Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Are you serous about going Green/Toxin-Free? A Detox Consultation may be for you!


Actual Organics Detox Consultation and Interview


Actual Organics is:

"intended to provide you with a great resource for learning more about removing synthetic chemicals from your food, home and skincare. What we eat, breathe and think affects our health and energy levels. Small changes can make a huge difference in your life! "
(italic content from website)


SAPsMaMa's Story

I know it seems like forever ago, but it was only this past new year, January 1st 2010, that I decided I wanted to go more green.

Yes before this point I was a vegetarian (no longer am), I was already cloth diapering, buying SAP's clothes from resale, getting veggies at the local farmers market, making homemade baby food...many things that are considered green.


However, when I had made this New Year's Resolution, I had NOT known about all the toxic chemicals in everything. I knew the daycare we used was big with the bleach and I was not happy with the amount of hand sanitizer they used etc. and that cleaners could easily be harmful to children especially, but I did not know WHY, or HOW.

Now, just under 8 months after me making this new years resolution, I am honestly proud of how much I have learned and how far we have come as a family. I buy organic clothes if buying new clothes, I now buy only formaldehyde free furniture, toxin free cleaners, my entire body care products are also toxin free, air fresheners are no longer used, baby feeding utensils are toxin free as well as all of our lunches and kitchen food storage containers, and plastic toys have been given to other children and replace with more

natural toys usually made of wood or organic fibers.

Big changes! And lots more than that as well, but those are the most prominently focused on!

Then I had the question in my head...is it enough?

I keep learning more. Reading about the dangers of toxins in our every day lives from trusted sources, it really worries me! I see a pattern and I do not like it! I wanted to go further.


So when Joanna from Actual Organics held a twitter party last week Monday night and offered me a wonderful deluxe detox consultation, I was delighted! More than that, I was very nervous! I am a blogger, I talk online, behind twitter handles and acronyms, this was the first time I was to talk to someone on the phone that I had met online!

I had nothing to worry about, however, for Joanna did a wonderful job, and I would love to share with you just what she can offer and how much I learned (even with everything I've already learned!) just from one 45 minute conversation in a Detox Consultation.


What is a Detox Consultation?

A Detox consultation is basically life coaching, specifically for your type of lifestyle! Joanna helps guide you to making the decisions that are right for you and your family to lead a toxin-free lifestyle that is healthier and beneficial to everyone involved! What is holding you back from getting to where you want to be? What is causing you stress, and what do you think is the path you want to take?

The consultations are also suited for what you are loo

king for and you can choose to have just one session, or embark on a 6 or even 12 week coaching program! It's all up to you!




My Detox Consultation

My Detox Consult started before our 45 minute conversation over the phone. It started when I started filling out the questionnaire that Joanna sent me in my email. Always with questionnaires I am worried about filling it out wrong, but it was quite simple! It asked standard information about my family, what our normal meals consist of on a common day, and brands of products I use for cleaning, tooth paste, air fresheners, dryer

sheets...just very easy questions! And then there were the questions you sort of expect, like the last one on the questionnaire I received "What Stresses You Out The Most?" Yes I had a lot to say on that one! Can you guess on of the topics of discussion during our little conversation? lol.

I was told that for normal programs a longer questionnaire is usually used so although I felt this was more than adequate for our purpose, those of you who want a very thorough detox consultation or partake in the program will probably be in for some interesting insights!

Joanna of Actual Organics


I was not sure what to expect with the consultation, but it was not too formal, very comfortable! I was very much pleased and yet surprised at what Joanna focused on. I had complained in my questionnaire about my daughter not taking naps anymore recently and how working my full time job was stressful, and these were both things that were quite readily topics of discussion! Why was my daughter not sleeping any longer? What was causing this issue? I had gone through the list myself, everything from teething, a developmental stage, the vacation screwing up her schedule, she suddenly had separation anxiety....none of it fit our situation. It had seemed to be building as well. What was Joanna's suggestion? Something I would not have thought of! Our meals!

I am a full time worker, a college student, and a mother. My fiance is a part time worker and a college student and a dad. Little can I say we are very busy and, as much as we would love to have wonderful meals, often succumb to quick and easy boxed meals. This has been especially true this summer since we lost our food stamp benefits and are paying for all of our bills and meals out of pocket, it's difficult to pay for organic quality food! boxed dinners and frozen pizza had turned into a a common dinner. And what may be found in some of these boxed dinners to my surprise? MSG! Did NOT expect that! And THIS is what Joanna thinks may be causing not only sleep issues, but hyperactivity! Such a little change can hopefully change this situation around for the better for ALL of us!

So how do we start eating healthier, less toxic meals on a budget? With our time constraints, Joanna suggested slow cookers! We have a crock pot but I have NO idea how to use it or prepare anything for it. That is SAPsDaDa's expertise, and it can stay there! But it sounds so simple, I do hope it helps us!

So do you see what I mean about finding ways to help YOU better yourself? How she can see things that you may have overlooked, things you may have thought were trivial or insignificant might make huge differences!

There was so much more Joanna helped me with. I have already started to implement change! Today while downtown I picked up a Fresh Farm Atlas of our state! I know it seems simple to think about buying local but it had not occurred to us the extent of our resources before my little chat! No longer am I just looking to pick strawberries or get veggies from the farmer's market, but I can find organic, locally grown meats of all kinds, a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, even other products like wool that I can now have access to. Much more green, much better for our local economy, and much less toxic!

I have decided to take our time implementing changes in our lives. In just 8 months we have come a long way and I feel now I need to work a little more slowly and make informed decisions. I intend to take Joanna's suggestion for a better sleep and turned off my cell phone at night, but am choosing to wait a couple weeks until our life settles down and switching to relying on a traditional alarm clock to wake me up will be less drastic a change for me (yes I am that hooked to my cell phone!). So do realize, you can do this over time, you do NOT have to do everything at once! Even one small change makes a difference, but if it is not done right it will not stick, do what is right for your family!

A Mini Interview!

I feel this is the right path for my family. But besides heading towards a more non-toxic lifestyle, I also wanted to thank Joanna for the lovely talk. It is quite rare to get much support in our decisions, let alone converse with someone that understood what we go through daily with friends and family misunderstanding or dismissing our choices, or even demeaning it at some points. To hear actual compliments from someone I had respected over the web and do so even more now, and get the support for what we are embarking on as a journey to create a healthy life for our family, it was so refreshingly wonderful! I thank you!

