namaste inc. :: vegan handbags & accessories {giveaway}

I was one of those pregnant women who bit the bullet and chose substance over style when it came to my diaper bag. And for the last 12 months? I have loved my one-strap backpack. It’s easy to use and my husband isn’t afraid to hold it when we’re in public. But a couple of months ago, I could feel a change coming. I missed all the pretties I gave up because they weren’t practical, and I found myself in need of, dare I even say it? A mom purse. You know the kind – big enough to hold diapers, wipes, snacks, and a few clean onesies as well as your cell phone, a novel, wallet and camera.

How thrilled was I to find Namaste Inc. had solved the age old diaper bag/mom purse dilemma? Ecstatic times ten! They pride themselves on “providing customer service that is prompt, personal, and friendly, while offering products and accessories that are hip, innovative, and fashion-forward.” I can tell you from personal experience they do just that. Their accessories are smart and inventive. The service is outstanding, and the products are phenomenal. Namaste Inc.’s wide selection of handbags and totes offers the perfect bag for businesswomen, photographers, crafters, and moms who desire to look fashionable but could easily fill a suitcase with all their necessities.

I chose the Laguna bag in black – but it was a hard decision with such fun colors as Eggplant and Peacock vying for the top spot. The Laguna has two exterior pockets and four interior pockets – one which serves as a divider in the middle of the bag. I love this feature because I can split my purse into two sections: mine and Katherine’s. The purse also has two handles and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Be still my beating heart! Function and style! Busy women often lament having only two hands, and this strap allows me to corral my daughter, carry shopping bags and dig for my keys without worrying about dropping my purse or struggling to keep it from slipping off my shoulder. The PVC-free, animal friendly faux leather is gorgeous yet durable – yet another mommy must! The cherry on top? It's the clear winner to be my carry-on when we hit the airport for our summer vacation.

Namaste surprised me with a matching wallet, and ladies, I adore it. It holds all my licenses, insurance, debit, credit and library cards in a way that I can clearly see each one. It doesn’t burst at the seams if the change purse gets a little full or if my checkbook is holding a few too many receipts. In fact, my cell phone even fits in it, making it a perfect makeshift clutch in a pinch!


The third fabulous find in my box is truly an innovation for those of us who carry big bags. The blessing of a large purse is also its curse: it can hold a lot of stuff. Enter the Cali Collection’s Oh Snap! Three piece pouch set. L-O-V-E. Small items that make their way to the bottom of your bottomless pit can now be safely stored and easily accessed when needed. Once again, Katherine and I split them up – a mini-notebook, crochet project, Excedrin and make-up in mine and diaper cream, diapers, an emergency snack, and spare pacifier in hers. The third holds our sunscreen & bug spray. Pure brilliance, and so very simple!

Whether you’re looking for a new handbag, wallet, clutch or an organizational system to return your purse to its desired Zen state, Namaste Inc. has what you need. They’ve also go your chance to WIN a Laguna bag and matching wallet in your choice of Black, Red, Eggplant or Peacock. Keep reading to find out how to enter!

Stay up-to-date with the latest from Namaste by following them on Twitter and liking them on Facebook!

Cali Collection Laguna Bag :: $85
the Wallet :: $40
Oh Snap! 3 pc. set :: $20

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!

One SIMPLE reader will win a Laguna bag and matching wallet! Here is how to enter - leave a comment for each entry!

• Check out Namaste Inc. and come back here telling me which product you think will be great for this summer! (Required)
• "Like" Namaste Inc. on Facebook
• "Like" this post (see that blue button at the bottom? Click it!)
• Follow Namaste Inc. on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog and leave us a link!
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Fashion forward vegan handbag and wallet from @NamasteInc up for grabs at @simplereviews!! http://tiny.cc/q6c2v #contest #giveaway RT!
• Sign up for our daily emails
  
