12 Days of Christmas [GRAND PRIZE winner!]

The GRAND PRIZE winner of our 12 Days of Christmas photo challenge is taking home a $75 gift card to our Tiny TreeHugger shop!

Wanna know who it is?

Congratulations to Jennifer Hyde! Random.org was used to randomly select the winner and that's who it chose! You have 24 hours to contact us to claim your prize.

Thanks to ALL who participated! We had an amazing amount of entries and we appreciate all of them! We hope you had fun and Merry Christmas!

~Andi

12 Days of Christmas [Week 4 Winner!]

Congratulations to instagram user jessstir for being the winner of Week 4's prize [a Litterless Lunch Package worth $30] in our 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge!

 

The photo challenge is officially over BUT you still have a chance to win our GRAND PRIZE! Every photo entry collected gets put into the hat for the final draw which will take place tomorrow.

 

AND...don't forget that every $20 spent in our shop also earns extra entries. You have until midnight tonight for your purchases to gain you extra entries - so why not get some of your last minute stocking stuffers through us?

 

Stay tuned tomorrow for the announcement of the grand prize winner! It could be YOU!!

 

~Andi

12 Days of Christmas [Day #12]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #12 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #12's assignment is: 

Picture of what Christmas means to you

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link in the comment section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your final entry for this week's prize.

12 Days of Christmas [Day #11]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #11 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #11's assignment is: 

Picture of Santa Claus

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get an entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back TOMORROW for Day #12's assignment!

12 Days of Christmas [Day #10]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #10 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #10's assignment is: 

Picture of your kids OR your significant other OR your family pet with a Christmas accessory [be creative!]

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your first entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Wednesday for Day #11's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Week 3 Winner]

Congratulations to instagram user mizbaristamommy for being the winner of Week 3's prize [a $15 Gift Certificate to our Tiny TreeHugger shop] in our 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge!

 

Next week we start all over again with Days 10, 11 and 12 to wrap up the contest so be sure to check back on Monday for the next challenge!

 

It's really not too late to join in as every entry counts! And in fact, this week's winner only joined in now in week 3 so there's your proof!

 

Next week it could be YOU taking home the prize!

 

~Andi

12 Days of Christmas [Day #9]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #9 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #9's assignment is: 

Picture of a gift [unwrapped] that you bought for someone. Make sure it's for someone who won't see this picture!

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your final entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Monday for Day #10's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Day #8]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #8 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #8's assignment is: 

Picture of Christmas baking

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get an entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Friday for Day #9's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Day #7]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #7 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #7's assignment is: 

Picture of your Christmas tree [they should all be up by now]

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving a link to it in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your first entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Wednesday for Day #8's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Week 2 Winner]

Congratulations to Melissa Cary for being the winner of Week 2's prize [a Skin Care Package worth $25] in our 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge!

Next week we start all over again with Days 7, 8 and 9 so be sure to check back on Monday for the next challenge!

Next week it could be YOU taking home the prize!

~Andi

12 Days of Christmas [Day #6]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #6 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #6's assignment is: 

Picture of Christmas wrapping paper

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leaving the link in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your final entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Monday for Day #7's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Day #5]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #5 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #5's assignment is: 

Picture of a Christmas decoration [NOT a Christmas tree...that comes later!]

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook  [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog [leave a link to it in the comments section] or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get an entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Friday for Day #6's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Day #4]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #4 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #4's assignment is: 

Picture representing your favorite Christmas song [be sure to state what the song is!]

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your first entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Wednesday for Day #5's assignment! 

12 Days of Christmas [Week 1 Winner]

Congratulations to Krystal Hiebert for being the winner of Week 1's prize [a $15 Tiny Treehugger Gift Certificate] in our 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge!

Next week we start all over again with Days 4, 5 and 6 so be sure to check back on Monday for the next challenge!

Next week it could be YOU taking home the prize!

~Andi

12 Days of Christmas [Day #3]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #3 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #3's assignment is: 

Picture of your favorite holiday beverage

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [post on our TTH wall please], your own blog or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your final entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Monday for Day #4's assignment! 

12 Day of Christmas [Day #2]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop [it's not too late]!

Day #2's assignment is: 

Picture of your family [Don't forget to get yourself in the shot too!]

