Sew Silly Designs #fluffyxmas

My last #fluffyxmas sponsor is Sew Silly Designs.  Kammie is a WAHM with two children.  She founded her Etsy store July 2010.  Kammie sews and sells fitted diapers, AIOs, pockets, covers, and AI2s.  If you don't see what you are looking for, contact Kammie and she'll work with you to help you get what you want.

I was sent a one size AI2 diaper to review.  When I received it, I saw that it was a Curious George print.  As a child, I loved reading Curious George.  This is a diaper I would definitely be willing to put on a boy if I have one later.  All of Kammie's diapers are made with a print outer layer, hidden layer of PUL, and an inner layer of cotton velour.  She has two snap in soakers that contain hemp fleece and the top layer is cotton velour for wicking properties.  The diaper has a three step rise and crossover tabs.  When I first received this diaper, I washed it three times before putting it on my daughter.  I had wicking the first 2-3 times she wore it, but the wicking has not continued.  I think part of this reason is because hemp takes 7-10 washes to reach full absorbency.  My daughter is 27.5 lbs., but I had to make the rise a little bit smaller on my daughter.  This diaper seems to run larger than many one size diapers which I am thrilled about because some of the one size diapers we have are beginning to run small on Charis.

Buy a cloth diaper for yourself from Sew Silly Designs or come back between December 1-5 and enter to win a gift code as part of the #fluffyxmas prize package.

Shop | Facebook

Sew Silly Designs sent me an AI2 to review.

I was not compensated in any way

and all opinions are my own.

Leibert Family Creations #fluffyxmas

My next #fluffyxmas sponsor is Leibert Family Creations.  Vince and Jen are a family of six living in small town Nebraska; they homeschool their children and follow Christ.  Leibert Family Creations sell cloth diapers [both pocket diapers and fitted diapers] and cloth wipes.

I was sent a one size pocket diaper to review.  I love the print.  Recently, I've begun to really like animal prints, especially elephants and owls and the diaper has elephants on it!!  This one size diaper has a four step rise with PUL on the outside with cotton on the back.  The inside of the diaper has suedecloth which helps wick moisture away from Charis's skin.  The insert that goes in the pocket is approximately a 14 inch square of four layers of cotton terry, unfortunately it is not as absorbent as microfiber, but cotton is a natural material which I prefer.  I folded up the insert into thirds and placed it in the pocket.  Jen has some inserts that are made with cotton bamboo velour, so ask her about buying that insert separately.  The one downside to this diaper is it seemed smaller than most one size diapers I have, but it still fits and works for my daughter.  

Buy a diaper from Leibert Family Creations [ranging from $13-$18 for individual diapers.  If you don't see something you like, message Jen if you would like a custom diaper.  Come back between December 1-5 and enter to win a pocket diaper from Leibert Family Creations.

Shop | Facebook

Leibert Family Creations sent a pocket diaper to review.

I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

Baby Bee Haven #fluffyxmas

My next Merry Fluffy Christmas sponsor is Baby Bee Haven.  Baby Bee Haven is owned and operated by Heather a WAHM with two daughters.  She started sewing cloth diapers over three years ago after feeling,

Disappointed with the cloth diapers I used for my oldest daughter, and feeling guilty for all the waste I created using disposable diapers, I went on a quest for the perfect diapering system.

One of the first things I noticed about Heather's shop were all the cute prints.  Her cloth diaper covers are sized, and Charis weighs 27.5 lbs. [towards the end weight for the mediums, but beginning weight for the large covers].  Thankfully, I decided on getting a large cover for her.

