Planet Wise Changing Pad Review and My New Diaper Storage

Dec 9,2010 / By Maria / 10 Comments

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Until now, I had just been changing my son’s diapers directly on the leather couch. It’s easy to just wipe it off, but it occurred to me that this might be a little gross (ha ha.) The Planet Wise Changing Pad retails for $11.99 and I snagged one for even less with a Black Friday sale/coupon/free shipping.

The changing pad comes in several colors, ~~but I wish they had some of the cute prints the wet bags come in!~~ They do have them in the prints for $16.50, they just don’t have them listed on their site, and of course not everyone who sells the changing pads has the prints. Thanks Samuel’s Momma!

The white side is super soft (I mean soft!) fleece, and the colored side is PUL, so it’s waterproof. Of course, since it’s fleece, it’s not wipe-able like the plastic ones that come with some diaper bags. So, you’ll probably want to have at least two on hand. It is simple to wash with diapers and dries quickly.

The specs say it is 13×21, and that’s pretty close.

Even though it’s not wipe-able, it has a leg up on the old plastic changing pads because you can fold it up really tiny and stuff it in a bag!

This revelation about the possible grossness of couch diaper changing came along with a furniture rearrange in our family room. I used to have my diapers stacked on a ledge by the couch, but we shifted things so that we have a “family room” on one side of the room and a “play room” on the other side. This means my diaper ledge was no longer handy, and I really didn’t love how they looked out in the open anyway.

I ended up at Target on Black Friday (OMG I know, horrors!) because my 11-year old hair dryer decided to die on me while I was trying to get ready for a baby shower that morning. Incidentally, boiling your hair dry with a straightening iron isn’t really all that effective, and leaves you smelling like burned hair.

In any case, I found this “milk crate” size basket for about $17, and it’s the perfect size to hold all my stuff. I’m also able to tuck it back behind the end table, so I can reach it, but sticky-fingers McStinkypants can’t.

Baskets make me happy. Oh who am I kidding? Any organization makes me happy!

How about you all? Did you get anything fluff related with all the great Black Friday sales?

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Rockin Green Funk Rock & Mighty Mighty Marshmallow Classic Rock Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/30)

Nov 24,2010 / By Maria / 10 Comments

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In my opinion, wash routine and detergent are the biggest hurdle in cloth diapering. My personal motto is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” If you have a detergent and wash routine that are working for you, stick with it. After trying many different detergents, I’ve been using Tide powder, with an extra rinse and an occasional bleaching.

So why am I messing with it? I was sucked in by the new Rockin’ Green Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer, thinking that maybe by using it, I could eliminate the monthly/semi-monthly bleaching. I decided to also buy a bag of the mighty mighty marshmallow classic rock detergent to use along with it. Lucky for you, I bought an extra bag of each to give away to a reader!

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Kickin’ Creations Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/21)

Sep 14,2010 / By Maria / 3 Comments

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I originally contacted Mandy of Kickin’ Creations to buy some wool dryer balls. As it turned out, she was not happy with the new method she was trying (at the time) for making them, and didn’t want to sell any to me until she was pleased with how they ended up.

We got to chatting and I agreed to review her cloth diaper safe laundry detergent, deodorizer powder (pail powder) and baby legs. (She also sells sugar scrubs, burp cloths and more!)

Kickin’ Creations items are normally shipped in nice, heat-sealed bags. Since mine were samples, they were shipped in regular baggies.

I received the detergent and pail powder, both in Wild Cherry Blossom scent. Other scent options include: Sweet Pea & Jasmine, Lavender Essential Oil, Apple Cinnamon, Fresh Linen and Unscented.

I’ve had such a hard time with detergent, that I was really surprised and impressed by Kickin’ Creations. Like the other scented detergents I’ve used, the scent was very strong. I could smell it as soon as I opened my mailbox! I’m a little more sensitive to smells than others, so I put the detergent and pail powder in an OXO container for storage. Like that, it made my laundry room smell great!

Each bag of detergent contains up to 70 wash loads, and sells for $15.00 plus $4.95 shipping. A half-batch sample pack sells for $8.00 plus shipping. The instructions are to use 1-2 tablespoons (3 to soak, less per load for an HE machine.)

The first time I used it, I used a little more than I needed to. After that, I used a little bit less, and while the laundry room smelled great while washing, the diapers rinsed clean. When they were finished, they had a faint scent, but just smelled clean. I used the whole bag (it lasted at least a week, I should have kept track!) and it worked wonderfully.

I use a Planet Wise large hanging wet bag as a pail, and don’t have a lot of stink issues. However, since I’ve started washing every other day, things get a little…eh…”gamey” by wash day. The Stink Be Gone All Purpose Deodorizer Powder is available in the same scents as the detergent, and a 10 ounce package sells for $5.00 plus shipping.

If you used it in a shaker bottle (relabeled for safety!) like an empty baby powder or spice container, it would be very easy to sprinkle a bit in your diaper pail or trash can. I just shook a little bit out of the bag onto the diapers as I added them to the pail & noticed some stink. It really did a good job of neutralizing the odor. My laundry room (where I keep my pail!) smelled fresh, not like flowery dirty diapers, hee hee.

Last up are the baby legs. You really have to cut me some slack on my pictures. Lately, trying to photograph my son feels like trying to photograph a squirrel on redbull.

The pair I received are navy blue, and like other WAHM baby legs, they are made from knee socks.

Mandy also makes a “Tiny Legs” version of baby legs for 0-3 month olds. They sell for about $5.00 plus shipping.

