Cloth Diapers

(Coraline in an AIO cloth diaper)

I love being able to cloth diaper Coraline. We save lots of money and we are helping the environment! To start our stash off, I bought a lot of different covers, pocket diapers and all in ones, since I didn't know what would work for us. But through trial and error, I have finally found the system that works for us.

Grant and I both love the BumGenius All in Ones (AIO). Essentially AIO are treated just like disposable diapers except you put them in the washing machine instead of the trash. They fit her well, they are easy to put on and they contain blow outs well! So, I like to have 10 AIO and I also will continue to have two Thirsties diaper covers and prefold cloth diapers on hand. With this stash, I do diaper laundry every other day.

I'm thrilled that we are able to cloth diaper her at night with no leakage. The AIO allow for inserts to be put into the diaper, so you get more protection at night.

(diaper laundry)

(another cute cloth diaper and baby legs shot)

20 Weeks

Not much to report this week. I look and feel the same. Which is pretty good.

I bought our first set of cloth diapers and they are pretty cute- I have a thing for cows in case you didn't know.

I've researched the different options of cloth diapering and I thought it would be best to go for a one size pocket diaper (it grows with the child- 8 lb. to 35 lb). It seemed the most economical and the easiest for Grant to handle (didn't want to make him mess with pins and diaper covers). I am going to try out two different brands before I spend more money on them. I'm getting excited though.

I know most people wouldn't even consider cloth, but it has come so far from our grandmother's days. I'm just doing a few more loads of laundry (no dunking, soaking or anything like that). And I happen to like laundry.

Food, Inc.

Grant and I watched a documentary on food production in the U.S. last night-- Food, Inc. I recommend watching it if you want to know where your meat is coming from and who is really running food production in America.

It certainly didn't surprise me. The way they raise chicken, cows and pigs are outrageous and very cruel. Not to mention the way they bathe our meat products in ammonia and what not.

It touched on the food conglomerates in our country, the basic lack of power within the FDA and politicking in general.

It's sobering and overwhelming. And the whole time I was watching I was sitting there thinking "but how can one person make a difference?" I mean really. And at the end of the film they answered that question. We don't all have to be lobbyist to make a difference- we vote with every meal we make. We vote with every item we purchase. We can make a difference. And Walmart is an example- did you notice that they now offer organic milk and yogurt products? It's because people were wanting those products and were willing to buy them. So, when you go to the store buy the organic products, buy the items that are in season, and if all possible buy local.

And I know there's the sound argument that organic is expensive (and even fruits and veges are sometimes more expensive then filling junk food). Well, that's fine and it's true, but I'd rather spend my money on healthy foods now then for medications down the road. And I will always opt to spend more money on veges and fruits then the cheaper chips, crackers and cheeseburgers. It's the choices we make now that will determine our health in the future. It's the choices we make now that will dictate where and how are foods are being produced.

I am far from perfect in my eating, but I am more convinced now then ever to continue spending money on free range/antibiotic-free chickens and eggs and pasture fed beef and pork products (not only for the health benefits, but for the lack of cruelty towards the animals). I will also make it my goal this year to continue to get most all of my fruit and vege products from the farmer's market.

With every bite we put into our mouth, we are choosing how food production continues in America.

18 Weeks

Well, 18 weeks has come and gone. And sadly without a picture to document it. It was around Christmas time, and despite all the picture taking, Baby L got dissed.

Not much has changed this week. I'm still dealing with strange bouts of insomnia. They leave me tired all day, so I'm a little frustrated.

I feel s/he moving around more- little kicks and jabs. It's quite fun.

Boy, do I get hungry around lunchtime. I can eat several small meals in one sitting!

We splurged on an organic crib mattress this week. It was one of the things I would not compromise on (even if the link between regular mattresses and SIDS death isn't true (and who really knows what the deal is about SIDS), the logic behind a organic mattress makes enough sense to me).

We had another ultrasound yesterday and things are pretty good. I'll post a picture soon. The pics are not great as s/he refused to look at the ultrasound wand, but it still is pretty neat.

