Green Resolutions Giveaway Hop #GreenResolutions~~Cloth Diaper & Accessory!

Welcome to the Green Resolutions Giveaway Hop, hosted by Happy Mothering and Mama Chocolate. To help our readers start their New Year off Green, members of the Green Moms Network have come together to offer giveaways valued at $25+.

All you parents out there know that you want the best for your baby, and that often means looking for products that are natural and safe. What better way to go green in the new year than to green up your diapering routine?

I will be giving away two prizes to help you do just that!

1) Your choice of a  Fitted Fleece Lamb Babies diaper in either of the following prints:

Bohemian Diamonds

 OR

Blue Wave

These diapers are amazing! Breathable, economical, and so squishy! 

Two layers of water-resistant fleece make up the one-size diaper.  Comes with a snake-style snap-in insert of 4 thick, thirsty, and soft layers of bamboo/organic cotton fleece and topped with a matching stay-dry fleece lay-in soaker.

These diapers would require a cover to remain completely waterproof, but because of the natural water-resistant properties of the fleece, many babies don't need to use a cover at all, even overnight!

2) A 1 oz jar of Monkey Butt Healing Ointment from Glory Bee Body and Honey

(see review here)

 After entering my giveaway below, please visit the other blogs listed under the Rafflecopter form to find the rest of the green giveaways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest will run through January 30, 2013 at 9:01 pm PST (January 31, 2012 at 12:01 am EST). The winner will be chosen the following day and announced on Lamb Mama & Lamb Babies. No purchase necessary. US entries only. Must be 18 years or older to win.The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to Lamb Mama & Lamb Babies and not to Facebook. Please note that Lamb Mama & Lamb Babies, the Green Moms Network and the Green Resolutions event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

The Legality (and Morality) of "Diaper Dipping"

Note: This information is primarily from what I have personally seen and heard, and may not have any real legal backing.

Source: flickr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

We had this discussion on the Lamb Babies Facebook page a few weeks ago, about  diaper dipping.

I had seen this phrase popping up here and there where certain cloth diaper businesses (small, work-at-home-mom types) would be "dipping a diaper." Wanting to stay on top of things, I researched this phrase.

Here it is in a nutshell:

It works like a raffle.  You can buy a "dip" or a chance to "win" a diaper.  Generally, you would purchase one chance for $1.  So, if you wanted ten chances to win, you would spend $10, sent directly to the person hosting the dip.  Sometimes, the business owner puts a minimum number of dips. For example, if the diaper was a really rare print and they needed to make back their money, there might be a minimum of 30 dips (or $30 put toward that diaper, at least). I guess, there can be maximums too.

Then, after a certain timeframe, a random number is drawn, and whoever has that number (they were the x number person to pay for a dip), is the winner.

The point is: The person paying for their chance to win could potentially get a cloth diaper for only a couple bucks.  Good, right?

Well, apparently, if you live in a state where gambling is illegal, than you cannot by law participate in a diaper dip in any way, shape, or form.  I'm not, in any way, condemning those who have participated...I mean, who knew a harmless cloth diaper could have legal issues?!

Raffles in general, must be for charitable purposes only overseen by that charity itself, and not for the commercial gain of the individual and/or business.  In many states, a special permit is required in order to host a raffle. (http://www.rafflefaq.com/raffles-legal-usa/http://www.rafflefaq.com/raffles-legal-usa/)  So, these facts basically dissuade against any idea that diaper dipping is okay for charitable purposes.(You could always do an auction instead...?)

Source: google.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

But, I also had a personal problem with the idea of diaper dipping, when the work-at-home-mom (wahm) or small business got the profit.  The person purchasing dips is under the idea that they may only get a diaper for a few bucks, but it is not really specifically outright stated that ALL of the money that goes into the dips goes to the diaper business.  So, let's say there were 50 dips....that's $50 that's goes into the pocket of the wahm.

Even if it's a rare print, that is still a lot to receive for making a cloth diaper, especially when the wahm or business runs with the idea that someone can get a diaper for a few dollars, while seemingly undermining the fact that all of the money goes in their pocket.  Auctions are different though, because there isn't "hidden" money, what the person says they are going to pay, they pay for the diaper.

And I'm not saying this all to be mean or anything.  Afterall, I make cloth diapers and sell them too, and I like to be honest.  Also, although I don't know for sure, I have heard of ramifications for wahms who have hosted diaper dips. I don't want anyone to get in trouble, so now you know!

Source: flickr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

         Check out that old "car seat"!

Coming up for January 2013!! Happy New Year!

First off, Happy New Year!

(That's ^where we walked around all evening)

I am really looking forward to this year! I talked about what's coming up a little bit already, but I'll go in more detail because there's a GIVEAWAY coming up!!!! Woot woot!

The Green Resolutions Giveaway Hop runs from January 16th to 30th, and will be full of lots of eco-friendly items for the whole family to help green up your lifestyle!  I just checked and as of today there are 40 blogs signed up so this event will be BIG!

This is the first time (eek) I'm hosting a giveaway where I'm giving away my own prize package.  I will be giving away Glory Bee Body and Honey's Monkey Butt Balm (see review here) and a diaper too of course!!! Though I can't decide what kind...hmmm...have to think about that one.

I will also start regular stockings soon.  I'll keep you updated!

Back and Better Than Ever! (With new labels!)

I'm back from my "vacation" from sewing. I still have some school work to finish up for this semester so things aren't 100% in full swing. And, well, it's hard to get my head wrapped around a sewing schedule again (no more laying around during Bibbit's naps watching Dr. Who...)