Heather's diapers are made with 1 mil polyurethane laminate (PUL) liner and a 100% (preshrunk) cotton shell with an aplix closure.  There are laundry tabs to help prevent snagging of your other laundry.  Sizing is as follows: 

Extra small: 6-15 lbs
Small: 10-20 lbs
Medium: 20-30 lbs
Large: 25-35 lbs
Extra large: 35-45lbs

When I first received the diaper, my first thought was, "This looks small."  But, I was surprised and quickly saw it works very nicely with a prefold or flat diaper folded up into a pad [I wish I had this diaper during the flats and handwashing challenge].  The cover also fit over Charis's Thirsties duo fab fitted diaper.  I prefer aplix closures on diapers because it helps me to get a better fit on my daughter and it's a little bit easier, and this is no different.  I also like that Heather's covers are sized because it is truer to Charis's size.  I recommend Baby Bee Haven and will keep these covers in mind if I need to buy more covers.

You can buy a cover for yourself at Baby Bee Haven or you can enter to win one for a Merry Fluffy Christmas which runs from December 1-5.

Shop | Facebook 

Baby Bee Haven sent me a cover to review.

I was not compensated in any way and

all opinions are my own.

Sweet Bobbins #fluffyxmas

Our next sponsor for #fluffyxmas is Sweet Bobbins.  Sweet Bobbins is an Etsy shop, run by Angela and Rene, that sells handmade cloth diaper accessories, including wet bags and wipes and flat diapers.  They don't just stop at making baby items; they also sew and sell items for moms, such as nursing covers and pads.  Angela and Rene are cousins living on opposite coasts in the US.  A few things that I love about Sweet Bobbins is they always pre-wash in warm water with free and clear soap that is safe for cloth diapering and if you don't see what you are looking for, ask them about making a custom order.

I was sent an organic bamboo fleece flat diaper for review.  I love bamboo, especially in cloth diapers.  The flat they sent me had primary rainbow serged edges with rounded corners.  The other thread choices for serging are: natural, pastel rainbow, primary rainbow, and pink rainbow.  Bamboo is four times more absorbent than cotton and has natural antibacterial properties.  It is so soft.  My daughter has been trying to take it out of the clean laundry basket to use as a blanket {so I'm thinking of getting her one for that purpose for Christmas}.  The flat diaper works nicely folded in a pad and just placed inside a cover.  When we're at home, I just use the origami fold, place my daughter on the diaper, use a snappi to fasten it, and let her run around without a cover.

Buy a flat diaper for yourself for $8.99 or come back between December 1-5 and enter to win a flat diaper from Sweet Bobbins.

Shop | Facebook | Twitter

Sweet Bobbins sent me a flat diaper to review.

I was not compensated in any way and all

opinions are my own.

Hippeez Fleece Diaper Cover #fluffyxmas

My next #fluffyxmas sponsor is Hippeez. Hippeez is a WAHM-owned and operated Canadian cloth diaper company.  Hippeez diapers are handmade in Brampton, Ontario by Heather.  She started out making fitted diapers, but expanded to make other types of cloth diapers, including fleece covers and hand crocheted Little Fire wool soakers.

I received a large lilac purple fleece diaper cover from Heather.  Upon receiving it, I noticed that the cover is made with two layers of fleece, has encased elastic at the waste and legs, and has aplix, with fold back laundry tabs.

Over the past few weeks, I have seen why fleece is often called "the poor man's wool."  I am able to use this on my daughter overnight overnight over her prefold or fitted diaper and not have any leaks, while being able to get air to circulate to my daughter's skin.  I also LOVE that this cover has aplix because it's easy to put on my daughter, and I'm able to get a wonderful fit.

I would highly recommend buying one of Heather's fleece covers.  I love that they are custom made.  The only thing I wish was that she had more fleece options, but the options that she does have are cute.

You can buy a fleece cover now or you can enter to win a Hippeez fleece diaper cover for yourself as part of the prize package for a Merry Fluffy Christmas which runs from December 1st-December 5th.  

Shop | Facebook

Hippeez sent me a fleece diaper cover to review.

I was not compensated in any way

and all opinions are my own.

