Reviews Archives

February 21, 2019 by Allie

Maple Holistics Silk18 Shampoo Review

About a year ago, I did a review of Maple Holistics Tea Tree shampoo, and I loved it so much, I’ve been using it ever since. So, of course I said yes when they contacted me recently about reviewing their Silk18 shampoo!

Maple Holistics Silk18 Shampoo contains keratin and 18 silk amino acids which nourish and strengthen damaged hair. The addition of argan and jojoba oils add softness and shine. Silk18 shampoo is great for all hair types, including color treated hair. It is also sulfate and paraben free!

The product had a creamy consistency, almost like conditioner. I was afraid it might be too moisturizing for my fine, oily hair, but it wasn’t a problem as long as I didn’t use too much. It didn’t create much of a lather, which is typical of natural shampoos, but it left my hair clean and soft! And, I loved the subtle vanilla scent!

I have been using the Silk18 shampoo every 2-3 days for almost 2 weeks now, and it’s my new favorite! You can find this (and lots of other natural hair and skin care products) on Maple Holistics new website!

{I received one bottle of Maple Holistics Shampoo in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.}

February 4, 2019 by Allie

Create More Using Less with Rocketbook Color

My 7 year old loves to draw. His room is always covered in paper and markers. I got tired of constantly telling him to clean it up, so I bought him a Rocketbook Color to try out. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

The Rocketbook Color is the kid-friendly notebook of the Rocketbook line. Your child uses dry erase markers (rather than Frixon pens) to create their masterpieces.

You can share their creations with family and friends using a variety of platforms, including email, Dropbox, and iMessage. When the notebook is full, they erase their art and start over again without throwing anything away!

I tested it out with my two boys using Expo dry erase markers that we already had on hand (which worked just fine). The 3 year old had the most fun just scribbling, then using the included dry cloth to erase everything. The 7 year old actually noticed that the book has lined pages (in addition to blank pages) that he could use to practice his math facts and spelling words. I imagine he’ll mostly use it for drawing though, once I get him a more complete set of markers.

I’m sure the Rocketbook Color won’t completely replace traditional paper and markers in our home, but it’s a good quality notebook, and there has been less paper clutter since my son started using it. That’s worth it to me!

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

January 28, 2019 by Allie

Ditch the Post-It Notes with Rocketbook

Do you have notes floating around on random scraps of paper? Or maybe you’re a bullet journaler looking for a better way to try new spreads before you make them permanent in your notebook? If you need a place to store temporary information, the reusable Rocketbook may be your answer! This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I bought a Rocketbook Everlast, and I keep it on my nightstand, so I can use it to clear my head at night before bed. I jot down things to-do that I need to add to my bullet journal in the morning, or scribble notes or ideas about future projects that I don’t want to clutter my bullet journal with because they don’t have a designated time frame.

Rocketbooks are great to carry with you, especially in situations where you can’t use your phone or tablet to set reminders or write something down. It comes in two different styles: the Everlast, which is erasable with a damp cloth, and the Rocketbook Wave, which can be put in the microwave to erase the entire notebook! (There is also a Rocketbook Color book for kids that I’ll be reviewing soon.)

Only erasable Pilot Frixion pens, markers, and highlighters can be used in the Rocketbook. One word of caution: do not leave your notebook in a hot car. The heat could erase your writing! (But, I’ve heard it can be restored by putting your notebook in the refrigerator.)

You can also share your notes to your email, Google Drive, and more using the Rocketbook App, which is really convenient!

I love my Rocketbook. It’s been a very useful tool to incorporate with my bullet journal!

January 24, 2018 by Allie

How to Make Money on Everyday Purchases

We all buy groceries and drugstore products, right? But did you know that there’s an easier way to make or save money than by clipping coupons or searching for the best deal in the weekly ads? With Ibotta, just go shopping like normal at your favorite stores and find rebates for the products you already buy everyday! This post contains referral links, and I may receive compensation if you sign up for this service via those links.

First, download the Ibotta app! Then, go shopping at Kroger, Target, or Whole Foods (just to name a few!), and select the products you purchased. The products change weekly, and often include cash back on “any brand” (including store brands) of popular items like bread and milk, and cash back on “any item” (buy anything and scan your receipt!)

Once you have all of your selections made, scan the item barcodes, and take a picture of your receipt.

The money you earn goes straight to your Ibotta account. When you reach $20, you can withdraw the money to your PayPal account to use on whatever you like!

Using Ibotta has helped me make a little extra cash from my grocery shopping, without the hassle of coupons. Sign up today and start making money, too!

{This post is not sponsored by Ibotta, but it does contain referral links, which support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

December 1, 2017 by Allie

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo Review

I love trying new hair products, but I don’t have a lot of time to browse the beauty store. And, I always worry that I’m wasting money on something that my hair will hate! So, when Maple Holistics contacted me about trying their Tea Tree shampoo in exchange for my honest review, I couldn’t say no! (Keep reading to find out how you can get a free sample, too!)

