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Saturday, October 30

Want some Squeaky Shoes?


Visit Canadian Natural Mama's blog to see how you can get your hands on your very own pair of Little Soles Eco Squeaky Shoes!


Product Overview


In an effort to minimize our footprint, we've pulled out all the stops and are so excited to introduce to you this new "greener" footwear.

Our New Eco Squeaky Collection is made almost entirely of recycled materials including non-split, Top Grade, Toxin Free Leather uppers and Recycled Rubber outsoles.

Little Soles is continually striving to make a positive difference without sacrificing the integrity of our products.

Features and Benefits of Little Soles ™ Squeaky Shoes collection:
  • Free from harmful dyes and toxins
  • Premium materials are sourced specifically to surpass the standards in footwear safety set by Health Canada or the CPSC(US)
  • All inner and outer materials along with the outsole are tested for the following;
  • European Council directive 2002/62/EC testing for AZO colourants or Dyes
  • Formaldehyde content
  • 7 Toxic elements (Lead, Arsenic, Antimony, Barium, Mercury, Cadmium, Selenium)
  • Our soft, flexible outsole is ideally suited to pre-walking and early walking
  • The padded ankle collar enhances comfort while improving overall fit
  • The cushioned heel enhances comfort while reducing heel impact
  • An audible Squeak offers several benefits for the child as well as parents;
  • As a walk motivator the Squeak provides the confidence for those brave first steps
  • For early walkers, the Squeak promotes a proper heel to toe step
  • Parents benefit from the peace of mind; aware of where their child is walking
  • When necessary the Squeaker mechanism can be removed and is easily replaced
  • Little Soles Inc. is socially responsible and environmentally aware of the impact of our company and its products on the Earth.

Friday, October 29

Why did I decide to use cloth?

I blogged about this in the past - and some of you still have no idea what compelled me to actually wash diapers every other day rather than just using disposables. In all honesty, my main goal was to save money and to keep the chemicals away from Kate's "blow-hole"... keeping garbage out of landfills was just a perk for us.

So, what MAKES a good diaper? As a new mom jumping into cloth diapering, I was overwhelmed by the choices I had - basically my best advice,.. trials. You THINK you may know what you want, but in reality, you have no clue what baby's build is going to be, or whether or not he/she'll be a heavy wetter (yes, that does make a difference in what you decide to buy). Talk to other moms and even ask to borrow 1 or 2 for a few days and see if you like their preferred brand... I opted for buying many many used diapers from different companies. Eventually I found my favourites... for now.

As much as I'm all for supporting WHAMs (Work at Home Moms... I'll give a breakdown on abbreviations in a bit) - but I've been burned by many home-made diapers. My favourite so far is 4ward Thinking. Not only are they super cute, but they are very well made. I'm an fan.

Kate is wearing a candy corn cover and baby leg warmers (top) and a ruffle diaper cover in cherries (right) from 4ward Thinking.

What makes an awesome diaper?
  • Hidden snaps or side snaps - reduces bulk
  • Not too few and not too many snaps
  • Breathable!!! bamboo and hemp is great, but almost always needs a cover...
  • No red marks on the baby
  • Very absorbent, but not too bulky
  • Not too wide or too narrow between the legs
  • No “bubble” butt
  • Softness and durability of the fabric
  • Obviously, lasts more than a couple of years

What kind of diapers are out there?

The choices can be overwhelming. I’ve tried my best to test out as many different varieties as I could and came to one conclusion. Origami is not for me – therefore I keep my prefolds for after shower naked time in the crib and to make really cute burp pads. Here’s a quick and dirty list of what’s out there… please note there may still be more to discover…

Pocket diaper: made of two (or more) layers of fabric sewn together to form a pocket that will hold an absorbent insert. These can be as convenient as disposables, but they do require stuffing an insert into the pocket after every laundry run.

All-In-One diaper: has a waterproof outer fabric (referred to as PUL) and an absorbent inner fabric, all sewn together to create one piece. This one resembles a typical disposable diaper the most.

All-in-Two diaper: same as the All in One, except the inner fabric is detachable.

Hybrid diapers: are best of both worlds. It’s an AIO with a pocket to allow for customization of your diaper for nighttime use or on long outings.