But, Lamb Babies is back and better than ever!

These are my brand new labels! Don't you love them?! I got them from this great shop on Etsy, and they're fade-proof and fray-proof especially designed for use on cloth diapers!

And here are some things that I've been working on:

 Upcoming "Farm" stocking!!! Don't worry, there'll be more!

Fleece Hybrid Fitteds! (These still need snaps...)

Buying *new* fabric!!! (These^ are organic prints by the way!)

Getting ready for a Valentine's Day stocking!!!!

Stay tuned! There's lots of wonderful things happening at Lamb Babies in the new year!

Thank you for making this a wonderful first year (half-year?) in business!!!

~Citrus Lane December 2012 Review~

This is my special gift to my little guy, my Bibbit.

This month's theme: "a few of our favorite things"

Citrus Lane had an awesome Black Friday deal where I was able to purchase a 6 month subscription for WAY below normal cost.

I talked to the husband, and came up with the idea that I would give him something(s) in the December box for Christmas, and then the 6 month subscription would end in May (his birth month) so it'd be perfect for his birthday!

*I opened this box in secret so he wouldn't see what was in it!

This box was physically  huge because of this awesome airplane from Green Toys! Bibbit is going to love this on Christmas morning! This company makes items from recycled milk jugs, they are free from "nasty stuff" and they are made in the USA! Bibbit has been all about vehicles lately and I'm so glad he got this super cute plane. ($15--already worth my money...YAY!)

This is a cd by Renee & Jeremy "It's a Big World!"

 I'm already familiar with their music because it pops up on the Pandora station I made for Bibbit. They are really good, all acoustic, very mellow, perfect for background music, naps, and quiet times.  All songs are original except they do a cover of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" which is one of my favorites on the cd.  I also love the title track and "Night Mantra." ($12)

Next up is a photo album/brag book by Pearhead.  At first I was a little "eh" about this just because I'm terrible about putting pictures in a photo album, I can never decide which ones I want to go in them, or maybe I just never get around to it.  Anyway, Citrus Lane suggested making this a photo book for your toddler to look at pictures of mommy and daddy, and other family members. I LOVE that idea! Bibbit loves looking at pictures of family, so that's what I'm probably going to do. Also, this is a really cute green and brown, which sort of ended up being Bibbit's colors, because I wanted to buy things that were gender neutral in case we have a girl in the future. ($8.95)

I love these pouches.  I don't see why people think they are only for babies?!?! Bibbit is 18 months and loves them for a quick snack, and this brand GoGo Squeez, I've actually seen at the store in the applesauce aisle, not in the baby section! My husband and I have taken these on road trips, camping trips, etc. It's an awesome way to carry fruits around. ($1.29)

Treat for mommy!

 I've been craving dark chocolate lately so I was so happy to see this.  It is 100% made in Madagascar "from bean to bar." That's kinda neat. Anyway, this isn't a creamy, melt in your mouth chocolate.  It has more of a bite, and is the kind you just have to let sit in your mouth awhile.  I really like it, and it actually has hints of cherry in it! Yummm. ($1.50)

And a $15 gift voucher to ecomom.com! I've never shopped here, but I've browsed their site and they have a ton of awesome items, from wooden toys to countertop compost pails! I can't decide what I should get...maybe some play food for Bibbit's toy kitchen? ($15)

This box was so worth the money that I paid for it.  I'm really happy with the diverse products in this box, and I absolutely can't wait to give Bibbit his airplane on Christmas morning!

All opinions are my own. I purchased this item with my own money.

Glory Bee Body & Honey Monkey Butt Healing Ointment~Review~

Molly from Glory Bee Body and Honey so kindly sent me her Monkey Butt Healing Ointment to review.

 Molly is a mommy to three little ones and has a background in herbology.  Like me, she was unable to complete her college studies due to pregnancy, but that didn't stop her! Molly uses the Bible verse Isaiah 61:3 as her inspiration:

"To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Molly says it best, "It was clear to me that God was aiming me in a new direction. After installing a few beehives He began to inspire in me a buzzing of new ideas and formulations to try. I have been blessed to be able to use my knowledge of herbs and bees to make high quality body care. It is my desire that the Lord be Glorified, hence the name 'Glory Bee.'"

This is chocked full of good stuff that is all designed to help heal and protect your little one's bum-bum. 

"...it is made with healing herbs like comfrey, known as the knitting herb because it draws skin together to heal. Calendula that soothes and heals and lanolin which protects and creates a barrier."

AND, Molly and her husband harvest many of the herbs from the mountains, and the oils she uses are organic! How awesome is that?

I love this product!

It has a slightly sweet herbal smell which is right up my alley.  I put some on my hand when I first got it, and it rubbed right in, and I couldn't stop smelling my hand!

Let me tell you, a little bit goes a long way!

I've been using this on Bibbit (19 months old) almost exclusively in his diaper area and it's done a great job of keeping his diaper rash down.  I also used it on his dry winter skin, arms and legs, and it totally softened up his skin.

There's so many other uses for it too: eczema,  minor abrasions & scrapes, 

I even used it a few times as an overnight facial moisturizer with great results!

I'm happy to announce that 1 person will win a 1oz glass jar ($8) of Monkey Butt Healing Ointment as part of the Green Resolutions Giveaway Hop January 16th-30th 2013!

Come back here in January for a chance to win this great product!

All opinions are 100% my own. I received this product in exchange for my review.

One of my favorite Christmas songs...

This song is so beautiful, so under-rated, and so appropriate especially in light of recent events.  I urge you all to watch it and listen to the lyrics.  It's beautiful...