Monday, May 30, 2011

Cherub in training


BubuBibi Cloth Diapers & Supplies: Review & $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

To the best of my knowledge I have 5 family members (other than myself) who are expecting babies before the end of the year. All of the babies are due between June 9 and November 30. Yep, 6 babies, WOW! I've been talking with some of these ladies about cloth diapers and looking for economical solutions to help them meet their needs.
Playing the piano in his BubuBibi Denim (Fun Prints) Diaper
I found BubuBibi on my search for a great and economical diaper. My qualifications for the perfect diaper to recommend to these women include:
  1. One Size Fits all
  2. Pocket Diaper or wrap with an insert for easier drying or multiple use
  3. Snaps for continued use with toddlers
  4. $12 or less per diaper
  5. Good quality handwork, easy use, high absorbency
    Crackers used the BubuBibi Galaxy (Original Print) as a swim diaper on  Memorial Day Weekend
BubuBibi diapers meet all of these criteria. They are also cute with a variety of patterns to choose from. We tested the “denim” print and the “galaxy” print. Monkey fell in love with the galaxy print from the moment he saw it, so he tested it overnight first. He's a light wetter overnight and did not soak through it. It fit him perfectly. Crackers tested the galaxy diaper next, it fit him very well also and we had no trouble with leaks. Galaxy is purple and white, I think it is a little girly, but my boys don't mind, and like I said – Monkey loves it.
Pocket on the denim (fun print) diaper
The "denim" print is a one size pocket diaper and comes with 2 inserts for only $10.50!  If you're new to cloth diapering this sounds like a lot of money, but trust me - this is a fantastic price.  The inserts are made of bamboo which is super absorbent and great at preventing leaks.  I am absolutely recommending this diaper to my friends and family members who are expecting.  Because it is a one size diaper, it can be used from infancy through potty training!  I will be using this diaper on our new baby when it arrives this fall!
The pocket on the galaxy (original print) diaper
BubuBibi's galaxy print is also a one size pocket diaper.  It only comes with one insert (which is bamboo).  This diaper is only $9.25 plus shipping.  I like the style of this diaper slightly better than the style of the denim diaper.  What's the difference?  Where the pocket sits.  The pocket on the denim diaper is at the seam between the lining and the outer shell of the diaper.  This is very convenient for stuffing the insert into just right.  The pocket on the galaxy diaper is at the back of the diaper as well, but inside the lining.  I like this because it's more hidden, and for some reason I feel more comfortable choosing whether I want to stuff the liner into the diaper, or put it on top of the shell to use it like a diaper wrap instead of a pocket.

I am also honored to review BubuBibi's new wet/dry bag. I love this bag for so many reasons – It's LARGE, I can fit 3 days worth of diapers in it easily (keeping in mind that Crackers is almost 1 ½, realize that's approximately 15 diapers). I can also carry a spare diaper and wipes in the front pouch. It's got an elastic loop for hanging it. I love how easy it is to hang and take down. It washes easily with my diapers and is fantastic for traveling on long trips!  These bags are amazingly priced at $8.99 - $9.99 (depending on the fabric) and shipping is only $1.45!
Disposable Viscose Liners
Another great product from BubuBibi is their roll of disposable viscose liners. I had never used disposable liners before and was a little uncertain about trying them. I admit that it is still sometimes difficult for me to remember to stick the little liner in the diaper – but oh how much I appreciate it when it comes time to clean poo! (Especially during the flat diapers & handwashing challenge.) I was concerned that the liner might stick to the diaper and be difficult to remove after it had been soiled. I've found that it's quite easy to remove and dump in the pot. I love how easy it is to dump the messy diapers and then to clean them without worry!  At $5.50 (plus $2 for shipping) per 100 sheets, these are a great deal!

WIN IT:
BubuBibi has offered to give one of my readers a $25 gift card for their shop!  (That's an amazing prize - 2 diapers and some liners... or a diaper and a wetbag and some liners, or.. well, you figure out what you want)!
This contest is open to residents of the US.  It will close on Friday, June 8 at 8pm.

How to enter:
You may use any or all of the following methods to enter.  Leave 1 comment for each entry completed.  Remember to leave your email address in each comment.
* Like BubuBibi on Facebook.
* Visit the BubuBibi website and tell me what product you would most like to try.
* Follow the BubuBibi blog.
* Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post (tell me where you commented).
* Follow Crum's This N That via GFC.
*Like Crum's This N That on Facebook.
*Post about this giveaway anywhere and leave ma a link to your post.

Flat Diaper Challenge - complete

Okay, so I wimped out on the last day because of overnight illness and Randy didn't really feel so thrilled about flats...

Here is some of what I've learned from the challenge:
* Cloth diapers don't have to be expensive at all.  If you can get your hands on a few tshirts and a rain poncho, or a fleece scarf, or an old wool sweater... you can have enough diapers to keep your baby's bottom dry.
* There are a number of great ways to fold flats in order to achieve maximum efficiency and trimness, none of them is wrong, but some work better than others.
* I am not so fond of handwashing, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be.
* Dish soap works better than hand soap for scrubbing diapers.
* 16 month old children should not eat corn if you plan to hand wash your diapers.
* Travelling with flat diapers is not much different than travelling with other cloth diapers.
* Flat diapers are more intimidating to babysitters than pockets.
* When we camp, I'm likely to try using flats because I can wash them by hand and put them on the clothes line.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Extended contest

Oh my, somehow in the business of leaving for the weekend I totally forgot that the Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream was supposed to be given away on Friday!

