{Oompa Toys} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

Oompa is an impressive company with quite an expanse of children's items, ranging from toys and baby gear to furniture, decor and care items for your child!

They recently sent me the Jumping Frogs Push Toy made by Bajo, which is a European company based in Poland. Bajo's wooden toys are made from apple wood, cherry wood, alder, maple, beech, birch or walnut and are finished with non-toxic, child-safe lacquers.


Their site claimed this particular toy was suited for children 2 and up, and that is spot-on. My son is 2 and fit him perfect, both size-wise and interest-wise. I think this toy would still be played with by 3 and 4 year-olds, as well. That brings me to one of the beauties of their website, which is that all their products specify the age for which they're recommended, along with the specific details, safety features and "skills" (i.e. motor development, independent play, etc.) children learn by using the product - so handy & great for gift-giving when you're wondering, "Now what does a child turning such-and-such age play with??!"!

My 2yo son simply lit up (see below!) when I opened the box and handed him the toy! The toy was carefully packaged and soooo easy to "put together" - simply snap the handle on, and presto! - you're done. He immediately started pushing it around the kitchen and claimed he just couldn't wait to show Daddy when he got home (which he did not forget to do, might I add!).


Beyond his enjoyment was my enjoyment of it a) being a safe, wooden (that is, non-plastic) toy, b) being easy to "put together", and c)not making noise!

Buy yours here for just $31.99!

And now for the simply {fabulous} news!

Oompa has generously offered to give one lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader their very own Jumping Frogs Push Toy! {Open to US residents with physical mailing address only - NO P.O. Boxes}.



Mandatory Entry: You MUST be a {public} HTBC follower to enter this giveaway! Once that is met, visit Oompa to find another product or products you'd like to try. Then come back here and tell me what it is in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through March 3rd. Winner to be chosen March 4th, 2010.


Want More Entries? Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address, as well!

*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible - via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL
(must leave link to your blog in comment - 1 entry).
*Request an Oompa Catalogue AND subscribe to their newsletter (checkmark at bottom - 1 entry).
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win the Jumping Frogs Push Toy from Oompa! Enter at http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com!"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Adam's Blankie} BOGO SALE!!

In an effort to clear some inventory, as we make way for new fabrics, Adam's Blankie has a HUGE SALE going on right now!! On all already-reduced sale items {SUCH a steal!}, Adam's Blankie is hosting a Buy One, Get One Half Off (BOGO) SALE right now! It's a limited time offer, so please check it out today!

There is also a limited time offer of FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $100, AND if you check out and add this note to the seller, you'll get a FREE BINKIE CLIP with any purchase over $50!! (code to seller: HTBCBLOG).

Here are some of the fabulous finds for sale right now!!
Also just a reminder, that tonight is the last night to enter for the Thirsties Diaper, so be sure to check out that giveaway TODAY! {Winner to be notified tomorrow!}.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Katydid Diapers} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

So I am so pleased to be one of the first to be bringing Katydid Diapers to you! It is a spankin' brand new brand of diapers that was just patented a couple weeks ago! This company manufactures a reusable cloth diaper that is a one-size pocket diaper to fit your child from birth to potty {approximately 8-35 pounds}.

The Katydid One-Size Pocket Diaper comes in very professional packaging, first of all, with illustrated instructions on the package for how to use and adjust ~ a huge bonus for giving these as a gift, might I add! Included with the pocket diaper are 2 microfiber inserts ~ one newborn, and one full-size adjustable one {now, an adjustable insert is hard to come by, I can tell you that!}. You can also use the newborn insert as a doubler for heavy wetters, which is quite convenient. It's also handy that their inserts have labels on them, so that you know what diaper your inserts belong to come washing day. Nice.


