lo-wren

muse. mom. maven.

MommyCon Atlanta Promo Code

By 2 Comments

Alright, my cloth diapering, babywearing, breastfeeding friends, it’s 2016! You know what that means, right? MommyCon events are taking place across the country this year! With the Atlanta event just one month away, I have an exclusive MommyCon Atlanta Promo Code to share with you — who’s excited? Save $5 off of each general admission ticket you purchase with MommyCon Atlanta Promo Code: LOWREN16 (discount changed by MommyCon, effective July 1, from $6 to $5, so that all event promoters offer the same discount, no matter their promotion results).

Looking for a MommyCon Atlanta promo code? Use LOWREN16 at checkout to save $6 on each of your MommyCon (& PLAY, MILK, WEAR) general admission tickets.

Once you purchase your tickets, head over HERE and leave a comment to enter into an exclusive Smart Bottoms Cloth Diapers giveaway for MommyCon attendees!

Giveaway, you ask? Yes! I have something special in store for those of you who use my 2016 MommyCon promo code (LOWREN16) to purchase your tickets. I’m giving away one Smart Bottoms Fantastic Hipster Fox Smart One cloth diaper, as well as 1 Smart Bottoms adult cloth advocacy tee and 1 Smart Bottoms baby tee at MommyCon DC.

Don’t fret if you’re attending MommyCon in another city, I’m also giving away 1 Smart Bottoms adult tee and 1 Smart Bottoms baby tee! Those of you who comment that you’re attending cities other than DC will be entered to win either an adult or baby tee.

Looking for a MommyCon Atlanta promo code? Use LOWREN16 at checkout to save $6 on each of your MommyCon (& PLAY, MILK, WEAR) general admission tickets.

So, here is all you need to do to enter to win a surprise from me: after you purchase your ticket with my MommyCon promo code (LOWREN16), leave a comment on this post shouting out the city where you’ll be attending MommyCon. Pretty simple, eh? The fine print is that the DC winner must be in attendance at the DC event to receive your prize (I’ll be sending the prizes to the other winners) – easy peasy! I’ll draw the winner on August 20 and announce (allowing time for me to draw another winner, if need be).

To enter, after you purchase your tickets (please don’t forget to use my promo code: LOWREN16), leave a comment on this post with the city where you’ll be attending. I will draw the winner(s) at the completion of the DC MommyCon event [that is posted in the comment section]. The fine print is that you must be a US resident, or have a US mailing address, to enter.

Interested in attending a separate event under the MommyCon umbrella? My code will also save you $5 off of each of your general admission tickets for the following events (click image to navigate to each event ticket sale/info page):

Looking for a MommyCon Atlanta promo code? Use LOWREN16 at checkout to save $6 on each of your MommyCon (& PLAY, MILK, WEAR) general admission tickets.

Looking for a MommyCon Atlanta promo code? Use LOWREN16 at checkout to save $6 on each of your MommyCon (& PLAY, MILK, WEAR) general admission tickets.

Looking for a MommyCon Atlanta promo code? Use LOWREN16 at checkout to save $6 on each of your MommyCon (& PLAY, MILK, WEAR) general admission tickets.

2016 MommyCon Promo Code and Smart Bottoms Giveaway

By 34 Comments

I had an absolute blast in DC for MommyCon this year, so much so that I’m going to do it all over again in 2016! Because I’m a MommyCon Sisterhood Journalist again this year, I have an amazing MommyCon promo code to offer a discount for you: use code LOWREN16 to save $5 off of your general admission ticket (discount changed by MommyCon, effective July 1, from $6 to $5, so that all event promoters offer the same discount, no matter their promotion results).

Being a MommyCon Sisterhood Journalist means that I will be covering [at least] one of the 2016 MommyCon event venues, and this year I’m torn between attending the DC event (AHmazing venue) again or heading down to Austin, TX just for fun (or maybe attending both).

