Wordless Wednesday 11/7/12

♥ Rissa

Appalachia Diaper Drive & Cloth Diaper Giveaway

Welcome to the Fall 2012 Cloth Diaper Drive Giveaway & Fundraising Event hosted by Leettle Baby!

This is the first time I have been able to participate in a cloth diaper giveaway and I am so excited! Leettle Baby has hosted many other giveaways in the past and I have been lucky enough to win a prize in one of them. This is where we all get to spread the love and maybe get some back!

Last spring, with your help, we were able to send 30 diaper covers and 30 cotton prefolds to the DFW Cloth Diaper Project.
This time around we would love to make an even greater impact. For this event, we would love help the Tomahawk Sustainment Mission in their efforts to expand their cause to begin a cloth diapering program that will benefit the people living in the poverty-stricken Appalachia region of Kentucky. The founder, Terri, has estimated that there were 500 children that could benefit from this program.

DID YOU KNOW? The Appalachia region covers 13 different U.S. states, encompasses 420 counties and includes 25 million people? Sadly, some of the most distressed areas have 150% poverty rate over the average U.S. rate.

Why Cloth Diapers?
As many of us parents know, diapering our children can cost us a fortune. According to the Real Diaper Association, using disposables costs a family about $66 dollars per month, and about $1,600 for the first two years. Now imagine if you had to decide if your family was going to eat or spend money on buying more diapers. Some families even have to re-use their babies DISPOSABLE diapers because they cannot afford to buy more. The wonderful thing about cloth diapers is that you do not have to worry about purchasing more diapers and you can always have clean ones readily available! With this diaper program, these families will not have to spend a penny on diapers for their children.
In addition, disposable diapers are not compostable and are estimated to take 250 - 500 years to break down! Now imagine if you did not have a trash service to remove those diapers (like some of those living in the Appalachia area)...where would they go? Cloth diapers provide a more sanitary option to the environment and reduce landfill waste.
How You Can Help
A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated and is tax deductable.
There are quite a few other ways that you can help us get as many of these precious children cloth diapered as possible, just click HERE.
As a thank you for spreading the word about this cloth diapering program, Leettle Baby and a team of amazing bloggers are going to reward you with an awesome giveaway...with the opportunity to win one of the two cloth diaper prize packages!
Grand Prize

• Thirsties 3 Thirsties Duo Wraps (valued at $38.25) 10 Thirsties Duo Hemp Pre-folds (valued at $80.00)
• SoftBums Choice of Echo/Omni Diaper One-size Shell & One-Size Pod (valued at $29.90)
• Little Bee Creations Ma Ma Cloth Starter Pack - Sizes 7, 10 &12 inch mix (valued at $27.50)
• Little Bee Diaper Co. One-size Bee Changed Cloth Diaper in Choice of Color (valued at $19.95)
** Jona from The Little Bee Co. has graciously offered to send one Bee Changed Diaper for EACH one purchased during the diaper drive event, make sure that you put "LoveAppalachia" in the comment section when you order! Shop HERE! **
• Lamb Babies Choice of Fitted or One-Size Cloth Diaper (valued at $19.00)
• Green Bees 2 One-size Diapers (valued at $16.00)
• Rock In Green 45/90 Load Bag of Detergent in Choice of Scent (valued at $14.95 - $15.95)

Second Prize

• Funky Fluff 1 One-Size Cloth Diaper (valued at $18.40)
• Glow Bug 1 One-Size Cloth Diaper (valued at $12.50)
• Smart Snugs NatureSnug™ Bamboo Diaper (valued at $18.00)

Giveaway is open to US residents (US & CAN residents for second prize) ages 18 and older only, beginning on November 5th, 2012 and ending at 12:01 am on November 21st, 2012. Winners will be notified by e-mail provided by the Rafflecopter form and has 48 hours to claim prize before another is selected.

Peachy Green... Winter Launch Landing at Kissed by the Moon November 1st!

5... 4... 3... 2... 1... !!!!
Who's ready for another round of Peachy Green?

