Black Friday Deal

Black Friday is quickly approaching. Remember change begins at home. Shop local, and shop American made and be a part of the solution for our struggling economy.

Green Pixie Baby carries a great selection of American made products for Mommy and Baby. If your looking for great clothing for the whole family I recommend Bamboosa.com they have wonderful comfy clothes for Mom and Dad made in the USA! Green Toys has a wonderful toy line made in the USA, and Doodletown Toys makes wonderful wooden toys for infants and toddlers. Let me know what your looking for and I will try to find you an American made option.


Happy shopping!

Marie Moore Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com

A Roast of the Farm Midwives

Ricki Lake

hosts

A Roast of the Farm Midwives.

A vegetarian roast, of course.

Join the many midwives and friends who know the little-known stories about the mothers of American midwifery for a night of honoring and heckling.

This public event will occur during the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) annual conference.

A cash bar of midwifery themed cocktails will be available. A Rum Rush, anyone?
Immediately following the roast, stay for a free screening of Guerilla Midwife.
Tickets are $20 on-line until October 12th and $25 at the door.
Friday, October 15th at 7pm at the Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin, TN.

Buy your tickets now!


This event is a fundraiser for the Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery, the country's only grant-making nonprofit organization dedicated to midwifery causes.

In order to keep our costs down, please help us market this event by forwarding this to your friends who might be interested in attending.

Cloth diaper discussion & swap

Join us for a morning of cloth diaper chat and diaper swapping. On Saturday October 2nd 2010 we will meet at Pinkerton Park in Franklin at 10:00 am. The park is located at 405 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37064 and is just a few blocks from our retail space in beautiful historic downtown Franklin. We will have tea, scones, and lots of fun! Bring your clean gently loved cloth diapers that you are willing to swap and any questions you have about your cloth diapers. It takes a village to raise children and we are happy to be a part of the cloth diapering / green parenting tribe.

This event is free to the public and all cloth diaper styles and brands are welcome.

We look forward to meeting you!

Wishing you a joyfully green day,

Marie (615) 542-4338
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Check us out on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events and sales:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-TN/Green-Pixie-Baby/238287344035

The Living Green Expo August 28, 2010

Green Pixie Baby is proud to be participating in the Living Green Expo at the Factory in Franklin, TN again this year. Join us for an afternoon of learning to live greener lifestyles. We are donating a door prize, will have a cloth diaper swap basket, and will have a drawing for a free Knickernappie one size diaper.

I appreciate you passing the Living Green Expo information to co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. The more we get involved - the bigger the crowd we can draw - the bigger impact we can make!

Living Green Expo
August 28
9:30 am - 3:30 pm
The Factory
230 Franklin Rd



This event is K.W.B.’s endeavor to educate consumers as to how companies can contribute to making their lives healthier, cleaner and greener.

The Living Green Expo features 70+ inter-active educational exhibits manned by environmentally conscious local business leaders, sponsors, and educators who can offer real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. The Expo, free to visitors and free parking, connects people who are interested in making a positive difference in their environment at home, at work and in your community.

The 70+ green business leaders at the Living Green Expo can teach us how to live greener in areas like agriculture, energy, organic food and products, transportation, home building and remodeling, soil and water management, household items and more. Safer alternatives for things we use everyday: personal care, household, cosmetic and nutritional products.



Presentations:




10:00 Billy Ezell from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing presenting on saving natural resources – Water- and Energy



11:00 Jessica Vogt from Carpet Den Interiors, speaking on Green products in flooring...



12:00 – Freddy Satterfield

Costco's take on recycle, reduce, re-use and the Kirkland Signature brand!





1:00 Michael Martin from Whole Foods speaking on healthy eating –



2:00 Becky Taylor Clean Air Partnership of Williamson County




AND

Over 50 Door Prizes throughout the day!




Visit the Factory at Franklin web-site for directions

and a listing of

restaurants and other businesses located at the Factory http://www.factoryatfranklin.com/

Visit www.keepwilliamsonbeautiful.org for listing of the green business exhibitors at Living Green Expo.

I hope to see you there!

Marie Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com

The Happy Heiny promise

This is just another reason we are proud to be a Happy Heiny's retailer / customer:

This is from Linda Byerline the Owner of Happy Heiny's

It is our promise to you and to your customers that we will always stand by our products and will always provide the best products possible.


