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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Mandy and Randy Review and Giveaway

You have no idea how excited I was to find this company, and to share it with all of you! I found MandyandRandy.com by accident while looking for something else and I fell in love with their products! The quality is amazing and I have not met nicer people in my life! Mandy is so awesome, and guess what? She uses cloth diapers!! How cool is that!? Who would have guessed that I would stumble upon this awesome green teething/toy gear and that the owner of the company would use cloth diapers!

Okay, now to the fun part! I am in love with everything about this company from how they began to why they do what they do. Here is an excerpt from their About Us page:

“Under a moonlit sky in Flowery Branch, Georgia over a backyard BBQ, Mandy & Randy was founded through a love for children and family. The recent recall of one of our young Emerson’s toys, and headline news of other toxic foreign toys, had turned the conversation to the concern for the future health of our children. Internet searches revealed alternative options to mass produced synthetic toys, paving the way for our inspiration of creating 100% natural wooden toys. Randy, a long time wood worker, said “I think I can make him a safe toy”. And he did. In fact, he made better teethers, rattles and rolling toys for Emerson to play with than any we have ever seen on the market, and thus, eight original Mandy & Randy toys were born.”

For my review I explained to them that I couldn’t decide between a teething  toy or a rattle. The rattles are made with dried corn on the inside! I could only imagine how cool that sounded, But with my LO teething right now, I know that we would probably use the teether more than the rattle. Well, they are so awesome they sent me both!! I reviewed not only the “Tye the Turtle” Teether but also the “Peace of Wood” Rattle. How cool are the names too!! The first thing I fell in love with was the packaging!
How cute is that! Wait till I show you what’s inside!

Well it gets better when you open the box and look inside! Here is what I saw!
Isn’t that just so cute!! I love the Tags and everything!
This is the “Peace of Wood” Rattle. It is made of all natural Maple Wood and finished with a 100 % pure Beeswax Polish so you don’t have to worry about your little one getting any kind of yucky chemicals in their mouth. On the tag it also tells you how to care for it which I loved. They don’t leave you hanging at all!

When I received these toys and really got to touch and feel the quality for myself I was even more in awe of the craftsmanship. You can clearly see through the pictures the quality of the work, but until you see it in real life, you are just missing out! These toys are clearly made with love and attention to detail. They are so smooth, and soft. (Yes I know I’m talking about wood, but it’s true!) They are also very light feeling, not as heavy as I would have thought. The sound the rattle makes is the best part! Of course it’s hard to describe sounds, but it does sound like pieces of dried corn rattling around in there! It’s so cool! Most rattles bug the heck out of me, they are just too loud, or irritating for me. I don’t know why, I’m not into a lot of kids toys that make the same sounds over and over and over again. They begin to grate on my nerves after a very short while. This rattle is of course the exception. It’s actually a pleasant sound. I find myself wanting to pick it up and shake it just to hear the sound. When the kids do it, I’m not screaming “Okay that’s enough, thank you!” which is unusual. At first I didn’t even realize this about the rattle, one of my kids pointed it out to me, and I was like “Hey you’re right, I’m not screaming at you every time you play with it.” So I think the kids like it for that reason too.

Another thing I love about this toy is how durable it is. It has been thrown down from various heights and hasn’t cracked or even dented yet. We took it grocery shopping and it was thrown from the buggy. LO has been in the Moby Wrap and it was thrown from there. It’s been thrown from the car seat onto the pavement. It’s been dropped a lot since we got it, and it still looks brand new.  I have no idea why heirloom toys like this haven’t been on my radar until now. Duh!! I could have saved tons of money if I would have had this attitude about quality , before my fourth child came along.  I’ve always been the one to want to buy cheap toys, just in case they break I won’t be out a lot of money. This review has made me realize, if you invest in good quality toys in the long run you will save money and still have something to pass down to your grandchildren. I think that is awesome! I’m going to be looking for more toys like this in the future for sure.

The other toy I reviewed was “Tye the Turtle” Teether.

Aren’t these little guys so cute! You’ll love the reason why there’s two in this box too!

Again, same as the “Peace of Wood” this toy came with care instructions on the tag and in super cute Eco friendly packaging. It is also made of Maple Wood and finished with the 100% Beeswax Polish. This has been the most popular with my 9 month old. She pretty much always has it in her hand and/or mouth. It’s the perfect size for teething. It was hard looking at the pictures on the web, although they are great I couldn’t get a feel for how thick they were. While they are thick enough to be sturdy, they aren’t too thick that a baby couldn’t get their mouth around it. I also love the fact that it can fit around my wrist like a bracelet, so I can always have it handy while grocery shopping. Whenever the baby starts trying to chew on the buggy I can quickly give her “Tye” instead. I’m sure they don’t recommend everyone putting it on their wrist in case it gets stuck on there, but I found it works for me.  These toys are just so cute you want to stare at them all the time. Whenever you pass by them in a room you always take a second look and think, “That thing is so cool!” If you want an Eco-friendly, safe, long lasting, quality toy I definitely recommend checking out MandyandRandy.com. You won’t regret doing business with them, they are so awesome! 