Covers and prefolds: the cheapest but not the easiest way to CD. Covers are a single layer of waterproof fabric. Whereas prefolds are what your mom (or grandma is some cases) used. There is no need for pins with a “snappi” and/or a cover. Prefolds are all cotton or bamboo (I have been seeing hemp lately) and come with a bleached (pure white) or unbleached (wheat colour) option.

There’s also another little thing… Sizing!

The sized diaper is a fit that varies by cloth diaper brand. So read the weight suggestions carefully before purchasing. Newborn, XS, S, M, L, XL, Toddler

The One-Sized diaper is a one size fits most (definitely not all) from newborn to toddler.
This is accomplished by MANY MANY snaps that interlock like puzzle pieces to make a near perfect fit. These can be bulky when baby is little but is great when it comes to your pocketbook.

Troubleshooting

  1. You most definitely going to get pilling. Avoid using the dryer. This increases the longevity of your diaper.
  2. You're going to get stains... don't use harsh chemicals to remove them.. otherwise use mother nature... the sun! Soak in HOT water overnight and use an oxygen fortified detergent, rinse well and leave in the sun. You may have to do this 2-3 times, but I have yet to meet a stain I couldn't handle.
  3. Velcro not sticking? you probably have lint and hair stuck in there. Rub a rough bristle brush and clean them out. You may at one point have to replace the velcro. I've done this to one of my used diapers - saved a LOT of money since the mom thought they were goners. Whip out the needle and thread!
WHAM bam thank you Pam

It wasn't until recently that I finally asked the question... What does all your shorthand mean??? I was lost in all these blogs and reviews. Here's a quick breakdown of words and shorthands you may encounter:

  • AIO: All in One - diaper that consists of absorbent material with a waterproof outer shell
  • AI2: All in Two - diaper has an absorbent insert that sits in or sometimes snaps-in and a waterproof outer shell
  • CD: cloth diaper
  • Cover: waterproof outer shell - can be vinyl, lanolized wool or microfleece. Ideal for overnight diapers, prefolds, or any diaper that does not have waterproofing.
  • DC: dear child
  • DD: dear daughter
  • DH: dear husband
  • Doubler: Extra pad for added absorbency
  • DS: dear son
  • EUC: excellent used condition
  • Fitted: Diapers that come in Newborn, Small, Medium, Large or Toddler
  • OS: One-size - diaper has snaps to allow to custom fit the height of the diaper and sometimes even has elastics that you can measure to size around the baby's thighs.
  • Pocket: A slit that you insert an absorbent material (prefold, bamboo , hemp or microfleece insert) with a waterproof outer shell
  • Prepping: Washing a NEW diapers in hot water 3-4 times to get it at its most absorbent.
  • Soaker: Absorbent part of the diaper or diaper pad
  • Stripping: Cleaning your unsoiled diaper in HOT water without detergent to remove residue. Sometimes boiling a diaper for 10 minutes in a large pot also helps.
  • Swishing: Dunking a diaper in the toilet to remove any soils.
  • Wet Bag: Diaper storage bag with a waterproof layer for soiled wet diapers can be thrown inside out in the wash.
  • WHAM: work at home mom

* I have not received any compensation for this post. These are my honest opinions.


Want to try your hand at cloth diapering? - CONTEST CLOSED


You can enter to win a Rumperooz diaper from The Changing Table! (www.thechangingtableok.com)

Thursday, October 28

iPlay Garment Extenders Review

iPlay Snap 'N Grow Garment Extenders
Retails for $6.95 CAD

Company Description
Extending the life of baby's clothes is a snap! These soft and sturdy cotton extenders stretch wearing time by adding extra length to one-piece garments. Convenient 3 pack with different snap sizes fit most one-piece bodysuits. Awesome for use with cloth diapers.

Review
I wish I could make great use of these. Fantastic idea especially when it comes to cloth diapering. I can't really review these since... IT WASN'T COMPATIBLE WITH ANY OF MY ONESIES!!! I researched online and even sent a message to iPlay about this. They claim they've never encountered that problem. I wasn't too happy with their response.

