Mod'N'Natural

My Cloth Baby Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-11-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of My Cloth Baby, yet? They are your new option of well made, affordable, cloth diapers! Brittany, the owner of My Cloth Baby, is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet, has awesome customer service, who decided to have her own cloth diapers made after lots of feedback from her customers. She even asked her fans which logo they liked best before she sent off the design for her tags! (Let me tell you, I love looking at that little crawling baby, with a big smile on it’s face when I put these diapers on my baby!)

Brittany graciously sent me 2 one size pocket diapers to review, one blue with double gussets and one minky with pink & purple dots regular pocket diaper.

I had never tried a double gusset pocket diaper before and couldn’t wait to give that one a go! This is one heavy duty diaper. Let me tell you, no poop is escaping out of this diaper. I was surprised at how well double gussets actually work! If you haven’t tried one yet, I recommend getting one. Double gussets save the grief of what those runny bowel movements can do to baby clothes if it finds a gap in the diaper to sneak out of. Double gussets are the perfect solution for young babies exclusively breastfed still!

This is a TRUE one size pocket diaper. Having 4 rise options, this is a great diaper for bigger babies and toddlers, but can snap down to fit a newborn! I also love the waist and rise snaps of the double gusset pocket diaper- You don’t have to worry about wing droop at all.

The inner is very soft but stays excellently dry. It is a suede cloth inner that I really like. This is my first suede cloth diaper and I can easily see its appeal. Nothing pills, stays soft and stays dry! What more could you ask for?

The micro fiber insert that it comes with also snaps in to help keep it where it belongs, which is great for a climbing, wiggly toddler!

You also don’t have to worry about un-stuffing this diaper at wash time! The tunnel design of the diaper, where there is an opening in front and back is ingenious. I hate touching soiled inserts.

This My Cloth Baby, double gusset pocket diaper is one awesome diaper I think every cloth diapering family should have in their stash at all times.

Now let us move on to the regular pocket diaper with the same soft, non-pilling and stay-dry suede cloth inner. This is a really nice pocket diaper for babies 10 or 11 lbs and bigger. This diaper only moves through 3 rises and is really awesome for those of you with chunkier babies.

You also don’t have to worry about wing droop with this diaper by My Cloth Baby, either. There are snaps to help prevent that from happening and they work very well.

My daughter plays rough and this pocket diaper holds up to her play! There are never any types of leaks or escapes and it doesn’t fall off her!

Both double gusset and regular My Cloth Baby diapers are trim, have strong snaps, hold up to a lot of tough play and still come out looking great after several washes. They are both a joy to have in our stash.

You honestly can’t beat buying affordable diapers that work awesome from an awesome mom, who actually thought of her clients when she had these made! I am incredibly impressed at these top notch diapers with a low price tag.

I bet you are dying to try one of these, aren’t you? Well, it just so happens that My Cloth Baby is giving one of my readers the chance to win one Eco Grow One Pocket Diaper!

Little Fun Bums Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-11-29T13:55:00.002-05:00

When I was contacted by Kim Mixon of Little Fun Bums, to do a review and giveaway for her beautiful one size pocket diapers, I felt so privileged. I had looked at her Facebook page and fell in love with just about every diaper in the albums. It was right before Halloween and unfortunately for me, all of that Halloween diaper cuteness was sold out. I enlisted my husband to come help me pick out the diaper we would get a chance to review. When our eyes landed on the “Alice in Wonderland” diaper we were floored. We have never seen a diaper like it before.

I felt like I was waiting for Christmas Day as I waited for Kim to make the diaper and ship it. When I did finally get it, though, it was well with the (short! LOL) wait. It is beautiful and unique. The little details in the fabric of the diaper is really awesome. Each little card that is pictured on the diaper with Alice in Wonderland characters & whimsy on it, has sparkles accenting them! You also can’t beat the color coordinated snaps.

Kim puts a lot of thought into her diaper designs and it shows! My favorite thing about Little Fun Bums is the print matching, two print diapers. They all fit together perfectly and are well thought out. If you are looking for a unique diaper, Little Fun Bums has your back.

This diaper has hidden elastic and is nice & trim, with a low rise. I am a huge fan of low rise! My daughter is 22 lbs, walking and it fits right below her belly button on the highest rise. On the smallest rise, it will easily fit a newborn!

We have no leaks or blow outs with this diaper, at all. It holds up great with my little climber and adventuring toddler. It stays put and the snaps stay strong.

Another feature I loved about this pocket diaper was that it had an awesome stay-dry inner. I am not really a fan of pocket diapers with micro fleece, so this is an awesome alternative! There is nothing that pills, it stays nice looking and it truly stays dry to the touch after it wicks away moisture from my baby‘s bottom.

I stuffed the pocket with a micro fiber insert I had already, for daytime use. I did not use this diaper for overnight use, because to me, this is a daytime diaper.

When caring for our Little Fun Bums, I immediately rinse off the liner if it has been poo’ed in and I wash all of our covers separately from inserts. I hang our covers to dry. Guess what? Our diaper from Little Fun Bums still looks brand new!

If you can’t wait to see if you win the giveaway, then shoot on over to http://hyenacart.com/stores/LittleFunBums/ to snag your own, handcrafted diaper by Kim and save 15% with code naturalmommas .

California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-11-03T11:48:00.001-04:00

Part of being a naturally minded parent, is questioning the products you use on your child.

Is it safe? Is it toxic? Is there anything in this product I wouldn't want to use on myself?

It has been important to me to use safe, non-toxic and natural products whenever I possibly could. So, of course, children shampoo had to meet my expectations of what a good, safe product is!

California Baby exceeded my expectations when I first held the bottle in my hand, reading the label, many months ago while standing in the grocery store. Of course I had to buy a small bottle of it and try it. I have been hooked on using it ever since.

I was pleasantly surprised at how concentrated the Calming Shampoo and Bodywash was. A little bit goes a LONG way, even when you have extremely hard water. My older daughter has long banana curl hair- a dime sized squirt soaps up her head and washes her entire body with a bit extra left over to soap up the baby's curly hair. It is extremely gentle on my children's skin, but effective in cleaning them up nicely by giving you lots of suds to work with!

The tear free feature of this product (which is sometimes difficult to achieve with natural products) IS really tear free. There has never been a complaint from my kids about the soap burning their eyes or irritating them. You also can't beat how long the product lasts- even with 3 kids! A small 8.5 ounce bottle lasts us 8 weeks. That is with bathing my 3 kids nightly, they are ages 4.5 years, 3 years and 1 year old.

If you haven't given California Baby a try yet- you must! Our favorite shampoo and bodywash is the Calming.

Would you like to give California Baby a test drive?! Yes? Well California Baby graciously offered to give one of my readers a Travel Set (2 oz calming wash & 2 oz conditioner).

Enter to win below:

2 Hip Mamas Nursing Necklace Review & Giveaway ~RAFFLECOPTER~

2011-10-19T15:52:00.004-04:00

Have you heard of 2 Hip Mamas? You can find this shop on Facebook.

They have an array of items: Nursing Necklaces, Sun Block, Wool Dryer Balls, Cloth Diapers, Wet Bags, Snack Bags, Felt Food... oh my gosh, the list goes on! There is something for everyone in this store.

I needed a Nursing Necklace very badly for my daughter back in August. She was pinching my face, clawing me, poking my jaw (hard) and tweaking the nipple not in use! It was pure insanity and made nursing a very unhappy time for me.

Thank goodness I purchased a Nursing Necklace from these wonderful women! It has saved me a lot of grief. When I forget to wear it... I get tortured by my baby. I also love wearing it "just because". It is so beautiful. I had a hard time picking one out- I changed my mind on them when I was ordering, because I am so indecisive.

Do you nurse and have a baby who tortures you, too?
Then you NEED to get one of these for yourself.

Would you like to try and win one?
Well, 2 Hip Mamas is giving one away to one of my readers!

Good Luck! :o)

Worship Wednesday 10/19/2011

2011-10-19T14:37:00.002-04:00

Today, for Worship Wednesday, I have no picture to post or a linky.

I do, however, have a Testimony to share that happened less than 30 minutes ago.
No part of my post is to boast about what I did- I am only sharing to show how AWESOME and POWERFUL the Holy Spirit is and how God uses the Holy Spirit to teach us things when we LISTEN.

Today, my battery died in my car.
I went to the bank and pulled out money for a new one and headed to WalMart.
There, after they installed the new one- I am told that the other battery was bought from WalMart and under warranty! I bought my car used over a year ago- and this was the first time the battery needed to be changed. There was NO CHARGE for the new battery!

Afterward, I stopped at McDonalds to get Chicken McNuggets for the kids (they didn't get to have lunch because of the battery- I couldn't shut off the car when I picked them up from school, so they had to wait :o( ) I ran inside to order and as I stood there, a homeless man in his 20's walked in. Right away, the Holy Spirit said: "Go give him money. You have all this extra money because you didn't have to pay for a battery. Go give him money!" Of course, internally I say: "Don't make me. Don't make go talk to him. I am afraid. I don't want to." I hear: "$5. Go give it to him." I look in my wallet- I have a ten and some twenties. So, I say, "See- I have a ten. I guess I can give it to him..." Just then- the cashier says "Oh you forgot your change!" She hands me a five. >.< Without anymore internal arguing with God- I turned around and went to where the man was sitting. I said, "Do you need money for food?" He looks at me and goes "Um..." I quickly slapped the five on the table and I said, "Here. God Bless." and I just about ran back to the counter. I tried not to cry. I REALLY DIDN'T WANT TO APPROACH HIM.

Then, as I drove home the Holy Spirit says- when you get home I want you to read your Bible. Pick up from where you left off. I did. When I got to the third chapter from where I had left off, this is what I found:

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6 The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 9 As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us;

The feeling I got as I read this was indescribable and I found myself crying. I need to be MORE GENEROUS and GIVING. I am always happy to give, but sometimes I am afraid to give. But why? The Holy Spirit just lead me to see that God will reward me and it WILL BE OKAY. I need to have more trust in what God can do for us financially.

Trust God. He WILL show you what you need to know. He WILL show you what you need to do. Just be still and listen!

Psalms 37:7 NRS
Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
Psalms 46:10 NRS
"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth."

Anna Carrie Baby Mei Tai Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-10-10T00:28:00.012-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Anna Carrie Baby. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

*You will not see any pictures of Tessa front facing outward because I do not personally recommend

(for the well being of your baby's spine and pelvis) wearing a baby front facing in this type of carrier.

<3 This post is in celebration of International BabyWearing Week <3

I found Anna Carrie Baby a month or so back, on the "From One Lil Hippie To Another" Fluff Swap on Facebook after someone suggested her work when I asked where I could get an affordable Mei Tai. I honestly believe that it was love at first sight as I cruised through her Etsy shop that day. They were the most beautiful Mei Tais I have ever seen (and still are!) and I was determined to get one. We had been using a Moby style wrap baby carrier for some time, but with Tessa pushing 20 lbs it was no longer comfortable for us to continue using.

So, with my little Tessa's birthday money, I went ahead and bought me (er, I mean her...) a Pink Orange Floral and Fushia Minky Mei Tai Carrier from Anna Carrie Baby.

This was the most AWESOME investment of only $36.50

for a gorgeous, well made and high end baby carrier - EVER !

The Anna Carrie Baby Mei Tai carrier is incredibly well made and very sturdy!

It can hold a child up to 35 lbs.

After I received it in the mail, I went ahead and put Tessa in it, tummy to tummy, right away. Within 10 minutes of just walking around the house, Tessa fell fast asleep. This has now become one of her favorite places to catch some Zzz's since we got it!

She also, gets SO EXCITED every time she sees me get out the Anna Carrie Baby Mei Tai. She has never gotten this excited over being carried, before! :o)

I love tummy to tummy or in a backpack carry with straps crossed over my chest while I use this carrier with Tessa. Due to a bad shoulder, I find the back pack like straps and the hip carry very uncomfortable. I have no issues with the straps being crossed on me.

I did learn a trick that when tying the straps behind me or under the baby's butt, to double knot them. If I don't double knot, the Mei Tai gets a bit loose and my shoulders/back are uncomfortable from it. Doing the double knot fixes all discomfort for me.