Recently I read where a company was talking about their China made products. It was stated that it was ok to have their products made in China because they have visited the facility and they have full knowledge of how the facility is run, how employees are paid, and how they are treated. It was also stated that none of the other diaper manufacturers can say this, INCLUDING THOSE MADE IN THE USA.
I want to clarify this statement for anyone who has concerns regarding this and I know there are some since I have received the emails asking about it. All of the Happy Heinys products are made in our own facility. Every single product including our microfiber inserts. The only product that is imported is hemp and this is done due to government regulations. Our hemp products are also made in our facility.
We purchased this facility 2 yrs ago and are currently doubling the space size. The facility is 3 minutes away from our home, 5 minutes if you hit every light. My husband and I work at the facility every single day. If a machine decides to have a bad day it is my husband who gets the pleasure of fixing it. Our managing seamstress has sewn Happy Heinys since our very first wholesale order that was shipped to Japan 8-9 yrs ago. She has worked for me exclusively now for 6 yrs. We have a complete team of seamstresses that come to work every day and they do so with the knowledge that if their child has a recital, doctors appt, is sick, or just needs mom they can leave. Most importantly they can leave without losing pay. We have several family members who work for us both as seamstresses and in our packing and shipping department. We have just 3 people who actually do the shipping of products, that is Stacy, Mike (my husband), and myself.
From the day it was obvious we were going to become a larger company it has always been my goal that our company will remain 100% under our control and 100% local. As the kids are getting ready to go back to school and the facility will once again be quieter during the day this remains to be our goal. As we hire more employees I always look first to those in my community that need the jobs.
Yes it is true that our cost of production is easily 3 times the cost of those in different states and 5 times the cost of those in China but at least we have the wonderful feeling that we are providing not only a great product for parents but also a great place of employment for parents.

Going Green in Tennessee

We make every attempt to live a "green" lifestyle. We recycle just about everything, yes even toilet paper rolls. We almost always take our reusable bags with us whenever / wherever we go shopping. Those bags are not just for the grocery store, use them at target, the mall, and the Farmers Market. Going green can be done in baby steps. Here are some easy changes you can make.

1) BYOB - Bring your own bag! Keep one or two in your car so their handy.
2)Phase out your light bulbs as they require replacement go to the energy efficient bulbs.
3) Ask your favorite take out place to switch to cardboard to go boxes instead of Styrofoam
4)buy one rain barrel a year. We found ours at Sam's club for $80! These are simple to install, and are perfect for watering your garden, or indoor plants.
5) Shop at your local Farmers Market. They have a great selection of fresh fruits, veggies, bread, eggs, and meats. It makes for a fun morning outing for the whole family, supports your community, and is a healthier option for you and our planet.
6) Shop local. Buying from local vendors cuts back on fuel emissions required to have items shipped when buying online, supports your local economy,and builds community ties.
7) Buy American made. This will create more jobs for our country while cutting back on fuel to have things imported.
8) I am happy to say that Franklin (and many surrounding cities) now has recycle programs in force, use them! It's easy just drop recyclable items into the blue bag, or recycle bin provided.
9) Have a clothes swap party with your friends. Invite your friends to bring their gently used clothes and make a ladies night out of it. What a great way to visit with friends while picking up some new to you outfits!
10) Use reusable snack bags.
11) Cloth diaper your babies (you saw that coming from me didn't you?). Cloth diapers are the only sustainable option in diapering our children. Reduce, reuse, cloth diaper!
12) Read labels. If it's food and you can't pronounce the ingredients don't buy it. Look for made in the USA products.
13) Buy bamboo products. Bamboo is a quickly grown and requires less water and pesticides to grow. It is friendly to our Earth.
14) Consume less. Think before you buy, do you NEED it, is it recyclable, where was it made, does it serve a true purpose? Mindful shopping will help your wallet, and our planet!

Most of all don't feel overwhelmed. Every little bit helps. If everyone made small changes to our lifestyles we can make the change our Earth needs.

Now I challenge you all to not just talk about it, be about it. Be the change you want to see in our world.

Wishing you a joy filled, green day,

Marie M. Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Article in the Franklin Life Magazine

By LEAH DENNISON
Staff Reporter
ldennison@c-dh.net

Some women take a break from work after they have kids. When mother of four Marie Sawyer had her youngest daughter, she started her own business. Her incentive was green-but it wasn’t money.


Marie Sawyer encourages parents to go green by using cloth diapers.
Photos by Leah Dennison



Sawyer’s company Green Pixie Baby specializes in “green” parenting supplies, including cloth diapers, bamboo clothing, natural wooden toys made with toxin-free oils, cloth diaper cleaning tools, organic baby washes and bubble baths, locally handmade baby mobiles, alternative plant-based laundry detergent, and reusable multi-compartment lunchboxes-of which, Sawyer pointed out, Green Pixie Baby is the first retail carrier in Tennessee. Sawyer-who holds a full time job besides-spends her lunch breaks at The Shop Around the Corner, 117 North 3rd Avenue in Franklin, selling her products and offering consultations and demonstrations to families interested in cloth diapering.

