The Eco-Friendly Family

"I love you ALL day!"

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +0000

If you have kids, you know that they like to eat.... ALL day. With three children, I feel like I'm constantly grabbing food and muttering things like, "Oh my gosh, all you kids do is eat ALL day!!!", "You want something else? You've been eating ALL morning!", "What? You JUST ate!" and so on. Really, I can't complain too much considering most of what they eat is healthy and who wants to say "No! You can't eat that avocado!"

While none of my ramblings phase any of my kids, our youngest has a found new terms for her love for me. Mixed in with the "I love you big as the world"s and "I love you SO much"s, I also have "I love you ALL day!" and "I love you ALL morning... SO much."

Maybe it's silly, but the sweetness and innocence of it all snaps me back into the moment every.single.time. As a busy adult and parent, there are so many things that I rush through, but those simple words have found a way to ground me.

Mad love for the kiddos <3 What are your favorite moments?

Heads Up: We're moving to Wordpress!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:28:00 +0000

I thought I'd give you all a bit of warning. I am in the process of moving the blog over to the Wordpress platform. I am hoping for little to no interruption, but we shall see! If there is any downtime, I'll keep you updated on my Facebook Page.

Once I move the site, I will not be implementing Google Friend Connect. If you follow with GFC please sign up to follow my feed or sign up for my posts via email. Be sure to like the Facebook Page too, as I share all posts on there as well.

We'll have a whole new layout to play with and once we're done the site should be easier for you to view and navigate. Are there any features you'd like to see to make the site work better for you? While I'm working on things, I thought I would see if there are any requests.

Also, are there any topics that you would like me to cover? I have some things in the works, but it's always nice to hit on topics that I know you're looking for.

Okay, back to work. Wish me luck!

Have a great Monday!

Score One for Cloth Diapers!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:54:00 +0000

I hope you all had an amazing time at the #GivingHOPE Twitter party last night put on by Kim from Dirty Diaper Laundry! She did an amazing job organizing all of it. Between 7pm and midnight there were 1,493 tweets! That means collectively, we reached 1.6 million people!

There was lots of great conversation, prizes, donations, and most importantly awareness raising about Giving Diapers, Giving Hope. It could not have been possible without the participation of the many companies and blogs that took part, and of course you, the readers that came to show your support. BUT, it's not over yet!

Be sure to head over to Kim's Facebook page to show your support for the amazing blogs and companies involved and have a chance to win some awesome prizes (they total more than $1,700!!) There you will find an easy to use form where you can enter to win.

Share this event with all of your friends too! Raising awareness is something we can all do. If you want to do more, make a donation to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope by visiting their website. When you do, you can select the "donation" option on the giveaway form to receive 25 additional entries to the giveaway mentioned above!

A shout out to all of the companies and bloggers that helped make this possible!

Bloggers! - go, follow and show them some love :)
The Eco Chic, Change-Diapers, Geeky Green Mom, Cloth Diaper Geek, Padded Tush Stats, Boba Blog, All About Cloth Diapers, Baby Dickey

And the Companies!

NOW Family, Jack be Natural, Orange Diaper Co., Incredibum, Tushie Ties, Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique, THE Balm, Modern Cloth, BabykicksUSA, Oeko Popo, GEN-Y, Abby’s Lane, Thirsties, Go Green Baby Co., Diaper Junction, Revel Handmade, Kelly’s Closet, Knickernappies, Kelly Wels, Hot Mama Gowns, Eco Nuts, MoDia Diapers, Dearest Diapers, Sweet Pea Diapers, Wooly Rounds, and The Parent Guide

Giving Diapers, Giving Hope to Families in Need

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Our youngest child is down to using diapers at nights and naps these days, but I could not be more passionate about sharing cloth and spreading the knowledge of all that cloth is and helps to provide. Savings for families, toxin-free diapers for our children and hundreds of tons of waste and chemicals kept out of landfills each day.

While cloth diapering does cost far less than disposable diapers, there are many families that struggle to buy basic necessities, including diapers of any kind. In April 2010, Giving Diapers, Giving Hope was started by Kristen McCarthy and Emily Glover as a local cloth diapering lending foundation in Glouster, MA. Within weeks of beginning their local service, GDGH’s Facebook page and email inbox were full of inquiries from parents across the country. To meet this need, Kristen and Emily decided to expand and accept applications from families throughout the United States. Over the last 10 months, Giving Diapers, Giving Hope has already managed to help over 70 families cloth diaper their babies.

Because Giving Diapers, Giving Hope expanded so rapidly to meet the needs of families, they are still working to obtain enough funding to file for their 501 c3. A 501 c3 is needed to become a recognized Non- Profit and will further their ability to help lend free cloth diapers to families in need.

In addition to filing for the 501 c3, Giving Diapers, Giving Hope will use funds raised to purchase office supplies such as business cards and letterheads, packaging materials, and buy supplies needed to repair donated diapers.

To make this happen, Kim of Dirty Diaper Laundry has planned an amazing two-part fundraiser and I am so thrilled to be a part of it. To kick it off, join @KimRosas, @GivingDiapers, @EFFBlog (myself) and friends and tweet using the #GivingHOPE hashtag for fantastically fun night of cloth diaper fun.

