Congrats To...

Kelly of ... And Baby Makes Five!

You are the winner of the cloth dipe giveaway -- and I'll be sending you and email ASAP.

And if it wasn't your lucky day today -- I promise there's another cloth diaper giveaway coming up soon. Stay tuned, dear friends!

Also, if you're dying to get your hands on one of the dipes from this giveaway, be sure to check out their respective sites: BabyKicks, itti bitti & Thirsties!

Thank you again to these fabulous companies for participating in our #HauteGreen party at BlogHer'11. Merci, merci!

A Little #HauteGreen Love (& Cloth Diaper Giveaway)

Hiya! It's time for a little treat, courtesy of my trip to BlogHer'11 & the crazy awesome #HatueGreen par-tay! As I'll explain in the video, I was fourtunate enough to bring home a collection of cloth diapers from some of my favourite companies -- however, since G-slice is no longer using diapers at all, I'm passing the goodness onto you! Check out the video for more info & to hear a bit about the beginning of my trip to San Diego.

Want to win? Keep reading & enter below.

Up for grabs...

• One super soft bitti d'lish AIO
• One lovely BabyKicks 3g Pocket Diaper
• One beautifully striped Thirsties Duo Wrap 

How to enter...
First, simply comment below telling me why you'd like to win!

After that, if you'd like some additional entries, feel free to do the following (leaving a new comment for each):

• Follow @sofawned on Twitter
• Like So Fawned on Facebook
• Subscribe to So Fawned
• Tweet, blog or spread the word on Facebook

Giveaway ends August 25th at midnight. Open worldwide.

PS. Check out The Eco Chic's blog for some great #HauteGreen party pics!
PPS. Read more about the #HauteGreen Social Hour and say "hi!" to all of the coordinators/sponsors.
PPS. Did you like the awkward mid-video transition? My editing skills leave something to be desired.
PPPS. You should totally follow my awesome roomie, Morgan aka @mamalovespapa, for her Thursday #SmallStyle posts and more.

Daybook Love

Tonight seems like the perfect night for another entry in The Simple Woman's Daybook.

♥ Outside my window... the rain was falling briefly, but has now stopped.

♥ I am thinking... about the fact that I am now the mother of an amazing 18-month-old baby. Only maybe she's not such a baby anymore.

♥ I am thankful for... our beautiful breastfeeding relationship. In those first few weeks I never thought we'd make it this far, but here we are. I can't imagine not nursing and I don't think she could either. I trust that Gretchen will nurse for as long as she needs too.

♥ From the kitchen... I am excited about the fabulous bounty from our community food cooperative which I brought home this afternoon: salad mix, kohlrabi, summer onions, swiss chard, parsley, beans, radishes, carrots and cucumbers!

♥ I am wearing... my favourite jeans (as usual), a black tank top & my brown, button-up cardigan.

♥ I am creating... a lending library for my future doula practice, one book at a time.

♥ I am going... to be taking some photos at the wedding of two friends tomorrow. I wish them a lifetime of love.

♥ I am reading... The Doula Guide to Birth, Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner & yes, I'm still tackling Breaking Dawn.

♥ I am hoping... to get through most of tomorrow's wedding without crying, but there's little chance I'll be able to keep my composure. Weddings get to me every single time. They are just so beautiful.

♥ I am hearing... the sounds of the boy searching around the main floor of our house as he tries to find a guitar pick so that he can busk downtown tonight.

♥ Around the house... things are relatively tidy & I'm trying to fret less about mess.

♥ One of my favorite things... to do at night is to sit quietly in my living room, propped up with a pillow on the couch, a warm blanket, a cup of tea & something lovely to read. I only wish it happened more often.

♥ A few plans for the rest of the week... lots of family time, especially over the weekend & I'm hoping to finish at least one of my books.

♥ A photo for thought...

Goodnight, dear hearts & kind souls.

A Beautiful Sight

It's so good to see our cloth diapers drying on the line again! Thank goodness the warm weather is here -- and here to stay!