19-month-old Lilliana, Sawyer’s youngest daughter, is “our mascot and our model,” she said. “We try everything out on her first,” before they decide whether to carry it.

Sawyer’s family had “gone green” already by recycling and reducing their water usage, so when Lilliana was born, Sawyer said they decided to incorporate their green lifestyle into caring for their family’s newest addition.

Sawyer said she tries to supply and support American and local products as much as possible. Green Pixie Baby’s products are available on their website at greenpixiebaby.com, and at their retail space in The Shop Around the Corner. Sawyer also has limited-stock locations in Murfreesboro and Spring Hill, to which she can deliver items for pickup.

Cloth diapering benefits babies, the environment, and family finances, Sawyer said.

According to the Real Diaper Association (www.realdiaperassociation.org), which Sawyer recommends as a great resource for parents, babies who are diapered in breathable cloth are much less likely to develop diaper rash, which is often caused by trapped moisture.

The RDA reports that disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and make up 50% of a family’s household waste. 92% of disposable diapers end up in a landfill, and according to the RDA, most are still there-it is estimated that they take from 250-500 years to decompose.

While cloth diapering does require an initial investment, advocates say that in the long run, it is less expensive than using disposable diapers. Sawyer suggests a “start-up kit” of 24 cloth diapers for one child.

“That will have you doing laundry every 2-3 days, instead of constantly,” she said. Cloth diapers can cost $10 to $30 apiece, but the average family spends nearly $1500 per year, per diapered baby on disposables.

Savings are even better with families who reuse the cloth diapers for multiple children. Plus, Sawyer said, used cloth diapers still have resale value on craigslist and ebay.

It might seem like a conflict of interest for Sawyer to point out her products’ reusability and resale value, but advocating cloth diapers is more about passion than a plump paycheck.

“I don’t make a whole lot of money doing this,” said Sawyer, “I do it because I want the best for my children and for our Earth.”

Green Pixie Baby will participate in the Green Living Expo, held Saturday, August 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin. Their booth will feature a “take one, leave one” basket for the free exchange of gently used cloth diapers

The Living Green Expo

The Living Green Expo will be held August 28, 2010 at the Factory At Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Please come visit Green Pixie Baby's booth and the many other green business leaders, learn at the workshops, and register for the many door prizes.

We will be donating a prize for the door prize drawings and we will also be drawing a name from guests who stop by our booth to win a free Knickernappies onesize diaper!

We also hope to have a leave one / take one basket set up for a free gently used diaper swap. So, bring your diapers that you want to swap.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Also if you haven't made it by our space within The Shop Around the Corner yet now is a good time to check us out. We are stocked on diapers, and green parenting items and specialize in American Made children products. We are located at 117 Third Avenue North Franklin, TN 37064.

We always appreciate your feed back so let us know what's on your mind.

Wishing you a joy filled day,

Marie M. Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com

New Franklin, TN retail location!

Hello everyone!

We have been busy growing our inventory and testing out new cloth diapers. We are happy to have added the Kissaluvs line to our inventory. We now have Happy Heinys, Knickernappies, Thirsties, Kissaluvs, Imse Vimse, Starbunz, Bumkins, and Clover diapers in stock. We also have swim diapers, training pants, and all the accessories you need to successfully cloth diaper. We have expanded to carry some clothing, shoes, diaper bags, blankets and a few other American made products!

Our new retail space is now open for business with more new products coming! Stop by and see our new Franklin, TN retail location:

117 Third Ave. North
Franklin, TN 37064
Hours 10 -5 Monday through Saturday

We are always open to products suggestions so please let us know what you would like us to carry for you and we will do our best to get it in for you.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Marie Sawyer - Proud Owner
greenpixiebaby@live.com
www.greenpixiebaby.com
(615) 542-4338

American Made

We are proud to carry American made cloth diapers and baby products. There are so many choices new parents face. There are just as many if not more worries new parents face in regards to product safety. We've all heard of various toys, bottles, and even formula being recalled. Most not all, were from imported products. Recently it was discovered that metal coming in from China contained high levels of radiation. That metal is being used on our household products. There is currently no one that inspects the imported metal. Inspection and correction of the "issues" would be too costly. So for now it is left for the companies purchasing the metal to decide if they want to take on the expense of testing the metal. Hmm.. I'm guessing they won't. We are surrounded by imported products. Check your closets, and dishware. More importantly check your baby's nursery.

