Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Winner!

Winner!

July 27, 2011 1 Comments
Using Random.org....

MamaHunfy was selected as the winner of the 22-load pouch of Claudia's Choices Ultra Phosphate free laundry powder!

Congrats Mama!

And just another reminder - Please make sure that you are following the "rules" of my giveaways!  I had to redraw for this giveaway because I had entries from people in the US.  I hate excluding people from the giveaways but these are "rules" set up by the companies and it makes it hard for me to go through each entry and determine who has a valid entry.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Baby Bond Review and Giveaway

July 19, 2011 32 Comments


Disclaimer - I was given this product(s) free of charge for review purposes.  These opinions are 100% my own.
I'm a nursing momma, I breastfeed my daughter until she self weaned at 18 months old and now my son at 9 months is a booby monster!  I've always been a firm believer that breastfeeding is the best for baby (but that's not the point of this post and I don't want to start any sort of hot topic).

I was unsure of doing this review of the Baby Bond because I've never been much of a cover up momma!  I have always felt comfortable nursing in public (and have never been giving any criticism for doing so).  I find it to be a hassle trying to cover myself, and baby and more often then not I find myself exposed more then if I just lifted my shirt.

I appreciate the story of how the nursing cover came about and you can read the story under the about tab on the Baby Bond website.  It started out as an idea during a 2am feeding of a Mother that was uncomfortable nursing in public but still wanted to maintain that intimacy between baby and mom while nursing.  Read the full story here

The reason I did decide to do this review was with summer coming there would be cute summer dresses, shirts, etc.  Sometimes these article of clothes, makes it difficult to nurse without really exposing yourself.  I would have pull the dress all the way up and place my baby underneath ultimately covering him up.  Or I would have to pull the dress down which means the breast is totally exposed over the top of my dress.  In this case, I needed a cover.  I don't like traditional nursing covers because they cover everything, it's hot, and in my opinion not necessary.  So when I read about the Baby Bond, it seemed like it was a great fit.  Exactly what I was looking for on these occasions when I wore a dress or shirt that could not be lifted to nurse my boy.
BabyBond™ nursing accessories cover mom, not her baby. Mom is able to maintain her modesty. Baby remains uncovered benefiting from the infinite opportunity to make eye contact, interact, and communicate. After all, dining is social.












I was sent the Baby Bond Couture to try.  I was interested in this particular cover because of it's duel purpose.  It works as a cover but also if you'd prefer you can cover your tummy and back (ie. belly band) from being exposed while you are nursing your child.  I also really like that it rolls into a self-storing pouch (only the couture does this).

I received the package in the mail and quickly became unsure about the product.  I liked the idea of it still, but I wasn't sure about the message it conveyed.  It took me a bit to finally use the product because of this...

  • I didn't like the idea that Baby Bond focused on the "modesty" aspect of breastfeeding.  I don't feel a women needs to be totally covered to maintain her modesty while nursing her child.
  • I didn't like the slogan "For nursing and conversing.  Feed your baby. Nourish your relationship." because again I don't feel a mother nursing a child should be excluded from conversations with others, be sent to another room, etc. They should be made to feel comfortable nourishing her child the way her body was meant to.
These two things turned me off of the product pretty quickly.  As I mentioned, it was difficult for me to use the cover at first because of these two simple things.  

But, I really wanted to find something that worked for me and what we needed during the times it just wasn't easy for me to breastfeed without exposing myself.  So I gave it a try.  And guess what!  I really like it.  It was easy to use and didn't cover my baby like most traditional nursing covers or blanket.  The best part, E didn't complain while using it. 

So I decided I'd create a short video of me actually nursing E while at the computer.  I think this was a great way to show exactly how easy it is to use.  The section right in the middle of the video shows exactly what it's like to use it with a wiggle worm.  I didn't realize he had snagged a piece of his sisters apple.  And I had to struggle with him to get it out of his mouth but we did all while staying mostly covered.

Enjoy!













Baby Bond has some great videos and pictures on their website to describe features of each of their lines, Original, Flex and Couture (all have the same price point of $35USD).  



My final thoughts on the nursing cover, I like it!  I think it's definitely worth the $35.  They have some great colours to choose from including Chocolate, Night and Charcoal.  The Original and the Flex have different sizes so be sure to check the sizing chart before ordering.  The couture is one sized.

I am still a fan of staying uncovered while nursing but if I am wearing something that makes it harder I always toss the Baby Bond in my diaper bag before I leave the house.  I got over the slogan because I understand there are many women that don't feel as comfortable as I do while nursing in public.  And I know some women have been made to feel that they have to cover or leave the room while nursing.  It's a shame this happens but I know it does.  

All in all I think it's a great option for moms and I'm happy I was able to give it a try!

Buy it!

Interested in trying the Baby Bond?  Lucky for you, Baby Bond has given me a discount code for you to use.  If you enter "GHM" (no quotes) at the time of purchase you get a discount of 25% off!  How great is that!  That's a great discount for a great cover!

Check it out!  I think you'll be happy if you decided to purchase it! 

You can buy it on the website under the Shop drop down menu!

Win It!

Baby Bond is giving away 1 baby bond in the style of the winners choice to one lucky GetHealthyMomma reader!  Winner will be selected using Random.org

Mandatory Entry! Please do this FIRST!

It's easy!