My Little Earth Bum Babe

I just wanted to share a quick snap of Gretchen's new diaper cover, courtesy of Enchanted Dandelions. It's adorable & we love it. (I should also mention that it was a custom order & arrived likety split!)

PS. The amazing kitty blanket that's hanging on the back of our couch was made by Ryan's mother & it's so good for snuggling while watching Frasier (which I've been doing a lot of lately).

Clothesline Love

Have I mentioned yet how much I LOVE having a clothesline? It's brilliant.

The other day I did a small load of cloth diapers & just had to take a picture of them hanging out like this in the sun.

(So far the only setback to line drying is when it starts to rain & I have to run outside like a madwoman to pull everything down before myself & my clothes were soaked!)

All worth it, I say -- and the bleaching power of the sun is fantastic!

There's also something so fresh about line drying your sheets. Ahhh, deep breaths.

The lovely diapers that you see here are from ES Baby.

More Cloth Diaper Love

I knew I was going to make a trip to the laundromat this evening so I was able to use some cloth dipes today, instead of all those disposables.

Here, the little miss is sporting another one of our new ES Baby diapers. This one's the old school tat print & I love it.





(In case you were wondering, she can't sit up yet -- but she's got a mighty lean going on here. Sometimes she can sit on her own for just a moment before slouching forward. Baby steps to baby sits.)

(I also love that it looks like she's waving, when really she just wants to get her mitts on my fancy camera.)

Goodnight!

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Fluffy Mail

Today my order of Essential Saltes Baby diapers came in the mail and they are gorgeous. I promise to post MANY photos in the future, but for now, here's a little fluffy sneak preview of the deer print diaper.

Other prints include dinos, dots, old school tats, bird cages, a map & more. I can't wait to post more photo -- soon, soon!



Also, hello you squeezable little baby thighs!

Note: Cloth diapering is a little difficult right now since my washer is TKO, but I'm doing my best. Thankfully we do live across from a sketchy laundromat.

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We Have A Winner

And the winner is:



Congrats to Sarahjenne!

Please email me (desireefawn at gmail dot com) with your colour of choice!

Thanks to Oh Simple Baby & to everyone who entered, much love and have a fabulous night.

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Last Day For AppleCheeks Giveaway

Hey there mamas! Today is the last day to enter my AppleCheeks giveaway! Click here to read all about it & comment away!

Contest ends tonight, 12am EST.

Peace.

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Cloth Diapering: AppleCheeks Giveaway

Hello to all you cloth diapering gurus and beginners alike!

After my recent guest posts on cloth diapers (thanks ladies!) I thought this would be the perfect time to do a cloth diaper giveaway!

Oh Simple Baby is an online baby shop, based in my hometown of Peterborough, Ontario. The owner has a penchant for natural parenting, eco friendly ideas & handpicks all of the fabulous items in her store. She carries everything from cloth diapers & organic mattresses, to BPA free items & beautiful wooden toys. (Also, a note to those who are local -- free pick up & delivery in the Peterborough area!)

Oh Simple Baby is offering the following cloth diaper prize to my lucky winner:
- 1 AppleCheeks cover (in your choice of colour!)
- 2 Inserts
- AppleCheeks Bamboo Wipes

From the Oh Simple Baby site: AppleCheeks™ cloth diapers and accessories are proudly designed and manufactured in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, making them 100% Canadian made! The diapers fit a larger range of babies than similar products on the market, and stand up better to the rigours of the washing cycle. They are fully customizable and can be used as a diaper cover over our hemp or bamboo inserts, with boosters for added absorbency if so desired, and fleece liners to keep baby's skin dry and rash-free. Alternately, the handy, wide envelope opening allows you the option of placing your absorbency underneath the microfleece lining, wicking moisture away from baby's skin and keeping him feeling nice and dry while still absorbing to the max! So many options in one diapering system!

To enter, visit the Oh Simple Baby site and comment here letting me know your favourite product that she carries!