Mandy and Randy have also offered 15% off code!! Enter "nickisdiapers" during checkout! 

Giveaway Info:
Now for the fun part! Remember the picture above where there are two teethers? One is for y’all!! You get a chance to win it! You get a chance to feel the same as me about these toys!! Mandy and Randy were so generous by donating a “Tye the Turtle” teether toy for one of our followers!!  
Mandatory Entry: Go to Mandy and Randy and tell me what you love from their shop
2. Like Mandy and Randy on Facebook
4. Follow the blog and place your GFC name below
5. Share this review and giveaway and place the link below

This giveaway ends on June 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM EDT.  At that time I will choose a winner via random.org.  The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to email me back to claim their prize.  If the winner does not contact me back within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

*THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY JULIA*

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

AND THE MARIE'S COTTAGE WINNER IS....

DAILYMOM!  CONGRATS!!!  I will be emailing you now and when you get the email, you will need to reply within 48 hours to claim your prize.  After that time frame I will have to choose a new winner if you have not replied to my email.  Thank you all for participating and good luck on future giveaways!


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
8 
Timestamp: 2011-05-26 00:06:44 UTC

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

AND THE NEW BUG ON A RUG WINNER IS....

AMANDA!  Congrats girl.  I am emailing you now and you will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim your prize.  If it is not claimed in that 48 hours, I will have to draw a new winner.  Thank you! :-)


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
196 
Timestamp: 2011-05-24 21:20:07 UTC

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Marie's Cottage Review and Giveaway

Marie's Cottage sells cleaning products and room sprays.  She has four different lovely scents to choose from which include Lavender Orange, Rosemary Mint, Eucalyptus mint, and Harvest Cinnamon Orange.  They all sound so yummy smelling.  I did a review on the Lavender Orange All Purpose Cleaner and Room Spray.  I have to say it is one of the most lovely scents I have smelled in a long time.


These come wrapped up all cute and everything.  I loved being able to open them because it was like opening my own little present for no reason! :-)  I also liked that you had to put the spray part on yourself when you got it.   This seemed to keep the smell nice and fresh and also there was no breakage during shipping this way.


The All Purpose Cleaner worked fabulously.  I was able to clean up even the hardest messes with this stuff.  Not only that, it doesn't make me feel like I am choking in fumes!!!!


The Room Spray was a perfect companion to the All Purpose Cleaner.  I used it to give my kitchen, bathroom, and even our bedrooms the "just cleaned" smell.  Not only that, but because of the lavender in it, it seemed to help all of us be able to fall asleep a bit better.


Giveaway Info
You can win an all purpose cleaner and room spray in the scent of your choice.
Mandatory Entry: Check out Marie's Cottage and tell me your favorite item she sells
2. Like Cottage Homestead on facebook
4. Follow the blog and write your GFC name below
5. Follow the Cottage Homestead  blog and write your GFC name below
6. Share this review and giveaway and place the link below

This giveaway ends on May 25, 2011 at 7:30 PM EDT.  At that time I will choose a winner via random.org.  The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to email me back to claim their prize.  If the winner does not contact me back within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

AND THE BUG ON A RUG WINNER IS.....

SARAH G!!!!!  CONGRATS!!!!  You did not leave an email address, so I will need you to email me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

If you did not win, do not worry...Bug on a Rug has decided to make you all winners with a 15% off coupon code!!!!  With her already low priced diapers, you can now get them for even cheaper by using the code "Nicki15"!!!!  How generous of her!!!!

Thank you all for participating and good luck on future giveaways!!!!!


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
106 
Timestamp: 2011-05-19 01:32:57 UTC

Bug on a Rug Review and Giveaway

Today I am reviewing a fitted diaper from Bug on a Rug, but first I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about Bug on a Rug.  This mama sells much more than just fitted diapers.  She also makes hooded towels, swim diapers, AIO, diaper covers, leg warmers, trainers, superhero capes and fleece shortie soakers!  This is a well rounded shop where you can get a lot of everything!!!  Not only that, right now she is running a special where if you buy 5 diapers or trainers you get one free!!!!!  What a great deal!  She also has a deal that if you buy a diaper, you can get a pair of matching leg warmers for only $5!  I think I am falling more in love with this shop as it keeps going!  PLUS everything in her shop is so decently priced there is no way you could go wrong!


