AMP cloth diapers - GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

I have been thinking about using cloth diapers since before Jonathan, now 4, was born, but somehow or other I never got started. Where we lived, in the Netherlands, there wasn't a lot of accessible information and I certainly never heard of any shops or companies manufacturing cloth diapers (they may have been there, but I didn't know about them). Then when we were expecting Daniel, I thought about it semi-seriously, got overwhelmed with everything else that was happening, and chickened out. I felt bad about the garbage we were generating but cloth diapers must be a lot of work, right? This year I found out how wrong I was.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't get started until Daniel was 16 months old, but I keep thinking “better late than never!” And, if we have any more kids, I'll already know the cloth diaper routine, and I won't have to learn a new system at the same time as having a new baby. Because Daniel is very aware of changes in our system, when I first put a cloth diaper on him, he nearly stood on his head on the change table, trying to figure out what was on his bum! Too cute!

I've looked at many different kinds of cloth diapers – wow, how to choose which one? I hadn't realized there were so many styles! I've been reading reviews of cloth diapers – here on GlimpseReviews and elsewhere. Finally I found an idea that I thought would work for us – the All-in-Two (AI2) diaper. This style of diaper comes with an insert that you put on top of the diaper. The waterproof “cover” is attached, so you don't have to do up 2 separate parts when you're changing your baby. And, if only the insert is used, then you only change the insert, not the whole diaper. Plus, the diaper is easier to wash, and dries faster. Sounded good to me! :) But then, whose AI2 should I pick?

I finally settled on AMP diapers. They are made right here in Winnipeg (I've peeked in the factory!), they have a brick and morter store in Winnipeg, and also sell online, through their own diaper store or through retailers.  What convinced me to try one of AMP's AI2s? I read the description on the AMP website, and I liked the versatility of their new one-size Duo pocket diaper.  It sounded like something a newbie like me could use and like, and I was right! It has many great features:

• it can be used as a pocket diaper: stuff the insert between the inner fleece of the diaper and the outer waterproof layer
• you can use it as an AI2 diaper: lay the insert over top of the fleece layer – this is especially great for daytime use, when you are changing your baby more often
• by the pocket opening is a flap of fleece that helps hold the insert down so it doesn't move all over when you're changing your wiggly little person
• the opening is at the front of the diaper so you don't have to get near any solid waste when you're removing the insert
• rise-adjusting snaps help to make this diaper fit from 7-38 lbs
• many waist snaps help to customize the fit – my “baby” is a skinny one, but there's lots of room and stretch for a plumper tummy too :)
• the outer layer is laminated fabric and the inner layer is a very soft microfleece

Watch their video to see all of these great features in action!

Speaking of the microfleece layer – I know they said that the fleece wicks away moisture and helps keep baby dry. I guess I'm a doubting Thomas (or would that be Thomasina?!) Anyway, I was very pleasantly surprised to feel the fleece after Daniel wore the diaper all night. Both inserts were quite wet, but the fleece was dry! It's really true! :)

Daniel has worn this diaper as a pocket diaper at night, with 2 inserts, and no leaks (1 insert wasn't enough for him). He's also worn it in the daytime as an AI2 – and we've been able to just change the insert.  We were given 3 different inserts to try: a microfibre insert, a hemp insert and a bamboo insert. The natural fibre inserts are coded with a coloured thread serged border, so you can easily tell which one is which! I've tried all 3 inserts, and they all work well.  The workmanship is great, and Annie was great to take time to explain to me (and another customer while I was there) what and how and why etc!

As far as the washing goes, it's true, I am doing extra laundry. However, it's not as much as I expected, and it's far easier than I'd anticipated. Nothing disgusting or gross! I just followed the instructions on the little card Annie from AMP included when I picked up my diapers at her store. You do have to be careful with which detergent you use, but the AMP website has a list of detergents that are ok to use.

I purchased a hemp fitted diaper from AMP as well, just to try out. I like it too. I haven't tried it at night yet, so I can't tell you about that. It comes with a hemp insert, is very absorbent and trim. It does require a waterproof cover, and when Daniel is especially wiggly, it can be tricky to get everything on, but that's Daniel's fault, not the diaper's! :) It's nicely sewn with a rainbow-coloured serged edge.

WIN IT!

AMP has graciously offered to give one of our fabulous readers :) a diaper of their choice in their preferred colour. Please visit the AMP website and comment on which diaper is your favourite.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.
~ Become a Fan of AMP on Facebook
~ Grab our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Become a fan of GlimpseReviews on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Contest open to CANADIAN AND USA RESIDENTS ONLY and ends on March 13, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

Winner!

The Winner of a Natural Rubber toy from Nova Nature is:

Comment #60 - Missy

Congrats!
You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Winner!

The winner of 2 stainless steel water bottles from "Fill Your Own" is:

Comment #85: Amber.

Congratulations Amber! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen!

Winner!

The winner of a fabulous CUSTOM Mookie from Jinja Ninja is:

Comment #155 - Huguette E

Congrats! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Your Imagination's the Limit ~ GIVEAWAY!