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [on our TTH wall please], your own blog or Instagram [using hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get an entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Friday for Day #3's assignment! 

Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!

We had a great start to our 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge yesterday - thanks to all of those who participated! It's not too late to join in, so check back on Wednesday for Day #2's challenge!

Some of you have been wondering about the prizes that are up for grabs so here is the list:

Week 1: $15 Gift Certificate to our Tiny TreeHugger shop
Week 2: Skin Care Gift Package worth $25
Week 3: $15 Gift Certificate to our Tiny TreeHugger shop

Week 4: Litterless Lunch Package worth $30

And our GRAND PRIZE: $75 Gift Certificate to our Tiny TreeHugger shop!

Every time you participate it earns you extra entries so stay with us to increase your chances of winnings.

AND DON'T FORGET: For every $20 that you spend at our shop, you also earn extra entries - so get your Christmas shopping done with us!

12 Days of Christmas [Day #1]

Good Morning - and WELCOME to Day #1 of the 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge. If this is your first time hearing about this, click here to get the whole scoop!

Day #1's assignment is: 

Picture of an outdoor winter scene. 

You have until 11:59pm today to post your picture either on Facebook [please post on our TTH wall], your own blog or Instagram [please use hashtag #TTH12days AND tag @tinytreehugger] to get your first entry for this week's prize.

Make sure to check back on Wednesday for Day #2's assignment!

About Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is natural so it should come easy, right?

WRONG!!

Yes, our bodies naturally prepare for breastfeeding when we have a baby [some in different capacities than others] but that doesn't mean that it comes easily for everybody.

It didn't for me. At least not with my first daughter.

Between the two of us, we just couldn't figure it out. After a few days of pure torture, I went to visit a lactation consultant who gave me a few tips and I had renewed hope that this was going to work. However, upon returning home and trying it on my own - without the lactation consultant's help - it once again proved to be a failure.

At the risk of getting a bit graphic...my daughter had literally ripped my nipples to shreds and every single second of every single feeding was extremely painful. And since the feedings were l-o-n-g, the torture seemed never-ending. She cried the entire time, I cried the entire time...and just when I thought I could have a break from it, it was time for the next feeding. My first experiences of being a Mom brought nothing but bitterness. My troubles with nursing my daughter was having a negative impact on me bonding with her and there were times when I literally didn't want to be anywhere near her.

Hard to admit, but it was true.

After a repeat visit to the lactation consultant, I was advised to take a week off from nursing to allow my destroyed nipples to heal. So we rented an electric pump and that was my life for the next week. Pumping and bottle-feeding. Pumping and bottle-feeding...and oh yeah, lots of crying.

At the end of that week, back to the consultant I went and she helped me get my baby latched back on. But after a week of being bottle-fed, she had now had the bottle just as long as she had my breast and it was clear pretty early on that this was not going to have a successful turnout.

I did try again when I got home, but the immediate pain that once again ensued was enough to drive me to a mental breakdown. And I knew that I could not be the mother that my baby needed if I continued to breastfeed her. The bond I had made with her right after her birth was dwindling right before my eyes and it was heart-breaking to not feel towards her the way I knew I should be feeling.

So with gut-wrenching sobs, with my daughter only 2 weeks old, I made the decision to switch to formula. And instantaneously I felt a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. I felt my bitterness towards my child melt away and I was filled with nothing but love for my bundle of joy.

And I did not regret making that decision. Not for one single second.

Did I feel judged? Sometimes. Did I get comments that I should try it again; that it often takes up to 6 weeks to get the hang of it? Did I feel like people thought I gave up too quickly? Yup, sure did. Did I care? Nope, not at all. I was a much happier, relaxed Mom and my daughter was now getting something more important from me than my breastmilk.

When my second daughter came along two years later, I was terrified that I was going to have to go through the same experience. And, in fact, anytime I thought about it during the last weeks of pregnancy leading up to her birth, I could literally feel the pain in my nipples again. Thankfully, however, things had a much different turnout and I'm happy to say I was able to exclusively breastfeed my youngest daughter until she weaned herself off at around 10 1/2 months.

"Breast is best" is a phrase that we have all heard many times. And I agree - it IS best...if it works.

