Pink Blush Maternity Maxi Skirt Review & $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway!

This skirt from Pink Blush is my new favorite!  It's so comfy and actually fits well!  When I first tried it on I was so shocked at the comfort and fit!  I think I wore it 3 days straight!  Now I try to get it washed as soon as possible once it's dirty as I can't wait to wear it again.

I have a very hard time finding clothes that fit me when I'm pregnant.  Everything is either too big or too short.  All my normal shirts fit me still but are too short and uncomfortable (especially when they don't cover my whole baby bump!).  I've tried a lot of small maternity shirts and hardly any of them have ever fit.

So, when I requested this maxi skirt I was really hoping I had found and picked out something that would actually fit me. None of the skirts I wear when I'm pregnant are maternity and I was worried I would have the same problem with this skirt as I do with maternity tops.  I was very wrong, this skirt is a new must for me during pregnancy!

In the picture above I am 29 weeks with our third baby.  This maxi skirt is still my run to skirt for everyday wear as well as nicer occasions (I'm almost 31 weeks now)!  It will definitely fit me until the end of my pregnancy with it's comfortable yet stretch waist band.  The waist band is at least 6 inches tall and can be folded over to give support and comfort how you like it.

The waist band is so stretchy I'm pretty sure this skirt will still be a favorite wear during postpartum and after!

Pink Blush offers hundreds of maternity clothing options, with many being modest and comfortable looking!  Some of my other favorite items from Pink Blush are:
 

This Beige Maternity Coat is so cute and looks like it would be so comfortable during the cold winter days.  Being that our baby is due in December it's going to be plenty cold enough for a comfy coat like this!

I love my Navy Maxi skirt so much I'd love to have a second one!  This Black Tie Dye Stripe skirt is one of my other favorites that Pink Blush offers. :-)

 This Teal Maternity shirt looks great too and I love the color!

Pink Blush offers free shipping on any US order over $50 and their shipping was amazingly fast!  I got my order just 4 days after ordering and there was a weekend in there!  If you click through and order from Pink Blush through these links you will get a coupon for $10 off (if your order total before tax/shipping is $50) & I'll get a coupon for referring you as well! - Thank you!

*** Pink Blush would like to offer one reader a $25 gift certificate to use at their store!  To enter use the rafflecopter form below.  According to Pink Blush contest rules any entrants who have won a giveaway from them in the past 6 months, or have hosted a giveaway in the past 6 months, are not eligible to win a gift card again.***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* Disclaimer - I received the product mentioned above for the purpose of this review. Read my full disclosure here.

Redmond Trading Gift Basket Giveaway! 2 Winners

Today Redmond Trading would like to offer a gift basket to 2 of my readers with the following products.  These products total just over $25 when purchasing from the Redmond Trading site.

1 10 oz jar of Clay
1 tube of Earthpaste
1 9 oz Salt Shaker
1 Pocket Shaker

Have you read my review of the Redmond Trading products? If not, make sure to go read that post either before or after entering this giveaway!

I can't say enough about how much I love the Redmond Clay and the Earthpaste from this company.  I use the Earthpaste daily and keep the clay on hand for any emergency.  I think clay should be added to everyone's natural first aid kit.  So far I have been pleased every time I have used clay on myself or my family.  We use the salt all the time in our regular cooking needs.  It's so great to know that the salt we are using is good for us!

To enter this giveaway use the Rafflecopter form below.  The winner will be announced September 11th here on this post (Rafflecopter form).  If you have questions let me know!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclamer - I received a sample of this product for the purpose of the review linked to above. This giveaway is sponsored by Redmond Trading. Giveaway for US only.

Redmond Clay Review + Facial Mask Recipe

Before receiving a sample from Redmond Trading I had never tried using clay before.  I had been hearing more and more about it all over and had been really wanting to try it.

My clay sample arrived really fast and I was impressed with the large 10oz container.  You don't use much so it lasted a long time. I actually just bought another one.