You may earn extra entries by:
1. Adding me to twitter (@desireefawn) and tweeting about this contest!
2. Subscribing to my blog!
3. Blogging about this contest!

**Please leave one comment per entry -- four in total if earning all three extra entries!

Contest ends: July 1st, 12am EST!

Merci, and best wishes!

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Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #3

Photo by keli_h.

The following will be our last cloth diapering guest post -- thank you to all who participated! This post comes to us from Kimberly Rosas who blogs over at Dirty Diaper Laundry.

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So you are thinking about cloth diapering and you have no idea where to start. I have been there. I've logged hundreds of hours researching cloth diapers and I believe I can make your life a lot simpler by offering you a little bit of "been there, done that" advice. So, sit back and let me help you dive into the secret world of cloth diapers.

First, the thing you need to decide for yourself is this: Am I cloth diapering to save money, save the environment, or a combination? You can save a lot of money by cloth diapering; you can also spend a lot depending on the types of diapers you choose. Here is a run down of the different cloth mamas out there. You may start out using cloth just to reduce your environmental impact, but if you are like me, you will end a Fluff Addict.

Where do you look for information on cloth diapering when there are thousands of sites with the purpose of educating you? Here are the websites I found most helpful during my pregnancy.

Diaperpin.com
This website is best known for their extensive library of reviews of practically every diaper out there, including WAHM diapers (made by Work at Home Moms), accessories like pail liners and wet bags, and other cloth related items. They also have forums for more research or to ask questions on. Check out the about page, it will help you understand how many diapers you will need to begin with.

Diaperswappers.com
I found this to me be favorite site, both when first learning and now for information and shopping. There are forums for everything. You can ask questions on the Diaper Q&A Forum to very experienced moms, buy used diapers on their FSOT (For Sale or Trade) section, or talk on unrelated matters.

Pin Stripes and Polka Dots.com
Did you even realize that washing cloth diapers is not like tossing your diapers in a washer and pouring your favorite detergent in?Neither did I. Thankfully, I did my research before I ever made that mistake! This site has a handy chart of detergents to use on your diapers. It also all depends on the type of water you have. Remember, less is more. Usually half of the suggested amount or less will work to wash your diapers. Never use the full amount of detergent, ever!

Diaperdecisions.com
So you are trying to convince your husband that cloth really can save you money but when he saw the 18.00 diaper you wanted to buy, he laughed you out of the room. Been there. Here is an excellent cost comparison chart. They compare the cheapos like prefolds, all the way up to the cadillac diapers like All in Ones. Also, I wrote a post called- How to get your husband to cloth diaper, in case you need some pointers.

While looking at these sites did you become overwhelmed with the lingo? AIO, OS, AI2, DSQ, NIP, EUC, FFS, FL, EBF, ISO, IHA, OBV, PUL, etc? If you are diving into cloth you will need this dictionary of the terms used on diapering websites: Abbreviations/ Acronyms.

Now, you have decided you absolutely want to use cloth but you don't know which type of diaper is best for your family? I wish I had followed my own advice on this one. Try out everything. Do the research. You may think you are going to love the convenience of an All in One diaper. Set it and forget it. But once you start using them you find they are taking forever to dry. Or, you would like more absorbency. Here is my best advice: Buy used. Go to the FSOT forum on diaperswappers.com and buy a few prefolds and a cover, or two. Buy a pocket diaper like a Bumgenius One Size Pocket. Get an All in One Diaper, a fitted like Thirsties Fab Fitted, or get fancy and try an All in Two like a Piddle Poddles. You may find that you love one type, or love the variety. I personally like to mix it up depending on the situation. I like going coverless at home using Bamboo Prefolds; this helps me know when my son has wet. Out and about I prefer my Bum Genius AIO Organics. Later, your tastes may change as the eliminations of your child change.

Here are a few other ways to get started,
Try cloth for ten dollars at Jillian's Drawers.
Find a Diaper Service in your area.
Buy used at DiaperSwappers FSOT.

