The EcoChic

The answer SHOULD be YES!  As I began planning for my #BlogHer10 experience I had originally planned on bringing the entire family along with me.  I researched NYC diaper services and had set up a batch of diapers to be delivered right to our hotel.

Over the past month our plans changed.  We were still planning our family trip to Disney (before our annual passes expired) but then the family was going in many different directions.

We packed up last weekend and headed to Orlando – complete with our stash of cloth diapers.  My first trip to Disney with the baby we packed disposables, hybrids, and cloth because I really didn’t know HOW to travel with cloth diapers.  I found out quickly that it’s NOT much different than at home.  This trip to Disney I only packed the fluff!  The only time it was a little less than pleasant was the 3rd day (when my DD had held her bowl movements for 3 whole days) when she decided to poo while at the water park.  Thankfully cloth holds in the solids BUT the water parks are NOT known for having great changing stations.  In fact they down right SUCK! So on a small bench in the changing room I changed a gross, nasty, 3 day poop that had just been mushed in by a baby sitting in the pool!  Anyways – as gross as it sounds it was actually quite painless – after I changed her we walked across the room to the toilet and dumped the evidence!  FLUSH!  Stuff the cover in the wetbag and then back in the locker – now back to playing.

After our Disney adventure it was time to leave the DD at Camp Grandma/Grandpa.  I even left my mom the bag of dirty diapers – which she called to tell me were all clean again.  I’m sure like last time she won’t be able to figure out which insert goes with which diaper but that’s not really too important.  And like last time the snaps will sit in the bag unused while Grandma prefers the velcros!  The point is that Grandma does cloth diapers and is just as proud as I am about it.

Really – traveling with cloth diapers isn’t much different than at home.  But if you aren’t lucky enough to have a Grandma to do your diaper laundry check out these great tips for the Real Diaper Association’s (RDA) Travel Tip Sheet.  The RDA is still fundraising for their $3500 in 35 Days campaign to keep their Executive Director.  For more information on the RDA please visit them at www.realdiaperassociation.org.  If you like their tip sheet or any of their other work please consider donating to the $3500 in 35 Days campaign so they can continue to advocate for cloth diapers on every baby – all the time!  And if you join the RDA (as low as $25) you will receive a quarterly newsletter and a great button to show your support!  I’ll be wearing my button this week while at #BlogHer10!  If you see me don’t be afraid to “Ask me about cloth diapers!”

Today marks the 578th day of breastfeeding my little tot!  Well to be clear – I’m not actually breastfeeding her today because she is at Camp Grandma/Grandma while I am flying (yes – right now) to NYC for #BlogHer10!  But – we are still breastfeeding and my pump (Thanks Hygeia) is packed securely inside my luggage.

Many of you may remember the adventures I had while traveling to Miami for a week – without a tot – and without my handy pump!  I had a mommy moment while packing then and left the pump in my closet all alone!  Enter my introduction to hand expression and jokes from my hubby and friends!

There was a question as to whether I should continue to breastfeed when I returned or let her be weened since she had been off mommy milk for a whole week.  Two hours after our reunion she kindly asked for mommy – and I couldn’t say no.

Once again – I will continue to pump while away and I’ll let her decide if it’s time to ween or not.  It seems almost fitting that she would ween this trip because she is now 19 months AND my son weened while the hubs and I were vacationing in NYC over 6 yrs ago (he was 11 months – 3 weeks – and 3 days!).  It would be kinda neat to have NYC be both of their weening times.  But only time will tell – she is quite fond of our time together.

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week I just wanted to share my (continued) story in hopes that I can encourage you or someone you know to keep it up for as long as it is beneficial for you and your child – whatever age that might be.  While the WABA has their own 10 steps for successful breastfeeding I’m going to give you my modified list!

1.  Have faith in yourself, your body, and your baby – the rest will come naturally.

2.  Trust your instincts – and don’t ALWAYS listen to the ‘professionals’ (i.e., your doctors, nurses, friends, and family).  I remember with my son a nurse ordered me to have a mammogram for a cracked nipple and instruct me to quit nursing immediately! I’m SOOOOO glad I didn’t listen to that nurse and trusted my own instincts instead!