We don't profess that all American made products are superior. We do say though that if we all made an effort to buy local, and shop American made, our part of the world would be better off. On the green side purchasing from a company in the USA requires less fuel to transport it to you. On the humanitarian side the companies we purchase our products from have good working conditions where there employees are treated and paid fairly. Most are run by families and their workers are treated like family! One of our diaper manufactures notes "The one thing I can say though is that many CD companies have had issues with diapers made overseas ranging from bad quality fabrics to inconsistent sizing- they have often donated huge lots of these diapers or have replaced them for customers who complained. I have also noticed that many of the diapers made overseas do not have CPSIA tags on them which is quite amazing!" and was right on with this comment "Diapers made in the US of course support local families, keep money here and also help the struggling fabric manufacturing industry in the US". Buying American made soaps and lotions for your baby also means quality assurance! When speaking with one of our baby shampoo and bodywash manufactures he stated that the USDA stops in regularly to inspect them and to ensure that they have the exact percentage of ingredients as listed on the label. No short cuts to save on cost EVER! Products made overseas do not get inspected by the USDA.

While our primary focus is on cloth diapers we are excited to add Kepner Scott shoes to our product inventory. These are great infant, toddler, and children's shoes. They have been in business in PA since 1888 and are still family run! Their shoes are all made in the USA and are top quality. While searching for shoes for our daughter I was quite disappointed in the quality of shoes I came across. In my search for American made children shoes I found Kepner Scott. http://kepnerscott.com/aboutus.html We are thrilled to have them as an American made partner and look forward to introducing our customers to their great shoes.

We hope that our stance on American made products helps us stand apart from the competition. Anyone can sell baby products, we choose to sell American made baby products.

Thank you and have a wonderfully "Green" day!

Marie Moore Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com
Franklin, TN

SuperUndies!

Potty training just got easier! We now carry the SuperUndies pull ons, and Pocket Trainers. These undies really are Super! The pull ons have a waterproof outer, and are sleek fitting. The inside of these are buttery soft, with three layers of absorbent microterry. These diapers will allow your child to feel when they have wet, but will protect their clothing when accidents happen.

The Pocket Trainers have the waterproof outer, and soft inside has pockets to add step up inserts. These trainers are perfect for the little ones just starting out. The inserts allow Mom to control the absorbency, and the back release snaps are handy for those Uh oh! moments. These are easy to use, and still have the appearance of big boy or big girl undies.

To clean simply turn them inside out, or unsnap the trainers, and toss in the washing machine and dryer. If your Super Undies do get "dirty", shake the waste off into the toilet and pre-rinse them by themselves prior to laundering.

As with all cloth diapers never use bleach.

Potty training is a whole new adventure. It takes time and dedication from Mommy and Daddy. Make potty time a special event. Pick up some books about potty training that your little one can flip through while sitting on the potty. Give your child praise for being such a good boy or girl. Be sure to take them to the potty every hour to "try" to go potty. Be consistent with praise and potty trips. Potty training truly is a learning experience for parents and children. Every child is different and will react to different methods. Try several methods to see which works best for your family. The key is PATIENCE! It will happen, and then your baby will be all grown up before you know it!

Happy potty training!

Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Thirsties Superwash combo

I have always been a simpler is better, cheaper is even better type of cloth diaperer. I do try everyone of the products we carry. How could I sell and promote a product I haven't tested? So, I am using a Value pack at home on our diapers.

Here is the Thirsties information on their Super Wash and Prewash value pack:

Thirsties® Pre-Wash and Super-Wash cloth diaper detergents are custom formulated by a chemist to clean your cloth diapers. The active antimicrobial ingredients in Thirsties® Pre-Wash loosen and rinse away waste and bacteria. This detergent is used during the pre-rinse cold wash to help reduce stains. The Thirsties® Super-Wash is used during the HOT wash. It adds probiotic, a good bacteria, to reduce odor and diaper rash.

Features:
100% biodegradable
Completely non-toxic solution
Zero-residue detergent
Custom formulated by a chemist specifically for use in pre-washing cloth diapers
Washes completely clean; will not leave residue
Highly concentrated to reduce costs and carbon output
HE safe
Use:
Pre-clean with 1/2 ounce Thirsties® Pre-Wash on COLD (if your machine has a pre-wash cycle, use it; if not, use a short cycle). Follow with 1/2 ounce of Thirsties® Super Wash in heavy cycle on HOT with an extra rinse.