I am going to extend this contest until Tuesday night.

http://jencrum.blogspot.com/2011/05/tropical-traditions-coconut-cream.html

Flat Diapers Challenge: Day 7 - I blame my sister

Yep, I blame my sister - My This N That Life - (we call her Elizabeth).

See, yesterday she had to stop handwashing because her little guy, Stinky, had some nasty belly issues... then he seemed better, so she brought him over for dinner.  I held him, I loved on him... and guess what?  Overnight I got the icky belly.

What's this mean for the Flats Challenge?  It means that I don't want to be handling my kids much today because I want to make sure they don't have the same problems - I don't clean up puke well and I don't want them to have to deal with the OTHER stuff...

SOOOO... Daddy is in charge of diapering Crackers.  I don't know for sure what he'll do, but I have my doubts about flats, he definitely won't be handwashing any diapers!

I made it 6.5 days (because I started early).

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Flats & Handwashing: Day 6!

Wow, so my tactic of waiting as long as possible before washing the diapers last night was not the best one.  I did have 1 fully dry this morning in addition to the diaper that was still unused... but my covers were damp still (I only brought 3 of the 4 covers I have used for this challenge.

Crackers has decided that he's not done with teasing me and filled his pants more today, I was able to wash that diaper immediately and get it outside.  I'm so glad it's a nice enough day to put them outside!

I put Monkey in a disposable again last night since we are at Nana and & Poppy's house and I don't want his toddler urine to get into the pack'n'play where he sleeps here... (they've got a stash of sposies in the bathroom closet).

1.5 days left.. we're going to make it, still going strong.  Tomorrow we get to take flats to church - have fun nursery workers, mwahahahaha

Friday, May 27, 2011

Flats & Handwashing First Failure

Okay, so I committed to using flat diapers and handwashing them for the week... and I planned to do this on Crackers, because he's the only one in our house that uses diapers (HOORAH)...

BUT... at 6am today when Monkey woke up soaked and I couldn't find his underpants, I pulled a disposable diaper out of the closet and threw it on him... I feel slightly guilty about using something other than a flat, but I've justified it to myself by telling myself that I only planned to use the flats with Crackers.

Is that a poor excuse?

Flats & Handwashing, Corn Poo & Travelling

I don't know why it didn't cross my mind that it was a bad idea to give Crackers corn for dinner on a week that I'm committed to handwashing diapers but... oh how I wish I had thought of it.  I did remember (with complete certainty) that dinner tonight should absolutely NOT include corn... 

My poor little guy just doesn't digest that fantastically fabulous food very well - maybe because he neglects to chew it!  It tasted so good, but poor Crackers had a rough belly day today!  Poor mama had a rough cleaning day today.  

Okay okay, the truth is - I'm avoiding the washing... that's why I'm writing at this very moment!  We drove to my parent's house for the weekend with a bag of nasty dipes in the back of the van and he made sure to give us another dipe to clean before he went to bed.

So here I am, 10:45 pm - 1 spare dry dipe to my name which I HOPE he doesn't use until morning... avoiding handwashing... why?  Well - I left my wash board and drying racks at home.  I did it on purpose, I thought it would be a fun change to the challenge.

What was I thinking?  How in the world is washing corn poo without the use of my wash board going to be fun?  Where am I going to hang dipes to dry at my parent's house?  They have wood floors all over, I'm sure they don't want drippy wet dipes hanging above their beautiful floors.

An adventure?  Certainly... I guess I should head toward the bathroom and pull the stopper out of the tub where the nasties are waiting and soaking...

WINNERS

Baby Bond Nursing Cover
Comment #63
Amanda!

Tru Kid Skin Care Products
Comment #19
Ashley!

Congratulations to you both, I will be contacting you this evening!

Flats & Handwashing Challenge Day 4- Babysitters & poop

Wow, Crackers was really nice to the babysitters today.  He was scheduled to have 2 different sitters (one didn't end up happening)... but he didn't poo at all while they were watching/supposed to watch him.  Lucky ladies didn't even get the opportunity to change flats. 

I took some time to show the babysitter how to use the flats.  I folded them up so they would fit inside a cover just like a liner, super easy to slip him into if he messed.  I felt pretty good about that and the babysitter didn't seem too concerned either. 

Crackers decided to hold his poo until we went to McDonalds (thanks).. then again until bedtime.. and at bedtime the fold I was using did not hold the poo.  It didn't come out of the cover but what a mess inside... I don't think I'll use that fold again!

Overnight he is using an old receiving blanket.  This is the first time he's used it and it's a little smaller than the other pieces of fabric I've been using.  We'll see if it holds up!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

THUNDER!!!!

Does anyone have great solutions for toddler fears of thunder?

Monkey is TERRIFIED.  I don't know where the fear came from.  It's never bothered him before this week, and we've had a lot of it.