Beyond this adjustable insert, there are 3 other features that really set this diaper apart from others. One is that it features a front-opening pocket {every other pocket diaper I've come across has a back-opening pocket} with a flap. This flap means no inserts will be hanging out of the diaper for an unsightly mess or uncomfortable shifting, translating into more comfort for baby and less mess for you! The second feature I find particularly different about this diaper is that it has what they have coined a "wrap and snap" feature. Basically you can snap this puppy up so that it is a nice small bundle {mess enclosed, might I add} for storing on-the-go should you be sans a wet bag or otherwise and need to toss into your diaper bag instead! And thirdly, the diaper features an adjustable rise made possible with their innovative snap system.

Beyond these unique traits, the Katydid diaper also has features you're pretty well used to, if you're at all familiar with cloth diapering; these include elastic around the legs and waist, a waterproof outer layer and snap closures. I'm a particular fan of snap closures myself, as they have a longer life than velcro seems to {and thereby don't stick to everything else in the washer/dryer!}, so this is also a big bonus for me on this particular diaper.

The first thing I did upon receiving the diaper was to give it a good wash. And I must say that I was really, really impressed with how quickly it dried ~ both the diaper and the inserts! They dried the quickest of all the diapers I had in there, which is just so convenient to not have to reset the drier to run again...especially if you're cloth diapering and already washing diapers about every other day.... So after a good wash & dry, my 2yo son tried this diaper on. Being nearly 3, we set the snaps at the second setting from the edge; that being said, I think Katydid's claim to last up to 35 pounds is spot on. The other nice thing I discovered was that the Katydid diaper fit was fairly trim, and my son could still wear his normal pants with these on, and not have too much of the infamous "bubble butt" cloth diaper look!

As for the actual performance of the diaper, it worked great! We used it overnight, as well, and no leaks in the morning - even just using the main {adjustable} insert! My only complaint was that since it is a front-opening pocket, my fingers got wet while removing it, which wouldn't happen with a back-opening pocket. That being said, you can always get poo on your hands with back-opening pockets...although at least it wouldn't be sliding through the whole diaper with a back-opening one versus front.... Really, a minor detail for an otherwise incredible diaper!

So, my overall impression is that this is a great diaper! And at $17.95 each, considering the 2 inserts it comes with and all its unique features, I'd consider it a fabulous deal and well worth the investment. You can order yours here, and choose from their 4 poppin' fresh colors. Coming soon? Katydid Wet Bags. Can't wait for those!

Katydid Diapers has generously offered one Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader a One-Size Pocket Diaper {in sage}! {Open to US residents only}. See below for how to enter!!


Mandatory Entry: You must be a HTBC {public} blog follower for this giveaway! Once that requirement is met, visit Katydid Diapers to either find your color of choice, or let me know something you learned. Then come back here and post that in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through March 1st. Winner to be chosen March 2nd, 2010.


Want More Entries? Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address, as well!

*Follow Katydid blog publicly on Google Friend (1 entry).
*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible; via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry)).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (must leave link to
your blog in comment - 1 entry)
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win a Katydid One Size Pocket #clothdiapers @adamsblankie! http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).
*Follow Katydid Diapers on twitter (1 entry).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog (in a conspicuous spot, please!!) and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly of my own, and no one else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Animaletters} Review.

Okay. So if you're like me and either have a child entering {or currently in} preschool soon, or have an even younger one that you just want to get a good head-start on, or even have a child who's a bit behind in their reading abilities, then I have thee product for you!

Meet Animaletters. It is a pre-reading curriculum that parents, teachers & homeschooling professionals alike can use to help kids learn letter sounds and phonemic awareness through multiple tools. They offer not only a book and CD but also a craft kit you can purchase to make those very "animaletters" your child will learn about in the book and/or CD!


Animaletters was created by Ruth Ann Myers and Connie Brady, who have over 15 years of pre-school teaching experience at the lauded Creative Arts School for Youth in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mrs. Myers and Mrs. Brady use the Animaletters program in the pre-school, and "have received rave reviews from parents and other teaching professionals" {you can check their site for parent testimonials!}.

Through this program, your child will begin to recognize letters and their sounds, and do so in a multitude of ways, which only reinforces what they're starting to learn, of course! Here are the 4 steps of the program, according to the website:

"Step 1. Using a template, your child makes an animal-shaped craft out of a letter shape. Step 2. Your child learns the sound the letter makes and the motion associated with the letter. Step 3. Your child sings the animaletter song for that letter. Step 4. Your child engages in activities and games to reinforce the learning of that letter and its sound."

