My Earthy Momma Odyssey

Working Out Grief Through Art

2012-01-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

My husband bought me a pack of Prisma pencils for my birthday in November. It was the best gift as it gave me an outlet to express my grief. I started out drawing apples:

Apple on a coffee cup

Apple on a lid

Apples in basket

Then I moved on to sketching my brother

Jonny Blue

Jonny in August

Inside My Head

After that I went on to random topics:

Bleeding Heart

Happy Butterfly

Putting the Pieces Back Together


WHY!

Creating art has been cathartic, helping me release emotions so that I can function. My brother's death is still raw and painful and my art reflects that.

Keeping Things "Normal" For The Kids

2011-11-14T11:48:00.001-08:00

As you know if you've read my previous post; my brother took his life last month. My kids are having a tough time with the loss of their beloved uncle and I've been trying really hard to hold it together around them. A few nights ago my two Littles put on a show for us. Zoe drummed while Talia sold trinkets. The trinkets were various items she found from a pencil to a bracelet. Anyways, here is my Dad trying to make us laugh. He was successful.

My Brother's Suicide

2011-11-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

On Wed. October 12th I got a text message from my little brother. The text said, "I just wanted to tell you that I love you". My heart sank and I thought that he was saying goodbye. I called him immediately and he convinced me that he was just expressing himself. We started talking about dinner reservations and other mundane topics. This is what I wrote to my girlfriends afterwards:

This is so messed of me... My brother texts me that he loves me and my first though is "Oh my God he's saying goodbye before he kills himself" WFT - I am so warped. FWIW - after I called panicked he said that he doesn't tell the people in his life how he feels enough and he's trying to remedy that. I am SUCH A JERK!

On Monday the 17th I got a call from Jonny's best friend David. David asked me if I had heard from Jon. I said that I had spoken to him last week. David said that Jonny wasn't calling him back, which is very out of character for him. I called him on my other line and he didn't pick up for me either. I asked David if he had gotten an "I love you text". David said yes and then I knew. I called my dad and asked him the same thing and he also said yes. I told him to call the police in Florida and have them go check on Jon.

At this point I was feeling a little bit silly for calling the police; I was hoping that Jon had taken off for Vegas or something and didn't tell anyone.

My dad called the police around 1pm. I was going nuts waiting. At 2:30 I had to go pick my kids up from school. After I got them in the car; around 3:15, I got a call from my friend Morgan. She asked me where I was and I said picking the kids up. She said, "You have to go to your mom's house right now honey. Right now!"

I knew for sure that something horrible had happened. I began to cry uncontrollably and when my 11 year old asked me why I was crying I said, "Something happened to Uncle Jonny and I think he died". I had five kids with me and they all started crying. I called my oldest daughter who is at college and told her to drop everything and go to Nanny's house (my mom). I called my husband and told him the same thing.

When I got to my mom's house around 3:40 - I was met by Jordan, my oldest daughter. She ran to the car and I was surprised to see her because I had forgotten that I called. I must have already been in shock. She said, "They found his body". I started screaming and wailing like in the movies. I literally dropped to the ground and my mom had to come pick me up. I am not one for drama but that was my reaction. My poor kids had witnessed the entire thing.

The rest of the day is a blur. I know that many of my mom's friends came over to be with us. I called my sister-in-law because I had her son with me and told her what happened and she didn't even leave work to come get him, she sent her mom. (obviously I am still pissy about that). My husband was literally holding me up all day because my body was jelly and I couldn't stand on my own.

At some point we found out that my brother had shot himself in the heart. There was a note but the police had it.

The days after are also a blur. I packed, or rather my husband packed for me to go to Cleveland. I played detective trying to piece together what happened. This is my version:

After reading Jon's writings and evaluations from professionals I can say for certain that he was depressed and suicidal since the 90's. I didn't see it and there is a good reason why. He was happy with his family. His big hole in life was passionate love; he didn't know how to connect to peers or women. He was lonely and in love with a woman who didn't reciprocate. He thought that he was too ugly for a woman to love. (Obviously I am summing up quite a bit)

So, after looking at his bank records and credit cards I know this. He spent thousands on this woman that he was in love with, but the money wasn't only spent on her. He flew her, her new husband and her son out to DisneyWorld all expenses paid. That was just one example, he did similar things several times.

Did she know how he felt? I don't know. Do I blame her for his death? No. I do think that she used him and no woman, or man would accept such extravagant gifts without an ulterior motive. I do think she is a gold digger but I don't think that anyone can be blamed for my brother's choice.

She got married 2 or 3 days before my brother ended his life. That right there says it all.

I got on a plane and went to Cleveland to be with my family and have the funeral for my brother. People rallied around us there. There was someone at our (my dad's) house almost all the time feeding us, cleaning or just sitting. My girlfriends Jodi and Michelle hardly left my side. Several families chipped in to cater meals while we were in mourning. My cousins, grandparents and Aunt and Uncle were constant companions. My Aunt, who rightfully should have been waited on like the rest of us, insisted on organizing all the meals and picking them up.

I slept at Jodi's most nights and I got to crawl into bed with her and her husband (both friends of mine since childhood). Jodi and Michelle ran errands for me, drove me around and held me while I cried. I am so grateful to have them.

If there can be a bright side to this nightmare - it's that I re-connected with my family in Cleveland. They started a "Get Ali To Move Back To Cleveland" campaign and I really do want to move back home. The trouble is that I have a blended family and I will be taking three kids away from their other parents. Chuck and I decided to spend the summer in Cleveland and then to really decide after a year of mourning has passed so that we know our decision wasn't made out of grief.

Right now I feel really alone in Tucson - my mom is here and she's wonderful and loving and present but I don't have the same level of friend and family support that I do in Cleveland. One of my girlfriends came over a couple of times and that was about it. No one calls. No one stops in to check on me. It's just me, my family and my mom. My heart hurts because I miss my family in Cleveland and my friends.

I found a support group for suicide survivors and I am taking some comfort from that.

I know that it's only been three weeks but I can't imagine ever feeling complete again. My brother was not just my brother; he was my confidant, my stable adult male in my kids life, my best friend and my partner in crime. I miss him every minute of every day. I'm not mad at him but I am so, so, so sad that he was in so much pain and no one knew. Furthermore, even if I did know, that was a hole that I just couldn't fill. All my life I protected him, advocated from him and loved him. Now he's gone and it's surreal.

Me and Jonny in 1991

Jonny and I as kids

One of Jon and Jordan's Disney Trips - Uncle Jonny really spoiled her :)

A rare photo of Jon smiling as an adult. This is his best friend David.

Last May at Jordan's high school graduation; the last family photo I have with me, Jon and both our parents

Disney World 2005 with three of my girls

This is classic Jon

A year ago today; Jonny with me and my mom

My girls SO loved their uncle

Old family photo that Jonny had on his FaceBook; these are some of my cousins

Hanging out with his nieces in Florida

I'm pasting my Eulogy below in case you want to read about Jon's life:

My brother was born Oct. 1, 1976. He was silly, inquisitive and kind and he had the biggest heart and the most contagious smile. He was the most generous man – he would help anyone out with anything; no questions asked. He loved his family and friends fiercely and he would do anything to make our lives more wonderful.

As a small child, Jonathan had a language disorder called Aphasia, which meant that he had difficulty remembering words and sometimes he mixed up grammar and tenses.. As a result he had some memorable “jon-isms”. Bananas were balabahs, Aunt Bonnie was “hey Lady” at first and then progressed to “Aunt Boonie” as he got older. Lisa; our babysitter of several years, was just plain “babysittar!”

When Jonny was a toddler he held out his arms to Aunt Judy saying, “unc Denny!” My parents didn’t keep much junk food in the house but Jon knew where to go to get his fix. On arriving at Aunt Judy and Uncle Denny’s house he frequently said “You got anything with sugah?” My Aunt Judy used to make molded chocolate candy and Jonny discovered where she was storing the trays. Soon after the candy mysteriously vanished and jon had chocolate around his mouth.

Another famous Jon-ism was “you got anything was bwoken?” When Jonny was a kid he was fascinated by how things worked, specifically electronics. He would walk up and down our street looking for TVs that people were throwing away. If he was lucky enough to find one; he would either haul it home or enlist the help of our neighbor Larry Chernikoff to help him get his treasure home. Once Jonny got the TV home he would spend hours taking it apart in our basement. Once the television was unrecognizable; he would abandon it to find another. Not once did he put anything back together.

As Jon grew; his curiosity abounded. When he was 6 or 7 my parents had our entire backyard bordered in heavy stone pavers. Jonathan wanted to see the bugs underneath the pavers so he systematically lifted each paver, looked underneath for bugs and then discarded it onto the grass until the entire border was a pile of rocks on the grass. My parents saw the mess and were so surprised that such a little guy could life those heavy pavers that they just had to laugh.

Another time that year Jonny was sent to his room for a time-out. I can’t remember what the offense was but he was so irate at being sent to his room that he took every single piece of furniture; including his bed and dresser, and put them out in the hallway. No one could get through until he was calm enough to put everything back. Again; my parents shook their heads in wonder and laughed. My dad was famous for telling jonny, “Im laughing but I’m really mad”

There was a period of time when Jonny was little that every morning he would tell my parents, “I see you”. They really didn’t think much of it until they discovered the hole he had somehow drilled into the suitcase closet in his room which was next to their room. Sure enough – Jonathan was spying on our parents through the hole. Luckily all he could really see was their ceiling.

Jonny enjoyed food immensely, so much that when he was eating something particularly yummy, he would hum. Like this (hum) One December we were at my Uncle Al and Aunt Sue’s house in Florida and Jonny was eating cheesecake. He asked for seconds and when my mom said “you must have really enjoyed that”, Jonny came back at her with, “well, I wasn’t humming”.

As Jonny got older he really enjoyed organizing things. My room looked like a small tornado had run through it and it drove Jonny crazy. So much so that he would sneak into my bedroom when I wasn’t home, to clean and organize it. I came home after one of his organizing sprees to find that he had not only organized my stuff; he had helpfully thrown away all my trash which included my term paper that was due the next day.

Some of Jon’s fondest memories are of Hershey Family Vacations and 4th of July gatherings. He truly loved being surrounded by his family. He loved to reminisce and he had been trying to get everyone on board for another trip this year.

Jonathan spared no expense when it came to me and his nieces – he enjoyed the finer things in life and he showed his love by lavishing what he could on us. He was a loving uncle; my kids adored him. He spent quality time with each and every one of my kids on a regular basis; spoiling them as only as Uncle Jon can do. When Jordan moved out to start college this fall she had the essentials that any college student would need. Jonny, however, wanted her to have everything and proceeded to buy her a plasma tv, a wii, more furniture and a bunch of other stuff that she really didn’t need. I said to him, Jon it’s supposed to be a little but harder then this and his reply was, “She’s my neice and I don’t want her to do without”. Obviously, Jonny and I had different ideas of what doing without meant.

Jonny had been begging me to bring my family to Disney World and Universal Studios. I explained to him over and over that it was just way too expensive to take a family of 8 cross country and especially to theme parks. He couldn’t wrap his mind around that because he so loved to play. In true Jonathan fashion, he made sure that I took the girls to Disney. His last wishes were that we spread his ashes in a lake by Disney World and Universal Studios. That’s Jon for you.

Jonathan – you are missed and loved more then you will every know. Safe journeys little brother, rest in peace. I love you and I forgive you.

Buy Local - A Call To Action

2011-10-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Why Companies Manufacture Overseas
Companies have nearly $500 billion stashed abroad that can be taxed here at home. There are several reasons why companies choose to manufacture overseas; I am sure that the financial benefits take precedence. To read what I have to say about the cost of manufacturing overseas click here.

My work wife, Melissa, and I chose to keep our products made locally for several reason. If you have interest; here is the back story.

What YOU can do
>Contact lawmakers<
If our lawmakers revoke the tax breaks for overseas manufacturing and bring the big companies back to the USA, I believe that our economic future would look brighter. I humble suggest contacting our lawmakers and demanding that they stop giving companies incentives to manufacture overseas.

Here is a link with all the Congressmen and Congresswomen's contact information and here is a link that lists the Senators.

>Buy Made in the USA<
I am no economist but I am fairly certain that if Americans buy products made in the USA and support our mom and pop shops, it would make a difference.

Why Buy Local
Buying products made in the USA supports our local economy by providing jobs, which support families and generate domestic spending. Buying domestic also reduces the environmental impact by eliminating energy to ship goods internationally. Refusing to buy anything made outside of America will be a challenge for sure. While clothing and food are easier to find locally; I could not find any cell phones that are made in the USA nor could I find televisions. I did find this site that lists made in the USA products. *Note to self; get LolliDoo® listed*

Melissa and I manufacture in the USA using domestic components because we strongly feel that WE can make a difference, and SO CAN YOU! Next time you go shopping, instead of hitting Target or WalMart; try checking out a local mom and pop shop.

