For the Monster - Feminine Cloth Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

Congratulations Nicole Sommer!  You won!

Random.org chose comment #8 and I can't get it to load right now  :(

First off, how many of you out there know what Feminine Cloth or Mama Cloth is? I didn’t until a few months ago, so for those of you in the dark, I will shed some light on the subject. Feminine cloth is reusable, washable, and a great eco-friendly alternative to dealing with monthly visits from “Aunt Flo”.

I have been a dedicated user of tampons for years and years, practically right from the beginning, so trying out Feminine Cloth was a big adjustment for me. I think it is one that I could get use to for the following reasons.

1. It is popular belief that the chemicals found in disposable suppositories actually make your period heavier and last longer since it throws your body all out of whack.  Say goodbye to TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) warnings on the products you use!

2. Better for the environment. Just like disposable diapers, suppositories add to landfill waste and can be prevented.

3. Easy to use. All you do is unfold, connect the wings via a snap and you are done!

4. Cute! Feminine cloth is becoming as popular as cloth diapers these days. You can find all sorts of styles and fabrics! The package I was sent from For the Monster have shiny floral patterns.

5. Just like disposables, they come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve seen regular, lights, liners, heavy, postpartum and even thongs!

6. Clean up is a piece of cake. Just like with cloth diapers, you don’t want to use a detergent that is going to leave a film on them, otherwise they will start to repel moisture. Make sure you use a diaper safe detergent and you’re golden.

Okay, are you curious to see what Feminine Cloth looks like? Here’s some pictures taken of them expanded and folded up. That’s right…they snap to themselves and look like a little envelope when not in use, which is very convenient for storage and travel. Plus after use, it keeps everything inside where it should be.

If you are concerned about what to do about getting your FC back and forth from the bathroom or what to do when you are traveling, they make mini wetbags that are lined with a waterproof material so that you don’t have leaks and no one will be the wiser. Some wetbags even have a dry compartment for unused product. To everyone else, they will just think it’s your purse/clutch!

I have to admit, I thought I would have a major problem with cleaning the FC. I mean, how do you get bright red out of white cloth? Well, I’m not sure what happened in the washing machine, but it was taken care of. They came out just as white as if they were new!

All in all, it’s definitely an adjustment, but I think it is one that is well worth it!

Want to buy some Feminine Cloth for yourself?
Go to For the Monster and place your order today!

Want to win a package of Feminine Cloth from For the Monster?
You heard me right! For the Monster has generously donated one package (a set of three) of Feminine Cloth to be given away to one lucky reader! Yay! Open to both US and Canada.
All you have to do to enter is fill out the form below. That’s it! Super easy!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

This giveaway will end on November 18th at Noon CST.

Although free product was received as part of this review, it in no way affects the opinions within the review. Information contained in this review is truthful and based upon my own experiences, yours may be different.

Bergin Inc Hats Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO #59....BAO N.

I am so excited about this review and giveaway that I can hardly stand it! A family friend, Carmen Kukla Larson, started a company named Bergin Inc. and here is some info on how Bergin Inc. got its start (taken directly from their website)…

Initially, she simply set out to design little beanies for her beautiful baby girl, Bergin Grace. Bergin Grace and the little beanies were such a big hit, moms started requesting them for their own little ones. It was not long before she established a following and her creations took on the name, Bergin's Beanies. Over the last few years, Bergin's Beanies has continued to grow in popularity and demand, so muchs so, Bergin's Beanies has evolved into a formal business, bergin, inc.
Carmen puts much love and care into her custom designs. Her fabric selection criteria results in very soft, comfortable creations with such unique color combinations! I can assure you that your little ones will just love their hats or beanies by bergin, inc!

When my husband and I had our daughter, Danica, Carmen sent her a winter hat (Grace Hat) as a baby gift, which was very appropriate (she was born in January)! The hat was super soft and the most adorable hat I had ever seen. The “tassel” is made out of coordinating ribbon. Here is a picture of my daughter wearing it…

After starting Tootsie Woots, I asked Carmen if she would be interested in sponsoring a review and giveaway and of course, she said YES!

She sent out an entirely new hat (Zelly Hat) to match Danica’s new winter coat and pants. Just like the first hat, this one is SOOOO soft as well. It has earflaps and ties to keep those tender ears nice and toasty and a top tassel made out of the same yarn. She is so stinkin’ cute in it and loves to wear it since it’s so “pretty” and “soft” (in her own words).

I was so excited about these earflap hats that I even ordered one for myself! Couldn’t resist! So, if you want adult sizes, she can do that as well.  The wonderul thing about hats is that they are for everyone...boys, girls, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and more!

I can’t imagine anyone purchasing a hat from Bergin Inc. and not being happy with it. There is so much time and effort spent in making sure that the end product is as close to perfect as possible! The extra touches shows that she really cares about her customer’s satisfaction.

