Wahmies Pail Liner Review and Giveaway

After doing the Wahmies Wet Bag review a while back and loving that product, I was thrilled when Wahmies contacted me to review two more of their procucts!!!  (stay tuned tomorrow for another one!)  I am always looking for new products and new cloth diapering accessories to try, so I was excited when they sent me a Wahmies Pail liner to review.

When looking at this pail liner, it seems so simple, but the construction of this pail liner is perfect!  The overall fabric of the liner is Waterproof Polyurethane Laminated Polyester (PUL) so it is waterproof, wipe able, and machine washable with the rest of your diaper laundry.  It is so convenient that you can just toss the diapers into the washer and toss the pail liner in along with them!

The Wahmies Pail liner is designed with an elastic top to the liner that will stretch and hug any size pail.  The Pail Liner measures 29 inches tall and fits most diaper pails or standard Kitchen trash cans up to 53 quarts/ 13 gallons.

Also at the top of the Pail Liner is a stretchy elastic band.  This is the Wahmies “custom closure” device.  When you are removing the pail for wash day, simply pull the elastic around the top of the pail liner to close the bag!  The elastic is long enough to get around the bag but not long enough to pose a strangulation hazard for your little one.

If you are having stink issues with your pail or if you just want your pail to smell nice, there is a fabric pad sewn into the inside seam of the pail liner that you can put tea tree oil or other fragrances on to keep your pail smelling fresh.  I did not have any stink issues with this liner, but this is a nice feature if you like to smell something nice when you lift the pail lid!

I love this pail liner!  It works well in my diaper pail, it washes up nicely with no wear or tear, and it is a cinch to use!  I have found that it fits my pail better, is constructed better, and is more resistant to smells than my other washable pail liners! A+

Total Stars:  ★★★★★

I use a simple 10 gallon kitchen garbage can with a step to open the lid as my diaper pail.  I highly recommend this as it works perfectly, is a ton cheaper than a diaper pail, and is readily available at local stores.  It is available from Walmart here for $14.94.

You may Purchase this pail liner from my affiliates Kelly’s Closet and Happy Baby Company, affiliate links to right.  Or Giveaway below!

PLEASE FOLLOW WAHMIES AND PLEASE REMEMBER TO THANK THEM FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Wahmies on Facebook

Wooly Rounds Extra Entry Answer.

Sadly...I must have made this too hard, no one go it right. :(  But I completely understand why.  Many of you put that the diaper in the back left corner was an Applecheeks....I have to agree, it does look like one!  But it is an AMP diaper.  So I decided to give anyone who got 3/5 right the bonus point!  Thanks for playing!  I will make it easier next time!!!  What do you think about the photo bonus entry?  Like or not?

Birthday Bash Giveaways!

In honor of TMG's first Birthday and as a way to thank all of you FABULOUS fans for supporting me and this blog, I have rounded up a HUGE giveaway spectacular event!  Below you will find information on each giveaway, links to sponsor pages, and finally, the giveaways!  It is simple to enter, just fill in the one and only mandatory entry for each item.  If you do not wish to enter for a specific item, you may leave that one blank.

Also, with the ever changing Facebook laws, I will no longer be using Facebook as an entry in the giveaways.  So below with the item and sponsor information is also their Facebook and Twitter links.  Please follow them and thank them for this amazing giveaway, but of course, this is not mandatory nor is it an entry.  It is just a nice thing to do for these amazing sponsors who are giving away free items!

Giveaway ends August 22nd at midnight and winners will be announced on the blog and emailed on August 23rd.  All winners will be drawn using random.org.

Everything Birth - Garden Dreams Baby Bum Butter 2 oz.
Everything Birth on Facebook
Everything Birth on Twitter

A gentle cream formulated to heal rash and protect baby's tender bum from irritating moisture.  Works great on overworked hands as well!