3.  If it hurts or doesn’t feel right ask for help – a certified lactation consultant should be available at your local hospital or birthing center.  Reach out and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4.  The first month is the hardest!  You are emotionally and physically exhausted – don’t be discouraged in the beginning.

5.  There is nothing easier to do than breastfeed your baby!  No bottles to warm up, no formula to buy, nothing to mix, and no water needed!  Oh – and you can’t leave the milk at home if you breastfeed – one less thing to tote in your diaper bag.

6.  There is nothing more nutritious than mommy milk for your baby – it’s the perfect food for every age!

7.  It’s free!  Whether you have lots of money or no money – breastmilk is always free.  Sure you have to continue to eat a healthy diet but we should all do that anyways – regardless of our financial status.

8. It’s better for the environment – nothing is artificially manufactured, packaged, or shipped to get your baby this perfect food – and there’s no waste!

9.  Yes, even daddy and caregivers can participate.  That’s my breastpumps were invented!  And don’t be scared of those either – you’ll get the hang of it.  It’s worth it!

10.  Lastly – because your baby deserves the very best!  And the breast really is the best!

How many days have you breastfeed your baby?  What problems or misconceptions are you dealing with?  Do you know where to go for help?  Let me know – I can point you in the right direction.

PS – I’m a working mom and I have to travel from time to time without my baby.  If I can make it 19 months I have faith you can make it to your own personal goal!

Giveaway alert! Details on how to win your very own Yum Yum Soy Candle & Room Spray at the end of this post.  Contest ended!  ECO-ngratulations Jen D!

Did you know that traditional paraffin wax candles are bad for your health and the environment?

Why paraffin is bad?

1.  Made from petroleum – thus increasing our demand for crude oil!

2. Paraffin contains up to 11 carcinogens that we shouldn’t inhale.

3.  Paraffin is not sustainable.

4.  Paraffin is not biodegradable.

5.  Burning paraffin can irritate your allergies and asthma.

Yum Yum Candle is a NJ based soy candle company who is helping reduce the impacts caused by our candle obsession.  We all love the way a room smells with the faint scent of your favorite candle.  Their candles are all made with soy or other natural vegetable sources and packaged in recycleable tin containers.  As I’m typing this I’m enjoying the fresh scents of a Peach Tea Smoothie - the perfect scent for a hot summer day.

Did you know?

- Soy burns cooler than paraffin?  This is a great benefit if you want to use the candles in the summer time – it will save on your AC bill because it will limit the temperature increase of your home.

-Soy is biodegradable.  When you are done with your candle any residue will biodegrade unlike petroleum based candles.

-Soy is a sustainable crop and if it were to leak into the Gulf it would NOT cause the disaster that we have today thanks to BP.

-If you spill a soy candle it was be cleaned up with soap and water – try that with paraffin!

Currently Yum Yum Candle sells a full line of soy candles (both in tin and glass jars), massage candles, room and linen sprays, reed diffusers, and coming soon – Yum E’Scentials – a full line of body care products.

Yum Yum Candle ONLINE:
Website/Store: http://www.yumyumcandle.com/
Facebook Fan Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yum-Yum-Candle/65066981593
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/yumyumcandle

GIVEAWAY: Win a 7.5oz Yum Yum Candle in tin container plus one room & linen spray – scent of your choice.  To enter – visit Yum Yum Candle and tell me your favorite scent in the comments section.

Extra entries: Earn up to 5 extra entries each day.  Leave a comment below for each activity completed.
-Follow @YumYumCandle, @TheEcoChic and @EcoChicParties on Twitter – 1 entry for following all three combined.
-Like Yum Yum Candle, The Eco Chic, and Eco Chic Parties on Facebook – 1 entry for liking all three combined.
-Tweet about this giveaway using the following message – “Learn why you should use soy candles with @YumYumCandles & @TheEcoChic – Win your own candle set! Ends 9/15  http://bit.ly/duNYyj” up to 5 entries daily.

Rules: Giveaway open to all US residents over the age of 18.  A maximum of 5 entries per day will be accepted.  Giveaway will close at midnight (ET) on August 15th, 2010.  Winner will be selected randomly by The Eco Chic and prize will be shipped by Yum Yum Candle at the close of the giveaway period.  Winner will be contacted by email (so please ensure you leave your email somewhere in the entry form) at the close of the giveaway period.  Subject to change.