Here are some other examples of what you can find at Bergin Inc.

The children’s hats come in three sizes that range from Newborn – 4 years of age. Hats can be made for older children and adults by special request. Materials used in creating the hats include…Bamboo, 100% organic cotton, silky acrylics, and limited amounts of only the finest wools.


Want One?

At this point, I’m positive that you want one of these for everyone in your family, including yourself! So, if you can’t wait, head on over to Bergin Inc and make your purchase today!


Want to Win One?

Of course you do!  Who wouldn't?  Carmen has generously offered up one of her handmade baby/children's hats for giveaway to one very lucky winner. Here’s how to enter…



MANDATORY ENTRY – one entry for steps 1 – 5 (let me know that you’ve done each step in one comment)

1. Like Bergin Inc on Facebook and tell her that Tootsie Woots sent you

2. Like Tootsie Woots on Facebook

3. Tell me what hat you would get if you win

4. Your name

5. Your e-mail address



BONUS ENTRIES – can only be completed after the mandatory entry. Be sure to leave your name and e-mail address in all bonus entries.

1. Make a purchase from Bergin Inc from the start of this giveaway to the end time (worth 15 bonus entries)

2. Follow Tootsie Woots blog via Google Friend Connect, current followers count as well (2 bonus entries)

3. Tweet this giveaway – include #giveaway in your tweet and leave the direct link in your comments (2 bonus entries, once per day)

4. Post about this giveaway on your Facebook status – be sure that you link to Tootsie Woots and Bergin Inc in your post by putting the @ sign before the name. Leave the direct link to your post in your comments (2 bonus entries, once per day)

5. Sign up for e-mail updates from Tootsie Woots (2 bonus entries)

6. Blog about this giveaway – be sure to leave the link to your blog post in your comments, so that I can find it (3 bonus entries, one time only)

7. “Grab” the Tootsie Woots blog button and post it on your blog – leave the link to your blog so that I can find it (5 bonus entries)

 
This giveaway will end once the post has received 100 valid entries for the giveaway.
The winner will be notified by e-mail as well as posted on the blog.
 
 

All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.  No favoritism is given to those who provide free product for me to review.  Thank you.

Applecheeks Giveaway

Applecheeks recently got over 4,000 fans on facebook and they are celebrating with a giveaway!
Enter at
http://blog.applecheeks.com/posts/2010/10/29/4000-likes-on-facebook-giveaway.html

Good luck! :)

Custom Diaper Creations Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

The winner is....#27

Laura Myers!

Congratulations

Custom Diaper Creations is based out of Canada and the owner, Mekayla, is a WAHM (work at home mom).  I love supporting work at home moms, they are the best!  Mekayla set me up with a bow holder/organizer at a discount as well as a couple clippies and a headband with a few different flower attachments.

First off, the bow holder/organizer is such a blessing for my daughter’s accessories. I’ve wanted one of these for quite a while since I’ve purchased a fair number of clippies and other hair accessories. When I saw Custom Diaper Creations holder, I had to have it…since the colors work perfectly in my daughter’s room.
The holder keeps them all neatly organized just the way I like them. There are various ribbon straps to hold clippies and all you have to do is slide them on! Super simple!

At the bottom of the hanging ribbons are pinch clips that I have been using to hold headbands and hats. Works great!

Here is the organizer with the items I received from Custom Diaper Creations...

Here is the holder loaded down with all of our accesories in 2 different arrangements...WONDERFUL!

I haven’t had any problems with the holder/organizer. It is well made and I appreciate the generous size, so that I can keep all of the accessories in one spot.  Mekayla will customize bow holders to your needs, so just ask!

The clippies that CDC sent are absolutely adorable and equally well made. The first is a caterpillar clippie with googly-eyes and antennae. Who could resist?!

The second clippie CDC sent was a flower clippie that is crocheted. Super cute!

  

The headband that I was sent was a bit big (wide) for my little girls head, so I folded it in half and it works great that way. Unlike most headbands, this set uses Velcro to attach the flower to the band. Very unique and super easy to make sure you get just the right placement every time, plus it can just slide out and fall off. I really like this concept. The flowers appear to be durable and that’s something else I appreciate. I’ve purchased accessories in the past, only to have them fall apart, posing a choke hazard…so, thank you CDC!

Want to make a purchase?  Visit Custom Diaper Creations on Facebook.

Want to win?  Mekayla has GENEROUSLY offered up to one lucky reader (in US or Canada) a headband and flower of choice, a set of clippies as well as $10 in store credit!  Yay!

