First Toddle Giveaway: Winner Announced

Congratulations to "Amy!"  - You will soon be receiving an email from us with details on how to claim your prize!

Thank you to everyone who entered, it is such a great prize!  But, if you didn't win, you can still get your First Toddle at a fantastic savings because they are generously giving all of our readers 20% off , free shipping in the continental U.S., and a zippered canvas bag with purchase of kit!  All you have to do is use the code FT20M in checkout.

Big Apple Cafe In Murray

Located in Murray, KY with that "hole in the wall" feel - this is one of our favorite places to eat!  Their menu hosts a wide range of food, perfect for any appetite - from a generous offering of appetizers to sandwiches to mexican-ish food.

With low lighting, great food, even better prices, and cold drinks, this is a great place to just relax and let your mind unwind from a crazy day/week.

Private Dining Rooms for meetings and parties are available and there is 10% off Food Sales with a valid MSU ID.

Pattio dining is also available, with a large area setup for the great game of Cornhole (tournaments every Saturday, starting at 2pm)

We recommend the Chicken Ole ($6.25).

And, if you're of the 21-and-over variety, check out their live bands that begin playing at 9pm every Thursday night in the dining room.

For more information and a look at their menu, call 270-759-8866 or visit www.bigapplemurray.com

At A Glance

Parking:	Lots of it!	Dress Code:	None
Hours:	11am - Midnight, 10am - 2pm (Sun)	Price Range:	$1.59 – $7.99
Ambiance:	Casual	Food Type:	West-Mex & Sandwiches
Kid-Friendly:	Yes	Buffet:	No
Service:	Excellent
Overall Rating:

Finding The Right Sunscreen

Spring is here, and as the weather begins to warm up, we begin to get ourselves ready for that "beach" weather.  It's not NEWS that long exposure to the sun without protection can be harmful (think, skin cancer), but did you know that slathering up with some of the most common sunscreens can potentially cause damage on their own (to both you and the environment)?

Did you know that some sunscreens contain suspected carcinogens?  (A carcinogen is a cancer-causing agent.)

Did you know that some sunscreens contain endocrine disrupters?

Did you know that some sunscreens cause redness, skin irritation, and rashes?

Is My Sunscreen Bad?

First, check your sunscreen bottle.  If it's over 3 years old (or the expiration date is past due), throw it out.  Next, check the back of the bottle for the ingredients to see if it contains any of the following:

• Carcinogens: diethanolamine and related ingredients (DEA, TEA), padimate-o, and titanium dioxide
• Endocrine Disrupters: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), and the parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-)
• Other Irritating Chemicals: avobenzone (parsol 1789), benzophenone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Which Sunscreen SHOULD I choose?

After a quick look around an average convenience store, finding the right sunscreen can feel disheartening.  If you're in a pinch, go for the pure zinc oxide (white).  Or, you can opt for sitting under a shady umbrella, woven fabrics and hats, and the like.

But, a healthier sunscreen doesn't mean you can't get some sun.  Check out these great finds!

• California Baby Sunscreen
• Soleo/Wyland Organic Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30 +
• Badger Sunscreen SPF 30

Meet Jen (MommaHen)

Some people know her as Momma Hen, but she says we can call her by her name, Jen. Jennifer Henley and her husband, Cameron, live in Murray, KY with her two little ones - Xavier and Carter.

So, Jen - You seem crazy busy. Can you tell us where we'd most likely be able to find you on a typical weekday?
I'm not as busy as I was 6 months ago, but my crazy level is always debatable. Haha. On a typical weekday where you would find me is dependant on the time of the day! College classes, working in a computer lab on campus, soccer practice, writing on my website, writing freelance, or just around the house.

You just married recently, can you tell us about how you met your husband?
(Do I have to admit this one??? AHH!) We went to the same high school and I had always thought he was awfully cute, but I never talked to him back then. Then, through some circles of friends and the beauty of social networking sites (Myspace to be specific), we opened a line of communication and eventually began dating. The rest just fell into place.

Your favorite book?
Again with the singular items? I'm an indecisive person who rarely has a single favorite of anything. The Maggie O'Dell novels by Alex Kava are my favorite. There are currently 7 released and I can hardly wait for the eighth novel to come out at the end of 2010.

I know you love to blog, can you tell us more about that?
I've been blogging since sometime around 2002. When I first began writing, it was an outlet for my emotions and was primarily a private practice of mine. Over the years I changed my writing locations and began to evolve my purpose for writing. Then, sometime around 2007 or 2008 a friend suggested that I start a more solid blog with a real purpose. I stewed over the idea, and tried to figure out my "niche." I began www.mommahen.com in August of 2009. Here I am in 2010 and I'm still not certain what my niche actually is, but I'm writing nonetheless. I write about random things: sometimes reviews of items or products, often my kids, husband, school, family or friends. I try to be honest with my emotions, I certainly don't hide my feelings on certain topics, but I refrain from writing about anything to personal (I have private journals for the rest). The website will continue to evolve. I'm sure age, experience, and life in general will push me into the final purpose. For now I'd love lots of readers and lots of feedback.

OH! People can follow me on Twitter and Facebook as well! Find me on Twitter as MommaJenHen and on Facebook as Jennifer Henley.