The Animaletters CD contains 27 songs - one Animaletters theme song, along with another song for each letter of the alphabet. The songs are very catchy {trust me!}, and each one contains lots of alliteration {for example, one excerpt from the "G" song is "Golly golly, gee, there's a goose on the loose, a goose on the loose in the grass!"} to really get your child to understand the sound each letter makes.


The Animaletters booklet is spiral-bound {very convenient for little hands to control without the book shutting on them as with spine-bound} and designates one whole page per letter of the alphabet. The letters are shown in capital and small-case, and again in both forms in the shape of the animal that letter represents. For example, "A" is shaped like an alligator - and there are 2 alligators, of course, one for the capital "A" and one for the lower-case "a." Additionally, there is some rhyming text that goes along and tells a little story about that animaletter, as well.


Then there is the craft, in which your child will actually physically make the animaletter they've learned about. So they will not only have the letters to see and look at upon completion of the craft, but they will also use physical movement to be performed as the letter is made, creating a physical memory to link the letters to their sounds, as well! Ingenious!

My own 2yo son received the book and CD when he was just 1, and although he cannot read yet, he does recognize some letters and absolutely loves {and repeatedly sings!} the Animaletters songs! He will be starting preschool this Fall, and I feel great knowing we've gotten him a good head-start with this program!

BUY IT: You can purchase the CD or book for just $12.95 each, or together for $24.95. Or you can purchase the whole kit which includes: CD, booklet, 52 Animaletter templates, Program Instructions, Supply List, Animaletters Motions Guide, & Activities & Games for $116.95.

For more information, visit their site, or email info@animaletters.com.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Nifty Nappy} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

Meet Nifty Nappy. It is a cloth diapering company that is run by a mother of 6 {wow!}, who has mastered the art of her creation, the Nifty Nappy diaper, through years of practice and redesigning of her diaper. There are some unique qualities in her diapers, of which you will discover in just a bit....

The company now offers a plethora of products ranging from pocket diapers, diaper covers, swim diapers & inserts, although the one that started it all is thee original "Nifty Nappy." This diaper sports snaps on the front for a longer-lasting diaper, making them a one-size diaper to fit your child from birth to potty training. It is a trim-fitting diaper that offers a lot less bulk than many other cloth diapers out there, and comes with a lay-in insert that is to be bi-folded. {You do need a diaper cover with this diaper, as it does not have a PUL {waterproof} cover attached to it}.

The Organic Nifty Nappy diaper

What I find particularly different about these diapers is the lay-in insert and that the diaper is serged all the way around for not only an extra professional look, but also more durability.

Nifty Nappy's other main "gem," if you will, is their "Woolie Wrap." These, being made of wool, are pretty rare on the market, and I can't say that I've even seen another company that makes a wool version. As I learned from her site, wool is quite amazing in its natural state of being both anti-bacterial and anti-microbial {meaning it won't retain icky odors}! The Woolie Wrap is also a more unique type of diaper cover in that it snaps and doesn't just pull up. Quite resourcefully {and creatively, for that matter!}, these are made from upcycled wool sweaters made of at least 80% wool and only natural fibers. Additionally, there is a mid layer with 100% wool interlock, to provide extra absorbancy and softness.

Living in a very hot climate, I'm not certain this {wool} is something I'll use during the summer {although the website does claim it is breathable and so should stay cool in hot weather! That would be impressive, and I'll look forward to testing it out this summer!}, but if you live in the colder climates, I think you'll especially love this product {in fact, there are plenty of rave reviews on this product alone on their website you should check out!}. The only down-side to this product is that it must be hand-washed, as it is wool. For if you were to absentmindedly toss it in the wash with all your other cloth diapers {like I did!}, you'll discover that it shrinks incredibly and really can't be used except for maybe the newborn stage!! That being said, you should only have to handwash & lanolize it about once a month {versus every 2 days like others!}, provided it doesn't get dirtied up with food or other baby excretions. That should about make up for the hand-washing, I'd say. :)

And on another note, if you think the wool will be scratchy, you're wrong. Once I had it washed, it was not scratchy whatsoever - it was surprisingly pretty cozy and soft, and I was pretty happy about that!

