SnapSac: Stylish Re-Usable Shopping Bag

I’ll admit… those words don’t usually go together.  Obviously, I don’t let the ridiculously ugly and simple features of most re-usable shopping bags stop me from using them, but it would be nice to actually look a little more “put together” when I’m using my shopping bags.

smart. stylish. shopping.

I have a confession.  I’ve had my SnapSac bag for about a month now and I’ve been DYING to share them with you!  Why have I waited?  Because SnapSac just officially launched their website yesterday!  It’s brand spankin‘ new and you all are some of the luckiest readers to get to be introduced to these bags before they become the next big it thing.  And I really think they’re going to be.

When SnapSac contacted me about reviewing their re-usable shopping bag, I assumed that it would be like any other bag, but maybe look a bit more stylish.  I was totally wrong.  I’ve had the chance to use the Petite Tote {in Neutral} and love it.  While using it, I even emailed them asking when the website would be done so I could buy more!  Let’s outline a couple of major differences in SnapSac from other plain, re-usable bags:

  • They’re super stylish.  The colors/prints are super cute in person.
  • The material.  They seem to be much more sturdy than the generic bags you pick up in stores.  The straps hold well and I’ve really put this bag to the test.
  • The snaps!  Check out how you can snap down the bag so it fits inside other bags {or in your car’s side door} very easily.  This makes it more likely for me and hubby to use our bags when they’re neatly stored.  Also, if you don’t overstuff the bag, you can snap the top, so it’s more like an actual tote.

So far, I’ve used my bag for Grocery Shopping, going to a Water Park {I fit towels, snacks, change of clothes in this bag!}, and day trips.  If you don’t use your re-usable bags like you should OR even if you do, try SnapSac.  I promise you’ll use them even more after you have a few!

BUY IT:  SnapSac has quite a line of bags already available.  Not only do they have re-usable bags like the one I tried, they have Mega Totes, Lunch Totes, and Cool Totes {insulated to keep your food cool}.  All of these bags are very affordable, starting at $1.99 and $2.99 for the bag I reviewed.  As if you’re not already ready to buy some…

SnapSac is offering FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders through the month of September to celebrate their Launch!

WIN IT:  One So Easy Being Green reader is going to get a jump on their SnapSac collection by winning the a SnapSac bag!!!

To enter the giveaway, you must see the full post, so click CONTINUE READING {below}... [Read more...]

New Prints!?

Don’t all of us cloth diapering Mama’s love to hear those two words together!?

One of my fave cloth diapering brands is having some on their blog this week and you can get right in the middle of it.  Softbums is unveiling new prints all this week in an event call “MAD Print Week”.  They say they’re “Mad as a Hatter for their new Prints” and I can’t wait to see them too!

Along with giveaways of their diapers {that will be added later in the week}, right now there’s an ERGObaby Options Carrier giveaway going on right now!

Any guesses to what some of the new prints might be?  I’d love to see a Flower-ed girly print for my 2 chicks!

Do you love Softbums?  You’ll see them coming up soon on the SEBG blog!  YAY!

Marine Parents Shop Giveaway

I know what you’re thinking… Oh, great.  Here goes another post where Lindsey gushes over all of her lovely Marine Parents Shop merchandise.  Guess what?  You’re WRONG!  I’m not going to tell you how great all of my MP stuff is.  I’m not going to tell you how I get more compliments on my Ruffled Bottom Wristlet than almost anything else in my wardrobe.  I’m not going to tell you how our diaper bag {lovely yellow tote} is the envy of all the other Mama’s eyes when we’re out in town.  I’m not even going to tell you about how I still wear my Knotted necklace on a weekly basis and still get the “Where’d you get that cute necklace?” from the same friends…

Nope.  Not going to share any of that info today.  Today, I’m going to let April’s products speak for themselves {and maybe share a couple of my current “Wants” from the updated shop!}

The Toddler Backpacks are one of the newer additions to the MP Shop and have definitely been added to Sophia’s Christmas List.  I think it will be the perfect little accessory for her to take some toys and maybe even a diaper or two back and forth between home and Grandma’s House.

Now, on to my Christmas List!  No, Rob, I don’t need another bag, but how beautiful are these Sling Bags?

That’s my current list… which of these lovely products will be added to yours?

BUY IT:  You can buy ANY of these fab goodies at the Marine Parents Etsy Shop and much, much more!   Contact her for a 1-of-a-kind Custom Item… she’s fabulous at Customs!

