Friday Favorite - Piggy Paint

Since I started my non-toxic movement at our house, its been over a year since my toes have been painted. When I stumbled upon Piggy Paint, my heart leaped for joy! Is non-toxic, doesn't smell (it smells like art paints), and is kid friendly. I ordered some for myself and am happy with the results. One thicker coat has stayed on for about 4 days so far without rubbing or chipping off. I would have waited to do a more thorough review, but they are offing a great deal right now for facebook fans, so I wanted to spread the word! This is the set I got. I love the colors!

From what I have heard, the polish remover does not work to remove standard nail polish, but works great on the Piggy Paint (I know this because my 2 sons begged me to paint their toes, and I had to then remove it from before gymnastics class - he said he didn't want people to laugh at him. Ha!)

New collection naming help needed!

Here's a preview of my newest collection that I'll be listing in the coming days...but wait! I don't have a cute and clever name! I need your help....Please leave a comment here (click the word "comments" at the very end of the post if you don't see the comment form) with your suggestion(s). If I wind up choosing yours, you'll win a special prize! I may even be putting up a voting poll once I have a few options.

This collection was inspired by all of the wonderful striped wool sweaters out there that make super cute re-purposed wool items, as well as my patchwork soakers that were so popular. I started with "busy bee" which got rave reviews, so will now be offering about 10 different striped color combinations (including the 3 shown above). They are made "patchwork" style by sewing different colored fleece strips into one large piece, and then making the soaker.

I have names for each color combination (i.e. pretty in pink, busy bee, earth baby), but not the collection as a whole. Right now my name ideas are "bum stripes", or something to do with "variegated" or "kaleidoscope" but they aren't winning me over in the "oooohhhh cute" category. PLEASE HELP!
(and by the way, what do you think of the new idea?)

New ideas coming to Winkydinks!

I'm excited to be working on two new items for the shop - both are fleece.
One is something I've had in my mind for awhile and needed to take some time to drive out the design and spend some time making up some examples. These will be available as semi-customs - made to order in your color choice and size! I hope to release the new "line" the first part of May.
The other is a new fabric supplier, that I think many of you will be excited about! Stay tuned - right now its out for testing and feedback!

As always, re-purposed wool items are one of a kind and will continue to appear in the shop as I make them up! You never know what types of things will be stocked. I will say that the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team has a theme for May - "Planting Time", and I hope to make at least a few things for that!

Natural hair conditioner

I finally decided to give this trick a try...and I love it! I use all natural shampoo bars, and the most recent batch I got from Apple Valley Natural Soap Company suggests this, as well hearing it from some of my followers. It helps to strip away buildup and leaves your hair SUPER soft and shiny.

Use about 1 Tbsp per cup of water, then pour it over your hair and scalp every 3rd or 4th shampoo. Rub in gently and rinse. I was surprised how well it worked. The smell is not overbearing and fades quickly.

A couple of notes: 1. Close your mouth when you pour it! 2. Don't shave the day you do this (or shave afterwards)...as it ran down my leg, I felt the sting! (Although I did have too much vinegar in my solution this time around).

Anyone else try this!?

Who's that CD Mama? Jackie!

Who are you Jackie? Cloth diaperer, woman, mom, and more!



What is your current favorite diaper or accessory in your stash?
Most of my stash is made up of SmartiPants pocket diapers.  These are by far my favorite since I love snaps and they fit my daughter so well.
What got you started in cloth diapering?
After my daughter was born, I started lurking on an eco-friendly message board where they talked about cloth diapers a lot. I started researching and found out how simple they were to use and clean. And the fact that they were less expensive than disposables in the long run sold me.
How many children have you cloth diapered?
So far, just my daughter who will be 1 in a few weeks..
Does your significant other support the decision to cloth diaper?
Definitely. My husband was onboard when I brought up the idea. I still do the diaper laundry myself but he has no reservations about using cloth.
Where do you go to buy diapers or "talk fluff"?
There are a few local CDing stores in my area where I go to look at new diapers. I try to resist buying many new ones since I have a full stash already (but it is so addicting buying new ones!).

