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Rumpsack Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 10/13)

Oct 6,2010 / By Maria / 46 Comments

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I’ve asked readers to make suggestions for diapers they’d like to see me review/give away, and Rumpsack has been mentioned several times! WAHMs don’t have deep pockets for advertising or reviews/giveaways, so it meant a lot to me when Rumpsack agreed to participate in my “Year of Fluff” event!

Rumpsack diapers are made by work-at-home-mom Janelle. Right now, she makes sized pocket diapers and inserts, though she is branching out! When I took the diaper out of the package, I noticed not only how soft it was, but how well made it was. The stitching was neat and even!

I received a size medium pocket diaper, with a minky outer and microchamois inner.

Rumpsack diapers are front snap diapers, but the diaper closes closer to the hip to prevent wing droop. Janelle is a La-Di-Da approved seamstress, and Rumpsacks are designed to scoop below the belly. Size Newborn fits 6-12 pounds, Small 10-20 pounds, Medium 15-30 pounds, and Large 25-40 pounds. Prices vary between $14.50 and $17.00 depending on the materials used.

The pocket is easy to stuff. Inserts are not included with Rumpsacks, but Janelle makes a great insert that’s available as an optional purchase.

The insert is 2 layers of organic hemp fleece, which makes 6 layers of absorbency when tri-folded. The inserts are available in 4 sizes to match the diaper sizes, and retail for $5.00 each. Janelle included one with my diaper, and I’m grateful! I much prefer to use a diaper with an insert that has been designed for and tested with the diaper, and this was far easier to fold than a microfiber towel!

A nifty feature of the Rumpsack is that the snaps on the front panel are female on one side and male on the other.

This means the tabs actually snap to each other. If you find yourself with a dirty diaper and no wetbag, simply roll the diaper up into a neat little package, and snap the tabs together!

The Rumpsack medium seemed a smidge smaller than some of the other mediums I have, but I think it may be partly because of the below the belly design.

Measured Folded

Measured Stretched

Compared to O/S on Medium Setting

The diaper fit my son really well, and he has plenty of room to grow into it (he’s about 18.5 lbs in these photos.) We had no leaks, and the insert made the diaper nice and trim, as well as super absorbent (I love hemp!) Thank you Janelle for allowing me to review a Rumpsack, I love this diaper!

Giveaway: Janelle is offering one winner a Rumpsack Pocket Diaper in pink or blue, in the winner’s choice of size.

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 visiting ~~Rumpsack Diapers on Hyenacart~~ ~~and/or in the~~ ~~Cuties with Cloth Booties Congo on Hyenacart, and telling me which of her previous diapers you like best. You may “like”~~ ~~Rumpsack on Facebook~~ ~~for a bonus entry. 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 Wednesday, October 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. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my ~~giveaway rules~~ page for complete details. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

~~Entries as of October 13th, 2010 at 9:00 P.M.: 432~~

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dF93am84bmMtV3g1X0xFN0FLZkVxcWc6MQ

FTC Compliance: I received the above diaper and insert at no cost in order to write my review. I was not 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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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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Lunchskins Reusable Cloth Sandwich Pouch Review

Sep 2,2010 / By Maria / 1 Comment

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In January, I reviewed two handmade snack bags I purchased on Etsy, for my daughter to take to preschool.

The smaller, pink polka dotted snack bag I purchased from cottontopquilts, was used twice per week from January through June. It’s still works wonderfully and we’re using it for Kindergarten as well.

Unfortunately, the Tinkerbell print bag from smartsnackbags did not fare as well. I used the smaller bag each time she went to preschool for various snacks. I only used the larger one when I sent fruit, or something else that wouldn’t fit in the smaller bag. Thus, it was only used once or twice per month, and was treated with care. Unfortunately, after 4 months of occasional use, it had fallen apart. I typically just wiped it or shook it out, but happened to flip it inside out one day and saw what it looked like. My daughter told me it had looked like that for a while!

I contacted the seller to let her know what had happened, wondering if she’d had other problems with them. 3 months later I still haven’t gotten a response. Oh well!

In any case, I wanted a new, larger snack bag, and I wanted to get a few, since she’d be eating lunch at school every day at Kindergarten.

