Category : Reusable Products

Apparel & Accessories Giveaway Handmade Items Made in the USA Reusable Products Review

Voodookitten / Cranky Cat Studio Review & Gift Certificate Giveaway (discount too!) CLOSED

May 12,2010 / By / 162 Comments

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Deborah of Cranky Cat Studio doesn’t make your typical cutesy baby stuff.  If the business card graphic & font didn’t tip you off, here’s her son’s 1 year portrait (she said I could share!)
So flippin cute!  All he needs is this diaper to go with it.  No, I don’t think I’ll ever stop moping about that diaper.  I want it!  (Imagine me pouting and stomping my foot like a petulant child.)
Cranky Cat Studio sells from her Bonanzle store (you can also get there by typing http://www.voodookitten.com/  For those who had never heard of Bonanzle (I hadn’t), Deborah described it as “an upscale eBay. Kinda like what would happen if eBay and Etsy had a baby!”  That cracked me up.  She also has an Etsy Shop.  She has lots of products for sale including baby blankets, bibs, purses and totes, hair clips, shopping totes and tutu overalls (you have got to see these!)  She has quite a bit more in her Bonanzle store than in Etsy, including items that aren’t handmade, like squeaky shoes.  My fingers would be nubs if I tried to list and link to every single thing she makes; she makes a lot!
Deborah sent me a shopping tote and a clutch purse to review.  She’s also offering up a $30 gift certificate to one lucky blog reader and a discount code good for 10% off that you can all use.  The code is MamaRocks because “gosh darn it…Mama does rock!”
The bag is actually intended for my hubby to keep in his car to have handy for when he picks up a few things here and there.  The guitar print seemed more manly than some of the other reusable bags, LOL.  It’s also perfect for a blanket, a few toys and some snacks for a trip to the park!
It’s nice and roomy, but rolled up small, around 5 x 3.
I just realized that I didn’t get a good shot of the bag itself, sheesh.  I was so focused on function!  My hubby has been using it and has it in his car.  I promise it looks as great as it functions!
That’s 15 pounds of flour and sugar.  No problems at all.  I’m quite sure it could have held more weight.  It was also both comfortable to hold and secure thanks to the design of the handles.
I easily fit five boxes of cereal in it.
Still no trouble holding it!
Overstuffed and overloaded it was still really comfy to hold.  No double bagging like plastic bags, no ripping holes in the bag like plastic, and no digging into your fingers, cutting off your circulation like plastic!
Most of Deborah’s diaper bags started out as purses, and this clutch/wristlet is no exception.  The fabric is gorgeous.
It is the perfect size to use with a pretty dress for a night out (Night…out??  What is that again?) when you just need keys, wallet, lipstick, phone etc. 
One strap is longer than the other, so you can tuck the long through the short and cinch it.
The intention is to use as a grab and go diaper bag, for those quick trips when you just need a few diapers/wipes.  Those situations get a little more complicated for cloth diaperers, since you can’t just cram a couple into your regular purse!  I use my wet/dry bag when I know I will need to change several diapers while we’re away, but when I might only need to change one, it’s a bit much to lug out with me.
I put a Bumgenius 3.0, a Rumparooz, a PlanetWise medium wet bag, a Planet wise wipe bag with 10 wipes and a spray bottle of solution in this teeny bag!
Yep, it’s all in there!
Close it up and hit the road!
Love it!  I think both bags are really well made and they’re unique in form, function and style.  I can definitely see using the wristlet with a little black dress someday when I don’t need it for diapers anymore!
So, want your own?  Shop Cranky Cat Studio and use coupon code MamaRocks to get 10% off.
Or, win a gift certificate!  One reader gets $30 to spend at Cranky Cat Studio.  It will be good for anything out of either her Etsy or her Bonanzle store!

Here’s how to enter:  The first entry is mandatory, do as many or as few of the others as you like.  You must enter a separate comment on this blog post for each entry.  Please make sure to include your email address if it is not visible in your profile.

1. Visit Cranky Cat Studio and let me know what you would buy if you won.
2. Follow my blog publicly.  Comment to get your entry.
3. Fan me on Facebook.  Comment here to get your entry.  (Yes, I know it’s not “fan” anymore but all this like, liker, liking stuff is too clunky!)
4. Fan Cranky Cat Studio on Facebook.  Comment to get your entry.
5. Follow me on Twitter.  Comment to get your entry.
6. Follow Cranky Cat Studio on Twitter.  Comment to get your entry.
7. Tweet about this giveaway.  Please no more than one tweet per day and make sure to include @chgdiapers and @CrankyCatStudio.  You may use this tweet if you like “Enter the @chgdiapers #giveaway for a $30 @crankycatstudio gift certificate and get great #handmade items! http://bit.ly/cF7xai Ends 5/21”
8. Blog about this giveaway, this blog, Cranky Cat studio etc and leave a link to your blog post to get your entry.

