1. It uses e-ink technology. That means NO backlit screen. It reads like paper and doesn’t cause the same eye strain as reading on a computer or iPhone. It also means a very long battery life {a month at a time} if you turn the wireless connection off.
2. You can get a lot of free and really cheap books, especially the classics.
3. You can read it in the bathtub! Just buy a water-proof or splash-proof case and you’re good to go. Or you can do the poor-woman’s version and stick it in a gallon-size Zip-loc bag or double-bag it if you’re paranoid}.
4. You can put your own documents on it. Amazon will even convert them to the right format for you. All you have to do is e-mail the file.
5. I am the proud owner of one!

That’s right. I saved up all my birthday money, and all my Christmas money {thanks again, Mom!} and all my other spending money and ordered a second generation Kindle in January. Verdict? I’m in love. I used to think e-readers were silly. But then I learned about the e-ink technology and decided to give them another look. I’m very glad I did. Faramir {that’s my Kindle’s name, Faramir Took} is easy to read with one hand. That makes reading while breastfeeding much, much easier. Every time we’ve moved I’ve left behind a lot of books {they’re heavy and they take up a lot of space}. Now I don’t have to do that; considering we’ll be moving again relatively soon that’s a comfort. Plus I can take notes and “clip” sections. I can also scroll to a word I’m unfamiliar with and the definition pop-ups. Neat, huh?
An e-reader isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. And don’t think I don’t still love the dead-tree version of books, I do. But I’m thrilled with my Kindle. That’s why I wrote this post. What, did you think I was getting paid to write this? Ha! I wish! Nope, I just really love the Kindle and wanted you to know.
Do you have an e-reader? Do you think you’d like one? What’s your favorite gadget? Tell me in the comments!

Being the kind of mama who uses cloth diapers and cloth menstrual pads I naturally planned on using cloth nursing pads. But my leakage levels + cloth nursing pads = FAIL, epic fail even. I’m talking I could enter a wet t-shirt contest kind of fail.

But then I found WeeEssentials on Etsy.

Her nursing pads are more than just freakin’ cute {and trust me, they ARE that}…they’re made with a feature that makes you go “that’s genius!” They’re made with a layer of PUL {the same waterproof stuff diapers like Bum Genius are made with}. So I placed an order. And folks, I couldn’t be happier.

As you can see, they’re super pretty. The cores are made with bamboo and organic cotton. And the PUL lining is really fantastic. At night I’ve leaked past, but only because {being reusable} these pads don’t have stick-um on the back to keep them in place and I leaked around, not through, the pad. But, to tell the truth, I’ve had the same problem at night, even with disposables.

And Lucy sure likes ‘em.

Along with my order were some soap bits samples and one of the yummiest smelling lip balms I’ve ever encountered.

The lip balm is the “Citrus Blast” flavor, made with orange, lemon, lime and grapefruity goodness. It goes on really, really smooth. And I like that I can recognize and pronounce all of the nine ingredients. There’s no chemical crap in this lip balm.

The soap bits are surprisingly cute, considering they’re just little blocks of soap. I guess it’s the size factor that makes them seem so sweet. They can be used {melted and mixed with water} for cloth diaper wipes, or just as regular soap. I tried washing my hands with 1 bit. At first I didn’t like the way my hands felt after washing, kind of sticky. It’s the same feeling I get whenever I use any non-liquid soap. But it passed quickly and my hands didn’t feel dry or anything. And the soap had a nice, light scent {strawberries and champagne}.

Here’s another great thing. The service was great and the products well made. I heart shopping on Etsy because I love supporting small businesses. And when the businesses make such nice things and treat me so nicely it keeps me coming back. In fact, I’ve already planned my next purchase from WeeEssentials. I’m sooooo ordering some of the “Soothing Sinus Relief Balm” because my nose always gets so sore and red when I’m sick.

And though I haven’t had an opportunity to try WeeEssentials’s cloth menstrual pads {yet} I couldn’t resist telling you about them because they have two features mine don’t {but I wish they did}. Just like the nursing pads, they’re lined with PUL! Aaaand each pad is embroidered with stars on the wing so you can tell which pads are the most absorbent. Genius!

Basically I’m in love with WeeEssentials now. And you should be too. Know why? Well, besides the reasons I’ve already listed, WeeEssentials is sponsoring a giveaway!

What can you win?

a $20 gift certificate to spend on anything in the WeeEssentials shop {which ships everywhere}

How can you win?