When I saw this lunchskins bag at our local organic market for $7.69, I had to pick it up. My daughter loves pink!

Lunchskins are made of thick cotton fabric, coated with a food safe polyurethane liner. They are lead, BPA and phthlate free.

The bag is very sturdy and durable, and appears to be well made. The above photo is the inside seam, I don’t think this one will fall apart!

I had planned to use the sandwich size bag as a large snack bag, but it became a sandwich bag when I discovered that the plastic sandwich tote Grandma had bought wouldn’t fit in her lunch box!

It fits well and it didn’t get squished. Since we compost, my daughter doesn’t throw anything away at school, so I’m not worried about it getting tossed. Her crusts were still soft when I emptied her bag!

I was probably a little too excited when I realized Lunchskins are also dishwasher safe!! Woo-hoo!! Below is after it’s first ride in the dishwasher (it emerged unscathed.)

After using it for a week, I had to have more. With back to school, it was slim pickings at the store, so I got the last sandwich size bag they had.

My store also had the sub size bags, but they didn’t have the snack size bags, which I want! The bags come in tons of cute colors and patterns, and you can use them in pretty much any case that would have you reaching for a plastic bag!

Direct from Lunchskins, the sandwich size bag I purchased retails for $8.95. The sub bags are $10.95 and the snack size bags are $7.85. It may seem like a pricey investment, but they can be reused hundreds of times. I don’t buy many plastic bags, but I remember being shocked at the price the last time I did.

P.S. Boy does the word sandwich ever look weird after typing and looking at it so many times, I had to spell-check to make sure I wasn’t spelling it wrong!

P.P.S. My spell-check wants to change smartsnackbags to stinkbugs, which I find hilarious.

FTC Compliance: All products pictured/discussed/reviewed were purchased at normal store prices by me. All opinions are my own, based on my experience.

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Doodle Dypes AI2 Review

Aug 12,2010 / By Maria / 3 Comments

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I received my Doodle Dypes all-in-two diaper a few weeks ago, and it earned it’s spot in my pile of favorites right away!

Sandy of Doodle Dypes makes many of her diapers custom to order. Mine has a cotton knit outer, hidden procare waterproof barrier and an organic bamboo fleece inner.

I love this print! I think the blue makes it suit my son, but the purple hearts would work for a girl too.

This is an AI2 with a snap-in soaker.

You can overlap the wings to fit a slimmer baby.

This definitely looks like a professionally sewn diaper, with even stitching and evenly applied snaps.

It is a “one size” by way of a fold down rise. One thing that’s unique is that the second row of snaps are hidden (applied under the inner layer) so when you’re using this on a smaller baby, no snaps will touch his/her tummy.

The all-in-two’s snap in soaker can give you 5-15 layers of organic bamboo fleece absorbency, depending on how you fold it.

Organic Bamboo Fleece needs to be prepped (washed on hot & dried on medium heat 3-4 times) and will gain maximum absorbency after about 10 washes. Sandy pre-washes all of her fabrics before sewing, so you don’t have to worry about any uneven shrinking.

Above is how you use the fold-down rise.

I’m able to get a good fit with or without folding down the rise. The fit looks a little strange in that picture for some reason, but it’s not!

It fits wonderfully around the legs too.

I was anxious to get the diaper on him, so I only washed it once.

The absorbency is fantastic.

Our Doodle Dype is in our regular rotation. In fact, my son is wearing it and sitting on my lap right now!

We have even used it on car rides with no leaking, and it doesn’t have the wicking (at the legs) issues that some diapers with a cotton outer & hidden PUL have! I do know that the cotton outer will fade and wear over time. That’s just the nature of a cotton knit fabric.

A Doodle Dypes all-in-two will need to be changed at each diaper change, it isn’t the hybrid type where you can just change out a soaker. Each one retails for $20 and you can shop Doodle Dypes on HyenaCart and visit Doodle Dypes on Facebook!

The diaper was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of this review. I was not requested or required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own. I was not otherwise compensated for my review.

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Category : Made in the USA

Rumpsack Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 10/13)

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

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

Lunchskins Reusable Cloth Sandwich Pouch Review

Doodle Dypes AI2 Review

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