1,700 fans and counting: Flat Rate Treasures

My lovely toddler has taken to 'helping' pack orders. Not a lego here and there like she used to, but full on orders! She diligently pulls down a flat rate box, and fills it with all sorts of items. She then tapes the box within an inch of its life. It is very sweet, slightly unhelpful, but very sweet. Well yesterday she packed such a fantastic order I decided to leave it alone. And now it is just waiting for a home to call its own. 

The exact contents of the box will remain a surprise. But I will say the contents include: gender-neutral one-size diapers, and many accessories to outfit both mom and baby. And are valued well over $100 (yes, my girl knows how to pick'em). 

All orders $35+ placed through August 31st are entered to win (the more you spend the more entries you earn - see fine print). In addition, all orders $35+ also earn a free Planet Wise Food Bag. No code necessary. 

Fine Print

• Limit 2 Planet Wise bags per household. 
• No limit on Flat Rate Treasure entries. For every $35 you spend, your name goes in the hat once. Ie. Spend $70 your name is in the hat twice. Spend $350 = 10x. Spend $100 = 2x. Etc. 
• Gift Certificates, Trial and Rental Packages do not count towards qualifying order total. 
• Any orders canceled or returned after the freebie winner is announced may be charged a 15% restocking fee - this will be at IBB's discretion.
• Winner will be drawn Sept 1st. and notified via email.

Back to School: SuperDuper SuperUndies

Ahh, Back to School. As you already know, I consider this the fifth season of the year (and one of my personal favorites). 

The final week of Back to School season must be celebrated by something grand, something amazing, something a wee bit heroic. Without further delay, I present to you - 

SuperUndies offers three different styles of training pant so you can find just the uniform to outfit your little hero (like to compare the three styles available? check out the videos here). 

I've been using SuperUndies on my little hero for the last two weeks, and I am so impressed with the design, construction and fit. The lycra tabs are so incredibly stretchy, the inner fabric against baby's skin is oh-so-soft and the fit is perfect on my 24lb peanut (and their size range is wide enough they can easily fit your older hero as well).

Let's celebrate the arrival of SuperUndies, your super hero, and the final week of Back to School! Grab your SuperUndies at 10% off! No code necessary. Sale on through Sept 3rd.

Up, up and away!

Back to School: Party Time

Buy 5 PIMP Pads, Get 1 Free!

Exhibit A
One grand disadvantage of running an online store is that I likely will not ever meet the majority of you, nor the folks behind the brands I carry. How disappointing, as so many of the people I interact with on a daily basis seem to be so very fabulous. 

In particular, I have to admit I have a strong affinity towards the ladies at Party In My Pants. The sisters behind PIMP remind me so much of some of my friends from undergrad, it is a bit uncanny. Likely will never have a chance to meet them, but I can imagine I'd have to get one of their fab hats toot sweet!

(Want to get to know them? Watch this quick video...)

Exhibit B
AND they are from Wisconsin (me being a fellow cheesehead here, although I have never had the privilege of owning a proper formed-foam hat).

photo credit Huffington Post

Exhibit C

How many of my IBB-friends use mama cloth? Or maybe you find yourself able to wrap your head around cloth diapers, but not quite there yet with cloth for yourself? No time like the present to give mama cloth a test run!

AND, buying this amazing brand at a discount also offers you a chance to create a small stash of pads for yourself, or maybe your teenage daughter headed back to school. Just add an amazingly discreet storage bag (say, from Planet Wise or PIMP), and you'll have an emergency stash for a locker, backpack, purse, glove box or desk.

How Do I Snag This Sale?

• Simply purchase any five PIMP pads of your choosing (pads must be individual items found on this page, not the prepackaged pad bundles already sold at a discount).
• Mix and match a variety of sizes and fabrics. Free pad will be equal or lesser value to the rest of your order, taking the size and fabric cue from the rest of your order. 
• YES, this deal can be combined with the YUM! sale currently going on. Oh my, the freebie possibilities are seemingly endless!
• Limit three free pads per household. 
• Offer ends Saturday 8/27/11 at 23:59 central.  
• Not finding the quantity of pads you would like? Email me to arrange a special order (this will only add a couple of days to your order). All special order requests must be received by Tuesday 8/23).