Now that I told you a bit about the store, let's talk about the fitted that she sent me to review.  She sent me a wonderful Sesame Street fitted diaper.  I love this diaper for many reasons.  Well, first of all it is adorable.  I don't see very many Sesame Street diapers out there and I would love to see more of them.  My son loves Sesame Street and pointed at the diaper where there was Cookie Monster and said "COOOOOKIEEE!"  I asked him if he wanted to put it on and he laid right down to get his diaper changed!  It was too cute and funny at the same time.  My son usually throws a big fit about getting his diaper changed, so this was a welcomed relief for me!


I also love this diaper because it has snaps.  I am in love with snaps.  My son has a bad habit of taking anything off that has the velcro on it, so again, another relief.  Not only that, these snaps are interesting and fit with the diaper.  She put on multicolored snaps in star shapes!!!  I have never seen anything but round snaps before this and I LOVE the star shaped snaps!!!!  It makes it stand out a lot from other diapers and definitely makes this diaper even more of an individual.




Another reason I love this diaper is because of how well it works.  This diaper is just amazing at absorbency. It is perfect for a nap or for running around the house without a cover.  He was able to stay in the diaper for about 4 hours before the diaper started to get wet on the outside (yes, I normally change my son much more often than this, but I like to put diapers to the real test when I am testing them for you mamas).  He even went outside and played for a while in it without a cover!


Yet, another reason that I love this diaper is the fit.  This diaper has an amazing fit to it.  It is nice and snug without being too snug and it also has a large enough rise for my HUGE son.  It is nice to find a diaper that fits him so perfectly with room to grow with him already being at 35 lbs!  


The last reason why I really love this diaper is because it is really soft.  It is soft on both the outside and the inside.  So, if Luke is not wearing a cover he gets softness all over...on his bottom and on his legs.  He seemed (obviously lol) to really love this diaper too.  So, I guess it gets four thumbs up, two from me and two from Luke (if he could point his thumbs up lol).


Giveaway Info
You could win a fitted diaper also!!!!
Mandatory Entry: Visit Bug on a Rug and tell me what your favorite item is in her shop
2. Like Bug on a Rug on Facebook
4. Share this review and giveaway and put the link below
5. Follow the blog and put your GFC name below

his giveaway ends on May 18, 2011 at 9:30 PM EDT.  At that time I will choose a winner via random.org.  The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to email me back to claim their prize.  If the winner does not contact me back within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

AND THE RE-PAC WINNER IS....

CALI!!!!  CONGRATS!!!  I have already emailed you and you have 48 hours to email me back to claim your prize.  If I am not emailed back within that time frame, I will have to choose a new winner.  Thank you everyone for participating and good luck on future giveaways!!!


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
23 
Timestamp: 2011-05-17 14:44:39 UTC

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

AND THE WINNER FOR WOOLIE BUBS IS.....

Amanda Herman!!!!  CONGRATS!!!!  I will contact you via email and you will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim your prize.  If I am not contacted back within that time frame, I will have to draw a new winner.  Thank you all for participating and good luck on future giveaways!!!!



Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
12 
Timestamp: 2011-05-11 23:54:12 UTC

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

RePac Review and Giveaway

RePac makes some of the cutest snack bags I have ever seen in different sizes and everything.  I think these snack bags were fabulous.  My husband tested them out for work.  He used the big bag for his sandwich, the medium bag for his fruit (which happens to be an orange that he brings), and the small bag for his walnuts.  He said they were very easy to use.  Not only that, because he munches on the walnuts throughout the day, he really loved the zipper instead of trying to have to press together a plastic bag.  He said that it was much more convenient.  Well, that night, when I was cleaning out his lunch box, I found that half an orange was still in the bag.  I was looking all over for a puddle of juice in there from it leaking, but it didn't leak!  




So, now for what RePac has to say about their product.  Please note that this is not my words, but I find it to be completely true.

  • "We make Eco-friendly everything bags locally here in California!  From sunglasses to sandwiches and toiletries, our bags are made to store your everyday items."
  • "Our bags are made to be money saving and waste reducing by eliminating or reducing your need for plastic bags."
  • "Our bags are Mold, Mildew, Water, Stain, & Leak Resistant and have a Lifetime Guarantee!"
  • "Our bags are easy to clean and fast drying!  Can be placed in the dishwasher or washing machine, or simply handwash by the sink.  Whatever fits into your lifestyle."
  • "All our bags are made o hold even juicy foods or watery items and the zipper keeps food fresh!"
  • "And all our bags are made 100% in the USA and are certified free of lead, BPA or Phthalates as all our bags are 100% plastic free.  100% nylon liner and 100% polyester outside."
So, as you see, RePac seems to have all the convince of using disposable plastic bags, however they are reusable and affordable!  

