The Favor Maker Winner

Congratulations to Melissa Wilson! You've won the Favor Maker giveaway! I've sent you an email. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize, so I can get you in contact with the company! You can also email me directly at thriftyniftymommy (at) yahoo.com

Chirply Giveaway Winner!

Brittany Green, Congratulations! You won the giveaway from Chirply! I've sent you an email. Please respond to it within 48 hours to claim your prize or email me at thriftyniftymommy (at) yahoo.com.

Uprinting.com Giveaway

UPrinting.com, a leading socially responsible online printing, marketing and technology firm, has established itself as a major player in the industry with its distinct vision and clear approach to helping small businesses grow. It serves thousands of on-demand business printing and graphic printing orders online daily, using high-quality press printing and a robust yet simple and easy-to-use online ordering system, resulting in high-end printing services and reliable color printing at discount printing costs.

Uprinting.com would like to give one of my readers 250 Customizable Labels, 2" x 3.5", 70lb Label Matte, Front Only Printing, 4 Business Days Turnaround

I know that so many of my readers also run their own businesses, so I hope you'll find this prize very useful!

*This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive stickers for hosting. Check out standard label templates on UPrinting.com.*

Softbums Echo Diaper Review and Giveaway

"Never judge a book by it's cover, " "It's what's on the inside that counts." These quotes were running through my mind as I gawked at the new diaper in my mailbox from Softbums! This print is to die for--just LOVE it! My daughter loves giraffes too, and she's been just as excited as me to put it on!

I had to keep reminding myself though that what is really important when it comes to cloth diapers is that they work. I am pleased to announce that what's INSIDE this diaper is just as great as what's outside!

I have to admit that I'd seen Softbums diapers many times while shopping for cloth diapers. I had already tried a few other brands that I liked though, so I just never took the time to research them or try them out. Gosh do I wish now that I had! I would trade in a lot of my other diapers for some more Softbums!! Hindsight is 20/20, right?

Softbums has 2 different kinds of systems--the Echo and Omni Systems. I was sent an Echo shell to try out, plus a Dry Touch Mini pod, and a Super Dry Touch Pod. This diaper system is an all-in-two system. What that means is that your diaper is basically 2 separate pieces. You have an outer, waterproof shell, and an inner absorbing liner or "pod". One of the benefits to having an AI2 diapering system is that you can purchase just a few shells, and then a stock of pods to put inside them. This tends to be a pretty cost effective choice for cloth diapering.  When your child goes to the bathroom, you take out the old pod, then put a new one in the same shell (as long as there were no *accidents*. Mom, you know what I mean!) As your baby gets older, most likely you'll have less accidents and need less shells. Now that Maggie is over a year old, I could probably get away with having 2 shells and about 12 pods. Let me break down the math for you--at 2 shells and 12 pods (even the super pods) that means I'd be paying just $114.65!

One of the things I liked most about this shell is the Slide2Size adjustment. This is a One size fits all shell and I LOVE how these diapers adjust to fit your child's legs perfectly. I honestly think this may just be THE best one-size solution yet! I was trying to put it into words how you adjust the legs, but I think it would be best just to show you these pictures. It explains it all!

 I was able to make the elastic work perfectly for Maggie's legs, and then I took the diaper and put it on one of her Cabbage Patch Dolls. Look how well it fits the doll:

These diaper work great for a little girl with skinny, long legs, and I honestly think this diaper will work with a newborn or large, chubby-legged baby just as well!

I give this diaper 2 thumbs up and would recommend it to any of my cloth diapering friends! In fact, I already took it along to a friend's house to show her. She is pregnant with her second baby and planning to buy some more diapers to increase her stock. I was excited to show her how well these diapers look like they would work for a newborn.

You can read all about Softbums and find a retailer near you by visiting them online at http://www.softbums.com/. If your favorite retailer doesn't currently carry Softbums, you might want to ask them to!

SoftBums would like to give one lucky Thrifty Nifty Mommy reader their own Echo shell, along with a SUPER Dry Touch Pod, and a Dry Touch Mini Pod. You get to pick the color! Use the simple entry form below to enter for your chance.

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Cole and the Crooked Flower Giveaway/Fundraiser

I came across this last night and knew immediately I had to share it with my readers! Jenn at Earthy Crunchee Mama has a son who was born with Progressive Infantile Scoliosis. I don't want to tell you the entire story--you should go here and read it yourself.

Through this process of curing her son, she decided to write a book for children to explain to them in a fun, simple way about scoliosis and the treatments they would receive to correct it.

Jenn is now trying to get her book published so that she can donate 100% of the proceeds to the Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program.  To publish this book and raise awareness, she needs to first raise some money for the cost of the initial publication. That's where you come in! Please consider donating even $1 to this cause, or spreading the word about it to friends and family. To say thanks for your help, she's created a giveaway for $100 gift certificate to Earthy Crunchee Mama!