There are two things that I believe should go hand in hand in a child's life...and even for us grown-ups sometimes. :) These 2 things are FUN and LEARNING. It is SO much easier to learn something when it is fun as well, and how great is it when you are having so much fun that you don't even realize that you are learning something?! Play and Learn Toys has a fabulous selection of toys that do just this. While your kids are playing, they are also learning. A winning combination in my mind! Play and Learn Toys sent Tate and Emily the Stepped Pyramid Small by Grimms. This is one of the ultimate toys to help build imagination and creativity. The blocks are all brightly colored and come in varying lengths as well so you can build all kinds of cities, towers, or whatever your imagination desires! Not only is this toy great for keeping little minds active, but it's perfect for practicing and learning colors, counting and more! The Stepped Pyramid definitely can provide you and your kids with hours of fun and learning!

Play and Learn Toys has a variety of other fabulous wooden products by Grimms as well! All of them are bright, colorful and are made for both playing and learning with! You'll also find a HUGE selection of other great toys and activities for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and beyond. Every single one of their products has been carefully chosen to make sure that you're receiving toys that are both high quality and 100% safe for your children! Play and Learn Toys is a great place to do find a practical and fun birthday gift or just to add some toys to your collection - toys that will produce fun and learning, and that can be passed on from child to child!


WIN IT!
Play and Learn Toys is giving one of YOU a Stacking Pyramid (pictured to the right)! In order to get one entry, head over to Play and Learn Toys and let us know what toy looked like the most fun to you!

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.
~ Follow Play and Learn Toys on Twitter
~ Become a Fan of Play and Learn Toys on Facebook
~ Follow the Play and Learn Toys Blog
~ Grab our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Become a fan of Glimpse on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.
CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA AND USA ONLY. Contest ends on March 11, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

BUY IT!
Play and Learn Toys is giving all our readers a great discount as well! Use the coupon Code Glimpse10 for a 10% discount on your entire purchase. No Expiry.

OnlyGreen - eco-friendly products!

OnlyGreen is a Canadian company launched in January 2009 with a desire to help people find a “credible source for purchasing their eco-friendly products.” They have developed a “Product Selection Criteria in order to research, evaluate and determine which products to offer, and ensure they are as eco-friendly as possible in most, if not all, stages of the product lifecycle.” OnlyGreen products are sold through independent EcoAdvisors, located throughout the country.

OnlyGreen's catalogue has an impressive line of products, ranging from body care to baby care, from household cleaning supplies to pet care, from clothing to snacks and beverages. You can also find office products and eco-friendly paper and plastic alternatives. Their body care lineup, called VADA, is made without the use of synthetic dyes or chemicals, is handmade using natural ingredients and is 100% paraben free.

I was sent a VADA Hand Care Kit containing: sea salt hand scrub, nail and cuticle salve and moisturizing therapy hand cream. Something about a prairie winter, combined with dry skin genes and the extra hand washing associated with having kids in the house seems to wreak havoc on my hands, and, the last two winters especially, I've had a bad time with very dry skin and even lots of bleeding cracks or excema-like patches. So I was pleased to try out some hand care products! With a mild but pleasant citrusy scent, it was a nice treat to have some “mom time” and give myself a manicure! I especially liked the hand scrub – it removed some of the worst hard, scaly patches, so I could moisturize underneath. I think the hand cream would be a good product for maintenance moisture, like if I'd started using it at the beginning of winter and used it regularly. Because I started in the middle of winter, after my hands were already really in quite rough shape, I found it didn't take care of my extreme dry skin problems as much as I had hoped. I've never tried a cuticle salve before, so I had to learn how to use that one :) but it did soften my cuticles and make them easier to push back, and I haven't had as much trouble with hangnails as normal.

BUY IT!

Kristen Henry, one of OnlyGreen's EcoAdvisors, would like to offer Glimpse readers a free VADA Coconut Lip Balm if they order $100 worth of product before March 31, 2010. Please email Kristen directly to arrange this.

Congratulations Stacey and Keith!

As most of you know, one of our Glimpse moms, Stacey was expecting her baby any day now! Emery Shae has arrived! Head over to Stacey's blog to meet the newest little Glimpse reviewer! :)

Please vote for us!

We have recently registered on TopMommyBlogs - please click on the button on the right to vote for us! :) As far as I understand it, just clicking on the button is enough to vote - Top Mommy Blogs counts the visits directed from Glimpse.

"How Do My Visitors Vote For My Blog

There's a few things that your can encourage your visitors to do. First, by them just clicking on your badge/banner or voting link on your blog, that will give you 1 more "vote in" which is what determines your rank. Votes are essentially referrals. Visitors also can find your blog listing and rate and or leave a comment about your blog. Ratings and comments do not effect your blogs rank." (from their FAQ)

We won't make it into the "featured" blogs lists on the first page until we're in the top 100 (at "press time" we're #360, which is a huge jump since yesterday when we were #1000something!) Thanks for your votes! :)

We are listed under "Shopping/Review Blogs" (the category list is on the right of the page) and we're #14 there! :)

Pure and Simple ~ GIVEAWAY! (2 Winners!)

