Nifty Nappy Cloth Diapers

oh look... I am still alive!!

2011-07-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true I am still alive. LOL!
In fact I have been doing a few things. I don't know if you follow my facebook page but I introduced a new idea. I am going to be doing themed auctions. These will be fun... you will be able to score a lot of OOAK (one-of-a-kind) Nifty Nappy diapers. I am having a blast buying cute fabrics for this. I will be making some diapers, covers, and swim diapers and then selling them in themes.
Such as: retro, animals, characters, fairytales... like that.
Fun huh? Well... you wanna see a snap shot of what will be up for auction on Aug. 15th?

I am calling it the "Stuck in the 70's"

Looks fun huh?

ok... ok... you talked me into it. LOL!

So... ??? Tell me what you think!! Comment away!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Benefit Auction!!!

2011-04-25T11:37:00.000-07:00

I am trying to help spread the word of an upcoming Kolcraft Silent Auction that will be benefiting the Michael Dayne Morgan Memorial Fund on the Happily Domestic blog starting April 25th. Beth at Happily Domestic has a very close friend, Lori, who just lost her husband to cancer. Lori is a stay at home mom to their 2 young daughters. However, with all the medical expenses and no income (there was no even a life insurance policy in place) this family is in a great need for help. Kolcraft has generously offered up a few of their awesome products for a silent auction to help the Morgan family.

Please take a moment to help spread the word on your blog, facebook, twitter or via email to your friends and family. They may not be interested in personally bidding on these baby items, but may know someone else who would be. Donations are also being accepted to help this family who needs support during this devastating time.

You can read more here about the silent auction as well as the Morgan family's story. Thank you for helping to spread the word!

Items to be auctioned:

Contours Optima Tandem Stroller

Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller

Preferred Position 2-in 1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper

Contours Innerspring Organic Cotton 2-Stage Infant-Toddler Mattress

PLUS... some NN's.

1 Woolie Wrap custom embroidered...

*winner will have to be willing to allow for embroidery time.

1 Woolie Wrap (they choose gender)

1 Lil' Zoo Nifty Nappy fitted

1 Lil' Zoo PeachyKeen pocket

1 custom t-shirt Nifty Nappy diaper

*(winner will send me a t-shirt I will make the diaper... they can choose fitted or pocket)

Head on over and bid on some!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker

vilate@niftynappy.com

http://niftynappy.com

the beginning of the end...

2011-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

A year ago I had no idea how far I would have come... I would have laughed to think I had 14 amazing retailers and a waiting list of 20 more. Thanks to my amazing customers though that is where we began this new year. There were times when I had more work than I could handle and I got backlogged.. you guys were amazingly forgiving of my human-ness.

I am so very, VeRy, VERY sad to have to sit down and write out this post.

I don't know if you guys have heard about the CPSIA ruling... but it puts me out of business!

It is regulations for lead testing for items for children under the age of 12. I would have to send my diapers in for lead testing to a third party every time I use a a new batch of snaps or PUL. At $40 a pop I can't afford that. Plus I would have to have a tag on it that states the date, the batch, the lot #, the manufacturer, and contact info. I would have to keep track of each diaper I made... and when I used a different fabric it would be a different lot # and different snaps or PUL would b a different batch #. Sounds confusing? Well it is.. I am not very business oriented and I would have a hard time keeping track of all this... plus the tag would have to be like HUGE. :(

I can barely keep up as it is now ladies without all this added on!

I can't speak for others out there that are WAHM's... but I can't just ignore the law. Some will choose to, some don't even know about it, and some will manage to comply, but some that will be the end of.

I was so excited with were we were going! I had new products... care of products... soap nuts, a lanolizing potion, wool dryer balls, training pants. I even have some new fabrics too.

You all know how much I LOVE my diapers... and my retailers ... and my CUSTOMERS.

This is so hard for me to do. BUT in the end... I think it may be a good thing for my family. My hubby is pretty burnt out on snapping diapers for hours a night. And my kiddos don't get to have things made by mama cause mama is always too busy. So maybe a blessing in disguise? I am trying to look at it that way or else I wouldn't make it through this.

I get all teary eyed when I think about not making diapers... not getting any more cute pics of your adorable little ones in their diapers... about losing some amazing friends I have made in the cloth diapering community.

I hope that last part doesn't happen... I plan on sticking around... Nifty Nappy will still be here.. just not in the same way. I do have some ideas rolling around in my head. I just will not be making and selling diapers anymore.

I plan on keeping my FB page... and my webpage... only there will be some changes of course... but I will keep promoting cloth diapers!

****** So the details? a month... that is how long we have... *******

on Feb. 10th I will stop selling my diapers.. (retailers may still have some in stock... but I will not take more orders after the 10th)

That gives you a month... if you have put off buying a Nifty Nappy diaper put it off no more or your chance my be gone!!!

Over the next month I will try to have some fun giveaways and stuff!!! Watch for sales from retailers and such!

I want to go out with a BANG!!! Can you help me do this? I need this to be a fun time... I need to not think about what I am letting go. :(

Thanks so much for all your support! I am so happy you all love Nifty Nappy so much.

I have amazing friends and fans... SAPsMaMa: Natural Parenting in the Modern Worldand EcoFresh Baby got together and made up a button for me. :) I wanted to share it with you...

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

A New Year 2011!!

2011-01-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

What do you have in store for the new year?

I thought I would do a short post and share some of the ideas I have had.
I know it has been whispered around that NN is gonna have some new products. This is TRUE!
I will not say what yet. I am still in the process and what not.
BUT I can say I am very excited about them. This will be a new branch or two for our little NN family tree. And they will fit right in!
We are settled in our new home, and we fit very nicely in it. It has been so nice to have a sewing space where I can have my stuff all in one place.
I have also found a few ladies to help me with the sewing... I had considered going factory made for the convenience, but I want to MAKE the diapers! I love to be able to make them. I love when I hear from you guys that you love the diapers. So I have brought a few other mama's from my area in and we sew away! It has been fun to get to know these gals. They are very dedicated and put their time and love into your diapers also.
We have new prints that are now up on the webpage and we are working on adding Organic Cotton Velour to our inserts. The Organic Bamboo will still be available when we do this... so don't fret if you love the OBV!

How fun! Do you have any thoughts to share?

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Join in the Trick or Treating!

2010-09-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, I love Halloween! When I was little I would get so excited about the colors and the decorations, but I especially loved the trick or treating. BUT... then adulthood set in, and it just isn't ok to dress up and play.

Two really great mama's though have decided to bring back the fun to Halloween.
They are planning a fun Trick or Treating Event that you and I can participate in. YAY!!!

So how can you participate? This is like all those scavenger hunts that they have had... there are sponsors offering prizes, and you visit there page during the right time and find the hidden picture and return with your answers.

