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!)