YES, breastfeeding rocks. It's a wonderful experience and I wish all women would know what it's like. But as a Mom who has experienced both extremes, I want to encourage those of you who are struggling with it that only you as the mother can make this decision. You know what is best for your child - to keep plugging through, or to make the switch. And regardless which option you choose, make sure you have someone supporting you along the way.

~Andi

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Do you have questions about breastfeeding? Here is a link to an article I found that might have some of the answers you are looking for.

And if you're looking for some nursing products - look no further! Tiny TreeHugger has washable nursing pads (AppleCheeks and Knickernappies ones), Delish Naturals Nipple Soothe Balm, nursing necklaces and of course Udder Covers Nursing Covers.

12 Days of Christmas [Photo Challenge]

Who's ready for a Christmas Extravaganza...Tiny TreeHugger style? It officially begins in a week and a half [but be sure to read right to the end of this point, 'cause part of it begins TODAY!] so grab your camera - and your creativity - and get ready for Tiny TreeHugger's 12 Days of Christmas Photo Challenge!

It's pretty simple to participate - and there are prizes up for grabs too!

Here's the scoop: For four weeks - starting Monday, November 26th - you will have 12 chances to participate - each time giving your name another entry in the weekly prize giveaway AND the grand prize giveaway. The specifics are as follows:

1. The entire photo challenge will be posted at the bottom of this post BUT the photo-of-the-day assignment will also be posted both on our Facebook page [so make sure to head on over and "like" us] and right here on the Tiny TreeHugger blog on the day of the assignment. So make sure to check in either place for the day's challenge.

2. The day's assignment will be posted by 6am and pictures for that day are accepted anytime after that until 11:59pm that same day.

3. Post your pictures on Facebook [on our TTH wall], your own blog or even Instagram within that time frame.

4. Then you must come back to THAT DAY'S Facebook post or blog post to give a link to your picture so we can easily follow your entry [and please use hashtag #TTH12days if AND tag @tinytreehugger if using Instagram].

5. One picture per day per person.

6. Every day you post a picture earns you one entry into that week's draw. After that week is over, all entries are kept for the GRAND PRIZE draw but do not continue on into the following week's draw. This translates into you getting a maximum of 3 entries for each weekly draw, and a total of 12 entries for the GRAND PRIZE draw. BUT...if you participate in all 12 days of pictures you gain an extra 5 entries giving you 17 entries for the GRAND PRIZE draw.

7. There will be 3 picture assignments per week - all on Mon/Wed/Fri except for the last week where it will be Mon/Wed/Thurs.

8. Pictures have to be taken by YOU.

9. And an extra bonus: The photo challenge only begins Monday, November 26th but starting TODAY, Thursday, November 15th and going until Thursday, December 20th, for every $20 [before taxes and delivery charges] that you spend at Tiny TreeHugger you will receive an additional 5 entries for the GRAND PRIZE draw. What a perfect way to get some of your Christmas shopping done!

Okay, ready to see the list of pictures you will be assigned?

Week #1 [Days 1-3] :
Nov 26 - Picture of an outdoor winter scene
Nov 28 - Picture of your family [don't forget to get in the shot yourself!]
Nov 30 - Picture of your favorite holiday beverage

[Dec 1 - Draw for the first prize]*

Week #2 [Days 4-6]:
Dec 3 - Picture representing your favorite Christmas song [be sure to state what it is!]
Dec 5 - Picture of a Christmas decoration [NOT a Christmas tree...that comes later]
Dec 7 - Picture of Christmas wrapping paper

[Dec 8 - Draw for the second prize]*

Week #3 [Days 7-9]:
Dec 10 - Picture of your Christmas tree [they should all be up by now!]
Dec 12 - Picture of Christmas baking
Dec 14 - Picture of a gift [unwrapped] that you bought or made for someone. Make sure it's for someone who won't see this picture!

[Dec 15 - Draw for the third prize]*

Week #4 [Days 10-12]:
Dec 17 - Picture of your kids OR significant other OR family pet with a Christmas accessory [be creative]
Dec 19 - Picture of Santa Claus
Dec 20 - Picture of what Christmas means to you

[Dec 21 - Draw for the fourth prize]*

[Dec 22 - Draw for the GRAND PRIZE]*

*Winners of all draws will have 24 hours to contact us otherwise a new winner will be chosen

So there you have it! Have fun and be creative! We look forward to seeing everyone's pictures in the coming weeks...