There will be prizes given during the party but to be eligible you must RSVP on Kim’s website. Some prizes include gift certificates to Abby’s Lane and Kelly’s Closet, 6 Diaper Rite Pockets from Diaper Junction, 8 CJ’s BUTTer’s from Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique, a Prize Pack of all natural, vegan balms from “THE” Balm, a One Size Gro Via, Thirsties Duo Diaper, GroVia Magic Stick and GroVia disposable Biosoaker inserts from Jack Be Natural and more! But this is just the TIP of the iceberg.

If you're new to Twitter parties, I suggest TweetGrid. Simply go to this link, login with your twitter account and add your twitter handle in the 3rd column to follow tweets directed at you. It can be fast-paced but this layout helps a lot.

There is also a Facebook Fundraising Campaign with over $1,700 worth of prizes you do not want to miss out on! There are prize packs from:

The NOW Family (ARV $124)

Orange Diaper Co (ARV $100.00)

Tushie Ties Tie on Prefolds ( ARV $90.00)

$100.00 GC to Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique

BabyKicks Prize Pack (ARV $78.00)

Oeko Popo Prize Pack (ARV $84.00)

“Try Cloth Diapers” Prize pack from Go Green Baby Shop (ARV $70)

GroVia and more Prize Pack from Jack Be Natural

Accessory Pack from Abby’s Lane (ARV $75.00)

Accessories Pack from Modern Cloth ($ARV $80.00)

Incredibum Package (ARV $100.00)

“The” BALM! Package (ARV $75.00)

3 DUO AIO’s + more from Thirsties (ARV $75.00)

2 bumGenius Freetimes from All About Cloth Diapers

and much, much much more! Whew!

All of the prizes are listed on the Dirty Diaper Laundry Facebook Page, the contest is open now and ends midnight on February 14. To enter just like the sponsor’s pages using the easy to use Rafflecopter widget. You don’t have to like every page but you must like the sponsor’s page to win their prize.

It should be noted that every sponsor you see listed has generously given a monetary donation to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope so please, please show them your appreciation and support!

How can you help? Just spread the word to all of your friends! Share the giveaway on your Facebook, Twitter, Message Boards, or by carrier pigeon to your buddy on a deserted island.

If you want to do more to help out a worthy cause you can, and you even get more entries into the giveaway! If you donate any amount, anything, you get 25 extra entries. Send a donation to givingdiapersgivinghope@gmail.com via Paypal then choose the Donation option in the giveaway. By donating any amount you increase your chances to win one of these amazing prizes!

I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization that is doing so much to help others and raise awareness about cloth diapers. This Fundraiser will help them continue operating for the rest of the year.

To learn more about Giving Diapers, Giving Hope you can visit them on their website or Facebook Page.

Happy Birthday to My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Seven years ago you made me a mommy. I have no idea how seven years have slipped past us. It seems like just yesterday you were sleeping in my arms, learning to crawl, eating your first foods, dancing to the Wiggles, learning to read and going off to kindergarten. You have given me so many gifts in your seven years, and though I have given you two sisters, you are the one that gave me the gift of becoming a mother.

It was your heart that I saw on that first ultrasound and your sweet baby cry that let me know you were here. It was your big, beautiful, soulful eyes that I stared into in the middle of the night, so full of love and pride. It brings tears to my eyes every time I think of those moments we shared, for they are so precious. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and yours could not be more perfect and clear. In those moments, and in every one since, I felt like I could see into the future. I remember thinking, "These eyes are eyes that I will look into for the rest of my life." In that moment, I loved, and understood love, in a way that I never could have imagined.

Thank you for being my son and for being the amazing person that you are. I am SO proud of you and it is truly my privilege to be your mother.

Happy Seventh Birthday E!

Love,
Mommy

What do you know about Toxic Shock Syndrome?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:55:00 +0000

Did you know that anyone who uses a traditional tampon is at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS?
Brands like Tampax, Playtex, Kotex and OB, just to name a few, are among those to watch out for.

What is TSS, and why is there a risk with traditional tampons?
TSS is the result of the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, producing a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. It quickly takes over the body and begins to attack the major organs. It can manifest similarly to the flu, with symptoms like sore throat, achy muscles, fever, nausea, rash, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure and diarrhea. While these symptoms might seem like a common flu, if you ever have them during your menstrual cycle, call your physician! TSS can be fatal.

The cause for the relationship to traditional tampons is that they contain synthetic fibers which not only leave tiny abrasions in the vagina, giving direct access to the bloodstream, but also because synthetic fibers do not breathe like natural fibers. They provide the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, like the strain that can cause TSS. Half of all know cases of TSS are related to tampon use. It is also associated with diaphragm birth control methods and contraceptive sponges.

Thankfully there is an alternative.
Choosing 100% organic cotton tampons, a reusable menstrual cup or menstrual pads can eliminate the risk. No one has ever reported TSS as the result of using a 100% cotton tampon. Brands like Maxim Hygiene and Seventh Generation are great options. Additionally, reusable cups like Lunette & Diva Cup offer the same claim, and are oh so friendly to your body. I'm a total cup girl, I can't deny it.

You can read all about why you don't want to use traditional menstrual products here (and what ones to give a try!)

