Fluffy Fridays- Diaper Parties/ Happy Heiny CLOSED

So...you may realize by now, if you've been following Fluffy Fridays, that there are many, many cloth diaper choices out there. Right? Right...anyway, how do you really know if a certain brand is the best for you and your baby? Well, you could buy one of each kind, which can be costly...or you could have a Diaper Party! Yep, kind of like those other in-home parties you have been to...except this party will include several diapers for everyone to check out. It is always nice to see something first hand before you buy!

Kristine, from U.P. Diaper Parties by Everything Birth is a Diaper Party Consultant. Kristine has sent me a Happy Heinys diaper to try and review.... AND has offered a giveaway!

Here is the diaper we received:

First thoughts... looks pretty nice.

The Happy Heiny diaper is a pocket diaper and it comes with two three layer microfiber inserts, a smaller one a larger one.

I love the fit of the Happy Heiny. It fit Annabelle beautifully,

The overall fluff factor isn't bad either. With both inserts in the pocket it can get quite fluffy, but I found that one insert was enough during the day.

I had some issues with wicking at first...it took a few washes, but the last few times we have used this diaper we have had no problems. I can't say if it was our fault, something that happened in shipping, or if this is just a brand that requires a few extra washes.

I really love the two snap tabs. These diapers have my favorite snaps so far. This diaper probably wouldn't fit on a newborn, but Happy Heiny's says they are confidant that an 4-6 week old 8lb baby will fit in the diaper properly.

Overall, I think this diaper is a pretty good diaper and we use it fairly frequently.

Brand: Happy Heiny

Price:  $20/ diaper. 

Type: Pocket

Fluff Factor: Fairly Trim

Containment: Good

Ease of use: A-

Drying Time: Good

Go take a look at Diaper Parties...see what you like!

In order to complete the review I received free product from the company. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product. 

GIVEAWAY!

Open to the US!

Kristine, of U.P. Diaper Parties by Everything Birth, is sponsoring the giveaway of one Happy Heiny cloth diaper! (Awesome, right!?)

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Mandatory Entry

These entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email!

1 entry-  Like  U.P. Diaper parties on Facebook.  Leave Facebook name in comment.


Thank Kristine while you're there for this giveaway for an extra entry!

( Leave URL in an additional comment)

Optional Entries

1entry- explore Everything Birth and comment with what your favorite product is (include URL)

2 entries- Write a cloth diaper review for a diaper that you have tried, but doesn't have a review on Everything Birth yet.

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

1 entry- Like Six in the Nest on Facebook

1 entry- Post this on your Facebook page- leave link

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

2 entries- Post my Fluffy Fridays, or Six in the Nest button(s) on your blog, leave the URL and tell me which you posted. You can have two entries for each button and you can post both.

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

Giveaway will close 5/18/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize. *Please check spam folders!*

Fluffy Fridays- Mother-Ease One Size Diaper

Mother-ease Cloth Diapers are made in Canada, and first came about when a mother thought that there must be a better way to diaper her children. With the first three children being diapered with traditional flats, pins, and plastic pants Erika was on a mission to do something different. First came the All in One with breathable sides...then, Erika realized there was a need for a better, more absorbent diaper for heavy wetters- then came Sandy's. After a little more brainstorming the idea for the One Size diaper came about too!

I was able to try out the Mother-ease One Size diaper system for this review.

This included the One Size diaper, a snap in absorbent liner, and the Rikki Wrap.


My First thoughts.... this is a BIG diaper!

The One Size diaper is a terry cloth diaper that is meant to grow with your child. Annabelle has been a small baby, and she is only 15lbs right now. She was 12lbs when we first started using this diaper, and I have to say it was just too big.

To adjust the rise on the One Size diaper you fold over the front of the diaper which reveals another set of snaps. You can kind of see how I put it on Annabelle in this photo...

Annabelle was being rather wiggly, so it isn't the best picture, but you can see that the front of the diaper is folded down and the wings are snapped to it.

Now, I see this nice little demo of how this diaper can be three sizes

But I couldn't get it to fit well on Annabelle, even after watching the videos that are available on the site.

Wiggly baby... but BIG gap. 

Well, Mother-ease are supposed to be leak-free cloth diaper systems, so how does that work? Well, put a waterproof wrap on, of course...

