Easter 2013

Easter is always a fun holiday! The girls love finding the eggs, and going to local hunts!

I tried really had to take the focus off of candy, and I think I did pretty well. Of the 60+ eggs I filled only 8 had candy! We also had 6 with mini boxes if raisins! Our non-candy eggs were filled with stretchy worms, nail polish, animal erasers, mini stamps, and of course quarters! We also got the girls outside play toys. Emma received a pink scooter, Abs got a pair if kiddie skates and they all got balls, bubbles, and jump ropes. They were so excited to break everything in as soon as we got home from church!

Dinner this year began a new tradition. We recently had decided not to consume pork, so we did lamb! Perfect representation of Christ body right?!

Hubs makes the best roasted lamb leg!

To pair with it we had creamed spinach and our friend mayra brought over mashed potatoes!

I LOVE creamed spinach! I make it every holiday now. You might just say its "my dish".

Creamed spinach:

2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained (doesn't have to be super dry just remove most of the water).

1 block cream cheese

1 cup Italian born cheese or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 shredded provolone.

1/2-3/4 cup grated parm.

1/4 tsp Garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a large pan over medium heat, ass spinach and cook until heated thoroughly.

Mix in cream cheese, and seasonings. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixed well.

Quickly stir in the Italian blend cheese and parm cheese.

Serve while hot!

Enjoy!

Plant Killer Season 2

I am not a plant person. If it can't tell me when it's hungry, and remind me to water it, chances are it won't survive in my care.

Last year Em and I decided to try a small potted garden. our back "space" is just a 8x6 concrete block with a stucco wall. So not grass or yard to actually plant things in. We painted some pots, planted some tomatoes, and basil. Tomatoes died tragically of a fungus. Basil died after a weekend trip to San Diego. Poor thing shriveled up in the summer sun :(

This year I am determined. We still had our Heroes at home gift card from the sears company so yesterday we hit up Kmart, and bought 2- 30" rectangles planters and 2- 10' round planters (I really should have researched plants BEFORE buying planters, but darn those impulses).

We have decided to plant boxwood basil, sweet basil, 2 chive plants, parsley, tomatoes, strawberrries, mint, cilantro, and if we can find it wild blueberries!

Overachieving for sure.

Dead plants in the near future, almost definitely.

Today after a short trip to home depot we grabbed patio tomatoes. 

Boxwood basil, and Italian parsley.

 Emma had a blast helping, and she even risked getting dirty! 

Next weekend we will pick up a strawberry planter, strawberries, cilantro, and mint.

I really hope we can manage a harvest this year! Or maybe they will just die.

Abbreviations and acronyms every cloth diaperer needs to know!

The only cheat sheet you will ever need!

AIO- All In One

AI2- All In Two

BG- BumGenius (with this you will also see FT-FreeTimes or 4.0-pockets)

BOV: bamboo organic velour

Bump: moving a post to the top of the page

BV: bamboo velour

CBI- Charcoal Blended/Bamboo Inserts

CD- Cloth Diaper 

Contour Diaper- Contour diapers are usually hourglass shaped with no folding necessary. Just lay them in a wrap or diaper cover

DSQ- Diaper Service Quality

EUC- Excellent used condition, typically means no stains, like new. 

FB- FuzziBunz

FFS- Free For Shipping

FL- Front Loader (washing machine) 

FSO- For Sale Only

FTO- For Trade Only

FTOS- For Trade or Sale

FUC- Fair  Used Condition
 

GMD- GoodMama Diapers

GN- Gender Neutral 

GUC- Good used condition, typically means some staining, maybe more signs of wear light fading.

IDSO- In Desperate Search Of

IHA- I have available 

ISO- In Search Of

MF- microfiber (inserts)

MMARO- Make Me A Reasonable Offer

NWT- New With Tags

NWOT- New WithOut Tags

OBO- Or Best Offer 

OC: organic cotton

OCV: organic cotton velour

OS- one size

OV: organic velour
 

PC- Play condition, typically means visible wear, possibly shot elastic, or needs new velcro, might have holes.

