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!!!         

Thankful for Thorns (blog) Facebook Fan Giveaway Celebration!!

No matter if you’re a blogger, mom, small business owner, or

are just someone who jots down notes (and like me loses them) you will love

this planner! First off: Hello Fun Colors! I love the colors that Tiffany used throughout

this planner. It’s cheery and honestly makes me enjoy writing down our

schedules in it.

I’m notorious for forgetting to write things down or not feeling like it and

just trying to remember everything in my head. Well, guess what, that isn’t

working so well anymore.  I recently

forgot several commitments I made to people and feel HORRIBLE about it.

This planner has 132 pages.

There is a full month calendar at the beginning of each scheduling period.

Underneath every calendar page has an important notes spot. I personally use
this section in EVERY month.

There also are sometimes dreams and goals, jot it down, or just empty boxes for
you to fill in whatever you need to.

Then within that month you have five pages with four rectangles.

These pages work perfect for blocking out your daily schedule, client sessions,

or whatever you need it to do for you.

They run March-February and honestly I just really love this
planner.

One of my other favorite features throughout the planner is some of the months
have a little “Goals & Dreams” spot under the main calendar. You have a
perfect little spot to write out some of your dreams and goals for the month
and then there are boxes to check them off when you complete them! Love it!

Without farther ado I am now giving away THREE planners! A $50
value for three lucky people! And if you don’t win one but you want to get one
of your own you can go HERE. And use the code OTSS15 to get 15% off of your
purchase!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just a few details: The planner prizes were purchased and will be fulfilled by me (Jessica @ Thankful For Thorns). The $100 gift card is being provided by On The Spot Studio. Although this did end up to be a review of this product
all of the opinions are my own and I did not receive anything to do this review. Sadly its wicked expensive for me to ship this to Canada so I am only opening this to the US :(

Conscious Box - Giveaway!!!

It seems like the new thing is subscription boxes!

But what box do you choose?

What do you want to be in the box?

What exactly is a subscription box?

Wool.....What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing!  Say it again!  WRONG!!!  But for some reason the War song popped into my head and I had to finish my version of the song :)  Wool is absolutely wonderful!!  But it can also be extremely intimidating and scary if you have never used it before.  It was well over a year into my cloth diapering adventures before I even thought about attempting wool.  And all I have to say is I am sad and sorry that I did not try it sooner!!!


It is not nearly as horrible as I thought it would be to deal with.  But when someone tells you that you have to hand wash it, don't put it in the dryer, and use lanolin on it, that would make most people run for the hills :)  And that is exactly what I did for over a year.  You really don't "wash" it you more let it soak :)  and then roll it up to get the excess water out.  But you can read more one washing here (coming soon)!

So I guess the real question is why wool?  What is so awesome about it?  And why do I not wash it between every use?  Yuck!!!

Great Spring Cloth Giveaway Event!!!

Spring has sprung! And there is no time like now to load up on Cloth Diapering and Baby gear! We have put together a great line up of prizes, valued at over $600!! Please visit our sponsors and enter the giveaway for your chance to win it all! Open to Canada and the USA.

Prizes were donated from the following awesome companies:

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Zumu 3-in-1 Giveaway!!!

Are you ready to get out and enjoy the weather this spring and summer? 

Well then, you've come to the right place!

Welcome to the Zumu 3-in-1 Bicycle Trailer/Jogger/Stroller Giveaway (ARV $200)!

Hosted by Thrifty Nifty Mommy and Co-hosted by Viva Veltoro!

Enter to win the Zumu 3-in-1 Bicycle Trailer/Jogger/Stroller.

April 12-28th

Enter daily using the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PottyCover - Review

When out and about with little ones and they have to potty, the last thing you want is for them to sit on a yucky public potty!!!  Even if you use the (sometimes) given potty covers they never cover enough of the potty because little ones still hit the front :(  So what are you to do?  Sanitize the whole potty before you let your little ones touch it?  Well in a perfect world YES!!  But we do not live in a perfect world.