There are many, many blessing and special moments in the life of a mom...but I have to say that one of the most memorable moments so far in my 3 years as a mom has been when I've held each of my newborn babies for the first time. Wow. They are SO tiny...so precious...and they capture your heart in an instant and make you want to give them the very best that you can! Let's just say that I'm looking forward to another moment like this in about 2 1/2 months, and to get us ready for this time, Anne Geddes Online Gift Shop sent us a wonderful Pure Singlet. To be honest, I'd never heard of a singlet before receiving one from Anne Geddes, but what a fabulous idea! A singlet is simply a small undergarment that covers the chest area and keeps away the cold. It's perfect for wearing as a fitted layer underneath other outfits...or even just to wear alone on a hot summer day. What really makes Anne Geddes' Pure Singlet unique though is the fabric and design. It is made from high quality organic cotton and is soft and gentle...the best fabric to be covering a newborns sensitive skin. You'll find no dyes or no bright colors in the Singlet. It has only a sweet newborn print on the front. It is the simple-ness of the Pure Singlet that makes it beautiful!

Check out the rest of Anne Geddes' Pure line. Everything is made solely for newborns and is equally as gorgeous as the pure singlet. If you don't have a newborn on the way, why not take a peek at the toddler clothes? Or perhaps the gift ideas would be the place to look for a unique gift for a friend or family member. There's just something about the products from Anne Geddes...something that makes you want to keep and treasure them for years to come!


WIN IT!
Anne Geddes Online Gift Shop is giving TWO of our readers a pure singlet! (One to a Canadian winner & one to a US winner). In order to get one entry, head over to Anne Geddes and let me know which product(s) you loved best AND if you are Canadian or USA resident.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Follow Anne Geddes on Twitter
~ Become a fan of Anne Geddes on Facebook
~ Subscribe to Anne’s regular newsletters
~ Add our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA AND USA ONLY. Contest ends on March 8, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

Prevent Banana Injuries - Banana Guard ~ GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

Does your banana get to its destination all squished and unpalatable? Does your apple or pear get bruised in transit? Is your kiwi or plum mushed all over the rest of your lunch? These were my husband Richard's complaints until we found Banana Guard! Banana Guard is "a proudly Canadian company from production right through to distribution." 3 emergency-room doctors, frustrated by the appearance of their fruit created the Banana Guard to “prevent banana trauma during transportation!” Later on, they designed the Froot Guard for fruit like apples, peaches and pears, and the Froot Case, fitting plums and kiwis. The S'wich Guard will soon be available to protect your sandwich from home to lunch.


The banana-shaped case claims to fit the vast majority of banana shapes, and indeed, since we've been using the Banana Guard we haven't had a banana that didn't fit! The case is made with holes to allow the fruit to breathe and not ripen prematurely, is hinged and shuts with 3 clasps. The container is very sturdy - as our 17-month old son can attest!

The Froot Guard and Froot Case have fascinated our older son – the breathing holes make a smiley face! They have strong locking clips on both sides so they can't open by themselves. At the top there is a hook, where you could attach your Froot Guard to a bag with a carabiner clip. Not only will your fruit not get squished, the rest of your lunch can't poke or puncture it either. You could also use the Guard to transport smaller fruits such as grapes or cherries, really anything that you want to arrive whole!

All of Banana Guard's products are made of FDA approved recyclable plastic, BPA-FREE and made in Canada. They are dishwasher safe and a great way to use reusable lunch containers, thereby reducing the amount of food container waste. And, they're available in 6 fun colours! You can purchase any of their products online, or at a variety of retailers around the world.

Our family has been trying out all of these containers for several weeks now, and they really do work. No more complaining husband! :) Richard really likes to take fruit to work for his lunch, and now he doesn't have to worry about it getting all over his bag on the way. The cases are great for kids too – Jonathan (age 4) seems to think bruised fruit is rotten and he won't eat it! The clips are easy enough for him to open and shut – next year when he's at school we'll have to get another set, or they'll be fighting over who gets to use the Banana Guard! :)

WIN IT!

Banana Guard is giving one lucky Glimpse reader a container in a colour of their choice. Please visit Banana Guard and comment on which container and colour you would choose.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.
~ Become a fan of Banana Guard on Facebook
~ Grab our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Become a friend of Glimpse on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Contest open to residents of Canada and the USA and ends at 9:00pm CST March 6, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

Winner!

The winner of a $20 GC to Hornet Mountain is:

Comment #21 - Shelly

Congrats! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Clip Back the Curls ~ GIVEAWAY! (2 Winners!)

At 1 1/2, our little Emily has already grown a head of hair! :) And with the curls it can look pretty wild some days. :) However, taming that head of curls doesn't take too long when you've got the proper hair accessories! Usually either a brush and a clip or two will do the trick. :) Krista's Clips recently gave Emily some adorable new clips to add to her collection, and they are just perfect for keeping the hair out of her eyes...and are definitely a cute addition to any outfit as well. Krista's Clips has a HUGE selection of over 75 different ribbons that you can choose from for your little princess. You can choose individual ribbon styles for each clip or create sets of 2...or do a combination of both! Each clip is made with the utmost care...really - you can tell when someone has just "stuck it together" or when someone has taken the time to neatly cut, glue, and create your clips. The hair clips are certified lead-free, are made of high quality grosgrain ribbon and acid-free glue, have heat sealed ends to prevent fraying, and are made in a pet and smoke free home. In addition to all that, each clip also has a no-slip grip...just to make sure they'll stay in place!

