Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Fashion Friday 10/28
Here are the hubs' and my costumes for Halloween this year!
If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Snugs Boutique Review/Giveaway
I am pleased to announce Angela's Favorite Things next review/giveaway! Snugs Boutique is an Etsy shop that I came across while I was looking for WAHM/handmade businesses to do reviews/giveaways with. Andrea is a wonderful lady, who I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with!
Basic Info.
Business Name: Snugs Boutique
Owners' Name(s): Andrea Stanley
Business Bio: My name is Andrea Stanley and I am the owner/operator of Snugs Boutique. I am married and am the mama of a very spirited (but good!) three year old boy. I have always had a passion for sewing and design. This passion transferred over to baby products when my son was 5 months old. I had been contemplating the idea of using cloth for him but had no idea where to start. I began researching and realized that the best thing to do was to try to make my own. This eventually developed into the wide range of designs and options I make and sell today. Now that my son is potty trained it gave me an opportunity to develop a potty trainer, unfortunately now I have no idea who I’m going to get to test all of my new products now! (Written from Andrea's pov.)
Opening Date: August of 2008
Reason for Opening: I was making cloth diapers for my son and decided to try to sell them. It’s been a lot of fun developing it into what it is today.
Types of Products Sold: Cloth diapers, mama pads, cloth breast pads, hand dyed wool yarn and diaper covers
Price Range of Products: $3-20
Website URL: http://www.snugsboutique.com
Etsy URL: http://www.etsy.com/shop/andrea125
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/home.php?sk=group_87957363096
Product Reviewed: Snugs One Size Couture Cloth Pocket Diaper
Washing Instructions: http://www.snugsboutique.com/washandcare.html
Review
Sizing/Rise: When I first received this diaper, I played around with it. I admired the colors. I played with the snaps. I looked at the largest it could go. I looked at how small it could go. I sat it next to other cloth diapers I own and noticed something significantly different about this diaper compared to the other diapers I have. It can get MUCH smaller. According to Snugs Boutique's website, these diapers can fit a child 10-38 lbs. I have no doubt that this diaper will fit a 10 lb baby well. I would even venture to say that it would probably fit an 8 lb baby. I do not have proof of this as Max is 16.5 months old, but it is one of the few one-size cloth diapers that I feel can truly fit the lower end of the weight range without consuming the baby. On the other hand, depending on how long your baby is, the largest size might not have a long enough rise. Like I said, Max is 16.5 months old. He wore this diaper on the medium rise setting and on the 3rd and 4th snaps on the waist. If you have a 3 year old who is on the tall side, this MIGHT not be long enough in the rise for him/her as it is slightly shorter than other OS diapers on the market. I feel like this is one a good representative of a one-size diaper, though. It can actually get small enough to fit a newborn and can get large enough to fit most toddlers.
Fit/Trimness/Look: I absolutely LOVE the way this diaper fits Max! He is a very active little guy and this diaper has not ONCE stood in his way! No matter how he runs, rolls, bends, lays, etc. the diaper moves with him without any gapping around the waist or the legs. It also didn't sag once while he wore it. Even with clothes on, the diaper looked pretty trim. The only thing I didn't care for is the way the crotch of the diaper fit Max. Due to the width of the crotch being at least an inch smaller than most one size diapers I've come across and the insert being the same width as most one-size pocket diapers I've seen/used, the insert bunched up a bit more than other diapers I have seen/used. It was also more difficult to stuff and smooth the insert through the crotch region because of this. My hubs could not stuff the diaper successfully due to his hands being wider than mine. I have relatively small hands, so if you have larger hands, this could be a bit of an issue. However, if you fold the insert taco style and slide it in, it is easier to get in for those with wider hands. :-) As far as the look goes, this is SUCH a cute diaper! I love the blue PUL with the fun wavy stripe cotton fabric over the back of the diaper and on the tabs! The snaps are coordinating and fun! Plus, how cute is that label? I love elephants and giraffes, so I think that label is precious! Max liked it, too! The third picture in the first collage is of him examining the diaper. After staring at it for a bit and patting it, he looked at me, grinned, and went on his way to play. I think that means he gives the look of this dipe two thumbs up!