The Rikki Wrap that we got was a size medium, and meant for babies 10-20lbs. It is big...but it has to be to fit over the One Size, I suppose.  Here is Annabelle in her Mother-ease One Size and her Mother-ease Rikki Wrap:

Super fluffy bottom!

Okay, okay...so how did it hold up, you ask?  Well, all that fluff means a lot of absorbency.  We have had pretty good results with this diaper, and I have used it at night (although not through an entire night). The Rikki Wrap does seem to keep any messes inside, even when there is a large leg gap like in the above picture.

One thing that I really do not like about the Rikki Wrap is that there aren't laundry tabs for the Aplix. If this cover gets mixed in with our other diapers/inserts/wipes then something ends up paying the price. I do give the Aplix some credit though, it is STRONG. It did ruin a couple of our cloth wipes, unfortunately.

The One Size Cloth Diaper comes in many choices of cloth fabrics including several vibrant colors!

Brand: Mother-ease One Size

Price:  $22-$26 with the introductory offer, depending on options. 

Type: Fitted with cover

Fluff Factor: Very Fluffy

Containment: Good

Ease of use: C

Drying Time: B+

In order to complete the review I received free product from the company. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product. 

Of The Earth Jewlery Review

Oh how excited I am to bring you this review!  I was lucky enough to host a giveaway for Of the Earth a few months ago, and I this time I also get to review a gorgeous piece!

Randee, jewelry maker extraordinare, kindly sent me a "Nesting on a Branch Necklace". Now, I have six in my nest... and six eggs into a nest can be rather tricky. No worries! Randee succeeded in getting six little eggs into the nest!

Here is the necklace I received:

Isn't it lovely! I love the flower on the box, too...what a nice touch!

This necklace is a nice, light necklace. It doesn't tug on your neck like some heavier necklaces may.  I personally love that it is inspired by nature. I adore birds, nests, branches, and.. well, nature! So, this necklace was right up my alley, so-to-say. 

Here are some other pictures of this gorgeous necklace

      

   

One great thing about Randee's jewelry is that she can really customize it for you. If you have a preference of wire color, or pearl color, or if you have a completely different suggestion, all you have to do is let her know!

Of the Earth has recently "branched out" and now has some Verdigris bird jewelry for sale as well. I really think these are quite nice, too.

Nice, right?

Wanna buy? Head on over to her Etsy shop... and, if you order before May 8th, 2011, enter code MD2011 for 30% off!

Well how about something free...  Yes, that's right!  Randee has offered another Six in the Nest reader a chance to win a gorgeous piece from Of the Earth Jewelry!

GIVEAWAY!

Follow the instructions below to win this small Verdigris Bird with Copper Initial necklace!

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Mandatory Entry

open to the US and Canada

This entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email!

1 entry- Check out Of the Earth Jewelry and leave a comment here with the name and link of your favorite item!

Optional Entries

1 entry- Like Of the Earth Jewelry on Facebook (add another entry if you say I sent you!)

1 entry- Follow Of the Earth Jewelry's blog via GFC (leave GFC name)

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

1 entry- Like Six in the Nest on Facebook

1 entry- Post this on your Facebook page- leave link

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

Giveaway will close 5/15/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize. *Please check spam folders!*

In order to complete the review I received a free product from the shop. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product. 

Me on Monday

So, some of my readers have asked to know more about me... I am honored that some are that curious!

So, each week, if there is participation, I will be answering YOUR questions about me (from the previous week's comments).  You can ask anything you would like, be it about the blog, me, my views, whatever you want to know. I reserve the right not to answer a question if I do not want to, however. 

So, to start things off, I will post a few random things about me and my life.... please post questions for me as comments, and I will copy and paste them into next weeks post! :)

--------------------------------------------

Question 1

Did you always want a large family?

Yes! I actually wanted 12 children when I was younger, now I am thinking we're done with 6. If we could afford a bigger vehicle and daily life a bit better, I would consider having more. I'm not sure why I wanted 12 when I was younger, just a number I pulled out of my head at the time  I suppose.

Question 2

What's your favorite season and what do you activities do you like to do during that time? 

Spring! I love seeing the world come back to life, it is magical!  We love to go for walks, enjoy the parks, pretty much anything outdoors since Winter in Michigan is not very welcoming.

Question 3

I would LOVE if you could share your experiences or tips about successful room sharing. I have an 8 month old and a 7 year old that are supposed to share, but the baby is still in my room. I'm mainly concerned about bed time and both kids getting the undisturbed sleep they need. Help!