Detailed Washing Recommendations
Testimonials

Includes:
Thirsties Pre-Wash: 32 fluid ounces (64 loads)
Thirsties Super-Wash: 32 fluid ounces (64 loads)

MADE IN THE USA

Now I have to admit that my first thought was WOW $31.00 is a lot of money for 32oz of pre-wash and detergent. BUT having tried this on our old dingy diapers I have to say WOW that stuff REALLY works! I normally use the Planet brand detergent on our diapers. While Planet does get them clean, and smelling fresh, the Thirsties Pre-wash and superwash left them whiter, much whiter! Thirsties pre-wash really lifts out even old set in stains, plus it breaks down the bacteria that can lead to diaper rashes. Thirsties created a great product.

In order to make my Thirsties bottles last longer, since it is a $31.00 investment I use this combination on every other diaper load.

Green Pixie Baby gives the Thirsties Value Pack two thumbs up! Thanks Thirsties!

Have a great day,

Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Why? WHY NOT?!

I have been asked many question, and faced many doubts, but I drudge on. Why?
Why do I care to work full time, run a side business, and promote other peoples business? I do these things because I love my family, because I love our earth, and because I love to help other people do what they love.

I have been asked why I only sell American made diapers. There are so many reasons and I will post a seperate blog about this issue. The main reason is why not? There are hundreds of cloth diapers on the market. Why don't we support our own economy? Why don't we support those companies that employ American citizens? Why would we purchase a product made across the globe, feed another countries economy, and then further damage our earth by having to have those products shipped? Why?

Why do I run a cloth diaper business? Because I feel that I was called to. I believe that I can help other families successfully use cloth diapers. I enjoy talking to others about cloth diapers and I'm still learning. I enjoy listening and learning from other Moms. I am thankful for the friendships I have already made during this journey. I did not start this to get rich! I still work a full time 8-5job to support my side business.

Why don't I have have my own retail space? There are so many reason for not having my own space. Retail space costs tons of money, and time. As it is I am working nonstop to promote cloth diapers. I realized early on that a cloth diaper retail business is more about a passion for cloth diaper advocacy than for profit. Once minimum orders are made, spaces are rented, hours are worked, and taxes are paid there really isn't much left to consider a profit. I have a friend who has her own retail space and she is never home. Her husband and children visit her at the shop. I don't want to do that. My priority is my family. I can help other families and spend time with my family by being inside of other retail locations. The set up I have now is perfect for my family and customers. I have three current locations (with a very exciting one opening soon!), I carry a good selection of cloth diapers and accessories which I am constantly adding to. I don't (or won't) have to work store hours away from my family, and I don't have to pay rediculous lease payments, utilities, and insurance. I am able to pass that savings onto my customers. When you have your own store front I feel you limit yourself. I would only have one location, I couldn't work at the consignment sales, speak at events, or volunteer for community events. I'd be at the store. Now I have multiple locations, my customers have access in three differant counties, and Green Pixie Baby can focus on the Advocacy side.

Why do I promote other businesses? I believe in supporting my friends and community. I have met some great ladies who are also trying to get their business up and running. Why don't we help eachother? Work as a team and promote eachother. I am always open to promoting SAHM or WAHM products. People can come to me and know that I will not steal their ideas or try to compete with them. I want to establish a great network of friends who help eachother. I am a firm believer in Karma. Live by good intentions, and your life will be abundent with friends.

There will always be questions, and there will always be doubts. I am blessed to have a supportive family, a job that provides the income to do what I love, and friends whom I love and amazingly they love me back. I know that the Lord has blessed me and that with him I can say WHY NOT?!

Do you have a product you'd like me to promote? I'd love to help, so send me a note!

Have a great GREEN day!

Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Green Bottoms Up!

Here is a copy of the article on cloth diapers in the Time Daily in Florance, AL

Interesting article, but please note that I would NEVER suggest the use of bleach on cloth diapers. NEVER. But hey cloth diapers in the news is always a good thing! YAY cloth!


Many parents returning to cloth diapers
By Jennifer Crossley,
Staff Writer


Published: Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 3:27 p.m.
Most of them are soft, smell like baby powder and favor pastels. That's not a description of infants, but the trendy diapers that pad their bottoms.



Cloth diapers are en vogue for parents choosing efficiency over convenience. But if you imagine those diapers as big pieces of white square cloth, think again. Today’s cloth diapers sport a variety of patterns and colors. Convenient Velcro fasteners do away with the need for sharp pins that too often stick Mom and baby, too.

Daniel Giles/TimesDaily photo illustration
Cloth diapers, once the only choice for mothers generations ago, are en vogue with snaps and Velcro and other added conveniences.

The diapers ride the green wave for families hoping to cut back on the amount of waste they produce. Others turn to them for their cost efficiency, though more expensive diapers with waterproof liners can cost upward of $15.

The Baby's Room in Florence started carrying cloth diapers about five years ago to meet customer wants.