Where do you sign up to participate? Well you can visit the webpage:
Mama and Ruby's Ultimate Trick or Treat

Or you can visit their facebook page: Mama and Ruby's Ultimate Trick-or-Treat on FB

I am Proud to sponsor! Go get signed up for all that FUN!!!

Happy Diapering,
Vilate

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Giveaways...

2010-09-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more Nifty Nappy Giveaways. :)

This one is a new mama to cloth! This is the FIRST cloth diaper she has used... as one of the entries she asks for a cloth diapering hint from you.... Go help her out cloth diaper pro's!

Blogging Momma Drama

This one is for a pair of longies! YAY!!! With fall and winter coming on wool will be great!

Oh Baby O!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

New Giveaway

2010-08-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

I have listed a new giveaway on the NN Giveaway page.

I will post it here too! BUT make sure you visit our giveaway page to keep up on entering all the current giveaways!

Mom to Bed by 8

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Did we get the house? YES!!!!

2010-08-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

We got the house we wanted! I am so super excited. This house is just right for our family. It has enough room, I can have a sewing room and everything.

OUR house!

The dining room, off the Kitchen

The kitchen

The living room

the master bath

the family room

the yard... there are lots of fruit trees!

the house from the back

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

moving up...

2010-08-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

We are changing hotels!

We found out that they have this suite rented out for the 28th and 29th.

We would have to move out and find another hotel for a couple nights then move back in. Too much work for us we decided. so we called around. There are some cabins up in South Fork that they rent out, and the once place has a little apartment too.

We are going to rent the apartment. We are hoping for only a few more weeks of this and then to get into a house, but we know how we really have no control over the timing of somethings.

In the meantime I am really excited to be moving because this place will have a kitchen. YAY! With room for my table so I can start sewing again on Monday!

So we are moving on... this is a trial for sure, but we can make it work!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

breaking it up....

2010-08-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

I decided I need to break the reviews away from this site. I want to be able to keep the aim of this site mostly on cloth diapers and such. I will try to blog more here and post all the links to giveaways. Perhaps I can set up a linky thing or two. maybe do some guest bloggers. What do you think?

In the meantime though. I want to keep doing reviews and giveaway with items my family reviews. I have a line up already of some fun ones, and I am trying to pick up a few larger items. To facilitate this I started a new blog.
6 and STILL Sane

But we all know how reviews work.... it the numbers aren't good enough... no review!
So to draw all you nice folks over for more numbers I am having a pretty dandy giveaway. It will end Aug. 31st -my birthday!
And what will it be you want to know.... well
I know this gal that makes cloth diapers and has a small WAHM business.... LOL!
Ok, Ok. . . it is a $50 gift certificate to Nifty Nappy.
So hurry over!
BUT bring all your friends with you.... we need BIG numbers to get BIG reviews! :)

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Free advertising!!!

2010-08-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Do you do giveaways on your blog? If you do you understand how hard it can be to spread the word? I just found an awesome site... I think you should all check it out. If you are a blogger... list your blog. If you are a person who just loves to enter giveaways it is a GREAT place for you to visit too!

You can go here to find all the awesome giveaways they list.
You can visit them on FB too!
If you want to sign your blog up...

Hope you have fun with the new site! :)

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

All these diapers!

2010-07-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

So seriously I took these all today! This is what my house looks like! This is what I have been doing for the last 2 weeks!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Wordless Wednesday: UTAH!

2010-07-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Giveaways while I am moving...

2010-07-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

So with the move I have to cut back on the Reviews/Giveaways for Nifty Nappy.
I have worked it out with a few bloggers though and I have sent them both the review diaper AND a winners diaper. This way I can still have a few. I will try to post about them as they go up so that you have a heads up.
Right now we have a few up.

Ends 9/1: Heather Lilly Photography

Ends 7/25: Happily Domestic

Ends 7/31: One Little Mister

Good luck! :)

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Ohh, it has been a loooong time....

2010-07-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I posted a giveaway. I am sorry. Life just gets so hectic, and you guys didn't seem to like the things I was reviewing. I still have some items to post reviews about. Some I am VERY excited about! With the move though I am not going to be doing this right away. Just a heads up to watch for future reviews/giveaways k? I will start out with one of my diapers to get you all excited though! :)

In the mean time, I have a review blog I would Love for you all to check out!

She is such a fun gal! Plus she has a giveaway right now for one of my swim diapers! :)
You can find that here

But I am also going to enter a few of her other giveaways while I am there!
an thinking I need some of these Guidecraft bunk beds for my little girls.

You can find this giveaway HERE, -but hey... don't enter k?

I am also going to enter the Endless Adventure Fold and Store Table Combo Pack by Little Tikes.

Doesn't that look like fun? You can see the adventure they had putting it together and read the review HERE.

So I hope you have fun looking over her giveaways, but remember, don't enter the ones I entered k?

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

My HUGE secret!

2010-06-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Have you signed up to join the party so you can find out my HUGE secrets?

You will wanna hurry over and RSVP for a chance to win some awesome prizes!
The party is tonight! *hashtag is #LovinNifty

Visit the EcoChick and RSVP! See ya there!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

WINNERS of the Photo contest!

2010-06-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

So now to announce the winners of the photo contest!
I loved all the pics so much and it was hard to pick... I want to eventually have then all up on my webpage so we can see all the cute pics.
BUT I think you will see why I picked the winners I did!
I divvied it up.. I have some runners up, and then a grand prize!

So runners up:

Sarah L

Madison C

Andrea P

Brooke H

Jennifer V

Melissa P

AND the Grandprize winner is:

Heidi J

The runners up will receive a $35 GC to Nifty Nappy and Heidi wins the $75 GC!

Congrats to all the winners! I love to see all the cute pics since I can't use them anymore!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Have you entered yet?

2010-06-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

Have you got your photo entries in? Last day! HURRY!

I am so excited! I have a HUGE surprise and it just keeps getting bigger and better! Can't wait to let the cat out of the bag....Watch for more details.

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

More time...

2010-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have been asked for more time... so you get it!
You now have until 6/19!
-Remember they have to be Nifty Nappy products!

Take wide pics. In the end they have to be 290X910 pixels so they need to be almost panoramic!
email them to me: vilate@niftynappy.com

Good luck! :)

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Photo Contest!

2010-05-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

*** I am extending the date of the contest to June 13th! for those that don't have my diapers and want to order some to enter! :) Hurry and get the orders in though! I will work super fast and get them out to you ASAP!

I am searching for some really perfect pics of kiddos in Nifty Nappy’s!

I have some requirements though.

I need these photographer quality… don’t let that scare you though. Things can be edited!
I need mostly panoramic photos
I need you to think about photo composition… we are looking for pictures of cloth diaper on cute babies and toddlers… not pics of toddlers and babies in cloth diapers. see this blog post for tips
I must also be allowed to use them how I want on my webpage, blog, FB and in advertising.
No watermarks on them either… I will give credit when I use them.