Also don't miss, the Chewbeads and Teething Bling sales extended through the 27th!

Freebie Alert: Yum!

As you have likely already heard, the store will not be shipping orders through August 26th, with regular operations will begin again on the 27th. In lieu of the usual IBB-super-speedy-shipping, I'd like to offer up some delicious freebies on a plate (main course + dessert, because who can't resist a little something extra).

Main Course

Through August 26th, all orders* placed will receive the following... 

• Orders $10 - $34.99 two CJ's BUTTer samples ($3.00 value)
• Orders $35 - $54.99 one Planet Wise Food Bag ($7.99 value)
• Orders $55 - $74.99 one Planet Wise Small Wet Bag ($9.50 value)
• Orders $75 - $98.99 one Pocket Diaper (you pick - BabyKicks, Tiny Tush, bumGenius 4.0, Fuzzibunz or Rumparooz - $17.95 - $23.50 value)
• Orders $99+ one All-in-One Diaper (you pick - GroVia, Bright Star Baby or bumGenius Elemental - $21.50 - $24.95 value)

Dessert
Every order $55+ goes in the hat for something extra sweet...

• two CJ's BUTTer samples (you tell me the scent(s))
• one Planet Wise Food Bag
• one Planet Wise Small Wet Bag
• one Pocket Diaper (pick from the above options)
• one All-in-One Diaper (pick from the above options)

Winner to be drawn August 27th. Congratulations Jenn B.! Nothing like the early bird, eh?

Thank you to everyone who has been so incredible over the last couple of weeks. You guys are awesome! 

ps. Don't miss all the other great sales also on right now! Maybe we call these Appetizers?

• Buy 5, Get 1 Free bumGenius 4.0
• Buy 6, Get 2 Free Fuzzibunz 
• This week's Back to School sale - Chewbeads and Teething Bling (and another new Back to School sale to be announced Friday evening)
• GroVia Buy 2, Get 1 Free
• 20% off itti bitti prints

Fine Print

• Limit three freebie purchases per household. Place three orders $55+? Your name goes in the dessert hat three times. 
• You tell me boyish, girlish or neutral and diaper choice, and IBB picks the color. 
• All orders must be received by 23:59 central August 26th.
• *Newborn diaper rentals, trial packages and gift certificates do not count towards qualifying order total. 
• Bitsy Bucks cannot be used on qualifying orders. 
• Orders will begin shipping August 27th, sent in the order they were received barring any out-of-stocks or oversold items. If any of your order is unavailable, I will make arrangements with you to ship a partial order and wait for restocking, or sub in a similar item.

Back to School: Because It's Pretty

I don't know about your Back to School memories, but the thing that got me even more excited than school supplies shopping was clothes shopping. Seriously, I remember coveting this pair of purple plaid Espirit shoes when I was, um, seven?! And my favorite pair of dark denim overalls from fifth grade. Oh they were so lovely. And of course my Girbaud jeans in seventh grade, paired with a burgundy body suit. (Don't you wish I had those photos uploaded, haha.)

So how could our Back to School celebration be complete without a little something that exists mostly because it is really lovely?? Two fab brands on sale this week - Chewbeads and Teething Bling! The beauty of these beauties, though, is that they are as functional as they are nice to look at. Each is made of silicone (you know, the stuff that coats infant spoons, and bottle and pacifier nipples are made from), and is designed to be worn by mom and teethed-on by baby. My personal favorite is the Chewbeads Hudson in Ivory (above) - looks good with everything in my closet (so good, in fact, that I wear it even when my baby is nowhere in sight).

Get 'em while they're hot, as the sale price is limited to the quantities I have on hand. 

ps. don't miss this important shipping announcement. 

IBB Will Be Closed Aug 16th - 27th

Ahhh, life. Sometimes it throws things at you when you least expect them. 

Due to a family emergency IBB will be closed from August 17th - 26th. I will still be on email and Facebook (albeit sporadically), but will not be shipping between those dates. 

All orders placed by noon (central) August 16th will ship August 16th. Shipping will resume August 27th. 

Thanks in advance for your patience and understanding. 

