Bamboo Charcoal Microfiber Diaper Inserts (with gussets) Review

Being a cloth diapering family, we like trying several options for the various needs of our children. We have a 5 year old who has been 100% potty trained during the day for a few years now, but has bed wetting accidents a few times a week. We also have a 2 year old who is still in cloth diapers full time, but is starting to notice he is wet / soiled and tries to take his diaper off on his own every now an then. Lastly, have a newborn who is currently in disposables for a few more weeks until we transition him to cloth diapers full time.

I have tried several methods for cloth diapering, ranging in different fabrics and types. There are so many choices out there when it comes to cloth, and I recommend trying various styles and materials before deciding on what you want to use. I personally like having a wide range of options on hand to use, based on age of my child, where they are with their potty training, and how long they will be wearing the diaper before the next diaper change, etc. Long car trips, overnight, or nap times often need more absorbency. Older babies/toddlers or bed wetters need something that will keep them drier longer with incredible absorption. Sometimes I want a trimmer diaper, and sometimes, I just like switching things up with various methods and styles just for the sake of having cute diaper options. :)

I have tried pockets diapers that have various types of inserts, prefolds, fitted and covers, flats, and the list goes on. I started out with microfiber inserts that came with my Bum Genius one sized snap pocket diapers. We used bare microfiber with my first child before branching out to hemp and bamboo cotton inserts. The beauty of pocket diapers is that you can stuff it with most any type of insert (even prefolds can be used) and you can easily increase absorbency.  I never was a fan of the bare microfiber inserts as they always attracted lint and hair, as well as felt scratchy on my skin when I would pull it out of the dryer.  Microfiber is also more prone to stink issues, however, it absorbed so well, that I would continue using it. With my second child I found inserts that had charcoal bamboo over the microfiber, and I found those to be much more pleasant to handle and use.  Bamboo is breathable, antibacterial, hypoallergenic and antifungal, so there is less stink, and the charcoal resists staining as well as feels so soft.  I was recently sent a review pack of 6 charcoal bamboo inserts from Baby Tooshy on Amazon.

These inserts are made with 5 layers, and since the inside is thirsty microfiber, they absorb liquids quickly, holding as much as 8oz of liquid.  What sets these apart from other similar ones I have tried in the past is the double layered gussets that the inserts have, as they are designed to curve around baby's bottom.  I find that they fit well into my pocket diapers.  I also like using them as extra absorbency in my 5 year old's Super Undies (bed wetting pants).  We use the cotton night time style with her, and have decided to use these inserts full time.  She does not have an accident every night, however, I like the fact that these give me added peace of mind and her bed always remains dry, and that makes me happy.

To prepare these fully before the first use, I washed these separately in my washer about 6 times in hot water and a small amount of cloth diaper safe detergent to increase the absorbency.

While I much prefer 100% natural inserts and materials, I do like using these inserts and recommend them.  They have been washed numerous times in the last month and still remain soft.  I do want to mention that they do get white lint on them occasionally from our cloth baby wipes / wash cloths.  I did notice that after washing I did have one have some loose threading, but it did not unravel the seam or cause any fraying.  They are holding up well otherwise.  I have not noticed any stink issues or repelling of liquids.

These were sent to me complimentary for review, and this is my honest evaluation and opinion.  No other compensation other than the 6 free inserts and 1 wash cloth were provided.

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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.

Aqua Chalcedony Sterling Silver Earrings by Sitara Collections, Review

I love accessorizing, and one of my favorite things to wear besides an interesting scarf, are earrings.  I love finishing an outfit with some unique earrings that add a touch of color to my face and hair.  I love wearing either vintage earrings or something unique and handmade.  

I reviewed some very special pink cluster drop earrings a few months back, they happen to be one of my favorite pairs lately and I wear them often.   Here I am with my 2 year old son at the park a few weeks ago while I am still very pregnant.  Since pink is my favorite color, these coordinate with so many of my outfits.  

They are from Sitara Collections Jewelry.  The website is run by Linda Singh and her husband, and if you like beautiful, unique, and Artisan-made jewelry, you with love this shop.  The items are made with the utmost love and care from Indian artisans.  You can be sure that you will find something that strikes your fancy.  