Some things I will be looking for:

babies in just Nifty Nappy cloth diapers or other products
bright and fun -colors and backgrounds
possibly some in nature
photos with more than one baby showing off their Nifty Nappy’s
a diaper bag full of Nifty Nappy products

Feel free to borrow your neighbors kiddos too -the more the merrier!

I will be the one to pick the winner, and it won’t be my friends… it will be the BEST pictures I get…

Did you catch that I said PICTURES? That is right… there maybe more than one winner too. If I choose more than one photo. :)

Hold on! Before you run get your camera, let’s talk prize k?

So what does the winner or winners get?

How about this:

$75 Gift Certificate to Nifty Nappy!
Custom t-shirt diaper (from your t-shirt)
20% discount on your next order

Pretty good huh?

WAIT! WAIT! a couple more things:

Contest runs now through June 6th. *now June 13th

I will announce the winner on June 7th *now June 14th

Email entries to me at vilate@niftynappy.com

Good luck mamas!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

On a Roll... a crayon roll: Childish Thoughts Reviews/Giveaway

2010-05-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

At our house Spring means the beginning of long road trips. Do you trip? We tend to not go very far in the winter because to get to anywhere we have to go though some pretty fierce mountain passes. -Not good when the weather is SNOW! So we put off a lot of our visiting with family and such until spring.

Now how many of you have little kids? Aren't they just a joy to travel with?

** plug your nose and read these out loud... VERY loud!

Are we there yet?
MOM! He is touching me!!!
I have to go potty...
I can't find my pencils
I have to go potty...
I am hungry!
She pinched me!
I have to go potty...
How long till we get there?
I have to go potty!

This is what the first half an hour sounds like. LOL! I love the idea of having activities for my kids to do while we travel. The one thing I have never been able to get behind though is CRAYONS!

In my past experience (an I have had years of experience) crayons get dropped or pushed into the crack behind the seat. Then when summer rolls around they melt! Really wax melts! So in my car crayons have been banned.

UNTIL I found Childish Thoughts on etsy! They make the cutest crayon rolls.

Let's talk with Childish Thoughts:

Who is the mastermind behind your products? Who is the inspiration?

I am not sure who the mastermind was with my crayon rolls but the crayon aprons and car rolls were my original thought, or so I thought till I saw something similar in other etsy shops. LOL. My inspiration for anything I make is my son, I would say my daughter too but she is only 4 months old at the moment so she hasnt put her two sense in yet. LOL.

How long have you been selling your product?
I started selling my items a little more than 2 years ago, crayon rolls being the first, and car rolls being the newest items.

How has your product evolved from the fist time you made it? Has it changed in design or anything?

I dont think my items have changed much, I have gotten better machines so the stitches are more solid and a lot more beautiful than before but that is about it.

What do you love most about your product?
I love the practicality of it and that children other than my own have a true pleasure in playing with them.

What makes your product stand out from the rest? *brag about it, it is ok!

My crayon rolls come with a tote, crayons, coloring book and hold 16 crayons. AND CHEAP!!!! in price not in construction. LOL! Crayon aprons are just adorable, I mean come on you can't tell me you dont want to put your crayons in there and twirl around. I do. and then the car rolls- I had to make something more geared to the boys and my son always has to have a car or two when we go out, so we made these up and he loved it. We are currently working on an over the door car holder, it will hold over 200 cars. A lot more than the hotwheels version and for less. AWESOME.

Brilliant huh? I love that thought of a fun creative way for my kids to keep their crayons in the car. Who doesn't love to color a picture on a long drive? I know I do! :)

They look so fun don't they? This is the crayon roll with matching bag... they even come with the crayons AND the coloring book! I loved this one so much I bought 2 more for my other little girls, then I picked up a crayon roll for my son! These are a life saver in the car, and not just in the car... a trip to the dentist... going to the sitter... shoot even just an afternoon laying on the living room floor.

We use our crayon rolls all the time. In fact I have picked up a few more to give as gifts!

The crayon roll by itself fits nicely in a purse of diaper bag; to later be pulled out at a restaurant, or church. They are insanely convenient!

So you want to buy some? Run on over to Childish Thoughts on Etsy and pick your favorite fabric. You can pick up one for all the kiddos in your life, or you can pick on of her other awesome products!

Or you can try to win one here! Childish Thoughts has been gracious enough to offer a $20 Gift Certificate to one of my lucky readers.

You MUST enter the mandatory entry. If you don't I will pick another winner!

If it says 3 entries you need to leave 3 separate comments with all pertinent information.

I need to be able to reach you to let you know you win...so leave your email or have it on your profile. -If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!

When you tweet you need to leave your tweet URL. Don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under your tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted...click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.

I will check the winning entry...if it isn't legit I will pick another winner!

Mandatory entry:
Follow my blog AND visit Childish Thoughts on Etsy and tell me what you will put your $20 towards!

Additional entries:
2 entries: follow Childish Thoughts' blog
2 entries: who doesn't love comments? Comment on Childish Thoughts blog -let me know what post you commented on.
3 entries: grab Childish Thoughts Etsy button

2 entries: grab Childish Thoughts blog button

5 entries: blog about this giveaway: link to Childish Thoughts on Etsy, Childish Thoughts blog, and my blog
0 entries: fan us on our facebook page -it is against FB policies to use this as an entry... but I would love to have you as a FAN anyway! :)
0 entries: fan Childish Thought on her facebook page!
1 entry: follow me on twitter
2 entry: follow @childishthought on twitter
2 entries: you come up with a tweet... it has to include @myniftynappy and @childishthought and a link to this giveaway. -leave URL
1 entry: tweet...this can be done 4X's a day... 2 hrs apart! -leave URL
3 entries: post this giveaway on a forum...get 3 entries per forum -leave a link

This giveaway has ended.

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Spring is coming up all Woolie!: iCandi Knits review/giveaway

2010-05-16T17:08:00.000-07:00

You all know how much I obsess over wool right?
So did you think this event would be complete without wool diaper covers?

I found iCandi on twitter! I love her covers, she makes me aspire to knit! Even though I simply can't do it. :(

Who is the mastermind behind your products? Who is the inspiration?

I am the only knitter and dyer for my shop ;) However, I have to give credit to the wonderful pattern that Mandie of Sheepy Time Knits has created and I am licensed under.
I would say that my inspiration comes from a lot of places, such as outdoors, the clothing fashions for kids, or even a painting sometimes.

How long have you been selling your product?

I have been open since May of 2009 but making and using soakers for over 2.5 years now. I have been knitting for much longer than that.

How has your product evolved from the fist time you made it? Has it changed in design or anything?

I have recently increased the standard hip size for in-stock items, but other than that it has not needed to change.

What do you love most about your product?

Where do I begin? I use wool on my own kids and it is my first choice for cloth diaper covers. My favorite benefit from shorties and longies is that they eliminate the need for pants or shorts over your diaper. This means you will have less to buy and less work when changing diapers!
What makes your product stand out from the rest? *brag about it, it is ok!

