SoftBums Mystery Diaper Event

I've been chosen to take entries for the SoftBums Mystery Event!
SoftBums just introduced the Omni Diaper!
Works as a Pocket, AI2 or just a cover. Great!!

You can WIN:

Prize - iPad!

1st prize - Complete Birth to Potty Package of SoftBums NEW Mystery Diapers!!

2nd prize - $75 to SoftBums.com

3rd prize - $50 to Amazon.com

Winners #5 - #20 - 1 SoftBums Mystery Diaper

Winners #21 - #23 - BabyLegs

You can choose to enter only one participating blog or bounce around and enter on ALL the BLOGS! A list of over 100 blogs can be found on SoftBums Blog HERE.

Sound like fun?

Start commenting for your extra entries now!

One comment for each entry

Follow the SoftBums “Love Cloth Diapers” Blog HERE

Tweet ”Enter to WIN a new mystery #SoftBums diaper and more from @softbumsmama! http://tiny.cc/yu1l2 @crunchybchmama #clothdiapers #giveaway 10/18″

Follow SoftBums on Twitter HERE

Like SoftBums on Facebook HERE

Tell why you are excited to try the new diaper!

Share this Mystery Event as your status on Facebook 

Leave a review on http://www.softbums.com/

Subscribe to my blog via email through feedburner

Follow me through Google Friend Connect ~ Become a BeachBum!

Grab my button and post it on your blog (leave link) ~  Thank you!

Blog about this giveaway mentioning my blog (leave link)

This giveaway is open to US Residents! Entries on Crunchy Beach Mama will be counted towards the first prize level and down, not for the iPAD. Winners will be drawn using random.org and 23 winners are chosen from all entries compiled from all participating blogs. Winner has 48 hours to get back to me after being contacted or a new winner will be drawn. Ends October 18th, 2010 at 8 pm CST!

Do you HyperMile?

What in the heck is hypermiling you ask?

It is a method of increasing your car's gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices.

I was first introduced to hypermiling a few years ago and to some extent have been practicing it ever since. You don't have to have a hybrid or small car to save a few gas bucks. Hypermiling works with any type of car because it is the way you drive it. It's easy and it makes me feel good that I'm doing my small part to prolong my gas tank.

If you google hypermiling you will find many tips and even videos on the best methods. Today I'll share with you what I do as I'm driving along.

Go the speed limit ~ I know this may be hard for some of you but driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph will lower your car's fuel economy by 10 percent. Driving 70 mph instead of 55 mph will lower your car's fuel economy by 17 percent!

Coast instead of breaking ~ As soon as you see a stoplight ahead turn yellow or is red, immediately take your foot off the petal. Try not to have to get to a complete stop. Plan ahead to determine what traffic lights are coming up and change speed accordingly. ~ Another way I use coasting is the drop off line at school. As I'm inching forward waiting for my turn, I don't put my foot on the petal but coast slowly up to my next spot.

Take off slowly from a full stop ~ It's not a race from the start position. Just this one adjustment will have dramatic effects on your gas mileage!

Cruise Control ~  I use it anytime I'm on a long, or even semi-long, stretch of road. Give your foot a break!

Lightening the Load - Do not keep heavy items in your car. Take out extra sports equipment, beach chairs, anything you don't use on a daily basis. I know someone who took out all of her car mats when she went on a road trip!


Don't leave the car running ~ For every two minutes a car is idling, it uses the same amount of fuel it takes to go about one mile. If the car will be in idle for more than 10 seconds turn it off!

Pull through the parking space so you are facing out ~ This is a funny one but it takes less gas just to drive forward when leaving then to back out.

Check Tire Pressure ~ Every month. Under-inflated tires are responsible for nearly 3.3 million gallons of wasted gasoline everyday. Digital gauges are the best because they are easiest to use and most accurate.