The Woolie Wrap diaper cover

So we received both the Nifty Nappy and the Woolie Wrap to test out. The Nifty Nappy we received is their organic version constructed out of an oh-so-adorable black and white owl print {see first image above ~ I know you'll love this one!!}. The exterior fabric is an organic cotton knit, with an organic hemp fleece sandwich layer, and an organic bamboo inner layer made an in oh-so-soft velour. The bi-fold insert is made of that same delicious organic bamboo velour ~ you'll love it!

So we paired the 2 {organic Nifty Nappy & Woolie Wrap} together, and my 2yo son tested them out during the night. The diaper fit fairly trim, and more importantly, there were no leaks at all. I was pretty {happily!} surprised that the Woolie Wrap diaper cover remained dry throughout the night, too.

So, all in all, it's a great diaper and one you should certainly give a go. {Go for the owls - sooo cute and organic!! The only bummer there is that the cute print gets covered up with a diaper cover!}. And I must also add that the owner/creator, Vilate, is such a pleasure to work with and provides loads of information on caring for her items on her website, not to mention she is more than happy to provide any additional information you might need. That caliber of customer service is definitely worth a lot.

Visit Nifty Nappy today to purchase yours today!

And now...what you've just been waiting for!

The Giveaway!

Feeling lucky? Nifty Nappy has also graciously offered a $35 giftcard to their store to one lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader! {Open to US and Canadian residents only}.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Nifty Nappy & then come back here and tell me something you learned about one of their products in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through February 28th. Winner to be chosen March 1st, 2010.


Want More Entries? Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address in each comment, as well!

*Follow our blog publicly on Google Friend (right-hand column, 1 entry).
*Follow Nifty Nappy's blog (1 entry).
*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible - via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry).
*Subscribe to the Nifty Nappy newsletter (1 entry).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL
(must leave link to your blog in comment - 1 entry).
*Grab and post the Nifty Nappy webpage (1 entry).
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Become a fan of Nifty Nappy on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win a $35 giftcard from Nifty Nappy Diapers #clothdiapers @adamsblankie! http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com/2010/02/nifty-nappy-review-giveaway.html"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s).
*Follow Nifty Nappy on twitter (1 entry).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Grab and post the Nifty Nappy blog button (3 entries).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Prairie Grass Sundries} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

I love the smell of clean laundry, but I can't say I actually love doing the laundry. And I don't think I'll become any more fond once I'm doing full-time cloth diapering {sigh}. But, alas, laundry is just one of those things that must be done!

That being said, {I'm almost embarassed to say that} I'd never really given a tremendous amount of thought to how many chemicals & totally unnatural elements must be in your typical laundry detergent, ya know? That is, of course, before I started having children. Now all those things cross my mind.

So that is why I was so happy to stumble upon Prairie Grass Sundries. It is a shop run by a wife and mother who happens to have been making soap for over 10 years in her country kitchen! She sent me their All-Natural Castile Laundry Soap, which is made from castile soap, borax, washing soda, baking soda, & vinegar ~ like I said, only all-natural ingredients. So, it is, of course, free of phosphates and gentle on skin (hence, it being a great use for cloth diapers!), not to mention biodegradable, which makes it superior to any commercial detergents out there, if you ask me. It comes unscented (which I did, as I'll be using it for our baby girl's bottom and am not sure how senstive hers will be yet!), but you can also get it scented with lemon, orange or lavender essential oils (honestly, I think I may be reordering some that is scented later on!).


So that being said, the soap may sound great, but still must work to actually be useful, right? Well, I put this to the test, and it took all the smells out of the cloth diapers, and they came out, well, without a scent at all ~ completely clean & fresh! I especially love that use a mere tablespoon (for regular top loading washers, and even less for HE washers!) per diaper load! Magical stuff!