Read labels; I cannot reiterate this enough. Oftentimes folks believe that they are purchasing something made in the USA because the company is based out of the US when in actuality the goods are manufactured overseas. Additionally your items may be manufactured in the USA but the components are from overseas. It's not easy to find 100% American made goods.

I'm sure that this is a simple answer to a complex problem but I am confident that small changes make a big difference.

My Tye-Dye and Batik Projects

2011-10-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really love to create tye-dye and especially batik works of art. I NEVER use batik blocks or other stamps. Everything I made is hand painted freehand. Here's a peek:


Two color batik

Women's skirt that I wound up keeping because I loved it so much

Dolphins - I wish that I had a better picture

Two color batik

Tye Dyed LolliDoo® Fitted Innie™

Another LolliDoo®

Matching outfits

3 color batik

Someone was very specific in what she wanted :)

Two color tye-dye with a little batik

Two color batik

A tiny batik

Multicolor batik scarf

Three color batik scarf

Some Funnies From My Littles

2011-09-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Zoe age 6

Zoe told me that she wanted Aqua Sand for her birthday. I reminded her that she just had a birthday in May. She said, "that's not fair! Why do I always have to use the same date for my birthday?

“Mom, not letting me draw on my body is crushing my creative soul.”

“Mom, I got a comb stuck on the top of my head”-I’m driving Zoe, I’ll get it out when I get home. “OK mom, I’ll just be a helicopter then”

I'm driving kids to school and there is a police car behind me. Zoe yells, "step on it mom, we have to lose the Po-Po".

Talia age 4

"Mom pretend I have a penis but I'm still a girl"

My husband Chuck was cleaning a DVD for Talia. She told him to wipe it on her shirt. Chuck explained that he needed a special cloth to clean it properly. Talia said, "why is everything special with you?" He told her that she was special. Talia replied, "I'm not special, I'm Jewish!"

Dinnertime at the Manes house... Talia, "can I tell you a story?" Sure I replied. "Ok. Once upon a time there was a girl named Kiki. Kiki stuck her head in the toiled and ate a poop. Her hair got wet. The end."

Talia recently told me that before she was born she went to heaven and asked God if Alison Manes could be her mommy. Sigh.


Talia wearing her goggles as a headband while at a restaurant

I LOVE LolliDuos™

2011-09-20T13:41:00.000-07:00

My Work Wife Melissa has created the greatest diaper ever! The all new LolliDuo™ is fantastic for several reasons; here are my five favorites:

The LolliDuo™ is a truly versatile one-size cloth diaper. You can use is as a diaper cover, a pocket diaper OR you can use it as a diaper cover but stuff it for extra absorbency.
LolliDuos™ are trim enough for daytime use but thirsty enough for overnight.
The entire diaper saves at least six water bottles from going to the landfill. This is because the high quality performance fleece, that we are now known for, is made from recycled bottles.
We have several super cute color combinations.
You can choose snap or hook and loop closure.

Want to see more? Click here.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Miss Ellie in a LolliDuo™ - she was around 9lbs in these photos and as you can see, they fit her really well.

Don't believe me? Read what other folks are saying.

I honestly believe that Melissa deserves a HUGE Hooray for her genius in designing all LolliDoo® diapers. Well done Melissa, well done!

Mr. Mom for Three Days

2011-09-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

I needed a break - badly. I had been going non-stop for almost two years. Working from home full time, taking care of six kids, taxi driving and housekeeping; most of you know the drill.

I treated myself to three whole days of Me Time in LA with my best friend Alana.

It was heavenly.

Back on the home front my wonderful husband Chuck was holding down the fort. I made him a detailed list of kid needs along with a calendar with schedules. I had him prepared right down to the time that he had to leave the house.

I left a list of banned school foods so that he didn't pack contraband sugar, meat, eggs or nuts. I reminded him that he needed to send cold water bottles with all the kids and at least two snacks each in addition to lunch.

I didn't think that it was that much.

I got a call Monday night that went something like this...

Chuck, "I don't understand how you keep up with all of this! How do you get anything done when you are constantly driving or catering to kids? When do you work?!?"

*Insert me smiling smugly*

"I need you to text me a list of things to pack the kids for lunch, I don't understand why they can't have peanut butter! (There is a child with a deadly nut allergy at school, I've told him this at least a dozen times) Do they have to go to Hebrew school? Can we skip gymnastics? Do I have to take them all to the grocery store?" Chuck, sounding really stressed out. "I couldn't get the Littles to sleep so I put them in our bed and Tali kicked me all night while Zoe snored like a man."

At this point I am feeling extremely validated. I assure him that they can skip gymnastics this once but not Hebrew school. I also inform him that the kids know how to behave in the grocery store. I remind him where the coupons are and wish him luck.

He did well but he didn't use any coupons but whatever. The kids were safe and happy and the house was relatively clean. Most importantly; Chuck had a little glimpse into my wonderful chaos and I don't think he be taking me for granted anytime soon.

Road Signs and Sightings from AZ to AR

2011-09-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Chuck, the Littles, Middles and I drove from Tucson to Springdale, AR and back this summer. We saw a few interesting things on the way... enjoy, I sure did.

Just starting out

I saw this sign and thought that it was a joke. Chuck had to explain that it was actually two town; Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte.

This was my FAVORITE - we saw it right in Springdale as we drove in. The locals didn't understand why we had to stop and take a photo.

Littles and Middles happily road-tripping

Self-portrait when I was bored

I don't even know - this was in an abandoned lot somewhere in New Mexico

Unusual

Uncle Sam holding a chili pepper in Hatch, NM

That is one big bottle of booze!

Random figurines in Hatch, NM

On a closer look - I think that is Colonel Sanders with a Chili wreath


The world's largest cross - I think that this was in Texas somewhere

Name That Doo!

2011-08-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Our new All Purpose LolliDoo® cloth diaper needs a name!

*Name our new diapers and win 6 FREE.

Some information:

What we are offering is a combination eco-pocket®/Outtie™. Click here to see it on LolliPlace.com.

It has a myriad of uses; as a diaper cover, a pocket diaper or as a diaper cover that is stuff-able for extra absorbency.

Additional information:
~ Suitable for day and overnight use
~ Trimmer then Overnight eco-pockets
~ Lower price point
~ Made from recycled performance fleece
~ Highly breathable
~ Super absorbent
~ Generous waist dimensions
~ Made in the USA

How to enter:
Just post your name suggestions on http://earthymommaodyssey.blogspot.com/ (or if you are reading directly from the blog - post a comment).

*Once you enter the contest you are giving GGSI permission to use the name without restriction.

Contest ends 8-31-11

Disposable Diapers Are Better Then Cloth Diapers

2011-06-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Or so someone recently said. This was his reasoning:

*Note, I didn't correct spelling or grammer

1) You do not have to wash disposable diapers.
2) You can save on water and time use to wash cloth diapers.
3) Time will be better spend doing anything else than to wash cloth diapers.
4) You do not have to change your baby clothing because they seldom get wet if they wear disposable diapers.
5) You do not have to worry about getting yourself wet when you carry your baby.
6) You do not have to bring wet cloth diapers back home to wash if you baby wet himself outside. Disposable diapers are more convenience to use when traveling.
7) There is something call diaper rash cream to prevent and heal diaper rash.
8) Large safety pins are dangerous.
9) Double or triple layers cloth diapers are hot for the butts.
10) Disposable diapers leak less.
11) Day care or childcare center do not want to deal with cloth diapers.

I respectfully disagree:

1. You don't have to wash disposable diapers however they are consuming much of our natural resources. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR. Not to mention that at least 1/3C of crude oil goes into one disposable diaper.

2. Cloth diapers today rarely leak, ours are known for not leaking even after extended use.

3. An extra 2 loads of laundry a week equals less water used then a potty trained child flushing the toilet 5 times a day.

4. When you make the decision to become a parent you are also making a decision to dedicate time to raise your child. Changing and laundering diapers are a part of that.

5. You don't have to change the baby with cloth either.

6. You do have to bring wet diapers home, I'll give you that one. I do travel with cloth diapers and it's not an issue.

7. Diaper rash cream has it's purpose but why put extra chemicals on babies skin when the issue was most likely caused by chemicals on babies skin.

8. Cloth diapers today do not use safety pins, they are available with an aplix closure, snap closure or a snappy which is a plastic doohickie that fastens diapers.

9. Babies sweat more with disposable diapers because the plastic outer heats up the entire diaper. Depends on the type but generally cloth diapers are far more breathable.

10. That's completely untrue and redundant.

11. That is not true of all day cares, some will only take cloth.

LolliDoo Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet

2011-06-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

LolliDoo™ Diapers and Advocacy for a better planet

By Melissa Morgan, IBCLC and co-founder of LolliDoo™ Diapers.

I don't usually step on my soap box, but I feel this one's important. I began watching this video (as initially introduced to me by Spokane Riverkeeper) because water quality and conservation is an important issue to me and the Lochsa River is a vital part of water recreation in my neck of the woods. But where this video leads you goes so far beyond that...

http://youtu.be/HoKW771tG_Q

For my new friends who may not be aware, not only am I an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) serving families in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, and throughout the web, I am also a Managing Member of Go Green Sustainable Industries (along with my business partner and kindred spirit Alison Manes) and am the designer of LolliDoo Diapers. The recycled eco-fleece used in LolliDoo Diapers are inspired by my and my husband's experience as whitewater enthusiasts; they are designed to be integrated with an outdoor lifestyle for the growing family, as well as to conserve water and energy through household laundering.

By using LolliDoo and supporting our American small business, you are part of a movement to "be the change" and "buy local." Your commitment to cloth diapering with LolliDoo effects change not only with your family and the health of your little ones, but also impacts a greater global good. Our eco-fleece outer saves an environmentally costly raw material (petroleum-based water bottles) from a landfill-filling fate and repurposes it into a useful, recyclable product that can be used again and again while keeping your baby dry. In addition, our cottage industry provides much-needed income to American families AND saves environmental and financial resources from no overseas shipping of raw materials and finished goods.

Petroleum-based plastics have become an integral part of our daily life, but the manner in which these plastics are obtained is of great consequence. Fan Advocates for the West if you're interested in learning and doing more to save our Wild West and to protect our American way of life from corporate greed.

...and now back to breastfeeding. :)

Cloth Diapers ARE Swim Diapers

2011-05-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Many folks go out and buy swim diapers. If you are a cloth diapering family - you do not need this extra expense. Most cloth diapers do double duty as swim diapers. I will speak to what I know best, LolliDoo™.

LolliDoo™ has a couple of options for swim diapers. Our Recycled Outties™ aka diaper covers, are perfect for swimming. The intention of a swim diaper is to contain messes NOT liquids. Any fleece or PUL diaper cover should work nicely in the pool.

LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are another viable swim diaper option. No need for Organic Absorbency Innies™ aka absorbency inserts. Again - the idea is to catch messes.

You can even use a LolliDoo™ Free Spirit as a swim diaper (hey if you want to spend $79 on a swim diaper I won't stop you).

When covering your little one's bum in the pool - keep in mind that the diaper still needs to be tight enough to contain messes and without the Innies™ sometimes you have to really tighten up the leg elastic. Cloth diapers, when used for swimming, can be comparable to disposables in trimness but unsurpassed when it comes to comfort.

SALE SALE SALE

2011-05-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

That's right - we are having a sale.

All LolliDoo™ seconds and discontinued colors are on sale at LolliPlace this weekend only. Get your first quality but discontinued colors for the LOW price of $15.66 AND Holy Seconds Batman; get your LolliDoo™ seconds for only $13.05.

If you want some - hurry because we are selling out rapidly.

LolliDoo™ Seamstresses - The Revival of Cottage Industry

2011-04-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that LolliDoo™ cloth diapers are made by moms who sew while babies nap?

Go Green Sustainable Industries is a small family run company located in Newman Lake, WA. We are a cottage industry - supporting local seamstresses. Our seamstresses work mostly from home and come into the shop on Fridays, often with babies, to drop off finished diapers, pick up fabric and snap.

It is our mission to support families in small business while improving the health and well-being of society and our environment by transforming commonly used toxic and disposable products into healthy innovative new products that are comprised of recycled and organic materials and can once again be recycled.

Why?

It's about time companies acted responsibly.

I'm not insinuating that we are the only company with morals - just that we don't see enough of them. Melissa and I set out to create change and while we are just at the beginning stages; we are already making a difference, one step at a time.

Cloth Diapering JUST Overnight Can Save $329 Or More

2011-04-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

How easy is this? Purchase just one LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™. Use it only at night. In the morning throw it in the wash with your towels or whatever clothing needs washed that day. Repeat every night.

You can save a lot of money and your baby will wrapped in super soft and dry comfort all night. It's a win-win situation.

An average cost of disposable diapers is .30¢
An average LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™ is $38

While the upfront cost can be daunting. When you multiply .30¢ x 2.5 years -you get $329. This is supposing that you only use one disposable diaper a night. If your child needs nighttime diaper for four years (which is about average) then you save $438!

