Blurbs of A Mommy

I made this blog to share my thoughts on subjects, ideas, or things that interest me.

[blurbsofamommy]

Baby Powder!!

These are the baby powders I have used over the past 3 months. Before I had my daughter, I already had set up my mind not to use any baby powder. I've read the research about how babies don't need it and how it's bad for their lungs if they inhale it and etc. Well, when Baby Y was born, she was 8 lbs 12 oz with all these cute little rolls and fatty thighs and just a ball of fatty cuteness! Anyway, for the first 3 weeks, I didn't use baby powder and I realized her rolls were getting red underneath the covered skin and her neck was moist and gunky no matter how much I wipe that area. Hence my search for the perfect baby powder. So I started off with the brand that everybody knows and everybody had used at one point in their lives -- Johnson's Baby Powder.

It smelled like what we have associated baby powder to smell like.. It gets the job done. It sucked up the moisture from drool, formula, sweat, water, and wipes. It kept my baby dry and no more redness in between skin folds. One problem -- it's Talc. I went to Amazon to buy the talc free version but wow, Amazon introduced me to so many different kinds, brands and types of baby powder that I couldn't just settle for Johnson's... I wanted to try them all! (Which I didn't... I only tried three others besides Johnson's). After reading reviews after reviews of different baby powders, I came across California Baby Talc Free Calming Organic Powder. The majority of people who has used it has given the powder a good rating. So I bought it.

Taken from Diapers.com: California Baby Organic Powder - Calming - 2.5 oz California Baby's Certified Organic Non-Talc Powder soothes and pampers sensitive skin with super luxurious certified organic corn and tapioca starches. USP quality Kaolin clay and sodium bicarbonate work together to absorb moisture to keep skin dry, cool and comfortable. Use around the diaper area and those chubby folds in the skin! Our silky powder contains a luxurious level of certified organic essential oils to add an extra boost of naturally soothing and effective care: tea tree is very gentle to the skin and our French lavender has a beautifully fresh clean scent. May be used daily or as needed to soothe chafing due to diaper, clothing or humidity. Features: Can be used for all ages to keep foot fungus at bay and for underarm use and between the toes Certified Organic by Ecocert SA Absorbs moisture and eases chafing in the diaper area and chubby folds No talc means no danger to baby's breathing French lavender & tea tree for a beautiful scent and complete efficacy Use our powder between those "piggies!" Shaker canister dispenses only what you need, where you need it Age: Newborn and older For: Body and diaper area Scent: Our special Calming aromatherapy blend that includes French lavender. When I received it, first thing I did was smell it. It smelled like herbs. Like those herbal pouches you microwave when you have cramps or getting a headache. I thought it was weird at first but you get used to the smell after using it for a while. Next, I sprinkled it on my hand. Going from a talc powder to non-talc or cornstarch powder, it was a little rougher. Talc is more velvety smooth.. Too bad that smoothness also gets into your and your baby's lungs. I liked it. I think all powders do the same job.. They suck up moisture and leaves baby feeling dry and clean. With this California Baby powder, it has the added benefit of tea tree oil which fights off fungus and lavender which has a calming effect. Its more expensive than your average powder. I think I bought mine for $12 for 2.5 oz of it. It's a small canister. You can get the same size of baby powder for $3. It's a matter of preference and affordability. The problem that all powders have is that its powder and powder gets everywhere! Imagine my surprise when I saw that there was actually something called liquid powder. I just had to try it! I bought the Angel of Mine liquid baby powder. I think you can buy them at the Dollar Tree.

Ugh. When I said all powders does the same job... This one doesn't. I was so disappointed. I really wanted to love it. It goes on like a lotion and its supposed to dry up like a powder finish but it takes so long to dry. I just kept rubbing it and rubbing it and rubbing it times infinity and beyond. When I rubbed it on her butt, I was actually worried that the moisture would make her have a diaper rash. I don't know how it could keep her dry when it takes such a long time for the liquid powder itself to dry up. When I apply it in her skin folds and after it dries up, there would be this dried up hard white stuffs left behind. It's like when you mix a little bit of powder to water and let it dry.. Like that. Flaky and hard. Doesn't seem like its comfortable for my baby. It also dries up crusty and flaky on your hands. Suffice it to say, I stopped using this and moved on. Third powder on my list was Burt's Bee's Baby Bee Dusting Powder. I was debating on buying either California Baby or Burt's Bees initially. Now that my curiosity for the expensive herbal powder of that of California Baby has been abated, I got the same similar curious feeling taking ahold of me for the number 1 most sold baby powder in Amazon -- Burt's Bees Baby Bee.

