Diapering Decisions

Ever since we started TTC, I've done a lot of research when it comes to what we want to do with our children. While there are still many things that we are considering, one thing has been pretty consistent.

We want to cloth diaper.

Cloth diapering has come a long way since we were kids and the styles and options out there are incredible. As a nanny, one of the children I watched was cloth diapered through a service and it really wasn't that bad. Of course, we'll be doing our own laundry, but I'm certain that it's something we definitely want to try out.

I have already started our stash and plan on expanding it more over time. I want to have a decent selection of diapers so we're looking to purchase some and make some.

So far, I've ordered three and made two. The two I've made are OS (one size) AI2 (all-in-two) so they can have the soaker pad snapped or laid directly against the babies skin. I also will be making some pockets and maybe a couple of AIO (all-in-ones) so that I have more variety and see what we like.

The first one I made is a gender-neutral green one. It has green PUL with adjustable snaps and white minky on the inside. This is set to the smallest setting and I accidentally added two extra snaps in the middle...oops!

And this is on the biggest setting!

The second one I made is a girl one (because my mother-in-law really thinks it's a girl and I have some super cute fabric). It has a hidden layer of PUL and a cotton exterior. This one is made with velcro and an adjustable rise.

Set on the smallest setting...isn't it so cute?!

So, that's what I've been up to lately. I have a craft show coming up in the spring and hope to make some to sell there as well!

Homemade Baby Wipes

Since I've been staying at home, I've been making a lot of changes. I haven't had a fast food burger/fry in a month, stopped drinking soda, and have started making some things that we would normally buy in the store myself.

I saw a tutorial for homemade baby wipes and decided to give it a go. My husband and I use baby wipes on the regular and they can get kind of pricey which prompted me to try it out.

I read many different tutorials and watched a couple of YouTube videos to make sure that I would have a good "grasp" on how to make them.

Here's what you need:

• A roll of 2-ply paper towels {I used Bounty Select-a-Size}cut in half
• 2 Tablespoons of Baby Shampoo or Baby Wash
• 2 Tablespoons of Baby Oil
• A Tub with a lid {that your paper towels fit into}
• 2 Cups of Water
• A bowl or pitcher to mix it all in
 

Once you have all of your supplies you can start!

First, boil 2 cups of water (you could also use dilluted water and skip the boiling process). Let the water boil for a few minutes, turn off the stove, and let it get to room temperature.

 

While the water is boiling, cut the paper towel roll in half {length-wise} and place into your tub.

 

Once the water has reached room temperature, mix in 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo and 2 tablespoons of boiling water.

 

Next, pour the mixture over the paper towels {making sure to saturate it as evenly as possible}.

 

Put a lid on the tub, set a timer for 10 minutes and wait. Then, flip the tub upside down and set the timer for another 10 minutes.

 

Open the tub, remove the cardboard center and you're done! The wipes will come out from the center just like cleaning wipes.

 

These wipes work so well and stay moist as long as you keep the lid on once you're done!

 

And that's it. Super easy, super cost-effective!



DIY Homemade Laundry Soap (Review)

I saw a great tutorial found here on how to make your own powder laundry soap. It's supposed to be great for babies, stain removal, and those with sensitive skin. Eventhough we have so much laundry detergent from buying it on sale, I decided to give it a go. I mean, who doesn't like to make things at home and save money?

The first thing that you need is a few ingredients.

(found on the tutorial listed above)

Now, I couldn't find Zote soap, but I was able to purchase FelsNaptha bar soap. I made a half-batch of what is shown above.

I was able to find all of the products easily in my laundry section at my local Walmart. It cost less than $30 and I still have a lot of leftovers for next time!

The great thing about it is that you can use this on your colors and whites and it comes out smelling great! And the best part?

 You only need to use 1-2 Tablespoons per load!!!

That makes it super affordable, right?!

Of course, there are other tutorials out there if you only want a basic blend with three ingredients, but I really love the look, texture, and smell of this laundry soap.

I would definitely recommend giving it a try and would love to hear how it works for you!

P.S. This laundry soap works well in a High Effeciency Washer as it is has very low suds

Preparing for Next School Year...

Every teacher needs to have a lesson planner. Unfortunately, the one I had last year did not work well for me. There wasn't enough space for me to write down what was needed and it made it difficult to read and fit everything in. Well, after looking through many plan books today I have come up with a solution...

I made my own! I have each grade color-coded and the best part is that there is plenty of space for me to write everything I need! Oh, and my husband loves the price too :)

Wedding Wednesday

DIY Unity Candle

Phil and I debated whether to have a unity candle or unity sand as part of our ceremony. At first, we thought that unity sand was better, but after a lot of research we decided on a unity candle. Once we had decided to have a unity candle, the next step was to find one that we could both agree on. Phil had set a budget of $30 for a unity candle set and was less than thrilled to find out that we would have to spend even more money on a unity candle holder. So, I decided that there must be something I could do to make it less expensive...I'd make one myself!

I saw this one online and wanted to imitate it.

After looking online on how to personalize candles. I came up with this...

And the close-up...

I am thrilled with how it came out! The same unity candle online would have been $30 and I spent a total of $5.50 to make this one! I can't wait until Phil can see it. I love being able to personalize things especially when we can save money doing it ourselves!

What do you think?