So with this detox consultation that I received, I asked Joanna a few simple questions so you can get to know her and Actual Organics better!

What types of clients do you see most often scheduling detox consultations?

I had expected Joanna to tell me that most of her clients were newbies, looking to go green and needing a helping hand to start out, but was surprised that she received a good mixture of clients! She gets a good number of clients that are looking to reach a new level in going toxin free in their lifestyle, as well as the many new clients I had anticipated. So no matter your level and what you are looking to achieve in a detox consultation it seems she has a good amount of experience available and will be readily able to help you achieve your goals!

What are most of your clients looking for overall out of their consultations?

Another surprise to me, but I can definitely understand, for I did receive this out of my consultation as well and I was glad to have! Joanna believes most clients are searching for support and acknowledgment out of their sessions. This is of course in addition to the expected tips and coaching, and without this aspect I believe the consultation would not have been as great as it was, so I am glad she recognizes this aspect!

What else does Actual Organics (and you yourself) offer besides detox consultations?

Joanna used to participate in many home parties, getting toxin-free products more accessible to families and helping spread the word on toxin-free products! Besides her detox consultations she does many educational talks in schools and other places to teach how to makes safe choices in our daily lives!

Interested in a Detox Consultation or want to learn more?

Actual Organics not only offers detox consultations and programs, but also is a wonderful resource for everyone! Their articles are very helpful for tips on making changes in your home, and their blog always has some great interesting reads! I also love their updated random tips on facebook and Joanna is great to chat with on Twitter especially during her Monday #actualorganics twitter parties! I try to be there too so follow on twitter so you know when they're coming and come chat with us! :)

Website: http://www.actualorganics.com/
Blog: http://www.actualorganics.com/blog/
Personalized Coaching Programs: http://www.actualorganics.com/about-us/life-coaching/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/actualorganics
Twitter: @ActualOrganics

Thank you once again Joanna for the wonderful Detox Consultation!

Friday, August 20, 2010

CLOSED!! CSN Stores $40 Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 9/10



CLOSED!!


So a week ago or so I posted that I would be hosting a CSN Stoes Giveaway! Did you see all the awesome green, natural, toxin free stuff I found in their stores?! If not, you should check out my Pre-Giveaway Post!


If you did see that post, then you probably got some awesome extra entries into this giveaway! Now who doesn't love that?


So let's get down to it! What do I think of CSN Stores?



What SAPsMaMa Loves about CSN Stores!


I love the selection! It's easy to navigate down to what you are searching for in many ways, so it doesn't take you forever to find what you are looking for! Of course I always end up "window shopping" through CSN Stores quite often just because there is so much stuff there and I can ALWAYS find SOMETHING I need want lol.

What else do I love about CSN Stores? Probably one of the top things I noticed, free shipping on so many things I want/need, pretty much everything! Not only that but hassle free returns!

But these ARE shops, and what do we do when we shop? We look for savings! CSN Stores has some of the best prices I've seen, not to mention half the time what I want is on sale! I love that!

Selection doesn't always mean too much to me unless it involves green/non-toxic/natural products. Guess what? You can find these products in pretty much every department at CSN Stores! So you can shop there with confidence that they carry the brands you trust!

Suggested Improvements

CSN Stores is great, but just like with any product, every company, there is always room to grow! What are my thoughts? I would love to see a Green/Natural Products button or something similar in the navigation bar or side bar where they have their "shop easy" buttons. That would definitely make my shopping easier! Also, a similar idea, I would love to have a "green/natural" box available in the "Narrow Your Results" sidebar when searching for a product! I did see this in a few areas such as some baby products, but would like to see this more!

Otherwise I love the design of the website, easy to navigate!

WIN!!!

CSN Stores was generous enough to offer one of my followers a $40 Gift Certificate! This way you can pick what you would like to have!

Rules!
  • You must be a SAPsMaMa Google Friend Connect follower to enter this giveaway!

  • You must leave your email in each comment/entry! You may leave your email in the " email at host dot com " format if you would like to deter spam bots, but your email MUST be included for your entry to count!

  • Mandatory entry must be completed before any other entries!

  • Leave a separate comment for each entry in order for all entries to be counted (i.e. if something is worth 2 entries, please leave two comments, and please label #1 and #2, etc.)

  • If you need clarification on how to complete one of the entries, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help!

  • I will check each comment entry! So please be fair and only enter for entries you qualify for!
Mandatory Entry! (Must be completed BEFORE any extra entries!)

This mandatory entry is worth 2 entries!

There is two parts to the entry. First you must follow SAPsMaMa blog PUBLICLY on Google Friend Connect. It must be a public follow otherwise it does not count! I will be checking!

Second, head on over to CSN Stores and tell me what item you would LOVE to have if you could splurge and money were of no issue! Dream big!! :D

Remember to put two comments for the two entries you earned! :)

Extra Entries!!
  • If you got your Pre-entries in for this giveaway by commenting on SAPsMaMa's facebook and on the Pre-Giveaway post comment twice for your 2 Entries! The pre-entries are closed at this time, but there's many other ways to get extra entries!
  • Sign up for a free account at CSN Stores! (1 Entry)
  • Sign up for the CSN Stores Rewards program! Earn 3% back on every order, recieve exclusive rewards, member promos, and more! (1 Entry)
  • Like CSN Stores on Facebook! (1 Entry)
  • Follow @CSNStores on Twitter! (1 Entry)
  • Follow the CSN Stores Blog through RSS, email, or GFC! (1 Entry)
  • Head on over to CSN Stores website and find me another Green/Natural/Non-Toxic item that was not listed in my CSN Stores Pre-Giveaway post! I can't wait to see what you all find! This is worth 3 Entries!! (3 Entries)
  • Like SAPsMaMa on Facebook! Please leave your Facebook name or at least your first initial and last name for me to verify. (2 Entries!)
  • Write on SAPsMaMa's Facebook Wall! Tell me something interesting! Anything! Be sure to then comment here that you did so and your first initial and last name on Facebook so I can verify! :) (1 Entry)
  • Change your Facebook status to link to this giveaway! Please leave the URL to your status in your entry! You may do this once a day! (1 Entry)
  • Follow @SAPsMaMa on Twitter! Please leave your twitter handle! (1 Entry)
  • Tweet about this giveaway! You may tweet daily!