Haha...well... here is how we have our rooms. The three oldest (7,6,5) are in a room together. Then, the two younger boys (4 and 2) are together.  Annabelle (6 months) is supposed to be in the two younger boys' room, but we don't really trust our 4 year old to leave her alone so she sleeps with us, or in her pack in play for now. It is quite a challenge to get all the kids to actually be quiet. We take privileges away when they are especially loud or up especially late, but we've pretty much just given into the fact that it will always be like there is a slumber party for them.

Now, I think our 7 year old and our baby could sleep in the same room pretty easily. If your 8 month old sleeps through the night usually, just make the switch, if he/she doesn't then maybe do a couple of trial nights and see if it even effects the 7 year old... it may not. 

Question 4

Usually, if I have a question I just text and ask you. ;) I do have a question about your faith. I know you are not atheist, but I am very curious about your beliefs. I always tell you that you act more Christian than most Christians I know! haha. We usually "don't go there" so I understand if you don't want to answer this question.

Hmm. Well, leave it to real-life friends to get right down to the grit. ;)  I'm not really going to answer this directly, more just give some information on how I view religion. No, I am not Atheist, and nor am I Christian. I am extremely open minded when it comes to religion (at least I think so), and very tolerant of others' religious choices.  To me, religion really is something that should be "to each their own", it is a very personal choice and no one should tell you that it is the wrong choice for you.  I will also say that my choice of religion is usually very misunderstood,  television, movies, and ignorant people who label themselves have made it into something it really isn't. I believe in being as kind as I can, as honest as possible, and putting out to the world what I would like to receive in return (usually...no one's perfect).

Question 5

how do you keep 5 boys so close in age from absolutely trashing the house? How do you keep 5 active almost-the-same-age boys under control? 

Well, we don't.... at least not entirely. Every room of our house has been colored on, there are several holes in the wall upstairs, and our house generally looks like a tornado has gone through it. Toys, books, and anything else that is accessible can and will be destroyed by these boys. Now, outside of the home we generally can keep them in control... but when we are home they know we can't be on them all the time (it just isn't possible) and that is when things get craaaaaaaazzzzy.


Question 6


When did you start your family? What made you start blogging?


Well, I got pregnant in 2003. :) I have been with my husband since 2002, although the first (almost) 3 years were really rocky.  I was 17 when I first dated him... :)


I started blogging in November of 2009... I had big plans, but I never really got them going. I had a little "blog" on Myspace and really enjoyed it... so I thought an actual blog would be even better. Then, my friend Skye started her blog in November 2010 and it sparked an interest in me again. I didn't think I would ever do reviews (didn't think anyone would want me to..lol), but I am glad I have gotten the chance to do so! 


Question 7


Here's a question for ya...
A python? WHY?! ;-)


Haha, well, I have always loved animals...and I don't mind snakes.  Ball pythons are very easy to take care of, and fairly timid. We've enjoyed owning one, although he doesn't get nearly as much attention that he used to.


Question 8


What are your children;s ages??? :)


This one is simple! They are currently: 7, 6, 5, 4, 2, and 6 months. :) The first 5 are all boys, last one is our darling daughter. 

The Necklace Nanny Review and Giveaway! CLOSED

Have you ever wished you had an extra hand that could entertain the baby when your other hands were busy? Well, The Necklace Nanny can help!

The Necklace Nanny is an adjustable elastic band with a side-grasp closure. You can thread toys (with loops) onto the necklace nanny to help keep them close to baby.

I personally was not very fond of wearing The Necklace Nanny as a necklace, but I think it is the perfect tool to help keep toys close to baby in the car or grocery cart!

The Necklace Nanny is also the perfect solution to most toddlers beloved "Uh oh!" game. You know the one, "Uh oh" the child says as the child drops a favored toy... and this happens over, and over, and over again. No more uh oh with The Necklace Nanny!

One reason why I didn't like to wear this around my neck  is because of the tag. In the picture above, you can see that the tag is large.  I personally would rather have a smaller tag, but  Nicole (mom of two and the mom behind The Necklace Nanny) said the tag was made to be large to help with quick size adjustment of the necklace.

The Necklace Nanny is available for purchase in pink, blue, and multicolor polkadot with more colors coming soon.

The Necklace Nanny is offering you a

10% discount code (it is case sensitive) 

BabyFun10 

 Instructions

Go the bottom of the purchase page.

