One mama's Perspective on Living Lightly on our Earth

Sharing information, products and experiences to help keep our children safe, green and happy!

Monday, March 29, 2010

AMP Cloth Diapers and Accessories are our Newest Editions to Abby Sprouts

AMP Cloth Diapers arrived a few weeks at Abby Sprouts!

I've had the pleasure of testing out these diapers on Abby myself and what can I say, I love them!



So let's start from the beginning of how these ended up at Abby Sprouts. Another mom recommended them to me and boasted that they were made in Canada. Well I was mostly sold on that. Then I went to place an order with AMP and to my surprise the owner herself was the one I corresponded with. Annie as in AMP (Annie Marie Padorie) was I pleasure to talk to and even packed my order herself. I was in a bit of a rush to these in before one of our cloth diaper parties and they arrived with time to spare!



Did I mention there is a lifetime snap guarantee? The factory is also in their retail store in Winnipeg where Annie can watch over the production herself. Needless to say I was in love with these diapers before they even arrived. 



When the diapers arrived I was actually thrilled. The quality was apparent at first glance. The bamboo inserts are incredibly soft and super trim. The colour coding for inserts makes it easy to differentiate and customize the absorbency your little one needs. Blue for 2 layer hemp, Green for Bamboo, Red for 3 layer hemp and then the microfiber. My favourite so far is the sized pocket diapers and one-size pockets. Lavender is my favourite colour choice so far but we also have a lime and a couple others. I think apricot might be the next one. 



The waist and thigh snaps can be adjusted separately for a custom fit and the soft stretchy elastic gathers are all around the back, thighs and even the front. Inserts do not come with the diapers so you can customize the absorbency and choose your fibers. If you prefer a quick stuff, microfiber is usually your best choice and if you prefer natural fibers with antibacterial properties against your babies skin hemp or bamboo are your best bet. 

So What's an All in 2 and a pocket diaper? How is it a Duo and Why does it work so well?

 The above photo is an AMP Duo being used as an All in 2. The benefits to using an All in 2 style diaper is that you can just change the absorbent insert and reuse the outer cover. You can tuck the insert of your choice under the front pocket opening as well. AMP also makes a AI2 (All in 2) that's not a duo and only $15.50. 

The above photo shows an AMP Duo being stuffed with an insert as a pocket diaper. The pocket opening is at the front but does not slip out or bunch up because of the soft, elastic gathers that hold everything place. The front opening keeps you away from any solids when "un-stuffing" the pocket for washing. The soft fleece keeps baby feeling dry when used as a pocket too. 

The AMP Hemp Fitted Diapers are one of the best quality fitted I have seen. The rainbow coloured surging is adorable too. Made from durable thirsty hemp. They also come with a contoured hemp insert. Super soft, eco-friendly fabric that is far more durable than cotton. A great choice if you plan to cloth diaper more than one baby.



AMP also makes wet bags and pail liners in a wide assortment of colours too.

Leave a comment with your email address, tell us your favourite colour, and we'll send you an exclusive coupon code!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bottled Water Vs. Tap Water

While 1 billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking water we are choosing to drink it from plastic bottles and pay a ridiculous price for what is nearly free in our own kitchen. 


The link will take you to the story of stuff website which is a fabulous resource for understanding the effects we as consumers can have on the planet. Don't worry, it's not all doom and gloom. Annie, the woman in the video provides reasonable and easy to implement solutions for "taking back the tap" water as she puts it. 

If you don't already have a stainless steel water bottle to ensure you're not grabbing for plastic bottles while you're out. Get one. Stainless steel comes in variable grades depending on nickel content. Most of the major brands use 18/8 but with that knowledge you can choose any bottle on the market while stll getting the same quality of stainless steel. 

I'm not perfect. The odd occasion I end up with a plastic bottle after working out because my trainer has them all sitting there.

What do you find the hardest about remembering to bring your own tap water? What about the kids?




Sunday, March 7, 2010

Gorgeous Play Food Made in the USA

 
A mom started this company hand making all the play food herself. 

 
Now that everyone loves her pay food she's sourced a community of Amish women down the road to continue producing her vision in the US

 
Everything is made to order!

 
For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

 
Yum! Sushi

 
Veggie Pita
  
Calorie Free and Gorgeous!

 
Chocolate Bunny in time for Easter

These are made to order so please allow enough time for your selections to arrive.

Email to order, will be available on the website soon!

Support Smoke Free Playgrounds in Victoria's CRD

One local mom who's the host of CFAX 1070 Real Parenting Show has taken the initiative to go to the CRD and ask for a CRD Wide Ban on smoking on Victoria's public playgrounds.

Find more info on the Real Parenting Blog: http://www.realparentingradio.blogspot.com 

Support this important causes by joining the Facebook group and inviting your friends too. Join now!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sign the Petition to Save Our Ocean!

Save our Oceans

On Friday March 5, the UK government closes a public consultation on whether or not to create the world’s largest Marine Protected Area around the Chagos Islands.

Commercial fishing companies have voiced their opposition and are trying to keep these reefs open for business as usual. We can’t let that happen -- coral reefs are dying, and fish are fast disappearing from the oceans. This week's decision could be the catalyst that saves our oceans.

Together, let’s send the UK government a tidal wave of global public support and urge them to protect oceans for future generations.

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The above is courtesy of AVAAZ.org

This takes literally seconds to submit and has the potential to have a real earth changing effect. Let your voice be heard if you support saving our oceans!

In ten years I can see the major changes taken place in our ocean and it is certainly alarming. I can only imagine the devastation caused below the surface. Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful living scenery that acts as landscapes in our oceans.

Simple enter a few details: your name, email address and country here to sign the petition.

FuzziBunz Just Arrived Today!

 
Our FuzziBunz have arrived! 
I just love this lime green one.

 
I love FuzziBunz Truthful advertising too. The one-size is great for your wallet and works well on baby but will be bulkier when they're smaller.

 
 The perfect size fit (most babes only need small and  medium) is more fitted with less bulk but you'll need to buy two sets one of small size and one of medium. 

The adorable prints are too shabby either.

 
Simple sizing chart for snap placement courtesy of FuzziBunz
We're thrilled to be stocking these in beautiful Victoria, BC, Canada but we'll ship worldwide too!