We've found that our new hair clips are working great! The no-slip grip is perfect for fine hair, or for any active toddler who spends time rolling around on the floor and putting hats on and off her head all day long. ;) The quality is great, the prices are affordable, there are ribbon styles galore to pick from, and well...they're just as cute as can be on a little girl! Head over and check them out for yourself. :)

WIN IT!
Krista's Clips is giving away a set of 6 clips to TWO winners! The winners can choose a ready-made set or can choose any 6 clips of their choice from any of the ribbon patterns available! In order to get one entry, head over to Krista's Clips let us know your favorite which is your favorite set of 6 clips (or if none of them suit your fancy, create your own custom set and let us know what it would be!)

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.
~ Become a fan of Krista's Clips on Facebook
~ Grab our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Become a fan of Glimpse on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA AND USA ONLY. Contest ends on March 4, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

BUY IT!
Krista's Clips is offering all our readers one FREE clip of your choice for every set of 6 you buy! In order to get your FREE clip email at least 2 of your friends, linking them to Krista's Clips on Etsy or Facebook and quote the code "glimpse" in your order. Offer expires March 15, 2010.

Krista's Clips has a suggested template email for you to send to your friends...so just copy, paste and send the following:

"Hi! I recently ordered some hair clips from a new company called Krista¹s
Clips and I thought you might be interested in taking a peek at them! This
stay-at-home mom sells them in a variety of styles & patterns and they are great
for any little girl in your life! Check out her website at
http://www.kristasclips.etsy.com or by
searching for Krista's Clips on Facebook!"

Take a little less along - Bambino & Sprout GIVEAWAY!

By the time we get all the people together to go somewhere, and all the stuff we (might) need on the way there, or while we're there, I sometimes feel like a pack horse! :)  I started thinking about what we could reduce, and investigating other options. Then I found the Diaper and Wiper Clip & Go Bags from Bambino & Sprout! Now that Daniel, our youngest, isn't a baby anymore, sometimes all we need from the diaper bag is a diaper (novel thought!). The Diaper and Wiper Clip & Go Bag is exactly what we needed. There's a pocket to store diapers and one to store wipes. It folds up, snaps together, and clips on to whatever you need (purse, stroller, another bag!) with a carabiner clip. It has been super handy at swimming lessons, for example, when you already have a bag full of swimming suit, towels, flip flops etc to carry, and you know you need a clean diaper at the end of the lesson. This bag makes the diaper easy to find (it's not all scrunched at the bottom of the swimming bag), and as an added bonus, because the bag is soft and padded, it even makes a great head rest for your child while you're changing him or her! (as Allison's son discovered!) :) Public restroom change tables are so hard!  The  Diaper and Wiper Clip & Go Bag holds up to 3 large (disposable) diapers, but the pocket is also big enough to take a cloth diaper along (maybe even 2, but I haven't tried/needed that yet).  You can choose from a selection of cool fabrics.

Allison from Bambino & Sprout also makes some fun bibs and stylish nursing covers using great fabrics – with very reasonable prices!

Bambino & Sprout also carries other great products for moms and babies. Everything they make and carry is created, tested and approved by Canadian Moms!  Check out the baby slings, baby-safe and eco-friendly laundry detergent, and a line of baby body care, as well as room decor ideas and educational products and much more, with new products added regularly!

Bambino & Sprout offers you the option of hosting an online party. Check out how it works! You can also register and make a wishlist for a baby shower if you like.

WIN IT!

Bambino & Sprout is giving one of our readers their very own Diaper and Wiper Clip & Go Bag! To enter, visit Bambino & Sprout and comment on your favourite product.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry.
~ Become a fan of Bambino & Sprout on Facebook
~ Subscribe to Bambino & Sprout's newsletter
~ Grab our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Become a friend of Glimpse on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Contest open to CANADA only and ends at 9:00pm CST March 2, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

BUY IT!

Bambino & Sprout is offering our readers (from anywhere in North America!) a discount of 10% on purchases over $25.00 during the month of March. Just use the code: GLIMPSE2010 on checkout. Valid from March 1st to March 31st 2010.

Winner!

The winner of 2 Olive Baby Products from Bare Baby Earth is:

Comment #30 - Robyn

Congrats! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Winner of the Oma Mary Giveaway!

The winner of the receiving blanket set from Oma Mary is:

Comment #10: Susan Margaret

Congrats! You now have 72 hours to get back to me with your contact information. Oh yeah.... and if I don't reply back right away, it might be because our little one is due to arrive anytime now!

stacey.glimpse@gmail.com

My Diaper Addiction

Cloth diapering my kids has been a journey. Full of learning, trying new things, and eventually finding things that work for us. One of our latest finds is a great diaper from a shop called My Diaper Addiction. Yes, believe it or not, you can become addicted to buying cloth diapers!

The diaper we were sent to review is a one-size diaper made of velour, and is so squishy soft! Bria loves how comfy it is, and I love that she can wear it at night without leaks. For us, it isn't the trimmest diaper out there, but when looking for a night time solution, or even for naps, trimness doesn't really factor into things. I want something that I know will be comfy for Bria, but will also absorb enough. This diaper definitely has both, and as you can see in the photos, it really isn't that bulky. Just not disposable thin :)

I think this diaper is also generously sized, so those of you with larger toddlers that are still in diapers might want to give this one a try. The rise is great, and for Bria, I could probably even snap it down one step. For reference, she is 2 1/2 years old, and 30 pounds, with plenty of room to grow in this diaper.

