Tina From September Wool Soaker - Review

Front with adjustable tie

There are a ton of different "commercial" brands of wool diaper covers out there!  But what do you do when you want to use wool but still support the WAHMs?  Well honestly, you search REALLY, REALLY hard to find a WAHM that does wool....unless you know where to look or have heard of them before :)  So that is what I am here for!!!  To let you know about an awesome WAHM that makes awesome HAND knit wool soakers/diaper covers for your little ones!!

Now I know that everyone LOVES a WAHM and wool (if you have used it)!  So by now you are probably ready to place your order and want to know who I am talking about.  Well, I have had the privilege to work with Tina from September!!!  She makes beautiful hand knit wool soakers :)  And I have the privilege to let you all know about them!!!

My Thoughts

Back of Soaker

Tina does a wonderful job HAND knitting her wool soakers!!  They are all one of a kind because
they are not machine made like the big brand wool!  The one I received is a beautiful dark plum color!  It is closely compared in size to a "big brand" ML, but this one has an adjustable waist so you can get a nice fit around little ones tummy! 

The soaker is single layered where the big brands are usually double layered.  But that honestly doesn't make a difference as long as you lano!!!  Plus the whole thing about wool is that it is not made to hold moisture!!!  You should have enough absorbency in your diaper so that the whole is acting as a barrier between the diaper and everything else!

Baby K not really cooperating :)

Overall, I have had a very pleasant experience with my 1st WAHM wool item!!  Wool can be very intimidating in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it you will wonder why you ever waited so long :)  Baby K loves to wear her "pretty" at night and ask for them regularly!   

Also make sure to check out all the happenings on Tina's website, Facebook page, and Pinterest!!!

Full TUSH shot!!!

All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. This wool cover was provided by Tina from September for review. No additional compensation was accepted for this review.

City'n Move from Kiddy U.S.A. Stroller - Giveaway

Win this fabulous stroller, the City'n Move from Kiddy U.S.A.

Hosted by:  Confessions of a Messy Mama

Co-hosted by:  Everything Mommyhood

The new lightweight class from Kiddy. The sporty design and the stylish colors turn trips with the city buggy Kiddy city´n move into a real pleasure. Parents will be delighted about the easy handling, the high ride comfort, and skin-friendly soft handles.

This gorgeous stroller is available in 8 different colors!

Enter by the RC form below.  Must be a resident of the Continetal U.S.A. and 18+

• Sporty lightweight

  Aluminum chassis (only approx. 21 lbs).

• Skin-friendly soft handles

  For the perfect grip and to prevent sweaty hands.

• Protective sun canopy

  Best protection against UV rays with full extendable canopy with integrated window.

• 5-point harness system

  Comfy padding incl. breathable 3D-netting and triple-height adjustable shoulder belts.

• Comfy leg- and foot rest

  Easily adjustable.

• Spacious basket

  Easily accessible.

• Comfortable ride

  Spring suspension at front- and rear wheels.

• Easily removable front wheels

  No tools required.

• Durable seat cover

  Washable and with breathable netting.

• Cozy recline position

  Easy one hand operation with infinite positions to full recline.

• Adaptors

  Available for various infant carriers.
  
  
  
  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE:  SAH CD Mama is not responsible for prize shipment and has received no compensation for this giveaway.

Reading Kingdom reading & writing program for children 4-10 - REVIEW

Reading Kingdom is an online, interactive program that promotes reading and writing in young ones.  It can be a challenge trying to teach a child to read, especially when the think they can "read" on their own.  Reading Kingdom makes it fun to learn how to read without using formal drill and skill techniques.  They combine fun games with the skills that all children need to know to be able to succeed in reading.

Reading Kingdom is customizable to each child so it is not a 100% cookie cutter program.  It determines your child's level and works with them from that starting point.  There is a "test" at the beginning of the program that allows it to determine the level is right for your child.  It doesn't just say your kid is x age so this is where they are!

My Thoughts

A has loved the program so far and it has helped her gain the confidence she needs to be able to work on reading by herself.  She loves books and wants to read, and claims she can, and now she is able to read simple sentences and books before she even enters kindergarten!!  Reading was the only thing she is not advanced in and now with Reading Kingdom she is getting there in reading also :)  You can try a FREE 30 day trial or check out Reading Kingdom on Facebook and Twitter! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

What Is In My Stash?!?!? Wouldn't You Like To Know!!!