Fuzzibunz - Hanging Diaper Pail and One-Size Diaper
Fuzzibunz on Facebook
Fuzzibunz on Twitter

Winner's choice of colors.

Rockin Green Laundry Detergent - 90/180 Bag of Detergent
Rockin Green on Facebook
Rockin Green on Twitter

Winner's choice of formula and scent.

Miss Lily's Washing Powder - Full Bag of Detergent
Miss Lily's on Facebook

Winner's choice of scent, unscented, or oils.

EcoMcBaby - Customized Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags
EcoMcBaby on Facebook

Winner's choice of fabric.


Reusable sandwich and snack bags made of decorative cotton outer layer and a waterproof PUL inner layer. To clean, simply turn inside out and rinse!

Sandwich bag: 7 x 6.5

Snack bag: 3.5 x 6.5

You may search through the EcoMcBaby ready to sell items to see what fabric choices are in stock, but she is also willing to work with the winner to find a fabric choice or theme that you like.

GoGreen Pocket Diapers - Champ Diaper
GoGreen Pocket Diapers on Facebook
GoGreen Pocket Diapers on Twitter

Winner's choice of color/print.

Diva Diapers - $25 Gift Certificate
Diva Diapers on Facebook
Diva Diapers on Twitter

MammaMichal's Freshly Made Natural Body Care Products - Gift Vouchers 
MammaMichal's on Facebook

For this Giveaway, there are four vouchers and will be four different winners.  I will email the first winner for their choice of voucher, than the second, and so on.


The vouchers are:

1.  35% off aromatherapy lotions.  Chose from:
*8 oz Aromatherapy Rose Lotion
*8 oz Aromatherapy English Garden Lotion
*8 oz Aromatherapy Lavender Lotion
*8 ox Aromatherapy Rustic Touch Lotion


2.  50% of our hot lava muscle rub

3.  Spa for all Package - Buy any of our 8 oz aromatherapy lotions at regular price and receive 25% off our hot lava muscle rub, 50% off our herbal healing salve, a free lipbalm and free shipping to USA.

4.  50% off our Aromatherapy Floral Bath Salts.

  

ShinyHineys - Nursery Tub and Travel Wipes case in Pink Picnic.
ShinyHineys on Facebook

Bebe Au Lait - Nursing Cover
Bebe Au Lait on Facebook
Bebe Au Lait on Twitter

Winner's choice of print.

Thirsties - Duo Wrap and Duo Hemp Prefold
Thirsties on Facebook
Thirsties on Twitter

Winner's choice of size, print/color, and closure.

Again, Please Please Please follow these sponsors on Facebook and Twitter.  And Please thank them as well!!!  Giveaways below!  Good luck!!!

Thirsties Duo Wrap and Duo Hemp Prefold Review

Thirsties Website

Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover (Aplix only)

Size 1 – Fits 6-18 pounds

Size 2 – Fits 18-40 pounds

Price Per Cover:  ★★★★☆  This cover retails for $12.25 - $13.25 making it one of the more affordable covers.  The price varies depending on size and print.  This cover is not a OS cover, therefore you will need 2 different sized covers to get your child from birth to potty.  While needing two different sizes may not be optimal for some parents, some of the other features of this cover may warrant the extra money for the two different sizes.  This cover is available from both of my affiliates, links to right.

Leaks:  ★★★★★  This cover is made from a very soft and stretchy polyester with urethane laminated inner.  This fabric combination is bullet proof at leaks getting through the fabric itself.  This cover also features elastic in the back waist and front waist to hug baby and hold in leaks from these areas as well as elastic leg gussets to hug baby and hold in messes around the legs.  This cover also has a flap at the front of the diaper but Thirsties does not recommend using this to hold the insert in place, the insert should sit on top of the cover, not in the flap.