New & Restocked October 20th 2012

What is new and restocked this week? See below!

Rockin' Green - Funk Rock - [restocked]
Do you have the funk? Stinkies? Ammonia problems? Diapers that make your eyes water? Dealing with the dreaded toddler pee? You need funk rock, guaranteed to knock out your ammonia problems in 30 minutes or less (or your pizza’s free!) This 100% natural compound is unlike anything you have tried before. It targets funk at the source and leaves no prisoners. Just 4 tablespoons is enough to de-funk up to 20 diapers in one sitting.

Rockin' Green Laundry Detergent - [restocked]
Are you sick and tired of battling with stinky diapers? Then Rockin' Green should be on your cloth diaper playlist! It comes in 3 rockin' formulas and tons of sweet fragrances, which is music to anyones ears.

[NEW] to Tiny TreeHugger - water test strips. The terms “hard water” and “soft water” refer to the concentration of ions in water. Very hard water can wreak havoc in a household, and washing cloth diapers in hard water is often a challenge. Some detergents are specially formulated to deal with hard or soft water. Rockin’ Green’s Hard Rock or Soft Rock, for example, can make life (or at least laundry) much easier. Click this link to read how fast your water can be tested.

Boba 3G in Dusk [restocked] - [all other prints and colours already in stock too!]
The new Boba Carrier 3G is designed for babies and toddlers alike with its incredible features not seen on other soft structured baby carriers. Available in 4 beautiful patterns and 3 stunning solid color combinations, the Boba Carrier 3G is the perfect option for any baby wearing family!
~and this week I am lending my dear friend our Boba 3G so she can give it a test drive with her 5 day old!

BobaAir [pictured on the left] - [restocked]
BobaAir is the lightest, sportiest baby carrier out there and we hope that this first-of-its-kind addition to your baby carrier collection will make that freedom together you have with your family even more effortless (and help spread the benefits of babywearing, too). This innovative new baby carrier is a real game-changer for active families!
~Just today we walked to the local restaurant for dinner with Gramma! And SHE wore babyK [15 months & 20ish pounds] there for the first time ever.

Did you know that we also stock Boba Teething Pads?

They’re completely safe for babies who want to chew everything in sight – particularly your Boba Carrier. 

Have a fabulous weekend!!

Patch-Work

Looking through my daughters' drawers, it's hard to find a pair of jeans that are without holes. I often wonder why this happens now at this stage? They're not toddlers anymore who are constantly crawling around on their hands and knees. But ever since their Size 4 jeans and up? Yup...holes, holes and more holes.

Whatever the reason behind it, it's frustrating!

Not only do I not want to just throw out the damaged clothing, I also don't want to fork out more money to keep replacing them when the holes come quicker than they outgrow them.

I'm not much of a sewer. That's an understatement actually. But I do pride myself on sewing patches on my girls' ripped jeans, getting at least a little more life out of them [I iron them on first, but then also sew them on for a bit of extra strength, because if they're just ironed on they seem to peel off quickly after the first wash].

This way I'm keeping my money in my pocket, I'm re-using jeans that tried to defeat me AND the girls get a fun splash of color on their otherwise plain-looking jeans.

It's a win-win-WIN situation if you ask me!

I actually just came across a blog post for a few other ideas for patching clothing too. Jean jackets, knit sweaters and of course jeans [a fun under-the-hole patch idea that I think I'll try next time!].

And aside from fixing up wardrobe items for them to maintain their original use, you can also come up with ways to re-use them as other things. Worn out jeans can be turned into capris or shorts - or used to cut into squares and make a denim-patch quilt! Sweater sleeves can be used to make sock look-a-likes to go under your boots for fall. And one project that I totally want to try with an old t-shirt is this DIY T-Shirt scarf!

So the next time you come across an item of clothing that is not in tip-top shape anymore - don't give up and just toss 'em. Think about the other things you can do with them to either lengthen their life span or to give them a totally new use! The options are endless...thanks to Pinterest [hee hee]!

Back to School... and germs

The Back to School season has come and gone, but have the germs? It is a given that kids will come home from school, daycare and other public places with more germs and viruses this time of year, especially if their bodies are not immune to the new strains that they come across!