Overall, I love everything about the Anna Carrie Mei Tai Carrier.

If you are looking for a beautiful, strong, well made and versatile baby carrier- then the Anna Carrie Baby Mei Tai Carrier is FOR YOU!

Anna Carrie Baby is so amazing, that she has even generously decided that she would give one of her gorgeous Mei Tai Carriers away (winner's choice of pattern/style) to one of my readers!

International BabyWearing Week - October 10th to October 16th, 2011

2011-10-10T00:15:00.000-04:00

Did you know that from October 10th to October 16th, 2011 is International BabyWearing Week?!

For more information, please visit BabyWearing International.

If you need any expert help, a friend of mine, Tricia, from the Desperately Seeking Silence Blog is a Certified Instructor in Babywearing! She can answer ANY QUESTIONS you have at all!

She is amazing, sweet, helpful and friendly!

Please, go pay her a visit this week and Like her on Facebook!

DivaCup® Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-10-07T11:30:00.052-04:00

*DivaCup^®sent me a Model 2 to Review My review is not paid or endorsed by Diva Cup. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

Have you ever…(?)

co-opted toilet paper from a public washroom as a temporary measure
planned a vacation around your period
avoided white pants for that one 'special' week of the month
done a supplies hand-off with a girlfriend while the dates weren't looking
cautiously tucked the telltale string into your bikini
accidentally pulled a mystery object from your purse in front of a curious male audience
scuttled to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden 'surge'
clogged your toilet with "flushable" feminine products
left a party with a jacket tied around your waist...?

The DivaCup to the rescue!!!
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.
The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!
The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose.
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.
The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...

Latex-free, BPA-free, plastic-free
No dyes, colors or additives
Comfortable, reliable
Clean, convenient, easy-to-use
Worn for up to 12 hours at a timeThe DivaCup is the only menstrual cup allowed for sale in Canada by Health Canada. It also holds market approval by the U.S. FDA. The DivaCup is also the only menstrual cup that holds international ISO 13485:2003 manufacturing certification. (The rigorous ISO 13485:2003 international standard provides a tried and tested framework and a systematic approach to consistently produce product that satisfies customers' expectations, www.iso.org).
The DivaCup is latex free and is made from top quality silicone, a material that has been used in healthcare applications for over 50 years. This silicone is not the same type of material used in breast implants. No chlorine, dyes, colorings or additives of any kind are used.

As my youngest was approaching a year old- I knew my old friend would soon be coming back for good. I am not one to use pads or "Mama Cloth" at all- and I definitely feel uncomfortable with using tampons with all the bad associations with them. I need something safe, effective and high quality.

I used to use "Instead" disposable menstrual cups you can pick up at the super mart. So, it was time for me to decide if I really wanted to continue to use the menstrual cups from there, or if I was up for making the switch to something much more unique and 100x BETTER (DivaCup^®)! I decided that I would MUCH rather try the DivaCup^® - So, DivaCup® sent me a Model 2 (for women who have had children or are over age 30) to review.

AND- to say the LEAST, I am so happy that they did! The DivaCup® is amazing!!!!!

Unlike the disposable menstrual cups, The DivaCup® is extremely comfortable and didn't leak once!
I love not having to worry about leaks or changing something every few hours. The less the mess and the ease of use of something - the more I am hooked. I changed and cleaned my DivaCup® every morning when I woke up and before I went to bed. I always did the insertion in the shower.

This is a VERY hands on product.
If you have no problems being hands on with yourself down there, then The DivaCup® is for you!

The first day I used it, I did need to practice inserting it correctly. The first try didn't go so well, but I was easily and quickly able to fix the way I originally inserted it.

I was super pleased that The DivaCup® was easy to find for removal and that there were NO spills when removing it. The design of it is perfect! I found that squatting as low as I could, made it the most quick and easy to remove.

To clean my DivaCup® between changes, I dumped the contents of The DivaCup® into the toilet, then I rinsed it in the sink and washed it with an Olive Oil soap. After I had it all clean, I would put it back in.

Storing the DivaCup® is incredibly easy- just keep it in the pouch that it comes with when it is not in use!

I highly recommend The DivaCup® to any woman who has menstrual cycles. It is comfortable, leak free and a no hassle approach to handling your monthly cycle. This is one product that deserves 5 stars ***** - It is beautifully designed to fit a woman's body effectively and appropriately!

The DivaCup® has won 3 Alive awards and was developed by a mother/daughter team- Francine and Carinne. Menstrual Cups were originally latex rubber created back in the 1930's! Because of management issues back then, their use quickly fizzled out. However, they were brought back into the spotlight by Francine and Carinne 15 years ago. As we all know, latex rubber allergies are very common. The menstrual cups were redesigned in 2003 after 10 years of selling latex menstrual cups.

Drawing on their experience and expert knowledge about the menstrual cup category, they developed a modern redesign, made from soft, top-quality silicone, to meet the needs of today’s woman. They launched their own company, Diva International. Their revolutionary concept, The DivaCup®, is patent-pending and ISO certified. Today, The DivaCup® is the preferred choice.

Please be very aware of where you are buying your DivaCup® and for your own safety, please buy only from approved retailers that can be found in this link: http://www.divacup.com/en/home/buy_now/

Enter to win your very own DivaCup®!

*Please note: Blog Comments DO NOT count unless you are told to leave a comment ;o) There is also no need to leave your email addresses anymore in a blog comment for my giveaways!

Worship Wednesday 10/5/2011

2011-10-05T22:09:00.002-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-
I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.
Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

1. *Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.
OR
*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about
Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)
OR
*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

Tolerance: Open Your Eyes and Get Some

2011-09-23T10:20:00.003-04:00

1 Peter 3:8-11

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For "Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; 11 let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue it.

" What is tolerance? -- it is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly -- that is the first law of nature. " - Voltaire

Tolerance has been weighing heavily on my mind lately. The use of Social Media is almost more common than random interactions with each other when we are physically out and about. So, in REAL life - I see people becoming more introverted and on the internet, people becoming much more loud mouthed & opinionated.

This is all fine and dandy if this is how society wants to change (<-- NOT for me, though, thank you- I prefer talking to strangers while I am out). BUT- what happened to TOLERANCE? Perhaps, many people have never actually had any tolerance. Perhaps, the reality was: many people were too afraid to openly express their opinions & hate out of fear of confrontation. But, now, with the access to Social Media, where you can stay anonymous if you wish, change your name and be *almost* faceless - many people are filled with nothing but INTOLERANCE and HATE.

WHAT IS GOING ON?!

I must say, I DO remember 5 years ago when I had my son, that Breastfeeding & "Natural Parenting" was still NOT mainstream. I received many strange looks when we were out and was made to feel uncomfortable. Now, it seems that "Natural Parenting" is much more mainstream. So much so- that people who DO NOT follow a "Natural Parenting" style are being told that they are bad parents and that they do not love their children.

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority." - Ralph W. Sockman

We own a "Natural Living" style here in my home, but let me tell you- NOT everything we do follows the 100% "Crunchy" view. Hence, why MY blog is called MOD (Modern) 'N' (and) Natural (NOT Organic). I love "Natural Living" but I just cannot commit myself to being 100% crunchy. We do a pretty good job at it here, but we Vaccinate and eat McDonald's every Tuesday: SUE ME.

Who the heck, is the "Natural Living/Parenting" crowd (i.e. herd!) to tell people they are BAD, LOVELESS parents for not doing certain things??? There are even some "Natural Parenting" Groups on Facebook that remove people for Vaccinating their children, using disposable diapers and over the counter medicines!!!! Breathe a word of any of that in their group and BYE, see ya! You are: Removed and Blocked.

" Collective fear stimulates herd instinct, and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd. " - Bertrand Russell

Although, there are certain "Natural Living/Parenting" techniques that I am an advocate for- never will you catch me telling people they are horrible for not doing things MY way.

"Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too." - Voltaire

Sure, I may not GET why they aren't doing it my way... or I may not GET why they see something differently- but I know I would be REALLY MAD having someone tell me, I obviously do not love my children because I am doing or not doing something different from them. I don't appreciate when people try comparing apples to oranges to me, either, trying to justify certain choices. However, it is NOT my place or ANYONE'S place to use hatred and malice in the way that they respond to people's differences of actions & opinion.

"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
- Evelyn Beatrice Hall

I am sick of people calling people: who Circumcise- child abusers or baby mutilators, who Vaccinate- Autism creators, who Formula Feed- Lazy & Vain, who use Disposable Diapers- Lazy & Un-Earth Conscious .

The grass always looks greener on the other side. Everyone has different circumstances that have shape them into what they believe or do. What we should be doing as families and mothers, is learning to be tolerant of those who do not see things our way. It's okay to be passionate about something you believe in and educate people on it. It is okay to talk to about something you are passionate in and present information to support you. It is NOT okay to get so heated on a subject that a fight ensues- that you say mean & horrible things. It is fine if you feel that way- but don't you dare SAY IT OUT LOUD.

I am tired of seeing MY "herd" act like nut jobs.
I am embarrassed and appalled by those of you who act like this.
Also, to put it out there: those of you on the other side of the fence (modern parenting/not naturally minded) are just as bad, most times! And I am embarrassed and appalled by you, too.

Regardless: You catch more flies with HONEY than vinegar.
Proverbs 16:24
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bod

Matthew 7:1
1 "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.

John 8:7
"...Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone..."

Where is our love for each other?
Where is our desire to sympathize and have empathy for others?
When will we see that when we act inconsiderately with hate, disapproval and down our noses on those who are different, make us WORSE than who we sneer at???

So many people feel the need to justify and explain their decisions out of fear of being judged or attacked.
We should be acting with humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with each other IN LOVE:
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

" Tolerance: Open Your Eyes and Get Some . "

- Rebecca Henson

Do you think you may need some help in becoming a tolerant and accepting person?

Then please visit Tolerance.org

Worship Wednesday 9/21/2011

2011-09-21T19:24:00.006-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-

I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.

Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

1. *Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.

*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about
Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)

OR

*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

Tessa Rose: Home Birth Baby 9-16-2010

2011-09-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

Click the Picture Above for the Birth Story in Pictures!
*DISCLAIMER: Contains Graphic Content that may be offensive or upsetting to certain viewers.*

One year ago today, was the home birth of my 3rd and last child, Tessa Rose.

Join me as I remember this day as it was one year ago!