Mandatory Entry (complete all steps to get ONE entry into the drawing)

1.  Like Custom Diaper Creations on Facebook

2.  Like Tootsie Woots on Facebook

3.  Look through Custom Diaper Creations photo albums and tell me what your favorite item is

4.  Your Name

5.  Your e-mail address

Bonus Entries (can only be completed after you have completed the mandatory entry)

1.  Follow Tootsie Woots blog via Google Friend Connect (3 bonus entries)

2.  Tweet this giveaway (2 bonus entries, once per day) - leave the link

3.  Blog this giveaway (2 bonus entries) - leave the link

4.  Sharethis giveaway on facebook (2 bonus entries) - leave the link

All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions and have not been swayed by the owner of the business in any way.

Giveaway ends at Noon CST on October 31st, 2010

Good Luck!

Rue La La - Offer Ends 10/25/10

I just found out about Rue La La from a fellow blogger (Mommie Wants Freebies) this morning and signed up right away!  Why?

1.  They offer 50% off on boutique/brand name items - PUMA, Sorel, Calvin Klein, Ray-Ban, DKNY, Dansk, and more!

2.  The real kicker here!  They give you $20 just for signing up! - The credit shows up within 48 hours of signing up.  There are items to purchase within that price range, so get shopping and check out all the other great deals!  You have until 12/31/10 to use the credit...who couldn't use an extra 20 bucks?!

Here is the link to sign up and get your $20 buckaroos!  Just click here.

Offer ends 10/25/10, SO HURRY on over!  :)

Ecofrugal Baby: How To Save 70% Off Baby's First Year Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS...

Jaymee B

 and

April!

Did you know that it is estimated to cost you $10,000 to provide for one child in their first year of life? Isn’t that an amazing number?!
I was recently asked by Laura Cowan, author of Ecofrugal Baby: How To Save 70% Off Baby's First Year to read her book and let her know my thoughts. I am not much of a reader, but here is what I found…
This book is an easy read and I was able to read it from cover to cover in two sittings! Laura explains all her money saving techniques in plain English and leaves you feeling empowered to save money and not add to the outrageous statistic.
Laura covers all of the main purchases in a separate chapters of her book including…mobility gear, sleep and comfort gear, cleaning and changing gear, cloth diapers, feeding gear, safety gear, nursery furniture and storage gear as well as ongoing costs including…clothing, food, toiletries, and entertainment. Every chapter ends in a “cheat sheet”, which is approximately a one page summary of all the money saving tips in the chapter. The cheat sheets are very handy for looking back on once you have a basic understanding of what the details are.
Even though this book is intended for saving money on baby’s first year, the practices can definitely be utilized to save money in future years as well by following the same principles. So, even if you have already gone through “the first year” with your little one(s), be sure to check out this book!

Interested in purchasing Ecofrugal Baby: How To Save 70% Off Baby's First Year for yourself or a friend? You can purchase a paper copy or a digital copy at: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/laurakcowanatgmaildotcom
Want to try to win a copy of the book? Laura has generously offered to giveaway TWO e-copies of her book! So for this giveaway, there will be TWO winners!! Giveaway is open to everyone.


Mandatory Entry - You must do #1 - #5 in order to have ONE entry into the drawing.  This must be completed before you complete any bonus entries.

1. Like Tootsie Woots on Facebook

2. Like 29 Diapers on Facebook (Laura’s Facebook page)

3. Tell me why you think you should win

4. Your First Name and Last Initital

5. Your E-mail address so I can contact you in case you win

Bonus Entries - Can only be completed after you have finished the mandatory entry.  Number of bonus entries allowed varies for each item completed.  Be sure to leave seperate comments.
1. Follow 29 Diapers on Twitter – 2 bonus entries

2. Tweet the giveaway – 1 bonus entry, once per day

3. Follow Tootsie Woots blog via Google Friend Connect – 3 bonus entries

4. Post the Tootsie Woots blog button on your blog – 5 bonus entries

5. Purchase the book (must be verified) – 10 bonus entries



Giveaway will end on October 23rd at Noon CST.

Bouncing Woolies Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS

LISANNE!

This review is for one of my favorite WAHMies out there…Bouncing Woolies! I purchased 4 bouncing woolies from her (Shauna) months ago and they are still a’bouncing in my dryer.  After purchasing my original (undyed, but scented) woolies, I won a pair of her new FUNKtastic dryer balls.  So, my review is based upon these products.

Shauna has some really great information already on her website, so instead of reinventing the wheel, I am going to share her awesome information with you for a bit here in order to get you acquainted with Bouncing Woolies.

What exactly are Bouncing Woolies and how will they benefit me?
 Wool dryer balls (Bouncing Woolies) save time, money, and energy. They are made from 100% wool and are felted 3 times (more than most other wool dryer balls on the market). Felting keeps them from falling apart in your dryer. Also... Did you know that there are chemicals in commercial dryer sheets that take the fire retardant out of children's sleepwear?