I've come kind of obsessed with seeing how long I can go on a tank of gas. I have records in my head that I try to beat. Now if I could only get Hubby to drive as well as I do :)

Do you think you will give these tips a try and become a hypermiler yourself?

Winners & More!

Winners!

Inspired By Finn - Baltic Amber Necklace

Michele said... 66 I follow you on Twitter @mileerom

Tree Huggers - Mama Cloth Pad

Karine Traverse said... 157 Follow you on twitter (@SAHMofDQ)

Halloween Event!

www.MamaAndRuby.com

Ruby Moon Natural Laundry Wash and Mama's Giveaways

have teamed up to create a spooktacular event!

You won't believe the prizes!

Join us October 28th at 9 am to October 31 at 11pm EST!

Join our online scavenger hunt to win fantastic prizes!

Register to Trick-Or-Treat and get hints on how to win!

Would like to get product reviews easier?

Are you a blogger?

Looking to get into reviews and not sure how?

Want to increase your pitches?

In essence, I'm taking the hassle out of pitching to companies, because the contacts in your weekly email will be companies who are ready and willing to work with you! All you do is contact them to set up your review!*

http://www.thecraftycharlestonian.com/2010/09/crafty-pr-connection.html

(Be sure to tell them Crunchy Beach Mama sent you!)

Ecomom ~ SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins & $15 Giveaway

Kids and vitamins are kind of a stressful thing for me. My kids do not like them! We've tried many types, flavors, brands, you name it. If one likes it, the other doesn't. EcoMom is introducing their newest supplement - SmartyPants Gummy Vitamins.

I was actually a little nervous to have the boys try them. Wonder if they didn't like them? What would I tell SmartyPants and Ecomom?

I told the boys in advance that we had a new vitamin coming to prepare them so they were excited when the package arrived. You what was inside besides the vitamins? Tattoos! O'Bear grabbed them out of my hand and RAN to the bathroom to put them on. It was hilarious! Four temporary tattoos and a bracelet come with every order.

Ok, back to the vitamins. We all tried them together. C'Man, O'Bean and I. The directions on the bottle told us to take four gummies in one day. It was around lunchtime so we took two right then. I have one word for you. YUMMY! They tasted like candy. Do you think the boys liked them? They did! Not only did they both like them but they both liked every color! No picking through the jar to find the right one. I'll tell you the secret to why they are so good. It's the organic sugar cane coating on top. YUM! But don't worry SmartyPants Gummies only have 5g of Organic cane sugar per serving (that is 80% LESS sugar than in a glass of unsweetened apple juice).

Follow the link to learn more about the vitamins - http://store.ecomom.com/SmartyPants-Gummy-Vitamins-1-Bottle-p/smp-gv-1.htm

What else I liked - Every time you buy a bottle of SmartyPants, they make a 1-to-1 matching nutrient grant to a child most in need through their partnership with Vitamin Angels. Awesome!

Now let's get down to the nitty gritty. How can you buy these fantastic vitamins? They are $24.95 for one month's supply but I have discounts for you! Buy in bulk - 3, 6, or 12 month supplies and save even more. Or use their easy monthly delivery and never have to remember to order again! However big of supply you decide to start with, there is FREE shipping going on right now.

And use this Discount Code - SBBL591 thru October 31, 2010 - and receive 15% off your entire first order for ANYTHING on EcoMom.com. How cool is that? They have TONS of eco-friendly baby products including toys, clothes, food, anything you need!

One more thing I want to tell you about while we're talking about discounts. EcoMom has a new program called EcoPass. For a $99 annual membership fee, you will receive a 15% discount on EVERY order as well as FREE shipping. We love our discounts!

WIN ~ To get you started EcoMom wants to give you a $15 gift certificate!

