Mama's Makin' the Switch: Lunapads Review & $25 gift card giveaway!!

This week, Mama is excited to talk to you about Lunapads! Lunapads ensure that you have an "eco positive period."  At Lunapads, you have many options! They carry pads, liners and kits (which help you save money!).  They range in absorbency and fit from light/petite to heavy/long.

Their design is quite unique, too! The pads "feature 2 parts: a Pad Base with wings that fasten around the gusset of your underwear, and a Liner Insert that is secured to the top of the Pad with ric-rac band." What I think is neatest about this is that you can add liners for extra absorbency! So you can really customize your pad! And their Pad base "contains 1 layer of ultra-thin nylon to minimize soaking through."

 Here is a little how-to video they have available for viewing on their site:

 

And with fabrics, you get the option of regular cotton and organic cotton (a little extra $)--which I know is important to many of you!

So, My Thoughts:

Well, here are the goodies I received: 

Absorbency:  Great! Even without any additional liners, I never had any issues! None!! And I could wear for several hours at a time.

Fit:  Very comfortable! Since you can snap the wings and THEN adjust, you could position it just perfectly. I never noticed it while I was wearing it. Also, very TRIM!

Quality:  Outstanding!! After several washes, these still look brand new! The stitching is phenomenal--nothing is going to be coming apart!

Appearance:  The fabric choices you have are SO cute! I know, I know..not super important, but still noteworthy!

Price point:  Between $14-25 (depending on size/absorbency).  Kits/Package deals are definitely the way to go--as you save money by buying more!!

Overall:  These would be a great buy! With the option to add liners for absorbency, they are truly a customizable mama cloth.

And now, one of you gets to win a $25 gift code to use at their store http://lunapads.com. Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!

Domino Pads Winners!!

Wordless Wednesday: Snow Fun

Last AMP Diapers Christmas Giveaways is Today

Enter here to win 2 OS Duo Pocket diapers with inserts!

http://www.ampdiapers.com/blog/day-12-amp-diapers-12-days-of-christmas-giveaway

 

 

Flip Diapers Training Pant Review

In case you missed it, I posted an unsponsored review of the Flip Diapers Training Pants! Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.291942820849368.65457.117621784948140&type=3

AMP Diapers giveaways--only 2 days left!

Go enter to win an OS AMP diaper!! LOVE these diapers!!

http://www.ampdiapers.com/blog/day-11-amp-diapers-12-days-of-christmas-giveaway

Diaper Daisy Winner!

AWESOME giveaway at The Vintage Pearl

The Vintage Pearl is giving away 5 $100 gift certificates!! Go check it out!!

http://www.thevintagepearl.com/blog/2011/12/last-minute-giveaway/

Ends Christmas Eve!!

Mama's Makin' the Switch: Domino Pads Review and Giveaway {2 Winners}

Ok, so it's time for the first GIVEAWAY for Mama's Makin' the Switch! How excited are you??

Well I am super pumped to tell you about Domino Pads.  In fact, I'm so excited to tell you how much I loved their mama cloth, that I'm just going to jump right into the review and then I'll tell you more about them later!

Domino Pads sent me the following:
1 minkee pad
1 hand dyed bamboo pad, stamped 

My Thoughts:

One Word:  LUXURIOUS.  Wow, oh, Wow.  When I got these in the mail, I couldn't believe how incredibly soft and squishy they were.  Seriously...I want clothes made out of the material my mama cloth were made out of. 

I absolutely LOVED the design.  

• The minkee pad has a synthetic layer that touches your skin and then a blend of bamboo fabrics for the soaking layers.  It is set on top of their Windpro fleece which is leak-proof and breathable!
• The bamboo pad has an organic bamboo velour (OBV) layer that touches the skin and then a blend of other bamboo fabrics for the soaking layers.  It is set on top of their Windpro fleece which is leak-proof and breathable! 
• The pads also have single layer wings that snap! Once you put this on...you can't even tell you are wearing it!! I was amazed.  It was just so incredibly comfortable.  
• Also, the pads have open ends which are designed to allow more airflow in the dryer, making them dry quicker (which they do!!)  

Superior Absorbency!

Since my last cycle was pretty light, I was able to wear one of my Domino Pads the entire day.  I also had NO problems overnight!



The fit was fantastic. 

They are the perfect length for great coverage, without the bulk! But my perfect fit might not be your perfect fit--and guess what?? That's okay because you have 7 different sizes/absorbencys to choose from! WOW!! Talk about customizable!!


Great price point!


Depending on what options you choose, you can spend from around $10-20 ($20 being the biggest and heaviest absorbency possible; $10 being liner/light absorbency.

