Organically Grown Giveaway

It's important to me to keep my family away from chemicals and pesticides, which is why I try to buy organic whenever possible. Not only is important for our food to be organic, but it also extends to our clothing. I'm always disappointed to see a lack of organic clothing in most stores. And what you do find ends up being extremely overpriced. That's why I'm proud to introduce you to Organically Grown, a wonderful online retailer of organic clothing.

About Organically Grown:

Driven by our positive spirit, and heartfelt commitment to a healthy planet, we founded the Organically Grown Group. We were raised to believe that we could make a difference, and affect real change in the world. As a young and innovative company, we believe in your right to affordable, safe, stylish, high-quality organic products from apparel and home décor, to personal care items. Organically Grown has begun to play an active role in the organic revolution. Our apparel is made from organic cotton, which is grown by safe, pesticide-free methods from plants that are not genetically modified. We support the organic farming community and organizations worldwide that are committed to a green, sustainable environment.

Why Organic?

As the awareness of the effect that pesticides and toxins have on the environment and individual health grows, more and more families are realizing the importance of choosing organic products. Making this choice is not only good for our earth; it is good for all of us. With your help, organic textile production will increase, becoming more of a standard in the clothing industry.

If you haven’t already, now is the time to choose organic fabrics for you and your family. Organic cotton has all the high quality, soft and cuddly texture with none of the harsh chemicals to irritate your child’s delicate skin. Our products are not only breathable and cuddly; they are also recyclable, renewable, and biodegradable. With products by Organically Grown, there is no need to compromise between your budget and your conscience.

Why Organic Cotton?

There is a direct connection between what we wear and the effect it has on the earth. According to the Organic Exchange, an estimated 170 million pounds of pesticides, and 25% of the world's insecticides are used in the production of conventional, non-organic cotton. 7 out of 10 of these pesticides are on the EPA's "known" list of "likely" or "probable" carcinogens. These chemicals result in work-force illnesses, water contamination, and the devastation of farmland. All of the problems are eliminated though organic farming practices. Organically Grown is proud to be a part of the solution.

Organically Grown's Collection:

Organically Grown carries a wide variety of adorable clothing for infants, and now includes a brand new toddler line. The collection is comprised of adorable two-piece outfits for boys and girls in sizes 12-24 months, and 2T-4T.

The infant collection contains some of the company's best sellers including three-piece sets with baby gowns, body suits, jackets, pants, blankets and hats, all on padded hangers and priced between $12-38.

Organically Grown also carries a variety of mens' and women's shirts, as well as home decor pieces. They truly have something for everyone. And the prices are very reasonable.

Buy It!

You can purchase Organically Grown from their website.

Win It!

Organically Grown is giving one Family of the Cloth reader a chance to win something from their new spring collection. To enter, simply leave a comment telling me "Why is organic important to you?"

Additional entries can be obtained by doing any of the following (be sure and leave a separate comment for each thing you do). Please leave your email address in you comment (or have it viewable on your profile), so that I can contact you if you win.

- Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect

- Follow me on twitter as @FamilyofCloth

- Follow Organically Grown on twitter as @OrganicallyGrwn

- Tweet about this giveaway, making sure to mention @FamilyofCloth and @OrganicallyGrwn. You may tweet once a day. Be sure to leave the permalink of your tweet.

- Become a facebook fan of Organically Grown

- Grab my button and put it on your blog. Leave me a comment letting me know where I can find it.

Giveaway is open to US residents, and will close 5/8 at 8 p.m. CST. Winner will be chose via random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to a notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. All opinions expressed in the above content is my own, and I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Rockin' Green Winner!

Congratulations to lucky comment #194!

Don't forget that you still have time to enter the AppleCheeks giveaway which ends 4/14!

AppleCheeks Review and Giveaway!

FOTC was recently given the opportunity to review an AppleCheeks reusable diaper. These adorable cloth diapers, are a pocket style diaper that is proudly manufactured in Canada. After giving them a try for a couple of weeks, I have to say that these are one of our new favorite diapers. Read on to find out why.

Construction:

AppleCheeks are a pocket style diaper, with a layer of breathable, yet waterproof polyurethane laminate (PUL) on the outside, and soft, stay-dry microfleece on the inside next to baby's skin. Inserts are to be folded and "stuffed" in between the layers to create absorbency. The diaper's pocket opening is slightly larger than it's competitors, which makes it easier to "stuff." The larger opening also allows for the insert to agitate out in the wash. No more having to touch a wet insert!

