Detergents Giveaway Made in the USA Review Stink Washing

Rockin’ Green Detergent and Giveaway! CLOSED

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Detergent is one of the biggest obstacles when starting to or continuing to cloth diaper.  In fact, it is the #1 reason I didn’t start at my son’s birth. 
Believe it or not, detergent is a rather controversial subject.  There are a few “cloth safe diaper detergent” charts out there that give detergents rankings based on whether they contain ingredients like dye, fragrance, brighteners, whiteners, enzymes and so forth.
Like so many others, I didn’t want to risk hurting my diapers, or my kid’s tushie.  So, when I couldn’t find a “safe” detergent locally, I gave up.  Then the detergent drama began.  I managed to find one, but then I saw it was not safe on another chart.  Round and round we went.
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Natural and Organic Food Review

C is for cookie

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No, this isn’t about diapers, but who doesn’t like cookies?  In all seriousness, I hope no one minds if I talk about other natural/green/earth friendly etc. products every now and again. 
I have a ton of diaper, diaper related and baby “stuff” reviews coming.  Also giveaways for Rockin’ Green, Five in a Row Baby Legs and Inspired by Finn Baltic Amber Jewelry.  In fact, go enter my current giveaway (if you haven’t already) for Lil’ Outlaws Wipe Solution, Almost Heaven Diaper Company Wipes and a FuzziBunz changing pad!
For now, If you’ll indulge me, I’m talkin’ ’bout cookies!  Chocolate chip to be exact.  I use shortening in my pie crusts and my chocolate chip cookies.  I just can’t get the same loft and texture with butter alone.  I’ve heard some people say they use lard, but considering that I gagged a little just typing that, lard (*gag*) is out.
So last time I gathered up my ingredients for good old CCCs, I had a newcomer to the crowd.
I saw Spectrum Naturals Organic All Vegetable Shortening in the organic section of my grocery store more than a year ago, but at $6.99 for 24 oz (if I am remembering the price correctly!) and no coupons in sight, I hesitated. 
I took a closer look at the package and decided to give it a try.  It is Non-hydrogenated, USDA Organic, Kosher, and contains one ingredient: Mechanically pressed organic palm oil.  Compare that with Crisco’s ingredient list: Soybean oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, partially hydrogenated palm and soybean oils, mono and diglyerides, TBHQ and citric acid (antioxidants). 
As far as nutritional stats, Spectrum’s 1 Tbsp (13g) serving has 110 calories, 13g fat, 6g saturated fat, 2g polyunsaturated fat, 5g monounsaturated fat.  Crisco’s 1 Tbsp (12g) serving has 110 calories, 12g fat, 3g saturated fat, 6g polyunsaturated fat and 2.5g monounsaturated fat. 
I usually use half butter and half shortening in my cookies.  Typically, I weigh the shortening on a piece of wax paper to avoid having an icky measuring cup (and for more accurate measuring).  The Spectrum has a much drier, wax-like texture, making it a little tougher to dole out.  It didn’t have the creamy, greasy texture of shortening.  I was actually worried about it creaming in my mixer, but it worked just fine.  I’m wondering how it will work using it in a pie crust where I have to “cut” it into dry ingredients, but I will give it a try.  Same with using it to grease pans!  *edit* I used this again on a day when it was warmer, and the texture was much more crisco-like.
The package says: “When we say our Organic Shortening is good, we really mean good.  It’s better for your body than ordinary shortening because it’s never hydrogenated, has zero grams of trans fat, and is made  from palm oil, which is naturally cholesterol free and a good source of heart healthy monounsaturated fat.  Even better are the dozens of small family farmers in Columbia who cultivate and press our palm oil in an environmentally sustainable manner.  It’s good for you, the farmers and the earth…just imagine what it does for a pie crust.”  High Heat up to 450, 0 grams trans fat, cholesterol free, Less saturated fat than butter, vegan – dairy free, Kosher – KSA, Gluten Free.
In the end, the proof is in the pudding…err…cookies.
The cookie dough mixed up wonderfully & looked (and tasted, tee hee) no different than usual.
The cookies were the perfect fluffy, golden brown.

