October 21st #BfCafe Sponsor Bye Bye with Baby

Special guest post by Michelle...owner of Bye Bye with Baby

It’s funny how as I sit here trying to recall the first time I nursed in public – that sweet, infantile, trembling cry comes into my mind and I instantaneously place both palms to my breast (it’s happened to me a few times in the years post-breastfeeding, I call it “the phantom let-down.”) It’s actually very comforting to have such a vivid memory of something that was over for me a year or so ago, however cupping my own breasts in public was obviously such a common occurrence it has seeped into my subconscious and even with no milk left, I still check to see if I’m “leaking.”

With that introduction, it’s safe to say I produced TONS of milk! Enter the first reason nursing in public (from here on out, NIP) started out a bumpy road for me and baby Cammie. (And yes, I’m giving her just as much credit for all my nursing success and woes; she was there with me through it all… a partner of sorts who had to learn everything for the first time just as I did!) I very vividly remember sitting in a dressing room at Target, attempting to latch a 4-week-old baby rooting around blindly, pleading with her “Please, Cammie – just figure it out already… oh no… ahhhh it’s in your eye! It’s in your hair! Oh NOOOO!” Within twenty seconds, I had gotten milk EVERYWHERE: the shopping cart, all over my hands and my baby – my SHIRT – one huge sticky mess…. Once she was finally latched, I peered through the milk splatters on the mirror and started bawling my dramatic-hormonal eyes out.

I couldn’t believe how hard it was to nurse when it had been so easy in my recliner at home! Was it that stupid Boppy pillow that I cursed for 4 weeks straight about not serving any purpose what-so-ever (but still used…) – was it the other three couch pillows my husband arranged around my body to prop everything up just right… I mean what on EARTH could possibly be so hard about nursing outside of my house?! I wanted to get good at it really soon… this was my first trip out with the baby in four weeks and I was desperate it wouldn’t be my last!

On that very same trip to Target, I picked up one item that changed NIP for me – a nursing tank! Someone had suggested to wear a nursing tank under my shirt, that way I could lift my shirt up – the tank would keep my post-baby-body from being exposed to the world – and the baby could nurse : all at the same time. After a few tries, I wondered how anyone could possibly do it any differently – I didn’t even have to cover up with a blanket or nursing cover (or hide my big belly in the dressing room!), I would make sure Cammie was latched then let my shirt cover her face a bit… it took a very large load of stress away knowing I could be modest and still leave the house…

I started to get braver, putting Cammie in the sling and shopping while doing some hands-free nursing… and I got better and better at it. Don’t get me wrong, there were PLENTY of days scattered in there when we’d be out at a restaurant (I always sat in a booth so I could nurse her while eating and no one would be distracted by my actions) and she would completely forget all of the progress we had made. She would turn her head to look and see what everyone else was doing, she would latch on juuuust long enough for let-down then smile and leak milk completely down my clothes.

It’s so important to keep everything feeling natural when you’re NIP – if I was trying to force her to nurse in the sling, she’d fight me tooth-and-nail… the more stressed I would get about getting her situated, the more restless she would get. It was 100 degree weather in South Texas for the first 3 months I was nursing– so A LOT of the time I would stop by a boutique near my house that had a nursing lounge area. There is nothing worse than dressing in layers (think: nursing tank, shirt, baby, sling) in the ridiculous heat, getting sweaty and uncomfortable – so I would make a few planned stops into places I knew had special little nursing areas.

All in all, NIP grew to be second nature for us… it was never made an issue by anyone we came across, actually we got a ton of smiles and positive comments! I was very unsure in the beginning – it took a while to figure out what worked for us. If you’re having issues, I suggest you find places to stop in while you get used to nursing outside of the home… as time goes on, you’ll get more comfortable and so will baby… soon you’ll be nursing in the middle of Mardi Gras (and getting handfuls of beads, I’d imagine….)

Michelle
Owner & Mom Squad Member
www.byebyewithbaby.com

This week Michelle and Bye Bye with Baby is hosting while we talk nursing in public. We can give each other: support, advice and secrets of the trade!

While we chat...someone will win a $25 gift certificate to Tiny Prints!

RSVP to win:

and for additional entries just leave a comment(s) below!

Follow Bye Bye with Baby on twitter

Follow Bye Bye with Baby on Facebook

BabyBond Review and Giveaway...CLOSED

BabyBond sent me a BabyBond flex to review and give one away!

We've talked about nursing in public numerous times and how being confident in yourself can really be a deal breaker.

The BabyBond is soft. Softer than the "normal" nursing cover of a more scratchy cotton.

The BabyBond fits over your head like a sash. The sash consists of two cotton pieces. One piece you put under your breast and the other is placed over your breast making a peek-a-boo for your nipple!

Your breast is completely covered, no matter what kind of top you are wearing! You can still pull your shirt down or if you have a tank on, you can pull your top up!