Want to learn more about TSS and how you can help? Visit You-ARE-Loved.org

Choose The Right Carrier For You

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:42:00 +0000

Babywearing is such an amazing tool for parents and caregivers. It provides an opportunity for bonding as well as a chance for parents to get things done around the house.

When it comes to choosing a carrier, the sea of options can be overwhelming and what works for some may not be the favorite of others. To help narrow the choices I've put together a spreadsheet with basic overviews of various carriers, as well as a sheet dedicated for reviews!

I've already gathered a few reviews to get started, but the magic comes from you, the readers! The second sheet of this spreadsheet is where you can add your opinions on the carriers that you have tried.

I hope that you find this spreadsheet handy and I thank all of you that take the time to add your opinions, they will be so very valuable to parents looking for just the right carrier!

Speaking of carriers, keep your eyes out for a special review coming up. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Click Here to View
Babywearing Overview & Review Spreadsheet

Salads Made Easy!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Mmmm, I love a blog post that result in yummy eats!

I love salads, but finding the time to prep them on a daily bases is not always easy. I know it doesn't take a whole lot of time, but if you've met my girls, you'd know that it takes ninja stealth to prepare food without them knowing and zooming in to eat it all.

In addition to losing time, I often lose my salad makings too. I buy large tubs of greens or spinach, only to have it go bad before I can eat it all (you can also freeze it for adding to cooked dishes before it's a lost cause). The large tub is 4 times the product, for only 2x the price of the smaller ones, so I generally try to buy the large tub for the savings.

I've owned a vacuum sealer for quite some time, but the canisters are a bit pricey and I didn't want more plastic items in my kitchen. Then I heard about the jar sealer attachment. I have plenty of canning jars around here, and I even hang onto old lids for general storage, so once I got my sealer for Christmas I was ready to roll!

Supplies:
Wide Mouth Jars
Wide Mouth Lids (I save used ones for this!)
Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum Sealer Jar Attachment
Salad Fixings: Greens, Avocados, Carrots, Cheese, Olives, Mushrooms, Onions, Tomatoes - Whatever you like!

Dice up your veggies and layer your ingredients in, and if you want to measure in the salad dressing, add it first (so it's on the bottom) and the greens on top. When you're ready to eat simply pour it out on your plate and enjoy!

I've kept my prepared salads up to a week in the jars with everything staying in perfect shape, including the avocados! If you'd like to see my favorite method for cutting up an avocado for salads and sandwiches, check out this video!

A Note to All Co-Sleepers

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:44:00 +0000

Be sure that your spouse puts a diaper on your potty-learning toddler before putting them to bed. I assure you that 4:00 am is just not the same without one.

The upside is that you can try to sneak in some nap time snuggles and eye resting, which will totally rock. And really, is there anything better than kiddo snuggles?

Happy Thursday!

How To Eat An Avocado

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:54:00 +0000

When I first started buying avocados, the process to cut them up was a total mystery. I spent time on various websites and YouTube videos learning how to cut them up properly, but as with many things, I've landed on my own, favorite way. This way allows me to get the exact sizes I'm looking for, with none of the waste. I hope you like it too!

Do you love avocados? What are you favorite ways to eat them?

I may pinch myself!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:35:00 +0000

I've been wanting to attend a blog conference for some time now, but the time was just never right, no matter how I wished it was... That is, until now! This February, I am officially headed to BlissDom - my first conference!

According to them, "BlissDom is the premiere conference for women who find and express their bliss by publishing online." I'm a woman, and I love publishing online - this is me! I am so excited to be attending and I look forward to meeting new people, learning from their experiences and taking home new information and experiences that will enrich me as a person and blogger.

What could make BlissDom more fun? A road trip with a new friend of course! I recently met a fabulously interesting woman in my local area who is also a blogger. You can find Blessing at the Working Mom Journal. I have no idea what we're getting into, but we are both so very excited to be going and will be sharing what we learn with you. I'll be tweeting and posting on Facebook every chance it get!

I know that many of you are also bloggers. Have you ever been to a conference or considered going to one? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Be the Anti-Bully

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

I read some posts recently by victims of bullying. I cried as their stories rang notes of familiarity and I cried when I thought about times when I could have been more kind to people.

I don't think that I ever bullied anyone, but I know that there were people I didn't treat like the whole, amazing people they were and are, and that hurts. I'm ashamed to have possibly hurt someone, even in the smallest of ways. What hurts most though, is the thought that people are the ones inflicting this pain on one another. People who have feelings and minds of their own, people who should know best how it can hurt and damage one's sense of self and worth.

It's often said that "kids can be cruel", and perhaps that is true, but children aren't naturally that way. Children are mimics. They do as we do and we need to always remember that our actions will be repeated, and often amplified by those young minds that are trying to find their way.

While we might say something in private, children don't make that distinction on their own. They carry the hurtful words they hear to playgrounds and classrooms, where they assault people as innocent and fragile as they are. People consider children strong and resilient. I think with something like bullying, children adapt. Adapting isn't the same as bouncing back.

It's not just making fun of people that is hurtful. It's also in the way we react to life's obstacles. How about when someone cuts you off in a parking lot or jumps in front of you in line. It's perfectly acceptable to be upset with this behavior, but what comes from our mouths should be appropriate to the circumstance. Shouting profanities or giving dirty looks might seem like a good way to let off the steam, but does it ever yield anything positive? I think we can all agree that the answer is "No."

