A post that isn't makeup? GASP! I bet you thought I forgot how!

My actual blogging has fallen to the sidelines while my personal life became wholly satisfying, and then alternately, a burning pile of rubble.

Today, though, I can't not blog.  I learned recently of the most touching, worthy story, and the amazing company that stemmed from it.

Tim and Jill Wymore were normal.  Two people, brought together in love, and pregnant. Their first child, Hannah, was born in 2004.  Sadly, she passed a mere nine weeks later from a rare genetic disorder called Cat Eye Syndrome.

Their son Austin was born a year later.  Once again, their child was gone before his light had a chance to reach it's peak brightness.  Austin spent a precious 13 weeks with his family.  He, too, died of Cat Eye Syndrome.

The kicker? Tim and Jill are NOT CARRIERS.  This left two possible scenarios: A medical fluke, or an environmental contaminant that caused the genetic malformations.

From this avalanche of heartache, Tim and Jill worked tirelessly to make sure no other parent had to endure it.  They envisioned a business dedicated to making sure the environment one's family is raised in is as free from those possible contaminants as possible.  Spuds, Inc. was born.

Spuds, Inc. focuses on the use of potato starch as opposed to polymers and plastics.  This green company also goes the extra mile by ensuring that their products are safe - they are manufactured in the USA, where quality control is truly quality control.

The Wymore's story brings tears to my eyes for multiple reasons.  Not only because I know some of the agonies associated with having a child who has a chromosomal disorder, but because of their losses, and then the pride I have for being a fellow human being.  They're striving to bring safety to their fellow parents, they're living a greener life, and they're providing jobs for an economy that desperately needs them.  I'm proud to be a human being.

Check out their site, won't you?  Order and rest easy knowing that you've contributed to making the world a better place, both for your family and for others.

Things-that-are-awesome Thursday!

Umm, so, Blogger ate my original post.  I'm currently absurdely distracted, as I'm packing for two kids and myself for ONE night away, and the massive amount of crap I have to take is running my brain ragged.

ANYWAYS.

This week, I'm featuring one of my favorite online shops:  Nicki's Diapers!

Nicki's is A. MAZE. ING.  Lightening fast shipping, THE best prices I've found, and FREE shipping on covers!  They have a blog and a facebook page, and they restock immediately!

I just ordered from their sister site, My Swim Baby, to get Bug outfitted for pool season.  Gotta have that UV-blocking swimwear for my fair skinned boy.  Free shipping on EVERYTHING at MSB with the code "Diapers" at check out.

Seriously, they're both awesome.  I won't bore you with blathering, instead I just order that you go, shop, and love. :D

Review: Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment

You know, I don't think I have anything negative to say about this stuff.  I first discovered it almost five years ago when Kinder Major was newly hatched, and fell in love with it from day one.

Let's start with the basics, shall we?

Ingredients:  Being that it is a zinc oxide formulation, it's thick and creamy.  It's paraben, petrolatum and mineral oil free.  It contains sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamin E, calendula, chamomile, jojoba, lavender, rosemary, canola, and soy oil.  All of these wonderfully healing and soothing ingredients blend together perfectly.  (No, really.  Consult any herbal, all of these extracts compliment eachother.  They're not just tossed in willy nilly like you'll get with some products.)

Scent:  Has a very soothing, fresh scent.  Not terribly overpowering.

Feel on the skin:  Oh wow.  A lot of zinc oxide based ointments can become gritty, but this stays smooth and creamy.

Does it stain, you ask?  Not that I've encountered thus far.  It's also safe for cloth diapers.

Most importantly, does it work?  Abso-freakin-lutely.  I use this on EVERYTHING, from scratches to bruises to bugbites.  I even use it on actual diaper rash!

This product gets ten starts on a one to five scale, with five being the best.**

One word of caution:  Upon first opening the tube, some of the oils can rise to the top and separate a bit.  It's best to massage the tube well before each use.

**I am NOT being paid to endorse this product.  I reallty do just love it that much.