Category : Review

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

Lunchskins Reusable Cloth Sandwich Pouch Review

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lunchskins pink fruit series slices bag

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

reusable baghandmade snack bag

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.

smartsnackbags

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!

lunchskins sanwich bag

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.

green snack bag

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

earth-friendly snack bag

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

reusable

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!

eco-friendly

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!

lunchskins bag

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!

lunchskins

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.)

dishwasher safe sandwich bag

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.

lunchskins red bud logo series sandwich bag

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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Apparel & Accessories Review

Pediped® Footwear Review

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pediped footwear
I actually came across Pediped® Footwear a few years ago, when I was browsing Nordstrom online, looking for dressy shoes for my daughter.
pediped originals
My son is lazy not walking yet, but he is cruising, so I wanted to get him a good, supportive pair of shoes to wear while we were out, that wouldn’t interfere with his learning to walk.
babynatural
When my daughter was his age, we put her in Robeez, since we knew how important it was for her to be able to feel and grip the floor.  However, they were more like glorified slippers, and while they were fine for inside, they didn’t do much good outside.  You can read about the Pediped Originals system to see why I settled on Pediped.
baby shoespediped
I finally bit the bullet when I discovered the boys sale section and grabbed the zach for $12.00.  The regular prices are really quite expensive in my opinion, but then again I’m cheap frugal.
pediped originalsbaby shoes
pediped zach

leather baby shoes

pediped zach

After actually seeing and feeling them, I would seriously consider paying full price for them.  They’re not even in the same neighborhood as Robeez.  It’s hard to explain the quality, but I think you can see it quite a bit in the photos.  If they had my size, I’d totally wear ’em!

babybaby
babybaby
I think they’re awfully cute too!
baby shoesbaby

My son was about 14 months old when I bought these, but I chose a size 6-12 months using their printable sizing chart.  This is supposed to be equivalent to a 4-4.5 US.  I was actually worried that they might be a bit big, especially after reading that a 12 month size usually fits up to around 14 months (my son is quite small for his age.) Above, left is the Pediped compared to a size 3 “crib” style shoe.  Right is a size 4 sneaker, the 6-12 month pediped, the size 3 crib shoe, and a size 4 sandal.  Keep in mind of course that there’s no bulky rubber sole on the pediped originals.

babybaby
baby
I liked them so much that I was immediately plotting my purchase for the next size up.  Luckily for me (and my checkbook), I received an email offering a Friends & Family discount at pediped’s sister website, Kinderbliss.  Wait, what does that coupon say?  Includes sale items?  Those are the magic words that unlock my wallet!
baby kylepediped originals baby kyle
pediped baby kylepediped kyle
I chose the pediped originals baby kyle in 12-18 months, and to make my $5 shipping fee worthwhile, I also chose the pediped flex Charlie in size 5.  Both pairs shipped (total) cost me $19 and change.  Not bad shopping if I do say so myself!
pediped flexpediped flex
The pediped Flex come in sizes 5-12 and are designed for confident walkers.
pediped charliepediped flex charlie
The boxes and packaging are so nice, I think they would make a fantastic gift!
flexfitpediped flexfit
Pediped Flex shoes have the “flexfit system” that has an additional insole to adjust the fit and allow for extended wear.
baby shoe

pediped flex charliepediped charlie

I’ve eyeballed these shoes since long before a little boy was so much as a thought in my mind.  I just love “little man” clothes!  Squee! 

pedipedbaby shoes

To compare size: on the left (left to right) is the size 5 pediped flex, 12-18 month pediped originals, size 4 sandals, size 4 sneaker, size 3 crib shoe and size 6-12 month pediped originals.  On the right (top to bottom): pediped originals 6-12 month, size 3 crib shoe, size 4 sneaker, size 4 sandal, size 12-18 month pediped originals and size 5 pediped flex.

So do they “flex?”  Why, yes.  Yes, they do.

toddler shoesflex

I definitely recommend watching the sale categories on both pediped and kinderbliss.   I’m still stoked that I got 3 pair for about the cost of one!

I was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.  I purchased all items myself, and no links are affiliate links.  If you are making a purchase and would like to support this blog, please see the affiliate links at the bottom of my shop page.  I do have a pediped affiliate link, but I only found out about their program after I discovered how awesome these shoes are!