Go ahead - make your life a little easier :)

How Much Crude Oil Is In a Disposable Diapers

2011-03-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

One of my LolliDoo™ FaceBook Fans said that she had converted to cloth diapers because she read somewhere that it took 2 cups of crude oil to make a disposable diaper. I decided to do some digging on my own.

According to the Real Diaper Association: Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.

gDiapers states that there is approximately 1/3 cup of crude oil in each disposable diaper, while Hip Green Baby asserts that it's closer to 1 cup.

I searched both the Kimberly Clark and Procter and Gamble websites and surprisingly they didn't have anything published regarding the amount of crude oil used to manufacture disposable diapers.

I did find this well illustrated slide show that follows a disposable diaper from creation to trash on scribd.com.

I also just read that disposable diaper prices will be going up. Read Here.

I am still unclear on exactly how much oil is used in the production of disposable diapers, however I am certain that cloth diapers win on this one.

Family Batiking

2011-02-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

I wanted to do something fun with my kids. We tye dye all the time so I thought a natural next step would be to give them a lesson on batiking. I wish I had thought to take photos of the process - but I didn't.

What we did:

1. Waxed the areas of the fabric that we wanted to stay white.
2. Painted on various colors
3. Waxed over the colors painted on
4. Dipped the entire garment into dye

Below are our creations :)

My 4 year old created this sarong

A sarong by my 5 year old

A sarong by my 9 year old

My 11 year old created this apron and the whale sarong below

I made this for my daughter-in-law for Mother's Day, shhhhhh

For my mom

Of course I made something for my grandson

A couple sarongs by me :)

Congratulations to Lily!

2011-02-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Lily!

Lily won a 3/pack of Overnight eco-pockets™ with Innies™ for her entry in the LolliDoo™ Loop Re-Purpose Contest.

Below is her entry:

Help Us Pick a Winner!

2011-02-18T12:27:00.001-08:00

Please vote for your favorite re-purpose of our LolliDoo™ packaging loops. The winner will receive a 3-pack of LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ with Innies™ in their choice of Classic or Overnight. Just respond to this post with the number of the photo that you like the best. Voting will end at midnight 2-19-11 PST

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Most Creative Loop Repurpose Contest!

2011-01-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

It's time for a contest!

Tell us, with a photo, what you are doing with your LolliDoo™ packaging loops.

Loop used in packaging

What is a LolliDoo™ Loop?
LolliDoo™ Loops are handy-dandy recycled fleece loops made from our manufacturing waste. They double as packaging for our LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ and can be used as laundry loops to hang-dry your LolliDoo™ Diapers. We have discovered that in addition to our intended use - folks are using their loops in a myriad of other ways.

Rules:

1. Send an email (alison@LolliDoo.com) or post on our FaceBook wall a photo of your creative use of LolliDoo™ Loops.

2. You can enter as many times as you like.

3. A winner will be chosen on February 18th 2011 based on creativity.

The winner will receive a 3-pack of their choice of Overnight or Classic LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ with Innies™.

Why Yes - I Do Make My Own Mayo

2011-01-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm a busy mom, entrepreneur, taxi driver, cleaning lady...you ladies know what I mean. Some of my friends think I am nutty for taking the time to make things like mayonnaise, spaghetti sauce and tortillas.

I have a very good reason for taking an extra 10 minutes or so to make my own food. Check out this popular brand of mayonnaise label.

My kids do not need copious amounts of sugar; especially when it's completely unnecessary. Spaghetti sauce, ketchup, even mustard are sugar/high fructose corn syrup offenders.

It's so simple to make mayo that I'd rather just whip it up then feed my kids. I should add that we don't use mayo very often so this isn't a daily or even weekly task.

Below is my recipe *warning* it does contain a raw egg.

1 Organic egg yolk
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. white vinegar
1/4 tsp. mustard (I mix mustard seeds, vinegar, garlic and salt in the blender)
salt to taste
about 1 C Olive oil

I put everything but the oil in a bowl and beat on the highest speed. I slowly add in the oil until it has the consistency that I'm after.

That's it.

It's so easy and the kids have fun helping me beat the ingredients.

I have to add that it tastes so much better, in my opinion. I made tuna salad a few weeks back. Now normally tuna salad doesn't go over so well with the kids, however after making it with my mayo - every single one of them cleared their plates.

Food for thought. Snicker, snicker.

Womanhood In My Late 30's

2011-01-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

As I hit my late 30's there have been changes to my body and my mind that I wish I was forewarned about. So in the spirit of full disclosure - I'm making a list for all you young-ens who are approaching my age.

1. Women grow chin hair.
Sad but true - the older you get the more it will appear. My girlfriend calls it her "Fu Man Chu". My mom calls them "Witch Hairs". Whatever you call it, you will find out soon enough that you are growing a few of these thick suckers right on your face. My recommendation - go get a chin wax.

2. Your breasts will begin a race for your knees.
It doesn't matter if you breastfed or not - at some point in most women's lives - boobs are going to sag. They will probably sag at different rates so that the race for your knees is fair. Right now my right one is winning. This really boils down to genetics so if your mom still has perky boobs - you've got a fighting chance.

3. Drinking wine = quick weight gain.
I'm serious. I drank a bottle of wine (over six hours) on New Years Eve and guess what... I woke up 2.5lbs heavier then I was when I went to sleep. Our bodies just don't metabolize the same way they used to. This doesn't just apply to wine either - any high sugar food will stay with you.

4. Women in their 30's become friskier.
According to a study of 827 women in Houston; women in their 30's are in their sexual prime. They attribute this to the slow decline of fertility.

5. You will trade in your dancing shoes for a good night of sleep
It's true. You will reach a point in your life when sleep sounds much better then clubbing. It's not that dancing isn't fun - it IS fun. However, when given the option of dealing with a bunch of drunk people or getting your beauty rest - many times the rest will prevail.

I sure hope that this helps all my fellow sisters who are approaching their late 30's acclimate. Here's to a joyful, more mature but never dull YOU!

The Cost of Manufacturing Overseas

2010-12-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

When my father was a kid growing up in Cleveland - everything was made in the USA. In fact, Ohio had a large thriving garment industry. Unfortunately that's not the case anymore and that includes just about every marketable good.

Ohio Knitting Mill

It's not just limited to the textile industry; analysts predict as many as two million U.S. white-collar jobs such as programmers, software engineers and applications designers will shift to low cost centers by 2014.

I know why.

American computer programmers earn about $60,000, while their Indian counterparts only make $6,000.

Take that and apply it to just about every industry.

Overseas locations receive preference because of the low wages they are able to pay for labor. In China they are able to pay .30 cents an hour! The U.S. cannot require foreign governments to impose a minimum wage or safety regulations. Additionally, U.S. companies have no employee benefits to pay - more money in their pockets. Lastly and most concerning is that they are exempt from environmental as well as safety regulations.

Of course in these economic times consumers want to get the highest quality goods at foreign prices. I hate to tell you but that really isn't happening folks. While you may be able to purchase goods at low prices - what is the real cost? Was a child working in a sweatshop for pennies a day to sew your jeans? Are your baby toys full of lead? How about your beauty products - if they are foreign made they aren't subjected to the same health regulations that are required in the USA and Canada.

Sweatshop in India using child labor

I'm not saying all foreign products are suspect - I'm sure there are some fine quality items out there. However, generally speaking, if you go into a Target or WalMart and purchase say a cashmere sweater that you know should cost upwards of $100 for $25-chances are it wasn't made under the best conditions.

Personally, I’ve never had the “buy cheap stuff made overseas” mindset but I know a lot of people have become accustomed to it. I respectfully request that we all boycott foreign made goods. Our jobs, our health and our environment is at stake. I realize that American made products are more costly and there is a very good reason why. Products that are made in the USA and Canada not only follow the health and safety guidelines but adult American citizens who are paid American wages.

*Disclaimer: This is my opinion, please take it for what it's worth.

Thank YOU!

2010-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

I really want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

To my husband for believing in me.

To my mom - my personal cheerleader.

To my family for patiently supporting me while I launched my dream.

To my friends who encourage and promote me regularly.

To my LolliFans - your kind words, overnight success and support is what keeps us going.

To my work-wife aka LolliDoo™ inventor. Without you there wouldn't be LolliDoo™.

I am truly blessed and grateful. Thank you for being part of my life.

Here's to a joyful, abundant and successful New Year.

Have You Been "Greenwashed"?

2010-12-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Currently worldwide Green is the key word that companies are eager to demonstrate. I stumbled upon this article this morning and was motivated to stand up and say something:

The average citizen is finding it more and more difficult to tell the difference between those companies genuinely dedicated to making a difference and those that are using a green curtain to conceal dark motives. Consumers are constantly bombarded by corporate campaigns touting green goals, programs, and accomplishments. Even when corporations voluntarily strengthen their record on the environment, they often use multi-million dollar advertising campaigns to exaggerate these minor improvements as major achievements.

Sometimes, not even the intentions are genuine. Some companies, when forced by legislation or a court decision to improve their environmental track record, promote the resulting changes as if they had taken the step voluntarily. And at the same time that many corporations are touting their new green image (and their CEOs are giving lectures on corporate ecological ethics), their lobbyists are working night and day in Washington to gut environmental protections.

To read the full article click here.

Are you tired of seeing the words, Green, Eco, Bio, Natural and Environmentally Friendly in association with products that common sense tells you are most certainly NOT?

I am.

According to Wikipedia:

Greenwashing is a term describing the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products are environmentally friendly. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.

A new survey suggests that over 95% of all companies claiming to be green are guilty of at least one count of greenwashing. The upside is that 5% of companies claiming to be green actually are. I can say that we are one of them :)

You can avoid being Greenwashed.

1. Look at labels.
For example: If a product claims to be recycled - the company must list the recycled content percentage. If a cleaning product claims to be green it may be that just the packaging is green. You want the product to be: Biodegradable, phosphate free, chlorine free, bleach free and scented with natural oils or fragrances.

2. Look for the country of origin.
There are several reasons to see where your product was manufactured. One reason is that if it was made outside the USA or Canada you want to make sure it has a "Fair Trade" label. Fair trade doesn't equate environmental responsibility but it does mean that children weren't making your product. Another reason to check the country of origin, especially when using creams and supplements, is that other countries do not have the same health and safety guidelines which are enforced in the USA and Canada. Do you really want to use a face cream that was made in Asia, quick and cheap, without the USA Health Codes? Oftentimes big companies who buy such products to sell here do not do their due diligence. Just a warning...

3. Food products must be labeled.
Organic food products will be labeled "USDA Organic" if they are truly organic.

4. Use common sense
If a product is disposable, even if it's organic, it should be biodegradable or compostable if it's truly green. If you look at a product and think, "how in the world can this be environmentally friendly" - chances are that it's not.

Organic Fitted Innies™ - Q and A

2010-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Question From LolliFans

Q. Why do your Fitted diapers have a pocket?

A. There are three main reasons that we changed our Fitted Innie™ design to a pocket:

1. With a pocket - you can customize your absorbency. If you have a heavy wetter you can add LolliDoo™ Organic Absorbency and Flat Innies™ as boosters.
2. A pocket eliminates the cumbersome external elastic loop. We've replaced it with an internal cinch sizing system, the same as our eco-pockets.
3. The pocket opening allows for quicker dry time - and we are all about quick drying diapers.

Q. Do I need a cover with fitted diapers?

A. Yes. A fitted diaper is a modern take on the older versions that required pins. LolliDoo™ Organic Innies™ are all made from cotton and need a cover, we recommend LolliDoo™ Recycled Outties™.

Q. How do I size my LolliDoo™ Fitted Innies™?

A. See this chart below.

1. Give a little tug on the elastic cinch sizing.
2. Gently pull the elastic and unbutton it.
3. Re-button the elastic in the hole that best suits your child. Sometimes this takes a try or two before you get the correct size so please be patient.
4. Once your diaper is sized there is no need to re-adjust until your baby is ready for the next size. The elastic will stay put during laundering.

Q. Who dyes the tye dyed Fitted Innies™?

A. As you may know, we are a small family run company. As such, each tye dyed Innie™ has been hand dyed personally by me (Alison) at my home in Tucson, AZ.

We love hearing from our customers! Please submit comments/questions/concerns to alison@LolliDoo.com.

It's My Birthday :)

2010-11-24T09:04:00.001-08:00

As a gift to myself I delegated all but the turkey and stuffing duties so that I can spend my birthday soaking up my family.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING one and all!

My brother and I in 1976

Black Friday Sale at LolliPlace.com

2010-11-23T13:07:00.001-08:00

LolliPlace Grand Re-Opening Sale!!!

2010-11-15T10:04:00.001-08:00

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW AND IMPROVED SHOPPING CART SOLUTION!

We have spent the past month revamping LolliPlace.com in order to create a simpler shopping solution with more options. Take advantage of our re-launch with 15% off your
entire order* now until November 19th 2010.