Our attempts to soothe him:
#1 hugs and assurance
#2 reading the "Bible Book" story about Jesus calming storms
#3 pointing out when the first storm was over and saying thank you to Jesus
#4 more hugs, talking about being safe, running to the van in the storm with 50+ pounds of toddler in my arms
#5 watching the storm, talking about how neat the lightening is and listening to the loud thunder
#6 playing instruments to be louder than the thunder...

So far the instruments have worked best, it distracted him for a little while... then when he was done with instruments he was back to the fear...

Flat Diaper Challenge Day 3 - completed!

Whew - Day 3 was a long one.  We had appointments and coffee dates and a trip to the library.  I was concerned about changing the flats in public places, I don't know why it's any different from home, it just seems to be.

I had no problems with leaks.  At one point the bottom on Cracker's shorts was wet, but I think he sat in his brother's accident (yuck).  I changed Crackers in the coffee shop restroom with no trouble and again in the back of the van - that was not quite as easy, he was wiggly and there's just not a lot of room there.

Overall?  Not a bad day out with flats.  I was a little worried too about running out of diapers because they hadn't all dried overnight the night before -we did okay with what we had though!

I dried 4 diapers overnight last night and added a box fan in the room where they were drying (inside because of storms) - everything was dry this morning.

Today's challenge: Babysitters!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HOLY COW...

ER... holy storm!... I seriously turned on the radio to find out if I might be driving under a tornado warning.  CRAZY rain and then the hail started.  When I was sitting at the stop light my van was shaking like it had teenagers bouncing around in the back seat.  The wind was blowing the stoplights almost sideways and the trees were going crazy... it was as white as any whiteout I've been in, but usually they're snow!  YIKES!  So glad we made it to the library safely and can rest here until Randy gets off work in half an hour.

Side note: Monkey is TERRIFIED of thunder.  We had some trouble with it 2 nights ago, that was the first time he ever noticed it... he couldn't sleep much that night.  Last night we went outside while it was sprinking, it thundered, and he bolted inside.  Today, we walked out of his speech testing and it thundered at us, he turned and tried to run up the double set of stairs to get back in... his eyes were wild, he was as scared as I've ever seen a person.  I caught the poor guy by his shirt and he just shook and cried... then it thundered again and I think I about lost him!  I had to carry both of the boys through the pouring rain to our van (which was not conveniently located in a guest space - because they don't have those there.. but they do have several rows of staff parking that guests have to walk through, ugh).

Wordless Wednesday: Earning his keep


Flat Diapers, day 2... a little late

See that incredibly cool diaper?  It's one of daddy's old work shirts.  See, Randy started a new job yesterday, so he doesn't need his nasty old t-shirts anymore!  That means NEW FLATS!!!

Okay, so what about day 2.  It was different from day 1 for a couple of reasons.  
#1 we used 2 new "diapers" - daddy's "Mosh" shirt (pictured), and his "I know what you're thinking" shirt.
#2 we tried out some disposable liners.  I've NEVER tried disposable liners before so this was a learning experience.  What I like about them: They mean I don't have so much poo to clean out of the diaper.  What I don't like: I'm not used to thinking about them so I forget quite regularly.

On day 2 I decided not to wash after every 2 diapers like I did on day 1.  I waited until bed time and washed them all at once.  This was nice and saved me from several short sessions of washing in the tub.  The problem?  They weren't completely dry this morning.. ugh.

Today is our first day out of the house in flats.  We've got coffee with a friend this morning and a speech evaluation for my monkey just after noon.  A new challenge on this new day!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Flats pictures

A failed fold... this diaper just fell right off!

Much better, thanks Martha Stewart for the cute sheet

Washing diapers 3 & 4

Rinsing all the soap out

And drying --- before the storm hit

Flats & Handwashing Challenge: Day 1

Today is the first of 7 days in the Flats and Handwashing challenge.  I have only finished making 5 flats so far but I'm not too concerned about that.  Crackers uses 4 or 5 diapers a day most days, so as long as I can find a couple of old receiving blankets and wash my diapers every night, we should be okay.

I started using flats yesterday afternoon and am now on flat #4 with 2 on the line.  Yesterday and this morning I used an Econobum wrap over my flats, I folded them like prefolds (with lots of extra front padding).  For nap I've done a similair fold, but pinned the diaper on the sides and am trying a vinyl Gerber cover (we have a few of these that I picked up long ago and very rarely use.

My goal is to do this challenge as cheaply as possible.  So far for the challenge I have spend $2.  I bought a big flannel sheet and cut it into 4 squares to make some of my flats.  I also have some old hospital blankets that my parents picked up a while back.  The price on those?  $1 a trash bag (and I didn't spend it).  The 13 gallon trash bag had about 10 hospital blankets/sheets with small holes or stains on them that their local hospital could no longer use.  I used that flat over night last night and it worked wonderfully!

My big anxiety at the moment?  Poop!  Crackers made his first deposit for me just before nap time, I am horrified about washing it in the tub on my wash board!  I'll get it done and out on the line with the others though so I've got 3 fresh dipes for the afternoon.

Any great advice about washing flats by hand?