Review: Itti*Bitti Tutto Photo Review

I'm very excited to introduce you to the newest author to join Bitsy Buzz! You first met Anna in her GroVia review, and I'm quite pleased to announce she'll be guest authoring review posts over the upcoming months (you astute Bitsy Buzz readers might also notice she's the fabulous WAHM behind the Lily & Sparrow covers. 

Through August 16th, buy two or more itti*bitti tuttos and get an extra goodie in your package! Just  mention Anna's name at checkout (in the 'notes to seller' field, or feel free to drop me an email if you forget). Also, don't miss the itti*bitti prints sale on now, good while supplies last (the prints are retired, to be replaced by new prints next month!). 

Without further delay, here's Anna! 

A few months back, I started hearing mama's rave about a diaper called the "Itti Bitti Tutto." I had never even heard of it, so of course, I googled it! My Google search led me to the Itti Bitti website page--with pictures of the most squishy soft, luscious diapers I had ever seen! It was there that I saw a picture of the "Danube" print and I fell in love. Captivated by its beauty for weeks, I no longer could resist and I ordered it (from our own IBB of course!!).

When it arrived, I was not disappointed! It was so luxuriously soft and the colors were so vibrant, I knew that this was true love. ;) As you well know, beauty is as beauty does. Could this diaper hold my affection? Was it possible for it to truly be so pretty, trim, absorbent and leak-free? Read on to find out!

OVERVIEW

Brand: Itti Bitti Tutto

Print: Danube (Many other prints & solid colors are available!)

Type: All in One (AIO) or All in Two (AI2)

Size: One size fits most from birth through potty training

Material: Minky Outer, Ultra-soft lining, Bamboo Inserts topped with suedecloth (suedecloth-topped microfiber inserts also available, purchased separately)

Price: $26.95

DESIGN

In short, the Itti Bitti Tutto is one of the most innovative and uniquely constructed cloth diapers I have ever seen! It is quite evident that the Itti Bitti Tutto was designed with both function and form in mind, and I must say, it is a beautiful union! Itti Bitti has managed to create a diaper that is not only nice to look at, but also wonderful to use due to their attention to functional details.

Outside You will find the softest, most vibrant minky ever! Usually this is a sure guarantee that the diaper will be bulky given the "plump" nature of minky--but this minky manages to be plush and trim. There is a snap-down rise on the front, with a single row of snaps at the waist.

My favorite feature is that the waist snaps can cross-over. This means that even a teeny tiny baby can wear the diaper AND when the diaper is dirty you can snap it closed to contain the mess!

Inside:

The inside of the diaper is where you really see that this diaper has brains and beauty. At the waist, you'll notice that there are "hip snaps" which keep the wings from drooping when small-waisted babies wear the Tutto. In an act of sheer brilliance, the designers of the Tutto also thought to put little tabs to cover the hip snaps when they are not in use to prevent them from boring into Baby's tender waist.

Next, you'll notice the "poo fence" gusset the runs all along the length AND back of the diaper.While some diaper companies have thought to add internal leg gussets, few have thought to do one along the back to guard against the dreaded "poopslosions" that terrorize parents of newborns! My initial assumption was that the gussets would lend itself to a bulkier diaper, but thanks to the ultra-thin fabric used in the lining, the bulk the gusset creates is fairly inconsequential.

At the back waist you'll notice a set of snaps for the inserts. Thankfully these are color coded so you can easily figure out which of the three inserts goes where. 

Inserts

Now here's where you might feel a little overwhelmed--there are three inserts that come with this diaper--but don't dismay! The color coded snaps make it easy match up and place the inserts right where they need to go. Why three? Simple: three inserts allow you three levels of absorbency to choose from. Putting baby in skinny jeans and need an ultra trim diaper? Use just one or two inserts. Going on an errand and need added absorbency? Use all three inserts. (For a chance to see the insert options in action,  check out the video at the bottom of the itti*bitti tutto page.)