"We did actually have a lot of people asking for cloth diapers for years, and the number of requests got larger and larger," said store manager Angela Kitching.

After the requests piled up, Kitching researched more diapers and added a trendy, colorful alternative to the less-

expensive brand she already carried.

Bambino Mio originated in England, as its packaging labeled nappies, the English word for diapers, proclaims.

From pastel polka dots to green and blue stars, plastic lines the inside of the diapers, which with a squint of the eye could pass for disposable diapers, save their Velcro and soft cotton covers.

For those who picture the bunched-up materials of yesterday molded to their babies bodies when they think of cloth diapers, think again. Most padding consists of thick, quilted rectangles meant to be tri-folded for extra absorbency. Other diapers include pockets to slip in padding and remove to wash.

Trusted baby brands hopped on the cloth bandwagon, too, including Gerber, which makes diapers from organic cotton. The diapers also are big on the Web, with sales of handmade diapers on Etsy and other merchant sites.

Marie Sawyer, of Franklin, Tenn., is one of those moms who sells diapers online. After the birth of her daughter, she wanted to continue the green lifestyle her family embraced.

"We decided when we had a baby we were going to include that into her care, also," Sawyer said.

After searching for retailers selling cloth diapers around Franklin to no avail, she decided to carry different brands on her online boutique, Green Pixie Baby. Diapers on the site by Happy Heinys come in a rainbow of colors and cow and monkey prints. Sawyer even sells cloth diaper advocacy T-shirts on the site.

"We've had tremendous feedback from the community," Sawyer said.

The biggest questions she gets from customers considering purchasing the diapers are "Will I have time to do laundry?" and "What do I do with the poopy diapers?" Enter liners. Some companies that produce diapers also sell biodegradable and flushable liners that look like dryer sheets to slip over padding to catch solid waste.

When it comes to washing and drying, the test of going cloth arises. For parents who choose not to purchase liners, they may wipe what they can off the diaper into the toilet and then rinse, followed by a little scrubbing and bleach in the washing machine and hot air in the dryer. In following with earth-friendly practices, line drying applies in warm months.

For all their advantages, the diapers require compromise, too, mostly of time.

Sawyer, who travels a lot, worried that using the diapers would create unnecessary hassle on trips.

"We were concerned with traveling and were wondering how it would be to travel with cloth diapers," she said.

It wasn't as hard as she thought, it turns out. She just used laundry facilities at the hotel, washing and drying as needed.

It's the constant washing though, that turns some people off to the idea of cloth diapers, despite their evolution.

That's what comes to mind when Diane Willis thinks of cloth diapers. "Wash, wash, wash, wash them and wash them," said Willis, director of First Assembly Child Care and Development Center in Florence, with a laugh.

"I used them because I had to."

She's noticed no children at First Assembly wearing cloth diapers.

"I've been in this business for 27 years, and I have not had the first child in cloth diapers," she said.

The trend took a while to get off the ground at The Baby's Room, but cloth diaper devotees remain faithful.

"It was definitely a slow start, and when they first came in I kept them close to the door and had people asking about them, and I now I have people asking about them because their friends have them," Kitching said.

Jennifer Crossley can be reached at 740-5743 or jennifer.crossley@timesdaily.com.

On the net

greenpixiebaby.blogspot.com

Meet Mr. Mike - Dad, Singer, Cloth Diaper Advocate!

Green Pixie Baby is a proud supporter and member or the Real Diaper Association (RDA). Please check out their blog, it contains great information about cloth diapering. This particular post really is great so check it out! http://realdiaperevents.org/archives/meet-mr-mike

Listen to Mr. Mike's song about cloth diapers. http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/3/31/2386098/I%20Use%20Cloth.mp3

I promise I will try to be better about posting new blogs. Things have been very busy lately. I will be following along with the RDA's 100% Reusable Cloth Diapers Campaign and posting advice to difficulties families may face with cloth diapers.

Have a wonderful day!

Marie Moore Sawyer
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Our new baby registry and forum

Our current website does not have the ability to set up a baby registry. SOO I improvised. There are ways around just about anything. It's not great but it works, and gives our customers an option. This link is labeled check baby registries and it will take you to our Ning page. You can see the registries under the Forum section under lastest discussions. This site also allows us to set up a forum for us to use for discussions, and set up events.

Please feel free to join our group and pass along the information to your cloth diapering friends. http://babyregistry.ning.com

Thank you and happy cloth diapering!

Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Cost comparison of cloth vs. disposable

Cost comparison of cloth vs. disposable

Using Cloth Diapers can save you from 44-68% over the cost of disposable diapers. You can end up saving even more if you save your cloth diapers for use on a second or third child.

