Forget About Your Period, Ladies...

So if the title of the post didn't scare you away, you are just the person I want to talk to. 

No women I know enjoy talking about their periods.  Heck, they don't enjoy ANYTHING about their periods.  And neither do I.  But I have started using a product that LITERALLY makes me forget I'm even having one. 

Still reading?  Great!

I got a Lunette menstrual cup from Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique quite some time ago.  I never got the chance to really try it out until recently.  My 15 month old has slowed down in his nursing and as a result, good 'ole Aunt Flo returned.  And since I no longer take birth control, her visit came with a vendetta (haha..fun play on words there, right?).  Long story short, I was desperate to try something else.  My mama cloth was no match for Flo.  Neither were any other mainstream products out there. Then I remembered the little box in my drawer. 

As I said, I had never really figured out the Lunette cup yet.  I was told there would be a learning curve and this is true.  It just takes a few times to figure out your anatomy and all that good stuff. I'd say it will be a little difficult your first cycle..but don't give up!! Holy moly is it worth it! You can safely wear your Lunette cup for up to 12 hours.  12 hours!! Seriously...this is music to my ears.  Because with my other products, I was needing to address them every hour to hour and a half...do you know how difficult that is when I have 2 toddlers at home? Sometimes I only make it to the bathroom once or twice a day.  Well, with the Lunette cup, that's perfectly fine! Never a leak...nothing.  And my favorite part?? YOU CAN SLEEP WITH IT IN!! On your back, on your side, on your stomach..doesn't matter...NO LEAKS.

So, I know some of you are out there going "EW!!" You know how I know this? Because I was one of those people.  My dear friend who taught me about cloth diapers and mama cloth also taught me about menstrual cups.  Each time, my first reaction was EW!! But my, oh, my am I glad I decided to have an open mind. 

So let me answer some questions you might have:

1.  Isn't is gross?

No.  Well, no more so than if you were dealing with pads or tampons.  Periods are messy and gross. I don't care what any commercial shows you, periods are never full of sunshine and daisies and smiling puppies. With the cup, everything is collected inside it...nothing is on the outside when you remove it.  You do need to empty, rinse/wash 2-3 times a day.  I was a twice a day-er.  Now, since I'm a SAHM, this wasn't a problem.  I went in my bathroom, removed it, rinsed it, washed it with some handsoap and was back in business.  If you are going to need to do this out in public...you might have a harder time.  Or, you can just plan it so you don't have to mess with it until you get home.

2.  Does it hurt?

No. Personally, each time I put it in, I would notice it for a few minutes...because...well..I just put something in my body..I'm GONNA notice that.  But within minutes I would forget it was even in there.  Yoga, jogging, playing on the swingset...doesn't  matter..don't notice it.  Forgot about it, really.

3.  How do you get it out?

There's a stem on the bottom.  The instructions that it comes with will tell you exactly what to do.  And you will have to read the instructions.  The first time I went to remove it I freaked out a little and was all "oh gosh..where did it go?" haha..but then I read the instructions and was good to go.

4. Are you crazy?

No.  Well, not about this anyway.  Let me just say that I would never use a product to make a statement or be political or get a reaction.  I choose products for myself and my family that make my life easier and save me money.  That's why I use cloth diapers on my kiddos.  That's why I breastfeed.  And now, that's why I am using this cup.  It's cheap and easier than anything else I've ever used.

5.  Do I feel a little weird writing a post about this for all to see? 

Yes...but man, this thing is just so cool and if you could seriously forget about your period...wouldn't you want to??

And also, I felt it was the least I could since Beth from Sweetbottoms so graciously offered this up to me SO long ago during my Mama's Makin' the Switch event.  

So check it out..and if you have any more questions, feel free to message me or ask me on facebook or here.  I will do my best to answer them!

ALSO!! She has a $10 coupon going on right now! Check out the site!

Diaper Daisy Grand Opening Gift Card Giveaway!! (US Only)

Diaper Daisy has moved and is having their grand opening this Saturday in Mission, Kansas! Doors open at 9 am and there will be story time at 10:30 with many more things to come!

Not local?? That's ok!! Let me fill you in on the awesomeness that is Diaper Daisy and then you can enter to win a $20 gift card to spend at their store (don't worry..you can shop online!).

Diaper Daisy provides quality, convenient and FUN cloth diapering and baby products to parents of babies and young children.

They offer cloth diaper demonstrations, consultations and support. They want to assist and encourage you every step of the way on your cloth diapering journey - whether you are new, novice or expert!

 I won't tell you EVERYTHING you can get at Diaper Daisy..because frankly you don't have hours to read this post!! Let me just give you a quick run down!