I got to meet so many of you while “working” (it was more fun than work) at the Smart Bottoms booth in DC, and I got to discover great new products, like Re-Play dinnerware, made from recycled milk jugs. I can’t wait to see all of my cloth diapering friends again next year, both industry experts and cloth diaper users like yourself, and have wisened-up for this trip, in case I head to DC again — no family, just me.

#MommyConDC is a wrap! @chgdiapers @kim_rosas @firsttimemommn @lo-wren @MommyCon @liltulips #clothdiapers

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@laurenbethstevens) on

Long story short? My husband and son came along this year and my son refused to sleep, even though we were careful enough to book a suite. The French doors separating the rooms did absolutely nothing, so I headed to the convention already exhausted and my husband had to entertain my overtired kiddo for the entire day. Fun times!

Use MommyCon promo code LOWREN16 to save $5 off of your general admission ticket

Save $6 with MommyCon promo code: LOWREN16. Leave a comment to be entered into my SmartBottoms giveaway - at least 6 people will win!

Here are the locations for this year’s MommyCon events (click the links to find out more information about your venue):

Atlanta, GA

Chicago, IL

Seattle, WA

Austin, TX

Washington, D.C.

Orange County, CA

Orlando, FL

San Jose, CA

https://www.instagram.com/p/9EPHSmFBs6/

Oh, the giveaway, you ask? I have something special in store for those of you who use my 2016 MommyCon promo code (LOWREN16) to purchase your tickets. I’m giving away one Smart Bottoms Fantastic Hipster Fox Smart One cloth diaper, as well as 1 Smart Bottoms adult cloth advocacy tee and 1 Smart Bottoms baby tee at MommyCon DC.

Fox

Don’t fret if you’re attending MommyCon in another city, I’m also giving away 1 Smart Bottoms adult tee and 1 Smart Bottoms baby tee! Those of you who comment that you’re attending cities other than DC will be entered to win either an adult or baby tee.

So, here is all you need to do to enter to win a surprise from me: after you purchase your ticket with my MommyCon promo code (LOWREN16), leave a comment on this post shouting out the city where you’ll be attending MommyCon. Pretty simple, eh? The fine print is that the DC winner must be in attendance at the DC event to receive your prize (I’ll be sending the prizes to the other winners) – easy peasy! I’ll draw the winner on August 20 and announce (allowing time for me to draw another winner, if need be).

To enter, after you purchase your tickets (please don’t forget to use my promo code: LOWREN16), leave a comment on this post with the city where you’ll be attending. I will draw the winner(s) at the completion of the DC MommyCon event [that is posted in the comment section]. The fine print is that you must be a US resident, or have a US mailing address, to enter.

Please note that my promotional code does not apply to tickets purchased during the pre-sale period.

Epic De-Stash and Giving Diapers, Giving Hope Fundraiser

By 2 Comments

Cloth diapering provided so much for my little family — a cost efficient way to diaper my son, a gateway into the natural parenting community, amazing networking opportunities through blogging, and many more wonderful benefits. I’ve met SO many wonderful people through cloth diapering, and cloth diapering provided me an outlet for writing in those early days. I remain unbelievably grateful.

ClothDiaperCollage

My husband and I have decided to be a “one and done” family, so it’s time for me to let go of my beloved cloth diaper collection and put them into the hands of others who will use them. If you’ve followed lo-wren for any time, you know that my decision not to have any more children has been a difficult one, marked by several losses and leading me to look deeper into myself than I have ever before. I’m incredibly grateful for my miscarriages, as they have taught me SO much about myself, and led me down a path to building a stronger me. That being said, my miscarriages are, by far, the most difficult experiences I’ve endured.

De-stashEvent

Because the cloth diapering community has given my family so much, I want to give back to an organization that helps cloth diapering families in need: Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. I’ve donated diapers in the past, and will be donating any diapers that don’t sell (or that are not in amazing saleable condition) to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. In addition to those diaper donations, I will be donating a percentage of the proceeds as follows:

< $500 = 10%

$500+ = 15%

Smart Bottoms has agreed to MATCH my donation amount – how amazing is that?!?