How will they save time, money and energy?

The woolies circulate and separate the clothing and get the warm dry air right down to the core of the laundry load! The more you add to your dryer, the faster the drying time, softer softness and money saved. They speed up the drying time and soften up by gentle friction of the felted wool fibers against your clothing fibers. Not only do they save money by lessening your drying time, you also will not have to purchase store bought, chemical-filled fabric softeners or dryer sheets.


How long will they last?


Your Bouncing Woolies will last at least one year. If you add scents to your woolies, the scents won't last a full year, but you can always send them in for fresh scents to be added back to them.
What's the difference between rubber/plastic/ dryer balls and Bouncing Woolies?

Wool is 100% natural so you don't have to worry about chemicals escaping and latching to your clothing and other laundered materials. Bouncing woolies are more gentle and will not tear up your laundry.

Now back to your regular scheduled programming…LOL


Products available at Bouncing Woolies include…

Bare Naturals Woolies (undyed, can be scented or unscented) $7-10

Color Expressions Woolies (wrapped in colored yarn, can be scented or unscented) $10 - 11

FUNKtastic Woolies (one of a kind color combos, can be scented or unscented) $10 - 11

Rescent Packs (used to rescent your woolies when you think they need it) $4 - 9

Seasonal Woolies (colored holiday type woolies) $11 - 38

Custom Design Woolies (animals, flowers, etc "printed" on your woolies) $13 – 14.50

Car Freshener (lots of little woolies on a string to hang on your rearview mirror) $12 – 18

Scents (over 25 to choose from) and you can even double your scent for $2

Cobra Bracelets $10 - 15


My experience…
I LOVE my woolies! Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out my system, I will tell you why…
1. Bouncing Woolies are bigger than other brands that I have tried. The more surface area, the better, because that cuts your drying time.

2. I like that BW offers more than JUST dryer balls. They really have a nice selection of products and options, so that you can get exactly what you are looking for.

3. I love working with Shauna! She has great customer service skills, I’ve never had a problem with her and she’s more than happy to answer questions if you have them.

Like I said, I originally ordered 4 Bouncing Woolies and have used them every day since. They have gotten a little “pilly”, but that is just aesthetic and doesn’t cause a performance problem. They work just as well as they did the first day I used them. If it really bothers you, you can pick them off. I ordered my set of four scented, and if I had to guess when the scent faded, I would say after a month of regular use. I ordered a re-scent pack a while ago, so now I’m back on track with my scented woolies!

Now for the FUNKtastics! I won these and I am so happy that I did, because they are so cute, I mean FUNKy! Just take a look at the picture! I haven’t any pilling issues with these ones.

Previous to owning my Bouncing Woolies, I was the “proud owner” of a couple plastic type dryer balls and I have to say, they are no comparison. Bouncing Woolies work so much better and they are made from a renewable resource, so they are environmentally friendly. A big difference I noticed was a change in the noise level coming from the dryer. My plastic dryer balls sounded like I had rocks knocking around in there, so it’s nice to hear the softer sounds of Bouncing Woolies. The biggest change I noticed was in the amount of drying time required. I went from having to dry clothes in 3 – 4 cycles down to 1 – 2 cycles, depending on what I have in there. What an improvement!  Bouncing Woolies does recommend starting out with 4 woolies and then working your way up.  The more woolies you are using...the more your drying time will be reduced.
Want to know where you can get your own set of woolies?

Take a look at their official retailers page

Or

you can order them direct at http://www.bouncingwoolies.com/


Want to win some Bouncing Woolies?

Shauna has generously offered a pair of Halloween colored FUNKtastics to one lucky reader! This giveaway is open to both U.S. and Canada residents, so read below and see how to enter.



Mandatory Entry (5 parts for 1 entry – must be completed before entering any bonus entries).  If you do not complete this step first, your bonus entries will be deleted.


1. Like Bouncing Woolies on Facebook

2. Like Tootsie Woots on Facebook

3. Look at the Bouncing Woolies website and tell me what your favorite scent is.

4. Your Name (first name and last initial)

5. Your E-mail Address (so I can contact you in case you win)



Bonus Entries (can only be completed after you have done the mandatory entry)

1. Follow Bouncing Woolies on Twitter (include your twitter name) – 1 bonus entry

2. Tweet the Giveaway (once per day – leave the direct link) – 1 bonus entry

3. Follow Tootsie Woots via Google Friend Connect – 3 bonus entries

4. Make a purchase from Bouncing Woolies (from today through the end of the contest) – 10 bonus entries

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

 
This giveaway will end on October 13th at Noon CST.  A winner will be chosen via Random.Org
The winner will be contacted and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.
 
All opinions in this review are my own honest opinions.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.