100% New Zealand Wool Dryer Balls from Buttons Diapers (Review)

I love wool. I think that is an understatement as my collection of wool is rapidly growing now that I have 2 in diapers. Pictured is about HALF my collection of wool longies, shorties, and wool diaper covers. The other half is air drying as I recently hand washed some.  I purchase my wool diapers from etsy sellers who make these out of gently used cashmere and merino wool sweaters.  Please excuse the poor excuse for a storage rack. I rescued an unloved (or maybe it was just REALLLLLY loved and that is why it is so pitiful) towel rack that goes over the door. It was missing the end caps that hold the bars in place (hence the hair ties) and also was missing the middle bar (I really need that extra storage bar...if only i had it). Wool is magical, it can absorb up to 30 % its own weight in liquid and when urine is in contact with it, it does some sort of scientific chemistry and converts the urine to salt water. Odors are gone and the wool is magically sanitized and ready for the next use. I only need to hand wash my wool diaper covers if they get soiled with yucky or if it has been a long while (like once a month). I hand wash with a lanolin and natural soap. 

Side note: I love to pin our diapers! I use actual vintage diaper pins (because vintage items are fun and often made much better).  I store my pins in a bar of natural soap inside a muslin bag.  :) It makes them glide into the cotton fabric better.  

Buttons wool dryer balls added to my collection (notice they are brighter as they are newer, but they do have spots on some)

Anyway, today I am going to tell you about my dryer ball collection. Yep, I have a collection of those too. I had 15 or so last time I counted and today I will tell you about my newest 6! :)

Buttons Diapers has their own branded wool dryer balls and sent me a pack of 6 to try out this past month. We have not used dryer sheets for 3-4 years and do not miss them at all. I cannot stand the fake, overly perfume scent of dryer sheets. It gives me a headache as they are super strong and the scents are not natural. Wool dryer balls (felted) work so much better and the laundry comes out smelling like clean laundry and not like a cheap smelling room deodorizer. (like those cone shaped jelly type ones from the store that have the plastic sliding cover that you can control the scent, but they stink no mater what kind you get, or at least I think they do). :)

Buttons dryer balls come in a nice cotton (muslin) draw string storage bag. They are a set of 6 handmade 100% New Zealand wool dryer balls and contain no fillers. They work wonderfully to soften laundry. It is recommended to use 3 balls for small/med load and 5-6 for large loads. I think I use all 15 most days and had added the new ones in my testing period. :) It does not cause any issues and the clothing is always soft and very fluffy.  My cotton prefold diapers are so soft!

These dryer balls are 9 in. circumference, according to Buttons (I have not verified this with my measuring tape, but they look similar in size to my other balls.)  I do notice that these have brown spots on them, but as wool is natural, I am not worried.  These buttons wool balls are also a more misshapen ball than my others.  This has no effect on how soft or dry my clothes get, it is again only cosmetic.  

Wool dryer balls are a much healthier option than fabric softener and dryer sheets. They work wonderfully as they shorten drying time, soften and fluff fabric, and can reduce static. They are great for softening cloth diapers (we use mainly cotton prefolds and Green mountain Diapers workhorse fitted diapers) and all laundry! Since I do not use bleach or oxy powders, I sun all stains outside on my laundry drying rack. When our diapers get stained, I put the freshly washed, still damp diapers outside and let the sun work its wonders for a few hours, and lift out the stains. I then put the diapers in the dryer on low for about 20 minutes to fluff them back up (wet diapers outside get a bit stiff and rough to the touch). We use the organic cotton workhorses (shown above) and so these dryer balls make the already soft organic cotton even better!

These will pill (as you can see with my older dryer balls from other companies, but the pilling does not harm the clothes or dryer, it just does not look as nice.

I have no complaints with this set and find it compares to my other brands. Now please note, I DO NOT put my wool sweaters or diaper covers or any other wool items in the dryer. ONLY THESE DRYER BALLS. Wool will felt and shrink and become stiff. These are meant to be in the dryer and have been felted for heat. When I wash my woolen items, I use room temperature water, hand wash and air dry.

These were sent to me complimentary for my honest evaluation and review. I was not compensated for this post and did not promise a certain rating.

For more information about Buttons and their products you can visit them on Facebook.

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DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

YourEcoFamily Certified Organic Cotton Receiving Blanket Review

This organic cotton receiving blanket / swaddling blanket from Your Eco Family is very well made and comfortable for baby.  We have the white, which is classy and looks terrific for both genders.  I also selected white as it is easier to coordinate with our other accessories.  My little guy is 2 months old and we use this when he falls asleep in his Mamaroo swing. (We only put this on him when we are in the same room, next to him to watch him closely, so that he does not pull this over his face).

