The start of a great adventure.

We started on the Major Welch trail going up (.4 mile trail and 1.5 mile rock scramble).

Alexa was the bravest three year old on the mountain. She took a small spill in the beginning (stumbled over a root) and we thought the trip would be over before it even began. But she bravely continued on with us and once we started the rock scramble portion, she clambered up like a little monkey.

Max, however, ended up being the best climber out of all of us. He kept scrambling ahead, leaving us in the dust and then waiting for his old, out-of-shape parents to catch up.

Along the way up, we were able to enjoy a lot of scenic views. Alexa kept looking back and saying, “Look at the big scenery!”

Both kids had a blast and we made it up to the top in a little over three hours. We made sure to drink a ton of fluids and made many snack pit stops. When we reached Perkins Memorial Tower, they insisted on climbing up to the lookout point. I had no desire to go up the tower and I really don’t know where they get their energy from!

Coming down is where things went wrong. We ended up following the wrong trail. We hiked down for about 2 hours before we finally realized we had gotten lost in the mountains.

Here are some pictures of the hike down while we were still enjoying ourselves:

There was definitely a moment of panic with not a soul around and the sun starting to set. Max ended up hiking with us for seven hours and not once did he whine or complain!!! Alexa hiked five hours. My husband wore her at the beginning of our descent for a short break and then at the end when we had to double time it back out of the woods onto the main road. Poor girl finally passed out then for a well earned nap.

Both kids had so much stamina and were so resilient. I have honestly never been prouder. I cried when we finally got back because I was so overwhelmed by relief and gratitude that our family was safe and by guilt that we had asked so much of our kids.

Most important lesson we learned this trip: A trail can go in two different directions. We were supposed to follow the Appalachian Trail back to the starting point but went down going in the other direction!!

In conclusion, would we go back? Yes. Even on the car ride home Max said he loved climbing up the rocks. Alexa said she had fun (maybe not as ecstatic as her brother but unfortunately she’s stuck with us.) Going up we had a great time and, if we went down the right way, it would have been a challenging but fun experience.

Oh, and lesson number two: As I was panting and sweating my way up, I realized that my husband and I need to get into shape because we can’t keep up with Max anymore. I’m sure that by the time Alexa is five both of them will leave us in the dust!

Finally, there is a silver lining to everything. If we hadn’t gotten lost, we wouldn’t have our best family picture from this trip. (Since we went down the unbeaten path – should have KNOWN something was amiss then – we were at a beautiful and secluded lookout point with only one hiker who happened to pass by and offer to take a picture.)

The post Bear Mountain Park Adventure appeared first on Mommy to Max.

It’s been two whole years since I last collaborated with Organic Start on a giveaway. That’s far too long when it comes to working with one of my favorite vendors of organic formula from Europe! (You can read about my review and vetting process here.)

Today, I am happy to announce that Organic Start is generously giving away 3 boxes of the formula of your choice (up to $100 value!)

In conjunction with the giveaway, I want to take this opportunity to also announce that – exclusive to Mommy to Max readers only – Organic Start is offering the following coupon codes:

Organic Start – use coupon code MTM10 for 10% off your order – new customers only! If you need smaller quantities or your formula ASAP.

Organic Start Wholesale – use coupon code MTM5 for 5% off your order. Provides the same great service and products but at bulk prices.

I truly believe that the best European brand formulas are superior to US brand formulas. Unfortunately, they are not easily accessible to the US market. If you are not familiar with European formulas, check out my Best European Organic Baby Formula Guide.

I love that I can share these amazing formulas with my readers. Enter to win below. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will run until November 23rd, 2018, 11:59PM.

I will e-mail the winner and publish the winner’s name on this post, within 24 hours. If I do not receive a response within 48 hours, I will redraw. The winner will be able to select from any in-stock cow’s milk formula. Good luck!

The post Organic Start Giveaway + Coupon Codes! appeared first on Mommy to Max.

I literally could not ask for any more in my life.

Yet a few words and a pinch from my mom and, in a flash, all of my insecurities that go as far back as high school came flooding back.

My parents joined my husband and me and my two kids for dinner last night. We had already started eating.

My mom sat down and said, “Wah, don’t you think you’ve eaten enough, look at your stomach!” Then she reached over to pinch the flab that was protruding out of my stomach.

I angrily swatted her hand away which caused her to renew her efforts and grab an even bigger chunk of my fat.