About Clay from Redmond Trading:

Redmond Clay is an old “Home Remedy” that generations of people have used for a variety of ailments. Redmond Clay’s origins are as old as the practice of putting a mud poultice on a bee sting. Geologically, Redmond Clay is volcanic ash that was deposited in sea water years ago. Technically, Redmond Clay is a swelling-type sodium bentonite. Redmond Minerals brings this “clay of a thousand uses” to market in its natural state with no additives, chemicals or preservatives. The only processing it undergoes is crushing and screening.

Since there are no proven studies to indicate that Redmond Clay is effective in curing any ailment, this document serves only as an educational example of how Redmond Clay has been used historically.

I have been using the clay ever since to help with acne and wish I would have found this years ago!  I am totally amazed at the results since applying a clay mask to problem areas.  After about 1 month of applying a mask twice a day the acne was all cleared, that had never happened using any other ointments or medications on it.  After that month I went to a once a day application and now I only use it about once a week or when I feel like I'm needing it.  I mixed the clay with honey, oat flour and baking soda but I'm pretty sure it would have worked by itself just maybe taking a bit longer to fully clear.

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Honey-Oat Clay Facial Mask
1 tbsp clay
2 tsp honey (link to my favorite honey)
2 tsp oat flour (just blend up some oats in a blender or food processor until they become fine)
2 tsp baking soda

* I would recommend using organic or as natural as possible products when making a mask.  This mask is supposed to help pull impurities and toxins out of the skin, using ingredients full of pesticides and chemicals will make it work against itself.

Mix all ingredients together and add enough water to make it spreadable (1 tbsp or so).  Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.  Apply a thin layer of the mask all over your face or just on the problem areas.  You want to mask thick enough that you can't see your skin through it. Avoid getting the mask in your eyes/mouth/nose when applying.

Honey is antibacterial and exceptionally helpful in healing acne, both the inflammation and the scars. Oats are extremely helpful in reducing inflammation and promote healthy skin.  Baking soda helps balance the PH of the skin.

If you want you can do a honey wash on your face before doing a mask, this will help a lot with problem areas and inflammation.  To do a honey wash: Rinse your face with warm water apply a thin layer of honey all over.  Cover your face with a warm washcloth for a little while, probably about 30 seconds to a minute.  Rinse with warm water again and pat dry before applying your mask.

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I also have put a clay pack/mask on mosquito bites, it helped with the itching but the ones I had still got really big (which they normally do for me so that's not something new).

My son had a sore on his leg that got infected, after just 2 times of placing a clay pack on him the infection and swollen areas were so much less.  I had tried several other creams and the clay definitely worked the fastest and best at drawing out whatever got into it. Within two days of putting a clay pack on him the sore was almost completely gone and healing very nicely.  I'm sure if we didn't put the clay pack on his sore we would have ended up at the doctors and our son on antibiotics.

I tried a different brand of bentonite clay and it seemed to work well but seemed much heavier and harder to mix with water.  I'm sure any pure clay will work but Redmond Clay it my favorite!  The ready-made First Aid clay is nice to have handy in your diaper bag or first aid kit.

Some of my other favorite products from Redmond Trading

Redmond Trading has many other products.  One of my other favorites is their toothpaste.  I am allergic to mint and it is so hard to find an Okay non-mint toothpaste.  Earthpaste is by far the best non-mint toothpaste I've ever used.  Their Lemon Twist is mint free and leaves your teeth feeling so amazingly clean without a nasty flavor.  Lemon Twist is intended for children but it is definitely great as an adult toothpaste as well!

UPDATE - Click over here to enter to win 1-10oz jar of Redmond Clay, 1-9oz Salt Shaker, 1 tube of Earthpaste & 1 pocket Salt Shaker! 2 Winners!

*Disclaimer - I was sent a sample of the mentioned product to review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  I am not a doctor or medical professional, be sure to consult your health care provider before treating at home.
This post contains affiliate links, read my disclosure here.

Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert :: A Book Review {and GIVEAWAY}

Are you new to cloth diapering?

Are you interested in cloth diapering?

Are you a cloth diaper addict?

Do you have questions on cloth diapering?

Then this ebook is for you!!

