethiopian Yirgacheffe - a delicate fragrance of orange blossoms and vibrant lemony tones.  Elegantly sweet, with a clean finish.  Ethiopian Yirgacheeffe is a full body, bold tasting smooth coffee.  The aroma is just as pleasant as the other two blends.  This is a very delicious smooth coffee.  It's a must to have as well.
  

The packaging is a nice organic looking box with a dark green stretchy ribbon that keeps it secure.  The three elegant bags of coffee are displayed among matching dark green packing that makes a nice gift or treat for yourself.  I'm not only partial to Green Mountain Coffee because it's organic but also due to their impact on so many lives and their passion to outreach and encourage others.  In today's world, that is sorely needed.

I always prefer businesses that offer a money back guarantee so I was pleased to know if you are not completely satisfied with your Green Mountain Coffee purchase they will replace the item or credit your account whichever you prefer. This is their promise to you.

Note: Not all coffee sold through Green Mountain Coffee is organic. The Fair Trade samplers I am reviewing are organic but there are also coffees that are uncertified. 21% of total coffee pounds shipped in fiscal year 2008 were organic and are anticipated to grow.

The giveaway includes the following three whole bean varieties:

• French Roast - dark and complex, roasted and blended for bold but sweet intensity. 
• Sumatran Reserve - exotically lush, sweet and heavy-bodied, born in the mountains of Indonesia.
• Ethiopian Yirgacheffe - a delicate fragrance of orange blossoms and vibrant lemony tones. Elegantly sweet, with a clean finish.

To Enter:

• Follow my blog and leave a comment on what type of coffee you would like to try AFTER you visit Green Mountain Coffee's website.  Note: It cannot be one of the one's listed in this review/giveaway.

Extra Entries (two additional entries each):

• Become a fan of Green Mountain Coffee on Facebook.
• Follow Green Mountain Coffee on Twitter.
• Subscribe to the Green Mountain Coffee blog via RSS.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Enter any of my other on-going giveaways.
• Subscribe to my blog.
  

Giveaway ends 12/15/09 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thanks and good luck!

Slow Down and Savor Alouette® Cheese Review & Four Recipe/Coupons Booklets to First Four Responders

I think I recall seeing a brand of cheese called Alouette® but never really paid much attention to it until I had the opportunity to try it from SheSpeaks.com.  I received two coupons to try two varieties of Alouette®  to slow down and savour.

If you are not familiar with Alouette® brand of cheese, here is more information:

• Soft Spreadable - fresh and natural ingredients that provide a creamy, flavorful cheese
• Sundried Tomato & Basil
• Garlic & Herbs
• Savory Vegetable
• Spinach Artichoke
• Light Garlic & Herbs
• Alouette® Crème de Brie® - Ultra-creamy, spreadable cheeses, there's no rind to remove.
• Fine Herbs
• Original
• Alouette® Baby Brie® - Rich, double crème Brie, has a soft, creamy center with mild flavor, and silky white rind, all characteristic of a fine Brie.
• Original
• Garlic & Herbs
• Original Wedge
• Hickory Smoked Wedge
• Alouette® Crème Fraîche - All-natural, kosher cultured cream product is a culinary alternative to heavy cream and sour cream.
• Alouette® Elégante® - Multi-layered, flavorful spreadable cheese blend.
• Roasted Garlic & Pesto
• Roasted Red Peppers & Olive Tapenade
• Sundried Tomatoes & Garlic
• Alouette® Crumbles - gluten free
• Feta
• Feta Garlic & Herb
• Goat Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Gorgonzola Cheese
• Feta Mediterranean
• Goat Cheese Provencal

I used my two coupons to try the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil and the Spinach Artichoke spreadable cheeses. 

Although I didn't really care for the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil, I LOVED the Spinach Artichoke spreadable cheese.  I loved it so much, it was gone in one day..oops!

If you need ideas on how to use the various products, Alouette® has a great site for recipes.  The options are endless on picking the right one and I choose the Alouette® Mediterranean Pizza to showcase:

• Category: Entrees
• Makes: 4
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Product: Alouette® Soft Spreadable Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (6.5 oz.) Alouette Garlic & Herbs, or Alouette Spinach Artichoke, or Alouette Peppercorn Parmesan Spreadable Cheese
• 1 10"-12" ready to use pizza crust
• 1 can (12 oz.) of artichoke hearts, drained and sliced.
• 1 jar (7 oz.) of roasted red peppers, drained and julienned
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spread Alouette Cheese on pizza crust.
3. Top with sliced artichokes and roasted red peppers. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Bake 18-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
5. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.

Special promotion here on Baby Brie Wedges HERE.

I have FOUR booklets of recipes and three $1.00 coupons attached to each booklet to giveaway.

The first four people interested, can have them.  Please leave a comment if you would like to experience this great tasting cheese!