Buy yours here for just $7.50 for a bag that will yield 40 regular or 80 HE loads! And another sweet treat? She also sells soap shards for just $6.00, and all you need to do is add water and vinegar to make your own soap to wash 64 loads of laundry!

Now for the really sweet treat!

The Giveaway!

One lucky Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader will score their own FREE 40/80 bag from Prairie Grass Sundries, as well!! {Open to US and Canadian residents only}.



Mandatory Entry: Visit Prairie Grass Sundries {PLEASE NOTE, WHILE HER SHOP IS CLOSED, YOU CAN CLICK HER "# SALES" IN THE RIGHT COLUMN TO SEE ITEMS SHE CARRIES TO FULFILL THIS MANDATORY ENTRY!!} to find another product you'd like to try. Then come back here and tell me what it is in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through March 4th. Winner to be chosen March 5th, 2010.


Want More Entries? Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address, as well!

*Follow our blog publicly on Google Friend (right-hand column, 1 entry)
*Subscribe to our blog (2 entries possible - via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL
(must leave link to your blog in comment - 1 entry).
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win Prairie Grass Sundries Cloth Diaper Soap! http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com/2010/02/prairie-grass-sundries-review-giveaway.html"

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly my own, and no one or nothing else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like me to review?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Wee Ones by JaJoC} Review & GIVEAWAY! *CLOSED*

Wee Ones by JaJoC is an adorable Etsy shop based out of Ontario, Canada, that was created in 2004. It was created by a WAHM who fell in love with cloth diapers and started creating her own, along with some other baby cloth diapering essentials.

I recently reviewed their one size fitted organic cotton & bamboo diaper (retails for $20). I absolutely love the naturalness of the fibers, and its natural look that goes along with it, of course. Nothing says clean and retro-modern {if that makes sense?} more than this diaper, in my opinion. Made of natural organic fibers, it's a pure ivory color with white snaps (or you can also get multi/colored snaps). It has an adorable "ruffly" edge (no FOE (fold over elastic)) on this one, to keep it even more natural; and it's been surged along the edges for extra security. There are soooooo many snaps on this puppy, which is what allows for it to be a "one size" diaper, afterall. Pretty sweet. There is also a pair of snaps on the inside for attaching the organic insert it comes with. This makes it a pretty unique diaper in that it's not technically a "pocket" diaper, yet you can add an extra insert and be it one that won't shift around, might I add, as it snaps in place! The insert is made of 2 layers, and the body of the diaper is made of 3 layers, but you can also upgrade the insert to a trifold, which would make it compatible for overnight usage. You DO need a diaper cover with this one, however, as their is no PUL cover attached to the diaper itself to make it waterproof. Wee Ones by JaJoC does sell diaper covers separately, for your convenience.

Organic Cotton & Bamboo One Size Fitted Diaper

My son tried it out for me, and it fit nice and snug against him. As he is getting near 3yo, we were almost near the end of the snaps (size-wise), but we still had a couple snaps to go, and I could see that there were just so many more snaps to adjust it many ways & make it as small as need be for an infant. And I felt so good about having such natural, organic fibers against his skin. It protected him fully with no leaks or red marks around the skin, meaning the fit was great!

I also had the privilege of testing out their "Traineez" Pull Up Pant (retails for $13), which is constructed from 1 layer of PUL and one absorbant layer. The Pull Up Pant is lined around the edges with the fold over elastic (FOE) that is very soft to the skin. Its purpose is to keep the messes contained within the pull up pant, of course, keeping your child's clothing dry from their accidents. I love the design of the pairs of snaps on the sides of the traineez to help make changing time easier, too.

