A baby’s skin is precious and sensitive. Think about it – they come stright from the protective womb into an environment that is shockingly harsh. Bright lights, clothing, diapers, etc. Whoa, what a change! Both my girls have sensitive skin, which is one of the many reasons I try to buy as many organic products and fibers as possible – for all of us. (How else can you get cuddly with a sensitive-skinned little one?) I will get into products in another post, but today let’s dive into the discussion of organic fibers.

The most common organic fibers are: wool, cotton, bamboo, hemp, and soy.

So, why and how are these fibers better for you and your kids?

First off, to be considered organic, there are several requirements (these are also great reasons organic is better for you):

1. it must be produced according to federal standards
2. no parasites used on sheep for wool
3. no pesticides used on plants for fibers
4. grown with little environmental impact

Now, we all know about cotton and wool, but what about the others? What is so special about these particular fibers? Besides the fact that they’re all easily compared to the softness of cashmere, here are a few other great qualities …

Bamboo: wicks moisture away from the skin, can kill odor-causing bacteria, is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and is great for sensitive skin and those allergic to fabrics made from wool or hemp

Soy: is durable and strong, wicks moisture away from the skin, retains warmth, doesn’t shrink, doesn’t wrinkle, can kill odor-causing bacteria, and provides natural UV protection

Hemp: is strong, breathable, lightweight, inexpensive, and provides natural UV protection

So, now that you know what’s cool about all these, you’re probably wondering where to get stuff made from these fibers. Well, the Hurried Homemaker Spring Fashion Guide is coming up soon, and you will find most (if not all) of these fibers listed. I guarantee that you’ll find my choices as adorable as they are safe on the wallet and the envrionment!

Our first pair served as both leg warmers and then leg protectors as the little one began crawling. It was great to know that her little legs wouldn’t get bruised crawling around on the hardwood floors. And, of course, they were the perfect knee pads when she decided to get into everything!

LIl'bit in her 1st pair of BabyLegs

Now that we’ve graduated to walking, we have accumulated several pairs. At 13 months lil’bit decided she wants to try using the potty. Let me tell you how handy BabyLegs have been during the past couple weeks of that! Paired with a long-sleeved onesie, they keep her warm while still allowing for a quick run to the potty.

Lil'bit in Soul (sent to her by BabyLegs)

There are so many great ways to wear these fantastic little things!  And BabyLegs make more than just these cute little leg warmers:  they make baby socks and girls’ tights too!

Want to get some of your own? You can visit BabyLegs and get a pair. You can also enter here to win a $15 gift certificate!

Giveaway ends March 3, 2010 at 10:00 pm (EST). Winner will be chosen by random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Go to the BabyLegs website and leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite pair of leg warmers, socks, or tights.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (leave a comment for each):

• Follow me on Google FriendConnect – 1 extra entry
• Subscribe to the Hurried Homemaker blog via email or reader – 1 extra entry
• Click on the “Top Mommy Blog” icon on the left sidebar to vote for HH – 1 extra entry
• Grab our button (left sidebar) for your blog/site – 3 extra entries
• Load a picture of your little one on the BabyLegs Ways to Wear page (include link to your pic) – 1 extra entry
• Blog about this giveaway. (Be sure to include links to HH & BabyLegs) – 3 extra entries
• Follow @hurriedhomemakr and @BabyLegs on Twitter and tweet about this contest (must @mention both) – 1 extra entry (Tweet once per day, must have over 50 followers.)

Hurried Homemaker was not compensated for this post. We were sent this product to review, but this in no way affects our opinion of this product.

Here is the result:

Every day, to the 19th of February, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund for every vote cast in  the Cake Off.

Not only will money go to an excellent cause, but for each vote and/or virtual cake, Electrolux will donate $1 for the cause AND you will be entered to win an induction range! Buy a range and Electrolux donates $100!

How can you enter and help the cause? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1 – Visit Kelly-Confidential.com

2 – Vote for your favorite cake

3 – Send a virtual cake

That’s it!

Amidst one of my many nocturnal stirs last night, it dawned on me (pun intended)! I am going to use the cards for scrapbooks! I thought it would be great to incorporate some of the Valentine’s Day hearts, Christmas angels, anniversary couples, new baby card rattles, and all those beautiful flowers (that adorn most cards) into my scrapbook page designs. I have stuff from my childhood and the early years of my oldest daughter, the baby is beginning to get a collection as well. And I’ve saved a bunch of stuff from when hubby and I were dating (and beyond, obviously).

The best part about it? Besides the fact I get to use the cards for something sentimental, I get to reuse/repurpose those old cards! So I’m being green while being creative!

Who knows when I will actually complete one of these, but I like to think they’re ongoing as long as we’re all alive. Here are some fantastic scrapbooks for inspiration:

All the above images are original scrapbook layouts from scrapbook.com’s gallery.

Do you scrapbook? Or have a useful way to repurpose old greeting/holiday cards? If so, please share a link or comment below!