PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX MUM & BUB WINTER 2014

Today I'd like to share with you the Winter 2014 edition of the *Native Box Mum & Bub;

What They Say:

The Mum & Bub Box is intended to be an educational and informative tool along the journey or parenthood. Native Box work hard to source the very best natural and organic Australian products on the market and introduce them to you to try and experience. The Mum & Bub Box is focused on items for baby and some items to nurture and spoil mum or mum-to-be.

RRP:

Quarterly (=one box): $24.95 (shipping included)
Yearly (=four boxes): $89.80 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Now on to what was in the very first Native Box Mum & Bub Box;

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag – Full size/one net

 

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of colours, and I got a bright pink one!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! This net is perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket, or just to have at hand when you suddenly need an extra carriage bag. I really like the concept of these nets, but as I already received one in the November Native Box, which I by the way have made good use of, but unfortunately receiving another one doesn’t excite me that much, although I know it will be put to good use. I would have loved to see for instance an toy or a piece of baby clothing included in its place. Available from E-String Bags

 

Ayana Organics Baby Butter and Baby Bottom Cream – 2x sachet samples

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I am happy to trial these sachet samples on my little boy, knowing that the products are very gentle, and enriched with organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, calendula oil and lavender oil, and that the products do not contain any ingredients from animal products and no chemicals either. Available from Ayana Organics

WotNot Biodegradable Wipes – Sample pack/20 wipes

 

I have used the WotNot baby wipes, and really like them, so these wipes are well received. They are enriched with certified organic aloe vera, and 100% chlorine free as well as free from sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The small size is perfect to have in the handbag or in the car to prevent sticky fingers.  I will definitely be purchasing them again. Available from Eco Direct

 

Motex Eco Nappy – sample/one nappy

 

I am lucky that our little boy has never experienced anything in the form of skin irritations of nappy rash, but in saying that, I do like the sound of these eco nappies. They are made from biodegradable material and 100% chlorine free, so it is gentle on both your baby and earth! Unfortunately the sample included was for a newborn, and with my little boy now 1 year old, we will not be able to try this one out. But I will make sure to check out their website for more information about these nappies. Available from Eco Direct

 

Probiotic Solutions Anywhere Anytime – Sample size/50ml spray bottle

 

This is an all-purpose cleaner that is free from chemicals. It is suitable for use on all surfaces, so perfect to clean the kitchen table from those sticky fingers after dinnertime – but the small size is also handy to bring with you to clean up your little ones mess when you’re out and about. It contains lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and rosemary, and smells amazing – zesty and refreshing, just how I like it! Available from Probiotic Solutions 

 

Hello Fresh - $30 gift voucher
 

 

This is a fantastic concept. You sign up and get all the ingredients delivered to cook your dinner – basically meal planner and a personal shopper in one. Genius. And you can choose between getting three or five meals a week, and a meat or vegetarian option. I have already received one of these vouchers in a beauty subscription box, and plan to make use of it when we’ve moved into our new house early March.  Unfortunately I can only use one voucher per household, so I cannot use this one as well, but I am sure one of my friends will happily make use of it. Available from Hello Fresh

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full size/5g

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients, containing a blend of soothing fruit and nut oils as well as organic myrtle to moisturise, protect and smooth the lips. One can never have too many lip balms, and as soon as I saw that it had lemon myrtle included, I was sold. I absolutely love lemon scented products, and this lip balm doesn’t fail to impress. It smells so lovely and refreshing. I am almost due for a new lip balm on my bedside table, so this couldn’t have come at a better time! Available from Rain Forest Remedies

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The cream is infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! And it is made without parabens, sulfates, glycols, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances.