Now, tell us about those darling kids of yours... (and, do you have a picture? We love pictures!)
Xavier, my little X-man, is a 4th grade honor roll student at Southwest Calloway Co. Elementary School, a 4-H member with an interest in any engineering projects, and a.... *counts on fingers* I can't count how many seasons he has played soccer. He is ridiculously tall (5 feet 1inches) and scrawny. I'd really like to put concrete blocks on his head to make him stop growing (buying more clothes every three to six months was supposed to stop when he was a toddler, right?).

First Toddle Indoor Play Gym GIVEAWAY! – Valued at $149.95

First Toddle, with 5 parenting/toy awards, is paving the way for an entirely different sort of "play gyms."  With its lightweight, easy to assemble parts, First Toddle is the perfect toy for children ages 3 months and up!

With its snap-and-release technology, this toy can take many shapes - from a "walking center (with three heights!) to a basketball goal.  --Oh, but it doesn't stop there!  This awesome toy has even more in store - think balancing exercises, soccer goals, and built-in hideaways perfect for any imagination!

It gets even better!  We are giving one of these brilliant sets away!  The winner chooses whether they want a boy or girl set.  Don't have a child between the ages of 3 months and 6 years?  -- Win it as a gift for someone that does!  They'll thank you for it!

What You'll Win

A First Toddle Complete Kit - valued at over $149.95

How To Win

Simply leave a comment to this post before April 4, 2010.

More Details

- You can increase your chances of winning by doing any of the following (be sure to come back and leave us a comment, letting us know you did it):

• Tweet about this giveaway and include the link back to this post.  Be sure to use the hashtag #firsttoddle in your tweet.
• Facebook about this giveaway and include the link back to this post.
• Write a blog post about this giveaway and link back.
• Check out their website and answer this bit of trivia in a comment to this post:  Can you name ONE of the many awards First Toddle has received

Winner will be randomly chosen and  announced on April 4, 2010

In your comment, please make sure we have a way to contact you (email, etc.)

Saint Patrick’s Day FAST FACTS

This year, Saint Patty's Day will fall on March 17, 2010.  It's the one day a year that you try your darnedest to wear green...even if it's only your socks...for fear of being PINCHED.  Now that we think of it, it's probably the only day of the year that pinching isn't immediately followed up with some sort of recourse.

So, for fun, we've compiled a few fun FAST FACTS:

• St. Patrick's Day is an annual feast day celebrating the patron saint the day is named after.
• St. Patrick's Day is the national holiday of Ireland and is usually celebrated on March 17.
• Irish immigrants began observing the holiday in Boston in 1737 and the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City in 1766.
• It is believed St. Patrick, a Roman-Britain-born Christian missionary, was born in the late fourth century and is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people.
• It is also believed St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. However, post-glacial Ireland never actually had snakes. Many believe that the term "snakes" referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids of that time and place. Today, there are no snakes to be found!
• Most people, whether they are Irish or not, wear green on this day. One of the Irish traditions is to pinch anyone who is not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day.
• Corned beef and cabbage are traditional foods eaten on this holiday.
• The shamrock, pot-of-gold and leprechans are also associated with St. Patrick's Day. The shamrock was worn as a badge on the lapel. Three is Ireland's magic number and the three petals that make up the shamrock are supposed to bring good luck. The three leaves also represent the Trinity in the Christian religion.
• The leprechan is a small Irish fairy. He is dressed like a shoemaker, with pointed shoes and hat. He also wears a leather apron. Lephrechauns are supposed to be unfriendly little men who lives alone in the forest, spending all of their time making shoes and guarding their treasures. If someone catches a leprechaun, he will be forced to tell where he hides all his pots of gold. However, the leprechaun must be watched at all times. If his captor looks away, the leprechaun will vanish along with his treasure.
• St. Patrick's Day has become a holiday all around the world and for one day out of the year anyone can be Irish and join in the celebration.

Now, we want to know...do you have any fun tidbits about St. Patrick's Day?  Do you do anything special on this day?  Any fun stories?

Unique Gift Ideas For Valentine’s Day

FOR THE GIRLY - GIRL:

FOR THE BOOK LOVER:

FOR THE GIRL WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR:

Valentine’s Gift Ideas – Romantic but Frugal

The typical pink and red grace the aisles of almost any store you visit. Lace fringes every other cheap cardboard box of candy and stuffed animals threaten to fall on your head from every direction. Is this what it's really about? Don't get me wrong - gifts are great, it's my love language (giving and receiving), but why do we insist on making things so routine, so...impersonal?

Jen from Momma Hen has joined us with her list of gift ideas (things she'd love to receive). So, if you're looking for ideas for that amazing gift, look no further. We'll be posting more lists throughout the week of some great finds.

Jen's Wishlist

1. A voucher for quiet, uninterrupted, shower time at any time of the day (when my husband is home).
2. A voucher for time to use the bathroom with the same luxuries (and disclaimer) as above.
3. A voucher for an afternoon or evening out by myself, with my husband at home with the kids, while I'm shopping or just sitting somewhere with a coffee and reading.
4. A voucher for sleeping in, as in past 7am.
5. A voucher that I can redeem and my husband will take care of getting the kids up and ready and off to school/daycare for the day while I get the extra 45 minutes at home in the morning to primp a little extra before having to face the world.
6. A voucher for date night where HE finds the babysitter and makes all the arrangements necessary. (Date night can be a night of us at home by ourselves, and the kids just visiting with a Grandpa and Grandma, or Aunt and Uncle.)
7. A voucher for breakfast in bed, consisting of cinnamon toast (with extra butter and sugar, please) and a cup of coffee (2 teaspoons of sugar and a teaspoon and a half of Cinnamon Vanilla creamer, please).
8. Michael Buble's CD... he can pick (since I don't own any). And I'm cool with second hand, so check out Amazon for used deals.
9. A bag of Miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups that nobody else is allowed to put their paws in (husband or kid (or kitty))
10. A hand written note professing his undying love for me. Because what woman doesn't like to have her husband (or significant other) remind her that she's the Queen of his world.