I've cloth diapered (and still am cloth diapering) both my boys from birth.  I've never bought disposable diapers, not to boast, it's just that I love cloth diapering that much!  I just love how cute they are besides how much better they are for both baby and the environment, and how much they SAVE you money!

This book, Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert (afil. link) covers every area to address when it comes to cloth diapering!  Erin goes through every step, process, type, etc and explains each in detail.  Erin says she made all the mistakes there are to make when it comes to cloth diapering and she wants to keep you from doing them all too, that's why she wrote this book!

This 200+ page book is well done, easy to read and super entertaining. A whole book on cloth diapers entertaining??  Erin makes it so, the stories and details make it hard to stop in the middle of, especially if you are a cloth diaper addict!  I was able to read the entire thing in just a matter of a few hours (and remember I have 2 toddlers!). : )

You can view the complete table of contents here at The Humbled Homemaker.

Now until June 17th, you can get 20% off your copy of Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by using the code arestfulplacecloth during checkout.

Also, Erin has offered to giveaway a copy of Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert to one reader (if you buy the book she promises to refund you if you win it). Enter below in the rafflecopter form (subscribers will need to click through to view the rafflecopter form).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can connect with Erin on her blog The Humbled Homemaker, she has a cute, encouraging and very informative site that I enjoy!

*Disclaimer - This posts contains affiliate links.  I received a free copy of Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert for the purpose of this review.  The opinions are 100% my own and honest.  You can read my entire policy here.

Redeeming Childbirth Book Giveaway!!!

Did you read my review on Redeeming Childbirth yet?  If not, go read it and get familiar with this fantastic book. : )

Angie Tolpin has kindly offered to giveaway a signed copy of Redeemed Childbirth today to one of my readers!  Enter the giveaway below through the Rafflecopter form (subscribers will have to click through to enter on the blog).  Have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer - Angie Tolpin sent me an e-version of this book for the purpose of the review.  I wasn't compensated in any other way.  Thank you Angie, it truly has been a blessing!  This post also contains affiliate links, you can read my entire policy here. 

Redeeming Childbirth :: A Book Review

Today I want to share with you to my *new* favorite pregnancy/childbirth book : Redeeming Childbirth by Angie Tolpin.

This book has become my favorite pregnancy book because of the huge amount of encouragement through out it's pages.  I have read a ton of pregnancy/childbirth books (here are some of my favorites) and for the most part they are alike and tell you how big your baby is now and what happens during pregnancy, labor and birth, etc.  This book though encourages you to grow in your relationship with the Lord while going through the life changing experience of pregnancy/childbirth.

Pregnancy and birth is just something you don't ever forget, it is imprinted on your heart.  I remember the overflowing joy of finding out a new blessing was coming, feeling the first hiccup or kick, hearing the baby's heart beat for the very first time, growing close to the day you are to deliver and meeting your precious baby for the very first time.  Pregnancy is a precious growing time for both yourself and your baby.

A lot of people (I know I have at times) focus on the negatives of pregnancy: morning sickness, sleepless nights, backaches, outgrowing clothes, tiredness, overwhelmed with household tasks, etc. Though these are all extremely true (more so for others), this book encourages you to draw closer to the Lord during these trying times and rest in His presence.

I wish there had been such a book when I was expecting our first baby. I would have benefited so much for the encouragement within it. This book is written to help redeem your childbirth, help you grow spiritually with the Lord, your family and your growing baby.  I ended up reading this book slowly, I'd read a little and think on it and read a little again.  It is so full of wisdom, I'm sure I'll be picking it back up next time I'm expecting.

I would have no problems recommending Redeeming Childbirth to anyone having a baby!

Be on the look out for an exciting giveaway coming soon!!

You can connect with Angie online on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or subscribe to her email list.

*Disclaimer - Angie Tolpin sent me an e-version of this book for the purpose of the review.  I wasn't compensated in any other way.  Thank you Angie, it truly has been a blessing!  This post also contains affiliate links, you can read my entire policy here. 