Giveaway Info:
You could win this set of RePac bags!


Mandatory Entry: Visit RePac and tell me what your favorite bag is
2. Like RePac on Facebook
3. Like me on Facebook
4. Follow the blog and place your GFC name below
5. Share this review and giveaway and place the link below

This giveaway ends on May 16, 2011 at 7:30 EDT.  At that time I will choose a winner via random.org.  The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to email me back to claim their prize.  If the winner does not contact me back within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

*THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY NICKI*

Thursday, May 5, 2011

WoolyBubs by Cuddlebubs Creations Review and Giveaway

Today I am reviewing the amazing woolybubs made by Cuddlebubs Creations.  She has some other amazing products also in her shop that you must check out.  The Woolybubs are wool drier balls.  These are the cutest wool drier balls I have ever seen.  I love the color of them and I also love the size.  They are a bit smaller then other ones that I have used, but that is what makes them so perfect for mulit-purposing.  What I mean about that is that I can use them in the drier, when I am not using them, my son can play with them.  It gives him a nice soft ball to throw around the house that will not hurt mommy or baby if he hits either of us with one of them.  Also, they are amazing in the drier.  These drier balls really helped reduce my drying time and also reduced the static that happens in the drier when I do not use drier sheets.


Also, because I have a son, these wool drier balls gave me a bit of a girly feeling.  There is not much girl in the house due to me being overwhelmed with testosterone hehe.  Even our bunny is a boy!  So whenever I receive something a little girly, I love it even more!!!

Giveaway Info:
You can win three Woolybubs in the same color as me
Mandatory Entry: Visit Cuddle Bubs Creations and tell me what your favorite item is in her shop only
2. Like me on Facebook
3. Follow the blog and place your GFC name below
4. Share this review and giveaway and place the link below
5. Like the Inspired Congo on facebook

This giveaway ends on May 11, 2011 at 7:30 EDT.  At that time I will choose a winner via random.org.  The winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to email me back to claim their prize.  If the winner does not contact me back within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Good luck!

*THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY NICKI*

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

AND THE WINNER FOR THE $20 STORE CREDIT IS....

WEE EXPRESSIONS!!!!  CONGRATS!!!!  I will be sending you an email now with the voucher code and information on using it.  You will have 48 hours to contact me back saying that you accept it before the voucher code will turn invalid.  Thank you all for participating and good luck on future giveaways!!!!


Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
5 
Timestamp: 2011-05-05 00:05:34 UTC

Sunday, May 1, 2011

E.M. Wade Review and Coupon Code

Today I have a lovely wool cover to share with you all.  The wool cover I am reviewing is a size XL.  The first thing I noticed about this wool cover was that it was A LOT thicker then a few other wool covers I have.  So, I put it to the test.  I tried it for a nap first, and there was no leaks.  So, I let the cover air dry and decided to try it for the dreaded overnight...which is just HORRIBLE and why I got the wool cover a bit larger because his diapers at night are horribly huge lol.  Well, it worked overnight also with NO LEAKS!!!!  I was SO happy.  


Now, here is the thing...if I put it on him during the day, it is a bit large on him without his huge overnight fluffy butt.  However, it still does work!  It amazed me that a cover would work even when it did not have the proper fit.  Most covers you need an insanely perfect fit for it to work the way it was intended to.  I am truly amazed with the work this cover does.
PLEASE NOTE THAT I ASKED FOR THIS WOOL COVER TO BE A SIZE
XL TO GIVE THE EXTRA SPACE FOR NIGHT TIME DIAPERS.
THESE PICTURES OF MY SON WEARING THE DIAPERS IS DURING THE DAY
BECAUSE HE IS NOT VERY PHOTO FRIENDLY RIGHT BEFORE BED.


Also, not only are these covers amazing, but they are insanely adorable too!!!!  Seriously, they really are.  They are also relatively cheep as a wool soaker goes (only $11!!!).  I LOVE the American Eagle one that she has right now!!!  


You can check out E.M. Wades here and look around for anything that you may need (or should I say want for all of us fluff addicts hehe).  Emily, the owner and maker, also has a facebook that you can like here.  


Make sure you check out Emily's store for some of the cutest wool soakers, longies, shorties and other items and don't forget to use the coupon below!!!! :-D


Emily was so gracious to offer a coupon
code to all of my fans!!!!
Use: "nickireview15" for 15% off!!!

*THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN BY NICKI*