    You may use: Win a $40 Gift Certificate to @CSNStores from @SAPsMaMa ! What would YOU buy from 200+ stores!? http://tinyurl.com/237t34m

  • Subscribe to SAPsMaMa via RSS Feedburner! (1 Entry)
  • Enter any of my other CURRENT giveaways! Check out my LoveyBums Hand Painted Organic Fitted Cloth Diaper Giveaway ending 9/1 !! (1 Entry Each!)
  • If you guessed this review correctly on SAPsMaMa's Facebook Fan Page (Libby!), you get 5 extra entries! Be sure to like SAPsMaMa on facebook and have a chance at each giveaway for extra entries! (5 Entries)
  • If you participated in my little guessing game for this review/giveaway you get 1 extra entry! Only 3 participants this time so this only applies to the two of you who didn't win the 5 extra entries but I'm hoping everyone will catch on to this little game, it's fun and you get extra entries! (1 Entry)
  • If you liked Dependable Luxury's Facebook Fan page and commented on their wall that Melissa from SAPsMaMa referred you, you get 1 extra entry! You can still do this thoughout the month of September and it will get you an additional entry into my other giveaways too! (1 Extra Entry)
  • If you liked The Littlest Owl Facebook Fan page and commented on their wall that Melissa from SAPsMaMa referred you, you get 1 extra entry! You can do this up until Sept. 10th, so by doing this one thing, you can also get an extra entry into my AppleCheeks Giveaway too! (1 Extra Entry)
  • If your blog is Carbon Neutral, you get an extra entry! Please leave your link to your blog! You can learn how to do this on my blog post My Blog is Carbon Neutral, Is YOURS?! (1 Entries)
  • If you made a donation of any amount to the Cloth Diaper Foundation you get 10 extra entries! Learn details on how to do this on my recent post The Ying and Yang of Life and Help The Cloth Diaper Foundation Please! It's a great cause! (10 Entries)


There are lots of ways to enter this giveaway, do remember I verify every entry comment! I Good Luck to everyone, I can't wait to pick a winner to get this wonderful diaper for their little one! :)

Disclosure: The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. The opinions expressed are 100% my own. Giveaway is open Worldwide. Giveaway will end Sept. 10th @ 11:59 PM (CST). Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after I contact via email. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck and thank you for supporting SAPsMaMa!

Thank you so much to CSN Stores for sponsoring a great giveaway for my followers! I love your stores and I am very pleased to be able to share it with everyone!

Friday Follow...I'm back from Vacation!!

Welcome followers!

Welcome to the last day before the weekend, hope you have a good day today!

PLEASE POST HERE! I will follow everyone back!! I promise!

I have a wonderful giveaway going on right now, you have a chance to win a beautiful Hand Painted organic fitted cloth diaper from LoveyBums! These diapers are wonderful and I can't wait to pick a winner in this giveaway! Want to enter? Check out my LoveyBums Giveaway Post!

I know everyone loves CSN Stores right?! Well I will be giving away $40 to CSN Stores to one of my followers! Right now you have a chance at getting a couple pre-entries into the giveaway to increase your chances of winning! Check out my CSN Stores Pre-giveaway post for details!

Also, want to know something really cool? My blog is Carbon Neutral! That's right! And so can yours (or your website!)! Want to know how AND get an extra entry into EVERY one of my giveaways from now until an undetermined time?! Check out my blog post about how to get your Blog Carbon Neutral!


Checkout SAPsMaMa's fan page on Facebook, my number one way to contact you, and a way to get extra entries! Also follow us on Twitter at @SAPsMaMa!

Thanks again for the follow, I look forward to checking out your blog too!

My Wee View



New Friend Fridays








Let's Just Give It Away



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Monday, August 16, 2010

200 Followers on SAPsMaMa Blog! Let's Celebrate with a Giveaway!

So we've reached 200 Followers on SAPsMaMa Blog! I've been asking on the SAPsMaMa Facebook Fan Page for past few days how to celebrate with no response, so decided to do a giveaway!

So now I'm asking you, my wonderful 200 Followers, how should I go about this giveaway? Should I just pick a random follower? Or should I have you comment on a post and pick from that? I would very much love more facebook fans of SAPsMaMa, should I make that the pre-requisite? Should the giveaway be open for 24 hours or just a couple hours?

So give me your opinion! This is all about you! :)

P.S.
SAP is turning 18 months in 2 days! I still can't believe it's been that long!

Melissa (SAPsMaMa)

CSN Stores Giveaway Coming to SAPsMaMa!!

Pre-Entries now closed! Good Luck on my CSN Stores Giveaway! Check it out HERE!!

How is everyone doing? I'm back from my vacation and thought my first post back on my blog should be about an awesome giveaway coming your way from CSN Stores! Keep reading to learn more about this great company and to get a chance at an extra entry in the giveaway coming up!

CSN Stores is a compilation of 200+ stores online! No matter what you are looking for you will find it in one of their stores, and all quality merchandise! They have great dinnerware sets for regular use or special occasions, baby products everyone needs and wants, even outdoor products like grills for that grill party you know hubby would love to have!Now you know me, I only support companies that are eco-friendly and purchase products that are toxin free and safe for my family.

So how does CSN Stores rate with me? Excellent! Just paging through their hundreds of stores I found more eco-friendly toxin free products than I need! Some that are on my list that I'd love to have:
Plan Toys Green Dollhouse with Furniture, ON SALE for only $180 and FREE SHIPPING!!

NotNeutral BB2 Twin Bed, $864 (cheaper than I've seen it elsewhere!) and FREE SHIPPING!!



Naturepedic Combo 2 in 1 Organic Cotton Mattress, ON SALE for $699 and FREE SHIPPING! This was a Safemama.com favorite! Passed all her tests!


EcoTots Project Table and Chair Set in Leaf Green, ON SALE for $375, and FREE SHIPPING!


Free Entries!