1st entry (mandatory for any others to count}: Visit WeeEssentials and leave a comment on this post about what your favorite item is . You must leave a way to contact you on all entries {either leave your e-mail or make sure you can be e-mailed through your blog}. If you leave no way to notify you, or if you do not respond to notification within 72 hours a new winner will be chosen.

2nd entry: Blog about the giveaway and leave a link to the post in a comment on this post.

3rd entry: Follow @WeeEssentials on Twitter and leave a comment on this post saying that you did.

4th entry: Follow @DomesticDork on Twitter and leave a comment on this post saying that you did.

5th entry: Become a fan of WeeEssentials on Facebook and leave a comment on this post saying that you did.

6th entry: Follow me here on Domestic Dork and leave a comment saying that you did.

7th entry: Tweet about the giveaway and link to the tweet in a comment {you must leave a link to the specific tweet not your Twitter account!}. You may tweet once daily.

How will the winner be chosen?

Winner will be chosen via Random.org then notified and announced here on the blog.

When will the winner be chosen?

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Good luck!

{This review contains my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any way for providing it.}

I love wearing my baby. But our black wrap gets awfully hot some times. It also shows cat hair like crazy. Plus I get tired of people calling Lucy a boy. And...well...I like pretty things. That's why I sold my old Palm Pilot and got this:


It arrived today and I loooooove it! It's a lighter weight fabric so I'm having to get used to how that affects the tightness with which I need to tie Lucy on but it also means that I'm not going to get as hot as I do wearing the black wrap! You can get your own (in many different colors, and even in reversible styles) here.

Now maybe I won't have to choose between dying of heat or wrestling our big stroller when I walk to the fabric store.

PS: Those pants? Yeah, they're PRE-pregnancy! Woo-hoo!

PPS: Do you see how long my hair is getting? I soooooo need a hair cut!

My little girl is growing. She's nearly six months old and some of our small size back up diapers (for when the Bum Genius 3.0s* are in the wash) are getting too tight for her wonderfully chubby thighs. Fortunately I won (yes, WON!) a diaper a little while back that is in the next size up. It's AppleCheeks brand. So far I love it. It can be used as a pocket diaper, or as a cover (just fold the insert and lay it on top)! The color selection is even better than the BGs and it feels a lot softer too. The disadvantage is that, since it has snaps instead of velcro, it isn't as adjustable size-wise and you have to get two sets instead of one (because they come in two sizes instead of being a one-size system like the BGs). It also seems to be a little less bulky. If I was starting fresh with a new diaper system I would probably do a mix of these and BG's. But this is the first day we've used the AppleCheeks dipe so I don't know yet how well it prevents leaks. I picked the "St. Lucia" color because, hey, it's really pretty plus it's from "Lucia" that the name "Lucy" was originally derived.

Mama's little diaper model

Speaking of growing. This little one is now capable of sitting up on her own (though only for so long). That means, since she's shown an interest, we'll be letting her try some avocado this week. You'd better believe I'm going to take video of that! In the mean time, here's a video to show you what I mean about the "only for so long" thing.**

*By the way, we LOVE the Bum Genius 3.0s. Way better than 'sposies. So cute and almost no blow outs (as opposed to disposables which blow out all the freakin' time)!

**The pillow is just there in case of backwards falls. She really can sit on her own without it.

{Here's a post I wrote before we left for Edmonton. I planned ahead. Aren't I clever? So, while you're waiting to hear about our trip you can read this.}

You know what? Frozen yogurt actually CAN be as good as ice cream. I really like this stuff. In fact, it's got a better texture than the last few brands of real ice cream I've tried. And, well...dark chocolate. I mean, hello! Yummy!! And this, being frozen yogurt instead of frozen cream, is healthier than the regular stuff. It even has active probiotic cultures! I'm a fan!

Next time I might have to try the strawberry rhubarb flavor!

What are some "healthy hacks" you've found for some of your favorite foods?

I have loved Starbucks frappuccino since I was a teen. It's just really, really yummy. It's also really, really bad for you (lots and lots of sugar).

Well, I've found an alternative that works for me! It's got NO added sugar (NONE!) but it still tastes sweet. It's got protein, vitamins and minerals, calcium, almost 50% less caffeine than regular coffee, and no preservatives (click the picture for nutritional details). It's the "Perfectly Protein Mocha Cappuccino" drink made by Bolthouse Farms. We sold Bolthouse products at the health food store I used to work at in Utah (their "Green Goodness" juice is pretty awesome). But now you can even find their products at Wal-Mart (which is where I picked up my bottle of cappuccino drink). The flavor isn't quite as good as a Starbucks frappuccino (almost, but not quite). However, like I said, it's less expensive and it's WAY better for you.