My research resulted in many disappointed individuals who claimed the same issue.
"...I was disappointed to find that the snap size does not match most of the onsies we have. They do match up with some Carter's brand onsies but do not match with Gerber, and some others I purchased from boutiques and Target."
"It doesn't work with: Gerber, Osh Kosh, Carters, First Year, Circo, Gymboree, Gap, Old Navy, or Tea brand baby clothing. "

I tested is on a few on my onesies. It doesn't match with my Joe, Mexx or Baby Gap clothes. The snaps are larger than the ones used by these companies. Unless you know that it'll work with your set.. save your money and make your own. I plan on doing that myself and will post pictures when I get around to it.

Wednesday, October 27

Monday, October 25

ERGOBaby Carrier Review


Organic Twill Blue Carrier w/Embroidery Applique
Retails for $149.95 CAD

Stylish, comfortable but a little hard to use with Kate. This is my first carrier so I don't have much to compare it to - other than the Baby Bjorn that was second-hand. She's a little too short and unless I strap myself in to the point for barely being able to breathe... she slips through. I'm hoping it gets easier to use once she grows into it. Basically my only peeve, I wish it had a better design for newborns like I saw in other brands. I'm also dealing with the aftermath of shoulder surgery pains and the limitations of arm movement... it's difficult for me to strap her in when I'm wearing this on my front. I couldn't imagine doing this alone when she's on my back - this is clearly a 2-person job. I have a few slings, but slings seems to put far too much pressure on ONE shoulder. The ErgoBaby spreads the weight evenly and I can see myself carrying her for longer periods of time - Kate just need to grow a bit before I stopped worrying about dropping my baby!

Comparing this to the Baby Bjorn that was lent to me? I choose the ErgoBaby hands down. I keep my carrier in my trunk. Sometimes its just easier to use the carrier than lugging out the stroller.

Sunday, October 24

Dream-Eze Diapers

Testing Dream-Eze Organic All-in-One
Retails for $24.95 CAD (WEB)

I finally got my hands on these. One thing I hate the most, is how bulky a nighttime diaper can be. I'm tried a few - bamboos, hemps, doublers, then adding a cover,.. I got irritated and did disposables for overnight sleeps because I found there was 1 too many soakers. I was doing my usual consignment shopping and found a used Dream-Eze in a grab bin at Belly Laughs in Kanata. For $6.99, I figured why not try it out. I LOVE this as a nighttime diaper. Trimmer t
han most, easy care, and not too long to dry. They only come in 4 colours and as a diaper collector like myself, I'm slightly disappointed. Then again, they are bold and bright happy unisex colours.

After my
amazing $7 purchase, I opted for more of these and less Huggies. I now own 4 of them, and I have 2 more coming in the mail - a steal through Grovia's EBay site. I usually go through 2 a night. I change Kate at 3am and then again at 6am. I've never had leaks - and she's had explosives poops to boot. I also like the idea of not needing a cover with them. Less bulkiness. As a day-time diaper, I still have to move up a size in her pants, since these diapers are thicker due to the doubler inside. Great for long trips though... just stick a onesie, some baby leg warmers, add a blanket after you strap baby in - and you're set!

Pros:
  • Absorbency - One of the most absorbent nighttime diapers I've used
  • Fit - snug fit and very trim
  • Leaks - none at all
  • Softness - the inserts were really soft, but after 8 or so washes, it's starting to lose it's softness. I boiled it and it helped a little, but it's a little stiff after washes
  • Drying time - 6 hours
  • Insert - 2 inserts are attached at the back of the diaper, gives it a faster drying time
  • Ease of Use - a little confusing the first time you use it... think origami
  • Style - Vibrant neutral colours.
Cons:
  • Fit - I can see my little one growing out of this diaper fairly quickly, I wish it had tab extenders like Applecheeks offers
  • Retail price - a little steep for my taste - luckily I got my hands on these for $6.99 and $12.99, you just need to be willing to do the research
  • Insert - a little longer than the rise

Company Description
The Dream-Eze Organic All In One (AIO) Reusable Diaper by The Natural Baby Company is an easy to use fitted diaper that makes using cloth diapers a cinch for everyone.