I got one of these sachets in the November Native Box, and while the cream is really lovely, and has the most beautiful rose scent, and will be used – having already tried it, means that I am not too excited about it, and I would have preferred to trial another product from the Care You Love product range. Available from Care You Love



NatraSan Antibacterial Instant Hand Sanitiser with Kakadu Plum & Vanilla

I don't really like hand sanitisers, and I am usually not one to carry around one and use it a million times during the day - but for keeping in the nappy bag and using when you have to do an emergency nappy change in the back of the car or somewhere where there is no toilet with soap and water in sight for you to use afterwards, then a hand sanitiser does come in handy. And this little pump bottle has the perfect size to pop into the nappy bag. And although the 28ml bottle is so small, its claimed there are 180 sprays, and hence 90 uses per bottle, killing 99.99% of germs in 10 seconds. Amazing.

Nourish Our Kids – Free Publication

 

Finally, the Mum & Bub Box also came with a small magazine called Nourish Our Kids. As the title suggests it has some great articles about nutrition for kids, and includes some yummy sounding recipes, so I will enjoy reading this to pick up any tips and meal ideals, and I will also make sure so check them out on facebook to be kept in the loop. 

So there you have it, this was the contents of the winter 2014 Mum & Bub Box from Native box.

Overall I think the box contains a great selection of natural products, and I like being introduced to new products, and in particularly I have high hopes for the Ayana baby creams and the NatraSan Hand Sanitiser and the Rainforest Remedies Lip Balm. Unfortunately I wont be able to put the Moltex nappy to the test, but at least there is only that one product that will 'go to waste'. And although the String Bag, the Hand Sanitiser (I think), and the lip balm are all full sized products, the remainder of the products are all sample sized, and of relatively low value, so I would have liked to see one or two more full sized products to ensure the box is worth its $24.95.
However, I do like being introduced to new products, and box is doing that very successfully!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of the products in the Native Mum & Bub Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products?

Product Review: Native Box – Mum & Bub - Autumn 2014

I’ll be the first to admit that I have not always been mindful of the ingredients in the skincare products that I’ve been slathering my body with. But when I got pregnant, and realised that many of the artificial and harsh chemicals used in many beauty products were simply harmful for my unborn baby, so I made a big effort to ‘clean up my act’ a little. While I also have to be honest and admit that now, after giving birth, I have started using some of my old trusted skincare products again, using natural products was an eye opener, and I did discover so many new favourites along the way, that I continuously reach for. And one area where I always purchase natural skincare, is the products that I buy for our little 8 month old boy.

Back in November 2013 I reviewed the Native Box (you can see my review here), and after request from members, Native Box has now just launched a Mum & Bub box, and here are my thoughts on the very first one;

What They Say:

The Mum & Bub Box is intended to be an educational and informative tool along the journey or parenthood. Native Box work hard to source the very best natural and organic Australian products on the market and introduce them to you to try and experience. The Mum & Bub Box is focused on items for baby and some items to nurture and spoil mum or mum-to-be.

We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples). Note that the Mum & Bub box is a quarterly box.

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)
3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)
12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Now on to what was in the very first Native Box Mum & Bub Box;

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag – Full size/one net

 

 

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of colours, and I got a bright pink one!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! This net is perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket, or just to have at hand when you suddenly need an extra carriage bag. I really like the concept of these nets, but as I already received one in the November Native Box, which I by the way have made good use of, but unfortunately receiving another one doesn’t excite me that much, although I know it will be put to good use. I would have loved to see for instance an toy or a piece of baby clothing included in its place. Available from E-String Bags

 

Ayana Organics Baby Butter and Baby Bottom Cream – 2x sachet samples

 

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I am happy to trial these sachet samples on my little boy, knowing that the products are very gentle, and enriched with organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, calendula oil and lavender oil, and that the products do not contain any ingredients from animal products and no chemicals either. Available from Ayana Organics

 

Bellamy’s Organic Apple & Cinnamon Baby Food – Full size/pouch, 90g

 

 

Currently I am a stay-at-home mum, and while life with a baby, two dogs, and moving house, while designing and building a new one, does keep me a tad busy, I do try to cook food for my little boy from scratch. In saying that, this baby food from Bellamy is made from certified organic ingredients, and ingredients have been sourced from local farmers wherever possible, so it will be handy to have at hand, and on the other hand, it will open his little eyes up to other flavour combinations that I may not have even thought of, so I can’t wait to see what he thinks of it! Available from Bellemy's Organic