I was livid and told her as much. She laughed it off and acted as if it wasn’t a big deal. And, in an effort to not make a scene and keep the peace, I let it go and we did end up having an enjoyable dinner.

It’s my mom and these are just the many things I’ve learned to accept and endure through the years.

But this morning, I woke up, and as I sat down to eat breakfast, the same toxic thoughts that consumed me when I was a teenager all came back.

I shouldn’t eat breakfast. I should lose weight. My stomach is too fat.

And then I snapped myself out of it. Because I could. Because I’m not an adolescent. Because I’m 35 and I gave birth to two beautiful children and I don’t give a f*ck what anyone else thinks about my body anymore.

But for a second I did.

And it struck me what an impact my mom’s words could have on me, even as an adult. How much WEIGHT we put in the words of those that we love, respect, and admire.

How those words can lift us up or tear us down.

Just as they tore me down when I was 16 years old.

I was still growing and developing and I had a tiny muffin top. I will never forget the day my mom first “playfully” told me that I was getting fat and had a buddha belly. She pinched my fat then too and laughed. I still remember the anger, shame and insecurity that swept over me.

Pretty sure I was 16 years old here.

What she should have said is: “Are you happy? Are you healthy? Yes? Good.” Conversation over. But I digress.

After that, I became self-conscious of my body when I hadn’t been before.

I started eating less. I started taking diet pills. I started seeing myself as fat even when reached a point where, at 5’3″, I only weighed 90lbs.

I told people who were concerned I was too thin – I have a high metabolism and my frame is naturally small. While this may actually be true, it was also a way for me to justify why I could or should lose more weight.

Reflecting back on my 19 year old self, when I was at my most skeletal, I didn’t realize I had a problem. I was able to acknowledge that my arms and legs looked thin but, to me, my stomach never looked good enough.

This was me at 22 years old. I was no longer at my thinnest but it’s the best picture I could dig up.

All from the careless words my mom said to me when I was 16 years old.

I am happy with the person I am now and I am comfortable with my body but my stomach will always be an insecurity. A burden that I will probably carry for the rest of my life.

Words matter and words have power. Especially when they are uttered by the people you love most. I know that my mom loves me and did not say those things to hurt me as much as she did.

But the point is, intent is not the only thing that matters when you speak with your children.

I have learned many, many valuable things from my mom. She has taught me to be a strong woman, independent thinker, and shown me what unconditional love and sacrifice truly means.

And while this is a lesson that has come through pain and hurt, it is a valuable lesson from my mom, nonetheless.

What I have learned is this: I should never say careless words, in jest or otherwise, that will tear my kids down. Everyone else in the world might do that but it should never, ever come from me.

P.S. I love my daughter’s little belly and I tell her so everyday.

The post The words that gave me body dismorphia appeared first on Mommy to Max.

I mentioned in my last post that I would be running a giveaway so that one lucky reader could win a 1-Hour Mini Doc Session (valued at $1,000). This is your chance to preserve a favorite family routine or activity at home, or an outing to a meaningful location with your littlest ones!

The giveaway will run until November 2, 2018, 11:59PM EST.

The post The Baby Mini Doc Project Giveaway! appeared first on Mommy to Max.

Several months back, I was introduced to Melissa Gomez who is the creator and founder of The Baby Mini Doc Project. Melissa is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who decided to focus her talents on tinier humans after she became a mom herself. After numerous back and forth discussions, we agreed to collaborate and the end result is that I received a truly priceless short film of my family that will bring us many, many years of nostalgia and joy.

First, I have to say that Melissa is the utmost professional. She was always timely and incredibly responsive throughout our months long collaboration. I can tell that she takes her craft very seriously.

Typically, she schedules an initial consultation with a potential client to discuss what they are looking for. If a client wants to proceed with a package, a more in-depth follow up call is scheduled, typically via video.

We also scheduled a video chat because Melissa wanted to be sure that she had a chance to virtually meet my family to put us, especially Max and Alexa at ease, prior to filming.

Ironically enough, for a blogger, both my husband and I do NOT like being photographed or filmed. While I was excited about capturing our family on film and I knew how precious something like this would be for our family, I was actually quite apprehensive about this collaboration. I am admittedly self-conscious on camera.

Another concern I raised was that our family can be quite chaotic. In a day, there’s a lot of laughter and love but also yells, cries, bites (from Alexa, in case anyone was wondering) and just overall chaos. I described a day in our life as a rollercoaster. I was worried how this would come off on film and if it would even be something I’d want captured.

