Green Sprouts Baby Food Mill Review

Green Sprouts Food Mill Review

Okay so we have already talked about baby led weaning and how wonderful it is… But this is for the moms who like to feed their babes puréed food or a version of BLW.

We do some puréed food but Jack really doesn’t care for them. He would rather feed himself even when it’s something that requires a spoon. Right away he could feed himself yogurt with a spoon, providing I dip the spoon first and hand it to him.

I purchased a baby food mill for those few occasions that I would steam and purée a few foods. I decided on the one made by Green Sprouts.

The device is comprised of 3 parts and is fairly easy to assemble and use. I did notice that when filling the device with food, sometimes it can leak from the bottom if there is excess juice. A towel placed underneath while in use helps with this issue.

In these pictures, I have a steamed Mango chunked that I am running through the mill.

So all you do is place the bottom plunger part (dark green in middle of 1st picture) just inside the bowl leaving room to continue pushing later (light green to the left) and fill tube with soft fruits or veggies. Next attach the metal mill piece in top of bowl and push down on the plunger while turning the handle of the mill. The purée will come up through the metal mill holes and you can serve right out of the mill bowl or transfer into another dish.

Overall this is a nice Eco friendly product and at around $14 online, I would say that this is a great deal. I rate this product 4/5 (would’ve been 5/5 except for the slight leak I had)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Poop Belongs In The Toilet! Bummis Liners Review

Poop Belongs In The Toilet! Bummis Diaper Liners Review

What is it?

A liner used in cloth diapers to catch fecal matter in order to help prevent stains and facilitate disposal.

Features:

Soft Viscose Rayon
Biodegradable
Flushable ( in most septic systems)
Inexpensive
Pre-cut perforated sheets
100 per roll

Summary:

Bummis diaper liners are thin and allow the moisture to escape into the cloth diaper while catching the “crap”. They are easy to use and perforated to tear from the roll easily during nappy changes. You simply lay the liner inside the diaper against baby’s bottom and remove when diaper has been soiled. If only urine is present, dispose in a trash receptacle. If doody has been dropped, pick it up by the corners and flush it down the toilet where it belongs! This makes the fecal matter much easier to dispose of and saves your diapers many times from nasty stains.

We use these liners on an inconsistent basis. I have to say, when Jack poops in a liner, and I don’t have to wash out that diaper, I am a happy mama!

The only drawback is with runny poop. If the liner is too far toward the front and the poop is too runny, the product is useless. Placement is important and not for EBF babies. This product works best for babies that have started solid foods.

These are totally unnecessary but for 8.99, I find them affordably convenient! And i reccomend you give them a try if poop tends to gross you out. I give this product a 4/5.

You can buy these locally in Baton Rouge at Angel Britches.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Winner of Andi Lynn’s Elderberries Giveaway!

The winner of the free Mista Hista from Andi Lynn’s Elderberry Syrup is….

Beth Schraufnagel who posted on May 24, 2013 at 9:52 am

Please comment below so I can contact you for mailing details!

Check out the other drawings we have coming up by clicking HERE

Andi Lynn’s Elderberry Giveaway Tonight!

Drawing is at six tonight!!!

Still time to enter!

The Mighty Elderberry! Andi Lynn’s Elderberries Review

Andi Lynn’s Elderberry Syrup

What is it?

A syrup made from elderberries and honey used to aid in immune support and promote overall health.

Read this excellent article about all the benefits of the might elderberry!
Click Here!!!!

Summary:

Andi Lynn’s elderberries come in several forms.

Original syrup in mason jar- 96 tsp servings:
Pure blend
Spring blend
Winter blend

2 oz dropper bottles:
Baby Glycerite
Mista Hista Glycerite
On The Go Tincture

I personally love the pure blend, it’s especially delightful on vanilla ice cream!

People have seen improvement in allergies, asthma, eczema and many other health concerns.