This has a gentle stretch to it and is perfect for swaddling.  He is beginning to get out of the swaddling stage as he is a wiggler, but this would be wonderful for newborn babies.   I love how soft and breathable this blanket is and how is is made from organically grown cotton.  

The 40" x 40" size makes this a versatile blanket for babies as young as newborns up to the late toddler stage.  I am thinking this will work as a small toddler sleeping blanket when he is age 2-3.  This multi-use blanket can be used as a swaddling blanket, tummy time, cover for stroller, crib, bassinet, cradle, etc.  Please do not leave baby unattended with this blanket and if used with a stroller or carseat, please follow safety instructions and do not completely cover baby or have the blanket interfere with the straps.  It would be best to not use when the car seat is in the car.  

I like this blanket and we use it almost daily.  It keeps him from drafts or highly air conditioned areas.  This could act as a nursing cover on the go or as a clean blanket space for play in a public area.  It washes in the machine easily and still looks great after a month of daily use.  It has a nice ribbed texture and a thick, finished edge.  I thought the stitching was neatly done.  

This was sent to me for review (complimentary) however this is my experience of this blanket and personal opinion.  For more information on this product and the company, you can find their products on Amazon.  

Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

Easy Mom and Baby Swaddle Blanket Review

I had the opportunity to review a swaddling blanket from Hearts and Minds Global, also known as Easy Mom and Baby.   I reviewed a nursing wrap from them that I used with my previous baby.  :) If you would like to read about that product, you will find it here.  It is a beautiful wrap and was perfect for wearing at a friend's wedding.  

My newest little one (third!) is now 2 months old and still enjoys being swaddled and wrapped in this luxurious blanket (as well as his others).  This swaddle is made of 100% organic bamboo.  I love bamboo as it is cuddly soft, and almost silky, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and breathable.   Although days here have been in the upper 90's, this is a lightweight blanket that I can easily take with us without having him over heat.  Often when we go into a store or building, the air-conditioning is on full blast, and this makes him more comfortable, without making him hot.  I like how this can act as a nursing cover in case I accidentally have left mine in the car.  (unlikely as I have several stashed everywhere in the house, and even about 2 or 3 in the car, but it does not hurt to have something extra available just in case.

This has a sweet blue elephant pattern.  I like how it matches a lot of his clothing and accessories.  :) The size (47x47) is generous, and it is easy to wrap him securely and comfortably.  This was sent to me for review (complimentary) however this is my honest opinion of the swaddle.  I have reviewed a few others in the past (cotton bamboo muslin) that were nice, but not as silky as this one.   This is a bamboo jersey and the first of this type that I have experienced.  I like wrapping him in this immediately after his bath, after he has been dried off and put into a fresh cotton cloth diaper.  

This came in a plastic sealed bag that looks like this:

I love everything about the blanket, except for the packaging.  I  am not fond of the cartoonish picture.   On another note, I would have preferred this swaddle to have been USA made.  I think this is quality made and I still do recommend this swaddle.

The swaddle is a fantastic addition to our baby accessories and is perfect for a new baby or even an older toddler.  This would also be just the right size for a 2 year old to cover up with in their little bed.    I recommend this swaddle and at just under $14, is is a great find.

You can learn more about the company by visiting their website and Facebook.  They are an extensive resource of knowledge for new parents, especially for mothers.  A group of moms run the company with a natural minded approach to child birth and care.  Great company.



Please follow me on:

Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.

DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation for a product review and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I am always honest in my opinions and never promise a positive review. I only recommend products or services that I feel are beneficial to my family and my lovely readers. I enjoy testing out items and giving my readers an honest and descriptive account of how a product functions. My personal experience or view of an item may differ than yours.

Tiny Drops of Honey is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You pay the exact same price for any and all products you order through my links, but I receive a small commission. I am a stay at home mommy and any commissions I receive help support my little ones.

RevivHair Hair Stimulating Serum Review

My husband has thinning hair.  He is 35, and has had a receding hairline since his late twenties, with a noticably thinning and balding patch in the back of his scalp in the past 3 years.  I believe it is a combination of male pattern baldness, genetics, as well as the result of poor eating habits, lack of sleep, lack of proper vitamins and overall stress and strain on his body in the last 2-3 years.  He began working as a restaurant manager at a busy hotel a little over 2 years ago and despite the fact that most managers oversee the employees and do light manual labour at their job, my husband over works himself doing the job of a combination bus boy, server, room service attendant, host and manager all in one.  The hotel is busy during the shift he works (5:45 am until about 4 pm) and he only has 2 regular servers.  He acts as third server (and all else).  Where most managers would walk around calmly and greet customers, handle guest / customer satisfaction, and refill the occasional drink, my husband works himself ragged.  His pedometer clocks him at 10-16 miles (yes miles!) per day of speed walking on heavy tile floors back and forth.  He neglects taking any lunch break and lives off several coffee's per day and very little water.  He does not take a daily vitamin, and gets less than 8 hours sleep per night.  Ok, enough tattling on my end.  He is a grown man and he needs to take better care of himself and delegate tasks to his employees and not put so much wear and tear on his body.  