Traineez Pull Up Pant

So my son is currently undergoing potty training, although, not really on a regular basis {my fault, my fault...}, which would explain his non-success at it. I think that, being near the end of my pregnancy (that, and not being much of a homebody, which I hear is pretty necessary to really nail it down!), I just don't have the energy or stamina to be running him to the potty every 20 minutes (any advice out there for how to make this thing happen....for good??!). Anyway. So we gave Wee Ones' Training Pants a go, and we actually did have leakage onto his clothing. That being said, I think there's a valid explanation for our particular experience. I wouldn't recommend these for those of you who are not in full force potty training. The Traineez do have a soft (nice against the skin!), absorbant liner in them, afterall, but it's not at all like the disposable training diapers in that they aren't nearly as absorbant. In fact, if we're honest, the big box retailers' pull-ups are really just a glorified diaper except that you can pull them up and down. I mean, afterall, they hold just as much wetness as a regular disposable diaper ~ therefore, not really for "training," in my opinion. So, all this to say, if your child is well into potty training and is starting to "catch" him or herself in the act of going {and notices the sensation, etc.} , then these are for you!

I also must add that they did fit quite well in his jeans (not near the bulk as a regular cloth diaper}, and I loved the idea of having natural fabric up against him versus all the chemicals of disposable training pants/diapers. Now if I can just get this potty training thing going on a more consistent basis, the Traineez Pull Up will really be handy!

Now for the good stuff!

The Giveaway!

Wee Ones by JaJoC has generously offered one Haute Tot and Baby Couture reader this sassy pair of their Traineez Pull Up Pants, as featured below! It is their large size, and should fit a toddler from about 23 -30 pounds (about a 2T). {Open to US and Canadian residents only}.




Mandatory Entry: Visit Wee Ones by JaJoC to find another product of their you'd like to try. Then come back here and tell me what it is in a comment (1 entry). Be sure to leave your email address in the entry so that I have a way to contact the winner! If there is NO EMAIL left, another winner will be drawn! Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen. Entrants can enter through February 23rd. Winner to be chosen February 24th, 2010.


Extra Entries: Once you've completed the mandatory entry, you may do any of the following for more entries! Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry and don't forget your email address, as well!

*Follow our blog publicly on Google Friend (right-hand column, 1 entry)
*Subscribe to our blog (via google - 1 entry, via email feedburner - 1 entry (must be activated to count as entry)).
*Include our blog in your blog roll and include URL (must leave link to
your blog in comment - 1 entry)
*Become a fan of Adam's Blankie on Facebook (1 entry).
*Follow Adam's Blankie on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with the following tweet (copy and paste), (1 entry - can be done daily):
"Win a Wee Ones by JaJoC cloth training pull up pant! http://hautetotandbabycouture.blogspot.com/2010/02/wee-ones-by-jajoc-review-giveaway.html "

(Be sure to leave a link to your tweet/s!).

*Post our blog buttons on your blog and include link to blog. (6 entries possible - 3 for Adam's Blankie Etsy shop button and 3 for Haute Tot Couture blog button).
*Blog about this giveaway and include the link to your post (3 entries).

Please note, I was not paid to do this review.
Opinions are strictly of my own, and no one else has influenced me in my review.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Drybees} Review.

Drybees is a cloth diapering company that planted its roots in 2003 the kitchen of a Mom who wanted to fulfill her creative needs by making diapers other people would love! And people did love the diapers so much, in fact, that the company grew enough so that she couldn't handle all the orders herself. She has now hired another seamstress to help with the work {and being a seamstress myself, I can imagine that they stay very busy with all their orders, and probably could use a few more seamstresses!}.

Drybees offers several varieties of diapers, including pockets, all in ones fleece nighttimes, & lacies. We had the privilege of testing out the AIOs and fleece nighttimes, and we weren't disappointed!

The Fleece Nighttimes are essentially the same as their regular pocket diapers, except that they are made from materials specifically for nighttime use {or very heavy wetters}. It is constructed from a heavy weight fleece and a specially milled suede cloth. As it is in essence a pocket diaper, you stuff with the number of inserts your little one needs, of course. My son tested it with a pair of 3 layer hemp inserts overnight, and there was no leakage and the wicking worked great! The one innate issue with this diaper is, of course, that due to it being made from a heavy weight fleece, it is quite a bit bulkier than your typical cloth diaper. So you'd probably want to save this one for just overnight use or if you have a child that seems to leak through every other diaper you've tried! Just be ready to buy the pants or shorts in a size bigger than your child actually is to allow room for this diaper. That being said, it's a very comfy & cozy diaper, and would also be great during cold winter nights. In fact, my son told me in the morning, "I like that diaper," which he's never ever said about a cloth diaper before!