As always we appreciate your support.

XOXO,

Ali and Melissa

*Excluding Cloth Diaper Packages which are already heavily discounted

A Hearty Congratulations

2010-10-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

My partner, work-wife and LolliDoo™ co-founder; Melissa Morgan has passed her IBCLC exam and is now official! This is a journey she started years ago that has finally come to fruition. Go Mel!

Sister Wives

2010-10-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I started watching a documentary/reality show on TLC called Sister Wives. It's about a polygamist family with one husband and three wives, thirteen kids and a fiance.

A fan of the HBO fictional series, Big Love, I was intrigued to see what an actual polygamist marriage looked like. Obviously I was the only one because I believe the show was a hit.

I was expecting women with long hair, long skirts and subservient demeanors. In actuality two out of four women had long hair and I doubt it was "to wash their husbands feet with when they got to heaven" as some polygamist women assert. All of the wives wore "normal" clothes and seemed to have relatively modern lifestyles with one big exception - they share a husband.

I can relate and even imagine myself having sister wives - well sort of. The idea of women living together, supporting each other and raising kids with the same values is very appealing. The idea of sharing a husband is not. The whole concept of "it takes a village" resonates with me and at times watching the show I was envious of that sisterly bond. That is until one egocentric, selfish man entered the picture.

Yes folks I am referring to Kody - the husband.

Kody attempts to portray himself and the world's greatest dad and loving husband. He claims to be attentive to all his wives needs. However - he drives a two-seater car, he tells wife #1 who is struggling with jealously about his new young fiance that he couldn't imagine her with multiple husbands because it's so vile a thought and his wives are already alternating nights with him - he decided to woo a woman who lives 5 hours away; costing his family even more time. I am not a fan.

This is a direct quote from TLC.

For sixteen years, the Sister Wives have established their own role within the group and worked together to maintain a cohesive, loving unit. Bringing on a fourth wife could easily disrupt the balance, changing lives forever. The series chronicles the growing pains as Robyn and her kids assimilate into the family and the sister wives work through the insecurities and uncertainties that are inevitable to their chosen way of life.

I say - ditch the husband and you'd have a perfect family.

Christine (wife #3), Robyn (fiance), Kody, Janelle (wife #2) and Meri (wife #1)

Updated eco-pocket diagram

2010-10-07T12:50:00.001-07:00

Click on the image for a larger view

Q & A From LolliDoo Consumers

2010-09-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

Question:

I saw your ad in Mothering and was intrigued by the overnight diaper, but could not find the info I needed on your website. I would like to know what exactly makes it good for a heavy wetter. Our current system is NOT working, so I am eager to try something new!
Thank you!!!
Amanda

Response:

Our Overnight eco-pocket diapers are made with 300 weight polar fleece, which is phenomenal for keeping moisture in. When paired with our Organic Absorbency Innies™ (which you can pile up to meet the absorbency needs of your baby)it makes for a very successful nighttime diaper.

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Question:

Would the Overnight eco-pocket™ diaper also work with inserts from other diapers (such as the FuzziBunz inserts I already have)? That could save me a little money.

Sarah

Response:
Our eco-pockets™ are designed to fit with most pocket inserts. We do recommend LolliDoo™ Organic Absorbency Innies™ and cannot guarantee that other brands will work as well with our configuration.

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Comments:

Dear Alison and Melissa,
I loved reading your entire website! I have a 'heavy wetting' 6 month old who is basically sleeping through the night but wakes because of a wet diaper. So, your ad in mothering mag caught my eye. I did just stock up on fuzzi bunz...which I love, other than the fact they don\'t seem to breathe well and we are in a warm climate north of san francisco. I thought I\'d look into getting a few pairs of your overnight covers as a solution. Anyhow - I read your site and was so inspired by both of you and your way of life. We (my husband, sone Drake and I) are trying to live as eco-smart as possible and do all we can to minimize our impact on mother earth. We quit our jobs in SF, moved north to Chico where we could afford to stay at home (me working part time from home and husband full time watching Drake) and be with our son 100% of the time. I take \"Drake breaks\" throughout the day to Breastfeed. We enjoy the bounty of all the farmland around us and eat fresh every day, and puree all of Drake\'s food. We feel very fortunate. Anyhow - just wanted to say hello and I wish you much success with LolliDoo! I will be sure to bookmart your site and share it with all my new-mama friends!
warm regards,
Amy

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Question:
I'm interested in this diaper for my 4 month old, tummy sleeping, heavy wetting son. He still nurses 2-3 times per night - is this a diaper that would be able to keep him dry without changing throughout the course of a 12 hour night, or is changing necessary when nursing that often in t

Response:
Thank you for your interest in LolliDoo™ Diapers. In most cases our Overnight eco-pockets™ will keep a nursing baby dry all night. You shouldn’t have to change your little guy during the night but you may have to play a bit with different amounts of absorbency.

Follow up:
Alison,
Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know that I got my LolliDoo™ overnight yesterday, washed it 4 times like you suggested and put it on my son for the night - it was great! I know you guys are aware of how great your diaper is, but I also figure it can never hurt to hear one more compliment :)....it's the first time he's ever stayed dry in one diaper, while nursing all night long! hopefully, I can start eliminating some of the things I stuffed it with last night (now that I know the diaper works so well), so that it doesn't look like he's wearing a bowling ball around his backside :) it's sooooo nice to know that, now, I'll be able to just go to him in the night and quickly nurse him (instead of changing and nursing) and we can all go back to bed just a little sooner!!

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Question/Comment:

Hi Alison,

We washed our Overnight eco-pockets™ twice in hot and dried them in the dryer. So after reading this I decided to change them half-way through the night to check. My son wearing the fleece skin layer seemed fine. My other son wearing the cotton skin layer (who is also a big-time stomach sleeper) was leaking out the front really badly. Do you have any troubleshooting or advice on the cotton skin layer dipes? Would these not be good for a stomach sleeper?. It leaked from the front top up by his belly button. He sleeps with his knees tucked up under him so gravity in general is working against it not leaking from there. I don't really know the nature of the way fleece works but from what I could see it seemed the cotton was saturated and wicking to the fleece possibly. Grateful for you help! I stuffed it with a rumparooz hemp insert (full size insert) and a microfiber doubler. this is what we stuff other pockets we've used for nighttime. Thanks so much for you help

Response:

Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with those inserts. Might I suggest that you loosen the leg and tighten the waist? Fleece is VERY stretchy and it can be pulled really tight without leaving red marks or hurting your baby. Also – they really need a good 4 washings to shrink up properly with the cotton so it might be just fine as is after another wash.

Two Follow Up Emails:

Hi Alison,

Success with baby #1! I let out the elastic at the legs a little and got a really tight fit around the waist, and no leaks last night! Yay! I'm going to try with baby #2 tonight (I figured I'd go the "divide and conquer" route).

Thanks so much for all of your help; I really appreciate it.

Gratefully,
Kristin

This morning there were two dry babies. Yay! I'm attaching a photo so you can see how happy they were (you'll have to imagine my delight, too, since I'm not in the photo).

Thanks again for all of your help.

Kristin

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Question:

I like the idea of a diaper made with recycled material, but am worried about BPA, phalates, etc from the recycled bottles next to her skin. Can you tell me how these are removed from the material?

Thank you!
Alexandra

Response:

That is a fabulous question and believe it or not – it’s the first time I’ve heard it.

If you’ve been following the current toxic plastic avoidance advice, you know that recycling category #1 (PET) has been considered a safer choice. We know it’s BPA-free, so we just use it once and recycle it.

Plastic beverage bottles sold in the United States are made from a type of plastic known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Although polyethylene terephthalate (the plastic) and phthalate (the additive) may have similar names, the substances are chemically dissimilar. PET is not considered an orthophthalate, nor does PET require the use of phthalates or other softening additives. (Enneking 2006)

GOOD: Not known to leach any chemicals that are suspected of causing cancer or disrupting hormones

.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/which-plastics-are-safe.html

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Comment:

So! One more washing for both dipes. Loosened the legs and tightened the waist and 10hrs no leaks! Changed my other son around 8+ hours in the fleece skin lolli and dry! Awesome! :) Thanks for your troubleshooting help.

LolliDoo one-size diapers - will they fit your baby?

2010-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have been approached by parents concerned that their child is too big for LolliDoo™ one-size diapers. While I am the first to admit that one size fits most - not all - I can assure you that most is true.

This gorgeous girl wears a size 6 disposable diaper and they are snug on her. She is wearing a LolliDoo™ Classic eco-pocket™ with two Organic Absorbency Innies™. She has a row of snaps at either end of the waist - plenty of room to grow.

Sweet Gabe is brand new in this photo. Again - not a little guy - but you can see how well he fits into his LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™.

Oh Ike - how we love you so! Here he is during the day with a LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pocket™ - guess dad wanted to be triple sure that his shoulders didn't get wet.

Here is Ike all grown up with his friend Zeah. Ike and Zeah are wearing LolliDoo™ Classic eco-pockets™. You can see that there is a significant size difference between the two little ones - yet they are wearing the same diaper.

We LOVE your photos. If you'd like to see your baby featured on www.LolliDoo.com - just email alison@ggsillc.com with your favorite LolliDoo™ photo.

For That Price Those Diapers Must Be Made of Gold!

2010-08-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have heard this a few times and as a former cloth diaper consumer I can relate. In my opinion LolliDoo™ diapers ARE MADE OF GOLD!

Firstly we use as few virgin resources as humanly possible with the technology we have available. Each diaper has a minimum of 8 recycled beverage bottles in them. Saving them from the landfill, re-using our trash and furthermore protecting the virgin resources needed to create brand new fleece. Our cotton is organic and even our stainless steel snaps are made from recycled steel.

See - GOLD!

Moreover - everything we manufacture is domestic. We are paying Americans to work which not only strengthens our economy but we have the peace of mind that all of our suppliers have ethical working conditions. The downside some might say to manufacturing in the States with domestic components is the expense. Yes our textiles cost more then something made in China - yes we are paying our seamstresses a living wage and yes our Overnight diapers are a bit more expensive BUT you get what you pay for.

With LolliDoo™ diapers you not only get a bulletproof overnight solution but when you buy a LolliDoo™ diaper:

~ You are supporting the economy
~ You are advocating for small businesses
~ You are honoring WAHMs (our seamstresses) who are able to make their own schedules to put their families first and therefore also supporting families
~ You are endorsing organic farmers
~ You are getting behind recycling
~ You are sending a message to the disposable diaper companies that they need to step up their game and offer a more sustainable solution
~You are helping to establish a relatively new industry that is almost completely run by moms
~ You are choosing your baby's health over so-called convenience
~ You are saving over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine that are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR.
~ YOU are BUYING GOLD!

When people insinuate that LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pockets™ are too costly I like to remind them that not only are you purchasing a diaper that will prevent night time leaks BUT you are supporting, women, the environment, the economy and your child's future.

For more information on LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ please click here.

Fridge Magnets: Wordless Wednesday : Lollidoo

2010-08-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Fridge Magnets: Wordless Wednesday : Lollidoo Just the cutest little guy rocking a Classic LolliDoo eco-pocket!

Diaper Rashes

2010-08-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

What can you do for babies with diaper rash? The first step is identifying the type of rash. Originally I googled photos of different rashes in attempt to post coordinating photos with this post. Unfortunately the photos were all worst case scenarios and I didn't want to scare folks. I am listing some rashes and remedies below - I am NOT a doctor so please check with yours.

A few things to note:

The diaper rash is usually caused by the feces and if the feces happen to be solids then the risk of the rash is high.
Breast-fed babies are less prone to this infection. A balance of breast milk and semi-solid foods or formula would go a long way in controlling this rash.
Avoid perfumed baby powders
If you are cloth diapering - try changing detergents and then strip your diapers. My easy diaper stripping instructions (scroll to the bottom)
Do not use wipes, lotions, or powders that contain alcohol or fragrance, because this can irritate babies delicate skin and prolong the diaper rash.
Look at the obvious clues. My daughter Rylee had a horrible diaper rash. She was in pre-folds and a wool cover. After switching out the wool the rash went away. WE had her tested and sure enough she had a lanolin allergy.

Rash Remedies for every type of rash

Air your baby out as much as possible.
If naked time isn't an option then make sure you are changing diapers as soon as your baby dirties it.
Calendula cream encourages healing and helps with pain.
Avoid foods that cause diarrhea and acidic urine.
Plain old corn starch helps any kind of chafing on your body just pat on dry skin.
If you are lactating - squirt some breastmilk on the rash. It will be sticky but breastmilk has natural antibiotics that work as well topically as they do orally.

Candida aka yeast
If you go to a traditional doctor they will give you an antifungal topical treatment.

Natural Remedy

Both of you should start taking acidophilus if you are breastfeeding to help get your systems in balance again (and in your case, to prevent thrush on your nipples).
Also avoid sweets and yeast!
You can also apply acidophilus directly to your baby's bottom.
Paint baby's bottom with gentian violet (once a day for 3-4 days), which you can buy from small drugstores. It usually works very well, but is also very messy - it turns everything purple! Also it can irritate the skin so use moderately.