No one deserves to be pushed down and beaten, physically or emotionally. We are all different and amazing in our own ways. It can be hard to understand why someone is different from us, and too often it seems that teasing or making fun of them is the easier way to deal with the work of finding out. Imagine though, more people taking the time to care to know. Imagine how rewarding that could be for all involved. Communities where we help each other up by acknowledging the good in them, and dismissing the misunderstood.

I'm not saying every person is amazing. We obviously have criminals and people that do simply horrible things, but I do believe that more often than not, people who grow to adulthood making dangerous decisions are very hurt and damaged people underneath. They are guarded and they didn't get that way by being loved, accepted and supported.

In 2012, I implore you to move forward with a new view of those you do not know, and of those you do. Take time to do something that will make them smile. It could be simply holding a door, or helping to pick up something dropped. You could say hello, or flash a smile - simply offering a sign that says "You are worth my time." I can promise you that you will send people off with a lift in their day and you will feel that reward as well.

Want to do more? Visit RandomActsOfKindness.org's ideas page for inspiration. Do you have an idea? Share it below and if I get enough submissions I will put together an idea post for all to share.

Happy 2012! The year is yours, take it!

Consider me 'Baff'led

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:41:00 +0000

On Christmas Eve my husband and I were sitting and enjoying some fun conversation with the family when a commercial came on the television that grabbed our attention....

I nearly died from laughter and the need to tell you all about it.

Please, enjoy!

Now you can turn your water into squishy goo!

Turn your bathtub into a gooey adventure with Squishy Baff!

Environmentally Friendly (LMAO!!! For real?)

No Artificial Fragrance (What about the color?)
Won't Clog Drains (Yea, the drain is what concerns me here. Thanks for clearing that up!)
No Preservatives (I won't even go here.)

No Irritants (Oh this one is GOLD!)
Make in the UK (Junk made in the UK is apparently better than junk make elsewhere. Good to know?)

Not Tested on Animals (Oh sweet, so it's tested on... our kids?)

Bonus point if you already know what this is made of before I tell you....

Yep! It's Sodium Polyacrylate - a.k.a. The stuff they put in disposable diapers to absorb a baby's urine.

Sodium Polyacrylate is a polymer that starts out as a powdery substance, when introduced to moisture, it can absorb 400-500 times its own weight. The FDA has labeled it as GRAS, Generally Recognized As Safe, though I think most of us here can appreciate the fact that the FDA doesn't always get it right.

*cough*All off the crap in standard products and foods that we have to work to avoid.*cough*

Okay, silliness aside, Sodium Polyacrylate isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's certainly not something you want on your child. SP is a skin & eye irritant to start with. Who wants to play in skin & eye irritants?

Did you know that SP was once a component in tampons, but was outlawed due to the substantial increased risk of TSS (want to know more about TSS, visit You-Are-Loved.org). As I mentioned before, it can also be found in disposable diapers and has been implicated as a contributor to staph infections. I'm not saying it will cause one, but it could contribute, and staph infections are serious - deathly serious.

According to EWG (Cosmetic Database) SP is classified as expected to be toxic or harmful. It lists an organ toxicity risk due to contamination concerns with Methacrylic Acid, Acrylic Acid & 2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate. It also lists it as 'considered safe based on assumption of low absorption' - keep in mind that they are relating this to the tiny amount found in cosmetic products, not what's found in a diaper full, nor a 'baff'tub full.

This product has me half cracking up at the insanity of it all (Honestly, who thinks "Hey this idea is a winner!"?), but more seriously, it has me concerned for parents who may not realize what this product is made from, nor how their child's skin may react.

I would love to hear your impressions!

Off-Topic Tuesdays

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:26:00 +0000

I love sharing all things green related here on the blog, but life isn't always so clear cut. I've decided to start offering up some life-relevant, but not always so green, posts by way of Off-Topic Tuesdays. This should start next week and I hope that you will enjoy these as much as the rest of the content shared here currently.

If you have any topics that you would like to see me cover, please leave them in the comments section! It could be fun, serious or anything in between.

Beautiful Last Minute DIY Holiday Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:20:00 +0000

I do not usually share posts that arrive to my email inbox, but I love the ideas in this offering from Pottery Barn Kids and I am sure that you'll love them too!

----

Holiday treats are extra sweet when shared in homemade containers. Part party favor and part accessory, kids will love customizing these Personalized Take-Out Containers, Glass Cookie Jars and Cookie Boxes, then filling with delicious cookies and candies!

Check out these tips for planning a Christmas Cookie Exchange, including recipes, invitations and “how to” videos.

Last-minute wrapping to do? Give your presents that extra little flourish of hand-crafted care, and try one of our creative approaches to gift wrapping. Make your presents even more magical this season with Starry Wrap, Keepsake Footprint Paper and Rudolph’s Nose Wrap.

Share the joy of Hanukkah! This crafty Menorah is easy to assemble – and best of all, kids can "light" the candles on their own to celebrate each night of Hanukkah. Bring a little sparkle to Hanukkah celebrations with these creative Glittery Dreidel Place Cards. They're simple for kids to make and add a fun element of festivity to the table – plus, they make great party favors!