Here is a few tips to keep the viruses at bay:

1] washing hands regularly with a toxin free hand soap. Try our Delish Naturals Simply Soap Washing Solution. It is hyper concentrated for longevity. 
2] teach kids & adults to cover the coughs and sneezes! Proper technique is to cover the mouth with your inside elbow. I need to often remind my kids & husband to do that but eventually they catch on again and start reminding others to do so as well.
3] eating healthy! We have taken steps to eliminate 90% of the processed foods normally found in our household. That's right! No more Kraft Dinner - Mac & Cheese for us, we can do homemade though. We have also been buying local produce and meat as well. Only occasionally will we have drinks like pop, iced tea and the like. It is mostly water or milk!

And when they do get sick there are a few natural methods you can take before turning to the cough medicine's and other over the counter remedies.

1] Raspy Rub in the Tin or To Go Stick - Its Vicks without the ick! Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils break up chest congestion, calm coughs, and soothes yucky noses while organic cocoa and shea butters absorb quickly. No stickiness or residue. Simply smooth over the chest, back, throat, or under the nose to provide relief of your cold symptoms. Recommended on 6 months and up, effective for the entire family! For the remainder of the month, the Raspy Rub is also on SALE so be sure to take advantage of that before it's too late.
2] Sore, tired & aching muscles? Leave the *other brand* on the shelf and turn to the Delish Naturals Be Knotty Muscle Rub. Full of organic and essential oils that work to unite your knots the natural made way! For adult use only.
3] Fluids and a LOT of rest! Livestrong.com suggests a wide variety of fruit & vegetables, also probiotics and protein when you are sick. "Fluids help flush the toxins from your body and support hydration while recovering from illness," the Livestrong article says. Choose warm fluids like broth, chicken soup and herbal teas. Click the link to read more about the food they recommend.

We understand that many people like to DIY [Do-It-Yourself] often, thinking it will be cheaper for them in the long run to make their own products, but keep in mind that Krystal and Terry of Delish Naturals research and bring in the best of the best products to use in their line. Making your own will not be of the same high quality as the Delish Naturals line of products! Leave it to the pros!! We are proud to support Made in Canada and you can visit our full line of Delish products on our website www.tinytreehuggerdiapers.com.

The Bag Lady

I can see myself very quickly turning into what some might call "The Bag Lady." I'm talking re-usable snack & sandwich bags.

I have had my eye on these bad-boys for over a year now but to be honest wasn't quite sure I wanted to spend the money when I was having to buy saran wrap and zip-lock bags anyway for other things. 

But oh my...when I finally took the plunge this summer prepping for back-to-school, once I actually had my hands on my very own collection of said bags? I could not stop looking at them and yes, even touching them over and over. They were so pretty!

[Side note: I am also considered a bit of a "Bag Lady" when it comes to purses, as I love to co-ordinate fun colors with my outfits...so this seems to be sort of a branch-off of that obsession!]

The bold solid colors of the Kanga Sac collection are great as well, but for my first purchase I chose to go with some fun prints from The Sling Sisters variety. The options are endless - patterns for young children [boys, girls and unisex], ones for older kids [such as bicycles, skateboards, big flowers, etc.] and then there are some that are more than suitable for adults [like the prints pictured here from my own personal collection].

Now, so I make my girls [ages almost 7 and almost 9] make their own school lunches and let me tell you, these bags make it extra easy for them to pack their lunches. Last year I was having to often help my youngest one battle with the saran wrap, and many times the amount of saran wrap she had already ripped off the roll was far too much than what was needed for her small sandwich. Talk about waste!!

But with these bags, they just place the sandwich in the bag and zip it up.  Done! Same thing with snacks - like crackers or snap peas or grapes. No fiddling with zip-locks [especially on the no-name cheaper brands with can often be finicky], just place the goods inside and zip it up.

Some of you  may be wondering [as I was] about the size of the sandwich bags. I don't know about your kids, but mine don't take full sandwiches yet. They take a half sandwich which is just a smidge too big to squish into one of the snack bags yet it doesn't nearly fill up the sandwich bag. I was worried that the sandwich would slide all around in the bag and have completely fallen apart by the time lunch came around. But this hasn't been a problem at all. They put the sandwich in the bag and simply fold over the remaining material before placing it in their lunch bags. Easy peasy!