To Enter: I have a new FORM that I am excited to try instead of separate comments for entries. So repeat, do NOT comment. You'll have to use the SCROLL BAR to hit SUBMIT at the bottom:

MANDATORY - You'll provide your email, be a google BeachBum follower, and tell me what you learned about the vitamins when you clicked on that link I blogged about (not what I already told you :)

EXTRA chances to win are -

Like EcoMom on Facebook

Follow EcoMom on Twitter

Sign up for EcoMom's Newsletter Here

Like Crunchy Beach Mama on Facebook - use new easy plug-in on right sidebar - worth 2 entries! (I also have a $5 Amazon facebook referral giveaway going on for a short period of time so check out  my wall!)

Follow Crunchy Beach Mama through Twitter, RSS Feed, or Email (links top right)

Tweet or FB status about giveaway 'Win $15 GC from EcoMom.com @ecomomceo - Eco-Kid-Friendly products http://tiny.cc/sk9m1 from @crunchybchmama'

Grab one of my buttons

Tell  me how you you like my new form!!

I did receive this product free of charge from EcoMom to review. I was not compensated in any way and my opinions are my own. This giveaway is open to all residents of the US and Canada and open to anyone 18 years of age or older. It ends on Oct. 11 at 10:00pm.

Garage Sales

Raise your hand if you garage sale! Or maybe I should say add a comment if you garage sale!

Me Me Me!

This morning I took my two older boys garage saling (is that a word?) with me. O'Bear actually BEGS me to go and sometimes counts down the days until it is Saturday. This morning we had a neighborhood sale and we got out the house early. Look at what we found...

8 books  ranging from $.25 - $1 each

Toy Sword $.25

Webkinz Snake & Otter $2 each

Batman Plane/Motorcycle $3

Stickers & Pirate tub thing Free

Baby Pjs $2

Boy Pjs $1

Toy Vacuum $1

Baby Jumper $2

What is the best garage deal you have found?

What Social Media Works for You?

I'm a Facebook girl myself. Started out of course finding high school classmates, old neighbors, and even a childhood friend that I was delighted to meet again. Though I do still touch base with all of them, Facebook has become more "business" for me now. I "Like" almost 250 websites, companies, blogs, etc and I love it because I find the best deals, the coolest products, and even make some "facebook" friends.

I have a Facebook page for Crunchy Beach Mama. At first, it was just another thing I felt I had to have to be a part of the blog world. But now - I LOVE my Fan Page. I love interacting with my BeachBums. I love being able to tell them first about what great Features/Giveaways are coming up. I want it to become a page where all us Crunchy Mamas gather together to help one another out. We need that right?

I was hesitant about installing the Facebook Social PlugIn on the sidebar because it was another button that was taking up space that I might need. But I've gotten good feedback from it and my new BeachBum followers seem to enjoy the simplicity of it. So JOIN US right over here ------------------------->

EDITED to ADD - I have a $5 Amazon Giveaway going on my wall right NOW :)

I STILL don't have Twitter down pat. I know some of you tried to teach me about it once before because you really like it and think it works well for you. I use it of course, but not to the extent I should. There are many features of it I know I'm not taking advantage of. Just another thing to learn!

How do we find the time to be everywhere? :)

Which Cloth Diaper for Me?

I'm in need of a new diaper or two. I'm doing laundry to much! Help me decide what to get since I can't seem to WIN one from any of you bloggers :)

Currently, BumGenius takes over my stash - Pockets & AIOs. Their organic cotton AIO is probably my favorite diaper but it's not a leave-on-forever-especially-nights diaper. And I only have one.

Or my Doodle Dypes from Hyena Cart are FANTASTIC and Sandy's the best! Go look at all her Halloween Dypes for tonight's stocking...are you drooling...I am

I've gotten lazy and hate stuffing pockets. I'm thinking of going the Hybrid route. There are soooo many different kinds these days. But I have to have CUTE. Suggestions? I've been eyeing the WeeHuggers...

Or the SoftBums or Nicki's Best Bottoms (but she does not have cheap shipping)

What do YOU think? What do you LIKE best? Or tell me some more crafty MAMAs who make great diapers?