Kissed by the Moon Store Spotlight

At the beginning of last month I ran a giveaway for the #NewFluff event, well, due to business and some unforeseen events I didn't get to post a sponsor spotlight before the event began and ended. : (  So, today I'm going to introduce you to one wonderful online store full of cloth diaper supplies and a ton of other baby related items.

Kissed by the Moon is a family ran online business helping parents cloth diaper their babies and buy all needed supplies at one place.  KBTM sells everything from cloth diapers in every style, to soap, to diaper bags, to baby toys to baby carries.  KBTM also has a rental program!! :)

Tami at Kissed by the Moon sent me some Crow Mountain Craft soap in lavender to try out.  The soap smelled so good when the package arrived!  Crow Mountain Craft soap is "cold process soap made with only the highest quality ingredients and essential oils.  Our soaps are made in small batches in my home. Each slice is handcut and weighs from 4.5-5oz."  Crow Mountain Craft soaps specializes in soaps to help wash your wool covers.  They have Lano Loafs, Liquid Wool Wash, Lanolin Mist, and a bunch of other items.

The bars of soap have this cute stamp stating "handmade" with a tree on one corner.  The colors in the bar I got are so beautiful and add a little special color to your bathroom. The soaps wash well and leave your hands feeling clean but not dry and stripped from all oils.  They lather well and last a long time.  I'm still working on my first bar of soap.

I always got quick responses to my questions and customer service was always accommodating and helpful.  

Some of the other products I love from Kissed by the Moon along with many others:

This Swaddlebess Simplex 2.0 is soooo cute!

Ergo Baby carriers are my absolute favorite carriers for when my babies get about 3 months.

My boys would love the cars on this Tots Bots Easy Fit One Size Diaper.

Like I said at the beginning of this post Kissed by the Moon donated a $25.00 gift certificate to the #NewFluff event that was in March.  

You can connect with Kissed by the Moon by following them on:

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Be sure to check out there sales/clearance section to score some great deals on diapers and accessories monthly.

* Disclaimer - I received a sample of the bar of soap mentioned above to write this review.  I was not compensated in any other way.  All opinions written here are 100% honest and my own.

Comfy Rumps Pocket Cloth Diaper Review (& Giveaway)

 

Today's review is for the Comfy Rumps original pocket cloth diaper that is being given away in this post, so be sure to head over there once you've read my review.  :-)

I was sent the Comfy Rumps Original Pocket Diaper in black to review.  This is a one-size cloth diaper, meaning that it is meant to fit your baby from birth to potty training.  This diaper will be bulky on a newborn and continue to fit less bulky as your baby grows.  I find one-size diapers too bulky for my newborns so I don't normally use them until my babies are a few months old.

The Comfy Rumps diaper only comes with 1 soaker so I would recommend buying second soakers if you are planning on using it overnight or have a heavy wetter.  I tried this diaper with both 1 soaker and 2 soakers (taking one from my own stash).  We didn't experience any leaks with just 1 soaker but the diaper was very full and if allowed to stay on too long would have definitely leaked.  2 soakers seemed to be better for my boys as I didn't have to worry about the diaper leaking or wicking out at all.

 The Comfy Rumps one-size pocket diaper has lots of snaps across the top to help get the perfect fit for your little one as well as 2 sets of riser snaps for younger/smaller babies.

This diaper is priced quite low for a one-size pocket diaper ranging from $6.25 - $7.75.  If you are looking for a one-size cloth diaper to fit your baby from birth to potty training then you might want to consider a Comfy Rumps diaper.  I have a 2 year old and a 11 month old and the diaper fits both of them nicely. Comfy Rumps sells other diapers as well as the original pocket one.

 These diapers are not made in the US (made in China) with the following fabrics:

Outer Material: A stretchy Polyester material with a PUL coating, (polyurethane laminate,) makes the outer layer completely waterproof. 

Inner Material: A light and soft microfleece material effectively wicks away moisture and will remain soft wash after wash.
Snap Pattern: 2 rows of snaps along the front allows the waist and hip to be securely fastened.  Each diaper also has rise adjustment snaps along the front, to shorten the diaper for smaller sizing.  
Soakers: Each diaper comes with one 3 piece microfiber terry insert which absorbs up to 250 ml of liquid! 