If you're still not convinced, get this: You can use them yourselves too! And I don't mean just for lunches. I'm talking about sticking them in your purse. As someone who has a lot of purses, like I mentioned earlier, I am constantly switching over my load from one purse to the next. Now this task has gotten a lot simpler since I have a sandwich-size bag that I keep all of my toiletries in [lotion, hand sanitizer, deoderant, etc.]. I also use one of the snack-size ones for a few smaller items [like an extra hair tie, a couple of bobby pins and those feminine products]. Not only does it make things simpler to transfer, but it's also so convenient to locate an item now in my purse. No more digging around through everything to find what I'm looking for!

So there you have it. Thoughts from The Bag Lady!  :)

Worth It For One

When I had my first baby, I wasn't ready. She had threatened to come early from 29 weeks on, keeping me off my feet for six weeks, and finally came at 35 weeks. She was healthy, and home in four days, but what every normal mom does in the final weeks of pregnancy was lost to me. No nursery prep, no washing clothes, no begging for the pregnancy to be over.

I was so glad she was healthy, but I had been so afraid of her arrival that I didn't feel ready for her to be here. But she was. And as any mom of a preemie knows - - heck, EVERY mom knows - - those new babies are demanding. And your first, doubly so, because you are pretty much in shock of the lifestyle change. Pretty much, you do what works. In short, cloth diapers never even entered my mind.

When I saw Pam's cloth diapering demo at a local mom's group, I was impressed with the diapers, but I wasn't ready to take on anything new. I had just gotten a grasp of our new family routine, baby was over six months old, and I just didn't have any brain space to make the switch to cloth diapers.

Two years later, when Baby 2.0 was on her way, I knew that I wanted to try cloth diapering. I had seen the amount of diapers and plastic and packaging and wipes traipsing out to the garbage via my household and I knew I didn't want to contribute another child's worth of garbage to the environment. Also, we knew that I was likely not returning to work for some time after the new baby, so cost was certainly a factor. When you look at the numbers, there is no comparison!

We waited until our new baby girl was 10 lbs (around 6 or 8 weeks) and then we dove in and bought our diaper set, the one-size AMP pocket duos. We opted for the microfibre inserts, intending to lay them 'on top' of the cover (as opposed to actually inserting them into the pocket), so as to make use of each cover twice, decreasing on washing. We also use the Applecheeks disposable liners.

Baby Alice in her AMP Diaper

And I love the lifestyle change. I love not carrying poop-smeared garbage bags to my bin twice a week. I don't mind rinsing a poopy diaper here and there - really, it's NOT that bad. And my peace of mind more than makes up for it.

Plus, baby seems happy. And her bottom is SO cute. 

A couple of people have asked us, since we are openly thinking that this will be our last baby, 'Why spend the money and take on the hassle of cloth diapering for only one child?' Well, aside from knowing I'm doing a good deed for the environment, did I mention I'm going to make at least half of my money back when I sell them after I'm done with them? I'm saving over $2000! 

And if you'll excuse me, I'm off to contemplate what to spend it on...

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Thanks for sharing your cloth diapering journey with us Sara! Every cloth-diapered bottom makes a difference to the environment!

Sara is a work-from-home mom who does PR and graphic design while caring for a three-year-old and seven-month-old. Between spending time with her sword-collecting addictions-counselling husband and generally trying to keep the house from falling apart, she enjoys running a community group for young moms, furniture refinishing, cooking, and sitting down for coffee as often as possible.

How Can You Go Green?

Hey everybody...it's Andi here. Today I want to talk about different ways that we can "go green." Cloth diapering is of course a huge way to benefit the environment [and your wallet!] but what about for those of us [myself included] who are past the cloth diapering stage? What other ways can we be green?

Believe it or not, there are several ways to help the environment without having to first buy something [even though in the long run it typically WILL save you money $$]. It's true. We believe in being green, even if it doesn't involve selling you something from the shop!

Of course there is the obvious: RECYCLING! One of the simplest ways to help the environment with those oh-so-handy blue bins. Plastic bottles, tin cans, magazines and fliers...and even some things you might not even think of! Here is a list you can check if you want to see what can actually be recycled. It's as simple as putting something in your blue box instead of your garbage can. And it can make a world of difference!

And the RE-USE factor is something that can be simple too, once you get your mind trained to think of it! Toilet paper rolls can be used for crafts, kids can draw/color on BOTH sides of a piece of paper, old magazines can be used for kids making collages. And after a games night the other day, I discovered there are MANY uses for a newspaper once you are finished reading it.  :) What are some other things you can think of that you can re-use?