I got this from Burt's Bees Website: Make baby smell as sweet as can be with a kiss of this natural, talc-free and absorbent powder. Non-irritating, this safe and effective powder makes your baby’s skin soft, dry and oh-so smooth. Which can’t help but make you both feel extra-comfy. • Absorbs naturally on skin • Talc-free • Keeps skin soft, dry and comfortable with Cornstarch • Clinically proven and pediatrician-tested • Non-irritating, safe, and hypo-allergenic Featured Ingredient Cornstarch(Zea Mays) — A skincare secret from the Plains. Cornstarch is a super absorbent natural substance derived from the Corn Plant. Incredibly versatile, it can act as a bulking agent or natural moisturize absorber. Best of all, its botanical nature makes it safe... Ingredients: zea mays (corn) starch, sodium bicarbonate, montmorillonite, bentonite, commiphora myrrha leaf cell extract, ulmus fulva bark powder, rosa centifolia flower extract, parfum (fragrance), limonene. I got Baby Bee (love the name!) for $11 at Amazon for 3 containers of the 4.5 oz which comes out to $3.70 each. On Burt's Bee's website, the 4.7 oz container is $6.00 for one. Obviously this is a way cheaper choice than California Baby's.. You get 3 4.7 oz containers for $11 and with California Baby, you get one container of 2.5 oz for $12. Enough of the math.. When it comes to price, Burt's Bee's win hands down. Texturewise, Baby Bee is velvety smooth and soft like talc powder without it being talc. I love it! It also smells so good. The smell is sweet but not toothache kind of sweet. It's not overpowering. It makes my baby smell good not herbally like my grandmother. I like both California Baby and Burt's Bees. I hated the liquid powder. Eck! I use California Baby in areas that pools in moisture and can breed bacteria/fungus/anything like neck, behind the ears, and diaper area. I like that the tea tree oil helps in battling those. I use Burt's Bees everywhere else especially after giving her a bath. She smells soo good! Check both out if you haven't already!

[blurbsofamommy]

New Beauty Test Tube June 2013 - Hate it! I've already gotten these from past test tubes. I've been a member for 3 years and have cancelled my subscription. It seems subscription services nowadays are subpar than what they were used to be. Will post a more in depth review in a bit. (After I get Baby Y to fall asleep)

[blurbsofamommy]

The Honest Company - Diapers and Wipes Bundle

Ever since I had my daughter, I’ve become more aware of the different kinds of chemicals and pollutants that we get exposed to everyday. Even the regular, everyday stuffs that we use have stuffs that are not really good for us, much more our babies. For example, the dish washing soap we used to use to clean the baby’s bottles leaves them with the dish soap smell which I’m sure my daughter can also taste (that’s how strong it was). Also, the first time I washed my baby’s clothes, I washed with just regular detergent (Suavitel if you must know) and it made my daughter’s clothes get a strong smell of lavender for weeks afterwards and it makes you wonder how that could seep through my baby’s thin and delicate skin if those types of chemicals could cling to your clothes for that long. So I started using free and clear products and I was satisfied. I heard about The Honest Company from my friend who just started subscribing to their diaper bundle. I looked at their website and was impressed. Not only did they sell cute diapers and wipes, but also household products to use for you and your baby. I didn’t even try the trial pack. I just dove right in. I got both the Family Essentials Bundle and the Diaper Bundle. Click here for my take on the family essentials bundle. For the diapers bundle, you get a month worth of diapers and wipes. You can always change or extend your shipping dates if you still have diapers left and you don't need more until another month or something which is great. It lets you be flexible. You can also customize your order by calling their customer support service. They are very nice and helpful. I've called them twice already and both times, I didn't feel frustrated after the call. I felt more like I was being heard and my opinions do count. You choose the size of diaper you need and pick 6 patterns out of 12 that they have in stock. It comes with 4 packs of wipes.

This is the amount of diapers you get per month depending on size.

A sample of the patterns available

My first box of the Family Essentials Bundle and the Diapers and Wipes Bundle

The patterns that I chose :) Overall, I like the diapers. They are Ecofriendly, biodegradable, and cute to boot! My daughter only had one leak since getting the diapers. She sleeps for 12 hrs in the night time and I haven't had a problem of leaking or diaper redness/rash while using the diapers at night. I also love the wipes! They are thick and feels clothy BUT 4 packs doesn't last me a month. I probably need 5 to last for a month. Other than that, it does what it's supposed to do. I even use it to clean her pacifier and her toys. I also wipe her face with it. If you are interested but don't know if you want to commit, you can always try their trial packs. You only have to pay for shipping, When you are ready to join, type in this promo code: INVITED10 for $10 off your first bundle!

[blurbsofamommy]

The Honest Company - Family Essentials Bundle

Ever since I had my daughter, I've become more aware of the different kinds of chemicals and pollutants that we get exposed to everyday. Even the regular, everyday stuffs that we use have stuffs that are not really good for us, much more our babies. For example, the dish washing soap we used to use to clean the baby's bottles leaves them with the dish soap smell which I'm sure my daughter can also taste (that's how strong it was). Also, the first time I washed my baby's clothes, I washed with just regular detergent (Suavitel if you must know) and it made my daughter's clothes get a strong smell of lavender for weeks afterwards and it makes you wonder how that could seep through my baby's thin and delicate skin if those types of chemicals could cling to your clothes for that long. So I started using free and clear products and I was satisfied. I heard about The Honest Company from my friend who just started subscribing to their diaper bundle. I looked at their website and was impressed. Not only did they sell cute diapers and wipes, but also household products to use for you and your baby. I didn't even try the trial pack. I just dove right in. I got both the Family Essentials Bundle and the Diaper Bundle. For Family Essentials, you get to pick 5 items a month (you can always change your shipment date manually online or choose if you want to wait 4,6, or 8 weeks before the next shipment). Also, you can add up to 3 other items to your bundle. you buy the additional items with their 25% off discount. As of today, here is what is being offered.

