Pampers is is launching a new and improved version of their Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers and they want you to try them before they hit shelves! Starting today you can request a sample pack of Pampers with Dry Max at Pampers.com (with a chance to win a year’s supply… read on.) I’ll be getting a sample pack soon, too, and will share our experience when we receive the dipes.
About Pampers with Dry Max
Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers with Dry Max are the brand’s new high performance diapers and the biggest innovation for the Pampers brand in the last 25 years. Pampers Diapers invented the Dry Max technology and applied it to the current Swaddlers and Cruisers core, which allows the diaper to be thinner than before. This game-changing diaper – Pampers’ driest ever – helps lock wetness in for up to 12 hours and its less bulky design helps give flexibility and comfort – perfect for all of babies’ play. The new diaper design also helps families reduce their impact on the environment by containing 10 percent less material weight.
Olympic Partnership
To celebrate the launch of their gold medal diapers, Pampers is outfitting the babies of Team USA Olympians as they head to Vancouver for the 2010 games.
As any mama knows, babies move and crawl. A lot. So diapers have to be up to the task and Pampers thinks Cruisers with Dry Max will meet the challenge. If you have a great video of your little one crawling, starting February 12, you can upload it at Pampers.com and it may be included in a Dry Max “Baby Relay” video to air during the Olympic Closing Ceremonies.
Shop! Pampers with Dry Max are not yet available in stores. They should hit shelves nationwide in March.
Free Samples! Head over to Pampers.com and request a 3-pack Pampers Cruiser with Dry Max. Pay attention to your sample pack because if your sample includes a Team USA diaper you win a year’s supply of diapers!
Remember months and month ago when I first posted about my daughter’s dreadlocks? Her hair seemed to improve a bit, and the dreadlock factor was less of an issue. She still has that sweet, fine baby hair and it seems to be growing at a snail’s pace. I have to say I’m a little impatient. I know I’m lucky she has *any* hair at all, but I am still looking forward to her having real hair.
Anyway, the back of the head dreadlock is back. And it’s worse than ever. See:
I’ve tried everything that I can think of. But I’m at a loss. As you can see, nothing works. So all of you with girls out there, any suggestions?
Let me start this review with a big time disclaimer: this was my first dip into cloth diapers. So, if it seems like I’m a beginner at cloth diapers, it’s because I AM. Completely, 100% new to this. My only prior experience with cloth diapers was when I wore them over 30 years ago. So, with that in mind, let’s get on with it!
Even though I have no experience with cloth diapers, when I got the opportunity to review Real Nappies I jumped at the chance. Was I hoping or expecting to be converted from a Pampers mama? Not necessarily. But I have often wished that I had just bitten the bullet and started using cloth diapers from birth with my kids so I was curious and intrigued to try the Real Nappies Intro Pack.
About Real Nappies
Real Nappies look like disposables, but are 100% natural, breathable cotton with a biodegradable liner and are as kind on your baby’s skin as they are on your pocket. They are easy to wash, and ultra-comfortable on your little one. Real Nappies make it easier than ever to do what’s best for your baby and the environment.
The Real Nappies system is made of 3 parts
Nappy Liner: 100% biodegradeable and flushable (it looks like a dryer sheet)
Cotton Nappy Insert: highly absorbent 100% cotton
Nappy Cover: velcro fastening, leakproof and waterproof polyester
Great Cloth Diaper Experiment – Poo!
When the time came to try our Real Nappies for the first time, I called for reinforcements. My husband and I giggled as we struggled to get the diaper on the correct way, but were quite proud of the result. Turns out the joke was on me because about 10 minutes after getting it on, Toddler Girl pooped. In her brand-newly-washed-and-prepped-first-time-ever cloth diaper. I had waited for her to poo that day before putting it on and everything. But, you want to know what? It really wasn’t that big a deal to clean it. I just dumped the poo in the toilet, flushed and followed the cleaning instructions.
Real Nappies incorporate a flushable nappy liner that makes cleaning messy diapers a breeze because the bulk of the mess is flushed away. If you chose you can soak the cloth insert before washing, but I didn’t.