We can't forget about the final "R" in that trio: REDUCE! Without even listing things from the Tiny TreeHugger shop, there are many ways we can reduce waste. Investing a little bit of money in shopping bins and re-usable cloth bags is just one small way. Most stores have the option of purchasing cloth bags that are sturdy to hold most kind of shopping items and actually are a fair size too. You could also always try making your own too {you know, from some old material instead of throwing it away...hey! That's reducing AND re-using all at once!}. This way you can make it a fun color or pattern which is just an added bonus!

And how about composting? Do any of you do that? You can compost grass clippings, fruit & vegetable peels and cores...my husband even composts his used coffee grounds!

My almost 7-year-old, Malia

I'm sure you all have your own ideas of how you are green on a day-to-day basis. It doesn't have to be a BIG thing to make a BIG difference. Every small thing adds up and contributes to a greener earth!

I'd love it if you would all share one thing that you do to be kind to the environment. My girls have an idea of how we can save trees...   ;)

Krista: On Soother Clips & Cloth Diapers

Hey everyone, I'm Krista ~ mom to serious but sweet Avery who just turned 5 months. I am also a teacher and I love to sew which led me to sewing the soother clips and bibs for Tiny TreeHugger.

Pam and I have been friends for a long time (I think 8 years but I might be wrong) and in the past few months as I have starting cloth diapering, and using the things I have been making for longer than I've been a mom Pam kept telling me that I should write a blog post about different things and now I have.

I always knew it was a possibility but although I make soother clips, my daughter is not a soother user. We have tried and it's just not her thing. But of course I have several soother clips around the house because I made them for her while I was pregnant. But regardless of soother use, I would be lost (or at
least her toys would be) without them. We use them to secure her toys like her O-ball, Sophie teether as well as others to her car seat and stroller. It means they are within the grasp of her hands and she can play or chew while we are on the go without the fear of her toys going flying.

In the past couple of months Pam and I have been discussing other designs for the clips to make them "little finger proof."
You might have seen some new ones if you were at the Grand Opening. Velcro works for some babies and situations but recently I have started making them with a sewn loop on the end and others with a smaller elastic loop. With these soother clips, once you have the soother on the strap it is virtually impossible for your little one to remove. These new soother clips will be coming to the website soon!

So cloth diapers. Honestly, some days I like them a lot more than others. We are what I call “part-time” cloth diaper people. Sometimes it's 50/50 while other times it swings to as much as 80% cloth but it can also swing the other way too. Often it depends on how busy we are and sometimes after wash day it takes me a little while to get back in the swing. My stash is made up of mainly Thirsties All-in-Ones with a couple pocket diapers including AppleCheeks, AMP and Thirsties Duo Diapers. We also have a cute little AppleCheeks Swim Diaper that my daughter has been wearing all week at swimming lessons. I think after doing this for several months already I determined recently that with my AIOs  that I really need to put an extra layer in there as our daughter is a rather heavy wetter. Part of what was discouraging me from putting her in cloth is that with those she would leak and I would have to change her so often (including her clothes). But when I use an extra insert I find she can go much longer and I don't find that it makes her diapers overly bulky which is a bonus, especially when she wants to wear her skinny jeans. The AIOs are built with a tunnel so that you can easily put another layer in there. Today it was an AppleCheeks insert in a Thirsties AIO in Mango. I am pretty excited that I've found something that works for our little girl.

But part of being a part-timer is that we also use disposable. Which means we have two bins in her closet. Garbage and cloth. Formerly in our stash was a very cute white Thirsties AIO. Unfortunately about 6 weeks ago I was counting my diapers because it seemed like I was missing one and I realized the white one was missing. I think that at some point it was laying on the change table and got deposited into the wrong bin. I will never know whether it was my husband or myself, or even when it got thrown out, but I was pretty choked when I realized that it was gone. We're definitely going to stick with colours and prints from now on.