I will accept entries until Friday, May 21st, 2010 at 9 P.M. EST.  I’ll choose a winner with random.org’s true random number generator and contact the winner by email.
Thank you to Deborah at Cranky Cat Studio for sending me the bags to review.  The freebies in no way affected my review and the opinions are my own.  Results may vary and all that rot.  🙂
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Eco-Friendly/Green Giveaway Handmade Items Made in the USA Reusable Products Review

QwertyO Reusable Ready Mop / Swiffer pads / Produce Bags review & giveaway! CLOSED

Apr 27,2010 / By / 87 Comments

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Long ago and far away, Etsy and I weren’t acquainted.  *gasp* I know.  Therefore, when I was looking for a reusable pad for my Clorox Ready mop, I had nowhere to look really, but Ebay.
This is what I got:
It did the job I suppose, but the overhanging material constantly got flipped under and gummed up the works, then the fleece flaps would slip out and the whole pad would fall off.  Plus, it was made out of a prefold, so it often ended up just absorbing most of my liquid instead of actually mopping the floor!
Not too long ago, I was browsing Etsy and came across QwertyO’s Store.  She makes ready mop pads (these also fit the regular/not wet jet swiffers), pads for the Swiffer wet jet, reusable produce bags and reusable sandwich bags.  The bags are made by her 17 year old daughter.
QwertyO generously offered to send me a pad for my ready mop.  She is also sponsoring a giveaway, so read on my fellow moppers!
Susan also sent a Swiffer wet jet pad to share with a friend.  I intended to test, photograph and review it as well, but I’m still hunting for someone local who still has one.  Many people I know got rid of theirs because of the chemicals, but she included instructions for opening your wet jet solution bottle and making your own, earth friendly solutions!
The package really was a present!
Instructions for homemade solution were right on the package.
The Swiffer pad packaging includes a link to instructions for opening the bottle of solution to fill it with your own.  It’s all terry and has the same velcro attachments as the disposable pads.
The ready mop pad is microfiber on one side and terry on the other.

The wide border of terry allowed me to really secure the pad onto the mop.  I was able to mop without having to stop and stuff it back in at all!

I love my QwertyO reusable pad.  It’s so nice to be able to grab my ready mop for quick cleanups, without dragging out the mop and bucket.  Now I can do it more efficiently and in half the time since I don’t have to wrestle with my old pad!  Doesn’t my floor look great?
Want it?  Buy it at QwertyO’s Etsy shop.
Want to win it?  QwertyO is generously offering one lucky reader his/her choice of a set of wet jet pads, a set of ready mop pads or a combo set of 7 reusable produce bags.  Susan chooses the colors.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Visit QwertyO’s Store and tell me which of the 3 options you would choose if you won.
2. Follow my blog publicly. Current followers count. Comment saying you’re a follower to get your entry.

3. “Like” me on Facebook. Current fans count. Comment saying you’re a fan to get your entry.
4.  Follow me on Twitter. Current followers count. Comment saying you’re a follower to get your entry.
5. Tweet about this giveaway. One tweet/entry per day. Comment with a link to your tweet to get your entry. (Please be sure to include @chgdiapers and a link to this post)  You may use this if you like: Reduce your footprint. @chgdiapers has a #giveaway for reusable mop pads or produce bags made by QwertyO. Ends 5/11 http://bit.ly/
6. Write a blog post about this giveaway and link to it. Post a comment with a link to your post for your entry.
7.  Add QwertyO as a favorite shop on Etsy. Comment that you added her as a favorite to get your entry.


I will accept entries until Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 9:00 P.M.  Please note that all of my giveaways are available to residents of the U.S. only unless otherwise specified.


I’ll use random.org’s true random number generator to select a winner, then notify the winner via email.


Please be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn’t in your profile.  If I can’t find contact info for the winner, I will choose someone else.

Thank you to QwertyO for providing the two pads for review and the products for the giveaway winner as well!