Honest Scrap!

Here are the rules:

1. Must thank the person who gave you the award and list their blog and link it.

2. Share "10 Honest things" about yourself.

3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs you find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged you.

4. Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

***

1. The person that gave this award to me was Kellan Vernon! We've known each other for a long time! We both danced together at Providence Baptist Church and attended a ballet class together (many, many years ago)! She's a new mommy to a precious little girl. You should check out her blog (linked to her name)!

2. 10 Honest Things about me:

(i) For the most part I do not care for music. There are very few songs that grab my attention and move me. Very, very strange, I know. I can't listen to the radio while driving because it makes me crazy, so I listen to books on tape instead. I have, however, really enjoyed the Glee soundtrack. One of the first CDs that I actually like (almost) every song on the list.

(ii) I love almost all vegetables and fruit. I grew up eating them and love them to this day. It's hard for me to name a vege or a fruit that I don't like- hmm, not a huge fan of green bell peppers or ripe bananas. That's all I can think of. Ooh, a salad would be so good right now.

(iii) At first, I didn't think I wanted children. Even when I was a kid, it never really crossed my mind. I'm just not a "kid" person per se. But then we had a change of heart! Although, I'm still not comfortable with children not related to me, I love to pieces my nieces and nephews and already adore my own soon-to-be-here child.

(iv) My favorite tv show is So You Think You Can Dance. I am so in awe of what those dancers can do. Sometimes I get inspired and stretch for an extra 20 seconds!

(v) I grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. I am a paralegal. What went wrong?

(vi) I love surprises. I hate when people spoil something for me. I never peek at wrapped presents. I never search for unwrapped gifts. I wait until the last possible moment to "open"/"know" my surprise. Hence, my lack of desire to know the sex of our baby. I know some women count down the days until they get to know what gender their baby is. Strangely enough, I have no such desire at all. I can't wait to be surprised on the day that he or she decides to join our family. (Disclaimer: I totally understand why people want to know though, and I would never judge anyone's decisions!)

(vii) I don't feel like I have a hometown. I also don't feel like I can attach myself to any one label- Southerner or Westerner. I was born in dairy farm country in Texas, grew up in middle class Hawaii, but have lived the majority of my life in North Carolina. I don't feel particularly connected to anyone state. I love them all for different reasons. So don't ask me where I'm from, because you get many answers!

(viii) I never eat in my car. I think it's gross.

(ix) I can only fold clothes on a freshly vacuumed carpet. I don't know why. I don't try to understand why.

(x) I am super excited to cloth diaper my baby. I hope that it is something that the baby likes too, because it sure can save us a lot of money. We bought a new washer/dryer system in 2008 with a sanitary option on it, in preparation for cloth diapering. Can you tell it's been on my mind awhile!


3. I am not going to name 7 bloggers to do this. But, if one of my readers wants to do it, just leave me a comment so I can see what you've got to say!

Hair tip

I like my hair. It's one of my better features. I even won the "best hair" award once. What's my secret? Good genes and apple cider vinegar.

I have very thick hair and every once in awhile it gets dull from all the hair products and shampoo/conditioner washes. What is a girl to do. Well, many years ago I read that apple cider vinegar is a wonderful product to use on your hair. It restores shine, bounce and volume. It also rinses away all the hair product residue. And it really, really, really works.

So, that is my hair secret. When I start getting that weighed down feeling, I wash my hair in apple cider vinegar. I've done it two ways. If you don't think you can stand the smell of the vinegar then spritz your hair all over with the vinegar, massage it into your scalp, let it sit for a few minutes and then wash your hair with your regular shampoo and condition. Your hair will smell faintly of vinegar, but it really won't be noticeable to anyone but you. If you are brave enough, then just spritz your hair with the vinegar, massage it into your scalp and then rinse it away. That's it. It is also the most amazing conditioner for even the longest, thickest hair. You will smell like vinegar while your hair is wet, but it quickly dissipates. Trust me, the results are worth it. My hair is so shiny and bouncy.