Disclosure: Thank you Yum Yum Candle for sending me a sample of your products for this review.

Every morning (afternoon and evening too) I flip through blog after blog looking to see what’s new in the world.  Looking to connect – looking for find people with similar interests.  One of my favorites recently has been tout-est-des-roses.  Sara Sophia and I met on Twitter and her writing is so beautiful – so poetic.  You know me – I’m not really a writer – I just blog!

Anyways – please go read her post from today “Crazy Hippie” and see why she is one of my favorite reads!  Her words have set the course for my day.   

“Like my gramma always said, pretty is as pretty does.” – tout-est-des-roses

While I’m in the loving mood I’m going to share with you a little secret – I love Rump•a•Rooz® cloth diapers! I wish I had an entire fluffy stash of them – I love them that much. Sadly I only have only lonely chocolate Rump•a•Rooz® that I won in a Twitter giveaway. 

Are there products out there that you just can’t get enough of? Products or brands that you HAVE to have in your house? Products that you whole-heartedly stand behind? I know it’s hard to tell when a blogger really likes a product because they were given the product for free – or because they REALLY like the product – like it enough where they would spend money to replace it if it were empty!

I REALLY love EcoStoreUSA!  I was first introduced to them in March 2009 right after Lil’ B was born and I’m still in love!  You can read all my previous mentions of EcoStoreUSA by visiting the archives (http://www.theecochic.com/?s=ecostoreusa). 

Here are some NEW reasons to love EcoStoreUSA:

- They are now made in the USA!  They now manufacture products in their Michigan facility so it no longer has to be shipped from New Zealand. 

- Four baby products (baby wash, nappy balm, sleepytime bath, and moisturizer) have earned a score of 0-1 on the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Review by the Environmental Working Group.  Now there is scientific proof that their product is as good as they said it was – not that I ever doubted them – but some people like to see numbers. 

- It’s BOGO month again!  If you don’t know about their BOGO sale you really need to go shop NOW!  I mean – quit reading this and go shop now!  **OK you can wait until you’re done reading – because I enjoy your time here!  What is so special about their BOGO sale?  Any product that you order during the month of July (2010) you will be sent TWO of!  I actually shop only during the BOGO because I can stock up for the entire year.  I still have baby body wash, nappy balm, pet shampoo, and dish detergent from the last BOGO!  It lasts that long – their products are concentrated so you use LESS!  I love their Nappy Balm (diaper cream) so much that I have extra on hand to give as baby shower gifts. 

I just tried two new (to me) products this past week (thank you EcoStoreUSA for sending them out to me for review).  Their Baby Moisturizer and the Sleepytime Bath now sit proudly amongst their sibling products in my house.  My baby is going to have to fight me for the moisturizer though because I love it!  It’s a very light product and has a nice sweet fragrance that’s not overpowering.  The Sleepytime Bath is similar to their baby body wash which has always been a favorite in our house. 

Want to know which products I 100% honestly love at EcoStoreUSA – so much that I purchase myself?

-Baby Nappy Balm - the best diaper rash cream ever!  I even use it with my cloth diapers but only with a flushable liner to keep the cream from staining the cloth.

-Baby Body Wash – I love the smell of eucalyptus on my baby.

-Laundry Detergent (Liquid) - super concentrated and lasts a long time.  Another great eucalyptus fragrance.

-Powerdered Dish Detergent – now if only we would install a water softner so I could see the true cleaning effects!

-Dog Shampoo – have you ever looked at the ingredients on the ‘other stuff’ that you wash your dog with – scary!

-Baby Moisturizer – my new favorite – I think I may need to stock up during BOGO!

What products have you tried and loved?  What products are you dying to try?

Shop:  http://www.ecostoreusa.com
Tweet:  http://twitter.com/ecostoreusa
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ecostoreusa?ref=ts

I hope that for my readers you don’t get sick of me talking about BlogHer 10 for the next month.  In August I’ll be celebrating my 3rd year Blog-iversary and this will be my very first blogging conference ever!  A little over a year ago my blog took a turn in a new direction when I decided to sign up for Twitter – and my life hasn’t been the same since.  I’ve met so many wonderful readers, bloggers, companies, and more – I feel so blessed to be where I am today. 