If you've been paying attention the last week or so, you may have noticed some super cute diaper previews posted on the Kissed by the Moon Facebook Page. Its that time again... Peachy Green release time! This time around, in addition to the Solo Luxe AIO, Kissed by the Moon fans also get the option to purchase the Sprout Up OS AI2 and Switcheroo Cover-n-2. Are you excited yet? I am!

Let's go over some difference between the different types.. you with me?

Blue Icicles

First off the tried and true, I love it, Solo Luxe AIO.

• PUL outer in colors and prints
• Bamboo/organic cotton inner
• Sizing 0-1-2
  
• Bamboo/organic cotton soaker
• Leg openings: No tucking needed, stretchy elastic for thin or chubby thighs
• 4 rows of snaps, you can adjust leg and waist separately.

Blue Moon

I have tried the Solo Luxe AIO and I love it. This diaper is so trim and so adorable. I do love a fluffy booty, but sometimes you need to put on pants, and this is the diaper to do that with. Even if it means ( tear :( ) covering it up.

Next up is the Switcheroo Cover-n-2

• PUL outer in colors and prints
• Inner you can wipe clean for multiple changes and flaps to hold prefolds!
• Sizing 0-1-2 (newborn covers too!)
  
• No soaker, you can use this with prefolds, flats, or fitted diapers.
• Leg openings: Double elastic with gentle leg gussets to contain messes.
• 3 rows of snaps, you can adjust leg and waist separately.

Highland Games

I haven't tried this yet, but I will definitely be ordering one. Covers are one of my favorite types of diapers. We use a lot of fitteds and flats so this work should work perfectly into our routine!

Rounding out the Peachy Green line up is the Sprout Up OS AI2.

• PUL outer in colors and prints
• Soft custom-milled microfleece. Shell can be reused for multiple changes!
• One Size with 3 rise adjustments
• Bamboo/organic cotton soakers
• Leg openings: No tucking needed, stretchy elastic for thin or chubby thighs
• 5 rows of snaps, you can adjust leg and waist separately.

Sunshine

I am super excited about this. When I started cloth diapering, AI2s were the bulk of my stash. I adore that these are bamboo/organic cotton since that is such an absorbent combination and very gentle on baby bums.

Peachy Fact? These diapers are sewn in Missouri, USA!

Other colors and prints coming to you on November 1st?

Minnie

Crimson

Rainbow Zig Zag

Be sure to have your alarm clock set! These all go on sale November 1st at 10 am CST. And once they are gone, they are gone! Act fast!

What is your Peachy Green style? What is your favorite color/print of this release?

Crow Mountain Crafts Review

I'm sitting here dreaming of falling leaves and pies baking on the stove, of crackling fires, turkey dinners with cranberry sauce, and apple picking. Mmmm.... Fall is in the air and all around us. In pretty much everywhere but Southern California anyways! In substitute, I would at least like my house and my baby to smell like fall. Personally I love fall scents and all the memories they bring. Pumpkin, cranberry, apple cider. Caramel, pecan, figs. One of the fun things about cloth diapers is that we get to use these awesome products that have delicious scents. Crow Mountain Crafts recently stocked at Kissed by the Moon with lots of delicious fall scents to tempt, tease, and delight your appetite!

Let's go through some of their products and available scents and discuss a little... what do you think?

To start off we'll begin with a staple for any cloth diapering, cloth wiping family... Crow Mountain Crafts Small Cloth Wipes Cubes/Booty Bits! These will make a yummy smelling wipes solution that will last for days. Fun fall scents include: Apple Caramel Crunch, Spiced Cranberry, and Cozy Cabin, as well as others you'll have to find for yourself! These are one of my favorite wipe bits to use. I count the number of days I am going to be making solution for and add the same number of bits, maybe adding one or two more, to boiling or hot water. I wait for it to cool and Voila! wipes solution! Impatient? Yeah, me too. Try mixing with   1/2 the amount of boiling water, stir in your bits, and add some cool water so you get a nice lukewarm mix. Dip your wipes in your concoction or fill your spray bottle, its all ready. You can also use this as soap while traveling, just dissolve in the bath and your little one will smell delicious all over. You can never have enough wipe bits for that cutie bootie!