Friday, May 20, 2011

Kiki's Maternity Fashion Winner

Congratulations AmyLynn 
Comment #71!  
You win the $25 gift code to Kiki Maternity!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The next step

WOOHOO!!!
If you've followed my blog very long, you may know that Monkey, my almost 3 year old, has a speech delay.  He has tons of words, he's just VERY hard to understand because he's missing a lot of letter sounds.  He does speech therapy and is gradually improving in his ability to express himself - and also in his intelligibility.

So today as he was getting ready for nap, Monkey was looking at a picture of Daddy and Crackers.  In the picture daddy his kind of leaning with his hand around his ear.

Monkey loves to look at this picture of daddy.  Instead of just naming people today, he started telling me about what he thought was happening in the story.  That's right, his speech has developed from simple words to express needs, to telling us about what has happened in his day, to telling stories - "daddy say ow, my ear".  "daddy, hurt ear"  (that's not at all what was happening in reality, but he's learning to look at something and interpret it and express what he sees)... I think that's an awesome and huge step.

Way to go Monkey!

TruKid Skin Care: Review & Giveaway

*** Camera is not uploading tonight: Pictures to come ASAP***

Okay, so I have to first admit that Monkey LOVES using lotion and washing his hands, and brushing his teeth.. he's a very sensory oriented kid and always has been.

That said, he was SUPER excited when we received a package of TruKid Natural & Organic Skin Care products to try.  We had the honor of testing Helping Hand Wash, Happy Face & Body Lotion, and Sunny Days Sunscreen Lotion.
What a fantastic set of products TruKid offers.  The first thing I noticed was the wonderfully bright colored bottles.  The products are color coded to help kids know whether they are for washing, moisturizing, or other purposes.  Each product also carries a symbol to help children learn where to use the product.  For instance, the Helping Hand Wash has a picture of a hand on the front.  This is fantastic with a preschooler, or any child who is learning to be independent!

The next thing I noticed about TruKid products is the smell.  Wow!  These smell fantasic, I wanted to eat them!  They're a little fruity, I think.  The truth is, I love using Monkey's Helping Hand Wash because my hands smell so good afterward.

The Helping Hand Wash and Happy Face & Body Lotion both come with pumps to make them easy for children to dispense on their own and get a proper amount.  Monkey loves it that he can operate the pump on his own.

Here's the kicker for me.  This is what REALLY sells me on TruKid products:  they are free of paba, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, nano-particles, petroleums, chemicals, propylene glycol, sulfates, paba and gluten. 


I feel good about letting my boys use these great products, and about using them myself.  I love the independence they allow for Monkey, and the fact that I don't have to worry about what is in them!  (oh and the smells... I know I said it before, but they smell so good!)


BUY IT:
Right now TruKid is offering $5.00 flat rate shipping in the US!  What a great deal!  Check out all of their products on the TruKid website.

WIN IT:
TruKid has offered to send one of my readers a prize package of TruKid products!  I don't care who you are - you want to win these.  This contest is open to residents of the US.  It will close on Monday, May 30 at noon EST.

HOW TO ENTER:
You may enter using any or all of the following methods.  Each method is one entry and receives a separate comment in the form below.   Remember to leave your email address in each comment so I can contact you if you win.

*"Like" TruKid on Facebook.
*Subscribe to the TruKid newsletter.
*"Like" Crum's This N That on Facebook or Twitter.
*Post about this giveaway anywhere, leave me a link to your post.
*Follow Crum's This N That via Google Friend Connect.
*Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post. 

Baby Bond Nursing Cover - ENTER NOW

Don't forget to enter to win a baby bond nursing cover.  If you don't need it, you know someone who would love it!
http://jencrum.blogspot.com/2011/05/baby-bond-nursing-cover-review-giveaway.html

Contest ends tomorrow!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate: Review & Giveaway

Yum! Have you ever thought about what coconut cream concentrate would taste like? I hadn't thought about it at all until I saw it on the Tropical Traditions website.
If you recall from my coconut flour review, Tropical Traditions is a company dedicated to bringing quality, green, natural products to their customers. They sell everything from laundry soap to cooking oil!

This month our family has had the great opportunity to test Tropical Traditions Coconut Cream Concentrate and it has been amazing. The Tropical Traditions website offers a great variety of recipes for use with the cream. It can be used as a substitute for butter in some recipes. It can be used as a cream in your coffee. It can be used as a spread on your sandwich. This is a fantastically versatile product!

Our first trial with Coconut Cream Concentrate was peanut butter (soynut butter for Crackers) and coconut sandwiches. These were a hit for the whole family. In fact, we've eaten them several times! Next we used it as a creamer in coffee. It worked nicely but I wasn't a big fan of the flavor in my coffee. The truth is, I am pretty particular about flavors in coffee and I don't think I've ever tried coconut before. We also tried Coconut Oatmeal – Oatmeal with coconut cream concentrate and craisins mixed in. It was amazing – like eating candy. (I candied it a bit more the next time to try it out and added a little chocolate syrup and a few marshmellows – WOW). Okay, the oatmeal with all sorts of crazy sweetness may not be so healthy, but it was SO good!

My next coconut cream adventure? I want to make their brownie recipe, it looks AMAZING!


