Rock-A-Bums Cloth Diapers *New Print Release* and Stash Giveaway!

Rock-A-Bums is at it again!

In November they released their new 2.0 diaper design with some great new features for their 5-in-1 cloth diaper:

• Tummy panel! Yes, tummy panels are wonderful if you have a boy or tummy sleeper, and especially if you have a boy that is a tummy sleeper... which I do! Not having a tummy panel leads to leaks during sleep times. With the new design and tummy panel I could put this on my little man anytime during the day!

• Two pocket openings! Ok, so what's the big deal with two openings. If you have never used a diaper with two pocket openings, man, once you do, you'll look down on all the single opening pocket diapers in your stash! Having two pocket openings means you do not have to un-stuff your diapers! No, really. I was a skeptic the first time I threw a double opening diaper into the machine with the insert still tucked inside. Well, sure enough, it agitated out on its own. Less mess for me to touch! Also the opening in the back is very generous, offering an easy space to stuff (especially for those huge daddy hands).

• Two snaps instead of three. Easier to snap the diaper of a wriggly toddler. But don't worry all you hook and loop fans, there is still a velcro option! 

• New fabric, proprietary to Rock-A-Bums, lining the inside of the diaper cover. It will quickly wick away moisture and it is hospital grade hypo allergenic. It is nice and soft toward the baby's skin, yet smooth on the inside so inserts will slide in easily!

• Other Great Features: Two inserts! Each is topped with micro fleece, so it is safe to rest directly against your child's skin! They also have a snap on one end which you can snap-in in the front (my suggestion for a boy as AI2 option) or in the back (for a girl). There is a wider elastic band along top backside of the diaper to keep in messes. The one I just got has velcro closure, there are laundry tabs to secure the velcro tabs to so you can avoid them getting hung up on other diapers or inserts in the wash.

As I mentioned above this is a 5-in-1 diaper. If you aren't familiar with Rock-A-Bums, it means the diaper can be used in 5 different ways:

• Pocket Diaper- Simply stuff the pocket with the insert.
• All-In-One- Stuff pocket with insert and snap in. The insert will stay with the diaper while laundering.
• All-In-Two- Lay the insert inside the diaper cover and snap/velcro on baby. No stuffing. This is possible because the top layer of the insert is not microfiber.
• Hybrid- You can use any disposable liner in this diaper shell. Many people use them for camping, family vacations or visiting friends/family and don't have access to a washing machine.
• Bomb Shell- I have not had any leaks with this diaper shell. This shell should keep in and contain all those poopy messes! You can even use it over a disposable diaper for extra protection. I remember before switching to cloth, anytime my son was on my hip and peed... well, I'd have to change my shirt. Bomb Shell over the top of a disposable could help protect my clothing!
• Swim Diaper- Ok, I know I said it was a 5-in-1, but it also has a 6th use as a swim diaper. Simply put it on baby (or toddler) before heading out for a swim (without an insert) and you have yourself a cute swim diaper. No more chemical, bulging, gunky disposable swim diaper! 

What are they up to now?

Today they release their line of prints!

Each of the four prints comes in either a hook and loop or snap closure system. As far as the hook and loop goes, they have the best I have seen on cloth diapers with great laundry tabs that actually hold the tabs in the wash! 

Which print is your favorite? I really like Zanadu for a neutral option and Punk Plaid Pink would make a perfect addition to my stash for baby girl due in July!

That's not all... Rock-A-Bums has a great giveaway going on!

WIN an ENTIRE stash!

Visit Rock-A-Bums to enter for your chance to win a full stash of cloth diapers to get you through your little ones entire cloth diaper journey! That's 9 covers (winners choice of prints, solids, snaps or hook and loop), 18 inserts and 60 hybrid inserts! 

Connect with Rock-A-Bums on Facebook, Twitter and the Web.

Buy it: Visit the RAB website to purchase the 2.0 diaper for $16.95.  

Spring Into Cash {$250 Visa Card Giveaway}

Welcome to the Spring Into Cash Sweepstakes!

Spring is all about melting snow, playing outside and getting our hands dirty planting the garden. Here in MN the winter has been long, cold and full of snow. We had multiple weeks in a row where the temperatures didn't get above 0! Yes, we are ready for spring! We are ready to ride bikes, wear t-shirts and play in the mud. Whether spring means cleaning or playing for you and your family, a little extra cash could help you celebrate the end of winter!