Please watch the short video below.



Click this link to donate to the cause, and this link to find out all the details on the giveaway! You rock mama Jenn!

Mojo Backpack Giveaway

I know it's not even August yet, but some of you are preparing to send your kids back to school in a few short weeks! I've got an awesome back-to-school giveaway for you!

Your kids will be styling when they head back to school in a backpack from Mojo Backpacks! Mojo creates lifestyle bags based on value, durability and inspired design. I was really impressed with the large selection of backpacks that Mojo offers! You can see them all at http://www.mojobackpacks./ and stay up-to-date with them by following them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MojoBackpacks and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/MojoBags.
 

The winner of this giveaway will receive the Digital BP backpack, along with a set of Mojo headphones! The Digital BP is made of 600D Polyester with reinforced back and bottom panels to hold weighted school supplies. It features 1 Main compartment and 1 secondary compartment, with 2 side pockets and an organizer inside. It has a convenient holster on the strap to hold your phone or ipod and single strap printing.

Mojo Backpacks would also like to give all of my readers a  15% off promo code! It is "thriftynifty15".
* This promo code is limited to one per person and is valid until October 31, 2011.*


 
*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary giveaway items.*

Marz Sprays $500 Picture Contest

WHO: Marz Sprays is offering fans the opportunities to show off their creative side and win $500 just by taking a picture!

WHAT: The C-Spray Photo Contest invites fans to submit a photo promoting C-Spray, the most portable new oral vitamin C spray on the market.

WHEN: Act soon—The Photo Contest ends on August 26, 2011.

WHERE: Simply post photo submissions to Marz Sprays’ Facebook page wall so that the fans can vote!

WHY: C-Spray allows you to absorb more vitamin C and is a portable, convenient oral spray that helps you to stay healthy on the go. Don’t pass up this EASY opportunity to win up to $500!

HOW: Compose a photo promoting C-Spray. Your submission must use at least 20 oranges and promote one of C-Spray’s many benefits, such as reducing the duration of a cold or flu, helping to manage stress, or
keeping skin looking beautiful. The more outlandish, the better! Twitter and Facebook fans will vote on
their favorite to crown the winners.

For more information or to participate, ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marzsprays

Win Advertising on this Blog!

I've decided I'd give something away myself today! One fan will win free advertising with a 125x125 sized ad on the blog for the whole month of August!! All you need to do is become a Google Friend Connect Follower and then comment below with your GFC name, email address, and business/blog that you'd like advertised (all as 1 comment). On August 1st I'll randomly choose a winner. Good luck!

Saffron and Saege Giveaway!

So there's this awesome Etsy shop I found where you can get the most unique vintage-inspired jewelry! It's called Saffron and Saege.  I've been wanting a new necklace lately and I'm going to get one from her, but I can't decide which one to pick. I like these the best:

Which one would you pick? Hmm...maybe I should just get them all!

Here's a little bit of info from the creator of Saffron and Saege:

My name is Loraleigh and I live in Southern Utah with my husband and my two busy little boys. I'm a mommy by day and a jewelry designer by night. I love creating vintage inspired and modern jewelry pieces and I've recently opened up an Etsy shop, Saffron & Saege, to feed my creative outlet.

If you think those necklaces I've picked out are pretty, have a look at some of the other beautiful things she's created:

Everybody wins with this 10% off discount code, good thru August 31st--"THRIFTY10". Loraleigh would also like to spoil one of my readers with a $25 store credit! Use the easy entry form below for your chance at winning!

*This is not a paid posting. Thanks to the company for the complimentary giveaway items.*

Delta Labs Prenatal Vitamins Review & Giveaway

Well, unfortunately I'm not pregnant yet, but I'd like to be! That's why even though I'm no longer nursing, I'm still taking prenatal vitamins. Delta Labs sent me a bottle of their vitamins to review. Prior to taking these vitamins, I'd just been buying the cheapest bottle of prenatals I could find at Walmart.

The first thing I did when I got this bottle was compare the vitamin content to my other ones. For most of the vitamins, they had equal or very similar amounts. I did find however that the new prenatals sent to me from Delta Labs contained about 7 extra vitamins.  Are you currently taking prenatal vitamins? Compare your active ingredients to the chart to the right and see how they match up!

When I was pregnant with Maggie, I used to get the worst charlie horses in my legs. My midwife mentioned that taking magnesium would help. That meant that I had to buy and take an extra type of vitamin--when taking any vitamin at all made me want to gag! I was really happy to see that magnesium is already included in these vitamins. I was also really happy to see that these vitamins had a higher amount of iron in them, which I tend to need.