To be completely transparent, the portion of the proceeds not donated will go into my son’s college fund. I sell my son’s outgrown clothing, toys, etc. at children’s consignment sales, and I’ve put all of that money into my son’s account as an easy way to save for the future.

Bidding begins on September 12th at 10am EST

So, what can you expect to find?

  • NIP bumGenius Freetimes in Audrey, Chaplin & Marie
  • NIP Smart Bottoms in Fox, Jax+Jill
  • Carriers – Ergobaby Organic w/ Infant Insert, Maya Wrap Ring Sling, Moby Wrap (brand new)
  • Project Pomona EcoFit jeans & skulls shorts
  • Lots and lots of other used cloth diapers: Buttons, Best Bottoms, GroVia, Smarti Pants, OBGEs, Smart Bottoms, and more!

How will it work?

I’ll be posting an album with photos of all of the items, each with a reserve price. Bidders will post their bid amounts in the comments section beneath the photo of the item they wish to bid on. Highest bidder wins the item.

P.S. I’ve already de-stashed the cloth diapers that didn’t work [for me], so you won’t be seeing any duds 😉

 

MommyCon 2015: Cloth Diapering in DC

By 2 Comments

mommycon-2015

I am finally recovering from the whirlwind weekend in DC, celebrating all things natural parenting at MommyCon 2015. I am struck by how much this amazing convention has grown since its first year! Cloth diapering, breastfeeding, babywearing, oh, MY! The vendors are better, more cloth diaper companies are present, and even more natural products are being showcased. And the babies, the babies! Everywhere I looked there were little ones nestled in their mom and dad’s carriers. Ack, the sweetness!

Save $6 on MommyCon 2015 tickets with promotional code: LOWREN15

As a Smart Bottoms Ambassador, I planned to spend most of my time at MommyCon 2015 working at the booth, talking about Jax & Jill and showing people just how amazing Smart Bottoms products are. I met Van from ‘Lil Tulips, the retailer selling Smart Bottoms at the conference, who was an amazing Smart Bottoms advocate, salesperson, and all around great guy. What I didn’t anticipate was just how popular the Smart Bottoms booth would be — we were slammed all day! Word has gotten out, my friends.

While I was unable to attend any sessions, I’d attended them before and can vouch for the abundance of information to be gleaned from them. MommyCon 2015 was really all about cloth diapers for me.

@smartbottoms is bumping! Come see @firsttimemommn & me! #smartbottomsambassador #mommycondc @mommycon

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on

I finally got to meet Bert, Smart Bottoms’ Marketing Coordinator Extraordinaire and the blogger behind First Time Mom, who I’d “known” for the past three years from being in the same blogging circles and working with businesses she’s worked for. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to be able to spend time with people you interact with virtually all year long! Blogging and freelance writing can be incredibly lonely, so it’s a treat to be able to interact with peers at events like this.

#MommyConDC #ClothDiaper Resource Center. Maria from @chgdiapers talking to an attendee.

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on

While Bert and I were located right across from the MommyCon 2015 Cloth Diaper Resource Center, where Kim Rosas (Dirty Diaper Laundry) and Maria Moser (Change-Diapers.com) were talking about all things cloth diapers, I didn’t really get the opportunity to chat with them until the convention was over! We did make a point of getting a group photo, as I’ve been in a blogging group with all of them for the last three years. While I got to spend time with Kim at a blogging conference last summer (Blog University), I’d not had the chance to meet Maria, who I’ve been working with in many capacities for years. These are the things that made MommyCon 2015 incredibly fun for me.

#MommyConDC is a wrap! @chgdiapers @kim_rosas @firsttimemommn @lo-wren @MommyCon @liltulips #clothdiapers

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on

I got to meet some of my amazing readers, and even “bumped” into an old colleague who is expecting her first child [in a matter of weeks!]. If you’ve not had the chance attend MommyCon, or are on the fence about it, I encourage you to jump in and grab tickets — you won’t regret it! Not only will you get to meet like-minded parents, and sit in on amazing seminars full of resources (and your favorite “personalities” in the natural parenting world), but you’ll get to talk to the people behind some of your favorite products (cloth diapers).