7:45 am - I drop off Andre and Athena at my parent's house. I was getting ready to head up to Rosemary Birthing for my Prenatal Check Up. I was SIX days past due with Tessa.
9:00 am - I arrive at the birthing home to have my appointment with Harmony, my midwife.
9:30 am - Harmony strips my membranes as intensely as she could.
9:40 am - Harmony tells me her "plan" on how the day was going to go from this point forward.
(The EERIE thing?! It went EXACTLY the way SHE WANTED IT to and how she said it was going to go- even including the other mama due with her baby!!! CRAZY.)
9:50 am - Harmony is on the phone with Deanine (the Acupuncturist across from the birthing home) to get me in for an Acupuncture Labor Induction :o)
10:00 am - I walk over to Deanine's and proceed to tell her I only have 30 minutes because my mother wants me back to take the kids.
10:05 am - I am on the Acupuncture table, as Deanine slides the needles in and hooks a few up to an electric pulse. I can't relax.
10:40 am - My anxiety level increases because I am pushing the time.
10:45 am - I thank Deanine as she unhooks me and takes the needles out.
10:50 am - I am heading back to my parent's, I feel fine.
11:20 am - I arrive at my parent's- then took some Black & Blue Cohosh Homeopathic tablets, drank a cup of Raspberry tea and rubbed Clarysage Oil all over my belly covering my uterus.
11:30 am - I use the restroom and a pool of blood was at the bottom of the toilet. I knew this was it.
11:45 am - My mom tells me the kids need to eat and sends me out the door, to take them with me to get them McDonalds. 5 feet from the door, into the garage- I have my first REAL Contraction.
11:48 am - I freak out a bit and ask my mom to go. She demands I go, and ensures me that I will be fine (Ha! Yea right.)
11:53 am - I pull into McDonalds and it is the LONGEST line of my life through the Drive Thru (and inside)
11:56 am - I have my 2nd hard core Contraction in the car with my son and daughter with me, as I sit in the Drive Thru. My son asks me if the baby will be born right there in the car. I tell him "I hope not, Andre!!!"
12:00 pm - I am on the phone with my friend telling her whats happening...
12:04 pm - I have another Contraction as I am on the phone with her.
12:08 pm - I finally get to order our food.
12:14 pm - Here is another Contraction - O M G... this is the longest McDonalds trip of my life!
12:17 pm - Paying the lady at Mcdonalds.
12:19 pm - YAY WE GOT OUR FOOD!
12:24 pm - I am driving, on the phone with my mom- upset because I am obviously in labor and she sent me to McDonalds. I have another Contraction as I was trying to talk and drive - she gets nervous and says to hurry back. (FYI I dropped my phone into my lap)
12:27 pm - I arrive at my parent's, as does my friend.
12:33 pm - I start telling them I am pretty sure this is LABOR. Then I am interrupted by a Contraction.
12:36 pm - We all head inside and I ate my Double Cheesburger as fast as I could.
12:40 pm - Another Contraction. Even harder, more intense and takes my breath away- I drop to my hands and knees and start the labor moan.
12:42 pm - I have to pee, or poop? I can't tell... there is just pressure. I go pee and a large blood clot is in the toilet.
12:45 pm - My friend is on the phone with my husband asking him to come to my parent's house and take me to the birthing home. She holds the phone up so he can hear that I REALLY in labor and it is urgent. He took AN HOUR to get there because he was finishing up work (Jerk.)
1:30 pm - Labor has been moving quickly- faster, more intense and I am panicking because there is still no husband.
1:50 pm - Anthony arrives at my parent's to discover I am in SERIOUS labor... and we have to leave IMMEDIATELY
1:55 pm - 2:20 pm - The longest car ride of my life... I had a bucket in case I puked and a towel between my legs in case my water were to break. Anthony called Valerie Joy Photography to come photograph the baby's labor & birth :o)
2:30 pm - I arrived at the birthing home and was checked out- no broken water and no dilation.
(I had scar tissue from a medical procedure which prevented dilation)

2:45 pm - 4:13 pm - I labor in the tub. (I feels sooooo good!)
4:15 pm - Harmony checks me. No dilation still and breaks my scar tissue and I dilate to 9 cms in 30 SECONDS ! It hurt and I was NOT happy.
4:20 pm - Harmony checks my cervix again, I am at 10 cms and I am ready to push. I get back into the tub.
4:23 pm - Super hard contractions start- my body starts pushing on it's own. I DO NOT help the process, AT ALL!
4:25 pm - I feel the baby coming- my body pushes like crazy (Internally I freak out because this is out of my control)
4:26 pm - As my body pushes my water suddenly breaks...
4:27 pm - THE BABY IS BORN! SURPRISE, IT IS NOT A BOY LIKE MOMMY THOUGHT!
HAPPY BIRTH DAY TESSA ROSE!!!!

Worship Wednesday 9/14/2011

2011-09-14T16:39:00.004-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-

I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.

Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

1. *Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.

*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about
Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)

OR

*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

The Original: Dogs For Kids, Everything You Need to Know About Dogs Book Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-09-13T14:00:00.002-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Baby Dog Style.com .

This review is solely based on my and my childrens' opinion and experience.

Baby Dog Style / Everything Dog Blog sent me the The Original: Dogs For Kids, Everything You Need to Know About Dogs Book for review.

The Original Dogs For Kids! is not only a lovely informative book for children, but for adults of all ages, too! Every single page is wonderfully illustrated, making it packed with visual fun so even the youngest of children can enjoy it, but it is jam-packed with fun information for the older crowd. I must say though, I thoroughly enjoyed the pictures myself, too!

My favorite features throughout the book were the True or False, Q&A and Did You Know? My husband and I were surprised at some of the information we found. Such as, dogs are NOT found on every continent, poinsettias are NOT dangerous for dogs, dogs barely get cavities due to a bacteria in their mouth and a dog that is bathed often creates less allergies!

There is so much information in this book- it is insane! It gears children into remembering how important it is to take care of their dogs by training them, good vet care, playing with them, feeding them different types of food & treats and by giving them love. The Original Dogs For Kids! also reminds kids how great it is to help keep dogs out of shelters and how to spot animal abuse & neglect!

The Original Dogs For Kids! covers ANYTHING you can think of having to do with dogs. My son loved looking at all of the pictures and telling me what was happening in each one. He then told me what it was important to do with our dogs (just by looking at the pictures!). My daughter loved looking through the list of breeds and showing me each of our dogs. She now knows that Elmer is a Basset Hound, Nala is a Pomeranian and Coco is a Cocker Spaniel! She also loved looking at all of the images on the Bonus CD the book came with.

This is a truly a must-have in a home with children and dogs! You and your child will spend hours reading and re-reading this book, time and again!

Visit http://www.babydogstyle.com and pick up your own copy of The Original: Dogs For Kids, Everything You Need to Know About Dogs Book for only $15.99!

Weeki Wachee Florida: Home of Mermaids ( Review )

2011-09-13T08:32:00.003-04:00

We live in hot, Southwest Florida here at the Mod'N'Natural Blog. We always look for places that have ways to cool off, here in Florida, where we can go take day vacations. Gina, from 2 Hip Mamas, invited my family to join hers over at Weeki Wachee this past Labor Day. So, my husband and I decided we would LOVE to go! Our plans to go the same day as Gina ended up getting spoiled, but we still were able to go the day after her.

You would think, that living in Florida for 15 years at some point before now, I would have gone to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. However, this was my family's first visit there. We absolutely loved it! For $13 per Adult, $8 per child and children UNDER 5 for FREE - you cannot, NOT go!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers Mermaid Shows in an "underwater" amphitheater, an Animal Show of Native Florida animals, a River Boat Cruise, Water Slides, a Lazy River and Swimming!

We saw 2 Mermaid shows during our visit. The first was the Former Mermaid Show and the second was The Little Mermaid. The women who swim as mermaids are wonderfully talented and a pleasure to watch. My almost 3 year old daughter was in complete awe of seeing "real" mermaids. They inspired her so much, that she now is having her room being transformed into an underwater, mermaid themed lair.

We missed out on the River Boat Cruise and Lazy River during our visit because the water slides and swimming lagoon in the springs had us distracted the rest of our visit.

The water at Weeki Wachee is from natural ground springs (same water as Zephyrhills) and was a beautiful crystal blue color! I loved being able to stand above it and seeing all the way to the bottom like it was glass. Upon first entering the water- it was FREEZING. Especially since the day we visited was all overcast.

However, after getting in, going underwater and moving around- the water felt terrific and refreshing from the salty, sticky salt water we have always been used to from the Gulf. My husband and I had a blast going down the water slides and diving off the floating dock while my parents watched our 2 girls. I figured the girls were going to be turned off by the icy water, but they just embraced it even more and played like crazy in it.

I loved how after I got out of the water and dried off- I felt INCREDIBLY CLEAN! Like I had just taken a shower! The water there is really, truly amazing.

We ate lunch in the diner at the park and the food + price was decent. I was disappointed at how long it took to get our order out and that it was ridiculously crowded. This could just be due to the holiday weekend, though.

Also, don't forget to visit their Gift Shop before you go. They have many unique items to remind you of their Mermaids. I am sure you will find something you love in there- Tessa Rose sure did!

And Tessa's big sister, Athena found something fun to make and bring home (located outside of the Gift Shop)!

Because our son, Andre, was unable to join us at Weeki Wachee that day-
we bought him this Weeki Wachee Junior Ranger vest (which he never takes off!):

If you happen to be coming to the West side of Florida- make sure you mark your map to visit the Weeki Wachee State Park!

You will definitely not see another place in the world like what they offer!

I think I had the most fun there than I have in years.

The place was absolutely gorgeous.

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Cloth Diaper Giveaway WINNER

2011-09-10T16:40:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Vashti !
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

Comfy Rumps Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway RAFFLECOPTER

2011-09-09T21:42:00.025-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Comfy Rumps . This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

I was sent a Zebra Animal Print Fuzzy Wuzzy one size pocket diaper

from Comfy Rumps for review.

Comfy Rumps is a Canadian cloth diaper company dedicated to provide high quality cloth diapers at an affordable price. Christie and Trey own Comfy Rumps, which they created after finding some shortcomings (like, price!) in name-brand diapers.

Of course, many of us love certain brands of cloth diapers, but what if you are cloth diapering because you really need to save money?

What if name-brands are just NOT an option?

Then you must use Comfy Rumps! I found them during one of my internet excursions and I was determined to share them with you because of the awesomeness that they offer. :o) Christie and Trey wanted to provide families with an affordable and easy cloth diapering system that will help others lessen their carbon footprints on our Earth.

When I review a cloth diaper, I use it for a month or longer before I will ever come to my blog and promote it to my readers. I do this so I can see any potential issues that may arise and so I do not mislead you without having real experience with the product I am sharing.

Let me tell you, Comfy Rumps cloth diapers are worth MORE than what they are charging you! I am incredibly pleased with the Zebra Animal Print Fuzzy Wuzzy pocket diaper they sent me for review.

Pros:

- The PUL has stayed beautifully intact,

- The soft minkee outer layer has stayed super soft,

- The microfleece on the inside pilled the same (and not any more) than a name-brand

-The microfleece stays "cushy" wash after wash

- The snaps are well placed and stay put

- They are One Size and have many options to fit any size baby

- There are thigh snaps! (I love thigh snaps)

- The microfiber insert absorbs fantastically

- No pressure leaks or leaks at all

- Great choice of Animal Prints
- VERY Trim Fit
-No red marks on back or thighs

Cons:

I only see one and it is so minor it shouldn't matter.

- There are Limited Print Selections of:

*the Bamboo Prints,

*the Fuzzy Wuzzy Regular Prints

and

*the Fuzzy Wuzzy Solid Colors

Comfy Rumps Original Cloth diapers are ONLY $7.25 each!
Not exactly what you are looking for?

Then check out all of their other incredibly affordable options:

Printed Cloth Diapers $7.50
Solid Color Fuzzy Wuzzy Cloth Diapers $7.75
Animal Print Fuzzy Wuzzy Cloth Diapers $8.25
Printed Fuzzy Wuzzy Cloth Diapers $8.25
Bamboo Diapers $10.25
Training Pants $8.75

You can also get a cloth diapering package of:

15 Original Cloth Diapers,

5 Fuzzy Wuzzy

5 Printed Fuzzy Wuzzy diapers
1 wet bag fuzzy wuzzy or plain
1 pail liner fuzzy wuzzy or plain

and
5 soakers

for just

$207.49

(that includes shipping!)

Comfy Rumps gets 2 Thumbs up from the Mod'N'Natural Blog.

Would you love to try one out for yourself?

2 lucky readers will win one Comfy Rumps cloth diaper of their choosing!

Look below and enter to win one!

Worship Wednesday 9/7/2011

2011-09-07T00:05:00.002-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-

I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.

Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

*Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.

*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about
Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)

*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

1 Corinthians 7:1-6
1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote. It is well for a man not to touch a woman. 2 But because of the temptation to immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not rule over her own body, but the husband does; likewise the husband does not rule over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not refuse one another except perhaps by agreement for a season, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, lest Satan tempt you through lack of self-control. 6 I say this by way of concession, not of command.

Ephesians 5:28
Even so it is right for husbands to have love for their wives as for their bodies. He who has love for his wife has love for himself:

Ephesians 5:33
But do you, everyone, have love for his wife, even as for himself; and let the wife see that she has respect for her husband.

* Sex in marriage is very important. It helps keep a marriage strong and to keep you faithful to one another. It is a healthy part of marriage that is meant to show love. A man who loves his wife shows that he has love for himself. If you are a wife, you should be respecting your husband. *

- Do you notice anything in YOUR marriage that isn't sitting right with you?
Have you prayed about it and indulged in the Word?

Itti Bitti One SizeTutto Review & Giveaway WINNER

2011-09-06T23:07:00.001-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Tanaya !
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

Rafflecopter is HERE on Mod'N'Natural

2011-09-01T22:46:00.000-04:00

I will be holding ALL Giveaways from here on out with: RAFFLECOPTER !

