Mother-ease Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway

Ah, a new kind of cloth diaper that I'm getting little Brandon to try other than the pocket diapers he previously used. I was given the opportunity to try Sandy's Diaper and Air Flow Cover made by Mother-ease Cloth Diapers.






Sandy's™ Cloth Diapers

Sandy’s cloth diapers come in two main sizes: Small (8-20 lbs.) and Large (20-35 lbs.) Mother-ease also offer Newborn and Toddle-ease cloth diapers which is a custom fit for newborns and toddlers.

Their cloth diapers are made from soft, stretchy terry cloth with an extra layer of absorbent terry sewn to the inside of the diaper. The snap buttons makes it easier for putting on and taking off as well as extra snap buttons to adjust for better fit. As stated on the description, Sandy’s cloth diaper is one of the most absorbent cloth diapers and holds 15 oz. It is a bit more thick and bulky though. Compared to the pocket diapers I had Brandon used, Mother-ease Cloth Diapers are more absorbant. The cloth diaper does get wet through the front, but thank goodness for the Air Flow covers that protected the clothing.

Washing and cleaning is easy. I hand-wash and hang dry the Sandy's Diapers. I realized it does take a longer time and extra few days for it to be completely dried (due to the multiple and thick layers).


Sandy's™ Air Flow Snap Cover

This is a great quality, cloth diaper cover that is soft, durable and waterproof. The adjustable snaps at the waist and leg openings has an air ventilation system between the snaps to allow air circulation. The Air Flow covers are designed to fit snug enough to hold the diaper in but not too tight on the legs or waist.

Again, washing and cleaning is easy. I hand-wash and hang dry the diaper covers. It dries very quickly. Little Brandon likes them and no more leaks through from the sides of the cloth diapers. I am using the Sandy's Air Flow cover with all other cloth diapers. It fits great and is available in a variety of prints and colors.


Sandy's™ Absorbent Liner

The liners are made with terry cloth and has triple layer absorbency. The durable surged edge ensures no rips or tears. It's soft on Brandon's little bum and did not cause any reactions or rashes.










BUY IT Mother-ease diapers can be purchased directly from their online store.




WIN IT
Mother-ease Sandy's Cloth Diaper Giveaway

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a pair of Mother-ease Sandy's Cloth Diaper and Air Flow Cover. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit their website at http://www.mother-ease.com and tell me in the comment below what designs/colors would be your choice if you win.


For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on Google Friend Connect on one of my other 2 blogs (1 entry)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow Mother-ease on Twitter @Motherease (2 entries)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE Mother-ease Cloth Diapers on Facebook and post on their wall that Jennie from "Baby Brandon's Adventures" sent you (3 entries)
8) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
9) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following (3 entries):  
Enter to win a pair of Mother-ease Sandy's Cloth Diaper @Motherease. Review & Giveaway @jennieyuen -http://bit.ly/aPohyx
 

Contest is open to Canada and US residents. Contest closes October 31, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received a Sandy's Cloth Diaper from Mother-ease in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

JUMBiES Plush Toys Review & Giveaway

What are JUMBiES? They are mixed animals and are the next Beanie Babies. I used to collect beanies when I was younger, but gave them all away with only a few left. It think JUMBiES is a pretty clever name and quite a creative idea. These "jumbled" animals are adorable and now are the newest collectible plushies, especially for Brandon. The kids can also learn what animals are mixed. We received the following three: Leopird (leopard+bird), Pigbit (pig+rabbit), and Horsefly (horse+butterfly). Little Brandon's favorite is the Leopird so far.






Here's a brief story of how JUMBiES came about: There were more babies being born than ever before. The storks had to deliver them from shore to shore. Some storks turned left when they should have turned right. Everything went wrong even though they were trying their best. Then in began to happen in a flash! One by one they started to CRASH! Every stork crashed and tumbled. All the baby animals were jumbled! There were no zebras or elephants around, but they found lots and lots of zelepants around. Click here for the detailed story...

There have been 12 different JUMBiES discovered so far in JUMBiELAND! Each JUMBiE is different in their own special way, just like you are! Get to know each JUMBiE by visiting them at JUMBiELAND. New JUMBiES are discovered in JUMBiELAND all the time so check back soon!




BUY IT  The JUMBiES can be purchased directly from their online store.






WIN IT
JUMBiES Plush Toys Giveaway

Two (that's right, 2) lucky readers will have a chance to win & adopt their very own JUMBiES. Chosen winners will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit their website at http://www.jumbieland.com and tell me in the comment below what which one is your favorite JUMBiE. 