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Cloth Wipes Diaper Accessories Giveaway Review

GroVia Cloth Wipes Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 8/31)

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grovia cloth wipes

GroVia cloth wipes come in white only, and a 12-pack sells for $10.95 (MSRP.)  At less than 92 cents per wipe, I figured they were worth a try!  P.S. Stay tuned for another cloth wipe review/giveaway on September 6th, as well as a post on The Village of Moms about using cloth wipes!

cloth wipesfrugal

The wipes are 100% cotton and measure 8×8, which is perfect for folding and putting in a wipes case or warmer.

greenreusable

They are 2 layers thick, soft and squishy.  They have held up to use wonderfully, but I was definitely disappointed initially, after the first washing.

cloth wipescloth diaper accessories

cloth wipes

giveaway
There are two rows of stitching around the border of the wipes, and the inner row came loose in most of the wipes.  I don’t know if they are purposely designed this way?  I suppose it’s possible.

cloth wipes

It’s very hard to see since they’re white on white, but the stitching seems very sloppy and overlapped.  Really though, at less than a buck a wipe, I didn’t really expect any better.  The ugly stitching doesn’t affect the wipes, they are holding up to use, washing and drying great.  I don’t even notice the stitching as I’m wiping my son’s tush (ha ha.)

cloth wipescloth wipes
cloth wipescloth wipes

 I also ended up with quite a few pulled threads within the wipes, which was entirely my fault.  The tag was sewn into the wipes (can’t stand that on clothing too!) and I yanked it instead of cutting.  Oops!

cloth wipes
The wipes still measure about 8×8 after washing on hot and drying on high.
They’re nice and fluffy stacked up!
cloth wipes
They stack nicely with my other wipes too!  I’ve been using them for a few weeks now and they’ve worked great and washed up nicely with no stains!
I have another set of 12 wipes, new in their package for one winner!

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below.  Entries left in the comments won’t be counted.  This is new and if the majority of users don’t like it, we’ll go back to the old way.  I like the form, because it’s easy and fast, especially with multiple entry methods.  Your email addresses are kept more private, since only I will see them, and I do not share them with anyone.

Mandatory entry: Enter your name and email address in the form and submit!

Bonus entry: Submit a question for “Mailbox Mondays” to maria at change-diapers dot com.  Once you’ve done that, you may check the box for the optional entry on the form.  Stephanie, Kelly, Ash and Pamela have already submitted their question and may check the box! Please note: My intent is to get a queue of questions for the next several months, so it may be some time before your submission is posted.  If you would like me to email my response so you don’t have to wait until your question is posted, let me know!

# of entries received as of August 30th at 10:20 P.M.: 114
Feel free to leave any comments you like on the blog post, just remember they won’t be counted as entries!  Leaving a comment can also serve as a reminder to yourself that you’ve already entered.  If you’re ever not sure if you entered, just shoot me an email and I’ll check for you.

I will also be updating this post regularly with the  # of entries received for those of you who like to know your odds!



I’ll accept entries until Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern.  I’ll select a winner with random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email.  The winner has 48 hours to claim his/her prize before it is forfeited and a new winner chosen. 

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.  View my giveaway rules page for all details.

I did not receive any compensation for this post, it is entirely self sponsored, and all opinions are my own.

Please note: This giveaway is not affiliated with nor sponsored, approved or endorsed by GroVia.

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Composting Eco-Friendly/Green Review

Nature Mill “Automatic Compost Bin” Review

 

nature mill composter
I have been coveting the Nature Mill composters since I heard about them a few years ago.  I was given the opportunity to purchase one at a very generous discount, but still didn’t think I could fit it into my budget.  Luckily for me, I think my husband felt guilty that I would be at home on my birthday, eating grilled cheese with my kids, while he was in Italy (on business.)  So, he told me to go ahead and order it as my birthday gift!

Before I get too far ahead of myself, the Nature Mill composter is self contained, heating and turning compost material in the upper chamber.  Then you transfer the compost to a lower chamber and add more items to the top.  A red light comes on about every two weeks, telling you to empty the lower tray.  You can compost even dairy, meat and fish (which you wouldn’t put in a normal compost pile.)

composternature mill

Initially, I was a little disappointed by how simple it seemed.  The model I purchased retails for $299.  Their specifications indicate that it is made of recycled + recyclable energy-efficient polypropylene (stamped with the “5” triangle recycling symbol.)  It has the appearance of heavy duty Styrofoam, and the overall composter just seems so simple that I felt like I had wasted my money, that there was no way I was really going to feel like this thing was worth it.  I was wrong by the way.  Perfect example of why I don’t write reviews immediately after I’ve received a product!

green
Lower Tray
nature mill
Upper Chamber
The composter comes with sawdust pellets and baking soda that you add 1 cup/1 tablespoon to every 5 cups of food waste you add to the composter.

nature mill

Initially, I had hoped to keep this in my kitchen, beside my trash and recycling bins.  They actually make cabinet kits for the composter, but I don’t have an outlet I could plug it into.  Also, there is nothing latching the top closed (from curious fingers) and they warn that the inside can get quite hot. 

nature millnature mill
The composter can be used in temperatures from 0-120 degrees, as long as it has an outlet that is protected from water while plugged in.  I have one of these handy dandy outlets on my covered porch, so I thought I’d put it there.  It’s just a few steps from my trash can after all.
nature millnature mill
The dead plants really add to the look, don’t you think?  OK, maybe not.  I just couldn’t manage to make it not look weird!
nature mill
So, I put it in the garage!
Here is a quick video to demonstrate the noise the Nature Mill Composter makes when it is plugged in.