SAP is growing up and needs new furniture, I plan on doing it right with non-toxic quality furniture from CSN Stores! So my question from you then, if you were to win the $40 Gift Certificate to CSN Stores that I will be giving away, what awesome product would you get? Post on SAPsMaMa's Facebook Fan Page with your answer (make sure you're a SAPsMaMa fan on facebook!) then comment here that you did so and include your email address for 2 additional entries! Then look forward to the giveaway coming soon!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Green Mom Blog Hop!

Brought to you through Going Green With Noah Blog, the 1st Green Mom Blog Hop will be a good way to find other "green" blogs on the web!

We're so close to 200 followers here at SAPsMaMa, I'm trying to think of a way to celebrate, any suggestions?! :D

To all new followers from this blog hop, please check out my giveaway for the wonderful LoveyBums Hand Painted Organic Fitted Cloth Diaper, it's an amazing diaper and I am so happy to be able to share it with you!


Please also like SAPsMaMa on Facebook, it's an excellent way to get additional entries in my giveaways and to stay in the loop on what's going on!






If you are coming from Green Mom Blog Hop, please post here! Great to have you!

SAPsMaMa

LoveyBums Hand Painted Organic Fitted Diaper Review and Giveaway!


Giveaway Closed!!





SAP's Story

Not sure which blog it was I saw a review done on the LoveyBums diaper, and it got me intrigued. Then, I went to their website, and wow! I just HAD to try these diapers!
LoveyBums diapers are ALL pretty much organic, natural fabrics, and all their fabrics and products are made in the USA with US-produced fabric! WOW! Not to mention, they're unique with their extra special embroidery or hand painted art on them! When I showed some friends and family the diapers, they called them "designer diapers" and that's what I think they are, natural designer diapers, the best kind there is!

So little can I say, I contacted LoveyBums and talked to Pam!

I was so excited to get our LoveyBums diaper in the mail. How many people can say they enjoy checking the mail? I do! Especially when I get cute little packages in the mail like I do from LoveyBums! The diaper came in a netted bag tied at the top with a ribbon and you could see the hand painted design through the bag, it was very nicely put together. This bag is of course in SAP's toybox as she tends to claim any interesting little thing, especially the packaging I get in the mail!



I had told Pam I wanted a gender neutral design as I try to stay gender neutral if possible, not knowing if the next baby will be a boy or girl, and the design that I ended up getting was a very cute blue moon with three yellow stars shining on it! And it's well painted too, not just blue and yellow, but different shades of paint, very well done! To match the pretty painting on the backside of the diaper, all the stitching is done with blue thread on the outside, natural color on the inside, and the snaps are the same way too, blue for outside snaps, and the inside snaps that snap in the soaker pad are a natural cream color. Very appealing!


One thing I look for when I get a snap diaper is if the snaps come in contact with baby at all or if they are covered by fabric on the inside so that they don't touch baby, only soft fabric does, and LoveyBums does think of this, not one snap come s in contact with baby! Not waist adjustment snaps, not soaker snaps, none! Thanks for considering this in your design!


On the bottom right of the diaper, do you see how the back of the plastic snaps aren't showing but are hidden under fabric? And the 3 plastic snaps for the soaker will be covered by the soaker! Great!

So I got my diaper in the mail, but had to get it in the wash and get it ready to use! LoveyBums does pre-wash their natural fabrics before sewing their diapers, but all natural fabrics still take a while to lose their natural oils and it can take several washes to get them as absorbent as they should be. So before using this diaper I pre-washed it 3 times on hot with some Pumpkin Crunch scented classic rock from Rockin' Green, then hang-dried it (yes you can use the dryer on your LoveyBums but I choose to hang-dry my diapers). I was quite nervous to wash it the first time, with the hand painting on the bum, I was afraid washing it would ruin it, it wouldn't hold up to the hot water or detergent, something would happen...nope, I worried for nothing, as it came out just the same!Got it prepped, and put it on SAP's bum! So cute!
I loved it! I've used this diaper at home and let her run around in it without a cover, it is very absorbent and holds everything in very well. We even use it on her when she's in the mood for playing dress up! lol What do you think of this cute little ensemble with the hand painted diaper?! :) Cute!We have had no leaks at all at home using it by itself, nor when we went camping or out to the store and used it with a wool cover or Thirsties cover, and yes, she did "put it to the test" and did her duty in her pretty diaper the second time only she was wearing it and it did very well, was even pretty easy to clean off since the soaker snaps in , you can snap it out and spray it off!
I am very impressed with this diaper. I believe every cloth diapering family has "their diaper", the diaper that they find works best for their baby, fits their morals or personality best, is easiest for that particular person to use, that type of thing. For SAPsDaDa that's GoodMama Sassy Tinkerbell diaper for his little girl, for me, it's SAP's LoveyBums diaper! Natural fabric, made in the USA, such a beautiful hand painted design on the bum, and well made, I've found the diaper that has everything I have been looking for in a diaper! This is SAPsMaMa's type of diaper!

So to go over some pros and cons, as always. No diaper is perfect, and some are difficult to come up with cons for but I always do, there is always room for improvement! :)

Pros, I love the natural fabrics, how well constructed and how functional this diaper is, the hand painting on the bum, that it's made in USA with US fabrics, and how it doesn't leak! I think I've mentioned all that before but thought I'd say it all again anyway :) I also love how the insert is so soft, and the fabric stays soft, not a lot of organic fabric can do that. Also, the insert is snapped in with three snaps (not touching baby, hidden in fabric), and it stays in place, doesn't move around, very nice! Also unsnaps for easy cleaning when I had to spray off SAP's diaper, worked out good. This diaper also is pretty trim, not bulky at all, when I fold it and put it in my diaper bin I'm always surprised how thin it is compared to my other natural fabric diapers that are all fluffy! lol
Cons, there are a couple cons, just some little stuff. One is how you have to snap. There is one row of snaps and three snaps on each side, which is great to prevent wing droop and getting a nice secure fit. However, you have to stay even on each side when you snap otherwise you get a little extra flap of fabric. For example, if you start on the second snap on the left side, start on the second snap on the left side as well. The snaps do over lap well if you snap evenly from both sides. However, SAP is just between sizes. So we tried to snap starting on the first snap from the left side and second snap from the right side....didn't work too well. Either we had to stretch the final snap to snap it down and it would then be too tight anyway or you'd use the snap you should pass and get an extra flap of fabric.