Fit:  ★★★★★  This cover comes in two different sizes, size 1 and size 2.  While many parents love the longevity of the OS covers and diapers, Thirsties has broken down their diapers and covers into two sizes giving them a supreme fit over the OS counterparts.  In actuality, most OS diapers will not fit at birth and will not last until potty training, meaning many parents have to buy three sizes of diapers.  This cover features a three snap down rise (just like OS) in order to customize the fit for your baby.  I was shocked when I got this cover that my daughter needed it snapped down one rise.  My 20 month old is generally on the largest setting of most OS diapers that claim to fit to 35 pounds.  This cover fits to 40 pounds and I had to snap down the rise one snap.  Also, I have only tried this cover in aplix closure.  The aplix is very strong and well made.  After many washes and wear, I can see no signs of breakdown on the aplix.  Also, the aplix gives you the ability to fit the cover specifically to your baby.

Ease of Use:  ★★★★★  It cannot get any easier than this cover.  This cover is a breeze to put on, fits well, and can be simply wiped between uses.

Washing:  ★★★★★  This cover looks brand new.  The polyester material does not hold stains and shows no wear or tear.  The inner is laminated, so dirt and grime just comes right off.  The aplix shows no wear and appears to be very well made to withstand many years of use.  The best part is, this cover can simply be wiped between uses and only washed when it is soiled or has been used a few times.  This means less laundry for you!

Overall Performance:  ★★★★★  I am in LOVE with this cover!  It does not get any easier than this!  Combine this cover with a Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted for a bullet proof diaper!  Also, Thirsties are made in the USA.  This cover gets a score of 29/30 and it deserves every star!!!

Total Stars:  29/30

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold

Size 1 –  13.5in x 15in (before wash) for 6-18 pounds

Size 2 –  16.5in x 16.5in (before wash) for 18-40 pounds

Price Per Prefold:  ★★★☆☆  This prefold retails for $7 each.  This prefold is made from 55% hemp and 45% cotton as opposed to traditional 100% cotton prefolds.  The addition of hemp to this prefold makes it extraordinarily soft to the touch (Thirsties calls it “buttery” and it is!), naturally antimicrobial, and more absorbent than the 100% cotton prefolds.  For these reasons, the price may be worth it!

Absorbency:  ★★★★★  My heavy wetting daughter did not pee through this prefold.  I shouldn’t have been surprised since it is hemp, but because it is so trim, I had my doubts.   I used this prefold with the Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover for naps and at night, and had no problems with absorbency or leaking.  The Duo Hemp prefold is extremely absorbent and contained every drop of pee my daughter gave it!

Ease of Use:  ★★★★★  When this insert first arrived, I looked at it like it was a puzzle.  It is not made like traditional prefolds but rather it is sewn in a loop.  Because it is sewn in a loop, there is an additional 1 in. piece of fabric on the one end.  After a few uses, I found just how brilliant this construction was.  Because the fabric is sewn in a loop, the prefold dries extremely fast, even air drying!  It is easy to wash (even hand wash), easy to dry, and easy to simply tri-fold and place in a cover.  This prefold is also easy to size as you can simply fold to make it smaller or unfold to make it bigger depending on your child’s size.  My initial confusion was simply seeing a new item, but after use, I am amazed at how easy this prefold, how well it works, and how easy it is to care for.

Total Stars:  13/15

You may purchase Thirsties products from my affiliate links to right.  Or check out the TMG Birthday Bash Giveaways (to be posted later today) for the giveaway!  One lucky reader will win a Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover in their choice of color/print and Duo Hemp Prefold!

Additional Links:

Thirsties Catalog
Thirsties on Facebook
Thirsties Retailers

Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover Review

Recently, I was sent a Bebe Au Lait nursing cover in Chateau Silver to review.  Even before I opened the package, I could tell how beautiful the print on this cover was.  Bebe Au Lait has their own exclusive prints and has designed them with mom in mind.  Just one look at the different prints they make, and you can see how much care they put into making lovely attractive prints.  Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful gifts that you can give your child.  While breastfeeding is an art, it is nice to have a cover that is just as beautiful as the gift you are giving your child.

