I’ve got another giveaway for you this month, and this one might make a fun stocking stuffer for you, a sister, or a close friend.
A couple months back, Ann posted about her discovery of cloth pads (after she converted to a menstrual cup), and a friend pointed her in the direction of Homestead Emporium, a family-owned and -operated business that makes cloth products for the entire family, including washcloths, nursing pads, and “dundies” — handmade underwear that I now want. Ann’s post included an interview with Homestead Emporium’s founder, Pieternella Willard, where just about any question you might have about cloth pads was answered. (I have to admit that, after I read it, I started seriously considering making the switch.)
Pieternella is giving one lucky SlowMama reader a $20 gift certificate that’s good for any of the products in her shop. (Thank you, Pieternella!) I encourage you to check out the website: The pads are made of soft organic bamboo velour, hand-dyed, and come in many colors — and, as I mentioned, I’m totally sold on their dundies, as well as their fantastic washcloths. So even if you’re not into the pads, you (or someone you know) can still put this gift certificate to good use.
To enter, leave a comment below, and tell me this: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Oh, and good news: Homestead Emporium can ship internationally, so this giveaway is open to all SlowMama readers wherever you happen to be reading. I’ll announce the winner next Wednesday. Good luck!
Images: Homestead Emporium
Hello, I'm Zoe Saint-Paul. I'm a writer, life coach, and new mama to twins who's trying to live "slower" in a speed-obsessed world. Here we chat about life and love, food and design, and everything in between -- all at the right pace. So grab some tea, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. Feel free to 
I think people would be surprised to learn that even though I am not much of a seamstress, I made my own wedding dress.
While anyone who knows me knows that I’m a terrible cook, very few people probably know that I’d like to be a better one.
I love to craft but not very good at finishing projects.
I think people would be surprised that I used to do competitive Square Dancing!
People would be surprised by how “crunchy” I actually am and how many reusable products and homemade products I use.
I’m also like Michelle, I love to craft but rarely finish a project.
I love the ocean, but I’m terrified of boats.
Hmm… Most people don’t know that I use cloth everything instead of paper.
Most people wouldn’t know that I would much rather work in a dark room than use a fluorescent light fixture.
I think people would be surprised to know that I blast the music while I’m doing dishes and really shake it!
I’m like Lace…I think people would be surprised to learn how crunchy I am. It’s not something I generally talk about since people think I’m crazy
I think most people would be surprised to learn that I (at 29 years old) married the one and only man I ever dated.
People will be surprised to know how much I love to be eco friendly and as natural as possible.
People might be surprised to know that I have a deep fear of drowning, even though I’ve been swimming semi-competitively for years.
Also, I’m like Sarah!! Only, I was 27 (and 1 day).
People are surprised to learn I use clothe pads.
People would be surprised to know that I have the same middle name as my cousin!
Most people don’t know that I used to competitively rollerskate
People would be surprised to learn that I use family cloth!
Unless I know them from work, I think some people are surprised to learn that I’m a doctor.
Oh gosh. One could have fun with this entry if time allowed for some serious story sharing which usually only happens among the closest of friends and a few bottles of vino!
I was a dental assistant in high school for my father b/c we lived in a state that, at the time, allowed dental assistants to be trained on the job with no age requirements. And I was good!
People would be surprised to know that I love to craft but I am too impatient to do details nicely (most of the time).
….that my, then boyfriend (now husband) and I dated/courted for almost a year, then got engaged this day, December 12, 2003), until we had our first kiss!
Hmmmm…..people always think my house must be so clean, but WOW if they could see all my skeletons I am hiding in the basement and around the house they would feel much better about their own “lived in” homes!
People would be surprised to know that I do mixed martial arts and that I have trophies.
People are always surprised to learn that I have considerably more Polish heritage than Irish.
People would be surprised to know that I am still breastfeeding my almost 2 year old.
Most people would be pretty surprised I use a LadyCup–even if they know what that is, I am notoriously squeamish around blood!
I love to sing.
That I sometimes kiss my dog on the lips! Well, you know, other more shocking life things as well, but this is the internet afte all.
People are always surprised to find out that I have had several home births.
I’m pretty much an open book….but I have an unnatural fear of flying birds: pigeons, seagulls, farm fowl…. Make me cower and hide when they start flying!
People would be surprised that even though I’m from the opposite side of the country and fly to visit my family frequently, I’m scared of flying!
Hmmm…I’ll give you a two-for-one special. Thing 1: I nursed babies continuously for slightly over 15 years (6 babies, tandem nursing, weaning at around age 4). Thing 2: 4 of those 6 babies were breech position. I don’t pull these two tidbits out very often
People would be surprised to know that despite my complete hatred of the cold, I swam through a river of glacier water…just because.
That I would love to raise chickens someday soon.
Every chance I get to drive by myself, I sing along with the radio at the top of my lungs and pretend I’m performing on stage. Not even my husband knows that about me, but I’m pretty sure other drivers on the road do
People might be surprised to know that I use cloth pads and family cloth (instead of toilet paper).
I think people might be surprised to learn how much I love to dance (I’m reserved about it in public).
I think I must be something of an open book…or maybe just too outspoken? Anyway, I had a really hard time coming up with something…but now I’ve got two possible candidates. People are often surprised by how much I like cheesy science fiction. And people are almost always surprised that after six baby boys, I’m actually not desperately hankering for a girl! (Don’t get me wrong, a baby girl would be amazing, but we’d be just as happy with another little bundle of masculinity…)
I’m terrified of thunderstorms and hate potty training my kids. I love Homestead Emporium’s stuff!!
People are usually surprised to find out I’m married to a priest. For one thing, I dress like a hippie and for another, you don’t hear all that much about married priests.
I think people would be supprised to know that i colect comic books.. humm and have since i was a child..