Lisa with Lil Boppers Giveaway

I came across the cutest little shop the other day as I was Etsy snooping. That site is so dangerous! I came across these rattle giraffes that I instantly clicked and into Lil Boppers I went.

Oh P'Diddy would have so much fun with this stuff I thought! Then what caught my eye was something I knew he would love the most...a crinkle toy! I contacted Lisa and she was kind enough to send him one! It was so funny because on the day we received our new toy he was trying to play with paper which I constantly have to keep away from him. He loves the noise it makes! Our package arrived and out of his hand I took the paper and into it, his new crinkle square. He gave me that look that said, "Aren't going to take this away from me?" And into his mouth it went. A win win for both of us!



We love the minky feel!

Another item I ordered was for my older boys. I couldn't leave them out right? Lisa makes Boo Boo Packs that you can keep in the freezer to make cold or put them briefly in the micro to keep warm. Perfect! And she makes pirates! Argh! O'Bear fell down the next day and ran straight for the freezer where I was storing our Pack. And C'Man came home from football practice and wanted me to warm it up for his aching back (or maybe his pretend aching back?! hee hee).

Let's hear a little bit more about Lisa ~

I am originally from Pennsylvania & am an avid Philly sports fan.  I have 4 grown children & 2 granddaughters Emma who's 10 & Kenley who's almost 2. My love of sewing stems back from when my Grandma taught me on her old Singer push pedal machine.  I enjoyed spending the time with her & learned so much!

How did you get started?

When Kenley was born her mom asked me if I could make a few burp cloths because the ones from the stores weren't absorbent enough. Her friends asked where she got them & that's how Lil Boppers was born!  As the baby has grown her needs changed from burpies to bibs & now toys.  My business has grown right along with her!

Are you a crunchy mama?

I guess your definition of a Crunchy Mama would not hold true to me since I am not a vegetarian. I love my Filet Mignon!

That's ok Lisa, I'm not a vegetarian either! :)

She makes lots of neat items. Here are a couple more I want to show off to you!


Isn't everything just the cutest? Lisa is so kind and wants to give you the chance to visit her shop and win either a Boo Boo Pack or a Crinkle Toy. You get to choose! To enter - click into Lil Boppers and tell us what your favorite item is. Comment your answer below. You must also be a BeachBum follower to win which is on the right sidebar.

After you've done that, we'll give you extra chances! One comment is one entry.

Follow Lil Boppers on Facebook here (it is called Kenleys Korner) & tell her Crunchy Beach Mama sent you! ~  1 entry

Heart Lil Boppers on Etsy ~ 1 entry

Purchase something from Lil Boppers (she will consider wholesale orders on certain items too!) ~ 5 entries

Like Crunchy Beach Mama on Facebook using my new FB plugin on right sidebar! ~ 2 entries (there is a $5 Amazon eCard giveaway on my wall!)

Network with Crunchy Beach Mama though Twitter, RSS Feeds, Email Subscriptions (links above) ~ 1 entry each

Tweet or FB status about the giveaway - '#Win a Boo Boo Pack or Crinkle Toy from #Etsy shop Lil Boppers #Giveaway @crunchybchmama http://tiny.cc/7jvyb' (or @Crunchy Beach Mama - on facebook) ~ 1 entry per day

Grab My Button (show me the link so I can see and thank you!) ~ 1 entry

Lil Boppers sent me a crinkle toy to review for this giveaway but I was not compensated in any way for the post. This giveaway will end on Oct. 4, 2010 at 10:00pm ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents all over the world and you must be 18 years of age or older.

This is Me Again

I was tagged by Heather from Acting Balanced blog to do a little questionnaire. I thought it might be fun to get to know me a little better with some fun questions :)

Here's how it works: I answer her 8 questions and then tag 8 people to answer 8 questions that I make up. Sounds simple, right?

Here it goes...