Londonware Fleece Soaker #fluffyxmas

Before I review the soaker I received from Londonware, this was my first time using fleece, and I was a wee bit nervous and fearful.  Yet, I wanted to try a fleece cover because I've heard people rave about fleece soakers and longies-both of which are sold at Londonware.  Thankfully, my fears were unfounded.

Londonware is run by, Wendy, a SAHM who currently has two children and is expecting her third.  She sells fleece covers, longies, shorties, and skirties in her shop, as well leg warmers, snack bags, and reusable gift bags.  Wendy also will do custom orders if you do not see something in her Etsy shop that you want, see her anti pill fleece prints and other fleece prints.

As I already wrote, I had no reason to be afraid.  I was sent a large fleece cupcake cover to review.  My mother in law who was visiting when I received it, remarked to me, "It's SO soft."  The first thing I noticed was the cute print, and the second thing was she had an extra piece of fleece sewn into the wet zone.  I immediately put in on my daughter at night.  There was no leaking overnight!!  It fit well over her flat diapers and prefolds, but not over her fitted diapers [which are a slightly more bulky].  But this was my fault, I measured my daughter over a prefold and forgot to take into account the bulkiness of our fitted diapers.  So, keep this in mind if you buy from Wendy, measure your son or daughter over one of their bulkier diapers.

A few things I like about fleece are its breathability, cost [it's less expensive than wool], and ability to be laundered without special care.  Wendy recommends that you launder inside out to prevent the fleece from pilling.

Buy a soaker for your child at Wendy's shop or enter to win a fleece diaper cover of your choice from Londonware  for yourself as part of the prize package for a Merry Fluffy Christmas which runs from December 1st-December 5th.  Go to Wendy's blog and enter to win Halo creations natural lip balm [ends November 25 at 12:00 PM].  [Giveaway has ended.]

Shop | Facebook | Blog

Londonware sent me a Fleece soaker for review.

I was not compensated in any way

and all opinions are my own.

Charis and the Stethoscope {Wordless Wednesday}

Bummas Cloth Wipes #fluffyxmas

As a cloth diapering mom, I can never have too many wipes.  There are so many uses of cloth wipes, such as cleaning up after eating, cleaning during diaper changes, washing my face, etc.

I was thrilled when Bummas said they were willing to sponsor me for a Merry Fluffy Christmas Giveaway Event.  Their wipes are 5" X 7" in size, and come in for color schemes The Wild Ones, The Calm Ones, The Girls, and The Boys.  Bummas uses 100% cotton [woven velour terry cloth].  The fabric is milled in the USA, and packaging and manufacturing are done in Southern California.

Unforutnately, I did not take a picture when I received
them, but I'm missing two wipes in this picture.

I received a set of The Wild Ones to review.  Upon receiving them, I felt how soft they were.  I also noticed how bright the colors were.  I was surprised at their size.  I didn't realize how small 5" X 7" was, but quickly saw that cleaning up poop was easier with a smaller wipe.  With bigger wipes, I sometimes feel like I'm losing control and actually spreading the poop around more, instead of cleaning it.

Picture on the left: Charis yesterday, after lunch before I cleaned her.
Middle picture: Charis inspecting the wipe I just used to clean her.
Picture on the right: Charis sniffing the wipe.

I love that Bummas:

• Are reusable and reduce waste: Unlike disposable wipes where I can only use once and then throw away, I just wash the wipes, dry them, and they are ready to use again.
• Do not shrink after washing them.
• Are made of 100% cotton
• Are made in the USA
• Are versatile: They are not just for cloth diapering parents.  There are many uses for cloth wipes.
• Are convenient: They do not take up a whole lot of room in my diaper bag, and I have found I can roll them up and put them in a small disposable wipe container.

You can buy Bummas in packages of 10 wipes for $16.99 [or for their Black Friday special order The Girls for just $10 + $2 shipping].  You can enter to win a set for yourself as part of the prize package for a Merry Fluffy Christmas which runs from December 1st-December 5th.