My Diaper Addiction also offers sized diapers made from the Fattycakes pattern. I haven't tried them yet, but they do look adorable!

PURCHASE IT!
My Diaper Addiction would love to offer Glimpse readers a very generous 25% discount! Just make sure to use the code "glimpse" when you checkout. Discount expires March 16, 2010.

Winner!

The winner of a twin-size wool comforter from Natura is

comment #359: Shelly

Congratulations Shelly! You have 72 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Puppies, Kitties & Airplanes...oh my! ~ GIVEAWAY!

I've never been much for 'decorating' my kids' room...though I do try! :) And even though I may not have a very artsy and creative mind when it comes to decorating, I still LOVE to find special pictures or items to add to make Tate and Emily's room to make it a place that they love to be. One thing I've realized though is that sometimes the fun and the excitement of 'creating' a bedroom is in the little things...nope, I don't need to paint a big mural on the wall to make their room special. :) Cari Bimbi is a one-of-a-kind online shop where everything is created and handpainted by a fabulous and VERY talented artist! Tate and Emily each received 4 handpainted drawer pulls from Cari Bimbi, and let's just say that I never knew that drawer pulls could be so exciting. ;) Dania, the artist behind it all, specially painted 4 Kitty and Puppy drawer pulls just for Emily! And she loves them...we hardly go a day without Emily standing by the dresser and telling me over and over which ones are the kitties and which ones are the puppies. Tate received four of the transportation drawer pulls...perfect for boys! He also loves them and it has been SO handy for teaching him where to get his clothes from and where to put his clothes away. So instead of saying..."Tate, your pants are in the drawer at the bottom...you know, the one right by the floor?"...now I can ask him to get his pants out of the drawer with the blue drawer pulls, or the drawer with the train drawer pull on it. Not to mention that getting clothes, putting away clothes, and getting dressed are all just a little bit more fun now. :) Like I said...sometimes the fun and the special touches are undeniably in the little things! Besides being cute, fun and handy Cari Bimbi drawer pulls are also vibrant and are sealed with a triple layered varnish to keep away signs of wear and tear.

Cari Bimbi also offers a TON of other handpainted items! The whimsical nature of Dania's art is perfect for any kids room...and hey, I might even like it in my own room! ;) One of my other favorites is her handpainted wooden letters. They are delightfully fun and unique! Be sure to take a peek at all the other great decor items Cari Bimbi has to offer too.

WIN IT!
Cari Bimbi is giving one our readers a gorgeous girl OR boy Name Hanging ($40 value!) In order to get one entry, head over to Cari Bimbi and let us know which one of the amazing handpainted products you loved the best.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Follow Cari Bimbi on Twitter
~ Add our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA AND USA ONLY! CONTEST ENDS MARCH 1, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.

The Winnipeg Baby & Kids Show!!

So this post is primarily for my Manitoban friends. I was just made aware of the Winnipeg Baby & Kids Show, and wanted to share with you one of my favorite vendors that will be at the show!

The Sling Sisters (you can read my past review here) will be setting up a booth, and offering some GREAT deals! So if you have a chance, make sure to head over and check out their booth, as well as the many others that will be there!

The Sling Sisters will be offering 50% off of a pouch sling with purchase of a bamboo wrap, as well as organic cotton sherpa wipes (10 for $12) and wet bags ($17.50 each or 2 for $30). I highly recommend their slings, and I know they have excellent customer service as well as great attention to detail.

The Winnipeg Baby & Kids Show is being held at the Winnipeg Convention Center from February 20-21, 2010.

Chew and Taste with No Regrets! ~ GIVEAWAY!

When it comes to plastic, rubber or painted toys, I often wonder how safe they actually are for my kids...especially since EVERYTHING needs to be tasted, licked and chewed on. :) With all the hype about lead in paint, etc. it's nice to know that the toys your kids are playing with and putting in their mouths are SAFE and natural. Nova Nature carries toys like this...ones that meet the highest standards when it comes to safe materials! Tate and Emily received two Lanco toys from Nova Nature...a frog teether and a large rubber duck. All Lanco toys are made from natural rubber and are hand-painted with non-toxic, permanent lead free paints. Since they are made from natural rubber the toys are completely PVC, BPA, Pthalate and Nitrosamine free. So your little ones can chew and teethe on these toys with no regrets! Emily, who is still teething a lot has loved the frog teether. You can often see her walking around with it in her hands (or mouth!) and it's reassuring as a mom to know that the toy that she's chewing on is 100% safe.

Nova Nature carries a variety of fun, colorful, natural rubber Lanco toys! They are VERY soft and flexible...much nicer than the normal rubber teethers and toys you can find! And besides the fact that they are perfect for chewing on, these toys also make a little squeak when they are squeezed! Due to the softness of the natural rubber, even the smallest hands would be strong enough to create the squeaking noise.

