Green Bottoms Review and Giveaway

 August 17th, 2011

 4:00pm

Green Bottoms is an Etsy shop run by Dina. After making all of the diapers for her twin boys, Dina became very comfortable with experimenting with diaper patterns. The end result is a well thought out product for you and your baby! Green Bottoms shop has All in Twos (AI2s), Fitteds,  and pocket diapers along with diaper covers. If you want to be brave, she even has supplies to make your own diapers. Take a look at some of the cute fabrics she has.

Love the girly print on this diaper cover.

Berry Vines Fitted Diaper

Fitted Diaper

The Review:

I got the chance to review a Green Bottoms pocket diaper in a lovely purple flower print. The print is really striking. I like to show off my baby's diaper and try to pair them with shirts that match. The pattern and colors in this print offer so many color combination opportunities. Dina includes a hidden layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate) under her cotton outer prints. This Green Bottoms Diaper is a sized, pocket diaper with two rows of snaps. There are four snaps on each side of the diaper to acheive the best fit for baby. The wings has three snaps each, two for the waist and one for the thighs. This is helpful for babies who have larger or smaller thighs than tummies.The pocket is in the front of the diaper for easy access and washing. The front of the diaper has a slight dip in it to fit nicely on the tummy; similar to a low rise fit. Dina has chosen color coordinated snaps with perfectly matched thread color!


Ease of Use: Six snaps will have this diaper on your baby. The thigh snaps make it easy to avoid leaks if you have a baby with skinny legs or chunky thighs! The front stuffing pocket is wide and accomidates for larger hands.

Fit: I was sent the pocket diaper without an insert. It was nice to be able to adjust the absorbency. Obviously, the more inserts you add, the fluffier baby's bottom will be. I mainly used this diaper with an extra GoGreen Pocket Diaper microfiber 3 layer insert. It was nice and trim. The hip snaps were a great addition to this diaper. It was great to have for my chunky thighed babe. The medium size we were sent fit great! It fits babies 15-30lbs.


Performance: We did experience some wicking with this diaper. The times that we did it was overnight. To be truthful, I really think that I needed to add more absorbency to the diaper for night time use. Consequently I used this diaper mostly during the daytime. Remember that I did not use one of Dina's inserts (although they look really great). Perhaps I wouldn't have had any issues if I were using one of her insets. This diaper was great for us for day time and it was one of the first diapers I grabbed after diaper laundry.

Care: I washed this diaper with my normal wash routine (cold rinse, hot wash, cold wash) and it did great! There were some sticky poo messes (Charlotte was just beginning solids) and there are no stains on the microfiber. That's the one thing I really like about microfiber, the stain resistance. I would reccommend drying on medium. There was more wicking if I line dried the diaper.

Materials: Cotton outer, microfiber inner, hidden layer of PUL.

Cost: $13 for the medium pocket diaper. Diapers in the Green Bottoms shop run from $10- $30.

Overall Opinion: This was a great day time diaper for us. The fit was wonderful and provided full coverage, even on my high rise baby. The ability to adjust the thigh seperate from the waist was a big plus for us. Green Bottoms diapers are a great, inexpensive way to expand your cloth diaper stash!


Not into sized diapers? Dina also offers a one size option. See her Facebook page for more details.

The Giveaway:

Dina is offering one reader a custom cloth diaper (choice of fabric and size).

Bits n Pieces Review *** A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0

August 13th, 2011
11:25pm

A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0 is right around the corner! Not too long before the big event. I'd like to introduce you to one of my great sponsors, Bits n' Pieces, etc. Charmaine, owner of Bits n' Pieces, etc., has great organizational solutions for anyone who is on the go. Have you ever gotten to the grocery store without your shopping list? Have you needed to make a quick note of something but had no pen or paper? I hear some of you snickering in the background thinking, "Isn't that what Smartphones are for?". Well, even though I have a Smartphone, I don't use it for those reasons. If I put it in my phone, I'll forget it's there. I'm a paper-list-taking type girl. I need to write things down to remember them. Charmaine has the perfect thing; The Mini List Taker. (See the review below for more info on the Mini List Taker).

