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)

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.

My Tirade for the Day . . .

Grant and I are on a mission- to spend as little money as possible, so that when the time comes I am able to stay at home with our future kids.

I can't even tell you how blessed I feel that Grant and I do not have the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality. I just was not raised like that. And I'm pretty sure Grant wasn't raised like that too. In all honesty, I just don't like to shop. I don't care for new cars, clothes, shoes or the newest electronic gadgets. I will spend a little money on crafty things, but not much. It is just not ingrained in me to want to spend money. And this has gone way back-- I was the one who saved her $1 allowance every week-- you can just ask Rhea!!

I think this "being content with what I have" mentality was one of the greatest gifts my parents could have given me. I'm so thankful that I don't have to have stuff to make me happy. I just want food on my table, a roof over my head and a car to get to work.

And I don't want to harp on the economy, but it is tough out there. And we know first hand. Grant is in sales. And sales are down. Way down.

But from the beginning of this year our goal was to solely live off of Grant's salary. My salary was to be put into savings. And we've been doing it. We are doing it. The whole point of this "experiment" was to be able to prepare ourselves for when we have kids, so that I will be able to stay at home with them.

As much as I worry about these things, I'm learning to trust that God will take care of us. I firmly believe that staying home with my kids while they are young is what I'm called to do. It's what my heart desires to do. And I'm willing to sacrifice in order to do it.

But here's my tirade of the day: When I think of how much of a sacrifice it is for a parent to stay at home (including myself) it breaks my heart. When did America get so expensive? When did staying at home with your kids nearly become financially impossible for most parents? Why can't we go back to a simpler time? Why? Why? Why?

I know, it's pointless to wish for something that just isn't so. But seriously, why is it nearly impossible for one parent to be able to stay at home to care for and teach your kids. I believe many of problems in this world can be traced back to this issue-- families don't see each other often enough, kids are left alone during the day, parents are too tired to make a healthy dinner, kids are being taught right and wrong from others, etc.

This country's focus is breaking my heart. I don't want to be one of those parents. I want to be at home with my kids. I want to be the one that teaches them right from wrong. I want to be the one that they can talk to. I want to be the one that greets them when they come in from school. I want to be the one who makes them a healthy dinner (and breakfast and lunch). I, basically, want to be there.

So, I will sacrifice what I need to in order to do that. And I will trust that God will take care of us. And I am thankful that I don't need much to be happy in this world.

And that is my random, long tirade of the day. Back to your regularly scheduled program.

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!

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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!

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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.

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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!