We have teamed up with Mom Powered Media, Mamamusing, The World of ContestPatti, Nest Full of New, The Nina Show, Growing Up Bilingual, Memoirs of a Clueless Woman, Faith Filled Food for Moms, Grown Ups Magazine and the MPM blogging networking to bring you this amazing Spring event.

Two lucky winners will each receive a $250 Visa Gift Card.

Giveaway ends April 10th at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. Only one entrant per household. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Winners outside of the US will receive $250 via Paypal instead of the Visa Card by mail. Complete each task on the giveaway form below to earn entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Paint-less Tie-dye Snowflakes

It is March and I am sick of all this snow and cold weather... but there is no sign of spring in sight!  

So what do we do? Embrace the long winter with another snowflake craft!

This one is really easy and fairly mess free... unless your toddler is like mine, then it doesn't matter what you do, you'll have a mess!

Not much is needed for supplies:

Makers, coffee filter, scissors, pen, paintbrush and glass of water. 

First have your little ones color the coffee filters, they'll look something like this:

The top picture above is proof that my boys can *sometimes* play nicely together.

After they are colored, have them dip the paintbrush in water and paint the coffee filters. Set them aside until they dry or use a hair dryer (fastest method) to dry them.

Once they are dry, fold in half then in quarters, then in eighths. I drew some shapes on the folded filter for my 4 year old to cut out.

Once they are cut, unfold and you'll have beautiful tie-dye looking snowflakes!

Baby Bullet Giveaway

Welcome to the Baby Bullet Giveaway hosted by The Parenting Patch and sponsored by Baby Bullet. 

Making your own baby food is not only easy, but it is the best way to ensure that your child is eating the most nutritious foods free of added chemicals and preservatives. You can also get extra creative with what you feed your little one. Coming up with your own baby food combinations will be exciting, especially watching your little one's reaction to trying it! With the Baby Bullet you can make and create your baby's food easily! Spoons up! 

For more information about the Baby Bullet Complete Baby Care System, check out my Baby Bullet Review. 

One lucky reader of The Parenting Patch and YOUR BLOG HERE will win one (1) Baby Bullet Complete Baby Care System valued at $59.97. To enter for your chance to win the Baby Bullet Giveaway, simply use the following Rafflecopter form. Good luck! Happy cooking! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

The Baby Bullet Giveaway is restricted to legal residents of the United States of America and Canada. The Baby Bullet Giveaway ends at midnight CST on March 21, 2014. One winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter. The winner will be sent an email and will have forty-eight hours to respond. If no response is received within forty-eight hours, another winner will be chosen. The Parenting Patch, Just Me and the Boys and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask Review #powerofplants

Thank you Influenster for the Clay Mask!

Facials used to be something we'd do as part of a girls night. We'd all get together telling stories about our lives while smearing some sort of stuff on our faces and painting our nails.

Now there are such great products out there you don't have to wait for a girls night or spend a bunch of money at the salon.

I recently received the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask in my #Jadorevoxbox from Influenster. It is a clay based mask with only 5 ingredients, meant to cleans and purify your skin!

I finally got to try it out the other night.

Before applying, make sure you have washed your face. 

First thoughts... it totally reminded me of gardening in clay soil! I'm a gardener at heart, love the feeling of the mud/clay on my hands. Strange, I know. One thing I have never done but would like to do is try a mud bath! But I digress...

The mask was easy to apply and went on smoothly. It dries pretty fast. The directions say to leave it on for ten minutes. I got a phone call right after I put it on, so I had the mask on for probably 30 minutes. 

To remove it I used a wash cloth with warm water. It comes off fairly easy. Resting the cloth on your face for a few seconds before wiping really makes it come off easily. The directions say to use warm water, but I like that using a wash cloth doesn't make as much of a mess as splashing water on your face. 

The Boots Clay Mask has a natural plant extract from the bark of the willow tree (my favorite tree). Willow is a natural source of salicylic acid. 

I haven't really noticed much of a difference in my skin since using it, but my face didn't feel any more dry than usual, which is really good, considering it is winter, freezing and many of these products over-dry the face. I will definitely be using again! 

Disclosure: I received this product complimentary through Influenster for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all comments are my own.