For my first essentials bundle, I chose the bug spray, healing balm, 2 travel wipes, oxy boost, and dryer cloths. So far, I've used the healing balm, wipes, and the oxy boost. Healing Balm - It has a thin oily consistency. No smell. Its actually for multi purpose use. I initially used it to prevent diaper rash but I like aquaphor better for its thick consistency. Whenever I see any redness though I mix aquaphor and the healing balm. I also use the healing balm as a nipple cream when I can't find my lanolin cream and it works. I use it on my daughter's face when she accidentally would scratch herself (her nails grow so fast!). Overall, it's a good balm and it works. Travel Wipes - This was stupid because I shouldn't have wasted my time buying these when I got the diaper bundle. This only has like 10 wipes per pack. Not worth it I think. Before I signed up to Honest, I would just bring the whole wipes with me or take a few wipes out and place them in a quart size ziplock bag. The wipes themselves are nice. Very thick and soft. Oxy Boost - I used this on our couch. My daughter had a mini explosion and got it on our microfiber couch. It worked well. I mixed one pod with hot water. I think in the instructions it tells you to mix one pod with 16 oz of water to clean upholsteries but I just got a container and put hot water in it and the pod. It was sort of like magic when the part that was containing the powder just sort of dissolved in the water and *poof* powder goes free. I also use this to soak my baby's dirty clothes before washing. It takes out the stains and I'm satisfied with it.

My Family Essentials and Diaper Bundle If you are interested but don't want to commit long term, then try the trial pack for diaper bundle or family essentials bundle or both. You only need to pay for the shipping cost which is $5.95 for each pack. Click here to go to their website and start your trial! When you are ready to join, type in this promo code: INVITED10 for $10 off your first bundle!

[zadidoll]

Warning: Panty Fly

For the drama that resulted in Jason Zepernick harassing me on my Facebook wall see this thread started by his wife Kimmud2.

http://www.makeuptalk.com/t/133892/panty-fly-discussion/0_100

Read More

[blurbsofamommy]

I’m reblogging this post from Zadidoll about Panty Fly. If I would have known this before I subscribed then I wouldn’t have subscribed to their company. The owner’s wife pretending to be a customer and writing on a forum to get people to subscribe to their company is shameful! Then going on Zadidoll’s Facebook and airing out their dirty laundry is very unprofessional.

I’m sorry but I can’t support a company that does shady dealings like that to honest customers like us. That’s also called SCAMMING and FRAUD.

[blurbsofamommy]

Wittlebee April Box

I've always been a fan of subscription boxes. They are a good way to try out products that you have never even thought of using or you have never heard of them. You usually pay less than what the box is worth. I have tried Ipsy, Birchbox, Glossy Box, and New Beauty Test Tube. While I was pregnant, I also tried out Bluum Box. In other words, I am not new to monthly subscription boxes. I love the surprise factor it brings and how you actually have something to look forward to every month in the mail instead of just junk mail. Having my daughter (let's call her Baby Y), it opened up a whole new world of subscription boxes that I never knew existed until I had her. So in this post, I would like to show my April Wittlebee box. Wittlebee is a monthly subscription for babies and kids clothing. It's a very good concept. Every month you get 6 clothing from different name brands. You have the option of selecting the first three on a preselected show room or you can opt for a full 6 item surprise box -- I heard that if you don't choose the first three, it comes out as a better box. I haven't done it so I wouldn't know.

Box is cute *heart*

Violet + Moss set - I must admit that the first time I saw this set, I thought that it was too adult'ish for my baby. Like it would be something an adult would wear. The colors are not typical baby colors that's for sure. After looking at it longer, it kind of rubbed off on me. Can't wait for Baby Y to wear them!!

Appaman Dolman Blouse - this one is really pretty. I like it. I chose this from my showroom.

Rabbit Moon Leggings - I chose this from my showroom. You can never have enough leggings.

Threadless Tee - I like the design. I actually saw another wittlebee subscriber get this shirt and I was hoping I would get one on mine too. Win!

Another Threadless Tee - This one I didn't like as much.. It was toooo.. Pink. If it was a different colored shirt, it would have probably looked better. So that's what I got from my box. I only got two out of the three that I chose in the showroom. The third one I chose was a Threadless tee that had a cookie and milk cartoon on it. (See below). I wish I could have gotten that one instead of the vomit-me-Pink one. Overall thumbs up on my box.

The Threadless shirt that I chose but never got. I'll try another month or two and see if I like them. With their CEO and founder quitting, it doesn't really reflect good for their business. Subscribe here and get $10 off your first box. Regular monthly subscription is $39.99)