Thursday, March 31, 2016

2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards Giveaway

Winter Awards Giveaway Mommy Scene 

We are very excited to announce the 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Awards, celebrating Eco-friendly product design and creative innovation. The Winter GSM Award Winners include many products designed to meet a unique need for families with kids and encourage sustainable lifestyles. Enter to win a collection of prizes sponsored by these awesome brands!

Prizes

1. b.box Diaper Caddy + Sippy Cup. Award Details
2. ciao! baby portable high chair. Award Details
3. PouchBuddy food pouch feeding attachment. Award Details
4. Darlyng & Co. Yummy Mitt. Award Details
5. Milkies Milk Trays + Softies Nursing Pads + Milkies Nipple Balm. Award Details
6. Genesis 950 Cleaner - 1 gallon. Award Details
7. Liliputi Buckle Carrier. Award Details
8. Little Dundi Recycled Paperboard Clothes Hangers - 2 sets. Award Details
9. Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap + Cozy Blanket Pouch + Ocean Discovery Box by Revelae Kids. Award Details
10. MAM Baby Brush Set + Cooler Teether. Award Details
11. Silkberry Baby Organic Footed Sleeper - Silver Cloud Owl. Award Details
12. Choice of 1 Zippy OneZ, Zipadee-Zip, Flying Squirrel, or Trendy Teether by Sleeping Baby Inc. Award Details
13. Zipzicle Ice Pop Sleeves - 2 sets of 4. Award Details
14. Wristy Buddy Octopus teething wristband. Award Details

Winter Awards Giveaway Mommy Scene

Enter to win these fabulous prizes!

This giveaway is hosted by Mommy Scene and the sponsoring brands and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on April 29th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other 2016 Winter Green Scene Mom Award Winners

Buttons Cloth Diapers - Award Details
Coco & Kiwi Sydney Diaper Bag & Training Pants - Award Details
Crane smartDROP Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier & Travel Humidifier - Award Details

Winter Green Scene Mom Awards Mommy Scene 

Enchanted Slumber All-In-One Organic Sleeper - Award Details
Wicks Beauty Baby Butter - Award Details
Woolino 4 Season Sleep Sack - Award Details
Woombie Air-Wrap & Organic Swaddle - Award Details

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated for this post or responsible for prize shipment.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Making a Homestead: The Chickens Are Here!


            Hey folks! The daffodils have already bloomed here in south central Indiana, the “rainy season” seems to be here already, and pretty soon it will be time to start planting already! We've been thinking about all of the outdoor projects we'd like to undertake all winter. It's hard to believe it's time to get them started!

            We had some decent weather a couple of weekends ago, so we did a little yard work and got started on one of the many things on our to-do list. The back of our house faces the north, for the most part, and thus collects a LOT of leaves during the fall and winter. I don't know why, but I hate looking at them and think it looks like crap with them pressed up against the house, so I took care of that. Plus, I don't like them there because I don't want mice and other critters getting the wrong idea and I like using them to prepare the garden.


            I also want to re-do the area next to our walkway. I'm sure it looked nice at one time too, but I think it looks like crap now also. John was a good boy and got started on it while I raked. We plan on moving the rocks, digging up the yucca plants and hostas, removing the black, landscaping tarp stuff, and planting flowers and maybe some herbs. I'm sure it's going to be more of a pain than I realize. Lol


            Most exciting of all, though, we finally got chickens! We learned a lesson too: Don't special order them! We evidently started looking at the chicks at the farm supply stores too early because they didn't have hardly any of the ones we wanted. So, since one store had it set up to where you could special order certain ones, we did that. Here it is almost 4 weeks later and we still haven't actually received our order. We talked to the guy who takes care of the chicks at the store last weekend. Evidently they hadn't called us yet because they were still missing two of the breeds we ordered and he wanted us to get all of them at the same time, which is understandable...but we're impatient. And it has been almost a month! Don't you think some of that breed would have hatched by now?!

 2 of each: Buff Orpingtons, Silver-laced Wyandottes, Black Australorps, Barred Rocks, and Ameraucanas
            We happened to be in town for other reasons, so we decided to stop in and see what they had at the store because it changes some each time we visit. They had every kind but one that we had ordered/wanted, so we went ahead and bought some. So, lesson learned: Be more patient. What is even more silly is that we could have had ALL the ones we wanted by now if we had gotten the bantams we're missing from another farm supply store when they had them. Oh well. I mostly wanted them because they were small and cute, truth be told. Ha ha Novelty. ;)

             Are any of you getting chickens this spring or have chicks hatching? What breeds do you have or what is your favorite one?