Here's some pictures to explain a bit better:



Here you can see all the snaps for adjustment. Three snaps on each side, and on the left you can also see two additional snaps on the wing facing the other direction which make it so you can overlap the wings for a tighter fit!

Here I am, starting my snapping on the very first snap on the left hand side.


With starting on the first snap on the left side, when all three snaps are snapped it brings me to the middle of the diaper.

And this is what it looks like, both wings started on the first snap, the wings both end at the center of the diaper nicely

If you start both sides on the second snap, the wings overlap once very well!

However, if you start one side on the first snap, the other side on the second snap, then you get this little problem where the snaps don't line up perfectly. In this picture you can see that the snap that I would be snapping in with the left wing is taken up by the snap from the right wing.

If I snap in the area that is available to snap in, you get a little fabric tab sticking out there on the left. This in no way impairs the function of this diaper and the diaper works perfect, it just looks a little odd, that's all.

Same thing happens if I try the same thing but reverse which wing I start on the first snap, and which is started on the second snap. Still get that little fabric tab. SAP seems to be between adjustments, if I start both snaps on the first, it's a bit too loose, both started on the second, too tight, this way is just perfect! I'm sure she'll grow in the next couple weeks so then we'll be on a normal snap setting again, but until then we have a little fabric tab! lol

You can always stretch the tab to the next snap available, but for us it created the diaper too tight again, so we kept the little fabric tab.


With SAP's body changing so quickly as most babies do it's not a big deal, she probably won't be in this snap pattern for too long, but it is a bit annoying. Just remember to snap evenly from both sides! Hope this helped you if you have a similar situation with your baby, no worries, the diaper works perfect, just will have a bitty fabric tab!

Besides that, the only other thing I have as a con for this diaper is the tag on it. I don't like tags that much, kind of irritate my OCD a bit, and this one sticks out the back! Maybe it could be sewn down on the back a bit differently and it won't stick out so much? But some companies want this so that the tag sticks out the back of the baby pants, free cute baby butt advertisement! lol. But I like mine flesh with the diaper if possible, and this one sticks out. Again, a personal con, nothing that would impact the functionality of this diaper!

So now that you heard about our wonderful experience with the LoveyBums diaper, how about we learn a little bit about LoveyBums themselves!

About LoveyBums Company


LoveyBums is a great company that has been around since 2003. They are WAHM and everything is made in the US with US fabrics! They l ove to offer families natural/organic options for cloth diapering, yet choices too! They have organic budget diapers as well as organic/natural embellished diapers (like my hand painted fitted LoveyBums!) so you can choose what you'd like yet cloth diaper naturally like you want!

They offer a wide variety of diapers and diapering products, from their organic budget diapers....

To more hand painted organic fitteds like mine!

And embroidery! I am thinking I need one of these!


Need extra absorption? Try an organic velour diaper!

LoveyBums doesn't cost much to ship, anywhere from a few bucks to at most $15 and offers shipping to Canada and Internationally for not too much more! Their diapers range in price from organic diapers at about $14 and to hand painted or embroidered diapers upwards of around $28. Very worth it in my opinion!

Want to know more? You can find care information, sizing, retailers, and even a gift registry! Cloth diaper naturally from the start and register f or your baby shower! I think that's an awesome idea! Check out the LoveyBums Website for all this and more!


Buy It!

You can buy LoveyBums at the LoveyBums Website, or check them out at one of Their Retailers!

Win It!

One very lucky SAPsMaMa follower will win a LoveyBums Hand Painted Organic Fitted Diaper in winner's choice of size!

Rules!
  • You must be a SAPsMaMa Google Friend Connect follower to enter this giveaway!

  • You must leave your email in each comment/entry! You may leave your email in the " email at host dot com " format if you would like to deter spam bots, but your email MUST be included for your entry to count!

  • Mandatory entry must be completed before any other entries!

  • Leave a separate comment for each entry in order for all entries to be counted (i.e. if something is worth 2 entries, please leave two comments, and please label #1 and #2, etc.)

  • If you need clarification on how to complete one of the entries, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help!

  • I will check each comment entry! So please be fair and only enter for entries you qualify for!
Mandatory Entry! (Must be completed BEFORE any extra entries!)


You must follow SAPsMaMa PUBLICLY via Google Friend Connect!
Also...
Head on over to the LoveyBums Website and tell me which Hand Painted Organic Fitted Diaper is your favorite, and what size your little one would need!

This mandatory entry is worth 2 Entries, and you must do BOTH these things!

Extra Entries!

  • Read the LoveyBums Hand Painted Fitted Diaper Complete Review and answer these questions, 1 extra entry per question answered! All answers should be pretty obvious, these are not trick questions! :) Make sure to put a separate comment for each entry!

    1. What materials is this diaper (including soaker pad) made out of? (1 Entry)

    2. How Similar is this diaper to disposable diapers? Explain. (1 Entry)

    3. When I first got the LoveyBums diaper in the mail, what detergent did I use to pre-wash it in, and how many times did I Pre-wash it? (1 Entry)

