Category Archives: Going Healthy

Going Healthy, Going Reviews, Naturepedic

Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress Review

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Comfort is an important feature to look for when shopping for a new mattress, but there are many other elements to consider, especially when it’s a crib mattress for our babies. Whether they’re sleeping, reading, playing (this includes jump-reading), babies and toddlers spend 10-14 hours a day on their bed. This makes a mattress one of the most important objects in a child’s environment as their brain and bodies constantly grow.

naturepedic organic crib mattress

Conventional mattresses are made with chemicals and materials like vinyl/PVC, flame retardants, polyurethane foam, phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and formaldehyde. These things emit toxic gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to causing short- and long-term adverse health effects. After learning about everything in conventional mattresses, it wasn’t long before we welcomed Naturepedic into our home. 

Fast forward several months and our growing girl was ready to transition from her crib to a big kid bed. There was no question we wanted her sleeping on a Naturepedic mattress so she could enjoy a #SafeHealthySleep like Mommy and Daddy. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to review one of their kids mattresses, the 2 in 1 Organic Cotton Ultra/Quilted Mattress.

crib mattress

After we found out we were having baby number two, there was no doubt that we wanted him sleeping on a Naturepedic organic crib mattress. In exchange for my honest review, Naturepedic kindly sent us their Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress.

Since it arrived before Wes was born, big sis, being an experienced Naturepedic user (sleeper-on-er?), tested it out for her baby brother. 

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Just looking at the mattress, it’s easy to see the care and attention  put into each one. Made right here in the U.S.A by skilled Amish craftsmen, each mattress is built with pride and durability.

 

naturepedic organic crib mattress

The mattress is firm, flat and seamless with a breathable mattress pad making it super safe for babies. The pad helps keep baby cool which reduces overheating while sleeping. It’s built with square corners, to ensure a snug crib fit. organic crib mattressThe mattress is completely waterproof and comes with a built-in dust mite/bed bug barrier. When combined, the mattress and breathable pad provides a comfortable, luxurious sleep environment free of flame retardants and other chemicals.

We all know our babies grow up too fast, but the Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress will stay with them into the toddler years. One side is firmer for infants, and  for toddlers the other side is a little less firm. As a “big girl”, Avery made sure to point out that her baby brother will need the Infant Side at first. 

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We were a bit nervous when the time came to get Wes to sleep on his Naturepedic mattress.

Will he be too hot?

Maybe he’ll be too cold?

Would it be a good sleep?

Will he even sleep at all?!

Sleep aside, we knew we were laying him on a certified organic mattress that does not contaminate the nursery air with toxic chemicals like other mattresses made with polyurethane foam and/or vinyl. 

So, how does he like it? Here’s a hint…. 

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Yeah, he likes loves his crib. And obviously his bunny too.

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It’s hard to believe this dark-haired boy is the same, but that smile confirms it is. 

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From the start, our little boy has been enjoying a #safehealthysleep on his Naturepedic mattress. Going Mom and I both feel confident that he’s getting quality sleep and is in a completely safe environment when sleeping…… or not… 

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Keep up to date with all specials, news, and products from Naturepedic by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

Disclaimer: I received the Naturepedic Ultra Breathable 2-Stage Organic Crib Mattress free of charge in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. All opinions are strictly my own and I was not compensated any other way.

Going Healthy, Life

You Are More Than Your Bad Habits!

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Summer is well and truly here (unless you live in Australia- where it’s still pretty balmy). For most of us, the urge to be the best version of ourselves is at its strongest at this time of year. We feel a sincere desire to get outside, be more social, take our kids on more days out and exercise a whole lot more. Sure, they say that summer bodies are made in the winter, but the great thing about fitness is that it’s never too early or too late to start making positive changes. But despite this overarching air or positivity and pro-activity, many of us still find ourselves faltering. It’s not because we’re lazy, indolent or flighty. It’s not because we don’t care or we don’t want it bad enough. And despite what we may tell ourselves it’s not because we’re too busy and can’t find the time (you can always make the time, even if it means getting up an hour earlier). It’s because however noble our intentions, it’s all too easy to let our habits dictate our behavior.

habits, healthy living, lifestyle

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We tend to underestimate the impact that habit can have on us, but as we will discuss, habit may seem innocuous enough but it can exert a powerful hold over us…