What about you - ladies and men - of Western KY? What's on YOUR wishlist? Comment below with what would make your day OR send me your entire list via email: ashley (at) helloky (dot) com and we may post your list!

Displaying Your Child’s Artwork

It's easy for your fridge to become cluttered with sheets upon sheets of your children's artwork and grand masterpieces, and the fine line between keeping a neat home while showing your children just how proud you are is one that can easily be crossed.

Instead of using the refrigerator as your artwork display center, consider creating a gallery (or several) just for your little ones in your home.

Here's how:

You'll Need

• Empty wooden frames without the glass or backing - I found mine at Walmart in a clearance bin for cents!
• Acrylic paint - can be found at virtually any craft store.  I recommend the cheap acrylic for this project, it comes in small bottles.
• A paint brush or sponge.
• A way to hang your frames - You can use nails, but I bought the removeable adhesive and velcro.  I put part of the adhesive velcro on the back of the frame and part on the wall.
• A way to hang the artwork - You can stick it up with tape or get creative with a bit of string and small binder clips (which nestle well into the velcro)

Instructions

Paint your wooden frame.  Hang your wooden frame using nails or adhesive or adhesive velcro (as mentioned above).  Tie a piece of string to a small binder clip and nestle the string into the velcro (or tie around the nail).

Why It Works

As your child presents you with artwork, use the binder clips to hold the artwork up.  Then, as new masterpieces come in, you can rotate the artwork.  And, as art is rotated out, you may want to invest in some clear protector sheets or a box to store each child's artwork in, possibly choosing to mat and frame your most favorite pieces to be hung around the house.

Stocking Up – Part 2 – Lists for Beginners

This list is an extension to our article on Stocking Up on Groceries.

Feel free to modify and print this list out for your stockpiling endeavors:

BAKING SUPPLIES

• Flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Corn meal
• Corn starch
• Cocoa
• Vanilla extract
• Cooking oil (canola, olive, etc.)
• Spices
• Honey
• Powdered milk
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chocolate chips
• Nuts
• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar

BREAKFAST

• Cereal
• Oatmeal

LUNCH AND DINNER

• Canned meats (tuna, samon, chicken, etc.)
• Broth: (chicken, beef, etc.)
• Rice
• Dried pasta
• Beans
• Peanut butter
• Jelly or jam
• Tomato-based products (sauce, paste, stewed, crushed, etc.)
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Soup
• Dried fruits and vegetables

SNACKS

• Popcorn
• Pretzels/Chips

CONDIMENTS

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressing
• Barbeque sauce

DRINKS

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Juice

TOILETRIES

• Soap (bar and liquid)
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Hair products (gel, mousee, hair spray)
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Razors
• Shaving cream or shaving soap
• Aftershave
• Feminine products

MEDICINE

• OTC meds (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
• Prescription meds

CLEANING SUPPLIES

• Laundry detergent
• Dish liquid
• Dishwasher detergent

PAPER AND PLASTIC GOODS

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Trash bags
• Freezer bags
• Sandwich bags
• Foil
• Plastic wrap
• Wax paper

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• Batteries
• Light bulbs
• Candles
• Matches

OTHER

• Baby supplies (formula, diapers, wipes, etc.)
• Pet supplies (food, litter, etc.)

How To Make Your Own Diaper Wipes

Why would you want to do this, you ask? Have you ever looked at the ingredients in baby wipes? Some pretty nasty stuff that can be very irritating…and you wonder why junior has a horrible rash? Try this recipe with cloth or chlorine free diapers.

What You Need:

• Cloth wipes or soft baby wash cloths
• Water Spray Bottle
• Water
• Baby Soap

Here’s How:

1. Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
2. Add 2-3 T of baby soap and mix well.
3. Spray on wipes or directly on baby's bum when needed (then follow with wipe).

It really can't get any easier!

Helloky.com’s Best of…Cloth Pads

Cloth diapers are all the rage right now, but for some reason there isn't a lot of talk about the option of cloth pads for women. The reasons are probably obvious - blood seems to scare people much more than the idea of feces and urine, and the idea of reusing and washing cloth pads tends to blow some people's minds. Cloth pads are often used post-baby while the mommy heals, as well as for monthly periods and in some cases, incontinence.

Just like cloth diapers, cloth pads are a healthier, more earth-friendly option.