To enter tell me which style of Baby Bond nursing cover you would choose if you won!  Colour would be nice to know as well! :)

Please include you e-mail address so I can reach you!

Extra Entries! - Leave a separate comment for each extra entry!

(1 extra entry) Follow GHM via GFC.  Please tell me the name you use when joining my site! I hope this is working now.  I know there have been some complaints lately that this isn't working.  Please include your email address in the comment, so I can contact you if you win!

(1 extra entry) Like my Facebook page - you can find it here - make sure there is a way I can contact you!  Leave a comment with your e-mail address please!

I will be drawing a winner using Random.org.  One winner will be selected and given 48hours to respond to my e-mail before a new winner is selected.  Giveaway open WORLDWIDE and will close on August 9th at 11:59EST.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
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Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Claudia's Choices Laundry Detergent Review & Giveaway

July 05, 2011 38 Comments
When my daughter was born we used the local diaper service in our area to drop off/pick up all our cloth diapers.  This meant I never had to wash diapers and only had to wash the covers and these were just washed with our regular laundry detergent and with my daughters regular clothes.

Then when I got pregnant the second time I knew I wanted to purchase our own diapers (it was cheaper in the long run), so this meant I had to "learn" to wash the diapers.  I did some reading online, took a cloth diaper course and found the laundry detergent I now use for all our laundry needs!


Claudia's Choices started much like a lot of other eco-friendly company's.  Claudia had a baby and her and her family were looking for eco-friendly alternatives for taking care of their children.  After trying department store brands and not finding something they were satisfied with, they made it themselves.  Since then they have expanded their line to include not only the Ultra Phosphate Free Laundry Powder but many other lines all easily found under Eco-Cleaning (Small Planet cleaning products), Eco-Baby (Cloth diapers and accessories), Eco-Pet, Eco-Lifestyle, Eco-Organic headings on their website.

I have used this now for over a year and have since changed to use ONLY this laundry detergent for all our families washing. 

What do I like about Claudia's Choices....
Claudia's Choices Ultra Phosphate Free Laundry Powder is a concentrated laundry powder formulated to provide you with an envirosponsible wash without the use of phosphates, dyes, bleach, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate or optical brightener while maintaining superior cleaning performance.
I like that it doesn't have a scent (I have a HORRIBLE time walking through the laundry aisle at the store...the smell makes me SICK!)

I like that it's not a high sudsing detergent so it can safely be used in our HE washing machine

I like that it's great for cloth diapers and our families clothes(no more switching between detergents, for clothes and diapers)

I like that it doesn't leave a residue on my clothes or the diapers (recommend by Bummis because it's low residue and it's hypoallergenic)

I store a smaller amount of powder in a small
glass canister in my laundry room.  Much
easier then opening the big tub each load.
BTW- each tub comes with a scoop! 
But you want to know what I LOVE about Claudia's Choices Laundry detergent?

I LOVE that they offer a bucket reuse program!

Interested??  Once your bucket of detergent is done, return it with the lid to the store you purchase it from (find a local retailer here) and you get $2.00 off your next purchase of Claudia's Choices (Please note: This program is ONLY for the 3.5 kg size).  What a great way to keep the buckets from the landfill and you only pay for packaging once!  The empty buckets are returned to Claudia's Choices to be refilled and reused.

Isn't that such a great idea?  I think it's perfect!  I really have nothing bad to say about the powder.

So if you're looking for a new laundry detergent that's great to use on your entire family's laundry including those stinky cloth diapers...

Buy it
Check out Claudia's Choices online and give it a try!  At a price point of between $9.49(22-loads)-$129.99(629-loads) it's a great option at a great price!

Win it
Claudia has been so kind as to offer yet ANOTHER bag of Claudia's Choices Ultra Phosphate Laundry Powder to one lucky reader.  He/She will win a 22-load 770g pouch of detergent to try for yourself.  I bet you'll love it!

To enter all you need to do is follow me via GFC (if you don't already), and leave a comment on my blog telling me you do! (please include your GFC name if it's different then your comment name).  Remember to leave an e-mail address so I can contact you if you are drawn as the winner.

BTW - Claudia has a Facebook page and I'm sure she'd love to see you stop by!  If you're over there, like her page and tell her GetHealthyMomma sent you!

Stay tuned for a few additional entry options as well! :)

If you have liked my new facebook page you may find a few extra entry options.....

This giveaway is open to Canadian Residents only, and will close close on Tuesday July 26th at 11:59pm.  Be sure to get your entry in before that!  
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Sunday, July 03, 2011

Great Canadian Blog Bash Winner!

Great Canadian Blog Bash Winner!

July 03, 2011 2 Comments

Alright so I have a winner!

Of all 105 entries, entry number 4 was chosen!


Krystal told me in her entries that she was impressed that the Diva Cup was made in Canada (she had no idea), she would like to try the Germs-be-gone cleaner from Claudia's Choices (a lot of other entries said the same thing), and Krystal also said she'd like to try Everyday Styles Honey Garlic Chipotle dip! :)  Sounds great!  Thanks for entering!

Congrats Krystal!  I have sent the e-mail and will be looking forward to a reply with your mailing address by July 5th or else a new winner will be selected! :)

Thanks everyone for entering and stay tuned for a few reviews/giveaways coming up in the next couple of weeks! :)
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