 

PF- PreFold

 

PPD- postage paid delivery (shipping is included)
 

PUL- PolyUrethane Laminate

T&T -Turned and Topstitched (some people prefer this as opposed to serged edges on fitteds)

UBCPF- unbleached chinese prefolds

UBIPF- unbleached Indian prefolds

UC- used condition

VGUG- Very Good Used Condition, typically means light shadow stains, slightly pillly

WAHM- Work At Home Mom (someone who makes diapers from home)

Unicorn/Hyena- These are hard to find diapers or prints. Usually sale for much more.

Cloth Diapering 101

Cloth diapering is NOTHING like it used to be. No need to have plain boring plastic pants with white prefold and pins.  No, this is a whole new world and your new beginners guide to modern cloth diapers!

Types of  Cloth diapers:

There are a few major categories of cloth diapers. Diapers that need covers, Diapers that don't need covers, then of course covers. 

Diapers will also have one of 3 closure styles: Snaps, Velcor (aplix), or snapless. 

Diapers also come in 2 different size categories: one size (typically fit babies from 8-35 lbs) and sized ( come in small, medium, large, also sometimes size 1 and 2). There are a few deviations to this rule but I will cover those later. 

Cover required: 
Prefolds and flats: these are the diapers our grandmother use. Flat diapers require pins, or snappi to hold the diaper closed. They also require a cover to prevent leaks. The will be the trimmest and cheapest cloth solution you can come by! Youtube has some great tutorials on how to fold, and use flats and prefolds.







Fitteds: These look just like pocket diapers but they lack PUL. Generally they will hold LOTS of pee, and can go a few hours before soaking the outer layer. At home they are easily used with out a cover but for going out a cover is recommended. 


No cover required: 
Pockets: Pocket diapers are just what they sound like. A diaper with an inner pocket. They outside is typically made from PUL which will provide a leak proof outer. The insides can be made from fleece, to microfiber to seude. Though the diapers have a leak proof outer they need some absorbancy inside. They typically come with an insert. The most popular  and affordable being microfiber. Other options include hemp, bamboo and charcoal bamboo, or blends of any of the above. Bamboo is excellent because it is antimicrobial and stain resistant as well as super absorbent but trim. Fuzzibunz are my preferred pockets.

All in two (AI2)/Hybrid: This type of diaper is 2 pieces with no pocket. They usually have some sort of bamboo lay in with a PUL outer. You just lay in the insert, strap on baby and go.(This cutie on the right is sporting a trim hybrid made by her mom).

All in one (AIO): This is a single piece with all you need. Closest to a disposable and just as convenient. Perfect for leaving with dad, sitter, daycare, or grandparents. I LOVE my  Bumgenius Freetimes !


Covers: 
Wool: These covers are the most pricey. They are also very difficult to care for. They must be hand washed, soaked in lanolin, and line dried. Good news, they are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, you only need to wash every week or two but can use over and over again, unless poop leaks on them. Just let the pee air out and put over a new fitted or prefold. You can find wool covers that are made in to pants, shorts, soakers (made to just cover the diaper) or even overalls!

Fleece: This is my preferred cover. Cheap, easy to wash, easy to make. They can also be found in multiple styles like wool. These must be washed after every use. 

PUL: Basically like a pocket, with no inner. Just a layer of PUL with a closure system. Cheap, easy to maintain, you can use one on multiple diapers throughout the day, just wipe away pee and reuse.
 
How many diapers will I need?

Well that depends on the age of your baby. Newborns use approximately 12 diapers a day, at about 3 months 8 diapers a day, then about 6 months 6 diapers a day until they are potty trained.

I recommend a minimum of  diapers for 3 days. That way when you wash you still have a days worth to get you by.

How to prep my diapers?

If you are buying new diapers, prep them according to manufacturer instructions. Usually 2 wash cycles, one with detergent and one with out will do the job. If you are prepping bamboo do 6-7 washes as they become more absorbent with more washing. Also you can opt to boil  bamboo for 30 minutes instead, but ONLY boil INSERTS never any item with PUL or snaps!

