A mom in a mom's group that I am a part of recently mentioned that she had bought Kushies brand cloth diapers for her kids. And she bought them from Wal-Mart!?? So I checked it out and sure enough there are now cloth diapers available at a really good price on www.walmart.com My first instinct was to try them out, but then I wasn't so sure....see, I don't generally shop at Wal-Mart...it's kind of a personal preference (see "Story of Stuff"), but a deal that good on 100% cotton AIO (all-in-one) cloth diapers and extra liners/doublers was too good to pass up (It ends up being about $8.50/diaper for my ds size-which is 1/2 the price of the previous cloth diapers I purchased). So I bought some, I chose the site-to-store option for free shipping (of course) and so it'll be a week or two before I can try em out. But I'll let ya know what I think...
I also bought the flushable biodegradable liners for when we are on the go, or for times when I know he's going to poop, or to have people who occasionally watch my son (who aren't so comfortable with cleaning cloth diapers). Those are a much much much cheaper option than using disposables, you get like 200 liners for around $12. Here's what's available on the website: http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=Kushies&search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&ref=+125863.302439
I'll let you know what I think :)
Friday, July 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My Favorite New Snack
It's hard when you're on the go alot to find foods to feed your children that don't have lots of added sugars, artificial ingredients, added colors, etc. I think it's crazy how many of the kids "puffy" snacks out there have little, if any, nutritional value...plus all the artifical stuff, you're not even really eating sweet potatoes anymore!!
My mom actually introduced me to this product last year, but at the time my son wasn't eating much solids and so it never crossed my mind that this would be a great snack.
A few weeks ago I came across them again and my son loves them!! Just Tomatoes are dried fruits and vegetables and they even have organic! They have nothing added to them, no sugars, nothing artificial, just the good old dried fruit! http://www.justtomatoes.com/ I myself find them very tasty and my son loves the peas, but we haven't had a chance to try them all. I've tried the peaches, which were still a bit chewy for ds, and the cherries, which are absolutely delicious, but might have to wait a little longer until ds has more teeth. The mixed veggies and fruits are something I am looking forward to trying.
I also think it would be great if I could get a dehydrator and make em myself, but right now we don't have the time or space to do that and these Just Tomatoes treats are so darn tasty :) I've seen them available online and in some natural food store and even some grocery stores...you can check their store locator for one near you. Hope you enjoy them too!
My mom actually introduced me to this product last year, but at the time my son wasn't eating much solids and so it never crossed my mind that this would be a great snack.
A few weeks ago I came across them again and my son loves them!! Just Tomatoes are dried fruits and vegetables and they even have organic! They have nothing added to them, no sugars, nothing artificial, just the good old dried fruit! http://www.justtomatoes.com/ I myself find them very tasty and my son loves the peas, but we haven't had a chance to try them all. I've tried the peaches, which were still a bit chewy for ds, and the cherries, which are absolutely delicious, but might have to wait a little longer until ds has more teeth. The mixed veggies and fruits are something I am looking forward to trying.
I also think it would be great if I could get a dehydrator and make em myself, but right now we don't have the time or space to do that and these Just Tomatoes treats are so darn tasty :) I've seen them available online and in some natural food store and even some grocery stores...you can check their store locator for one near you. Hope you enjoy them too!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Stuff
This week my Holistic Mom's Network meeting theme was "Avoiding Consumerism" with a guest speaker/professor talking about Voluntary Simplicity. It was a very interesting talking with some great stats, but a lot of learning came after the talk when we were able to ask the professor how he chooses to live simply and other group members shared their ideas.
Some of my favorite ideas were shutting off the tv...not only shutting it off, unplugging it, and putting it in the closet...only to be brought out for the occasional movie. You know, that actually sounds really good to me! I find that I mostly watch tv when I feel tired and I don't want to deal with what's around me...so I turn it on, tune out, and find myself watching stuff I am not really interested in, especially the violence...what's up with the violence anyways??? Do we really need to see all the violence, does it really make people feel better after a long day of work, does it really instill a sense of optimism in our world? I personally don't think so....so I am thinking maybe I will put that tv away sometime, try it out...I rarely watch it anymore anyways, I don't think I'll miss it. Besides with all those darn commercials every few minutes I am constantly having to look at "stuff"....
So I've got a son who's still young and I know as he grows older he'll see and learn about the consumer driven nation that we live in....he still young and I feel like I still have time to set boundries. Another great idea brought up at the meeting was presents, many of the mom's there said they'd put on recent children's birthday invitation that they'd prefer their guest's "presence" instead of "presents". Time spent with family is really important to me and on my son's birthday, that's what I really wanted and he really enjoyed was seeing everyone.
Also brought up were "experiences" as a gift versus the typical wrapped present. Like maybe you could plan a special trip to the zoo, or a nice park, go on a vacation, or go camping, or something fun like that...something that involves interaction and creates memories, instead of just taking up space. Someone also mentioned that a couple who recently got married requested that instead of gifts for their wedding that they donate money to some special charities. And for those guests who really wanted to "give a gift" they could put money towards their honeymoon registry...which including buying a special bottle of wine for the couple when they came to their room, or a special meal, or tickets to an event on their honeymoon. Isn't that a fun idea??
