Motherlove Diaper Rash & Thrush Ointment Review AND Giveaway!

I love cloth diapers, yes, I do.  I love cloth diapers, how about you?  Well, if you're a lover of the fluff, then you also love cloth diaper accessories and products.  I have to admit, I have loved trying out new cloth diaper products.  I've had the opportunity to try out cloth diaper wipes, different cloth diaper safe detergents as well as cloth diaper safe rash ointments and diaper creams.  A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog posting about various cloth diaper approved products.  I featured several brands, such as, Earth Mama Angel Baby, Charlie's Soap, Rockin' Green Cloth Diaper Detergent and Motherlove Herbal Company.  The one cloth diaper safe diaper cream that I hadn't tried yet was the Motherlove Herbal Company brand.  However, my wait is now over!  Motherlove Herbal Company recently sent me their diaper ointment and I've been using their Diaper Rash and Thrush on my cloth diapered little one this past week!

The one thing that I absolutely love about Diaper Rash and Thrush is that it scores a big fat ZERO on the EWG Skin Deep Data Base.  If you've never checked out the EWG Skin Deep Data Base, then you must head over there right away.  Gather your baby care items as well your personal cosmetic and beauty products.  Search for each brand's "rating."  You'll be amazed at the amount of toxins and chemicals in our everyday personal care products.  Motherlove's Diaper Rash and Thrush, however, contains zero toxins and is made with 96% certified organic ingredients.  Diaper Rash and Thrush is cloth diaper safe, too, so you don't have to worry about it ruining your fluffy stash.   You can breath a big sigh of relief!

Bonus... If you're a nursing momma, Diaper Rash and Thrush can actually be used on your nipples as a soothing salve.  When using as a nursing salve, there's no need to wash off prior to nursing your little one either.

When using Diaper Rash and Thrush this week, I noticed that a little goes a long way.  There's no need to "glop" it on your little one's bottom, which definitely saves you some green.  Diaper Rash and Thrush has a pleasant smell, too.  It's not overpowering and has a light, clean aroma.  I used Diaper Rash and Thrush on my little one at every diaper change and he never experienced any redness.  Hip, hip hooray... A red-free bottom makes this momma's day!

I've heard and have also read reviews that Diaper Rash and Thrush can actually treat thrush.  Thankfully, I haven't used it to treat thrush, but if you have a little one who has a case of thrush on their bottom, this product may be something for you try.  Especially, if you're not wanting to  go the antibiotic route.  Now, medicine definitely has its time and place, but I'm all about treating something naturally, if at all possible.

So, would you love the opportunity to try Diaper Rash and Thrush, too?  Well, you're in luck.  Motherlove Herbal Company is graciously going to give one of my lucky readers a jar of Diaper Rash and Thrush!  Simply follow the easy Rafflecopter instructions below!  There are TWO MANDATORY entries and the other entries are extras for more chances to win!  If you already follow my blog on Facebook and Twitter, make sure you use those extra entries!  Good luck!

Now, if you don't win this giveaway, fret not!  You can always order your very own jar of  Diaper Rash and Thrush at www.motherlove.com.  You can also search for a store location near you that carries Motherlove products!  Good luck!

Hope you're enjoying your friends and family during this Christmas week!  Hope you're making many memories with your loved ones!  Merry Christmas!

Happy Blogging!

Toni The Chic Momma 

P.S. - Motherlove Herbal Company graciously sent me their wonderful diaper ointment to review.  However, this review is my personal, honest opinion.  My 2 cents.  Thanks for reading and stopping by!

Merry Christmas From Toni The Chic Momma and Family!

Last night, my sister and mom came over to take pictures for our Christmas card.  Yes, I said Christmas card!  Yes, I know that Christmas is in 6 days!  However, I was able to order my cards last night and they will be ready for pick-up this afternoon.  Then, I can mail them tomorrow just in time!  Cutting it close, huh?  Well, that's what happens when you have a 2.5 year old and a 16-month old!  Life is a little chaotic and you lose track of the time!  Now, getting some decent pictures last night was quite the task.  We had two little boys who didn't want to keep still nor look at the camera at the same time.  I still think we got some cute pictures though.  I have to admit, that was the longest 15 minutes of my life and if you've ever take pictures with little ones, I'm sure you understand!  :)

Hope you're having a blessed week! 

Wishing you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Toni The Chic Momma

"Vinegar Fridays" Book Review and Giveaway!