This winter my husband came down with the flu, and the same week I had oral surgery so not helping take care of Jack was not an option. My husband was so sick and even though he continued to hold, bathe and change him, Jack didn’t get sick. I certainly attribute that to the 3 daily doses of elderberry he was receiving everyday.

The original syrups had honey in them so they are not recommended for infants under 1 year of age. The baby blend is specifically formulated for infants and uses vegetable glycerin to preserve it instead of honey. The convenient dropper bottle can go wherever you go without refrigeration.

The newest offering is Mista Hista. This is especially good for springtime allergies and colds. It contains nettle leaf and anise seed along with elderberry in a dropper bottle and does not require refrigeration.

I am giving away a 1 oz dropper bottle of Mista Hista on this blog. to be entered you must follow this blog, like Andi Lynn’s Elderberries on FB and comment below.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sippys Out- Eco In! Eco Vessel Kids Review

The Eco Vessel Kids Scout Bottle

What is it?

Stainless steel water bottle with a flip top straw for drinking. This model is specifically geared towards kids.

Features:

Made from recycled materials
Thick stainless steel
Comes with an extra straw
Free of toxins many plastic options carry
Fun colors and graphics
Leak proof when flip top is down
13oz
Rubberized spout tip

Summary:

This is one awesome water bottle, it’s Eco friendly and made of recycled materials but is strong to withstand a beating that only a child can deliver. The scout bottle comes with a rubberized spout that’s easy on the mouth and an extra straw incase you misplace or wear out the original. The bottle is leakproof when the top is in down position. It comes in bright fun colors like blue, orange, pink and others along with graphics to catch your child’s eye. This 13oz bottle is the perfect size for small hands and free of harmful chemicals that many plastic options contain.

In the pictures you can see that Jack loves his Eco vessel scout. We have the green and orange one featuring a cute little grasshopper on the side. This product is recommended for 4 yrs and above but 7 month old Jack prefers this to any sippy cup. We do what works in our family- so Eco vessel it is!

You can purchase Eco vessel scouts locally in Baton Rouge at Angel Britches, visit their web page by clicking HERE

Or visiting the Eco Vessel web page by clicking HERE

They make a wide range of products but I recommend this one. Coming in at $16.95 I give this product a 5/5 rating.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Enjoy Life Giveaway Winners!

The 3 winners of the Enjoy Life giveaway are:

1. Petra Fontenot

2. Jansen Hebert

3. Cayla Millet

You have 24 hours (from 6pm CST May 13, 2013) to comment on this post to claim your prize. Please leave an email address to be contacted. Enjoy Life will mail your prize to you directly!

For more information on Enjoy Life products click HERE.

Check out our upcoming giveaways by clicking HERE! – Freebies!

Jack’s Always On My Hip & In My Hava! Hava Ring Sling Review

The Hava Ring Sling Review

What is it?

A long piece of fabric held together by a ring creating an adjustable carrier for an infant or child.

Features:

Adjustable
Multiple carrying positions
Padding along top and bottom edges
Plush shoulder pad
Sturdy ring
Zipper pouch in tail
Available in petite, regular and long
Wide array of patterns and colors
Soft cotton material – also available in organic cotton

Summary:

This carrier is comfortable for the wearer and child due to the padded shoulder and edging. Easy to use design and comes with an instructional DVD to teach you how to wear your baby in this sling. I love that I can put my keys, phone and even a receiving blanket in the zipper pouch located in the tail of the sling. This is very convenient for quick errands in and out of stores.

This is also the only carrier that I can easily nurse while baby wearing. When he was small, I would lay him down in the sling and make it tight across my chest. This allowed Jack to nurse and sleep as he pleased while I went about my day or even sat through church service. As he is getting bigger and older, I prefer to sit him straight up on my hip to nurse.

The sizing for this particular ring sling is very easy as it comes in just 3- petite, regular or long. We use the regular sizing and I love the print we chose called “esme”.
Depending on the print/color and fabric type you choose, pricing is between $69-$89. I give this product a 5/5 rating.