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be chosen on July 15, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I received these products to facilitate this review and promotion. The opinions expressed are my own.*

diaper cakewalk :: diaper cakes {giveaway}

Whenever I go to a baby shower, I'm always blown away by the cute diaper cakes on display. I think these make great gifts for the mom-to-be! Who wouldn't want to receive a mountain of diapers for their newest addition? Not only are these diaper cakes practical gifts, they also make great decorations for showers. I've seen my fair share of diaper cakes - some homemade and some professionally done - but none compare to the quality of those created by Diaper Cakewalk. I received their Brown and Blue diaper cake last week and was incredibly impressed with its presentation. Amidst the crazy amount of diapers, they've also included Johnson's baby shampoo, soap and powder, washcloths, a comb/brush set, a pacifier, Desitin diaper rash cream and an adorable blue teddy bear on the top. The chocolate brown and blue ribbon adds the perfect touch. My cousin is expecting her first baby boy this fall and I seriously cannot wait to present this diaper cake to her at her baby shower.

Diaper Cakewalk offers a wide variety [and I do mean a WIDE variety!] of diaper cakes for boys, girls and of course gender neutral for those mommies who choose to wait until the birth day to find out what they are having. If you're feeling ambitious, feel free to purchase an undecorated cake and learn how to make a diaper cake the easy way with a "Decorating Hints and Tips Sheet" for free. All of these diaper cakes use premium Pampers swaddlers [the best disposables, in my opinion] but you can also choose the Diaper Sampler which is constructed with a mixture of the three leading brands - Pampers, Huggies and Luvs. This allows the new mom to try out three brands without spending a dime! If that's not an awesome gift, I don't know what is :)

Diaper Cakewalk takes pride in their product and they absolutely should. The diaper cakes are constructed to withstand shipping and I can attest to the fact that mine didn't arrive with a thing out of place. These diaper cakes are the best on the market and I'd highly recommend them if you're planning a shower or just need an idea for a new baby gift.

Diaper Cake :: Mini diaper cakes starting at $35; Best selling diaper cakes starting at $57

A SIMPLE GIVEAWAY!
Diaper Cakewalk would like to give one Simple reader a free 3-tier diaper cake from their best selling diaper cakes category! Here is how to enter:

• Check out Diaper Cakewalk's best selling diaper cakes and come back to let us know which you would pick if you won (Required)
• "Like" Diaper Cakewalk on Facebook.
• Facebook :: Daily - Leave a link :: Post a status on your facebook hyper linking SIMPLE and Diaper Cakewalk and this giveaway
• Twitter :: Daily - Leave a link :: Enter to win a free diaper cake from Diaper Cakewalk over @simplereviews! http://tinyurl.com/3pvx49m #contest #giveaway RT
• "Like" this review on Facebook below
• Sign up for our daily emails
• Publicly follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

Winner will be randomly chosen on June 28, 2011. Please reference Giveaway Rules at the top of the page before entering.

*I was provided the diaper cake shown above in order to conduct this review using personal experience. The opinions expressed are my own*

young bananas :: the owen diaper bag

It only took me having 3 kids, but I have finally found the perfect diaper bag! The Owen diaper bag from Young Bananas has fulfilled my deepest longings for a diaper bag. It is adorable and functional all wrapped up into one perfect little package to stuff my junk into!

And its not just the diaper bags I'm swooning over at Young Bananas. They've got all sorts of great products for mom and baby, with the most gorgeous and colorful fabrics.


Here are some of my favorite things about the Owen Diaper Bag:

• 9 pockets to keep you organized - 5 of them on the outside for quick access
• the strap is adjustable and long enough to hang over your stroller handle
• WASHABLE!
• magnetic snap closure makes it quick and easy to open and close when you're desperately digging for wipes!

As a seamstress myself, I can tell you that this diaper bag is of the highest quality. Everything at Young Bananas is handmade, and I'll admit it...I'm a little bit jealous of her sewing skills and eye for ADORABLE fabrics!

Owen Diaper Bag :: $79.00


A SIMPLE COUPON :: Use code SIMPLE15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order. Offer valid through 5/18/11.




