Why We Switched to Cloth Wipes

Originally, I was going to write about our switch to cloth wipes in my cloth diapering one year later post. However, that post got to be rather long so I decided to do a whole separate post about wipes.

Back when I was still pregnant and researching cloth diapers the idea of using cloth wipes didn't really cross my mind. I was too busy researching what type of cloth diapers to use, what brand, how to wash them, etc... I came across them right around the time we actually started using cloth with Harrison. I made a mental note to look into them further. Pretty soon my husband and I were lamenting about how we hated disposable wipes. They seemed so thin, poop always seemed to be threatening to seep through to our hands. We had to use so many. We hated actually buying them (even though they are cheaper than diapers). Apparently we are not alone in our loathing because we also had a discussion in my mommy group about how much we hated them. So finally around Christmas I had had about enough of using them and decided to switch to cloth. Needless to say, we love them! Oh let me count the ways; 

1. They work way better than disposable ones, the poop just comes off easier. 
2. I use 1-2 per change (occasionally more for major poopage) whereas I was easily using four or more before  
3. They are gentler on Harrison's skin 
4. They do double duty as face/hand wipes- some people keep a separate stack on their kitchen table for this very reason.
5. You can use them wet or dry so you can pat baby's butt dry to avoid irritation.


If you're using cloth diapers you might as well use wipes. It's just easier. It was annoying to be changing Harrison's diaper and putting the diaper in the wet bag and then having to find a trashcan for the wipes. This was especially annoying when changing him while out and about. I'd lay him down on the changing table in the public bathroom, get him all changed, and then have to carry a handful of dirty wipes out of the stall and into the trash. If I'd managed not to get poop on my hands changing him, I certainly did now. I bought a stack from a wonderful Etsy shop KathyHowesCreations. You can pick from a ton of different prints and Kathy was really wonderful to work with. When buying cloth wipes I recommend keeping it simple. Get the cheapest, but still best quality, ones you can find. Mine are basically a rectangular shaped piece of fabric that has been surged on the edges to prevent fraying. You can find organic cotton ones, "designer print" ones, "plush" ones, two or three layered ones, etc... I've seen some that are are $12 for 6 wipes. What?! To me, they aren't worth it. You're supposed to be saving money right? Mine were about 50 cents a piece and they are holding up well. If you have the time and inclination you can make your own wipes pretty simply. Or, you can use cloth wash cloths.

This is exactly how mine looks just
with different scents/colors. I highly
recommend the honeyed almond
and vanilla bean scents. 

When using cloth wipes you'll want to use some sort of wipe solution. I purchased soap bits from another Etsy shop, Wee Essentials, and love them. The store's owner, Candy, was great to work with and answered all my questions. The bits are basically little cubes of handmade soap that you dissolve in hot water and then store in a container on your changing table. I also pour some in a mini spray bottle to keep in my diaper bag. You'll probably need to make a new batch every couple days. I normally make a new batch every time I do diaper laundry. Wipes can also be stored wet in an old disposable wipes container (here's a video about how to make them pop up like disposable wipes) or other tupperware type container. If you want to store them wet in your diaper bag you can simply put them in a zip-loc bag or buy a waterproof wipe pouch. 

You can buy a mini sampler of the bits (like I did) and select 5 yummy scents from more than 2 dozen she has available. They arrive in a container with each scent labeled and instructions for making the solution. You get around 100 bits, enough for about 8 months! Which, for $17, is a great bargain. If you love them (you will!) you can buy a bigger sample set that'll last over a year. Or you can get jars of just one scent. These are made to be gentle on your baby's skin and you can get them in either dyed or undyed scents. The only issue Harrison had was with the lavender chamomile scent. It gave him a rash so we stopped using that kind and it cleared right up. I plan on dissolving a couple in water and using them in an old foaming soap dispenser, so not all is lost. At his next check-up I asked the doc about a possible allergic reaction and she said that she has occasionally seen reactions from both lavender and chamomile. So, you may want to shy away from that scent if you think your baby has sensitive skin. If you would prefer to make your own solution, recipes can be found here and here. Another tip, I wouldn't use just water- it can be drying to the skin. 

To care for the wipes you just wash them right along with your diapers. I throw mine in the same wet bag and dump them all in the wash together. It's super simple and we are so much happier with these than the disposables. 

What Harrison Eats

Shortly after Harrison turned one I found myself in a rut when it came to what to feed him. I asked members of my mommy group for help, and they happily gave me a ton of suggestions. I figured I couldn't be the only mother out there in a rut and finding herself feeding her baby/toddler the same things over and over. So, I decided to write about what we've fed and feed Harrison. We try to feed him as many all natural or organic things as possible. My theory is that all those chemicals, additives, and preservatives can't be good for adults let alone babies, so as long as our budget allows we buy all natural or organic. There are some exceptions (like meat- just too expensive right now), of course, and I'm ok with that. I feel like if he is getting say 85% all natural or organic stuff at home then if we're out somewhere or someone else is watching him it's not a big deal if he isn't eating organic. I am laid back about it. I want him growing up with a healthy notion of food. I'm a believer in everything in moderation. He eats pretty much everything including sweets and "junk" like ice cream, Nilla Wafers, and Oreos. He just doesn't eat "junk" every day. My goal is that Harrison will love a wide variety of foods and become an adventurous eater. That's why we offer him pretty much every type of food and flavor we can think of. Sometimes he loves it and wants more, sometimes he doesn't. But, we keep trying and will reintroduce the disliked food a few days later. Harrison used to hate broccoli, but now it's one of his favorites.

