Sponsor: Diaper Junction

Diaper Junction is a cloth diaper, natural parenting and baby gear retailer. Shop locally in Virginia Beach or order online anytime! Free USA Shipping on orders over $49, plus earn 5% Cash Back via their Stash Cash Customer Rewards Program with every single order you place!

Sponsor: Abby's Lane

Abby's Lane is located in Northern Virginia. They offer Free USA Shipping on all orders and carry a great selection of cloth diapers and natural parenting products as well as baby carriers. You can shop online anytime or in person at their Manassas location.

Sponsor: Jillian's Drawers

Jillian's Drawers is the home of the orginal Cloth Diaper Trial. Try 12 cloth diapers for 21 days and spend just $10! Located in Ithaca NY. Shop online or in person and see why Jillian's is one of the best places to shop for cloth diapers and more.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Bumbledoo Twitter Party hosted by The Cloth Diaper Revival is tonight at 9pm EST!

My friends at The Cloth Diaper Revival and Bumbledoo diapers are throwing a Bee-lated Mother's Day Twitter Party tonight and it looks like it's going to be super fun!
 
Bee-lated Mother's Day Twitter Party
May 21st @ 9 pm EST
Sponsored by bumbledoo
Hosted by @jennymcclamroch & @bumbledoo
Special guest panelists: @mycdstash, @clothdiaperguru, @according2jenny, @inquisitivemom, and @zephyrhillblog

To RSVP and for more details please head over to the Cloth Diaper Revival blog! Hope to see you there tonight! 

Inside Etsy Artisan Roots & Wings Jewelry Studio, get ready to drool!

Gorgeous product photos certainly help sell a product and can make almost anything on etsy look great, especially handmade goods, but it's not hard at all to capture great shots when your jewelry is as stunning as the pieces created by Roots & Wings designer Ashley Mersereau.

I had the pleasure of receiving a gorgeous necklace made by Ashley and I couldn't be more impressed.  I love knowing my necklace was handmade by a true artist and the compliments I receive when wearing it speak volumes as to how unique and eye-catching it really is.  My necklace is made of delicate wire wrapped Chalcedony on a Sterling Silver chain with a lovely silver feather charm.  I'm crazy about this piece and love wearing it and showing it off.


What else is impressive about Ashley of Roots & Wings?  Her workspace, aka studio!  Seriously folks, you can hand make or sew anything you want pretty much anywhere you want, but we all know that the more you love your workspace the more inspired and creative your work becomes.  It's not hard to imagine how creative you'd feel if you had a cozy studio like Ashley.  The photos of her studio are certainly Pinterest worthy and I hope will inspire you to get creative and spruce up your own space no matter your craft.
All of Ashley's pieces are handmade with love in Manzanita, Oregon and are super stylish yet unique.  Each will turn heads trust me! 


You can see all the pieces recently created and available for sale at Roots & Wings here in her etsy store.  She's even got a special offer just for Cloth Diaper Geek fans (see below) and soon I'll even feature a giveaway from Ashley giving you a chance to win one of her stunning creations!

Special Offer for Cloth Diaper Geek Fans!

Use code "GEEKLOVE" for 15% off any piece at Roots & Wings store.  Also, don't forget to stop by and Favorite her store and/or any of the items you love!

So, of all the pieces she has available at this time, which is YOUR favorite?

Photo Credit SOSHE

Monday, May 20, 2013

Boba 3G Baby Carrier, The answer when babywearing is a MUST!

As a mom of two young boys, babywearing has become a way of life. I didn’t wear my oldest son as often, but with two little ones, babywearing is pretty much a must. When my youngest was a Boba 3G Baby Carrier is my favorite! I love it and bring it everywhere with me!
newborn I wore him a lot so that I could get things done or do things with my oldest son. He was happy being so close to me and I was hands free to do what I needed to. Now that he’s 18 months old and can walk, babywearing still comes in handy!  I’ve tried a lot of different carriers since becoming a mom, but I think my

I use the Boba 3G in the tweet print. It’s super cute and very gender neutral! The Boba 3G can carry babies and toddler approximately 7 to 45 pounds. Isaac is 18 months and 23 pounds and fits very comfortably in the Boba 3G. My 4 year old is about 40 pounds and he can also ride comfortably in the Boba 3G, although he normally likes to walk. The Boba 3G has a front and back carry option. The straps are very supportive and the buckles are super strong. It comfortably fits adults 5 feet to 6 feet 3 inches. I am about 5 feet 3 inches and my husband is exactly 6 feet and we both find the Boba 3G very comfortable. It’s super easy to adjust for different sized adults also! Another convenience of the Boba 3G is that it can carry teeny tiny newborns without an extra infant carrier! The Boba 3G is full of great features which is why I love it so much!