Melissa was able to easily put me at ease (as with any additional concerns that I raised) and told me that the focus would be on our kids, not us. And also that while she would ensure that the film was authentic, our theme of joy and love would not be lost in message.

As for the film itself, I received the Buttercup package which consists of a 4-hr filming session and an 8 minute mini-documentary. Melissa offers other packages, as well as custom packages, depending on the needs of each family.

On the day of filming, Melissa first introduced herself to our entire family, making Max and Alexa comfortable, but then was able to blend effortlessly and seamlessly into the background. Throughout the day, she came in and out of our awareness but we still always felt at ease. My husband is actually a very private person but Melissa has such a gentle and calming presence that neither of us felt self-conscious or awkward while being filmed.

In light of the fact that we have never been filmed before in this manner, it was really far less obtrusive than I would have imagined. And I truly believe that’s a testament to Melissa and her skill as a documentary filmmaker. Melissa was such a pleasure to work with and takes such pride in her work. I believe her service is really one-of-a-kind and I am very grateful that we had an opportunity to collaborate.

In the end, our family was actually significantly less chaotic than I expected. My kids were clearly on their best behavior and I’m not complaining. I have a film that captures the core essence of our family, which is the depth of the love that my husband and I have for each other and our kids.

And the best news of all?! Melissa is very generously giving away a mini filming session. Giveaway post to follow!

If you don’t want to wait (or you miss out on the giveaway), Melissa has also provided an exclusive discount to Mommy to Max readers! The first FIVE readers can use the code: MTM15 to get 15% off any package.

The post The Baby Mini Doc Project Review appeared first on Mommy to Max.

I’m definitely a geek at heart. I have as much fun, if not more, than the kids whenever we go to children’s and science museums. I can tell you that this past weekend, at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ, was my best time yet, kids be damned!

My family and I were invited by Momtrends to check out the currently featured exhibitions, watch a film at the planetarium (the largest in the Western hemisphere!) and write about my experience. Let’s just say, it was an offer my geeky heart could not refuse.

So from the top, we left early in the morning and the drive from where we live in Eastern Nassau took about an hour. Not too bad.

Once in, we were ushered to the Dino Dig exhibition, which is where all the fun began. The exhibit opens into a canopied sand pit where there are more than 60 dinosaur fossils buried in 35 tons of sand! Max and Alexa were able to channel their inner paleontologist by using brushes to dust the sand off and reveal the hidden fossils.

Besides being fun because my kids love playing with sand in general, it was also very educational. There were “paleontologists” throughout the pit that were constantly sharing  interesting dinosaur and paleontology facts with all the children.

Our next stop was to the Grossology exhibit which is considered a premium exhibit. (You have to pay an additional fee on top of the regular admission.)  We were able to learn about the grossest parts of the human body – you know, boogers, burps, mucus, vomit – all right up a four year old boy’s alley.

This exhibit took up an entire wing of the museum and was jam packed with different activities (wall climbing, pinball machines, ping pong ball shooting machines, and a gigantic “operation” game table, among many other things.)

We then went to the Arthur’s World exhibit. This exhibit would probably have been a bigger hit if our family knew more  about Arthur and his world. If I’m being honest, this was probably the least exiting exhibit of the ones we visited. They had areas set up like classic Arthur locations but nothing really held our interest for long and we quickly left to check out the other AWESOME areas of the museum.

The last exhibit that I was invited to feature (and my husband’s favorite) was to watch To Worlds Beyond in the LSC Giant Dome Theater. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in a planetarium and it’s a truly breathtaking experience. I heard a few audible gasps when the film started playing. It was an incredibly informative, short film on the planets located in our solar system.

Max enjoyed the film and peppered me with questions throughout. But I think four years old is the minimum age where they would be able to extract much information. After a long morning playing at the other exhibits, Alexa promptly fell asleep. The theater shows at the planetarium require an additional fee as well. If I had to choose one exhibit to pay extra for, this one would be it!

My favorite exhibit was definitely the Touch Tunnel – an 80-foot, crawl-through, pitch-black tunnel. I still remember the first time I went through the Touch Tunnel, over two decades ago, during a school field trip. I am THAT old. Anyway, it’s not the same touch tunnel but the concept is the same. It’s also more high-tech now as there are infrared cameras for you to see video of people crawling through the tunnel.

The experience was both scary and exhilarating. It’s not technically a long tunnel, but time definitely slows down in the pitch black. This is NOT suitable for anyone who is claustrophobic. And I don’t know how Max did it but he ran back and forth to lead our pack and basically charged through the tunnel (it’s not a straight path, more like a maze).