1. What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it?
I am ALWAYS reading a book! And I read many different genres. The last one I finished was called Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, Book 5) by Richelle Mead. This series is awesome and keeps me going but this was my least favorite in the series so far, but still good!

2. How often do you post on your blog? Do you have a schedule?
My goal is every other day. But no, not a set schedule. You have to be organized for that! :)

3. What is your favorite blog topic?
For me to read? About anything/anyone green, organic, natural. For me to write? Featuring Mamas (or anyone who makes homemade items. They are so talented and I love promoting them!)

4. What did you have for lunch today?
It's not lunch time yet but for breakfast I had a breakfast burrito

5. Where do you get your news?
From Hubby. He keeps me informed!

6. How do you handle stress?
Pray a lot to God, try to get some good sleep, and maybe a nice cry to let it all out.

7. What is your all time favorite movie? Why?
Not sure I have an all time favorite but I love musicals - Mamma Mia, Grease, Sound of Music are a few of my top favorites.

8. What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?
That I am not 100% crunchy, especially when it comes to my eating habits.

That was painless! I am tagging the following people from some of my FaVoRiTe FuN blogs...
 
Julie from A Year With Mom and Dad (visit her on Monday for a GREAT giveaway!)
Jaye from Eco-Friendly & Frugal (my idol blog :)
Kim from Chubby Cheeks Thinks (I visit almost daily because there is always something going on!)
Amy from The Cheap and Choosy (lots of cloth diaper giveaways right now!)
Melanie from Going Green With Noah (a great green blog with a fun Hop!)
Melissa & Tiffany from Home Grown Families (a wonderful family friendly blog!)
Krystal from The Clever Mommy Chronicles (one of the first blogs I ever followed. Love her look!)
Nicole from Mama to 4 Blessings (congrats on your 4th you'll be a busy mama!)

Your questions...

1) I'm also going to use the book one because I love to see what people are reading.
What book did you finish last and did you like it?

2) What are you up to this weekend?

3) When and Why did you start blogging?

4) What is your favorite part of your blog or blogging in general?

5) Do you recycle?

6) Are you crafty?

7) What is your favorite sport? A favorite team?

8) And I have to ask. Are you a crunchy mama? (definition up top under Steps to Being Crunchy)

That was SUPER fun! Can't wait to hear the answers and see who you pass it on to :)

This Is Me

Except for our cat ran away and the dog died. This is exactly how I've been feeling lately! I've been on overload between the kids starting school, participating in sports, watching extra kids after school, starting a part time job from home, promoting my blog, trying to keep the house clean, dealing with a crabby baby, getting no sleep. Shall I go on? You mama's know how it is! But would I change it? No! A crazy, busy life is a good life. Well maybe I could use a little more sleep :)

Inspired By Finn ~ Baltic Amber "Teething" Necklace Giveaway

It has not been fun around our household at times. Many times. Seven teeth in P'Diddy's first seven months. We've done the wet washcloths, the cold teethers, and I even broke down and tried the Baby Orajel once. I wish I would have had this wonderful "natural" remedy much earlier! Have you heard about the healing powers of Baltic Amber? It was long ago considered one of the leading "medicines" of its time. And I bet you think it's a stone. Nope, it is a fossilized tree resin.

Inspired By Finn operates out of Hyena Cart and they sell a TON of beads in different sizes, shapes and colors. We chose Earth Tones in the Chip style.

I have learned a lot about amber since receiving the necklace. I wanted to make sure P'Diddy was getting the full benefits of the necklace so we are following these simple "rules"

- make sure the amber is on direct and continous contact with the skin. So wear the necklace inside your shirt instead of out.

- should be worn as much as possible - take off at bathtime and sleeptime for little ones.

- the lightest color of amber contains the most succinic acid so has the greatest therapeutic benefit

- wear your amber as close to the discomfortant site as possible.