That is where the PottyCover comes in!  The PottyCover is a wonderful disposable potty cover that covers the top, front and sides of the potty so that your little one comes into less contact with anything yucky!!!  The PottyCover is easy to buy from Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and some Bed Bath and Beyond stores!  It sells for $5.99 for a pack of 6 :) 

About the PottyCover

My Thoughts

The PottyCover is a wonderful idea!!  I love that it covers almost the whole potty!!  Especially with having girls and them having to sit down you want them to be clean.  Personally I do not use these every time we are out and about.  I feel that they are expensive at about $1 each.  I do and will continue to use these when we are out and all that is available is a really nasty potty that you don't even want to go near :)  Or a PortaPotty!

I also don't like that they really are not environmentally friendly but when it comes to my child's health and safety I would rather use one of these.  I do keep a couple of these on me at all times because you never know when you will need one!

Overall, I love the idea of the product, I just wish they were a little less expensive.     

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.

Daddy Diaper Pack from DaddyScrubs - Review

One of the most important items that any parent needs is a diaper bag!!!  But the bag that Mommy picks may not be manly enough for Daddy :)  So what is a family to do?  How about a diaper bag made just for Daddy?  That is exactly what the Daddy Diaper Pack from DaddyScrubs is!!!  It is great for expectant father gifts, new dad gifts and daddy to be gifts!!  It is also great for the experienced daddy that wants something manly to take when out and about with the little one(s).

DaddyScrubs has some wonderful information and ideas on their social media sites :)  You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, YouTube, their Blog and Instagram!!  Many ways to stay in contact!!!

About the Daddy Diaper Pack

The Daddy Diaper Pack™ in basic black is the ultimate backpack for Dads with full straps and clips to lock it down, and to take it off quickly and easily.

The custom design allows less fumbling through deep pockets and eliminates struggling to take off the pack while holding baby. The side pockets are great for water bottles, baby bottles, and sippy cups. There’s a big pouch for diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes (and of course a small one for the “dirty stuff”).

The front organizer pocket is designed for the essentials like keys, money, cell phone, pacifier, and small toys. The insulated cooler pocket is perfect for snacks. The skater straps are great for hooking everything from sand pails, to beach towels, to flip flops, hats, and even wet clothes.

The Daddy Diaper Pack™ by DaddyScrubs is truly the ultimate go-to diaper bag for dads – perfect for all occasions like shopping, walking trips, car rides, and emergencies.

Dads need simple. Dads need functional. Dads need the Daddy Diaper Pack!

Features
• Two roomy compartments for diapers, wipes, clothes, and toys
• Insulated cooler pocket for snacks
• Organizer pocket for keys, money, pacifiers, and small toys
• Fleece lined pocket for sunglasses and more
• Mesh side pockets for extra baby bottles and water bottles
• One Size: 19 x 12 x 9"
• Materials: 840D polyester Dobby (black)

My Thoughts

There are a ton of pockets in this diaper bag to hold everything you could possible want!!!  Personally I feel that this Diaper Pack would be best for little babies when you still need to take the whole house with you.  Currently with Baby K all I need to take is diapers, wipes, a wet bag and a couple little things.  So I don't have to use all the pockets.  But when the girls were little this would have been WONDERFUL!!!

Also this Diaper Pack does work best for Daddys.  Being smaller myself I find that the straps are far apart for me, but this works great for Hubby.  Also it says "I'm the Daddy" on it and I'm not the Daddy :)  This Diaper Pack is wonderful for the Daddy though because it is black and just looks like a backpack and not a diaper bag.  Which is great for my Hubby since everything we have is girlie!!  So this is all for him :)

Overall this is a wonderful gift to give to any Daddy in your life!  I think it would make a great Baby Shower gift for the Daddy to be :)  Also for a limited time use the code BLOG13 for 10% off your order at DaddyScrubs!  

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.

Showered with Love Giveaway Hop!!! #showeredlove

Welcome to the Showered With Love Event hosted by the Blogging Mamas Network!  We all know that April Showers bring May Flowers, but did you know that over 50 bloggers have come together throw a huge Shower of our own - a virtual Baby Shower!  The Showered  with Love Event will run from April 1-15, giving you plenty of chances and time to enter all of the great giveaways!