If you are interested in trying this Comfy Rumps diaper be sure to head over here and enter the giveaway!

* Disclaimer - I received a sample of the product mentioned above for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Comfy Rumps & Kissed by the Moon Giveaway - #NewFluff Hop

Welcome to the New Baby, New Fluff Giveaway Hop hosted by Coping with Frugality and Eco Baby Mama Drama. In celebration of Amanda's (from Coping with Frugality) new baby boy we are all excited to be bringing you fluffy prize packages each with a value of at least $25

Make sure you enter to win the fluffy Grand Prize valued at over $125!! Then hop to all the other blogs listed on the linky below and enter to win their cloth diapering prizes! I hope you win!

Today I have 2 prizes for 1 winner here for this event.  Thanks to our sponsors one winner will receive:

1 Comfy Rumps Original Pocket Diaper 

And a $25.00 gift certificate to Kissed by the Moon!!

There will be detailed reviews of these products and their companies coming this week and will be linked here once they are posted.

* UPDATE here's the review of the Comfy Rumps Diaper!

To enter this giveaway use the Rafflecopter form below. (subscribers will need to click through to enter).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

6 Woolzies Dryer Ball Review & Giveaway

As you know I've used wool dryer balls before (and still do!)  The chemicals in the commercial fabric softener sheets are so bad, I won't go into detail here this time but I'd encourage you to research it. They are filled with many toxic chemicals for your body. Yuck!

Anyway, these new dryer balls - Woolzies, that I'm talking about today are great!  They are 100% natural and have no dyes or fragrances.  My family has sensitivities to chemicals and fragrances so this is always a big plus.  These balls are about the size of your palm, though because they are hand made each ball differs just slightly from the other.

I already had 4 dryer balls in my dryer before adding the 6 woolzies I got.  Adding 6 more to my dryer has made a rather big difference in both the drying time and the amount of static in the dried clothes. :)  I haven't noticed a huge difference in the time but I know that these dryer balls will make a huge difference in the amount of time is takes to dry clothes. It's just that my dryer doesn't work well and I need to replace it sometime.  It roughly would take 110 minutes to dry 1 regular sized load with just my 4 dryer balls but now with the additional 6 it's only taking about 80 minutes to dry a load.  This is great because to get 110 minutes on my dryer I would have to reset the dryer, and if you are a mom you know how much a pain that can be as you just forget about it too easily! :)

Dryer balls are great with cloth diapers (if you dry them in the dryer).  The best part about dryer balls with cloth diapers is the fact that the drying time is cut back so much helping keep the wear and tear of the dryer down on your diapers. : )  You can read about the way I wash my diapers here.

These balls are made very well and will last a very long time with regular use.  They are guaranteed to last 1,000 loads or your money back!  They are firm yet soft and are not loud in the dryer at all as it spins around and around.  My boys love when I do the laundry and to find all the balls and then through them back into the dryer.  Sometimes they try to take them away and play with them but they are starting to understand that these are mommies balls and aren't play balls. : )

WOOLZIES®, The All Natural Dryer Ball Set. This set of six handmade pure wool dryer balls are special in several ways. They deliver the same benefits for laundry as conventional fabric softeners WITHOUT all the nasty chemicals. They save everyone a lot of money by eliminating the need to continuously spend on fabric softener liquid and sheets. They cut down on the time it takes to dry a typical load by at least 25% thereby saving everyone even more money and cutting down on fossil fuel usage. Finally, being as that they are handmade in the democratic republic of Nepal, they provide a steady source of income to the desperately needy women of that developing nation.

Each box of WOOLZIES contains 6 handmade woolen dryer balls. The cost per box is $34.95 with FREE SHIPPING anywhere in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. 

If you have more questions about the use of dryer balls and about Woolzies they are a very good FAQ page here.

Woolzies can also be purchased here on Amazon.

Would you like a chance to win your own set of 6 Woolzies dryer balls?  Woolzies has offered to give one (1) reader here a set of dryer balls!  Enter below in the Rafflecopter form!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* This post contains affiliate links.