Did you know that Baltic amber is also good for many many things? Headaches, arthritis, carpal tunnel are a few and Inspired By Finn sells bracelets too! AND I was super surprised to see bead strands for your back! I ran to tell chiro Hubby about it. Helps with back pain and even menstrual cramping! 

Would you like to order from Inspired By Finn? I have some DISCOUNTS for you!

"Like" Inspired By Finn on Facebook and receive 20% off your order. Code FB20 at checkout.

"Like" on Facebook + "Suggest to Friends" and received 25% off your order. Code FB25 at checkout.

Would you like to WIN a necklace? Which one would you choose?

MANDATORY - Visit Inspired By Finn and tell me what 16" or smaller piece of jewelry you would pick! Comment below! Also, must be a BeachBum google follower of Crunchy Beach Mama for your entry to count.

Looking for more chances to WIN? Each extra comment is one extra entry!

Like Inspired By Finn on Facebook - tell them Crunchy Beach Mama sent you!

Make a purchase from Inspired By Finn during the course of this giveaway. Let me know what you bought! 5 extra entries/comments for this!

Request to be on Inspired By Finn's email list to receive sale and product information forfinn@yahoo.com

Like Crunchy Beach Mama on Facebook using my new FB plugin in right sidebar! ~ 2 entries (there is a $5 Amazon giveaway going on my wall!)

Network with me! Twitter, RSS Feeds, Email Subscription (confirmed!) - links above. Comment for each one.

Tweet and/or Facebook Status - '#Win Baltic Amber Necklace from @Inspired By Finn #Giveaway http://tiny.cc/rip15'. One per day.

Grab My Button

Inspired By Finn sent me a necklace for this giveaway but I was not compensated in anyway for the post. This giveaway will end on Sept. 27, 2010 at 10:00pm ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents all of the US & Canada and you must be 18 years of age or older.

Crystal with TreeHugger ~ Mama Cloth Giveaway

I am jumping up and down. Why? Because I get to tell you about mama cloth!

What is mama cloth you are asking? I don't believe I had heard the term either until I started cloth diapering. It is cloth menstrual pads. Yes, cloth pads! I know, your first reaction is to be turned off, but by the time you are done reading this post you will be hopping to try them out.

I have found the BEST of the BEST mama cloth pads and they are made by Crystal, a work at home mom to two children. How did she begin? I got started with mama cloth after my son was born in 2007. I cloth diapered both my daughter and then my son and started hearing about cloth pads. I was looking at ways to cut back our budget and was tired of spending money every month on disposable products. As soon as I tried a minkee topped pad I was in love and because I only had 3 pads total I used to wait impatiently for the dryer to be done so I could re-use them. That was when I tried my hand at making them and my business was born. Her business is called Tree Hugger and she sells out of the famous Hyena Cart.

What makes Tree Hugger pads so great?

1) They are soooo soft! Don't you just hate those itchy plastic disposable pads? These pads have a top layer of minky and a fleece backing. COMFY!

2) They are gorgeous! You wouldn't think to use that word for pads huh? Check out all of Crystal's fabrics HERE. I had so much fun choosing which patterns I wanted for my stash.

3) They have snaps! Yep, no stickiness or velcro. The snaps on the wings fold back into place for a great, stay in place fit. And fold them up to stick in your purse!

4) They are EASY! Store in a wet bag (also available!) Throw in with any load of laundry. There won't be any staining either as minky shouldn't leave anything behind.

5) They are cost effective! Think of how much money you spend every month. These pads can be used over and over and over again for many years.

6) They are great for the environment! As cloth diaper mamas, we talk about how much disposable diapers fill the landfill but think about disposable pads? We use them for around 40 years! That is a lot of pads!

I ordered the Sampler Package to test them out. I received a light & heavy day pad, a night pad, & a panty liner. I was kind of nervous the first time I wore one. What if they leaked? What if they were terribly uncomfortable? I was pleasantly surprised! The difference in wearing a minky pad and a disposable pad is like night and day. These are so COMFORTABLE that I don't even know I have them on! And they are very absorbent and have never had an issue of overflow. These are the ones I picked! Aren't they cute?!