(Photo of my daughter in a fleece soaker I made!)







What is your biggest fear (not regarding your children)?
Small, enclosed spaces
What other types of "green" choices do you and your family make?
I’m just starting to jump on the green bandwagon but this is the first year that my husband and I are planting a vegetable garden. I’m super stoked about that.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
Listen to my daughter talk and giggle.
What do you like the most about where you live?
I like the community I live in and the summers can be very nice. Wisconsin winter, on the other hand, ick
What do you serve for dinner when you don't feel like cooking anymore?
Usually a frozen pizza.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chips and homemade salsa….and lots of it!


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If you'd like to be featured on my blog in this series on profiling cloth diapering families, please contact me, I'd love to share your story!

Winkydinks soaker up for auction!

I've donated this one-of-a-kind wool soaker to the Green Mama Benefit Auction - benefiting the Cloth Diaper Foundation. So far, its received 9 bids, with the bidding closing on the 30th. Here's your chance to help out a great cause, and receive a wonderful soaker from yours truly :) Also check out all of the other amazing items up for bid!

Green Mama Benefit Auction - featuring a Bella Band from Ingrid & Isabel

Since my sister announced they are expecting their first, my senses are tuned into things like this now. I used a Bella Band when I was pregnant, and LOVED it. And the proceeds from this one go to a great cause (The Cloth Diaper Foundation - formerly Miracle Diapers)
Up for auction starting 4/22 from Ingrid & Isabel:

This one is organic cotton - whoo hoo!
It's the BellaBand you trust and love, but now in organic cotton! Many moms today are conscious of the impact their shopping choices have on our environment. So is Ingrid & Isabel. That's why we now offer the eco-consciously produced BellaBand Organic. More wear out of the clothes you already have means less consumption. Organic cotton means earth-friendly. Sustainability and better fitting clothes? Now that's a beautiful idea. Learn more about how to wear BellaBand Organic by visiting the How to Wear page for the original BellaBand. Care Instructions: Machine wash warm, wash/dry with like colors.
Color-safe bleach only. Dry low temp. No iron.
Fiber Content: 95% Organic cotton/5% Spandex. 




Please come check out the Green Mama Benefit Auction benefiting The Cloth Diaper Foundation. There are TONS of great items up for bid! (Including a Winkydinks repurposed wool soaker!)

Ribbit! Ribbit!

I was thinking of something to make for Earth Day, and settled on some cute frogs - frog populations are dwindling and nobody is quite sure why...but is seems likely its an environmental indicator of something not so great. However, I am inspired by springtime and the insanely LOUD frogs that live near us; maybe the frogs are making a comeback! Here are some froggy soakers to celebrate them! :)

(Some of these are stocked at Etsy and some at Hyena Cart. As always, if you want to make a purchase from both, I gladly combine shipping, or I can "transfer" the item to the other store so you can purchase other things at the same time together.)

Help....I don't know what to do!

Well, this is a new record....I haven't washed a diaper in over a week! HELP!!! Is it true? My cloth diapering days are over? (sniff sniff). My youngest has been day trained for a year and he is finally wanting to be trained at night...and has successfully stayed dry for a week. And my diapers are getting lonely! It's true my stash has been downsized to the bare bones, but its just weird to think of being done.

My continuing link to the cloth diapering world is my business, and I truly enjoy making soakers and longies - even if they won't be for myself anymore :) So please continue to send me photos of YOUR little ones in their Winkydinks items so I can live vicariously through my customers.

P.S. - As an upside to this story - my little sister just announced she is expecting in December...AND is considering following in my footsteps by cloth diapering. So I may just be able to continue my fluffy habit after all through a new niece or nephew. Oohhh, and newborn fluff too.....*sigh*

Who's that CD mama? Jessica L.!

Who are you Jessica L.? Cloth diaperer, woman, mom, and more!