I think his hair would improve some just by taking better care of himself.  The other part is genetics and male pattern baldness, his dad is very thin on top (in his 70's) and has been that way since his late thirties, early forties.  Men have a greater likelihood of having thinning hair due to DHT, which is said to cause the thinning of the hair follicles.  He has the tell-tale signs of male pattern baldness, where it is receding at the top, near the temples, and in the back of the head.  He has beautiful hair otherwise.  It is a naturally curly wave in a light golden brown.  He has kept his hair rather long for almost the entire 10+ years I have known him.  I met him in college and after we dated for a year, he grew it long for me as he knew I was fond of a longer style.  

Unfortunately the past 2-3 years have wrecked havoc on his health, and his hair has become prone to breakage and much thinner than it used to be.  He is concerned about it, and frankly I have been as well.  He has always had a rather deep frontal hairline, but it is the back / top that has become very thin and delicate.  There is hair growing in that spot, but it seems to grow thinner and very slowly.  It never seems to fill in properly.  He has tried Minoxidil (Rogaine) as well as Biotin supplements and other topical or oral supplements.  I am not so fond of him putting so many chemicals on his scalp as some can be absorbed into his system, but he does what he feels he needs to do to try to prevent further loss.  These pictures are all recent, in the last few months.  His hair in the back is very thin and almost bald.  

This is his BEFORE picture 2 months ago when starting the serum.

Recently we were sent a 1-2 month supply of a serum (1 bottle) from Reviv Systems.  It arrived in a purple and black bottle with a dropper.  The packaging looks classy and the ingredients were impressive, as many of them were recognizable and natural.  There were some chemicals, however the list was much more natural than anything he has used (topically) previously for hair loss.  

Water/Aqua/Eau (and) Glycerin (and) Sodium Metabisulfite (and) Glycine (and) Larix Europaea Wood Extract (and) Zinc Chloride (and) Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract [Malus stem cells], Tripeptide (AHK), Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF, rh-Polypeptide-3), Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Argania Spinosa Sprout Cell Extract, PEG/PPG-20/23 Dimethicone, Mannitol (and) Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (and) Caffeine (and) Zinc Gluconate (and) Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract, D-Panthenol, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata Extract, Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins (Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) Fruit Extract, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) Seed Extract, Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Root Extract, Indian Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata) Resin Extract, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Beta-sitosterol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Prezatide Copper Acetate, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate (CIC2), Pygeum Africanum, Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase, Soy Isoflavones, Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid.  

I like how it contains Horse Chestnut, which has been said to improve circulation as well as provide several other health benefits.  Nettle is an ingredient we like as it can also improve hair.  We have an herbal hair tea that contains this ingredient. This serum contains botanical extracts / oils that can strengthen the hair follicle and promote healthier scalp and hair.  Saw Palmetto is often useful for men to take as it regulates testosterone levels which can influence hair loss and growth.  Nettle Root Extract, along with the Saw Palmetto can help to prevent the release of DHT, which is responsible for some types of hair loss.  DHT blocks and weakens the hair follicles and so in order to prevent this from happening, we need to use DHT inhibiters. Soy Isoflavones and Grape Seed strengthens and accelerates hair growth. 

The serum does not have much of a fragrance, in fact it is rather unscented, which makes both my husband and I happy.  There is no strong chemical or alcohol smell.  It might have been nice for it to have a lavender, lemon, or peppermint fragrance, however having it fragrance free  makes it suitable for both men and women and those with sensitive noses. 

RevivHair Hair Stimulating Serum is different from other products he has tried as it contains Redensyl, Stem Cells, Growth Factors & Peptides.  When used as suggested, it can assist with improving the appearance of hair  thickness, fullness, natural color, strength, and overall health.  I thought it was interesting that the color could be improved.  My husband does not have much grey hair (except for some silvers spouting randomly in his beard!) but those with grey hair might want to look into this serum to see if it works for them in addition to improving their hair growth.  The nice benefit to this serum is that it is safe and effective for both men and women.  I know with Rogaine and other brands, men and women have to purchase different products due to the strength and ingredients of the products.  