Customs! I believe I have made just as many customs as I have in-stock items. My favorite has to be the longies I embellished for a little boy's first birthday with a mario theme! Another thing is that I hand dye my own yarn that I use for the soakers I sell in my shop. If you don't see what you are looking for in the shop I can dye you up something! Lastly, I use a lot of different colors with striping or hand dyed yarn. Sometimes it is hard to match up shirts to your wool and I try to make that easier for you by using several coordinating colors.

What did I get from iCandi to review? Oh, the absolute cutest pair of wool shorties!

I have the cutest little niece ever and she has a fluffy bum...courtesy of her favorite auntie! :) Her mommy and daddy are huge SeaHawk fans and so I asked for a pair of shorites with ruffles on the bottom in SeaHawk colors!

How did they turn out?

Aren't the colors just amazing? I love them. They turned out the perfect colors. They also are very well made. I was very impressed with her skills as a knitter. The changing from one color to another was done seamlessly and that is sometimes hard to find. My brother-in-law even got kinda excited about them because now his little girl can flaunt SeaHawks colors on game day!

They fit my little niece really well too. I asked for a size 3 month and they fit her at 6 weeks, and they still fit her. So that is a bonus!

Quite the cutie huh? -and those shorties aren't bad either!

So now for the FUN part!

Candi is offering a $20 Gift Certificate to her shop for one luck winner!
AND then if you don't win... she is offering a 10% off discount your purchase of her Wool diaper covers. This offer will be good for 3 weeks (5/16-6/6)

You MUST enter the mandatory entry. If you don't I will pick another winner!

If it says 3 entries you need to leave 3 separate comments with all pertinent information.

I need to be able to reach you to let you know you win...so leave your email or have it on your profile. -If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!

When you tweet you need to leave your tweet URL. Don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under your tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted...click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.

I will check the winning entry...if it isn't legit I will pick another winner!

Mandatory entry:
Follow my blog AND visit iCandi Knits and more and tell me what you will put your $20 towards!

Additional entries:
2 entries: follow Candi's blog
2 entries: who doesn't love comments? Comment on Candi's blog -let me know what post you commented on.
2 entries: on her policies and sizing page find out how much it cost for a YYMN (your yarn my needles) med size pair of longies.
3 entries: grab iCandi Knits and more button

5 entries: blog about this giveaway: link to iCandi Knits and more, Candi's blog, and my blog
0 entries: fan us on our facebook page -it is against FB policies to use this as an entry... but I would love to have you as a FAN anyway! :)
0 entries: fan iCandi on her facebook page! 1 entry: follow me on twitter
2 entry: follow icandiknits on twitter
2 entries: you come up with a tweet... it has to include @myniftynappy, @icandiknits, #clothdiapers and a link to this giveaway. -leave URL
1 entry: tweet...this can be done 4X's a day... 2 hrs apart! -leave URL
3 entries: post this giveaway on a forum...get 3 entries per forum -leave a link

This giveaway has ended. Thanks!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Does it SMELL like Spring at your house?: Scentsy with Mindy Review/Giveaway

2010-05-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

I hate to have a smelly house.... and when you live on a farm that is hard to avoid. During the winter the house smells because we are all crammed in a little house, and so you would think I would welcome spring.... I do! Really, I love spring when it warmer and the kids can go out side and play. BUT when you live on a farm there are certain smells that lay dormant during the winter, but raise their ugly heads as it starts to warm up.
You want a list?

the COWS!!!! -sorry but they do smell!
the cows poop -smells worse than the cows! LOL!
the dead cow pile! -what else do you do with the cows (and deer) that die? The pile is pretty far from the house... in fact I have never even been to it... but I can smell it if the wind blows just right.
the silage -the ground-up fermented corn you feed the cows
the machines
the irrigation water

Pretty smelly list huh? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE living on a farm, but I would be much happier if these things smelled like flowers or clean diapers! So how do I live with the smell? I don't - I mask it!
I have a Scentsy warmer sitting on my piano.... I keep all sorts of scent bars and I can have a house that smells like Clean Breezes or Welcome Home (which is a personal fave!). My kids love to turn it on too. It is really easy it has a little clicker thingy on the cord and they turn it on whenever they sit down to practice piano. Changing the scents is super easy too. I just dump the hot wax out in my trash-can... then it smells good too! hehehe Then I wipe it out with a paper towel and then put in some new squares.

They have a bunch of really great scents... you can see them in the Scentsy catalog.
They have also come out with a few new warmers since the last time I was at a party.
They have a little Plug-in warmer that is great for bathrooms!
They have an adorable Mid-size warmer that I would put in my kid's rooms!
Then they have the traditional Full size warmer which I have, and LOVE!

So now that we have introduced you to the yummyness of Scentsy let's talk about Mindy Farmer. I simply adore Mindy...Mindy is a cloth diapering mama and she has been so much fun to get to know. She is fiercely devoted to the brands of diapers she likes and she is always suggesting my cloth diapers to a mama with questions on twitter.
I simply adore her blog too! The Inquisitive Mom is a personal yet informative blog! I truly love to read her musings! Here, check out this post about a day in the life of a kiddo! It made me stop and think about the things I say to my kids.

Mindy enjoys selling Scentsy, she says she loves the flexibility. "I am able to make my own schedule, which works great with being a SAHM. I also love selling such an amazing product that I can stand behind."
She has a monthly special too and this month it is:

receive 1 Free Plug-in Warmer in addition to Hostess Rewards! Basket and Catalog Parties are included in this offer! This is also a great time to book a party to introdue the new catalog that came out in March! (Hostess receives free gift at the close of a qualifying $150 Party)

Now honestly $150 isn't that hard if you get 5 friends to order with you. These also make awesome gifts... I have a friend that bought all her family a warmer and now for future holidays she can give them more bars of scents and she has it covered. Brilliant right?

So Mindy is offering us an awesome giveaway!

You will have the chance to win a Mid-Sized warmer and a bar in your choice of scent this is a $30 value!

Now let's talk rules k?

You MUST enter the mandatory entry. If you don't I will pick another winner!
If it says 3 entries you need to leave 3 separate comments with all pertinent information.
I need to be able to reach you to let you know you win...so leave your email or have it on your profile. -If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!
When you tweet you need to leave your tweet URL. Don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under your tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted...click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning entry...if it isn't legit I will pick another winner!

There are lots of entries too, so good luck!

Mandatory Entry:

Follow my blog AND visit Mindy's Scentsy Catalog and pick the warmer you like the best!

Additional entries:

1 entry: what is your favorite scent?

2 entries: follow Mindy on twitter

2 entries: check out the Scentsy Starter Kit and list one thing from each category that you think would be the most helpful to have in starting a business.

2 entries: read the Hostess Rewards and tell me what the Hostess Rewards are based on.