Save $6 on MommyCon 2015 tickets with promotional code: LOWREN15

MommyCon-Montage

While I’ve had experience with most of the products being showcased during the convention, I did discover a brand that I’m really excited about: Re-Play. I’m planning on sharing a little more about this company when I have more time, but I bought a few products and am loving them! All of their tableware is made from recycled milk jugs, my friends – so cool!

Have you attended a MommyCon event this year? What were some of your favorite takeaways from the conference?

The Ultimate Online Baby Shower: August 2015

By 3 Comments

It’s that time again! Time to RSVP, unlock the event calendar and sync favorite products and brands with your own calendar for this virtual event!

UOBS_RSVPFlyer

RSVP HERE before reading further

Why RSVP?

– to claim your entry into a drawing for two gift baskets, filled with items from all of the participating brands

– to unlock the calendar of events for The Ultimate Online Baby Shower, allowing you to plan your week with your sampling buddy

FLASH GIVEAWAYS

The Ultimate Online Baby Shower kicks off with fun Flash giveaways held by each of the participating bloggers. Be sure to follow my Facebook page, as I’ll be directing you to each flash giveaway page when they go live.

SAMPLER EVENTS

Several amazing baby companies will be hosting Sampler events on their Facebook pages throughout The Ultimate Online Baby Shower. Sampler events are fun, a rush, and go quickly (be ready); you want to click on the participating brand sampling link as they go live for the chance to receive free products from participating companies (they go FAST). I’ll be giving you prior reminders on my Facebook page so that you can be ready.

UOBS_BuddyUp

 

 

 

If you’ve not had the opportunity to try Sampler, it’s easy. You’ll have the opportunity to “Wish For” items that interest you, after you RSVP and unlock the calendar.  You’ll navigate to brand pages, click the Wish For It link (in the Giveaway tab) and share it to your Facebook timeline; your friends will then know that you would like them to send the item/Sampler to you when it is unlocked.  The best way to ensure you get the Samplers you want is to ‘buddy up’ with a friend and send them to each other when the event goes live.

THE BRANDS

Ssh! Baby's sleeping! Tune in MONDAY to find out more about @bellabundlesbaby / @bellabundle & @thesamplerapp #UOBS!

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on

BELLA BUNDLES

Bella Bundles’ line of accessories features designs and functionality fit for every modern mom! From bibs to blankets, comfort and practicality are of the utmost importance. The designs are hip, the sewmanship top-notch, and the fabrics incredibly plush. If you’re looking to outfit your nursery and baby’s layette with clean design, Bella Bundles has exactly what you’re looking for.

safetyfirst

SAFETY 1ST

Kicking off the Ultimate Online Baby Shower this year is Safety 1st – you won’t want to miss their flash giveaway! We use Safety 1st child-lock products around our house, and they also make car seats, strollers, in addition to a myriad of other baby gear. I know their giveaway will be an event you won’t want to miss!

 

HABA

HABA

HABA is synonymous with quality in the toy world; made from sustainable materials, non-toxic paints, their toys get two thumbs up from me! I’m loving HABA’s Baby’s First Photo Album — brightly colored designs, soft fabric, and eight 4×6 slots for lots of family photos.

Hey pregnant moms — @basqskincare is participating in @thesamplerapp #UOBS next week!

A photo posted by Lauren Stevens (@lowrenblogs) on

BASQ

I remember being overly cautious with my first pregnancy, changing to natural shampoo and conditioner and tossing many of the household products and toiletries I’d used for years. I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t using products that contained chemicals that were not only unsafe for me, but also for my unborn child. Basq skincare takes out the guesswork with their line of skincare products devoid of any questionable ingredients!

BabyKtan

BABY K’TAN

Having worn my own baby, Baby K’tan is a name I know well, but did you know that they make diaper bags as well? Baby K’tan’s SmartGear Diaper Bag features a built-in wet bag (no more forgetting!) with antibacterial lining. While cloth diapering moms will love the built-in wet bag feature, it’s great for any blowout or accident (think potty training).

