Nature babycare - Good for baby, good for Mother Earth

I often think that it is really hard to be environmentally friendly when you have babies and small children. There is so much washing, so much wasted food, so much packaging and SO MANY NAPPIES.

I will admit that I like the convenience of using disposable nappies. I know many cloth nappy users don’t find it to be extra work but for someone as domestically lazy as me, even part time cloth usage pushes me to my laundry-duty limits on any given day (and add in the stretch of wet days we’ve had recently exacerbates the issue) … so I was delighted to have the opportunity to try the Nature babycare range of disposable nappy products, a more environmentally friendly disposable nappy system.

The Nature Babycare nappies are made from GM-free corn which is 100% biodegradable, and a chlorine-free pulp – better for baby, better for the environment. The nappies come in a range of unisex sizes and as it happens, my 3.5 year old boy (not yet toilet trained) and my chubby ten month old girl both fit into the size range for the size 4 (9-20kg) nappies.

The nappies have a slightly ‘papery’ feel on the outside, but are certainly soft enough to be comfortable for baby. I found them nice and trim while still being absorbent enough to use as an overnight nappy on both my baby and toddler. We have had no leakages or nappy rashes using the Nature babycare range – and with children who are prone to red bottoms, this was important to me.

On a very slight downside, the adhesive tabs can lose their stickiness a bit by the time it comes to wrap them up for disposal, especially if you’ve had to reposition the tabs a few times during the dressing process with a wriggly baby – however this is not enough of a reason to avoid using these nappies (especially given how many tabs I’ve inadvertently ripped off other ‘premium’ brand disposables during normal use).

I also used the Nature Babycare wipes (RRP $5.39/70 pieces) and nappy sacks (RRP $2.98/50 pieces). I particularly liked the disposable nappy sacks, which have a softer feel and much less chemical/fragrance smell than the main brand available at our local supermarket. The wipes clean well, with a good amount of moisture (I really don’t like it when wipes are dripping wet or nearly dry!), and no chemical smell. I usually use sorbolene for nappy changes but I felt like these wipes were gentle enough on my children’s skin while cleaning thoroughly. My husband is a big fan of the wipes and bags, preferring them to our usual brands.

Nature babycare nappies are available at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets at a RRP of $21.99 a packet, although I have seen them cheaper during sales cycles. While they are comparable price-wise with the leading brand of premium nappy at its RRP, when the major brand is on sale there is enough of a difference in price to make cost a consideration for budget-conscious families (not to mention comparing it to the cheaper brands of nappies). I think for part-time disposable users (either overnight, or combined with cloth nappies) these nappies are ideal, and also for families who can afford to pay a little more for a nappy that is a better option environmentally.

On a balance, I was impressed with the performance of the nappies and will look for the other Nature babycare products to use.

You can find more information on Nature babycare products at http://www.naty.com

Skinstyler-Laptop touchpad protector

Does your laptops touch pad look a little worn and tired? Mine had gone a bit beyond a worn, I think it was about to wear all the way through! While searching for a rememdy, I came across skinstyler.

Skinstyler is a skin for your laptops touch pad that protects from wear and increases sensitivity. They have skins to fit all PC and Mac, just measure you touchpad, and they will make your skin to fit.

The skins come in a wide range of colours and designs, and you can also upload your own images for a custom skin.

Services was great, recieved mine from the US in a week. Quick and easy to install and it now looks and feels so much better. Gives my mostly black laptop a nice hint of girly

Prices start from US$7.90 for one or US$19.90 for 3 with free registered postage.

Skinstyler

Inspirational Women’s stories

I have just finished reading these 3 fabulous books. Amazing, moving, emotional stories that I recommend as a must read for everyone.

A Thousand Splendid Suns- Khaled Hosseini

The story follows the life of 2 Afghan Women and the war torn history of their country over 3 decades, spanning from the idyllic mid 1950s to post-September 11 Kabul. It is a emotionally powerful story, yet so beautiful and inspirational. The beauty and strength of the human spirit and bond between two women in the face of such horror and adversity. A great story, as well as teaching and opening your eyes to the history and way of life of a country that has become so important in our lives today.

I absolutely loved this book, it has become my all time favourite. It is so wonderfully written. Khaled Hosseini is an amazingly talented story teller.

The Kabul Beauty School-Deborah Rodriguez

In The Kabul Beauty School, Debbie tells the story of the beauty school she founded and the vibrant women who study and work there. A great story showing that one person can make a huge difference. Debbie’s guts and determination to to help change the lives of Afghan women, by giving them the opportunity to learn skills and support their families. A wonderful insight into the lives of Afghan Women as well as Debbie’s personal growth.

Heart of Darfur-Lisa French Blaker

Lisa’s story, working as a nurse for Medecins Sans Frontieres arrives in Sudan full of hope and determination. She has no idea the horror and desperation she will face in the coming months. She spends 10mths living with, treating and forming relationships the Sudanese people. Treating children with machete wounds, babies dying of chronic dehydration, girls giving birth at the age of 13 and old women too traumatised to carry on living. A shocking look into the day to day lives behind the news headlines and the unimaginable suffering of these people.

madeit

Do you love all the fun and funky handmade goodies that you find at all the great markets? Then you are going to LOVE madeit.

madeit is an online community where you can buy, sell and talk independent. It started life as a directory for independent Australian designers and has evolved into a colourful marketplace where you will find an amazing array of wonderful products and talented designers. Jewellery, Bags & Purses, Homewares and a whole lot more. Their directory boost over 130 Australian designers and growing.

madeit is proudly Australian owned and operated. Selling is restricted to Australian Designers only, but anyone is welcome to purchase.

You could spend hours browsing around the beautiful items, all original, handmade with love right here in Australia and nothing like you will find in a department store.

Raising a Business

Starting your own small business, and working from home are becoming more popular than ever with Women in particular these days.

Raising a Business, a woman’s no-nonsense guide to successfully growing a small business, is the much anticipated follow up book from Melbourne mum and author Sonia Williams. Her first book, Show Mummy the Money was a guide for people, not just Mums, on how to start their own small business and was a huge success.

Raising a Business follows on from that idea. The book is aimed at Women who are planning on starting, or those who have recently started their own small business. It is designed to teach Women how to successfully prepare their small business for growth and sustainability.

Sonia interviewed 20 successful business Women for the book. I really enjoyed the inspirational advice from great Australia business women through out the book such as Larissa Bright of Diva Cosmetics, Naomi Simons of RedBallon Days, Sue Whyte of Intimo and many more. The book is packed with their experienced advice and tips on starting and growing your own business.

Along with the wonderful advice in the book, when you purchase the book you can also gain access to private exercises and resources on Sonia’s website Show Mummy the Money.

Raising a Business is available now, RRP$29.95

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