What is your current favorite diaper or accessory in your stash?
My current favorite diaper is the Bum Essentials Diaper. It has a changeable bum pad so you can reuse the shell and just replace the pad.
Have you ever stayed up way too late or neglected other tasks to stalk something?
I woke up early to get some good deals on Cyber Monday at Hyena Cart. I got a few good deals.
What got you started in cloth diapering?
Some of my friends used cloth diapers and learned how much money they saved. I figured I'd give it a try.
How many children have you cloth diapered?
I have one son who has been in cloth diapers since he was a few weeks old.
What's your funniest cloth diapering story?
Best cloth diaper story is when my son learned to remove his diaper cover. He threw is arms up in the air, cheered and had a huge grin on his face. (He was about 10 months old.)
Does your significant other support the decision to cloth diaper?
My husband is very supportive of our cloth diaper use. He jumped on the bandwagon almost immediately, especially when he learned it would save us money. He changes just as many diapers, maybe more, than I do. I know I'm lucky!
Where do you go to buy diapers or "talk fluff"?
I spend a lot of time on diaperswappers and talk fluff on twitter.



What is your biggest fear (not regarding your children)?
I do not like spiders.
What other types of "green" choices do you and your family make?
We recycle everything we can, use organic cleaning products, buy local and organic whenever possible and walk a lot.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
I love spending time with my family especially outside.
What do you like the most about where you live?
My community. I have a great group of friends and family that love and support us. Wouldn't trade that for the world.
What do you serve for dinner when you don't feel like cooking anymore?
Usually a frozen pizza.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, dark chocolate!
What do you do with your quiet time if the kids are napping?
Internet or take a shower.

Jessica is a blogger, too! You can find her at: The B Keeps Us Honest. She often does cloth diaper reviews and giveaways!

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This is the first post in a series of post profiling cloth diapering families. If you'd like to be featured, please contact me, I'd love to share your story!

Save the Date - Earth day auction!

These photos represent only partial samples of the items. Auction pages will contain detailed photos.

Team EcoEtsy

presents:

“Handmade for Earth Day Auction”

Handmade for Earth Day Auction starts on Monday April 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM EST and ends on May 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.

Six reusable t-shirt bags filled with eco-goodies that Team EcoEtsy members donated will go to the highest bidders. Go to the Eco Etsy blog to view and bid on these awesome packages! (Winkydinks has donated a re-purposed 100% lambswool infant hat). ALL proceeds will be dontated to an environmental charity (still being voted on by Eco Etsy members). Please stop by Monday to check it out! Also, please help spread the word!

"Its in my nature"

I'm happy to have my soaker shown along side these other beauties from Team Eco Etsy in this Etsy treasury. I love these color combinations! Curated by Mary at Herban Lifestyle. Are you ready for Earth Day?

Friday Favorite: Buck 'n' Ear

I don't remember how I came across this shop - perhaps an Etsy Treasury....but I'm so glad I did. Her products are dainty and well made. I love that she has a sense of humor at her shop, and (quite honestly) I love the price - literally a buck an ear - that's $2 a pair! I bought earring for all of my family this past Christmas and was very pleased. It was hard to pick my favorites...and at this price, you are not limited to just one. Also, she combines shipping from her other shop which also has adorable jewelry.

Who are YOU, CD mamas?

The thing I noticed fairly quickly about the cloth diapering community is how everyone is so helpful and supportive. I found the diaperswappers forum and was able to ask so many questions and learn so much about diapering...and other topics too (parenting, green living, etc). I also know there are many other forums out there as well. Whether we have other things in common or not, sharing the "bond" of cloth diapering has brought people from all walks of life together.

So, other than cloth diapering, what makes you YOU? I thought it would be fun to profile a different cloth diapering mama on my blog every now and again and find out more about how we're the same...and different. (Here's me on a ride at Legoland with my son...I WANT to ride the rides and then realize that I get motion sickness even on the smallest ones, or the back seat of a car, or a train, or a cruise ship...)