*I purchased the Owen Diaper
Bag at a 50% discount in order
to conduct this review. My
opinions are my own.*

bumGenius Artist Series: Tiny Socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry

I have been cloth diapering for about 3 years total now and just love it.  Cloth diapering my second child I was in need of some more cloth diapers because a) having a girl you can get different colors b) a few of my older diapers have been thru a lot.  When I had seen the new bum genius artist series by Chelsea Perry I just knew I had to have some for my daughter.  Just look at them they are super cute.  I am pretty much stuck on bum genius. They are the best diapers I have ever used.  I knew that the new collection were going to be just as good.

I purchased 5 of them and was NOT disappointed.  They are so cute and work just like all the rest.  I did got for the snaps instead of the velcro.  I thought it was save me (and my mom) in the long run without having to change out the velcro.  I am loving the snaps!!

bumGenius Artist Series cloth diaper :: $19.95 :: I purchased mine thru cottonbabies.com (great website for all cloth diapering needs)

Cotton Babies has a great deal going on right now when you Buy 5, you get 1 free!  That's awesome.  You can even do it with the new artist series.  Be sure to check them out. 

*I purchased these diapers and just thought they were awesome so I had to share*

DadGear - Great Diaper Bags For Dads

I don't know about you, but my husband and I do NOT see eye to eye when it comes to the whole diaper bag situation. For example, I am just NOT organized when it comes to my bags. (and yes, I just said bagS, plural.) I have like 4 different bags that I move stuff around to and from and each one serves a different purpose depending on where we're going. And, of course, like most diaper bags, they are all more suitable for a woman to carry. Everything about my diaper bag "system", if you will, annoys my husband to no end.





Well we have found a solution to all our diaper bag issues without having to go through extensive therapy. DadGear - its the remedy your man is looking for, trust me. No more tossing your pink paisley bag over his shoulder while getting sympathetic looks from the other dads out there. With a DadGear bag, your man is going to be the cool dad. It may just encourage him to take the kids out on his own to show off his style while YOU take a nap...maybe??


We've got the green stripe backpack, and my husband is smitten. He LOVES having his very own bag all ready to go when he takes the kids out. Its got about a million compartments to keep things organized. The padded shoulder straps make this very comfortable to carry, but it also has integrated straps to easily hang it from the back of a stroller.


Our favorite features of this bag? The easy access "window" you pull open to get to the Patented Quick Access Wipes Case. With two toddlers, I think we reach for a wipe about every 2.2 seconds. We also love the diaper hammock that keeps the diapers at the top of the backpack. The last thing a man (or really anyone) wants to do when changing a diaper is dig into the depths of a bag while fighting a squirmy kid.



If you're looking for a rockin' diaper bag for your man, look no further than DadGear. You'll find a plethora of styles including backpacks, messengers, couriers and more. With their style and functionality, these bags will last through the diapering years and beyond.


GET YOUR OWN!! Visit DadGear.com to purchase any of their items. The Green Stripe Backpack pictured above sells for $90.00.


A SIMPLE COUPON!! DadGear is offering our readers a 15% discount on any DadGear.com purchase. Use coupon code SIMPLE15. Expires 1/14/11.

Planet Wise Wet Bags

Since I started cloth diapering my daughter over a month ago, I have been looking for a great wet bag for storing my dirty diapers! I was really excited to get to try out a Planet Wise wet bag! I have been enjoying a large wet bag in spring green.
The large wet bag is very roomy and generously holds two days' worth of dirty diapers. (I wash every other day, so this is perfect.) At the same time, it's not overwhelmingly huge to the point that it takes up the whole room. This size also comes with a handle, which is convenient for carrying and hanging. I also love that I can throw it in the wash with my diapers (it's tumble-dry too)! I found that it doesn't retain odors very much, so I don't have to wash the bag every time I wash my diapers.

Overall, I am very pleased with Planet Wise wet bags! They would make great gifts for new moms, but they also would be great for transporting wet bathing suits, laundry on vacation, shoes, or (smaller sized bags) cosmetics. You definitely don't have to be a cloth diapering mom to enjoy this bag!