WIN IT:  The Marine Parents Shop has been a wonderful blog sponsor for the last couple of months {have you seen her cute button on the left?} and April is going out with a BANG!  One lucky SEBG reader is going to win their choice of… a Ruffled Bottom Wristlet OR a Knotted Necklace!  Which will you choose?

If you are new to Rafflecopter giveaways, please see my Rafflecopter Tutorial {for Readers} on how to use the super easy form!
To enter the giveaway, you must see the full post, so click CONTINUE READING {below}... [Read more...]

ReNew Life Giveaway

ReNew Life was established in 1997 by Brenda Watson and her husband Stan. Brenda has become one of the nation’s leading authorities on natural digestive health, detoxication and internal cleansing. She is the author of 5 books on this topic and she has helped millions of people live longer, healthier lives through improved digestion, as part of her many public, TV and radio appearances and articles and seminars. ReNew Life produces the leading digestive health products available in health food stores and we take great pride in producing the best-quality products. We believe that through proper digestion and sensible dietary choices we can obtain the nutrition we all require to maintain optimal mental and physical health.

You may have noticed the bright Sponsor Ad, on the left, from ReNew Life.  They are one of the newest SEBG Sponsors and I can’t wait to share their great products with you today!

Within just a quick glance at the ReNew Life website, you’ll see they are dedicated to making your lifestyle healthier through a variety of avenues: Internal Cleansing and Detox, Daily Supplements, and even Increasing Energy {don’t all of us Mama’s need this from time to time!?}.  You can rest assured the ReNew Life is a company that’s been around for a substantial amount of time and has great, quality products that are safe for you and your body.

Along with helping us Mama’s and Dad’s stay healthy, ReNew Life is reaching out to young adults around the globe through their Young Adult Initiative.  They recently held a contest entitled, “How Does Poo Move You?“.  We’re not ashamed of talking about poo around here on SEBG, since a lot of cloth diaper talk includes talk of dirty diapers… but how comfortable are you talking about yourself.  No, I’m not going to be giving you any TMI about myself today, but I will tell you that I learned alot from this Initiative and plan to put a lot of what I learned into some real action!  Be sure to check out the winning videos… they are great!

  • Make your diet a healthy diet. A daily diet rich in high fiber, low in processed carbs/sugars, along with taking an all-natural probiotic supplement, will help to ensure you take successfully comfortable poops.
  • Supplement a dose of antibiotics by taking an all-natural probiotic supplement within 2-3 hours. Turn an upset gut into a healthy gut.
  • Daily exercise = a healthy metabolism & digestive system. Sit idle throughout the day and you’ll find yourself straining while going #2.
  • Taking 2-3 proper bowel movements a day is not just a goal, it should be a way of life. Lead by example and champion the cause!

Take a look around the ReNew Life site and see what you can find.  You’ll find it super easy to navigate and very helpful.  I love the feature of searching for products by looking up Personal Health Concerns.  Since I’m currently pregnant with Baby #2, I’m choosing to hold off on reviewing an item from ReNew Life because I’m secretly holding out to try their Organic Total Body Cleanse!

WIN IT:  Today is your lucky if you’re an SEBG reader… and I’m guessing you are, since you’re reading now!  ReNew Life is going to give one reader a $50 GC to spend any way they want on their website!

If you are new to Rafflecopter giveaways, please see my Rafflecopter Tutorial {for Readers} on how to use the super easy form!
To enter the giveaway, you must see the full post, so click CONTINUE READING {below}... [Read more...]

Mom Blog Monday

Are you a Mommy blogger?
Do you blog about your kids?
Do you blog about great things for Mommies?
Do you wanna meet other Mom Bloggers?

So Easy Being Green

This blog hop is hosted by The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom, Luxury Living Frugal Style, and So Easy Being Green!

Rules to Hop?

All we ask is that you follow the co-hosts: The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom, Luxury Living Frugal Style, and So Easy Being Green… the first three blogs on the linky! Then follow Spot #4 which is the featured blog of the week!

We would LOVE it if you’d grab our button and put it somewhere on your blog or in a blog post! This would help us spread the word. However, you aren’t required to.
Be sure to leave us a comment so we can follow you back!