Like Bummas on Facebook | Follow Bummas on Twitter

Bummas sent me this product for review. 
I was not compensated in any way 
and all opinions are my own. 

A Photo That Makes Me Smile {All About Me in 30 Days}

Day 10: 

This cross stitch is hanging up in our bathroom.  One of my best friends [Amy] gave it to us as a wedding present.

The story behind it is: The year was 2004.  We were getting ready for the Extravaganza, the Tri-Rhos semi-formal dance at Grove City College every February.  I was flipping through Deuteronomy looking for the Bible verses I had told Amy and Rachel I wanted on my bathroom wall when it came time to living out of my parents house.  Finally I found it.  Amy took a mental note and 5 1/2 years later gave me this as a gift.  Thanks Amy!!  Yes, it's DEFINITELY hanging up on the bathroom wall.  Every time we have guests over, we take a "field trip" into the bathroom to show them this.

My Dream House {All About Me in 30 Days}

Day 9: My Dream House


Before I begin, to be honest, I was dreading this post and writing it because this is one area I lack contentment in.  Drew and I do not own our own place.  We rent a one bedroom apartment.  We often hear comments such as, "You need a bigger place because you have a daughter."  Or, "Your daughter needs to have her own room." Or, "You need a bigger place so you can have more things or places to put those things."  As if having a bigger place will solve all our problems.  They won't.  I right this post reminding myself that this world is not my home.  My ultimate home is in heaven.  Having a smaller place has slowly taught me the importance of prioritizing.  Do I really need to keep this or that?  No, ultimately that's not important.  My mind needs to be focused on God and what He has done for me.


But with that being said, a few characteristics of my dream house are having a:

• Front porch
• Knitting/craft room
• Enough space so I can have a garden and free range hens [Drew is warming up to the chicken idea.  This also means before we buy our own place, we need to look at laws re. chicken ordinances.]

I would also like to live in Pennsylvania, near a solid church, and within driving distance [less than 1 hour] of a Trader Joes.

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. [Hebrews 11:13-16]

My Cloth Diaper Question...

One of my favorite blogs is Doable Diapers, which is written by Andrea.  She owns an online cloth diaper store called Doable Diapers.  Andrea recently started Mailbox Mondays: Questions from Readers on her blog.  This week, she took my question:

What type of diaper would you recommend to someone who has to pay every time they do laundry?

When I first looked at cloth diapering, I eventually decided to go primarily the prefolds with covers route for this reason she gave:

Prefolds are a really “safe” bet for the laundry mat because cotton is really easy to care for.  You don’t have to be as concerned about contracting build-up from someone else’s detergent left over in the machine.  Cotton prefolds are also inexpensive to purchase, so you can add a lot to your stash for a small investment.  So if one is ruined or left behind at the laundry mat, no worries! [Italics were added by me for emphasis.]

Check out the rest of her response to my question.

One of My Favorite Psalms

Psalm 122: 

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem— built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! "May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!" For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, "Peace be within you!" For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.

Hope you're having a restful Sabbath.

This Photograph Brought Amusement

There was a Republican debate in South Caroline.
Where's South Caroline???

Note: Maybe I shouldn't be laughing at somebody's mistake, but I am.  Drew and I were laughing at this tonight.  :-D

Cloth Wipe Solution

I made a new cloth wipe solution.  It is EASY!  You need:

• 1 Tbsp. baby shampoo
• 1 Tbsp. baby oil
• 1 cup water

Mix everything together and put the solution in a bottle.  When using cloth wipes, squirt a small amount into the wipe, clean your baby, and enjoy the smell.

Note: I use Burt's Bees.  I love their Baby Bee line.  Sometimes, I use castile soap instead of baby shampoo.

Do you make your own wipe solution?

Can you share how it's made?

Longies and Russia-Again {Yarn Along}

I'm still knitting the longies and reading about Russia that I posted last week.  Actually, I dropped a stitch, and haven't fixed it yet (and I'm not very good at going in with a crochet hook and fixing them).  I hate dropping stitches.