You can buy Coconut Cream Concentrate from Tropical Traditions on their website. It comes in 2 sizes, the 16oz is $11.99 and the 32oz costs $19.50. This will last you a long time – we've used ours several times and it barely looks used!

WIN IT:
One of my lucky readers will win a 32oz jar of Coconut Cream Concentrate! This contest is open to residents of the US. It will close on Friday, May 27 at noon EST.

HOW TO ENTER:
Each method of entry receives 1 comment below. Please leave your email address in each comment.

Mandatory Entry:

Additional Entries:
Like Tropical Traditions on Facebook.
Like Crum's This N That on Facebook or Twitter.
Subscribe to Crum's This N That Email Newsfeed.
Follow Crum's This N That via GFC.

Prefense: Review & Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com
Do you use hand sanitizer on a regular basis? We use it all the time at our house – with 2 toddlers and 1 more that visits regularly, there are a lot of germs (did I mention that we also have 2 cats and a dog? Yep, a lot of germs).

The trouble with hand sanitizer is that you have to use it frequently to keep the yucky germs off, not only that, but it dries out your hands. So you end up regularly applying an alcohol based cleanser and making your hands dry and cracked. I don't know about where you are, but that is AWFUL in the winter here. Our air gets dry and skin is easily cracked even without the addition of sanitizer.


There's a great new solution! It's called Prefense. This hand sanitizer is silica based instead of alcohol based. It does not dry out your hands like traditional hand sanitizers. Want more good news? You only have to apply it every 10 hand washes! That means that for a lot of people, you only need 1 application a day! 1 bottle of pre-fense lasts so much longer than the alcohol sanitizers.

We have a small 1.5oz bottle and have been using it daily for a little over a week – it is still more than half full! Our hands are not so germy and they are not drying out! Prefense is dispensed in a foam that easily rubs in to your hands leaving no filmy crud on them!

I urge you to consider trying Prefense with your family.

You can find Prefense at a local store by checking their website.

WIN IT:
One of my readers will win an 8oz bottle of Prefense.  Must be a US resident.  Contest will close on June 3.

HOW TO ENTER:
Each method of entry receives 1 comment below. Please leave your email address in each comment.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave a comment below telling me why you want to try Prefense.

Additional Entries:
Like Prefense on Facebook or Twitter.
Like Crum's This N That on Facebook or Twitter.
Subscribe to Crum's This N That Email Newsfeed.
Follow Crum's This N That via GFC.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Tuesdays

Tuesdays are hard on my little men, and sometimes hard on mama's patience.  Monkey gets both speech therapy and developmental therapy to address some delays - both of these nice women come to play with him on Tuesdays.  He really enjoys therapy time, it's all play to help him reach some goals - but it wears him out.  Being tired makes life, well.. cranky.  And if he doesn't nap after speech therapy he doesn't participate well in DT.  Right now, he's cranky and wants daddy and doesn't want a nap.

Mama's patience is thin.

Every other Tuesday, Crackers has physical therapy.  (I suspect he'll be done with that soon as he's pretty well caught up with his peers).  His schedule is off because his therapist comes in the middle of the day - when he usually has nap.  So he's sitting in his bed and singing while the other boys are trying to go to sleep (or not trying to).  He's grumpy because he wants to be up playing - he took a morning nap today to prepare for his visit.  Crackers will have a strenuous therapy session, then get a second nap.

I also have our friend The Roamer on Tuesdays.  (This is the last week for about a month).  Therapists like to work with kids individually, so I've got to find creative ways to keep whichever boys are not currently in therapy entertained while I participate with the other in therapy.

This tends to be the day that the boys watch a lot of television.  I don't really like that about Tuesdays, I'm having a hard time figuring out other ways to entertain 2 toddlers while the 3rd is getting special attention - any advice?

Flats & Handwashing Challenge

Photo taken from Fern and Faerie

Oh it's coming up, The Flats & Handwashing Challenge from Dirty Diaper Laundry starts on Monday morning.  That's less than a week away!  I'm up for the challenge, but SO nervous - see, I haven't been able to find the spare cash to buy flats yet... So here's my plan.  Today after Monkey finishes his therapy session, we are going to walk to Salvation Army and buy flannel receiving blankets.  We have a couple already, but I never really used them with my boys. 

Not sure what flats are?  They're a type of cloth diaper. 
Why would someone use them?  They're cheap.  They are very customizable.  They are easy!
What's the challenge about?  I wrote about it on my blog, but Dirty Diaper Laundry has a great explaination.

It's not too late to take the challenge.  If you're interested, click on the above link to learn more about the challenge.

For more resources:
How to make flats: Fern and Faerie has a great tutorial.
More about Flatfold diapers: Facebook.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Joli Mini Winner

Congratulations to 
tpollack0903
Comment #137!
You are the winner of a Joli Mini Diaper.
I will be contacting you this evening.

Baby Bond Nursing Cover: Review & Giveaway



Image taken from the Baby Bond website
I've nursed both of my boys.  So far I have only used a blanket for covering in public, and I am fully aware that it is so much easier to see my boys and make sure they're latched well when they aren't covered.  The blankets I used with the boys were thick and made them sweat in the summer.  It's also nice to be able to talk to the baby while he's nursing, or taking breaks.  This is difficult to do when using a blanket or a traditional nursing cover.