I know that I always wear a tank, so little breast shows.....BUT Kingsley has been in this mood where she has been pushing my shirt clear up to my neck exposing my breast. I always keep my hand on constant stand-by to cover my nipple when she abruptly pulls off.
However, with the BabyBond, only a sliver shows and only a person who was in a deep staring contest with your nipple would see what you have been trying to avoid them to see.

There is a "loop" that is on the BabyBond right at the shoulder that holds a burp cloth for last second wipes or dribbles.

The BabyBond comes in 3 different styles and within those styles is a plethora of colors!

The only downside I have encountered with the BabyBond is that when nursing a toddler who is quick, efficient AND VOCAL...is that when Kingsley is done with one side she loudly expresses her need for "other side"....So I have to quickly un-sash and re-sash.
With that being said Kingsley would NEVER stand for any cover being placed over her head so the BabyBond really is an INCREDIBLE option and the only non-covering of baby option other than no cover at all....which there is nothing wrong with that, in my opinion either!

BUY ONE:
Check out the online retailers ALL over the WORLD to see where you can buy your own BabyBond!

WIN ONE:
Mandatory entry: Visit BabyBond and tell me WHICH version AND which color you would chose if you won.
(Winner will receive a size 2 turquoise BabyBond)
Follow BabyBond on twitter
Fan BabyBond on Facebook
Sign up for BabyBond's promotions and updates
Follow #BfCafe on Facebook
TWEET! Include @BabyBond and @zealandsmom (1 entry per day)

My Nifty Nappy Review and Giveaway! BY BETSY

I found My Nifty Nappy cloth diaper site online while searching for diapers with cute prints not just solid colors. I certainly found them here! Vilate was kind enough to send me a Peachykeen pocket diaper for review. She also makes the most fabulous fitteds for you ladies who love fitted diapers!
When my diaper first arrived, my reaction was "Wow! This is such a cute print! How did she know that my husband worked on a boat?" Apparently by coincidence, I received a blue diaper with lobsters and anchors with rope all around it- the perfect nautical dipe for my little sailor!

Then I saw the insert. Super soft, yummy bamboo! My favorite material for inserts! I could hardly wait to prep it and get it on his bum. I put it on G and loved the fit! The peachykeen diaper is super comfy and the bamboo insert is super absorbent. It works better each and every time I use it (that is the nature of bamboo after all!).
The snap closure is always a plus for those of us tired of fighting the dreaded diaper velcro chain and the snaps can crossover the band for those babes with a skinny waist.
I love this diaper and it is one I reach for every time it is clean. The print makes me smile and I can be sure that I will have no leaks with the bamboo. I love My Nifty Nappy!
Now for the good stuff- Who wants to win a $35 gift certificate to My Nifty Nappy? I know you do!
Here's how:

• Go to My Nifty Nappy website and tell me what fabric you would choose for your diaper and if you would choose a fitted or a pocket diaper
  
• Follow this blog - No Snakes in New Zealand
  
• Follow my new blog- Garrick Goes Green
  
• Follow My Nifty Nappy's blog
  
• Follow Danielle on Twitter @zealandsmom
  
• Follow Me on Twitter @betsyssi
  
• Follow @myniftynappy on Twitter
  
• Suscribe to My Nifty Nappy's newsletter
  
• Tweet about this giveaway!! Tweets allowed once per day, using @betsyssi, @zealandsmom, and @myniftynappy with the hashtags #clothdiapers and #giveaway.
  

Product provided but honest review given.
Contest ends July 11, 2010 at midnight EST
Betsy Knight

The direction of my blog!

So, obviously I cannot blog daily. I promised myself a 30 days of blogging and I just can't do it. I was handed a $385 verizon bill which included $190 in overage charges for hotspot. SO....that is one of the main reasons I have avoided my computer and stayed primarily on my phone. The 2nd and most important reason is that we have been kicking serious ass at Peace Love Play! We have had busy day after busy day after busy day!

Blogging news is that I have been seriously contemplating what BfCafe means to me and how what I say can help or hinder a breastfeeding mom. That is why I have decided to turn my blog into a breastfeeding blog. I will still continue to do product reviews and giveaways for the products that are near and dear to my heart.

I will start reviewing the products that are sponsored on BfCafe. I will make sure that they are suitable for the mamas that join our chats.

I also want you to know that I am considering asking for money for the sponsors for my time. I think I should be honest with you but I want you to know that by doing so, I will ensure that the products are a perfect fit and that they in some way will help the journey of the breastfeeding mom. If after reviewing the product, I feel as if it is not a good match, I will NOT bring it to our weekly chats.
Also know, that it is my promise to you, to make sure that in my best ability, I will not showcase a product or a company that is not WHO code compliant.

Now, is the time to decide if you want to continue following me on this journey.
I surely hope you do!

Early Bird Gets the Worm!