On the other hand, Max’s favorite exhibit was the Infinity Climber, which is the world’s first suspended climbing play space. Luckily, he juuuust made the 42″ height restriction. He could not get enough of climbing up and down the platform while being completely suspended in the air and we basically had to drag him away.

Alexa, our animal lover, loved the Eat and Be Eaten exhibit that features mole rats, tamarin monkeys, turtles, fishes and frogs. There was a gag-inducing cockroach display of thousands of gigantic cockroaches. Avoid avoid avoid. And a colony of leaf-cutter ants was especially fascinating to watch at work cutting and transporting leaves.

In short, there was something for everyone at this museum! The largest and pretty much only downside for us was that it took us an hour and 40 minutes to get home due to traffic. Nonetheless, we enjoyed our experience so much we signed up for a family membership and will be returning very, very soon.

I now leave you with a lovely video of Alexa eating crickets, courtesy of the gift shop.

The post Summer Fun: Liberty Science Center Experience appeared first on Mommy to Max.

I start researching non-toxic products when they become relevant in my life. Truthfully, before I had children, I never once thought – oh, this nail polish smells terrible, maybe it’s off-gassing VOCs and has other toxic chemicals that I shouldn’t inhale or have near my body. I just, you know, thought that’s how nail polishes are supposed to smell and it’s the price I had to pay for wanting painted nails.

How things change after we have kids…

Anyway, I am very minimalist when it comes to makeup and the last time I got a manicure was before either of my kids were born. So let’s just say I was more than a little surprised when Max came home from school telling me he wanted to wear nail polish. But here we are and, after extensive research, it’s time for me to share what I’ve learned about non-toxic nail polish.

Serious health issues related to exposure to nail polish have come into sharp focus recently. Multiple studies have found that nail salon workers may be more susceptible to respiratory ailments, reproductive health issues, and cancer. And, even if you are not a manicurist, working with nail polish fumes on a daily basis, there is still cause for concern because another study has found that nail polish chemicals can leach into the body.

In this post, I have compiled a list of some of the safest and most non-toxic nail polish brands that I could find. In the writing of this post, I consulted with Debra Lynn Dadd, who I consider to be one of the leading non-toxic bloggers in the community and an actual authority on the matter. While she found my analysis of the nail polishes and its ingredients to be sound, she felt that extra emphasis must be placed on the fact that no nail polish is truly non-toxic.

We are actually in complete agreement on this issue. But we do not live in a bubble and it is impossible to live a completely non-toxic life unless you do, in fact, live in one.

I am a mommy blogger so, of course, this guide was created with children in mind. However, it is certainly worth highlighting that children are far more vulnerable to toxics than adults. Handle your children’s exposure to even “non-toxic nail polish” as you would to other toxics, i.e., avoid altogether or with careful consideration.

Nowadays, you will hear about a nail polish being marketed as 5-Free, 7-Free, 9-Free, etc. What that means is that it does not contain many of the ingredients that I will list below.

Editor’s Note: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is my favorite resource to use when researching cosmetic ingredients. I have included the score for nail polish ingredients from EWG with a score of 10 considered to be the most toxic. I have also attempted to list the ingredients in an order such that if a nail polish says 3-Free, for instance, it does not contain the first three listed chemicals (a.k.a. toxic trio).

Top Nail Polish Chemicals to Avoid:

1. Formaldehyde [EWG Score=10] – a known human carcinogen. Its vapors can be irritating and trigger asthma.

2. Toluene [EWG Score=10] – a volatile petrochemical solvent and paint thinner. Toluene is a potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea. A woman’s exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may cause developmental damage in the fetus. In human epidemiological studies and in animal studies, toluene has been also associated with toxicity to the immune system and a possible link to blood cancer such as malignant lymphoma.

3. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) [EWG Score=10] – a reproductive and developmental toxicant. The European Union banned the use of this ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. In animal studies, exposure to DBP during gestation causes infertility, cryptorchidism and problems in sperm development, adverse effects similar to human testicular dysgenesis syndrome. Prenatal exposure to DBP has been associated with anatomical changes in the reproductive system development in baby boys. In adult men, DBP has been correlated with changes in serum hormone levels, lower sperm concentration and motility, and decreased fertility.

4. Formaldehyde resin [EWG Score=4] – a derivative of formaldehyde. Although it is not nearly as toxic as formaldehyde it can be an allergen.