The best part? Well, I have to say comfort is the best part, but the next best thing is how much I saved for just this month. Since I only have four pads, I threw them in the laundry each night (a load of laundry is always being done at my house) and used them each about 4 times. I just saved 16 disposable pads from being thrown into the garbage and saved my pocketbook a few dollars.

Another great fact - of course they don't contain chemicals so there is less chance of skin irritations and yeast infections.

Are you convinced yet? What are your questions? Your worries? Every woman should give these a try!

Are you ready to try SOFT, COMFY, ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Mama Cloth? You should be! Crystal's Tree Hugger's are FANTASTIC and I guarantee that you will love them as much as I do.

I'm thrilled that Crystal is GIVING AWAY a panty liner to help get you going! Though the winner will receive a surprise color in the mail, I want you to visit her website http://www.TreeHuggerClothPads.com and tell me what color/pattern you would choose if you were ordering a custom AND you must be a BeachBum follower! One comment for Mandatory Entry.

These are EXTRA entries  - done after you visited her website & become a follower. One comment per entry please.

- Become a Fan of Tree Hugger Mama Cloth on Facebook  - be sure to tell her Crunchy Beach Mama sent you (and notice she is giving away a $30 GC when she hits 800 fans!) 1 entry

- Purchase from Tree Hugger Here or Here and earn 5 extra entries (tell me what you purchased!)

- Like Crunchy Beach Mama on Facebook with my new FB plugin on right sidebar! ~ 2 entries (I have a $5 Amazon giveaway on my wall!)

- Network with Crunchy Beach Mama on Twitter, RSS Feeds, Email Subcription (links above!) 1 entry each - I have some great features/giveaways coming - stay tuned!

- FB status this '@TreeHuggerMamaCloth is giving away mama cloth at @CrunchyBeachMama. All women need to try these soft minky pads! http://tiny.cc/4r2gn' (hopefully the @ will pick up if you are fans of us :) 1 entry per day

- Tweet '#Win Mama Cloth from Tree Hugger Cloth Pads @crunchybchmama Great #cloth #green #giveaway http://tiny.cc/4r2gn' 1 entry per day

- Post Giveaway on Blog or Linky (post link) 1 entry

- Grab My Button (post link so I can see and thank you) 1 entry

Thanks for helping us spread the word! :)

This giveaway will end on Sept. 27, 2010 at 10:00pm ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents all around the world! But must be 18 years of age or older.

Winners & Cloth Diapers & Stuff!

I first want to send out a huge THANK YOU to my fellow BeachBums who now number over 300! And we made it past 100 Facebook Fans this week...be sure to Fan me...it's where you can hear about the SUPER DUPER Features we have coming up!!

I like posting winners but at the same time I'm always sad to see the current feature and giveaway end. It makes me happy whenever a entry is made because it means one more person now as knowledge of another crafty product made with love. Drum roll please...

Hand-poured Soy Candles from http://www.flamesandwicks.com/

    #45 Eco-Friendly and Frugal said... 45 I follow Heather on FB and left a message that you sent me! As Eco Frugal

You will love your candles Jaye! My friend just ordered and received hers and send me a message that said, "Got my new candles today!!!!!! Love them!!!!!!!" :)

Organic Sugar Scrub, Deodorant, Herbals Teas from http://www.lostrivernaturals.com/

     #106 Valancia said... 106 #2 I have Your button http://skyxsky27.blogspot.com/

Thanks for grabbing my button Valancia! I guarantee once you try Connie's products you'll be back for more! :)


Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week

I have sooooo many good things I could say about BumGenius diapers. That is why 80% of my stash is made up of their pockets, all in ones and even an organic bamboo one (which is my favorite and I only have 1!). I wash them over and over because if I didn't have any left then I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving the house in cloth, I couldn't put him in cloth for sleep time, basically I would be constantly changing him or worrying about leaks. My BumGenius diapers are the best and I need more!! :)