Plan your own Hanukkah festivities with tips and recipes from Pottery Barn Kids.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The holidays are here for most of us and our lives are busier by the day. Before we are all whisked away to enjoy moments that are sure to create memories for years to come, I want to wish you all a very happy holiday season. I hope that your holiday engagements leave you feeling full and refreshed for the year to come.

From our family to yours!

WW: Who needs a baby carrier anyway? ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Good-Bye Google Friend Connect

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:48:00 +0000

If you haven't heard yet, Google will be getting rid of the option to follow non-Blogger blogs with the Google Friend Connect (GFC) option. While this blog is Blogger hosted, I plan to remove GFC from my sidebar and reach you from other avenues. You can still follow The Eco-Friendly Family through blogger if you choose of course, but the widget will be removed from my site soon. Also, if I ever make the move to Wordpress, I imagine that it will no longer function properly and I don't want to lose you!

If you would like to be sure not to miss posts, I suggest signing up for my feed via email notice. Feedburner will deliver my posts to you via email, one per day and only on days when there is a post. This will not overrun your email I promise! You can subscribe to the email subscription by clicking the image below.

If email isn't your thing, feel free to follow our feed through the reader of your choice. You can do that by clicking HERE and choosing a reader.

If you're like me and find it easy to stay connected to your favorites via Facebook, head over to our page and click the 'Like' button. You may want to like or comment on a post to be sure that I show up in your news feed. Facebook is a great way to follow and will keep you up to date on my blog & other fun events!

In addition to the methods above, you can also follow me on Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest and Networked Blogs.

Last minute gift ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

I was shopping Amazon (fast shipping!) and thought I'd pass on my finds. If you're like me and stuck for last minute gift ideas, try some of these on for size!

North American Bear Company Plush Dolls
I am fairly certain that these are made by the same company that makes the soft dolls for Pottery Barn Kids. They are adorable, highly rated and super affordable!

Green Toys!

Many of the Green Toys branded toys are on sale at Amazon - some close to half off! We have a few of their items and the kids love them. We love them too because they are very well made, sturdy and made from recycled content!

eReaders Rock!
I got an an Amazon Kindle last year and I simply adore it! It makes getting and reading books so convenient and, as an added bonus, prices have dropped drastically! There is a Kindle for any price-point and they make a great gift for kids and adults alike. Want fancy? Go all out and grab the new Kindle Fire!

Pinterest!
Don't want to buy a gift or just don't have time?! Try some of these great ideas from Pinterest.

From left to right:
Recycled Sweater Blanket - Great for babies, but could be done at any size and it's sure to be a favorite!
Candy Cane Vodka - For the adult that has everything :)
Puppet Theater! - This super easy DIY project will keep their imagination going and you entertained!
Etched Cookware - Get crafty and personalize cookware for the hard to shop for lady in your life. She'll love it and never lose another piece at a pot-luck event, that's for sure!

Timeline: A Facebook Change I Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 03:06:00 +0000

I must admit that I'm something of a design geek. I *love* playing with digital design and when I upgraded my Facebook profile today to the new Timeline design I wasn't loving the massive 'cover image'. I've seen some great ones, but my amateur photos just don't cut it for close ups. I started playing around with Photoshop and now my mind is running with ideas. I am sure to be ~~wasting~~ spending plenty of time playing with this new feature.

My first try was this cork board idea that was inspired by another website.

The biggest change with Timeline is the new header area. The rest of your info is all of the stuff that was there before, except jumbled up a bit and 'organized' by Facebook's standards. From what I've read, this will not impact privacy settings, just make it easier to find what's already there. It's going to take some getting use to, but as with all Facebook changes, I find that it's best to embrace it.

What do you think of the new Timeline profile layout? Any plans for fun headers? I am excited to see what people come up with for the new design!

Want Timeline? Go to this link and set it up!

#ClothDiapers: The Good, The Bad - The Honest

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:59:00 +0000

If you've looked around the internet for information on cloth diapers, you've likely found many articles and posts that read something like the land of unicorns, rainbows and smiling puppy dogs. Cloth is cute, there's really no denying it. Cute patterns, fluffy butts and let's face it, fabric is just prettier than plastic. Though it's cute, it must be washed, and that comes with many reservations for parents new to the idea, and to those who haven't tried cloth. Many often have one of the following first reactions:

....................#1 Reusing something that your child poops in is just gross!
....................#2 Putting dirty diapers in the washing machine is gross!
....................#3 Touching poop is gross!

Okay, so I think we see a pattern forming here, and honestly I can relate. I was there once, but I didn't really know what cloth was all about. After the initial thought of "gross" these thoughts typically follow:

....................#4 It's more laundry.
....................#5 Cloth diapers are expensive and/or won't really save me money.
....................#6 Cloth diapers aren't convenient and/or are too much work.
....................#7 Cloth is so new to me, I just don't know where to start or what to expect.

I'm sure there are more too, if you have one that you'd like covered, leave it in the comments section and I'll do a follow up! For now, let's tackle this list.

#1, #2 & #3 - It's gross!

The beautiful baby that you gave birth to, the one that lights up a room with his beautiful smile and sweet giggles... yea he poops and pees... a lot. So here's the deal, you're going to have to deal with bodily waste, no matter what diapering method you choose, it's as simple as that. Disposables are known for blowouts! Before I knew more, I just assumed that blowouts were one of those funny things that parents all had in common and joked about.