YAY to the new founded,

simplicity and ease of entering Giveaways with me, now!

;o)

Worship Wednesday 8/31/2011

2011-08-31T22:12:00.003-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-

I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.

Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

*Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.

*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)

*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

Do you think that just because you're a "good person" that is enough to give you eternal life?

God doesn't see it that way... that is why Jesus died for US SINNERS!

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification were through the law, then Christ died to no purpose.

Romans 5:8

8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Ephesians 2:4-14

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God-- 9 not because of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway

2011-08-27T12:48:00.004-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Thirsties . This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

After the last 2 Thirsties product Giveaways Thirsties and I held for you fans, it became blatantly clear the majority of you were dying to try a Duo Fab Fitted more than their other products!

Well, we heard you fans and Thirsties decided to send me a Size 2, Mango colored Duo Fab Fitted to Review and Giveaway for you all!

Again, (no surprise, here) I love Thirsties in general. They have a delightful staff and terrific standards in keeping all the productions of their items here in the USA! They truly value & care about their customers and products.

Be prepared to be impressed when buying from Thirsties.

When I first opened the package from Thirsties and saw the Mango Duo Fab Fitted- the color energized me and had me thinking of Florida Oranges! I know, I know- the color is "Mango" not "Orange", but I live in Florida ... Oranges are pounded in my brain on a daily basis. :o) I simply love this fresh and fun color.

It was also incredibly soft! My 2 older kids had to rub it with their hands and then with their faces.

It appears to be Minkee-like in the pictures on the Thirsties website, but it feels more like an incredibly soft baby towel- only more fuzzy and lush. It holds its integrity beautifully even after many washes! The picture below shows you what I am trying to express in words.

I loved how the microfiber was covered with a layer of soft polyester fabric on top of it.

I did use the Duo Fab Fitted during the day a few times, but it quickly became a favorite to use during the night. I would stuff a microfiber insert inside with a thin microfiber doubler for overnight.

It wasn't too bulky and it worked AWESOME!

I ultimately loved how I was able to wash this fitted clean EXTREMELY easily and that it dried quickly!

It has a special "tunnel" design so you can stuff what you need to between the sewn in microfiber and outer layer. You do need to watch for over stuffing- if you put too much stuffing in there the diaper no longer fits or functions like it was made to.

I have a thin and long baby, so although she is almost 20 lbs- she is on the smallest setting of the Size 2.

So, for us- this will be a diaper that will continue to fit until she is potty trained and will make a great training pant.

I tried a few different covers over the Duo Fab Fitted, but my favorite was the Medium Size Diaper Cover over it at night time

I chose to use the Duo Fab Fitted as a swim diaper, too! I am not against PUL, but I do wish it would breathe a bit more- especially in Florida. It is SO hot here that it is important to remember to let baby run around naked periodically throughout the day. So, I think it is silly to have a PUL swim diaper... it just holds in heat.For a bit of swimming the Duo Fab Fitted did a nice job, but as soon as we got out the water it came off because the sewn in microfiber holds a TON of water (or pee) just like it was made to!

This is a great diaper for those of you with heavy wetters and explosive poopers!

You can custom stuff to meet your wetters needs and no poop is getting out of this fitted with a cover.

Go pop on over to Thirsties Website and follow them with social media!

http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/

http://www.facebook.com/Thirsties

http://twitter.com/#!/thirstiesinc

Would you like to win one the Duo Fab Fitteds?

I know you do!!!

Thirsties is generously giving away a Duo Fab Fitted in the color chosen by the winner!

Giveaway is open to Continental US and Canadian residents.
Contest will end September 10th, 2011 at 12:00 EST pm Sharp

Cutie Poops and Bottoms in Orland Park, Illinois (Mod'N'Natural on the Road)

2011-08-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

I just had to share Cutie Poops and Bottoms, a cloth diaper store (a PHYSICAL store) I visited 2 weeks ago. I am in LOVE with this store... it is no wonder why people get addicted (like me) to cloth diapering.

Recently, I went on a road trip with a dear friend and my 3 children for 8 days. We traveled from Southwest Florida all the way up to Indiana/Illinois in my 2005 Ford Freestyle. We drove 24 hours straight through and our destination was reached right where Lansing, Illinois and Dyer, Indiana are about to kiss.

Before I left for our trip, I spent a whole day making sure all of our cloth diapers were washed and ready to go. My husband helped me fold them all and get them into the diaper hanger. Well, can you imagine what I did? 3 hours away from home at midnight, my husband calls me.

"Do you want me to mail you the cloth diapers?!" he asks me.

"Ummm... NO. Just find me a cloth diaper store on my way up and I will buy some extras!" I tell him.

Good thing I had like 9 diapers I happened to bring with on accident and most of our traveling was in the middle of the night where no diaper changes were taking place! Of the 9, 3 were WET cloth diapers I grabbed on my way out that had just been washed, 2 were on baby's bum and 4 were ones still in the diaper bag.

I did stop in Louisville, Kentucky to pick up some Osocozy prefolds, as I was on the LAST diaper at that time, plus we needed to eat dinner. However, that store is not worthy of an honorable mention in any way and it didn't really fit my needs in its entirety.

Now, lets fast forward to once we are in Indiana and I had gotten a TINY bit of sleep. I need a cloth diaper cover for night time and detergent for our clothes. I had 3 covers with me- none were perfect except one. So, ultimately that left me with basically, ONE fully functioning cloth diaper cover. I was also still a diaper short of what I needed.

Well, CRAP.

I hit Google and I found Cutie Poops and Bottoms in Orland Park, Illinois.

YAY! They were only 30 minutes from where we were staying.

After a quick and wonderful chat with Sherri, the lovely owner of the store- I stashed us girls (we left my son with his Great Grandma because he didn't want to come) into the car. Then off we embarked on a very exciting adventure for me! :o)

I was mesmerized as soon as I parked in front of the building!

Cutie Poops and Bottoms is tucked right in with big name chain stores that were slam packed with people right off a VERY busy road. Not to mention, the storefront was decorated as cute as can be!

I have NEVER seen anything quite like it before this, but it fit what my dream cloth diaper store would look like to a "T" inside and outside. When you walk in- you are hit with whimsical cuteness everywhere!

They even have a Classroom they use for educating and various classes!

You can join one of their belly casting or private diaper parties, have a baby shower there and have them help you make up a gift basket for a special mommy in your life.

Cutie Poops and Bottoms is not only amazing in brick & mortar, but online, as well!

They have a Fluff of the Month Club for $22.50 a month, which I WANT to do so badly, but the hub-face shot me down out of it (jerk). This is the first time I have seen something so awesome with a cloth diaper store. It reminds me of the wine clubs my husband and I join after we visit a winery we love.

They also have LAYAWAY!!!! Yes, I said it- LAYAWAY, along with other great sales and promotions.

Cutie Poops and Bottoms is NOT your average cloth diaper store, by far.

1. They offer unique baby and children's items cute as heck that have nothing to do with cloth diapers.

2. They staff their store with the sweetest women on earth- Tina, I got to personally meet, who looks maybe 30, but says she is a grandma (which, to be honest, I still just can't believe!).

3. Their variety and options for cloth diapers are impeccable!

While I was there I bought a bag of Eco Sprout (Lavender Chamomile), a one of a kind - WAHM - Upcycled - One Size with Snaps - Wool Cover and one prepped prefold :o)

In all honesty, I could have stayed in this store for HOURS if

A: The store wasn't about to close,

B: If I didn't have 2 tired & hungry kids and my friend waiting in the car,

and

C: I had $300 extra to spend! I would of stocked up on toys, amber and more diapers!

I highly recommend that you all go pay them a visit and hunt down a "must have" item on their site.

If you happen to make any purchases, tell them I sent you :-D

You should also swing by Facebook and tell them "Hi" with a tag back to Mod'N'Natural's Facebook page!

Cutie Poops and Bottoms has now joined my cloth diaper addiction :o) I couldn't get enough... Hmm, maybe I should make another trip up to Illinois JUST to go sit in their store for a day, they do have high chairs and a play area....

(I hope you all enjoy them as much as I did!)

If anyone is from Illinois in this area, have you been to Cutie Poops and Bottoms?

If so, what was YOUR favorite thing about the store?!

Visit Cutie Poops and Bottoms

Online:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutie-Poops-and-Bottoms/128553357169223

http://www.cutiepoopsandbottoms.com/

Store at:

14910 S. LaGrange Road
Orland Park, IL 60462

(708) 873-4588

Mon. - Fri. 10am-7pm

Sat. 10am-5pm

Sun. 11am-4pm

Worship Wednesday 8/24/2011

2011-08-24T11:54:00.007-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

What does YOUR heart look like to God?

Would He be pleased?

Itti Bitti One SizeTutto Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-08-23T20:50:00.007-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by itti bitti.us . This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

I had been eying the itti bitti cloth diapers for some time.... stalking their website and Facebook page DYING to try one of their oh-so-pretty, bamboo cloth diapers. Then, one day, my dream came true! A hot pink (known as "Fuchsia") soft minkee, itti bitt tutto arrived in my mailbox for me to review!

Insert the "Hallelujah" music here and imagine clouds parting with beams of sunlight shining through.

YES- I was really that excited and happy to get one! *Blogger's Heaven*

After just a DAY of use- I fell head-over-heels for the itti bitti tutto...

YEP it is true! I sold off all the pocket diapers I previously owned (because my little one just wasn't fairing well in them with the Florida heat) and then I bought 3 more itti bitti one size tuttos!

So, what do I love about them? Um, everything!

Would I recommend this cloth diaper to people to try??? YES- absolutely!

I am crazy about the snap-in inserts to customize absorption. I think they are the coolest things since sliced bread! The snaps are color coordinated so you know what insert goes where. They dry quickly after washing and also soak up a TON of pee when in use but stay DRY feeling.

You can't beat the poo fence- it really does keep the poo from escaping farther out of the diaper. If you put the diaper on too loose, though, it will not work for you.

There is side snaps to prevent wing droop that come with "covers" to prevent them from digging into baby if they are not in use!

The patterns/colors ROCK and I just cannot get over how soft the outer layer is wash after wash. I wash the outer covers with regular laundry to simplify my life :o)

The itti bitto tutto fits both my girls like a glove. Perfect fits around their thighs and waist. They are nice and snug on them, too- which I LOVE.

My Pros:

- Soft Minkee Outer Layer

- One Size

- Trim

- Comes with 3 inserts

- Bamboo! inserts

- All in 2 feature with Snap-In inserts

- Holds a lot of pee

- Poo fence is AWESOME

- They breathe nicely

- The colors and patterns are beautiful

I see only 2 POSSIBLE Cons for some people:

- These are very narrow diapers- So, unless you have a very chunky or large child, I don't see an issue here. But buyer beware- these diapers are a bit smaller than your average one size :o)

NOTE: I DID try them on my (potty trained, 36 lb, almost 3 year old) daughter to see how it would fit AND it fit LIKE A GLOVE!

- There isn't much stretch to the diaper, which ties back into it running smaller than average.

Would you like to win an itti bitti tutto one size cloth diaper?

WELL- here is your chance!

itti bitti.us is giving away 1 to a reader of my blog in a color selected by itti bitti!

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents over the age of 18.
Contest will end September 6th, 2011 at 10:00 EST pm Sharp

Come visit itti bitti.us and share the love at:

Facebook.com/ittibittius

Twitter.com/ittibittius

www.ittibitti.us

Haute Dog Shop's " Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée" WINNER

2011-08-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Cynthia !
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

* Pet Photo Contest WINNER *

2011-08-05T08:08:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY, OWNER OF LOLA !!!

You have been emailed.

Peekaboo Baby PUL FREE Punk Style Cloth Diaper Cover WINNER

2011-08-02T09:32:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Gina Rogers!
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Products WINNER

2011-08-02T08:59:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Ashley C!
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! August 1st - 7th, 2011

2011-08-01T11:24:00.003-04:00

Now that our family is back on the verge of being well again and the house has calmed down:

Breastfeeding was never a second thought with my children and I am shocked that people are still disturbed by a breast's natural function!