Congrats to @simplymerrier for winning the Ely Organics giveaway!
I highly recommend this sunscreen as it is rated a TWO!!
Check your sunscreen to this years charts to see what kind of carcinogens might be in your current sunscreen.

I have a lineup of some great giveaways and reviews....so keep checking in!
Thanks for reading

Little Lasso Giveaway

I know you have had this problem.
I cannot even imagine a mom that has not!
You're out, doing whatever you're doing strolling or babywearing along and your little one drops their sippy. You have either picked it up and banished it from entering your child's mouth, while they scream that they NEED it....or you missed the throwing overboard and you lost the sippy forever!
I'll tell you what we do....we use The Little Lasso to tie around Owl's neck. Yes, it looks sorta morbid but if we lost Owl, we would have a very, very sad existence and a hysterical Zealand!
When Zealand is worn in the Sherpani, we tie The Little Lasso to the carrier and it then makes a perfect pillow when he falls asleep!
I know you want one and they are so dang adorable, you'll probably want 2...the fabric choices are TOP NOTCH!

Pick a fabric that you would like to win as your MANDATORY ENTRY!

Additional entries:
Like The Little Lasso on facebook
Follow The Little Lasso on twitter
Subscribe to my blog via email
Grab my button
Tweet once per day using @zealandsmom

Ends June 15th!

Product Provided!

Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm/Sunscreen by Ely Organics giveaway

It's almost summertime and I bet you're getting together all the essentials for your pool and camping trips! Swimsuits, towels and flip flops are the easy things to buy.....you can find those anywhere! Sunscreen without carcinogens or chemicals?.....not so much. There a few lotions on the market that I trust to put on my children. Ely Organics has one of those few.
It goes on a tad thick (and I'll tell you why, further down...keep reading) and it is not waterproof but is resistant. The sunscreen does have antioxidants that protect your skin from UV rays as well a the UV blockers.
Here is a video of the reveal of the Misessence sunscreen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVOl7bQJtWU&feature=related
The products that are made by Miessence and sold by Ely Organics feature lists of ALL of their ingredients, no need to worry or second guess.
The products are manufactured by ONEgroup (Organic and Natural Enterprise Group) and the brand is called "miessence"
This sunscreen has zinc oxide which is what my mom used to put on me as a child (remember the bright pink and blue zinc on your nose?) and has been tested up to an SPF of 29.5 although the tube only states 15.
Ely Organics has a SLEW of products...go and check them out put a few in your cart and rest assured that the products you buy are WORTH it.
Ely Organics is an Independent Representative and if someone is interested in learning more they can go to this link: http://elyorganics.mienterprize.com

OH and THIS JUST IN:
miessence was just rated recommended in the 2010 EWG (Environmental Working Group) sunscreen report as one of 39 sunscreens safe to use.... out of 500 sunscreens they reviewed: http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

Wanna win a $25 gift code to Ely Organics?

Mandatory Entry:
Go to her site and pick another product that you would like to try!

Additional Entries:
Name something interesting about Ely found on her site!
Follow @elyorganics on twitter
Follow the Ely Organics blog
Like Ely Organics on Facebook
Follow my blog
Subscribe to my blog via email
Follow me on twitter
Tweet once per day include @zealandsmom and @elyorganics

Good luck!
product provided

Giveaway ends on June 13th!

Bye Bye with Baby #BfCafe

I've heard from numerous moms that they are not uncomfortable nursing in public but they don't want to make others uncomfortable.
I have heard moms gather around and tell of the amazing places they have found to nurse.
Example: I love the maternity Gap store in Jacksonville's Avenue of the Oaks. They had a dim light, a table with reading material, a soft rocking recliner and......disposable nursing pads.
And Ikea? Forget about it! I want a room just like that in my own house.
Whether you nurse in a bench in the middle of the mall or you chose to go to the designated "family" room....you have that right. The right to nurse wherever you want, whenever.
So, you decide. You can take Bye Bye with Baby's database of mom friendly places to nurse and change diapers and makes it a bible of knowledge!
Whether you are on the road during vacation in a town you know little about or you are in your own local mall, Bye Bye with Baby has some great places to nurse and have some peace of mind!

Bye Bye with Baby has generously offered 2 Udder Covers Gift Sets to giveaway, one in Jones and one in Laila. www.uddercovers.com
The set includes a nursing cover, Milk Bands™ nursing bracelet and 2 pairs of Udder Covers™ 5 ply washable breast pads!

So come chat with us and RSVP to win:

Update on life

I thought I would let those of you that are interested in Peace Love Play, some insight on how things are going. We have some amazing days! And we have had some pretty crappy days too.
All in due time, slow and steady, and they will come. These are things, I would tell "my" friend, if the shoes were reversed, so I understand the words of encouragement but when it actually is you, it just feels awful!