Mom #1: "Janie had the most insane blowout!"

Mom #2: "Oh my gosh, my Jack did too! You should have seen it!"

*mommy laughter ensues*

If you've had a baby and have not dealt with many poop explosions, you are one very luck individual (or you use cloth!) Seriously, I have never had to clean up so much poop in my life, than when I used disposable diapers. I was constantly, desperately scrubbing clothing, blankets, swing covers, car seat covers and many other items trying to keep them from being permanently stained and ruined by mustard yellow poops. It was terrible, and sadly, this is just one of the realities of disposable diapers.

Bottom Line?
With cloth you know where the poop is going to go, and you don't have to touch it or scrub it out. When your child starts solid foods you will need to plop, scrape, or spray poop into a toilet, but that's far better than hands-all-in and praying that it doesn't stain the too-cute outfit you just bought for your bundle of joy! Want an easier option? Try flushable liners for a truly easy cloth diapering + poo experience.

#4 - Laundry
Parents already have plenty of laundry to do, right? I mean we're washing ours, his and now baby's too! The last thing most people want to do is wash more laundry.

So here's the deal. You will have to wash diapers if you use cloth. Most cloth diapering parents wash diapers 2 times a week. Some do less, some do more, but twice a week works well for most families. Unlike standard laundry, diapers don't require a lot of attention. Your baby's bottom won't care if they are wrinkly and you don't even have to fold them if you don't want to!

Also consider that cloth diapering will save you time!

With cloth there is no running to the store just to get diapers.
Cloth diapered babies tend to get rashes less, which means you won't be running out for rash creams or to the doctor as often for rashes you have no clue what to do with.
Cloth diapered babies learn to use the potty an average of 12 months sooner than their disposable diapered playmates. Babies in cloth know when they go because they can feel when they are wet.
As mentioned in our 1st point, you'll also spend less time scrubbing fecal matter from items that you really don't want it on, like clothes, blankets, car seats, swings and more.

What about those that only have access to community laundry facilities?

It can be done! Many families do use cloth with limited access to washing machines. I recommend going with a simpler diaper like prefolds and/or a hybrid system like Flip. The covers can be wiped out or hand washed easily and the durable inserts may handle being washed just once a week better than more complex diapering systems.

If a laundromat is out of the question, you might check out this great video by Kim at Dirty Diaper Laundry. In it she shows how to make a camp style washing machine suitable for washing small loads of diapers. It's not the ideal set up, but it is affordable and makes cloth possible for someone in a tight spot.

Bottom Line?
Cloth diapers do come with washing laundry, but it more than makes up for it the other areas discussed above. When there are times that laundry isn't an option, consider a hybrid system or other type of healthier disposable option.

#5 - Expense

When parents are first interested in cloth, an $18 or $25 price tag can throw them for a loop. Money doesn't come easy and even a $10 diaper cost can really add up. Consider this, the average baby is changed just over 6 times per day over their diapering career. If a baby is potty trained by 30 months (the average) that baby will have gone through approximately 5,600 diaper changes. If the average disposable costs $0.25 that's $1400 for one child. Keep in mind that disposables can cost up to twice that and many children potty train far beyond a year and a half!

This is what 5,600 unused disposable diapers looks like.

Image them expanded to many times their own weight!

Now you may be wondering what 5,600 cloth diaper changes look like. Let me share my stash!

You can't see them all, but there are approximately three dozen bumGenius Elemental diapers in there. They are a favorite of ours from Cotton Babies. You can buy these in dozens to save money, making them approximately $22.08 each. That's $795 for three dozen diapers, or just $0.14 per diaper change, based on 5,600 changes.

Want to save some real change?! Use a diapering system like Econobum and slash that cost to just $147 for 3 dozen diapers, which is just less than $.03 per diaper change! WOW. Can it really get any better than that?!

Yea, it gets better.
Cloth is reusable right? You can use the diapers you buy for not only your first child, but for any after that! They might need repairs along the way, like elastic or new velcro (though I recommend snap diapers for durability!). If you don't want to hang on to your diapers until the next baby comes, you can even sell them! Sites like DiaperSwappers and HyenaCart make it easy, even Ebay! Most used diapers sell for 50-75% of the price new. That is an amazing return, making your savings that much sweeter.

Bottom Line?
There's just no comparison, cloth wins this one hands down, head over heels, etc. etc. Cloth is a money saver! Not thrilled about the initial investment? Buy what you can afford, as you can afford it. It's well worth the effort!

#6 - Cloth Is Work
Take a look at questions #1-5. Cloth does require work, but so do disposable diapers. It's all about learning a new system, but once you've got it down, you'll see that cloth is actually easier.

Diapering in any form comes with potential 'problems'. When babies have poop and moisture against their skin rashes can occur no matter what diapering system you use. Cloth requires a little bit of relearning as you'll want to use creams that are safe for cloth diapers (and really better for your baby's bottom too!) I'm a huge fan of salve type rash ointments. They heal quickly and are generally safe for cloth diapers.