 

ubbilogo

UBBI

I’ve admired ubbi’s vibrantly-colored range of sleek, powder-coated steel diaper pails, in fact, ubbi’s diaper pail is what put them on my radar. Ubbi makes a full range of products to take you from diapering to potty training, from their diaper pail to training toilets and step stools. Ubbi even has snacks covered, with their Tweat snack containers in fun colors!

pearheadlogo

PEARHEAD

Pearhead helps parents celebrate all of the special moments in their little one’s lives, with modern designs and fresh prints. Add a bit of personalization to your journey from pregnancy throughout your baby’s milestones — Pearhead has keepsakes for every personality and taste.

WEE CAN TOO

I worried about what chemicals I came into contact with during pregnancy, which then transferred to my son once he was born. It seems almost everything (including the food we eat) contains harmful chemicals these days, but Wee Can Too art supplies takes out the worry. Made from vegetable dyes, Wee Can Too art supplies are non-toxic and colorful — they look good enough to eat (and you don’t have to worry if your little one does take a bite out of that modeling dough!)!

AntiBlem_RGB

BELLI SKINCARE

“Ingredient safety, effective solutions with clinically proven ingredients, and luxurious formulations with aromatherapy to provide a spa-like experience,” the cornerstones to Belli’s pregnancy skincare line. No more reading label after label at the department store or drugstore — Belli skincare takes the guesswork out for you. Belli products are allergy tested, free of paraben preservatives, phthalates, and artificial dyes or fragrances, and made in the USA. Belli products are also teratology and Lactmed screened, ensuring that no harmful ingredients are passed to your unborn baby and infant through use and breastfeeding.

THE LAUNDRESS

We’ve come a long way from having only one laundry option for sensitive baby skin, and The Laundress elevates laundry care with their full range of products. From bleach alternative, to stain solutions and scented drawer sheets, The Laundress provides a full line of allergen-free laundering and care solutions. My cloth diapering friends will be happy to know that The Laundress also offers a Wool & Cashmere wash and freshening spray!

ME4KIDZ

Possibly one of my favorite products in the UOBS is the Me4Kidz cut and scrape kid. I have a three-year-old boy, which means accidents happen all of the time! My son is at the age where there is a bandage preference (boring beige just won’t do), and we don’t “do” licensed characters in my household, which is why the little dudes kit is perfect for us. From antibacterial wipes to cool packs (Cool It Buddy), Me4kidz offers a full range of fun, yet necessary, products for the family. However, the product line isn’t the coolest thing about this brand — products are made from recycled plastic in the USA (to recycle and reuse resources AND keep jobs here) and charitable giving is at the forefront of the Me4kidz business mission (most of their products are assembled by people with disabilities).

 

adiriADIRI

As a breastfeeding mom, I was reluctant to introduce my son to the bottle — too early or too late — for fear it would disrupt nursing, and administering medication? Forget about it. However, Adiri’s MD+ Nurser is modeled to function and feel like a breast, making it easier for breastfed babies to receive medication and supplements as an infant. The Adiri MD+ Nurser design mimics a breast, features a dual-chamber nipple to ensure proper delivery, and an air valve to help prevent gas and spit-ups.

sweetsation

SWEETSATION THERAPY

Organic skincare has never been so…tasty! Sweetsation’s Choco*Smooch Organic Lip & Face Balm is perfect for lips, but I love the fact that it’s great for chapped baby cheeks! I remember the chapped cheeks that came along with teething, and then the battle in the winter to keep my little guy’s sensitive skin from drying and peeling. Made with Argan, Calendula & Sea Buckthorn, the Choco*Smooch stick’s ingredients are safe and little one’s will love the light, cocoa scent!

 

dapple

DAPPLE BABY

I’ve been using Dapple Baby’s cleaning products for a couple of years now. Their cleaning wipes are perfect for giving my son’s train table periodic wipe-downs, and their bottle wash is great for the insane sippy cup collection we have going on here. The best part about Dapple’s cleaning products is that they are dye-free, and made with non-toxic plant-based ingredients — safe for the entire home!