Absorbency/Length of Wear: Max put this diaper to the test! After wearing it for several hours, the insert was nowhere near soaked. He had definitely peed a couple of times, but still, it did not leak and the insert was only about half full. He also had a major poop explosion in this diaper. I was actually pretty impressed with just how much poop this kid produced. It's almost like he just KNEW we were testing it for my blog! ;-) Well, I am extremely pleased to let you know that this diaper stood up to Max's rigorous testing! The diaper was pretty full of squishy poop, but not one tiny spec left the constraints of the diaper! None went up his back. None came out the front. None came out of the leg holes. The diaper contained the mess proficiently! The only thing I'm not completely sold on is the fleece lining. Being that it is super soft comfort fleece (per the website), it doesn't wick away the moisture quite as well as if it were micro-fleece. I found that pee DID pass through the fleece into the insert, but that some of it actually was absorbed by the comfort fleece as well. Although that may not bother some people, I wanted to mention it in case that would bother you. (I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I think I need to use it even more to see! I will say it wasn't wet to the touch, but it wasn't 100% dry either.)
Recommendation: I would most certainly recommend this diaper to a friend! Not only is it well made, adorable, and effective, it also can hold a ton of liquid and waste! I love that it can get so small that it can fit a newborn without completely devouring him/her. I love that it fits under clothes easily without stretching them out too much. I also love that this diaper is made by a WAHM! Not only is it made for quality, but it's also made with love! If you enjoy purchasing handmade/WAHM products and are a CDing mommy/daddy/caregiver, I strongly urge you to give Snugs Boutique a try! If you do make a purchase, please be sure to let Andrea know that you heard about Snugs Boutique from Angela's Favorite Things! (It will earn you 10 more entries in the giveaway, too!)
Disclaimer: All opinions are strictly my own. No compensation was received for posting a favorable or otherwise review. Snugs Boutique sent me a diaper free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
Giveaway
Who: One lucky winner that is 18+ years of age
What: 1 Snugs One Size Couture Cloth Pocket Diaper and 1 Microfiber Insert
When: October 27-November 8, 12:01am
Where: USA Only (I am shipping this product, not Andrea, who is located in Canada.)
How: Use the Rafflecopter form below! (Click Continue Reading.)
Basic Info.
Business Name: Snugs Boutique
Owners' Name(s): Andrea Stanley
Business Bio: My name is Andrea Stanley and I am the owner/operator of Snugs Boutique. I am married and am the mama of a very spirited (but good!) three year old boy. I have always had a passion for sewing and design. This passion transferred over to baby products when my son was 5 months old. I had been contemplating the idea of using cloth for him but had no idea where to start. I began researching and realized that the best thing to do was to try to make my own. This eventually developed into the wide range of designs and options I make and sell today. Now that my son is potty trained it gave me an opportunity to develop a potty trainer, unfortunately now I have no idea who I’m going to get to test all of my new products now! (Written from Andrea's pov.)
Opening Date: August of 2008
Reason for Opening: I was making cloth diapers for my son and decided to try to sell them. It’s been a lot of fun developing it into what it is today.
Types of Products Sold: Cloth diapers, mama pads, cloth breast pads, hand dyed wool yarn and diaper covers
Price Range of Products: $3-20
Website URL: http://www.snugsboutique.com
Etsy URL: http://www.etsy.com/shop/andrea125
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/home.php?sk=group_87957363096
Twitter URL: twitter.com/#!/SnugsBoutique
Blog URL: http://www.snugsboutique.blogspot.com/Product Reviewed: Snugs One Size Couture Cloth Pocket Diaper
Washing Instructions: http://www.snugsboutique.com/washandcare.html
Review
Sizing/Rise: When I first received this diaper, I played around with it. I admired the colors. I played with the snaps. I looked at the largest it could go. I looked at how small it could go. I sat it next to other cloth diapers I own and noticed something significantly different about this diaper compared to the other diapers I have. It can get MUCH smaller. According to Snugs Boutique's website, these diapers can fit a child 10-38 lbs. I have no doubt that this diaper will fit a 10 lb baby well. I would even venture to say that it would probably fit an 8 lb baby. I do not have proof of this as Max is 16.5 months old, but it is one of the few one-size cloth diapers that I feel can truly fit the lower end of the weight range without consuming the baby. On the other hand, depending on how long your baby is, the largest size might not have a long enough rise. Like I said, Max is 16.5 months old. He wore this diaper on the medium rise setting and on the 3rd and 4th snaps on the waist. If you have a 3 year old who is on the tall side, this MIGHT not be long enough in the rise for him/her as it is slightly shorter than other OS diapers on the market. I feel like this is one a good representative of a one-size diaper, though. It can actually get small enough to fit a newborn and can get large enough to fit most toddlers.