Next in the line up is a wool essential: Crow Mountain Crafts Liquid Wool Wash. If you're going to be soaking your wool wouldn't it be awesome to get your whole house smelling like I don't know... Pumpkin Pie? That is my number one favorite fall dessert and if I can't have it, I am certainly happy to have my house all yummed up smelling like it! Other delicious fall options are Baked Apple Pie and Coffee Mocha. If you just need a quick lano for your wool or a mid-month pick me up, this is the wool wash for you. It's as simple as a squirt or two in your woolie bath and Presto! your house is full of fall aromatics! Crow Mountain Crafts Liquid Wool Wash is concentrated and condensed so you don't need to use too much, this bottle will last you for awhile. Now you just need to figure out... 2 bottles or 3? Or more?

If liquid wool wash isn't your thing Crow Mountain Crafts gives you a nice alternative in their Lanolin Wool Wash Bars. I have a Juicy Cherry wool wash bar, but I have a feeling I'm going to be stocking up on some Pecan Pie pretty soon! Just like cloth diapers, it seems like every time I put a piece of wool on my baby bean, she feels the need to have a party in her pants! Usually resulting in some messy wool! Nice for the double lano'ing... not so nice for last minute outfit matching. Wool wash bar to the rescue! This super awesome wool wash bar cleans and adds some light lanolin to your wool. Just gently rub the spot in question and Ta Da! bye-bye ick, hello deliciousness! Now here is your dilemma... Pecan Pie or Cherry Pie? Chestnuts & Brown Sugar or Figgy Pudding? Wanna know a Rissa-Rule? When in doubt get it all ;)

To round out the Crow Mountain Crafts family we have Crow Mountain Crafts Booty Mist Wipes Solution Spray. While no fall scents are currently in stock (keep an eye out in the future!) you can snag some oh so appetizing Pina Colada. This is my number one favorite scent. Even in fall. You know when you get those chilly November blues and you're just longing for fun, sun, and yummy drinks again? This definitely helps! Just spray some Pina Colada Booty Mist goodness on your little one's bum and close your eyes. Mmmm... its almost like pool side in Hawaii! Crow Mountain Crafts Booty Mist Wipes Solution Spray is pre-mixed for you, no muss, no fuss. Just spray on and wipe off. Great for travel or if you're in a rush.

What's your favorite fall scent?

Wordless Wednesday

♥ Rissa

Fall 2012 Cloth Diaper Drive - Supporting The Tomahawk Sustainment Mission. . .

 

Fall 2012 Cloth Diaper Drive - Supporting The Tomahawk Sustainment Mission. . . 

Sign up's are OPEN! 

This is the first time I have been able to participate in a cloth diaper giveaway and I am so excited! Leettle Baby has hosted many other giveaways in the past and I have been lucky enough to win a prize in one of them. This is where I get to spread the love!

Leettle Baby will be hosting the Leettle Hands and Feet Fall 2012 Cloth Diaper Drive, which will run from November 1st - 30th, 2012. Not only will there be a giveaway for a stash of cloth diapers, but there will be charity auctions in efforts to raise money to start a cloth diapering program that will benefit at least 500 babies in the impoverished areas of the Kentucky Appalachia!
DID YOU KNOW? The Appalachia region covers 13 different U.S. states, encompasses 420 counties and includes 25 million people? Sadly, some of the most distressed areas have 150% poverty rate over the average U.S. rate.
Head on over to the Leettle Baby blog and sign up today if you are interested in participating in this giveaway hop event which includes a FREE blogger opportunity! The deadline for sign up's is October 30th, so don't hesitate to sign up for this wonderful event!
Also...sponsors for the giveaway and auction are still wanted and greatly appreciated! Please contact me (Alanna) at leettlehandsandfeet@gmail.com if you would like to help.

EVENT DETAILS

DATES:  November 1st - 30th (Giveaway will run from November 1st - November 30th), 2012

COST:   FREE with announcement post, $5 for 2 links, $1 each additional, & $10 for host follow pages
GIVEAWAY PRIZE:   A cloth diaper stash & accessory package...and more! Click here to view prize listing & sponsors

Sign & Learn More @ LeettleBaby! 

