Customizable Diaper Disposal for Small Spaces The Diaper One-N-Done + Giveaway

Meet my new friend, the Diaper One N Done, a diaper disposal system for those in the land of small spaces - or simply those who don't want to store a bin holding 30 smelly diapers in their home!

The Diaper One N Done may lack the sexiness of some of its larger disposal peers, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in ingenuity.  The bin was created for those who like their home to smell free of soiled diapers and are tired of the complexities of trying to empty other larger disposal systems.  And it is perfect for your typical New York City apartment.

We got this little guy right before the holidays and spent some time testing its features so we could share it with you.  The unit will stand on its own or features these great hooks on the back so it can hang off the changing table.  As you are changing your kiddo, you can toss the soiled diaper, wipes, etc. all into the bin without having these items set about where a small hand could potentially grab.  When you are finished with the change, simply pull the bag up, seal it with a knot, and detach the bag from the next bag (sort of like a grocery produce bag).  Voila!

Overall, I'm satisfied with the product and its concept.  I expressed to the very gracious creator of the product, I'd love it to be, well, a little more aesthetically pleasing and then noticed they had created some cute designs for the pails, and left the white one to be customizable.  I got the itch to be crafty, so I went and picked up a couple of scrapbook papers that had designs I liked and some double sided tape.  I had originally wanted to use contact paper - but couldn't find any designs I was crazy about.

   

I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty sure I nailed this re-design.  Now it matches the colors of Zion's room, and looks a lot sexier! Honestly, I feel like it's almost better to offer it plain so that you can customize it like I did!

 

My only other feedback was that I'd really love it if scented bags were available as well.  The current bags are clear and come in rolls of 50.  And they are currently having a special deal through the end of January - buy 3 and get the 4th free!

   

Zion loves putting her own diaper in the little bin.  Now if I could just get bag to walk itself out to the trash!

The lovely inventors of this nifty system have graciously offered to give a Diaper One N Done to one of my lucky readers!  If you have any friends that are expecting - this makes a great shower gift - be sure to check out their gift baskets!  To enter, simply visit The Diaper One N Done shop and leave a comment below with your email address and which unit you would like sent to you if you win!

Mandatory entry: 1) Leave a comment with your email and which unit you want if you win.
Additional entries (leave a separate comment for each one): 2) Like the Diaper One N Done on Facebook, 3) Share the giveaway on any social media (1 comment/entry for each share - include URL).
Ends: 1/31/13 at 11:59pm.

I received a complimentary Diaper One N Done unit for my review, however; all opinions expressed in this post are unsolicited and my own.

Visit this Extra Lovely Blogger:

Thoughts on Trying to Conceive Non-Traditional Baby Shower Ideas

This post could also be titled, "waaaahhhh I wanteeeeee baby now!!!!" But don't worry, I'm not going to get all ugly-cry on you, not just yet anyway.  It seems as though when you really want something to happen (read: a new car, marriage, baby) everyone seems to have or be getting what you want.

I mean just in the last month I've heard of at least 4 new pregnancies of people I am acquainted with.  And I'm not jealous, I'm sincerely thrilled for these ladies, but it does leave that question of wonder.  More like a mix between bewilderment and frustration.  I mean, seriously, you do all these things in your adolescent years to prevent pregnancy (unless you abstained - God knows I wish I had, but that is for another post)...and then you get married and you have your first baby rather unexpectedly and then you think okay great, it's time for another.  You start actually trying to make it happen and then ... nada.

They say to give it a full year of best effort before looking into it, but man is that hard to do when your biological clock is ticking like crazy.  Needless to say, I'm not pregnant yet.  But, I'm ready.  And I'm not desperate or discouraged but believing and waiting on God for His timing.  It is so hard to wait for those things which our heart's so eagerly desire!  So to all of you that are waiting for something right now...just know...I feel you!

On that note, thought it would be fun to share some Non-traditional Baby Shower Ideas predicted by Beau-coup!

1. Diaper Showers

How it works: Diapers are the one thing every new parent needs – and they will need a mountain of diapers in the coming months. Each guest is asked to bring diapers and diaper changing supplies like wipes and ointments in lieu of gifts. Diaper showers are common for mothers who are having a second or third child, but they are also a great way to help out a new mom.

2. Casserole Showers

How it works: It is important for mom and dad to stay happy and healthy while they focus on those crucial first months of their new baby’s life. With a casserole shower, friends and family can ensure the new parents have enough food to last them through those first few weeks of sleepless nights spent looking after the little one. Between caring for baby and work, many a mom and dad would forget to eat entirely if it were not for caring friends and family.