3 entries: sign up to get Mindy's Scentsy Newsletter

2 entries: grab Mindy's Scentsy button -leave URL for where it is

2 entries: grab Mindy's blog button -leave URL for where it is

5 entries: blog about this giveaway: link to Mindy's Scentsy site, Mindy's blog, and my blog
0 entry: fan us on our facebook page -it is against FB policies to use this as an entry... but I would love to have you as a FAN anyway! :)
1 entry: follow me on twitter 2 entries: you come up with a tweet... it has to include @myniftynappy, @InquisitiveMom and a link to this giveaway. -leave URL1 entry: tweet...this can be done 4X's a day... 2 hrs apart! -leave URL3 entries: post this giveaway on a forum...get 3 entries per forum -leave a link
10 entries: Make a Scentsy purchase from Mindy
5 entries: list 10 people you would share the Scentsy catalog with that might place an order. NOW...you have a list of guests made up why not Host a party and get FREE product?
10 entries: Host a party with Mindy
10 entries: Sign up as a Scentsy Consultant under Mindy

****Want a few extra entries? LOL! of course you do...
Mindy is doing a Review/Giveaway of my cloth diapers so you can get a few cross entries.
3 entries: enter the Nifty Nappy cloth diaper Review/Giveaway on The Inquisitive Mom blog
Good Luck!

This giveaway has ended! Thanks!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

ooooh the Misikko!: Misikko Review/Giveaway

2010-05-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about this giveaway. I really didn't think I had a shot at reviewing this product. I am not a very big blog compared to some of the amazing review blogs out there. I actually entered 2 giveaways to have a shot at winning this product, and then one of my amazing friends and readers suggested I just ask for a review. She said, "You do reviews, just ask them." I decided to give it a shot, I mean what could it hurt? I sent them an email and in it I told them all the reasons they shouldn't pick me, but then I told them about the 5 reasons I have that they should!
My 5 daughters! :)
I guess they thought that was a good enough reason to allow me to do the review. I got an email telling me I had been selected. I was so very excited! I stalked my mailman...well mail-person until it showed up. I opened it up and... well I took pictures cause it as so awesome!

Isn't that some beautiful, elegant packaging? I LOVE IT!

So now a little about Misikko who has awesome hair straighteners.
Did you know that they are located outside of Philadelphia? The are also only about five years old. They have some amazing products to choose from. They have a couple Hair straighteners. You can check out the Chi hair straightener
or the FHI flat iron. I choose the adorable Pink HANA Professional 1" Flat Iron though! They also sell a version of the HANA Professional for Breast Cancer awareness. Did you see that?
WhenI first saw these guys I thought they only did flat irons, boy was I wrong! They sell the coolest curing irons and also professional hair dryers. Check out the Pink hair dryer! -that just might need to be my next purchase.

So, how did it preform?
Well, with 5 heads of hair I have to do every morning... not counting mine... It has gotten ALOT of use!
This is my #2-she is my bookworm, and she has a serious head of hair. If we do a bun in her hair it is too big for ANY clip or claw that we have tried. We have to use at least four claws to keep her hair up.

My Bookworm!

So we took her hair and put our new Misikko Pink HANA Professional Flat Iron to work. And work it had to, for like an hour!

So how did it work? Here is partially done:

Looks pretty good so far huh? By now her feet where falling asleep cause she was kneeling on the floor. So we found a stool for her to sit on.

Wanna see it all done?

I think it did a pretty dang good job! And I didn't get burned, and neither did she. hehehe

Too bad it won't look this good all week huh? Ahh well... I guess she can just flatten it again in the middle of the week.
So what do you think? It works pretty good doesn't it? -and it is so dang cute!

Misikko is offering a Pink HANA Professional Flat Iron to one of my lucky readers!
Can't you just imagine this showing up at your door?

Now let's talk rules k?

You MUST enter the mandatory entry. If you don't I will pick another winner!
If it says 3 entries you need to leave 3 separate comments with all pertinent information.
I need to be able to reach you to let you know you win...so leave your email or have it on your profile. -If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!
When you tweet you need to leave your tweet URL. Don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under your tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted...click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning entry...if it isn't legit I will pick another winner!

There are lots of entries too, so good luck!

Mandatory entry:
Follow my blog AND visit Misikko and tell me what item you covet!

Additional Entries:
2 entries: Visit the ABOUT page and tell me how long it takes to ship to the east coast!
2 entries: Follow Misikko on twitter!
5 entries: Subscribe to Misikko's Newsletter (click on the gift that says "Sign me up")
3 entries: Show some love and grab Misikko's button:

5 entries: Blog about this giveaway...Let's spread the word about this awesome giveaway... link to my blog and also to Misikko's website.
1 entry: fan us on our facebook page
1 entry: follow me on twitter
2 entries: you come up with a tweet... it has to include @myniftynappy, @misikko and a link to this giveaway. -leave URL
1 entry: tweet...this can be done 4X's a day... 2 hrs apart! -leave URL
3 entries: post this giveaway on a forum...get 3 entries per forum -leave a link
10 entries: make a purchase from Misikko and leave your invoice #

This giveaway will end 5/17... it will remain posted until 5/12

then it can be found in the drop down menu under review/giveaway.

This giveaway is only open to the US and Canada.

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey there!
I just wanted to take this evening to wish all you amazing mamas a
HAPPY Mother's Day!

I thought I would share this little story I got in one of my Mother's Day cards today:

The Mommy Test:
I was out walking with my 4-year-old daughter. She picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. I took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that. "Why?" my daughter asked.
Because it's been lying outside, you don't know where it's been, it's dirty and probably has germs" I replied.
At this point, my daughter look at me with total admiration and asked, "Wow! How do you know all this stuff?" "Uh," I was thinking quickly, "all moms know this stuff. It's on the Mommy Test.
You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Mommy." We walked along in silence for 2 or 3 minutes, but she was evidently pondering this new information.
"OH...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test you have to be the daddy." "Exactly" I replied back with a big smile on my face and joy in my heart.

Hope this made you smile! You guys are amazing and I appreciate you for the amazing mothers you are (or will be)!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Warm Tootsies: Aykelila Wool Slippers Review/Giveaway

2010-05-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Ahh, spring in the Basin. Is it spring at your house? It is definitely spring here. You know what spring means out here?
SPRING=WIND

And for me Wind=cold! The wind blows right though out house and I freeze! :( Really even if it isn't cold... it is that SAD thing again. LOL!
I took a picture so you could see what I am up against here. It is blustery and overcast and I am freezing !

So yesterday it was one of those windy day! I had tons of work to do...
REALLY I had a whole table of work that needed attention. Wanna see?

See? I told you. And this isn't all either :)

So you wanna know a funny little quirk I have? I can't sew with shoes on.

I know silly huh? I fel like I don't have control over the machine if I have shoes on. BUT we aren't just talking shoes we are talking anything like shoes.... slippers, sandals, anything like that.