I breastfed him until a couple weeks after his 1st birthday and at around 6 months started him on purees in addition to breast milk. Closer to 10 months he was ready for more "adult" foods. We started giving him jarred organic meals from Earth's Best. I love their products and Harrison does too. They have a wide variety of foods, are reasonably priced, and are available at a lot of different stores. Their organic purees are about 25-50 cents more a serving than non organic brands, but to me that isn't that big of a deal. We've also tried Gerber's organic purees and jars and Harrison has liked them as well. His favorite jarred meals from Earth's Best are the chicken and stars and the vegetable beef rice pilaf.

As he was getting closer to his first birthday I started having him eat what we ate. But, this is when I started getting in a rut. Dinners were fine because we were usually cooking chicken or pork, fresh veggies (90% of the dinners we make are no carb) and would cut up some of that for Harrison. Sometimes I have to modify the protein a bit, though. For example, if I'm making something spicy or with a sauce he doesn't like I put some of the meat aside for him before adding the seasoning/sauce. Lunches were a different story, however. Normally I eat a sandwich or even skip lunch (not the healthiest I know), so it was harder for me to come up with lunches besides leftovers or jarred foods; which were getting to be a little expensive. My friends had some great suggestions which included; pancakes, eggs (why didn't I think if that?), rice or quinoa with ground turkey or chicken, black beans, and pasta. So here's a list of what Harrison loves;

Breakfast: We pretty much alternate between two things

1. Stonyfield organic plain yogurt sweetened with a little Crofter's organic fruit spread. I also sprinkle in some ground flax seeds for the health benefits.
       -We used to buy the Stonyfield YoBaby yogurt, which Harrison loved. But, it was getting a little pricey. I have found that buying the giant tub of plain yogurt and a big jar of good quality jam lasts longer and is cheaper.

2. Smashed banana with a scoop or two of Earth's Best organic whole wheat baby cereal, a little organic whole milk, cinnamon, and flaxseed. I sometimes add a tiny spoonful of all natural peanut butter.

Harrison goes nuts for both of these. I've also occasionally given him a scrambled egg with some whole wheat buttered toast as well as pancakes made with fresh blueberries. Since they are finger foods and Harrison loves feeding himself, I am going to try to do more eggs and pancakes. I'm also starting to buy up berries (organic if they are not too expensive) when they are on sale and freeze them. That way I always have some on hand for pancakes and smoothies.


Lunch: I am still working on getting more variety, but whatever I make for lunch I try to make enough for several servings. That way I can portion it out into bowls, cool it down, put the lids on and store them in the fridge. I do this with fresh steamed veggies, pasta, macaroni and cheese and quinoa. That way I can just grab a bowl and heat it in the microwave. Easy peasy. Sometimes these double as dinner depending on what we're eating (i.e. if we order a pizza Harrison eats one of these).

1. Annie's (or generic brand) organic macaroni and cheese with some sort of veggies; either frozen peas and carrots or fresh broccoli. If I'm using broccoli I just add it to the boiling water 2-3 minutes before the pasta is done. Then I strain it all and pick out the broccoli and set it aside. I'm all about less dishes and clean up. :)
       -I started adding frozen peas and carrots during the last couple of minutes of cooking and then mixing the butter, milk, and cheese powder in with both the veggies and pasta. I figured Harrison wouldn't be able to tell the difference and would eat everything. Wrong! He just picked out the pasta. Little bugger. But, he does like veggies. So now I keep everything separate and I don't let him see the pasta before giving him the veggies. Once I'm satisfied that he's eaten enough veggies I give him the pasta.

2. Eden Food organic pasta made with veggie powder (or any pasta you like) with or without pasta sauce. If I'm not using sauce I add a wee bit of butter. Harrison loves these little shells. They are all different colors; red/beet, orange/carrot, green/spinach, etc... and he can't get enough. I portion it out into a kid size bowl and once it's gone it's gone.
       -I also tried mixing in veggies with this, too, but same deal as the mac and cheese. So I offer the veggies first.

3. DaVinci dried mini ravioli or tortellini with sauce. I stumbled upon these in the grocery store and they have been a staple ever since.
       -Just like the mac and cheese and shells I steam or boil veggies and offer them first.