Bumby: The Ins & Outs

With Bumby pre-orders quickly coming to a close... are you still hesitating? If you're unsure what to get, what all those options mean, and what you should choose, step right up and be ready to be wow'd!

One of the awesome things about Bumby is the fact that they are open pre-orders, so you can order  something that will exactly work for your little one. Let's walk step by step through the ordering process and figure out what it all means together.

Fuzzy Wool

First, you are going to choose what kind of wool you want. Fuzzy or Silky... what's the difference? Well if you have ever had interlock wool before, you will be familiar to Bumby's fuzzy wool. It is the traditional wool that you will find. "Soft, fluffy, stretchy, fuzzy, thick, and super absorbent."

Silky Wool

"But Marissa, that is so thick! I live in a really hot climate and we just don't need thick, fuzzy wool!"
Solution: Silky wool! Silky wool is thin and super soft, silky soft. This wool is thinner and may tend to pill more if not treated carefully. However, silky is more likely to fit under your little ones clothes if that's what you need.

Soaker

Second, you get to pick between longies (also can be customized as leggings), shorties, and soakers/covers. Well, hmm. That's pretty much a preference choice. They are basically what they sound like. Longies are the equivalent of pants, based on the inseam (we will get to that later, I promise!) they can fall anywhere to capri length to full pants (with the ability to be cuffed). Shorties are little adorable wool shorts. These are my personal favorites, I think they just look so cute on our little squishy babies! They can fall from capri length to above the knee. Soakers/covers just cover the diaper. These are your "basic" wool. They are diaper covers and cover the bum, but are still uber fantastic.

Shorties

So, let's say you picked silky shorties (because I know I did!). All of a sudden you have even more options. Eek! Intimidated? I was at first.

Your first option is size. Well that's pretty easy right? You're given a choice between newborn, small, medium, large, and extra-large.

Newborn ~ Rise 13", Waist 11", Hip 13"-17", Inseam 6"
Small ~ Rise 16”, Waist 13", Hip 15"-20”, Inseam 8"
Medium ~ Rise 18”, Waist 15", Hip 17"-22”, Inseam 10"
Large ~ Rise 20”, Waist 17", Hip 19"-24”, Inseam 12"
XLarge ~ Rise 22”, Waist 19", Hip 21"-26”, Inseam 14" 

Ok, but after you see all those numbers... it can get a little scary again. What if that's too big? What if its too small. What if I just know that traditional sized items just don't work for my little one. Time to bust out the tape ladies... the measuring tape! Because, drum roll please, you can custom choose your measurements if necessary. (Let's skip over Color for now, we'll come back to it I promise!)

"Yeah that would work for most babies Marissa, but my little one... is really not so little when it comes to rise! She's kind of a string bean!" First thing you need to do is add some butter and munch away. Once you're done with some yummy baby kisses, head on down to Increase the Rise and you have the choice to add 1" or 2". Still not enough? Go ahead and pick 2" and then put in your notes how much you need to add.

Leggings

"But Marissa, I have a chunker. Like a super chunker. He has enough rolls to rival a bakery." First of all, squee! I love some chunky babies! Second of all, the only thing you need to do is list your baby's necessary waist size in your notes on check out! Easy peasy. (You can do the exact same thing if you need a smaller waist size for your delicious string bean.)

"Hey, its me again Marissa... with that yummy string bean of a baby girl. Great, I've got her waist and rise all sorted, but seriously, I don't want her shorties to be Daisy Dukes." Well, Bumby has a fix for that too! Next up is Increase the Inseam. Once again, you're given the option to make those shorties just the right size for you. Choose between a 1", 2", and 3" increase. Still not enough? Go ahead and pick 3" and then put in your notes how much you need to add.

"Well Marissa, that's all well and good, but you seriously except me to know my baby's measurements? What do I look like? A seamstress?" Nope! You look like a mama with a baby and a plan! Your first step to getting your baby's measurements are to striiiip dooooown, the baby that is... and to whatever diaper you are planning to put on him under the wool. Take your squirmy bean and measure first around those munch-able thighs (for soakers), then around his ticklish belly, then from baby boy's thigh down to where you want your longies or shorties to fall, and finally from the top of the back of the diaper to the top of the front, right through the middle. Still confused? Check out these handy dandy picture How to's:
(pardon the wiggly baby)

Measure around the thigh for soakers/covers

Measure around the waist

Measuring from the top of the back of the diaper for rise...