He used this serum once per day, focussing on the top front, temples, and the very back.  The picture here shows his temple area.  It is hard to know for sure, but the front and temples seem to appear thicker (slightly) in person.  The hairs are still very thin and short, so I cannot be sure.  It is still very soon to know if this has worked for him.  I would have to have him use it a good 6 months for best results.  (He only used one dropper per day for just under 2 months).  

What makes RevivHair stand apart from other hair loss products, is the primary ingredient which is a molecule called "Redensyl."  You can learn more about the ingredient here, as it gets scientific and a little over my level of knowledge.  The website explains the ingredients here.  

Redensyl and three types of stem cells (argan, malus and sea fennel) target hair follicle stem cells. Niacinamide and caffeine strengthen, awaken,  and visibly thicken existing (but perhaps dormant or blocked) hair and help keep the hair bulb rooted to the scalp.  This all sounds amazing, but does it work? Various users will have various results.  And please note that this may not work in one month. I applaud the company for not claiming this will change your life in only 1 or 2 months.  Growth cycles of hair cane take up to 4 months, and it is possible that amazing or noticeably better results may not be seen until as many as 6 months.   I was told to have my husband try this out for at least 6 weeks.  He tried it daily for a full 2 months, however  I did not see much difference in those 2 months of use.   I do like the key ingredients and feel that if he uses this much longer than the 2 months, along with another supplemental serum or product, that we should see some incredible improvement. I like how the company does not say that their product is the only item to use for results.  They actually list on the bottle that the user can continue using their Minoxidil product (Rogaine) if desired.  It has been a few months since my husband has used his Rogaine, but I like that this seems safe to use in addition to the other products.  

Unfortunately the back of his hair looks the same to me.  Again, it is much too soon in my opinion for rapid or noticeable results.   

I do want to mention that I love the instructions, as they are not guaranteeing or promising results in a short and unreasonable amount of time:

Instructions For Use:

"Shake before use. Apply once daily, to wet or dry hair, about one or two droppers or more. Part your hair and apply directly to the scalp, especially in the areas that are thinning. The measurement does not need to be exact, and we recommend applying enough serum for good coverage. Massage in with fingertips, then wash hands well. Since hair growing cycles can take at least 1 to 4 months, it may take a while to notice beneficial effects. Especially if you choose to incorporate the optional Triaminodil vial, you may experience initial increased shedding since that ingredient can help promote the transition from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growing) phase of the hair cycle. Remember that results from any legitimately effective hair loss treatment can take between 6-12 months to begin, and several years before optimal results are reached since the anagen or growing phase of the hair is at least two years in duration."

As with this hair loss product, or any weight loss, anti-aging, anti-acne, product,  results take time and daily, consistent use. Treatment or applications should not be skimped on or skipped (unless irritation or health issues occur with use).  As with this and any other product,  speak with a medical professional if you have any health issues that may make you allergic to this product.  Please know that I am not a medical professional, and if this causes you irritation, do not use it.  

I feel it is still too early to tell if this is working for him.  We ran out of the product about 2 weeks ago, and so our lack of noticeable results is mostly due to not using it long enough, and due to only using 1 dropper, instead of the more ideal / generous 2 droppers full.  My husband enjoyed testing this serum, and had no irritation.  He did mention that he tried using 2 full droppers daily the first week, but reduced to 1 full dropper daily as he felt the product was not lasting as long as he had hoped and he wanted to test it for the full 2 months.  He likes that this did not leave a greasy / sticky residue or a chemical scent on his hair, and he says it applied easily.  He used it about an hour before bedtime as that was the easiest for him to remember, since he gets up at 4:20 am each morning.  

It is currently on sale for $49 (regular $79) and there is free shipping for a limited time.  If you sign up for their "Steals and Deals" (newsletter) you can save an additional $5.  

You can learn more about Reviv on their website and Facebook.

I hope that his hair can be restored to where it was a few years ago.  While it may not look much different in the front, the back was full and did not show scalp.

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Facebook for updates to this blog, reviews, and giveaways.  For updates on new posts, you can subscribe to me on bloglovin.  I would love it if you would visit me (subscribing makes me so happy) on Instagram and Twitter.


*This was a sponsored post through BrandBacker and partnered with RevivHair Systems. These are my opinions and honest evaluations. I received the serum mentioned in this review complimentary.  A small commission was accepted for simply reviewing it and posting my opinion and any results (whether positive or negative). I do not receive benefit from any see of this product. I do not promise a positive rating for this or any of the products I review. Not everyone will share my opinion or the product, or have the same results.