    4. In our cloth diapering family, what is "SAPsMaMa's Diaper" and what is "SAPsDaDa's Diaper", in relation to which diaper is our favorite/fits our personality best? (1 Entry)
  • What is your favorite feature of the LoveyBums Hand Painted Organic Fitted Diaper? (1 Entry)
  • Besides the hand painted organic fitted diaper I reviewed, what is your favorite diaper at LoveyBums that you would just LOVE to try?! (1 Entry)
  • LoveyBums offers other products besides diapers! What other product made by LoveyBums would you Love to try?! (1 Entry)
  • If you could design a hand painted diaper, what would the painting be on the bum? (1 Entry)
  • If your blog is Carbon Neutral, you get an extra entry! Please leave your link to your blog! You can learn how to do this on my blog post My Blog is Carbon Neutral, Is YOURS?! (1 Entries)
  • If you made a donation of any amount to the Cloth Diaper Foundation you get 10 extra entries! Learn details on how to do this on my recent post The Ying and Yang of Life and Help The Cloth Diaper Foundation Please! It's a great cause! (10 Entries)
  • Like SAPsMaMa on Facebook! Please leave your Facebook name or at least your first initial and last name for me to verify. (2 Entries!)
  • Follow @SAPsMaMa on Twitter! Please leave your twitter handle! (1 Entry)
  • Tweet about this giveaway! You may tweet daily!
    You may use: Cloth diaper naturally with a Hand Painted Organic LoveyBums #clothdiapers! #Win 1 from @SAPsMaMa #giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/2faqyjh
  • Subscribe to SAPsMaMa via RSS Feedburner! (1 Entry)
  • Change your Facebook status to link to this giveaway! Please leave the URL to your status in your entry! You may do this once a day! (1 Entry)
  • Enter any of my other CURRENT giveaways! (1 Entry Each!)
  • If you guessed this review correctly on SAPsMaMa's Facebook Fan Page (Sarah!), you get 5 extra entries! Be sure to like SAPsMaMa on facebook and have a chance at each giveaway at extra entries! (5 Entries)
  • If you participated in my little guessing game for this review/giveaway you get 1 extra entry! Only 3 participants this time, hope everyone will catch on to this little game, it's fun and you get extra entries! (1 Entry)

There are lots of ways to enter this giveaway, do remember I verify every entry comment! I Good Luck to everyone, I can't wait to pick a winner to get this wonderful diaper for their little one! :)

Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.


Giveaway is open to US and Canada. Giveaway will end Sept. 1st @ 11:59 PM (CST). Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after I contact via email. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck and thank you for supporting SAPsMaMa!



Thank you so much to LoveyBums for providing the Hand Painted Organic Fitted diaper for this review/giveaway! Working with you has been a pleasure! :)

LoveyBums Hand Painted Fitted Diaper Complete Review!



SAP's Story

I saw a great review done on a LoveyBums cloth diaper on Home Grown Families blog, and it got me intrigued. Then, I went to their website, and wow! I just HAD to try these diapers!
LoveyBums diapers are ALL pretty much organic, natural fabrics, and all their fabrics and products are made in the USA with US-produced fabric! WOW! Not to mention, they're unique with their extra special embroidery or hand painted art on them! When I showed some friends and family the diapers, they called them "designer diapers" and that's what I think they are, natural designer diapers, the best kind there is!

So little can I say, I contacted LoveyBums and talked to Pam!

I was so excited to get our LoveyBums diaper in the mail. How many people can say they enjoy checking the mail? I do! Especially when I get cute little packages in the mail like I do from LoveyBums! The diaper came in a netted bag tied at the top with a ribbon and you could see the hand painted design through the bag, it was very nicely put together. This bag is of course in SAP's toybox as she tends to claim any interesting little thing, especially the packaging I get in the mail!



I had told Pam I wanted a gender neutral design as I try to stay gender neutral if possible, not knowing if the next baby will be a boy or girl, and the design that I ended up getting was a very cute blue moon with three yellow stars shining on it! And it's well painted too, not just blue and yellow, but different shades of paint, very well done! To match the pretty painting on the backside of the diaper, all the stitching is done with blue thread on the outside, natural color on the inside, and the snaps are the same way too, blue for outside snaps, and the inside snaps that snap in the soaker pad are a natural cream color. Very appealing! One thing I look for when I get a snap diaper is if the snaps come in contact with baby at all or if they are covered by fabric on the inside so that they don't touch baby, only soft fabric does, and LoveyBums does think of this, not one snap come s in contact with baby! Not waist adjustment snaps, not soaker snaps, none! Thanks for considering this in your design!


On the bottom right of the diaper, do you see how the back of the plastic snaps aren't showing but are hidden under fabric? And the 3 plastic snaps for the soaker will be covered by the soaker! Great!

So I got my diaper in the mail, but had to get it in the wash and get it ready to use! LoveyBums does pre-wash their natural fabrics before sewing their diapers, but all natural fabrics still take a while to lose their natural oils and it can take several washes to get them as absorbent as they should be. So before using this diaper I pre-washed it 3 times on hot with some Pumpkin Crunch scented classic rock from Rockin' Green, then hang-dried it (yes you can use the dryer on your LoveyBums but I choose to hang-dry my diapers). I was quite nervous to wash it the first time, with the hand painting on the bum, I was afraid washing it would ruin it, it wouldn't hold up to the hot water or detergent, something would happen...nope, I worried for nothing, as it came out just the same!Got it prepped, and put it on SAP's bum! So cute!

I loved it! I've used this diaper at home and let her run around in it without a cover, it is very absorbent and holds everything in very well. We even use it on her when she's in the mood for playing dress up! lol What do you think of this cute little ensemble with the hand painted diaper?! :) Cute!We have had no leaks at all at home using it by itself, nor when we went camping or out to the store and used it with a wool cover or Thirsties cover, and yes, she did "put it to the test" and did her duty in her pretty diaper the second time only she was wearing it and it did very well, was even pretty easy to clean off since the soaker snaps in , you can snap it out and spray it off!
I am very impressed with this diaper. I believe every cloth diapering family has "their diaper", the diaper that they find works best for their baby, fits their morals or personality best, is easiest for that particular person to use, that type of thing. For SAPsDaDa that's GoodMama Sassy Tinkerbell diaper for his little girl, for me, it's SAP's LoveyBums diaper! Natural fabric, made in the USA, such a beautiful hand painted design on the bum, and well made, I've found the diaper that has everything I have been looking for in a diaper! This is SAPsMaMa's type of diaper!

So to go over some pros and cons, as always. No diaper is perfect, and some are difficult to come up with cons for but I always do, there is always room for improvement! :)

Pros, I love the natural fabrics, how well constructed and how functional this diaper is, the hand painting on the bum, that it's made in USA with US fabrics, and how it doesn't leak! I think I've mentioned all that before but thought I'd say it all again anyway :) I also love how the insert is so soft, and the fabric stays soft, not a lot of organic fabric can do that. Also, the insert is snapped in with three snaps (not touching baby, hidden in fabric), and it stays in place, doesn't move around, very nice! Also unsnaps for easy cleaning when I had to spray off SAP's diaper, worked out good. This diaper also is pretty trim, not bulky at all, when I fold it and put it in my diaper bin I'm always surprised how thin it is compared to my other natural fabric diapers that are all fluffy! lol

Cons, there are a couple cons, just some little stuff. One is how you have to snap. There is one row of snaps and three snaps on each side, which is great to prevent wing droop and getting a nice secure fit. However, you have to stay even on each side when you snap otherwise you get a little extra flap of fabric. For example, if you start on the second snap on the left side, start on the second snap on the left side as well. The snaps do over lap well if you snap evenly from both sides. However, SAP is just between sizes. So we tried to snap starting on the first snap from the left side and second snap from the right side....didn't work too well. Either we had to stretch the final snap to snap it down and it would then be too tight anyway or you'd use the snap you should pass and get an extra flap of fabric.

