2016 Flats & Handwashing Challenge Day 1: Why I'm Taking the Challenge

             Hey folks! It's day 1 of this year's Flats & Handwashing Challenge! This is my first year to participate, so I'm excited to be a part of it. Today we're talking about why we chose to take the Flats & Handwashing challenge.

             For me, there are a few reasons. I had come across this challenge in the past, but decided not to participate in it because the handwashing was off-putting. I've been using cloth diapers a lot longer now, though, so my initial thought upon seeing the challenge this year was, “Hey! That might be fun! I already use flats all the time during the day, so that won't be that challenging! The real challenge will be handwashing everything.” Although, I already rinse everything pretty thoroughly before regular washing, so I have a feeling it won't be all that hard. I try to line dry my diapers as much as possible, so that shouldn't be an issue either since they dry so quick!

             I also thought it would be fun to participate since it's a way to help spread the love for “old fashioned diapers”. I feel like flats (and prefolds) still get kind of a bad rap since there are so many more “convenient” and new and improved cloth diaper options out there. I used flats with my first daughter and am already using them with my second, so I love them and want to share with others why they should too and not write them off immediately!

             Once I got to reading more about the challenge's origins, I thought the idea of trying this out for a week to see if it's a viable option for those who don't have much money to spend on cloth diapers and/or don't have access to a washer and dryer was really neat too. I'm all about being frugal, especially with kid/baby stuff, and used to like sharing that sort of thing on my blog. Also, to be honest, I'm so used to having a washer and dryer that I never even thought about others who may not have access to them and that hindering their decision to cloth diaper! I know. I feel like an entitled brat now.

             There you have it! Those are my main reasons for participating. Are you joining in the 2016 Flats & Handwashing Challenge too? I'd love to hear your reasons why or why not below in the comments!

Lenny Lamb Baby Carrier Giveaway

 

             If you are like me and love baby wearing, it's hard not to want to try all the carriers! For my first child I was introduced into the world of baby wearing through a knit jersey wrap and a basic soft structured carrier (SSC). 4 years and mounds of experience later I have branched out and tried several carriers, including Lenny Lamb! And I am IN LOVE!

            In comparison to the canvas style soft structured carriers that many of us are familiar with, Lenny Lamb is known for making some of the softest and most comfortable soft structured carriers! The soft jacquard fabric makes this carrier so buttery soft and mold-able from the very beginning, along with key features aimed at making the experience even more wonderful for both the wear-er and the wear-ee.
            Maman Loup takes her Lenny where ever she goes, you can read her review here to get the full details on what to expect! If you are looking for another parent's perspective, you can find a few posts on The Parenting Patch experience with baby wearing. If you are interested in learning about the wrap side of Lenny Lamb, check out The Pierogie Mama's Lenny Lamb Little Love Breeze woven wrap review!

            A few key points about Lenny Lamb Soft Structured Carriers:

-weight range: 14 lbs to 35 lbs for infant sized carrier

-full buckle carrier with 3 adjustment points

-ability to carry on your front or back, as well as crisscross shoulder straps based on your comfort

-ergonomic seat to encourage proper weight distribution on baby's hips (from "knee to knee")

-form fitting hood

-proudly made in Poland 

-two sizes available - infant and toddler 

Enter to win a Lenny Lamb infant sized Colors of Fantasy soft structured carrier by entering in the giveaway widget below!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: This giveaway is hosted by The Pierogie Mama, Maman Loup's Den and The Parenting Patch. It is not affiliated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media platform. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please email thepierogiemama@gmail.com with any questions regarding this giveaway or if you'd like to sponsor a future giveaway or blog post. Please see giveaway widget for full giveaway details and eligibility. 

SwaddleDesigns Muslin Swaddles Giveaway

SwaddleDesigns Muslin Swaddles Giveaway! Winner's Choice! ($30 RV)

Sponsored By: SwaddleDesigns

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Winner Will Receive:

Their Choice of 2 Muslin Swaddles! ($30 RV) Choice between: Lillie, Hedgehog, XOXO, and Panda (all prints shown).

SwaddleDesigns makes the softest, muslin cotton swaddles for your baby and you are going to love these new prints!  Be sure to check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review HERE!

Open To US - Must be 18+ to enter  Giveaway Dates ~ 5/16 12:00 AM EST through 6/1 11:59 PM EST Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received 3 swaddles at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. The winner has 48 hours to reply before a new winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

May Flowers Giveaway

Momma Without A Clue 

Presents

May Flowers Giveaway

One winner will receive a flower-themed prize pack including:

Sozo Flower Hooded Towel (ARV $16)

Check Out Momma Without a Clue SOZO Review

Stephen Joseph Toddler Flower Bucket Hat (ARV $16) 

Stephen Joseph Flower Quilted Purse (ARV $15)

Stephen Joseph Flower Water Bottle (ARV $10)

Check Out Momma Without a Clue Stephen Joseph Review

May Flowers Giveaway 

 

No bloggers participating in this giveaway are responsible for shipping this prize bundle.

13 Tips for Hiking With Kids

             Hey folks! Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes. We haven't done it as much as I would like since we've moved back to Indiana, but I'm hoping to change that soon. However, having two children now instead of just one has definitely presented some new and unique challenges. In spite of the struggles now, I wanted to share some valuable tips if you would like to start getting outdoors/hiking with your little ones too!