Whether you are using a cover because of your modesty or whether it is because others around you are uncomfortable with you just whipping out the breast to feed your child, this cover provides comfortable protection for both you and baby.  The cover is made of a soft 100% cotton fabric which is light and breathes easily to keep you and baby covered but cool. 

This cover also has 100% cotton terry cloth pockets on the inside bottom corners of the cover.  These are perfect for nursing pads, pacifiers, etc when you are nursing and can be a quick and easy burp cloth for those little spit ups.

The most unique part of this nursing cover is the neck line.  We have all been there…you are using both hands to get baby latched and you cannot see what you are doing because the cover is in the way.  Bebe Au Lait has brilliantly put a rigid boning around the neckline.  This makes it possible to use both hands and still see baby.  This also promotes bonding since baby can see you as well.  Also, this allows for more ventilation.  While the boning allows for you to see each other, it does not stick out far enough for others to see down your shirt.  And with the adjustable neck strap, you can raise or lower the cover depending on your stature, etc.

Looking down into the cover from the top.

The best part of this cover, its generous size.  As a plus sized mama, I am always worried that One-Size items will be too small.  This cover is generously sized and I find it roomy enough for me, a boppy, and a baby to fit under and still maintain coverage.  Perfect!

Additionally, this cover can be used for multiple other purposes such as carseat or baby carrier cover, sunshade on the stroller, as a blanket, changing pad, etc.  The possibilities are endless!

This cover washed well with no wear, tear, fading, etc.  Also, the boning in the neck, which I was concerned about, had no trouble in the wash.  It came out perfectly with no poking through the fabric, no problems, and went right back into its rounded shape.

Overall, I really love this cover.  It is simple, yet has everything you could want!  The beautiful prints, the terry pockets/burp cloth, the rigid neckline, the adjustable neck strap, and the generous size!  It all adds up to one great nursing cover that moms will ask you about!

Total Stars: ★★★★★ 

You may purchase Bebe Au Lait Covers here or check the TMG Birthday Bash Giveaways (to be posted later today) for the giveaway!!!  One lucky reader will win a Bebe Au Lait Nursing cover in their choice of color!

Changing Diapers - The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering Review

I have never written a book review before, so this is uncharted territory.  But if ever I was going to do a book review, this is THEE book for me to review.  Recently, I was contacted to review Kelly Wel’s new book “Changing Diapers The Hip Mom’s Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering" and I was thrilled to have this opportunity to check out Kelly’s new book!

To put it simply, this book is a MUST for every parent who already cloth diapers, who is thinking about cloth diapering, or someone who knows nothing about cloth diapering and you want to show them how easy it is.  Kelly did an amazing job of taking the TON of information associated with cloth diapering and broke it down piece by piece into understandable language and concise sections.  Her tone throughout the book is friendly and she writes as though she is sitting on the couch next to you sipping a cup of coffee.  You completely forget that you are reading a book…let alone a “how to” book.

Kelly perfectly entwines reasons for cloth diapering, key points, how-tos, and a bunch of quotes and hints from moms like us.  Kelly also does a wonderful job to not put down disposable diapers.  She does not speak out negatively about disposables but rather gives information on how and why cloth diapering can be beneficial to your family, your child, your wallet, and the environment.  The book is factual and informational without being negative toward disposable diapers or parents who chose to use them.

The book is also put together perfectly into chapters that make sense and the book flows easily from topic to topic.  As I read the book, I would think of something that I thought she should have added only to find it later in the book.  I cannot think of a single thing that she left out or forgot.  The only thing that I might add would be a more thorough list of diaper brands in the back of the book, but with the enormous volume of brands and WAHM’s out there, you have to stop at some point so I can completely understand why she only mentioned the few that she did.