Cloth pads:

• Don't contain chemicals and dioxins
• Are much more comfortable
• Don't have sticky wings or materials
• Save money over time
• Mean fewer rashes and yeast infections (which can be caused by disposable pads)
• Are readily available (no late night runs to Walmart!)
• Come in fun colors and patterns for those of us who need a little extra dose of "happy" during Aunt Flo's stay

So, in honor of moms everywhere, we gathered a handful of willing ladies together to test a few different brands of Cloth pads, and here's what we had to say:

MoonPads

Average Cost: $8-9 each
Materials: 100% organic cotton flannel (which is then hand-dyed) filled with 100% organic terry cloth
Measurements: 7.5"x2.5" (not including wings) for regular moonpads, 10"x2.5" for overnight moonpads
Pros: It is clear that each of these pads are made with the utmost love and attention to detail. Each pad comes in cute colors with coordinating tabs, as well as a ribbon hanging loop (for drying) and darling gem-covered snaps (on the wings).
Cons: On a scale of 1-5, these come in at about 3.7 in slimness. They are a little on the thicker side, which may be a pro if you have a heavier flow.
She said:
"I ADORE the details - the colors and the gem-snaps are so fun and make a really un-fun week just a little more special. - At least, as special-feeling as it can be between the cramps and urge to punch people. Wait, did I just admit I sometimes want to punch people?"
"As cute as these are, I was a little disappointed. I think for most women they would be great, but maybe it's because I'm a little bigger....I would have appreciated something with more width I think."

LunaPads

Average Cost: $10.99 - 16.99 each
Materials: Pads feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece, and 1 layer of ultra-thin nylon to minimize soaking through. Liners are made from 2 layers of 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Pantyliners feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Click here to see how they are constructed.
Measurements: Maxi Pad: 10" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick and liner is 2.5mm thick.
Mini Pantyliner: 8" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick.
Pros: Contoured design means pad doesn't bow when wings are snapped. Great design also enables a "build-a-pad" option where individual inserts can be layered securely to create more or less absorbency and protection. LunaPads offers a unique design, however, where you can add or subtract layers on top, meaning if you need to change a layer but not the whole pad, you can!
Cons: The price.
She said:
"Super comfortable and just the right thickness! I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the design. Sometimes I need more protection than other times, and I like having the option of adding or subtracting layers without necessarily changing an entire pad!"
"Although the nylon isn't all-natural, I really appreciate the security it gives me. Previously, I was only wearing cloth pads at home, but these give me the courage to wear them out! Plus, you can't even tell I'm wearing them!"

Mother Moon Pads

Average Cost: $4 each
Materials: The topping of these pads is cotton flannel. You now have the option of adding OBV to the center of your pads too! The backing is anti pill fleece in a coordinating color.
Measurements: 12" x 3" - HOWEVER, you can request a custom made size here
Pros: Soft and comfortable with a quilted design that forms to your body.
Cons: slight bowing because of the smaller wings, but it's not a big problem because of the quilted flexibility, allowing the pad to curve easily
She Said:
"The quilted design is nice. I really like how it bends with me."
"Quality product, but the price in and of itself is what would make this a winner for me!"

**SPECIAL NOTE: Due to pregnancy complications, Mother Moon Pads are currently unavailable but will hopefully come back soon! Our best wishes!

Glad Rags

Average Cost: $13.99-17.99
Materials: GladRags inserts: have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two outer layers of cotton flannel.
Daytime holders: made of two layers of cotton flannel, and the inserts slip between each layer, like a letter inside an envelope. Each GladRags pad comes with 1 holder and 2 inserts, and you can opt to use as many as 3 inserts with a holder for your heavier days.
Nighttime holders: are wider at each end and longer than the daytime holder, and also constructed a bit differently: the holders also have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two layers of flannel, lending the nighttime GladRags even more absorbency for your sleeping comfort.
Measurements: GladRags night holder is approximately 14" long and 3" wide at the middle. Day holder: 9"x2.5". Pantyliner: 6 3/4"x 2 3/4".
Pros: Glad Rags are a great option for women who want good protection but a more breathable and natural pad because they don't have a nylon backing. They are designed to be customizable with inserts that can be added for extra absorbency.
Cons: Unlike the Luna Pads, the entire pad must be changed since the inserts are added on the bottom (beneath the main pad). Cost.
She said:
"The width for the nighttime pad is PERFECT. It has a unique shape and size that will keep you feeling secure all night long, no matter how much you roll in your sleep! I appreciate that I can wear these during the day, too to get more coverage for my plus-size frame."
"I do like the idea of the customizable pads, but since I don't always know how heavy I'll be, I don't really like having to change out the entire set every time."

Crea8tivemama's Reusable Mama Cloths

Average Cost: $4.75 each
Materials: Pads: Made of an outer layer of comfy flannel with a layer of quilted batting covered waterproof lining and a layer of absorbent terry sewn securely in between.
Panty-Liners: made of an outer layer of comfortable flannel with a layer of micro-fleece sandwiched between.
Measurements: Pads and Panty-Liners: 8.5"x3" (with wings snapped).
Pros: A little wider than others, for women who prefer wider pads. Cost!
Cons: The pads are a little less flexible than others, but still comfortable.
She said:
"I really don't care about having a 'pretty period' but want something basic that won't break my bank. I think I found it. These are great!"

Manic Monday – August 31, 2009

Go here to request your free Holiday Recipe Cards from Wisconsin Cheese.

Go here to sign up for a free sample of Kashi cereal. You can choose between Kashi Honey Sunshine, Kashi Heart to Heart, and Kashi GoLean Crunch.

Here's a Free Make Money Blogging ebook.

Sign up here for the FruitaBu Smooshed Fruit Squad (be sure to click the box to Join the Squad) and you'll receive a coupon for a free box of any FruitaBu product.

Go here to request a catalog from The Gallery Collection and you'll also be able to request six free greeting cards. You can choose between holiday greeting cards or all-occasion greeting cards.

