Tag Archives: diaper bags

Apparel & Accessories Review

AmeriBag Healthy Back Bag Review

ameribag

The Healthy Back Bag is made by Ameribag with a unique ergonomic shape to distribute weight evenly across your back. The bag is available in several fabrics, including the distressed nylon I received.

ameribag 1

The bag is available in 4 sizes (Extra Small: 15″ x 8″ x 5.5″, Small: 17″ x 9″ x 6″, Medium: 19″ x 11″ x 7″ and Large: 21″ x 13″ x 8″) that cost between $55 and $78. Other fabrics, like leather and microfiber, cost more.

ameribag 2 nylon ameribag 5 features 2
ext int

I received black distressed nylon in a size large, but all sizes feature a non-slip adjustable shoulder strap and tons of organization.

ameribag 6 sizes ameribag 7 sizes 2

I don’t currently carry a diaper bag. My purse is large enough for a couple extras, like hand wipes & a small first-aid kit, and I keep a wet/dry bag in the car with cloth diapers & wipes. I just grab that if I think I’ll need to change a diaper somewhere. However, this isn’t always practical, like when we’re going to the zoo for the day. We need diapers, wipes, snacks, change of clothes etc. We typically just take a backpack, but then it’s really difficult to find things, plus you have to take it off to get anything out of it.

ameribag 3 baby bag

AmeriBag does make a baby bag ($75), with a separate area in front for the parent’s stuff, wet item bag & changing pad. The large Healthy Back Bag is perfect for us, since it’s not always used as a baby bag, and we already have wet bags & changing pads!

ameribag 8 zip ameribag 9 outside bottle pkt

The double zipper to the main compartment makes it easy to get at your stuff, and the outer gusset pocket is perfect for a water bottle.

ameribag 10 velcro pocket ameribag 11 back
ameribag 11 closed

The outside of the bag has both zip and Velcro close pockets, making it the perfect place for things you need to get quickly (plane tickets etc.) The bag expands to fit bulkier items inside.

ameribag 11 strap is grippy ameribag 12 adjust strap

The strap adjusts to make the bag comfortable for anyone, and it actually has non-slip material on the underside to keep it in place.

ameribag 13 inside hook and pockets ameribag 14 inside zip pkt

The Healthy Back Bag has an amazing number of inside pockets (5-6 depending on size) to keep your stuff totally organized and easy to find. I love love love the key hook. I get so tired of digging in my purse for my keys! There’s also a handy gusseted pocket inside for your sunglasses.

ameribag 15 inside expands ameribag 17 pockets angled for access while on shoulder

Every cloud has a silver lining, and so do Healthy Back bags. The silver bag lining means your stuff is easy to find & doesn’t get lost in a deep, dark corner of a bag! The pockets are angled so they are just right to see and use when the bag is on your shoulder. Just slide it over to your hip to peek in.

ameribag 16 10 stuffed pocket dipes

I was able to fit 10, stuffed, one-size pocket diapers inside the bag, along with wallet, checkbook, keys, wipes, first aid kit, cloth wipes and spray bottle inside, with room left over and the outside pockets totally empty. Even with all the diapers in the bottom, none of the pockets were blocked, and I had plenty of space for a changing pad & wet bag.

ameribag 18 hubbys bag ameribag 19 junk in bag

Until we received the AmeriBag, my husband used a backpack to tote his junk back & forth to work, class (before he finished his Master’s Degree) and in airports & planes on business trips. All his stuff would get “lost” in it, and his Ray Ban sunglasses were left on an international flight after they fell out of it. It was also highly inconvenient to take off his back, and naturally if he wore it on one shoulder, the weight became painful.

ameribag 20 stuff in ameribag ameribag 21 large
ameribag 22 large

The laptop was a tight squeeze, but it all fit and he was super excited about all the pockets. It actually made me laugh a little. We are polar opposites when it comes to organization, so seeing my messy, disorganized husband excited about pockets was pretty funny.

They have lots of other bags, including a Gabardine hobo that has two outside pockets, an outside zip pocket, interior organization, key hook, cell phone pocket and attached cosmetics case. Their earth collection are environmentally friendly bags made with recycled PolyEthlene Therephthalate. If buying local is important to you, they have a collection of items made in Kingston, NY!

Shop AmeriBag and receive free shipping on orders over $30. Don’t forget to check out their clearance section, and sign up for their newsletter for special offers. “Like” AmeriBag on Facebook, follow AmeriBag on Twitter and follow the AmeriBag blog.