This week’s featured blog is…

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Our Growing Garden

Well hi there. I’m Kristin. I’m wife to hubs and first time mommy to my little Jibbler, otherwise known as James. I started this blog back in January 2009 to document my trying to conceive journey. I have a Catahoula named Oscar and a calico kitty named Bunny. I breastfeed. I babywear. I cloth diaper. I like to make my own baby food. I guess you can call me a crunchy mama. I love to read. Lonesome Dove and Outlander are my favorites. I love peanut butter. Bring me Reese’s and you have a ticket to lifetime love from me. I have a degree in Biology. I’m a Christian. I love the feeling of putting on brand new, never worn socks. I love sniffing the lemony fresh steam from the dishwasher. Is that weird? Anyway, I recently had an epiphany. I am working on making my life what I want it to be because this.is.it. We have ONE chance to create our family, our outlook, the world around us.

Baby Bump T2: Kiki’s Fashions

Aren’t you so glad that Maternity Clothing has become so fashionable?  I know I am.  I absolutely love the fact that I can feel pretty and stylish while I’m flaunting my Baby Bump.  The only thing that I don’t necessarily like about most Maternity Clothing?  The price tag.  It’s hard for me to shell out a lot of $$ on clothing that I know I will only be wearing a short time… especially with this Pregnancy since we are planning on it being our last {at least for a very long time}!

  When I started seeing Kiki’s Fashions popping up on some other Mommy blogs, I had to check out their selection.  All of the bloggers were talking about such cute, stylish clothing at amazing prices.  Guess what?  They were right!  Have you heard of Kiki’s yet?  I can promise you that you’re going to find quite a few items that you just can’t do without for the rest of your pregnancy!

I decided to go out of my comfort zone when I chose this Red Striped number.  I normally wear black or gray… something that doesn’t grab attention.  Well, this shirt definitely grabs attention, but the right kind.  When you see me in this shirt, you know I’m pregnant and not just sporting a beer gut.  I’ve gotten more compliments when  I wear this shirt than I have during the whole time I’ve been pregnant {other than the HOW CUTE’s when I wear my Pink Stork shirt}.

This shirt has a Sweater material top and the little ribbon that lies right above my belly gives the perfect accent to the red bottom.  Although I’m a bit bummed that I chose a shirt that I have to handwash {must read internet descriptions better in the future}, it’s been super easy to wash and has retained it’s shape, color, and softness perfectly!  I love the fact that it’s short sleeved, but the sweater material gives it a bit more sophisticated look and will work great for me this Fall!

Kiki’s Fashions has a great assortment of Cheap Maternity Clothes, including Short and Long Sleeves, as well as adorable Maternity Dresses!

BUY IT:  You can purchase a top, like the one I reviewed, on the Kiki’s Fashions website starting at $20.99.  Amazing Prices for Amazing Quality!

WIN IT:  One lucky So Easy Being Green reader is going to win a $25 GC to Kiki’s Fashions!  Win it for yourself or give it to a Hot Mama-To-Be and I promise… she’ll love you for it!

All of the Baby Bump: Take 2 Giveaways will end on Sunday, September 4th at 11:59 PM EST.
If you are new to Rafflecopter giveaways, please see my Rafflecopter Tutorial {for Readers} on how to use the super easy form!
To enter the giveaway, you must see the full post, so click CONTINUE READING {below}... [Read more...]

Baby Bump T2: Earth Mama Angel Baby

I thought I was going to get so super lucky when I was pregnant with Sophia.  I didn’t sprout any stretch marks… until I was about 2 weeks from delivery.  It was a very cruel joke that my body played on me!  I was diligent about putting products on my belly to help keep them away.  I’m not entirely convinced that any product will totally keep stretch marks away, but I do think they will help.

  I’ve had the chance to try Earth Mama Angel Baby products before, so I was super excited to try out their Natural Stretch Oil.  I was really hoping it would have the same fabulous scent that the Angel Baby Lotion boasts and… I wasn’t disappointed!  The oil has a very light, clean smell of citrus as you rub it on your growing belly.

It is an oil, so be prepared for a little oily feel, of course, but it actually rubs in much better than the Burt’s Bees Belly Balm that I used during my last pregnancy.  Although, I do normally put it on at night because I don’t want the residue to get onto my clothes.

Right now, I’m using the Natural Stretch Oil as a preventative, but I know soon the dreaded itchiness will begin and I’m hoping this oil will help give me some relief!  Do any of you experience the belly itchiness when you’re pregnant?  Ugh… I hate it almost as much as the heartburn!

