Over 100 blogs have come together to bring you some amazing prizes to help you kick off your summer… with a SPLASH! Each blog is giving away at least $25 worth of prizes, plus we have an awesome grand prize for one very lucky winner. Be sure to hop along to each of the participating blogs because the more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have at winning the Grand Prize!

So what’s this Grand Prize we’re talking about? Thanks to Kid’s Creations one very lucky winner is going to win a Two Ring Adventure Playset valued at $3,598! Made from the highest quality Redwood and loaded with fun activities, this swing set is sure to make this summer one to remember! (Please note that the grand prize is only open to residents of the Continental United States and does not include assembly/installation.) Enter the Grand Prize after you’ve entered to win my giveaway below :)

Now are you ready to win something right here on Organic Mama?

Enter below to to win Original Sprout Face + Body Sunscreen {review to come} from Baby Grins! That’s a $25 value! :) Natural Sunscreen is definitely the way to go this summer! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I love my fruits and veggies. I mean, I really love them. But not all food is created equal. In fact,  I’d like to talk to you today about 3 compelling reasons to eat organic produce.

1. Organic produce has more nutrients

Organic produce has higher levels of  vitamin C, along with more antioxidants, iron and calcium, too.

2. Organic produce is safer

Conventionally grown produce tests positive for various types of pesticide residue.  What’s worse, many pesticides today are considered neurotoxins.

3. Organic produce reduces your risk of cancer

The US Environmental Protection Agency considers a whopping 90% of all fungicides, 60% of all herbicides and 30% of all insecticides potential cancer causing pesticides.

Why do you choose organic produce?

We’ve all been there. Whether it was this morning, last week or last month, we all experience pimples from time to time.

I’ve been a huge fan of natural remedies for acne for a few years now and now I’m going to share them with you!

1. Tea Tree Oil & Witch Hazel

Simply rub a small amount of diluted (1:9 tea tree oil to witch hazel) tea tree oil on your blemish twice daily using a cotton pad. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your face!

2. Honey

Coat your blemish with honey and cover it overnight with a band-aid. Remove it in the morning and immediately wash the area in very warm water. “Close” your pores with a very cold, wet washcloth.  Pat dry.

3. Raw Potato

Whip up a small amount of raw potato paste and apply to your blemish, let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

4. Lemon Juice

Dab fresh lemon slices (or juice) onto your blemish. Wash off with warm water (followed by patting a cold water washcloth) after 15 minutes.

5. Organic Virgin Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Apply liberally 15 minutes before your shower.  Wash off using a natural soap.  Pat dry.

What natural acne remedies have you tried?

*Swoon*

I’ve been composting for around 8 years now, and I’m always surprised when people make comments about how much work it must be. My response is always the same – umm, no – it practically composts itself! Which is totally true, but nonetheless there are a few key steps that should be followed to achieve a nice, balanced, nutrient-rich soil.  So here are my 5 simple steps to kicking off your back yard composting this year!

Step 1: Location, location, location!

Ensure your composting bin has good drainage and is easily to get to year round.

Step 2: Get digging!

Using a small shovel, turn up a bit of earth underneath your bin to allow the organisms to come up to your pile of organic matter.

Step 3: Layering is essential!

Begin with about 4 inches of dry leaves or shredded paper {your “brown” layer}. Then add a 2 inch layer of “greens”, which can be anything from your kitchen leftovers to grass clippings. Cover your “green” layer with another 4 inch layer of “browns” to keep odors and fruit flies at bay.

Step 4: Repeat!

Continue alternating your brown and green layers until your compost bin is completely full.

Step 5: Shake it up!

Every 2 weeks, mix up your pile and let add air in between the layers by turning it with a garden fork when your bin is full. The contents should be damp, so make sure to add a bit of water if it’s too dry or add another layer of browns if it’s too wet. After a couple months, the contents of your bin become a dark, crumbly soil with an earthy smell to it, and that means it’s ready to use. Empty the rich contents into your garden and start all over!

Do you compost at home?