I've also read that people put essential oil into the vinegar, but I have not tried that and probably won't. I don't think that lavender and apple cider vinegar would be a happy marriage or peppermint and vinegar for that matter. But, hey if you want to try it, you should.

I keep a spray bottle ($1 at Walmart/Target) and fill it with apple cider vinegar and keep it in my shower.

This is a wonderful, cheap, natural alternative to the clarifying shampoos out there.

New Laundry Detergent

Awhile ago I gave you homemade recipes for laundry detergent and dish detergent. Both formulas used Borax, a substance which is found in many homemade cleaning recipes. Borax has had some bad press lately which leads me to believe it is not the best thing to use around the house. Read this entry here from Passionate Homemaking about Borax.

I decided awhile ago to quit using/making the homemade laundry detergents and dish detergents until I was able to find a recipe that was easy to make and store. Until that time, I have been using Charlie's Soap as my laundry detergent. I love this product. It makes my clothes smell "clean" without using any fragrances. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and hypoallergenic. It is gentle enough for babies' clothing and strong enough to wash cloth diapers! I know it might not work for everyone with super sensitive skin, but it works for us.

Soap nuts are another option which I have yet to try, but am very curious about. I have heard good things about these nuts. They are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry tree. How cool is that? A 100% natural option. Check out Passionate Homemaking's review here and here. My friend also tried these and liked them-- see her post here. I think once I run out of Charlie's Soap I will try this option.

I haven't discovered a great dish detergent product yet, so I don't have much to offer on that subject. However, if you are interested in making your own dish detergent, here is a recipe you can use (courtesy of Passionate Homemaking again). I haven't made that recipe yet, but hope to soon enough.

That's it for today.

Strawberry pickin'

Oh, I'm excited. I actually have plans this Saturday. Real, live actual plans. That involves other people. And strawberries.

That's right- I'm going strawberry picking at an ORGANIC farm tomorrow. Whoo-hoo!

Did you know that strawberries were one of the "dirty dozen" fruits- named so because most farms use tons of pesticides on them and they don't have a hard outer covering to protect themselves (say, like a banana or orange).

So needless to say, I'm thrilled that there is a organic farm nearby! Hope to have some pictures of our morning so I can post them later.

And since I will be getting lots and lots of strawberries, I was thinking about making some jam out of them- this would be my first experience with canning. Let's just pray that I don't give myself botulism or something equally as exciting! I'll have to blog about that too, if I decide to brave it.

Anyway, in addition to strawberry pickin' I need to work on my arbor/trellis thingy. 75 degrees tomorrow- couldn't be a better day to be outside!

My New Project

I have the perfect place for this plant arbor and I can't wait to get it up there. I have visions of vibrant roses or jasmine lovingly intertwined in the trellis with colorful flowers planted around the base. Visions of small children running around it in lovely easter dresses complete the picture. But I digress.

Unfortunately, it is not quite ready for its big debut. This poor arbor needs a bit of TLC and I intend to turn this trash into treasure. Stay tuned. Hopefully, some after pictures will be coming soon- complete with roses or jasmine, but minus the small children!

Everyday Minerals Makeup

I have just discovered a makeup line that uses minerals (as the name implies) as its ingredients-- and boy am I super excited about this discovery! Everyday Minerals is an extremely affordable, natural makeup line. I went ahead and got their free sample kit in the mail (go here for information on that), and it came within a few days (you do need to pay $3.97 for shipping). They are very generous sample sizes, so it will give you a good idea about the product.

It is a powder based line, so there are still a few tricks I will need to learn (i.e, foundation primer, water spritz, etc.), so as to not make your skin appear cakey or dry, but I think once I master those tricks this may be a great line for me.

This line is not in stores, so you need to order online. That's why I would encourage you to get their free sample kit for foundation colors.

This is a seriously affordable makeup line, which I need right now (I'm ashamed to say I will spend up to $40 to $50 on a single tube of foundation)-- their foundation is only $12-15.