Any parent considering cloth diapering would find this book easy to read, easy to follow, and complete with every piece of information you need to know to start cloth diapering.  We have all struck out on the internet with a question or a quandary only to find 10,000 different sites and even more opinions or tips.  It is hard for even an experienced cloth diapering parent to sort through all of that information.  Kelly has worked to create a concise, to the point, easy to read, and even easier to understand reference book that answers any question you may have about cloth diapering.  And as an RDA member and experienced cloth diapering parent, you know you can trust what she says.

The best chapter in the book to show any newbie cloth diaperer, is Cloth Diapering 101 where Kelly discusses and gives examples of the different types of cloth diapers; All in Ones, Pockets, One Size Diapers, All in Twos, Flats, Prefolds, Fitteds, Hybrid Diapers, and Covers.  I think this is the hardest part for newbies to understand and get past to start diapering.  The overwhelming amount of choices can make anyone’s head swim and can turn many people off from cloth diapering right there.  Kelly broke this down into very understandable and manageable sections so that it is not too overwhelming.

Overall, I love this book!  Anyone can learn from it whether they have been cloth diapering for years or are just starting.  The book helps to make decisions on what cloth diaper to buy, explains what all you need to buy to cloth diaper, explains accessories, discusses wash techniques as well as troubleshooting in the wash, and discusses the benefits of switching to cloth.  This book is the whole package; the whole cloth diapering package that is!

Total Stars:  ★★★★★

Miss A doing a little light reading during a diaper change...

As a special treat, I also had my husband read the book.  He proclaims to not understand cloth diapering and it seems that anything I tell him goes in one ear and out the other.  All he knows is to get a diaper out of the bin, put it on Miss A, take it off when dirty, put it in the pail, and put a clean one on.  Terms like Pockets, AIO’s, AI2’s, Hybrids, One Size, etc absolutely elude him.  Diaper on and Diaper off…that’s all he knows.  When we first started using cloth diapers, if there were disposables in the house, he would just use those rather than use the cloth.  I soon realized this, and stopped buying disposables!  Ever since, he has been so supportive of the cloth diapering and has not complained…much!  So I asked him if he would read Kelly’s book and give me his opinion.  He read the book cover to cover in an evening and then excitedly reported his thoughts.  I was surprised to have a very long conversation on the finer points of cloth diapering and find that he is even more in love with it now that he understands more!  When I asked him to write a paragraph or two for the blog, all the color drained out of his face! LOL!  He has a PHD and had to write a gazillion page thesis and yet a summary of his thoughts on a Cloth Diapering book make him nervous!  Anyway…after a long while of staring at the laptop, this is what he had to say!

My first response to my wife after reading the book was, “why the h**l don’t we have a diaper sprayer!?” since scraping poop off with toilet paper was my main deterrent in cloth diapering!  But seriously, I was surprised that the book answered any and all questions that I had about cloth diapering (e.g. how to wash diapers, different types of diapers, benefits of each, how many diapers to buy).  My wife often tries to explain the different types of cloth diapers but it was not until I read this book with the diagrams that it seems to have stuck with me.  As a visual person myself, I would have liked to seen a chart comparing the pros and cons of each of the major types of diapers but since it was clearly described in the passages I guess that it was not necessary.  Also, while I respect that everyone is going to have different preferences in diapers and that one diaper may fit your baby better than another, I would have liked Kelly to give more of her opinion as to what diaper brands are the best for the money, if there are any brands to stay away from, and what types of diapers would she buy if she knew what she knows now and had to do it all over again.  But whether you know absolutely nothing about cloth diapering or you have been cloth diapering for years, you will definitely learn some things you did not know from reading this book. ~Ryan (Mr. TMG)

To this I said…I will order a diaper sprayer tomorrow! J  The only reason why we do not have a diaper sprayer yet is the fact that we are trying to sell our house and I did not want to hook it up only to move.  Plus, I did not think that my husband would appreciate having to hook it up and then have this contraption on the side of our toilet.  But, since I have wanted one forever, and now my husband is on board too…bring on the diaper sprayer!  I also love the fact that now my husband truly understands what I am talking about when I go on a cloth diapering rant!!!  He can’t play dumb anymore!  And now that he understands how to wash diapers…hmmm…he may have a new job!