We have yet to have a turn-out for our kid's nite out, a huge money maker for us. We have only one child attend the arts and crafts time, and I have only had 3 moms show up for the breastfeeding support time (all 3 on different days).
This past week we started baby sign language. 4 children came, 2 of which are breastfeeding moms! Later that afternoon another breastfeeding mom came in and we had a ton in common...that really makes me love my job. Thursday we had ELEVEN children! Friday we got word that the idiot sales lady for our local free paper jacked up our ad... terribly, and it was too late to fix, they had sent it to press before we proofed it. I am currently in battle with them to right this wrong and I will keep everyone posted. On a fabulous note, later that night, I got an email saying they wanted to interview us for the Tampa Tribune!
So....I'm hoping for a big week. I have a handful of reviews and giveaways in the works, so check back in soon.

I'm planning on starting a 30 days of blogging hop. I want to dedicate all of June to pure blogging. No reviews, no giveaways, just 30 days of feelings, thoughts and deep wisdom;)
Anyone interested in joining me?

Episencial Skin Care Review and Giveaway! by Betsy

In my continuing search for only the best, all natural products to put in, on and around my DS, I found a fabulous skin care company called Episencial. The first thing to catch my eye was the super cute packaging featuring artwork from the world of Eric Carle. Everyone loves the Very Hungry Caterpillar! His beautiful, vibrant use of color was the inspiration for the fantastic fruity combinations used in this skin care line.

Carri at Episencial was quite generous to send me four of their products to try out and, I must say, after just one use on my DS- I was hooked. This stuff smells soooo good, I almost climbed in the tub with him to use it myself! After the bath in the Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath and a head-to-toe scrub with the Playful Foaming Wash, DS got his post-bath massage with the Better Body Butter. He has nice skin to begin with but after using the Episencial line, I could not stop touching his chubby legs, they were so super smooth and smelled yummy not babyish. DS gets the Protective Face Balm anytime we are headed out into the blazing Georgia sun.
After falling in love with the smells and softness of the Episencial products, I did some more research on them and boy was I impressed! All-natural is just the beginning of a long list of praises that I can sing about this line! This is straight from the company website:

Welcome to Episencial, the first company to develop all natural and sustainable baby skin care specifically for today’s actively healthy families. Our high quality baby skin care products are designed with green values in mind, Episencial products are:

• professional quality at an unbeatable price
• baby safe for the most sensitive skin – ages 0 to 150
• immunity enhancing with doctor recommended, clinically effective formulas
• free from all the bad stuff – no harsh chemicals
• terrific smelling with real fruit juice extracts – not fragrances
• made exclusively with all natural ingredients and lots of organics
• beautifully packaged in recycled and sustainablematerials – phthalate and BpA free
• adorned with art beloved by children for generations, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• manufactured under solar power

Kim Walls, M.S., the creator and C.E.O. of Episencial is a second generation skin care expert and mother to two boys and, according to the website, "she has coupled her innate understanding of the importance of sustainability with her post-graduate work in biochemical and nutritional sciences to establish a new standard in skin care research and products that supports lasting health for today’s families."
Episencial has also offered to one of our great readers, the same package that they sent me! That is 4 full sized products!
Here's what you gotta do to enter:
Mandatory Entry- visit Episencial.com and tell me something you learned that makes this company unique
Additional Entries-use the Target Store Locator on the site and tell me how close you are to a Target that carries Episencial
- "like" Episencial on Facebook
- follow Episencial on Twitter ( @babyskincare )
- follow me on Twitter ( @betsyssi )
- follow @zealandsmom on Twitter
- follow this blog
- subscribe to this blog
- Tweet about this giveaway- one per day- using @babyskincare
@betsyssi and @zealandsmom




Giveaway ends 5/20

Products provided but honest review given



Betsy

#BfCafe Joe and Shari Criso

I apologize for the last minute posting we have a ton of ground to make up.

This week we are going to get down to the basics.
The 5 things YOU need to KNOW about breastfeeding before you give birth.
Cut and Dry. (Well sorta...)
Bring you paper and pencil (that seems so old school) and bring your questions because we are going to lay it all out.
(Of course others may have advice they would like to share as well!)

Shari and Joe Criso attend our "party" ever Thursday night to support moms coming to chat breastfeeding from all over the world; now this week they SPONSOR!
So make sure you follow both @JoeCriso and @ShariCriso

They have their own website ShariCriso.com that combines their store: The Birth Boutique in New Jersey(which is a 5000 square foot brick and mortar!!), Shari's VIDEO blog and My Baby Experts, that educates new parents with products offered and is a place of support amongst other new parents and families.

Joe and Shari offer live classes to expectant couples & now offer them through DVD, education and private consultations.

Shari and Joe have offered the amazing participants to the chat:

1 "Simply Breastfeeding:The Criso Breastfeeding Method" DVD program (Shari's breastfeeding class on DVD)
1 "Breastpumps and Briefcases" Audio CD program (Shari's class for BF moms returning to work)
1 set of Nurturewear (Shari's unique line of nursing loungewear for breastfeeding in comfort & style)
1 15 minute private phone consultation with Shari =)

*I think the private phone consultation is a gem of a giveaway!!