 

WotNot Biodegradable Wipes – Sample pack/20 wipes

 

 

I have used the WotNot baby wipes, and really like them, so these wipes are well received. They are enriched with certified organic aloe vera, and 100% chlorine free as well as free from sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The small size is perfect to have in the handbag or in the car to prevent sticky fingers.  I will definitely be purchasing them again. Available from Eco Direct

 

Motex Eco Nappy – sample/one nappy

 

 

I am lucky that our little boy has never experienced anything in the form of skin irritations of nappy rash, but in saying that, I do like the sound of these eco nappies. They are made from biodegradable material and 100% chlorine free, so it is gentle on both your baby and earth! Unfortunately the sample included was for a newborn, and with my little boy now over 8 months old, we will not be able to try this one out. But I will make sure to check out their website for more information about these nappies. Available from Eco Direct

 

Probiotic Solutions Anywhere Anytime – Sample size/50ml spray bottle

 

 

This is an all-purpose cleaner that is free from chemicals. It is suitable for use on all surfaces, so perfect to clean the kitchen table from those sticky fingers after dinnertime – but the small size is also handy to bring with you to clean up your little ones mess when you’re out and about. It contains lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and rosemary, and smells amazing – zesty and refreshing, just how I like it! Available from Probiotic Solutions 

 

Hello Fresh - $30 gift voucher

 

 

This is a fantastic concept. You sign up and get all the ingredients delivered to cook your dinner – basically meal planner and a personal shopper in one. Genius. And you can choose between getting three or five meals a week, and a meat or vegetarian option. I have already received one of these vouchers in a beauty subscription box, and plan to make use of it when we’ve moved into our new house early March.  Unfortunately I can only use one voucher per household, so I cannot use this one as well, but I am sure one of my friends will happily make use of it. Available from Hello Fresh

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full size/5g

 

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients, containing a blend of soothing fruit and nut oils as well as organic myrtle to moisturise, protect and smooth the lips. One can never have too many lip balms, and as soon as I saw that it had lemon myrtle included, I was sold. I absolutely love lemon scented products, and this lip balm doesn’t fail to impress. It smells so lovely and refreshing. I am almost due for a new lip balm on my bedside table, so this couldn’t have come at a better time!

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The cream is infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! And it is made without parabens, sulfates, glycols, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances.

I got one of these sachets in the November Native Box, and while the cream is really lovely, and has the most beautiful rose scent, and will be used – having already tried it, means that I am not too excited about it, and I would have preferred to trial another product from the Care You Love product range. Available from Care You Love

 

Nourish Our Kids – Free Publication

Finally, the Mum & Bub Box also came with a small magazine called Nourish Our Kids. As the title suggests it has some great articles about nutrition for kids, and includes some yummy sounding recipes, so I will enjoy reading this to pick up any tips and meal ideals, and I will also make sure so check them out on facebook to be kept in the loop. 

So there you have it, this was the contents of the very first Mum & Bub Box from Native box.

As I mentioned in my review of the November Native Box, unfortunately the product info sheet doesn’t specify the RRP of the products, so it is difficult to immediately say how the box performs in terms of value for money. Apart from gift voucher from Hello Fresh, there is only newborn nappy that I won’t be able to use, so in that way at least nothing will go to waste. I am unsure if the Anywhere Anytime cleaner is a full sized product, but otherwise only the baby food and the lip balm and the string bag (which is a part of a pack of five) are full sized products value, and with the remainder of the products including the baby creams, the facial cream and the wipes being relatively budget friendly for even full sized products, as such they do not add the greatest of monetary value to the box, and it would have been lovely to see at least one or two more full sized products added to make sure that the total value of the box far exceeds the $24.95 cost of the box.