GET YOUR OWN! Visit Planet Wise to check out all of their great products. Find a local retailer or a familiar website that sells Planet Wise wet bags!

WIN YOUR OWN! One SIMPLE reader is going to win a Planet Wise Wet Bag in their choice of fabric! To enter this giveaway, visit Planet Wise, then come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite fabric/pattern is!

EXTRA ENTRIES (Leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Follow Planet Wise on Twitter
  
• "Like" Planet Wise on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway providing a link back to SIMPLE and Planet Wise
• Tweet about this giveaway: Enter to win a wet bag from @PlanetWise over at @simplereviews: http://tinyurl.com/mkulsd
• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook
• Follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect

This giveaway is open to the continental U.S. and Canada only.

WINNER will be randomly selected and announced on November 17, 2010.

*Disclosure: I was provided with a large spring green Planet Wise Wet Bag to showcase and review on SIMPLE. My opinions are my own.

Rockin' Green Soap - Cloth Diaper and Laundry Detergent

Now that I have started using my cloth diapers on my daughter, I knew that I was going to need to find a detergent to clean them instead of the old detergent I used on them when I washed them for my son.

Rockin Green Soap got my clothes and diapers just as clean, if not cleaner, than other detergents and it smelled incredible! My daughter is usually pretty sensitive to soaps, lotions, and detergents but she had no sensitivity issues with this detergent!

You also don’t have to worry about repelling or buildup with Rockin’ Green. You only need to use a small amount with each load of clothes, so it rinses clean. In most cases you don’t even need to do an extra rinse! Which I am so glad about because I used to rinse my diapers like 3-4 times every time I washed them.

GET YOUR OWN!! Classic Rock - Starting at $13.95

WIN YOUR OWN!! One lucky SIMPLE reader will get a 45/90 bag of their choice of Rockin' Green Soap. To enter, visit their site, then come back here and comment telling us which scent you like.

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each and EACH ENTRY WILL BE VERIFIED - if not, the entry may be removed)

• Blog this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and Rockin' Green Soap
• Tweet this giveaway: Visit @simplereviews to enter to win some @rockingreensoap: http://tinyurl.com/2aoyfmr #clothdiaper #giveaway
• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook
• "Like" Rockin' Green on Facebook
• Suggest us to your Facebook friends and leave a comment telling us how many friends you invited
  

Winner will be randomly selected and announced on November 2, 2010. Good luck!


*I was provided with samples of Rockin' Green Classic Soap free of charge to conduct this review.*

Up & Up Diapers from Target

I'm not gonna lie - I refused to use anything but Pampers diapers for my first child. But then 19 months later, my second child came along and all of a sudden I had 2 kids in diapers. If I had stuck with Pampers, I was looking at spending roughly $100 a month on diapers! Eeeek!

So began my quest for a less expensive diaper that didn't leak and didn't irritate my babies' sensitive skin. I tried several different store brands, and I have to say that Up & Up diapers from Target are my favorite. They are comfy and cozy, yet tough on leaks!

Both my children have very different body shapes, yet Up & Up diapers fit them both. My older one (who is now OUT of diapers, yay!) is tall and thin, and my little guy has a little more "girth" on him. :) But they were both able to wear Up & UP diapers without leaks.

The best part? THE PRICE! My son wears a size 4, and I like to buy the value size box, which comes with 82 diapers. That's right around 16 cents per diaper, which is a great price! When both my boys were in diapers, usually 2 of those boxes got us through one month, which cost less than $30. MUCH better than $100!!

GET YOUR OWN!! Purchase Up & Up diapers at any Target store, or at Target.com.

Wool Dryer Balls?

For years now I have stayed away from using DRYER SHEETS during my laundry routine. For a few reasons. The main reason being my skin is super sensitive and I have found that dryer sheets cause irritation to me. Also because I cloth diaper I didnt even want dryer sheets around... You should never use dryer sheets with cloth diapers! It will ruin the absorbency.