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Eco-Friendly/Green Giveaway Handmade Items Made in the USA Reusable Products Review

Spotgirl Cloth Napkins Review & Giveaway CLOSED 5/1

Apr 21,2010 / By / 145 Comments

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Over the years, we’ve cut way back on the amount of paper products we use.  Everyday cloth napkins have been on my list for a while.  For most people, disposable products are a big expense, and switching to reusable can save them a lot.
Not so for us.  The last time I bought napkins was 6 months ago.  It was two packs of 180 napkins, and we still have about 120 left.  So, we used 240 napkins in 6 months.  That’s around 10 napkins per week.  We only use one every few days (we used dish cloths, towels and wash cloths in place of paper products), but whenever we have guests over, the napkin holder is emptied quickly.
In October, I paid $3.00 for 360 name brand napkins, and that’s more than I usually pay.  So, at less than a penny each, it would take a long time for cloth napkins to pay for themselves.
Since my son has been eating solids, we’re more likely to reach for a napkin to clean up spills if we’ve forgotten to grab a washcloth before we start.  I know I could just put some wash cloths in the napkin holder, but darn it, I want them to be pretty!  I had been looking for a while and I knew that napkins that fit what I was looking for weren’t going to be cheap.  When I saw the napkins that Spotgirl had for sale on Etsy, I had to get them.
The print was awesome.  The first I had seen that I really, really liked (and I’ve been looking for a while).
They are double sided.  Three have dots and three have stripes.
They are topstitched, so the edges stay flat with no ironing.  The stitching is absolutely impeccable.
The woven cotten fabric is soft, but durable.  I am sure the color will start to fade and the fabric wear over time, but not like cotton flannel or other fabrics.
The napkins are 12 x 12, making them the same size as a paper napkin when folded.
They look great on my table!
The napkins are sold in sets of three for $9.00, plus $3.00 shipping.  I bought two sets, so the shipping for the second set was just $1.00.  No outrageous shipping charges.  The net cost for each napkin was $3.67.  That’s less than two packs of napkins on sale.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a family of four went through a pack of napkins every week or two if they’re accustomed to using them at every meal.  For me, this was a splurge purchase (and a save the earth purchase), but I am certain they could save other families money.
My daughter was really excited when she saw the colorful package in the mail!
I was so excited to get these, it definitely felt like a present!
Spotgirl also has a personalized stationery store, so it was neat to get a little thank you card.  But what I realized when I took it out of it’s sleeve is that it was blank inside, so I can use it as a thank you to someone else!  So really, it was a thank you and a sample rolled into one.
Want some?  Shop Spotgirl on Etsy or her stationery store spotgirl.net.
Want to win it?

Spotgirl is offering up a set of three cloth napkins in the Little Owls print.

Sweet owls on a chocolate brown background, backed with pale lime polka-dots.

These napkins are 100% mom tested! We use ours every day as lunchbox napkins or snack time place mats. Ideal for lunches on the go, especially picnics at the playground.


Napkins are double sided, making them extra durable. Top stitching ensures that edges stay flat – no ironing required! Cotton fabric has been pre-washed and becomes softer and softer with every use and washing.


Set of three: one for lunchbox or table, one for the cupboard and one in the wash. Napkins measure 12 x 12″ square.


You will feel good about using these adorable napkins over and over again. I hope you like them as much as we do!
 
Here’s how to enter:
 
1. Comment on this post.  Anything you like.  Flattery gets you everywhere with me, but it won’t help you win this giveaway.  😉
2. Follow my blog publicly.  Current followers count.  Comment saying you’re a follower to get your entry.
3. Fan me on Facebook.  Current fans count.  Comment saying you’re a fan to get your entry.
4. Fan spotgirl on Facebook.  Comment saying you’re a fan to get your entry.
5. Follow me on Twitter.  Current followers count.  Comment saying you’re a follower to get your entry. 
6. Tweet about this giveaway.  One tweet/entry per day.  Comment with a link to your tweet to get your entry.  (Please be sure to include @chgdiapers and a link to this post)
7. Write a blog post about this giveaway and link to it. Post a comment with a link to your post for your entry.
8. Add spotgirl as a favorite shop on etsy.  Comment that you added her as a favorite to get your entry. 
 


I will accept entries until Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 9:00 P.M.
 
I’ll use random.org’s true random number generator to select a winner, then notify the winner via email.
 
Please be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn’t in your profile
 
Thank you to spotgirl for providing the napkins for the giveaway!

Edit August 2010: We are still using these napkins daily and love them!!

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Giveaway Reusable Products

Giveaway!

Mar 13,2010 / By / 11 Comments

>I have no idea if anyone has stuck with me through this stomach virus, if you have, bless you.  Round 2 1/2 is almost over I hope.  I think it’s thoroughly unfair that mothers aren’t immune to these illnesses!

If you are still reading (I have over half a dozen posts in the works!), I have a giveaway for you.

This FuzziBunz Comfort Pads for Mom Combo set was free with a coupon code when I placed a $49 online order recently.

Why should only babies have the comfort, dryness and leak protection of the best selling FuzziBunz diaper?  Now moms can have the same dry, super absorbent and flawless comfort that they have for their babies in a reusable menstrual pad!  Put some “Comfort” into an uncomfortable time with the easy to wash, stain resistant, and leak proof Comfort Pads only from FuzziBunz Diapers.