The Chicken Chick

Saturday, March 26, 2016

SwaddleDesigns Giveaway

Swaddle Designs Muslin Single Swaddle Giveaway
Sponsor: Swaddle Designs
Prize: Winners choice of 2 Muslin Swaddle singles from the black and white collection (Panda, Hedgehog, XOXO, & Lillies)

Wrap your baby in pure softness. Swaddle Designs boutique quality 100% cotton muslin with cheerful designs gets softer with every wash. The open weave increases breathability and reduces the risk of overheating. The generous size, square shape and helpful labels will make it easy to swaddle.

Dates: 3/26-4/9
Open to: US Residents 18+
Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!


Entry-Form

Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Why I've Become a Snap Convert


             Hey folks! While I think all of us who cloth diaper can agree that rinsing poopy cloth diapers out is not fun, I have to admit that I've kind of enjoyed playing around with cloth diapers again with our new baby. (Funny how that works, isn't it? They're so much cuter on a baby than a toddler who refuses to use the toilet, amiright?) Anyways, one aspect of cloth diapering that I've come around to at last is snaps for closures over aplix (aka Velcro).
             Once upon a time, I used to be pretty against snaps. If there was a diaper print I liked but it only came with snaps, I wouldn't get it. Why? Compared to aplix, they seemed like such a pita. I already thought the snap pajamas for babies were a nuisance, so why add more snaps to my life? Recently, though, I've changed my thinking for several reasons.

  1. You don't run the risk of getting stuck on them when rinsing. It's not happened very often, but there have been several times in the past (with Myka) that I would not notice that poo had gotten on the Velcro bits from rinsing a poopy diaper out until after I had completely washed and dried the diaper. Ew. I know a lot of you don't even bother rinsing poopy diapers out before the wash, but that majorly grosses me out. Not an option here.
  2. Snaps won't stick to everything else in the wash! We've probably all been there: You forget to secure the Velcro to the laundry tabs or they somehow came loose in the wash...and you end up doing a magic trick, pulling a looong line of diapers, clothes, and God knows what else out of the washer or dryer.
  3. Snaps won't wear out as quickly. This one is pretty obvious. Yah, aplix is a little easier to use, but it also wears out a helluva lot faster too!
  4. Snap diapers seem trimmer. Lots of people like Velcro closures because they feel they can get a better fit on baby. However, I'm realizing lately that there isn't really that much of a difference. (Or maybe I've not had to deal with my baby being “between sizes” yet?) In fact, I find the few diapers I do have with snaps seem to fit better and are more trim.
  5. They are harder for older babies/toddlers to undo! I didn't have to deal with this too much with Myka, but I can definitely see why it would be a plus for some!

             So, if you're planning on using your cloth diapers with multiply children or have a miniature nudist in the family, you may want to consider getting cloth diapers with snaps. :)

             What do you prefer? Aplix or snaps?

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

PeapodMats Giveaway

PeapodMats Waterproof Bedwetting Mat Giveaway!

Sponsored by: PeapodMats

Hosted by: Savory Savings

PeaPodMats Bedwetting Mat Giveaway March 23 - April 6 
I could definitely use one of these with my 3 year old. She did really well with potty training and didn't even have any accidents at night...until her little sister was born a couple of months ago. I would much rather try one of these out than have to waste money on diapers again!-MBM

Nighttime diaper leaks and accidents can be a real headache when you have to completely strip a bed and put it back together all while half asleep and trying to calm an upset kiddo. So why not make it easier with a waterproof bedwetting mat - the makers of PeapodMats have the perfect solution to help keep beds clean and dry and save your midnight sanity! Enter with the Giveaway Tool below. 

If you have won a PeapodMats giveaway anytime from another blog in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway. The giveaway will run from March 23 through April 6, 2016 at 11 PM CST and is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Entries will be verified. Winners will be notified via email (consider adding gloriouslygreengal@gmail.com to your safe list) – winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim prize or another winner will be selected. Good Luck!