Why habit has a hold on us

John Dryden said that “First we make our habits, then our habits make us”. Argue with that if you can. We tend to shrug habits off as semi voluntary procedures that we choose to go through. But this massively understates just how powerful and damaging an effect our habits can have on us. We may tell ourselves that we’re in control of our habits or that we can give them up any time we want, but the neuroscience of habits says otherwise. Bad habits needn’t be limited to smoking, eating too much bad food or drinking too much. Sometimes they can be much more quotidian but no less damaging. Every time you shrug to yourself “I’m such a procrastinator”, “I deserve this little treat” or “one more won’t hurt”, or worse still convincing yourself that you’re stupid or worthless, you’re letting your habits dictate your behavior.

Addiction is not a bad word

Habits and addiction go hand in hand. Habits facilitate addiction and once addiction takes a hold of us, it can be difficult to break that hold. The first step is to admit that your habit has become a problem. Get out of the habit of telling yourself you like the taste of cigarettes or that you need four coffees to function in the morning. Addiction does not make you weak, not does it make you deviant or wayward. It simply means that you have a functioning human brain that’s reacting to stimuli. Treating addiction might need relying on outside help, whether it’s through trained professionals or enlisting the aid of friends and family. The good news is that bad habits can be broken.

Consistency is key!

Breaking bad habits is simply a matter of consistency. Replace bad behaviors with good behaviors and repeat them until they become habit. The neurological process is exactly the same. Don’t beat yourself up about it if you fleetingly fall off the wagon, but resolve to get back on it as quickly as you can.

Remember, you are more than just your bad habits. Have a great day!

Going Healthy, Life

You Are What You Eat, So Stop Eating Garbage

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you are what you eat

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The adage is true – you are what you eat. Okay, you won’t turn into a potato if you’re a spud fan. The sigh of relief from the Irish contingent is palpable. What it does mean is that whatever is in the food ends up in your body. It’s a basic chain that is impossible to deny. So, they might be everything from plastic to chemicals flowing through your veins right now. From a health and well-being point of view, this isn’t a positive thing.

To make sure what you eat is on point, here are four portions of delicious advice to eat up.

Something’s Fishy

Fish is an excellent source of, well, pretty much everything. From vitamins to iron and calcium, it has the lot. Oh, and don’t forget the omega-3 fatty acids that make it a superfood on par with kale and other leafy greens. There is one problem with seafood and it’s plastic. The seas are full of pollution from polymers and sea creatures are ingesting more of it on a daily basis. When they are caught and served on a plate, it transfers into the body. To avoid coughing up a supermarket carrier bag, check the packet for info. Is it organic? Is it well farmed? Does the supplier provide a guarantee?

It’s A MOOt Point

Let’s not lay the blame squarely at the fins of fish. Farm animals are just as unhealthy depending on their diet. And, some of them aren’t pictures of health. Cows are often injected with drugs to make them grow bigger and juicier for our consumption. Battery chickens and hens, on the other hand, are pumped with penicillin because they have lots of health issues. As the evolution of bacteria is a major deal, it’s wise to shop for organic produce. Anything that eats well and uses holistic treatments isn’t going to a farmyard junkie.

The Chemical Stew, Please

Cleaning is an important part of the daily routine. The rubber gloves come out and the industry products attack any piece of dirt in sight. And, the same goes for cutlery. Add soap to the sink and the knives, forks, and plates will inevitably soak in the chemicals. You know what happens next. Here’s what you need to do to flip the script. Rather than buy traditional cleaners, opt for organic dishwasher gel and Fairy liquid. Then, should you end up eating it, the damage won’t be severe.

Filter My Fluoride

H2O from the faucet is a sign of a stable system. Some parts of the world – Cape Town springs to mind – don’t have the same privilege. Still, tap water isn’t one-hundred percent infallible. In truth, there are lots of chemicals floating around that might be dangerous. Fluoride is a prime example. Used in toothpaste to strengthen the teeth, it can be healthy but too much has harmful effects. Because water is essential, it’s tempting to turn the faucet and drink. The best option is to install a filter to remove the dangerous particles. You can boil it yet it’s a hassle.

You are what you eat, so what are you?