I know I was spending around $20/month on disposable pads/tampons--so to think that I could buy, let's say 12 hand-dyed bamboo Medium Length/Absorbency Domino Pads for around $144.  In 7 months, I will have spent that on disposables.  I'm 27 years old....so let's say I have at least 20 more years of periods--at around $240/year for disposables that's over $4,000 I would be spending.

Or I can spend a couple hundred on some amazingly absorbent and comfortable pads and be done.  And since I just wash these with my towels, there's no extra laundry costs. 

It's a no-brainer!


Wash/Wear Well!


Since I used these multiple times in a week, they were washed a few times and have held up well.  In fact, they still look new.  No stains, no wearing of the fabric.


They look awesome!

I know I know--that might not be very important but still, it is noteworthy! I would actually call them beautiful.  Ha, never thought I would say that about a feminine hygiene product.

Vegan Friendly!

While I am not vegan, I know that some of my followers are.  I want you all to know that these pads contain absolutely NO animal products. 

---

Domino Pads are truly customizable.  If you are just starting out with mama cloth or you are on the fence, go order one of their pads, right now! You will never look back.  These are so incredibly comfortable--I know I keep saying that, but it's because you just won't believe it until you try it. 

You really have to check out all your options!

And now they are giving 2, yes 2, of my fans the chance to win a pad of their choice!! Just enter using the rafflecopter widget below!

HUGE GIVEAWAY EVENT at All About Cloth Diapers ENDS TODAY!

Diaper Diasy Review and Giveaway!!

Have you heard of Diaper Daisy?  Recently, the owners of Top to Bottom Baby Boutique bought Diaper Daisy. I have worked with Jessica, one of the owners, a lot over the last year.  She supported me when I did my Fluff Baby Home event to raise money to bring my nephew home from Africa.  She supported my friend Kim when she was looking to review newborn diapers for her daughter she was adopting.  And most recently, she helped me out when a sponsor from one of the Karing for Keegan auctions completely bailed on a prize they offered up.  Jessica took care of this auction winner -- just like that. 

As a thank you to Jessica, I wanted to do a review of their new store, Diaper Daisy and offer up my own giveaway!!

So let me tell you what you will find at Diaper Daisy!

#1:  Cloth Diapers (duh!):  Oh my goodness..what don't they carry?  They've got all kinds of diapers - AIO, AI2, OS, sized, fitted, covers, swim.  And they carry all your favorite brands:  bumgenius, Bummis, itti bitti, Blueberry, Applecheeks, Flip, Grovia, Softbums,  Weehuggers, Best Bottoms, Rumparooz, Fuzzi Bunz...the list goes on!

#2:  A Cloth Diaper Trial Program:  You have 2 options to choose from:

Option 1: Rental Fee is $19.95 for 2 weeks (this does not include the refundable deposit)

Use these hip and stylish cloth diapers for 2 weeks and send them back without any obligation.

The following items come in the Cloth Diaper Trial Package:

1 FuzziBunz Elite One Size Pocket Diaper and inserts
1 bumGenius 4.0 One Size Pocket Diaper and inserts
1 Blueberry Simplex 2.0 All-in-One Diaper
1 Bummis Easy Fit One Size All-In-One
1 bumGenius Elemental Organic One Size All-In-One
1 Flip All-In-Two One Size Diaper with one stay dry and one organic cotton insert
1 Applecheeks Little Bundle with 1 additional bamboo insert

1 Blueberry Fitted Diaper
1 Weehuggers Diaper Cover
2 Diaper service quality prefolds
1 Snappi fastener
1 FuzziBunz In and Out Mess Free Diaper Bag
1 sample package of Rockin' Green Detergent, Classic Rock, Unscented
1 Trial Handbook, yours to keep, full of information about cloth diapering
1 mailing envelope to return the diapers to Diaper Daisy

The fee for renting this package is $19.95, and the refundable product deposit is $120.00

TOTAL DEPOSIT DUE = $139.95

Have more questions, click here.  

Option #2:   Custom Cloth Diaper Trial for $29.95 (this does not include the refundable deposit)

For this one, you select up to 9 different diapers that you get to use for 3 weeks.  And, these diapers are all BRAND NEW.  

You can find out more by clicking here. 

#3:  A Newborn Cloth Diaper Rental Program: This is the ONLY Nifty Nappy Bitty Bum rental out there!! You will receive 20 Nifty Nappy Bitty Bum newborn fitted diapers of your choice (Boy, Girl or Gender Neutral) and 5 covers of your choice (Thirstes or Weensy Woolies or Mix of both). 

They will ship your diapers approx. 2 weeks before your due date.  Your rental starts on your due date or when your baby is born--whichever comes first.  Then, you just pay $15/week for as long as you need them!! How cool is that??? 