With a simple one piece design, Dream-Eze Organic AIOs feature an absorbent, certified organic cotton inner with an attached soaker for customizable absorb-ability without stuffing pockets. Durable snaps and a soft, waterproof outer cover of TPU in fresh modern colors make the Dream-Eze Organic Cloth Diaper one of our family favorites!

Sizing Information:
SIZE - RISE - WAIST - LEGS - WEIGHT
Small: 13-16", 9-17", 5.5-12", 8-16+ lbs
Medium: 15-18", 12-20", 6-14", 15-25+ lbs
Large: 16-20", 12-21", 8-16", 24+ lbs

Made By: The Natural Baby Company
Made Of: 100% Certified Organic Cotton (inner, soaker), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) (waterproof outer)
Made In: China

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I have purchased all additional diapers post-review as seconds or at sale prices.

Saturday, October 23

Laundry Wars!!!

I decided to try as many WHAM brands as I could before writing this review. I still have a few on my to try list, but figured 4 different detergents is a good start. I tried them all on towels on a hot cycle, sheets on a hot cycle, the baby's clothes and ours on a cold cycle and finally.. those stinky stinky, dirty diapers. That being said, let's get this started.

Nellie's Laudry Soda (WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)
Retails for $20.99 CAD (100 Loads / 200 HE)

Hypoallergenic, and amazing for softness. It's ok on diapers, but staining is a little more difficult to deal with - I had to do more than 1 wash, even with a presoak. It's concentrated, which means you only need one tablespoon per wash and half of that for HE washers. My favourite use for this is towels and sheets!!! Towels come out feeling amazingly soft. (We don't use fabric softeners due to skin allergies.) It doesn't smell like anything - the way I personally think laundry should smell like.... I also wash my sheets in Nellie's and ONLY Nellie's. MY red bumps have gone away and laundering is now only a fraction of the cost from using Store Brand names. It's worth the switch. I love that you can buy this stuff in bulk, and that it's available from Costco in an enviro pack (samples of MOST of their products) or in a HUGE pail!

Boasts:
  • Made for HE washing machines
  • Made in Canada
  • Does not test on animals
  • Works in cold or hot water
  • Leaves no residue
  • Biodegradable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic
  • Uses recyclable packaging
  • Made of nothing but all natural ingredients: all natural laundry soda, sodium silicate and coconut oil based detergents
The box reads that it is "especially good for babies clothes and individuals with allergies or sensitive skin." (Agreed!)

Tip: if you put a scoop of Nellie's in the soap dispenser of your carpet cleaner mixed with hot water, you may be able arm water), you may be able to get up very old stains.



Rockin Green (WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)
Retails for $19.99 CAD ( 90 loads/180 HE)

This was a CLEAR winner. It worked on all of our needs. Even used it to clean some dingy toilet as a tester. I bought some used diapers that were in serious need of stripping and had some nasty stains on them. I bought this diaper for a mere $5 because the seller thought it was a goner. I figured it was a great opportunity to test out my detergents. Rockin Green was the ONLY one that got my diaper virtually stain free (1 overnight soak is HOT kettle water, 1 HOT wash and 2 days of sunning.) For diaper cleaning, Rockin Green is my pick. Great smells that are barely there after the wash. With my skin sensitivities, this is a MUST.

It was a little difficult to find here in Canada at retail price of $19.99 CAD for 90 load bag. However, they are winning their way into Canadian hearts and are finding more and more retailers. Rockin' Green detergent comes in your choice of fragrance (Orangevana (discontinued, snag it while you can!, Smashing Watermelons, Rage Against the Raspberries, Mötley Cleän, The Plain Green Tea's, Lavender Mint Revival, Bare Naked Babies and the newly introduced Mighty Mighty Marshmallows) . They also sell 8 oz Shake It Up! Pail Freshener in your choice of fragrance. I honestly didn't see a difference between using this and a few drops of tea tree oil on a rag - but then again Tea Tree Oil is expensive and can harm the vinyl lining of your diaper wet bags.