If you are reading this article while pregnant you are in the best possible position. Beginning cloth diapering takes a large initial investment. The cost is worth it; you pay upfront but never have to spend money on buying disposables every week. I began buying my diapers a few at a time, whenever there was a good sale. If you spend what disposables would cost in a week, over time you will have a sizable stash.

Don't worry if you already have a child, these tips are for everyone. No matter what age your child is, you can start cloth diapering. You may face a different set of challenges, such as sticky or solid poop, but it can certainly be done. There are so many options available that anyone can do it. So take a moment to consider the impact disposable diapers have on our planet: 500 years in a landfill, or two hours of washing and drying...

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Thank you so much for this informative post, Kimberly! I hope my readers have fun clicking through all of your great links.

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Check out the rest of the series here:
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #1
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #2

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Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #2

Photo by Nap Knits.

Welcome to the second of three fluffy guest posts! The following story comes from Shelly Taft over at Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother.

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About four years ago, my husband and I started to look at ways that we could save money. At the time my oldest was 8 months old, and one of the first things we did to save money was switch to cloth diapers.

While I knew that switching to cloth diapers would save us lots of money, I had no idea how cute and fun they would be! Since putting our first cloth diaper on my daughter, we haven’t looked back.

One thing I remember about starting up was how overwhelming it was. Today’s cloth diapers are not the kind your mother used. There are now so many different choices, both in type and in brand of diapers, that it can get confusing. So, here are some tips for those who are starting out:
There are four main types of diapers, and those are: prefolds, fitteds, all-in-ones (AIO’s) and pockets. The prices and convenience of each type varies, and when you are starting out you want to figure out if your main goal is saving money or if you prefer convenience.

If your main goal is saving money, then you should focus on buying prefolds and fitteds. Prefolds are the cheapest, costing around $20-$30 a dozen, depending on the type and size you buy. Prefolds are flat pieces of absorbent material, thickest in the middle for absorbing messes. They are less convenient than other types of diapers because you have to fold them and fasten them with either a pin or a snappi, and they require a waterproof cover. However, because they are so durable and inexpensive, they tend to make up a large portion of my stash.

Fitteds are more expensive than prefolds, but more convenient because they go on just like a disposable and are fastened with either snaps or Velcro. Like prefolds, they too need a waterproof cover, and at an average cost of $9 per diaper, they are more expensive than prefolds but less than AIO’s or pockets. Fitteds are great for when you are out and about outside the home, or when your baby is being watched by someone who isn’t familiar with how to fold a prefold.

If your main goal is convenience, then you might want to look into investing in AIO’s and pockets. AIO’s are the most convenient type of diaper, as the cover and absorbent material are sewn together, so you just throw the diaper on and your’re don e; no waterproof cover needed. They are very convenient for daycare providers, nannies, etc. The downside to AIO’s is that they take a long time to dry and they are more expensive, about $20 per diaper.

Finally, pockets are just like AIO’s except they have an opening in the back, which allows you to remove the absorbant material. The great thing about pockets is that, once assembled, they are as easy to put on as AIO’s. Plus, they dry faster because you remove the insides before washing, and they are less expensive than AIO’s. The average cost of a pocket diaper, with insert, is $15.
If your baby is a newborn, then I would recommend starting out with prefolds with covers and maybe a fitted or two; babies grow much too fast to make the investment into AIO’s and pockets worthwhile. When my second daughter was born, we started out with 2 dozen prefolds, about 8=2 0-10 covers, and a couple of pockets for nighttime and outings.

I hope this helps anyone who is starting their journey into cloth diapering. Trust me, between the money you save, the chemicals in disposables you avoid, and the reduction in garbage, it is completely worth it!

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Thanks so much for the post, Shelly! To my readers, please check back again tomorrow for guest post number three! Merci!

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Check out the rest of the series here:
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #1
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #3

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Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #1

Photo by keli_h.

Welcome to the first of three guest posts on the oh so fluffy subject of cloth diapering! The following is a guest post from Upstatemomof3 who blogs about her life & family over at Our Life Upstate.