With pediatricians even telling families Breast Milk = Best Milk you would think that America's silly hang ups in regards would die off a bit more.

I also wanted to share the Breast Milk Baby with you all!

There is a flowered halter top with Flower "nipples" for little girls to pretend play! This doll is wonderful to teach little girls how to properly feed their baby with appropriate sounds. Scoop yours up now before America decides to ban them... because you know our Country is ridiculous.

Why did you choose to Breastfeed and are you joining the Big Latch On this Saturday, August 6th ?

*Please Note: Any negative comments about this post or Anti-Breastfeeding comments WILL be removed from this Blog.

Worship Wednesday 7/27/2011

2011-07-27T14:16:00.000-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

Revelation 4:8 NRS

And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,

"Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come."

Scripture Sunday 7/24/2011

2011-07-24T13:58:00.001-04:00

Worship Wednesday 7/20/2011 on Thursday!

2011-07-21T14:16:00.000-04:00

No matter how bad things get- God will always bring you through

if you keep Faith in Him NO MATTER WHAT!

About That New Puppy (Guest Post from Andrea S.)

2011-07-21T12:46:00.000-04:00

Getting or have a new furry addition to the family? This can be a very challenging time for you all as everyone gets adjusted to a routine that works. Hopefully, this will guide you on what to do to help build that strong foundation so that it is the most rewarding experience possible! Whether this is your first puppy ever, or you are a repeat fluffender, I hope you learn something from this!

You may find this is very similar to having a new baby… except the baby won’t shred your shoes or furniture. On a positive note, they do potty train MUCH faster! As a former veterinary technician, pit bull rescuer, and current dog owner, I understand exactly what you are currently (or will be) going through. If you haven’t already adopted your furry friend, I recommend reading up on what to expect when bringing your friend home so you have a basic understanding of what being a pet owner will entail and if it is currently right for you. Look into what type of needs the breed of dog will need. If you are in a one bedroom apartment, a Mastiff may not be suitable for you at this time. Some dogs need to stay very active, so if you aren’t a runner or have a lot of land this may not be the right dog for you! This is a basic overview, so if you have an XL breed dog, (Great Dane, St. Bernard, etc.) they have some special guidelines as far as their health, and feeding is concerned.

There are some basic fundamentals to help you get your pup on the right track! First, make sure you pick a name and stick with it. Changing the puppy’s name can cause them to be confused and leave you frustrated. The quicker they can understand their name, the quicker you can move forward with proper training. Next, take your new best friend to your veterinarian and get the puppy looked at and introduced to their new doctor, and set up your appointment to start their vaccinations when they are old enough. If your puppy came with a set of vaccinations, it is still recommended they be seen by a doctor and get their professional opinion on what to do next.

Most importantly, keep them in good health! Puppies need time to adjust to new surroundings, and you may notice lack of appetite, and lethargy. This most likely, is just them adjusting. If you notice that this lethargy is accompanied by diarrhea and/or vomiting, it could be an illness and you should contact your veterinarian. If he is interested in treats or toys, he will probably show you his personality as soon as he gets settled. Now, puppies need a lot of vaccinations to protect them against all the diseases their immune systems can’t fight off. Get them on a vaccination and de-worming schedule as soon as possible! There are many potentially fatal illnesses that can be easily prevented with proper vaccination. Make sure you complete all round of puppy shots recommended by your Veterinarian. You will also need to maintain parasite and heartworm prevention. This includes intestinal parasites (worms), fleas and ticks, and heartworms. Over the counter medications aren’t proficient, and you need to use what is recommended by your Veterinarian. If you use over the counter medications, don’t be surprised when your find your pet has provided your home with some new friends. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos, and can be fatal. Luckily, there is affordable preventative that should be used year round. Don’t forget to get your pet spayed or neutered as soon as possible. There are too many homeless pets fighting to survive already! If you are overwhelmed by the costs of veterinary care, remember, there are other options to help with beginning costs. There are pet-insurance companies, such as VPI, or ASPCA, and some veterinarians accept Care Credit. This is a credit card that can be used for your pet’s vet bills including emergency care (at participating vet offices), and is based on credit approval.

Insurance Links: VPI- http://www.petinsurance.com/

ASPCA- http://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/

CareCredit- http://www.carecredit.com/

As you know, dogs will eat pretty much anything! It is important that you maintain proper nutrition by providing your pup with healthy and beneficial food. Check the ingredients! If the first three ingredients ARE NOT meat based, this is NOT a beneficial food for your pal. Stay away from corn, wheat, and gluten as the first few ingredients. There are affordable natural and organic brands, if you want to go that route. Make sure you purchase food according to the breed of buddy you have. If you have an active or large breed, you will benefit from a brand specifically for large breed puppies, etc. How much? There are awesome charts on bags of dog food that go by weight/age of your pup. After your dog reaches a year old you may switch to adult food, but depending on the level of activity of your pooch you may need to adjust how much they get. For instance, if your dog lies on the couch all day you may need to reduce his food intake so he doesn’t become obese, which could cause health and joint problems.

(http://dogtime.com/feeding-puppies.html ) This is a great link to help guide in more feeding recommendations for your sweet puppy.

Next, we will talk about grooming. Research the breed of dog you want to adopt. Some dogs may be cute and cuddly, but require a grooming visit every 6-8 weeks. Take this into consideration before bringing your furry pal home. If this doesn’t fit into your budget or work schedule don’t get a long haired breed. Your new puppy will need to be bathed about every 6 weeks… maybe more or less. Make sure you brush them often to help keep their fur untangled and their skin clean! If you start to notice red pimples on face, and/or little spots where hair has fallen out especially around the eyes, ears, muzzle, excessive itching but you don’t see signs of fleas or flea dirt (flea waste) this could be a sign of demodectic or sarcoptic mange (parasitic mites). Make sure you contact your veterinarian right away. Make sure you clip their new razor sharp puppy nails often. If you aren’t confident to cut them by yourself or are worried you will cut the quick schedule an appointment at your vet’s office for just a quick nail clipping. Walking them on the pavement helps with filing them. Keep your new friend clean and happy! Here is a list of dogs that require the MOST grooming. If you are not able to take your sweet pup every 6 weeks, stay away from these high maintenance breeds! (http://www.breederretriever.com/sort/3/dog-breeds-that-require-the-most-grooming.php)

Let’s talk manners! Ah, the toughest part of owning a puppy. Training them, in all aspects, can be extremely challenging but once you “master” it you will forget all about these times. The first thing you will want to work on is “potty training.” I have found the easiest way to get through this is crate training. http://www.barkbytes.com/training/crate.htm - Gives an EXCELLENT look into crate training. Don’t send your pet to their crate as a form of punishment. This is their special little house, and should not be yielded to a place they go for discipline. Puppies are physically unable to hold their urine until about 12 weeks old, and you may experience accidents until after 6 months of age. Young puppies may need to go out every hour! If you don’t catch them in the act, don’t punish them (even only 20 seconds)! They won’t understand why they are in trouble. NEVER use physical punishment, and remember PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE! Re-direct them with their favorite toy or treat. Everyone wants a friendly, sociable pal. In order to teach your pup to be this way you MUST socialize them in calm surroundings. Bring them out on errands with you, dog parks, walks, or to pet stores that allow your furry friend. You will want to make sure they are up to date on vaccines so they don’t catch any illnesses. Another great way to socialize Fluffy is to put them into obedience classes. Many local pet stores offer these, and will allow your pup a chance to socialize in a healthy environment.

Good Luck picking out the perfect family member! Remember, get educated and don’t be afraid to ask your vet for help! Not maintaining proper care for your pet IS abuse!

Guest Post Written By: Andrea Skoog

Mod'N'Natural's No Bake Cookie Recipe

2011-07-19T17:29:00.000-04:00

Mod'N'Natural's No Bake Cookie Recipe

I made this recipe because as my daughter is beginning to wean, I am starting to pump so she will have my milk even when she decides she's done! Well, I needed a boost in milk supply to pump and Rolled Oats ALWAYS work for me.... I just hate the way they taste cooked (and alone). I much rather chow down on cookies all day and think I am being naughty >:o)

My kids also LOVE them. I let my kids eat them for breakfast. (Shame on me- I know.)

ENJOY!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

1/2 cup of Peanut Butter

1 cup of White Sugar

2 Tablespoons of UnSweetened Cocoa

3 Tablespoons of Butter

1 Tablespoon of Honey

1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon

3 Cups Quick Rolled Oats

Directions:

Heat on Medium heat in a Saucepan- Sweetened Condensed Milk, Peanut Butter, Honey and Butter, stirring continuously until the butter is melted. Add in the Cinnamon, White Sugar & Cocoa and stir well. Heat to boiling (intermittently stir so nothing burns!) and boil for 2 minutes, stirring every few seconds to prevent burning.

Take off the heat, and (use caution because it will be very HOT) slowly add 1 cup of oats to the mixture at a time- make sure you stir well (you may have to put some muscle in!) until ALL of the oats are covered.

Take a Tablespoon and scoop out some of the "dough", roll it into a ball, place on a cookie sheet and flatten it with your palm. Let the cookies cool.

VOILA! Ready to eat and Oh-So-Yummy no bake cookies!

Easy, huh?

AND YES- THEY DO INCREASE MY MILK SUPPLY VERY WELL!

Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc. Review

2011-07-19T11:49:00.003-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Must Love Paws Bakery Inc. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience
(well, my dogs' opinions and experiences....)

I was sent these beautiful boxes of doggie treats to Review from Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc. !
As you can see, the puppy just couldn't wait for me to open the box of yummies!

I was very impressed and fancied by the lovely treats and by the boxes the treats were presented in...

but the dogs were more interested in product testing!

They all smell delicious- especially the Banana Pupcakes! Mmmmm....

If you are looking for a special gift for the dog lover in your life or just some special gourmet style treats to spoil your doggies with- Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc. is a MUST!

Why else do we love Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc.?

1. Gina, is SO SWEET and great to chat with.

2. They use only USDA certified organic and natural ingredients. Utilizing this high standard allows them to produce treats that are 95% or more organic. While these treats are designed for dogs, the ingredients are all human grade and baked in small batches for quality control. There is no artificial preservatives, dyes or added salts and sugar.

3. They dress up the packaging and not the treats, so the treats are healthier for your dog!

To purchase these yummie doggie treats visit their site: http://mustlovepawsbakery.com/

I bet your doggies are panting for a chance to try some treats from Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc.!

RSVP to the #NewPuppy Twitter Party for your chance to win a $50 Gift Card to shop Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc. !

Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Products Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-18T22:07:00.038-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Lucky Luke All Natural Dog Products. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience
(well, my dogs' opinions and experiences....)

I received Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Cookies in the mail to Review.

Well, to be honest- the PUPS received Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Cookies in the mail to Review.

(However, my husband and I DID take a bite out of one of the Brownies! :o) NOT BAD FOR A DOG TREAT ;o) )

Here is the doggies' review!

" Hmm... what are these peanutty, Cinnamonny smelly treats in here??? " - Nala

"I NEED THEM BOTH!" - Elmer

Yes- Elmer was hopping around and barking at me- he LOVED these doggie Brownies!

...and so did, Nala!

(She was very protective over it!)

The new puppy, loved nibbling on her cookie...

And the humans???

Well, they loved the way these treats smell!
They definitely DO NOT smell like dog treats! They smell like yummy, human, cookie food!

What else is great about Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Products?!

1. All packaging is made from recycled materials and is both recyclable and compost-able.

2. If my kids wanted to- they could eat these dog treats, too!

3. Lucky Luke dog treats are baked fresh using wholesome ingredients with no added preservatives, by products, food dyes, additives, sugar or salt. They use the finest quality human grade baking ingredients, using only ingredients that are safe for your pet. In order to preserve the treats, after baking they are slowly dehydrated taking out most of the moisture.

(And did I say how good they smell!? Oh, wait- I did!)

These are definitely a must try with your dogs- they will go CRAZY for them!

You can buy you're own treats from
Lucky Luke's All Natural Dog Products by visiting their website: http://www.luckylukedogcookies.com/index.html
Prices range from $4.99 to $16.99 !