They Have:

• Tons of cloth diaper options (pockets, prefolds, covers, AIO, hybrid..) -- and my favorite..the Bumgenius Freetime (which are buy 5 get 1 free right now!)
• Cloth Diaper Trial Packages (get your feet wet before you jump in fully)
• Cloth Diaper Accessories GALORE (wet bags, laundry care, creams, inserts, etc)
• Baby carriers, baby toys, baby care products
• Products for mom, mom-to-be, the breastfeeding mom

Some cool programs and features at Diaper Daisy:

• Deal of the Day 
• Monthly Specials
• Boutique Bunch:  Special members-only coupons and free shipping codes
• Grab Bags - Tell them how much you want to spend and on whom (mom-to-be, baby, all fluff) and it'll be a fun surprise!
• Spend $35 or more and you get free shipping!
• Affiliate Program
• Rewards Program
• Military Discount

Other Reasons to Love Them:

The owners of Diaper Daisy have worked with me on a variety of fundraisers over the last few years...they are some of the most caring, generous, wonderful people you could ever want to do business with.  

So, if you are in the area, join them for their Grand Opening..if not...join them online and make some purchases! :)

And to prove that they are in fact awesomesauce...they are giving away a $20 gift card to one of you! Woot woot!

Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Perspective

This Friday evening, I will be attending our town's Relay for Life.  This will be the third year I have gone.  This year will be the first time I am walking in memory of someone.  When I do my laps, I will be saying a prayer for Beth and Ryan Chupp.  You, see, their baby, Keegan, passed away at the age of 2 after a life-long battle with brain cancer.

It seems like once I learned of Keegan's story, I was more aware of childhood cancers.  All of the sudden I was hearing more and more about kids who had cancer.  It makes my heart ache for their parents.  And it has changed my perspective on life.  Now, more than ever, I think twice before I complain about a night where I didn't get much sleep because of the boys. I try and have more patience.  I hug them, kiss them, squeeze them, sniff the top of their heads, watch them sleep a little longer every chance I get...because I know that there are parents out there who would give the world to have one more day with their kids who were taken too soon.  I try now, more than ever, not to take any minute for granted. 

So this Friday I will pray a little harder as I do my laps...pray for comfort and peace for Beth and Ryan...and for all the families that are having to go through this.  Pray that someday someone will find a cure...and these children won't have to leave this Earth so soon....

Will You Join Me on Mini-Group?

Hi guys!

So, I am completely bummed with the new Facebook changes and having to pay to promote.  On average, I am only reaching about 10% of you.

I would love if you would join me over on Minigroup.  Its format is similar to facebook in that we post on the page and share photos, files, video, etc...but it is completely private!

I would just need your email address so I can invite you.  You will not have to pay a fee.  I currently pay $3/year to own my groups.  Anyone I invite can join my group for free.

I would love if you would join me! Please email me your email address and I will send you an invite!

I will still share things I find on facebook (sales, deals, info, etc) but I will do it on the minigroup page if I can get a lot of interest. 

Thanks guys!

Country Bum-Kids Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway

I am super pumped to tell you about the one size cloth diaper I received for review from Country Bum-Kids.  Not only is it the cutest diaper in our stash, but it works wonderfully!! Let me give you some details about Country Bum-Kids and then we'll jump into the review.

Country Bum-Kids is run by a stay-at-home mom to 3 kiddos! She makes diapers, wipes, bibs, carseat covers, burp clothes, you ask and she just might make it! Check out her facebook page and hyenacart! 

Ok, so now that you know a smidgeon about Country Bum-Kids, let me tell you about the one-size diaper I received!!

First of all, the CHOICES you have are SPECTACULAR! Seriously! And I'm not just talking about print choices (cotton, minky, velour, PUL, fleece, knit, flannel).  You also have several choices for the inner part of your diaper:  buttersuede, microfleece, velour, and minky.  My word, the possibilities are endless!!

I chose a PUL outer with a microfleece inner.  The insert included is SUPER soft and trim, but still very absorbent.  I was comfortable letting Andrew go 3 hours in that diaper.

So, what did I think??

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

The first thing I loved was the design.  The elastic on the back and at the legs is fabulous and doesn't leave red marks! The snaps are high quality and work great! In addition to the normal 2 snaps on the wings, you also have an additional hip snap on each side.  I LOVE hip snaps because I think they provide a little better fit, more adjustability.

The second thing I loved was the fabric.  I mentioned before about the choices you have.  It is just wonderful! I chose a barnyard print and am just in love with it.  The PUL seems to be a high quality pul--very thick and luxurious. The inner microfleece is SO soft and snuggly.

The third aspect I loved was the general quality of the diaper.  This diaper is of such high quality.  I am just so impressed.  You can tell that she cares a lot about her product and the final result. 

Finally, the price point is what I would expect for such a nice diaper:  $18.

If you are looking for a great OS diaper, I highly recommend you check out Country Bum-Kids! I do NOT think you'll be disappointed!

And now, one of you gets the chance to win your own OS diaper! (winner chooses gender)

Just enter using the rafflecopter widget below!

Click It Up a Notch: May Photo Contest

It is time for the "I Clicked it Up a Notch Photography Contest" for May!
 

My photo choice for this month:

Enter and link up! Just click the button below!

(Semi) Wordless Wednesday: My Mother's Day

On Mother's Day, our family (me, Mark, the boys, and Mark's parents) had a picnic at the park.  It was gorgeous weather and such a lovely day all around! I was even able to snap some shots of our family (I've been trying to learn how to take better pics from Click It Up A Notch)! And they didn't protest! It was a great day :D