4. Quinoa with ground chicken has also become a favorite of Harrison's. Sometimes I buy organic quinoa sometimes I don't. I've bought the boxes with flavoring and dehydrated veggies already in the mix (like rice-a -roni). But you have to watch out for the salt in those sometimes.
       -I just brown up the chicken (or you could use turkey) while I'm cooking the quinoa then I mix everything together, portion it, cool it, and store it in the fridge.
       -I'm looking to try more quinoa recipes with fresh veggies and different herbs, too.

In addition to what's above, Harrison also eats plenty of leftover grilled or bbq chicken from dinner the night before (we are big on grilled chicken around here!). He doesn't always eat carbs with lunch even though that's pretty much all I listed. Soon I'll probably start offering sandwiches and wraps/roll ups. I love using whole wheat breads and wraps as well as pitas for my sandwiches, and I am excited to introduce these to Harrison.


Snacks: I will offer a snack after Harrison's afternoon nap to hold him over until dinner. I also offer most of these at lunch/dinner time after he's eaten everything else.

1. GoGo Squeez applesauce pouches; these are a every day go-to in our house. We love these! They are all natural, but not organic, and the sugar content isn't crazy. Harrison can feed himself one of these; which is also awesome. I don't leave the house without at least one of these.
       -I buy these in 12 packs at Target for about $7.

2. Nature's Promise (Giant brand I think) organic teddy bear cookies (basically teddy grahams) and animal crackers. I always have some of these in my diaper bag for a quick snack on the go.

3. Freeze dried strawberry and banana slices. Right now my favorite are Target's Archer Farms brand. They're $2-3 dollars a bag and have 3 servings of fruit and only 90 calories in each bag. Plus, they are just strawberries or bananas- no added sugar.

4. Happy Tot or Earth's best fruit and veggie puree and smoothie pouches. Portable, healthy, and Harrison can feed himself. Check, check, and check!

5. Happy Tot freeze dried yogurt puffs, cereal puffs and rice cakes. Harrison is growing out of these a bit, but he was in love with them a couple months ago. We didn't go anywhere without these.

6. Raisins. Harrison isn't the biggest fan, but I think they're growing on him.

7. Fresh fruit like blueberries and strawberries. These get offered at breakfast, too. I'm starting to branch out into more fruits, like melons, as they come into season.

8. Back to Nature chocolate chip cookies. I like these because they are all natural (Yay for no high fructose corn syrup or preservatives!) and the cocoa is sustainably harvested.

9. Cheese; Harrison is a cheese fanatic! Often times he'll snack on a piece while I'm making dinner. Also, if we're out to eat and I get a salad with cheese on it, or better yet if they have a salad bar, I'll give Harrison some shredded cheese to munch on.

10. Whole wheat cinnamon swirl bread; I sometimes offer this with breakfast or, since it's sweet, in place of dessert after dinner.


Soon I'll be trying raw veggies like carrots, but right now I'm concerned about choking (Harrison seems to choke easily). But, if your toddler is able to eat raw veggies, they would be a great snack with some low fat ranch or hummus. Pita chips, pretzels, and crackers dipped in peanut or almond butter, hummus or with cheese would also be good choices. I love that there are so many natural and organic snack choices out there. For pretty much every snack (goldfish crackers, pretzels, cookies, fruit snacks, etc...) there is an all natural or organic option. And, often times, the cost isn't that much different. If you can afford it, I recommend all natural or organic snacks whenever possible. And one more thing, try not to get sucked into the "kid food" trap. So many things are marketed for kids these days and it's so easy for us parents to get sucked into only buying kid food like chicken nuggets, frozen dinners, etc... The parents end up making an "adult" meal for themselves and something kid friendly for the little ones. Why can't all food be kid friendly? Obviously, your kid might not like something no matter how hard you try, and sometimes heating up chicken nuggets is just easier after a hectic day. I get it. There certainly isn't anything wrong with that. :) I just encourage you to think of all food as kid food. Offer your kids everything and encourage them to take at least one "try me" bite. Maybe they'll love it! If not, at least they tried it.

Peace, Love, and Happy Eating!

Cloth Diapering, One Year Later

So it's no secret that I love using cloth diapers with Harrison. We've been using them for a little over a year now, so I thought I'd write about how our diapers have held up, what things we've added and learned over the year, and basically just what our experience has been.

We still use Bum Genius and Sunbaby diapers. Both have held up well over the year, but I will say that the Bum Genius ones we have seem to be holding up better. Two of the snaps on one of our Sunbaby diapers is coming off and we'll have to replace it with a Bum Genius soon. It isn't causing leaks just yet, but every time I undo the diaper I am afraid it is going to pop off. I've never machine dried the diaper (which can harm them), so it isn't from that. Just wear and tear I guess. But, it should be noted, that the Bum Genius are showing virtually no signs of wear and tear other then slight staining  on the inside from poop. But, they are diapers after all. The Sunbaby ones are showing the same thing, too. When we are pregnant again and it is time to buy more diapers I will not buy any more Sunbabies. I do like them, and still think they are a great value for the price. But, we plan on having more than two children, and I'm hoping to use a lot of the diapers again and again. I just don't think the Sunbaby ones will hold up to more than one baby. 

