Video on Cloth Diapering

The cloth diapers of today are definitely not what our parents used when we were babies!  They are WAY more convenient and MUCH easier to use.  Click here to see a video and learn more about how much cloth diapers have changed in the last 30 years.

Cigar Box Art

I've just added a project to my Kid Fun! page that's been on my mind for a really long time.  Since it was raining today, I thought it would be a good day to try it out.  We had so much fun creating and getting a little messy and  as a bonus now we have note cards ready to go!

Click here to view more pictures and instructions!

Baby Wipe Solution

If you're like me and have been trying to think of ways to save money, making your own baby wipes and solution are both great ideas.  It's surprising how fast a small family can go through wipes! We use them for everything!  From dirty bottoms to dirty noses!

Click here for details and the recipe.

The Ultimate Play Dough Recipe

(I swear it's the real Play Dough Recipe that was somehow snuck out of the factory.)

Riley and I had so much fun making and then playing with this play dough.  Within about 10 minutes she was making caterpillars, snowmen, and witch hats. 

Click here for the Recipe!

I've added my first tutorial to my Kid Fun page!  I remember wearing the ribbon barrettes when I was a kid and feeling glamorous!  What a simple and easy way to share a bit of our past with the next generation.  Click here to find out more!

Booty Butter

Booty Butter is pretty easy to make and it's super effective!  It's a nice alternative to products that have petroleum jelly and zinc ingredients.  It's a great at preventing diaper rash and soothing sore nipples on nursing mamas. We also use it on areas of the skin that are prone to eczema. 

1 teaspoon of lanolin
1/2 ounce of calendula oil
1 ounce of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 ounce of beeswax

Combine all ingredients together in either a Pyrex measuring cup or pan and place in a hot water bath.  Once the wax is melted, remove the cup/pan from the hot water bath and stir.  Pour the mixture into a jar and allow it to cool before capping.

Yields approximately 2 ounces.

Homemade Detergent

Homemade Detergent

I'm so excited that my first blog entry will be how to make your own detergent!  This has been one of the staples in our home for almost four years now and it works great in either top loaders or front loaders.  And talk about saving money!  Making your own detergent costs about $0.05 per load.  AND you can find everything you need in your local grocery store.  Here are the basic ingredients:

1 bar of soap (just pick the one you like best)
1 box of the old fashioned Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1 box of Borax

Hint: The one thing I've noticed with making my own detergent is that it's best to let your soap dry out for a few days.  That way it breaks up into smaller bits and dissolves easier in the washer.

So, once the soap is good and dried out, chop it up into small chunks and then throw it into a blender.  I like mine to be real fine, almost like a powder when it's all said and done.

Add 1 cup of Washing Soda and 1 cup of Borax and PRESTO- you're done! Easy-Peasy!

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.