Boasts:
  • No fillers
  • Great for sensitive skin
  • Economical at 0.13 cents a load!
  • Rids microfiber stink
  • HE compatible
  • Great for all water types (offers soaps designed for your water)
  • Reduces repelling
  • SLS Free


Crunchy Clean (WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)
Retails for $18.50 CAD
(80 loads / 160 HE loads)

Crunchy clean is a cloth diaper detergent made from "naturally occurring minerals, detergents, oxygen releasing agents that have proven to clean diapers in a safe way that does not harm your precious baby or your diapers". I don't fully agree with this statement. I tested is on lightly soiled towels. It made my towels stink like wet dog. I tried it on one load of diapers and it made my diapers smell like skunk - I read reviews that Crunchy Clean also made diapers repel - I did not experience this. I'm wondering if it was the scents I chose??? I have a second sample pack that I am willing to try... stay tuned. Available scents: Monkey Fart, Pink Sugar, Baby Bee Clean, Clothespin, Vanilla Lavender, Unscented, Custom fragrances also available. See website for details.

Boasts:
  • No optical brighteners, fillers, dyes, or enzymes
  • Great for military use!
  • Clean rinsing - an extra rinse isn't necessary!
  • No soap to build up in your diapers.
  • HE compatible.
  • Great for all of your family's clothing and diapers.
- Phosphate free
- Chlorine free
- Non-toxic
- Planet friendly
- VEGAN (ALL NEW, FALL '09!)
- Dye free
- Free of enzymes, and optical brighteners
- Approved for military use!



Lastly....

Soap Nuts (WEB) (BLOG) (FACEBOOK)
Retails: $22.00 CAD (500g bag)
Trial Size $1.00 CAD (good for 4-5 washes)

Great little story - which I've already blogged about in the past. (See HERE) The idea behind this, is that you place 4 Soap Nuts - they look like empty shells - in the small muslin bag (provided), tie it closed, and throw it into the drum of your washing machine along with your articles of clothing or diapers that need washing. You can reuse this batch for 4 or 5 loads of laundry. The soap nuts turn mushy and grey when they're no longer usable. You can then throw them in your garden as compost. INGENIOUS!? Thought so. I'm not sure how I feel about these... ridiculously cheap to use, but they left a spring air smell - and not the good kind. I found it smells a bit like rotting leaves. Just not as pungent.

Soap nuts are perfect for HE and front load washers since they don't really suds up. That makes me feel like it's not really cleaning. I know this isn't true, it's just my store brand mentality I guess. Go marketing! The jury is out on this one... I'm not sure if the diapers would have been just as clean had I just used really hot water. I'd have to try them again on a very soiled load before I could make a good verdict on this. That being said - it does NOT work on removing deodorant from shirts.

However, it claims that there's a myriad of uses other than laundering...

PERSONAL USE
  • Mosquito Repellent: Spray it onto your hands and then rub onto bare arms, legs or face. Safe and gentle to use for babies and children.
  • Liquid Hand Soap: Fill a regular or foaming pump bottle with the liquid and use to wash your hands. It will not create tons of lather like traditional soap, but it will still get your hands clean. Also consider adding some tea tree oil to make your hand wash a tea tree soap.
  • Shampoo: Use the liquid instead of your regular shampoo. It can even help prevent dandruff and hair loss! Leave it on your scalp for 5-10 minutes, and rinse as normal. It will not create a lot of suds, but it will still work!

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Try your Rockin' Green for FREE!!!
Sugar Baby Sweetness is currently having a $50 gift certificate giveaway on their facebook page. They carry Rockin' Green products! web product link

Thursday, October 21

Sunday, October 17

TODAY ONLY! Agoo And Fuzzibunz AND Bumkins Pull-on Pants 50% Off





Fuzzibunz and Leg Huggers.. what a perfect combo!

Why not add a little mystery?
Each Diaper includes one mystery pair of Bamboo Leg Huggers. Pick your color diaper, your babies gender and wait for the surprise in your mail box! Fuzzibunz are available in sized and one size.


Go to Baby Half Off, one day only while supplies lasts.

* I've ordered from them before, took 5 days to receive shipment. Leg Huggers are soft, but very long. I need to fold mine in half for Kate.


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EcoBabyBuys.com is a one-deal-a-day website that offers at least 40% off retail prices on eco-friendly, organic, non-toxic and fairly traded products for babies, children and expectant parents. Daily Eco-Buys include clothing (organic cotton, bamboo & soy), toys, bedding, gear, bath and feeding accessories for baby and toddler alike! We currently ship within the U.S. and Canada.