One of our group leaders posted the link to this website, which I'd heard of but never actually saw, it's The Story of Stuff http://storyofstuff.com/ One of the most alarming things the speaker had to say was that "99% of what we buy is trashed within 6 months..." I highly recommend checking the video out :)
I am working on stuff, I am, it's a hard battle for me and I am trying to change my ways. I feel this conflict because I want to get rid of things that I don't really want to have more space and not so much stuff...but then I immediately feel bad for throwing something away or even just getting rid of something that I could have potentially used.
I think a major thing for me is to try and not go shopping as much. I find that if I buy online or thru the co-op it gives me more time to think of what I really want, to not just impulse buy, and I can usually find better quality natural products anyways. If I want less stuff, I have to be the one to decide what comes in my house, be it gifts, junk mail, shopping, etc. I have to be the one to stand up and say "No more stuff!!!"
Some of my favorite ideas were shutting off the tv...not only shutting it off, unplugging it, and putting it in the closet...only to be brought out for the occasional movie. You know, that actually sounds really good to me! I find that I mostly watch tv when I feel tired and I don't want to deal with what's around me...so I turn it on, tune out, and find myself watching stuff I am not really interested in, especially the violence...what's up with the violence anyways??? Do we really need to see all the violence, does it really make people feel better after a long day of work, does it really instill a sense of optimism in our world? I personally don't think so....so I am thinking maybe I will put that tv away sometime, try it out...I rarely watch it anymore anyways, I don't think I'll miss it. Besides with all those darn commercials every few minutes I am constantly having to look at "stuff"....
So I've got a son who's still young and I know as he grows older he'll see and learn about the consumer driven nation that we live in....he still young and I feel like I still have time to set boundries. Another great idea brought up at the meeting was presents, many of the mom's there said they'd put on recent children's birthday invitation that they'd prefer their guest's "presence" instead of "presents". Time spent with family is really important to me and on my son's birthday, that's what I really wanted and he really enjoyed was seeing everyone.
Also brought up were "experiences" as a gift versus the typical wrapped present. Like maybe you could plan a special trip to the zoo, or a nice park, go on a vacation, or go camping, or something fun like that...something that involves interaction and creates memories, instead of just taking up space. Someone also mentioned that a couple who recently got married requested that instead of gifts for their wedding that they donate money to some special charities. And for those guests who really wanted to "give a gift" they could put money towards their honeymoon registry...which including buying a special bottle of wine for the couple when they came to their room, or a special meal, or tickets to an event on their honeymoon. Isn't that a fun idea??
One of our group leaders posted the link to this website, which I'd heard of but never actually saw, it's The Story of Stuff http://storyofstuff.com/ One of the most alarming things the speaker had to say was that "99% of what we buy is trashed within 6 months..." I highly recommend checking the video out :)
I am working on stuff, I am, it's a hard battle for me and I am trying to change my ways. I feel this conflict because I want to get rid of things that I don't really want to have more space and not so much stuff...but then I immediately feel bad for throwing something away or even just getting rid of something that I could have potentially used.
I think a major thing for me is to try and not go shopping as much. I find that if I buy online or thru the co-op it gives me more time to think of what I really want, to not just impulse buy, and I can usually find better quality natural products anyways. If I want less stuff, I have to be the one to decide what comes in my house, be it gifts, junk mail, shopping, etc. I have to be the one to stand up and say "No more stuff!!!"
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wholesale and Co-ops
I have recently discovered buying wholesale through a co-op provided by my local Holistic Mom's Network group...and I love it!!! I used to spend a lot of time searching for good natural products that I knew had to exist, and usually if I did end up finding them I thought they cost too much...so I would wait and continue to buy conventional products that really didn't suit my needs. But not anymore!
The co-op we are currently part of sells not only baking and cooking basics (flours, sugars, seasonings, etc.) but also natural and organic beauty products, home care, cleaning, animal care, and treats! Yea!!! And the prices are almost all at least 30% to 50% off retail price. For example, organic shampoo that would normally retail in a store for $8.99 a bottle is $5.39 instead. They also have monthly specials, so the pasta seasoning mix packet that's usually $1.39 in the stores is on sale for $.88! I love getting a good deal and I love getting a good deal on natural and organic products even more :)
If you are interested in joining a group (there is sometimes a small fee-around here it's usually less than $10 to join) my advice would be word of mouth. Ask around, check with people you know are interested in natural products, or do a search for local co-ops online. You can check out http://www.localharvest.org/ for some places to start.
Around where we live there are also farm co-ops that you can join and have a two week or month supply of produce or even meat that you might have to go pick up yourself, but for many people gives them an oppurtunity to experience a farm. It's not always cheaper to go this route, but I think there is something really nice about knowing exactly where your food comes from.