Crayon Wallet in Groovy Guitars

Bits n Pieces, etc. also has coloring wallets for kids. These, along with all the other items in the shop, come in an array of bright, vivid fabrics, designer fabrics. Coloring wallets are a great way to give children the freedom to draw whenever, and where ever they want to. The wallets come with slots for crayons and a pad of paper. These are great to keep in your purse for doctors visits, long car rides, plane trips, anywhere little idle hands need to be kept busy!

The Review:

Charmaine sent me a Mini List Taker in Black Ironwork Swirls by Michael Miller and a matching key chain for review. The Mini List Taker measures 9" x 6" when opened, and 4 1/2" x 6" when closed. There is a button attached to the front of the organizer and an elastic loop that goes over the button for a secured closure. There are two pockets of equal size on the inside; one for a 3x5" pad of paper and one for coupons, gift cards, shopping lists and other things that you need to keep in one place. The pocket is a great way of keeping track of receipts. The organizer even has a pocket for a mini pen or pencil. Charmaine sent me a mechanical pencil that looks like a regular pencil. I love it! I've kept this little organizer in my purse and, believe me, it has come in handy! There have been a few time where I've been out with the kids and had to wait in long lines. They were able to draw a few pictures and play with the list taker while we were waiting. While talking with a friend about books suggestions, she blurted out about 5 titles. Knowing I would never remember them, I took out my list taker and jotted down the titles. Perfect! Life with kids can be disorganized and slightly chaotic. At least I know where to find my notes!

The key chain came at a perfect time. My key chain that I had for years recently broke and I was waiting for the right one to come along. The key chains made by Charmaine are so sturdy, I'm confident it will be here for the long run. There is a trigger clasp at one end and a regular key ring on the other. Its the perfect size at ____ long. This key chain makes it so much easier to find my keys at the bottom of my diaper bag!


Check out some of the great items over at Bits n Pieces, etc.

Connect with Charmaine and Bits n Pieces, etc.:

Facebook
Etsy

Stay tuned for A Blogtastic Extravaganza 2.0 where Bits n Pieces, etc. will have a Mini List Taker with a matching key chain!

Coupon Code:
Charmaine has offered a coupon code for all you readers out there! 20% OFF your purchase! If you don't win one, buy one!

Use code KNOCKEDUP for 20% off your purchase.

Bling My Mama Nursing Necklace Review

August 7th, 2011
9:40am


With World Breastfeeding Week just ending, I thought I'd share this nursing related review and giveaway.
Today I'm reviewing Bling My Mama nursing jewelry by Crown My Baby.

Looking into the eyes of your nursling is indescribable. The touch of soft, graspy fingers on your chest and the warm, wiggly body in your arms is something to treasure. Over time, the graspy fingers can become claws though and that's when its time for nursing jewelry. Nursing jewelry, or teething jewelry as it is sometimes called, is a great accessory for any mother to have. It gives baby something to play with while they are getting a meal or being held. They are especially great for babies who are in slings or carriers often.

There are many nursing necklaces out there but most are made from some sort of plastic. I'm the type of person who prefers my baby not play, eat and teethe on plastics. Bling My Mama uses natural stones for her pendants and they are hung from a leather cord. I've never seen such unique shapes in mama bling before! Each piece will be a little bit different because of the handpicked stones. No one will have one just like yours!

The Review:

I have to admit, I'm a little behind on reviews. We've been testing this out for quite sometime now and I love it! Charlotte was just starting to get grabby and wiggly when nursing when this piece came in the mail. I chose the Orange agate necklace. The pendant is 2.5" long and 2" at its widest. It hangs low on my chest, just about at arms reach for a nursling. Charlotte enjoyed having something to play with while nursing and I loved not having baby claws in my skin!

