Embracing More Eco-Friendly Parenting: The Marvels and Challenges of Cloth Diapering

Today, we're diving into a topic close to the heart of eco-conscious parents everywhere: cloth diapering. This post has been years in the making. We’ve been cloth diapering for almost two years, with the last eight months with two kiddos in cloth. I thought listing some marvels and honest challenges discovered on the journey would be fun. This is not a review of a specific diaper, just what I’ve found to be the pros and cons of cloth diapering until now. More cloth diapering goodness to come!

The Marvels of Cloth Diapering

Being Eco Friendly: One of the most remarkable aspects of cloth diapering is its positive impact on our planet. Choosing reusable cloth diapers over disposables can help reduce landfill waste and minimize your carbon footprint. Imagine the legacy of a planet filled with happy, healthy babies and clean surroundings!

Adorable Aesthetics: Oh, the sheer cuteness! Cloth diapers come in stunning designs, colors, and patterns, making dressing your little one super fun. Even the wet/dry bags you can get are absolutely adorable, and I love browsing them, even though I’m not ready to purchase any more.

Budget-Friendly: Let's talk numbers. While the initial investment might seem daunting, cloth diapering can save you considerable money in the long run. Those reusable gems can be used for subsequent siblings (I can attest to that!), gifted, or even resold, making them a savvy financial choice for growing families - even if not cloth diapering full-time.

Gentle on Baby's Skin: Cloth diapers are typically made from natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, which can be gentler on your baby's delicate skin. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and synthetic materials! This was a huge sell for me - after the saving pennies bit. Reading labels has made me more aware of unnecessary (and often harmful) chemicals used in many products - including diapers.

The Honest Challenges of Cloth Diapering

Laundry: Ah, yes—the daily laundry routine. Cloth diapering requires extra effort in the laundry department - especially if you still have two (or more!) in diapers. Washing, drying, and folding can become integral to your day. Finding the schedule that works best for your family is key. And honestly, diaper laundry has become my favorite lately because it’s become so simple! I should note here that laundry is one of my least favorite chores.

Investment of Time and Effort: Cloth diapering does require more effort than tossing a disposable diaper in the trash. Prepping, changing, and cleaning the diapers take longer, but the environment will thank you for the effort.

Traveling: While cloth diapering at home is a breeze, it can become a tad more complicated when you're on the go. Packing clean diapers, dealing with soiled ones, and ensuring you have the necessary facilities can require some extra planning. Fear not, though—many cloth-diapering parents have mastered the art of travel prep!

Learning Curve: Like any new endeavor, cloth diapering has a learning curve. Figuring out the perfect fit, understanding the various types of cloth diapers, and finding the right absorbency and fit for your baby might take a bit of trial and error. Remember, it's all part of the journey, and you'll soon become a cloth diapering expert.

This eco-friendly parenting choice offers a world of marvels and a few delightful challenges. By embracing the reusable diaper lifestyle, you can positively impact the environment and foster a sense of conscious parenting. Whether you're captivated by the earthy charm of cloth diaper aesthetics or excited about the financial freedom it provides, remember that every diaper change is a small but significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for your little one. And remember, no one is “locked-in” to cloth diapering! Finding the perfect hybrid situation for you and your family could be the key to small steps in helping the environment, your pocket, and your health!

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What are some wonders and challenges you’ve experienced while cloth diapering? Would you be willing to try it out if you haven’t already?

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Twenty-Five Things I Don't Buy Anymore

Over the years, I have simplified many things in our household. We work on having a minimal-ish home where we are content and not overwhelmed with things. We also try hard to eliminate waste, and while we are not at zero-waste, we practice a near-o-waste policy. There are definitely more than 25 items that I do not purchase anymore due to different reasons, but twenty-five seemed like a good number for today’s blog post. Maybe I’ll expand it to fifty or one hundred at some point! The following list of random items I don’t purchase anymore is either due to finding an alternative that works better or is more eco-friendly, it is cheaper not to purchase it, or I have zero use for the item(s).

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In the Bathroom

1 | Makeup

I have my selection of favorite nail polish shades, but other than that, makeup is on the non-purchase list. I stopped buying it years ago, opting for a better skincare routine, and have not looked back. 

Related Post: What Happened When I Quit Makeup

2 | Makeup Wipes

I don’t wear makeup anymore, so I wouldn’t need these anyway. A good facial cleanser, and argon oil (and maybe some reusable cotton rounds) are all one needs to remove makeup, though!

3 | Shaving Cream

Instead, I use the same soap I already use in the shower. I’ve not noticed any difference in the shave since I stopped buying shaving cream, and honestly, it saves me a step in the shower, saves me time, and saves me money (wow, that stuff got expensive when I looked last!). You can always make your own if you feel you can’t live without it. 