Insert discount code into the pink box.

Click Submit

In order to complete the review I received a free product. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product. 

GIVEAWAY!

Open to the US!

I have been given the chance to offer one Six in the Nest reader a Necklace Nanny! 

You must be a public Google Friend Connect follower of Six in the Nest to enter any

 Six in the Nest giveaways.

Mandatory Entry

This entry is REQUIRED.
Post one comment per entry, all entries MUST include your email!

1 entry-  What color Necklace Nanny would you use?

Optional Entries

1 entry- Like The Necklace Nanny on Facebook

1 entry- Follow Six in the Nest on Twitter

1 entry- Like Six in the Nest on Facebook

1 entry- Post this on your Facebook page- leave link

1 entry- Enter another Six in the Nest giveaway (one comment per giveaway entered)

1 entry- Tweet this post on Twitter-this can be done once daily-leave link.

1 entry- Share this giveaway on Facebook, leave link. can be done daily,

1 entry- "Like" one of my previous reviews' Facebook page and tell them "Six in the Nest sent me" (This can be done once per Facebook page!)

1 entry- Vote for Six in the Nest on Picket Fence Blogs (This can be done DAILY!)

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway, must include link in post and comment. :)

Giveaway will close 5/03/2011 at 11:59pm. One winner will be chosen  via random.org and given 48 hours to reply to the email I send, if no reply the winner will forfeit the prize.

 *Please check spam folders!*

Fluffy Fridays- Sunbaby Diapers Review

Cloth diapers can save you money, period... but Sunbaby one size diapers are even more economical than most other brands! 

We received one Sunbaby diaper to try out.

This diaper came with one microfiber insert.

My first thoughts: Adorable diaper! 

We LOVE this diaper..... LOVE IT! The Sunbaby fits Annabelle wonderfully!

Action shots:

See how trim this diaper is! If you look closely at the picture just above this sentence, you may be able to see the elastic marks on Annabelle's legs from her previous diaper. The Sunbaby diaper is much thinner in between her legs, and I am sure that makes it much more comfortable for her! 

The Sunbaby diaper features hip snaps, to help provide a better fit for baby's thighs, three rise adjustments to ensure a proper fit as your child grows (recommended for 7-35lb children). 

The Sunbaby also has great leg elastic and elastic along the back of the diaper (seen below). The back elastic has successfully saved us from many explosions!

I also have to say I have a love/hate relationship with the back flap. I love that it is there to help prevent leakage, and prevent the insert from touching baby's skin. I don't like that I occassionally have to "get my hands dirty" when the diaper is especially soiled and I need to remove the insert. Usually, I love it.

I also love the line of PUL that is in the inside. This bit of fabric covers the snaps and helps prevent wicking. This is very helpful to us since Annabelle always rolls to her belly and is always very wet in the front.

Sunbaby diapers are made in China... but that's because the owner of Sunbaby LIVES in China! Sun pei, of Shanghai, and her husband are the owners of Sunbaby. Sun pei decided to get into the cloth market when she was shopping for her then 5 month old baby. She and her husband had a rough time in the beginning, but soon found a partner who had a small factory in their city. Together they collaborated and made Sunbaby what it is today.

Sun pei says this about the manufacturing of Sunbaby diapers, "Sunbaby Diapers are manufactured in Shanghai, China. Our city has strict laws forbidding cheaper labor. People who use child labor will be put into jail or fined huge amount money. So buy confidently! Your Diapers are manufactured under fair labor conditions. I am the only seller of Sunbaby diapers in china, I never make wholesale business to retailers in china so that I can ensure that I have a reasonable profit and workers in our factory can get paid well and don’t have to work overtime." (Sunbaby, 2011)

Overview from my point of view:

Definitely one of our go to diapers.

Brand: Sunbaby

Price:  $5 or less per diaper. 

Type: Pocket

Fluff Factor: Very Trim

Containment: Great!

Ease of use: A

Drying Time: Good

Sunbaby diapers can be purchased in lots of 12, with 12 inserts for $60 USD with free shipping to the US. (AWESOME, huh?!)  If you need more diapers than that, check out the site, if you need less than 12 diapers contact Sun pei for more information and to see if she can accommodate 

you.

In order to complete the review I received free product from the company. I received no monetary compensation for this post and my opinions are entirely my own. You may or may not have the same experience as I did with this product.