RULES and REGULATIONS:

*Giveaway ends Monday August 1st at 8:00 am EST
*Contest is Open to Anyone on the Continental USA

*Fill Out the Google Doc Form Below
*Winner Will Be Chosen with Random.org after 8:00 am EST on August 1st, 2011
*Comments left on the blog will NOT be included for the Giveaway- you MUST use the Google Doc to enter!

Haute Dog Shop's " Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée" Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-17T13:06:00.002-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Haute Dog Shop. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

Now that you met, Molly- owner & creator Haute Dog, all natural bath & beauty products exclusively for dogs, I want to share with you, her Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée shampoo for dogs!

Molly sent me 2 bottles of Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée- one for me to Review and one for me to GIVE TO ONE OF YOU! :-D

So, what did I think of this all natural, Vegan dog shampoo???

UM- AMAZING. Absolutely AMAZING.

I can't get enough of what it smells like out of the bottle, first of all. It sits on my kitchen counter and several times a day I pop it open, then just stand their sniffing it. It brings me back to when I was a kid- I had a doll that smelled just like Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée.

I cannot believe how concentrated the shampoo is, a little bit went a LONG way on our big Basset Hound and super thick haired Pomeranian. I love how this shampoo actually permeated through Nala's (my pomeranian) fur. Normally, with the commercial brands I have to use almost a half cup of shampoo on her! I maybe used a tablespoon of Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée.

Both doggies also rinsed EASILY and dried extremely quickly. Usually, these pups are soaked to the bone and have that shampoo residue on their fur... we use 4 towels just to get them to "damp", then it takes 2 hours for them to air dry. Well, let me tell you, with Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée, we used ONE towel for BOTH dogs! They had no residue feel on their fur and they were dry within an hour!

Nala's thick fur was EXTREMELY soft after (actually, I don't think I have ever felt her fur this soft!) and Elmer's (our Basset Hound) fur was less oily and so soft & shiny!

I am just in love with Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée!

I cannot wait until the Twitter Party for her sale so I can snag a few more things for Nala and Elmer!

Would you like a chance to win your own Like A Rose Revitalizing Bath Gelée, a $27.00 value????

Scripture Sunday 7/18/2011

2011-07-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

Jesus tells us:

* Jesus' words gives us spirit and we can find Eternal life through them. *

Meet Molly of the Haute Dog Shop (Interview)

2011-07-16T01:23:00.001-04:00

After teaming with Molly to get a Review & Giveaway out to my readers, I asked her to do an interview with me so we could learn more about her very cool, doggie spa product busniess and herself!

I hope you find Molly as charming as I do! Enjoy!

(and keep your eyes out for a Review & Giveaway on Sunday...)

MNN - How long have you been making Spa products for dogs?
M - Since January 2010
MNN - What inspired you to make a product that was vegan and all natural?
M - Being able to utilize natural ingredients in a safe and effective way is very fulfilling and helps to show that these plants and flowers do serve many purposes and are extremely resourceful. A vegan product (one using no animal or animal by product ingredients) is just as important to me as being all natural, but just in a different way: we are in the business of catering to animals because we love them, so how could we use non-vegan ingredients in Haute Dog products? It wouldn't make sense.
MNN- What made you decide to donate a portion of your proceeds to charity?
M - Before the idea of Haute Dog was fully formed, during the initial brainstorming phase, I said I wouldn't start a business if it couldn't give back to the animal community. Establishing "5% for the animals", Haute Dog's charity, was created before the finished product.

MNN - How did you create your products?
M - Coming from a spa and medical background, I'm familiar with many spa and botanical suppliers and their ingredients, as well as how bath and beauty products work with the skin and hair (both for human and dogs, which are very different!). First, I established my top picks for natural dog-friendly moisturizers, then I went through a very large selection of dog-safe essential oils, which was very fun to play with. Products were mixed and made and tested and documented for a long time before getting the final end product.

MNN - How long did it take you to create your specific line of doggy bath products?
M - Almost a year. We also went through a complete reformulation phase from November 2010 - January 2011 for a updated line that I am so pleased with! We changed all of our shampoos into what I have dubbed a "gelée" which is a 100% organic aloe vera based shampoo & conditioner in one, and it looks and feels more like a thick gel rather than a runny liquid like many all natural products tend to do. It is super rich and conditioning and cleansing all at the same time.
MNN - Did you go through many different formulas until you got the ones you liked?
M - Yes (yes, yes, yes). A lot! But it was fun getting there. I'm very much a mad scientist playing in my lab. And my husband actually has a degree in bio chemistry, so he is able to tell me what will and won't work, why, and how to change it. I work closely with chemists in my field, which has been a great resource.
MNN - Who were your tester subjects?
M - My own three dogs who all have very different coat types, as well has my family's dogs- my parents have three dogs, my brother has two dogs and my in-laws have two dogs- they were all great testers! I also demoed the products on many friends and extended family in different areas of the country just to get a good feel of weather differences and coat types. Everyone was surveyed and their feedback was essential. We still run surveys with Haute Dog customers as well as dog owners to stay current to their needs.

MNN - How do you use the gloss drops for best results? Are there any tricks to using it?
M - The gloss drops are very hydrating and usually only require one pump of the gloss (unless you're working with a very large dog or thick coat). I like to pump the gloss onto my hand and rub it between my palms, then lightly sweep my hands down my dog's back, sides and mane. It's especially nice in dry weather because it controls static and it's also moisturizing to their hair and skin. And, of course, it gives some sparkle and shine to really bring out the beauty of their fur!

MNN - How do you use Aromatherapy on dogs? I have never heard of it before. Does it work?
M - Aromatherapy utilizes the scent from an essential oil to provide mental health benefits. Dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell and can be very affected by aromatherapy, so a little goes a long way! Haute Dog uses essential oils known for their calming, soothing and relaxing side effects such as lavender, rose, bergamot, calendula and more. These types of essential oils also provide therapeutic skin and hair benefits, which is why we select them for our bath & beauty products.

MNN - Tear stains are a problem with my Pomeranian. What tips do you have to control that, besides using Bright Eyes?
M - Using Haute Dog's Bright Eyes Cleanser is a topical treatment to help gently remove stains that have already occurred and help to lighten the hair again, but it may not prevent the staining from occurring again. I refer dog parents to ask their veterinarian about eye tear issues as it tends to be both breed specific (little dogs in particular) and usually an internal issue, possibly even diet. There are oral supplements and water additives available to help treat this internally, but that goes beyond Haute Dog's scope of treatment, so I always recommend talking to a specialist.

MNN - I keep my Pom’s hair long and she gets knots really easy (even with her daily brushing)- does a specific product come to mind to help control knots?
M - I like vegetable glycerin as a natural hair cuticle smoother, so it helps the brush glide better and keep hairs from knotting up again. That can be found in Haute Dog's gloss drops which can act like a leave in conditioner.
MNN - What kind of products should be used on fur like a Pomeranians?
M - Because of Pom's thick coats, I find it essential that your shampoo provides lots of conditioning and also products that help with the brushing. You really can't over condition their many layers of fur!

MNN - I have never used a bath powder before. Are they helpful for stinky dogs?
M - Yes! The Between Bath Powders provide a fresh does of fragrance but are not overwhelming or perfumey. The natural corn starch soaks up oils and traps odors to instantly neutralize bad smells without just covering it up. Haute Dog's powders are essential for a dog that spends a lot of time outside or dogs with fine, silky or wiry coats that have a tendency to get oily or matted down.

MNN - I own a Basset Hound and he always gets smelly even after a week from being bathed. What product(s) would you recommend for him?
M - Definitely our Like A Rose Revitalizing Between Bath Powder! The peppermint essential oil will help him smell crisp and clean and the powder can be applied daily.
MNN - Our Basset Hound can only be washed once or twice a month, even with the “sensitive skin” formula of a commercial brand. We have done a lot of dog shampoo hopping for him. Can your shampoos be used weekly on dogs with sensitive skin?
M - Yes, I use Haute Dog Bath Gelée's on my three dogs either every week or every other week depending on their needs. Because they are aloe vera based, they are not drying and they're very gentle. We even have a Bath Gelée and Aromatherapy Tonic in Soothe, which is a calming formula to help with sensitive skin and itching. It contains lavender, calendula and bergamot which are great anti-inflammatories as well as mentally relaxing.

MNN - Which product(s) do you think would be essential to a new puppy owner?
M - I like to keep it very simple with puppies at first. They just need a nice shampoo to keep them clean. I don't like to overwhelm a new puppy with too many products since they can be so sensitive to all the new smells and ingredients. I actually recommend waiting until a puppy is 12 weeks or older to use products with essential oils in them.
MNN - How many dogs do you own?
M - I have three dogs (and 5 cats).

MNN - What are their names and breeds?
M - Mackenzie Jo, 8, is a short haired Chihuahua; Taber, 8, is a long haired Chihuahua; Nyla, 5, is a Pitt Bull mix.

MNN - Do you and one specific dog of yours have an especially strong bond?
M - Well, Kenzie is my "first born" and she's truly her mother's daughter. I feel like we are so similar, it's weird! She's my best friend. But, Taber, he's my little boy (I actually call him Little Man) and he's definitely a baby and mama's boy and has very different needs than his sis. Nyla was rescued from a cruelty case a few years ago, so she is just happy to be apart of a family and is this best big Sis in the world to her Chihuahuas and kitties.
MNN - What is your favorite part of owning such a unique business catering to the beauty needs of dogs?
M - I get to play with fun beauty products for dogs! I love being around dogs and being able to do business with other people that love dogs. Haute Dog allows me to be creative and flexible and always give back to animals, so I feel great about what I do!

UPrinting 100 Postcards Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-16T00:18:00.004-04:00

Have you visited UPrinting.com before? They're an online printing company with some really awesome postcard designs! And, guess what?!

They would like to give away:

100 Postcards for One (1) Winner
5" x 7"
14pt Cardstock Gloss
No Folding
Front Printing
2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only

to a reader of my blog!

GIVEAWAY ENDS July 27, 2011 @ 8 pm.
~Winner has 36 Hours to Email Me Back~

~If already won the same print giveaway from UPrinting in the past six months,
please do not enter this Giveaway~

*This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, an online printing company, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting. See more information about postcards and available postcard designs on UPrinting.com.

Excellent Used Condition Cloth Diapers for Sale from ME :o)

2011-07-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

5 EUC Happy Heinys OS Pockets with 2 inserts (large inserts used 1 or 2x only) $14 ppd,
1 EUC Size Medium Knickernappies Pocket with insert $14.00
&
1 Button Bumpers Size Small/Medium Pocket hidden PUL and MINKY outer $8.00 .

ALL MY FLEECE IS BARELY PILLED & SUPER SOFT STILL!!!!

S&H is $3.00 for 1 diaper, $4.00 for 2 and $7.00 for 3+ diapers.

~COMMENT WITH WHICH ONE(S) YOU WANT WITH PAYPAL EMAIL & I'LL INVOICE YOU~

First come first serve!

That's It. Fruit Bars Review & Giveaway WINNER

2011-07-15T09:31:00.001-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS Alyssa N. !
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

DESSERT RECIPE: Fritos Tortilla Chips y Dulce de Leche con Canela Dip

2011-07-15T09:02:00.000-04:00

Fritos Tortilla Chips y Dulce de Leche con Canela Dip

Fried Tortilla Chips and Sweet Milk with Cinnamon Dip

Ingredients:

- Fresh Corn Tortillas cut into 4's to make triangles

- Canola or Corn Oil

- Sweetened Condensed Milk

- Cinnamon

- Sugar

How:

- Pour Sweetened Condensed milk into a small saucepan & sprinkle Cinnamon in to taste and heat on the setting between "Low & Medium"

- Fill frying pan with 1/4 inch of oil and heat on medium (will be ready for frying when a drop of water sizzles/pops when dropped into oil) - USE CAUTION WHEN WORKING WITH HOT OIL

- Add 12 "chips" to the oil and turn them until they are a deep golden brown

(the darker they are the more crispy they are, the lighter they are- they will be a bit chewy)

- Remove cooked chips and lay on a plate lined with paper towels.

- Repeat the above step until all chips are cooked.

- Sprinkle Chips with Sugar & Cinnamon. Put them in a plastic bag and shake to cover chips evenly.