For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on Google Friend Connect on one of my other 2 blogs (1 entry)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow JUMBiES Twitter @jumbies (2 entries)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE JUMBiES on Facebook (3 entries)
8) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
9) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following (3 entries):  
Check out JUMBiES @jumbies. They have been compared to the next Beanie Babies! Review & Giveaway @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/aRRKI8
 

Contest is open to US only including APO's. Contest closes October 31, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received some JUMBiES Plush Toys from JUMBiES in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Zibits Mini R/C Robot Giveaway WINNER

Hi everyone! I am so sorry for the delay. I almost forgot about this one. Winner is announced for the Zibits Mini R/C Robot Review & Giveaway that ended September 15, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

3 Giggly Monsters (#3) with the comment:

Following you on twitter.
megankayden
m*********n@yahoo.com
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 6:14:00 PM

(Email blocked for privacy)



I have sent you an email. Thank-you everyone for participating in this giveaway contest. Check out my other current giveaways.

Johnson's Natural for Babies and Kids Review & Giveaway

For generations, JOHNSON'S Brand has provided moms with carefully designed baby products that are clinically proven to be mild and gentle. JOHNSON'S Brand has recently introduced their new JOHNSON'S NATURAL products, an addition to the line of baby and kid's products that contains a combination of natural plant and fruit-derived ingredients. Natural oils cleanse and hydrate, while helping to nourish baby's skin.




The new Johnson's Natural product line consists of the following:

• Johnson’s Natural Baby Lotion
• Johnson’s Natural HEAD-TO-TOE Foaming Baby Wash
• Johnson’s Natural Baby Shampoo
• Johnson’s Natural Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo Conditioner & Body Wash
• Johnson’s Natural Kids 2-in-1 Hand & Face Foaming Wash

These are formulated to be gentle enough for newborns, contain no essential oils, paraben-free, dye-free, allergen-free, and dermatologist tested.







Brandon has really sensitive skin, but his eczema is well under control now. We used the usual Johnson's Baby wash before, but stopped for a while because the fragrance was a bit strong and didn't help with his dry skin. Since the new Natural line was developed, I really like this much more. I like the light scent and it isn't over-powering.


Johnson's Natural Head-to-Toe Baby Wash
This is a nice gentle wash with a clean and natural scent. I like it not too foamy and doesn't easily get into eyes. Brandon likes the foamy pump and wants to try pumping the soap himself.

- 98% natural from plant and fruit-derived ingredients
- NO MORE TEARS Formula
- Paraben-free, dye-free, and allergen-free
- No essential oils

- Convenient pump-and-foam bottle



Johnson's Natural Baby Shampoo
This one doesn't have a foam pump so it runs out fast from the spout. The gel-like shampoo is nice and the smell is not very strong. It also lathers up nicely and gives Brandon's hair a nice soft feeling. To prevent the shampoo running into his eyes, I have him wear a bath visor. It makes washing and rinsing his hair easier.

- 98% natural from plant and fruit-derived ingredients
- NO MORE TEARS Formula
- Paraben-free, dye-free, allergen-free, and no essential oils



Johnson's Natural Baby Lotion
The lotion non-greasy and is fragrance-free. It leaves Brandon's skin moisturized and soft and didn't cause any reactions.

- 99% natural from plant and fruit-derived ingredients
- NO MORE TEARS Formula
- light and natural scent
- Paraben-free, dye-free, and allergen-free
- No essential oils
- Convenient squirt pump in bottle


Johnson's Natural is also available for kids. As with Johnson's Baby products, the kid's shampoo and the foaming wash is designed to be mild and gentle enough for sensitive skin and everyday use. Its natural formula is made from a blend of ingredients specifically chosen to effectively do multiple jobs.

Johnson's Natural Kids 2-in-1 Hand & Face Foaming Wash
The convenient pump-and-foam bottle makes cleanup time easy and fun for kids while producing substantial lather for an enhanced cleansing experience. The natural oils gently cleanse and hydrate, while helping to nourish a child's skin.

- 98% natural from plant and fruit-derived ingredients
- NO MORE TEARS Formula
- Paraben-free, dye-free, allergen-free, and No essential oils


- Convenient pump-and-foam bottle


Johnson's Natural Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash
The simply made formula gently washes your child's skin and cleans and conditions your child's hair with a single product. I like the all in one bottle that can do multiple jobs. As with kids, sometimes less is more.

The new JOHNSON'S NATURAL products are at least 98% natural and the remaining 2% ingredients are dedicated to the ongoing safety and preservation of their gentle formula.







WHERE TO BUY
Johnson's Natural products are now available for purchase at most food, drug and mass-market chain stores.





WIN IT
Johnson's Natural Product Giveaway

One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a gift set of the Johnson's Natural Producdts. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit their website at http://www.johnsonsbaby.com and tell me in the comment below what are your other favorite Johnson's Products. 