The Bum Genius 3.0 is an adjustable pocket diaper (simply by using a few snaps you can change the size to fit an 8 pound baby and up). Here are some (poorly lit) photos to show you the basics of how to use one.

Each dipe comes with an inner liner (bottom), as well as a newborn insert (top). Since Lucy is in fact a newborn I'll be using both.

Simply stuff the liners inside the pocket of the dipe (opening is in the back).

Then unfasten the Velcro tabs from the laundry tabs (keeps the Velcro from ruining the dipes in the wash).

And voila! You're ready to diaper your baby. No folding, no pinning. Works just like a 'sposie as far as getting it on and off your wee little one's bum.

But when was the last time you saw sposies in colors like these? I also have a few plain white ones.

And what's a post about diapers without a shot of the cutest little bum in southern Alberta, nay...in all of Canada!


Thus far, I'm pleased with the BG 3.0. The microfiber inserts seem to be absorbing well. And the soft lining of the dipe pulls the wetness away from Lucy's skin. I like to have the diapers stuffed ahead of time. That way, during the middle of a change I just pull a diaper out of the drawer and it's already ready to go. These dipes also fit much trimmer than our other cloth diapers. A review after a day of use is hardly a review. So I'll try to do another in the future when I've got a better idea of how I like 'em.

Well, my two week trial of the Motivated Moms planner is just about up. So tonight I'm giving you my final review.

Definitely worth 8 bucks.

I'm positive I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: I'm ADD. Like many adults with ADD I have tried a million different things to organize the different aspects of my life, homemaking being no exception. I flunked FlyLady. I've read books on housekeeping and seen no improvement. I've tried making my own chore charts. Most things I tried were just too complex to mantain without getting overwhelmed.

Herein lies the beauty of Motivated Moms: it's simply a checklist. If, like me, you love lists and checking things off motivates you to do more then it can't get much better than Motivated Moms. Well, a full time maid and cook might be better but that's gonna cost a whole heck of a lot more than 8 bucks.

Actually, I like to think of it as a "mom" in paper version. "She" knows all there is about keeping the house under control. "She" knows what needs done and when. And "she" tells you without nagging or guilt tripping.

I have noticed that not everything applies to me (so I just ignore those items). And (as some have commented on other posts) the frequency with which certain tasks are listed might seem strange. Here's what Deann at Motivated Moms had to say:

"Then the kitchen cloth/towel - it just gets soppy a lot and the dishcloth will smell 'sour' if I don't change it every other day. I grew up having to SMELL the dishcloth before using it because my Mom didn't change it often enough. Ewwwwwww. LOL But trust me, we don't live in a germ free environment that looks like a museum. We live here, it's not a show place, so there are things that get laid down "just for now" and right now there's dishes in the sink because I made homemade pizza for lunch and haven't gotten in there to clean up yet (hey, at least I put everything in the sink and wiped all the sauce and cheese splatters off the counter and stove, that counts, right?). I think most people would be surprised at how normal (sometimes messy, sometimes clean) my house is but with the planner and keeping up with bits and pieces as I go through each day helps it to be at a reasonable level of tidiness at all times. There's still messes but they are reasonably contained and I know I'll get to them eventually as things come up on the planner."

This giveaway has ended.

Deann over at Motivated Moms has most generously agreed to provide a free copy of the Motivated Moms Planner to one lucky reader (see my ongoing reviews: part 1, part 2, part 3)!!!

Here's all you have to do to:

1. Leave a comment on one of the following:

• Why you feel you need a little extra help taking care of your home
• Why you feel it's important to keep one's home orderly and clean (or as orderly and clean as possible)
• A chore you HATE and how you've motivated yourself to do it
• Your favorite chore (I like cleaning mirrors, and sometimes vacuuming*)
  

2. Wait a week.

On Monday, January 12 I will announce the winner (who will be chosen at random from all the entries). The winner will have her (or his) pick of the 8 different planner formats (my personal favorite is the half sized with Bible readings).

Good luck!

And a big THANK YOU to Deann!

*I loathed vacuuming as a kid. But it's hard not to enjoy vacuuming at least a little bit when you've got one of these.