4 | Single-Use Feminine Hygiene Products

All for the menstrual cup and period panties! It feels amazing not to throw feminine hygiene in the trash. The only exception is postpartum when cups are not usable.

Related Post: I Switched to a Menstrual Cup. Here’s What Happened.

5 | Hand Soap

Seven years later, I still make my own! It’s so easy and saves on single-use plastic (and money!), not to mention we are better able to avoid fragrances and other harsh ingredients that are commonly found in cheap hand soap. 

In the Office

6 | Wall Calendars

Unnecessary, in my humble opinion. I choose to use a digital calendar (and planner!)

7 + 8 | Pens and Pencils

I have so many of these, especially from conferences and from my teaching days. I’m pretty sure I can go a very, very long time without buying another pen or pencil. So I won’t! I’ll also mention that I’ve transitioned quite a bit to digital planning, so I haven’t used pens and pencils in quite some time. My husband is relieved, I’m sure. 

9 | Physical Books (with a few exceptions)

If I want to read a new physical book, the library is right around the corner from me. Everything else is a digital ebook or audiobook! The only exceptions to purchasing books are books that will be reread or referenced. If we don’t reread it, we pass it on to someone we think will enjoy it. 

10 | Notebooks

Another thing I have an overabundance of from my teaching days. I don’t need to purchase a notebook for a long time, and I’ve honestly been making the switch to digital notebooks, so I don’t think more will be much needed!

In the Kitchen 

11 | Vegetable Broth

Once I started making vegetable broth from collected scraps. I have not looked back. Not only is the price tag worth it, but it also does not take much time to make it - especially when I’m using my Instant Pot. The flavor is richer, and even my husband can tell when the homemade stuff is used. 

12 | Bottled Water

We choose reusable water bottles. And we may have a slight obsession with them - especially glass water bottles (I love this one from Amazon!)! We do have non-glass water bottles that are more practical for activities like camping, hiking, and going to the beach, though.

13 | Sparkling Water

We decided to get a SodaStream (check it out on Amazon here) because I am obsessed with sparkling water. I was tired of all the plastic bottles involved in satisfying my craving, and the SodaStream has been a fantastic tool to have in our kitchen.

14 | Plastic Tupperware

Instead, I reuse glass jars or purchase glass containers. They’re heavy but so worth it, and I’ve had no problems freezing or storing them. It’s gotten to a point where I can tell just by the taste that something was stored in old Tupperware. If you can’t use glass, there are other alternatives, like tin containers, that are great (and light) for activities that aren’t glass-safe! You can always upcycle any current plastic Tupperware you own for all kinds of uses!

In the Closet

15 | Scarves

I used to have an obsession with scarves. Obsession. I had boxes of scarves when I went through them all, and it was becoming a problem! My husband even recently remarked that I constantly wore scarves when we first met and started dating over a decade ago. I finally downsized to a few favorites (and I’m talking, a maximum of three scarves) a few years ago, and I have not purchased a scarf since. It does help that it’s not overly cold in Maryland, but even so, I’ve realized that having just a few in a cold place will do the trick for me.

16 | Disposable lint roller

With a cuddly cat, lint rollers are necessary for us. Reusable lint rollers work great (like this one), are less flimsy, and don’t fill up landfills so quickly.

In the  Supply Closet

17 | Fabric Softener

Aside from the plastic containers that add up from buying it, fabric softener is not good for your clothes. I stick with a sustainable laundry detergent (please, not a homemade one) to keep our laundry clean.

18 | Dryer Sheets

These are essentially fabric softener sheets for the dryer. I have some, but they were gifted, and I’ve never used them! They are not compostable or recyclable, so they need to be disposed of. I’ve also researched and found that they contain potentially harmful chemicals and the fewer chemicals I can have on our bodies, the better. Instead, I use reusable dryer balls made of wool (like these ones). They work well, catch lint, and are compostable. I find that a set lasts me years!

19 + 20 | Disposable Swiffer Duster/Broom 

Instead, I have a washable duster (similar to this) that goes right into the wash when full and I use a normal broom and mop (this is my favorite mop, by the way). A microfiber cloth and cleaning solution also works fantastic for dust. 

21 | Disposable furnace filters

We have a washable furnace filter that we switch out every couple of months (here’s a similar one). It works great, and there are no more trips to the hardware store to buy new disposable ones. 

22 | Scent boosters for the laundry

Why add more chemicals when not necessary? I’m sensitive to perfumy smells, anyway, so this has never been a product for me.

23 + 24 | Plug-ins or Air Fresheners

Again, more unecessary chemicals.

In the Nursery

25 | Disposable cloth diaper liners

I never understood what the point of disposable liners was, though I understand why parents would want to use them! When I found out about reusable fleece liners (I use these), I was here for it. They work great for us!

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Are there things you don’t buy anymore? Let me know about it in the comments!