Materials: 100% micro fleece (top layer)
                100% polyester laminated (waterproof bottom layer),
                85% polyester 15% polyamide (inner layers)

Size: 6″ L x 6.75″ W (15cm L x 17cm W)
        8″ L x 7.25″ W (20cm L x 18cm W)
        10″ L x 7.25″ W (25cm L x 18cm W)

These are obviously sealed, unused and unopened.  Sorry for the rotten photos, stuff wrapped in plastic is a beeyotch to photograph.

Here’s how to enter: 

First entry: Leave a comment stating the one item you’d most like to see me review.  It doesn’t have to necessarily be diaper related, just any “natural” item that you’re interested in, would like to try or would like to know more about.

Second entry: Write your own blog post, or post in an appropriate group (no spamming!) about my giveaway and link to my post.  Comment with a link to your post for your entry.

Third entry: Follow my blog.  Comment stating you are a follower.

Fourth Entry: Become a Facebook Fan of Fitteds and pockets and snappis, oh my!  Comment stating you are a fan to get your entry.

I will accept entries until Friday, March 19th at 7 PM, EST.

Please make sure I have a way to reach you, either through your public profile, your own blog, or by posting your email address.

Allow me up to one week to ship your loot to you after confirming your address.

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Eco-Friendly/Green Made in the USA Reusable Products

It’s spreading

Jan 15,2010 / By / 1 Comment

>I’ve been wanting to switch to cloth napkins for a while, but I haven’t been able to find quite what I’m looking for, nor have I been ready to commit to the initial cost.  I’ve also learned about unpapertowels, and I’ve found some really clever containers for them.  That is definitely something I want to do when I have the funds.

Back to the point of this post!  My daughter started a new preschool.  It’s 2 days a week, and she eats lunch there.  Her new school is very environmentally conscious.  In fact, the building constructed last year is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for certification under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.

Needless to say, I’d be ashamed to send a paper napkin and ziploc bag in her lunch box every day!  We already have a reusable sandwich container, but I wanted cloth napkins and reusable snack bags too.  Enter etsy.  I asked each seller if I could use her photos here on my blog and each agreed.  I am trying to learn about photography, but I’m still terrible at it!

I purchased a set of cloth napkins from MagicalMemories

A Tinkerbell snack bag from smartsnackbags

and a pink snack pouch from cottontopquilts (I have to note that shipping charges were extremely reasonable, but this seller still refunded me 60 cents when shipping costs were less.  I didn’t expect this for many reasons, but it was a nice surprise.  The only time I’m annoyed about shipping is when I’m charged MORE than enough to ship something in a box via priority mail, but I get it after 3 weeks, in an envelope, smushed, with 2 stamps on it!)

I thought they were reasonably priced and a worthy investment, considering how much disposable products cost and how quickly they add up. 
The bags are lined with water resistant, FDA approved materials, so you can even use them for things like sliced fruit.  The Tinkerbell bag is about 6.5″ by 6.5″ and the pink bag is about 6.5″ x 3.75″.  I thought the larger bag would be great for fruit and the smaller bag would be perfect for smaller snacks like crackers and pretzels.  They both have a velcro closure and no exposed seams for crumbs to get tangled in.  They can be wiped out or washed & laid flat to dry.
If you search, you can find tons of bags in all sizes, prints and closures, to fit any need.
Yesterday, I received the pink snack bag.
It’s really well made, very easy to open and of course, adorable.  My daughter was so excited to take pretzels in it today.  She said her teacher held it up for everyone to see because it was “so cute!”
Today I received the napkins.

They’re the perfect size for a lunch box!

I also got the Tinkerbell bag.  She looks a little, uh, confused in the first pic because the bag is creased right through her face.

The closure on this one was a little harder to open. My daughter is already planning to take orange slices in it to preschool tomorrow.
What made this extra special was the way it was packaged.
Even though I knew what it was (and I paid for it!) it was like getting a little present in the mail.
The custom sticker was really neat!

I’ve already started adding items to my etsy “favorites.”  I’d love to have some larger bags with a bottom gusset to pack sandwiches in.  I’ve found quite a few adorable prints, but I’m not sure if I should go for a velcro closure, or the traditional fold-over “sandwich bag” closure.

Edit August 2010: The napkins held up great, as did the pink bag from cottontopquilts.  However, the Tinkerbell bag from smartsnacbags didn’t fare as well.  We used the pink one 2x/week for 6 months with no problem.  The tinkerbell bag was used less often, maybe twice per month, if that.  It didn’t even last 6 months before the lining fell apart, and I received to response from the seller when I contacted her about it.

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