First let's look at just how many diapers you use in a period of 2½ years. Keep in mind some children take longer to potty train, stretching the diaper years into 3 or even 4. While cloth diapered babies tend to potty train 6 months to a year sooner. Our Lilli is 14 months and has already begun potty training. YAY!!

Disposable diapers:

•An average of 70 diapers a week; baby is changed every 2-3 hours and toddler is changed every 3-4 hours.
•A diapering period of 2½ years or 130 weeks.
•Total of 9,100 diapers changes.

•Disposable diaper costs an average of $0.24 per change.
•$0.24 per change X 70 changes per week = $16.80 per week
•$16.80 per week X 130 weeks per diapering period = Total Cost of Disposable Diapers $2,184.00

Reusable cloth diapers:

Detergent & Additive Expense

•$0.42/Planet detergent = Total Detergent & Additive Expense of $0.42 (per load)
Electricity Expense

•National average per wash cycle is $0.19 X 3 complete wash cycles = Total wash expense = $0.57
•National average per dry cycle is $0.40
•Wash expense = $0.57 + drying expense= $0.40 = Total Electricity Expense of $0.97
Water Expense

•Water cost is $0.20 for 140 gallons = Total Water Expense of $0.20
Loads per Diapering Period

•Wash every 2-3 days = 2 loads per week
•2 loads per week X 130 weeks (diapering period) = 260 Loads per Diapering Period
Total Laundering Expense (We also include all of her laundry in the diaper wash)

•Total Detergent & Additive Expense of $0.42 + Total Electricity Expense of $0.97 + Total Water Expense of $0.20 X 260 Loads per Diapering Period = Total Laundering Expense of $413.40 I think this should actually be less since we do run her clothes in the same washes, and disposable diaper families also wash their baby clothes.... unless they have now invented disposable clothes!

Now add in the cost of purchasing twenty four diapers at an average of $20 each total of $480.

Final comparison:

Even when you factor in laundering your cloth diapers at home, you still save over $1200 using cloth diapers on a single child for a period of two years. Just imagine how much money you can save by re-using those same cloth diapers on other children, or by reselling them when your done with them.

Once again cloth diapers are the best option for today's parents. Save money, save our environment, and save that baby tushie from rough chemical filled disposable diapers!

Happy Heinys Needs Our Help

Green Pixie Baby is located in Franklin, TN and if you prefer to bring your items to us we will be putting together a box of donations to send to Happy Heinys.

Thank you!
Marie
www.greenpixiebaby.com


Visit the Happy Heinys Website

We have been very saddened to hear that due to the recent earthquakes in Haiti in the Port Au Prince area, a couple of the orphanages we have worked closely with over the last fews years have been completely devastated.
Through the years we have not only sent them diapers and clothing for these babies but also toys and help with food.
When we work with any orphanage in any third world nation we work closely with missionaries who actually travel to the orphanages and personally bring our donations to the babies in need. We opt to work this way because sadly we have found that when attempting to donate directly the goods do not always arrive to the proper place due to the civil unrest of many of these countries.
With this recent devastating series of earthquakes there is already a lot of donations and requests for donations out there. Many are requesting items to be given to the Red Cross which is a wonderful organization and will truly help many people.
Unfortunately those many orphanages are on the outskirts of town and therefore tend to receive less if any help. These orphanages are now in dire need of new/good condition used reusable diapers. By us providing them with reusable diapers we are ensuring that a baby who has just learned to sit in not placed on a toileting pot for 10-12 hours per day in order to prevent messes.
We are also going to take donations of new or good condition used baby clothing and small items. Most often these items we donate are actually brought over in suitcases so we need items that will fit in suitcases.
Again, there is a lot of wonderful support that is heading out that way, people bringing food, water, medicines, and clothing but this is all going to the main population. We need to get diapers and clothing to the orphanages as quickly as possible.
If you would like to make a donation of diapers or baby clothing please send as quickly as possible to:


Happy Heinys
1529 N Cuyamaca St
El Cajon CA 92020
please mark box for donation


If you would like to be so kind as to help out financially so that we can afford to send out more new diapers and new clothing as well as shipping costs and costs of extra luggage for those who are flying out to Haiti. Please send any donations to us through paypal, please be sure to clearly mark the payment in the subject box as Donation for Orphanages in Haiti and select the Personal option for sending the money so there is no extra charges applied.
You can send funds through paypal to: lbyerline@cox.net
You can send funds using a credit card or cash. If you would like to send checks please mail them to the above address and make the check out to Happy Heinys but please make sure the subject is clearly marked as Donation for Orphanages.
All funds collected will solely be used for purchasing of new items and the costs of shipping. Any left over funds will be directly donated to those in need.