Recently I starting having a small issue with my Thirsties and Pam encouraged me to go on their website and discuss the issue with their Live Chat personnel. Pam had told me their customer support was great and I learned that for myself in a huge way. It was far faster than email and much preferable for me than phone and the customer service was fantastic. She asked me some questions about when and where I bought my diaper, the nature of my problem, she also asked about my wash routine and type of detergent. After that conversation they told me they were going to replace my affected diapers and gave me the instructions for processing the return. Great. In a later email though they did tell me the detergent I was using could possibly be the problem but they stuck to the promise they had made me that they were going to replace the diapers. I was very impressed with that. So make sure you check with the website or with Pam to make sure the laundry detergent is approved by your diaper maker because if they had determined that initially it totally could have voided my warranty. But if you do have any questions or problems with your Thirsties I would highly encourage you to pop over to their website to chat with their staff. It was definitely worth it for me.
Until next time,

Krista

Krystal's Journey to Cloth Diapering

August 20th, 2009: That was the day that our lives changed forever. That was the day my little girl ~ Alexa Faith ~ was born and we started buying diapers...and more diapers...and more diapers! Alexa has always had very sensitive skin and we could only use one brand of diapers (of course it was the most expensive brand).

Once Alexa reach 7 months (yes 7 months!! :S), my husband, Shawn, and I figured we were ready to venture into having another little one (Some days I really wonder what we were thinking). Well, it didn’t take long and we were expecting again! On March 14th, 2011, we had a little boy Casey Ezekiel, and we now had 2 little sweet cheeks in diapers. And what-do-you-know, Casey had Daddy’s sensitive skin too!

The cost of diapers was starting to drown us! We were spending over $100 in diapers every month!! (And that was a good month for us). When Casey was only 5 months old a friend of mine suggested that I try cloth diapers and I laughed at her thinking “Yah, right, just what this Mama needs ~ more to do, and as if I want to clean caca-poo outta the diapers! YUK!!”

And that was that. I had made up my mind; there was NO WAY I was going to give a second thought about stinky cloth diapers!

Then in May, just after Casey turned one, I had another friend, who happens to own a fantastic little store called ‘Tiny TreeHugger’ message me about them and me not wanting to be rude figured I’d try to be polite and open-minded, and it went something like this:

May 28th
Pam: Hey Krystal,
Just thought I would send a note and see if you were interested in cloth diapering to save some $$.
Me: I might be interested, but I don't think that we would have money to invest into cloth diapers right now, and Casey will only be in them for about 9 months or so.....although I wouldn't mind getting a little more info on the cost of cloth diapers!
Pam: So right now I have Sweet Pea Diapers on for about $12. They are a one size diaper that come with absorbent inserts. Even if you started with 6-8 and went from there, you could be washing every day [or every other if you diaper part time], then you would just need a wetbag for putting the dirties in. Voila! Just imagine if you diapered for like $100 - $150 bucks until Casey was potty trained?!? Then sold them after or even gave them to a mamma who couldn't afford to diaper! Let me know your thoughts.

Well, that was the end of that. But I started thinking, and thinking, and thinking....how bad could it really be??

I started looking into it a little bit more, and it started to sound a bit better. One fact I learned was that EVERY disposable diaper we use will sit in our landfills for 550 YEARS!! So I decided to get a little more information. Next thing you know my conversation with my friend went something like this:

July 17th
Me: Ok, I have a thousand questions about it. Would I be able to meet with you sometime and actually see they product and what you have to offer?

Well, I went down and checked them out. I spent only $200.00 and got a ton of diapers and fell IN LOVE! It has been such a great experience! It has been so much simpler then I thought it would be. Shawn is totally good with the cloth diapers too, which has been a blessing. I got the flushable liners, so when Casey ‘number twos’ in them I just take the liner out and into the toilet it goes! We have less leaks and WAY less bum rashes! We are helping the environment for our kids and our kids' kids and our kids' kids' kids, and ... well 550 years is a lot of generations! And on top of all that we are saving BIG bucks!!! We have even been able to put extra ‘diaper money’ to the side and take a trip to the States just Shawn and I! How great is that!??!

If you are still using disposable diapers, let me tell you, from a girl who would NEVER have considered it, I’m telling you, “YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON SO MUCH!”.

Pam with Tiny TreeHugger has been fantastic and there for me every step and with every question! It has been overall an unbelievable experience for us and I now am wanting #3 just so I can use my cloth diapers again!

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Thank you Krystal for your blog contribution and sharing your journey with us!  We know that if your babe is in diapers, you're never too late to start cloth diapering...