Miracle Diapers charity drive

When I started making soakers, I donated about 10 of them to Miracle Diapers. Katrina (the creator of the pattern I used) asked that if we use the pattern to sell items that we make at least one donation or offer one for free. Well...after finding out about Miracle Diapers, just one didn't seem like enough! (Photo at left is of my last donation, before I had my Etsy shop). I've been a supporter of them for 3 years now, and now I'd love your help!

I'm going to be sending more soakers their way, both from Winkydinks and from my customers. You can purchase the Miracle Diapers listing from my Etsy store (to cover materials and shipping), and I will make a soaker and send it off in your name. I'll also be adding to the stash out of my own pocket. My goal is to have them all done and shipped by December 1st.


You can also donate directly to them by visiting this page (which is tax deductible).

Thanks for your help!

Friday Favorite - Blissful wallets

Another of my favorite Etsy purchases!



I found these wallets by Blissful and they were just what I needed. I love that I don't have to fold up my bills. There's plenty of room for my credit cards, a see through pocket for my license (or zoo membership card as shown here. he he). I was able to pick my fabric too and it was a quick turnaround time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and have gotten many compliments on it. Now I need one in black. And red. And blue...

Cloth wipes

If you're already using cloth diapers, cloth wipes is an easy transition! You can wash them with your diapers and not need to worry about tossing disposable wipes separately (Or having them go through the wash on accident).

It's EASY! You can use regular washcloths, baby washcloths, make your own, or buy them from wonderul Etsy sellers! I've found that terry cloth and flannel works the best for us, but you can also find them in velour, sherpa, and other fabrics. The terry seems to really have "scrubbing power", if you know what I mean.

I fold them and keep them in a basket with a foamer bottle of wipes solution. You can also use a spray bottle or spritzer bottle. Some people also use a wipes warmer and keep wet cloths handy (just be carefuly of mildew problems). My favorite solutions are Booty Cubes (cubes or liquid) and Monkey Butt Soap Bits. You can also make your own! If you use them in a foamer, they don't get super foamy but work just fine for us. Or you can use the liquid and get much more foam (but also uses much more liquid).

Capture those fruit flies!

If there's one thing that annoys me is fruit flies hovering all around the kitchen. You go to the farmer's market and stock up on produce, only to invite the pesky guys in as well. I finally found something that works to get rid of them - and its all natural!



You'll need:
- apple cider vinegar (NOT white vinegar)
- dish soap
- jar with a lid
- something sharp to poke holes

1. Carefully poke some holes in the lid.
2. Fill the jar with some apple cider vinegar (1/4 - 1/2 c.).
   
3. Add a drop of dishwashing liquid and swirl it around a bit.
   
4. Cover the jar with the lid.
   
5. Sit patiently and wait.

My Trap:

See them floating in there?:

My catch after 3 days (after emptying most of the vinegar):

Tips:

• Make sure your counter compost container is emptied regularly (its a haven for fruit flies).

• Just a drop of dish soap is all you need - it breaks the surface tension.

• Although my holes were kind of large (and I saw some flies go in and then out), I was still a successful hunter!
  

Get ready for Halloween!

It's Fall and Halloween is right around the corner! Why not get an adorable black and orange soaker to suit the occasion?
Made to order just for you - you pick the size! Click here to order! Special pricing: $8 any size!

The giveaway winners chosen!

The winners were chosen for our giveaway on the Rambles and Shambles blog. They both got to choose their size and patterns (and they both chose the Save the Planet pattern!). Here's what's being sent out Monday! :) Congratulations Melissa and Danielle!

Friday Favorite - Terbearco

I have bought so many wonderful things from Etsy, I decided to share them in a weekly post "Friday Favorite". Enjoy!

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I strive to be as green as possible when packaging my products - I don't use extra inner bags, tissue paper, or wrapping. I settled on using polymailer bags to mail my things for a few of reasons: 1 - they can be reused quite a few times, 2 - they are very durable, 3 - they look nice. I experimented using brown kraft paper but had to use so much tape to get it sturdy that it was no longer recyclable and couldn't be re-used.


So...I wanted to be sure my customer's know that my intent is for them to get the most out of the packaging and REUSE it! Many customers buy/sell/trade diapers and the polymailers come in very handy too.

I found the BEST rubber stamp seller on Etsy - Terbearco - with the perfect recycle themed products, and they do customs! Excellent quality and customer service.

Here's how mine looks!

Happy Recycling!!