Of course, the best part is the chemical freeness (I know, not a word). I'm careful about the lotions and things I put on my skin, but have never thought twice about what is in my makeup. Partly because I've always had skin issues and the need for good coverage has always outweighed my concern about ingredients in makeup. I'm hoping that this might be the solution for me.

If you're at all interested- get a free kit and go from there!

Garbage

I've been inspired by many blogs whose mantra is to live simply and frugally. One of the recurring themes is to reuse and recycle as much as possible, so as to be budget friendly and reduce the waste that they are producing. I've tried really hard to start thinking about what I'm throwing out: can it be recycled, can it be reused, or can it be given away. I'm so proud to report that we have had one garbage bag full of garbage this week. Just one. I've been recycling as much as possible and can conclude that it makes a huge difference in the amount of waste we throw into the garbage can. You know the frustration that comes when you need to throw out the large cereal box-- it takes up half up the garbage can. But instead of throwing it away, you can recycle the box and, boy, does it free up your garbage space!

Grant (lovingly) rolls his eyes at me when I tell him I want a compost bin, but I am seriously thinking about it. To be able to reduce my garbage even more by "recycling" my food scraps would be awesome- and the added benefit of compost for the garden is a great incentive.

Anyway, that's my post for today. Hope you are having a great Tuesday!

Homemade Detergents

I admit it-- I love the smell of Tide laundry detergent. It's glorious, strong, fresh and CLEAN smelling. I think this love affair happened while I was living on my own and able to buy whatever laundry detergent my heart desired-- see, growing up my family did not purchase the good stuff (we went for cheap) and one family member had sensitive skin, so we always had to purchase the non-fragrant type of detergent. This did not sit well with me, so as soon as I was away from home, the good stuff was bought.

However, in my quest to find alternative solutions to household chemicals, I thought I should try to find a recipe for homemade laundry and dish detergent. I felt that if I am requesting Grant to give up his need for the Clorox spray cleaner then I should sacrifice something in return. Oh, sweet Tide, it's been a great ride! Sidenote: I am not nearly in love with my dish detergent- in fact, I find it quite a nuisance when it runs out and I have to purchase more. No love affair there.

Besides reducing the amount of toxins that I am putting into the earth and against our skin, it is cheaper to make your own detergents.

I have made and used both recipes and can report that they work great. My clothes are clean and smelling of peppermint and my dishes are clean and clear!

* * * *

Herbal Dishwasher Detergent (recipe courtesy of Frugal Granola)

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax
2 drops essential Tea Tree Oil (optional)
2 drops essential Lavender Oil (optional)

Mix all ingredients in a tightly lidded container, stirring well to combine the oils into the powder. Use 1 Tbl. in each dispenser cup in my dishwasher (a total of 2 Tbls).

Tip: Fill your rinse aid dispenser with white vinegar. I have tried this and it works great!

* * * *

Peppermint Laundry Detergent (recipe courtesy of Healthy Vegan)

(Small Batch (18 loads)- I went ahead and doubled recipe)
½ cup Borax
½ cup Washing Soda
½ bar of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint (or Lavendar) Organic Pure-Castile Soap grated (or you can use any bar of soap)

Grate the soap with a carrot grater or food processor. Place all ingredients in an airtight container and shake. Use 1 tablespoon per load (note: I have found that I need 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons per load).

Healthy Vegan's disclaimer:
Scary Stuff – If you read all the info on Borax and Washing Soda, you may decide that this recipe seems too toxic, but if you research every single ingredient in commercial detergent (that is if they fully disclose the ingredients - most don’t), you will find lots of bad stuff. I believe everyone should be an informed consumer, and I am happy with my three little ingredients.

* * * *

I found all the supplies right here in my area.

Borax- can be found at Target, Kroger in laundry section (about $2.95 per box- and this is a huge box)
Washing Soda- I found at Kroger in laundry section (I bought the Arm & Hammer brand) (about $2.00 per box, again a big box)
Dr. Bronner's Soap- any health food store, Kroger ($3.91 per bar (get two batches with one bar))
Essential Oils- health food store (prices vary)

So, there you have it. I encourage you to try this recipe if you are looking for a way to save some money and perhaps be a bit kinder to the earth and your skin!