As I got dinner going in the show cooker this morning, I did some cleaning around my house.  Know what that means?  I was cleaning with vinegar!  I've been cleaning with vinegar for awhile now.  I'm sure you're wondering what sparked my desire to begin clean with vinegar.  Well, I'll tell you!  Back in 2008, when I first found out I was pregnant with my oldest little boy, I decided that I wanted to start using more natural, eco-friendly cleaning products.  I headed to my local health food store and picked up a well-known brand of natural cleaner.  The bottle of cleaner cost $5+ and my husband just flipped.  I loved the fact that I was using a more natural cleaner that wasn't riddled with chemicals, but honestly, $5+ for a bottle of cleaner is quite insane.  I started doing a little research and decided to start making my own household cleaner.   In fact, I recently wrote a blog posting about eco-friendly cleaning!

So, I now do all of my household cleaning using vinegar, water and baking soda.  I dust, clean, disinfect, sanitize and mop with vinegar.  Plus, I also cook with vinegar and use it in many recipes, marinades and salad dressings.  However, vinegar can be used for so many other household chores and can be a part of your health and beauty routines.  I was completely oblivious to vinegar's many other uses until I had the opportunity to read "Vinegar Fridays."

Hana Haatainen Caye, also known as The Green Grandma, has written "Vinegar Fridays," a book filled with the wonderful uses of vinegar.  I absolutely love the book's description, "A splash of vinegar with a dash of personality."  The book, "Vinegar Fridays," is such an easy read, many thanks to Hana's personality jumping off the pages.  Let me tell you, this book is not your Grandma's book about vinegar.  Ummm, well, actually it is, but this Grandma's book is way better!

The first thing I noticed about "Vinegar Fridays" is that all of the information is compiled in such an organized way.  For example, each chapter pertains to a specific use of vinegar.  One chapter is regarding the beauty uses of vinegar: "Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder."  Another chapter is regarding the many health benefits of vinegar: "Vinegar - For The Health Of It."  This organization truly makes finding specific uses for vinegar around your household easy peasy.  

So, what did I learn?  Well, vinegar makes an awesome substitute for fabric softener.  You may not know, but many fabric softeners are filled with chemicals that are not only harmful, but can also irritate asthma and allergy sufferers.  Simply adding 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle will soften your clothes and also help reduce static clean.  Plus, vinegar whitens, deodorizes and disinfects.  Can you say, "WOW?"  Wait.  I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking, "But won't my clothes smell like a salad dressing?"  Now, when I clean with vinegar, yes, there's a smell of vinegar.  However, the smell dissipates quickly and then my home just smells clean.  The same will apply to your clothing.  At first, your washing machine will smell of vinegar, but again, the smell will dissipate and your clothing will smell just clean.  If you want to smell flowers and other garden delights, go pick some fresh flowers and herbs!

With cold and flu season upon, you or a loved one may catch a yucky cough.  If you want to treat that cough naturally, apple cider vinegar will come to your rescue!  Use 1/2 cup organic, raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 4 teaspoons honey.  Green Grandma suggests taking a tablespoon of this concoction whenever your cough starts up, as well as right before you lie down at night.

So, have some of the uses and remedies peaked your interest to learn more about vinegar?  Well, you're in luck!  Green Grandma is going to give one of my lucky readers their very own copy of "Vinegar Fridays!"  Simply follow the easy Rafflecopter instructions below to win your very own copy of "Vinegar Fridays!"  There are TWO mandatory entries and the other entries are simply extras.  Trust me, you'll LOVE "Vinegar Fridays."   

If you don't win my giveaway, fret not.  You can purchase a copy of "Vinegar Fridays" for yourself or a friend here!  Good luck!

Hope all of you are enjoying this week of Christmas!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Blogging!

Toni The Chic Momma

P.S. - Green Grandma graciously sent me her book, "Vinegar Fridays" to review.  However, this review is my personal, honest opinion.  My 2 cents.  Thanks for reading and stopping by! 

Mission: Christmas Goodies!

There was a lot of talk about Christmas cookies on the Toni The Chic Momma Facebook wall today!  My mouth was just watering!  So... Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves baking the most scrumptious, delectable, Christmas goody!  "Christmas Goody" could be cookies, candy or any other Christmas-y treat!

After you've licked and scraped the cake batter from the bowl or polished off the extra cookie dough... Bake your goody, decorate it, snap a picture of your yummy creation and then post your Christmas goody picture on on the Toni The Chic Momma Facebook wall!  You must also include the recipe and instructions for your Christmas goody!

I'll select a lucky winner to win a $25 Gift Card to their store of choice.  This yummy promotion runs December 12th - December 18th at 11:59PM CST.

