Reviews?

So, I am starting to think this may turn into a blog of reviews... at least for a little.

As I mentioned in my last post, I am trying out different diapers. I tried the Kidget Diapers from Family Dollar Store and while they were softer than many (more of a fabric feel on the outside), they didn't hold overnight and my sweet girl has had a rash since we put them on her. I will say that they are true-to-size though and seem to fit well. They are bigger in the waist than the Pampers Cruisers, but they were still tight enough for my slim girl. What they are lacking is the piece that keeps moisture off the baby's skin. I think this may be something only Pampers has. At least from what I have found so far. I feel I can now check this one off the list.

I am now trying out the Target Up & Up Brand of diapers. I have read a ton of reviews on all kinds of diapers and it seems that many people have a problem with the pastel blue and green polk-a-dots on the outside. Here are my thoughts on that. Who cares? Almost every diaper has some kind of pattern on them and they are going to show through fabric. Everyone knows that baby's and toddlers wear diapers, so I really don't care what the diaper itself looks like. Now on to the diaper appearance and performance. I have not yet used it over night, but from first glance the construction and feel look exactly like that from the Family Dollar Store. I have a feeling they will perform about the same. The waist is about the same size as the Kidgets and again, the Up & Up are true-to-size. My sweet girls still has a rash, but I will continue to use these until this small bag is gone. I will just put Aquaphor on her tush.

Now onto Aquaphor. If you haven't hear of this product or used it, you need to go buy it and make it a staple in your home! I think I could also write a blog about diaper cream reviews since I have tried them all.... including prescription. I can honestly say that nothing works like Aquaphor! And we use it for everything. My older daughter used to have THE worst diaper rashes. Her skin is so very sensitive. After trying every cream and seeing the pediatrician for a prescription that didn't work, we tried this. It cleared up overnight!! We also used it on the face (cheeks, nose and mouth) when we lived up north to block wind and cold. Worked like a charm! I use it on my dry feet and hands overnight and by morning, you wouldn't know I had dry feet or hands. I use it on my lips when they are chapped too. When my children get little chapped places on their fingers or face, I put it on and everything clears right up. It is a bit expensive, but well worth every penny. If you have a membership to Costco or BJ's, go ahead and splurge on the giant container. We had one on each floor of the house and in the girls' room. It lasts forever since you only need to use a little.

I will continue to post on diapers as I try them, and I think I will begin posting on other things too! Please let me know what you are wondering about. Maybe I have already tried something or am about to and can let you know the verdict! Today I encourage you to go out and find some Aquaphor. I now live in the south and never have super cold weather, but still use Aquaphor daily. Buy and enjoy!!!!

Money Challenge

Today I decided to "step away" from certain brand names that I have been devoted to for a couple of years. Pampers being one of them. I know! I have tried all kinds of less expensive diapers and really none compare. However, between the sate of our economy and our wallets, I figure it is time. So, off on a mission I went. Off to pick up a few necessary groceries for less than $19 and some change - including diapers.

While I was out, my gas tank was on empty. So I stopped to get gas and prayed that God would provide everything I needed for what was in my wallet. I was only using cash today. As I was standing in line to pay for my $5 of gas (some of it in quarters), there was a man in front of me buying all kinds of lottery tickets. Every kind you can think of. The line behind me was growing by the second and this man just kept saying, "and why don't you give me one of .... too." I was thinking, "really? I am paying for my gas in quarters and you are spending more than my day's allowance on lottery tickets? What is wrong with this picture?" Then I found myself praying for him. Maybe he had a gambling problem. Or maybe he felt more desperate than I did. Maybe he didn't have the Lord like I do. WOW! As I finally paid for my gas and headed back to my car, I held my head high, thanking God that I have Him in my life to trust and rely on. Thanking Him for the cash to get gas and whatever else I needed today. Trusting that He will indeed provide for all of my needs.

After getting the gas, I went to the dollar store for diapers. They had a coupon in this week's flyer for a brand I had not hear of and I figured it was worth a shot. Worst case is that I have to do more laundry than normal this week. PLUS, with the dollar coupon it was only $5.50!!! What a steal! Then I picked up some toilet paper and checked for milk, but they were out. I checked out and paid $8.48. Then off I went to the grocery to get milk and coffee creamer. I know the coffee creamer is a luxury, but my husband doesn't ask for anything and he is so easy-going. This I will make sure stays in the house :-)

Got to the grocery store and made a change in decision regarding milk. I have always purchased organic for my girls since the first time Abigail went to milk. However, I just can't pay for it right now. So, knowing Amanda is only on whole milk for another month or so, I went half way with the grocery store's all natural milk (no hormones) and will just have both girls on the same thing. Then I picked up the creamer and went to check out. Total = $6.09. Score!!

Then I went back home, enough gas for errands this week (I think), milk, diapers, creamer and toilet paper. All for a total of $19.57. I went out not knowing that I needed gas and God provided even that! I still can't get over that total including diapers. I usually pay $40 a box every couple of weeks! And toilet paper? Yes, I changed brands on that too. Can't believe how much I have been spending on that too!

Now I think I might start to potty train Amanda a bit early. She's ready, and I am tired of paying for diapers :-) But above all, I am so very thankful and humbled that I serve a God who is so compassionate, loving, caring and provides each step of the way. I just have to remember to give it to Him and trust. He will not disappoint! He is so faithful, gracious and merciful.