Do you know of any good knitting video tutorials that teach how to fix a dropped stitch?

Join us at Ginny's Yarn Along.

What's On Your Fridge?

I have a confession: Anytime I go to visit a friend, I look at two things, their books and their refrigerator.  You can tell by looking at a person's fridge, i.e. the amount of friends they have, how much they like order (or chaos), their schedule (and their childrens' schedule), what weddings they've been invited to, who they are praying for (because they have missionary photo cards), recipes they like, etc.

Here's a photograph of my fridge:

If you look at my fridge, a few things you will note:
1. My daughter LOVES her Leapfrog toy magnet, but I keep a lot of the magnets high up because she would throw them ALL on the floor if she was allowed.  "Every letter makes a sound. B says buh."
2. I still have the handmade Valentine card I received in 2010.
3. I gave my cousin maple syrup as a small wedding gift.  Note: She lives in Scotland (and blogs at MK Wings) where maple syrup is not as readily available or as cheap as it is in the States.
4. You might think that either Drew and/or I went to Westminster College, but you'd be mistaken.  We have a relative who teaches there.

What's on your fridge?

Menu Planning November 7-13 {Plan It Don't Panic Meal Challenge}

Monday: We had stromboli.  You've probably picked up on the fact that I like stromboli and enjoy it!!

Tuesday: French onion soup/Crusty baguettes

Wednesday: Red lentil curry/naan bread

Thursday: Successful hamburger helper substitute/Greenbeans

Friday: Mexican style black bean burgers/Yogurt/Salad

Saturday: Potatoes/Meat/Dill carrots

Sunday: Pancakes and Bacon

Giveaway Events on Other Blogs

If you are new to cloth diapering or want to see what others say about different brands, then check out the upcoming giveaways on other blogs.

Eco Baby Mama Drama is having a "Falling into Fluff" event from November-December 2011 "in honor of baby Tates recovery from his battle with C-diff and us being given the Dr.'s blessings to get back into cloth diapers.

Life With My Littles and One More Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest are teaming up to have a "Newborns and Cloth Event." Both blogs are having reviews and giveaways on their respective blogs.  The event will run from November 11-December 2.  Be sure to check out both blogs and their giveaways. 

Halloween Costume Idea

Next year, I'm thinking Charis will be Cat in the Hat for Halloween.  :)

We already have the hat.  Now, I'll just need to knit this Cat headband and wrist warmers or Cat ears and tail for her.

Vaccines and The Greater Good Trailer

I rarely talk about my job outside the home, but I'm becoming more frustrated at the health facility where I work.  The other day, I had this message on my machine

Hi... I'm calling in regards to your flu vaccine.  Today is the final day for you to come in and get vaccinated or provide us with some documentation or we are going to have to take you out of the system.  If you can give me a call please and update me with your status...

In other words, if you don't get this vaccine, you'll be fired.  Is this legal?  And even if it is, where's my liberty in this matter?  What do I get to say in it?

Another thing that bothers me, when you get vaccinated you have to sign an informed consent.  "Informed consent is the process by which a fully informed patient can participate in choices about her health." http://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/topics/consent.html  And do I want to work for an organization like this that bullies their nurses into getting vaccinations?  No.  And would I be confident as a patient at this hospital?  No, I would not, which is why I will not be a patient there again (unless I'm in an emergency circumstance).  Not when they don't let their employees decide for themselves whether they should get the flu vaccine.

The Greater Good is streaming online for free this week.  Hope you go and watch it.  I'll put some of my notes up later regarding what I saw in the documentary.

What are your thoughts regarding vaccinations?

Have you seen The Greater Good?

Menu Planning October 31-November 6 {Plan It Don't Panic Meal Challenge}

I just realized that I had forgotten to post our meal plan for this week.  Last week somebody commented that I make some "fun fancy things."  That's not my goal, but I do like experimenting with new recipes.