The AI2 Factor

If you are like me, you probably grimaced when you saw the price tag for the Tutto! However, once you consider that the Tutto is an All-in-One or an All-in-Two, and you can switch out the inserts and re-use the shell, it really isn't so bad! You can purchase additional inserts (microfiber topped with stay-dry suede cloth for $9.95 or bamboo for $12.95), or you can use pretty much any other insert you already have on hand! I've tried it with Flip stay-dry inserts, trifolded pre-folds, a fitted and even as a cover over flats! In fact, because the diaper is cut wide through the bottom, the Tutto is an ideal cover over flats! Just re-use the shell until it is soiled and then switch it out. One of the nice things about the lining is that it doesn't seem to get as wet as other AI2 linings.

Tip: To avoid the inside getting stinky, try rotating shells and letting one air while the other is in use.

Performance

And here my dear friends is where the rubber meets the road! Thoughtful design isn't worth much if it isn't effective. Luckily for me, Itti Bitti Tutto's design is a winner! We have been using our Tutto for three months now and have never had even the teensiest bit of poo escape--even in the midst of a tummy bug! The "poo fence" really does it's job well! I love being able to customize the absorbency for our situation. I can happily say that we have had no issues with wicking or leakage.

FIT

My daughter is 10 months old and 17lbs in the featured photographs. It was very easy to adjust the rise and waist to get a perfect fit on her. We had no "gaping" issues or awkward pooches in the front like we've had with other brands. At first I felt like it was cut a little too wide through the bottom, but now I don't think it's a problem. In fact, I find that the Tutto is one of my preferred covers (GroVia being the other) to use over flats! The wide cut is necessary to accomodate more bulk as absorbency is increased (i.e. using it over a fitted). As with most "one size" diapers, it will feel a bit bulky on a newborn, but it will fit. The doll shown below is 18"--the size of a short, chubby newborn :)

Bottomline

I love this diaper! It's definitely a keeper :) It is my "show-off" diaper that I like to have J wear when I want someone to see how cute cloth can be. It's super soft, luxurious, thoughtfully designed, trim, and performs well. I love it's versatility and the fact that the inserts can be switched out and the cover re-used. I definitely recommend this diaper!

1500 Fans: Let's Celebrate

Barely two weeks after the birthday celebration has concluded, and it is time to throw another party! And nothing says party like free fluff!

Three ways to come to this party....

(Be sure to read the Fine Print - its not only fun with slightly amusing high notes, but also important as no exceptions will be made. Party ends tonight at 23:59 central, as we all need our wits about us to tackle Monday.) 

#1 First twelve orders $45.99+ 

You will receive your order's freebie (first order received = 1, second order received = 2 and so on). In addition, your name will go into #2's drawing hat once (want to be entered more than once? feel free to make additional purchases anytime through the evening, as there is no order limit per customer). 

1. Rockin' Green Pail Freshener ($6.50 value) - Sophie
2. 5 CJ's BUTTer samples  ($7.50 value) - Amanda M.
3. GroVia Wet Bag ($8.00 value) - Amy
4. GroVia Wet Bag ($8.00 value) - Stephanie
5. itti*bitti Rainbow-White wipes ($9.95 value) - Diane
6. Teething Bling Bangle ($12.75 value) - Dana
7. itti*bitti wet bag ($14.95 value) - Melissa C.
8. GroVia Shell ($16.95 value - you tell me aplix/snaps) - Amanda H.
9. Bestbottom Shell ($16.95 value - you tell me aplix/snaps) - Melissa H.
10. bumGenius 4.0 ($17.95 value - you tell me aplix/snaps) - Stephanie
11. Bright Star Baby AIO ($21.50 value - you tell me size) - Trish
12. bumGenius Elemental ($24.95 value) - Melissa H.

#2 Fabulous Free Fluff Giveaway ($150+ value) --

After the first twelve orders are received, all subsequent orders will be entered in the hat at a rate of one entry for every $10 you spend (no minimum order $ to participate - shipping charges do not count towards entry total - no max per customer).

The winner snags - 

• bumGenius Elemental
• Bright Star Baby AIO
• Bestbottom Shell + Hemp/Cotton Insert + Stay-Dry Insert
• Fuzzibunz OS Pocket + matching leggies
• GroVia Wet Bag
• CJ's BUTTer 4oz Tube (you pick the scent)
• 10-scent CJ's BUTTer sample pack! (I'll pick the scents)
• IBB Wipes Sampler 

Congratulations Amy Cripps, winner of the Fabulous Free Fluff Giveaway!