Why do I want to go to BlogHer?  I have had so much fun this past year with my blog, Twitter, and especially with the creation of Eco Chic Parties that I want to see what else is out there.  What am I doing ‘wrong’?  What could I do better?  What are other bloggers doing?  In past years I’ve read blogs and tweets about others experience and the wildness that occurs when 2000 mom bloggers unite. 

But doesn’t it cost money to go?  Yes, it’s not a cheap trip.  The conference ticket alone was a few hundred dollars + hotel and expenses.  Thankfully we have connections and don’t have to pay to fly – just have to fly standby with our fingers crossed that seats are available. 

AND – I’ve had a little help with my expenses.  I have a few sponsors that I’d like to introduce to you – and officially THANK for their contribution to my trip. 

1.  Franklin Goose, Bamboo Bums, and Teething Bling/Smart Mom Jewelry all sponsored me financially. 

2.  Lillunia LLC and Rockin Green Soap both purchased ad space that I used to help with my trip.

3.  Eco Chic Parties accepts payment for some parties – and that money has been used for trip expenses as well.

4.  Mommy Doodles is my one and only graphic designer and technical expert.  Melanie is AWESOME and always willing to help me (sometimes I even pay her) with my blog(s).  She even designed my awesome business cards for me!

Why did I get sponsors?  I’ve worked with these great companies over the past year with blog reviews and Eco Chic Parties and have formed a great relationship with these ladies.  Their sponsorship will allow me to take my blog to the next level.  During BlogHer there are 2 FULL days of workshop sessions and I will be B-U-S-Y from 9am – 5pm each day + networking with new companies, companies I’ve already worked with, and other great mom bloggers.  I hope to bring back some valuable information that will improve our relationships – and better the quality of my blog. 

What does this mean to you?  I have some surprises in store for you during BlogHer – including a few giveaways from my sponsors.  Giveaways will be for both BlogHer attendees and those of you who can’t attend this year.  I’m super excited to share my experiences with you - afterall why should I keep all this knowledge to myself?  I want to see each of you grow your blogs and achieve your goals too!   

I’m on the BlogHer Green Team.  That’s right – I decided to join the Green Team and help ensure that the founders and organizers implement environmentally friendly elements to the conference.  In past years green bloggers have been upset because of the excess waste and bottled water – I’m happy to announce that the organizers are addressing these (and other) issues.  There will be water refilling stations throughout the event for bloggers to refill their reusable bottles at.  There will be a swag recycling event to recycle (donate) unwanted swag – I hear there is a TON of swag!  Other Green Team members include Summer from Green and Clean Mom, Beth Terry from Fake Plastic Fish, Jennifer from Naked Jen, Lisa from Condo Blues, Diane MacEachern of Big Green Purse, and Jenny from Conscientious Confusion.  I feel so honored to be part of the team and can’t wait to meet these influential green bloggers at BlogHer!   

Isn’t BlogHer sponsored by some BIG non-green and controversial companies – like Nestle?  Yes – like any conference they need sponsors to keep the prices reasonable – and companies like Nestle are sponsoring the weekend.  While I haven’t personally jumped on the Nestle ban I do understand the controversy – and respect your feelings towards this and other sponsors.  For me the biggest sponsor of interest is Proctor and Gamble – the makers of PAMPERS!  As a cloth diapering advocate I’m using BlogHer as a platform for me to share cloth diapers with other moms who might not know who easy they are.  Not all attendees are green bloggers – and if I can reach just one more person with the cloth diapering message my mission will be accomplished!  I’ll even be wearing an “Ask Me About Cloth Diapers” t-shirt that will be provided by the Real Diaper Association – a non-profit cloth diapering advocacy group.  I’m even bringing my family along with me to show just how easy it is to travel with cloth diapers – I’ve decided to use a local cloth diaper service while we’re there. 