So what do I do with it is cold like today! Well I used to look hilarious. I would be sitting in a sweater and my sweats, even with my thermals on and I would be bare-foot.... or maybe a pair of thin socks. Don't you feel sorry for me yet?
I know I do.
BUT not today! YAY! I have something I found that I just absolutely love! I found the best slippers EVER!!!!
And you get to hear about them then you get a chance to win a pair! :)

They look cosy huh? Well guess what THEY ARE!!!! I have tried all types of slippers... I have crocheted my own and bought many off Etsy, but none to equal Aykelila's not yet anyway!

These are super soft and super comfy! AND not only that but they are WOOL! whoo-hoo! you know how I feel about wool! :)

Aykelila is a brand born in Istanbul which is one of the oldest and sexiest cities in the world. Tradition and modern meet each other at the same city where east meets west. I got all my inspiration from Istanbul while designing my products.

You can see the traditional handknitted slippers presented in a contemporary way while fashion is looking for it's ethnic roots. These slippers are very warm in cold days, while it's snowing outside... (or when the wind blows)

My feet have never been so comfy while I sew...

They fit just right. They have a cushy pad on the bottom of the heel that I have never felt before in a knitted slipper. She is genius in the design and stitches she used.

My hubs even complains that my feet aren't cold when we climb in bed. LOL! he likes it when I put my cold feet on his feet... he is always hot!

I picked a nice tan color for me... but for you...
If you can't wait to win a pair of these you better run over to Aykelila's on Etsy and pick you up a pair. She has various patters which are all cute and fun!
and just a heads up for those of you who aren't like me and freeze all the time she also makes leather sandals! AWESOME huh? Sandals AND flip flops! so you can go summer if you want! Her sandal shop is LilaSandals' Shop

So how can you win some? This one is gonna be easy!
You win a pair of "green" slippers! I call them -I love being "green" slippers!

Fun huh? I love the X and O on them! :) So you can love being green in your Turkish wool slippers. WOW! None of your friends will have them!

But I warn you once you get these you will never be satisfied with just any old slippers again. You will be spoiled for life.

So for the IMPORTANT stuff:

you have to enter the mandatory or you don't count...
you will want to enter a separate comment for each entry if it says 3 entries leave 3 sperate comments.
I can't contact you if you don't leave contact info... either leave your email or it better be on your profile... if I can't find you I WILL pick another winner!
When you tweet you need to leave your URL, don't know how? After you tweet click on your profile then under your tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted...click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning comment... it is isn't legit I will pick another winner! So play nice and fair :)

Mandatory ENTRY:

Follow my blog AND Visit Aykelila on Etsy and share what product you like the best... she has quite a few.

Additional entries:

2 entries: favorite Akelila's shop on Etsy

2 entries: favorite Lila's Sandal Shop on Etsy

2 entries: tell me what sandals you like the best in Lila's Sandal shop

3 entries: Grab Akelila's button and post it on your blog... leave link to where it is.

5 entries: blog about this giveaway. Link to this blog and also Aykelila's Etsy shop
2 entries: grab my website button... link to where it is.
2 entries: grab my blog button... link to where it is.
1 entry: follow me on twitter
2 entry: Original tweet...you come up with a tweet! use @myniftynappy and #SPRIGFLINGEVENT though!
1 entry: daily tweet... leave URL
3 entries: post this giveaway on a forum, get the 3 entries per forum.
10 entries: Make a purchase from Aykelila's Etsy shop.
10 entries: Make a purchase from Lila's Sandal shop on Etsy.

This giveaway will end 5/12... it will remain posted until 5/8

then it can be found int he drop down menu under review/giveaway.

The next item up for review will be the

Misikko Hana Professional Flat Iron 1’’ – Pink Edition

Thanks for entering and Good Luck

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

blogging!

2010-05-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Check it out! I am a guest blogger! It is so fun to guest blog. --- You'd think I could do a better job with my blog huh? LOL!
Well this gal asked me to write up some info about Cloth diapers for her blog. So I have 3 posts that will be showing up over the next couple days PLUS she is having a big giveaway vent and one of my items will be given away! So watch her blog!
First posting: Cloth 101: Lingo and Reasons

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

my BIG secret!

2010-05-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I have been a slacker on my giveaways. I have been super busy with the Cloth in Hospitals movement. AND with my diapers. My retailers are doing very well and we are tying to add a few more. I have also been working on a BIG SECRET!
and I have picked up a few new fabrics... not telling what they are, or showing you them. So I will try to be better about the giveaways, only a few left, but they are all really good ones! Will start up again tomorrow.

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Eco-friendly Eco Nuts: Eco Nuts Soap Review/Giveaway

2010-04-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Along the lines of being eco-friendly in out house we have started looking for a better alternative to laundry soap. I hate that all the soaps out there are scented, and have chemicals in them I can't pronounce. AND if they don't and are organic then they cost more than I can afford to pay. See, with 6 kiddos we do LOTS of laundry! Really those of you with one or two don't realize how much laundry they can make when they out number you! LOL!
I can't remember how I found out about Eco Nuts Soap, I think it was a Cloth Diaper chat on twitter, but boy am I glad I did.

I love them! I now recommend them to anyone that asks! I think they are amazing and the fact that they are a natural soap just makes me thrilled.

See, I have been making my own soap for about a year now and it works and we like it. It is cloth diaper safe and never aggravated my baby's bum. I was content with it. BUT then I got my sample of Eco Nuts Soap! Now I want more....
So let's see what we can learn about Eco Nuts Soap k?

What’s an Eco Nut?

Eco Nuts™ are completely sustainable dried fruit shells that come from the Sapindus mukorossi tree in Nepal, India and Indonesia. The ones we harvest come from high up in the Himalayas and are the highest quality "soap nut" on the market. These fruit shells have been used in India and China for centuries, and are now gaining popularity in America and Europe as a renewable, biodegradable and organic alternative to chemical detergents and expensive “Green” laundry soaps.

Eco Nuts™ contain saponin, a natural cleaner that works as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water to penetrate the fibers of your clothing, lifting stains from the fabric and leaving dirt suspended in the water that is rinsed away.

Eco Nuts™ are gentle on both clothes and skin, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin, eczema, allergies and psoriasis. Because they are so mild, they are perfect for baby clothes and cloth diapers. The antimicrobial properties of Eco Nuts™ also make them great for septic and grey water systems. But don’t expect these shells to foam up like commercial soaps, which have artificial foaming agents. Foam simply does not represent cleaning power.
Strong enough for washing regular laundry
Ideal for baby clothes and cloth diapers
Beneficial for septic and gray water systems
Gentle enough for neoprene wetsuits
Can be made into a multipurpose cleaner with many household uses
Eco Nuts™ was conceived as a company that could transcend the cleaning industry in becoming a leader in environmentally responsible practices. We are environmentally friendly in our operations and socially responsible in dealing with our customers, partners and suppliers.

All our products are cruelty and paraben-free, vegan, tested only on humans, and utilize recycled or recylable packaging!