How often do I need to wash?

I (and most manufactures) recommend washing at least every 2 days. Some moms prefer to go 3 days, some like to do it everyday. Once you get in a grove you will figure out what works best for you. But definetly wash at a minimum every 3 days.

What kind of detergent should I use on my diapers?

This is the 2nd trickiest question in the book. EVERY cloth mommy has a different opinion on what to use. 

I use All free clear military, or Rockin' Green.

The major things you want to avoid with detergent are harsh cleaners, enzymes, optical brighteners and scents. All of these things, can damage the diaper's elastic, or PUL, they also can cause build up which will hurt babies skin, and make for stinky diapers.
 
Now, Rockin' Green is scented BUT it is formulated so the scent washes out and doesn't leave residue, to harm the diapers or babies skin! I also love that Rockin' Green has 3 different formulas depending on the hardness of your water! (They also offer a military discount if you message them for a code!)

This handy chart gives ratings and breakdowns of the different detergent brands so you can see what could work well for you and what to avoid!

How to store dirty diapers?

Most manufactures recommend using a dry pail for storage. You can take a small trash can and throw in a pail liner, or use a hanging wet bag. First remove the poo (I use a diaper sprayer, you can also scrap it off or dunk the diaper into the potty, but trust me you want a diaper sprayer. I mean you REALLY want a diaper sprayer!), remove the insert (if the diaper has one) and toss the diaper into the wet bag or dry pail. Easy as pie.

I use a hanging wet bag and it hangs on the laundry room door. I dump the wet bag out into the washer, and toss it in with the diapers.

How do I wash my diapers?
 
Most manufactures suggest: One hot rinse cycle with no detergent, one hot wash with detergent, and one extra rinse.
 
HONESTLY,  this part of cloth diapering is PURELY trial and error. What works for some moms will never work for another. HE machines are a whole new story.

I suggest following your manufacture instructions, then changing it up to see what works for you.

How to dry diapers?

I like to line dry my diapers. If you aren't patient though (or use bamboo, they get crunchy outside), pop them in the dryer on low. If you are using PUL make sure to "seal" your diapers once a month by putting them in the dyer for 30 minutes on medium heat.


Why do my diapers still stink after washing/ Why do my diaper reek of ammonia after washing?

Most likely because you have a build up issue and need to strip your diapers. If stripping doesn't solve the issue re-evaluate your detergent or wash routine. 

What is "stripping diapers"?

Stripping diapers is when you do a deep cleaning to remove any build up. Every cloth mama has to do this at some point it is the inevitable.

To strip the diapers you want to start with a clean diaper. Then use  a splash of white vinegar or a generous squirt of blue dawn (NEVER USE BLUE DAWN IN AN HE MACHINE) in your wash. You will need to do 7-8 full HOT wash cycles to remove the build up. During the last rinse cycle you want to check your water to make sure you see no soap bubbles. If you see soap bubbles run a few more washes until soap bubbles no longer appear. This is the most important part of stripping. Once the soap bubbles are gone the build up is gone.

Sometimes I will also soak overnight it a bit of Rockin' Green, the do a normal stripping cycle sans the vinegar/blue dawn.

There are also other products out there made just for stripping or ammonia removal (RLR and Funk Rock by Rockin' Green) I prefer the above method as it is the cheapest.

 
When or why do I need to strip my diapers?

Stripping diapers is necessary when you have build up issues. Issues caused by build up can be determined if you have a strong ammonia smell before or after baby urinates (the only real exemption to this is after overnight diapers), or diapers that fit correctly but leak, or a baby who has consistent diaper rash. 

How do I get rid of stains?

I have found the best way to get rid of stains is by sunning. Take the diaper, make sure it is damp with either water or fresh lemon juice and lay out in the sun. The more direct sunlight the better, but don't be heartbroken if its cloudy outside. They rays will still get to the diaper, but it will need to sit out a bit longer! For really tough stains make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. 