Girl Fold
While the Intro Pack does come with an informative guide to using nappies, I apparently needed a remedial course in folding a cloth diaper because I just couldn’t get it right. Luckily, Real Nappies has a couple great YouTube videos. This short video explains a bit about Real Nappies and demonstrates the ideal fold for girls.
My cloth diaper experiment took a turn in the right direction after watching that video and improving the fold. Toddler Girl seemed more comfortable, the diaper fit better and I felt more confident I was doing it correctly.
One the fold is mastered, the diaper fit is simple. There are two velcro tabs that really make it easy to secure and fit snugly and securely. It’s really similar to fastening a disposable diaper, actually, and I imagine it’s quicker and eaiser than snaps or clips.
Real Nappies Collection
Real Nappies are available in four sizes: Newborn (6 – 13 pounds), Infant (11 – 20 pound), Crawler (17 – 30 pounds) and Toddler (29 – 40 pounds). There are several different packages and the larger set you buy the more cost effective.
Birth to Potty Pack: 24 Newborn and Infant, 18 Crawler and 12 Toddler cloth diapers; 800 diaper liners; 6 Newborn, Infant and Crawler and 5 Toddler covers; a number of accessories including swim cover and diaper sanitizer $499
To Buy or Not to Buy
To Buy… Overall, the experiment was fairly successful. That YouTube instruction changed the game and gave me more confidence. The Real Nappies system is very easy and not intimidating even for a newbie like me and I think much of that is due to the flushable liner. If you’re considering cloth diapering, I say go with the Essentials Pack and give it a real go.
Or Not to Buy… The Intro Pack is really not enough to get a good feel for what it’s like to cloth diaper, but it’s a great bet if you’re comparing brands and trying to find the best fit for your family.
Win! Whether you’re an expert or novice, you can have your own cloth diaper experiment with the Real Nappies Intro Pack.
How to Enter: It’s easy. Visit RealNappiesUSA.com and tell me something you learned about cloth diapering or Real Nappies products.
Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do.
* Sign up for the Real Nappies newsletter on RealNappiesUSA.com
* Follow Real Nappies on Twitter
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and RealNappiesUSA.com
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Real Nappies cloth diaper Intro Pack giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bBdtJV
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama
The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.
I am so excited to offer a giveaway from onlinebaby and toddler boutique, Saige Nicole’s. Specializing in upscale clothing for babies and toddlers, Saige Nicole’s has an extensive collection of drool-inducing goodness for lucky little ones.
About Saige Nicole’s
Designed for parents of children 0-5 years who have an eye for detail, want unique, fresh styles and demand quality, Saige Nicole’s baby and toddler boutique clothing, accessories, decor and gifts represent the essence of childhood frolic and whimsy and are selected believing that childhood is a time to cherish, play and live freely.
Valentines Day Goodies
Saige Nicole’s has an impressive variety of fabulous things for Valentine’s Day. With everything from jewelry to clogs and hand-painted shoes to lacy leggings (ridiculously cute!) and outfits… really, could you want anything more? Here are some highlights.
The eeBoo set of 32 Valentines feature artwork by Brandon Reese and are available with fairy or animal designs.
I can’t wait to give my daughter jewelry, and I can’t imagine a better first piece than the Sterling Silver Heart Locket. At 28.00, it’s an affordable and appropriate gift for a young girl. I mean, seriously, what little girl wouldn’t love to get this heart locket on Valentine’s Day?
And, knowing how I love personalized clothes, it’s no surprise one of my favorites is the Personalized Valentines Tee. This adorable Luna B tee displays your girl’s name proudly and brightly on a heart and circle design. How stinking cute would this be with a tutu or leggings?
More Sweetness
I am very impressed with the selection of unique products at Saige Nicole’s. There’s so much to see and fall in love with. But, the online boutique isn’t overwhelming at all. I love that you can shop by designer, price, recipient, and so on. There’s even a special section for twins and multiples!
Saige Nicole’s hasn’t forgotten mamas either. I would be beyond giddy to receive the beautiful Forever Loop Birthstone Necklace. It’s sweet and sentimental without being overwhelming. A great wear every day piece of jewelry. (Oh, husband of mine, are you reading this???)