When I wash clothes though it is nice to have an option to soften my sheets... or baby clothes... or even my cloth diapers.

I now use something called WOOL DRYER BALLS.

Over at Bare Bebe you can find VERY AFFORDABLE 100% wool dryer balls, scented or unscented! They are wonderfully made and come in a variety of beautiful colors.

Ive been using mine for almost a month and love them. They have held up well and work just as I had hoped.

GET YOUR OWN: With dryer balls starting at as low as $5, and wonderful combination kits for just over $10, you can't go wrong at this shop. You can also find adorable cloth wipes or wash cloths as well.

A SIMPLE COUPON: When checking out put "SIMPLE" in the note to seller and save 10% off your order!

WIN YOUR OWN: I get to giveaway two dryer balls to a randomly drawn winner!

To enter simply visit Bare Bebe and comment letting me know which color dryer ball you'd like if you won and what other items you liked from the shop.

For EXTRA entries:

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and Bare Bebe
  
• Tweet this giveaway
• Become a new follower of SIMPLE (add yourself on our sidebar!)
• "Like" SIMPLE on Facebook
• "Like" Bare Bebe on Facebook
  

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED
Winner announced HERE





Bare Bebe
Provided me with a set of dryer balls to showcase and review.

Darling Droolers

I think I am obessessed with burp cloths. I just love them. And when darling droolers sent me some I was so excited. They are so cute and made well. They are very large.

Not only did they send me burp cloths, but they sent me a changing mat and a ribbon lovey. I just adore them.






The changing mat is 20" x 30". The changing mat is made of soft cuddly fabric. They have an assortment of stylish fabrics and colors, which can easily match any diaper bag. Great to keep in your stroller, car, or diaper bag, wherever you may be. Not only are they super for changing your baby, but can be used as a blanket as well.

The ribbon lovey is so soft and precious. It is a 16"x16" square. It has a silky satin side and then a brown plush side.

GET YOUR OWN!! Changing Mats - $25.00, Burp Cloth Set - $28.00, Ribbon Loveys - $27.00

WIN YOUR OWN!! darling droolers wants us to give away a changing mat to one of our readers. To enter this you must become a fan of darling droolers on facebook. Comment here stating you did that and you will be entered. Please add your email address.


Winner will be randomly selected and announced July 12, 2010. Good Luck!



*I was provided with this product free of charge to help facilitate this review*

Stylish Diaper bag by JJ Cole

Looking for a diaper bag isn't easy. There are so many options and styles you can chose from.

When looking for a new diaper bag this time I wanted something stylish and functional. I believe that's what I found when I discovered the swag bag by JJ Cole.

The swag bag is very spacious and has many compartments. And I love the fact that it has insulated side pockets that you can put the bottles in.

It also has an adjustable shoulder strap and grips to attach to your stroller. It also has a changing pad with it.

I also love many other products by JJ Cole, the bundleme, blankets and burp cloths are fantastic.

GET YOUR OWN: swag bag - $89.95 - PVC and Phthlate free

WIN YOUR OWN: SIMPLE has the opportunity to giveaway one of these swag bags to one lucky SIMPLE reader! In order to be entered to win, you must visit JJ COLE and come back here telling us your favorite item they have and why it is your favorite!

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)

• Blog this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and JJ COLE
• Tweet this giveaway
• Follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Finder
• Become a new fan of SIMPLE on Facebook
• Become a new JJ Cole fan on Facebook
• Invite your friends to be "fans" or like SIMPLE on Facebook - comment telling us how many you invited!

A little info about giveaways:

• NON-Bloggers, please leave your email address in your comment as we have no way to contact anonymous users.
• Blog-Owners, please be sure your contact information is in your profile or blog somewhere, or leave it in your comment.
• Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 1 week, another winner will be chosen.
• Winner MUST be in the continental US.

Winner will be randomly selected and announced June 28, 2010. Good Luck!