I'm almost through week one of my two-week trial of the Motivated Moms Planner. So far I'm cautiously optimistic. I certainly haven't been doing every item on the planner, but I'm OK with that for several reasons:

1. Not everything applies to me. For example, I certainly can't dust my office as I have no office.
2. I'm not expected to. From the Motivated Moms website:
"If, while pursuing other goals, you miss the tasks scheduled for a particular day, you don’t have to ‘transfer’ those tasks to the next day. Just remain focused on completing daily chores and do the weekly scheduled tasks as they fit into your schedule and family lifestyle. The tasks you miss will come up again on another day.
Above all, the Motivated Moms Chore Planning System is NOT intended as a guilt planner!"
3. I have a newborn.

But it is nice to have a list, already ready to go, for me to look at to know what I should be doing. There are things I would never think to do on my own (such as "go through coupons and dispose of expired ones"). It's also nice to have things planned out as to how often things should be done. Because, honestly, I'm a domestic dork. As much as I'm interested in homemaking, I don't really know as much about it as I'd like (which is sad considering how much time I've spent studying the subject). It's helpful to have someone tell me just how often I should do certain tasks. And, seeing as I'm a "list person" it's very satisfying to cross things off the list as they get done.

I'm keenly interested to see how things go next week once Adam starts classes and I'm home alone with Lucy. It might be great. Often I'm not as productive when I've got Adam home with me. Then again...it could be a disaster I can picture myself freaking out a little spending hours and hours alone with Lucy and with no help. Right now Adam is doing diapers, and helping me with nursing. It's still new enough to Lucy and I that we require "setting up" with the pillow, and burp rags (Lucy likes to let milk dribble out the side of her mouth), and so on. Having the extra pair of hands, and the love, support, and company has been wonderful. I guess we shall have to wait and see how things go...

I've never subscribed to the idea that "diamonds are a girl's best friend." I don't do diamonds. Not even my engagement ring has a diamond. The only diamond I own I inherited from my mother. I'm just not that into jewelry, and I've never had a desire to spend huge amounts of money on a rock...especially when I can get a really decent looking fake for a whole lot less. There are other things I'd rather spend my money on (when I have any to spend). High quality and earth friendly/healthy cosmetics being one such thing.

I love Bare Minerals makeup. I mean, I REALLY love it. It's my favorite of all cosmetics brands. Adam got me some as a present before we got married so I could wear it for our wedding. I've been carefully rationing it since then because, well, it's the kind of makeup I'd have to save up for for a while before being able to purchase more. The stuff is miraculous. My skin, which gives me no end of trouble, actually clears up when I wear the stuff, even sleep in the stuff. I also like that I don't have to worry about what nasty chemicals my skin is absorbing (like mercury). So I was tickled pink when I opened a brand new set of Bare Escentuals makeup on Christmas morning (thanks, Mom)! That's it, in the picture below.I used it for the first time last night (for our family photos/Lucy's newborn photos). I think I looked fabulous. You'll have to wait until we get the pictures to determine if you agree. It also felt great. Regular makeup bugs me, I can feel it on my face (which makes me feel gross). Not so with this makeup.

The set is called "Champagne Diamonds." You wanna know why? Because every item in the set (minus the brushes) has crushed champagne diamonds in it. That's right. I'm wearing diamonds, on my face. The irony of being a gal who demanded a cubic zirconium for her engagement ring but wears diamonds on her face is not lost on me. I don't know if the makeup looks so good because of the diamonds or not. But it only takes a look in the mirror and I'm so pleased with it that I forget all about the weirdness factor of wearing makeup with an ingredient more commonly worn on one's hand or around one's neck.

Maybe "diamonds are a girl's best friend" after all.

Note: The song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" is "listed as the 12th most important movie song of all time by the American Film Institute." I have no idea what number one is.

I belong to a great online community for moms (MDC). It's where my online due date club has been hosted. It's hosted by a parenting magazine I love (Mothering). Well, it is on those forums that I first heard about Motivated Moms. It's a chore chart/calendar "thingy." At first I thought, "bah...why should I pay for something like that?" And I skipped right over all the posts about it. But somehow I found myself reading about it yesterday. It seems that many a mom is indeed motivated by the planner, especially the moms who (like myself) "flunked out of" Flylady. I was particulraly intrigued by the women with ADD/ADHD who gave glowing reviews of the planner. After all, if it works for others with ADD then perhaps it will work for me too. So I've decided to give it a try. I've printed off the free sample page which will get me through the first two weeks of the new year. If I'm pleased then I'll reconsider shelling out the $8 bucks for the entire year's worth. Click the banner on the right to get the sample page for yourself (or even the whole thing). If you decide to give it a try, or if you already use it, tell me what you think in the comments. I'll let you know what I think after my two week trial.