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I did not come to cloth diapers by chance or by coincidence. I came looking for a better option. I was sick of my leaky disposable diapers. And cost was not really a factor for me. Actually cost was what kept me from making the switch. See, I had saved diapers and was probably not ever going to have to buy any.

I had run a daycare for the last ten years. And over the years people had brought diapers that their kids outgrew or brands they decided they did not like or whatever reason they thought they were useless. For the first few years I gave them to whichever other family they would fit. When Big Brother came along I used them on him but I did not have a ton so I bought some too. I didn't know about anything except the cloth diapers that are sold in Wal-mart then (you know the ones most people use as burp rags). So, after he was potty trained I decided to start saving them. And when Big Sister was born I had so many I knew I would never have to buy diapers for her. We were all set.

But then she constantly leaked. As in multiple times per day!! It was crazy. I had to buy a specific brand because it was the only one that lasted about 7 hours without leaks. And then she started sleeping 9 - 12 hours a night. Now she was waking up every morning all wet and gross plus she was still leaking and exploding out of them a few times a day.

A friend used cloth diapers and recommended I try them. I was really hesitant as they are a large initial investment. What if they did not work? But one of the local shops had a started package where I could rent a few days worth for a week for only twenty dollars. I did that and I was hooked. No leaks. Even all night. No explosive poo everywhere. No messy clothes.They worked great. I was totally in love.

I started out only using prefolds and Thirsties covers but since then have branched out. I use mostly pocket diapers now but I still like my prefolds and I have that AIOs are useful at times. I like them all. I have favorites, some for ease, some for cuteness and some for absorbency (really really important for overnight use). But all in all I am so glad I made the switch. It was the best decision and even though I had to spend some money on it I am so glad that we did it.

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What a great post, thank you for sharing your adventure with us! To my lovely readers, please check back tomorrow for out next guest post! Peace.

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Check out the rest of the series here:
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #2
Cloth Diapering: Guest Post #3

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Cloth Diapering: Advice From Some Savvy Mamas

Gretchen is sporting her cozy new fitted from ESBaby.

Since I am just getting started with my cloth diapering adventure (hurrah!) I thought it would be appropriate to bring over some guest bloggers to share their insights about how to dive into the world of the fluffy bummed babies. These ladies have been there, run the trials & come out with a wealth of knowledge.

I think we are going to learn a lot from them!

My guest posters shall be:
Upstatemomof3, from Our Life Upstate
Shelly, from Adventures of a Breastfeeding Mother
Kimberly, from Dirty Diaper Laundry

Starting this afternoon I'll be sharing their stories, tips & advice. Please enjoy!

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This Mama Wants To Be A Cloth Diapering Guru

That's right, ladies & gents. We're on a quest to be a full time cloth diapering family.

I've been using a few cloth diapers here & there, but I haven't quite made the transition to full time. We have six Sweet Cheeks & two gDiapers (I use cloth inserts instead of the disposable kind) & today I bought my first cover -- a Bummis Super Brite.

And so it begins.

There isn't a whole lot of selection in the downtown area where I usually do all of my shopping, but there are some really talented folks on Etsy that I've come across -- Essential Saltes Baby, Northern Baby, Winkydinks & Someday Sarah to name a few. Either way, I'm very excited to start creating my beautiful stash of cloth diapers.

For the past week or so I've been reading everything I can about the art of cloth diapering. Thankfully there are wonderful resources such as our "tweetup" last night on twitter. Every Monday night the cloth diapering wonders of the twitter world are meeting up to discuss all things cloth! Join us next Monday! (If you are unfamiliar with the whole "tweetup" concept, check out this post by Kim over at Dirty Diaper Laundry.)


Some fluffy bum flickr love.

Just look at how gorgeous those are! I'm already smitten.

Bit by bit I will learn it all!

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Keep an eye out for more cloth diapering posts, including topics such as why I want to be a cloth diapering guru and my trials & tribulations as I find my cloth diapering rhythm.

Wetting & changing & washing, oh my!

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