Friday, May 18, 2012

MG Baby Cloth Diapers - Diaper Review

Maci Grace is offering their diapers at half off on one of my very favorite websites.  You got it--Baby Half Off.  I love this website, because when I want to try something new it's not taking such a huge chunk to try it. 


Maci Grace's cloth diaper came in the mail yesterday and after prepping it (warm water wash and dry) I had to try it out.  The outside is almost a silky feeling. If you have ever tried a Tots Bots diaper, this is the similar feel on the outside. 



The one size diapers will grow with your baby from newborn to potty training, and this is always a plus when you are going to spend over $20 on a single diaper. The sizing is generous, and it is definitely going to grow with Caleb. At 10 months old he no where near the biggest setting, so unlike some claims for one-size, this seems to fit the bill.  It includes an extra snap to make it even tighter for babies much smaller than Caleb.  With the hip snap I am not seeing much wing droop. The fabric does seem to bunch a little bit at his waist, but I think this is due to the material's thickness.




The diaper includes two- 4 layer soft bamboo inserts which make this diaper extremely trim for how absorbant it is, unlike the extremely fluffy microfiber inserts.  It seems to do a great job for Caleb's messes.  The pocket stretches generously, but is not a wide opening.  The pocket was almost hidden, as it is flush with the back elastic.  Caleb is not leaking during nap times, but we have not tried it for overnight. The nice thing about pockets.....you just add more! With bamboo inserts it makes the diaper extremely absorbant.

Caleb's diaper came in the Peek-a-boo black color, and I am loving the colored snaps. I can Jael,  my 10 year old daughter, which color to match-up, and she knows how tight to fit his diaper. This is a definite plus.  The elastic around the legs is not too tight, so he has no marks on his chunky legs.

It is a typical cloth diaper that has enough thickness that it does look bulky for jeans, but I have my favorites for jeans.  This diaper is a PERFECT everyday diaper, and I am enjoying it.

So far, this diaper gets an A+ from us!!  Definitely a big thank you to Baby Half Off for allowing us to try it out.

The cutest model EVER!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Eco Nuts

Why would you want to choose Eco Nuts soap nuts to clean your clothes?

  • They are completely sustainable, renewable, biodegradable and an organic alternative to chemical detergents and more expensive natural laundry detergents
  • They are gentle and chemical or allergen free. No concerns for sensitive baby skin, or those with eczema or other skin conditions.
  • They are mild and don't leave residue, so they are suitable for washing cloth diapers.
  • They have antimicrobial properties, which makes them a great choice for those with septic or grey water systems.
Wondering how soap nuts actually work? They contain saponin, which is a natural cleaner that breaks the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing- a fancy way to say that they are able to lift stains and leave the dirt in the water to be washed away. They don't foam up, because they don't contain foaming agents. No foaming??? How do you know if it's really working? 

I bought my soap nuts from Baby Half Off,  whom I recently discoverd....and love!

The Eco Nuts are safe for cloth diapering which is also why I bought them.  (and being half-off)

I tried them out, and I have to say they do work well. 

I've used them in both cold and hot, regular loads, and cloth diapers, all successfully. I often throw these when I need to rinse out my diapers after a really messy explosion.  The diapers have always come out fresh smelling and clean. I have always gotten at least 5-7 washes out of each batch. 

It was also nice to be able to put a few in a bag to give to a friend who was using cloth diapers, so that she could keep using cloth-diaper approved detergent.  Overall, I give it an A+.  I will definitely be buying again, and getting them at HALF OFF is why I was willing to give them a try.
soap nuts

I am not sure that they will replace my stash of natural cloth diapering detergents, but I do like them. I love how small and light they are to carry and store, and the fact that they're entirely sustainable. I was impressed with their cleaning ability, despite the lack of bubbles and pretty smells. BUT I am not sure if I am completely won over.

I loved the price I paid.....BEST OF ALL!

THANK YOU, Baby Half Off!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The Provision Room--Giveaway!

It’s A Party!!

Time is flying and they are having WAY too much fun at my sister's newest blog.  The Provision Room is a blog that helps move us towards emergency and “life-happening” preparedness.  It's a lot of fun! And my sister and her friend Kristina are REAL people, so there is no panic; it's about being more aware.

This week they are giving away two amazing gifts! First from Kelly over at Generation Cedar. She is graciously giving away a large skin care gift set! This set includes an 8 oz. Lotion, Shea Body Butter (4 oz.), Brown Sugar Scrub (4 oz.), Soap and Loofah Sponge.

AND I want this!

The second gift comes from a friend of theirs who is extremely talented in designing and making clothing.  She is a wealth of sewing knowledge and has a passion for making “real” women feel comfortable in their own skin.  She has designed a TOP SECRET apron--Ms. Theresa’s Apron Brigade apron. This is the apron you will love to put on whenever you feel your mommy super powers begin to flow!

AND I want this, too!

So.....go on over and enter for me yourself, and enjoy looking around, too!  If you win--you owe me!


Visit The Provision Room

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce


I baked some chicken thighs with this sauce, basting it every 10 minutes for an hour. I served it with some white rice.  (everyone liked it)


Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

2 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoon cold water

1 cup white sugar

1 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

lots of minced garlic

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

black pepper

red pepper flakes (to taste)

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and ground black pepper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.