I was sent another pair of earrings to review.  Linda sent me some Aqua Chalcedony Sterling Silver earrings.  They are a mesmerizing sea blue green and remind me of sea glass.  Depending on what I am wearing, they can appear a range from powdery baby blue to aqua blue green.  I love how the setting has the appearance of a princess crown.  These can be dressed up or down and are very lightweight and comfortable to wear.  They are reasonably priced as well.  Sitara Collections ships free!  I love that they accept PayPal as well.  

As you can see, they clearly look powder blue on the card, and in the box, but when I wear my turquoise  blouse, they transform into a lovely sea green.  While they may not be the same shade of turquoise teal, they give a lovely blue green hue that makes me want to wear them on a boat or at the shore.  They glisten in the sunlight.  (Unfortunately when I took this shameless selfie, it was later in the day and the sun was hiding from me).

*These earrings were sent to me for evaluation, no other compensation was provided other than the tester items.*

• Dimensions: .875"
• Materials: 92.5 Sterling silver, Aqua Chalcedony

You can follow them on Facebook for updates on sales and take a peak all the new and exciting items she has to showcase.  

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.

Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel from PCA Skin Review

Ideal Complex Revitalizing Eye Gel from PCA Skin is an eye gel that is designed to firm and lift the skin around the delicate eye area.  It has a light gel texture which makes it usable for all skin types.  I do not have particularly sensitive skin, so I cannot comment on how it behaves on those skin types, however it did not cause me any irritation or discomfort when using.

This eye gel can assist in the improvement of dark circles around the eye area, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and tired, sagging eyelids.  I find that using this product straight from the fridge, wakes up my tired skin and is soothing.

It comes in a 0.5 oz tube, which is rather small and I would have preferred this to have been in an airless pump.  It is still easy to apply and I have no issues with the product.  I think it would have been refreshing if this tube had one of those stainless steel roller balls such as a few of the other eye creams I have tried.  I have always found those to be extra soothing and makes for an even smoother application of product.

It is easy to use, After cleansing my face with my Dr. Bronners Unscented Castile soap, toning with my Dr. Thayer's alcohol free aloe vera witch hazel, and applying Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serum, I pat a small amount of this gel gently around my eye area morning and evening.  I apply this, and all eye serums/creams using my ring finger for the least amount of pressure to my delicate eye area skin.  

Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Niacinamide, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Decyl Glucoside, Hexylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Aminomethyl Propanol, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Citrate, Silanetriol, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3, Crocus Chrysanthus Bulb Extract, Myristoyl Hexapeptide-4, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Darutoside, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38.

I would have preferred this serum to have less chemical based ingredients and more botanical and natural based ingredients.  I do like how it has glycerin in it which is a humectant and something I use often in my skin care routine to soften my skin.  I did notice some natural based ingredients in this serum and was pleased to see them among the chemical sounding ones.  They were not ingredients I was highly familiar with, and so I wanted to learn more about them.

After browsing the PCA website and familiarizing myself with this serum, I found this information about the natural based ingredients:

The Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract is a Chinese herbal bark that is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, it assists in tightening skin such as in this case, eyelid sagging.  It can also minimize dark circles and puffiness.  

Niacinamide (which is an ingredient I use quite regularly in my own daily skincare serums) is Vitamin B3 and is also fantastic for skin as it heals, protects, and has antioxidant and anti aging properties.  

Fraxinus Excelsior Bark Extract and Silanetriol is said to reduce eye puffiness, dark circles and under-eye bags while providing antioxidant protection.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract (Orange Stem Cell Extract) strengthens skin structure to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.  It firms the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 is a peptide that provides similar benefits as vitamin A without irritation, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and making the skin smoother and brighter. 

This product promises to provide incredible improvement after only 1-2 weeks of dedicated, daily use.  I have used this product and tested it, and my eye area feels tightened and this product feels lovely on my skin, but unfortunately my main concern of dark circles still are noticeable.  I attribute the dark circles to a combination of lack of sleep with a newborn baby who breastfeeds frequently, 2 other small children who stay at home with me, insomnia, and heredity. :) 

This product does have a rather hefty price tag ($84), I personally do not have it in my budget for such a small amount of product.  I did find it on Amazon for much less, but sometimes you cannot always guarantee the authenticity of items purchased from third party sellers.   

It does do a nice job of tightening my sagging skin around my eyes, which is something that I notice more as I get older.  

I was not compensated for this post, other than a complimentary 0.5 oz sample for the purpose of evaluation.  This was a sponsored post (powered by Brandbacker) written by me, and I did not promise a certain outcome.  This was my personal evaluation and opinion of this product.