What can I do for YOU?  As my loyal readers I wanted to ask YOU what you want to hear about?  What other green bloggers would you like me to interview or meet?  How can I help you improve your own blogs?  This isn’t just an opportunity for me – it’s an opportunity for me to share with you!  AND – are you going to BlogHer?  If you are – I would love to meet up!  Let me know and I’ll be sure to hunt you down!

Tonight I decided to watch No Impact Man the movie – it was available instantly on NetFlix and hubby had a softball game so I knew I had the television to myself. 

If you haven’t heard about No Impact Man – a family of 3 decide to live an entire year without making an environmental impact.  The goal was to reduce their waste to zero, eat locally, organic, vegetarian, and live without electricity.  They live in an apartment/condo in NYC so they have a lot of local advantages to living a greener lifestyle – they can commute via bikes and they have local farmers markets. 

While I watched this documentary of their lives I saw so much of my own life mirrored in the film.  I can relate most with the husband because I’m the one who attempts to change my families lifestyle.  It was great to watch and listen to his wife as she explained her feelings towards the project and the changes that they were making – especially since she wasn’t 100% behind him on every change.  I see so much of my husband in her – he appreciates my efforts but when they start to effect him personally he reminds me that we don’t share the same green goals.  I honestly think the relationship aspect of the film was the most touching to me. 

In your life are you and your significant other on the same page with your green lifestyle choices?  Does he/she openly accept cloth diapers?  Do they support your extended breastfeeding?  Do they cringe when you spend more money to buy something that’s more environmentally friendly?  Do they believe you when you tell them that you can clean anything without toxic chemicals? 

While I think my husband might actually leave me if I were ever to live a ‘no impact’ lifestyle – I think the concept of their project was a wonderful look at how much we’d have to give up in order to live our lives with ‘no impact’.  I’m not sure that there are many of us who would be willing to give up toilet paper for a year – or electricity for 6 months – I know that I’m not ready for those commitments myself.  I think they do a great job at the end encouraging others to make small changes.  They don’t make you feel guilty that aren’t willing to go ‘no impact.’ 

I do feel a little more inspired to make some bolder changes though – I wonder how far I could go before my husband would revolt?  Have you seen No Impact Man?  What did you think?  Did you read the book – I think I’m going to add it to my list of books to read by the end of the year and I’m about to go subscribe to his blog right now!  I can’t believe I never read his blog before.

A few weeks ago I worked with Vilate from Nifty Nappy on launching her new website with a Twitter Party (over at Eco Chic Parties). I was a little intimidated because I don’t use wool or fitted diapers – until now. Vilate gladly sent me a Nifty Nappy fitted along with their nappy inserts (made of organic bamboo and hemp). I don’t however have a wool soaker or any other wool covers/longies/etc. I’ve been pairing our fitted along with a Flip or EconoBum cover for now.

Fit: I love how nicely (and trim) the Nifty Nappy fits and I absolutely love the adorable pattern (Pretty Paisley). The pattern was so cute I hated to put a cover over it – I wanted to show it off.

TIP: Fitteds need diaper covers because they don’t have any PUL and aren’t water-proof.

Fabric: The other key feature that I really liked about our Nifty Nappy is the softness of the fabric and the insert. The outer layers are cotton knit, there is a layer of hemp on the inside, and the inside is a soft microfleece that helps to wick the moisture away from your baby. The inserts again are made of organic bamboo velour and hemp fleece – both superior in absorbing moisture.

Closure: The Nifty Nappy has cross over snap closure so it will fit a skinny baby or a chubby baby quite well. The snaps are color coordinated to match the fabrics and are very durable.

More about Nifty Nappy – Vilate is very active online offering support and guidance to the cloth diapering community. She is a regular on Twitter chats and parties @MyNiftyNappy and is also on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/niftynappy). The new website if amazing – there is a new video tutorial section that provides tips and tricks for using cloth diapers and wool. My favorite is “How to lanolize a wool cover” – especially since I’m still intimidated by wool.

After working with Vilate on her Twitter Party and talking with her about wool I’m a little less intimated by the idea. So much that my next purchase is going to be a wool cover or longie for Lil’ B. I’ll be sure to share my experience with wool once I take the leap.

Interact with me – leave your comment below. Do you use wool? What are your favorite features?