5. Camphor[EWG Score=2] – a poison that can cause seizures and disorientation if used in large doses. This chemical acts as a cover on your nails, depriving them of nutrients and causing yellow staining on your nails. (Yes, I know it has a low EWG score but it is considered one of the ingredients to avoid in nail polish.)

6. Ethyl Tosylamide[EWG Score=3] – a sulfur-based antibiotic. It has been banned in Europe or use in cosmetics since it can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. It is also known to be an endocrine disrupter.

7. Xylene [EWG Score=8] – an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Xylene can cause systemic toxicity by ingestion or inhalation. The most common route of exposure is via inhalation. Symptoms of xylene poisoning include central nervous system effects (headache, dizziness, ataxia, drowsiness, excitement, tremor, and coma), ventricular arrythmias, acute pulmonary edema, respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, and reversible hepatic impairment.

8. Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP) [EWG Score=5] – a chemical used in plastics to improve flexibility and as a flame retardant. A handful of animal studies and in vitro studies have suggested that it could be an endocrine disrupter which could potentially affect reproductive health and lipid metabolism.

9. Parabens [EWG Score=1-8]– a preservative. Parabens mimic estrogen and can act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors, an effect that is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity.

10. Acetone [EWG Score=3] – a neurotoxin that can get stored in the fatty tissue in human body.

Now that we have gotten the toxic nail polish ingredients out of the way, the following are nail polishes that have safer ingredients.

Safest Non-Toxic Nail Polishes:

• Piggy Paint [EWG Score=~1-2]
• SOPHi  [EWG Score=~1-2]
• Honeybee Gardens [EWG Score=~1-2]
• Suncoat Girl [EWG Score=~1-2]
• Keeki [EWG Score=~2]
• Acquarella [EWG Score=~1]

Questionably Non-Toxic Nail Polishes (but free from the main no-no’s):

• Suncoat [EWG Score=none found]
• Suncoat Polish & Peel [EWG Score=~1 but ingredients listed on ewg.org does not reflect what I found on Suncoat’s site]
• ZOYA [EWG Score=none found]
• ella + mila [EWG Score=none found]
• Priti NYC [EWG Score=~3]
• AILA [EWG Score=none found]

*I have written short reviews for several of the listed nail polishes that I have in my possession. These nail polishes were either purchased by me or gifted to me.*

Safest Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Piggy Paint

I love Piggy Paint! Their nail polishes have a very light scent – reminiscent of the smell of acrylic paint but even lighter. There is a wide selection of bright and cheerful colors, perfect for little kids. The nail polish brush is long and thin, easy to maneuver on tiny fingernails. I have found that the polish can chip rather easily but I’ve also found that kids don’t care about that at all.

Ingredients: water, acrylates copolymer, neem oil

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade):  red 34 lake (CI 15880), ultramarines (CI 77007), iron oxide (CI 77499), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), mica (CI 77019), red 28 (CI 45410), yellow 10 (CI 47005), violet 2, zinc sulfide/copper, copper flake, orange 5, and/or red 22 (CI 45380)

SOPHi

SOPHi is Piggy Paint for grown ups. The formulation for the nail polish is the same except that there is a more “mature” selection of colors. SOPHi also has a prime + seal + shine system for longer lasting coverage. The polish does dry a bit flat so if you like glossy nails, the prime + seal + shine system is a must. I like that the brush is flat and wide so that fewer strokes are needed but the brush may be a little too wide for smaller nails. Finally, SOPHi recommends blow drying the nail polish on a warm/low setting for best results.

Ingredients: water,  acrylates copolymer, neem oil

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), red 7 (CI 15850), red 34 , red 28 (CI 45410), red 17,  iron oxide (CI 77499), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), ultramarines (CI 77007), chromium oxide green (CI 77289), and/or violet 2 (CI 60725)

Honeybee Gardens

Honeybee Gardens has a light scent – also similar to lighter-smelling version of acrylic paint. They have a smaller color selection but do feature colors that are suitable for both children and adults. The nail polish brush is long and thin, similar to Piggy Paint. However, the thin brush has a tendency to create streaks because the polish is on the thinner side. The streaks were less apparent after a second coat, though.