A unique feature of AppleCheeks is that you can also use them as you would an AI2 system, meaning you can lay the insert on top of the microfleece, right next to baby's skin, and then reuse the cover, or "envelope" as AppleCheeks calls it.

AppleCheeks inserts are made from two layers of ultra-soft 70% rayon from bamboo and 30% organic cotton fleece. The inserts are approximately 12" x 15" and once they are folded into thirds, it gives you six layers of absorbency. AppleCheeks also offers a variety of boosters which bump up absorbency.

AppleCheeks are available in a variety of colors, most of which are bright and bold. No boring, bland colors here!

Fit:

AppleCheeks envelope covers have snug, yet durable elastic at both the waist and legs for a gentle and secure fit. They're designed to contain even to messiest of messes. There are two rows of easy to adjust snaps, allowing you to get the perfect fit for your baby. One of my favorite features has to be the extra wide tabs. The tabs help to prevent wing droop, which we seem to get with the majority of our side snapping diapers.

Envelope covers come in two different sizes. Size 1 fits from 7-20 lbs. (approximately), and Size 2 fits 18-40 lbs (approx).

Performance and Evaluation:

We decided to test this diaper right out of the package. I was a bit nervous, as the care instructions say to prep the inserts by washing them three times on hot before use (which will remove the oils and shrink them up a tiny bit). We didn't leave it on long, but it seemed to absorb just fine. After washing the insert the first time, I tossed it in with a load of towels, washed it again, hung it up to dry, and then tested it again. I put it on my son, dressed him (I have to say that it's very trim under clothes), and we went to the mall. I was very surprised when I changed his diaper, and although the front of the insert was wet, the back part was barely even wet! After the next washing, I tried it on my son during his nap. Same result! The inserts seem to absorb quite a bit!

I also tried using the diaper as an AI2, by laying the insert on top of the microfleece layer. I was nervous that since the insert doesn't snap into the envelope cover, that it might shift or bunch up. My son crawled and played all over the place, giving the diaper a true workout, and although it was slightly bunched up in the front (where it was wet), it didn't seem to affect the function of the diaper. The envelope cover could have easily been used again, maybe with a brief air dry. However, I prefer a stay dry liner next to my son's skin, so although it worked well as an AI2, I would much rather use the diaper as a pocket style.

I'm a huge fan of the elastic at the waist of the diaper! I haven't seen this with any other diaper yet, but what a great idea! My son is a skinny little dude, and the elastic at the waist really helps to keep the diaper from gaping at the top, which translates to fewer accidental leaks. The wider wings were also another definite plus. We get wing droop with some of our other side snapping diapers, but we had none with our AppleCheeks.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this diaper :)

Interested?

AppleCheeks can be purchased directly through their website, and they're also available from many of your favorite cloth diaper retailers. You can purchase the covers, inserts, and boosters separately, or you can purchase one of their MiniTest Kits (a cover and three inserts), or one of their starter kits (3 covers, 9 inserts, 1 storage sac, 3 wipes, and a free booster).

Want to win?

AppleCheeks is offering a FOTC reader a chance to win an envelope cover and insert!

To enter, simply visit AppleCheeks look around at site, decide what size and color diaper you'd like to win, then come back here and let me know in a comment.

For additional entries:

- Follow @AppleCheeksDipe on twitter

- Follow @FamilyofCloth on twitter

- Tweet about this fabulous giveaway! Just be sure to include both @AppleCheeksDipe and @FamilyofCloth and the #clothdiapers hashtag. You may tweet once a day. Be sure to leave the permalink of the tweet.

- Be a follower of my blog through Google Friend

- Be a follower of the AppleCheeks blog

- Enter my Rockin' Green Detergent giveaway

- Vote for me as a Top Mommy Blogger:

Giveaway will end 4/14 at 8 PM CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to a notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. FOTC received a diaper for review purposes only, and was not compensated or paid for this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Fluff Mom Monday

Tell us about yourself! What is your name? How many little ones do you have?

My name is Jessica from The B Keeps Us Honest and I have an adorable 20 month old son whom we cloth diaper.

How long have you used cloth diapers?