The creator of the Baby Bond nursing cover is a Speech-Language Pathologist who believed it best for baby's development to keep their head uncovered while nursing.  Read her story on the Baby Bond website.  

Baby Bond has helped women gain new freedom while nursing!  It is really easy to use, and made to fit just about any sized woman!  The Baby Bond Couture can be used for nursing from the top of the shirt or for shirts that need to be raised for nursing.  The design is simple and freeing!

I look forward to using the Baby Bond Couture with baby #3!

Buy it:
You can buy Baby Bond Nursing Covers for $35 on the Baby Bond Website.

Discount Code:
You can use the promotional code CRUM to get 25% off of your order! That makes the Baby Bond Cover only $26.25!  

WIN IT:
Baby Bond has offered to give one of my readers a choice of any in stock item from their site!  This contest is open world-wide and will close on Friday, May 27 at noon EST.

Here's How to Enter:
You can enter using any or all of the following method.  Each method is 1 entry.  Leave 1 comment for each entry, make sure to put your email address in each comment.
1) Visit the Baby Bond website and tell me something you learned.
2) Like Baby Bond on Facebook.
3) Like Crum's This N That on Facebook.
4) Follow Crum's This N That via GFC.
(this can be found in the right hand column of the page)
5) Subscribe to Crum's This N That via email newsfeed.
(this can be found in the upper right corner of the page)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Prayer Challenge

A week ago our pastor challenged us to commit to praying for our needs morning and night for 30 days and watching what God does in our lives.  We've got plenty of needs.. doesn't everyone?

I decided to take him up on this challenge.  I listed 2 needs for our family and 3 needs for friends and am committed to praying specifically for those 5 things at least twice a day, for the next 30 days.

Results?  Right, it's only been a week.  BUT... The first thing on my list was for my husband to get a new job that would allow him to be at church with us on the weekends and would be closer to home (his current job is about 25 miles away).  I committed to praying for this on Sunday.

On Monday morning, Randy sent a resume to a non-profit company that makes books available to the public.  He got a response quickly stating that their openings had been filled, but they would be glad to keep his resume on file.

On Monday afternoon, Randy got a call, asking if he would be available for an interview on Tuesday, because someone who was supposed to start had some personal tragedy and had been unable to start that day.

On Tuesday, Randy had an hour long interview and tour of the facility.

On Wednesday, we waited.

On Thursday, we waited.

On Friday, we found out that Randy gets the job.. and it's what I had been praying for.  He'll be home with us on the weekends, and in the evenings, AND it's less than 5 miles from home.

Now there are other details to work out, but we'll get there.

Wow, God is good!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Visiting Big Red

Ah, today is Saturday - and we get to relax...for real relax.

Yesterday was Randy's first day off work for the weekend and we spent a good portion of the day in the car.  It was visiting day.  We get to visit our good friend Big Red about once a month for about an hour.  It's not nearly enough time, but it's a 2 hour drive each way and we have to find a babysitter, and well, it just gets complicated sometimes.

We enjoy our visits, generally we play a board game with our friend, chat about how life is going, share pictures, take some pictures.

Not really a ton to say, we miss Big Red and hope he makes good choices in his life.  So glad we can be part of it.

Friday, May 13, 2011

CHANGED END DATE

Due to blogger.com problems, I will be postponing my drawing for the Joli Mini Diaper until Monday, May 16 at noon EST.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Examining Creation


Keri Jo's Champagne Chicken... with a few revisions

Thanks Keri Jo for the excellent recipe for champagne chicken... I don't eat mushrooms, so I made a few revisions to come up with this fantastic crock pot chicken meal.

1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cream of celery soup
4 chicken breasts
1 package of cream cheese
a scoop of sour cream
1 packet of italian seasoning mix
1 soup can of milk
1/2 an onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped (I've got to use up some of my veggies before they go bad)
2 carrots, sliced
1 cup of rice


Okay, so I added a few different veggies, but it's mostly the same, it smells delicious, the sauce is thinner than I expected (because of the added milk) so I added rice to thicken it... can't wait to share it with my family tonight.

Best of all - Monkey got to help with cooking this super easy meal!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Kiki's Fashions: Maternity top review & $25 gift code giveaway


Sponsored by Tomoson.com
Have you heard of Kiki's Fashions?  This shop offers a great variety of maternity clothes at incredibly reasonable prices.  I recently had the opportunity to try out their services.  Not only was I impressed by the prices and selection, but the service was fantastic and shipping was quick!

The top I ordered is perfect for spring & summer.  It's comfortable and stylish.  I wore it on Sunday this week and got a lot of compliments about the color and style.  My boys loved playing with the "sparkles" on the belly. One of the biggest problems I had with it is that I look pregnant in it!  Since I am, and I'm starting to show anyway, it's not such a bad thing really.

I did have difficulty finding a bra that world work well under this top, it wanted to ride down a bit on the one I finally selected.  That was a minor difficulty and it's my error, not the company's or the shirts.