Another thing I noticed about these vitamins is that they were very easy on my stomach. I'm not having issues with morning sickness right now, obviously since I'm not pregnant, but I'd like to think that even if I was that they would be easier for my body to handle.

The only drawback to these supplements is the cost. One bottle, which is one month's supply, is going to cost you $24.95. While the prenatals I buy at Walmart cost around $9, they last me for about 4 months. I do, as I mentioned before, have to buy the Magnesium separate though which adds about $5 to the cost.  You must however, also take into consideration that these prenatals from Delta Labs contain even more additional vitamins. I have no idea how much they would be to purchase individually. The cost could very well in the end come out to be pretty close. You can also save a lot of money by purchasing a 3-month supply for just $49.90!

So, in conclusion, if you're strapped for cash, these might not be the prenatal vitamins for you. But, if you have a little bit of extra money, you can be confident in the fact that you're getting your baby started on the best nutritional foot by spending a little extra for high quality prenatal vitamins from Delta Labs.

Besides prenatal vitamins, Delta Labs also offers supplements for postnatal health, weight loss, and anti-aging. Check them out at http://www.shopdeltalabs.com/

Delta Labs would like to offer one of my readers their own bottle of Prenatal vitamins to try out. Just fill out the form below for your chance to win!



*I was not paid for this review. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Free eCookbook!

Do you like to cook? Do you need help with your baking? I know for me, I love to cook, but lately I've been feeling like we make the same meals over and over again! I was sent this free ecookbook to look over and have already found a few recipes I'm going to try out!

Chef Jeff would love to share it with you as well and get your input on it! Just click this link and you'll be able to download your own free copy of the cookbook! Enjoy!

*This is not a paid posting.*

Lego Freebie!

Just found out that Lego is giving away free 2 year subscriptions for their magazine! If you have a Lego fan in your family, click here to sign up!

Facebook Flash Giveaways

Hey guys!

I very, very rarely ever get the chance to post an entry on the blog that is not a review or giveaway. This has been on my heart and head ever since the flash giveaways on Tuesday night, so I really want to share it.

**Caution** What you are about to read may shock, anger, excite, or cause you a number of other emotions.

I realize as I'm about to write this that I may loose some fans in doing so, but I've always been one who says what is on my mind and I try to stand up for what I think is right. Therefore, I'm going to say it...

It is rude, obnoxious, and completely thoughtless to "like" a fan page for a giveaway, only to IMMEDIATELY "unlike" them when it is over. 

Yes, I understand that sometimes you become a fan of a page, only to realize over time that this is not something that really appeals to you. By all means, unfan them then. BUT, there is not way that you can find out everything about a business page in 5 minutes.

So many of the businesses that I work with on Facebook are run by mothers who are just trying to make ends meets, or substitute the income the lost when they quit their job to be a stay at home mom.

We all love giveaways and getting something for free--I understand that, I really do! Please remember though, that behind these flash giveaways are moms working hard every day for their families. Please remember that they are spending their hard-earned money to provide these prizes and ship them out to you.

Crazy For Bargains Review & Giveaway

Your kids want fun sleepwear, and I've got the place for you to find it! Check out http://www.crazyforbargains.com/! They have so many sleepwear options! From Elmo to Batman to Dora the Explorer, they got 'em! They even have sleepwear for adults! If anyone in your family wants to wear it to bed, they probably have it in stock!

Crazy for Bargains sent some slippers for me to try out. I picked out the Himalayan cat slippers because my daughter loves cats and I knew she'd love seeing them on my feet. They are really comfy, warm slippers that I know I'll be wearing until they fall apart.

They also sent jammies for Maggie. I love this set because it comes with shorts, pants, and a short-sleeved shirt.  They are really cute and I think pretty comfy for her to wear! These pajamas are good, quality made  clothes by Little Me.

Although many of their regular prices are about the same as what you'd find in a brick and mortar store, they also have a large sale section where you'll find lots of great deals! I found these slippers for $3.99

Incredible Hulk boxer Jammie set for $3.99

And these cute Zebra Jammies for $3.99!

And so many other great buys! The next time you realize someone in your family needs some new pajamas, make sure you stop at Crazy for Bargains and check their selection first!

They'd like to offer one of my fans a $25 credit to use in their store!  If you go for that sale section, you could end up with a lot of new sleepwear!

Oh Sew Green Review

I own a few different Oh Sew Green items now and I love them all! The very first item I ever received from Oh Sew Green was an assortment of felt foods that I got for my daughter for Easter (yes, you are seeing an Easter kitty in that basket--my daughter is way into kitties, so we figured, why not!) . They are all SO cute! My absolute favorite item was the chicken with removable wings and legs. I also love the banana with removable peel.  All of these felt foods have been a big hit with my daughter though and her guests! She really loves the bag! She has fun stuffing it full of food and sharing it with our dogs. We play with this food on a daily basis!