Be sure to hop around to each blogger in the linky under my giveaway, as well as check out the fabulous Baby Shower Grand Prize, including a Boba Wrap, Red Charlotte Doll Carrier, a $50 GC to Walls Need Love, AND 6 pocket cloth diapers from Little Monsters - worth over $300

Here at SAH CD Mama you are entering for your chance to win The Daddy Diaper Pack from DaddyScrubs!!!  This is great for expectant father gifts, new dad gifts and daddy to be gifts!!  It is extremely gender neutral so Mom will not mind carrying it either :)  The Daddy Diaper Pack features 2 roomy compartments, insulated cooler pocket, organizer pocket, fleece lined pocket, and mesh side pockets!  Make sure to check out the review that includes a coupon code!!!

Entry-Form

Facebook is in no way affiliated with this contest or its sponsors. Please note that SAH CD Mama, According to Jenny, So Easy Being Green, The Blogging Mamas Network and the Showered with Love participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

Journey to Walk MS 2013

3 years ago my family participated in their 1st Walk MS.  My oldest, and only at the time, was 1 1/2 and rode in her stroller for the whole walk :)  I was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I knew that I was helping in some small way.  Sadly for the past 2 years I have not been able to participate :(  2 years ago it was 2 days before Baby K was born and last year it was the same day as her birthday party.  I know neither was a really good reason to not participate but at that time I was overwhelmed with everything and didn't think I could take anything else on.

Once again Walk MS 2013 by me lands on Baby K's birthday weekend (plus having company in town).  But that is NOT going to stop us this year!!!  Both of my beautiful daughters will be traveling with me back to my home town area in PA to attend Walk MS 2013!!!  Most of my family as well as my Hubby's family lives in the area and some of them have even offered to walk with us :)  Plus my Aunt has decided to fly in from Texas for the walk!!!

Now you are probably wondering why this Walk MS means so much to me.  Why I feel bad that I haven't participated in 2 years.  Why I would be traveling back home just to participate.  Why it is so awesome to me that people have stepped up to walk with me.  And why would I write a blog post about it.  If you have stayed with this post so far THANK YOU!!!  And now for some back story and answers to all the questions you may have :)

Cloth For Every Bum - Twitter Party

It's about time for another AWESOME twitter party! Cloth for Everybum, a Cloth Diaper Charity servicing a 2 hour radius from Savannah, Georgia is sponsoring a Twitter Party and Auction! Cloth for Everybum is different from other Cloth Diaper Charities because they require that every mom or dad receiving a cloth diaper kit (24 diapers + accessories) attends a Cloth Diapering 101 class. This is a brilliant idea. Cloth diapers may be a foreign concept to many parents, and a simple class could "make or break" their ability to succeed with cloth diapering. In addition this class will provide an open-ended resource if there are any further problems or questions in the future. Below are some pictures of the kits that are handed out to these cloth diapering parents. Every month the first 5 people in need who QUALIFY and attend a class will receive their own kit. To date, Cloth for Everybum has handed out over 42 Cloth Diaper Kits. This means that 42 families attended a Cloth Diaper 101 class. That is great! I can tell you that I have personally had the opportunity to meet the ladies who head up Cloth for Everybum and got a glimpse into all the time and efforts that they put into what they do. I was so impressed with their enthusiasm to spread awareness about cloth diapers.

I love their mission statement:

"If you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime. Our mission is not simply to give free diapers to low income families, but to teach the families how to use them. Scheduled Cloth Diapering 101 classes are mandatory for all kit recipients. For recipients in the Mentoring sub-program, a mentor will be matched to the family and follow them for a period of time."

Aplix VS. Snaps

When it comes down to picking diapers probably the most important decision you will have to make is Aplix VS. Snaps!!!  But what should you chose?  What is best for you?  What is best for baby?  Such a had decision :)

For me it was an easy decision!!  I went with SNAPS!  Why?  Honestly because I like the look of snaps better than the look of Aplix.  But I also started cloth diapering when Baby K was 8 months old.  If I would have started at newborn and used newborn diapers I would have chose Aplix and then switched to snaps with OS diapers.