We also tried out their All In One {AIO} hybrid diaper in the medium size, which actually fit my nearly 3yo son quite well! It is called a hybrid because while it is an AIO, as it has an insert sewn right into the diaper, it also has a pocket so that you can put even more inserts into it should you need to! Ingenious! The layer sewn into the diaper is a 3 layer microfiber insert, which dries quickly and fluffs up quite nicely. The AIO hybrid retails for $16.95.

Drybees AIO Hybrid Pocket Diaper

This particular diaper was sooo easy to use and, most importantly, did not disappoint. We had no leakage, no rashes, and a dry bottom. They have Aplix velcro tabs for closure {with laundry tabs to keep the diaper from sticking to everything else in the washer & dryer!} and because the insert is sewn into them, they're just as easy to use as disposable diapers. I promise that Daddy, Grandma & the babysitter will all love these!

Check out Drybees here to find a local retailer to purchase your AIO hybrid or Fleece Nighttime diaper today!

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

{Rocky Mountain Diapers} Review.

Rocky Mountain Diapers is a cloth diapering company that focuses mainly on just one product - their One-Size Pocket Diaper. And, as I discovered, they have about perfected this product.


The diaper features a very simple snap system. You won't find nearly as many {daunting} snaps on this one, which makes it an even better choice for Daddies and babysitters who might be a bit perplexed by cloth diapers, in general. These snaps also allow for easy laundering without the mess of velcro sticking to things and losing its "stick," if you will, after many, many washes. "So how can it be a one-size with so few snaps?", you ask? Well, that is where their internal snap adjustment comes into play. The diaper features a hidden piece of elastic adorned with snaps. All you have to do when baby's diaper size needs adjusting is to gently pull and snap to the new fitting size. Pretty clever.



Beyond that, the diaper is a very trim fit diaper {which is especially important to me!}, and has a super comfy suedecloth interior to wick away moisture from baby's skin. A microfiber insert is also included with the diaper, and it alone actually held up not only during the day with my son, but also overnight! As it is a pocket diaper {opening in the back}, of course, you can add more inserts, however, if you have an especially heavy wetter.


They also have a multitude of adorable color combinations, including their latest "chocolate-covered diapers" featuring a chocolate brown exterior with either lemon, lime or berry interior ~ very fashionable and gender neutral to be longer-lasting style-wise!

So beyond lasting through the night with just the insert the diaper came with, I especially loved this diaper's trim fit and ease of getting on without a complicated snap system. It kept my son dry, didn't leak and washed up beautifully. It has definitely become one of my favorite cloth diapers out there!

You can get yours here for $19.50 or check their site for local retailers that carry Rocky Mountain Diapers.

Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com

Happy Ground Hog's Day!

It's sort of a forgotten holiday, isn't it? But I thought I'd send a "Happy Ground Hog's Day" out to you all ~ especially those of you in the northern regions of the country who experience "real" winter {unlike me in Southern Arizona}! Hopefully for you all, the Ground Hog won't see his shadow today....

And to celebrate today {and all of February, for that matter!}, Adam's Blankie has a great monthly special going on right now!

*FREE BINKIE CLIP with any purchase over $50!
*FREE BINKIE CLIP & FREE SHIPPING with any purchase over $100!

We have many new fabrics in our shop, too! Many are from the Amy Butler {discontinued and hard to find, might I add!} Lotus line ~ very mod, stylish and oh-so-couture!

Visit here to see what all the excitement is about!!


Have a product you'd like reviewed?
Contact me at adamsblankie@gmail.com
www.adamsblankie.etsy.com
www.gourmetplay.etsy.com