Now, strap on your apron, grab your spatula, put on your oven mitts and get to baking!

Happy Blogging,

Toni The Chic Momma

(Christmas Cookie Images: chicshopperchick.com, flickriver.com, marthastewart.com)

The Untold Story of Rudolph...

A man named Robert L. May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.  His 4-year-old daughter, Barbara, sat on his lap quietly sobbing.  Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer.  Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home.  Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?"  Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears.  Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger.  It had been the story of Bob's life.  Life always had to be different for Bob.  

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys.  He was too little at the time to compete in sports.  He was often called names he'd rather not remember.  From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in.  Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression.  Then, he was blessed with his little girl.  But it was all short-lived.  Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums.  Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift.  But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined a make one - a storybook!  Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope.  Again and again, Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling.  Who was the character?  What was the story all about?  The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form.  The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was.  The name of the character?  A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose.  Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day.  But the story doesn't end there...

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book.  Wards went on to print "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores.  By 1946, Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph.  That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.  In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May.  The book became a best seller.  Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter.  But the story doesn't end there either...

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph.  Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore, it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.  "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."  

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again.  And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad.  In fact, being different can be a blessing.

This story was e-mailed to me and I just loved hearing about the "untold" story of Rudolph!  Hope this story warms your heart with Christmas cheer, just as it did mine!

Happy Blogging!

Toni The Chic Momma

Why I Celebrate Christmas...

Little Linus with his blue blankie sums it up...

Happy Blogging,

Toni The Chic Momma

A Generous Spirit

Typically when the holiday season rolls around, most people are compelled to act nicer, be more courteous to others and give to others in need.  I have to admit, I love the change in most people's attitude during Christmas, but I have to wonder why we can't act like this all year round.  Is it too much to ask that we strive to have a more loving and generous spirit about us beyond December 1st - 25th? 

I want to encourage you to continue your generosity, random acts of kindness and cheerfulness all year around.  There are hurting people in the world who need love, help and kindness at all times, not just during the holiday season.  

 Happy Blogging!

Toni The Chic Momma

Under The Nile Cloth Diaper Wipes Review AND Giveaway!

A "Fluffy" welcome to you!  In case you're new to my blog, you may not know that I'm began cloth diapering my youngest back in August.  So, how did I become a cloth diaper convert?  Well, I had been following Jennifer Labit's Facebook page over the past year and have just admired her as an entrepreneur.  Jennifer is the creator of bumGenius, Flip and Econobum cloth diapers.  As I followed her Facebook page, cloth diapering began to peak my interest.  One evening, I saw on Jennifer's page that she would be in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to have coffee with local cloth diapering moms in the area.  Even though I wasn't currently cloth diapering, I wanted to meet her.  I also wanted to meet other cloth diapering moms and pick their brains about the world of fluff.  You can read about my coffee meeting with Jennifer here.  About two weeks after meeting Jennifer, I took the plunge and began cloth diapering my youngest.  I have L.O.V.E.D it!

Over the past four months, I've had the opportunity to review various cloth diapering products and today, I'm reviewing Under The Nile Organics' Cotton Terry Baby Wipes for Lullaby Organics' 12 Days of Holi-Daily Deals!  I'm super excited to be one of the many fabulous bloggers participating in this fun and festive kick-off to the Christmas season.  First, let me tell you a little bit more about Lullaby Organics!  

I first met Erin through my charitable group, Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  My first charitable endeavor was helping the Hamil Family of Cashion, Oklahoma, after a tornado ripped through their home, claiming the lives of the Hamil's two little boys.  Erin's shop, Lullaby Organics, sent an amazing care package to the Hamil Family and she has since been a wonderful supporter of Shower of Hope Oklahoma.  We keep in touch on Facebook, I follow her blog, Green Kids Guide, and I have shopped at her online store, Lullaby Organics.  Lullaby Organics is simply an amazing shop that features some of the finest organic and eco-friendly products for your babies, toddlers and entire family.   Lullaby Organics isn't just a business for Erin, but rather it's a personal mission to help families discover the health benefits of organic living, and to learn how easy it is to eliminate nasty chemical toxins from their homes.  

Now, here's where it gets exciting!  I have been using Under The Nile Organics Baby Wipes this week.  I used cloth diapers, so why wouldn't I try cloth wipes, right?  Under The Nile Organic Baby Wipes are made from organic Egyptian cotton, which is something that I just love.  Natural and organic... can't get much better.  The wipes have worked great for me this week and I have loved the fact that I'm saving money by using something I can later re-use.  Before I used the baby wipes, I washed and dried them.  The wipes have been through two washes and have washed well each time.  They are just the right, perfect size for a baby wipe.  They are also thick like a wash cloth, yet soft on baby's skin.  