4 prizes within the 60 minute chat
5 things you need to know about breastfeeding before you give birth!
Chat ya tomorrow!


Gotta RSVP to win!
Please enter like this: @zealandsmom using your twitter ID
and
http:www.twitter.com/zealandsmom as your link

Prairie Tales Diaper Review and Giveaway!

Hello again! It's me, Betsy. I came across Prairie Tales diapers while looking for grandparent-proof cloth diapers online and Loralee was gracious enough to send me one to review. My DH was given the huge responsibility of choosing the color and he chose this gorgeous royal purple.It was a hard decision since Prairie Tales come in some of the most vibrant colors that I have seen in cloth diapers. She also makes a few super cute prints.

Prairie Tales diapers are sized, pocket diapers that come with a contoured, 3 layer microfiber insert. The back pocket on these diapers has a unique flap that keeps the insert in place so it doesn't shift around, no matter how active your little one is! The PUL is hidden on the inside of the diaper so there is a nice matte finish on the outside. These are very trim diapers with 2 rows of snap closure (one for waist and one for the leg) so no yucky aplix to worry about! I loved the way this diaper fit my big boy. He is almost 30 pounds and wears the medium size with plenty of room to grow :)

This diaper functioned very well for my heavy wetter and it is simple enough that even the grandparents can get a proper fit on his chunky thighs!

Now for the fun part! Loralee at Prairie Tales Diapers has offered a diaper to one of our lucky readers! The winner can choose any solid color diaper with white microfleece liner from her site OR they can customize it by choosing a contrasting suedecloth and snaps to make a totally unique diaper!

Mandatory Entry:
go to Prairie Tales Diapers and tell me what solid color
you would choose from the available colors.

Additional Entries:
what other color would you like to see offered?

"like" the Prairie Tales Facebook page
follow this blog publicly
subscribe to this blog by email
follow @betsyssi on Twitter
follow @zealandsmom on Twitter

Tweet about this giveaway, be sure to use
@betsyssi and @zealandsmom in your tweets, tweet once per day!

Giveaway ends May 15th

Product provided but honest review given

CuteyBaby Cloth Diapers Review and Giveaway

The CuteyBaby diaper are just as they are called! They are surely cutey! I really love the fabric choices they went with when they created this diaper. So, for the newbie cloth diaper users, let me talk in laymans terms and walk you through this diaper.

The CuteyBaby is, in essence an All In One. Which means, everything is there. You don't need anything extra to add to this diaper. It is as easy as a disposable for everyone in your family to put on.
Now, the CuteyBaby is also "like" a pocket diaper. Which means you have to stuff it. BUT....what is great about this diaper, is that you don't have to search for the matching insert. WHY? Well, because it is attached! You just stuff what is hanging out of it, when you pull it from the dryer.
(DO you have to machine dry? NO, but I found that my All in Ones, feel crusty if I don't dry them. Could be just me?)The CuteyBaby states that it is a One Size diaper, which means that this diaper should last you from newborn to potty training. Some versions of the diaper has a snap on each hip to make the diaper adjustable around the waist. These diaper tabs do NOT overlap, which means if you have a skinny baby, these just might not work out for you.
What these tabs do though is an amazing concept. They come off. The velcro hook comes off for washing, so you no longer will have the diaper train coming out of the washer or the dryer! (For those reading that don't use cloth yet, the hook always separate from the loop and connect to some other diaper while washing and drying and tangle up!)
I was also sent a tab holder. This tab holder has a magnet that you can attach to your washer or dryer to keep and store the velcro while the diaper is washing! THIS is another amazing concept! I love the idea, I truly do! NOW....if you do happen to leave the hook part attached while washing, please be aware that the colors of the hook tab may bleed on to the white loop. (It happened to me....twice!)
So, we have a one-size, all-in one with cute designs. Have I seen another diaper like this before? Absolutely not. Will it work for everyone? Probably not. It does have a layer of microfiber, for those looking for all natural fabrics and once again, it is not for the smallest of babies. We have, however not experienced a leak in these as of yet (4 or so weeks) and they are by far the cutest designs I have in my stash!
The CuteyBaby sells for $24.99 plus FREE SHIPPING from Amazon.com which means that if you trade in your swagbucks for amazon.com giftcards, you could get them for free!

So CuteyBaby is offering my readers one of her diapers!!

Here's how to enter:
Mandatory:
Go to amazon.com and tell me which is your favorite pattern?