BUY IT:  You can purchase the EMAB Natural Stretch Oil on their website for $7.95.  This company also has a huge array of other Mama and Baby products to choose from!

Baby Bump T2: For Two Fitness

I just want to say that I am having SUCH a great time meeting all of you other Pregnant Mama’s and am having a BLAST reading your answers to the Pregnancy Q’s of the Day!  I’ll be sharing MY answers on the Winner’s Post, which will be posted on September 5th {Labor Day… appropriate, don’t you think!?}!

  Today, I’m sharing with you the funnest review item that I received during this Event!  When you see these Tanks, you’re going to fall in love and want to order one in every color and slogan… if you’re anything like me!

For Two Fitness is a wonderful company that is dedicated to making stylish, comfortable, and makes you feel super cute and less self-conscious about your growing belly!  These products are designed to help you stay {or get in} shape for yourself and the growing baby in your tummy!

I received their Racerback Ruched Tank in the Berry color.  Although I actively practice Yoga twice a week {before and now during my pregnancy}, I couldn’t resist the “Six Pack Abs” slogan Tank!  When I wore it to Yoga all the other ladies were loving it!  I felt so comfortable with my little belly hanging over my Yoga pants, simply because there was no denying exactly what kind of six pack that I’m definitely carrying around now!

Our signature Racerback Ruched Tank boasts key design features, including tagless comfort,  generously long length, and ruched sides for incredible stretch and recovery to hug your changing body.  Racerback styling flatters your arms and shoulders, while ensuring ease of movement.  Our cute slogans help you celebrate your new figure, instead of feeling self-conscious, especially in the early stages when it may not be so clear to others that you are indeed pregnant!  Free of internal support, so you can choose belly and bust support that feels best to you.  Cotton/spandex for softness, wicking, and stretch.

Although I haven’t had the chance to try For Two Fitness’ Ultimate Maternity Fitness Pant yet… I’m really hoping to talk hubby into a purchase of these pants.  All of my pre-pregnancy workout clothes are getting a bit tight and these look fab!

I have no worries that I’ll outgrow this tank during these last 4 months of my Pregnancy.  For Two Fitness advises you to buy your pre-pregnancy size, so I chose a Medium.  The tank is plenty long enough to accommodate a growing belly, but also fits great now!  The material is super soft and the tank has washed up so nicely… after about 3 washings now, it still looks as good as new!

BUY IT:  You can purchase a For Two Fitness Racerback Tank, just like the one I reviewed for $39.99 on their website.

Be sure to stick around SEBG for awhile as you’ll definitely be seeing For Two Fitness pop up again… in a giveaway during the 12 Days of Gifts Galore {starting Nov. 25th} Event {where I’ll be hosting a giveaway for a Hot Mama-t0-be Prize Package!}

You can connect with For Two Fitness on their Facebook page and Twitter.  Also, check out the For Two Fitness blog, where you might just be seeing a guest post from yours truly… soon!

Although I was sent a complimentary For Two Fitness Racerback Tank for review purposes, I was not paid/enticed to write a fabulous review for this product, all opinions are expressed are 100% mine! You may view my full disclosure policy, here.

Fluffy Friday: Baby Bump T2: My Newborn Stash

What is Aplix?  I’ve seen the term Hook & Loop used for Velcro, but is Aplix the same? – Alissa

You’re exactly right, Alissa.  Aplix and Hook & Loop are both generic terms for Velcro.  Velcro is a trademarked name, so unless companies want to pay to advertise that their diapers are closed with it, then they have to be more creative… which is where Aplix and Hook & Loop come in!  This was such a mystery to me when I first started CD’ing, so I thought it was an important question to share, in case we have any Newbies out there OR anyone considering cloth!

Got anything to add?  Give us your answer in a Blog Comment!
Have a cloth question that you want featured on Fluffy Fridays?  Get it answered.

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Today’s Baby Bump: Take 2 post is centered around Little Lady’s #2 Newborn Stash!  Let’s face it, we CDing Mama’s love our Fluff and love to show off our Stash, so here’s a picture of what I have so far for the first few months.