I am looking forward to using these when the weather gets cooler and he gets that chilly gap between socks and pants!

Kickin’ Creations sells both in the Cuties with Cloth Booties Congo (CWCB) on Hyenacart and the Bliss Congo. Her CWCB store stocks tomorrow, September 15th.

Giveaway: Mandy is offering one reader his/her choice of any one in-stock item! (Value up to $15.00)

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. Feel free to leave a comment about the post, or simply to remind yourself that you entered however, comments will not be counted as entries. Mandatory entries include name, email address and the item you like best after visiting the Kickin’ Creations CWCB store. You may “like” the Kickin’ Creations Facebook page for a bonus entry, and double your chances! This post will be updated daily (or so) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know your odds.

I will accept entries until Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

# of entries as of September 21st, 2010 at 8:30 P.M.: 116

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dGU1UERuRFczdnBUUTNqeXVjMWo3aVE6MQ

FTC Compliance: I was provided with review samples for the cost of shipping, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well. I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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Ruby Moon Cloth Wipes & Wipe Solution Bits Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/13)

Sep 6,2010 / By Maria / 6 Comments

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Ruby Moon is a Mom owned company that makes all natural cloth diaper detergent, laundry detergent, pail powder, cloth wipes, wipe bits and wool wash bars. I received wipes and wipes bits to review.

The wipes are flannel and terry cloth, and have color coordinated stitching.

They measure approximately 6″ x 6″.

They are a little smaller than other wipes that I have, and also a bit thicker.

While I do prefer my diaper wipes slightly larger and thinner, the Ruby Moon wipes have been serving as excellent hand and face wipers for my son! Wipes are available in feminine, masculine or gender neutral prints. 6 wipes are $11.95, 12 are $21.50 and 24 are $35.95. Ruby Moon can also make custom wipes to match your nursery, theme or even use fabric you already have.

I also received a sample package of Ruby Moon Natural Wipe Bits. They are made with Shea butter soap, oatmeal and lavender. 2 oz. of wipe bits (and a wipe) sell for $4.50.

I think wipe solution bits are a great deal. I use my solution in a spray bottle, and in about 10 or 11 months, I’ve used a sample pack of one brand, and barely made a dent in a pack of another. Depending on how you use your solution, and how much you use, one pack could last months!

Dissolve 1-2 cubes in a cup of water. I like my solution light, so I use just one. I also prefer to use bottled water since it takes me so long to go through it!

Allow solution to cool, then pour into your spray bottle, Peri bottle, or however you choose to use it.

I found the scent to be very light, like a mild soap. It did the job of getting my son’s tush clean with minimal wiping, and did not irritate his skin!

While supplies last: Mention me when you order, and get a free wipe!

Want to read more about cloth wipes and solutions, including how to fold wipes to pop up in a wipes container? Check out my Cloth Wipes Post on The Village of Moms!

Giveaway time! Ruby Moon is offering a 6-pack of wipes in the winner’s choice of girl, boy or gender neutral, along with a package of wipes bits; a combined retail value of $16.45.

How to enter: All entries go in the form. Entries left in the comments will not be counted. Feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself you entered. I will also be updating the post daily(ish) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know their odds!

Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite product from The Ruby Moon Online Store. Bonus Entry: “Like” Ruby Moon Laundry Wash on Facebook.

I will accept entries until Monday, September 13th, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

# of entries as of 9/13/10 at 7:30 P.M: 111

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dFRaQ1lsUEtJS2gxSHdmdFZfUVlvdmc6MQ
FTC Compliance: I was provided samples for review purposes at no charge, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well. I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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Cloth Diaper Detergent – My Journey and my Opinion

Aug 26,2010 / By Maria / 14 Comments

>This may be long, but it’s very relevant and I want to get my entire story out there.

I’ve mentioned before that detergent is a hot button issue for me because it was the only thing that prevented me from cloth diapering earlier. So, I’ll start from the beginning.

When I chose the diapers I wanted to try, I knew I wanted to start with just a few to see how it went. I also knew that I needed a “safe” detergent. Googling led me to a chart with stars, that rated detergents based on their ingredients. The one I was looking at rated detergents from 1 to 4 red stars. None of the “4 star” detergents were available at any of our grocery stores, Target, Wal Mart, or anywhere else I could think to check.

So, I started looking into ordering some. At the time of my research, there were 4 or 5 detergents that I could order online, that had 4 red stars/thumbs up ratings. I eliminated the detergents that were reported to give babies burns, as well as those with so-so reviews.

Now, keep in mind that I’m ~~cheap~~ frugal, so my maximum price for detergent was $2.99 for a 32 load bottle, and I’d only pay that much if we desperately needed it. My “stock up” price was closer to free, or pennies.

A single bottle of the “thumbs up” detergent was about $12, then add shipping. I could potentially buy a case to bring the price per bottle down a bit, but yikes. All this for 3 diapers I didn’t even know if I’d like? So, that’s where it ended. I gave up on cloth diapering. I couldn’t make 3 diapers a $75 experiment.

When my son’s rashes (clearly caused by disposable diapers since they disappeared when we switched to cloth) were so bad that it hurt to look at, I decided I was going to do this darn it! One way or another.

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Category : Diaper Accessories

Planet Wise Changing Pad Review and My New Diaper Storage

Rockin Green Funk Rock & Mighty Mighty Marshmallow Classic Rock Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/30)

Kickin’ Creations Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/21)

Ruby Moon Cloth Wipes & Wipe Solution Bits Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/13)

Cloth Diaper Detergent – My Journey and my Opinion

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