A diagram of a Flip diaper. 

Since my last posts (which can be found here and here) we have been on vacation to the beach. We used cloth for the entire week and had no issues. The condo we stayed in had a washer and dryer, so it was super easy to keep up with the diapers and little was different from being at home. We brought a drying rack with us, but they had one of those, too, so we didn't need to use ours. If you are staying somewhere that doesn't have a washer/dryer and you don't feel like using the laundromat while on vacay you can use Flip diapers.  Basically you start with an outer waterproof shell and add one of their inserts on top before fastening it on your baby. They make disposable inserts as well as cloth. So if you find yourself without a washer/dryer, simply buy a pack of disposable inserts, throw them away after each changing and reuse the shell just as you would if using a cloth insert. Then, when you're home from vacation, go back to using the cloth inserts.

Cloth diapers can be used as swim diapers, too. We didn't buy any disposable "swimmers" for Harrison. We simply removed the inserts from the diaper and just used the shell/cover as the diaper. Easy peasy. This has worked great and we are using the same method this summer as well. Although, this summer I have noticed that we are going through our stash a little faster than I would like since we are at the pool a good amount of the time. To remedy this I stopped at my favorite local shop Hello Bluebird and bought 3 BrookiEllen diapers covers/swim diapers. I haven't used them yet, but I'm excited to. :) Having a few swim diapers on hand will allow me to still wash my diapers ever 2-3 days. Although I always recommend buying from local small businesses, I have even seen reusable swim diapers at Target. They aren't one size like the BrookiEllen and Bum Genius ones, though. So you have to buy a bigger size as your child grows out of them.

I have even put Harrison in just a diaper cover and swim shirt with no swimming trunks on top. It kind of looks like he is wearing a speedo, which I happen to find adorable. I think this is a wonderful idea for girls as well. A little girl in Harrison's swim lesson class wore a bikini bottom and swim shirt a few times and I thought that a diaper cover could easily replace the bikini bottom and be super cute! BrookiEllen makes incredibly adorable ruffle butt diaper covers that would be absolutely darling as a bathing suit bottom and swim diaper all in one. 

I mean come on! Just pair this
 with a pink or white
swim shirt and your daughter
is sure to be the best dressed at your
local pool or beach!

We are still using and loving our Planet Wise wet bags. I have noticed a little wear on the water proof lining of our large hanging wet bag, but it hasn't effected the performance of the bag. It's still as waterproof as it was in the beginning. When the next baby comes along I will probably just purchase another large wet bag and use the old one for wet cloths at the pool/beach. Our medium wet bag that we keep in our diaper bag is holding up very well and I have noticed no wear at all (probably because it is washed less). The cotton fabric and zippers on both bags are holding up really well and have no wear and very little color fade. I love Planet Wise and fully endorse them as a company! Their goods are made in America, which I love. Here is a quote from their website that perfectly illustrates why I love them and why you should too,  "All products are manufactured in a locally women-owned facility helping to support the local economy and reduce our environmental impact.  All business decisions, either big or small, are evaluated with our planet’s health and social harmony in mind." Gah, I'm in love! In addition to wet bags they make backpacks, lunch bags, reusable sandwich and snack baggies, swim diapers and shirts, diaper covers and many more great products. 


The next time I buy diapers I plan on buying more that are made in the good ol' U.S.A. I have only done limited research so far, but Blueberry and Thirsties diapers are made in America. And, of course, you can search Etsy for other great brands like BrookiEllen. I am passionate about buying products that are made in America or are at the very least fair trade. This extends beyond diapers into food, clothing, and cleaning products as well. Looking back, I just didn't do enough research before buying my diapers. When you know better you do better, right? As I do more research I'll do yet another diaper post illustrating all I've learned and what I recommend. :) 

Peace & Love

My Advice for Moms-to-be

As a (relatively) new mom there are some things I would love to tell every expectant mother out there. Although I am certainly not an expert, these are either things I was told or wish I was told during my pregnancy. It is my belief that every woman should have the opportunity to have the birth she wants. Obviously, sometimes things happen that prevent that from happening. But, I think it is important to know what you want and have a plan B and C. I also believe that every pregnant woman should take the time to research their options as far as different birth professionals, what type of birth they want, where they want to have their baby, etc... early in their pregnancy so they have time to make decisions and put plans into place that are right for them. 

Many women don't even know they have a choice of where to give birth (i.e. hospital, birth center, at home) or what type of birth they want (i.e. natural birth, water birth, etc...). There are pros and cons to all of these choices, and not every choice is right for every woman. Too many times society dictates to us what we "should", "must" do and this includes how/where we give birth and who attends the delivery. The mainstream, public view of birth these days tends to be; see an OB during pregnancy, deliver in a hospital with an epidural, and go home with your beautiful baby. There's nothing wrong with that picture, it's just not for everyone. And, I think if more women researched their options they'd be more equipped to make decisions about their health and the health of their baby. These days if you go against the "normal" picture of birth and raising your child you're perceived as "weird" or a "hippy".  Personally, I think every woman should make her own decisions and not be judged for them. What works for one woman/family, doesn't always work for another. And that's ok.