Cool blog

I was directed to a very cool blog the other day. It is exactly the kind of stuff I love to read about-- frugal living, natural foods, green living and Christianity. I have found it to be very helpful and I wanted to post it here so you could visit it should you ever have the desire to make your own sauerkraut, create your own shampoo or just read up on the benefits and uses of kefir!!! Oh, don't be shy, you know you want to!!

www.passionatehomemaking.com

Resolutions . . . No thanks. Goals . . . sure.

I have never been one for resolutions. Ever. Can't thing of a single resolution I have ever made. And I don't know why I don't make 'em-- there are always ways to make my lifestyle better/healthier/happier, etc. And, I am actually good about finishing what I start, but for some reason I just don't make them.

However, my GOALS for this year (because, didn't you know, a goal is so not like a resolution?!) are as follows:

*Figure out a budget and stick to it (Grant's and my goal). We are not really budget people. We hardly spend extraneous money, and we generally know where our money is going, but we've never sat down and actually, gasp, budgeted.

*Live off of one salary and put the rest in savings. Lofty goal-- we might as well get used to it though. And if we can make it through these economic times, than we have a shot at this.

*Take baby steps in obtaining and eating the most natural foods as possible. I could go on and on about this. Part of our budgeting will be figuring out what natural foods I can splurge on. Oh, didn't you know- I'm in love with pasture fed, hormone free chickens and the precious eggs they produce. Don't roll your eyes . . . I can see you.

*Help my cats lose weight. Oh, my sweet little Sadie is a rather plump cat. She spends every waking moment consumed with the thought of her tasty little morsels of food. I'm serious people. It's bad and her cries are enough to drive me batty. I've already cut back on their food intake and it has helped some. I saw a biggest loser like competition for animals and thought about entering her, but then quickly thought that she might never recover from having to be weighed in front of her feline peers. She's sensitive like that.

*Improve my herb and vegetable garden. I'm itching to get it started again. Can't wait for March to roll around. I adore having basil, rosemary and tomatoes at my fingertips. Grant and I also want to landscape our backyard a bit. It's not feeling the love right now. Of course, that might change when I'm by myself on a Saturday and it's 100 degrees outside. Then I might throw this goal out the window.

*Try to live as plastic free as possible. I'm trying to build my stash of glass food containers this year and slowly get rid of all my plastic tupperware. Just something I want to do.

*Be able to do a sidesplit. Yep, my lifelong goal has been to do a sidesplit. Will this be the year?

So those are some of my more loftier goals.

What are some of your goals this year?

Vacation

So, I decided to take the week of Christmas off from work. What a great vacation and much needed break. I have done so many things this past week-- I hope I can remember them all.

Grant and I cleaned out our attic- threw a lot of stuff away and made a trip to the goodwill. There is much satisfaction in completing a project. Grant and I almost never complete projects together because we have such different work schedules.

I have been experimenting with bread recipes this past week. Some have been successful and others have not been! I have pictures that I will post later. I love my new wheat grinder, but I am trying to find the right balance of whole wheat in bread recipes without the end result being a hard, thick bread. Still working on the balance. In the meantime I have made four wheat bread loaves, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, and a french artisan white bread (by far the most delicious).

I made homemade sauerkraut this week. It's still fermenting, but we should be able to try some in the next day or two. Did you know that homemade sauerkraut is super good for you-- one of the best fermented foods you can eat. According to the Weston Price website:

"Many sources say raw fermented foods are beneficial to the digestive system by increasing the healthy flora in the intestinal tract or creating the type of environment for them to flourish. Sauerkraut and its juice are traditional folk remedies for constipation. Fermentation actually increases nutrient values in the cabbage, especially vitamin C. Fermented foods are also said to facilitate the nervous system."

I discovered a store at the Farmer's Market that sells pasture fed, antibiotic and hormone free poultry, pork and lamb. I picked up some eggs, a whole chicken and some chicken parts. Made a chicken stock last night with the chicken and chicken parts. I am so excited to discover this store and hope to be able to get there at least once a month.