Here's some pictures to explain a bit better:



Here you can see all the snaps for adjustment. Three snaps on each side, and on the left you can also see two additional snaps on the wing facing the other direction which make it so you can overlap the wings for a tighter fit!

Here I am, starting my snapping on the very first snap on the left hand side.


With starting on the first snap on the left side, when all three snaps are snapped it brings me to the middle of the diaper.

And this is what it looks like, both wings started on the first snap, the wings both end at the center of the diaper nicely

If you start both sides on the second snap, the wings overlap once very well!

However, if you start one side on the first snap, the other side on the second snap, then you get this little problem where the snaps don't line up perfectly. In this picture you can see that the snap that I would be snapping in with the left wing is taken up by the snap from the right wing.

If I snap in the area that is available to snap in, you get a little fabric tab sticking out there on the left. This in no way impairs the function of this diaper and the diaper works perfect, it just looks a little odd, that's all.

Same thing happens if I try the same thing but reverse which wing I start on the first snap, and which is started on the second snap. Still get that little fabric tab. SAP seems to be between adjustments, if I start both snaps on the first, it's a bit too loose, both started on the second, too tight, this way is just perfect! I'm sure she'll grow in the next couple weeks so then we'll be on a normal snap setting again, but until then we have a little fabric tab! lol

You can always stretch the tab to the next snap available, but for us it created the diaper too tight again, so we kept the little fabric tab.


With SAP's body changing so quickly as most babies do it's not a big deal, she probably won't be in this snap pattern for too long, but it is a bit annoying. Just remember to snap evenly from both sides! Hope this helped you if you have a similar situation with your baby, no worries, the diaper works perfect, just will have a bitty fabric tab!

Besides that, the only other thing I have as a con for this diaper is the tag on it. I don't like tags that much, kind of irritate my OCD a bit, and this one sticks out the back! Maybe it could be sewn down on the back a bit differently and it won't stick out so much? But some companies want this so that the tag sticks out the back of the baby pants, free cute baby butt advertisement! lol. But I like mine flesh with the diaper if possible, and this one sticks out. Again, a personal con, nothing that would impact the functionality of this diaper!

So now that you heard about our wonderful experience with the LoveyBums diaper, how about we learn a little bit about LoveyBums themselves!

About LoveyBums Company
LoveyBums is a great company that has been around since 2003. They are WAHM and everything is made in the US with US fabrics! They l ove to offer families natural/organic options for cloth diapering, yet choices too! They have organic budget diapers as well as organic/natural embellished diapers (like my hand painted fitted LoveyBums!) so you can choose what you'd like yet cloth diaper naturally like you want!

They offer a wide variety of diapers and diapering products, from their organic budget diapers....

To more hand painted organic fitteds like mine!

And embroidery! I am thinking I need one of these!


Need extra absorption? Try an organic velour diaper!

LoveyBums doesn't cost much to ship, anywhere from a few bucks to at most $15 and offers shipping to Canada and Internationally for not too much more! Their diapers range in price from organic diapers at about $14 and to hand painted or embroidered diapers upwards of around $28. Very worth it in my opinion!

Want to know more? You can find care information, sizing, retailers, and even a gift registry! Cloth diaper naturally from the start and register f or your baby shower! I think that's an awesome idea! Check out the LoveyBums Website for all this and more!

Now how does this diaper hold up, what are the stats? Here they are!

Description
  • Type of Cloth Diaper: Fitted diaper
  • Size and Weight Recommendations:
    NewBorn/Small: Birth - 12lbs
    Medium: 9-22lbs
    Large: 18-30lbs
    Extra Large: 28-40+ lbs
  • Insert: Snap in soaker (with 3 snaps, and tops of snaps hidden). Made of 2 layers of organic fleece topped with organic velour (now doesn't that sound fancy! Very soft too, I've fallen in love with organic velour!)


  • The insert connects with 3 snaps!

  • How diaper Works/Features: This is a fitted diaper and so requires a cover of some kind. To use this diaper you snap in the organic fleece and velour soaker, which requires 3 snaps. you then put it on baby. It has a single row of snaps and the snaps are spaced. You need to start on the same number snap on both sides otherwise you will not be able to snap the last snap without it needing to be stretched or having extra fabric flap. These snaps can overlap for skinnier babies! After it is snapped on, put on cover of your choice, or let baby run around looking cute in their organic LoveyBums hand painted diaper!
  • Wash/Care of Diaper: Made of organic fabric an d so needs to be prepped/prewashed a few times before first use and won't reach full absorbency until several washes. This diaper is also hand painted with baby safe textile paint, but this does not require any extra or special care at all.When dirty, take diaper off and put in bin, remove any solids before of course. Wash with normal diaper wash load and wash on hot or warm with a mild detergent; tumble or line dry. No bleach or fabric softener. I do like to unsnap the insert of this diaper before washing it but that's just my preference, it is only snapped on one side and cleans fine without unsnapping.

Style and Material

  • Material Feel: The material is so soft! Usually wit h organic/natural fabric like hemp I got used to it feeling a bit stiff, especially if I line dried it. This organic cotton fleece is a lot nicer! Plus organic velour used for the insert makes it so what your baby's bum sits on is ultra soft! I love this diaper and how it feels!
  • Materials Used: This diaper is made of 100% organic cotton fleece. The insert that comes with this diaper is made of 2 layers of organic fleece and topped with organic velour!