On a different note, I received an email from Jordan from Handmade Success yesterday who wanted me to tell you about a brand new free marketing planner she thought some of my readers might enjoy. Passing on!

http://handmadesuccess.com/help-selling-on-etsy/free-etsy-ebooks

Those are all my announcements! I'm working on a great post about hypermiling, reading through the Tightwad Gazette that I want to chat about, and getting ready to feature more great mama's and their terrific products ~ be sure to check back very soon! :)

The Beach

I was just telling Hubby the other day that our kids don't know how fortunate they are. To get to see the ocean and take trips to the beach whenever we have the whim to do so. Growing up in the Midwest was nice and our town was right on the Mississippi River so we did have water. But it wasn't the ocean! As you probably already know about me, I love love love the ocean.

We moved to the coast a little over two years now. We moved ourselves in the biggest truck we could rent and hauled Hubby's car behind it while I drove the kids and dog in our van. Do you know what the first thing we did when we arrived after two days of driving? Head to the beach! We were exhausted, dirty, crabby, and just wanted to get to our new rental house that we hadn't ever laid eyes on except for a few internet pictures. But even before picking up the keys, we dropped the moving van off in some parking lot and headed down to the shore to check out the Atlantic Ocean. The kids took off their shoes and ran! I have some great pictures from that day.

And we've had many pictures since then. Here are some more I'd love to share from this weekend.

And one day maybe I can actually live on the water...I can dream right?

Wordless Wednesday

Mama Chat

I'm a tired Mama. P'Diddy is not sleeping good. Or I should I say he barely sleeps at all. Aren't almost seven month olds supposed to get hours of sleep?  2 naps and a good 12 hours at night? Not my guy.

On a happier note my mom is in town visiting. Her first night here she made us dinner. Gosh, I miss my mom cooking for me. So yummy!

What have you got planned this holiday weekend? We're going to do lots of fun things including mini golf, county parks, & of course the beach :)

Recycle your Plastics!

It was announced a couple of weeks ago that my city is now recycling all plastics #1-#7. I am so excited! Most areas collect plastics #1 & #2 and if you have a Whole Foods nearby then you could drop off your #5s. But now nothing has to go in the garbage. Yay!


What household items can I now recycle from each category?

#1 plastics (PET or PETE polyethylene terephthalate)- soft drink & water bottles (though we use Brita water filter a lot!) are what my recycle container is mostly filled with. Other common ones you don’t think about as much are mouthwash, salad dressing, mayo, ketchup, bbq sauce & peanut butter jars.

#2 plastics (HDPE high density polyethylene) - milk & juice are the most widespread recycled items in this category. But don’t forget your cleaning solutions, detergent, medicine/vitamin bottles & even your contact solution.

Go through your bathroom & fridge and take a close look at the bottom of the plastic items – almost all of them fit in these two categories.

#3 plastics (vinyl or PVC) - not common at all for everyday use – siding, windows, wiring.

#4 plastics (LDPE low density polyethylene) - lids - from all the plastic kid cups from your favorite restaurants. Only #4 I could find around here!

#5 plastics PP (polypropylene) – is more common then you would think and was so glad I could drop mine off at Whole Foods. I collected yogurt containers, plastic cups the kids got with their meals, individual fruit & microwavable pasta/soup bowls, cream cheese, cool whip, & even my deodorant.

#6 plastics PS (polystyrene) – did you know you could recycle your plastic plates & cups? Yep you can! And your doggy bag containers from when you eat out too!

#7 plastics Misc – some food containers. I found an applesauce cup. Or if you are tired of watching your DVDs you can now throw them in the recycle bin! But I suggest you swap them – SwapaDVD.com

Do you recycle? What unexpected items have you found to put in your bins?