You may have even heard scary terms like "ammonia" or "yeast". I promise that your diapers aren't ruined and everything is fixable! It would take a lot to truly ruin cloth diapers, so have no fear. In most cases a hot wash with original Dawn dish soap will fix the issue (followed by several no-soap rinses). This is called stripping. Worst case, you use a little bleach. I'm not a fan of bleach in general, but sometimes it can come in handy and you do what you've gotta do, right?

If full time cloth is just too much to jump into, try a hybrid system that gives you the option of cloth or disposable pads. You'll be surprised by how easy it really is.

Bottom Line?
You can do it, and chances are you'll be thrilled that you did. I know a lot of cloth diapering parents, and very few say that it just didn't work for them. Also, cloth can be flexible, it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Even using cloth part time saves you money and makes a big impact on the environment!

#7 - The Unknown
Trying something new can be a hard hurdle to jump. We all like familiarity, it's comforting and predictable, but just because it's familiar doesn't mean that it's the best way for us. Trying new things is a great way to explore the world around us and discover what works for us and our families.

Thanks to the internet there are so many amazing resources. I offer a Cloth Diaper FAQ, but there are so many more great sites. Try the following for a great start!

Dirty Diaper Laundry: Not sure what diaper brand might work for you? Kim offers wonderfully detailed reviews and even a handy Cloth Diaper Finder to narrow your search based on the features you want.

Eco Chic Parties: If you love fluff and being social you won't want to miss the twitter parties that Calley puts on. They can get crazy with so many attendees, but they are well organized and are a great resource for having fun and your cloth diaper questions answered in real time.

The Cloth Diaper Whisperer: This is a great resource for all sorts of cloth diaper information, tips on great diaper deals and fun cloth diaper giveaways!

#ClothDiapers Twitter Chat: This isn't a website, but each Monday night at 9pm EST Cotton Babies hosts a cloth diaper chat for new cloth users and old to spark conversation, share information and answer questions. It's always an enjoyable chat and open to everyone, so feel free to stop by and join the conversation. New to Twitter chats? Try this handy guide.

Want something on paper? Try this free, handy printable guide or pick up a copy of Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering.

Have a favorite resource? Leave it in the comments for others to discover!

Bottom Line?
I love cloth and can't imagine it any other way. I used disposables with our first child and then to start out with our second. I used cloth exclusively on our third, who is nearly fully potty trained (with the exception of nights). Life with three children is infinitely hectic, but using cloth is just one way that I can simplify and help keep everything manageable, affordable and under control.

-------------------------------------

This blog post was inspired by Jennifer Labit's blog post "All I want for Christmas... is to tell the world about cloth diapers!". I was not compensated for this post and it will be entered in a writing contest. The winning blogger gets to a choose a person who commented on their post to receive a gift of 12 bumGenius One-Size Cloth Diapers and will also receive a gift of 12 bumGenius One-Size Cloth Diapers, which I would be thrilled to give to a family in need.

I hope that you have found this post helpful and I encourage you to share your cloth diapering stories and experiences in the comments section (remember, if I win you might too!) Share on your own blog or Facebook page too. Sharing your story may inspire others to try cloth as well!

Together we can make a HUGE impact!

A little fun with an #InappropriateElf

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:50:00 +0000

A couple days ago I posted a DIY an Elf on the Shelf tutorial to prep for the hilariously funny Inappropriate Elf contest. I promised some fun (and appologized for it too!) so here it is, without further ado, my very own DIY Inappropriate Elf!

Be sure to head over to the contest page to enjoy (and laugh your butt off at) the other entries! And don't forget to start voting on Monday!

My Entry:
I'd love your vote! He's #77!

Elfie *LOVES* shoes.

I put this together before I knew that Photoshop wasn't allowed, but I thought I'd share anyhow :)

(Click to see it larger!)

"Honey, do you notice anything different about Junior?"

Do you find your elf in compromising positions? I'd love to hear all about it!

I'm Elfin' & You Can Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:40:00 +0000

I love some good fun and Jill over at Baby Rabies sure knows how to have fun. She is hosting the hallarious Inappropriate Elf Contest. I was planning to buy an Elf, but I couldn't find one locally and time was wasting, so to prep I though I'd share my DIY Elf with you and how I made the magic happen.

I'd also like to say sorry to anyone who finds my next Elf post highly inappropriate. You'll be seeing it soon! Want to see more? Click the elf above!

DIY Elf on the Shelf
Cost: Approximately $6

The first thing you're going to need are some supplies, so head to your nearest Hobby Lobby and grab the following items from the doll section.

Supplies
1 14" poseable muslin doll form ($2.40)
1 Doll Face ($0.35)
2 Pieces of Red Felt ($0.50)
1 Piece of White Felt ($0.25)
1 Block of Sculpty Clay for Hair ($2.00)

You will also need a hot glue gun, or you can sew it if you're feeling spunky, though you will likely want some sort of glue for the hair.

The first thing I did was lay out my pieces and then cut out the neck section on my face so that it would fit nicely onto the muslin form. These poseable forms have feet, and I wanted to stay to true elf form, so I cut them off (poor Elfie) and used some hot glue to stitch him back up. Once his feet were ready to go it was time to start dressing my elf!

Dressing your elf is really simple. Using long rectangular pieces of red felt, glue it to the leg. I chose to have my seam run down the back of the leg. Once it's in place simply wrap the felt around and glue down the other end. I found that making my piece a little wide was best, because then I could trim if needed, but be sure to have enough material as these doll forms aren't perfectly uniform.