The perfect mix of crispy & chewy I love so much!

and

glurf wur sl guf..

*Gulp*  That is, they were so good, they didn’t last long!!

In my opinion, this is a great choice for anyone who is avoiding hydrogenated oils.  I can’t wait to try making a pie crust with it!

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Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Fitted Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Overnight Diapering Solutions Review Wool

Guerilla Fluff

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I became interested in Guerilla Fluff because of a custom she did.  I still have diaper envy.  Unfortunately, that customer provided the fabric, so none for me.  Wah wah!!
I had been on the hunt for the most absorbent fitted I could find, and while browsing Guerilla Fluff, I discovered The Utilitarian Night Time Diaper (sorry, the website is all flash, so I can’t link).
The Utilitarian has an outer, hidden and inner layer, all of Bamboo Rayon Fleece.  The diaper is turned and top-stitched, and has decorative stitching reminiscent of Frankenstein (the buyer chooses the color).  Even my hubby thought it was very cool.  That’s one of the most awesome things about Guerilla Fluff.  They’re not your typical cutesy diapers, though she can make those too if you want them!
 
What really sold me was that the soakers (two of them) were each made of 3 layers of bamboo fleece, there was an option to add Zorb (I chose this option) and a precision doubler made of 2 layers of bamboo fleece and 1 layer of wool was included as well.  This was the most absorbency I’d seen in a fitted!
The washing instructions said I didn’t need to pre-wash, though it would become more absorbent with future washings, so I only washed once.
I do love a handwritten note!
Here’s the back of the business card:
The first time I used the diaper, I folded over all of the soakers.
I huffed and puffed and managed to get pins in.
It was hard to get a good fit with the pins!
I put the wool cover on, followed by a fleece sleep sack.
Naturally, he soaked right through it!  I didn’t contact Novia about it because I knew it was operator error and had nothing to do with the diaper.  I was in my cloth diaper group, feeling sorry for myself and trying to figure out if my super-soaker son was hiding a garden hose in his crib that he was soaking his diapers with.  I had no idea that Novia was a member!  She sent me a private message offering to help me troubleshoot.
With everyone’s help, I figured out that I needed to fully prep the diaper (babies who aren’t as heavy wetters would probably do fine using it without prepping) get a tighter fit with a snappi, and lanolize my wool more heavily.
I ordered a snappi from Abby’s Lane, lanolized the heck out of my wool, and figured I could prep the diaper while I waited for the snappi to arrive.  The snappi came too quickly, so I had to set it aside while I washed & dried the diaper a total of about 10 times.
This time, I didn’t fold the soakers over.
I got a nice snug fit.
and managed to
get the snappi
on!
Much better!
I topped it with my freshly lanolized wool.
and fleece pants!
In the morning, he was dry!  Since all of the materials he was cocooned in are breathable, I did feel ever so slight dampness, but it was the kind of dampness you feel when you ignore your dryer for a while, then can’t tell if your clothes are damp or just cold. No biggie.
I’ve used it several times since then with no leaks, though he has managed to completely saturate all of those layers!!
I love my Guerilla Fluff!  Novia also makes a one size diaper with snaps, a one size pinnable, a sized side snapping diaper, and the Utilitarian in original (10-24 lbs) and toddler (25-40 lbs).  She can also add snaps to the utilitarian now.  She also makes bamboo prefolds and full size and “precision” doublers.
Customs are closed for now, but check out Guerilla Fluff on Facebook, GF on Twitter and GF on Blogspot to keep up with what’s happening!
Edit August 2010: This is still in our regular night time rotation, though we don’t need as much absorbency anymore.
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Cloth Wipes Diaper Accessories Giveaway Made in the USA Wipes Solution

Giveaway! Lil’ Outlaws, Almost Heaven Diaper Company & FuzziBunz Closed (4/15)