Aplix is a great choice for a newborn or before baby messes with their diapers.  When baby is a newborn you are changing them so much that aplix would make it faster and easier.  But once baby starts to mess with their diaper aplix will also be easier for them to take off :)

Snaps on the other hand are harder for baby to play with but also take a couple extra seconds to for parents to use :)  I also feel that it gives the from of a diaper a cleaner look!  So it comes down to how old is baby? What type of look do you like?  And how easy do you want it to be for you AND for baby :)

So what are your diapers?  Aplix or Snap?  Why?

Rachel and the TreeSchoolers - Review

When you are homeschooling or even just staying at home with kids, every once in a while you want to be able to turn the TV on so you can walk away to finish dishes, the laundry, make dinner, or you name it!!!  But at the same time you do not want to fill your kids head with garbage and have them watch TV just to watch it.  Well at least I don't but I know sometimes that is the way it happens :)

What if you could put something on the TV that actually teaches your child?  What if there was a supplemental tool that you could use with your homeschooling lessons to reinforce what you are teaching?  Do you think you would use it in your home for your little one?  I know I would :)  A likes to watch TV shows, probably more than she should, but I like her to get something from them.  And Baby K always watches with her so she is absorbing something :)

Rachel and the TreeSchoolers is an awesome supplement to any homeschooling program.  Or just something fun and educational for your little ones to watch.  Currently there is only 1 DVD in the series but I am personally hoping for more!!!  The 1st episode : A Rainy Day was super cute and an awesome science lesson!!!

My Thoughts 

This episode teaches a lot more than you would think!!!  It doesn't just tell you "hey it rains".   It really explains to the kids what is happening in a cute, fun way!  There are cute cartoon characters as well as real children and of course Rachel (from Signing Time)!!!  Both of my daughters LOVED this DVD!!  We have not used the CD yet because I like my music in the car :) 

What is taught

What is Whether

Temperature

What is in the sky

What falls

Stuff we use in what kind of whether

Rain boots in rainy whether

Swim suit in sunny whether

What is Lightning and Thunder

Lightning is electricity

Thunder is the sound that lightning makes

Whether signs (sign language)

Rain 

Clouds

Whether

Lightning

Thunder

Sun

Overall, this is a great addition to any household!!!  I'm not sure if I really like the price of $24.95 for a DVD and CD that is only 1 episode and about 30 minutes.  I wish it was cheaper or that you could purchase only the DVD.  But I do love that you can request a FREE digital copy of the Activity Guide for either PARENTS or TEACHERS!!!  Make sure to check them out on Facebook so you know when the new episodes will be available!  They are currently working on 2 new episodes :) and I know that 1 of them is about BUGS!!!

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.

Magic White Board - Review

I received the Magic White Board to review a couple weeks ago.  I have to say that I like the concept of the product and its purpose.  But what exactly is the Magic White Board?  Well It is a white board that you can take with you :)  It is thin like paper so you can easily transport it with you wherever you go!!!  You can watch the video below to see how it works!!  You can also find Magic White Board on Facebook and Twitter to check out what others are saying and to keep up on the latest! 

About the Product (from Magic White Board)

• Reusable dry erase sheets that stick with static cling to any hard surface
• Write on Magic Whiteboard with dry erase markers, erase and rewrite as many times as you want
• Great for making erasable notes, shopping lists, reminders and to-do lists
• Each sheet measures 8.25″ x 11.75″
• Magic Whiteboard requires no mounting hardware or adhesive needed to secure the sheets to the wall
• Sticks with static to wood, drywall or glass, and won’t leave any residue behind
• Stick, Write, Erase, Move, Reuse

My Thoughts

I love the idea of the Magic White Board but I really wish it was just a little bit thicker.  More like Oak Tag instead of tissue paper.  I don't like that I can see through it because it can be distracting.  And being so thin it is easily creased and wrinkled.  It is nice to be able to take anywhere with you and is an awesome item to entertain the kids with :)  But I think their could be some improvements made.  I think this would be a wonderful product for in schools!!  Children could have the on their desks at all times and much less paper would be wasted.  I would love to spend the money on something like this for my child's classroom instead of 20 boxes of tissues!!!

Overall, definately a product to check out.  Especially if you are always writing notes EVERYWHERE in your house :)  They stick to just about anything and are a lot less wasteful than using paper!!!      

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.