Thank you for helping us to carry on our mission to insure that as many babies as possible have dry cloth on their bottoms, clean clothes to wear, and food in their belly.
Cheers,
Linda Byerline CEO
MLB Industries Inc
www.happyheinys.com
www.babyfrenzy.com

Stinky diapers?

Are your cloth diapers starting to get stinky? After much use cloth diapers can start to retain the urine smell. There are so many differant opinions on how to handle this problem. What we do when we start to notice that our diapers are not coming out as fresh as they should is run a presoak with baking soda, followed by a cold rinse with white distilled vinegar, a hot wash without detergent, and a second rinse. If the weather is nice out try line drying your diapers in the sun. The sun does a great job of sunning out stains, and freshening up your diapers.

As I noted in prior blogs, if you rinse your diapers off with a diaper sprayer or in your laundry sink after each use before placing them in the diaper pail this will help keep the urine odor from building up.

For us natural ingredients are always the best option and almost always less expensive.

Wishing you a wonderful cloth diapering day! It is still chilly here in Franklin, TN., but we are looking forward to using our laundry line come spring!

Marie Moore Sawyer

www.greenpixiebaby.com

Cloth Diapers in Murfreesboro, TN

The Kids Trading Co. 490 St. Andrews Drive #103 Murfreesboro, TN 37128 carries all of our products. Should you wish to order a differant size or color feel free to ask Tanya to take an order for us. The ladies at The Kids Trading Co. are very friendly and helpful. You have not experienced great customer service until you have shoped with them!

If we do not currently carry a product you are looking for let us know. If it is American made we can look into adding it to our inventory. We want to make your cloth diapering experience as easy and successful as possible.

Feel free to call me anytime with any of your cloth diapering questions, or product suggestions. If I don't know the answer right off I will find it for you. Our goal is to get more babies into cloth and to offer the support to the Mommies and Daddies out there who are making the change.

Happy New Year!!

Marie Moore Sawyer (615) 542-4338
www.greenpixiebaby.com

Cloth Diapering essentials

Cloth diapering will become second nature once you have your supplies, and schedule set.

I am going to list our supplies that we use and that have made cloth diapering our baby a wonderful experience.

1) 24 pocket diapers (some Knicker Nappies, Happy Heinys, Thirties, prefolds and covers)
We use the prefolds and covers at night. I have found that the Organic velour prefolds by Clover diapers to be very absorbant and an excellent choice for overnight. The Thirsties covers are easy to use while half asleep and contain the moisture well. Clover also carries organic velour fitteds that my husband loves. The pocket diapers are less bulky and easier for out and about changes during the day. Twenty four is a good number to carry us through two days of diapering and doing laundry everyother day.

2) A good diaper friendly detergent. There are so many differing opinions on what to use and what not to use. I say use what works for you and your family. We switched to Planet detergent. We use it on the diapers and family laundry. For an additional list of "suggested" detergents see my old post http://greenpixiebaby.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html I will say that you should not use bleach or borax. Those are harsh on the diapers and will cause them to break down and leak, and are also harsh on babies bottom.

3) A travel wet bag, and large laundry wet bag. It's best to have a wet bag in your diaper bag for those dirty diapers that tend to happen just as you get to the restaurant or store. The wet bags will contain the mess and odor until you get home to clean up. I also use a large door knob diaper pail for the at home dirty diapers. This keeps the odor down and contains the moisture. I rinse each diaper after use. Even if it's just wet, this keeps the smell down. By rinsing the urine it keeps the urine odor from builing up on my diapers.

4) Flushable liners. While these are not nessasary they are a luxury that we have become accustom to. It makes the poopy diapers a sinch to clean, and since we take our daughter to day care it really helps them too. Just pull out the liner (which is biodegradeable and flushable)and flush it.

5) A diaper sprayer. Also a luxury, but I'm all about making it as easy as possible. Gone are the days of dunking in the toilet, and scrubing with my hands. Who want's to get dirty if they don't have to? The Knicker Nappies diaper sprayer attaches to the back of the toilet, and has great pressure. Simply hold the offending diaper over the toilet and spray the solids off into the toilet. It really is that simple! I do wipe the seat off when done as it tends to get wet from the overspray.

6) Help and support. I have a wonderful husband and family that has been very supportive of our decision to cloth diaper. This business has allowed me to meet other Mommies who cloth diaper and it's nice to have others to share ideas, questions, and support with. I am here to help you too. Even if you don't order your diapers from me, my consultations are always free.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful journey into cloth diapers and green parenting!

Marie Moore Sawyer (615) 542-4338
www.greenpixiebaby.com