So now wanna see some pics?

You simply take the nuts and you put them in this little bag. Then you toss them in the wash with your laundry. Simple right? You better believe it! These lasted us longer than they said. We wash in cold water and they say 10 washes. I think we got a good 20 or 25 out of it! Awesome huh? They you can just compost them! I Love this! If you have more questions about them you can visit their FAQ's page.

Can't wait to try them out? You can buy some NOW! You can go HERE and buy some.... or I share a common retailer with Eco Nuts and I will plug her here. Little Squigglers sells Eco Nuts also. So next time you order Nifty Nappy diapers from her have her throw in a sample of Eco Nuts. You won't be sorry you did.

So, wanna try to win some? You get to WIN one box of Regular Size (50 hot, up to 90 cold loads) Eco Nuts Soap

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!! <------

I can't contact you unless you leave contact info. So you either need to leave your mail address in each entry , or you have to have contact info on your profile! If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!
Also you must leave a comment for every entry separately. ex. If you If you comment on my blog you need to leave 3 separate comments saying where you commented!
for the tweeting entries leave your URL... don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under you tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted, click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning entry! If it isn't legit I will pick another winner!

REQUIRED entry: this is all one entry and goes in one comment.

You must follow my blog! You must vist Eco Nuts Soap come back and comment on what you like the most!

EXTRA entries: if it says 3 entires you need to leave 3 separate comments!
2-entries: Like(since it isn't fan anymore -LOL) Eco Nuts Soap on facebook
2-entries: let's spread the word...grab an Eco Nuts button and put it on your blog

1-entry: follow Eco Nuts on twitter @EcoNuts
1-entry: follow me on twitter @myniftynappy
2-entries: original tweet about this giveaway... tweet this

Be more Eco-friendly this year! Win a box of @EcoNuts in the #SPRINGFLINGEVENT on @myniftynappy http://bit.ly/EcoNutsGA #clothdiapers RT!

1-entry: you can get 1 entry twice a day! -leave the URL
3-entries: blog about this giveaway and come back and leave a link
10-entries: make a purchase of Eco Nuts from either Eco Nuts or Little Squigglers!
1-entry: let's spread the word...grab My WEBSITE button and put it on your blog *I have a NEW one!
1-entry: even more word spreading...grab My BLOG button and put it on your blog
1-entry: Follow Nifty Nappy on Facebook
1-entry: follow me on twitter @myniftynappy
One more little plug here!
5-entries: follow and enter the Cloth Diapers in Hospitals Giveaway

This giveaway has ended!

Thanks for entering and good-LUCK!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Eco-friendly Produce Bags: 4 Girls Designs Review/Giveaway

2010-04-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Eco-Friendly Earth Week giveaways!
I have become a little more "green" over the years... who wouldn't using cloth diapers. LOL!
As this has happened I have noticed how much stuff in this world just plain isn't good for us... or there are some that we just plain don't know what the effects will be!
We have the opportunity to grow an amazing garden where we are right now. With the sowing comes the harvest! I love fresh veggies... I even love them after I have spent hours and hours bottling them too!
I just don't love veggies but I love fruit too. My only problem is I don't really live where I can grow all the fruit I like. So we go to the store and fruit stands and pick up our fresh fruits. In the mean time... what do you store your fruit in? Well I found a store in my searching for a better alternative.
Wanna see?
4 Girls Designs
So, let's get to know a little more about this eco-friendly shop.

Who is the mastermind behind your products. Who is the inspiration?
I tend to focus on creating products that I need or others request for their own personal use. My four girls are the inspiration for many of my products. It is a joy to design things for them and that spills over into new shop items if I think others may like them too. I like making my products eco-friendly as well.
How long have you been selling your product? I have been selling Reusable Produce Bags for the last two years. I wanted a produce bag that I could offer in different sizes, would be durable and long-lasting, see-through material for scanning (so I would not have to see my tender produce be removed from the bag in order to scan it at the register), and what I came up with has surpassed my expectations. I have gotten very good feedback from all my customers with this product!
How has your product evolved from the first time you made it? Has it changed in design or anything? I have made the bags pretty much the same as my original design. I have altered the material for the cord from time to time. Otherwise, I see no need to change the construction. I offer additional sizes for those wishing to purchase items in bulk but want smaller bags.
What do you like most about your product? I really like how lightweight, yet durable, they are. They are easy to carry to the store, purchase my produce, store it, and wash it all in the same bag. And it means no more grocery store plastic bags.
What makes your product better than the rest? *brag about it, it is ok : ) My Reusable Produce Bags are lighter, stronger, virtually see-through, and chemical free. My bags are made of no-see-um netting, a very tightly woven material. It is the chemical-free way to prevent even those tiny no-see-um bugs from getting through. It is a very smooth material that won't damage the tender fruit you buy. They are available in many sizes and I am happy to make any custom size requested. The triple-stitched seams and cord are heavy-duty. I fill my large bag with apples every week and have been very happy with it. The clerk can scan the produce right through the bag so there is no need to remove it to read the code on the stickers. I prefer to have my produce handled as little as possible, so that was important to me. I love being able to buy my fruit in the bag, take it home, wash it and store it-all in the same bag. And then I just rinse the bag and hang it to dry and it's ready to use again. I feel so much better about using these Reusable Produce Bags instead of the plastic baggies at the grocery store. Be prepared, others will stop you and ask you where you got your bags! My shop name and website are right on the product tag, along with washing instructions.

So did I like them? Do I use them?
-AND HOW! I couldn't have done better. She really has found the perfect fabric. I have to tell you a little story.
We got given a whole bunch of really ripe fruit from a friend. I mean it was really ripe. Pineapples and cantaloupe. They were yum, but they brought on fruit flies like no other. You know how hard it is to get rid of fruit flies. I tried everything. I set the traps for them using vinegar and dish soap. I made the little traps using containers and plastic wrap over them. I searched and searched for how to get rid of them. We started putting all the fruit in the fridge. This turns your bananas black! :(
I had these bags in the package still.... dumb huh? I decided to give them a try. I sent them with hubby the next time he went to the store. I left the fruit in them on the counter. Guess what? After about a week.... no more fruit flies! I was elated! I can't sing their praises loud enough - or to enough people.
So, wanna see them?

I love the draw string. Easy to close, and easy to open! Also handy to carry.

I love that they are light and don't add to the weight when I use them in the store.

See those bitty those holes are? They are awesome! No fruit flies for you!

At my house of course we need the big ones! I have to tell you I really do love these things. In fact I need more. Do you need some? Well I am going to go over to 4 Girl Designs tomorrow and buy more with the AWESOME 10% discount that she is offering to my lucky readers.
Just use the code: NIFTYNAPPY in the comments to seller at checkout and she will refund you 10%. **valid only this week! 4/19-4/26

So you have a chance to win some too! 4 Girls Design has offered to my readers a Large Produce Bag and a Medium Produce Bag to help you be more eco-friendly!