Ok, enough of my philosophy (for now). Here are a few tips I have for every beautiful momma-to-be out there;

Do your research: Think you want a natural birth in a birth center with a midwife? Great! Start researching ways to cope with the pain during labor, what classes to take (Hypnobabies or the Bradley Method anyone?). Look into local birth centers and do this early on because there may not be any in your area. They seem to be shrinking- here is a birth center locator that gives you the 10 closest centers you your home. If there isn't one in our area, don't worry. Most midwives can attend your birth in a hospital or even in your home if that's more your style. Find a great midwife. Talk to others that have done it and read birth stories online, gain encouragement and inspiration from them. Think you want to give birth in a hospital with a doctor and receive an epidural or other medication for pain? Great! Go to your local hospital for a tour. Find a great doctor that shares your beliefs and has your best interest in mind (interview several if you have to). Research the possible side effects of an epidural to you and the baby. Basically, take it upon yourself to be as informed as possible about what you want. Knowledge is power and when you have it you can ask informed questions and object to things you don't want or fight for things you do. Doctors and midwives are wonderful, but it's impossible for them to educate you on every aspect of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. It's up to you to find things out. Sometimes, through your research, you'll realize that you no longer want what you thought you did. For example, once you find out that receiving an epidural increases your risk for a c-section you may not want it. 

One amazing book that I think every woman should read regardless of the way you want to give birth is Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. If I could, I would buy this for every pregnant woman I know. I'd be handing it out to pregnant women on the street. I absolutely LOVED this book and learned so much from it. I credit it (along with some other things) with giving me the strength, confidence, and courage to have a natural birth. I even highlighted some particularly inspirational passages and referred to it at different parts of my pregnancy. I plan on reading it again when I become pregnant with baby #2. The first part of the book is all birth stories from women of different backgrounds and each woman has a unique story to tell. Most had natural births, some received epidurals and all of their stories are truly inspirational. The second half of the book is dedicated to informing momma-to-be about all things related to labor and delivery. Everything for epidurals and episiotomies to water births and doulas are talked about. 

One word of caution, though, too much research can be a bad thing. Don't endlessly Google every birth term you hear or every possible thing that could go wrong. Also, there's no need to watch a YouTube video entitled "my gruesome birth" or read a birth story labeled "My Horrible/Terrifying Birth Story". Talk to people you trust and respect. I've also found The Bump to be a very helpful resource. On their site you can read birth stories that are categorized by "c-section", "natural birth", "home birth", "water birth", etc... This really allows to narrow your search and really hone in on what is important to you. Also, there is a community/message board section on The Bump. There are message boards dedicated to everything you can think of; infertility, home schooling, natural birth, cloth diapers, attachment parenting, breast feeding, stay at home moms, working moms, etc... You name it, they have it. You can even join your "birth month" board and talk to other moms who are all due the same month you are. I learned a ton of information on there.

Watch "The Business of Being Born" and "More Business of Being Born": These two fabulous documentaries (both available on Netflix!) should be required viewing for all pregnant ladies. Aside from Ina May's book, I learned the most from watching "The Business of Being Born". The second installment, which is a 4 part series, came out after I had Harrison. And I have watched 3 of the 4 episodes on Netflix so far. I simply can't say enough about these movies. They are both educational and inspirational. They taught me about the alarming c-section rate in this country, about how, despite being a wealthy country, America has one of the highest rates of infant and maternal death (higher than all of Europe and even some developing countries!), and about how; unfortunately, we might not be able to fully trust that what our doctors are telling us is in our best interest. I believe that after watching this you will be better informed and better able to make the best decision for you and your baby. One of the installments of "More Business..." is dedicated to celebrity moms talking about their birth experiences. Normally, I don't give much credit to what celebs have to say, but I'll make an exception for this. Please note that all of these celebs tend to be more private. Think Layla Ali, Alanis Morrisette, and Allison Hannigan not Kim K and Snooki. All the moms planned on having a natural birth, some achieved this and other didn't. Some gave birth at home, others had c-sections. Every single one is empowering. I could relate to at least one aspect of every woman's story and it was nice to hear from other women that I was not alone in my journey. If you are a second time mom you will find yourself nodding your head in agreement when you listen to these amazing stories.