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April marks 6 months of cloth diapering for me, and I’m celebrating my 6-month clothiversary with giveaways this month!
The first giveaway begins today and no, it’s not an April Fool’s joke.
This baby changing set includes a FuzziBunz changing pad, Lil’ Outlaws Texas Ranger Rump Solution and 3 soft, squishy Almost Heaven Diaper Company wipes!
The FuzziBunz Fleece Changing Pad is made from ultra soft and cushy fleece to provide comfort when changing your baby on the go or at home.  The Fleece Changing Pad measures 27.75 in x 18.5 in when open, and folds small so that it fits inside most diaper bags.  Materials: 100% microfleece (top layer), 100% polyester laminated (waterproof bottom layer).  This was provided courtesy of yours truly.
Next up is a bag of Lil’ Outlaws Texas Ranger Rump Solution in Extra Light Baby Bee scent (a fragrance cocktail of luscious fruits such as peaches, mandarin oranges, coconut pulp, bergamot, grapefruit, tropical guava, and tangy lemons.)
From Lil’ Outlaws: The original rump solution is an easy-to-use cloth wipes solution, all packed into a convenient little star! Contains: Approximately 48 pieces per order.

Simply add one or more stars (to your preference) to one or more cups of water (depending on how strong you like your solution). Microwave approximately 15 seconds to soften, and stir to dissolve!

Then just apply to your wipes in your favorite manner – I dunk mine, wring them out, and place them in a wipes warmer or travel case. You can also put the solution in a spray bottle or peri bottle to wet wipes as you use them, or pour it over the pile of wipes in the tub or warmer.

Any way you choose to use it, Rump Solution is excellent for messy bums (and hands, and faces, and…)! Great for sensitive skin, too!  Thank you to Lil’ Outlaws for offering up this bag free for the giveaway!

Finally, you need something to wipe that tush with!

These adorable wipes were made by Christen at the Almost Heaven Diaper Company.  They have a cute heart print on brushed cotton on top, and coordinating colors of minky on the back.  They’re approximately 8″ x 8″ (perfect to fit in a wipe warmer) and they’re so soft and squishy, I wanted to nuzzle them on my face.  Don’t worry, I resisted the urge!

Christen also makes baby legs, mama cloth, and is working on newborn diapers right now.  Though Almost Heaven Diaper Company doesn’t have an online presence just yet, you can contact Christen at justpeachee22 at yahoo dot com for more information on her products.  Thank you Christen for providing these wipes for the giveaway for free!

Want it?  Win it!


To enter:
1. Go to Lil’ Outlaws and tell me what product and scent you’re most interested in.
2. Follow my blog (current followers count).  Comment that you’re following to get your entry.
3. Fan me on Facebook (current fans count).  Comment that you’re a fan to get your entry.
4. Fan Lil’ Outlaws on Facebook (current fans count).  Comment that you’re a fan to get your entry.


You may be noticing I’m not offering entries for blogging or posting about my giveaway. I would love you forever if you did, but I don’t want to risk being all “spammy.” So in exchange for posting or blogging about my giveaway, you get my undying gratitude only. <3  I may change that in the future, I’m not sure.


Make sure to leave your email address if it’s not in your profile please.


Entries will be accepted until Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 9 P.M. EST.


I’ll choose a number with random.org’s True Random Number Generator and contact the winner. 

Thank you to Lil’ Outlaws and Almost Heaven Diaper Company for making this giveaway possible!

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Diaper Cream Diaper Rash Review

Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm

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I had heard of Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics in the past, and when someone suggested that I review their products, I decided to look into it.

I ended up having a phone conversation with Tracey at EMAB.  I hate talking on the phone; I get nervous.  I think I always sound like a doofus and end up saying something stupid!  Despite that, Tracey and I chatted like old friends.  We talked about everything from tear-free shampoo to teething babies. 

Tracey directed me to EMAB’s reading room, and I ended up spending quite a bit of time there and learned a lot.  I highly recommend you take a peek if you’re at all interested in natural and organic products.

To try to keep this post from becoming a novel, I’ll get to the point!  I emailed with Julie at EMAB and they so generously sent me a 2 oz jar of Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

Since switching to cloth, we rarely, if ever, see any diaper rash, but my son usually gets red after he has a dirty diaper.  It doesn’t matter how quickly I change him, I suppose it’s the acidity that bothers his skin.