If you're interested in sharing a bit about yourself and your CD interests, and maybe a few photos, please contact me through my shop, or email me at info.winkydinks[at]yahoo[dot]com! I'll send you some questions (you can answer any or all of them) and then share them (anonymously if you prefer!).

Friday Favorite - Bodhicitta

I received these wonderful recycled glasses from my husband for my birthday - they are made from wine bottles!  The edges are professionally finished and they are just the right size. Plus, they're upcycled! Check out Bodhicitta's shop for awesome sets of these glasses, and support handmade.

Oh, where's spring?

We have had a bizarre winter in Seattle this year - very mild temperatures and ZERO snow!! Today, April 8th...what should be spring...we had a crazy storm blow in and covered the area with thick hail, snow falling (that didn't stick), and heavy rain and wind.

I can't wait for summer!

Why I love re-purposed wool

I LOVE working with re-purposed wool for many reasons. (I also choose to work with fleece - mostly because it is inexpensive, holds up to repeated washings, takes no special care, and has super cute patterns and prints. But my all time favorite is wool!)

• The thrill of the hunt for sweaters at the thrift store - Does it have big holes? Is it thick enough? Is it big enough? Is it soft enough? Cute enough? 
• Once its felted (washed and dried), how did it change? Sometimes I'm disappointed that it didn't felt enough and is too thin even though its a great pattern. You never know how the wool has been manufactured and how it will turn out. 
• I love creating something new out of something old. Trying to make the most out of each sweater takes a lot of planning and re-designing pieces to not "waste" any of the material. It's a challenge for me, and I enjoy it!
• There are NO two soakers or longies the same. Even if two sellers find the same sweater, they will do something different with it.
• I love how wool works as a diaper cover - it is breathable, all-natural, and works so well to contain wetness. Sometimes people are wary of wool because it needs to be hand washed, but the great thing is that you don't have to do it often - only every couple of weeks (depending on usage). 
• It is less expensive and less time intensive than crocheting or knitting a new soaker from yarn (oh, and also because I don't know how to do either of those!). Customers can get several re-purposed wool items for the same cost as some knit items - granted, who wouldn't LOVE to have those...but not everyone can afford them.  

Whether you call it re-purposed, recycled, or upcycled - taking an old, unwanted, unloved sweater and turning it into something people can use over and over again is what keeps me doing this -I hope you enjoy them!

My trusty friend - the neti pot

Ok, it may sound weird, but I have to say that I LOVE my neti pot! I have spent much less time being sick in the past year than in previous years, now that I have started using it. (And believe me, with 2 boys in preschool, we get some nasty germs around here!). Here's what it looks like:

What IS it? It's basically a container with a funny spout used to flush out your nasal passages (a.k.a. nasal irrigation)
How do you use it? You tip it slightly upwards while holding the spout to your nostril. It pours the warm saline solution solution through your nasal passages, flushing out germs and irritants on the way out. (you can use plain water and salt, but bottled *ack!* purified water and non-iodized salt may be less irritating).
Why would you use it? Germs tend to grow in places like your nose...don't let them stay there and get a chance to multiply! Also great for sinus issues and allergies.

Tips: 

• Don't use too much salt! The lining of your nose is very sensitive
• Use warm (body temperature) water 
• Do not tip your head upside down - you'll wind up with a "summersalt in the pool" feeling in your nose. Only slightly tip your head, but tip the neti pot upwards instead.
• Don't get sucked into buying all the "special" additives...water and salt work just fine! 
• Practice, practice, practice...it takes a while to learn the right angle of your head and the pot, as well as the right saline solution mixture. 

Here is a video if you'd like to see it in action (I am NOT this graceful, and would never video myself...it's not this pretty!)

Another thing that I swear by to help with cold-busting is Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). 2 tablets twice a day when I start to feel a cold coming on (or canker sores), and it really helps!

Fun new treasury

I was happy to find myself included with these lovely items in an Etsy Treasury by beerring (who has quite a nifty item in her shop too, check it out!) I love the color scheme...