3. Book Showers

How it works: Parents who are bibliophiles may hope to pass on their love of books to their little ones. By having a book shower complete with cute bookmark favors, mom and dad can build a child-friendly library of books that will help their little bookworm grow and learn.

4. "Dadchelor" Parties

How it works: New dads are celebrating their impending fatherhood the same way they are celebrating their weddings – with one last day of freedom before the big day. With a “dadchelor” party, the father-to-be gets to spend a day with his buddies doing…well, whatever he wishes.

5. Girls Night Out/In

How it works: Instead of showering the new mom with gifts, her best gal pals can get together with mom-to-be and spoil her rotten before baby arrives. Many new moms truly enjoy one last day of pampering with close friends before their lives become all about baby.

6. Gender Reveal

How it works: A gender reveal party requires early planning. Parents-to-be have to keep the baby’s gender a secret from friends and family, and maybe even themselves, for it to work. Ask the ultrasound technician to write the sex down on a piece of paper, and seal it in an envelope. That envelope gets handed to the baker who then bakes either a pink cake or blue cake depending on whether the baby is a girl or a boy. The cake then gets covered in white frosting until the pink or blue cake is completely hidden. Have guests show up at the party dressed in either pink or blue to indicate which sex they believe the cake will reveal. The fun and exciting moment arrives when everyone finds out the gender at the same time as the new mom and dad cut into the cake to discover whether they are welcoming a boy or girl!

7. Adoption Celebration

How it works: Many new parents adopt or foster rather than conceiving traditionally. Many of these new parents may have adoption celebrations called “Welcome Home” parties, or “Meet the Baby” gatherings. Adoption celebrations are a great way to ensure the new parents have everything they need to help raise their adoptive child.

8. Sip'N'See

How it works: A sip 'n' see is a “meet the baby” party. It is the perfect opportunity for friends and family to come visit the new parents and their little bundle of joy a few weeks after the birth. A smaller production than a traditional baby shower, a sip ‘n’ see is a great way to get in some quiet bonding time with light refreshments.

9. Baby Naming

How it works: A baby naming ceremony is a non-religious way for parents to make a spiritual and emotional commitment to their baby. Traditionally, the new parents choose the baby’s name and reveal it to close friends and family, while making a vow to love and protect the child. This is an increasingly popular event where parents can publicly welcome the new addition to their family.

Information above used with permission from Beau-Coup - a great resource for baby shower favors and more!  

On My Heart... The Unimaginable

Lately I've been feeling especially sensitive to stories in the news of moms losing their children in unfathomable tragedy.

First, there was the mom who came home to her Central Park West apartment to find her trusted nanny had snapped, murdering two of her three young children and then trying to kill herself.

And then there was Hurricane Sandy and the story of a mom fleeing for her life with her two young boys, when the water overcame their vehicle and they were forced to leave it, the boys were ripped from her arms by the raging surge.

Both of these stories left me feeling such empathy for these mothers - I honestly don't know which scenario would be worse - either way - I just can't imagine the pain and the loss they are experiencing at this time.

One of the things that I didn't expect as I become a mother, or at least not to the degree of it, is this fierce protective nature that instinctually takes over.  Before I'd ever left the hospital with Zion, I had to watch the video...you know...the "don't shake your baby" video.  It literally had both me and the hubs crying - we just couldn't fathom how anyone could hurt their child in this way.

And then as I recovered those first few weeks - I would remember a rogue thought popping into my mind of "what if something happened to my daughter" and it would literally tighten every muscle north of my shoulder blades.  I was hypervigilant in those early weeks.  To a certain degree I still am.

Sometimes, the fear of something happening to my daughter - just the thought of it, can send me into an emotional spiral.  I think also about if someone were to hurt my daughter, what that would do to me - how I'd react, and how I'd ultimately respond.

As moms - we are nurturers: we kiss the boo-boos, take care of needs, tend volatile little emotions - and at the same time we are guardians: there to protect, to be their voice, and to fight for their survival if provoked.  With the same mouth we can magically heal a bump or bruise and in the next moment cuttingly warn someone to back off if they get too close to our child.

Many of my deepest thoughts lately have been in reflection of the parent-child relationship.  I've been thinking about God as the Father.  I've been trying to empathize with what it must have been like for Him to send Jesus to the Cross.  I mean, I'm going to be totally honest, when I look around at the world today, and then I look at my little girl, if I had to give her up for the wickedness of the world to be forgiven - placing all of the world's mistakes upon her, sending her to a brutal, torturous death on a cross---could I do that?  No.  Most certainly I could not.