In additon to the delightful natural rubber toys, Nova Nature also carries a fabulous line of Ecowoods wooden puzzles for older children. These puzzles come in a variety of unique and challenging shapes and are a puzzle that will not only be safe, but durable as well!

WIN IT!
Nova Nature would love to give one of our readers the Lanco Toy of YOUR CHOICE. In order to get one entry, head over to Nova Nature and let us know which Puzzle or Natural Rubber Toy is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Add our button
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA ONLY! CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 25, 2010.

"Fill Your Own" water bottle - GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

If you are a mom like me, you have tried a number of different kids drink containers while trying to:

• bring a drink for your kids wherever you go
• get your kids to drink more water
• not have the drink leak all over (especially when you're at someone else's house!)

Well, I have finally found a container that does all of this! :) Fill Your Own Inc. is a Canadian company based in Vancouver. Annette, a Mom and self-labelled Ecopreneur, decided to produce her own stainless steel water bottles after investigating the available options and being disappointed with the selection. The bottles come in various sizes (350ml, 500ml, 750ml and 1000ml) and have 4 different cap choices (straw cap, sports spout cap, twist cap with carabiner and a drinking spout cap). The caps are interchangeable and can be purchased separately. If that wasn't enough, they are also decorated with art! Canadian artists have created the artwork on the bottles – and the designs are very appealing! I can drink out of a solid colour water bottle (less fun and stylish though!) but the kids REALLY like the pictures!

Daniel received a straw cap bottle (350ml) in the design “Panda Play.” It's the perfect size for him, easy to drink out of, and best of all, LEAK-FREE! Believe me, we've tried! He's the kind of kid who loves to tip the sippy cup upside down, shake it so that more drink comes out, then “paint” on the table! Not this straw cup! The cap has a leak-proof valve, allowing Daniel to suck easily from the straw, but not allowing the water to spill out.  Jonathan received a sports spout cap bottle (500ml) in the design “Leaping Pirates!” The pirates are frogs, and he loves to tell stories about them as they jump around his bottle! He is fascinated by the carabiner clip, and I think it's great too, as I can clip his bottle to the bag (why do diaper bags only have 1 drink holder spot?). The cap has the same leak-proof valve as the straw cup.

Fill Your Own's water bottles

• are made from quality 18-8 grade stainless steel
• use new polypropylene, PP #5 for plastic caps
• are BPA free and phthalates free
• are independently tested in Canada to ensure health, safety, and no leaching
• are 100% recyclable
• designed by local artists
• are carbon neutral and environmentally friendly (Fill Your Own purchases Gold Standard Carbon Offsets)
• have a wide mouth to fit ice cubes and make them easy to clean
• have a slim shape that fits into car cup holders

The perfect water bottle? We think so! :)

WIN IT!

One lucky Glimpse reader will win 2 bottles: one 500ml "pocket personas" (green) and one 750ml "burrard boating" (red) with choice of caps (sport, straw or twist with carabiner)!!

To enter, please visit Fill Your Own and tell us which is your favourite bottle design and cap.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry

~ Become a fan of Fill Your Own on Facebook
~ Follow Fill Your Own on Twitter
~ Add our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow Glimpse on Twitter
~ Become a fan of Glimpse on Facebook
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Contest open to Canadian residents only and ends February 25, 2010.

BUY IT!

Glimpse readers can save 25% off their Fill Your Own purchases at Great Water Bottles (this online retailer only)! Just use the code: GLIMPSE25 . Expires March 31, 2010.

Winners!

Ok, first of all, I'm drawing a winner for the THIRD time for the $20 GC to Friendly Fish! (make sure you are all checking your emails, etc. so that you don't miss out on winning a great prize like this!)

Comment #43 - willowsprite



The 2 winners of Anne Geddes Maternity Tops are:

USA Winner - Comment #50 - JenniferB

Canadian Winner - Comment #80 - littlelamb

Congrats! You'll each have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Row, row, row your boat!

I love finding great toys for my kids that are not made of plastic. Toys that implement their imaginations, and won't break the first time they get dropped on the floor.

Jacob's Wooden Toys has some really great options, and my kids were sent a cute little paddle boat to play with. They love it! It is a simple concept really, but when you wind up the paddle wheel, it makes the boat glide through the water. Plenty of fun for any child!

I was really happy to find a bath toy that was fun, but didn't involve squirting or filling with water. Bath toys are one of the things in life that annoy me. The ones that fill with water and squirt get really gross and slimy inside, and I just don't want my kids sucking the water out of them. This boat is a great solution!

Jacob's Wooden Toys offers some other fun toys as well. I know my son noticed the cars right away, and the outer space vehicle caught his eye as well. I think these toys would make great gifts!

PURCHASE IT!
Jacob's Wooden Toys has a great offer for our Glimpse readers! To celebrate Valentines Day, Jacob's Wooden Toys is offering Glimpse readers a 10% discount on purchases of $25.00 or more (not including shipping) during the month of February only. Just make sure to mention Glimpse when you check out!

