Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wordless Wednesday: These boots are made for walking

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Hey you, what's that smell???

I am a cloth diaper lover. I didn’t start out with cloth but switched when DD was almost 6 months. We had a great start in them. Nat could wear just about any kind or brand without an issue. I had a great laundry routine and never had an issue with build up. Then we bought a house. We moved into the country and all of a sudden there was this foul (foul doesn’t really begin to cover it) smell coming from our diapers. When they came out of the dryer they were fine, as soon as she peed it was terrible. I ended up changing her diaper way too often because I couldn’t stand the smell. Now, if you don’t currently use cloth I don’t want to scare you away from it. I still love cloth this is just a hurdle we had to cross.

I tried stripping and stripping, I tried Dawn Dish soap, I tried adding Calgon, I did the Oxy/vinegar soak. Nothing was working and I assumed we were stuck with stinky diapers. I even told Dh that if I couldn’t figure it out I was going to (gasp) quit cloth diapering. I really didn’t want to do this as I have a stash I love. Sometimes I think I buy the diapers more for myself than for Natalie. Shh don’t tell Dh!!!

A few months ago we did a Cloth Diaper Swap on a board I belong to. I was sent a sample of Yoreganics Soap Nuts. I was skeptical at first because the whole idea seemed kind of weird to me, but they were free so of course I was going to try them. I used my regular wash routine only adding the reusable bag of Soap Nuts to the was instead of the detergent I wash using. I didn’t add Calgon either. I wanted to see what would happen with no Calgon because that stuff was getting expensive. My diapers came out so soft and not stinky!! I wanted to order more right away but I had ¾ of a bag of the “old” stuff so I started using that on my regular laundry to use it up. I ended up buying this bag of Yoreganics Soap Nuts at a cloth diaper party I went to. I started using them full time this week. I am happy to report that we will still be cloth diapering. I am so happy that the stink is finally gone!!! Yay!!!

The things I love about Soap Nuts:
      1. They are economical
      2. I don't have to guess at how much to add, just add the little bag
      3. They are eco friendly and biodegradeable
      4. They are USDA certified Organic
      5. They are a natural fabric softener
      6. Unscented so they are great for sensitive skin too!

So if you are having stink issues you should try Yoreganics Soap Nuts!!!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Projects

I hate to say this but I have always been one of “those” people who start countless projects and never finish them. I get bored long before I can finish and put it down with the intention on finishing it in a week or two. I started crocheting a blanket for myself two and a half years ago, and it's still sitting unfinished point proven! I found out about 3 months after starting that I was pregnant. Then I went full bore on crocheting a blanket for baby. I can proudly say that I finished that one. That doesn’t really prove much because it was small. I think she has already outgrown it if that gives you any idea. Anyhow, Hubby got me a sewing machine for Christmas. I have been wanting and talking about getting one for about 6 months. It was supposed to be my Christmas present but then we decided to wait to buy it until after the holidays. Well Hubby surprised me and bought it for me. I was ecstatic but all the memories of unfinished projects popped up and I was nervous he would be disappointed in me.

I decided to start with something simple. A pair of pants for Natalie. Easy right? Actually it was so easy!! I finished the project in only 2 nights after she went to bed. Cut and pinned the first night and did all the sewing the second night.

DSC06974.jpg all finished picture by KaylynvaughnDSC06979.jpg 1st pair of pants picture by Kaylynvaughn


Next project was a chair cover for the chair that Natalie’s “big” girl high chair was going to go on. Our chairs have white pads and that does not mix well with a messy toddler. I was so excited and got it all finished and it didn’t fit the chair!! The next night I started all over and it turned out pretty well. I have a pic but I don’t feel it’s really worth showing.

For my third project I have chosen to make a quilt for Natalie. I have been wanting to redecorate her bedroom and this is the perfect excuse. After the quilt I plan to make a bumper, curtains and maybe a sheet. This is the fabric I picked for her quilt and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

DSC07001-1.jpg Quilt fabric picture by Kaylynvaughn