Friday, October 15

AppleCheeks Review

Apple Cheeks Diaper (BLOG) (WEB)

I won this AppleCheeks diaper from 3 Little Monkeys on Bank Street, here in Ottawa.

I love the fit of this diaper. It is very sleek, and I didn't have to move up a size in my onesie to accommodate this diaper. We used this for our long trip (7 hours) up north over the weekend, and it sustained a 4 hour nap in the car. It was soaked - but there were no leaks. So far this is one of my favourites. Canadian made in Montreal, the AppleCheeks system is a much trimmer fit that most of the other diapers I've tested. Looks very similar to the Anne-Marie Padorie (AMP) envelope wrap diaper, although I have yet to test their version. The cover is an envelope design similar to a pocket BUT there's no need to unstuff since the inserts slip out in the wash. I HIGHLY recommend having a few of these in your stash.

I liked this one so much that I've gone out and bought 3 more. :) They come in vibrant and cheerful colours. Trial packages are available - 1 cover with 3 prefold inserts. The diaper cover retails for $20.00 CAD and the bamboo insert for $9.00 CAD, although I also use extra Fuzzibunz microfleece insert for ease of use. I'm also using one of their storage sacs and it does the job. I would however prefer canvas handles and an elasticized opening to ease over my garbage can.

Pros:
  • Absorbency - Great absorbency
  • Fit - great fit, poofs a bit at the bum, can buy tab extenders to lengthen the lifespan of the diaper
  • Leaks - 2 over the last 2 months
  • Softness - bamboo is really soft
  • Drying time - 2-3 hours
  • Insert - a bamboo or hemp prefold that stuffs into the pocket
  • Ease of Use - a little confusing for newbies, diaper is an easy toss into pail, no need to unstuff
  • Style - Vibrant colours
Cons:
  • Retail price - a little high at $30 for a complete diaper without booster
  • Insert - can twist, pocket is a little difficult to stuff






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Would you like to try your own???

Sugar Baby Sweetness is currently having a $50 gift certificate giveaway on their facebook fan page. Go to http://www.facebook.com/SugarBabySweetness to enter!

Thursday, October 14

Seven Sling Review

Seven Sling Review (WEB)

I got this sling as a tester (I had purchased their Hooter Hider from the same mothership). This carrier came as a gift set with matching baby leg warmers and an adult acrylic cuff bracelet. I wasn't too keen on the print of the baby leg warmers, but the bracelet was pretty sharp. That being said, the pouch sling... I was disappointed with this. It retails for $48 US (Gift set retails for $72 US) and is nothing but a thin one-sided material. I found it uncomfortable to wear and didn't feel safe using it. It lasted one day as a carrier and I am now using it to tuck baby into her car seat as a wind and rain protector. Save your money and try something else... then come back and tell me about it!

Monkey Doodlez Review

Review (WEB)

As cute as these diapers are.. I do have 1 issue... not one of my diapers are actually the same at the other... This diaper retails at $22.00 CAD and I've bought several online and in-store.

I have about 8 of these in small, in solids, really fun prints (see Betsy on the right) and minkies - not 1 of them fits the same at the other. (I also have mediums and medium-longs to test out later). That being said, I haven't had any issues to far. Other than the hook and loop tabs seems to come undone and do cause pilling in the wash. I don't see any difference between the Bamboo Doodlez and the Micro Doodlez. Save your money and opt for the cheaper Micro instead. I also tried the Pocket version of these diapers. Stuffing is a little more difficult that other company and although with other Pockets you can mix and match your favourite cover with your favourite insert... this is impossible with the Monkey Doodlez. The AIO is a great way to ease someone into cloth diapering, sitters seem to prefer this - however, it's not the best one out there. Drying does take time. I've started putting them in the dryer until mostly dry and then I hang to dry.

* Please note that I have not tried their Tuck and Go™ system.