Painful Red Bleeding Rashes
In addition to the rash remedies listed first in this post you can also:

Use vinegar in the bath water and let the child soak for about 10 minutes - fill tub to waistline, and add 1/4 -1/2 cup white vinegar.
Just rinse the baby's bottom in the sink at each change instead of using wipes.

When to call a doctor

If the rash lasts longer then a few days
If it spreads to other parts of the body - arms, face...
If your baby is under two months old
If the rash is getting worse instead of better
If your baby has a high fever or is lethargic
If the rash is bleeding, has pus, crusty patches or boils

Note: If you are using a LolliDoo ™ Diaper - you can boil it once in a blue moon to sterilize it. Do not try this with PUL (polyurethane) diapers because you will ruin the PUL.

This is a great article from WebMd for more information

Green Your Baby - My 5 steps to a healthier baby

2010-07-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Several parents have asked me what they can do to keep their babies as healthy and green as possible.

My number one answer is always, "breastfeed".
Not only are giving your baby the healthiest possible start in life but by breastfeeding but you are saving thousands of dollars on formula, bottles and the likes.

The manufacturing of baby formula is energy intensive. The industrial processes release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Formula is packaged in tin cans - the majority of which are never recycled. Formula requires plastic bottles and nipples - which take anywhere between 200 to 450 years to breakdown.

Read more

Additionally Since many cows in the U.S. are now routinely ingesting synthetic growth hormones to artificially increase their milk production, it stands to reason that these hormones are also getting into the U.S. formulas.

Click here for more information.

Make Organic Baby Food
This is actually quite simple. You don't need all the trays and fancy baby grinders unless you want them. All you need for little babies is a blender and for older babies - a fork.

To make organic brown rice cereal:
1. Cook your organic brown rice according to instructions.
2. Put it in a blender with a little breast milk.
3. When it's the right consistency - feed it to your baby. Easy Cheesy.

To make fruit and veggies
1. Boil the fruit and veggies
2. Blend or smash with a fork.
*Some fruits like bananas don't need to be boiled - just mash the heck out of them.

In my house we feed the babies whatever we are eating - just mashed up. No need to spend money on store bought brands that might have sneaky ingredients in them.

This is a good link for more information.

Use Healthy Sunscreen
Brands of sunscreen that you find in conventional stores typically are full of chemicals. There is no need to lather your baby in a chemical cocktail - here are several brands that are cleaner and safer:

*Badger All Natural Sunscreen

*Soleo Organics Sunscreen

*Kid Kare Biodegradable Sunscreen

And my personal favorite

*Alba Botanica Sunscreen - this is sunscreen made from green tea and my kids can wear it all day long in the pool without burning or needing re-application. Be forewarned - this is a THICK sunscreen.

Click here for a comprehensive guide to sunscreen.

Pay special attention to this "Hall of Shame" list of sunscreens.

I had to sneak a picture of my Doodle Bug in here :)

Cloth Diaper Your Baby
You knew I was going to say that, right? Since I talk about cloth diapers almost exclusively on this blog I'll be short and sweet. Protect your baby's tenderest parts, keep raw sewage out of our landfills and save literally thousands of dollars with cloth diapers. Of course I recommend LolliDoo Diapers :)

Last but not least - stay away from plastic toys, seats and the likes
You really don't need even a fraction of all the baby stuff in stores nowadays. Especially those plastic toys and bouncers. If you do buy them please pay attention to where they are made - things coming over from other countries are sometimes full of chemicals.

This is what I believe you need for a baby:
A sling and/or backpack (check out Sweet Pea Ring Slings)
Diapers
Clothes
Wooden toys
Organic blankets

That's it folks - all the other stuff is just gravy. Even cribs - how many babies do you know that actually sleep in a crib? I can count three - the rest sleep with their parents; where I believe they should be.

I am of the opinion that these five steps are easy, practical and safer for babies.

Want To Win A LolliDoo Overnight eco-pocket?

2010-07-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Want to will an Overnight LolliDoo™ eco-pocket™ cloth diaper?

Here's how:

Here is how you can be the lucky winner:

Post a LolliDoo review on Diaper Swappers and/or Diaper Pin to be entered to win an Overnight eco-pocket.

1 entry Per site - you can enter twice; once for Diaper Swappers and once for Diaper Pin

Post the link on our FaceBook page and we will enter you in the drawing. Contest ends 7-31-10.

Happy posting!

In San Diego? Want to meet me and see LolliDoo up close and personal?

2010-07-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Here is your chance :)

Thursday July 15th I will be at the Real Diaper Circle Meeting. I am really excited to meet Heather McNamara in person - she has created so much goodness for the cloth diapering community and I want to thank her in person.

I will have a LolliDoo™ stash to show you. I believe that kids are welcome.

Click here for details

I Met My Work Wife Online

2010-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Although I wasn't looking for a business partner at the time - in the age of Match.com and eHarmony it's not that far fetched that I met my work wife on the internet.

It began in 2004 when we were both pregnant and due in May of 2005. Bored and looking for camaraderie I joined an online parenting forum. I quickly found a group of mommies who shared similar parenting philosophies. We chatted online, on the phone and sometimes we had group web chats.

I was in the process of developing a cloth diaper - my vision then was to mainstream cloth diapers. Having no sewing experience whatsoever I sketched a diaper and sent it off to a friend to sew. Once I got the testers back I was dismayed that they leaked and didn't fit well.

Chanda - one of our internet friends - suggested that I call Melissa. She said that Melissa was a brilliant seamstress and she might even have an interest in partnering with me. So I did.

Melissa was in - and our two families embarked on an amazing journey. We formed an LLC in 2007; before ever meeting face to face.

Eventually the Morgan family took a trip our to Tucson and soon thereafter we went to their house in Washington for six weeks. Thank goodness we love eachother as much in person as we did online.

It might not be for everyone but I can assure you that meeting my partner online was perfect synchronicity.

Last summer in Washington we had a girls night.

Ali's Butt Juice aka wipe solution

2010-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've been asked several times how to make butt wipe solution. I am a simple kind of gal - this easiest, cleanest method works best for me:

1 TSP Glycerin soap (Trader Joes has a great liquid)
1 C water

That's it.

I put it in a bottle, shake it up a little and it's ready to use.

When travelling with your little one just put some of the solution in a bottle and take it with you. I also keep a bottle of fresh water handy for a final water-only wipe down.

Designer Disposable Diapers on the Today Show!?!

2010-07-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

I was very excited when I got a call from my mom today at 7:30am telling me that the today show was featuring designer diapers in the next segment. I hurried and ran to the living room to tape it. I wondered which brand would be featured or if it would showcase several brands of cloth diapers.

When the segment started I was stunned.

They were gushing over new Huggies Denim and some Pampers that had designs on them. On the screen the pampers looked white to me. You can see it here and here

Forgive me if I'm wrong because I don't watch much tv and I don't think I've ever watched the Today show - but doesn't the title allude that their topics are current to, well, today?

Today's diapers ARE cloth diapers.

They come in an array of colors, styles, fabrics and prices. You can purchase cloth diapers from $8-$95 - now that IS a designer diaper.

If you'd like to learn more about cloth diapers, the effects of disposables on our baby's health, the environment and our pocketbook then please click here

If you disagree with the promotion of disosable diapers then please let the Today show know how you feel.

I bet you didn't know this...

2010-06-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Textile manufacturing waste is a big issue.

Can you believe that 60,000 pounds is the average amount of excess fabric, trims, buttons, zippers, thread and the likes produced at ONE midsize garment factory each week!

Holy BIG WASTE Batman!

That would equal 7.5 Adult Female Elephants

240,000 bananas

13333.33 Ordinary red bricks

Ready for another mind blowing figure? 11.9 MILLION TONS or 238 BILLION pounds of textiles were put into the municipal solid-waste streams in 2007. Of that, just 16% was sent to a recycling facility.

This is what 1 Million tons of trash looks like: http://blog.meetgreen.com/2009/04/one-million-tons-of-trash.html

That would equal about 1.5 million 16lb. bowling balls

57 Million Great White Sharks

14.8 Million Unloaded semi trucks

There are a lot of companies doing their part to reduce, recycle and re-use manufacturing waste. Send the textile industry a message by buying only recycled and organic products.

Below is a short list of some companies – please do your own research and support a cleaner Earth.

Go Green Sustainable Industries, LLC
http://www.lollidoo.com
www.LolliPlace.com

Better For Babies
http://www.betterforbabies.com/

Looptworks
http://www.looptworks.com/

TerraCycle
http://www.terracycle.net

Sources:

Loopworks; Sustainable Fashion Why Now, by Janet Hethorn
Natural Capitalism, by Paul Hawken, Armory Lovins and L. Hunter Lovins
Enviornmental Protection Agency
Fast Company July/August 2010.

My Three Favorite Tricks to Keep Cloth Diapers Fresh

2010-06-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

1. The Sun
One of the benefits of living in a hot dry climate is the sun. Hanging your diapers to dry is not only economically and environmentally sound; the sun naturally bleaches out stains and odors. While the sun in Arizona is stronger then other states - you can still reap the benefits of sun drying anywhere in any climate.

2. Very Little if any Soap
I know you have read that you should use 1/4 of the recommended amount of soap when washing cloth diapers. I've seen parents make the mistake of adding more soap if their diapers stink. What happens then is that the soap actually holds in the odor instead of vice versa. If your diapers stink then follow our simple stripping guidelines http://lollidoo.com/useandcare.php. After your diapers have been successfully stripped THEN use 1/8-1/4 the recommended amount of detergent to wash.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar
You know how baking soda neutralizes cat box odors? The same principle can be applied to cloth diapers using a dry or wet pail. Just sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the diapers and it will neutralize the urine smell. For the freshest smelling diapers; add white vinegar in lieu of fabric softener.

The Arizona heat has us losing our minds!!!

2010-06-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

The heat is making us do something crazy – hurry before we come to our senses. For THREE DAYS ONLY buy 3 LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ and GET ONE FREE.

No coupon code necessary!

***************BONUS****************

Be one of the first to own the new LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ ELASTIC BUTTON SIZING!

Five Things I Wished Someone Told Me While I Was Pregnant

2010-06-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

1. Your doctor/midwife is NOT the absolute authority. If you don't want a procedure, say an induction, you have the right to refuse.

2. Breastfeeding can be challenging in the beginning. There are experts to help you with that called Lactation Consultants. There are also breastfeeding support groups mainly - La Leche League. Also it's normal to have sore cracked and even bloody nipples for the first week - you can and should nurse through it - it will go away quickly.

3. There are so many dangerous foods and health care providers don't always warn you. Make sure to ask what foods to avoid. Your health care provider should have the latest information on bacteria outbreaks and the likes.

4. You DO get a medal if you have natural childbirth. That medal is the health of both you and your baby. Additionally moms who have natural childbirth have almost no recovery time ***BONUS***

5. Newborns don't need all the vaccines that hospitals insist upon. I'm fairly certain that a newborn isn't at risk for Hep B - a disease spread through sex, needles or other bodily fluids. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_B Do your research and determine a vaccine schedule (or non-schedule) that feels right to you.

The Origin of an Overnight Miracle Diaper

2010-05-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've heard that out of every failure something better comes along. This has certainly held true for Melissa and I as we created Go Green Sustainable Industries.

Originally a few years back we had a gorgeous diaper. Like the diapers you have today - these were made from recycled and organic textiles. I can't remember the exact name of the recycled fabric we were using but I was in love with it. It was trim, cute and affordable. However after extensive testing we had to ditch the fabric because it leaked. That's an understatement - pee poured out from the front -back - legs and waist.

Melissa and I were understandably crushed.

Three early LolliDoo™ Diapers - then called Go Green Baby!

Out of this failure we discovered Eco-Fleece™ . I wasn't very excited about using a fleece on diapers at first. It was only after testing that I was a believer. You see I thought the fleece would be hot but in actuality it's breathable. In other words, instead of trapping moisture and heat against the baby's skin like plastic will do, fleece allows air to circulate which actually keeps babies drier.

Then we had a happy accident. We discovered that the 300 weight fleece was able to repel copious amounts of moisture without leaking.

Holy Dry Butts Batman!

We finally have a viable diaper that is not only great during the day but offers overnight protection even for heavy wetters.

No more disposables - no more wasting money - no more worrying about leaking!

So there you have it - the background behind LolliDoo™ Overnight eco-pockets™ I am so grateful that the Universe provided what so many parents needed to keep their babies safe and dry all night.

#Operationfluffy Party TONIGHT! 9 PM EST

2010-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

@TheEcoChic has posted all of the details on her website. She was kind enough to host this party even though it was supposed to be her week off!