What should a proper fit look like?

A properly fitting diaper will have no gaps at the let opening, or at the back of the diaper.

Do you have a question I didn't cover or have a suggestion for this page? Feel free to email me or comment below!!


Thanks for reading!

<3

21 questions to ask your kids

This should be hilarious.

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
Emma: "I love you"
Abiageal: "You're nice"

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Emma: "Doing chores"
Abiageal: "pee pee in the potty"

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Emma: "Not being nice"
Abiageal: "poopy in panties"

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
Emma: "You tickle me"
Abiageal: "Go poopy in the potty"

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
Emma: " A baby"
Abiageal: "Yogurt"

6. How old is Mommy?
Emma: "25"
Abiageal: "2"

7. How tall is Mommy?
Emma: "short"
Abiageal: "good tall"

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Emma: "make beds"
Abiageal: "jump"

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Emma: "miss me"
Abiageal: "go to sleep"

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Emma: "cooking stuff from scratch"
Abiageal: "timeout"

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Emma: "doing art, like your cross made out of magazine"
Abiageal: "church"

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Emma: "sewing"
Abiageal: "funny"

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Emma: "take pictures"
Abiageal: "clean up the kitchen"

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Emma: "pork loin"
Abiageal: "ranch"

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Emma: "painting"
Abiageal: "poopy in the potty"

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Emma: "Aurora"
Abiageal: "snow white"

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Emma: "Art, sight words, going special places, that's all"
Abiageal: "Play toys"

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
Emma: "because we are all brown, but I am light brown"
Abiageal: "shoes"

19. How are you and Mommy different?
Emma: "because we aren't the same brown"
Abiageal: "tristy"

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Emma: "because you kiss me"
Abiageal: "good"

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Emma: "to your friends house"
Abiageal: "chicken nuggets"


Well that was interesting.

Emma is 4 1/2, and Abiageal is 2 1/2 and in case you couldn't tell she is potty training... Lol

I hope you enjoy that!

Try it with you kiddos and share you answers!

Top five favorite Pinterest recipes!

 Who doesn't love pinterest! I have found some amazing recipes, crafts and decorating tips! Today I will share my top 5 recipes and any changes I made to them!

5.Biscuits 

I always double this recipe! They go so quickly in our house!

Your shopping list:

2 cups flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup shortening ( trade this out for butter)
¾ to 1 cup milk (try with buttermilk!)
 
4.Fried Cabbage

Even if you hate boiled cabbage you will love this!

Your shopping list

1 medium head green cabbage, chopped loosely
3 slices bacon, chopped
1/4 large onion or 1/2 small to medium onion, chopped
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce (optional)
salt & pepper to taste
( I also add a clove of garlic)

3.Olive garden Copy cat gnocchi soup

Funny story with this soup, the first time I made it I cooked the gnocchi in the soup instead of separate like directed. It came out super thick! My husband has now dubbed this potato gravy! Perfect meal for a southern boy!

Your shopping list:

cup chicken breasts, diced and cooked (I actually omit this)4 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 quart half and half
1 14 ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup celery, sliced
1/4 cup flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
16 ounce package gnocchi

2.Meatball stroganoff

Your shopping list: 

Frozen Italian style meatballs (1/2 oz each) (I use 26)
Extra virgin olive oil 1+ Tbsp - just enough to brown up the meatballs.  
2 cups beef broth
Seasoning:
kosher salt and black pepper to taste
dried herbs (probably at least 1 - 1 1/2 tsp each) - parsley, oregano, basil
2/3 - 1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Wide egg noodles
I also toss in 4 oz cream cheese to make this extra creamy!!

1. Cheesecake brownies 

These are dangerously delicious! Don't make if you are home alone! LOL

Brownie  Layer: 
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon warm water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (I omit this, as I didn't make the red velvet version)
2 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange Food coloring ( I also omitted this)



Enjoy those recipes! I know we sure do!

<3