We try to get out of the house as much as we can (I'm one of those people who needs to get out almost everyday or at least be outside). This means Charlotte is in the sling a lot when we're out. Wearing the necklace gives her something to do when she gets bored looking around. She can put the cool stone in her mouth and teethe on it. The coolness of the stone feels soothing on her gums. (*** Bling My Mama necklaces are not intended to be used as teething toys and should never be left unattended with a child***)

These necklaces are stylish, fun and very unique. If you are looking for a great piece to add to your jewelry collection this is a great investment! You can wear it now and after baby is grown. My only complaint, after wearing it for some time, is that the length of the necklace is not adjustable. If I'm just wearing the necklace as a necklace and not as a wearable baby toy, it seems a little low to me. That is my preference though.

Cost: $18 to $32 depending on style and personalization.

To purchase these great necklaces from Bling My Mama email LaShawn at crownmybaby@aol.com with your choice from this page.

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Fancy Cloth Baby Review and Giveaway

July 14th, 2011
2:30pm

Charlotte has sensitive skin. All my kids do. For overnight diaper use, we like to use a stay dry fabric next to her skin to make sure no rashes arise. During the Flats Challenge back in May, I started to think about using flats as our main diapering stash. The thing I really appreciate about flats and prefolds is their simplicity. Yes, there are a myriad of different folds but I really love the simplicity of a 2 part diapering system. (That sounds like an oxymoron). Yes, you can have simplicity in a two part diapering system. You can use one cover until it is soiled (this cuts down on laundry), just change out the insert. Anyways, the thing that prefolds and flats are missing is the stay dry element. Fancy Cloth Baby has a solution! Christine has created a stay dry liner with a pocket that can be stuffed with a prefold, flat or another insert and laid into a cover. Genius! More on these liners in the review.

Christine's shop also carries numerous other cloth diapering supplies. Her line-up includes Hemp/cotton contoured prefolds, Fleece pocket wraps, Newborn AI2's and these great reusable deodorizing discs that you can put essential oil on to prevent diaper pail stink. She also has a blog with some useful cloth diapering info on it.

The Review:

Christine sent me a stay dry liner to review. She has created a liner that is used as a stay dry layer for prefolds, flats or any other inserts. The liner is made from suede cloth which is similar to microfleece but thinner, does not pill, and stays looking new longer. It wicks away moisture, and resists staining. This liner is One Size. It adjusts by folding down the back part of the liner to fit your baby. Liners are very handy to have around if baby gets a rash and needs diaper cream. Some diaper creams are not safe to use with cloth diapers because of the moisture barrier ingredients that they have in them. These ingredients, if they get on cloth diapers, can cause repelling issues.

(L to R) Liner unsnapped, Liner with flat, Stuffed Liner in cover.

Ease of Use: Easy! All the needs to be done is stuff the flat, prefold, or insert into the pocket flap of the liner and snap the closure. This snap holds the insert and prevents bunching and shifting. You could even prepare this before hand and have them ready to lay in the cover.

Performance: I was very happy with these liners. We mainly used them at nighttime and naps with great results. Charlotte's skin was always dry when she woke up and rash free. The liner adds no bulk at all and keeps the insert in place. I'm really surprised that they are not stains on this liner. We've been using it for about 8 weeks or so and no stains (believe me, we've had messes while wearing it too).

Care: I washed this with my normal cloth diapers. Christine reccommends warm washing. The liner has held up really well and there is no pilling.

Material: Suede cloth (100% polyester)

Cost: $3.95. You can save be buying them in a 12 pack ($24.00). Click here to purchase.

Overall Opinion: These liners are the perfect option for parents wanting to use prefolds or flats. They provide a stay dry barrier that protects delicate skin. They have the added benefit of helping inserts stay put in covers. I love the fact that I can size these to fit any baby and any cover. The liners are a more economical nighttime option for parents who use prefolds or flats than a pricey pocket or AIO diaper.

Do you need a nighttime boost for you prefolds or flats? Christine makes a liner made out of hemp to add that much needed nighttime absorbency.

The Giveaway:

Christine at Fancy Cloth Baby is giving one of you a stay dry liner.