Find and join a "mommy group": I am blessed to have a good friend that started a mommy group and invited me to join. I became a part of the group when I was newly pregnant and have loved it ever since. I have learned so much from the ladies in the group! Some of us are first time moms, while others are on their 3rd or 4th bundle of joy. Whenever we get together lots of knowledge and funny stories are shared by all. It is important to find a group of women with which you can share stories and ask questions. A lot of times a question you have is the same as someone else's and it's always nice to know you are not alone. We are a diverse group; some cloth diaper others don't, some used a midwife others a doctor, some believe in vaccinations others don't. But, we have a judgement free policy- we respect and support each other always and have the mantra, what is right for me may not be right for you. Mutual respect and empathy is key, and when you have those two things being part of a mommy group is a truly wonderful thing. I feel it is essential to have a place where you can get together with other mothers are talk about your feelings and concerns as well as gossip about celebrities and vent about your husband/partner. 

Don't know any other pregnant ladies? No problem! I have seen them advertised on Craigslist and in the newspaper. Also you can visit meetup.com to search you local area for mom groups. There are lots on there.

Consider cloth diapers: If you know me, you know I love my cloth diapers. I've blogged about it here and here plus I have a 3rd, follow-up post planned. This is another thing I would love to tell every pregnant woman about. I think that a lot of people (I used to be one of them) think that it is too expensive, time consuming and/or gross to cloth diaper. But, cloth diapering has come a long, long way since our parents and grandparents' generations, and it's easier than ever to cloth diaper your baby. You save a ton of money and it's better for the environment. Win-win. :) I know mommas of twins that cloth diaper, working moms, and stay at home moms that use cloth. I truly believe that every woman could do it if she wants to. There are options for every price point and there are even hybrid options that have disposable liners with a reusable shell. I plan on using cloth diapers on all subsequent babies, and would recommend it to everyone. 



Lastly, don't get overwhelmed by trying to listen to and follow every piece of advice you are given. Your lifestyle as well as the type of birth you want will likely dictate whose/what kind of advice you seek out. When you're pregnant, strangers come up to you and give you lots of "advice". It's as though your growing belly is a beacon that attracts all busy bodies and know-it-alls. I had one old lady come up to me and say "I hope you're not having a boy! Boys are horrible! All they do is grow up and leave you!" What was I supposed to say? "Actually I am having a boy. Thanks a lot, jerk!" Instead I just said "ok" and walked away. Some people. Sheesh! If someone says something you don't like or want to hear ignore it. Try not to let it bother you. Sometimes someone will say something and it will make you think or inspire you to go home and research more about what they are saying. Whatever you do, don't forget to relax and enjoy being pregnant. It's only a short amount of time and you may even miss it when it's gone (I did). Pregnancy is a wonderful, exciting time in a woman's life, enjoy yourself and try not to get caught up on the little things. 

Peace & love to all you beautiful mommas!

Re-think Where You Spend Your Money- Part two

In my last post I talked about how you should shop local, small businesses this holiday season and year round. In this post I'm going to be talking about a few different ways to shop for friends and family that you may not have ever thought about. 

I love shopping on Etsy! For those that don't know what Etsy is, it is a website that basically serves as a network of online, small businesses. But, these small businesses all offer hand made or vintage items; everything from soap, candles, and jewelry to children's toys, stationery, and furniture. This is a fabulous way to shop small businesses if you don't have any in your area or prefer to do your shopping online. I really can't say enough great things about this site! Right now they have a whole gift giving section that is broken down into sections so you can easily find great gifts for everyone on your list. As an added bonus you can even narrow your search down to businesses located in your city or state. How awesome is that?! I bought a ton of artwork for Harrison's nursery from artisans on Etsy, and I am going to be buying him and his Daddy some Christmas presents from there as well. Here are some shops I love;

• 2 Hearts Desire: They sell hand-crafted wood items including children's toys.
• Sapling Naturals: Hand made soaps are their specialty. They have something I just discovered called felted soaps. Basically its a bar of soap with felt around it which acts in the place of a wash cloth and helps keep the soap from slipping out of your hands. Genius!
• Pockets of Art: Jewelry and children's toys
• US Wood Toys: They sell hand-stitched underwear. Just kidding they sell wood toys.
• Mama May I: Handmade learning toys, specializing in Montesorri style, open-ended toys. 
• Manzanita Kids: Simple wooden puzzles, stackers, teethers, building blocks, etc... 
• Monkeys Always Look: Unique hand-stamped rings. This store is a must for new moms on your list! They have pretty rings that your child's name can be stamped on. 
• Pop Heart Press: Educational art; flashcards, alphabet posters, etc... I have a couple things from them in Harrison's nursery. Their customer service is top-notch. The idiotic post office bent by alphabet poster even though it was in a sturdy mailer with "DO NOT BEND" stamped all over it. And Pop Heart Press replaced it promptly with no questions asked. 
• Paisley Dog Press: Letterpress stationery, gift tags, and wedding invitations. They have really cute Christmas cards! Added bonus: they are located in Reading, Pa!