I finished two books this week. I have been so inspired by one of them-- I will have to blog about it later. All about traditional foods vs. industrial foods. I can't say enough good things about it.

I went to the flea market and stocked up on salts, herbs and green teas.

I know there are other things I've done, just can't remember them right now. I'll post pics of our Christmas and going-ons soon.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas with family and friends.

7 things you probably did not know about me . . .

I am taking Nate's suggestion and posting 7 things you may not know about me.

1. I cannot handle most drinks with caffeine. Caffeine makes me crazy, absolutely crazy. Ask my husband-- he does not allow me to have any caffeine after 8:00 at night because I will sing at the top of my lungs, try risky dance moves on my bed, run around the house and create lively situations wherever I may go!!! Seriously, caffeine makes my heart race so regular coffee is absolutely out of the question.

2. I clean with only natural products such as vinegar, baking soda and borax. Regular cleaning products are so toxic to the system and make me feel sick, so I've abandoned them all (except for Windex wipes for the bathroom mirror- still trying to figure out a good natural cleaning system for mirrors). Grant thinks our kitchen smells like sea salt and vinegar chips (trust me, the smell goes away after a few minutes, and that is when you know the germs have been killed). I've even gotten Grant to use vinegar in the kitchen.

3. I hate taking medicine and try to avoid going to the doctor as much as possible. (Um, my post is looking a little "crunchy." Sorry, hang with me). I didn't grow up on medicine (we used homeopathic remedies as much as possible), so I try not to take medicine to this day. My own remedies include peppermint oil for stomachaches, garlic for colds and just about anything else, and lavender oil for headaches. I've even chopped up raw onions and put it on my chest when I had a lot of congestion-- I think it worked! I will go to the doctor for some things, but mostly I weather sicknesses out at home. To be honest, I rarely get sick (maybe once every two years), so this is not a big issue.

4. Okay, something less crunchy. I love modern dance. You probably did know that about me. What you probably didn't know is that I have not been trained in dance very much at all. I took a few ballet classes growing up (I'm talking like classes from the YMCA and in a church, not a serious studio). Amazingly, I've been able to get myself into a few different companies/ministries throughout the years despite my lack of technique and have sort of self taught myself. It is only the past three years that I've taken modern technique class. Currently, I'm in the Rainbow Modern Dance Company and Windsong and taking technique classes! This is a testimony to going after something you really want (and perfecting your art). Go after your dreams, you never know where it might take you!

5. I'm really not a swim-in-the-water person. I will not swim in lakes. Lakes freak me out to no end (it's muddy, fishy and you can't see the bottom). The ocean is daunting and scary. I like pools best, but have been in maybe 5 times in the last 5 years. I think I'll stick to land. Strangely enough, I decided to take a 8:15 swim class with my suitemate in college during the winter season. Not sure why, but we did have fun! Only 8:15 class I ever took in college.

6. I have emetophobia. That is the fear of throwing up and being around it. I can't handle it at all. You can ask anyone of my family members. I haven't gotten sick since I was about 11 years old and one time when I was 20 because I drank a little to much of the fun stuff! I read that people with this phobia can sort of will themselves enough times not to get sick that it turns something on in their brains that won't allow them to get sick. I think that is true. And I'm not worried about morning sickness, because I can totally will myself not to get sick. Now, do not ask me how I intend to handle my future kids. I will trust the Lord that he will give me enough sense to be able to deal with it, because I know its coming. BTW- I can handle my cat's who throw up at least once a week and I can handle spit up from a baby (I consider these baby steps). Anything else, I will flee the room or blast the tv or stereo to ear numbing volumes. Needless to say, sharing a hall bathroom with 20 other girls in college was no picnic.

7. I like to bake when I am bored. One time Grant came home to 3 different types of cookies. Needless to say, he had to share them with his co-workers, because we couldn't eat all of them between the two of us!

That is 7 things you probably didn't know about me. If you do this on your blog, let me know so I can read them!