I snapped this when he wasn't paying attention...hehe!

This book is available for pre-order now and will be released on October 1st 2011.  Kelly's book is also available for Nook pre-order (love my Nook!) and I have heard that it will be available for Kindle as well.

If you would like to pre-order this book now, you can purchase here.  Please use the coupon code "MOMMY" for 50% off your purchase!  That was no typo...it is honestly 50%!!!  Coupon is valid through Sept. 30th!  The link above is also my affiliate link (plus the button link to right).  By purchasing through this link, you earn me a commission.  Additionally, each time I earn enough commission to purchase another book, I will give it away on the blog!  The number of books that I give away is ENDLESS it all depends on how many you guys buy!!!  Happy Reading!  PS.  All pre-ordered books will be autographed by Kelly Wels...how cool is that???!!!

Please Follow Kelly and please thank her for the Giveaway!!!

Kelly Wels on Facebook
Changing Diapers Book on Facebook
Kelly Wels on Twitter

Wooly Rounds Review and Giveaway

A few weeks back, I was contacted by Cyndi the creator and owner of Wooly Rounds, to review her product!  I was so excited to do this review since I have been hearing so much buzz about wool dryer balls but hadn’t had the chance to try them yet.

Wool Dryer balls are one of those “why didn’t I think of that” inventions.  By rolling wool yarn into a ball and meticulously felting it, you have a time and energy saving dryer ball.  Wool dryer balls can cut down on dryer time (decrease your electric or gas bill), soften, and cut down on static cling.  These are all wonderful uses especially for cloth diapers which you do not want in the dryer too long, you cannot use fabric softener on, and the static cling of cloth wipes on microfiber is annoying to say the least!  Wool dryer balls cure all of these problems!!!  The most important being that dryer balls cut down on dry time and can save you a ton of money!

Wooly Rounds is one maker of wool dryer balls!  Right from the package, I was amazed at the quality of the balls.  I have never used dryer balls before, but I was still amazed at how tightly bound the yarn was and how well felted the ball was; I could barely make out the lines of the yarn.  The ball is also quite solid and firm, not soft and squishy like I thought it would be.

The dryer test.  The Wooly Rounds held up wonderfully in the dryer.  I have been using these balls in my laundry for over a month and they still look as they did right from the package.  The balls are so well constructed and put together that not one single piece of yarn has come loose or out of place.

And the results.  I am extremely pleased with how these balls helped my laundry.  They cut down on the static cling tremendously.  I used these balls in our clothing laundry as well as my cloth diapers and the difference in softness and static is amazing!  I also noticed a HUGE decrease in my dryer run time which is a big bonus!  I was not expecting such a large difference in the run time, but it really did make a difference!  I love that something so simple can make a huge difference in how much my electric bill is!

My only complaint, and I feel this will be true with any dryer balls, is the noise.  It did not matter how large or small my load was or how many or few balls I used, there was the THUMP THUMP of the dryer balls going around the dryer.  If my washer and dryer were in my basement, this would be no biggie.  But, my washer and dryer are in our second floor bathroom next to our master bedroom and right across the hall from Miss A’s bedroom.  I had to be careful to either not use the dryer at night/nap or not use the dryer balls.

Overall, I love these dryer balls!  They are such a smart and simple idea but they make such a huge difference in your laundry and your wallet!

Total Stars: ★★★★★  

You may purchase wool dryer balls directly from Wooly Rounds here or Giveaway below!

EXTRA ENTRY FOR GIVEAWAY!

For one extra entry in this giveaway, name the 5 brands of diapers show in this photo.  Answers will be posted when winner is announced.