Kawaii Baby One-Size Snap Closure Pocket {Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique} Review

Today I have a review for you on the Kawaii Baby One Size Pocket diaper from Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique.

Working with Sweetbottoms was a great experience.  The first sample they sent me got lost in the mail and they quickly reshipped a new diaper out to me, Customer service was fast and helpful!  I definitely would work with them again and refer others to them.

Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique carries a wide variety of products, mainly featuring cloth diapers but also including baby carriers, Natural Toys, things for momma, for the home and a bunch more!  I'm going to tell you about my experience with the Kawaii Baby diaper I received.

Kawaii Baby One Size Snap Closure Pocket Diaper Features:

• 3 rows of snaps on the outer layer transform the diaper to fit size small, medium, and large (approximately 8 - 36lbs). 
• Includes TWO highly absorbent microfiber inserts. Use one for day and two for night! 
• Cover made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) laminated fabric, which is highly water-resistant, breathable, and extremely durable. 
• Inner layer is made from a super soft microfleece, which wicks moisture away from baby's skin. 
• Snap closure. 
• New Ultra-Soft Squared Tab diapers are extra soft inside and out! 
• Every cloth diaper we sell is covered by our Fix & Fasten Guarantee℠.

The Kawaii Baby diaper is so super soft and I love the light green color that I got.  The color is perfect for both boys and girls.  The snaps are very strong.  The fabric is very durable and has held up really well through many washings.  I haven't had any leaks using this diaper.  This diaper has a wide range of fitted sizes and has worked great for my 11 month old baby for the last 5 months and for my 2 year old. It works great for day time and night time.

Kawaii Baby diapers aren't very pricy at $9.55 for 1-2, $9.20 for 3-5 of $8.80 for 6 or more diapers.  They come in a wide variety of colors but no prints.

Go visit Sweet Bottoms Boutique to check out all the other products they have to offer. You can connect with Sweet Bottoms Boutique on Facebook and Twitter too.

*Post contains affiliate links.

ListPlanIt.com Review + Giveaway

I'm a huge list person.  On my fridge alone I have 3 different magnetic pads to write notes and lists on.  I am always planning something and making to-do lists.

A while ago I won a ListPlanIt Memories PDF ePlanner.  This PDF you can print out and write into or type into right on your computer.  I printed it out and added it into my Homemaking Binder to write down special moments and memories of the year.  I haven't been as diligent as I'd like to be with writing into it but it still has been helpful in getting things I'd love to remember down. :)



ListPlanIt is a website with hundreds of lists to help you organize your life.  With a membership you can join and get access to them.  Recently I got a Download Membership and have been enjoying all the great lists included.

I have especially loved the Menu Planning lists, Financial lists (perfect time for the new year planning), home & time management lists.  They have lists for just about everything: Cleaning, Shopping, Business, Autos, Gardening, Holidays, Camping, etc. I haven't yet wanted a list that they didn't already have. :)

Almost all the lists can be typed right into on the PDF and then printed (for a clean and neat look) or they can be printed out and then written into.

Their site is quite easy to navigate through and only takes a small about of getting familiar with to feel right at home.  The lists are all categorized well and easy to help you find what you are looking for quickly.  Under each section you find additional sections to get you down to just the right lists for you.

How to join ListPlanIt?
It's really easy.  You can either join with a $5/month membership and have access to every single list on ListPlanIt or if you only want lists for certain areas you can purchase the ePlanners for $7.00.  If you want more then just a few of the ePlanners then it would been more cost efficient to go ahead with a membership to have access to all of the lists.

Want to try them out without a membership?
If you want to just see what ListPlanIt is like but don't want to pay just yet ListPlanIt has several lists you can use for Free along with a Trial ePlanner!  You can check them out and download them here.

Giveaway!
Jennifer (owner of ListPlanIt.com) has graciously offered a 1 year Download Membership to 1 reader!  To enter this giveaway use the Rafflecopter form below.

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*Disclaimer - This post contains referral links