I've been using cloth diapers for 19 months. We officially switched after my son was 1 month old.

What made you decide to use cloth diapers?

When I was pregnant I learned that many of my friends used cloth diapers. They introduced me to all the new designs and products available for cloth diapering. I choose to use cloth because of the environmental and financial benefits. Plus they are cute!

What was your first cloth diaper purchase?

I first bought a used diaper cover online. I think it was an Imse Vimse cover.

Tell us about your stash:

I have a great stash that ranges in size and style. We primarily use a prefold and cover but I do have a few AIO and Pocket Diapers. I won't list the entire lot from NB only my current. My current stash consists of...
24 Unbleached Indian Prefolds - Infant
12 Unbleached Indian Prefolds - Toddler (we're moving up in size.)
2 Bummis Covers
3 Imse Vimse Covers
1 GAD Cover
1 Kissaluvs Cover
4 Mommy's Touch AIO
1 WAHM Pocket Diaper
1 Kissaluvs Pocket Diaper
1 WAHM Swim Diaper

What is your favorite cloth diaper/diapering system? Why?

I prefer a prefold and cover. I feel it is less to wash. I mean to change a pee AIO that's so much material to wash when you can just change the diaper and reuse the cover. Although it does take longer to change and with an impatient toddler it's not always ideal.

Tell us about your wash routine
We wash our diapers every other day. Before bed my husband runs a cold water rinse/soak cycle with an oxy cleaner. In the morning I run a hot water regular wash cycle with Charlie's Soap. Then dryer to fluff and finish on the drying rack.

Have your friends and family been supportive of your decision to use cloth?
Very supportive. Many of my friends have started using cloth and often ask me about diapering options or tips. My husband is very supportive and a great diaper changer. Our families have learned our system too.

Any challenges you've run into with using cloth diapers? What did you do about it?

I haven't had too many issues with our cloth diaper experience. We had a build up issue and I stripped them according to an online tutorial. It was pretty simple.

Your best piece of advice for someone new to cloth diapering:
There are a lot of options. Try a few things before you buy a lot. Don't be freaked out about buying used. Borrow diapers from friends if possible. (if only to find you system)

Your favorite scripture, quote, or anything else that you'd like to add?
My favorite scripture is: Proverbs 3:3-4
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

The Inside Poop on Cloth Diapers - Twitter Party!

You're invited to attend the "Get Real - The Inside Poop on Cloth Diapers" Twitter Party

Date: Earth Day – Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
Time: 9:00-10:00 pm EST
Hashtag: #GetRealDiapers
Hosted by: The Real Diaper Association, Bamboo Bums Diapers, Diaper Daisy Modern Cloth Diapers, and The Eco Chic
Follow our hosts on Twitter: @RealDiapers@RDAHeatherMc @BambooBums @DiaperDaisy @TheEcoChic@EcoMomMedia

Sponsors: Diaper Shops, Snooty Booty Diapers, Sugar Dipes, Rockin’ Green Soap, Cutey Baby, SoftBums Diapers, Sweet Camo Babytique, Diaper Lab, Eden’s Baby, Goo Goo Gaia, Global Enfant, and many more to be announced.
Follow our sponsors on Twitter: @DiaperShops, @SnootybDiapers, @SugarDipes, @RockinGreenSoap,@CuteyBaby, @SoftBumsMama, @SweetCamoBaby, and more to be announced.

Event Topic: You are invited to attend a special Twitter Party all about diapers. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day the Real Diaper Association, Bamboo Bums Diapers, Diaper Daisy Modern Cloth Diapers and The Eco Chic would like to explain how cloth diapers are making a comeback.

Actually cloth diapers have been used since the beginning of time and are still very popular. Today’s cloth diapers can be as simple as the pre-fold diapers your grandmother used or modern with Velcro closures and stylish patterns. Cloth diapers can fit any budget from frugal to the extreme; all of which can save you thousands of dollars throughout your child’s diapering years. Cloth diapers are healthieron your baby and do not contain toxins like disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are reusable and the perfect commitment for parents who wish to reduce their child’s environmental butt-footprint.

Registration: We are so excited to be able to open registration EARLY! Go enter by filling out our Survey Monkey form. Click here to take register.

Make sure to list Family of the Cloth as your referrer!

Don't know what a twitter party is? Find out more here.