If you're one of the first 5,000 people to become a fan of Clarins on Facebook here, you'll get a free sample of the new Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Reduction Cream.

Sign up here for the free sample of Nature Valley Nut Clusters

Go here to get a free sample of Persimmon Tea.

Go here to request a free EOS organic lip balm.

All You is offering a free sample of the Schick Slim Triple Razor when you take a short survey here. Hurry, these will likely go lightning fast!

Tryology currently has two free product testing opportunities available for Vaseline products and a Baby Sign Language course. Go here to read more.

Go here to sign up for a free sample of the new Always Thin Flexi Style Liner.

Print a coupon here for a free small limeade with any purchase at an A&W restaurant. This coupon is valid through October 3, 2009.

Do you know of any great freebies or deals? Email them to ashley@helloky.com and they could appear in the next edition of Manic Monday!

BEST OF…Cloth Diapers and Accessories 2009

Whether you are a new mom or a seasoned pro, beginning cloth diapering can be a bit daunting when first starting out. For most of us, spending that initial investment is like spending your chore money in a candy store with candy you've never tasted before. So, in an effort to give parents and grandparents some honest feedback, we asked some really great cloth diapering companies to send us their favorite products so we could pass them out and chart the results. The results were awesome and took a little longer than we expected, but they're here and we're pleased to announce HELLOKY.COM'S BEST OF....CLOTH DIAPERS AND ACCESSORIES 2009!

Note: Scoring these diapers was harder than we thought it'd be. Every parent/grandparent had their own favorite, and while some diapers stood out more than others, each one was liked by someone. We scored based on Design, Fit, Comfort, Ease Of Use, Leakage (or lack thereof), Cost and additional feedback. The scores for each were then averaged out. While you are looking through the scores, please be sure to click the headings to see the great diapers and accessories, and be sure to read the extra comments from our parents and grandparents.

Happy Cloth Diapering!

Bummis Superbrite Wrap

• Design: 10
• Fit: 10
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 9 - Must learn how to use prefolds, but after that, SIMPLE!
• Leakage: 10!! This diaper features special leg gussets which fit comfortably and securely around your baby's thigh's to keep the diaper from leaking.
• Cost: $12-13

Additional Comments:

"These are my favorite. Hands down. For the family on a budget, these are some of the easiest and least expensive to buy! You can buy lots of cheap prefolds and several good quality wraps like these and be good to go!"

"We only had a few while keeping our granddaughter and found it really helpful to just rinse them out and let them dry between uses instead of a full wash cycle for her stay."

"I really thought I'd hate these, but they quickly became my favorites!"

Bummis Organic Pre-Folds

• Design: 9
• Fit: 10 - can be folded to fit differently, very customizable
• Comfort: 10 - becomes really soft with each washing
• Ease of Use: 8 - small learning curve requiring folding techniques for different circumstances
• Leakage: NA, must be used with wraps
• Cost: $20(Toddlers) or $15 (Infants) for 6

Additional Comments:

"Wow. These have definitely spoiled me. They've become some of our favorites!"

"I swore these were too old-timey, but paired with the Super-Brite Wrap, they quickly became some of my favorites. It took a little time to figure out how to fold them just right for my baby boy, but then they were some of the most customizable. I could add thickness and I can change the folds as he grows! "

Bummis Bamboozle

• Design: 8 - a soft bamboo fitted diaper with 4 layers of absorbency. Has snaps and requires a cover.
• Fit: 10
• Comfort: 10 - so soft!
• Ease of Use: 8.5
• Leakage: NA, must be used with a cover/wrap
• Cost: $18 - $20

Additional Comments:

"I couldn't believe it was made from bamboo and yet so incredibly soft!"

"This ALMOST makes me want to wear diapers. Almost."

"I liked these except for the fact that you had to unsnap them when it's time to change diapers, meaning you had to touch the wet diapers."

Fuzzibunz Perfect Size Diapers

• Design: 8 - Slim diaper (without all of the bulk) with adjustable waist and leg openings.
• Fit: 9
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 10 - Easy to use, must be stripped and must use special laundry detergent. Simply use the liner and then snap like a regular diaper
• Leakage: 7- relatively no leakage except around the legs when wearing shorts/pants
• Cost: 17.95 ea

Additional Comments:

"I loved these! Many of the cloth diapers make my baby look like he has 'junk in the trunk' and make it really hard to fit bottoms on them, but Fuzzibunz didn't!"

"These were the only ones that my baby's daycare would even accept because they were so much like a disposable diaper (except better)!"

One-Sized Bumgenius (By Cottonbabies)

• Design: 9.5 - one sized pocket diaper with velcro tabs
• Fit: 8 - can't adjust the legs
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 9 - very similar to regular pocket diapers but with a few extra snaps so you can adjust the length of the diaper
• Leakage: 7 - leaks around legs
• Cost: 17.95 ea

Additional Comments:

"It was great having a diaper that I didn't have to worry about which size to order! - Because it's made to be adjustable!"

"For convenience factor, the velcro is great. But, then again...I hated pulling fuzzies and hairs out of the velcro and detaching my diapers from each other when the laundry tabs wouldn't hold the velcro (or when daddy forget to use them)."