For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on Google Friend Connect on one of my other 2 blogs (1 entry)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (3 entries)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following (3 entries):  
Enter to win Johnson's Natural for Babies and Kids. Review & Giveaway @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/blNPvP
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes October 30, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received Johnson's Natural products in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to RF|Binder and Johnson's Baby. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Back to Using Cloth Diapers

Recently, I've decided to go back to using cloth diapers on Brandon again and try to be more eco-friendly. Brandon did use cloth diapers when he was about 4-6 months old. He used it for a very short time and I stopped because I was always tired and didn't want the hassle of scrubbing and cleaning them each time.

Now that Brandon is eating solid foods and his poop is more regular (instead of the water type when he was just a little baby), cleaning is a bit easier. So Brandon has been using cloth diapers for about a few weeks now and changing him about 8 times a day while at home. I still have Brandon wear disposables during bedtime and when we are out for long periods. The cloth diapers do leak occasionally if it gets really full. No experience with any diaper rashes as we are changing it often. He is still in the process of potty training for quite some time now (on and off for several months). The cloth diapers will be his training pants... kinda like big kid underwear.

I purchased the "BabyLand" (n Company in Asia) AIO pocket diapers through eBay. They have a variety of colors and designs, but I only wanted set all on 1 particular unisex design. I ordered 10 diapers with 20 inserts and thought it would be enough for my stash. The diaper cover inner liner is polyester while the liners/inserts are microfiber. I like these ones with the snap-on buttons as I can adjust the size as Brandon grows. These are easy to wash. I hang dry them they they dry pretty fast. I should have kept the ones I had before. Anyways, here's a pic of the diapers with the microfiber inserts.





So far, I am saving a bit with less spending on disposable diapers. I will still occasionally use disposables on long trips away from home. I would've saved a lot more if I thought about this earlier, like few to several months back.

Don't forget to check back for my upcoming cloth diaper reviews and GIVEAWAYS from various known cloth diaper companies.

Brandon's 2nd Birthday

Today is officially Brandon's birthday and he is now 2 years old. Wow! Happy Birthday from Mommy and Daddy!

It was a busy day yesterday (Saturday). We planned a family get-together and a pot luck dinner party for Brandon. In the afternoon, we picked up Brandon's birthday cake. I think the most exciting part about the dinner party was the special customized cake. Since Brandon's favorite Disney character is Lightning McQueen from Cars, we had a customized 3D car cake created. We had ordered it in advance because it required a lot of work to make it. Expensive, yes, but just for little Brandon for once. I wanted to take a lot of photos before the cake got sliced. It was too pretty to eat up. hehe...





Mmmmmm, chocolate!


More photos on my Flickr Photo Gallery.

Thanks to Pastry Chef, Kaeko Kanno, who did an amazing job. She is the owner of Kreation Artisan Cake, located in Vancouver, BC.

Free Animated Books from StoryTimeForMe.com

STORY TIME FOR ME is a unique literary website designed specifically for toddlers and children in early elementary school, allowing them to read and listen to enjoyable, online interactive children's books. They also offer a one-of-a-kind animated personalized picture book.




Brandon was showing a lot of interest with these interactive online story books. Like I mentioned before, he loves books and always ask me to read him the stories. He's a fast learner and he learned a lot, especially with recognizing objects. He's also learning to understand a bit of what is happening in the children's story books from STORY TIME FOR ME. I've been using my tablet PC to let Brandon view the stories at his bed. The online story books are his bedtime stories now.




The stories are well written and narrated and the illustrations are quite colorful and detailed. You will be amazed at how the children's stories comes to life with animation, professional narration, music, sound effects and word highlighting. I wish that the animated books would be available for download or on DVD because we don't always get access to the internet all the time. And we have bad internet connection. It would be great for Brandon when we're traveling too.

Here's some great news! Everyone will receive either 2 or 10 books for free! These books normally costs $24 each. This is a great deal. You have two options:

1) To get 2 storybooks for free, simply click on the button below and it will direct you to a form to fill out your information. You can share this with friends or family as well for them to receive the free books.

2) To get 10 storybooks, go to http://www.StoryTimeForMe.com/10.doc to download a separate form and filling out your information on there. Refer 10 "unique" friends that have not yet registered at Story Time For Me. You're also doing friends a favor by giving each of them 2 free books as well, but you'll need to ask if they want to participate.



If you like, you can become a fan on Story Time For Me Facebook Page here: http://storytimeforme.com/facebook


View the Video Demo



Disclosure: I received 50 complimentary books from Story Time For Me for my review. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Tag*a*long Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

One day, I was walking in the mall with my toddler, Brandon, beside me who's holding on to the side of the stroller. He looked a bit awkward and I was trying so careful and making sure he wasn't too close to the stroller wheels. I thought to myself that there's got to be a product that my toddler can hang on to and be close by my side. I've seen kids with little back packs and a strap attached, but thought those would be expensive and didn't want to get them. Then I discovered the Tag*a*Long created by Naptime Indistries, LLC. I was given the opportunity to review their product.