NOW

- Pour the Sweetened Condensed milk (CAUTION IT IS VERY HOT) into a ceramic bowl

- Dip your freshly made chips into the Sweetened Condensed milk & cinnamon mixture, blow on it to cool it down and take a bite! ......

Mmmmm... delicioso! :o)

Worship Wednesday 7/13/2011

2011-07-13T01:33:00.001-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

CLICK HERE FOR RULES & DETAILS BEFORE LINKING UP

Philippians 2:1-10 NRS

1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Peekaboo Baby PUL FREE Punk Style Cloth Diaper Covers Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-12T15:03:00.011-04:00

Tessa Rose, my youngest and now 10 month old, has yeast rash issues up the wazoo...but so did my middle child, now 2 1/2 year old when she was a baby. Because of the yeast, we have changed our cloth diapering ways at our home. We still own pockets, but use them only 1-2x a day and we mostly use 100% Cotton flat cloth diapers and prefolds with covers.

I desperately wanted to try a different option for a cloth diaper cover, but the fleece covers I saw just didn't suite my style or fancy at all. So, for the past 2 months I have been playing with patterns and testing out styles- sewing like crazy. I finally have my cloth diaper covers in the style I want and I am ready to share them with you! I have created Peekaboo Baby *PUL Free* Punk Style Cloth Diaper Covers!

They are 2 layers of blizzard fleece with a 100% Calico Cotton on the outside. The elastic is "unconstrained" in the front and in the back, so it ruffles the back of the cover in a stylish way! The elastics leaves NO red marks! There are also no red marks created at the thighs!

This is a VERY comfortable cloth diaper cover for your baby!

I use color coordinating snap closures at the waist, so it's easy to match up snaps and is fun looking!

My baby is not a heavy wetter, so leaks are not a problem right now. My friend has been using my single layer Blizzard Fleece cover and if her daughter wets a lot at once- she has leaks. I have since, adapted my covers to have 2 layers of Blizzard Fleece. If you have a heavy wetter, Blizzard Fleece may not be for you- BUT you can still get one of my covers, just made out of PUL to replace the Blizzard Fleece for $1.00 extra.

5 washes and dryings (of a Breathe Bottoms) make this cloth diaper cover highly waterproof!
Since my baby is not a super wetter, I can use one cover all day and it never even gets damp.
I use it to cover flats and prefolds.

Because the *PUL Free* version is made of 2 layers of Blizzard Fleece, the cover is a bit bulky, but not too bad, all in all. I personally don't mind extra padding in my baby's behind. Again, if you don't want bulk, I can do a PUL waterproof layer instead for you.

Since they are SO NEW and I am trying hard to build interest in my work:

I am giving away one of my *PUL Free* Breathe Bottom Cloth Diaper Covers to one of my readers, selected by Random.org, in a print of their choice!

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Giveaway ends Monday August 2nd at 8:00 am EST
*Contest is Open to Anyone on the Continental USA
*Winner pays $3.00 Shipping & Handling
*Fill Out the Google Doc Form Below
*Winner Will Be Chosen with Random.org after 8:00 am EST on August 2nd, 2011
*Comments left on the blog will NOT be included for the Giveaway- you MUST use the Google Doc to enter!

* Pet Photo Contest * ~CLOSED~

2011-07-12T01:17:00.006-04:00

The person with the MOST Likes on their picture on the Mod'N'Natural Facebook Page WINS their own copy of Barkonomics: Tips for Frugal Fidos! Book from Dog Tipper.com.

Contest will end on August 4th, 2011

Scripture Sunday 7/10/2011

2011-07-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

Justice. Mercy. Faith.

Jesus said in Matthew 23:23

"...For you tithe mint, dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law:

justice and mercy and faith."

My thoughts:

Christ Followers should be focusing on Justice, Mercy and Faith.

Churches should be more worried about the Justice members of their congregation will receive in Heaven, grant mercy to those who lose their way and increasing & supporting members of their congregation faith in Jesus.

The New Puppy is Here! Can you guess what she is?

2011-07-10T11:36:00.004-04:00

A CHOCOLATE

AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL!

Her name?

Coco.

KidSwitch Review & Giveaway WINNER

2011-07-08T08:42:00.001-04:00

KidSwitch Review & Giveaway

WINNER

Liz McCarthy

CONGRATULATIONS!
You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

The original winner of this contest did not claim their prize within 72 hours, so it was redrawn for!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
PLEASE CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR CURRENT & COMING GIVEAWAYS!

Worship Wednesday 7/06/2011

2011-07-06T12:01:00.002-04:00

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/06/worship-wednesdays.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/WorshipWedsButton.jpg"/></a>

1 Corinthians 10:31 NRS

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

BubuBibi Bamboo Cloth Diaper and Wet Bag Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-07-05T02:33:00.005-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by BuBuBiBi. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

After I had my 3rd baby, I knew I needed more cloth diapers for her. My middle child's cloth diaper stash had dwindled down to nothing before I had the new baby. As a gift from a family member, I received a BubuBibi bamboo cloth diaper! Let me tell you, I loved this diaper from the beginning!

My daughter was about 2 months old in the picture above.
Even though she was small, this diaper had an awesome fit!

It is truly a One Size Pocket diaper with snaps.

I was actually so impressed with the way it fit, price and the quality of the PUL fabric, I recommended them to my good friend. She bought her entire first stash of cloth diapers from BubuBibi! She loves them just as much as I do!

My friend's daughter is a heavy, heavy wetter. 2 BubuBibi bamboo/terry inserts hold in her super soaker's pee INCREDIBLY! The inserts get fluffier and more absorbent after every wash, it seems and they are very soft. They are also sizeable and snap into the cover to keep it in place! I think that it is awesome that you stuff the pocket in the front rather than in the back.

I love the fact that there is a Bamboo Velour liner against my baby's skin instead of Microfleece. It is SO SOFT and silky!!! I really think that this is my favorite part of the BubuBibi bamboo diapers.

I was sent a Large Wet / Dry bag to try from BubuBibi, since I already own their cloth diapers.

If you have not bought a wet bag yet, YOU NEED TO! They are absolutely amazing. This is the first time I have ever used a wet bag. The one made by BubuBibi is well made and holds up to my abuse! It completely holds in all the foul smells, hangs from the closet door (so it's out of the way) and it has a pouch sewn on the side to hold all the fresh cloth diapers that are ready to use. It holds about 15 dirty cloth diapers for me in the wet bag and 6 or so clean diapers in the dry bag.

(My husband asked me why we didn't get one sooner... I honestly didn't know what to say.

I didn't know why we didn't either. I guess you don't know how great it can actually can be until you get one!)

BubuBiBi bamboo cloth diapers are a high quality diaper for a low cost to the consumer.

Starting at only:
$9.60 per bamboo cloth diaper

and
$10.44 per Large Wet/Dry Bag
(this INCLUDES SHIPPING!) you cannot go wrong!

There are cloth diapers on the market that are twice this price for something, not too amazing and don't even come with inserts.

If you haven't bought a BubuBibi yet, you should! You will be blown away by them.

Visit them at: http://www.bububibi.com/

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY A BUBUBIBI CLOTH DIAPER OR WETBAG???

Well, from BuBuBiBi's graciousness,
I have 2 BubuBibi Bamboo Pocket Cloth Diapers to giveaway to 2 readers

AND

I have 1 Wet Bag to giveaway to one reader!

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Giveaway ends Monday July 18th at 8:00 am EST
*Contest is Open to Anyone on the Continental USA
*Winners pay $2.00 Shipping & Handling
*Natural Momma chooses your prize and/or patterns and/or colors.
*Fill Out the Google Doc Form Below
*Winner Will Be Chosen with Random.org after 8:00 am EST on July 18th, 2011
*Comments left on the blog will NOT be included for the Giveaway- you MUST use the Google Doc to enter!

Scripture Sunday 7/03/2011

2011-07-03T08:21:00.001-04:00

Blog Pet Fest & #NewPuppy Twitter Party

2011-07-01T13:23:00.014-04:00

It's about time we pay some homage to the four legged fuzz-balls with wagging tails!

A new puppy will be coming home with us on July 9th, 2011 to join our family of 7 (5 people and 2 canine fur-children). In celebration of the new addition to our family, Mod'N'Natural is going to have a " Blog Pet Fest" from July 17th - July 23rd, 2011 !

You will be able to vote on our puppy's new name, enter a Pet Photo Contest, guess the breed of our new puppy and there will be some Reviews & Giveaways!

I will also be hosting a #NewPuppy Twitter Party at 9:00 pm ET on Wednesday July 20th, 2011.

Come join me and some vendors to talk pet behavior, health, training, holistic & organic pet products and more!

*SPONSORS JOINING the BLOG PET FEST*

- Haute Dog Shop
- Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc.
- Lucky Luke All Natural Dog Cookies
- Doggie Couture Shop
- Baby Dog Style
- All Things Dog Blog
- Dog Tipper .com

*TWITTER PARTY PRIZES and SPECIALS*
- $50.00 gift certificate to Must Love Paws Bakery, Inc.
- 1 "Great Pets!" Jumbo Book from All Things Dog Blog
- 1 Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Books from All Things Dog Blog
- 2 Barkonomics:Tips for Frugal Fidos! Books from Dog Tipper.com
- Original Peanut Butter Cookie Treats ( 6 oz.) from Lucky Luke All Natural Dog Cookies
- Brownies for Dogs (chocolate free, of course) ( 6 oz.) from Lucky Luke All Natural Dog Cookies
- 1 Custom / Design Your Own Dog ID Tag from What the Pup?!
- 1 Collar Your Choice Size/Design from Pugs to Persians
- 1 Organic Ear Cleaning Cloths from Spot Organics

- 24 hour Special Sale at Haute Dog Shop for Twitter Party Guests Only
- 24 hour Special Sale at Baby Dog Style for Twitter Party Guests Only
- 24 hour Special Sale at Bitch New York for Twitter Party Guests Only

Door Prizes during the Twitter Party are ONLY for those who RSVP!
If you don't RSVP you cannot win anything....

CLICK HERE to RSVP for the TWITTER PARTY

***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR A REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

AND/OR A PRIZE FOR THE TWITTER PARTY-

PLEASE EMAIL ME:

henson.rebecca [AT] rocketmail[.]com ***

*SPONSORS*

PLEASE SHARE THIS BUTTON BELOW ON YOUR BLOGS and
UPLOAD IT ON FACEBOOK TO YOUR PHOTO ALBUMS!

THANK YOU!

<a href="http://naturalmommas.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-puppy-blog-fest-newpuppy-twitter.html"><img src="http://i974.photobucket.com/albums/ae227/QueenBecka/PetFestButton-1.jpg"/></a>

Diaper Circus Promo Code Inside

2011-07-01T01:02:00.002-04:00

There are days when I have Blog, Facebook or Twitter adventures and I end up coming across shops or products that I LOVE. Usually, I end up buying something from them... and then I have to come share my treasure with all of you! Well, Diaper Circus is one of the little treasures I have found!

I bought a diaper cover from Diaper Circus and love the print Addie chose to send me (it was a surprise!).

It fits really nice and trim on Tessa Rose, with no gaps in the thighs.

I usually wrap this cover around an Origami folded flat, that is Snappied onto her.

It also fits a pad folded, Prefold laid inside of it very well!

The outside fabric layer is a Calico Cotton print and the waterproof layer is a thicker, stiffer, more heavy duty PUL. I also like the type of Hook & Loop she used- it stays nice looking...

Go check out & Like her Facebook page and browse for a new diaper cover...
CLICK HERE for Diaper Circus Facbook Page

You can use Promo Code: MODNNATURAL to save 10% off your Purchase!

Worship Wednesday 6/29/2011

2011-06-30T00:37:00.004-04:00

Animals & the Bible
*Animals were not meant to be tested on, beaten, tortured or tormented...
and we are not required to be Vegetarians (except in the beginning, before Adam & Eve's Sin) and
we are NOT to JUDGE ANYONE BY WHAT THEY DO (OR DON'T) EAT
See: Romans 14:13-23 & 1 Corinthians 10:24-33

- God remembers ALL members of creation...
Jesus said in Luke 12:6 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight."