    See how the snaps, thread and painting all match?!
  • Color/Aesthetic: The color of the fabric is a natural "creamy" type of color, which coincides with what I like, for her to feel and look natural! But also, the paint is so vivid! I've washed it every 3 days for the past few weeks and it has not faded. It is not just stenciled in, it is artistic with shades of different colors! And with matching thread and snaps, aesthetic gets an A! :) As you can see, it looks super adorable without a cover under SAP's tutu!! I can only imagine all the things I can do with an adorable diaper like this!

Ease of Use

  • Closures: Closures of this diaper are in snap form. As I said earlier, it's best to snap evenly coming from both sides of the diaper, but it's pretty easy to use, not complicated at all. The snaps are also hidden under fabric on the back side (the side of the snap not being used) so that the plastic snap does not touch baby's skin, which might be irritating to baby, and would be to me if I want just natural organic fibers on my baby!


  • See how the snaps can overlap :)

  • Similarity to Disposables: Now most people want cloth diapers similar to disposables (hence why I include this feature in my diaper re views). However, there are some great reasons to have cloth diapers far away from being similar to disposables! One, cloth is sooo much cuter than disposables! Two, I believe snaps and other features that cloth diapers can include that disposables cannot are much better than others like Velcro! This diaper I think is not like a disposable diaper. It is adorable and unique with it's hand painted bum, it's chemical free with USA made fabrics and organic fabrics, something disposables cannot provide, and it utilizes snaps, which hold much better, have a longer life, and toddlers cannot take off as easy. I love this diaper for how it is so much better than disposables and I think you will love it too! If you are looking for a diaper similar to disposables check out LoveyBum s other diapers, they do have some more similar to satisfy your needs, but this hand painted organic diaper is not in my opinion.
  • How Size and Fit Are Adjusted: These are sized diapers so once baby outgrows size, you must purchase a new sized diaper. Fit can be adjusted through a single row snaps with 3 snaps on each wing, and wings can overlap.

Fit
  • Trimness: This diaper is pretty trim! There is no extra bulk between the legs and the style of the wings doesn't impede on SAP's running around and climbing (as much as we'd prefer she wouldn't!).
  • How Adjustable is Diaper for Absorbency: This fitted diaper has one double layered soaker to snap inside of it. If you need extra absorbency LoveyBums has two types of organic doublers for your convenience to use, sold in two packs! You can see these on their website


This is the organic soaker pad, topped with organic velour. See no snaps showing on the top of the soaker! :) Also, this soaker isn't too think, so keeps diaper trim, and yet is absorbent enough for our needs!

Performence and Functionality
  • Leaks: We have had no leaks with this diaper! The soaker inside the diaper stays in place very well and absorbs quick enough so no leaks occur
  • Absorbency: Usually trimness is sacrificed for absorbency, but this diaper is very absorbent while still being trim! I've had no problems with absorbency.
  • Leg Gussets: Legs and back are well protected from leaks with elastic, creating gussets, and the organic fabric is soft against her thighs.
  • Nap/Bedtime Use: I have not tried this diaper as a night time diaper, or with a doubler yet so cannot comment on it's absorbency for night time use. However, I have used this diaper for nap time with a Thirsties cover and have had no problem with absorbency for SAP's nap time, normally 2-3 hours long.
  • If Fit is True: We recieved a size large hand painted fitted diaper for this review, which is rated for 18-30lbs, and it fits SAP wonderfully, who was at about 24lbs when we first put it on her and is about 26lbs now. There is plenty of room for growth and for chubbier babies (SAP does have a baby booda belly!) so I believe this diaper should fit to the recommended 30lbs or even past that for us! With the overlapping snaps it should also fit skinnier babies well. I believe fit is true, at least for the size large. Most of LoveyBums diapers go by the same sizing chart so this does help when trying out different types of diapers they offer.
  • How Insert is Removed: Insert is inserted and removed via three snaps inside the diaper. You can keep it snapped in for wash and so does not require the extra step of touching the insert before washing like some pocket diapers require, although I personally do unsnap insert before wash, some find it nice to keep it snapped in so you don't have to look for it when folding/stuffing diapers after wash is completed. Since it is a flap insert, only connected to diaper on one end, it cleans well even when still snapped in!
  • Wear and Tear: Since I've only used this diaper for the past few weeks I cannot comment on how it would hold up in the long term and will have to update on that in a few more months. However, I can comment that the last few weeks it has held up well. With snaps and no velcro there is no pilling, the fabric and sewing hold together beautifully and everything stays in place nice, the paint on the bum (which is what I was most worried about!) does not fade, the elastic does not seem to be stretching out or anything (although I do line dry my diapers). I do think this diaper would work well in regular rotation!


Quality/Cash Analysis

  • The organic hand painted LoveyBums Diapers cost $28 each.

  • For what you are getting, natural/organic fabrics and a detailed hand painting on the bum of the diaper, this price is not bad at all. Defiantly a bit more pricey than other diapers but for a specialty diaper and for the detail and how well sewn this diaper is I think quality/cash analysis goes toward the side of good quality, worth the cash! You get what you pay for with LoveyBums!
SAPsDaDa's 2 Cents!

I do like the look of this diaper, it's probably one of the more pretty ones that we own. It absorbs quite well and we've had no leaks yet! Unfortunately, because it is painted on the cotton you have to cover it up if you want water proofing and need to go out of the house, so you don't get to see the pretty print all the time. Also, how the snaps are spaced makes it hard to get a good fit, but it is achievable. This is the diaper I commonly let her run around the house in in the afternoon when it's clean because it is so pretty to look at, not that her butt's not pretty to look at....I"m really going to hate her teen years! Does anyone know where to find a good crowbar for future boyfriends?! Yes I'm kidding! lol

SAPsMaMa comment: My fiance is too corny for his own good, SAP will be so embarrassed in her teen years probably won't be bringing any boyfriends home around us, crowbar or now crowbar! lol

Buy It!

You can buy LoveyBums at the LoveyBums Website, or check them out at one of Their Retailers!

Don't forget to check out our LoveyBums Giveaway HERE!


Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.


Giveaway is open to US and Canada. Giveaway will end Aug. 25th @ 11:59 PM (CST). Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after I contact via email. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck and thank you for supporting SAPsMaMa!



Thank you so much to LoveyBums for providing the Hand Painted Organic Fitted diaper for this review/giveaway! Working with you has been a pleasure! :)