He made a dirty diaper while in his exersaucer and wearing the one cheapie diaper we have, which doesn’t do much to contain messes!  Between the diaper and the pressure from the exersaucer, we ended up with an explosion ( or a “poo-nami” if you will).  Up his back, on his legs, everywhere!  It was the perfect chance to try the Angel Baby Bottom Balm.

I was initially worried about it being in a jar; I don’t like having to dig my fingers in stuff, like lip balms or creams in a jar.  However, I didn’t have to.  I just lightly rubbed my fingers on the surface and it melted onto my skin.

The balm glided easily onto my son’s skin, and covered well without being thick or gloppy.  The product I had been using was in a tube, rather waxy, and difficult to spread without using a little too much.  Any “cloth safe” diaper cream really isn’t if you glop it on too thick.  I was not at all worried about the bottom balm damaging my diapers.

After I applied it, my fingers weren’t all goopy.  I just rubbed it into my hands and used a little hand sanitizer as usual.  Even after the sanitizer, my hands were soft and smelled wonderful. 

Angel Baby Bottom Balm contains organic olive oil, shea butter, candelilla wax, organic jojoba oil, organic calendula extract, tea tree leaf oil, lavender oil, organic St. John’s wort flower extract, organic chickweed extract, organic plantain extract and myrrh oil.  It has a pleasant, lavender scent.  There’s no zinc and it’s vegan (no beeswax).

I tend to shy away from products with tea tree oil or lavender due to a study linking their use to gynomastica in boys.  As far as I know, it was just a single study and I haven’t done much research into the matter.  Until now, there really weren’t any products I needed or wanted to use which contained TTO or lavender, so I didn’t worry about it.  The ingredients didn’t stop me from using it, but I do wish it had a different oil used for anti-fungal properties, such as grapefruit seed extract.

Back to the subject at hand.  At the next diaper change, there was no redness.  Zero.  Zilch.  None.  This stuff is great!  It was a nice change to open up a wet diaper and get a whiff of lavender!

A 2 oz. jar retails for $14.95.  I think that’s quite a good deal considering how little you need to use to get the job done.

The 1.67 oz. bottle of Happy Mama Body Wash they sent along was a nice surprise!  While I don’t have a problem investing in natural and organic products and foods for my kids, I tend to put myself last!  I use whatever I get for free at CVS (I’m a coupon/bargain shopper).

Like many moms I’m sure, my showers aren’t exactly relaxing.  I can’t count on one every day, and the ones I do get are usually hurried and accompanied by an audience and questions of “when are you going to be done” before I manage to get both feet in the shower!  So, the ginger grapefruit body wash was quite a treat!

The wash contains organic coconut oil, organic olive oil, organic aloe leaf juice, Kosher vegetable glycerin, organic shea butter, Potassium citrate, organic ginger oil, organic grapefruit peel oil, organic lime oil, organic vanilla bean extract, and organic calendula extract.  It smelled fabulous, like ginger and citrus.  It did take some getting used to; it smelled more like something tasty from the kitchen, since I’m used to stinky, perfumed, chemical filled body washes!

The foaming bottle dispensed just the right amount, and it lathered nicely.  It smelled so fabulous, and rinsed off my skin easily (quite a feat in our soft water!)  It left my skin feeling clean and soft.

A 5.3 oz bottle retails for $10.95. 

Earth Mama Angel Baby has a wide array of products for pregnancy, labor ease, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby and baby loss comfort as well as gifts and teas.  I’m highly impressed with the company, as well as the people who run it.  I look forward to trying more of their products in the future!

Want it?  You can get 20% off your order during April (that’s tomorrow as of the date I’m writing this) by entering coupon code CLOTH20 at checkout!  Earth Mama Angel Baby also shares some great specials and discounts on their Facebook fan page.

Lastly, if you twitter, mark your calendar for the April 21 #ecowed Twitter party.  If you have questions, contact EMAB.  I don’t Twitter, so that’s Greek to me, LOL.

Thank you so much to Earth Mama Angel Baby for sending me these awesome freebies!  Though I was given these samples, the freebies did not affect my review in any way.  🙂

Edit August 2010: We don’t often need diaper cream since switching to cloth, but this jar is lasting forever!  I think we have nearly half left, and it knocks out redness like nobody’s business!

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