But in saying that I think that the box contains a great selection of natural products, and I like being introduced to new products, and in particularly I have high hopes for the Ayana baby creams and the Bellamy’s baby food, and the box gives you an opportunity to trial these products without potentially wasting a lot of money on buying full sized products you may not necessarily like. And if this box can introduce you to just one new favourite you might now otherwise have come across, then it is in my opinion well worth it.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of the products in the Native Mum & Bub Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products?

Product Review: Native Box November 2013

Once upon a time I didn’t put much thought into the products I was eating let along putting on my face and body. But when I was pregnant I suddenly made a conscious effort to be both healthier and use healthier skincare products too. Here are my thoughts on the Native Box November edition,

 

What They Say:
"We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)"

 

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)

3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)

12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Not knowing much about the Native Box, I decided to do a little research, and I was so pleasantly surprised at what I discovered.

Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and they genuinely believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet.

The Native Box is a monthly subscription box, and all products in the boxes have been selected after a set of strict product guidelines and business ethics criteria where they call on the wealth of scientific research available and look to industry experts and independent organisations for validation.
 

Native Box is also striving towards being a carbon neutral company who is responsible for zero greenhouse gas emissions, and are constantly looking for ways to reduce emissions and business waste whilst increasing efficiency by among others;

• Box material and packing is made from recycled material
• Encourage our members to re-use and up cycle their box
• Use recycled and biodegradable products in the office
• Buying locally produced goods reduces our carbon footprint
• Encouraging members to make green lifestyle choices

Now on to what was in the November 2013 Box….

Fine Fettle Foods – Zuccini & Almond Flats – Sample Size

This pack of flatbread biscuits from Fine Fettle Foods is ‘Real Veg Squished into Snacks’ and they are just perfect to use as a savoury snack on their own or with a topping, but as they are so delicious that I personally are perfect on their own just as they are – in fact I can easily see myself buying these again as a healthy snack. They are organic, wheat free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.

 

H2Coco Pure Coconut Water – Full Size

The coconut water from H2Coco is natural and fat-free and low calorie drink that re-hydrates the body and providing nutrients including potassium and electrolytes. This truly is such a refreshing drink on a hot summer’s day or after a workout and I love that there is no added sugar. It is also organic and gluten free. 

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of gorgeous colours, just check out this bright green one I got!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! – Yep, just 4 grams!! This will be perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket or in the fruitshop – that’s where I’ll be using mine instead of the plastic bags, that are not only nasty to the environment, but are also never strong enough, and who doesn’t hate having to pick up all your fruit in the parking lot because your bag has torn!

 

Happy Skincare Cloud 9 Deep Cleansing Balm

This is a plant based organic cleanser from Happy Skincare that removes makeup, sunscreen and dirt and grime, while leaving the skin soft and moisturised. It is made from 100% natural sourced, and 85% organic ingredients, and it has the most divine citrus scent (my fave). It is also vegan and dairy free. I cant wait to test this one out!

 

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The calendula infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! This sounds amazing, and I am expecting it to smell absolutely divine so I cant wait to try it.

Finally the included sheet that provides information on all the products also made mention of Crafted 3 Vegan Merinques, but there were no product included, so I am not sure if maybe it was also supposed to be in my box?

 

Anyway, there you have it, the contents of the November Native box.

I am unsure of the RRP of the different products as unfortunately the info sheet doesn’t specify this, so it is difficult to say how the box performs in terms of value for money, but as I feel that all products are just sample sizes, apart from the H2Coco, which is a ‘cheapish’ item, and the string bag which I have seen on their website that you can purchase for $17.77 for a pack of 5 bags, - so unless I am wrong, I do find it a little difficult to see that the included products have a combined value of $24.95

But in saying that, I think that the box contains a great selection of products that I would otherwise possibly never have discovered. I will certainly look forward to trying the Cloud 9 Cleanser and the Persian Rose Moisturiser, and I have already popped the H2Coco in the fridge waiting for a hot day, and the string bag is in my handbag ready for the next shopping trip. And as for the Zuccini & Almond Flats, well, they’re vanished already, I may just have found a new favourite and healthy snack option – and for that this Native Box is priceless!

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?