Now that I have a walking and running toddler my favorite features of the Boba 3G have changed a little than when my little guy was an infant. One feature I love that hasn’t changed is how easy it is to get baby in and strapped to me. It’s very simple to use with a tiny newborn or a wiggly toddler. Another feature that I have grown to love as my son has gotten older is the supportive shoulder straps. They are perfectly padded so that you get support and comfort but not so much that the straps rub against your neck or get in the way. Also the chest straps are very easily adjustable, even when you already have baby on, which is great to get just the right fit. I also love the snap-on hood for when Isaac falls asleep while I’m wearing him! When I have the hood on him I know his head isn’t falling all over the place while he’s asleep!

These are a few of my favorite features of my Boba 3G! I loved using it when my son was a small infant and I love using it now that he is a toddler! It’s sturdy, versatile, and very comfortable, which is why the Boba 3G is my favorite baby carrier!

Bio: Michelle is a stay-at-home mommy of two boys and the mommy blogger behind The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a Second Time Mom.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Cloth Diaper Gospel, Can you trust EVERYTHING a cloth diaper blogger says?

It's recently come to my attention that families choosing to cloth diaper may take what I and other cloth diapering bloggers say to be fact, essentially cloth diaper gospel, and will do what we say without question.  Why?  Because I have a blog, because I have a generous number of fans on Facebook or perhaps because I have a fancy logo or my own domain name?

A previous post on my blog about the use of Fish Tank Ammonia Remover as a last resort method for removing ammonia from your cloth diapers has brought this to light.  I'm told that by even mentioning this method, even though I never did say that I recommended it, I could be held liable in a court of law for glorifying the use of a chemical for use on cloth diapers that will be in contact with a babies delicate skin.

I can admit, the comments have gotten to me.  Do readers take what I say as gospel?  Would a parent do something I say without even an inkling of their own research and should I feel responsible if should something happen?

I used a wetpail when I cloth diapered.  It worked wonders for my cloth diapers.  I kept the pail in our laundry room away from my children and it posed no drowning risk to them, but I cannot guarantee that should I recommend this method, or discuss how it worked for me, to the cloth diapering community that something horrible would not happen.

I cannot guarantee that a baby carrier I recommend will not be used improperly and cause injury to a child and I also can't guarantee that a cloth diaper safe detergent that I promote will not be the suspect of a baby's new blistering rash.

This is one factor that IS true for the cloth diaper industry, what works for one person may not work for another.  Someone's favorite cloth diaper may leak non-stop on another's baby, one's wash routine may be the complete opposite of what will work for another family, and most importantly, babies have sensitive skin, some more than others and they can react to even the most hypoallergneic of fabrics, detergents and rash remedies.

I dare you to visit  2-3 cloth diaper manufacturers warranty and wash instructions literature and find one that does not contradict what the other says.

I would like to clarify with you all that the goal and purpose of my blog is to advocate cloth diaper use, share helpful cloth diaper care and use tips, resources (which sometimes includes information on what has worked for other people), and to help promote some of the amazing family owned and operated businesses that retail these products.

While I am flattered that people would see me as a cloth diaper expert, there is NO one person or expert in this industry who's advice is guaranteed to work for every single family or baby every time.  You should NEVER associate the number of fans a page has or how fancy their website is with how knowledgeable, professional or educated they are on a topic.  Always do your own research, always find multiple opinions that support your decision and ultimately remember that YOU CAN not trust every person online who appear to be an expert in their field.

With that, I thank you for being a fan.  I look forward to continuing to share with those of you who take the time to follow my page and my blog.

Smooches,
Julie

Cloth Diaper Geek

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

DiaperParties.com Consultants Giveaway Winners List

This is the official winners list from the special Post-GroVia Twitter Party giveaway sponsored by DiaperParties and their consultants.  Ten great consultants offered up GroVia related prizes and the winners have now all been chosen.

If you see your name below, please allow 7 days to be contacted by the consultant who's prize you won.  Thanks for entering and for being a fan.

1.      Emily K: http://facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByEmily 1 pack Limited Edition Wipes and 1 Mini Magic Stick 
Winner:  Kegan S


2.     
Callie F: https://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByCallie Grovia Kiwi Pie Wool Cover
Winner:  Amanda Ges


3.     
Laura H: https://www.facebook.com/diaperpartiesbylaura  GroVia hybrid shell in a NEW color
Winner:  Shandy Pa

4.     
Alyssa K:   https://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByAlyssa Grovia NEW color AIO
Winner:  Nicole Ste

5.     
Liz P: http://www.facebook.com/diaperpartiesbyliz - Blue Owls Hook & Loop Shell and a 2 pack of the Stay Dry Soaker Pads
Winner:  Kristina Ros

6.     
Dana K:  https://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByDana - NB AIO in Woodlands
Winner:  Candace Bow

7.     
Melissa A: https://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesbyMelissaArndt - GroVia BioLiners
Winner:  Judith Mar

8.     
Deidre D: http://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByDeidre - GroVia Snap Shell in a NEW color
Winner:  Phillip How

9.     
Kate S: http://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesByKate - GroVia mini magic stick & Snap Hybrid shell
Winner:  Danielle Fin
 
10.   Kristen E: https://www.facebook.com/DiaperPartiesbyKristen - Mini Magic stick and Pack of size 2 Bamboo Prefolds
Winner:  Tracie Her

Friday, May 3, 2013

Remeber that time YOU entered a voting contest? Payback time!