Here’s the Breakdown:

  • 4 Prefolds
  • Little Beetle Fitted
  • 12 {Major Brand} Prototype Fitted Diapers {I got lucky enough to be a Tester when Sophia was a tiny babe!}
  • 1 Thirsties Cover
  • 2 Bummis Super Brite Covers
  • Little Beetle OS Wool Cover
  • Cow Patties AI2 NB
  • GroVia AIO NB
  • Lil Joey AIO
  • BG AIO XS
  • Happy Heiny’s Mini OS
  • Sage Diapers, Size 1 OS
  • WAHM AIO S
  • Happy Heinys Pocket S
  • Oh Katy OS {These have a smaller fit, I think}
  • GoGreen Pocket Diapers OS {Not sure that this will fit right away}
  • Softbums Omni w/ 6 inserts

I will also be using some of our One Size Diapers, on both of the girls.  I’ll be sharing Sophia’s stash on another Fluffy Friday, soon!

Right now, my plan is to start using Cloth as soon as we get home from the Hospital.  I’m a bit hesitant to take on the responsibility of using it at the Hospital.  I’ll be having a scheduled C-section and am a bit worried about the Hospital’s reaction to Cloth.  I just want to make sure that none gets lost and a bit worried about keeping the diapers in a wetbag for around 3 days.  I’d love to hear your advice on this topic!

I think we’ll have enough diapers to wash every other day… with 2 in diapers, I don’t want to have too many in the wash at one time.  I’ve already purchased a second Diaper Pail and 2 extra Pail liners to accommodate for the extra Fluffy Bum that will be in the house.  My plan is to keep inserts in one pail and covers in the other.  I think this will cut down on amount of laundry, as well help me to fight smells on inserts.  Does anyone do this now?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Not had enough Fluffy Chat yet?  Head over to the Grinning Cheek to Cheek blog to read about Amy’s journey switching to Cloth and enter the great giveaways while you’re at it!

Baby Bump T2: KSS Maternity

UPDATE:  I regret to post this, but I feel that everyone should know that KSS Maternity never fulfilled their promises in following through with a Giveaway Prize for the Winner.  Unfortunately after trying to contact KSS Maternity several times, they never responded.  I would not recommend purchases from this company due to Customer Service, although I truly do love my shirt.

Today’s the day… are you ready to see what the stork is going to bring come January?

Isn’t this shirt the cutest?  When I saw it on the KSS Maternity website, I knew I had to share the gender news of Baby #2 with it!  There’s no doubt in people’s minds when they see that cute little pink stork, that Baby #2 is going to be another girl!  {I had a HARD time deciding between the Pink Stork and the Little Sister Tee!}  Did you guess right on the quiz!?

So, we’re having another Baby Girl!  Daddy is a little worried since he’ll be way outnumbered now… and I think he’s already worrying about Pre-Teen and Teenage years!  I’m excited because not only do we have pretty much all pink stuff already, but now I get a little set of sisters to dress alike!  I hope that with the girls being so close in age, they’ll always be close.  We’ll see, I guess!  But, we’re very excited to be having another little girl!

Now, a little more about KSS Maternity Shirts… who made this fun reveal possible!  When I got this shirt in the mail, I immediately felt how soft it was!  The reason?  It’s made of a blend of Bamboo and Organic Cotton… making them Eco-Friendly!  They are advertised to wash well and retain their softness, wash after wash!  So far, my shirt has been washed twice and it still looks great.  No fading at all and it doesn’t have that worn look that so many shirts get.  I love the thinness of this shirt, so I don’t get too hot in these summer months!

Want to know something else that’s great?  These shirts run a tad big, so if you want them to fit like they do in the pictures, Sarah from KSS Maternity, advised to order a Size Smaller!  Wahoo!  What woman doesn’t love getting smaller sizes… especially when you feel as big as a house while you’re pregnant! This maternity t-shirt is plenty long enough, so I have no worries that it will continue to fit long into this pregnancy!

Along with their lovely line of Maternity Shirts, KSS also offers Kids and Daddy Tees and Long Sleeve options!

BUY IT:  You can purchase a KSS Maternity Tee, just like mine, from their website for $25 CAN {basically $25 USD too}.

WIN IT:  One lucky So Easy Being Green reader is going to win THEIR CHOICE of a KSS Maternity Tee from their online selection!

All of the Baby Bump: Take 2 Giveaways will end on Sunday, September 4th at 11:59 PM EST.
If you are new to Rafflecopter giveaways, please see my Rafflecopter Tutorial {for Readers} on how to use the super easy form!
To enter the giveaway, you must see the full post, so click CONTINUE READING {below}... [Read more...]