I would gladly do more business with Kiki's Fashions.  As I've said, I think they're top of the line!

Thanks to Kiki's Maternity for the opportunity to review your products and services!

WIN IT
Kiki's Fashions has offered to give one of my readers a $25 gift code to their shop!  That's enough to buy your favorite article of clothing! Contest open to residents of the US.  Contest will close on Friday, May 20.

HOW TO ENTER:
Your first entry MUST be: "Like" Kiki's Fashions on Facebook.

Other ways to enter:
Follow Crum's This N That via GFC
Subscribe to my email newsletter (upper right corner)
"Like" Crum's This N That on Facebook
Visit the Kiki's Fashions Website and tell me your favorite product.





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Friday's Winners

The Peanut Shell Nursing Cover
Forget Shyness Reviews

Raggedy Baby Burp Cloth
princessbridgett

Paci Catchers GC
Almost Crazy Coupon Lady 

Congratulations to you all, as long as I'm able to stay connected to the internet, I'll be contacting you within a few minutes.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

A few important women in my life...

Happy Mother's Day
Myself, My mom, My sister, My niece
Grandma B & My Sister-cousin Ashlee
Nonnie & Me
To the rest of you (those who are also extremely important in my life.. and those who I've never met)... Happy Mother's day to you too!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Baby Bond 25% off Discount Code

Have you heard of Baby Bond?  It's a nursing cover that allows you to be covered and not baby.  This is great for allowing bonding time with baby, as well as hot summer days where baby gets sweaty under a traditional cover. 

Baby Bond is offering my readers 25% off of purchases in their shop with the code: CRUM
Yep, it's that simple! 

This is a stock photo from Baby Bond.
A review for Baby Bond nursing covers is coming sometime in the next month!

One of those days

Today is one of those days I wish we had a second car.  I don't have any big plans that I'd like to accomplish, but poor Monkey is lonely and I wish we could go pick up one of his friends to play for a while.  His brother didn't want to play with him and the little boy I babysit doesn't come on Saturdays.  He tried playing in his "tents & tunnels" by himself and it just wasn't the same.  Sweet Monkey looked at me sadly, flapped his arms in exasperation and sighed, "I not too happy".

I'm so proud of him that he's learning to express some emotions - we'll work on the word "lonely" later!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: "I NEED grow tomatoes, mama"

Oh my, I almost forgot it was Wednesday!!!



Mommy Lesson #3: Go outside

The moral of this lesson: When Mr. (or Miss) 2 year old is throwing a tantrum, walk away.

Tonight we had a fantastic dinner of spinach & feta hummus with veggies for dipping.  (Great recipe, I'll have to post it sometime).  It was a nice evening, and we enjoy sharing our meals as a family outside on nice nights.

Monkey and Crackers were both running (or crawling) around in their underpants with no pants on.  I gave Monkey - remember he's ALMOST 3 - his pants and told him he needed to put them on before going outside.  Wow.  Who would have thought that this would become a power struggle.  Monkey wanted help to put them on.  We know he is fully capable of doing it himself, but he's been very needy the last few weeks and refusing to do things for himself.  Mama insisted that he dress himself and the fit began.

Daddy stepped in and tried to reason with Monkey (reasoning with toddlers rarely works).  Monkey continued to have a tantrum, screaming, crying, insisting that he have help to put on his pants.  We both kindly arranged the pants in front of him on the floor at different times so they would be easy to slide on.  I chose elastic waisted pants so they would be easy for him.  He refused to do it himself. We both tried to help him hold the pants in his hands and pull them on to no avail.  He wanted us to put his pants on for him.

Finally, wise mama, said to daddy - we need to just go outside and  leave him inside until he puts on his pants.  And we did.  We went outside with the food and with Crackers and began our meal.  Monkey ran through the house crying, then he got quiet... and then cried some more.  After about 10 minutes he came to the door with his pants on and asked to come outside.

Yep, it worked.  We walked away, refused (finally) to argue about the pants, and he eventually chose to do it on his own so he could have some yummy food.

JoliMini Cloth Diaper: Review & Giveaway

Joli Mini Cloth Diapers are my final BIG ANNOUNCEMENT sponsor.  Oh my goodness, they are so incredibly cute.  I love all the embroidery choices they offer... who can resist this bum?
Fox Embroidered on Aqua
Joli Mini offers one size pocket diapers in a great variety of minky and embroidered PUL patterns.  Her diapers do not come with an insert.  Joli Mini does sell bamboo inserts separately. 

One Size Diaper, snaps in front to adjust
I love one size diapers.  If I had my choice this is all I would use.  With 1 boy in cloth and a baby on the way (that's right, Monkey's pretty much done, we just deal with the night time messes..) I've got to have a good supply and I don't want to have multiple sizes of diapers to deal with.  It's just kind of a pain.  The snaps on the front of the Joli Mini Diaper make it very easy to adjust the rise.

Showing off the side snaps

Joli Mini has a side-snap closure.  Some days I'm not sure what I think about the side snap.  They're really cute, but when Crackers gets squirmy they feel a little more difficult to me than front snap closures.  I do think that side snaps are easier when trying to convince Monkey to sleep in a diaper, because they look a little bit more like underpants.