Bummis Superwhisper Wrap

• Design: 7 - A wrap (needs insert or fitted underneath). Velcro closures, no gussets for legs.
• Fit: 8
• Comfort: 10
• Ease of Use: 10
• Leakage: 4 While a few parents liked this wrap, the majority of them had a problem with leakage around the legs. One parent said, "you just can't use it at night unless you want some major leakage. Brief periods when you plan on keeping the diaper constantly changed, sure, but not for longer periods or when you're wearing your best suit. Or, in my case...a white polo shirt."
  (We also noticed that the handful of parents who liked this diaper had chubbier babies, while those with smaller and thinner babies seemed to have more issues with leakage)
• Cost: $10-$13

"Can't Live Without" Accessories For Cloth Diapering

Bummis Bio-Liners

• Design: 10
• Ease Of Use: 10
• Usefulness: 10 - for babies and toddlers eating solid foods
• Cost: $6-8 per roll

Additional Notes:

These "Bio-Liners" are toilet-safe liners that go on top of your cloth diapers, fitting between baby and diaper. When baby soils diaper, the liner can easily be lifted off and thrown away. If you have a finicky toilet, you may not want to flush them. In most toilets, they flush well and keep you from having to worry about any solids in the diapers!

Planetwise Wet Bags

• Design: 10
• Ease Of Use: 10
• Usefulness: 10
• Cost: $9.50 (small), $16.50 (medium), $19 (large)

Additional Comments:

These are perfect for wet bathing suits, diapers, clothing - you name it! The specially designed bags keep odor and wetness in and are great to carry in diaper bags!

Other Great Cloth Diapering Accessories

Bumgenius Bottom Cleaner

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 7 - This is a great alternative to disposable wipes. Simply spray on baby's bottom and wipe with a soft clean cloth. Great for travel.
• Cost: $9.95 for 4 Fl Oz

Additional Comments:

Ingredients: Water, Cucumber Extrac, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Natural Vanilla, Polysorbate 20, Essential Oil and Isolates of Orange, Essential Oils of Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin (Bergaptene Free), Organc Palmarosa, Tangerine

Bumgenius Odor Remover

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 9 - helps get odor out of diapers when washing
• Cost: $5.99 for 8 FL OZ

Additional Comments:

To use, spray directly on soiled diapers after removing waste. Then, store in a dry pail until time to wash. This spray eliminates odor causing bacteria.

Ingredients: Water and vegetable microbes

Bummis Fleece Liners

• Ease Of Use: 9
• Usefulness: 7.5
• Cost: $5 for 5

Additional Comments:

Place between baby and diaper to help wick moisture away from baby's skin and keep baby dry even when diapers are wet!

Manic Monday – August 10, 2009

You can request a free sample of Somersaults Snacks here.

Go here to print a coupon for a free Steaz Energy Shot.

Go here to request your free samples of John Frieda Brilliant Brunette shampoo and conditioner.

Go here to request your free sample of Nutland Crunch.

Go here to print a coupon for a free Mint Cookies N' Cream Shake at Steak N' Shake when you purchase another. Coupon expires September 27, 2009.

Go here to request your free copy of Passport to Your Health--a new, compact health record-keeping tool containing blood pressure and cholesterol screening ranges, personal record-keeping grids, a preventative health screening schedule.

This one will likely go very fast, so jump on it while you can!

Disable your pop-up blocker and then click here and answer a few questions. After you answer the second question correctly, a box like this should pop up offering you a printable coupon for a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats Pecan Bunches cereal.

Sign up for Fazoli's email list here and you'll get a coupon for a free small Spaghetti with a drink purchase.

Plus, every weekend in the month of August, Fazoli's is offering free kid's meals with the purchase of an adult entree.  (Be sure to call your restaurant ahead of time to see if they are participating before you go!)

Through September 30th when you rent a Redbox movie from a kiosk located inside Walmart, you can receive a free 8″x10″ portrait from the PictureMe Studios (located inside Walmart). Simply print your rental receipt along with this flyer to receive your free portrait.

For a free sample of Goodnites boxers, go HERE

For a free sample of Huggies Pure and Natural diapers, go here.

For a free sample of Underjams Nightwear, go here.

Schwan's is giving away free food!  Check it out here!

Become a Buzzmama and get:

• Receive a free Buzzmama start-up kit, including a Camp/School Pack, a set of Skinny-Minis™, a Mabel t-shirt, brochures, a tree-hugger Mabel grocery bag and more!
• Volunteer to represent our products and share stories about Mabel’s Labels with friends.
• Provide great feedback to be eligible for additional FREE products, perks and discounts, which are distributed at random.
• Participate as much or as little as desired.
• Go HERE to participate

Free Lorax activity book for kids!

Free Afterschool Kit for kids!

Feed the Pig book - a book about saving money for tweens!

Have a great freebie or deal we should know about?  Contact Us and we'll feature it in our next Manic Monday post if we love it!

Manic Monday – August 3, 2009

Through August 5, 2009, Shutterfly is offering 12 free stationery cards (shipping is extra). Go here to create an account or log into your existing account and then use coupon code 12FREE when you check out.

Also, if you have yet to sign up for an account with Shutterfly, you can get 25 free prints when you sign up plus more prints when you create a Share Site. Read more about that here.

There's a new free Home Made Simple Coupon booklet you can sign up for here. You should be able to sign up for this one even if you've already signed up for another one in the past. These books are packed with coupons for P&G products and include a coupon for a free product, too!

Go here to request a free copy of the book, Healthy Eating for Life.

Go here to sign up for a free sample of Sensible Portion's Cheating with Chocolate products.

Go here to sign up for a free trial pack of o.b. tampons.