I started using it right away.  You can put all kinds of food waste in it.  The box included easy to reference guides on what you can and can’t put in it.  The big no-nos are hard or fibrous items (corn husks, peach pits) and paper or artificial items (plastic, dryer lint, compostable plates etc.)  I was worried about keeping track of when to add the sawdust pellets and baking soda, but I didn’t have any trouble.  I added some every few days and I had no trash odors at all.  Just an earthy smell.

I don’t want to gross you out with pictures of icky food waste, but here is a photo of the compost along the process.
nature mill
The black pieces are all that remains of banana peels within hours of adding them.  The internal heat, combined with the automatic turning every 4 hours, breaks the material down insanely fast.

My videos are very dark, my apologies.  The next time I take video in my garage I’ll open the door!  This next video shows the composter while it’s turning, so you can hear what it sounds like.  Keep in mind that I’m right on top of it during filming, and it’s much quieter if you are just walking by.

So, I’ve been using my composter now for about 3 1/2 weeks.  It can handle up to 120 lbs of food waste per month, and produces a batch of compost about every two weeks.  I haven’t gotten to use any yet, because after you transfer the compost the first time, you let it continue to compost in the lower tray.  Next time I’m ready to transfer, I’ll be ready to use some as well!

So, transfer…it’s a super easy, 15-minute process that you start by pushing a button.

nature mill

That starts the process of the composter turning the compost, and dropping it through the trap door, to the tray below.

Here is another clip toward the end of the transfer cycle.

and a shot of the trap door opening (and the noise it makes)

There will be a small bit of compost remaining in the upper chamber after transfer, that’s not a problem, it helps the next batch!

nature mill


You’re left with lovely compost that will continue to break down and compact until your red light comes on!

nature mill


You can see I may have rushed it a little bit since there are still bits of banana peel visible. I was anxious, what can I say!

Nature mill also has pricier models with colored accents, foot pedals and lifetime filters.

So, why I love the Nature Mill Automatic Compost bin:

  • I love a gadget.  I do, I can’t help it.
  • It’s all self contained.  No piles of food waste on my counter and trekking to the backyard to add it to the pile.
  • No worries about our skunks, raccoons, wild turkeys, deer, cows, groundhogs or bats getting into it.  We’ve had animals get a bag from the bottom of our garbage can and spread it all over the yard.
  • No trash smell!  My kitchen smells better having all the food waste out of it!
  • We’re only producing 1/2-1/4 bag of trash per week (we’re fortunate enough to have a county-wide recycling program as well!)
  • Nitrogen rich compost!
  • It’s fast!  No turning by hand and compost is ready in 2 weeks.
  • It’s attractive.  It’s about the size of an old school CPU case and is much better looking than a pile of waste outside.
  • It’s so easy.
  • You can even put dairy, meat and fish in it!
  • Other things I am probably forgetting right now.

We have so much food waste around here between banana peels, other fruit skins, sandwich crusts and all the confetti that signals a toddler is finished with his meal, hee hee.  It’s fantastic to not be putting that in the trash!

The composter uses about 5 kWh of power per month (about the same as a night light.)

Who knew trash could be “fun?!”  There is even more to say about the Nature Mill Automatic Compost Bin, but I don’t want to make this post a mile long!  Read more about how it works and “earth facts” on Nature Mill’s website!

Thank you to Nature Mill for allowing me to purchase this composter at a discount.  The discount in no way affected my review, and all opinions are my own.

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All In One Diapers All In Two Diapers Cloth Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Review Snap Closure WAHM made

Doodle Dypes AI2 Review

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doodle
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!
doodle dypes
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.
doodle dypes
I love this print!  I think the blue makes it suit my son, but the purple hearts would work for a girl too.
snaps
This is an AI2 with a snap-in soaker.
snap overlap
You can overlap the wings to fit a slimmer baby.
diaper
This definitely looks like a professionally sewn diaper, with even stitching and evenly applied snaps.
fold down rise
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.
organic bamboo fleece
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.
soaker
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.
diaper

Above is how you use the fold-down rise.

diaper
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!
diaper
It fits wonderfully around the legs too.
diaper
I was anxious to get the diaper on him, so I only washed it once.
reusable diaper
The absorbency is fantastic.
cloth diaper
Our Doodle Dype is in our regular rotation.  In fact, my son is wearing it and sitting on my lap right now!
diaper
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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