Maple Holistics Tea Tree Special Formula Shampoo can help slow hair loss and soothe an irritated scalp. It is paraben, GMO, and gluten free, as well as cruelty-free.

The product has a nice consistency. I didn’t think it was too thick or oily. It definitely smells like Tea Tree, but I wasn’t turned off by it. I use Tea Tree essential oil on occasion, so I’m used to it. If you’re not, though, it might be a bit overwhelming.

I washed my hair according to the directions, but I did use less than the quarter-size amount suggested, because I have a lot less hair than most women. 😉 It has a minimal lather, typical of more natural shampoos.

I’ve used Maple Holistics every 2-3 days for almost 2 weeks now, and I’m very happy with it. I don’t usually style my hair (I just let it air dry), and it’s always soft and shiny after using this product! I would definitely recommend giving it a try if you suffer from thinning hair or scalp issues.

(Please excuse the bed head and the fact that I desperately need a trim. #reallife)

Maple Holistics also offers a free samples program, which gives you the opportunity to try out their products at no cost! How cool is that? Click here for more information.

{I received one bottle of Maple Holistics Tea Tree Shampoo in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.}

October 9, 2017 by Allie

Aaptiv – Get Fit from your Phone! {Review}

I received a free two week trial of Aaptiv in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

If you’re a busy mom like me, you know that it’s difficult finding time for yourself, especially to do any kind of workout (unless chasing a toddler around all day counts?) But, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your health just because you can’t get to the gym. The developers at Aaptiv understand the struggle, which is why they created a fitness app that can be customized for your needs!

When I first logged in to the Aaptiv app, I noticed how minimal the interface is. This makes it super easy to navigate. There are lots of options to customize your workout (type, difficulty, duration, music genre, even the trainer you prefer!), so it will never be boring!

I’ve tried several different workouts over the last couple of weeks, and they don’t disapoint! The instructors are so motivating, and the music always fits perfectly! I was concerned that some of the yoga workouts might be a challenge with only an instructor speaking and no video (I’m more of a visual learner), but I found most of the instructors to be pretty thorough with their explanations of the exercises at the beginner level.

I also liked how at the end of each workout, I got an email from the instructor congratlating me for completing the workout, and offering suggestions for other workouts I might enjoy. I found that very encouraging, and it motivated me to try new workouts that I may not have considered on my own.

If you’re currently pregnant or recently had a baby, Aaptiv just launched a maternity program developed by expert trainers who are certified in pre and postnatal exercise (including Kira Kohrherr of FitBump, and yoga guru and author, Kristin McGee). I’m not in this stage of life anymore, but I’m sure the program is just as fun as everything else Aaptiv has to offer!

Sign up today for a free 7 day trial of Aaptiv, with unlimited access to all of their classes, and be sure to download the app at the Apple App Store and Google Play to get fit from your phone!

October 2, 2017 by Allie

Choosing the Best Probiotics

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

The latest research is showing how important gut health is to your overall health. Did you know that up to 80% of your immune system is in your digestive tract?

There are many benefits to probiotics, like improving digestion and boosting the immune system (especially beneficial during cold and flu season).

But how do you know which probiotic to choose? There are so many options it can be overwhelming!

Luckily, the team at Reviews.com has done the work for you! They looked at over 200 probiotic supplements on the market, and made a list of recommendations based on which strains really work and why. They also included options that target specific health needs, such as recovery after antibiotics and relief from IBS. I was very impressed by their detailed report.

Along with a healthy diet, adding the good bacteria of a quality probiotic can be beneficial to your gut and overall health!

Disclaimer: The information contained on The Practically Green Mom represents the choices I have made to take charge of my own health and that of my family. Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.

{This post is not sponsored by any company or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}

July 24, 2017 by Allie

Casper Mattress Review

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember that we bought (with our own money, full disclosure) a king-sized Casper Mattress for our 10th wedding anniversary in April.

The Casper mattress is constructed of four types of foam in separate layers to provide support, breathability, and to keep you cool. Each mattress comes with a 100 night trial period, a 10 year warranty, and free returns within 100 days of when you receive your shipment.

We just passed our 100 days (today is 108 to be exact), and we are still in love with it! It’s the hottest part of the summer right now, and I don’t feel like it holds body heat (a common complaint about foam mattresses) more than our old spring mattress.

It’s firmer than our previous mattress, but super comfortable. The best part is, unlike a traditional mattress, I don’t feel a lot of movement if someone else is in the bed. My husband and I both used to wake up with neck and back pain, and that’s very rarely an issue now.

In fact, we are so happy with it, we bought (again, with our own money lol) a full-sized Casper for our 5 year old son, and he loves it, too!

So, if you’re in the market for a new mattress, give the Casper a try. With the 100 day trial period, you don’t really have anything to lose!

{This post is not sponsored by Casper Mattress or Amazon. It does contain affiliate links to Amazon.com. Purchases made through these links support The Practically Green Mom Blog. Please see my disclosure policy for my information.}