Ingredients: water, acrylates copolymer

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): iron oxides (CI 77490), mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), and/or ultramarines (CI 77007)

Suncoat Girl

Ingredients: water, acrylic copolymers

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), carmine, iron oxide (CI 77499), ferric ferrocyanide , chromium oxide green (CI 77289), ultramarines (CI 77007), and/or polyethylene terephthalate (plastic glitter)

Keeki

Ingredients: water, acrylate copolymer emulsion, glycol ethers

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), red 6, red 7, red 7 lake (CI 15850), ultramarines (CI 77007), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), chromium oxide green (CI 77289), and/or iron oxide (CI 77499) pigments

Acquarella

Ingredients: water, styrene acrylates copolymer, acrylates copolymer

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), orange iron oxide (CI 77489), yellow iron oxide (CI 77492), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), and/or iron oxide (CI 77499) pigments

Questionably Non-Toxic Nail Polish

Suncoat

Ingredients: water, acrylate copolymer/styrene-acrylate copolymer, propylene glycol [EWG Score=3], n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol dibenzoate

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), ferric ferrocyanide, iron oxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), chromium oxide (CI 77288), carmine (CI 75470)

Suncoat Polish & Peel

Ingredients: water, polyvinyl acetate [EWG Score=3], acrylate copolymer

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), carmine, iron oxide (CI 77499), ferric ferrocyanide , chromium oxide green (CI 77289), ultramarines (CI 77007), and/or polyethylene terephthalate (plastic glitter)

ZOYA

Ingredients: butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol,  stearalkonium bentonite, acrylates copolymer, styrene/acrylates copolymer, dibenzoate, benzophenone-1 [EWG Score=4]

ella + mila

Ingredients: butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol, acrylates copolymer, stearalkonium bentonite, n-butyl alcohol [EWG Score=3-4], benzophenone-1 [EWG Score=4], silica, alumina, trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): aluminum powder (CI 77000), iron oxides (CI 77499 / CI 77491), red 34 lake (CI 15880), red 6 lake (CI 15850), red 7 lake (CI 15850), yellow 5 lake (CI 19140), ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (CI 77510), mica (CI 77019), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), ultramarines (CI 77007), red 28 (CI 45410), red 22 (CI 45380), and/or yellow 10 (CI 47005)

Priti NYC 

Ingredients: butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, nitrocellulose, neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol, stearalkonium bentonite, acrylates copolymer,  styrene/acrylates copolymer, silica, benzophenone-1 [EWG Score=4],  trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): mica (CI 77019), calcium aluminum borosilicate, calcium sodium borosilicate, synthetic fluorphlogopite, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, etylene/vinyl acetate polymer, acrylates copolymer,  aluminum powder (CI 77000), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), red 6 lake (CI 15850), red 7 lake (CI 15850), red 34 lake (CI 15880), yellow 5 lake (CI 19140), red iron oxide, black iron oxide, bismuth oxychloride, manganese violet, chromium oxide green (CI 77289), ultramarines (CI 77007), ferric ammonium ferrocynanide, black 2, blue 1 lake, aluminum hydroxide, tin oxide, calcium oxide, sodium oxide, and/or polyacrylate-4

AILA

Ingredients: butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, adipic acid/neopentyl glycol/trimellitic anhydride copolymer, acetyl tributyl citrate, isopropyl alcohol, styrene/acrylates copolymer, stearalkonium bentonite, n-butyl alcohol [EWG Score=3-4], benzophenone-1 [EWG Score=4], silica, alumina, trimethylpentanediyl dibenzoate, polyvinyl butyral

May also contain the following colorants (depending on shade): aluminum powder (CI 77000), iron oxides (CI 77499 / CI 77491), red 34 lake (CI 15880), red 6 lake (CI 15850), red 7 lake (CI 15850), yellow 5 lake (CI 19140), ferric ammonium ferrocyanide (CI 77510), mica (CI 77019), blue 1 (CI 42090), yellow 11 (CI 47000), titanium dioxide (CI 77891), violet 2 (CI 60725), polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer

Many of the nail polish brands that claim to be non-toxic (notably, ZOYA, ella + mila, Priti NYC, and AILA) are 5-Free, 7-Free, 9-Free, etc., but contain benzophenone-1, which is an ultraviolet light absorber and is designed to prevent nail polishes from fading. It’s a controversial ingredient because benzophenone-1 has been found to be a possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. However, this ingredient is still heatedly debated amongst the beauty and health community as to its safety for cosmetic use.

I, for one, am wary of  this ingredient but it would  appear that the brands that contain benzophenone-1 tend to perform better than the other non-toxic nail polishes I’ve listed. Many of these nail polish brands do NOT perform as well because they contain less toxic ingredients. The less toxic nail polishes tend to take longer to cure, are not as long-lasting, and may chip more easily, especially the ones that I’ve listed in the safest non-toxic nail polish category.