Now, you do put down a $200 rental deposit.  But, whatever you don't use will be refunded to you OR!!! You can get store credit with a bonus!!

So for example--Andrew used bitty bums for about 5 weeks.  

5 weeks x $15 = $75.  

I would then have $125 refunded to me or I can get it back in store credit with a bonus 15%!!!! Woot woot!!

You can't buy 20 bitty bums and 5 covers for $75!!!!!!!!! 

Still have questions?  You can read more here.

#4:  Baby Carriers:  They carry the best brands: Baby K'Tan, Beco, Boba, ERGObaby, and Moby Wrap!

#5: Grab Bags:  They have fun grab bag, surprise gifts you can buy for an expectant mother or fluffy mail! How cool is that? 

#6:  Natural Baby Products:  They carry Dandelion, Woombie, CJ's products and one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE BABY ITEMS:  The Nosefrida SNOTSUCKER!!! 

#7:  Pacifiers and Teethers: They are carry all your favorite things--Hevea, wubanub, Sophie, Dandelion and Chan Pie Gnon.  

There is so much more... you really have to check it out!! 

ALSO:  FREE US SHIPPING THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR (EXCLUDES DETERGENT)

And now, as a thank you, I want to offer up a giveaway -- and hopefully drive some new fans to their page!! 

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Don't see it?  Just wait..sometimes it takes a few seconds to load. 

Mama's Makin' the Switch: CC Bums Mama Cloth Review

I am SUPER excited to start off my Mama's Makin' the Switch event with a review of some mama cloth from CC Bums.  Now, before I started thinking about mama cloth, I only knew of CC Bums as a cloth diaper maker.  But oh no--that's not all she does! Nope, she's got cloth diapers, bibs, fleece soakers, nursing pads, hats, shirts, wipes, wool toys...talk about a jack jill of all trades!

But today my focus is on her mama cloth.  Let me give you the short version of my review first:

L O V E !!!!!!!!!!

If you missed my previous post, here's why I am doing this event.  If you don't feel like reading it, here's a summary:  Ran out of crappy, yucky, diaper-like pads...used an old wash rag...realized mama cloth would be awesome! 

So anyways, I asked you all who your favorite mama cloth makers were, and CC Bums came up several times! So I HAD to try them.  Thankfully, she was kind enough to let me use a 50% off code to make my purchase so that I could try them and tell you all about them! 

SO, what did I think?

Well, first let me tell you what I bought!

I bought: 

1 cotton velour white mama cloth - light

1 greenish hearts set of cloth 

1 pink diamond minkee liner

Ok, ok..my thoughts:

SO FLIPPIN' COMFORTABLE.  Seriously.  I couldn't even tell I had any of them on.  The minkee and velour were particularly amazing...What a nice change from itchy, sticky, yucky plastic.  

Were they absorbent?  YES! Without going into much detail, it was a lighter visit from Aunt Flo so I was able to use them for longer stretches of time.  

Were there *whispers, hand over mouth* any odors?  NO!  If you are worried about that, don't be. 

Did they wash well?  YES! I didn't have any stains on them when they came out of the wash.  It is recommended you rinse them off before washing--but like I said, since things were lighter this time around, I didn't even bother with that.  For future use, I'll probably keep a peri bottle around to rinse them before I put them in my wet bag.  

Are they affordable?  YES!  While I did receive a special code in order to complete my review, it only would have cost me just over $14 for those goodies!! That's not bad at all..considering how much I was spending on disposable items..every single month!

Other noteworthy points:

One of my all-time favorite things is that you can adjust your mama cloth once it's on--not like sticky, yucky plastic.  You can snap your mama cloth on and then adjust it to where you need it...this is SO nice!

Now, with regards to washing.  I know you still might be thinking, "that's gross."  But I want you to think about something...your wash cloths.  You use wash cloths right?  Well, if you do, think about what's on those when they get thrown in the wash...I'll give you a minute....ok, see?  Now, I actually washed my mama cloth with a load of wash cloths (it seemed only natural) and that worked great! Then I wasn't doing a special load just for the mama cloth! 

To Sum It Up:

You will NOT be disappointed if you buy your mama cloth from CC Bums.  With so many great fabric choices and the affordability...you can't go wrong!

You can check out her store here: http://hyenacart.com/stores/CCBums/

And her facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/CCBums

If you still aren't convinced...stay tuned on my blog for more mama cloth reviews..and giveaways!

La, La, La, La, La, La...Elmo's World..and Keegan's Too!