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| Size Difference |
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| Label/Crotch Width |
 |
| Insert Length/Width |
Absorbency/Length of Wear: Max put this diaper to the test! After wearing it for several hours, the insert was nowhere near soaked. He had definitely peed a couple of times, but still, it did not leak and the insert was only about half full. He also had a major poop explosion in this diaper. I was actually pretty impressed with just how much poop this kid produced. It's almost like he just KNEW we were testing it for my blog! ;-) Well, I am extremely pleased to let you know that this diaper stood up to Max's rigorous testing! The diaper was pretty full of squishy poop, but not one tiny spec left the constraints of the diaper! None went up his back. None came out the front. None came out of the leg holes. The diaper contained the mess proficiently! The only thing I'm not completely sold on is the fleece lining. Being that it is super soft comfort fleece (per the website), it doesn't wick away the moisture quite as well as if it were micro-fleece. I found that pee DID pass through the fleece into the insert, but that some of it actually was absorbed by the comfort fleece as well. Although that may not bother some people, I wanted to mention it in case that would bother you. (I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I think I need to use it even more to see! I will say it wasn't wet to the touch, but it wasn't 100% dry either.)
Recommendation: I would most certainly recommend this diaper to a friend! Not only is it well made, adorable, and effective, it also can hold a ton of liquid and waste! I love that it can get so small that it can fit a newborn without completely devouring him/her. I love that it fits under clothes easily without stretching them out too much. I also love that this diaper is made by a WAHM! Not only is it made for quality, but it's also made with love! If you enjoy purchasing handmade/WAHM products and are a CDing mommy/daddy/caregiver, I strongly urge you to give Snugs Boutique a try! If you do make a purchase, please be sure to let Andrea know that you heard about Snugs Boutique from Angela's Favorite Things! (It will earn you 10 more entries in the giveaway, too!)
Giveaway
Who: One lucky winner that is 18+ years of age
What: 1 Snugs One Size Couture Cloth Pocket Diaper and 1 Microfiber Insert
When: October 27-November 8, 12:01am
Where: USA Only (I am shipping this product, not Andrea, who is located in Canada.)
How: Use the Rafflecopter form below! (Click Continue Reading.)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Things DIdn't Go According To Plan
I went in for my blood work today. Needless to say that if you read the title of this post, things did not go well.
I go to a clinic that services people of lower incomes, since we can't afford to put me on the hubs' insurance right now. His insurance is super expensive since only 4 people work in the business that his dad co-owns. It would seriously cost us around $300/month to cover me with insurance. That's JUST insurance for me. That doesn't cover both he and I...just me. SO...we found a clinic that has lower rates for people without insurance. The nurses there are super nice, the clinic is clean, and the doctors who work there also work at two of the local hospitals in Winston-Salem. It's a nice alternative to having to pay huge bills at other office's and/or having to pay $300/month for insurance that I would rarely use. (I'm not sick very much.)
Anyway...today they were super nice, it didn't take long for them to call me back to get my blood drawn and it wasn't super crowded when we went in. A very nice, semi-unsure of herself nurse called me back to a meeting room/break room. Pretty much every other room had actual patients in them. (Tuesdays are the day that an OBGYN specialist is in the clinic, so they have a higher traffic volume on Tuesdays.) The nurse was super nice. I showed her the vein that nurses usually use to draw my blood and it turned out to be the best vein to try. Sadly, it yielded very little blood. She didn't hurt me until the very end when she had to go in deeper on the second stick. As soon as I said it hurt, she stopped. She apologized a million times, but it really wasn't her fault my vein wasn't producing much blood! She went and got another nurse while I drank some water and tried not to feel sick, even though I felt like I was getting a little nauseated. (I wasn't supposed to eat anything before going in.)