Only God could do such a thing.  I do not believe even for a minute that a loving parent could sacrifice their child AND survive the pain.

And that is just it.  God loves all of his creation as his children - He's invited us all to be adopted into his family - but it cost him greatly - it cost him his one and only son.  Now of course, Jesus was raised to life and sits with the Father now, but it doesn't negate that God loves each of us so much he was willing to make a trade so that he could experience the same relationship with us.  So that we could know him, and experience Him.

That kind of Father is foreign to me.  A Father that would stop at nothing to bring all of his children into the fold, to save all of his children from eternal damnation.  The most stunning thought I have is that God could have shown up at any time now to judge the Earth, but he hasn't.  His desire that all should be saved is so strong, his love and compassion and mercy so overflowing, that he allows us to continue in our wretched state.

No one has more faith in humanity, than the creator of humanity himself.  And that is something worth thinking about.

My Favorite Children's Books

I haven't done a Ten post in a while, and today seemed like a great time for it.  I've got to be honest with you, its been difficult lately keeping up with blogging.  The Holidays are fast approaching, my husband is still studying to complete his CPA by the end of the month, and we are in full home-preschool mode - which means time for myself and even time just to connect with you lovelies has been scarce.

I haven't even had the chance to share the many many great things going on with us right now - I have a head spinning in ideas for posts, with relatively no time to get them written!  If only Siri was slightly better at voice transcription...that would be so great!  Anyway, on the topic of home-preschool, I have been loving seeing Zion develop an appreciation of reading and books.

The girl has a photographic memory I tell you!  She can pick up a story by the 2nd time its read, so when she has quiet time she actually "reads" herself her stories, like almost word for word from memory.  She's only 2.5 so I assure you she is not actually reading them, but its incredibly impressive.  I think the biggest compliment is that she will read the stories with the same emphasis and voice changes and expressions that I use to bring them to life.  Cute overload for sure.  

Here are my 10 favorite children's stories from when I was a child...let me know if any of them resonate with you!

10.  Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

9. Robot by Jan Pienkowski

8. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

7.  The Frog & Toad Stories by Arnold Lobel

6. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald

5. The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Lowrey

4. The Funny Little Woman by Arlene Mosel

3. Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Suess

2. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

1. The Monster at the end of this Book by Jon Stone

Funny story to tell you about my all time favorite story - The Monster at the end of this Book, I actually loved this book so much that I tore the pages out of this book and hid them, because I didn't want to share it with anyone...it was mine, all mine.  Oh man!

Before I leave you - I have to take a minute and just mention this awesome campaign that Capital One & The Heart of America Foundation are wrapping up this week called, Book by Book!  Research shows that a child’s access to reading material is one of the strongest predictors of their ability to succeed academically, yet some 60% of children in low-income families have no books in their homes.

These two companies are coming together to donate a goal of 50,000 books!!  All you have to do to participate is to like their Investing for Good facebook page and they will donate a book!  They are currently about 8000 likes shy of their goal!  You can also vote for your favorite books to help influence the books that will be donated!  Would you help us to get some of these favorite books in the hands of kids less fortunate!? Just click like below, and to vote for your favorites click here!

Linking with Lena!

babyhuddle! U.S. Launch!

Hey lovelies! Check out this great resource for parents that is launching today in the U.S.! babyhuddle is an online parenting community, one-stop shop and resource guide all in one.  They launched in the UK in 2011 and have been growing like crazy!  I had a few days to test out the site ahead of the launch, and its been super easy to use, and a great way to ask questions, organize lists of items that would help others, and find new and interesting products that other parents recommend.

Here is a screen shot of my profile ... I created a couple of lists, and have asked/answered a few questions as well.

You can follow specific parents that you find on babyhuddle with lists/answers you find valuable.

Here are some of my pluses and minuses of the site:

(+):

• Super easy to use and efficient, clean interface.
• You can create great bundles of products in your lists - which is great to use as a resource for friends that are expecting for the first time, or to keep track of things you found invaluable during different stages.
• Great information, and answers from parents.

(-):

• I couldn't find a way to add any products that weren't already listed on the directory - and there were some things that I'd love to have added to my lists, so I hope that will be a future option.