Synopsis:

Thursday night we will all be tweeting to @TheEllenShow using the #operationfluffy hashtag. We will send pictures of our adorable babies in cloth diapers and tell her how much better cloth is than “jean” huggies. PUKE!

I did want to add, to make it easier to tweet pictures, use the twitpic.com service. Upload your photos ahead of time to make the party more about tweeting and less about searching for and uploading pictures. The pictures will show up without having to click them if you use Tweetgrid.com for the party. If you need help learning how to do Twitter parties, I have a little tutorial for you.

From Kim Rosas:

If you belong to a cloth diaper board (Cloth Diaper Nation, Diaperswappers, The Bump, Cafemom, BabyCenter, etc…) I would love your help in spreading the word. If you make a post about #operationfluffy’s Twitter party you get (5) extra entries into a giveaway of your choice! I have 2 ending today (Real Nappies and Bravado) so if you want entries in those you should hurry up!) Or, if you have another idea to spread the word give me a shout and I will let you know if it counts towards extra entries!

To get those entries leave a comment with the link on this post and leave (5) comments on the giveaway of your choice also linking to your post. Say something like “Extra Entries #operationfluffy post” and leave your link!

Americans throw away 25,000,000 plastic beverage bottles every hour!

2010-05-10T15:23:00.001-07:00

How is this relevant to LolliDoo™ diapers?

I've been asked that question a lot recently and the answer is easy. LolliDoo™ eco-pocket™ diapers and Recycled Outties™ are made from recycled fleece.

Recycled fleece is similar to traditional fleece with one big difference. Instead of using virgin resources to create the Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric - recycled fleece takes existing beverage bottles and creates the same fabric.

Did you know:

Most bottled water is consumed away from home, usually at a park, in an office or even while driving — areas where there's usually no recycling.

Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it in an incinerator.

Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year!

Each LolliDoo™ eco-pocket™ with organic cotton saves at least 6 beverage bottles from the landfill.

Each LolliDoo™ eco-pocket™ with StayDry (also made from recycled beverage bottles) saves at least 8 beverage bottles from the landfill.

Each LolliDoo™ Recycled Outtie™ saves at least 5 beverage bottles from the landfill.

It may not seem like much but it's something.

Our efforts remind me of a story.

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.

Healthy Sweets

2010-05-06T16:14:00.001-07:00

As you might know I've recently given up sugar and gluten. I can say that not only is my acid reflux gone but I've lost 7 pounds so far. I feel better, I look better and I'm not starving.

However, Aunt Flow is getting ready to come for a visit and I WANT CHOCOLATE!

I went to the drugstore and against all my principles bought sugar-free turtles. They were sweetened with Malitol which I thought maybe wasn't as bad as Splenda or Aspartame. OK I knew that Malitol wasn't good but I was desperate.

It took maybe 30 minutes to go through my system. I was unpleasantly surprised to find out that my body doesn't like Malitol AT ALL. I had the worst stomach ache. ****TMI WARNING**** I had horrendously smelly, loud and embarrassing gas. It was bad. I think Malitol might also cause anal leakage...just saying.

That was last night.

Today things aren't much better in the craving department. I WANT SUGAR NOW!

This time instead of putting toxins in my body I went to my kitchen to see what I could throw together. I found figs...what could I do with figs?

I put the figs in my Cuisinart and started searching for nuts. I wanted cashews but all I had were peanuts. I dumped some peanuts in the Cuisinart as well. Soon I had a nice dough.

I tasted the dough and it wasn't quite sweet enough. I added a tiny bit of honey (something I haven't eaten since I gave up sugar, and some vanilla because well, everything is better with vanilla. I rolled them into balls and put them in the fridge.

YUM YUM YUM

They turned out so good. I didn't take notes so I can't write the recipe but keep in mind next time you want to give your kids a healthy sweet: figs + nuts + honey + vanilla = yummy goodness.

What can you do with a palette of wood? *lots of photos

2010-05-01T14:04:00.000-07:00

Click on the photos to see them in entirety

My husband is an upcycle extraordinaire. His latest passion is rummaging through construction sites for palettes of wood. Let’s see what he has made recently:

Here are the palettes before he breaks them down.

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Check out the work space he has created for himself

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Notice the counter. It was a counter top he found in the dumpster on a construction site. The “shelves” are actually drawers that someone was throwing out.

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Look closely at the containers. They are all re-used glass jars and coffee tins.

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One last look at his ingenuity.

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Moving on to the yard. The first think Chuck made were several garden boxes. He’s been reading square foot gardening…

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Oh doesn’t that squash look wonderful!

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Next he built a compost container that the dogs couldn’t break into.

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Finally a picnic table for the kids. I am told that chairs are next.

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I saved my favorite for last. This cost us less then $30 start to finish. Someone gave us the aquarium years ago and it just sat in our garage. The filter was also a gift. We had three Guppies and I got four Mollys for $4. We had the gravel from an art project I did a few years back. The only thing that we really paid for was the supporting 2x4s.

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So there you have it folks – what to do with a palette in the Manes house.

Introducing...

2010-04-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

The grand opening of www.LolliPlace.com

Your LolliDoo™ shopping experience just got a whole lot easier.

We are offering an Earth Day Grand Opening special. Take advantage because this won't last long. Between April 22 and April 30, 2010 TAKE 10% off the ENTIRE STORE!

Use coupon code: EARTHDAY2010 when you check out.

Again - thanks for all the support.

LolliDoode Photo Contest

2010-04-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Have you met Ike, our LolliDoode?

Well Ike is a big boy now and he's using the potty. It looks like we need a new LolliDoode or LolliDoodette.

Lets have a contest.

Do you want your baby to be the next LolliDoo ™ model?

Submit as many photos as you like of your baby wearing a LolliDoo™ to: alison@lollidoo.com.

The winner will receive:
One LolliDoo™ Free Spirit™ eco-pocket™ diaper

AND a Free Spirit™ bag!

Honorable mentions receive:

One LolliDoo™ eco-pocket™ diaper

Your photographs must accompany this consent form:
I, ______________ consent to let GGSI publish photographs of my child on the internet and in print media. I surrender the rights to the photograph(s) that I submit.

Signed_______________________ Date________________

LolliDoode Photo Contest Rules:

· Photos must be high resolution in JPG or TIFF format, minimum 300 dpi/dots or pixels per inch. Photos can be in color, black and white, sepia tone or duotone and must be taken of your child.

· Your photo entries must have been created by you and you must not submit a photo created by someone else. You must be the sole owner of all rights to the photos you submit.

· By entering the contest, you agree to have any of your winning photos and photos that receive honorable mention displayed and used in LolliDoo™, LolliPlace print and electronic communication materials, advertising and promotional materials and on the websites, for any purpose and at any time in the future, without any fee or other form of compensation.

· You waive all moral rights in any of your winning photos and photos that receive honorable mention.

· You may submit more than one photograph.

· The photo subject must be relevant to LolliDoo™ diapers. Photos that contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content will not be considered. GGSI will determine, in its sole discretion, what constitutes such content.

· Your submission must be accompanied by a signed consent form from each child’s parent/legal guardian.

· Participants who have submitted winning/honorable mention photos will be notified at the beginning of June 2010, approximately. If you are a winner, you will be notified and, upon notification, you must respond within five (5) days of such notification. If you don’t respond within that time, you will be disqualified and will not receive a prize and another contestant may be selected.

· You acknowledge that GGSI reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend all or any portion of this contest without notice for any reason whatsoever, without any liability to you for any costs you may have incurred in respect to the contest.

· GGSI is entitled to interpret these rules as required and its decisions are final.

I'm Giving Up Sugar

2010-04-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

I made the decision this weekend that Monday (today) I am going to give up sugar and gluten. The reason is that I have major ups and downs in my energy level and constant acid reflux. I've also been sick and sugar is an immune inhibitor. In the past I have given up sugar and gluten in order to lose weight and the side effect was that I felt wonderful.

This morning I had some coffee and sweetened it with agave syrup. My mother informed me that agave is just as bad as sugar.

Seriously!?!

I had to do some research. While agave is indeed better then sugar - it does cause blood sugar to rise.

OK next I looked at Stevia. Stevia is a plant - my mother used to grow it. It's not my favorite sweetener because it tastes a bit like aspartame to me. Stevia one of the few natural sweeteners that has the same characteristics as an artificial sweetener--it has no calories and will not elevate blood sugar, yet it is super-sweet. Stevia is approved by the FDA ONLY as a dietary supplement.

I think that if I use Stevia - I will chew on a leaf. The processing of it is sketchy.

There are so many artificial and natural sweeteners that I found on http://www.sweetsavvy.com

While there is a lot of good information on there - I've decided that for now when I want something sweet, I'll grab some fruit.

My Husband Wanted to Put Weed Killer In Our Yard!

2010-03-16T15:40:00.001-07:00

That's right folks, not only did he want to use it in our yard but he then wanted to go to his mother's house, my mother's boyfriend's house and then to our friends house and spray all their yards as well. Seriously?

He is not alone here people. We all know that it's common to spray your yard. Why? I can tell you in three words WE ARE LAZY.

This general apathy is contagious. My neighbor sprayed his yard which meant that Chuck felt like it was ok to spray our yard since it's already in our neighborhood. And this thought pattern dominoes and before you know it - our whole neighborhood is weed-free and laden with tumors.

There are four basic types of herbicides.

1. Above ground. This is the easiest weed killer to use. interrupts the way the plant makes protein by destroying the enzyme that does it: EPSP synthase. The problem with above ground weed killers is that on windy days, you could end up killing plants you want to keep because almost all plants contain EPSP synthase.

2. Birth Control. Scientists claim to have created a weed killer that is safe for one type of plant, say grass. The theory is that the chemicals attack plants that are made up of different chemicals. So the weed killer for grass is made from a chemical that resembles grass and kills everything else. Sound to good to be true? I'll let you be the judge.

3. Under Ground. This is a horrendous creation of chemicals meant to kill the weed from the root up. The big problem is that it makes the soil to toxic to grow anything.

4. Chemical. This chemical attacks plants by being absorbed through cell walls. It bleaches the cholorplasts that the plant uses for photosynthesis causing the plant to weaken, erode and die.

There are organic alternatives to herbicide - salt and vinegar are commonly used weed killers. I wound up going into the yard and spending a few hours pulling weeds. At first it was very relaxing and when it wasn't so much fun anymore - I called the kids to come outside and help. It turned into a nice family afternoon.

Please, I beg of you, stop putting chemicals into our soil. They leak into our groundwater and our food. Weed killers are causing are children to be sick and in some cases cancerous. Please America - pull your weeds!

This is a link to several prestigious studies done on weed killer and it's effect on our bodies. http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehcsg/weed_feed.html

Our Core Values

2010-03-03T09:27:00.001-08:00

When Melissa and I were in our conceptual phase we envisioned a company that was socially conscious and environmentally responsible. A company that supported our economy by creating green jobs, manufacturing in the USA of components in the USA. Most importantly we wanted to create a diaper that encompassed all these things while being soft, comfy, absorbent and safer for babies.

I am proud to say that we have, at least in part, hit all of these goals.

We are socially conscious. At least 75% of our staff are single mothers from domestic violence shelters. We aren't giving them a hand out, these are well trained workers who needed a break. They create the beautiful diapers that we make today. We employ these women because we believe in them and we support mothers.

Have you met our sales reps? All but two of our reps are mothers who work from home, sometimes taking their babies on sales calls with them. Melissa and I made the decision to hire mothers as a way to empower women to generate income and raise their family without having to choose.

We are environmentally responsible. Most people know that LolliDoo™ diapers are recycled, recyclable, re-usable and certified organic. But did you know that we re-purpose our manufacturing waste into packaging? Our materials are printed at Arizona Lithography using wind power on recycled paper with soy based inks. Melissa and I are trying to get a grant to build or renovate a building using as many renewable resources as possible. We also donate 10% of our profits to the Water Keepers Alliance. One of our dreams is to create a non-profit to educate the public on water consumption and quality.

Green jobs. By manufacturing in the USA we create jobs. By using only domestic components we support other American businesses, especially the organic cotton farming industry - which you may know is floundering.

As for the final product we manufacture - LolliDoo™ Diapers, well they are soft, absorbent, comfortable and safer for babies. They are highly breathable and we even came up with a nighttime solution for heavy wetters.

Melissa and I want to make a difference in the world. We not only want to support our families but our babies, our planet and our economy. When you purchase a LolliDoo™ Diaper - rest assured that you are supporting a company with the purest of intentions.

Demystifying The Different Types Of Cloth Diapers

2010-03-02T12:06:00.001-08:00

This post is part of the Real Diaper Facts carnival hosted by Real Diaper Events, the official blog of the Real Diaper Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to cloth diaper education. Participants were asked to write about diaper lies and real diaper facts. See the list at the bottom of this post to read the rest of the carnival entries.

It has been brought to my attention that the myriad of cloth diaper styles and brands can be confusing. I will break it down for you.