Personally, I would never use nail polishes that contain benzophenone-1 for young children, or while pregnant and/or nursing. However, if you are a nail polish lover and want better performing nail polish with more color options, then it may be a risk and exposure you are willing to accept.

What are your thoughts on the nail polishes that I have listed? Let me know if I may have missed any other great non-toxic nail polish brands!

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The post Best Non-Toxic Nail Polish Guide appeared first on Mommy to Max.

This was my second year in a row attending the New York Baby Show as a blogger. It was a bit more painful to attend this year due to the cold and rainy weather but, in the end, I’m still glad I made the trip. Nevermind the “special treatment” for bloggers (I received a press goodie bag and catered meal from Boston Market – thank you Momtrends!), I still think the show is worthwhile to attend for expecting and first time moms.

I love seeing the new and innovative baby products that come out each year. And I especially love meeting and speaking to exhibitors for companies that are just starting out. Inadvertently, I realized that all three of the companies that I will be featuring in this post were established in the past year!

So, without further ado:

1. Travel Tray – It’s ridiculous how this is the product I am most excited about from the entire show. The premise is simple: it’s a tray/plate that fits in the cupholder while still allowing room for a cup/bottle. It makes all the sense in the world but there’s no other product on the market that’s like it.

Basically, kids are slobs and easily hangry. Which is never a good combination during long car rides. I have resorted to giving the kids snacks in cups to attempt to appease them while containing the mess. (Obviously, plates or bowls will be spilled.) But the cup takes up valuable space in the cupholder which means that the water bottle often gets dropped and rolls around on the car floor while devil children wail in the back.

This travel tray is truly an ingenious solution to all of that and I am forever grateful.

The tray comes in a rainbow of different colors, is made from ABS plastic (same plastic as Legos) and is BPA-free, PHT-free, and PVC-free.

2. Inspired Start – Feeding recommendations are always changing but, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, the latest studies suggest that the introduction of allergenic foods should start as early as 4-6 months of age. In fact, delaying the introduction of highly allergenic foods may actually increase the possibility of an allergic reaction.

That’s why I love the concept of Inspired Start which allows for a controlled and palatable way of introducing many of the top allergenic foods to baby including peanuts, tree nuts, egg, seafood, soy and gluten. Some of the food combinations sound pretty funky to me (e.g. banana and shrimp) but the representative assured me that it was baby palate tested and approved.

3. La Petite Creme – This is a French-inspired, oil-based method of diaper care using only six(!) all-natural ingredients.

You just use a little bit of the product on a disposable cotton wipe or cloth and then wipe the baby’s bottom. It acts as a natural moisture barrier and helps to prevent diaper rash. You basically create your own environmentally friendly, all-natural wipes and there’s no need for the additional step of using a diaper rash cream!

I love that every year I attend, I am still able to find new and innovative products for babies and kids. It’s definitely a great show to attend for new and expecting parents just to see what’s out there. And, if you’re a sucker for baby products like me, at any time.

On a final note, both my kids made good use of the Baby Bjorn Bouncer when they were babies. I always wondered what it was like sitting in one. Now I know.

The post New York Baby Show 2018 – Top Picks appeared first on Mommy to Max.

On the weekends, we frequently dine out with the kids. Recently, Max started asking us if we are going to a “grownup restaurant.” (Which basically means, a restaurant that doesn’t provide free crayons.) If so, he asks if we can bring crayons and a coloring book for him to draw in.

And, because I’m terrible at being prepared, when the time comes, I always forget to bring them.

This has happened enough times that when I saw Jaq Jaq Bird’s Doodle it Chalk Book, I realized that this was the PERFECT solution to my problems. Thank you to Jaq Jaq Bird for sending us two for review!

Basically, the Doodle it is a portable chalk book with eight 8 in x 8 in “chalkboard” pages. There’s several cute design covers to choose from with a velcro strap to keep the book secure when not in use. There’s also a little pocket attached to the last page to store their included 4-piece ButterStix. (Butterstix is their own formulation for dust-free, creamy chalk writing.)

The pages are made from textured black plastic – not truly a chalkboard type material – but the provided ButterStix draw on these pages incredibly well. Actually, I think the true star of the whole set up is the ButterStix. The colors are beautifully vibrant and the crayon-like chalk glides on in an easy, creamy-smooth motion.