...and all the way around to the top of the front of the diaper for rise.

Measure from inner thigh to ankle for inseam.

Please do note that Bumby wool is stretchy and will stretch to fit over your diaper, so try not to overestimate unless you are trying to size up.

Have you ever heard the term "adjustable hem"? Time to blow your mind. You can specifically order an "adjustable hem" for your little one's longies/shorties for them to grow into!

"Why would I do that Marissa? When my little boy outgrows his longies, I'll just buy new ones."

But when your son outgrows his longies... what does he really outgrow? The waist or the length? Personally, we grow out of the length of things muuuuch quicker than the waist. This gives you the option to fashionably fold up your longies and extend them when you're ready! (Please add length in inseam and note adjustable hem and color preference in your comments on checkout)

Adjustable hem folded down

Adjustable hem folded up

Ok, now as promised, colors! Bumby has a large variety of colors for both fuzzy and silky wool, to see their options visit the Bumby site and view their colors here. To see color names click the i.

Let's move on to your next fun option and perhaps the most exciting of all... POCKETS!!!

"Now Marissa... what would my little girl need pockets for? She's only 13 months old!" Why for her Jellystone Smart Phone Teether of course! (Duh, Mom!) All kidding aside, pockets are a great cute way to customize and cute-ize your woolies even more. (Please note where you would like pockets to be located. ex: hip, waist, cargo style, booty. For 2 pockets order 2 singles and note that in comments at check out.)

Your pocket options include:

• Single pocket
• Patch pocket/Jean style - Patch pockets are 2 patch pockets that start in the front and wrap around to the back on both side to give the illusion of jean pockets.
• Coverlock pockets - Please see picture below.
• Full hidden pockets - Please see picture below.

Dragon Fruit Longies with Coverlock pockets

Full hidden pockets

After that option comes something just for those ordering longies and shorties, for Fuzzy this option is called "Hammock" and for Silky this is called "Peanut". This gives you the ability to add an extra layer in the wetzone for added bullet proof protection!

And last but certainly not least, your "cut". You know how you have those fabulous jeans but you only like boot cut... or maybe flared? You have that possibility for your wool as well. (As always, please note hem cut details in your notes at checkout.)

Flared hem, Standard straight hem and folded up and lightly stitched hem

"Hey Marissa.. thanks for all of this but I have a diva. This just isn't enough customization. She need something mind blowing."

Step right up and let me show you something out of this world. Two words. Bold. Longies. 

Example of Bold Longies

Bold longies are striped longies with multiple colors of wool. You can choose Girly, Boyish, or Gender Neutral. You have the option of increasing rise and inseam like other longies and you can also ask for more stripes. These truly are wool art!

Have a specific idea in mind? Want specific colors or for your longies to be leggings? Please note your preferences in comments at check out and Bumby will do their best to accommodate!

So that's that folks. Everything you need to know to fully customize your stylish little bean into a perfect pair of woolies! Still have questions? Feel free to comment below!

Wool Diaries: How to Lanolize Wool

So you took the plunge, or you're about to, but wait. You don't know how to treat your wool. I mean, its cute and all, but once I get it... what do I do with it?

Here is your "How to" on lanolizing your wool!

So the first thing you will need to do is gather your mad scientist supplies!

1. Bottle (This is optional, you can stir, I prefer shaken not stirred)
2. Baby soap. I use CJ's Carcass Cleaner.
3. Solid lanolin. Yes, you can use spray lanolin or wool wash with lanolin incorporated, but generally that is not enough lanolin to full lanolize your wool. Pictured is Crow Mountain Crafts Solid Lanolin.
4. Wool wash (bar or liquid). Pictured is CJ's Wool Wash and Crow Mountain Crafts Wool Wash Bar.
5. Large bowl. You can also use your sink but since I don't like monopolizing my sink with wool, I use a bowl.
6. Tea kettle (optional). I use this to get my water hot enough to emulsify the lanolin. You can also boil water in a pot or microwave.
7. Cup to mix lanolin in. I use a measuring cup.
8. Spoon and knife. To mix lanolin and to weigh wool down in water if needed.
9. Wool! You have multiple options. Bumby pre-orders just opened and sustainablebabyish|sloomb has instock and pre-orders available.