FTC compliance: I received a product sample for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Eco-Friendly/Green Giveaway Made in the USA Reusable Products Review Wet Bags & Pail Liners

Planet Wise Diaper/Swim Wet/Dry Bag Review & Giveaway CLOSED

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Is there a company that you love?  One that makes great products, has great service and great company practices?  Do you get excited when you find out they’re coming out with a new product?  Do you tell everyone you know about them?  For me, that’s Planet Wise Inc.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love my small, medium and large wet bags, wet/dry bag and wipes pouch.  Planet Wise are the only wet bags I’ve ever bought; I never felt the need to look for any others because they are so great. 
In case you’re wondering, I bought all of my wet bags myself.  I haven’t been paid to endorse Planet Wise.  I’m having no luck coming up with a clever joke about how I’m cheap and can be easily bribed.  Hmm…
In any case, I had the opportunity to review a brand new item from Planet Wise, the Swim/Diaper Bag.  I also have one to give away, so that’s your carrot to see this through to the end (or just scroll down, but I know you would never do that, would you?)  By the way, who would seriously be enticed by a carrot?  How about a cupcake or something at least.  Jeez.  If you’re gonna bribe me, it’s going to have to be better than rabbit food.

I thought this would be a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on Planet Wise, but I accidentally brought my interrogation lamp instead of my spotlight.  Hee hee.
Planet Wise is owned and operated by Nicki Maynard and her husband Jesse.  Their products replace their disposable counterparts and can be used for so much more than just diapers.  Their prints and colors are fantastic and are a departure from the usual “baby” prints.  Wet bags are great for travel, to keep toiletries, shoes or dirty clothes separate.  Wash and reuse instead of putting another plastic bag in the landfill!  Their packaging is also printed on recycled/recyclable paper using soy based ink!
I wish I could work for Planet Wise; employees are allowed to work flexible schedules to work around family time and school schedules and employees are welcome to bring their young children to work with them!  Alas, Planet Wise is based out of Wisconsin.
Planet Wise chooses as many USA-made materials as possible, and all products are manufactured in a locally women-owned facility.
So why do I like the wet bags so much?  Not only do they look pretty with their beautiful prints and hidden seams, they have sealed seams that will not leak, and a locking, lead free zipper.  The bags do not wick and hold in smells like nobody’s business.  They’re both versatile and durable.  They’re not going to wear out before your kids are out of diapers, but you won’t be passing them along either because you’ll be using them for a dozen other things.  Mine have been washed nearly daily since I got them, and still look new.
So clearly, it’s no secret how much I love Planet Wise.  I was like a kid on Christmas Eve when I found out the company was sending me one of their brand new swim/diaper bags to review.
I chose the spring green color which is pretty, but still neutral, and not too girly for my hubby to carry.
The swim/diaper bag has the same great features as their other wet/dry bags.  It measures about 19″ x 15″ by 8″. 
It has a large, waterproof, PVC-free inner section.
Plus a generously sized “dry” zippered section.
They say it can hold two large swim towels, plus clothes and accessories.  I of course put that to the test.  The bag looked like the perfect thing to use for a long or overnight trip. 
13 diapers, plus my Planet Wise wipes pouch stuffed with wipes and a spray bottle of wipes solution.
Yep, it all fit!
No trouble zipping it, and the structure of the bag made it stand up nicely, it didn’t topple over.
So how about 4 large beach towels, my swimsuit, my hubby’s swimsuit, my daughter’s swimsuit and my son’s swim diaper?
It all fit, zipped with no problem, and I could have fit a few snacks/toys in as well!
For swim lessons I put in: a towel, a blanket for my son to sit on, water wings and toys and snacks.  There was tons of room left!
This is a spankin’ new product, so your favorite retailer may not have them yet, but you can win one!
Planet Wise is sending one of my blog readers their own swim/diaper bag in their choice of color (subject to availability, substitutions may be made.) 

Here’s how to enter:  The first entry is mandatory, you may do as many or as few of the rest as you like.  Leave a comment for each entry  and be sure to leave your email address in at least one comment.  If I can’t contact you, I will choose another winner.

1. Visit Planet Wise and tell me what your favorite print is.  Since the swim/diaper bag is a new product, the prints aren’t yet listed on it’s page, but it should be available in all the usual colors and prints.
2. Follow my blog.
5. Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post.  One tweet per day please.  You may use this tweet if you like: @chgdiapers has a Planet Wise swim or #clothdiapers bag #giveaway for #summer #swimming! http://bit.ly/datbg3
6. Blog about Planet Wise, the new swim/diaper bag, this giveaway or this blog.  Please be sure to link back to this post and leave me a link to your blog post.

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.  I will accept entries until Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 9 P.M., Eastern.  I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator, and contact the winner by email.  S/he will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and another winner chosen.
Planet Wise provided the review product to me at no cost, and is providing the winner’s item as well.  I was not given any monetary compensation.  I wasn’t requested or required to write a positive review, Planet Wise is a great company that I personally support.
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Apparel & Accessories Giveaway Handmade Items Made in the USA Reusable Products Review

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

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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 ownShop 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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