Happy Heinys Review



Happy Heinys Review (BLOG) (WEB)

Kate is short. Unfortunately, I can't use the Happy Heinys One Size. Instead we've opted to try the Happy Heinys Pocket Diaper in Small with Hook and Loop closure. This diaper is adorable! I don't bother covering it up. I feel that with such a cute design, it would be a shame to hide it. This is my favourite diaper to pair with Baby Legs or to wear under a dress. No leaks, I even had a BIG mess in there, and my diaper suffered a bit of staining, but nothing an overnight soak in Rockin' Green and a bit of sunning couldn't handle.

Bulkiness is minimal. I was still able to put on pants without having to jump up to the next size. I tried this diaper with the microfleece insert, but opted to buy the hemp insert with oval doubler. Pay the extra few dollars for the hemp. You won't be sorry. Pocket diaper with 1 insert retails for $22.95 CAD

Wednesday, October 6

Little Beetle Diaper Review

The Little Beetle Diaper (WEB)

A few weeks ago, I won a Little Beetle Diaper from BetterForBabies. This diaper retails for $24.95 US and is made of organic cotton and is a fitted diapers that comes with a semi-attached and foldable beetle booster. This diaper is ideal for heavy wetters or as a nighttime diaper. It has a doubler that slides under a sewn in booster. Made in USA.

This is a SOFT diaper. A cover is a must. I tried it without a cover to see how long it would last before she peed through it... after her feed,... it was about 30 minutes. and it went through. However, I used a JamTot cover (Retails for $21.95 CAD with this diaper last night and I must day that I'm pretty impressed. the ENTIRE diaper soaks up pee. Kate slept for about 5 hours with this puppy and no leaks, no mess, just a very soggy diaper.

One downside.. at a whopping 9lbs 3 oz, Kate looked like she was wearing a sleeping bag. That being said,.. this is strictly being used as a nighttime diaper for us. It's just took bulky to wear under pants - I tried and I couldn't button up her sleeper with this.

Tuesday, October 5

Outgrow Outplay.. it's not all positive...

It took a while, but I finally have a few minutes to share my reviews!

Back in the Spring, I attended the Outgrow Outplay consignment show out in Orleans. I had a GREAT time, found some AMAZING deals and recommended the event to everyone!
I got more info and decided to try myself out as a consignor. Unfortunately, it tarnished my thoughts behind this event. It took me WAY too many hours to prepare myself - I literally spent about 1 week, a few hour every night tagging and displaying my items. I had a ridiculous amount of items to consign and figured that after tagging over $1000 worth of items, I'd see at least $100-200 worth in revenue... wrong. Normally you only get 60-65% of the consigned return... I decided to volunteer a double shift to get 75% and knock my member fee from $15 down to $10.

Long story short - it was a LONG day dealing with VERY RUDE people who probably didn't realize that this was not a garage sale where you can wheel and deal with any volunteer on the floor. I also caught a few shoppers opening up packages and trying to mix and match items. That equals stealing!!! One consignor will have lost money because someone else figured that hat looked cuter with someone else's mitts. On top of that,... I welcome the idea of allowing your kids to attend,... BUT letting the kids run rampant destroying toys from consignors who were unable to volunteer and therefore can't guard their merchandise was very disrespectful.

Could be that I attempted to do with after 1 weeks of giving birth to Kate, (my annoyance might stem from postpartum exhaustion) but for the measley $90 I made and the items that mysteriously disappeared, I actually decided to bail from the shows and I'm now attempted to take the cut and drop my stuff off to local shops. I'd rather only get 40% not have to pay a fee and keep my sanity.

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Canadian Education Scholarships

On a bright note, I did meet a very nice man who's helping me out with RESPs so my dear Kate will actually be able to afford going to school when it comes a kazillion dollars.

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My renewed faith in humans.

As some of you know, my labour day was quite eventful for me... no baby, however, I did have someone back up into my car. I went into labour the very next day and couldn't be bothered by dealing with the insurance after my car already looks like a derby car from a prior hit, and from parking at the Park-N-Ride. Surprise!!! The lady who hit me called the insurance company, and let them know she was completely at fault and took care of everything for me! Car is now fixed and it barely cost me a headache.

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MAKE YOUR OWN TUTU!!!

Fun Website!!! http://www.make-your-own-baby-stuff.com/baby-tutus.html