If you have a LeapFrog toy at your house, you can sign up here and you'll get a free ABC Animal Orchestra Book.

If you or someone in your home is eating a gluten-free diet, you can get a free coupon for one of Betty Crocker's new Gluten-Free Dessert Mixes ($4 value). Here's how to get yours:

• Call General Mills Consumer Services number at 1-800-446-1898 and select option #4 on the main menu.
• Tell the customer service representative on the line that you are interested in the free gluten-free baking coupons.
• You'll be asked a few questions regarding your household's consumption of gluten and then you'll be asked for your address so they can send you the free coupon.

Download the free eReader from Barnes & Noble here and you'll get six free ebooks including: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and more.

Take the survey here and at the end you can sign up for a free sample of Parent's Choice Immune Support Formula.

What a great offer! The first 20,000 people to go sign up here will get a completely free advanced copy of The Full Plate Diet.

**edit: All of the copies have been taken, but sign up to receive the electronic version to be released on August 15, 2009!

Complete this survey for FREE Shamwow cloths!

Sign up for Parent's Choice Gentle Baby Formula HERE.

Sign up for a free sample of Member's Mark Formula here (choice from 3 types).

More Freebies! – July 15, 2009

Since our last post, freebies have flooded our inbox and we just couldn't wait until next week to share more freebies with you!  Enjoy our finds!  And, as always - if you have own or know of a store with great sales, online coupons, freebies, or samples, please email ashley@helloky.com so we can share them!

Go here to sign up for a coupon for a $0.99 Sonic Chiller available in Cherry Limemade, Classic Limemade, or Strawberry Limemade flavors. The coupon expires 10 days after it is emailed to you. These Chillers are regularly priced at $2.49 so this coupon makes for a pretty sweet deal on a refreshing Summer treat.

Go here and scroll down and on the right side of the page you'll see a box to input your information and receive a free subscription to BabyTalk magazine.

Have you been taking advantage of Arby's Freebie Wednesday deals? If not, you might want to go here and check out the various deals they are running every Wednesday through the end of August.

5 months of Oprah Magazine FREE!  No credit card required!  No obligation!

Bodycology Lotion This sample is different from the previous offer from Wal Mart and is offering two new scents: Cherry Blossom or Raspberries and Cream

Get a free sample of Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers!

Free Johnson's Soothing Natural Gift Set!

Every Friday through September  get a Free Real Chocolate coupon for your favorite Mars product below. Limit: 250,000 Coupons per Friday (9:00:00AM ET to 11:59:59PM ET).

Visit one of McAlister's Deli locations on July 23, 2009 to receive a FREE tea!

Manic Monday – July 13

Check out these awesome sales and freebies for Western KY this week!

CVS reportedly has single serving cups of Honey Nut Cheerios on sale for $1 this week. Use the $1/1 coupon here (no size restrictions given) to get them free.

If you'd rather buy a large box of Honey Nut Cheerios, you can get it for $0.99 this week at Walgreens with this coupon.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 is Free Baja Fish Taco Day at Long John Silver's. Dine-in, carry-out, or drive-thru customers can get a free Baja Fish Taco until 2:30 p.m. Limit one per customer. No purchase necessary. More details here

Stop by any McDonald's location on Monday, July 13, 2009 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m at participating locations to get a free Iced Mocha or Hot Mocha. More details here. Be sure to call your location and make sure it participates!

Go here to request your free Potty Training Kit from Pampers which includes a free sample of Pampers Easy-Ups, coupons, stickers, incentives, and more.

Go here to print a coupon for $1/1 Stayfree products.

More printable coupons:

• Buy One / Get One Velveeta Shells and Cheese
• $1/1 Aleve
• $1/1 Bayer
• Clabber Girl baking products coupon
• Smart Balance coupons
• Arm&Hammer coupons
• Minute Maid Frozen Novelties coupon

Go here and here to print coupons for $2/1 package of Huggies Overnites.

More printable diaper coupons:

• $3/1 Huggies Pure and Natural diapers
• $2/1 GoodNites
• $2/1 Pull-Ups
• $0.50/1 Huggies wipes

Go here and add the TIGI lip palette to your shopping cart and it's completely free--including the shipping. No credit card required.

Go here (or here) to print a $1/1 coupon for Honey Nut Cheerios.

More printable coupons:

• $1/1 Mission Tortillas Plus
• Johnson's Baby coupons
• There are some organic and natural printable coupons here you'll want to check out.
• Get a full rebate on Tyson's Skillet Creations here.

Stocking Up On Groceries

Grocery budgets per week can range anywhere from $50 to $500 depending on your spending habits, the food you eat, number of mouths you're feeding and...your ability to plan.

Regardless of the first 3 criteria, you can choose to save money and slice dollars off of your food bill with just a little planning.

The Menu-Maker

This person makes menus around what the family likes to eat. Depending on how often you want to go shopping, you can make these menus span for one week up to four (or more) weeks! The key is to only shop once for all of the ingredients you'll need, eliminating "quick runs" to the grocery for a few items. Menu-Making is a great place to start if you're wanting to save money. And, by planning for at least 2 weeks at a time, you can take advantage on small bulk purchases and plan your menus around those! For basic ideas on Menu-Making and some great recipes, check out Menu Plan Mondays by I'm an Organizing Junkie.