The first thing you are going to do is wet your wool. Be sure to give it a nice squish (squeeze) to get it nice and wet. It is best to wash/lanolize your wool inside out so the wet zone can get the best of your mix!

Next, you are going to take your wool wash bar (or liquid wool wash if that is your choice) and gently rub the wool down. You don't need to rub with the bar too much, just get a nice layer of wash onto your wool. Once you have a nice layer of wash, work it in gently with your fingers.

To finish prepping your wool for lanolization, place it back in your bowl of water to sit until your ready for it! This helps the wool adjust to the water temperature and be ready for lanolin.

Now on to lanolizing! I have a heavy hand in lanolizing because I use my wool often. For overnight/bullet proof use you are going to want to be heavier with your lanolin. This was for 2 pieces, one of which has been lanolized before. In general, you need to lanolize twice to get full strength. I took a heaping teaspoon of my Crow Mountain Crafts Solid Lanolin.

I put the teaspoon of lanolin my measuring cup and filled it halfway with water (about 1 1/2 cup) I boiled in my tea kettle. I added 2 squirts of CJ's Carcass Cleaner to help the lanolin emulsify.

Because I shake my lanolin mix, I only stir it in the water until it turns completely liquid. Still greasy and not emulsified, but no lumps!

Next I pour my mix in my bottle. I put some extra (1/2 a cup) of my leftover boiled water in the measuring cup to get all the lanolin out of the cup and pour that in as well. Then I shake shake shake shake. (Since your water is very hot, it makes the glass hot, so I wrap a kitchen towel around the bottle.) You'll know when to stop shaking because the lanolin will be completely emulsified. It will look like whole milk, so no "floaties" (lanolin grease spots) and will be nice and smooth.
Alternative: If you plan on stirring your lanolin, you will skip the bottle and pour into a bowl and stir until you get the desired consistency. 

I poured the lanolin mix back into the measuring cup so you can get a view on how your lanolin mix should look. The white "foam" on the top is just from shaking and has no effect on the mix. You'll want to take your wool out of your bowl and gently squeeze excess water out

Now your mix is still pretty hot and in order to avoid felting you will want to lower the temperature of the water to lukewarm, you don't want to shock your wool with hot water. To avoid this, I have found that the best way to gradually cool your lanolin mix down is to pop in a couple ice cubes! I put 2 in my mix and slowly stir until they have dissolved. The white ring in the pictures is just from flash.

Now my mix is cooled down enough to add warm water. You'll want it just warm enough that you can feel it on your wrist. Add it slowly and stir while you add it. If added too hot/cold or too fast, your lanolin might get a little shocked (eek!) and separate a little bit.

This is what my lanolin mix with water looks like. It lightens up some but not much.

I only add enough water to fully cover my wool.

And alas! Its finally time to give your wool a nice lano bath! Put it in and give it a nice squish and gentle swish to get the lanolin mix all up in your wool's business!

Now is the really hard part. You have to wait. And wait. And wait. When first lanolizing my wool, I do a full 24 hour soak. If its been lanolized before I only soak overnight. This gives the wool lots of time to soak in that milky goodness. If your wool has been lanolized repeatedly or you aren't planning on using it for night time, you may only need to soak for 30 minutes to couple hours.

24 hours later

Your wool is ready to drain! Pour your lano mix out and gently squeeze the excess out of your wool. Try to avoid twisting as that can felt wool. If you ended up with "floaties", don't worry, you can use your finger to spread them on your wool and lanolin dries clear. That area will just have a little extra protection.

To help my wool dry faster I lay it on a towel to roll out excess water.

Gently roll and squeeze out the excess water from your wool.

And finally you can hang your wool to dry! If you want to dry it faster, you can point a fan at it. It is also suggested to turn your wool over to allow each side to get enough air time to dry.

Easy Peasy right? Well it may seem complicated, but once you do it the first few times it becomes second nature!

♥ Rissa