Dr. K Premium Baby Wipes Review

My third little one arrived almost 2 weeks ago and he is a tiny little guy.  I actually thought he would be the biggest of all my babies, but he ended up being the smallest. :) 

We are cloth diapering our 2 year old still, but took a break from cloth diapers and wipes about 3 weeks ago to keep the laundry situation more manageable as I was in my third trimester and feeling a bit under the weather.  Now that this baby has arrived, we decided to continue using disposable wipes and diapers for both little ones for the first month of this one's life, so that there would be a break for me as I recover from my Cesarean.  

I love cloth diapering, and am  always promoting cloth whenever I can, but this recovery has been a bit slower than I had hoped.  I was not excited to jump right into the added laundry aspect of cloth diapering, as I also knew that newborns have the unpleasant, Meconium diapers the first week of life, and I also did not want something else to have deal with as I made the transition from 2 children, to 3 children.  

We will return to cloth in about 2 weeks.  I have been testing out some disposable wipes recently with my 2 year old, and had been using disposable diapers in the last 2 weeks leading up to my delivery of my third baby.  Now that this one has arrived, I have been using Huggies Snugglers in newborn size, as unfortunately the Green / Natural diapers (Bambo Nature size newborn) that  I had bought were much too large for him.  Both babies have been in disposable diapers and using a new brand of disposable wipes that I was sent for review.

I am loving the Bambo Nature (size 4) disposable diapers for our 2 year old, as they are chemical free, and as the name hints at, they have bamboo in them which is highly absorbent, eco-friendly, and ultra soft!  We use natural, chemical free products whenever possible and these are fantastic diapers for those cloth diapering parents who need to use disposables for a trip or temporarily, or those who regularly use disposables, but just want a greener, gentler option.  

As mentioned, we normally use baby wash cloths as baby wipes, (in a wipes warmer with my homemade wipes solution) however the past few weeks we had been trying some disposable wipes by the brand, Dr. K.  I had never heard of this company, but when I found out that they were a "green" brand, I knew I wanted to try them.  We do use disposable wipes in the diaper bag for outings, and so this would be a great product for us, if they were as great as they claimed.  

  

Dr. K Premium Baby Wipes do not contain the potentially harmful or skin irritating ingredients that other baby wipes usually contain.   I normally purchase the Whole Foods 365 brand wipes, the Honest Company wipes, or Baby Ganics brand.  According to the company, Dr. K wipes do not contain: 

Benzyl Alcohol, Broponol, BPA, Benzalkonium Chloride, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylisothiazolinone, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbates, PEG, Pthalates, Propylene Glycol, or other harmful ingredients.  

I am happy to report that they are free of sulfates (SLS/SLES), chlorines, parabens, and perfume, which is another bunch of undesirable ingredients frequently used in wipes.  They are not slimy or soapy (such as Huggies wipes and other big name, non green wipes) and do not feel like wet toilet paper.  We are looking at you again, Huggies wipes! :) These wipes by Dr. K have a nice honeycomb texture, reminiscent of Honest Co. wipes.  These are strong and durable, yet gentle.  They are free of fragrances and contain jojoba oil which is moisturizing to baby's skin.  

We were sent 6 packs of 72 wipes each (which are listed for about $19 with free Prime shipping on Amazon) complimentary for review, and no other compensation was provided.  

I am strongly considering purchasing these wipes on my own, when we run out.  (To use for outside the home, in my diaper bag / wipes case).  I find that they work well, and are gentle.  The only aspect I am not fond of, is that they are not made here in the USA, which is my preference to support locally made companies.  One possible additional tiny aspect that I find with most all brands, that I also might count against these wipes, is the plastic sticky tape covering for the wipes (the opening where the wipes are dispensed from) loses its sticky and often falls of before the entire package is used up.   For this reason, I always prefer the containers that have a hard plastic door instead of the sticky tape piece.  I generally like having a hard plastic container for the wipes, as I refurbish it into a storage container of sorts for small baby supplies.  

I did not have any Honest Co. wipes on hand to compare them side by side, but I feel they resemble them to some extent.  

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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.