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!! <------

I can't contact you unless you leave contact info. So you either need to leave your mail address in each entry , or you have to have contact info on your profile! If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!
Also you must leave a comment for every entry separately. ex. If you If you comment on my blog you need to leave 3 separate comments saying where you commented!
for the tweeting entries leave your URL... don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under you tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted, click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning entry! If it isn't legit I will pick another winner!
REQUIRED entry:  *really you HAVE to do this! I check for this one.
visit 4 Girls Designs Shop on etsy and come back here and tell me what sizes her produce bags are available in.

K, now for the extra entries: if it says 3 entires you need to leave 3 comments!

2 entries: heart 4 Girls Designs Shop on etsy
3 entry: visit 4 Girls Designs blog and become a fan!
2 entry: visit 4 Girls Designs blog and leave her a comment, then come back and leave me one "FACT" from there.

2-entries: let's spread the word...grab the 4 Girls Designs button

1-entry: follow me on twitter @myniftynappy
2-entries: 1st Tweet about this giveaway... tweet this

Win an Eco-friendly produce bag for #EarthDay week in the @myniftynappy #SPRINGFLINGEVENT http://bit.ly/eco-1 #ecofriendly #gogreen RT PLS

1-entry: you can get 1 entry for 2 tweets a day-must be at least 4 hrs apart
*leave tweet URL!
5-entries: blog about this giveaway and come back and leave a link
1-entries: grab my blog button
1-entry: grab my webpage button
10-entries: Make a purchase from 4 Girls Designs Shop!
*don't forget the 10% off code!

This giveaway Has ended!

Thanks for entering and good-LUCK!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

Notes of Worth!

2010-04-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am super sorry ladies I lapsed in my giveaway schedule. I just got swamped with orders and didn't feel I had the time to sit and blog. :( I will be getting another posted tonight though. This week I am focusing on eco-friendly products for Earth Day! I will also be closing out the 2 current giveaways I have going on so don't forget to enter!
Just a couple notes of business though!
#1- My retailers I have listed here are all going to be having a SALE this week on their Nifty Nappy's!
*note-I am not having a sale on my website....if you want the deals visit my retailers! :)
Here are their links for convenience:

Little Squigglers

Sprouting Up

Sugar Dipes

and for our Canadian fans:

Little Money Store

I hope you will visit them and take advantage of there great sales!

#2- the other BIG news!

I have gotten involved in a great cause! I want you to join too -if you haven't already!

I just threw out the idea on twitter the other day that we needed to make a push to get cloth diaper used in hospitals again. My suggestion took on a life of it's own, and I have had some major help from some awesome ladies!

We have a FB page and everything. If you feel you have anything at all to offer, ideas, info, or photos please feel free to let me know! We are going to be having a HUGE giveaway event too next week...so join us!

http://facebook.com/ClothinHospitals

So I hope you continue to come and check out my blog from time to time! :)

Thanks for being so awesome! :)

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com

"Shape" Your Child: Evgie's Shop Review and Giveaway

2010-04-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

I love toys that help teach my kids as they play. I also like toys that leave room for imaginative playing, BUT mostly I like toys that are homemade. With the big lead scare we had here awhile back I decided that I am gonna pay more attention to the toys my kids are playing with. This is why I was so excited to find our next Etsy shop I am reviewing.

I happened on to Evgie's Shop and fell in love instantly. I love felt toys to begin with and these are simply adorable and very well made.
So shall we get to know about Evgie's Shop

Who is the mastermind behind your products? Who is the inspiration?

Both of us, Eugenia - creative process and Oleg - technical aspects,
husband and wife. Kids are the center of our attention and inspiration.

How long have you been selling your product?

Less than a year.

How has your product evolved from the fist time you made it? Has it changed in design or anything?

Production has changed dramatically and evolved into practical process
but we are still on a learning curve and argue a lot how to sell,
produce and design our toys.

What do you love most about your product?

It is exciting for parents and kids, smart people like clever toys - we love it.

What makes your product stand out from the rest? *brag about it, it is ok!

Our toys are visually irresistible, colors are crazy and they inspire
imagination. We have found the union between learning and decorative
objects: alphabet, clocks, keychain, sock puppets theater, logic games
and its unexpected representation: plush felt, hand embroidery and
personality portrayal.

So, how did I like them when they got here?
Ohhh.... they were amazing! I love the bright colors and the detail that they have stitched on to the felt with embroidery floss. A lot of times you see these done with tiny little beads, but that is rather dangerous if the little ones get the beads pulled off.

So this is of course a really good thing. Besides I am envious... I can't do a French knot to save my life. LOL!

My kids had a blast playing with these when I opened them. They lined them up and choose colors and then shapes. Then they pretended they were cookies! I love these!

Look at the detail. Isn't it amazing? I think the colors and perfectly matched and so fun and bright. They have so many other things for you to buy to. They have the cutest clock and the whole alphabet. They have veggies and a cute sock puppet with funky hair! :)
Too much to choose from!

So you can run over and BUY anything you want at Evgie's Shop

or you can try your hand at winning a set of the Learning Shapes and Colors.

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!   <------

I can't contact you unless you leave contact info. So you either need to leave your mail address in each entry , or you have to have contact info on your profile! If I can't contact you I will pick another winner!
Also you must leave a comment for every entry separately. ex. If you If you comment on my blog you need to leave 3 separate comments saying where you commented!
for the tweeting entries leave your URL... don't know how to do that? After you tweet click on your profile then under you tweet there is a time thingy saying how long ago you tweeted, click on it. There is your tweet, copy the URL and come back here and leave it in your comment.
I will check the winning entry! If it isn't legit I will pick another winner!
REQUIRED entry:  *really you HAVE to do this! I check for this one.
visit Evgie's Shop on etsy and come back here and comment on which set you will pick if you win!

K, now for the extra entries: if it says 3 entires you need to leave 3 comments!

2 entries: heart Evgie's Shop on etsy
1 entry: visit Evgie's Shop's profile and come back and leave me one "FACT" found there.
1 entry: visit Evgie's Shop's policies and come back and leave me one "FACT" from there.

2-entries: let's spread the word...grab the Cutie Club Kids & Critters button

1-entry: follow me on twitter @myniftynappy
2-entries: 1st Tweet about this giveaway... tweet this

Shape UR child's life...WIN some LEARNING SHAPES & COLORS http://evgie.com in the #SPRINGFLINGEVENT by @myniftynappy http://bit.ly/evgieshop

1-entry: you can get 1 entry for 2 tweets a day-must be at least 4 hrs apart
*leave tweet URL!
5-entries: blog about this giveaway and come back and leave a link
1-entries: grab my blog button
1-entry: grab my webpage button
10-entries: Make a purchase from Evgie's Shop!

Happy Diapering

Vilate Thacker
vilate@niftynappy.com
http://niftynappy.com