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Fancy Cloth Baby and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Fancy Cloth Baby on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win a stay dry liner from Fancy Cloth Baby. Visit http://bit.ly/qb4a77 to enter. Ends 8/4. #clothdiapers @knockedupnursin"(can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Make Fancy Cloth Baby a fav on Etsy
• Follow Fancy Cloth Baby's blog
  
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC *Plus 2 entries*
  
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook with a link to the giveaway (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.


Giveaway will run from Thursday July 14th, 2011 at 2:30pm (CST) until August 4th 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I was given a product to review and my opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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Gro Via Cloth Wipes Review and Giveaway from Green Baby Elephant

July 11th, 2011
11:03pm

Finding a new store is always fun. Finding one that sells cloth diapers...even better! Green Baby Elephant has some of the most popular brands of cloth diapers available. Babykicks, Thirsties, GroVia, Fuzzibunz and all of the wonderful accessories that go along with those brands are available online. If you aren't an online shopper and live in the Tucson Arizona area, Green Baby Elephant also offers cloth diaper parties. It's kinda like a Tupperware party but for cloth diapers. Tonya will bring different brands and accessories to your home so you can see what the diaper looks and feels like in person. I always appreciate the "in person" option as I'm one of those people who has to touch a product to really understand it. These parties also give people the ability to ask all of those questions most people have about cloth diapers to someone who knows cloth!

The Review:

I had the great pleasure of trying out the GroVia Cloth Wipes. This is actually the first GroVia product that I've used. People have been raving about this brand for quite a while and I had yet to try them out. These 8"x 8" wipes come in a pack of 12. When I first pulled the wipes out of the package, I gave them a nice squeeze... SO fluffy! I like that GroVia has minimal packaging. Just that little paper tag which can be recycled. The wipes are made out of a blend of polyester and cotton which gives them a nice stretchiness and durability.

Performance: Best wipes for poop EVER! The little terry loops pick up everything! If there's a big mess, I grab these guys. They are soft on baby's gentle parts and yet grab all the mess that needs to be cleaned. These also make super soft kleenex and face wipes for kiddos. These wipes have held up well and show no sign of wear. There were some loose threads that came undone after washing a couple of times but a quick trim with the scissors fixed that. They are still white and super soft.

Care: No special care is needed for these wipes. I washed them before use. Simply throw them into the wash along with your cloth diapers. They will come out clean and stain free.

Materials: Made from 88% polyester and 12% cotton. This blend is what gives these wipes their stretch.

Cost: $10.95. These are some of the most economical wipes out there on the market! Click here to purchase.

The Giveaway:

Tonya is going to give one lucky person a set of GroVia Cloth Wipes like the ones pictured above.

Mandatory Entry:

• Visit Green Baby Elephant and tell me your favorite item.
  
• Leave an email address where you can be reached.

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Green Baby Elephant US on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Knocked Up and Nursing on Facebook
• Become a follower of Knocked Up and Nursing on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway. Leave a URL. You can use: "#win GroVia cloth wipes from Green Baby Elephant. Visit http://bit.ly/nzd5jU to enter. Ends 8/1. #clothdiapers @knockedupnursin" (can be tweeted once a day until the giveaway ends)
• Follow Green baby Elephant's blog
  
• Follow Knocked Up and Nursing via GFC *Plus 2 entries*
  
• Subscribe to my blog via Email (See "connect" tab on top right)
  
• Blog about this giveaway and link to this page/or my blog.*Plus 5 entries* Leave a URL.
• Share on Facebook with a link to the giveaway (Leave a link)
• Grab my button and leave me a link to find it.*Plus 5 entries*

If you have questions, don't hesitate to email me.


Giveaway will run from Monday July 11th, 2011 at 11:30pm (CST) until August 1st 2011 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be chosen using random.org's true random number generator upon the close of the contest. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be chosen. I was given a product to review and my opinions on the product are my own. Must be 18 year old to enter. Open to US and Canadian residents only. Subject to changes.

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