Of course, my favorite part is that there’s zero dust and barely any residue on Max’s hands after using it. As much fun as chalk is to draw with, my kids are pretty much banned from using real chalk around me because I hate the dust and I suck like that.

I have to add that Max did snap a few of his ButterStixs in half. He just presses too hard and doesn’t comprehend what a “light touch” means. But half of a regular ButterStix length was still perfect for him to draw with. The ButterStix chalk is definitely on the softer side and it’s kid dependent on how much longevity the chalk has. Alexa, who has not yet snapped any chalks, will probably have her set last twice as long as Max’s.

After the kids are done drawing, I use a baby wipe to clean the pages up. Occasionally, there’s an issue with “ghosting,” when chalk residue doesn’t wipe completely off and leaves a faint mark, which is just another reason why every single household should have a Magic Eraser.

Overall, the Doodle it Chalk Book, is great for travel, restaurants and on-the-go. We keeps ours tucked away in our car at all times now so that I never forget to bring Max something to draw with at an adult restaurant again!

Finally, Jaq Jaq Bird is generously sponsoring a giveaway so that one of my lucky readers can get a Doodle it Chalk Book!

The giveaway will run until May 31, 2018, 11:59PM EST. Good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for writing this post. I did, however, receive a sample product for review purposes. Nonetheless, this review is 100% my honest opinion and, to the best of my ability, an unbiased review.

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I asked him why he would want to paint his nails and his response was that his friends A and P (both girls) painted their nails.

I told him that I would look into buying some polish for him.

He then proceeded to ask me every day after that if I had bought the nail polish yet. Since I had agreed to get him nail polish, I researched and found a non-toxic nail polish brand and showed him and Alexa the color choices. Max chose a sparkly blue and Alexa chose a bubble gum pink.

When the polish finally came, he saw both colors and excitedly asked me to paint one hand blue and one hand pink.

While I was painting his nails, he couldn’t stop telling me how excited he was to show his friends A and P that he had painted nails too. When I finished, the kid was positively beaming.

Unfortunately, this was during spring break so his polish quickly chipped off. He made me promise to repaint his nails so that when he started school, he would have freshly painted nails.

Whenever Max makes decisions that make me concerned about how he will be perceived in public (like the time he insisted on lavender purple and hot pink sneakers), I always try my best to prepare him.

I ask him, do you know that people might make fun of you? Some people might say that those are girl sneakers? Will you be upset if they say that?

He always reassures me that he’ll be okay, that he knows it’s not true, and that boys and girls can like or do the same things.

Of course I can’t help but still worry because kids can be brutal.

He has, on more than one occasion, reported to me that someone from school told him that only girls like purple. If you have followed me from the beginning, you’ll know that Max has loved the color purple since he was 11 months old.

I have always told him that in OUR family, boys and girls can like the same colors and that there is no such thing as a “boy” color or a “girl” color.

However, I had not yet talked to him about nail polish.

So, to my surprise, during one of our nightly talks, while I was putting him to sleep, our conversation somehow drifted to school and he informed me of the following:

He told me that he had recently had to go to a “peace corner” with a school mate.

Max doesn’t usually get in trouble at school so I was surprised to hear this. I quickly asked him what had happened.

He replied that when he shared with his friends that I was getting him nail polish, one of his female classmates yelled that boys cannot wear nail polish.

They had started arguing with each other so they were placed in the “peace corner” to work out their differences.

I asked him how the conversation went.

And I have to say, what he told me next filled my heart with immense pride.

Max let his friend know that boys and girls can do the same things. That this was HIS body and he could do what he wanted. That she might be in control of HER body but he was in control of HIS body. And HIS mommy told him that boys could do anything girls could do too.

I was dumbfounded by his response.

To me, this is about more than whether or not a boy can wear nail polish.

This is about a four-year old boy, standing up for what he believes to be right and refusing to be swayed by peer pressure.

I’m not trying to make a political statement by letting my son wear nail polish. It’s not something I actively encouraged. (Previously, I did not even have a single bottle of nail polish at home.) And I do try to gently steer him towards gender norms because I don’t wish for him to experience society’s disapproval, if I can help it.

But if he insists that it’s something he wants, I am also not going to stand in his way. As he grows up, he will have enough societal restrictions to deal with.

As a parent, it is not my job to block him but it is my job to support him.

My latest mantra to him has been: I can teach you the difference between right and wrong but only you can decide to do the right thing.

And damn kid, you are certainly doing it right in my book.

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