Mmmm, Mmmm Mookie ~ GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

Isn't it hard to believe that Valentine's Day is just around the corner? I don't know about you, but I usually fall behind on finding something special for my hubby for Valentine's Day - especially since I'm picky...and I want it to be more than a roll of duct tape! :) I want it to be special, one of a kind, unique, something that he'll be able to tell that I put thought and effort into! And this year? He'll be getting just that. :) Jinja Ninja is a fabulous new Canadian company that creates custom cookies...or Mookies as they call them, and they are definitely one of a kind and SO fun (and tasty! :) ). Jinja Ninja created this special lovebirds Valentine's Day Mookie for us. The mookie maker, Beverly is amazing! I asked her to put 2 of her designs together to create this unique treat and she made it right away...no problems or questions asked and mailed it the following day! Wondering what the definition of a Mookie actually is? Well, it's a cookie with a message...thought of by you and created by Jinja Ninja. The mookie is a 7" cookie made of gingerbread (which is made with organic whole spelt!)...besides the fact that it almost looks too good to eat, it really does hit the spot. :)

Jinja Ninja can and will create mookies for any occasion! Birthdays, grads, Christmas...you name it! Beverly is limited only by her selection of cookie cutters, but you can be sure that she will try her hardest to create a mookie that's perfect for any of your special occasions! Jinja Ninja is constantly striving to adopt more organic and local products into their business as well...and of course, they are always creating new designs any season or occasion. If you want to take a peek at some of the new, gorgeous (and mouth-watering! :) ) Mookies that Jinja Ninja has created recently, head over to her facebook page!

WIN IT!
Jinja Ninja is going to create a 7" gingerbread Mookie for one of YOU! It can be for the occasion of your choice, and they will do their best to make a special and unique mookie just for you! In order to get one entry, head over to Jinja Ninja and let us know which previously created Mookie design you love the best.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Become a fan of Jinja Ninja on Facebook
~ Follow Jinja Ninja on Twitter
~ Add our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO CANADA ONLY! CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 22, 2010.

BUY IT!
It's not too late to order a mookie for your loved one this Valentines! :) So, hurry! Head over and share your ideas with Jinja Ninja and get a Valentine's Mookie that will be remembered for a long time. :)

Re-Draws for Winners...

We've got 2 re-draws to do for recent giveaways...here they are!

The NEW winner of a set of Mitten Clips from Snugglywunkins is:

Comment #12 - as


The NEW winner of a $20 GC from Friendly Fish is:
Comment #82 - Meredith

Congrats! You'll have 72 hours to respond before new winners will be chosen.

Made to Snuggle ~ GIVEAWAY!

One thing that kids seem to love and appreciate (and us parents too!) are a good set of Pajamas. You know...the kind that you could wear all night and all day without a 2nd thought - because they are just that comfy. Hornet Mountain Natural Products recently sent Tate a pair of Garden Kids Striped PJ's that are just this type. They are made from organic cotton fabric...a very soft rib knit. So they've got some stretch and a lot of snuggly all bundled into one very cute pair of PJ's. Instead of the loose fit that you'll find with many pajama styles today, these ones are made to fit snuggly...and they even meet the "snuggle requirement" on my very skinny toddler! :) The Garden Kids PJ's also are pesticide/flame retardant-free. As you can tell, these PJ's were created with a good nights sleep in mind!

Garden Kids PJ's also work VERY well as long johns. They are absolutely perfect for putting underneath a pair of pants or a sweater to get an extra layer of warmth - especially now during the cold, winter months! So this is yet another benefit to the "snuggly" fit that this outfit has. Head over and check them out...there are several different styles and colors...you'll find they are simple, yet still fun and colorful for your little ones. :)

Hornet Mountain carries much more than PJ's! They've got a great selection of organic clothes for both men and women, as well as piles of other natural products. For just a taste of what they have to offer, take a peek at their pet care section...or maybe the garden section for those of you who are dreaming for green grass and leaves instead of snow. :) You'll find loads of great organic and natural products at Hornet Mountain.

WIN IT!
Hornet Mountain Natural Products is giving one of our readers $20 to spend at their fabulous shop! In order to get one entry, head over to Hornet Mountain and let us know what you would buy with your GC if you won!

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Add our button
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

CONTEST OPEN TO EVERYONE! CONTEST ENDS FEBRUARY 18, 2010.

Sleeping in an Envelope - Giveaway! CLOSED

A good sleep...so important for our kids, so important for us. We tried several things to help our oldest son Jonathan sleep better as he's been a restless sleeper since he was born. He likes sleeping under a duvet (just like his dad!) because he can pull up the covers by himself. Because of his allergies, we chose a synthetic (polyester) duvet for him, and because he's a warm sleeper, we picked a 4-season comforter that had a thick layer and a thin layer that you could snap together in the really cold weather (in our old, cold, draughty house). Well, we were only able to use the thin layer as he was constantly too warm at night. He'd wriggle out of his covers, then wake up cold. And, wake us up too. Or, he'd stay under the covers but wake up hot and sweaty. And wake us up. Then, somehow I heard about Natura wool comforters. I really liked the idea of using natural bedding on Jonathan's bed, given his skin sensitivies and allergies, and how much time is spent in bed. And, wool is temperature regulating (so all the enthusiasts say), wicks away moisture and wool allergies are rare. Read more about the benefits and advantages of wool bedding here and here.