Though this isn't the first parent community site I've come across, it does offer a few unique ways of sorting and gaining valuable information from other parents.  I also feel that it is less cluttered and overwhelming than a lot of the other resources out there - I encourage you to take a look at it yourself
and see what you think of it!

Make sure you check out my lists - "Help for sleep deprived parents" and "Breastfeeding Easily & Successfully" for some of my favorite products that got me through that first year with Zion!

Visit babyhuddle on: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

I was compensated for my time in writing/reviewing Babyhuddle, however; all opinions and views expressed in this post are my own.

Precious Baby Girlby Patricia Capansky

PRECIOUS BABY GIRL

    After many hours of waiting,

for this Husband and his Wife,

a baby girl named Zion,

was born into their life.

This precious baby girl,

a blessing from above,

for Courtney, and Jerry Earl

to have and hold and love.

And as they hold their Precious Girl

we surely can’t deny,

their love for her grows stronger

with each day that goes by.

But that’s what God intended,

he knew their hearts would shine,

so he sent this Little Angel

her love is so divine.

As weeks and months just fly,

sweet childhood won’t last,

each new day they smile and say,

“You’re growing up too fast.”

But the love keeps growing with her,

since she came into this world

to a couple that is truly blessed

with a Precious Baby Girl.

by Patricia Capansky

www.anitapoems.com

***

Isn't this poem beautiful!?

Martin Dejnicki, 

inspired to write poetry to his wife for their 10th anniversary, 

discovered his desire to bring joy to the lives of others through words,

and he is doing just that with his site, Anita Poems.

I was honored that he reached out to me 

to write a custom poem about our family.  

One of Anita Poems contributors, 

Patricia, wrote this beautiful poem for us.

 Thank you Martin & Patricia!

{BabyBelly}+Giveaway

These pictures were taken in April 2010,  just a couple weeks before Zion's big debut.They were a gift from a precious friend,and taken by Indigo Foto.This is the very first time I'm sharing them.
I didn't love being pregnant,but I loved knowing I was going to be a mother.It was a hard road to travel being that I had just got into the best shape I'd been in for years!
Now when I look at these pictures,almost two full years later,I wish I could go back there.I'm nostalgic.
There is nothing quite like the wonderof carrying a child in your womb.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mothering a Daughter

As May kicks off, I'm reflecting on my relationship with Zion.  She turns 2 on the 15th!  I can't believe how quickly it has gone by.  I'm sharing a bit about what I look forward to as the mother of a daughter, I originally posted this on Kristina's blog last month. 
Also, I'm taking a trip back to early motherhood over at Like A Bird, while Kendra is enjoying her time getting to know and falling madly in love with her precious newborn baby boy, Jeff!  Be sure to stop over there and congratulate her!


It is such a privilege and a responsibility to raise a daughter. I have always wanted to be a mom, and I can't tell you how happy I am that I had a daughter first.  She has opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible.  There are so many things I want for her to experience and enjoy in her life.

As her imagination begins to flourish, I look forward to creating a dress-up box for her; filling it with play clothes and old high-heels.  I look forward to watching her try on necklaces and jewelry, tiaras and heels.

I look forward to her begging me and the hubs for ballet lessons, or other dance lessons.  And watching her twirl in a little tutu in front of us.  She loves twirling already, and any form of dance makes her face light up.
via Kasey Albano
I look forward to passing on my love of baking.  Spending countless hours trying new recipes, licking the spoons and delighting in our creations.

I look forward to hair cuts and dyes and all kinds of hair style experiments.  She has such beautiful soft curls, and I am so excited to see her hair as it grows longer and she is able to do more with it.

I look forward to her being a little older so that we can travel as a family to Israel, and experience our faith in a fresh and inspirational way.  We're planning our trip for next year!

I look forward to shopping trips, where we can chat about our love of shoes, try on new outfits and sip our fancy coffee drinks together.

I look forward to her first roller coaster ride and visits to amusement parks, theme parks and other fun resorts!  We have family in Orlando, so Disney World seems like a great option in the near future!

I look forward to teaching her how to apply make-up, and doing her make-up for special occasions.

I look forward to learning all of her dreams and desires, her passions and purposes.  I look forward to watching her run confidently in their direction.

I look forward to all the major life events, achievements and milestones she will reach in her life.  I look forward to throwing huge celebrations every step of the way and being her number one fan, always.

And most importantly, what I look forward to the most, is her recognizing what Jesus did for us all, and fully embracing the gift of salvation and grace that is offered to her.

All images except photograph of Courtney & Zion with permission via Stock.Xchng