The next nurse came in and was nice, but not as nice as the first lady, although she was more confident in her abilities. She tried using the same vein, but in a different part. She pumped my veins up a bit more. Sadly, the smaller needle didn't yield ANY blood this time after two different sticks, so she broke out the big one. UGH. That was no fun. It wasn't too bad, but I wish I hadn't looked at it before she put it in. What's worse is that I STILL didn't bleed. My hubs joked that he should have gotten me drunk before we came so that I would bleed freely! By this point, I was feeling REALLY nauseated, almost like I was going to vomit, as well as dizzy, so I said I needed her to stop. So...5 sticks in...one being from a big needle...and still not enough blood to run any test with. That nurse left to get the head nurse to see if maybe SHE could do something. I drank some more water, used the bathroom and tried not to vomit/pass out. I leaned on my hubs and whined a little. (Have I ever told you how great of a husband I have??)
The head nurse came in and I told her how I was feeling, so we moved into a patient room where I could lay back on a table and focus my breathing to alleviate some of the nausea. Well, every time I leaned back, I felt like I was going to throw up. Every time I leaned forward, the nurse thought I was going to fall over and off the table. She tried a tourniquet on my opposite arm (right one) to see if she could get any veins to pop up. She is the nurse that did my blood-drawn pregnancy test back in July/August. She's super nice and she nailed it last time. Well...she didn't get a chance to try it. I almost tossed my cookies. I won't go into detail, but we all decided it was time to stop treating me like a pincushion and save it for another day. The head nurse, whose name I can barely pronounce, let alone try to spell, was super nice about it all and said they could just do the blood work at my appointment next week.
After we left, the hubs got me something to eat, I took a long nap, and I feel much better now...besides my sore left arm. ;-) Keep praying for us! We're at the beginning of what could be a long road...especially if my veins aren't going to cooperate!
If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!
I go to a clinic that services people of lower incomes, since we can't afford to put me on the hubs' insurance right now. His insurance is super expensive since only 4 people work in the business that his dad co-owns. It would seriously cost us around $300/month to cover me with insurance. That's JUST insurance for me. That doesn't cover both he and I...just me. SO...we found a clinic that has lower rates for people without insurance. The nurses there are super nice, the clinic is clean, and the doctors who work there also work at two of the local hospitals in Winston-Salem. It's a nice alternative to having to pay huge bills at other office's and/or having to pay $300/month for insurance that I would rarely use. (I'm not sick very much.)
Anyway...today they were super nice, it didn't take long for them to call me back to get my blood drawn and it wasn't super crowded when we went in. A very nice, semi-unsure of herself nurse called me back to a meeting room/break room. Pretty much every other room had actual patients in them. (Tuesdays are the day that an OBGYN specialist is in the clinic, so they have a higher traffic volume on Tuesdays.) The nurse was super nice. I showed her the vein that nurses usually use to draw my blood and it turned out to be the best vein to try. Sadly, it yielded very little blood. She didn't hurt me until the very end when she had to go in deeper on the second stick. As soon as I said it hurt, she stopped. She apologized a million times, but it really wasn't her fault my vein wasn't producing much blood! She went and got another nurse while I drank some water and tried not to feel sick, even though I felt like I was getting a little nauseated. (I wasn't supposed to eat anything before going in.)
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| Source |
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After we left, the hubs got me something to eat, I took a long nap, and I feel much better now...besides my sore left arm. ;-) Keep praying for us! We're at the beginning of what could be a long road...especially if my veins aren't going to cooperate!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Tests are for Students...Right?