EVER PRO / GRAY AWAY Temporary Root Concealer (Review)

I use henna and indigo in my hair to naturally boost shine, add health to it, and keep the few annoying premature grey in line.  My hair grows fast, especially since I recently had a new baby and have been taking prenatal vitamins for years.  My root area needs touching up every 3 weeks and even in the middle of the second week, my hair sprouts little tell tale silvers.  It is a big task to henna my hair every month.  Henna and indigo stains, and is a muddy mess that needs to cure for several hours while on the hair.  The henna (and Amla) and water, need to cure alone the night before I do my hair, and then the next day I mix the ingredients together, and apply to my hair and wait 4-8 hours.  I love the way my hair feels and looks after a fresh henna / indigo application, and love how much healthier it is than traditional hair color.  However, I need something to refresh my hair color in between treatments, and save me extra time and prevent mess when in a rush or traveling.  

My hair was getting some silvery flecks after almost 3 weeks and so I was happy to try a touch up product.

I was sent a product from Gray Away and Everpro, that is a quick and easy fix for those who color their hair and need to touch up between colorings and hide the grey.  The company has a spray version that comes in a 1.5 oz can.  To apply:  use it on dry hair. Hold can 2-3 inches from hair roots. Move continuously back and forth until gray is evenly covered. Let dry 2-3 minutes.  I have not tried their color spray, I would imagine that it acts similarly to a tinted dry shampoo spray, which I have used in the past.   I do not use many aerosol sprays anymore and so I opted to try their newest form of gray hair tint.  This product comes in a small jar and almost appears like an eyeshadow or eyebrow powder.  It is called Gray Away root touch-up magnetic powder  and adheres to the hair and blends away the appearance of grey.

It is a convenient and secure container that is easy to take along with you in your bag when traveling, or to keep on your vanity for daily use.  I like how it comes with a little sponge and mirror.  I find that a little goes a long way.  I do think it would benefit from the addition of a small application brush for getting into the hair line a bit more precisely.  I like the way the sponge stores into the jar and am able to apply with ease, however have found it to work nicely with a makeup brush.  I just had my third little one last week (was in the hospital 4 days for Cesarean) and this is a handy (and EASY) touch up for when you want to look nice for pictures, but will not be doing much with your hair.  I know, seeing me without my usual bouffant / beehive is a rarity isn't it? :) I apologize for the exhausted appearance. 

I have hair dark brown, almost black hair and am using the darkest shade, which blends well.  It does in 2 other shade variations and should match and blend with a variety of shades.  I like how this easily washes out with water.  I have not tried this with going out into the rain in a downpour, as I generally always have an umbrella and my husband is always with us when we go out (he usually pulls the car up when I and the children are at a store or restaurant and it begins to rain).  

Here are some hair photos showing how well this blended for me.  I only use it at the top roots, and blended into the temples when I see a few issue areas.  I do prefer using a makeup brush to apply, but the sponge is usable and stores nicely into the jar.

Since I do my henna / amla / indigo treatment every 3-4 weeks, I only need to use this on week 3 or so between treatments, whenever it is still a bit early to do my hair (or when waiting on my shipment of henna powders.  

I like this product, and although I am not a fan of using chemical products in my hair or on my skin, I only use this on occasion and in-between colorings.  I do not use this daily as I am a stay at home mom.  I do like having this to use when I am out of my henna and indigo, and do not have time to do a treatment.  It is also nice for traveling (I have tried to color my hair in a hotel bathroom and it is not fun or easy).  This is a fantastic way to touch up hair in a flash when you find out that you will be seeing family or friends who give you short notice.  :) 

Here are the ingredients:

Black/Dark Brown:

methicone, dimethicone, diisostearyl malate, talc, zinc stearate, tin oxide, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, phenoxyethanol. may contain (+/-): mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), manganese violet (ci 77742), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), chromium hydroxide green (ci 77289), chromium oxide greens (ci 77288), ultramarines (ci 77007), carmine (ci 75470), red 6 (ci 15850), red 7 lake (ci 15850), red 28 lake (ci 45410), red 40 lake (ci 16035), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), yellow 6 lake (ci 15985), blue 1 lake (ci 42090). contains carmine as a color additive.

I would love for the company to have a more mineral based formula as I am not fond of the list of chemicals in this.  We use sulfate free shampoos and natural hair care.  

For more information, you can visit the Gray Away website, and their Facebook page. 

***I received this touch up powder complimentary for my honest review and evaluation, I was not compensated for my review, other than the free trial product.  This review is sponsored by Everpro and brandaacker, however all words and opinions are my own.***

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