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Greenchild Creations Diaper Review


             Hey folks! If you've been around for awhile, you know that we are cloth diaper lovers in our house. We used them pretty much all but the first month with Myka, our first daughter, and plan on doing the same with Ripley, our second daughter. However, I have to admit that we are kind of cloth diaper snobs. We use a combination of covers and prefolds/flats and that's pretty much it. I tried using pocket diapers a few times and absolutely hated them. But, since I have worked with Anne of Greenchild Creations before (no, her pocket diapers were not the ones I hated!), I couldn't resist trying one of her new and improved one size flannel fitted cloth diapers!

These diapers come with pins (if requested), but you can also request snaps or aplix for an additional cost.)
             Let's get the “cons” out of the way because there are actually a lot of things I liked about this diaper even though it's not a type we generally use! The biggest (and pretty much the only) “bad” thing about the flannel OS diaper is that it is pretty bulky for an infant, even without doing any stuffing of the pocket. But, this is kind of to be expected since it is a one size diaper and not a newborn or smaller sized diaper. Also, I'm not sure how our Best Bottom covers compare size-wise to others, but you will need a generously sized cover. (Greenchild Creations also sells really cute covers, FYI!) For the record, I have played more since I took the photos below and the poking out is no longer an issue.


 This was stuffed with a prefold, if I remember correctly. Obviously unnecessary as little as she was!

             Now that that's out of the way, let's take a look at the good stuff and why Greenchild Creations has made me more open-minded about different types of cloth diapers and a convert to fitteds! First of all, even though it is a bit bulky for smaller babies, it's a great night-time diaper. Even though she's only two months old, Ripley sleeps really well at night, especially if I swaddle her. In fact, I had to stop swaddling her at the beginning of the night because she would sleep all the way through for 8 hours! (Please don't throw anything at me!) My point is that we had no issues with this diaper leaking for that long of a time...And I didn't even stuff it with anything! Needless to say, the nice, soft flannel is very absorbent! 


             Speaking of absorbency, I think this would be a great diaper for older babies/toddlers as well. Since it has a pocket, you can customize the absorbency to your child's needs. Also, since it wouldn't be as bulky on older babies, I think it would be fine to use as a regular, daytime diaper as well.
I think by now it goes without saying that Greenchild Creations OS flannel diapers offer a lot of customization for size and fit. As you can see in the pictures, since the front flap folds down you can make the diaper whatever size you need. The crotch width is generous too, so again, perfect for older babies and toddlers! (I've also noticed that because of the nice width and because the whole diaper itself is absorbent and covers the entire inside of the cover, it's really good at keeping poo contained! In fact, it's better than our regular inserts.)


             So, since I mentioned it's “new and improved”, let's compare it to the old version. The new one is noticeably thicker, come with double-napped diaper flannel for the inner layers, and has serged edges. You will also notice in the pictures that it is slightly wider, but the length of the fold is slightly shorter. (I assure you this doesn't affect the sizing customization!) Even though the new one is thicker and therefore probably more absorbent, I've tried both the old and new versions overnight and they seem the same as far as absorbency goes. I have a feeling as Ripley gets older and pees more I will be able to notice a difference! 


             To purchase your own flannel fitted one size diaper (She also offers them with cotton velour and bamboo velour! Talk about plushy!) and browse all of the great handmade items Anne has to offer, you can visit her on Etsy at Greenchild Creations. Stay up-to-date on Facebook and show her some love on her new Instagram account! And, before you go, be sure to head over to the giveaway page for a chance to win your own one-of-a-kind print flannel fitted one size diaper!

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this review. I received product in order to facilitate my review and give my honest opinion. Those opinions may differ from your own.

Greenchild Creations Diaper Giveaway


Welcome to the Greenchild Creations Flannel Fitted One Size Diaper Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Greenchild Creations
Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama 

            Hey, cloth diaper lovers and cloth curious! It's your lucky day because Mixed Bag Mama has teamed up with Greenchild Creations to offer one lucky winner this adorable, one-of-a-kind flannel fitted one size diaper pictured above! If you would like to learn more about their diapers, please visit their shop link above and/or check out Mixed Bag Mama's review.
             To enter for a chance to win, simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below. Only your email is mandatory (only used to contact the winner), but the more entries you have, the better your chances of winning! Good luck!
 