Additional Entries:
Follow my blog via google friend publicly
Become an email subscriber to my blog
Add my button to your blog roll
Follow me on twitter
Subscribe to CuteyBaby's RSS feeds
Follow CuteyBaby on twitter
Use the Retweet button below this post or tweet your own using @cuteybaby, @zealandsmom and #clothdiapers

GOOD LUCK
Giveaway ends May 11th

Product provided but did not alter my review

April 29th #BfCafe Sponsor 60 Second Parent

60 Second Parent offers a plethora of knowledge. Breastfeeding is only one of many topics discussed by their panel of experts.
60 Second Parent offers experts in child-development, child health and parenting.
Their breastfeeding page offers articles on getting the right latch to tips for defending your decision to breastfeed. The breastfeeding article page is complete. They plan to add some video tutorials and more information as it becomes available to them.

I think this week we should talk about support through other ways than one on one. We all know you need a great support system but what happens when it needs to be through online and resource venues?

Where should you go?

What should you look for?

Those that have used literature either online or in book form...what was your favorite?

What helped you at 1am when you couldn't reach someone on the phone?

60 second parent wants to give away:

3 gift packs of children's books showing breastfeeding worth approx $28 each - each pack will contain:
A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World
If My Mom Were A Platypus: Animal Babies and Their Mothers
Tucking into food

They would also like to giveaway 3 of their own book packs worth $32.50:
Caring for your newborn: How to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom
A practical guide to raising two, three and four year olds

Their book Caring for your newborn shows how to enjoy the first 60 days as a new mom and has a chapter on feeding your baby with sections that include:
Developing your breastfeeding support system
The power of breast milk
Comfortable positions
Latching on
How to tell if you baby is getting enough milk

RSVP to win!

(I wish I could I REALLY want these children's books!)

use your twitter handle like so: @zealandsmom

and your link as so: www.twitter.com/zealandsmom

GroBaby Review and $50 GC Giveaway

I've used cloth since the day after Zealand's merconium happily left. We have only EVER purchased disposables twice. Once, was during my mom's surgery, when I had forgotten to pack diapers and the other was when we couldn't cure Kingsley's rash.
Both times I felt like a man shopping for tampons.....Size? Brand?
Both times I felt guilty. Literally guilty for throwing money down the drain.
I have traveled across the US.
I just couldn't see why some people opted to go the disposable insert way, when they were using a cloth cover. Surely if I could do it, anyone could, right?

I've wanted to try a Gro Baby for some time. It is one of the few diapers left, that I have yet to try.

When Strawberry Kids offered to let me try one. I leaped at the chance.

The Gro Baby showed and it showed with a box of the bio soakers.

The hook and loop is identical to the g diaper. The soft cotton shell is also very similar. The inside has a weave/mesh and I'm not exactly what it is used for? The snaps that are inside the "shell" is not a normal snap, which means that if you want a cloth insert, you have to buy a Gro Baby one. I'm not too overly thrilled with their decision to monopolize their own snap and not use a traditional KAM but it is their product.

So....I'm sorta hooked on the bio soakers. I have to admit, they are quite handy and especially nice with the loads of diaper cream I've been using to clear this ammonia burn I can't seem to rid. I used them in the Gro Baby and I used them as liners in all my other diapers. I thoroughly enjoyed the ease of cleaning when Kingsley pooped. I'm addicted to the Gro Baby shell. I bought 4 more and 6 cloth inserts from Pamela Dayton, so that when my bio soakers run out, I won't feel so guilty about my pleasurable experience.
(I can secretly, honestly say, that if there was a place in town that
sold the bio soaker, I would be purchasing them.)


Strawberry Kids has offered my readers a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate to her store.
That is incredible! Will you buy the Gro Baby?

Strawberry Kids sells an assortment of cloth diapers,
breastfeeding essentials and other organic necessities!

Mandatory Entry:
What WOULD you buy if you won the $50 GC at Strawberry Kids?

Additional Entries:
Follow Strawberry Kids on twitter
Follow me on twitter
Fan Strawberry Kids on Facebook
(when she reaches 200 she is having a Fuzzi Bunz giveaway!
AND there is a 10% off coupon for ALL orders on her Facebook page)
Subscribe to my blog via email
Google Friend my blog
Add my button to your blogroll
Tweet this giveaway 2x a day at least 4 hours apart
using @zealandsmom @strawberrykidss and #clothdiapers
(or entry will be deleted)

Contest ends May 1st

Product Provided for an honest review

Mrs Smith's Diaper Bag Giveaway

I conclude this giveaway extravaganza with a great product.
Talk about organization. This is the ultimate in organizing your trip out and about with your little ones. Trying to find your keys or phone while one baby is on your hip crying and the other is tugging at your skirt!
Mrs Smiths Bags.

Mrs Smith’s Diaper bag has specially designed places for:

• Insulated bottle and

• sippy cup holders
• Full Size washable

• changing pad
• Removable pullout drawer

• for snacks and toys.