Ali's Cloth Diaper Dictionary

Pre-folds - A rectangular diaper usually made from cotton with three score marks. These are fastened with diaper pins or Snappis and can be folded in several different ways.

Plastic Pants - These were also called rubber pants. I haven't seen these since the 70's but they were basically plastic underwear used over pre-fold diapers to keep the moisture in.

Diaper Covers - an updated version of the old plastic pants. They have built in closures, usually velcro or snaps. Modern diaper covers are available in various fabrics and styles. LolliDoo(TM) are a one-size diaper cover that is made from recycled fleece. Other common fabrics are PUL (Polyurethane) and wool.

Fitted Diapers - a modern version of pre-fold diapers. Fitted diapers require a diaper cover. They are self closing typically with velcro or snaps. No diaper pins required. Below is an example of a LolliDoo(TM) Fitted Innie(TM). Other companies have varing styles, closure systems. Some fitted diapers are one-size and some are sized. Popular fabrics are cotton, hemp and bamboo.

Flat Diapers - Large square diapers similar to a pre-fold but without the scoring. The benefit of flat diapers is that they can be used in so many different ways. They can be folded any way the caregiver chooses. They offer additional absorbency protection when used inside of pocket diapers. Flat diapers are secured with diaper pins, a Snappi (pictured) or just folded without a fastener. Flat diapers need a cover in order to contain leaks.

Contour Diapers - These also need diaper covers. Contour diapers are similar to flat diapers but they are cut to lay inside a diaper cover without needing outside fastening agents. Sometimes extra absorbency layers are sewn in as you can see in the diaper pictured.

Pocket Diapers - A diaper cover and skin layer are sewn together on three sides which leaves a "pocket" opening. The pocket opening is so that caregivers can customize the absorbency inserts that they prefer. Some caregivers use several inserts, some use flat or pre-fold diapers, you can even use a Sham-Wow. Pocket diapers are available in one-size as well as sized. The water resistant layer is usually PUL, unless you have a LolliDoo(TM) which uses fleece spun from recycled water bottles and the likes.

All-In-One Diapers - These are diapers where the outer water resistant layer is sewn directly to the inner absorbency and skin layer. All-in-one diapers most closely resemble disposable diapers in look. They can be fastened with velcro or snaps.

All-In-Two Diapers - A cross between a pocket with an all-in-one diaper. Typically, an all-in-two diaper is a pocket diaper with the absorbency layer either sewn or snapped in. These are fairly new on the market and I haven't seen one up close and personal. Below is a all-in-two from Bum-Ware.

Hybrid Diapers - The best known hybrid diapers are gDiapers. Typically hybrids marry cloth and disposable diapers by offering a re-usable outer water resistant layer with a disposable inner and/or skin layer. The level of sustainability varies from company to company. I believe that one company offers a disposable insert that is made from rice paper. gDiapers claim to be compost able and flushable.

If you have requests for future blogs, let me know. Alison@ggsillc.com

Do you know what's in a vaccine?

2010-03-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

I saw this on the wall today at my pediatrician's office and I thought I'd share. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Tye Dyed Fitteds - a loving pictorial

2010-02-25T15:17:00.000-08:00

I am IN LOVE with our LolliDoo(TM) Organic Tye Dye Fitted Innies(TM)

See why below

These diapers are just precious!

Video Review featuring Daddy

2010-02-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

This review was unsolicited and frankly, I think it's fantastic. Annie, the mom reviewing, had her husband change and rate a LolliDoo(TM) eco-pocket(TM) on camera.

Take a look http://mamadweeb.com/2010/02/lollido-diapers-review-and-giveaway.html

How Much Money Do You Save With LolliDoo(TM)?

2010-02-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be helpful to take a look at the most inexpensive disposable diapers and compare them with LolliDoo™. Below is a chart of the results. Please note that Pure & Simple is still in production and hasn't been launched yet. Look for it soon :)

As you can see here, LolliDoo™ Diapers SAVE MONEY. Lots of money.

Pure & Simple is a diapering kit that provides you with a lifetime supply of diapers saving you over $534 just in the first year and over $1000 in two years.
Award winning LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ have a bit of a bigger price tag and still save you close to $200 in the first year and almost $800 in the second year.
Our Innies™ and Outties™ will save you $260 in the first year and almost $900 by the time your baby is two.
A family diapering a baby in disposable diapers from a big box store spends roughly $600 a year. One box of diapers contains 120-180 diapers depending on the size of your baby and each box retails for $49.99.

Do the math folks.

Not only does LolliDoo™ save you money but it's the greenest and most comfortable diaper available.

Wildflower Diapers

2010-02-19T09:26:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I got a chance to go visit Wildflower Diapers in Scottsdale, AZ.

WOW.

I walked in and Ana, one of the employees, was nursing her toddler while moms were shopping. I immediately fell in love with the place. Both employees working that day had toddlers with them. What a wonderful place to work.

My intention was to meet with the owner, Shannon. However, her baby decided to make an appearance so she was at home birthing.

The store was FANTASTIC. Shannon had shelves of diapers in every shape and style (hopefully LolliDoo(TM) will be joining the ranks soon). Melissa and I got to touch and play with all sorts of diapers that we had never seen before. When we were developing LolliDoo(TM) we stayed clear of all other diapers in order to create a unique product that didn't resemble others on the market.

Melissa and I had a hard time pulling ourselves away from the store. Between the mom-friendly environment and the oodles of diapers, natural toys and wraps to play with, we were in heaven. The manager TaiLeah was extremely patient with us as we explored and introduced her to the rest of the LolliDoo(TM) line. She has been using an eco-pocket(TM) on her son for overnights. YEA!

Regardless of whether or not they carry LolliDoo(TM), Wildflower Diapers is an amazing place. I adore that the employees bring children to work and breastfeed toddlers while shoppers browse. Wildflower Diapers is my idea of a working mom's heaven.

Go check out their website http://www.wildflowerdiapers.com/store/pc/home.asp

Or better yet - go visit:

Retail Showroom Address:

Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, from 11-6 pm, Saturday 10-5 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm and by appt.

Wildflower Diapers
13901 N. 73rd St. Suite 218
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 551-4910
(888) 677-3228

Please note they are closed on all major holidays, and for inventory on Jan. 2, 2010.

Customer Service is my TOP priority

2010-02-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

If you have leaking - EMAIL ME alison@lollidoo.com

If you have size issues - EMAIL ME alison@lollidoo.com

In the past ALL issues have been resolved once I've spoken with the folks who thought they had a leak and/or size issue. Typically the leaks are due to using absorbency layers that don't wick properly. That is why we recommend LolliDoo(TM) Organic Absorbency Innies(TM).

If the diaper doesn't "fit" I can tell with a simple snapshot whether the diaper is sized properly or not. One customer has a child who is over 50lbs and wears a size 6 - this child still fits into the Overnight eco-pockets(TM).

Let me talk you through issues. I'm here to help.

XOXOXOXO

Who wants to win a LolliDoo(TM) eco-pocket(TM)?

2010-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

It's easy - read here for instructions http://couponmommyof2.blogspot.com/2010/02/lollidoo-cloth-diapers-review-and.html

Please email me

2010-02-09T12:39:00.000-08:00

I got this very nice email today. If you want to share your experiences please email me alison@ggsillc.com.

GGSI, LLC.:

I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you my about my diapering adventures. You see I've been using disposables for almost 4 years. I have all the excuses that everyone uses from smell, to complication, to wasting water, to it's too difficult for my husband, babysitters, daycare providers etc. For the longest time I let this fear of the unknown rule how I diaper and run my household. Afterall I think it was simply fear of the unknown and my fear of not being able to do it right.

Well I was laid off a few months ago as have most my peers. While going over my household budget and my dwindling savings account I decided to look into cloth diapers once again. I did the math. I have two children using some form of disposable product every day. I needed to find a way to decrease this expense. You see, my children suffer from horrible rashes. So I figured in the cost of rash creams (I have to use up to three on one child).

The cost per month for me you ask? If I buy with coupons or on a sale and only count one tube of my creams a month I'm at $100.00/month. If I use the expensive diapers that don't cause as much rashing on my children we're looking at $125.00/month.

So by the end of this year I will spend as much as $1500 on diapers. This is $1500 I don't have.

So I started researching cloth diapers again, the materials used in cloth diapers as well as researching where they are made. You see we do our best in this household to buy as much as we can with the "made in the USA" stamp. (You won't find a foreign car in our garage).

I heard about LolliDoo diapers last year some time. Even tried to get on the web site to see about purchasing one but the site was not 100%. This time it was up and operational, apparently the diaper was now on the market.

Mine arrived recently and I was a little confused .. . afterall could something so cute, soft and cuddly really work. Yes your diapers are as soft as a baby's butt. I looked at other cloth diapers but didn't like the "plastic" feel or the thickness. These are thin and lux!

I washed them once (instructions say to do 2-3 times) and you really need to follow instructions here. The first time was not 100% successful. There were not leaks but the entire diaper felt "humid" after a couple of hours. A friend reminded me that HE washers use a lot less water than typical washers so I washed them a second time with two additional hot water rinse cycles.

The next time I put them on I'm happy to say with only two cotton washclothes as inserts (my Innies have not arrived) we lasted 9 hours and a big poop with no leaks!

And almost as good - only one day of cloth diapers and my daughter's diaper rash is almost gone. And I have no cream on her.

So that's my story . . . if after all these years of disposable diapers I can change to LolliDoos anyone can! As for smell or complications for washing. Well here is something else you may find interesting. The eco-pocket is so dry after use I just toss it in my hamper with my husbands office clothes. He doesn't even notice. The "inserts" I've been using, well I toss those in the bathtub. Seriously I'm having a difficult time telling if my daughter has a poopy one because there isn't a bad smell with these diapers. So I guess that's a complication - no bad smells!

I did get a wet-bag recently and although I don't think I really need it it is handy.

Thank you for time,

Anne from Denver

Confessions of a 36 year old Bubbe

2010-02-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

I know that I never differentiate my biological kids from my step kids but in this case I have to point out that my stepson made me a Bubbe because I am obviously too young to be a grandmother. That being said, my son has been in my life since he was three and I love him like I love my other kids.

My son became a father on 1-1-10 (great birthdate!) and subsequently threw Chuck and I into grand parenthood. I anticipated struggling with the thought of being someone's Bubbe when my youngest child isn't three yet. I thought that I would worry more and enjoy the baby less. I thought Bubbes were old women with schmatas on their heads who baked all day and chased you around with food.

I was wrong.

I have had to come to term with the fact that even though I have strong values regarding child birth and raising a baby - babies can and will grow up to be happy, healthy and well adjusted people without oh, say, breastmilk.

Not that I am advocating the use of formula - I still think it's the devil. But I know that my grandson is well taken care of - just not the way that I would do it.

I am proud of my son, his mother and I taught him well. He's been around babies all his life and he's a natural with his son. When he found out that his girlfriend was pregnant, one of the first things he told her was, "You are breastfeeding". Of course that didn't happen but he tried.
He even asked me for LolliDoo diapers because he is committed to cloth diapering.
He's been working two jobs and doing has best to take care of his new family. He has a long road ahead of him but I have faith in him.

This is my and my grandson when he was three days old with Talia in the background.

Help us get on the Ellen Show

2010-02-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kim Rosas for organizing this!

Catch it on video!

Phase 2 of #operationfluffy @Lollidoo is to compile a fun video of babies dancing in their fluffies, nappies, cloth diapers, whatever you call them!

Please remember to have the diaper very visible. You can even zoom in on the butt for some time if you want.

Video should be 20 seconds or less. I will have lots of submissions so a short clip is easy to work with and easy for you to send out.

The quality should be good, and lighting should be such that the baby and diaper are visible.

Sound doesn't matter. I will mute the BG noise and have a music soundtrack.

Send videos to kdrosas@gmail.com using yousendit.com

I'd like to have all videos by wednesday of next week so I can begin the task of editing.

The video will be published to YouTube and sent to Ellen.

Let's see those babies shake what their mama gave them!

Kim Rosas
www.dirtydiaperlaundry.com
@KimRosas

I will NEVER us PayPal again!

2010-02-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

I had the worst day today.

I sold some LolliDoo seconds on EBay last week. I patiently waited for the money to clear so that I could transfer it into my business account.

I looked at my account balance today and it was over $700. I quickly transferred $650 into my business PayPal account to pay for the shipping of the diapers we sold.

Fast forward to this afternoon. I looked at my regular bank balance and it was over $200 in the hole. Why? Because PayPal took out $707.86 from my personal bank account.

So I called PayPal and asked them:

Why was I charged $57.86 in bank fees?

Why did you take the money from my personal bank and not my PayPal account as indicated?

Please reverse it.

I got a whole lot of smoke blown up my rear and NO answers. I was nice, I begged, I cried and finally I screamed but they refused to reverse the transfer.

UGH! I am NEVER using PayPal again. I urge you to do the same. I was looking online for solutions and I came across this site:

http://www.aboutpaypal.org/ and this one http://www.paypalwarning.com/ and this one http://www.info-hog.com/paypal_ebay_sucks.php

Apparently I'm not the only one who's been screwed by PayPal.