 

 

 

 

RaZbaby

RAZBABY

Their signature RaZ-Berry teether is most likely how you first encountered the RaZBaby brand, I know it was for me! RaZBaby also makes an entire line of personalized Keep-it-Kleen pacifiers and pacifier holders. BPA-free and made with silicone, RaZBaby products are safe (with plastics made in the USA!), and the revolutionary design keeps the nipple clean when not in use or dropped!

babycomfycare

BABY COMFY CARE

Our first encounter with the Baby Comfy Care brand was with their Baby Comfy Nose (we still use it and love it!). Baby Comfy Care has expanded their baby care line to include the Baby Comfy Nail, Baby Comfy Sun, and Baby Comfy Gummy teething jewelry. Baby Comfy Care is a family-run company dedicated to producing practical baby care products that families will love to use!

 

Sampler Week of Wellness Event

By Leave a Comment

The Sampler team is back again, this time offering you a Week of Wellness! If you’ve participated in Sampler’s Ultimate Online Baby Shower, you understand how these sampling events work. Sampler’s Week of Wellness is a sampling event focused entirely on natural and organic products. You’ll be able to sample products ranging from whole foods, organic foods, natural supplements, and natural body care.

 

Sampler Week of Wellness

How to get started:

RSVP TO WIN <——- click here to RSVP NOW

[Read more…]

2015 MommyCon Promo Code & Special Giveaway

By 40 Comments

Looking for my 2017 MommyCon promo code? Use LOWREN17 to save $5 off of each of your tickets! After you purchase your tickets, head over HERE to enter a sweet cloth giveaway!

 

Having attended MommyCon in Philadelphia the first year, I consider myself a MommCon Pro! What makes the 2015 MommyCon events even more exciting is that I am also a Smart Bottoms Cloth Diapers Ambassador, which means that I get to enjoy the convention two-fold; the excitement with the incredible line-up of speakers AND being able to tout the cool limited edition print Smart Bottoms designed just for 2015 MommyCon events. What’s even more exciting is that I’ve been given a 2015 MommyCon promo code to pass ticket savings on to you, my readers: LOWREN15

Use code LOWREN15 to save $5 on your 2015 MommyCon general admission tickets.

[Read more…]

The Ultimate Online Baby Shower: February 2015

By 1 Comment

It’s time for The Ultimate Online Baby Shower, Spring 2015 edition! The Ultimate Online Baby Shower is a virtual baby shower and can be done anywhere you have an internet connection. We encourage you to get friends and family involved, as you’ll need ‘buddies’ to send you Samplers of your favorite products! Keep reading, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.

WHEN?  The Ultimate Online Baby Shower is taking place NOW through Friday, February 13.

UOBS_RSVP flyer

 

There are three different ways for you to grab some amazing baby products, but first, begin by RSVPing to the event:

RSVP TO WIN <——- click here to RSVP NOW

[Read more…]

Smart Bottoms + MommyCon = Limited Edition Print

By 2 Comments

MommyCon

With MommyCon 2015 kicking off in Chicago on February 21st, excitement is brewing! Some of your favorite bloggers and baby biz folks will be in attendance (Dirty Diaper Laundry, The Leaky Boob, Badass Breastfeeder, Baby Guy NYC, and more), offering sessions about everything from Cloth Diapering to Potty Training.

[Read more…]

Prefolds to Potty Training Event

By 8 Comments

PrefoldstoPottyTrainingFINAL

Welcome to the Prefolds to Potty Training Event and Blog Hop, hosted by lo-wren.com and Change-Diapers.com!  This event began as a one year cloth diapering anniversary celebration for Lauren last year, but has grown into a celebration of the journey from diapering through potty training.  Join us for two-and-a-half weeks of cloth diapering and potty training guest posts, introductions to some amazing products (to help get you through the diaper-potty training journey), two amazing grand prize packages, and a blog hop with fifteen other bloggers giving away cloth diaper and potty training prizes! [Read more…]