- God cares about the animals in Nineveh in
Jonah 4:11 "And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?"

- Be kind to animals
Proverbs 12:10 The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.

- It is NOT OKAY to do anything sexual with an animal!
Leviticus 20:15-1615 If a man has sexual relations with an animal, he shall be put to death; and you shall kill the animal. 16 If a woman approaches any animal and has sexual relations with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal; they shall be put to death, their blood is upon them.

-One day- not only people, but the animals as well will all live in peace!
Hosea 2:18 I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety.

-God wants work animals to rest on the Sabbath just as He wants us to rest!
Exodus 23:12 For six days do your work, and on the seventh day keep the Sabbath; so that your ox and your ass may have rest, together with the son of your servant and the man from a strange land living among you.

-We are suppose to help animals in need!
Exodus 23:4-5 4 If you come across the ox or the ass of one who is no friend to you wandering from its way, you are to take it back to him. 5 If you see the ass of one who has no love for you bent down to the earth under the weight which is put on it, you are to come to its help, even against your desire.

Deuteronomy 22:1-41 You shall not watch your neighbor's ox or sheep straying away and ignore them; you shall take them back to their owner. 2 If the owner does not reside near you or you do not know who the owner is, you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall remain with you until the owner claims it; then you shall return it. 3 You shall do the same with a neighbor's donkey; you shall do the same with a neighbor's garment; and you shall do the same with anything else that your neighbor loses and you find. You may not withhold your help. 4 You shall not see your neighbor's donkey or ox fallen on the road and ignore it; you shall help to lift it up.

- We are to let a working animal eat while it works!
Deuteronomy 25:4 You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.

- God gave us ALL animals & we are to CARE for them!
Psalm 50:10-1110 For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine.

Animals are allowed by God to be KILLED for 3 specific reasons:

1. Clothing (and now we don't need to use products made from animals for this)
- Genesis 3:21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins for their clothing .

2. Food - Genesis 9:3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you; and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything.

3. Protecting ourselves from harm - Exodus 21:28 When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall not be liable.

CLICK HERE FOR AN IN DEPTH, REALLY AWESOME READ
ON ANIMAL RIGHTS & the BIBLE!

That's It. Fruit Bars Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-06-28T00:05:00.004-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by Thats It. . This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

I came across That's It. Fruit Bars on Twitter about 2 weeks ago. After the name caught my attention, I was led to their website from Twitter: http://www.thatsitfruit.com/. I was really curious about these new fruit bars. That's It. was kind enough to send some for me to review!

Just 2 ingredients in each bar. Yep, I just said ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS IN EACH BAR!

Can you guess what they are?

Just Fruit + Fruit and that ='s FRUIT. That's it.

I was intrigued. There is no preservatives, purees, added sugar, GMOs or nuts. And, they are kosher, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, safe for diabetics, high-fiber, fat-free and low-calorie.

Hmmm... could anything this healthy even taste good???

Unbelievably- YES, yes, it could! Myself, my kids and even my husband enjoyed That's It. fruit bars! My husband said that if I were to send them to work with him, that, yes- he would eat them! Now, if you knew my husband, he hates "health food"- so this was a huge milestone for him! My son, who is 4 years old said:

"Hey Mom, can I have another one of those candy bars? They were really good!"

I think these are really handy to keep in the house when you have a tight schedule, to send in your child's lunch and for any type of trips. The USDA recommends 2 servings of fruit per day. One That’s It. fruit bar fulfills this requirement with one serving of apples and one serving of pears, cherries or apricots. So, there is no reason why you should miss out on something your body needs, like fruit- when you have an option like That's It. fruit bars!

There are 3 choices of That's It. fruit bars to choose from:

1. Apples & Cherries

2. Apples & Pears

3. Apples & Apricot

Price - $19.99 for a box of 12 or $1.49/bar when you buy a 1-3 month supply

(you can even choose to buy a variety pack!)

Click Here to Buy Now!

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Giveaway ends Friday July 15th at 8:00 am EST
*Contest is Open to Anyone on the Continental USA
*Fill Out the Google Doc Form Below
*Winner Will Be Chosen with Random.org after 8:00 am EST on July 15th, 2011
*Comments left on the blog will NOT be included for the Giveaway- you MUST use the Google Doc to enter!

KidSwitch Review & Giveaway ~CLOSED~

2011-06-23T15:41:00.020-04:00

*My review is not paid or endorsed by KidSwitch. This review is solely based on my opinion and experience.

I was given a KidSwitch to review from KidSwitch Shop.

I was interested in trying out the KidSwitch because my kids will stand on ANYTHING to get lights on in our kitchen. To be honest, the last thing I need is my kids breaking a bone or something over a light switch! To see a light switch extender made for toddlers was very exciting for me!

When I first installed the KidSwitch and Andre, my 4 year old saw it, he said:

"Hey Mom, thank you for putting that on the light switch for me. Now, I don't have to stand up on my tip toes to turn the light on anymore! I really like that."

I swear, my child will be a great public speaker when he grows up. It was so funny how perfect he said it and the timing! Anyway, he ended up getting my 2 1/2 year old, Athena, and showed her. They both played with the KidSwitch for about 5 minutes, turning the lights on and off until I told them to quit it!

It really has come in handy having it! Our light switches in the kitchen are so high up, the kids could never get the lights on for me unless they got a chair. They loved having the independence to be able to turn the lights on without having to climb!

It was incredibly easy to install- all I did was remove the screws that were already in the light switch plate, then I slid the KidSwitch over the light switch knob and screwed in the 2 KidSwitch screws (that the KidSwitch came with) through the KidSwitch holes and light switch plate. The KidSwitch just slides up and down around the coated screws when it operates.

The KidSwitch does glow in the dark, but the glow only lasts for about a half hour, so I still use a nightlight in our kitchen in case we need something in the middle of the night.

I would definitely recommend this product to any family who has babies and toddlers! It is so much safer for your kids to not be climbing all over things just to turn a light switch on! It also will promote your child's independence and make nighttime potty trips easier for them!

Would you like to save 10% off your KidSwitch order???

Just enter Coupon Code: Blog10 at checkout!

Check out the KidSwitch website: http://www.kidswitchshop.com/shforkideex.html

Join KidSwitch on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Kidswitch

RULES & REGULATIONS:

*Giveaway ends Friday July 8th at 8:00 am EST
*Contest is Open to Anyone on the Continental USA or Canada
*Fill Out the Google Doc Form Below
*Winner Will Be Chosen with Random.org after 8:00 am EST on July 8th, 2011
*Comments left on the blog will NOT be included for the Giveaway- you MUST use the Google Doc to enter!

Worship Wednesday

2011-06-22T08:28:00.003-04:00

Smitten Over Baking Soda - Clearing Acne!

2011-06-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

Baking Soda is a favorite "must-have" in my home. I absolutely love it! I buy huge boxes of it and use it abundantly throughout my home.

Highly unusual for me, I have been fighting horrible acne for 2 or 3 months now without being able to clear it. That is, until this past week! As a last ditch attempt- I decided to wash my face every night with Baking Soda. I am ecstatic over the results!

My pores shrunk down and my face has cleared up. The redness has died down, as well. It is extremely gentle- although the past 2 days I did have mild sensitivity to it, but no redness or anything, just a mild sting.

Did you know that Baking Soda is a type of Salt and has weak disinfecting properties?

It is not only great for clearing up my face, but great for many other uses!

Use it for baking, exfoliating, antacid, relieving insect bites, for treatment of various medical conditions, for pools, laundry, cleaning skuffs, cleaning crayon off walls, cleaning toys, shampoo, soap, removing stains, refreshing carpets, removing fridge odors, puts out small grease fires, can be a fungicide for some organisms, cleaning silver, treating burns to prevent blisters, as a mouthwash, as a toothpaste, scrubbing pots & pans, cleaning paint, as a cattle feed supplement, to fix used book smell and beyond!

Amazed?

I was and now I use it for everything! Give it a try- it only costs around $1 for a small box!

Thirsties Pre Wash/Super Wash Review & Giveaway WINNER

2011-06-20T13:15:00.002-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS ~~Sara Leatso~~ AMBER STAWICKI!

You have been emailed. Please contact me within 72 hours.

*Unclaimed Prizes Will Be Redrawn For After 72 hours*

The original winner of this contest did not claim their prize within 72 hours, so it was redrawn for!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!
WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER REVIEW & GIVEAWAY SOON!

<3 Natural Momma

WORSHIP Wednesdays

2011-06-17T17:39:00.009-04:00

Hi everyone!

Instead of "Wordless Wednesday" that I see everyone participating in-

I am creating "Worship Wednesday" that I will be doing instead, for my fellow Christ Followers.

Jesus is always at work on me and I just have to share Him with everyone!

Here are the Rules to link up to Worship Wednesday:

*Post a picture you took with a Bible verse YOU picked, watermarked on top of it.

*Post a "Christian" music video or a video with encouragement about Jesus (it can be something you made or something you found and love)

*Post a Testimony of yours

2. Do not Link to a Giveaway or your homepage- please Link right to your Worship Wednesday post.

*I will delete non-related posts from the Linky.

<3 AND it is NOT REQUIRED, but I would LOVE if you decided to add my button! <3

Wicked Delicious, Curry Dishes!

2011-06-15T14:05:00.002-04:00

Confession: I am a Curry freak. I put it in almost everything I make. My husband doesn't even know I use Curry as much as I do! :o) My love for Curry, though, has educated me well on how to cook with it to create some of the most delicious dishes around.

Here is some advice to help you create wicked delicious, Curry dishes!

For Making Thai & Indian Curries:

- Quality MATTERS! Make sure you buy (usually the most expensive of options) Curry Powder and Coconut Milk that you can find. Skimping on your main ingredients really makes for a crappy tasting dish. Been there, done that- no one wanted to eat it! Spend the extra for Premium ingredients.

- Use a Red Curry Powder (not Yellow Curry Powder or Curry Pastes) Yellow Curry is mild, but it does not pack much flavor. Red Curry Powder has a slight kick to it, but if my 2 1/2 year old and 4 year old eat it, with no complaints- it can't be that bad! Curry Pastes are okay, but they are expensive and you have to re-buy it with each dish you want to make.

- Use 16 oz. of canned tomatoes or canned tomato sauce to every 2 cans of 16 oz. of Coconut Milk and 4 tablespoons of Red Curry Powder (OR 8 oz Tomatoes/Sauce, 16 oz Coconut Milk & 2 Tablespoons Red Curry Powder). This brings out the taste of the Curry and blends it with the Coconut Milk for a creamy taste. You cannot taste the tomatoes. Make sure you don't drain the tomatoes! You want that juice in the dish!

- If you are making an Indian dish, add some Cardamom, Cinnamon, Thyme and Clove to taste. Add these things after the Coconut Milk and Red Curry Powder are mixed and have simmered a few minutes.

- In a small saucepan, combine the Coconut Milk, canned Tomato/Sauce and Curry Powder together and simmer separately while you cook the meat & vegetables. Add the Coconut/Tomato/Curry mix to the main dish after everything is cooked and then simmer 5-10 minutes. When you cook the ingredients altogether, the Curry cannot diffuse through the Coconut Milk or the rest of the dish well. You will have a more bland Curry dish.

-Do not mix Curry Powder with butter or oil and heat it up in a skillet or saucepan. Covering the Curry Powder in lipids will trap the flavor and the Curry will not diffuse through the food. It will be bland and/or almost tasteless.

Using Curry Powder for OTHER Cooking:

- Add Curry Powder to Tuna Salad

- Add Curry Powder to Deviled Eggs (egg yoke mixture)

- Add Curry Powder to Homemade Chicken Stock

- Add Curry Powder to Homemade Tortilla Soup

- Add Curry Powder to Taco Dishes

- Add Curry Powder to Homemade Salsas

- Add Curry Powder to Vegetables

- Add Curry Powder to some Black Beans and Tomatoes

- Add Curry Powder to Chicken Dishes

- Add Curry Powder to Pork Dishes

<3 ENJOY <3

If there are any other tips I may have missed, please share!

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Would He be pleased?

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1. Clothing (and now we don't need to use products made from animals for this)
- Genesis 3:21 And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins for their clothing .