Natura is a Canadian company committed to improving the quality of sleep (and the quality of life). They manufacture mattresses, pillows and bedding, for adults and kids (and pets too!), from natural materials such as wool and natural latex. Their website is a treasure chest of information to help you sleep better and to help you choose from the many products available. They've just recently launched a Baby and Kidz website, where their products for children are featured.  They have some great Baby bedding products as well as a neat Kids lineup! Check them both out - lots of natural products for sleeping on and under!

Jonathan was fortunate to receive a Washable Wool Comforter, a Washable Wool Mattress Pad and a Sunshine Pillow from Natura (and the rest of the family is green with envy!) Here he is pretending to sleep - actually he's blinking because I turned on the ceiling light after lights out to take the picture! :) He was thrilled to think of sleeping in a sleep envelope – that's what Natura calls it when you sleep on and under wool! :) Anyone who is worried about wool being scratchy (like my mom, when I first told her about the wool bedding) will be reassured by how soft and smooth the 100% cotton sateen covers are on the comforter and mattress pad. The filling is SmartWash wool, and it is definitely washable - we've had to try that part out already too! The comforter has a pleasant weight, lovely and warm to sleep under, and the mattress pad has just enough cushioning to make the mattress feel cozier. Both my husband and I have been able to try out the comforter and mattress pad as we've both fallen asleep by mistake in Jonathan's bed when we're reading the bedtime stories! You know how comfortable and warm it is when we say we've had a good sleep in a twin-sized bed with a usually wiggly worm! :) But, we've not been allowed to lie down on the pillow – Jonathan has been very protective of it! It feels soft, fluffs up great, and supports him well without raising his head too much. Other pillows we've tried have been too fat to start, and have flattened out quickly, but this is keeping it's shape nicely and because it's made from allergen-free granulated natural latex, we expect it to stay that way!  Since he's been sleeping in the “Sleep Envelope,” we've noticed a dramatic change in his sleep habits. He's much calmer, wakes up rested and cheerful and feels comfortably warm but not hot or wet at night. We are sleeping so much better too, simply because he is sleeping better! Thank you Natura!

We've also been given a bottle of NaturaClean Baby Spray to try. This water-based spray has a pleasant green-tea smell, without being overpowering. It makes anything stale or stinky smell fresh again. You can also use it to remove stains.

Win it!

Natura has graciously offered to give on of our readers a super-cozy twin-size Washable Wool Comforter!!! (value of $271.20!!) To enter, visit the Kidz Natura or Baby Natura or Natura websites and tell us which product you think would improve your child's (or your!) sleep the most!

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Become a fan of Natura on Facebook (and get a coupon code every month!)
~ Follow Natura on Twitter
~ Add our button to your blog/website
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
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~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Contest is open to North American residents and ends February 15, 2010.

Buy it!

During the entire month of February, Glimpse readers can save 10% off their Natura purchases! Just use the code: organic2010. Expires February 28, 2010.

We'd like your opinion!

Glimpse is running a poll right now and I thought I'd point it out! We would like to know if you prefer links to open in the same window by default (and you can choose by right-clicking to open them in a new window or tab) or if you prefer links to open in a new window or tab automatically.

You'll find the poll on the left side of the blog, down under the last coupon code.  Thanks for letting us know!

Winner!

The winner of a set of Mitten Clips from Snugglywunkins is:

Comment #81 - domesticbliss

Congrats! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.

Oma Mary ~ Giveaway!!

Sometimes when I come across a website, I just know I have to write about it. That's how I felt when I found Oma Mary.

Oma Mary is a great little organization run by an Oma and her Granddaughter. They make beautiful receiving blankets to sell, but also to donate to those who could use a little love. For every purchase that is made, they donate to various organizations from Haiti (which is very near and dear to many hearts at this time) to Rankin Inlet, and of course, in between!

I purchased this argyle receiving blanket for our expected little one, and I have to say I'm very impressed. These blankets come ready to give as a gift, and you can see the love and care that has gone into every stitch. The edges of the blanket are neatly crocheted to give it a handmade touch.
The other thing that you will notice about these blankets is the size! These are not typical receiving blankets that you can purchase in a store. They are approximately 1 meter square (39 inches square for our American readers) which is plenty big enough to swaddle even an older baby. They also make toddler size blankets which would be perfect for that move out of the crib into a big boy/girl bed.

I would like to encourage each and every one of our readers to support Oma Mary, either by purchasing a blanket, or donating money or fabric to them. You can find in the information regarding donations here, on their website. To make a purchase, you can visit their Etsy shop here.

WIN IT!
Oma Mary has graciously offered to give away a beautiful receiving blanket and set of burp cloths to one lucky Glimpse reader! This set is the blue set pictured above. In order to get one entry, please leave us a comment letting us know which is your favorite item available in Oma Mary's Etsy shop.

EXTRA ENTRIES - Please leave an additional comment for each extra entry
~ Make a purchase from Oma Mary's Etsy shop
~ Add our button
~ Subscribe to our blog/feed
~ Follow our blog
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

This contest is open to readers in Canada and the US, and ends February 16th, 2010.

Winner!

The winner of a pair of MITT-ONS is:

Comment #16 - Amy Brown!!

Congratulations! You'll have 72 hours to respond to my email before a new winner is chosen.