The Flier Shopper

After you've learned the art of Menu-Making, the next step would be to use fliers and coupons. The flier shopper will watch the sales fliers from his/her favorite groceries and then plan their meals around the sale items. For example, if beef goes on an incredible sale, the flier shopper will plan their main menu entrees around the beef. New Flier Shoppers can start with something big, like meat, and then move on to include other "sales" like canned food and vegetables to incorporate into their menus. With practice, this method can be VERY rewarding...especially to your pocketbook! I would recommend visiting www.kroger.com, www.walgreens.com, and www.cvs.com for their online fliers and coupons, as well as saving the flier inserts from the local paper if you receive it!

The Stockpiler

This shopper is one who concentrates mostly about keeping their pantry stocked, rather than a menu, per se - Although, one could actually do both with great success! A stockpiler looks for the best deals on all of the food they store in their pantry and freezer, and buys those products at rock-bottom prices and sometimes in bulk (or several at a time). I highly recommend using the above methods of shopping and becoming disciplined in those before jumping into stockpiling, however, as it can become really overwhelming.

To begin, you will want to compile your most favorite and most used recipes for your family into one place. Next, you will want to make a list of your most used ingredients, as well as a list of any other ingredients you may need for your favorite recipes. As a stockpiler, you'll need both lists with you (whether in paper form or memorized) when you shop, so you can jump on the best deals as they come. You'll also need to keep track of what's in your pantry, to not only ensure your food doesn't expire, but also to make sure you don't end up with 80 cans of diced tomatoes and nothing of anything else.

Another great idea if you're interested in stockpiling is to save your receipts and then keep a price journal with normal food prices at different groceries. For example, if you plan to buy diced tomatoes, you'll want to price those tomatoes at a few different stores and then record that information. This way, when an item goes on sale, you'll know where you can buy more diced tomatoes for your money! Plus, you may find it cheaper to buy certain items in one place while others from somewhere different. (<--- This rule ONLY applies if you are close to several groceries and won't have to drive 20 miles just to check the price of a can of diced tomatoes at a different store!)

As you can see, careful planning can easily cut your food bill in half! Many couples have went from spending $500/ 2 weeks down to spending only $300/2 weeks - And, we've personally been known to get our food bill down to $50/2 weeks with a family of 3 when things have been tough.

A little planning goes a long way!

At The Farmers’ Market

One of my favorite things about summer is browsing the tables at the local farmers' markets for local honey, produce, and fresh baked breads. However, since our family has become more aware about the foods we put into our bodies, I've been a little more picky about what I will buy or won't when it comes to how certain produce is grown. So, how do you nicely ask a hard-working farmer if his or her produce is grown naturally without seeming horrid and judgemental?

It's true that many of the farmers at your local market may be growing sustainable, organic produce but own smaller farms and don't have the extra capital to jump through the fiery hoops of an USDA certification for organics. It's also true that many local farmers may not really care much about organics, or even know much about what the term means. And, while food questions aren't exactly as personal as asking someone if they plan to beat their wife tonight, you ARE essentially asking "Are you poisoning me?" - Which can seem a little accusatory to even the most laid-back farmer, and lead to automatic defensiveness and refusal to further speak about his/her practices on the farm.

Then, the question remains...

How Do I Ask Whether This __________ Is Organic?

A few weekends ago, I was perusing one of the local farmers' markets and came across a beautiful spread of produce and other goods. I struck up a conversation with the farmer, and slowly edged toward the big question - "So, how do you grow your produce?" He looked at me, a little confused - but, then a smirk lifted the corners of his mouth. "Seeds, mostly." He replied. I pressed on, struggling to find the right words and finally just spit out the question, embarrassed, "Do you grow it organically?" His response? "Yes and no." - Which is hardly an answer, but for many farmers (and consumers, alike) the logistics of what's organic and what's not can become a little hairy. He went on to explain that while he does use chemical fertilizers, and uses pesticides on certain plants, there are other plants that he does not. "...Also," he said "Did you know that if your farm was under so many acres, you are automatically considered 'organic', regardless of how you grow?"

While the definition of organic does seem to change quite a lot, depending on who you ask - the last remark he made was WAY off the mark. However, when you ask if a farmer grows organic, you DO want to know the following:

• What sort of fertilizer (or brand) do you use?
• How do you grow and harvest your garden? (Some farmers believe that if they pick everything by hand, it's organic)
• How do you control pests in your garden/fields?

In short, you're asking them to tell you about your garden. And, by doing so, you appear only interested in what they do and not judgemental. Like anyone else, farmers generally love to talk about their passions : their farm.

But, what if I don't have time (or patience) to hear their story? What if I just want to know? NOW?

Then ask. "Do you grow your produce using chemical fertilizers or pesticides?" You have a right to know what you're consuming, just be aware of the tone and facial expressions you use.

Eventually, you'll probably know everyone by name if you frequent the markets often, but starting out can be tricky when you have a slew of booths and only an hour to make it around to them all. For me, asking for their business cards (and carrying scrap paper for those who don't have business cards) has worked nicely. Each visit, I'll make it a point to ask a couple of farmers about their practices and ask for a card. On the back of their card, I jot down any notes so next time I already know - Plus, I have their contact information readily available should I want to go to them directly or request something special. Then, I generally try to buy something at their stand. For example, one booth I visited thoroughly sprayed many of their crops, but in the corner the woman offered small cacti and aloe plants (which she didn't need to spray). So, I bought a healthy aloe plant and kept shopping with other booths. I wasn't obligated to buy anything, but I felt odd not to. So, I found something.

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