I have always been the type of person that is willing to help others, and after returning from 5 weeks volunteering in Kenya this  took on a whole new meaning. Finding ways to help others has become a sort of passion of mine over the past few months, and it has extended into gift-giving in the form of supporting charities. Of course you can support your favorite charity by volunteering or writing a check. But a lot of charities also sell products in order to raise money, and this can be a great gift-giving opportunity. Why not give a gift that will put a smile on your loved-one's face while at the same time supporting a great cause? When finding charities to support, Google is your friend. Love the environment? Cool! Google "environmental charities" and see what pops up. Obviously, do your research to make sure they are a reputable, legit charity. Too lazy to Google? That's ok- I have two wonderful, deserving charities that you can support

• Kintendo Children's Charity (KCC): This is an amazing organization located in Kenya, and was started by Marcus, a person I met while in Kenya last summer. Marcus is an amazing individual who is devoting his time to KCC. He has helped start a school and is in the process of building dormitories for the students so that they no longer have to live in the slum that is located down the road from the school. Seriously, he is doing amazing things and deserves your support!
  
  The store sells various items including t-shirts and jewelry. Everything is made in Kenya and supports the school, feeding program, and women's group. Marcus has everything outlined under each product so you know exactly what percentage of your purchase is going to which part of the charity. The jewelry is gorgeous and is made from recycled magazines. It is made by a handful of women who have started a women's group as a means to lift themselves from poverty. I have one of their necklaces and literally every time I wear it I get multiple compliments from friends and strangers alike. This organization is close to my heart, and I can not say enough great things about it! You can find out more about Marcus, the organization, the school, and see how the dorms are coming along on his blog.
• Punjammies: These are gorgeous hand-sewn pajama pants, shorts, and t-shirts that are made in India by women rescued from human trafficking. The women seek refuge with the organization, are given counseling, and then when they are ready are trained to sew the items. This is not a sweat shop-type situation; the women are treated with respect and receive good wages. This is a way for them to learn a marketable skill and help lift themselves from poverty while at the same time healing from their harrowing experience in the sex trade. More can be learned about their parent organization; The Princess Project, here. 
• Live Worldly: Ok, technically this isn't a charity. BUT, when you buy something a portion of the profits goes directly back to the product's country of origin where it is put to good use through local non-profits. A couple years ago I stumbled upon this website and they only sold a few things including brazilets; which are bracelets from Brazil. It is said that if you wrap the bracelet around your wrist, tie it in a knot three times, and make a wish with each knot that the wishes will come true when the bracelet falls off. A portion of the proceeds benefits a a charity dedicated to saving the rain forest. I love these bracelets and when I discovered them I promptly bought one for myself and some friends (they make amazing stocking stuffers, by the way!). The company has grown immensely, and brazilets are now just one example of the hundreds of fashion-forward things they sell. 

Lastly, if there is an art-lover on your list you should consider supporting local artists and art galleries. Artwork is also a great gift for someone who just bought a home, I can't think of a better gift then something they can hang up on their new, empty walls! If you live in the Reading, Pa area the Goggle Works is an amazing place to go to find local artists. There are several exhibitions going on at any given time, and there is always something amazing to look at. Normally, all of the artwork is for sale, although, it can be a bit pricey. For more affordable gifts you can visit their store to find art prints, photographs, art books, jewelry, vases, etc... There is even a really cool kids' section with unique, fun gifts for little ones. If you have a creative person on your list, there are classes available in several different mediums as well. I love wandering around the galleries and store inside the Goggle Works- there is always something new to see! Be sure to check out their calendar of events. Often, the artists offer glass blowing and pottery demonstrations. What better way to warm up on these cold winter days than by sipping a cup of coffee from the cafe while walking around appreciating great art?

So, there you have it! Please consider who you are supporting and where your money is going before buying something for your loved ones this year. You're going to be buying presents anyway. Why not support great causes, people, and small businesses in the process?

Peace, love, & happy shopping!

Re-think Where You Spend Your Money- Part One

Now that the Christmas holiday season is officially upon us I think it is important for everyone to take a moment amd really think about where they want to spend their money. Personally, I avoid shopping at big box stores as much as possible. Frankly, I have been boycotting Wal-Mart for years now. I don't agree with their business practices (among other things) and have decided to exercise my right not to shop there. There are other places out there, people! Trust me! In the interest of full disclosure, I am a tad too addicted to Target. I know, I know they are a big box store. But, I do keep my purchases to a minimum, and if I could find quality, affordable baby clothes at a small business I would be shopping at Target a lot less. 

This year, I have made it a priority to do the vast majority of my Christmas shopping at local and small businesses. Why do I think this is so important? Here are a few reasons;

• According to this article; "80% of jobs created in this country are created by small businesses".  

• More money spent in small businesses actually contributes to the local economy. An article I read stated that when you spend "$1 locally, that money actually represents $5 to the local economy". When you shop at a big box store a lot of that money is supporting economies in other countries like China, India, and Mexico. It's a ripple effect (or is a affect- I could never keep those straight)- you spend money at a local business, the local employee gets paid, and spends their money locally, etc...
• Shopping local is more fun! Ok, this is an opinion, but I think it's true. :) You usually get better, more personal service and if you patronize a business enough you'll become a regular. Who doesn't like being greeted by the store owner when they enter a store?