Tomorrow, I go into the doctor's for some tests. These tests are a prelude to my big "fertility" appointment on November 1st. I am slightly nervous. I hope everything turns out relatively alright. I also hope we're able to get some answers after this visit and next week's visit. We're praying that it will be as simple as "Here's some Clomid; come back and see us when you're pregnant in 1-6 months." However, I realize that may not be the case. I am basically being forced to face up to the fact that we may not be able to conceive with or without drugs. We're taking one step at a time and not going before God. We're just hoping and praying that everything works out. We're also hoping and praying for our little miracle. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Fashion Friday 10/21
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rump Arounds Cloth Diaper Review
I am super excited about presenting Angela's Favorite Things first ever cloth diaper review!! Before even receiving a product to review, I email a document to the business owner to get some info from their point of view. I also visit their website(s) and read any info they share there. I feel like a review should be done fairly, honestly, and thoroughly, which includes knowing as much about a product/company as possible.
Basic Info.
Business Name: Rump Arounds
Owners' Name(s): Nadia Krebs, Jennifer Wasner and Miake Elliot
Business Bio: The environment is the one thing growing up as a child that my mother Nadia was always passionate about, she lives and breathes for her children and to better this world. I grew up watching her developed from the ground up (for the community not personal gain) a recycling center, and to this day is committed to bettering our environment and earth! (Written from Jennifer's pov.)
Opening Date: June 1, 2011
Reason for Opening: Our business came about on a venture to provide flexible work schedules for busy WAHM’s at the same time as making a commitment to bettering our environment. We are able to help supply families with affordable good quality cloth diapers so more families can hopefully afford to help join our commitment to the environment.
Types of Products Sold: Rump Around carries 4 different styles of Pocket Diapers That include: One Snaps, Two Snaps, Bamboo, and the C.D.L.C Pocket Diaper. Rump Around offers a few different styles so that we are able to meet the different needs of each child. We also carry Wet bags, Wet/Dry Bags, Inserts, 100% cotton Flats, 100% cotton cloths, mini diaper cakes, biodegradable flushable liners, and reusable menstrual pads.
Price Range of Products: $2-9
Website URL: www.rumparounds.ca
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rump-Arounds-Affordable-Reusable-Diapers/229864637040449
Product Reviewed: 2 Snap Pocket Diaper w/1 microfiber insert
Washing Instructions: Please Click Here
Review
Sizing/Rise: I feel like this is truly a one-size diaper, with the exception of if you have a TINY newborn. Since my "test subject," Max, is 16 months old, I cannot speak of the size of the diaper on a baby smaller than he, but I can truly see this diaper fitting babies from 8 lbs to at least 35 lbs as stated by the Rump Arounds' website. Max fit into the diaper on the smallest setting with the waist snaps meeting in the middle, but just barely. It fit him better on the medium rise setting with the waist snaps overlapping one snap. Max has a bit of a belly, but he is not rolling with the chubbiness. :-)
Fit/Trimness/Look: The fit of the diaper is superb! One of the complaints I hear/read about most often is that snap waist diapers don't get tight enough on their kiddos. What I love most about this dipe is that the waist snaps can be overlapped for an even tighter fit than those diapers without overlapping waist snaps. I only put 1 insert (the one that came with the diaper) in the diaper when testing it. Max is a VERY active toddler! He loves dancing, walking, running, etc. He had no difficulties whatsoever doing ANY of those activities. It also didn't LOOK bulky between his little legs. He didn't seem to notice the diaper (after his initial curiosity with the feel of the minkiness...which he loved) was even there while he played/danced, ran circles around the living room, etc. If you have a heavy wetter or for overnight wear, doubling the inserts WILL make it bulkier, however, I don't think it will impede the life of a busy toddler! :-)
Absorbency/Length of Wear: I tried pushing this diaper to it's max! (No pun intended!) During one of the test sessions, I put the diaper on Max at 8:30am. At 11am, I checked it before I laid him down for his nap. He had definitely peed at least once in the diaper, but it was nowhere near soaked. I even (hesitantly) touched the liner of the diaper with my bare hand to see if it was wet. It wasn't. The liner wicked the moisture away from Max's nether-regions very well. I then laid him down for a nap without changing him. When he woke up at 3:00pm, the diaper was wet, but not soaked. His clothes, blanket, and sheet were 100% dry. He wore the diaper from 8:30am until 3:00pm...aka 7.5 hours...and did not have one leak. It actually could have been worn even longer, if need be. The insert was only about 2/3 wet. In comparison, Max usually goes through 3 disposable diapers by this point in the day, not counting the night time diaper he wakes up in.