The co-op we are currently part of sells not only baking and cooking basics (flours, sugars, seasonings, etc.) but also natural and organic beauty products, home care, cleaning, animal care, and treats! Yea!!! And the prices are almost all at least 30% to 50% off retail price. For example, organic shampoo that would normally retail in a store for $8.99 a bottle is $5.39 instead. They also have monthly specials, so the pasta seasoning mix packet that's usually $1.39 in the stores is on sale for $.88! I love getting a good deal and I love getting a good deal on natural and organic products even more :)
If you are interested in joining a group (there is sometimes a small fee-around here it's usually less than $10 to join) my advice would be word of mouth. Ask around, check with people you know are interested in natural products, or do a search for local co-ops online. You can check out http://www.localharvest.org/ for some places to start.
Around where we live there are also farm co-ops that you can join and have a two week or month supply of produce or even meat that you might have to go pick up yourself, but for many people gives them an oppurtunity to experience a farm. It's not always cheaper to go this route, but I think there is something really nice about knowing exactly where your food comes from.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
I Will Return...
Sorry for the long delay in posts, it's been a crazy month full of traveling, birthdays, sickness, and an absolutely full schedule, but I keep finding myself thinking of what I would be writing on this blog if I only had the time....I wanted to let you know that I'll be back to writing soon!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sign Language for Babies
We started doing some signs with my son when he was about 6 or 7 months old. It took a few months, but then he started to respond and I have to tell you that's it's been great! It's so nice to know what he wants when he doesn't have the words to say it yet. His two most commonly used signs are "drink" and "all done", which is extremely helpful! I really think that being able to communicate through signs has helped him to not only have his needs met easier (less tantrums), but in early language development. Everytime we say the sign, we say the word as well, and he now also will try and say the words along with us.
We have some books on the subject of baby sign language, but it's sometimes hard to judge what exactly you are supposed to do in the picture, so having someone show you is extremely helpful! I saw the link to this website in a forum I was looking at today and I thought it was so great that I had to pass it on! http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi This link is for the baby sign language, but you can click on the main dictionary to learn more about other words.
If you aren't already doing sign language with your children, I highly recommend trying it out!
We have some books on the subject of baby sign language, but it's sometimes hard to judge what exactly you are supposed to do in the picture, so having someone show you is extremely helpful! I saw the link to this website in a forum I was looking at today and I thought it was so great that I had to pass it on! http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi This link is for the baby sign language, but you can click on the main dictionary to learn more about other words.
If you aren't already doing sign language with your children, I highly recommend trying it out!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Natural Health Remedies for Kids
Saw this story in my Parent's Magazine last month and just had to pass it on! I love natural health remedies and I believe as long as you know it's safe (check with the Dr. if you are not sure) then why not try that first??
I love Parent's magazine stories and I recommend the magazine as a nice gift idea for new parents. Here's the link for the full story and all the details:
http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/natural-health-remedies-for-children/?page=1
Here's a quick overview of the ideas:
1. Honey and Lemon Juice for a sore throat-Remember not to give honey to kids under 1!
2. Chamomile Tea for Colic
3. Baking Soda for Bug Bites
4. Cayenne Pepper for Nosebleeds
5. Duct Tape for Warts
6. A Bubble Wand for Anxiety
7. A Bandana for Headaches
8. A sock for neck or tummy pains-I gotta tell ya that when I was pregnant I had some really bag backaches. So I took my warmed rice filled heatwrap and stuck into a long tube sock and tied two of em together and tied em around my waist (or what I had of a waist then) and I could wear it around the house-worked like a charm! (Just be sure to not overheat the rice!!)
9. Your blow-dryer for Swimmer's Ear
10. Contact-lens solution for Congestion
11. Fresh Ginger tea for Car Sickness-I would recommend adding the honey!
12. Cucumber for Mild Swelling
13. A Credit Card for a Bee Sting
14. A Stick of Gum for Indigestion
Let me know if you have any ideas of natural remedies for adults and kids. Have a beautiful day!
I love Parent's magazine stories and I recommend the magazine as a nice gift idea for new parents. Here's the link for the full story and all the details:
http://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/natural-health-remedies-for-children/?page=1
Here's a quick overview of the ideas:
1. Honey and Lemon Juice for a sore throat-Remember not to give honey to kids under 1!
2. Chamomile Tea for Colic
3. Baking Soda for Bug Bites
4. Cayenne Pepper for Nosebleeds
5. Duct Tape for Warts
6. A Bubble Wand for Anxiety
7. A Bandana for Headaches
8. A sock for neck or tummy pains-I gotta tell ya that when I was pregnant I had some really bag backaches. So I took my warmed rice filled heatwrap and stuck into a long tube sock and tied two of em together and tied em around my waist (or what I had of a waist then) and I could wear it around the house-worked like a charm! (Just be sure to not overheat the rice!!)
9. Your blow-dryer for Swimmer's Ear
10. Contact-lens solution for Congestion
11. Fresh Ginger tea for Car Sickness-I would recommend adding the honey!
12. Cucumber for Mild Swelling
13. A Credit Card for a Bee Sting
14. A Stick of Gum for Indigestion
Let me know if you have any ideas of natural remedies for adults and kids. Have a beautiful day!
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