One of the biggest discussions in the CD community is....What's in your stash?  But not just that we always want to know WHY!!!  Is there something that we are missing out on that we need to add?  Why does that diaper work for that kid but not mine?  And of course...Where can I get one and how much :)

I have my stash broken down into 5 categories, Daytime Diapers/WAHM Diapers, Nap Diapers, Daddy Diapers, Diaper Bag Diapers, and Overnight Diapers.  I actually do use this madness of categories on my diapers on a daily basis, when washing, sorting and putting away my diapers :)  It also makes it easier for me to be able to tell the Hubby (when I need 2) which diaper to grab and where from :)  Now what falls into the different categories in my house?

DAYTIME DIAPERS

"Brand" Diapers

itti bitti D'lish SIO (specifically size Large) - I currently have 8 of these diapers in my house!!!  At 8 the SIO diapers are the most of 1 brand I have in my stash :)  I absolutely LOVE these diapers and could not live without them :)  As of right now I have 2 Red, 2 Chocolate, 2 Purple, 1 Fuchsia, and 1 Bubblegum.  I am trying to sell off some of the red and chocolate ones though because I just have too many diapers :) plus I would like to get some more of the new colors!!! 

Lalabye Baby - I absolutely LOVE this OS bamboo insert pocket diaper that I reviewed a while back!!  It is one of my go to diapers for car rides when I know it will be a little while before Baby K gets changed.  I have the "Ring Around the Rosie" (Bright Pink) diaper as part of my stash and LOVE it for the cuteness and absorption it brings to my stash while still being super trim :) 

Moraki - This is the newest and last pocket diaper that was added to my stash.  I have started to lean away from pocket diapers recently but have kept around my absolutely favorite ones.  I mainly only use pockets at nap anymore but I have kept around the Moraki pocket/AI2 diaper and the Lalabye Baby pocket diaper as my only 2 daytime pockets!!!  I love the Moraki because of how awesome the inserts are!!  They are made of 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton, which means they absorb a ton :)  Plus I have 3 inserts (1 of each size) that makes it possible to customize!!!  It is bulky when you use all 3 inserts but it is great for being able to go a while without changing.  I have had the privilege of adding a Hippie (tie-dye) print to my stash!!

WAHM Diapers

Diaper Donks - I absolutely LOVE my Diaper Donks diapers!!!  I now have 2 in my stash and they are not going anywhere any time soon :)  I have had the privilege of being able to review 2 different diapers from Diaper Donks.  The 1st was an AI2 with ruffles (review) and the 2nd was a Skirtie AI2 (review)!  These diapers are wonderful and adorable!  The ruffles and the skirtie make them something different than the normal WAHM made diaper.  I only have 3 "brands" of WAHMs left in my stash and Diaper Donks is one that made the cut :) 

The Diaper Addict - Amie from The Diaper Addict is somewhat of a local to me :)  She lives about 30-45 minutes from me and makes an awesome Hybrid AI2 (review).  This diaper has only fleece to make it waterproof and I have NEVER had a leak with it :)  It is super cute, fits Baby K great and use to be a nap diaper till Baby K learned how to take it off :)  Now it has become a wonderful fashion statement under an adorable dress or skirt.  But being that it is a Hybrid AI2 it made it a little bulky for under pants.  But that never stopped us from wearing it in the house :)  

Hey Dude Diapers - I received my 1st Hey Dude Diaper as a review and fell in love with it :)  It is an adorable American Flag AI2 (review) that has been a wonderful summer addition to my stash :)  I love to put this diaper on Baby K when we go into DC.  It just seems fitting!!!  But I do not limit it to just summer, it is a year round diaper!!  I loved this diaper so much that I ended up buying Baby K a Minnie/Mickey mouse Hey Dude Diaper for her 2nd birthday party!  She has changed her pattern a little between the time of the 2 diapers but overall it is still a good diaper.  I do like the older pattern better though, but still LOVE both diapers :) 

NAP DIAPERS

Tiny Tush - This was my very 1st diaper that I ever owned!!  It was bought for me by a friend and is the reason that I started cloth diaper AND this blog (read about it here).  I love my Tiny Tush Elite 1.1 and I don't think I will ever be able to part with it :)  It is the reason SAH CD Mama is what it is :)  But other than that I LOVE it as a nap diaper because of it's 2 inserts.  Baby K can nap for up to 3 hours and I need a diaper that is going to be able to hold, especially since nap is right after lunch...think drinks!!!  I have never had a problem with this diaper at nap and I love my "Pretty Pink" diaper!  This was also the 1st diaper that I ever reviewed on the blog and how I really got started reviewing diapers (review).