One of Beth's friends had an awesome idea.  As a way to honor and remember precious Keegan, let's all get an elmo ornament to put on our Christmas trees.  Keegan LOVED Elmo and this would be a neat way to remember him each year.  Every Christmas, when you pull out that ornament, you can remember Keegan and say a prayer for his mom and dad, Beth and Ryan. 

We would love if you would post a picture of your Elmo hanging on your tree over on our Karing for Keegan fundraiser page:  http://www.facebook.com/KaringforKeeganFundraiser

Not only would it be a sweet way to remember Keegan but I'm sure he would love seeing all those Elmos hanging on trees throughout the world. 

If you aren't sure what I'm talking about..you can read more here.

A Heavy Heart

Today my heart is heavy and I just need to write.  I'm not trying to start any debate or anything like that..I just want to talk...

An internet mommy friend, Beth, whom I've actually met briefly twice, is doing something no parent should ever have to do; today she and her husband are laying to rest their 2 year old son.  Keegan died a couple days ago after a life-long battle with brain cancer. 

I heard of Keegan's story early on because my parents lived in Evansville and we went to a fundraising garage sale they had.  When I got home, I googled "Karing for Keegan" and found Beth's blog...and never stopped following. 

As a mother, I felt this need to do anything I could to help her family.  Thankfully, many of you felt that same need as we hosted auctions and raffles.

I have prayed every day for that family; for peace, for comfort, for strength, for a miracle.  And I will continue to pray for them; for the next days, weeks, months, and years.  I cannot even begin to fathom what they are feeling and dealing with.

The Christian in me knows that Keegan is in a place far better than anything in our wildest imagination or dreams.  He is with Jesus and I know that Jesus loves the little children; how wonderful that Keegan is out of pain and with his heavenly Father. 

The mom in me is beyond devastated for Beth.  While I know that she will see her son again, I also know that he is gone from this earth.  She can't hold him again; only his memory, until they meet again--which they will.  My heart is so heavy for her and her family. 

And I know it's human nature to ask Why? Why her? Why her child? Why does any child get cancer?  Why does any child have to die?  I don't know the answers to those questions.  I do, however, believe that bad things happen and when we cry, God cries with us.  I believe that shitty things happen and God somehow finds a way to make something meaningful come out of it; I do NOT believe he does these things to people.  But sometimes I wonder why some miracles occur and others do not.  I don't understand everything, but that's okay.  I have faith that God knows what he is doing.  And I really do believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle; and because I believe that I know that Beth is one damn strong woman....

But still, today, I cry and my hearts hurts because no mother should have to bury her child.  Nobody should.  I just pray that God will give Beth and her family the strength they need to mourn the loss of their child and to celebrate the life he had and the spirit that will live on through his story and his family. 

$30 of spending for just $15 at TheBrainyStore.com!!

Awesome deal just in time for Christmas shopping! Get $30 of spending for $15 to use at The BrainyStore.com!!

http://www.plumdistrict.com/three_for_free/c6c05266f5/click

Wordless Wednesday: A Birthday and A Baptism

On Turning 2

My little baby, you turned 2 today...
I suppose that means I can't call you a baby anymore. 

My hubby and son share a birthday-hence the 2 and 30

You're becoming a little boy. 

A little boy who fills this house with laughter--
yours, mine, your father's...anyone who enters.

A little boy who uses his imagination
to drive his cars to Mimi's house (look out for the slippery curve in the kitchen!)-

A little boy who loves to "write" his name--
it's okay, sweetie, swirly circles definitely look like COLLIN.

A little boy who loves to repeat everything he hears--
everything he hears...

A little boy who is so proud of himself when he potties on the toilet,
draws a picture, stacks up blocks, kicks the blocks down, "writes" his name...
We're proud of you too!

Yes, you're a little boy now--
but I love that you still love to snuggle,
and give hugs and kisses.

I love that you still like to rest your hand on my chest when you're falling asleep--
I suppose it brings the comfort that nursing once did.

And that you still like to hold my hand when we're out and about
or when you get scared--

There are still glimpses of that little baby we brought home 2 years ago--
perhaps we see that baby more during temper tantrums (hehe)--
But we still see those beautiful, big blue eyes--
that big, round head (hey, 100th percentile and proud!)--
that adorable, cheesy grin--

But now, we get to see glimpses
of a future you--
one we think will be caring,
compassionate, determined.

You are such an amazing little boy
who constantly leaves us in awe with
the things you learn every day.

Life with you has been an adventure--
we've had some tough times (still do here and there),
but the joy and laughter and love
has filled out hearts, and minds, and souls....

We are so lucky to be your parents.
We are so blessed that God made you our son.

We love you.


Happy 2nd birthday sweet boy.