#3 Want to attend the party without your purse? Feel free! -- 

Through the rest of today I'll randomly post trivia questions on Facebook. First person to correctly answer the question earns his/her name in the hat once. No limit to the number of times you can win. Want to study up? All trivia will be drawn from 2011 Bitsy Buzz posts (yup, that's right. I like to call this AP IBB-trivia). 

Fine Print

• Freebies expire 23:59 central TONIGHT (8/7). 
• If we do not receive the first twelve orders, then the drawing will be prorated to match the number of orders actually received (ie. only 6 orders received = only 50% of the giveaways will be raffled). 
• No trading, substitutions or other 'swaps' for your freebie will be arranged on my end. You are welcome to parlay your new-found free item into something different on your favorite trade/resale site and it will not hurt my feelings (too much). 
• Due to the nature of the giveaways and freebies, any items ordered from the start of the giveaway's publication through through 23:59 central 8/7/11 can only be returned for store credit. Due to expected order volume, no cancellations on any orders will be accepted. 
• Gift certificates, trial and rental package orders ineligible from participating, and will not count towards the order count. One exception - if your rental order or gift certificate purchase also includes regular items, the total of which is $45.99 or greater, then you will qualify for the freebie and be entered in the drawing. 
• You specify colorway preference - boyish, girlish or neutral - and baby's approximate weight, and closure-type as relevant. IBB will choose the specific color/print of your freebie. 
• Avalee reserves the right to inspect your order and add any items she so chooses. These items can vary from toy food to an extra handful of business cards to Lego flowers. Ok, not really, just checking if you are actually reading the fine print. 
• Due to the super freebies, Bitsy Bucks cannot be applied to any freebie orders. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 
• IBB strives to ship all orders within 24 hours of receipt. However, please understand if it might take an extra day or two given the turnout to the sale. Orders are packed in the order in which they are received, barring any out-of-stock issues (of which you will be notified via email). 
• Facebook fine print: By purchasing you agree to release Facebook of any involvement, and that the promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Your participation provides Itsy Bitsy Bums with your name and shipping details, and Facebook does not receive any notice of your personal information.

Back to School: Green Eats

Back to School is almost upon us. Might not be as recognized a season as Summer, Autumn or Winter, but in my mind it is one of the best of the year. As it only comes around once a year, we must celebrate! 

This week get your Planet Wise Lunch Bags at a steal - buy three and get the fourth for a penny!

These bags are amazing - just wash and reuse (they dry overnight if hand-washed and hung to dry). There are three styles to choose from - window bag, sandwich bag (pictured below), and sandwich wrap. Their size and durability them ideal for your little one's lunch bag (or your own lunch bag, or your back-up snack stash in the car, or your lipsticks that manage to roll around the bottom of your purse, or those pacifiers you just sanitized and are now sitting on your kitchen counter, or.... you get the idea - a multitude of uses!). With so many prints to choose from, you're sure to find just the bags to suit your style.

Fine Print and all that Jazz

• Add any three Planet Wise lunch bags to your cart. Then add the fourth bag - you pick the style - for just a penny! (IBB will pick the print, and of course will aim to coordinate with your other bags.)
• Limit three penny bags per customer. If your order comes through without the correct number of bags (ie. you buy two bags and purchase the penny bag, or you buy twelve bags and have a fourth penny bag in your cart or other such scenarios) I will do my best to get a hold of you to correct the error. If you do not respond I reserve the right to cancel the penny bag and ship your order as it stands.
• Don't find the quantities of a particular style or print that you'd like? Just contact me to arrange a special order. 
• Offer good through August 13th, or until Planet Wise runs out of bags (aka I'll replenish inventory through the sale).

Back to School: Time to Get Dolled Up

With the return to school comes back to school clothing shopping. Another favorite of mine!

Stay tuned over the upcoming weeks, as you'll find several chances to stock up, and snag free diapers in the process. Two current chances to pack your closet with tried and true brands - GroVia and bumGenius. AND, be sure to watch Facebook, as I'll often post random chances to snag more freebies (ie. next five GroVia purchases over $49 get a free GroVia wet bag, and other such goodness).