What's a tag*a*long? It is a fun way for kids to walk comfortably next to a stroller and keep them close to you. The tag*a*long gives those kids a place to hold while moving about and a place to come back to when the fun is done.

Brandon actually likes holding on to the tag*a*long while walking with the stroller when he doesn't want to sit in it. To my surprise, he would occasionally ask where the "blue handle" is and wants to hold it while walking along with me when I'm pushing the stroller. Though the reads that the recommended age for use is 3 and up (Brandon is 2), it was useful for me and Brandon. He already figured out what it was used for when I told him it was for him to hold if he wants to walk.



Every time Brandon holds on to the tag*a*long attached to our stroller and while walking to Frog Hollow Neighborhood house for the family drop-ins, parents would tell me that it's such a great idea. Even strangers walking along the street or at the mall would comment that it is neat and it is a great idea. Brandon was being a good boy too! One time, I had a lady (a mom) asked me where I got it. I happened to have that product card with me that has the website name and I gave it to her.

Here's just a short clip in action of Brandon holding on the tag*a*long.


WHERE TO BUY:
The products are available for purchase directly through their online store or on Amazon.com.

WIN IT
Tag*a*long Giveaway

If you like to win it, one (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win one tag*a*long of their choice of color. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org.

Mandatory Entry:
1) Visit their website at http://www.tagalongkids.com and tell me in the comment below which is your favorite color of the 4 available.

For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
5) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (2 entries)
6) LIKE Tag*a*long on Facebook and post on their wall that Jennie from "Baby Brandon's Adventures" sent you. (3 entries)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Enter to win a Tag*a*long Kids Product; a fun way to keep kids close. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/btEAk6
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes October 21, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received the Tag*a*long product at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to Tag*a*Long Kids and Naptime Industries. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Theraneem Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin Review & Giveaway (Closed)

I recently read about a unique kind of cleansing soap called Theraneem Organix by Organix South. They offer high quality neem products. They are organic soaps made with only organic Neem oil, organic olive oil, coconut, palm, jojoba, and wild-African shea butter. I received a trial-sized sample of the Neem Therape Cleansing Bar for Kids & Babies as well as the Ultimate Support Orange & Ylang Ylang Neem Therape Cleasing Bar. I was hoping to receive the full-sized bars for my review so I can find out if I noticed any improvements on Brandon's skin in the long run.  The scent was nice, but it was a bit stronger than what I expected.







Neem Therapé Cleansing Bar for Kids & Babies

Packed with antioxidants, Neem protects nourishes and moisturizes even the most sensitive skin. With 10% certified organic Neem oil, this bar is ideal for face & body; gently calming and cleansing for sensitive kids and babies. Hand-crafted with only the finest quality organic oils.

Paraben Free • Sulfate Free • Gluten Free | *Made with Certified Organic Ingredients




Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) Extract*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil *, Aqua/Water/Eau, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil*, Sodium Hydroxide, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil*, Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract.


Ultimate Support Orange & Ylang Ylang Neem Therapé Cleansing Bar

Packed with antioxidants Neem protect, nourishes and moisturizes even the most sensitive skin. With 20% certified organic Neem oil, this is our most concentrated and beneficial bar. For challenged skin, scented with Orange & Ylang Ylang. Hand-crafted with only the finest quality organic oils. Neem oil has been used for centuries in the treatment of skin disorders. This mild, deliciously scented soap is great for irritated, itchy and sensitive skin.



Paraben Free • Sulfate Free • Gluten Free | *Made with Certified Organic Ingredients

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Seed Oil*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Hydroxide, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Calendula Flower Petals.


WHERE TO BUY:
The products are available through their online store, Amazon.com, or search for a retailer near you.



WIN IT
Theraneem Organix for Kids & Babies Giveaway






If you like to win the products, one (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win the new Theraneem Cleansing Soap bar for Kids & Babies as well as the Shampoo for Kids. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Visit http://www.organixsouth.com and tell me what you learned about their products.

For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entry)
3) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
4) Follow Organix South on Twitter @OrganixSouth (1 entry)
5) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
6) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (3 entries)
7) LIKE Organix South on Facebook (3 entries)
8) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
9) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following line (3 entries):  
Enter to win @OrganixSouth new Cleansing Soap Bar and Shampoo for Kids & Babies. Review & Giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/95nI03
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes October 18, 2010 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I only received trial-sized samples of the soap bar to try from Integral Marketing. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.