After the Legs were covered, I set of to do the arms. Elfie has white hands, so I put a tube of white up near his hands in the same fashion that I did the legs, but I filled the end with glue and pressed it shut as it tried (be careful! the glue is HOT). Once it was cool enough (not totally dry) I cut the hand shape and pressed the ends shut fully. Once both hands were done I covered the arms with red felt, just as I did the legs. The body was the same idea except I used two rectangular pieces, glued the back on and then the front to wrap around his sides to hide the seams. Easy peasy!

Next up was his hair. This part I didn't photograph because it really just requires a bit of playing with adult playdoh. You can shape the Sculpty however you like, when you're done pop it (the clay ONLY, not the head) into the oven for about 15-30 minutes at abour 275 degrees (read the instruction on your package). Allow it to cool and then glue it to your elf's head.

Once the hair is on you can add his hat! Cut out a simple 1/4 circle in red and a long rectangle in white. Glue your 1/4 circle into a cone shape and glue to your elf's head. I found that my elf needed some stuffing for his head to be more... well head shaped, so I used some cotton balls to fill in the gaps. Add your white strip and then you can whatever neck decoration you like.

All in all I think that Elfie turned out pretty great, now I need to get started on his partner in crime and my entry!

Don't forget to buy or DIY your own elf and enter the contest! Entries must submitted to the link on the Baby Rabies blog by midnight on December 11th! Go go, enter and have fun!!

How to Eat a Pomegranate

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:10:00 +0000

Everyone has their own way to eat cut up pomegranates, but this is what works for me. No water, no mess!

Pomegranates make great snacks for adults and kids, mine love them! Keep a close eye on them, as they can stain if they get on carpeting and clothing. You'll want to get it scrubbed out quickly.

For an easy demo, watch the video below. I cut up another to take photos for those who don't love videos. You can find them below the video.

Enjoy your pomegranates!

On to pictures (click to see it larger!)

Merry Fluffy Christmas #Giveaway #FluffyXmas

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Hearn) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000

Welcome to the 2nd Annual MERRY FLUFFY CHRISTMAS Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event! This is my first year participating and I am so thrilled to be. I love cloth and I love sharing the fun with you!

How the Merry Fluffy Christmas Event (Blog Hop) works:

You will have until 11:59pm EST on December 5th to enter to win each prize package.
There will only be ONE winner for each participating blog.
Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog, as each blog’s entry methods are different.
And don’t forget to visit ALL OF THE PARTICIPATING BLOGS for more prize packages to win! You can find the Linky at the bottom of this giveaway post.
That’s it! Good luck!

So what can you win here at The Eco-Friendly Family?!

Your choice of an AppleCheeks Little Bundle, a bag of EcoSprout's Cloth Diaper Detergent,a tube of Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention and a set of 3 Fuzzy Wuzzy Dryer Balls in Gunmetal! I reviewed each of these items earlier, so let's recap!

AppleCheeks diapers are now on my lists of favorites. As I mentioned in my highlight, it's no easy task to get on my list of favorite diapers. I want my diapers to do it all - have snaps (or amazingly durable hood & loop), work for days and nights, be cute, easy to use and durable.

I chose the Delicious print Little Bundle and it is simply adorable. I tried it out overnights right away and was quite pleased. This versatile diaper can be used as a cover or as an envelope (pocket) style diaper. I love it and I know you will too!

Also, I highly recommend fanning AppleCheeks on facebook! They are closing in on 10k fans and will be having a huge fan celebration that will include a ton of their retailers (with LOTS of chances to win diapers and other awesome items!) Don't miss it!

Another amazing find is Eco Sprout's all natural, biodegradable cloth diaper detergent. Washing cloth diapers seems to be one of those things where a detergent either works or doesn't. For me, most seem to not work, so trying a new detergent always has me expecting the worst. With EcoSprout, I was pleasantly surprised by perfectly clean diapers the very first time, and every time since (for about three months now!) I am thrilled to have a detergent that I can recommend, knowing that it's easy to use and works.

Last but certainly not least is Grandma El's Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention. It is phthalates, parabens, dye and preservative free. Hypo-Allergenic and free from all harmful chemicals. This rash cream (I think it's more of a salve) works great and is safe for use with cloth diapers. Apply a thin layer of Grandma El's to your baby's irritated bum and you're good to go. A little really goes a long way. As a bonus Grandma El's is also great for use on eczema, heat rash, burns, sun burns, cradle cap and chapped lips or cheeks.

Want more? Fuzzy Wuzzy Dryer Balls decrease drying time and increase fluffiness and softness with natural, wool dryer balls! Dryer balls replace the need for dryer sheets so you can have help with static without chemicals and animal by-products. Healthy for you, your family and mother nature. Dryer balls also reduce your drying time to help lower your energy consumption. Fuzzy Wuzzy Dryer Balls go through a felting process and are washed in a eco-friendly laundry detergent.

Good luck and Merry FLUFFY Christmas!!!

Don't forget to look below the entry form for the full list of participating blogs!

Be sure to check out the rest of the amazing blogs participating in this event for your chance to win some simply amazing cloth diaper packages!