Recommendation: I would easily (and already have before this review even posted) recommend these diapers to other people. Not only are they affordable, adorable, soft, and well-made, they also hold a ton of liquid, all while keeping baby's bum dry! If you heard about Rump Arounds prior to reading this review and were on the fence about buying, please do not hesitate to purchase! Newbies, that goes for you, too! :-) OH! And before I forget, if you DO purchase a diaper from them, please mention my name! They reward loyalty/referrals with kickbacks! I can earn money towards a future purchase by you mentioning my name when purchasing. If you "like" them on FB, please leave them a comment saying Angela's Favorite Things sent you!
Disclaimer: All opinions are strictly my own. No compensation was received for posting a favorable or otherwise review. Rump Arounds sent me a diaper free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!
Basic Info.
Business Name: Rump Arounds
Owners' Name(s): Nadia Krebs, Jennifer Wasner and Miake Elliot
Business Bio: The environment is the one thing growing up as a child that my mother Nadia was always passionate about, she lives and breathes for her children and to better this world. I grew up watching her developed from the ground up (for the community not personal gain) a recycling center, and to this day is committed to bettering our environment and earth! (Written from Jennifer's pov.)
Opening Date: June 1, 2011
Reason for Opening: Our business came about on a venture to provide flexible work schedules for busy WAHM’s at the same time as making a commitment to bettering our environment. We are able to help supply families with affordable good quality cloth diapers so more families can hopefully afford to help join our commitment to the environment.
Types of Products Sold: Rump Around carries 4 different styles of Pocket Diapers That include: One Snaps, Two Snaps, Bamboo, and the C.D.L.C Pocket Diaper. Rump Around offers a few different styles so that we are able to meet the different needs of each child. We also carry Wet bags, Wet/Dry Bags, Inserts, 100% cotton Flats, 100% cotton cloths, mini diaper cakes, biodegradable flushable liners, and reusable menstrual pads.
Price Range of Products: $2-9
Website URL: www.rumparounds.ca
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rump-Arounds-Affordable-Reusable-Diapers/229864637040449
Product Reviewed: 2 Snap Pocket Diaper w/1 microfiber insert
Washing Instructions: Please Click Here
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| Stock Photo From Rump Arounds FB Photo Album |
Sizing/Rise: I feel like this is truly a one-size diaper, with the exception of if you have a TINY newborn. Since my "test subject," Max, is 16 months old, I cannot speak of the size of the diaper on a baby smaller than he, but I can truly see this diaper fitting babies from 8 lbs to at least 35 lbs as stated by the Rump Arounds' website. Max fit into the diaper on the smallest setting with the waist snaps meeting in the middle, but just barely. It fit him better on the medium rise setting with the waist snaps overlapping one snap. Max has a bit of a belly, but he is not rolling with the chubbiness. :-)
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| Size Difference |
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| Older Version of the Diaper Label/Crotch Width |
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| Insert Length/Width |
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| Max sitting/standing with/without clothes |
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| Max examining the diaper, playing, and reading |
Recommendation: I would easily (and already have before this review even posted) recommend these diapers to other people. Not only are they affordable, adorable, soft, and well-made, they also hold a ton of liquid, all while keeping baby's bum dry! If you heard about Rump Arounds prior to reading this review and were on the fence about buying, please do not hesitate to purchase! Newbies, that goes for you, too! :-) OH! And before I forget, if you DO purchase a diaper from them, please mention my name! They reward loyalty/referrals with kickbacks! I can earn money towards a future purchase by you mentioning my name when purchasing. If you "like" them on FB, please leave them a comment saying Angela's Favorite Things sent you!
Disclaimer: All opinions are strictly my own. No compensation was received for posting a favorable or otherwise review. Rump Arounds sent me a diaper free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
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