HumBird Creations Giveaway

     Getting rid of the overnight disposable diaper can be the final hurdle for cloth diapering parents. While cloth diapers during the day are changed frequently, an overnight diaper must last...well, overnight. HumBird Cloth Diapers are designed to do just that! With a well designed overnight hybrid cloth diaper and reasonably priced, high quality wool covers, wool wraps, longies and AI2 diapers HumBird offers an impressive range of high-absorbency diapers. With worldwide shipping as low as $3.70, they arrive fast and easy on the wallet. How do you overnight cloth diaper?

     What's to Love? In addition to adorable prints, embroidery and a selection of upcycled fabrics, HumBird diapers are well constructed and come with many layers of absorbency. The combination of a hybrid fitted diaper plus wool cover make a great system. Haven't tried wool? It's easy! While the wool is not by itself waterproof, lanolizing the diaper makes it both a breathable and water resistant layer over the high-absorbency fitted diaper. Features include:

Fitted Diaper:

• One-size construction fits approximately 11-35/40 pounds. (seen on my 20lb baby here)
• Organic hemp/bamboo materials for ultra absorbency
• Three rows of Two rise snaps
• Crossover Waist Snaps
• 10 Waist Snaps 
• Includes THREE inserts!! (Sandwich soaker, doubler and booster)
• CSPC Compliant
• Super absorbent, requires prepping as any natural fiber does. 
• Inserts can be folded and configured for custom absorbency.
• Up to 15 layers of absorbency with all inserts!
• Gentle and effective elastic leaves my baby with zero red marks!

Wool Cover:

•  Body: 100% Wool from the EU
• Waist and Legs (black part) 100% Organic Wool Jersey from Denmark!
• Breathable
• Waterproof once lanolized
• Wool is thin enough to be worn under clothing (although with the fitted it can get chunky)
• Posesses antimicrobial properties
• Serged at Seams, quality construction and extra effort! No corners cut here.
• Contoured stitching in groin area allows diaper to bend and fold where needed.

     For the Giveaway! One lucky Worldwide resident will win an Overnight Hybrid diaper plus Model 3 Cover in Girl or Neutral. Legal residents 18+, void where prohibited.

HumBird Overnight Diapering System Giveaway

Disclosure; This is not a sponsored post. This giveaway is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, Instagram or any other social media network. Open Worldwide. The Winner will be contacted through email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product fulfillment to winner(s) of the giveaway. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions please contact MamaBananasAdventures@gmail.com Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment, or lost or stolen prizes.

$35 to Growing Up Geeky Giveaway

Win $35 to Spend at Growing Up Geeky's Etsy Shop Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Growing Up Geeky

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

Co-Hosted By:

Michigan Saving and More 

Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

Winner Will Receive:

$35 to spend how they wish at Growing Up Geeky's Etsy Shop!

Growing Up Geeky makes adorable, fun, and unique clothing items for your little ones! Be sure to check out Love, Mrs. Mommy's review HERE!

Open To US - Must be 18+ to enter  Giveaway Dates ~ 5/10 12:01 AM EST through 5/24 11:59 PM EST Good Luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. Love, Mrs. Mommy received the clothing shown in the review at no cost to facilitate the above-mentioned review. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. The winner has 48 hours to reply before a new winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com. 

Fabulous Fitteds Blogger Opp

            Calling all family-friendly, eco-conscious, or cloth diapering bloggers! Mixed Bag Mama is hosting Fabulous Fitteds: A Cloth Diapering Event and needs your help promoting! This event will include an awesome prize package one lucky winner will receive. The prizes so far include:

-$40 gift certificate to Green Mountain Diapers

-EcoPosh Wool Diaper Cover (winner's choice of size)

-Osocozy Fitted Diaper-Size 1

-Imagine Baby Products Bamboo Fitted Diaper (One Size)

-Starry Nights Creations Store One Size Nighty Night Fitted Diaper

             This giveaway will begin in June or July, but the exact dates are yet to be determined. It will be open to the U.S. only. In exchange for posting on your blog and promoting on social media throughout the giveaway, you will receive one free link on the Giveaway Tools form. (More info on link options on the sign-up page.) You may also choose to share this announcement post on your blog for an extra free link. Paid links are available as well.

             You can find the announcement post html HERE and sign-up HERE. If you have any questions, please email Alicia of Mixed Bag Mama at aliciaowen6814@yahoo.com.

Cloth Diaper Your Newborn With Thirsties (Review)

*This post may contain affiliate links.*

             Hey folks! Did you know there is such a thing as newborn cloth diapers? I didn't with Myka until she was already too big for them, so if you are like me, now you know! I wanted to give some a try with #2, but not have a full on “stash” like some people. It's definitely personal preference whether you want to go with newborn diapers for the first few months or just try one size diapers, but I thought I would share my experience with our Thirsties extra small (6-12 lbs) covers if you're considering purchasing (or borrowing) some newborn diapers.

Naturepedic EOS Standard Queen Organic Mattress Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Naturepedic EOS Standard Queen Organic Mattress Giveaway ($2599 Value)

Sponsored by Naturepedic 

Hosted by Happy Mothering and the Green Moms Network. 

Shopping for a new mattress can be an intimidating experience. It seems like there are so many mattress brands to choose from, and it can be dizzying to find the one that's right for you. Before you go mattress shopping, let's talk about why most mattresses on the market these days are toxic. Did you know that most mattresses are full of lots of toxic chemicals?