Monday: Oven roasted sweet potato hash/Eggs  This sweet potato dish was new to me.  Drew liked it; he said, "Feel free to make that again."  :-D

Tuesday: Lentil taco salad/Guacamole

Mash 2 avocados with a fork.

Add 1/4 cup salsa. (Yes, I cheat.)

2 Tbsp lime juice (Note: Do this to prevent browning.  If you don't have limes, lemons work just as well.)

Add 1 Tbsp chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic.

Add dash salt, pepper, red pepper, and coriander to suit your tastes.

Wednesday: Sausages on a bun (They were from Trader Joes.  So, that makes it better.)  On Wednesday, I try to keep it as simple as possible, because Charis and I go to prayer meeting and often don't get home until 7-8 PM.  We would get home earlier, but I also try to grocery shop after prayer meeting.  Which means I want something quick and convenient that day.  It also means my meal planning is usually from Wednesday to Tuesday, instead of Monday to Sunday.

Thursday: Chipotle sweet potato corn chowder  Yes, sweet potatoes again.  I like sweet potatoes, and they're in season.

Friday: Stromboli and Fruit (Apples and Grapes) (I NEED to make this tonight.  Tomorrow, we will be travelling to Pennsylvania to go to the memorial service for Drew's grandfather.  We will be away on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: Away in Pennsylvania

Sunday: Away in Pennsylvania and driving back to the D.C. Metro area.

I'm linking up again with Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home.

Hootie Pants and Book on Russia {Yarn Along}

As I promised yesterday, here are photographs of my latest knitting project.

I found the pattern on Ravelry, and you can get it here.  They're called "Hootie Pants".  I'm making these longies for Charis to put over her cloth diapers in the winter.  I'm using Paton's classic wool.  As you can hopefully see, they have owls just underneath the waist.  I'm hoping they'll fit her.

On the reading front, I'm hoping to start reading a book on Russia.  A few weeks ago, Drew and I went to a friend's house after church, and we were talking about Russia and the Soviet Union, and I realized I know very little about Russia and want to learn more.

Knitting and YouTube {Gratituesday}

I am thankful for YouTube!!  I am knitting a pair of longies for Charis (hoping they'll fit).  And I came across short rows.  EVERY TIME I have tried to do short rows, I end up having holes in my knitting.  Not cool.  :(  So, I went to YouTube and found some helpful videos demonstrating Wrap & Turn (W&T).  So far, there are NO holes!!  The videos definitely helped.  I had seen words in print how to do W&T, but I'm a visual learner, I need to see before trying something new in knitting.

Note: I hope to post pictures of the longies tomorrow.  :-D

What is your only comfort in life and death? {Heidelberg Catechism Question 1} and Sermon Notes on Death

That I, with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, wherefore by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him. {Heidelberg Catechism Answer 1}

John 11 Sermon:
Jesus demonstrates that He is the great Resurrector of mortal people and teaches the power of Christ over the grave.
As Christians, we don't really know what to do with grief, and we are mistaken if we think this:

• Many Jewish friends gathered together to console Mary and Martha v. 19 and v. 31
• The Jews thought Mary was getting up to go weep v. 31
• Jesus himself expressed emotion over the realities of death.  He was deeply moved and troubled and He wept. v. 33-35, 38  Jesus' anger is directed not against unbelief, but against the death of Lazarus.  Jesus also did not weep because He missed Lazarus; Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Jesus weeps with those who weep.  "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)  Grief is the price we pay for living in a mortal world of love.  God made us to love and to be loved.
• It is right to feel indignant towards death and to grieve.
• Follow Christ in my grieving.
• Feel free to weep, just as Martha and Mary did and my Redeemer did.  It is not my Christian duty to fight them off {I need to remember this one}.

Drew's grandfather died last Wednesday morning (around 12:30 AM); we do not know the state of his soul, only God does.  Pray that hearts will be softened at the memorial service (this coming Saturday November 5).  Pray for our witness to family members.