Since I only live a few minutes from West Reading, most of my shopping will be done there. I love walking around Penn Avenue and wandering in and out of the shops. Everyone is incredibly welcoming- it's great! Anyone living within a 20 mile radius should  totally check out what West Reading has to offer. If you aren't familiar with the area, a lot more can be learned here. I'm going to give a shout out to some of my favorite local places. I love the following spots because the people that work there are great and their products are awesome. So, if you're from the Reading area be sure to check out;

• Hello Bluebird: If you're into the whole Etsy scene you must check this place out! If you're all like "Wtf is Etsy?" you should still check this place out! They offer an amazing selection of jewelry, artwork, clothing, candles, handbags, cards, and various other home goods and baby/kid items. Everything is made by small business owners. If there is a woman or child on your gift list this year you need to head there pronto! 
• Haute Chocolate: If you are a chocolate lover or love a chocolate lover then you must. Go. There. They offer a wide array of freshly baked goodies (Mmm! The salty caramel cupcake is to die for!), locally made, delicious truffles, fair-trade sourced chocolate bars, and incredible coffee drinks and milkshakes. 
• Curious Consignment Company: A lovely mix of old and new things can be found here- everything from vintage cameras and estate jewelry to paintings, vases and furniture. Every time I visit there is something new to look at. Don't forget to check out the lower level as well as the building out back. They also have a lovely garden that always reminds me of the book The Secret Garden. It truly is a unique spot.
• The Wise Owl Bookstore: This is a relatively new store on the avenue. They sell mostly used books, but there is a good selection. Plus, they have a special kids room. It is a cozy place to spend some time.

Let's not forget about restaurants! Some local faves are;

• Good eatz- featuring fresh, organic food. They have a lot of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, too! 
• Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant- Incredibly yummy gyros, kebabs, falafel, etc... This place is a must-go!
• West Reading Tavern- Charming place with great burgers!
• The Peanut Bar- Great atmosphere, people, and food! What more could you ask for?
• Say Cheese!- West Reading's newest restaurant. I have not been yet, but am dying to go! Large selection of fresh cheeses as well as a full, delicious-looking menu. 
• Go Fish!- Delicious fresh seafood and sushi.
• Cafe Harmony- Amazing place for breakfast or lunch!

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "that's great, Ashley, but I don't live in or around Reading. How can I find small businesses that are close to me?". Well, I'm glad you asked! My suggestion would be to Google (or Bing if that's your thing) it! I just Googled "small businesses in Kansas" and found a great directory of small businesses. If they're in Kansas, they're in your state, too. :) Also, for restaurants check out dineindie.com. My husband and I frequent that site when we are looking for new places to eat. 

Please remember, a lot of local/small businesses are struggling. A lot of us (including me) get sucked into these big box stores because of the huge selection and the ability to shop for everything all in one place. What I have come to realize that is, if I can afford it, I'd rather spend a little more money at a local place and get the satisfaction of knowing that I am directly contributing to the local economy. Plus, you almost always get a superior product, better customer service, or both! I encourage you to give shopping local/small a try this year- and not just during the holiday season.

                             

                                   

The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen

Today my parents hosted an Ashcroft/Hoover picnic. The Ashcrofts are my paternal grandmother's family, and we haven't seen them in a long time. My grandmother has Alzheimers, needs 24/7 care, and is remembering less and less every day. Her only sibling, my great-uncle Al, has Parkinsons and is lucky enough to be cared for by is wife of sixty-two years, Et. One is losing their mind, the other their body. It is so incredibly sad to watch. This get together was looked at as a chance to get my grandmother out of her assisted living apartment and give her a chance to socialize with her brother (one of the only people she still truly remembers/recognizes) and his family.

My parents arranged for my grandmother and her aid to be transported to their house, and they went to great lengths to makes sure that she was comfortable. Everyone gathered around her and she lit up with excitement each time she saw a member of the family. She adores babies and especially loved seeing Harrison and her great-nephew, 11 month old Devin. A couple hours into the party she started to get more disoriented, stressed, and angry. It was time for her to go. My mom and I brought Harrison over to calm her down, and soon the transportation service was there to pick her up. Et came in the room to tell her that her brother wanted to say good bye. The aid wheeled her over to the doorway that leads out to the deck where Al was seated. Al got up and used his walker to make his way over to her. 

And then it happened, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Al leaned in the doorway and bent down to give his sister a kiss good-bye. After the kiss he looked at her and said "the most beautiful girl in the place". My heart just about melted at the sight of these 80-something siblings who have been through so much together. Their bond is amazing. 

It was refreshing to see something so full of grace and love. I was reminded that their generation truly is the greatest generation. Their generation values family, love, friendship, God, respect, and their country. It seems too many members of my generation value; appearance, money, fame, power. What a shame. I think we all can learn something from the greatest generation.