If you would like to purchase a HAVA ring sling, visit Angel Britches here locally in Baton Rouge, LA. You can also visit their website by clicking HERE

To visit the Hava Ring Sling website click HERE

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Enjoy Life! And cookies? And Chocolate? Oh Yes!

As most of you know, I eat Gluten Free. Today I would like to share some amazing gluten, dairy, nut & soy free products! These are made by Enjoy Life, you can visit their website by clicking HERE!

Personally, my favorite product is the soft baked snicker-doodle cookies! These cookies are soft and chewy with just the right mix of cinnamon and sugar to leave you satisfied! They are smaller in size compared to some cookies but this is good for your waistline. Just because these are major allergen free and non GMO does not mean they are “good for you”. So moderation is key! I’m laughing as I type that because when these are in the pantry, they do not last long at all!

I also greatly enjoy the chocolate products they make as well! I keep the chocolate chips in my pantry on a regular basis for baking. They are also great to have a small handful when you just “need” chocolate! The chocolate bars are delicious too, I especially enjoy the dark and rice milk crunch bars.

This company makes a variety of flavors and products including snack bars, chips made from lentils and more! These products are available online and in stores!

I recently purchased a box of my favorite snicker doodle cookies and discovered to my surprise that one was missing! During production, one had been left out. I emailed the company and a sweet lady named Beth responded with an apology and coupons. I was greatly impressed with the customer service I received.

I contacted Beth again this week and she has agreed to give 3 of my followers a FREE Enjoy Life product!!!! You must comment below and be a follower of Jacks Crunchy Mama to enter. The drawing will be held Monday, May 13th and announced at 6:00pm CST.

You can also “like” Enjoy Foods on Facebook by clicking HERE

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Real Men Wear Babies On Their Backs: Ergo Baby Review

Above is Jack’s dad carrying him on his back in our Ergo Sport.

The Ergo Baby Carrier: Sport Model

What is it?

A backpack style device used to carry an infant on ones person.

Features:

Easy to use
Lightweight
Breathable fabric
Padded shoulder straps
Large adjustment range
3 Infant positions (seated-not dangling)
Moderate pricing
Accommodates children up to 45lbs

Summary:

The Ergo Baby Sport is a user friendly, easy on the body way to keep your infant close and secure. The device is quickly adjustable making it the easy choice for moms and dads to share. Sizing is not a problem as this carrier can easily accommodate a petite woman around 5 feet or a large, broad shouldered man over 6 feet. If you are one of the few outside of the manufactured range, an extender is available for purchase. This lightweight an breathable carrier is great for any climate. The design evenly distributes the weight of the child so there is no excessive pressure on the hips, lower back or shoulders. The shoulder straps are thickly padded for comfort and allow for long trips shopping, hiking or perhaps a day at the zoo. The baby is always in a seated position instead of a “crotch dangling” position which does not allow for a comfortable ride or proper hip alignment. The Ergo can be worn in 3 positions including: child facing inward, side/hip hold, and on the back (think effortless piggy back ride). This product also allows use for a child up to 45lbs, making it usable for several years.

My mother purchased our Ergo for us when Jack was 4 weeks old and we have used it almost every single day since then. I will admit, Jacks dad uses it more than I do. This is due to the one major drawback for me, nursing. I cannot seem to nurse Jack in this particular carrier comfortably. I get it done in desperate situations where I must nurse or be clawed to death, but it’s a challenge. My husband takes Jack for a walk in our neighborhood every night and puts him to sleep in it when he’s over stimulated and extra cranky. Works like a charm!

I will say that if I had to purchase all over again, I would buy the performance edition instead of the sport and here’s why:

Mesh sections for increased airflow
Zipper pouch for storing keys, phone, wallet ect.
Small ridge of padding at baby’s neckline providing comfort during a nap in the carrier

BUT the performance is more expensive at $135 versus $115 to purchase this product locally in Baton Rouge check out Angel Britches by clicking here!

So I give the Ergo Sport 4/5 rating.

See Jack 4 weeks old riding in our Ergo Sport with his Grandma.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”