Alexa's Angels Review Feat. Positivity Bracelets Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Attitudes are contagious, are they not!?

Being around someone who is grumpy has a tendency to put us in a bad mood. But being around someone full of life, love, laughter and positivity brings our spirits up! Remind yourself that you could help spread positivity to those around you when you have the simple reminder around your wrist!

Alexa's Angels started when Beth and her mother made angel pins for the hospital staff when her father was battling cancer. These pins were to help promote gratitude, hope and positivity. As popularity of the pins grew, Alexa's Angels grew and expanded too!

Alexa's Angels now offers a huge assortment of wearable hopeful, positive reminders for what you or someone else may be struggling with.

Alexa's Angels sent me a set of three black Positivity bracelets to review.

First off they package their products with great care and in an adorable way!

Each of these three bracelets is a stretchy band with a rhodium sleeve that has Posi+ivi+y printed on one side and shareyourpositivity.org on the other side. Along with is a tag that reads "Attitude is a choice... everyone loves a gift... and positivity is contagious! Keep one bracelet for yourself and share the others with loved ones, friends, or even strangers. Be positive! Pass it on and have fun! Love, The Angels"

There is no doubt that sending one of these bracelets to a friend or family member who is struggling with something, will bring a smile to their face and bring hope into their hearts! 

These bracelets can be purchased black, pink, multiple bright colors or even two toned for school events. They also have larger pass-it-on bundles and fundraising options! 

If you are looking for something for a specific situation here a few recommendations! For someone battling or dealing with cancer check out the Cancer Support items, check out these items to show gratitude, for family support Many Hearts One Family, or for religious items check out the Prayer Boxes and Side Crosses. They also have many more options too!  

Do you have some positivity you would like to share? Visit shareyourpositivity.org and share your story!

Buy It: The black set of three Positivity bracelets can be purchased on the website for $11.99.

Win It: Alexa's Angels is giving away one set of their black positivity bracelets to one of my readers! Enter through the widget below! 

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#KISSlashes How to Apply False Lashes

Thank you Kiss products and Influenster for the Kiss lashes to review.

Ok, so this wound up being more difficult than I thought...

I have only used false lashes once before today. That was for Halloween a couple years ago! Anyway, when I got the Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes in my Jadore Vox Box I was pretty excited. A friend of mine suggested I look at YouTube to find tutorials on application.

All of the videos said, "Don't expect to get it right your first try..." Well, I thought I could do it anyway, I was going to break the mold and get them perfect on the first shot! Nope, didn't happen. I actually tried a total of 5 times before I had the on in a way that didn't look completely fake, and two separate days! But eventually I got it!

Here's how I applied my lashes:

Step 1: Apply make-up as usual, but with a thicker line of eyeliner. The lashes will sit on your eyelid just above your real lashes. Having a thick line of liner will make it so you can't see the gap between your natural lashes and your false lashes if you don't place them in the perfect spot. Tip: Curl your lashes if you have straight lashes.

Step 2: Trim lashes so they are the appropriate width for your eyes. Do they by placing them above your lashes, then remove and trim to desired length with sharp scissors. Place back on eyelid to see if you need to trim anymore. Tip: Trim from the outside of the lash, leaving the shortest lashes toward the middle.

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of glue, giving a bit extra to the ends of the lashes.

Step 4: Allow 20-30 seconds before placing the lashes to allow the glue to get tacky.

Step 5: Apply lashes, start by grabbing the middle of the lash either with your fingers or a tweezers and placing to the center of your eyelid, just above your natural lashes. Then press down the ends.

Step 6: Allow to dry then add a small amount of mascara to your real and false lashes to help them blend. Then look in the mirror and admire your beautiful lashes!

Here is a photo of my lashes, one eye natural, one eye with Kiss Lashes.

Big difference, right? Without them you can hardly tell I have lashes!

Step 7: Removing lashes. Use a q-tip. Dip the end into a bottle of oil free makeup remover and run across your lash line, then pull up from the outer corner and across. Using the same q-tip, rub it along the false lashes to remove any glue and mascara still on the lash. 

Step 8: You can re-use the lashes! So put them back in the case you got them and use them until you feel they need replacing. 

Disclosure: I received Kiss Lashes complimentary in my Jadore Vox Box for the purpose of testing them out. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.