The bag comes in some pretty great fabrics....from zebra, polka dot, floral, black and camo.
I started using this bag the moment it came in....I am having a hard time finding enough stuff to fill it. I have pretty well minimized our trips to 2 diapers and 2 cups for the kids, so I have tons of empty floppy room BUT when we go on long day trips, I pack more heavier with snacks and maybe 4 diapers. I really should be carrying an extra change of clothes because now I HAVE the room!
I currently have a pretty expensive high end bag. It too has lots of storage space but I always forget which pocket has what....with the Mrs Smith's, I can just pull out the drawer and visibly see all the compartments below!
I love that you can transform the bag into a book bag because I often need to carry my current bag either way depending on how I decide to tote my babies around.
I am really looking forward to bonding with this bag and seeing what all I will be able to carry along with me. I still have at LEAST another year in diapers!
Wanna get a chance at winning one before you run out and buy one?

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Go to Mrs Smiths and tell me where you would purchase from?

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
Which pattern would you choose if you won?
Facebook Fan Mrs Smiths Bags
Facebook Fan A Bittersweet Existence
Follow my blog
Follow A Bittersweet Existence's blog
Follow Mrs Smiths Bags on Twitter
Follow me on twitter
Follow @abittersweet1 on twitter
Get an entry for EACH giveaway you entered from our Spring Cleaning line-up!
Grab 3 entries if you had our button on your site early
Grab my regular button
Tweet. 2x per day at least 4 hours apart

Winner gets to chose pattern of their choice (if in stock)
ENDS 4/12
Open to US and Canada

Product Provided

The Joy of Soap Giveaway

We switched all of our body products to natural ones. I have had a hard time finding a natural soap that didn't wash away quickly.
The Joy of Soap has some of the greatest soaps I have EVER used! We just used the yummiest Kiwi soap ever! A 2oz bar is only $2.50.....that seems like a great deal to KNOW what is going on your skin. Each bar comes in an adorable bag that can be used for other uses....if you're the recycling kind:)

Here is a description of The Joy Of Soap from their site:

Handmade, Fragrance Oil Soap

All of our soaps begin with a base of olive, coconut, palm and castor oils, and are mixed with delicious fragrance oils. Some of our soaps also contain therapeutic grade essential oils, an exfoliant and/or a natural colorant. Soaps are hand cut so the exact weight of each bar may wary slightly.

She has some amazing sounding scents like:
Ginger Snap
Lay Me Down Lavender
Two in the Shower Tea Tree
and more....

Keep checking back on her site because she has some scrubs, cleaners and creams coming soon!

Not only are the soaps made with green materials, so is the packaging, the labels and the shipping. Do your skin a favor and use natural when you're cleaning your own "house"!

The Joy Of Soap is offering one reader a $40 ecard.

Mandatory Entry:
Which scent of soap do you think you would like the best?

Additional Entries:
Follow The Joy Of Soap blog
Follow my blog
Follow A Bittersweet Existence's blog
Follow @thejoyofsoap on twitter
Follow me on twitter
Follow @abittersweet1 on twitter
Tweet 2x a day at least 4 hours apart
Grab my button
Enter any other giveaway one entry per each giveaway entered

Contest Ends 4/9

Product Provided

Piccolo small snack tray by Carry You Giveaway

I was sent the Piccolo small snack tray for review. This tray would have been a lifesaver for our Peg Perego Aria....which had ZERO storage for ANYTHING! It was extremely helpful for my Kolcraft Contours, which has great parent storage but no snack trays for children just a bar.
We used the tray when Christian's family came in town and we all went to the Strawberry Festival. It was so great to have the extra space for drinks, Kingsley hair bow that she kept ripping out, my cell phone (because we kept getting separated) and all the snacks that we bought while we were there...however I had the tray on MY push bar, not even thinking about putting it on THEIR bar! I can't wait to take the stroller out again, so that they can use it. This product is even better than I thought it was!
(Always an operator error!)

Here is Carry You's description of the Piccolo:

Piccolo Small Snack Tray

The Piccolo Small Snack Tray is the solution to your child's need for a snack tray! Easily attaching to strollers with a child bar, your child can enjoy a meal or use the tray to keep their toys near. The Piccolo Snack Tray features:

• 100% washable material, Lead-Free, PVC Free !
• Sippy cup holder inside tray
  
• Two elastic loops to attach toys
  
• Quick Velcro attachment to stroller with optional extender (included)
  
• No need to remove when collapsing stroller- yes, leave it on if you'd like!
  
• Sturdy side walls strengthen the tray

Keep your child's toys and food safely at hand with the Piccolo Snack Tray by Carry You. Patent Pending.

This organizer is priced at $19.99 and you can buy it on the Carry You website
PLUS free shipping on orders over $25 till the end of march using the code:
FreeShipMarch

OR

Win one from us!
(Winner gets the Piccolo)

Mandatory Entry:
Shop by stroller brand and tell me which product that matches your stroller you would want!