Remember that time you entered a voting contest?  Payback time! 

No, seriously though, this is some major work.  I've decided to try for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Eco-Friendly Blog Contest and it requires votes.  I've entered contests before but this is literally the first one I can remember that needs you to get the most votes to make it IN.

I'm not generally a fan of these types of contests because some people are more popular and well connected than others which can make the contest seem unfair.  However in this case, it's a blog competition so everyone has a blog and fan base.  The fields are a little more leveled this time.

And so, I'm finding myself INTO see how my stats are and it's kind of distracting, especially since the prize is just a shiny new button for the blog and bragging rights.

Earlier I tweeted "Vote for me please!" or something of the sort, then checked a little bit later to see if I could tell if anyone had voted!   It's sucking me in!

I'm also reminded of all the voting contests I've seen and of my thoughts toward those asking for votes.  Feeling as though unless I knew the person in some way I couldn't possibly take the time to vote for every person I've seen asking for a vote or a like in a contest.  Now the shoe is on the other foot!  I love when that happens though. 

A friend of mine, Bert of the First Time Mom blog recently participated in a Biggest Loser style fitness competition and for 90 days she had to fight to get and keep votes.  Now I am realizing must have been SO stressful!

Anyhow, I'm trying to get votes and now I think I'll take it a little more seriously when I see people asking for them as well.  I've thrown many votes here or there if the voting was easy enough, but I also passed on many opportunities.

Have you entered any voting contests?  Did you find yourself really wanting to win but feeling guilty about begging for votes?  How'd it turn out?

And duh!  If you'd like to VOTE for me I would SO appreciate it!  You can find my blog listed here along with many other cool ones and you can vote for more than one and once every 24 hours!

Smooches,
Julie

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

BRAT Protein Bars, Healthy for kids and adults! Vegan, Wheat Free and Organic too!

You know how sometimes you're pleasantly surprised when your kids actually eat and like a healthy snack, one that's NOT covered in sugar or enriched with high fructose corn syrup?  Yeah, rare I know, but we've taken the approach for a while now that if you start them young on healthy and more naturally flavorful foods that it pays off in the long run.
vegan,food,organic,kids

Well I had the pleasure of receiving samples of Sweet Pea Organics B.R.A.T. bars for the second time and I'm excited to share with you how we and our friends liked them!

This time when I received our B.R.A.T. bars I was in the midst of really taking fitness seriously.  Since January 1st I've dedicated myself to exercising more than I ever have in my life combined with a healthy diet free of bad carbs, sugary drinks and processed foods.  Because of this I think I was more excited about the protein bars than anyone.

As an adult, I like the naturally sweet taste, texture of the quinoa and I really loved the bits of cherry, pecans and other hidden treats depending on the flavor.  When you're on a fitness kick you tend to eat a lot of the same foods which get boring and so the B.R.A.T. protein bars were just what I needed and very filling too.

What do kids think of the B.R.A.T. bars?  Well I decided to take my samples to a Valentines playdate with my local Natural Moms Group and find out!

vegan
As would be suspected, when placed next to faux oreos the B.R.A.T. bars don't stand a chance.  However when handed to little ones who's moms aren't giving them the choice of oreos, the result was great!  Little Avie couldn't get enough!  They're soft but not too soft.  They hold together well but aren't hard or crunchy at all.  Perfect for gumming and drooling on.

So what are B.R.A.T. bars?
B.R.A.T. protein bars are certified organic, vegan and wheat-free.  Each package contains 5 protein bars which are oval in shape and rich in natural color.

Ingredients can vary depending upon the flavor you choose.  But as an example, here are the ingredients in the Apple Cinnamon Walnut bars:
Hemp Seeds*, Quinoa*, Coconut Oil*, Apple Sauce*, Tapioca Starch*, Maple Syrup*, Dried Figs*, Oat Bran*, Dried Apple*, Walnuts*, Date Sugar*, Raisins*, Lemon Juice*, Almond Milk* (water, almonds), Cinnamon*, Sea Salt.

*Certified Organic Ingredients

Each package retails for just $3.95 each!

I really really love this product and highly recommend it.  Get your kids turned on to healthy foods early so they'll appreciate them later in life.  The BRAT bars are perfect for nursing moms who want something quick and easy that both they and their toddler can enjoy.


Flavors you might enjoy:
  • Apple Cinnamon Walnut
  • Cherry Coconut Pecan
  • Mango Pecan Cherry
  • Pumpkin Pepita Cranberry 
  • Oat Applesauce
  • Fig Quinoa Beet
You can see the entire selection and read all the ingredients here.

So what do you think?  Had you heard of Sweet Pea's B.R.A.T. bars before?  Think you'll give them a try?