FuzziBunz - This was the 1st brand that I ever bought myself!!!  I started out with 2 Perfect Size FuzziBunz Cloth Diapers in Grape and Crushed Berries.  I quickly added 2 more Perfect Size diapers in Blueberry and Tootie Frootie.  I loved my Perfect Size diapers and the size Medium fit Baby K PERFECT :)  But then I won a OS Elite in Cotton Candy and feel in love.  I loved the Minky inserts and how they were OS but they were clean looking on the outside because of the adjustable elastic.  I ended up purchasing another OS Elite FuzziBunz Diapers in Grape.  They make great nap diapers because of the 2 inserts and they are super cute :)  I ended up selling my Perfect Size diapers when I started moving away from pockets, and I do regret it from time to time, but I kept my Elites!!!

Daddy Diaper

Thirsties Duo AIO - This is the best diaper that I have found to leave for Hubby :)  It is the simplest AIO that I hav found and is EXACTLY like a washable disposable!!!  I have 2 of these in my stash for Hubby while I am out of the house.  I leave one side snapped so he knows how to snap it on Baby K and he is good to go!!  I really could use a couple more in my stash but I just haven't bought them :)  Currently I have a Scottish Rose (LOVE IT) and a Rose :)  I would really like to have the new Polka Dance and probably a Scottish Storm also!

Diaper Bag Diapers

GroVia AIO - I love to have my AIOs in my diaper bag!  The making changing Baby K outside of the house so much easier!  Who wants to deal with a lot of hassle while you have a wiggly toddler on a changing table in a public bathroom?  The GroVia AIO makes it super easy and fast to change baby while out and about!  For a more in depth look check out my review!!  

            

 

So where have I been?

So I know I have been totally MIA for well over a month at this point.  But that does not mean that SAH CD Mama has disappeared!!!  I will be back, hopefully in full swing by the end of June at the latest!!  Currently I am extremely behind on reviews and giveaways, along with just post :(  So where have I been?

If you have not seen any of the most recent post on Facebook you are probably out of the loop.  And even if you have seen the post you may not know exactly what has been going on.  So EXTREMELY long, painful and sickness story short is that I started getting extremely sick in February (yes I know it is now June).  I was so sick to the point that all I could eat in a day was 2 of the little cutie oranges and NOTHING else :(  The doctors sent me for a sonogram of my entire abdomen thinking that I had gallstones.

Well guess what....there were NONE.  But they did find a mass on my liver, which was extremely terrifying.  So I ended up having a MRI done in March to figure out what the mass was.  All the while still feeling horrible and not eating.  The MRI results came back with calling the mass on my liver a "scar" and there really was nothing to do for it and definitely was not the cause of my sickness.  I do need to go back around October to have another MRI done to see if it has changed.

So here I am starting to feel a little better around the middle of March.  But by the end of March I was feeling horrible again so I went back to the doctor.  She prescribed me Prilosec thinking that it could possibly be an ulcer in my stomach.  She told me that if I didn't feel better in about 5-6 days that I should have a HIDA scan of my gallbladder done.  Well I was feeling a little better but I personally still wanted to have the scan done.  During this time Baby K turned 2 and yes sadly I was sick for her birthday :(  Thankfully I have some absolutely wonderful friends around her that helped with her party when I became extremely ill towards the end.

So after about 2 more weeks I FINALLY had the HIDA scan done.  This was now the beginning of May.  So after about 3 1/2 months of being horribly sick and a 30 lb weight loss from not being able to eat I FINALLY found out what was wrong with me!!!  My gallbladder was only functioning at 21% and they call the VERY bottom of "normal" 35%.  But they would like to see it more around 70-80% to be normal.  So finally it was going to get taken care of.  Within 2 days of finding out that it was my gallbladder I had an appointment with a general surgeon (a Friday) and the next Tuesday I was already scheduled to have surgery.  It was an extremely quick turn around time and thankfully I got to spend Mother's Day weekend with my girls before having the surgery.

My Hubby was absolutely wonderful with helping to take care of the girls.  He even cloth diapered Baby K part of the time!!!  His favorite diapers that he used were Thirsties Cloth Diaper :)  He would use the covers (over disposables) for bed time and nap time but during the day he would use what I refer to as  "The Daddy Dummy Diaper"!!!  He absolutely LOVES the Thirsties Duo AIO Diaper.  I am honestly surprised that he decided to CD at all while I spent about a week in my bedroom.  But I'm glad he did and I know Baby K's tush is also :)

So why have I been gone so long?  Honestly I have been having a really hard recovery :(  The 14th will be a month since my surgery and I am hoping to be back to 100% soon!!  The surgeon said that I was going to have a longer recovery than most because my gallbladder had to have been a problem for a very long time.  It was covered in adhesion which indicates an on going problem.  So the normal feel better in a couple weeks has not really applied to me.  I am finally starting to eat again but the weight is staying off (only good side to the whole thing!) but I am still pretty sore and I get very tired very easily.  Plus some foods just don't cooperate yet.  But I am getting there and I can't wait to get back!!!