Additional Entries:
Follow my blog
Follow A Bittersweet Existence's blog
Grab my button
Grab the Spring Cleaning button (Early grabbers get 3)
Subscribe to my blog via email
Facebook Fan A Bittersweet Existence
Tweet 2x a day at least 4 hours apart

Open to US only
Ends April 8th

Product Provided

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals (4/4)

Keeping with the theme of choosing to live starting more naturally, Christian and I switched deodorants too. Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals sent me the most amazing package as a tester!
We received 2 chapsticks, 1 footspray, 2 roll-ons, 1 deodorant stick, 3 spray mists and a trial travel crystal. What a package right?
The sprays came in original, papaya fusion and honeydew melon. The roll-ons came in original and lavender.
Here is what Naturally Fresh has to say:
All products are 100% pure and natural, contain no harmful aluminum or parabens and are made with pharmaceutical grade mineral salts.

This is one of the reasons why TCCD is the number one recommended deodorant by doctors including oncologists, dermatologists and allergists. Our products are the ideal deodorant choice for people allergic to or irritated by conventional deodorants, people battling cancer, and people who are seeking a healthy lifestyle.
Naturally Fresh is also VERY into supporting Breast Cancer awareness and supporting the cure! Maybe you know, maybe you don't know, but my Mom was diagnosed when I was 18. She fought hard and she won and now I support those who support my Mom.

All of Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal products proudly display the Pink Ribbon indicating our support of Susan G. Komen Foundation… And more importantly, to help benefit the fight for the cure.

Christian is still using his stick, I however am not having as good as luck with the product. It worked awesome while it was colder outside but now that we have reached the mid eighties, I am having a smell issue. Now, I have smell issues with A LOT of other brands as well, so I believe that it could just be me, since my sweaty manly man is really digging it!
Another plus is that we have been using the spray deodorant as well as the foot spray on Zealand feet. Yes, his feet are the ripest things I have ever smelled, and he is only 2.
The spray almost immediately has a wonderful impact on the ripe.
Just realized that this deodorant is the SAME deodorant that my own Grandmother uses, and has used for 20 years now!

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystals is a great alternative to deodorants laced with chemicals.
Get your body healthy!
Shop here
or enter to win the ENTIRE set the I won!

Mandatory Entry:
Which product from their site would you like to try the most?

Additional Entries:
Follow Naturally Fresh on Twitter
Follow me on twitter
Follow @abittersweet1 on twitter
Follow Naturally Fresh on facebook
Enter any of our other giveaways (up to 4)
Add our Spring Cleaning button (early grabbers get 3)
Tweet using @NatFreshDeoCrys and @zealandsmom
(unlimited tweets at least one hour apart)


Ends April 4th
Product Provided

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent Giveaway

Remember when I reviewed Tropical Traditions coconut oil? (That I still use as eye make-up remover!)
Well, they gave me a chance to review something else, so I chose their powdered laundry detergent with oxygen bleach. This is my first oxygen bleach that is environmentally friendly. I thought I was going to get a fairly small package but just like when they sent me the coconut oil, they went huge! 5 pounds of huge! If, I use this on JUST cloth diapers, it should last me 6-9 months!
Here is how they describe it:

Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent cleans and removes stains from your laundry with the power of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer. Powdered Laundry Detergent is safe and effective at ALL temperatures on whites, permanent press, bright colors, pastels, prints, and delicates in hard or soft water. (Not suitable for Silk or Wool) Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent is non-toxic, environmentally safe and contains no phosphates. Powdered Laundry Detergent cleans and safely bleaches your clothes with the added power of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer.

With our Laundry Detergent there are no harmful by-products upon decomposition. Powdered Laundry Detergent dissolves as completely as liquid detergents and rinses away completely leaving no residue in your clothes.

Powdered Laundry Detergent costs less to use than commercial liquid detergents and costs no more to use than commercial powdered household laundry detergents. Powdered Laundry Detergent contains no dyes, perfumes, fillers or phosphates. Compare our Laundry Detergent to your normal laundry detergent and you’ll see the difference!

I love it, I am savoring it. I don't want to waste a scoop of it because I truly do love this stuff. I love the convenience of coming in a big tub with a screw top, mostly because I live in the south, and the humidity makes detergents very sticky if they are in a box or bag that you don't close properly.

Tropical Traditions works AWESOME on all clothing, but is a safe and environmental product you can use INSTEAD of bleach. I even used it in powdered form, added a small amount of water and made a paste and cleaned my bath tub with it! Safe bleach that works! Go buy some on sale right now for $21.99 (about $10 for shipping).

Or you can win some here during the Spring Cleaning event!

Mandatory Entry:

What product from Tropical Traditions do you like the best?

Additional Entries:

Follow Tropical Traditions on twitter

Follow me on twitter

Follow @abittersweet1 on twitter

Fan Tropical Traditions on facebook

Fan 1 Bittersweet Existence on facebook

Enter any of our Spring Cleaning contests & grab an entry (up to 3)

Grab Spring Cleaning button (early grabbers get 3)

Follow my blog

Subscribe to my blog via email

Grab my personal button

Tweet 2x a day at least 4 hours apart

ENDS April 2nd!

Product Provided