Joli Mini also sells tutus and lovey sized blankets on her website, which is primarily in French.  Her diapers can be bought on her Etsy shop, which is in English. 

BUY IT:
You can buy Joli Mini Diapers on both her website or through her Etsy shop!  Prices vary depending on diaper fabric.

WIN IT:
Joli Mini has offered to give a diaper to one of my readers!  This contest is open worldwide.  Joli Mini will pay shipping up to $10, if shipping is over $10, the winner will be required to pay the extra.  Contest will close on Friday, May 13 at noon EST.

HOW TO ENTER:
You may enter using any or all of the following methods.  Each method equals one entry.  Leave one comment for each entry you complete.  Remember to leave your email address in each comment below.
1)  Visit Joli Mini's website or Etsy shop.  Tell me your favorite product.
2)  Order something from Joli Mini.  I will check if you say you have done this.
3)  "Favorite" Joli Mini's Etsy shop or "like" her Facebook page.  (or both).  It would be polite to thank her.
4)  Follow Crum's This N That via Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (right hand column).
5) "Like" Crum's This N That on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter.
6) Subscribe to my email newsfeed.  Upper right corner of this page.

You can earn up to 6 entries for this contest. 
**Bonus** if you responded to my Facebook post about mother's day ideas for grandmothers, you can give yourself an extra entry.. label it "Happy Mother's Day".

***Disclosure:  I received a product free for the purpose of this review.  All opinions are my own.

Today's Winners

The winner of the cute monkey from Julie's Craft Corner is:
sheliamoore2@yahoo.com 

The winner of the BabyLegs grab bag is:
                                               hrddiana556
Congratulations to you both!  I plan to contact you this evening
For more chances to win, keep checking the reviews & giveaways tabl

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Sorry for the delay

Today's drawing has been delayed, we've had a number of ridiculous issues that have prevented me from being able to select and contact a winner.. okay, not all ridiculous, my kids both saw their therapists today (I secretly love therapy day - even speech therapy wears Monkey out).

I'll be selecting winners for Julie's Craft Corner and for BabyLegs tomorrow at noon - Mr. Crum will be home so even if things are crazy, I'll sneak away!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Mommy Lesson #2: The food "experts" are right

To sum it up:  Listen to the wisdom of the "so called experts".

The story:
Monkey is a picky eater.  He hasn't always been this way, when he was just learning to eat, he loved all foods equally.  For some reason he decided that he did not have to eat all foods anymore and became VERY selective with what he would eat.

Monkey's mom is stubborn.  I continued to feed him what the rest of the family was eating for meals.  I always make sure there's SOMETHING that I think he'll eat (although I'm not always right).  So far, he hasn't starved.  He's remained finicky.. but.. we're making some headway!

A month or two ago I was eating turkey on a sandwich and he wanted to try it.  Guess what - he liked it.  So he's eating turkey once in a while now.  A couple of weeks ago he did the grocery shopping with daddy and they got frozen broccoli and cheese.  As soon as they got home he wanted to eat broccoli & cheese.. and he liked it.. and wanted more.  Tonight in our stir fry there was broccoli.. with no cheese... and he ate it.. and he wanted more!

I think we're working through some of that pickiness and starting to deal with new foods again!

Hooray, thanks food experts.

WINNERS

2 cloth diaper winners today!

Blissful Booty:
kmogilevski said... 98
Entered Rockin Green giveaway
April 24, 2011 6:35 PM

Greenchild Creations:
Andrea G. said... 4
I like Greenchild Creations on Facebook as Andrea Grupe.
April 26, 2011 6:16 AM

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mommy Lesson #1: Preschoolers & Potties

Okay, so I KNOW this... I really do... and yet...

Here's the essence of this lesson:
Don't ever... EVER go outside while your 2 year old is on the potty "making a big poop". 

The story?  Okay, so Monkey is pretty much potty trained, he has night time accidents and once in a while he has them during the day, but he hasn't pooped in his pants in months, and I like that.  Every night we have a struggle with him, he just has a hard time getting calmed down.  Frequently he uses needs to have a bowel movement just after bed time, and it's legitimate.. he really goes.

Tonight was no different.  He had to potty, daddy let him go (I was at the grocery)... I got home, he announced that he was making a big poop... daddy went outside to take care of some things in the yard... I stepped outside to sweep off the porch while he finished his work in the bathroom.  No problem, the door was open, I could hear him through the screen.

I hollered in to see if he was done, he didn't answer - that's a bit unusual.  So I put the broom down and stepped inside to check on him.  I found my sweet son bent over on the bathroom floor with the roll of toilet paper at his feet, trying to clean poop off of the floor.  Ugh.  As I got closer, I noticed it was not merely on the floor, but all over the seat, on the wall, on a tub toy that had gotten on the floor, the shower mat which was rolled up by the potty...

Oh my... mama kept her calm and cleaned up the Monkey, then put him in a diaper (no underwear tonight since he's displayed he has a belly ache)... and grabbed the disinfecting wipes... THEN when Mr. Preschooler continuously refused to go back to bed.. well.. mama lost her cool.. Monkey cried...

So, now you know.. never ever ever leave your 2 year old alone while he is on the potty!