*I was provided with the swag bag free of charge from JJ COLE.*

30% off CushytOOsh Cloth Diapers

For TODAY ONLY!!! you can save 30% off all cloth diaper and accessory purchases over at the etsy shop CushytOOshy! The sale last until midnight tonight (memorial day).

Just use the coupon code: WOODY in the notes to seller at checkout.

Refunds will be given via paypal on all purchased.

Be on a look out for a full review on her products very soon as well :)

ReThink Crafts - Diaper Covers

As you can see... I have been introduced to one of the cutest diaper cover companies!
My friend Mary Beth (who is also a mom of 3 boys!) shared with me this shop and I just had to showcase them!

As a cloth diapering mom I am always looking to try new diapers.

With Owen I needed to get a few new diapers to add to my stash since some of my older diapers I used with our last baby (Taite) were worn out.

Diapers Covers are a very affordable way to cloth diaper. You can re-use covers multiple times before washing them... and can use simple pre-folds in them instead of expensive fitteds. The cost of pre-folds can be as little as $1.00 a piece on some websites (I use Indian Prefolds - unbleached).

ReThink Craft Diaper covers are beautifully made! I adore all the fun fabrics.
If you do order one, buy at least two :) - They are to cute to just own one.
If your baby is on the chunkier side, I do however recommend upsizing. Owen is 10 weeks and fits very well in the mediums diaper (hes close to 14 lbs).

GET YOUR OWN: For $13 you can own your own ReThink Diaper Cover. She offers them in three sizes, giving you the option for a trimmer fitting diaper.



A SIMPLE COUPON: Mention SIMPLE at CHECK OUT and you will get FREE shipping on your order (shipping refund will be sent via paypal after purchase).

WIN YOUR OWN: I get to give away a BOY OR GIRL diaper (in any size) to one of you!

To enter this giveaway simple check out ReThink's Diapers and leave a comment letting me know which diaper you would like and what size.

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each)

• Blog this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and ReThink's Etsy Shop.
• Tweet this giveaway (you can tweet daily for extra opportunities to win!)
  
• Become a new fan of SIMPLE on Facebook
• Follow SIMPLE via Google Friend Connect
• Suggest SIMPLE to your Facebook friends and comment telling us how many friends you invited

THIS GIVEAWAY HAS BEEN CLOSED - WINNER POSTED HERE

ReThink Crafts provided me with the diaper cover above. I did however purchase one on my own as well :-)

Thirsties :: Duo Diaper

I began my cloth diaper journey a couple years ago with the birth of my 2nd son Taite.

Since Taite is now potty trained I no longer use cloth with him... but now have a new little one named Owen who is now in need of some cloth :-)

The Thirsties Duo Diaper is a fantastic choice for moms wanting a pocket style diaper that will last longer than most fitteds. This style diaper to me is by far the easiest to use. My husbands diaper of choice.

It comes in TWO sizes allowing for a less bulky look than most traditional "one size" diapers. If you've ever cloth diapered a newborn you can appreciate "less bulk."

I tested this diaper out with Owen this past week and was very impressed with how well it held in messes. He just so happen to have an explosion in it :) and it held everything in perfectly and washed up great.

I also own the DUO WRAPS (which are diaper covers that can be used with pre-folds or other fitted cloth diapers). The wraps are great as well.

GET YOUR OWN: With a variety of beautiful colors you can get your own Duo Diapers at many online cloth diaper stores. Read more about the Duo Diapers HERE.
- You may also view more on their CATALOG page.

WIN YOUR OWN: I get to giveaway a DUO DIAPER! To enter comment letting us know which color DUO Diaper you would like as well as WHICH SIZE you would like it in. Please leave us a valid e-mail address as well so that we can contact you if you win.

US AND CANADIAN Residents only please.


For additional entries: (comment once for each entry)

* Blog about this giveaway linking back to SIMPLE and Thristies website.
* Tweet this giveaway
* Become a new follower of SIMPLE
* Become a Facebook fan of SIMPLE
* Become a Facebook fan of THIRSTIES Diapers


Winner will be randomly selected and announced 4/17/10.