Favorite Things

It's my favorite time of year! Family...food...chilly weather...warmth inside...glittering lights...thankfulness. The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is filled with lots of fun, shopping, surprises and togetherness!

Let's talk about one of my favorite baby items - cloth diapers. And my favorite brand - AppleCheeks! The first time I mentioned cloth diapering to a friend in person, I got a response along the lines of, "Why on earth are you doing that?!" with a puzzled "You must be crazy" facial expression. I explained that I needed a better leak solution and, of course, that they were cute. "Oh, right, cute. Well, that I *can* understand. They are cute!" A nod of approval. Cloth diapers are SO cute! And in the realm of cute, AppleCheeks and their fluffy ruffles can't be beat!

 Orange You Glad and St. Lucia - aren't they lovely together?

 Aw, how cute...my first stash shot! My, how you've grown!

 Forget-me-Not...sweet baby blue color

 Delicious after a bath. See the ruffles?!! Love.

 

 

 

These ruffles aren't just for looks, though...one reason that AppleCheeks are so effective against leaks is that there is elastic at the legs, back and on the FRONT. Many diapers don't have an elastic waist on the front. That tummy protection is vital, especially for my side/tummy sleeper. But the ruffles sure make diaper laundry my favorite kind of laundry!

 

 No clothesline, no problem!

 

 

 

But even then, with adorable ruffles, gorgeous colors, superior fit and awesome leak protection, AppleCheeks are something MORE than just cloth diapers. They are a fantastic company with a very personable and fun social media presence. The owners, Amy and Ilana, are quite approachable, caring and happy to interact with fans. They even agreed to answer a few questions I had to ask them about some of their favorite things!

 

 

What is your favourite AppleCheeks colour (or top 3, if it's too hard to pick just one!)

 

Amy: Too hard to pick one for sure.  My three are: Appletini, Steel Me and the next limited edition we are planning now - it is so hot!

Ilana: Steel Me, hands down!! 

 

I love that you are both so active on Facebook and Instagram. What is your favourite thing about the AC online community?

 

Amy: Everything; The feeling of community itself, the enthusiasm, the genuine love.

Ilana: That they are SO incredibly creative and supportive and just generally loving and warm. I'm worried sometimes about participating in conversation because I'm afraid that it will result in people not being totally open and honest because I'm there, but now I get that they realize I'm just one of them!

 

I think just about all AppleCheeks fans would love a peek into the office. What is your favourite thing about your job?

 

Amy: I wake up every morning and look forward to going to work.  I especially love working with Ilana.

Ilana: Our employees. We have the best staff EVER. And also, i love the fact that I can direct myself creatively and don't have to satisfy anyone else's vision except for Amy's. But 9 times out of ten we're on the same page anyways. And that other one time I manage to get my way anyways.

Even with a job you love, time away from it is a must! What is your favourite thing to do on Saturday or a day off?

 

Amy: My favourite thing to do is cheer my kids on in their sports, which include swimming, basketball, soccer, running, etc.

Ilana: I love to bring my kids to their various activities and just watch them enjoy themselves.  And I love Saturday nights when they are all in bed and my husband and I just get to hang together and watch violent superhero movies. Or Sherlock. Or Downton Abbey. But actually, we've seen them all so I need new show suggestions BADLY.

 

It's a giving time of year - what is your favourite gift ever from your kids?

 

Amy: The homemade cards from the kids are the best because they include sincere words of love and affection.

Ilana: Oooh, that's a tough one. Are you speaking esoterically? Because I suck at that stuff.

I've never been to Montreal. What is your favourite thing about your city?  

 

Amy: The many inexpensive ethnic restaurants.  My husband and I go on a date every second week or so and enjoy the many varied tastes of Montreal's interesting restaurants.

Ilana: Just one thing? I'd say the Anglophone mom community. It's because of them that I'm where I am today, both as a business owner and as a parent.

I know Canadians have already celebrated Thanksgiving, but this week starts the month I do the most baking and cooking - between US Thanksgiving and Christmas. What is your favourite holiday food?  

 

Amy: Turkey!  I love a good turkey.  We eat it all year round in my house.

Ilana: Well, I'm new to all this stuff as I didn't celebrate either until I met my husband. But I'm still SUPER impressed by people who can cook a turkey and not dry it out completely. 

Along those lines, what is your favourite kitchen tool/item?  

 

Amy: I love a good cast iron skillet.  It is so good for so many things!

Ilana: My BLENDTEC!!
 

It's obvious from the fun reveal videos that you stay in touch with pop culture! What is your favourite book/movie genre?  

 

Amy: Right now I am reading Khaled Hosseini's third book and am loving it, just like his other two, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.  They are heavy reads but enthralling.

Ilana: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, except I'm really struggling with the fifth book. 

I always love seeing your lovely faces in photos. What is your favourite makeup brand?

 

Amy: MAC for sure.  It is expensive but lasts a long time so I only buy one new MAC item every few months and build up my supply that way.

Ilana: Zorah! I should say Mac because the colours are amazing but I don't feel comfy wearing that stuff every day. But Zorah is completely natural and argan oil based and they have an AMAZING mascara.



 

 

Thanks, Amy and Ilana! That was fun! I hope everyone enjoyed reading about favorites. Feel free to share about YOUR favorites in the comments!