Shop! Visit Saige Nicole for a variety of adorable Valentine’s Day goodies, including the Personalized Valentine Tee for $28.00. To say Happy Valentine’s Day to you, use the code SHOPPINGMAMA for 15% off your order between now and February 14.
Win! A Luna B Personalized Valentine Tee!
How to Enter: Head over to Saige Nicole’s and take a look around – there’s a lot of cuteness so enjoy! Leave a comment here with something that catches your eye.
Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow Saige Nicole’s on Twitter
* Fan Saige Nicole’s on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win an adorable Personalized Valentine Tee for your little one @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9uHgcT
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama
The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 3. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Saige Nicole’s for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own.
Happy Thursday! The Shopping Mama is in the midst of a fairly impromptu giveaway bash – all handmade or indie finds to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They’re short giveaways to get the goodies by the 14th so enter today and check back for a couple more.
Bel Amour Couture offers beautiful, and I mean, seriously beautiful boutique tutus. I don’t know about you, but nothing says sweet like a girl in a tutu or pettiskirt and when better to celebrate the sweetness than Valentine’s Day? Specializing in custom tutus fit for a princess, Bel Amour Couture creations are pure eye candy.
About Bel Amour Couture
Bel Amour means beautiful love, and this boutique was created out of the love that I have for my family and my desire to be a working stay at home mom and wife, my love for couture and custom design, my love for all things girly and fun, and the dream that I have always had to open my own boutique with my own custom designs. My name is Marissa, and I am a very proud stay-at-home Mom to my son with another baby boy on the way! I was a middle school and high school special needs teacher here in Florida before having my first son, and I knew that I did not want to work out of my home after he was born so I took my passion and started working on Bel Amour Couture.
Colorful Tutus
These tutus feature so much tulle, your little one will look like she’s floating. Layer upon layer is worked together to create a real work of art. I really like that the tutus have so much body to them – I mean if you’re going to go tutu, you might as well go all the way, right? I’ve seen other tutus where the ends are blunt cut along the bottom and I much prefer the look of Bel Amour Couture tutus. Don’t they look great?
More Sweetness
Bel Amour Couture offers more than tutus. You can find hats and headbands to coordinate with your tutu and adorable little shoes and ballet slippers to send your outfit over the top. My favorite little something is the sparkly Bel Amour Bloomers. I’m not sure, but I’m fairly certain Toddler Girl must have them.
Shop! Despite the couture flair, Bel Almour Couture tutus are surprisingly affordable. Custom tutus with up to four colors of tulle start at only $20. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, the Sweet Heart Couture tutu is $22 to $32, depending on the size.
Win! A Bel Amour Couture Sweet Heart Couture tutu!
How to Enter: Visit Bel Amour Couture, take a look around and then leave a comment here with something you’d like to have for your little lady.
Bonus Entries - please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow Bel Amour Couture on Twitter
* Fan Bel Amour Couture on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a gorgeous Sweet Heart Bel Amour Couture Tutu for your little valentine @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bLTmFe
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama
The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 5. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Bel Amour Couture for providing the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own.
byKateonJanuary 26th, 2010 | 5 Comments | Blogging, Life
A big milestone has come and gone and I didn’t even notice! On January 22, The Shopping Mama turned 1! Woo hoo! In the days leading up to the 22nd I thought about what I’d write, but then the day came and went and I totally forgot.
Over the last year, I’ve written over 650 blog posts on The Shopping Mama. You’ve left over 49,600 comments. (More, actually. Some were lost in the switch from Blogger to WordPress in November.) I’ve had amazing opportunities: the ABC Kids Expo, talking to Annabel Karmel, joining the ShopatHome.com Blogger Advisory Board, to name a few. (There are far too many to name everything!)
Most importantly, for me, the blog has been an outlet and a way to connect with other moms. It’s a way to feel productive while staying at home with my kids. I love that the blog is MINE and all mine. It’s a great source of pride for me and I work very hard every day to make it something I’m proud of. But, honestly, I am most thankful for the connections I’ve made and the friendships I’ve developed because of the blog – with old friends and those I’ve never met in person.
So, THANK YOU for reading. THANK YOU for being a part of this. And, THANK YOU for your support and friendship.
And, now a question:
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Have other ideas or suggestions? Please leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
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