So, to use cloth wipes, you need a " wipe cleansing solution."  Lullaby Organics also sent me Earth Mama Angel Baby's "A Little Something For Baby" gift set so that I could make my own wipe cleanser solution using the Angel Baby Wash and Angel Baby Oil.  The wipe cleaner recipe is quite simple.  You can actually watch a video demonstration here.  You use: 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of baby wash and 1/2 - 1 tablespoon of baby oil.  I simply mixed the ingredients together and put them in a small squirt bottle.  At diaper changes, I would simply squirt the wipe cleanser on my little one's bottom and then wipe clean with the cloth diaper wipes.  My little one smelled heavenly because Angel Baby Wash smells of vanilla and orange.  Here's an image for you... think of an orange creamsicle.  The aroma is divine.

I also tried another wipe cleanser solution that I purchased from my local cloth diaper store, Booty Duty Cloth Diapers.  I thought it would be a fun comparison since I was reviewing the cloth baby wipes this week.  I bought a 4-ounce bottle of Thirsties Booty Luster.  First, I love the name... Booty Luster.  Actually, it's quite fitting as it does leave sort of a "luster" on your little one's bottom before you wipe clean.  The smell is pleasant, not too overpowering or too strong.  The 4-ounce bottle would be great for diaper bags and for traveling.  That said, I love both the homemade Earth Mama Angel Baby wipe cleanser and Thirsties Booty Luster.  Both wipe cleanser solutions were great at loosening waste, thoroughly cleansing the diaper area, and both gently moisturized my little one's sensitive bottom.  If you don't have a local cloth diaper store to purchase Thirsties Booty Luster, it may make more sense to make your own homemade wipe cleanser using products that you already have in your home.

OK... it's about to get real good!  Lullaby Organics is offering an awesome giveaway for one of my lucky readers!  One lucky reader will win 2 sets of Under The Nile Organics Cloth Wipes AND a 5.3 oz (full size) Earth Mama Angel Baby's Angel Shampoo and Wash! 

There are several ways to enter!  Simply follow the easy Rafflecopter instructions.  There are TWO mandatory entries and the other entries are simply additional opportunities to win!  When you leave your blog comment for the mandatory entry, make sure to include your e-mail address!  Do one extra entry or do them all!  The winner will be chosen by random via Rafflecopter!  Good luck!

Now, you can always buy these awesome wipes NOW, if you're someone who likes instant gratification!  Lullaby Organics' Holi-Daily Deal for today is... 30-60% off most feeding and diapering products (excludes furniture/changing pads). PLUS, Lullaby Organics is offering Toni The Chic Momma blog readers 10% off your entire purchase today! Use code CHICMOMMA at check-out and this additional discount can be used on top of the sale prices! WOW… thank you, Lullaby Organics!

Thank you for following my blog and Facebook page!  I enjoy interacting with all of you "Chic Mommas!"  Wishing you a blessed holiday season with your family, friends and loved ones!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy Blogging,

Toni The Chic Momma

P.S. - This giveaway is sponsored by Lullaby Organics.  I received Under The Nile Organics Baby Wipes and Earth Mama Angel Baby product to review.  However, this review is my personal, honest opinion.  My 2 cents.  Thanks for reading and stopping by! 

12 Days of "Holi-Daily" Deals!

I'm super excited to be a part of Lullaby Organics' 12 Days of "Holi-Daily" Deals!  If you follow my Facebook page, then you've seen my daily postings about that day's "Holi-Daily" deals and giveaways!

Each day for 12 days, starting Friday, 11/25, and running thru Tuesday, 12/6, a different eco-fabulous blogger (or sometimes two!) will post a review and giveaway from Lullaby Organics.  In each day's post, the blogger of the day will reveal "THE DEAL" for that day.  Each deal might be on a single item or a collection of items, but when the deal of the day is sold out, that daily deal is over and there will be a different deal the next day!

Tomorrow, December 2nd, I'll be posting my review for Under The Nile Organics Terry Cotton Baby Wipes!  Check my blog tomorrow for my review and a great giveaway!  Plus, there will be an awesome DEAL OF THE DAY from www.lullabyorganicsshop.com!


Happy Blogging, 
Toni The Chic Momma


P.S. - Where to find each day's Review, Giveaway and Holi-Daily Deal: