Punkerdoops Diapers Blog

Why Amber is no longer running Punkerdoops Diapers

2010-10-30T11:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Customers/Friends,

It is with regret that I write this statement. An "anonymous" person called the City of Eau Claire last week to tell them that they had a problem with my home-based business. Apparently I am in violation of city ordinance by selling items out of my home. I was not aware of this ordinance prior to Saturday, Oct 2, 2010 when I received the letter stating I was in violation from the City of Eau Claire. When I started my business in October 2008, I registered with both the state and federal governments and have kept my registration with both current. It never occurred to me that I would need to check with the city of Eau Claire prior to working from home.

Due to the ordinances in place in the City of Eau Claire, I will no longer be able to conduct my business as I currently do (with a showroom in the house and conducting sales on the premises). After exploring all of my options (including renting an alternate space, conducting only online sales, and trying to "fight" the ordinance - which is not an option) I am left with what I feel is the best choice for my family - dissolve the business.

This has been a hard decision for me and hasn't come without frustration, anger, and tears. But, I do have peace about the decision and know that God has better plans for me.

It is still unforeseen how much longer I will be able to sell any items as my initial letter from the City of Eau Claire stated that I had only until Oct 10th to comply with the ordinances. I am working on an extension (hopefully until the end of October) to clear the inventory, but I am not sure if it will be granted or not. *UPDATE - the City gave me an extension until 10/30/10.

I am currently selling the rest of my stock at 20% off - no exclusions. Use the code "SAVE20" at checkout for the discount. Please consider placing your order online and telling me in the order comments section when you would like to pick it up (please give me until that evening or the next day, but I will accommodate you). Please also consider paying by cash or check to save me credit card fees. All sales are final (but manufacturer warranties still do apply).

I have a really big stock/selection right now as I had no idea this was coming! I have I think $600 worth of Snappis alone and I have new merchandise that just arrived in boxes that I had ordered early last week. I am sure there is something I have in stock that you had your eye on. :-)

Thank you for two great years of Punkerdoops Diapers! I am blessed to have worked with you through this business and it has brought great joy to my life. I am sad to see this chapter close so suddenly and without my initiation, but I have faith that this indeed happened for a reason.

Best regards and many blessings,
Amber :-)

Best Newborn Baby Carrier

2010-08-16T13:21:00.001-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my ERGObaby Carrier... But, my absolute favorite way to wear Lincoln still (he is 4 months old now) is my SleepyWrap! He is so cozy and I love that it is so streamlined and not bulky. I wear it around the house and I always put it on before I leave the house no matter where we are going. I can take him in and out with ease and never have to re-tie it (a con of the Moby wrap). It does get a little warm when it is 90+ degrees outside, but it is worth it! :-)

I like that SleepyWrap has two sides to the fabric (unlike the Moby Wrap) so I know if it is twisted or not when I am putting it on.

Lincoln loves the SleepyWrap too and often does fall asleep when he is in it! It only took me about 2 tries of putting it on to get the hang of tying it. The booklet it comes with has great pictures.

Worth every penny of the $39.95! Let me know if you have any questions! Amber@PunkerdoopsDiapers.com

Non-Toxic Nail Polish!

2010-08-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to be carrying Piggy Paint - non-toxic nail polish! I never liked the idea of my polished fingers going into baby's mouth or my daughter putting her own polished fingers into her mouth. No longer need to worry!

The colors are very pretty and they dry super fast with one minute of use of the hair dryer on low warm. Evelyn loves hers! No stinky fumes in the bathroom when you are doing your nails!

Check out the polish selections HERE!

Also available is Piggy Paint Polish Remover!!!!

Cloth Diaper SALE!!!!

2010-07-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Store-wide SALE on now through midnight Weds 7/14/10!!!

Excluded items from sale and coupon code: gift certificates, bumGenius, Flip, Econobum, ERGObaby. Click HERE to subscribe to the E-newsletter to get a special coupon code!

First 5 orders over $125 get a free gift!

Summer Cloth Diapering Tips

2010-07-07T13:55:00.001-07:00

With the humidity rising you might notice a few new things in relation to your cloth diapers.

1) Stinky pails. The summer heat causes your baby's urine to be more concentrated as well as more moisture in your diaper pail. Be sure to wash every other day to keep that ammonia smell at bay. But, not to worry, a more "stinky" ammonia-smelling pail during the summer is quite common.

2) Heat rash on baby's bottom. As a baby gets older and due to the summer heat babies might get a little red on their bottoms due to their more concentrated urine. Babies in natural fibers (cotton or hemp) are more susceptible. The rash often presents as redness where the diaper hits - commonly on the labia of girls and the waist area of both boys and girls. This "heat rash" is caused by the contact with wetness. To prevent heat rash, be sure to change baby at least every two hours, give baby extra liquids in the summer months, and think about using Fleece Liners inside your natural fiber diapers and prefolds. bumGenius Fleece Liners are available http://punkerdoopsdiapers.com/catalog.php?item=154 or make your own by cutting strips of microfleece or non-pill fleece about 4 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. No sewing required! The fleece liners act as a stay-dry barrier for baby's bottom. Read more under "Help! My baby has diaper rash" on our Cloth 101 page: http://punkerdoop sdiapers.com/pages/clothdiapering101.php

Lincoln Richards is here! :-)

2010-04-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

Lincoln was born Easter morning, April 4th, at 5:03 am. We had a beautiful home water birth. He was 7 lb, 12 oz and 20 inches long. He nurses like a champ, and despite sometimes spitting up his whole feeding it seems, is growing like a weed! :-)

The adjustment to two kids is great, yet tiring! :-) Evelyn adores her baby brother!

It has been hard getting back to work so quickly, but all of my wonderful customers make it worth it!

I hope to have a newsletter out soon but click on "New Items" category to see many great new products!

Thirsties SALE!!!

2010-03-11T21:40:00.000-08:00

Our semi-annual Thirsties sale has begun!!!

All Thirsties Fab Fitted, Duo Wrap, Duo Diaper, and Covers on sale - 10% off!!!!

Also, check out all of our new products while you are on the site!

Have a splendid day!!!
~Amber

FuzziBunz Daisy Diapers SALE!!!

2010-01-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

FuzziBunz is offering a special sale on all of their Daisy Diapers! I created a special category for them here: http://www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com/catalog.php?item=130

I have a good selection of all colors (Blue, Green, Lavender, Red) in the Small and Medium Perfect Size Daisy diapers as well as a ton of the One Size, which only comes in the Lavender Daisy print. All Daisy Diapers are now only $13.95 (reg $18.95 & $19.95 each.)

Top to Bottom: Blue Daisy, Red Daisy, Green Daisy, Lavender Daisy

This is a WHILE SUPPLIES LAST sale, so get them while you can!

And the Winner is....

2010-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Matt & Becky are the winners of the Blog Give Away of the Wahmies Wet Bag!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

Evelyn had fun cutting up numbers 1 through 19 and then picking one randomly out of a Christmas gift bag! :-)

Blog GIVE AWAY!!!

2009-12-10T13:27:00.001-08:00

I am going to draw a name at random from the comments to win a Wahmie's medium wet bag!!!!

This is the wet bag - it is a fun girly print called "Flower Craze."

The Wahmies Fun Prints wet bag will hold your damp diapers without wicking! Cute outer print with inner layer of PUL waterproof fabric. Bag closes with a zipper to keep smells where they belong. Constructed with the two layers sewn separately and hidden seams. Bag is 13" x 15" and holds 6-8 diapers.

Included with each regular size bag is a 2.5" x 5" pad of fabric on which you can place a drop or two of tea tree oil or other essential oil, toss it in the bag...and odors are kept at bay. The pad can be laundered right along with your bag and diapers. Not just for cloth diapers...great for swimming suits, towels, lunches...anything you can imagine. The possibilities are endless! These make great bags to use for toiletries while traveling, too!

Check out our website, www.PunkerdoopsDiapers.com and tell me what you would love to see under your Christmas tree from the shoppe. Be sure to put your email address in the comment if you don't have a blog that I can notify you of winning on.

I will pick one comment at random once we hit 25 comments. Feel free to post the contest on your own blog or FaceBook page.

Good luck!!!!

Diaper Sale has BEGUN!!!

2009-11-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

HUGE SALE!

New item added - Sleepy Wrap!

Thursday 11/26/09 - Sunday 11/29/09

On Sale: SleepyWrap, FuzziBunz One-Size (& Still Qaulify for Rewards!), FuzziBunz Perfect Size, Econobum, Flip (Stay Dry & Disposable), Thirsties AIO's, Thirsties Fab Fitted (Med & Lg), bumGenius AIO's

PLUS: email me at Amber@PunkerdoopsDiapers.com & request the last e-newsletter for an additional DISCOUNT!!!

How to get rid of stink in cloth diapers

2009-11-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me today why her diapers stink as soon as her son pees in them. She said they smell just fine right out of the washer and dryer.

The answer: detergent residue.

Modern detergents are chemically built to "stick" to fabrics to keep them soft, repel stains, and smelling fresh. Often "free and clear" type detergents are very waxy and tend to build up quickly. It is important to use a manufacturer-approved detergent on your diapers. I recommend Country Save (1 tsp in HE machines, 1 TBL in regular machines). Detergent build-up causes bacteria to get trapped in the diapers and causes the dreaded "stink."

Ideas to help with getting rid of the stink:

Wash clean diapers on a hot cycle with no detergent - this alone might strip enough of the build-up.
Switch detergents. We sell and are SO happy with Country Save. I used to use Tide and didn't even realize I had "stink" until I switched to Country Save and suddenly I couldn't tell anymore when my daughter peed! Arm & Hammer Essentials Free is a recommended detergent that you can buy at WalMart or Target.
Reduce how much detergent you are using. For diapers you only need 1/4 to 1/2 of the detergent you would use on a standard load of the same size. You can also toss is 1/4 cup of oxygen cleaner into your wash cycle for the occasional laundry "boost."
If you have hard water, consider adding 1 TBL lemon juice or 1/4 Cup vinegar to your extra rinse. This will help ensure that any leftover detergent is rinsed clear.
If the above doesn't help and you are desperate, add a cap full of bleach (diluted in water and put in your machine's bleach dispenser) into a wash and that should help "strip" the built up detergent.

Good luck and please do email me at Amber@PunkerdoopsDiapers.com if you need specific help - I am always happy to help tackle problems!

Blessings,
Amber

SALE Announcement!

2009-11-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

We will be having a "Black Friday"/Thanksgiving weekend sale!!!!

I am still deciding the details but what I can tell you for sure... New Flip and Econobum will be on sale as well as FuzziBunz One Size (and you can still qualify for the $40 credit from FuzziBunz).

Any things YOU want to see on sale? :-)

Stay tuned to the blog and make sure you are on the e-newsletter mailing list for all the details!!!

Inexpensive Way to Try Cloth Diapering

2009-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

The new diapering system, Econobum, by the makers of bumGenius, is truly an easy way to try out cloth diapering without a huge investment.

Econobum features a one-size cover and one-size prefold that will fit baby from birth through potty-learning!

Individual Econobum systems come with 1 cover and 1 prefold and retail for $9.95.

Econobum Full Kits come with 3 covers and 12 prefolds - basically a days worth (maybe more) of diapers and retail for $49.95.

Truly a revolutionary and inexpensive way to cloth diaper!!!!

Flip & Econobum UPDATE #2!!!

2009-11-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Flip and Econobum will arrive on Friday, Nov 6th!!!!

Hooray!

Preorder your diapers now so that you for sure get some of the first shipment!

Have a great day!

Flip & Econobum UPDATE!

2009-10-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Everyone is dying to get their hands on the new Flip and Econobum diaper systems! Great news, we will have them within the next couple of weeks!!!! Flip originally was not supposed to be in until January, so we are so excited to have them early! Sign up for the e-newsletter to be the first to know when they come in!

You can also pre-order them on the website to make sure you get some of our initial supply!!!

Leg Huggers are HERE!

2009-10-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Leg Huggers

When it comes to looking cute, is one of those great products designed to be fashionable and functional all in one. Designed perfectly to fit over baby's legs, they provide warmth from the elements and an added layer under dresses or over short pants. EC babies are still protected, yet easily accessible. No more baggy tights or socks that fall off, these stay on and are always comfortable.

For those crawling, Leg Huggers protect knees and legs from scrapes or abrasions from hard surfaces. Toddlers love their style and individuality when accessorizing outfits. Moms appreciate them for potty training and quick access.

All are created specifically for cute and cuddly legs. They are made using sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo fibers.

Bamboo is arguably one of the world's best sustainable resources. With a growth rate of up to a meter or more per day, bamboo holds the world record as the fastest growing plant.

These are composed of a fibers with various microscopic gaps, which allows the fiber to be more breathable, comfortable and have better thermal regulation than cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers, keeping you cooler, drier and more comfortable.

It is also hypoallergenic, and its organic, natural fiber properties make it non-irritating to even the most sensitive skin. Bamboo apparel also protects you from UV rays, naturally.

Purchase HERE!!!

Earn $40 worth of FREE FuzziBunz product!

2009-09-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Click on the link for details!

FuzziBunz is giving away vouchers for $40 worth of FREE FuzziBunz products with the purchase of 9 of the new FuzziBunz One Size Diapers. These diapers are AWESOME! I am truly impressed with how quality this product is as well as how much it can grow with your baby!

Take advantage of this promotion now through October 30, 2009!

FuzziBunz ONE SIZE Diapers are HERE!

2009-08-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have been waiting until FuzziBunz perfected their One Size Pocket Diaper before I started carrying it. They have gone through some modifications including adding a hip snap to the diaper as well as including an extra set of elastic for the diaper. I am happy to say that we now have the diapers in stock!

The FuzziBunz One Size truly is revolutionary in that they adjust from newborn through potty training with elastic adjustments in the leg casings and waist - no bulky front snap adjustments!

I think these are going to be HOT sellers!

Check them out HERE in the shoppe and let me know if you have any questions!

Clearance!

2009-08-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, cloth diapering parents!

I just put a few things on "clearance!" I don't know about you, but I love the word clearance! I love clearances so much that I have to limit myself on how many times I visit Target because I have an obsession with checking every department's clearance section, thus spending too much money! :-)

Check out the clearance items by clicking HERE! My site calls it "sale items," but I prefer Clearance!

There is nothing wrong with these items - just items that are being phased out for one reason or another. Feel free to email me at amber@punkerdoopsdiapers.com if you have any questions about these sale/clearance items or anything else!

Have a blessed rest of your week!

~Amber

Happy Birthday SALE now until July 21, 2009

2009-07-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

All of us here in the Richards Family have summer birthdays. I am June, Jason is July, and Evelyn turns 2 in August (I am in denial about that one! My baby CANNOT be 2 already!) I never liked my summer birthday because it was not acknowledged at school. I always wanted my name called over the loudspeaker in elementary school to go down to the office and collect my birthday pencil. I wanted to carry balloons around with me in middle school and have my locker decorated by friends in high school. I am over it now and love that Dairy Queen ice cream birthday cake tastes so good in the summer! :-)

Back to the details! In honor of our summer birthdays, we are giving the gift to YOU this summer with our annual Happy Summer Birthday sale!

ALL Thirsties Covers, Duo Wraps, Fab Fitted, and All-In-One diapers are on SALE from now until Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at midnight CST.

We hope you take advantage of the sale!

Enjoy and happy birthday to all of you summer birthday mamas and dads!!!! You're in good company!

Blessings,
Amber :-)

Heat Rash in Cloth Diapers

2009-07-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Does your little gal or girl have a red bottom these days? The temps have gotten higher and so has the humidity. This results in more heat rash on our poor little babes!

I have written more significantly here on heat rash. Scroll down to the part that says "Help! My baby has a diaper rash and you told me not to use diaper cream!"

In essence, babies, especially in prefolds tend to have a reaction to their stronger summer urine and humid diapers. Easy fix to the red bottom includes some Booty Balm and/or hydrocortisone cream and some no-sew micrifleece liners.

Email me at Amber@punkerdoopsdiapers.com if you have any questions!

Blessings,
Amber

Punkerdoops Diapers Was on the News!!!!

2009-07-08T21:22:00.001-07:00

Click on this link to read and watch this story shown on the local news stations at 5:00, 6:00, and 9:00 newscasts!!!!

An easy way to save money on your baby's diapers

Thirsties Duo Wraps are HERE

2009-07-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Thirsties has come out with another great new product, the Duo Wrap. They tried to come up with a one-size cover and they said nothing ever cut it. So, instead they are offering the Duo Wrap in Size 1 and Size 2. Each Duo Wrap adjusts to 3 different sizes and thus gives you only two sets of covers to purchase and giving you actually 6 different sizes to choose from!

The covers come some new colors, too!

Check them out at the Punkerdoops Diapers website here!

Rate Us at the Diaper Pin!!!

2009-06-04T00:32:00.001-07:00

I just signed Punkerdoops Diapers up for the Directory on Diaper Pin website. Please take a few moments to head there and rate us! We don't have any ratings yet as of right now so you can be the first! :-) The ratings are based on 5 stars and I hope I have given you all 5 star service!

The Diaper Pin also has product reviews. While you are on the site you can review any of the products we sell as well and read the reviews that other people wrote. This feature is great if there is a product you are considering and want to know if other people like it or not. Of course, I always try to be upfront with you too about the advantages and disadvantages of every product and I hand select only the best products to carry!

It is exciting to finally be listed with Diaper Pin for I know that many people go there for cloth diaper info!

As always, contact me at punkerdoops@gmail.com if you have any questions!!!

Sign-up for the New E-Newsletter!!!

2009-05-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

Sign up for our free E-Newsletter and be the first to know about sales, specials, new products and events at Punkerdoops Diapers! Complete the form below and you'll start receiving the E-Newsletter with the next issue!

Cloth 101 Session - Monday, June 2 @ 6:00 p.m.

2009-05-27T21:27:00.001-07:00

Don't forget - we have a Modern Cloth Diapering 101 Session next Monday at 6:00. The session will be held in the shop.

Thinking about switching to cloth? The session will be a great way for you to see demonstrations of the products and take a look and feel for yourself.

As always, babies are welcome and the session is FREE!

Please RSVP to punkerdoops@gmail.com

Thank you!
Amber

NEW Cart Feature - Pick Up Your Order

2009-05-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Attention local mamas and dads!

I was able to figure out a way to set the shopping cart to pick up your order! So, if you know you need a few things and want them set-aside for you, feel free to place your order on the website. Then, click "Pick Up" as your shipping preference and tell me in the order notes section when you'd like to pick up your order. You can then proceed to pay with PayPal or check the box that says you will be paying by either check or cash at pick up.

I will have your order ready and waiting at the door!!!

Have a great day and always remember that you can call or email if you have any questions.

Blessings,
Amber

Booty Balm

2009-05-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

FINALLY - a diaper "cream" that is safe for cloth diapers!!!

Check out LuSa Organics Booty Balm!

My neighbor with twins uses cloth diapers and was turned on by a friend from the Madison area to Booty Balm. I am proud to now be carrying it! I love it so far and think it will be perfect when the heat rash from summer occasionally creeps up on us. It smells great and soaks right into skin.

Made right in Wisconsin and by a cool family! I love to support small businesses!!!

For more info click here.

Blog is BACK!

2009-05-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone!

I have decided to resurrect this blog in the hopes to have it become a way to communicate with all of the faithful mamas and papas out there who are fans of Punkerdoops Diapers! Also, this way all of you can comment and share ideas, thoughts, tips, etc. about cloth diapering and baby wearing!

It is an exciting week here at Punkerdoops as we have added two product lines - bumGenius One-Size and All-In-One diapers as well as LuSa Organics. I have added most of the bumGenius products to the site with the exception of all of the packages that are available (qauntity discounts are applied to packages of 3, 6, and 12 diapers). I will also be adding packages with quantity discounts to all pocket diapers and AIO's.

LuSa Organics are all organic essential oil products. I will be carrying a variety of their products for mamas and babies. I am most excited about thier Booty Balm which I hear is SAFE TO USE WITH CLOTH DIAPERS! WOO HOO! The balm is all essential oils and thus absorbs into the skin rather than acting as a barrier that can damage your diapers. I will be testing it out as soon as it gets here and will then give you the official "A-Okay."

I also spent a great deal of time adding info to the "Cloth Diapering 101" page on the website with a ton of answers to common troublshooting questions as well as HE washing instructions. Check it out!

There are also some cute new top buttons on the site that link to our "Cloth 101" sessions, the cart, and more!

Lastly, please feel free to comment or email with any topics that you would like me to blog about. I plan to discuss new products, tips, general info, and upcoming events and sales.

Have a great day and happy cloth diapering!

~Amber

WEBSITE!

2008-10-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Please visit our website www.punkerdoopsdiapers.com!

All products should be up and ready for purchase within the next two weeks!

Newsflash - Website Coming Soon!

2008-10-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on the website for Punkerdoops Diapers and hope to have it up and ready by November 1, 2008 at the latest. The site will be a full e-commerce site featuring all of our products for purchasing and shipping.

I am expecting a huge order from Thirsties - the maker of phenomenal diapers - on Monday, September 20th. Other items will be trickling in all week. So, if you are in need of anything, give me a call at 715-563-7388 and make a personal shopping appointment.

I have put October's session of "Cloth Diapering 101" on hold in lieu of all of the shop and website set-up. But, stay tuned for a November session date.

Keep checking back here frequently for a link to the website!

~Amber

Cloth Diapering 101 - September 25, 2008

2008-09-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Our first group of participants! Thank you to those who attended! I had a blast showing you all of your cloth diapering choices - I hope you all had fun, too! Stay tuned for the October Cloth Diapering 101 session date. Please comment or email me if you have a date or time suggestion for when the October session should take place.

First "Cloth Diapering 101" Session - Thursday, September 25th!!!

2008-09-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

"Cloth Diapering 101" is intended to be a fun and informative time to get together and learn about everything that modern cloth diapering has to offer! Of course, all babies are welcome! Evelyn will be glad to share her toys! I plan to have some bagels or treats for moms, too.

I will have samples of many types and brands of cloth diapers and accessories to see, touch, feel, and learn about. We will discuss cloth diapering for all ages of babies and toddlers, washing routines, nighttime diapering, quantities needed, and any other questions you might have. I will also be letting people try on my Ergo Baby Carrier - another awesome product that I could not live without!

There is nothing to buy at the session, so don't bring your checkbook! :-) Seriously, there is no obligation or pressure to buy anything! We are just trying to get the word out there about cloth diapering.

Here are the details:

What: Cloth Diapering 101

When: Thursday, Sept. 25th at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Amber's Home - Please call for my address/directions

Questions?: 715-563-7388 or punkerdoops@gmail.com

Please feel free to bring any friends - the more the merrier! I look forward to seeing you on September 25th! Don't worry if you can't make it on the 25th - I will be scheduling another session for sometime in October - let me know if you would like the details when the time arises.

Have a splendid day!!!

~Amber

Welcome!

2008-08-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Punkerdoops Diapers!

I am excited to begin the journey of offering quality cloth diapers, diapering accessories, and baby carriers to moms and dads in the Chippewa Valley area. I hope to expand the business to a full online store in the coming years.

Stay tuned for more details!

~Amber