They did offer me the solution of transferring the funds back from my business account into my personal PayPal account with the caveat that I pay the fees and wait 5 days for the money to clear.

SERIOUSLY!

I just logged on and it says:

Welcome, Alison Manes

Last log in February 1, 2010 3:38 PM PST

Account Type: Personal Upgrade
Status: Verified

PayPal balance: $436.05 USD

However, they won't let me touch that money because even though it says I have money - according to my friendly PayPal rep - that means I WILL have money at some point.

My solution was to call my bank and appraise them of the situation. I still have to wait for the transaction to clear but once it does - I am reporting it as fraud.

Sorry about the rant folks but people need to be aware of this.

LolliDoo eco-pockets in the older snap-up version

2010-01-25T12:30:00.000-08:00

Your overnight solution for heavy wetters is not available at a limited time for less then half it's MSRP.

We are liquidating our warehouse to make room for the new elastic cinch sizing. We have just four lots of 24 pockets left. After these diapers are gone we will not be selling perfect LolliDoo(TM) eco-pockets(TM) dierctly to the public. Take advantage while you can. Here is a link to the Ebay auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260543527199 If you'd like to pay by credit card then please email me at alison@ggsillc.com for instructions.

Thank you all for your support.

You Cannot Get High By Smoking Hemp!

2010-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hemp forests can grow in under a year - making this an extremely sustainable textile - if only we could produce it.

My partner Melissa and I really would love to use hemp in some of our products. The issue - we are committed to manufacturing in the USA of components in the USA and hemp is banned in the USA.

Hemp is the subject of worldwide controversy that involves farmers, government enforcement agencies, environmentalists, supporters of legalized drugs, and manufacturers of textile, food and paper products. The controversy stems from the fact that the hemp plant, "Cannabis sativa" comes in several varieties, one of which is the marijuana plant. The growing of hemp was banned in the United States in 1937. The ban made no distinction between the two kinds of hemp. Industrial hemp used for textiles contains only about 0.3% THC as opposed to 2% THC in marijuana. THC is the potentially psychoactive chemical in marijuana and is not presently, nor historically, found in significant quantities in the hemp plant. You cannot get high smoking hemp, and it would be almost impossible to inhale because of its harshness. Industrial hemp has no illicit use, and many activists’ state that hemp is the equivalent of nonalcoholic beer.

read more at http://www.fabrics.net/amyhemp.asp

Hemp has an amazing ability to absorb moisture, it's sustainable, biodegradable and psychoactive free - so why is it that hemp - one of the most baby friendly fabrics available - cannot be manufactured in the USA?

I had heard about marijuana being legal in California. I was in Venice last week and I was absolutely astounded that there were pot pharmacies on every corner. I felt like I was in another country. If pot is legal, why the flig flam flog can't I get some domestically sourced hemp?

California is the first state that would directly challenge the federal ban on hemp, arguing that it does not need a D.E.A. permit.

read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/28/us/28hemp.html?ex=1314417600&en=0acff81da4fb87ac&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

This doesn't make any sense to me at all. Why for $150 can anyone in California buy a marijuana "prescription" but a truly sustainable fiber made from a cousin of the marijuana plant is illegal?

Who wants to be a lobbyist?

I Asked Folks To Tell Me Why They Would Not Cloth Diaper

2010-01-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Reasons why people don't cloth diaper, followed by my response, of course:)

Daycares won’t take them

Some will take them with a little persuasion, mine did. The Read Diaper Industry Association is working to provide guidance to parents looking for daycares who accept their cloth diapers, and educating daycare providers about reusable diapers. There is a proposal in the Real Diaper Industry Association to organize a volunteer-driven project that will make a real difference to a lot of families.

They take too long to clean

It literally takes about 30 seconds to throw a load of diapers in the machine.

They cost too much initially

While that can be true, the average baby will use about $2000 worth of disposables in a two to three year period, whereas a baby using cloth diapers can start on cloth diapering for as little as $328 for the basic needs. They are more cost-effective in the long run. LolliDoo™ diapers are durable and will last through hundreds of washes so you can use them for all of your children, imagine the savings over the years. LolliDoo™ Flat Innies ™ ($10 for a 2 pack) and LolliDoo™ Recycled Outties™ ($28-$30). A two day supply should cost around $328. Additionally, LolliDoo™ diapers are a great registry item.

They smell bad

LolliDoo™ diapers do not have polyurethane laminate, commonly known as PUL. As a result they do not hold in odors as other cloth diapers do.

One mom said, “So I'm folding diapers and I realize something- LolliDoos are the only diapers not staining. I also haven't had issues with them retaining smell like I have the others. Bravo! ♥ Maggie”

Poop in the washer - Patrick thought that they would ruin the washing machine and the bacterium from the baby’s poop was making his underwear ITCH.

The washing machine will not leave residues of baby poo on your clothing; as long as the diapers are clean then the washing machine is clean. If your baby is exclusively breast fed, you don’t have to even rinse the diaper. Just throw it in the wash as is.

People think they needs pins

LolliDoo™ diapers are all fastened with stainless steel snaps – absolutely no pins.

My husband won't be able to do it and if anyone watches my baby they may not want to deal with the cloth diapers.

If your husband can use a disposable diaper then he can use a LolliDoo™, they are so simple that even teenage babysitters can do it.

The water to wash is just as bad as the waste of sposies

Actually washing your diapers 2-3 times per week uses the same amount of water as someone flushing the toilet 5-6 times a day. The manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth.

Armstrong, Liz and Adrienne Scott Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women's Sanitary Products and Disposable Diapers, What You Can Do About It. 1993. HarperCollins.

All the options are too confusing

Let me try to make it simple:

LolliDoo™ Recycled Outties™ are a modern version of the old plastic pants.

LolliDoo™ Organic Innies™ are diapers that go inside an Outtie™.

Organic Fitted Innies™ are like the old diapers that you used to pin – we updated them with snaps.

Organic Flat Innies™ are flat diapers that can be folded in a myriad of ways inside of an Outtie™.

Organic Absorbency Innies™ can be used with an Outtie™ (if the baby is small) and are primarily used in eco-pockets™.

LolliDoo™ eco-pockets™ are a handy diaper commonly referred to as a “pocket diaper”. This means that the water proof outer layer is sewn to the skin layer with an opening at the top – forming a pocket. Most babies will need an Organic Absorbency Innie™ stuffed in the pocket for added wetness protection.

It's to much extra work.

It may seem like it, but we disagree. Instead of throwing a soiled diaper into the trash you throw it into a pail. The additional washing is minimal – I would wager that an average person spends less then a half an hour a week washing diapers.

The time it takes to strip them and sun them and stuff them and fold them

We certainly encourage you to line dry your LolliDoo™ diapers to reduce your carbon footprint, BUT it’s not required. There is rarely, if ever, a need to strip LolliDoo™ diapers. If you choose to fold them, then yes there is that extra time.

The utter grossness of washing baby poop off a diaper. There's just nothing anyone can say to make this ok to me.

Newborn poop doesn’t need to be washed off- just throw it in the wash poop and all. While more solid poo does need to be dumped into the toilet, it doesn’t need dunking. This is exactly the same as disposable diapers – it is illegal to put human feces in the landfill.

The extra time investment as opposed to grabbing a box of disposables while out shopping and tossing it away when you're done with it.

I wholeheartedly disagree. How convenient is it to run out of disposable diapers and have to run to the store in the middle of the night?

I don't have a washer so my cloth ends up making my hall way smell like poo

Try using a pail with a lid. Sprinkle baking soda on the diapers. I am assuming there aren’t LolliDoo™ diapers that are stinky.

When I lived in the Bronx, I didn't have my own washing machine and at $3 a load I didn't see how it could be cost effective and was worried what other people put in the washers.

Ok let’s do some laundry calculations using the average of 3 loads a week:

Detergent - $1.43/load x 3 = $4.29/week

Washing -$3/load x 3 = $9/week

Disposable diapers cost anywhere from .21 -.44 cents each. For arguments sake, we’ll go with the .21 cent figure.

If an average baby uses approximately 8 diapers per day then you will spend a minimum of $11.76 a week on diapers and $1 per week on wipes.

Totals:

Washing diapers at a Laundromat - $13.29/week

Using disposable diapers - $12.76

Close call folks…

As far as laundromats are concerned - the temperature & volume of water cleans the machine.

Once they are wet they are wet. Nothing to keep the baby from getting diaper rash from WET!

LolliDoo™ diapers wick moisture away from baby’s skin. While they will be wet at the time of urine output, it will soak down to the middle of the diaper leaving baby’s skin barely damp if anything.

The most common reason for diaper rash is excessive moisture against the skin.¹⁹

Newborns should be changed every hour and older babies every 3-4 hours, no matter what kind of diaper they are wearing.²⁰

At least half of all babies will exhibit rash at least once during their diapering years.²⁰

Diaper rash was almost unheard of before the use of rubber or plastic pants in the 1940s.²¹

There is no significant difference between cloth and disposables when it comes to diaper rash.²²

There are many reasons for rash, such as food allergies, yeast infections, skin sensitivity, chafing, and chemical irritation. Diaper rash can result from the introduction of new foods in older babies. Some foods raise the frequency of bowel movements which also can irritate. Changes in a breastfeeding mother's diet may alter the baby's stool, causing rash.¹⁹

¹⁹Boiko, S. 1997. Diapers and diaper rashes. February 1, 1997. Dermatology Nursing.

²⁰Shin, H.T. 2005. Diaper dermatitis that does not quit. Dermatologic Therapy, 18: 124-135.

²¹Weiner, F. 1979. The relationship of diapers to diaper rashes in the one-month-old infant. The Journal of Pediatrics, 95: 422-424.

²²Stein, H. 1982. Incidence of diaper rash when using cloth and disposable diapers The Journal of Pediatrics, 101: 721-723.

It’s easier for older babies to get off; you can’t duct tape a cloth closed like you can a sposie.

That’s true, you can’t duct tape fabric, however, LolliDoo™ diapers now have new stainless steel snaps that stay closed. I’m not saying it’s impossible for a baby to take a LolliDoo™ off, but, it will sure keep them busy trying for a while.

My kids always poop right out of them, because they leak.

The only reason that your LolliDoo™ diaper will leak is due to improper sizing. Since our eco-fleece™ is super-stretchy you can pull it snug. Make sure the elastic cinch sizing is as small as possible for your baby’s size. We will have a video tutorial on www.lollidoo.com very shortly.

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During Flu Season - Breastfeeding Is The Best Protection For Your Baby

2009-12-30T11:04:00.001-08:00

During the flu season and especially since the Swine Flu epidemic, breastfeeding is so important in safeguarding your little ones.

Even the Center for Disease Control, whom I typically disagree with, agrees:

Because mothers make antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with, their milk is custom-made to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still developing.

Breastmilk is nature's way of boosting a young ones immune system. All those lovely antibodies that mom has built up over her lifetime are passed along to her baby. This is a much safer and respectful way to immunize your baby.

There is one H1N1 vaccine approved for infants. The package insert for the H1N1 vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc. lists formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, as an ingredient in this vaccine. Since extensive testing of this vaccine hasn't been tested yet - the long term effects remain to be seen. What I can tell you is that injecting formaldehyde into any body, but particularity a little body can be very dangerous and in some cases fatal.

Mercury is also an ingredient in the Swine Flu vaccine. According to Victoria Nicks of Suite 101:

A .5 mL dose of the vaccine contains 25 micrograms of mercury, according to the package insert. Each infant dose of swine flu vaccine is .25 mL, exactly one-half the amount of vaccine and mercury, which equals 12.5 micrograms of mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses a formula to state the amount of mercury that an individual can be exposed to without "recognized adverse effects," of .1 microgram per kilogram of body weight per day. In order to avoid adverse effects, the six month old infant receiving a 12.5 microgram dose must weigh at least 275 lbs.

Read more at Suite101: Infant's Swine Flu Vaccine Injection Ingredients: Toxins in H1N1 Vaccination Formulated for Babies Six Months and Up http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/infants_swine_flu_vaccine_injection_ingredients#ixzz0bCca0aM7

In my house if a kid is sick, I will express some breast milk into a cup and have them drink it. I realize that some people might be grossed out by the idea, however, my children don't stay sick for more then a day or so. Even when my entire family had a Type A flu that we believe was H1N1 - not one of us was in bed for over 24 hours.

For guidelines on breastfeeding while infected with the Swine Flu visit http://breastfeeding.suite101.com/article.cfm/breastfeeding_and_swine_flu

If you can't or won't breastfeed please consider going to a milk bank to boost your baby's health. There is a yahoo milk share group as well as local milk banks all across the country.

A real look at the components of formula and why it is substandard to breastmilk, visit: http://www.theecologist.co.uk/trial_investigations/268337/breastmilk_vs_formula_food.html