Racheal at Oh Sew Green recently sent me a cloth diaper to review and it's Oh Sew Cute! Even my husband said so! It is a tie-die patterned, AI2, sized diaper.  Right off the bat, I can tell you that I love how trim this diaper is!  So many of my daughters diapers fit her, but on her tiny petite body look SO BIG. This diaper fits her really, really well and doesn't look too much bigger than a 'sposie under her shorts.

One of the unique things about her AI2 diapers is the soaker. She uses a quality prefolds (not the Gerbers!) and then sews a stay-dry fleece layer on top, in the middle (see picture below!). I wasn't sure at first how this would work for us. I used prefolds for the first couple of weeks with Maggie when I started cding and wasn't too impressed. I had SO many leaks. I think it was just because I didn't know how to get them on right, or had a cover that wasn't as good. Whatever the reason was, I haven't had any problems with this diaper. I've had great absorbency and no leaks. In fact, she wore the diaper today for over 2 hours without the slightest of leaks.

When I look for a good cloth diaper, I look for 3 things. One--cuteness, I can't help it, I want me diapers to look sweet. Two--Trimness, I want them to not add a lot of bulk, Three--leak protection--really, who doesn't want that?! My diaper from Oh Sew Green passed all three tests with flying colors! We really love it and I'm sure this diaper will be found in my dirty diaper basket a LOT because I plan on using it all the time!

(Yes, I realize this picture is a blur--this is my daughter when I try to get any pictures usually these days--she takes off running!)

I thought I'd take a picture to just to demonstrate how trim this diaper is. This is the diaper next to a FuzziBunz One size on the setting I use for my daughter. Big difference! The one size diapers are nice because of the fact that they can be worn as your child grows, but these sized diapers are SO nice because of the fit! And, at only $13 a piece plus shipping, you can afford to buy sized diapers! I'm already planning on getting some XS sized diapers from her whenever we get around to baby number 2!

If you'd like to win a diaper from Oh Sew Green, you're in luck! She has a Newborn fitted diaper in my big July giveaway! Click here to go to the giveaway and enter. You also have a chance to win a set of bibs from her in my Girl's Giveaway AND Boy's Giveaway!

Besides making felt food and cloth diapers, you can also purchase un-paper towels, reusable snack bags, cloth trainers, and mama cloth from Oh Sew Green, all at GREAT prices! Visit her on Facebook today!

I also have 2 trainers from Oh Sew Green. I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, (we went on vacation and had so much going on, I sorta fell off the potty training bus)  but I'm hoping next week we can hit potty training hard again!

*I was not paid for this review. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review diaper.*

Dano Ducki Winner!

The Dano Ducki winner is Latanya Thornhill! Congratulations!! You should be receiving your Ducki shortly (no need to email me, you supplied your shipping info, so I've forwarded it along already!).

Cutesy Tushies Winner!

We have a winner! Congratulations to Lauren Jager! No need to email me, you supplied your mailing address already, so it will be in the mail to you shortly lucky lady!! If that's not your name though, don't be too sad! Watch for a new giveaway on this blog from Cutesy Tushies coming soon!!

Scan Digital Winner!

Congratulations to Vickie Dunn! You won the Scan Digital Giveaway! Please respond to the email I've sent you within 48 hours, or email me directly at thriftyniftymommy@yahoo.com.

Chirply Giveaway & Coupon Code

Well, some of you may know that I recently started a "Guest Blogger" program. When I have a company contact me to review a product that I am unable to review, I contact a guest blogger to see if they are interested in the opportunity. So far it's been going really well! I've had a few people write guest posts for me, and more are coming soon! Unfortunately, I had someone sign up for the program, had product sent to them, and haven't heard from them since. As disappointed as I am at this, I don't want to stop this program because I really think the other results have been wonderful! This did, however, leave me with a company who sent product to be reviewed, and now unfortunately I can not give you a review. I would still like to spotlight this great company, so here it is!

Chirply makes greeting cards, notebooks, and wrapping paper FUN!  Chirply is a community of artists and design lovers that want to make better stuff through better design! The community collectively decides what the best submitted designs are, and then those designs are made into things we use everyday like greeting cards, notebooks, and wrapping paper!

I've looked around their site a few times now and I'm always amazed at the creativity there! These greeting cards are so much nicer looking than those you find at the grocery store! I've put a couple of my favorite cards in this blog post, but really, you should go check it out yourself! You can even submit your own designs!!

Despite the fact that they aren't getting their product reviewed today, Chirply has still been awesome enough to offer my readers a coupon code for 25% off! Just put in "thrifty25" at checkout! On top of that, they'd also like to give one of my readers their own 5 pack of cards--you even get to pick the designs!

*I was not paid for this review. Thanks to the company for the complimentary giveaway items.*