Mixed Bag Mama and all participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment. No one was compensated for this post. This giveaway is not affiliated with and social media platform, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Milkies Milk-Saver Giveaway


Welcome to the Milkies Milk-Saver Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Fairhaven Health
Hosted By: Mixed Bag Mama 

            Hey nursing mamas! Tired of wasting breast milk and soaking through numerous nursing pads? Then you are going to love the Milkies Milk-Saver!
             The Milk-Saver is convenient and easy to use. Simply put it inside your bra or fitting tank top on the side you are not nursing or pumping on and let the Milk-Saver cup do the work for you! It holds up to two ounces, so even if you tend to leak quite a bit, you should have no problems. The cup also comes in a handy case that has a spot to stand your cup up while you finish putting your bra back on, get baby situated, etc. You can read Mixed Bag Mama's review here.
             You can purchase your own Milkies Milk-Saver on Fairhaven Health. For a chance to win your own, simply enter the Giveaway Tools form below. Only your email is mandatory (only used to contact the winner) to enter, bu the more entries you have, the more likely you are to win! Good Luck!
Mixed Bag Mama and all participating blogs were not compensated for this post nor responsible for prize shipment. This giveaway is not affiliated with any social media sites, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Milkies Milk-Saver Review

            Hey folks! I don't know about you, but I am finding out a lot of things about breastfeeding that no one told me about. Sure, I expected occasional leaking, therefore invested in some nursing pads. But I had no idea your milk would let down in both breasts at the same time! Needless to say, I found out the hard way and dealt with many soaked shirts, especially at night. That is, until I started using my Milkies Milk-Saver.

            Milkies Milk-Saver (found on Fairhaven Health) is the perfect solution to wasted breast milk. You simply insert it into your bra (or snug fitting tank top) on the side you're not nursing on and it collects your leaked milk for you! It's pretty fool-proof and the makers of it thought of everything. It even comes with a carrying case that has an area inside where you can stand your Milk-Saver cup up while you finish getting your bra back on, get baby situated, etc.
            The Milk-Saver cup is BPA and pthalate-free. It is also tested to ensure there is no chemical leaching, so you can rest assured your precious breast milk stays safe and pure for baby. The cup holds up to two ounces, so even if you leak quite a bit on your non-nursing side, you should be safe!
I discovered early on that my right side is a lot leakier than the left, so I have loved using the Milkies Milk-Saver! I was actually surprised the first time I used it because while I would usually soak right through my nursing pads, the amount actually wasn't as much as I expected. But, even if I didn't save it, at least I wasn't having to wash nursing pads as often!

            I do save the milk I get from it sometimes, though, if I plan on pumping in the next few hours. I like that it's not getting wasted because I do feel like I'm still not making quite enough for Ripley. It's nice to be able to save it for later and make her pumped milk bottles a little bit fuller. ;)
            I like that the Milk-Saver comes in a convenient case also. I haven't taken it out and about with me anywhere, but it does travel from the living room to the bedroom. Being able to stand it up inside the case is handy, needless to say, especially during the night when there's not much light to see with anyways because I keep it as dim as possible during feedings!

            Just a few more random tidbits...The nipple hole is plenty big, in case you're wondering, so you don't have to worry about getting it on just right. The cup overall is a lot bigger than I expected...then again, it does hold up to two ounces, so I'm not sure what I was expecting. Ha ha
             You can purchase your own Milkies Milk-Saver through Fairhaven Health. (Or enter to win one here!) If you are trying to conceive, pregnant, or nursing, definitely be sure to check out all of their other related products while you're there. (I wish I had known about this site while we were trying to get pregnant! So many helpful items!) Stay up-to-date with Fairhaven Health on Facebook (fertility) (pregnancy & nursing), Twitter (fertility) (pregnancy& nursing), YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram.

Mixed Bag Mama was not compensated monetarily for this review. I did receive product in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and may differ from your own.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Winning Moves Rubik's Key Ring & Brynk Games Giveaway

Winning Moves Rubik's Keyring & Brynk Games Giveaway
Sponsor: Winning Moves
The Rubik's Key Ring puzzle plays like the original 3x3 Cube! . The key ring is not only way-cool, it really works!
Brynk - Will you be able to place your pieces on the teeter-tottering base and get it to stay? Or will you upset the balance and watch as it all comes crashing down in front of you?
Dates: 3/16-3/30
Open to: US Residents 18+
Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!


Disclosure: Mixed Bag Mama did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.