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Daily Habits for your Thirties (with Vegamour)

Now that my thirties are well underway, I’ve reevaluated my daily habits. It turns out that time goes by much quicker than one would think and how I am more than halfway to my sixties is a pretty insane thought. I have seen so many posts about habits to start in your twenties and thirties, so I thought I’d share some habits I’ve adopted in this decade as well. Number 3 is my current favorite, thanks to Vegamour.

There are affiliate links in this post

Skincare Routine

Having a skincare routine is important! I realized this soon after quitting makeup, and I haven’t looked back. I started taking my skincare routine seriously a few years back and was reminded when I was at another friend’s thirtieth how important it was. Someone was sharing advice for her to take into this decade and she mentioned having a good skincare routine! It doesn’t have to be a thirteen-step process, either. Just consistent, and with clean products to get the day off your face (this is my favorite system and you can get it on Amazon!).

Get Outside

Fresh air is good for the lungs and good for the soul. It’s amazing how a mood can change if I just get outside every day to take some deep breaths and enjoy the nature around me. It doesn’t have to be a long time or even involve a walk, either, though it can! I love my daily walks.

Haircare Routine

Hair is another thing to take care of. I always have to think about the Bible verse about how hair is a woman’s crown. I always feel better when my hair is taken care of, and not neglected and then thrown into a top knot. I can definitely tell my hair is aging with me, even if the greys are far and few in-between. I was also a little nervous about the infamous hair loss after giving birth.

The fine folks at Vegamour sent me their GRO serum and lash serum to try out and let’s just say I’ve found a new haircare staple. Both serums are fantastic. Vegamour is a vegan, cruelty-free, hormone-free, and clinically tested serum that claims to give you fuller-looking hair in 90-120 days. I’ll admit that even though I had been looking at their products for a while, I was rather skeptical. How could a serum combat thinning hair and reduce hair loss? After some research, I agreed to give it a try and after just a few months of daily use, I definitely notice a difference in thickness and growth (especially after that dreaded postpartum hair loss!). I don’t shed as much hair either, with no weird side effects. My hair definitely appears and feels much healthier too. Plus, the serum itself is not sticky or gross and smells fantastic. The lash and brow serum are equally as fantastic. I will continue using everything they sent!

Of course, it’s important to implement a lot more like stress relief and nutrition to maximize hair health, but Vegamour is definitely a great natural supplement to try! I can recommend Vegamour. They also have tons of great information on their website about healthy habits that affect hair (as well as amazing before and after pictures from other satisfied customers!).

Exercise

Even just 15 minutes of loving movement (what I’m calling exercise in this season of life) a day is something. Carving out time to consistently move your body is so important - especially if you’re living that stationary desk job life like I do most days. I always feel great after a workout - even if I don’t feel like getting one in. My favorite thing to do if I’m short on time is sneaking in a quick Pilates routine, which leaves me feeling strong and flexible. (Try my favorite membership for $20 off!)

Drink Water

I’ll pair this with “and drink less sugary drinks,” which is probably harder for me than increasing water intake. Growing up, I heard the narrative that water is gross, so I never gravitated toward drinking it. Turns out that water isn’t gross at all, and is actually super necessary for our bodies! And sugar is terrible for us. I recently also found out that our brains are made up of 73% water and that dehydration has been linked to depression and anxiety. So. Drink up!

Morning and Evening Routines

These are nothing new for me, but it turns out that morning and evening routines are fluid and change depending on what season of life you’re in. For me, that looks like adding in starting a load of laundry every morning in this season and factoring in an infant’s nighttime routine into my own evening routine. It also means that I need to learn to be more flexible when things need to change and require adapting. Change is hard for me, and routines are required for my sanity, but without them in place, they can’t help when I need them.

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What are some of the routines or habits you adapt? I’d love to hear about them!

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DIY Facial Toner

I remember when I was a teenager, how I was always very conscious of what was going on with my face. It's probably because my Asian family was extremely blunt about the imperfections of hormonal acne, but hey, I'm okay now. I remember going through a 5 step facial regimen every night to ensure my face would be clear of any sign if pimple growth. Of course, it didn't really help much - nature has a way of being cruel sometimes. 

My skin has since greatly improved (largely because of a grown awareness of what can cause acne and other issues), but that does not mean I do not need to take care of my skin anymore! I have found that what I eat has a large effect on my skin, but washing the impurities off my face (which is exposed all day long, I might add!) at the end of the day helps as well. Since, as you know, I like to keep the chemicals off my face, I set out to find the perfect solution.

Affiliate links are used in this post

One thing I love about this toner is how inexpensive it is to put together! I had all the ingredients already on hand so I whipped up a batch right away to use. Another thing I love is how clean it makes me feel! Seriously, not to be gross or anything, when I would see that extra dirt come off onto the cotton pad even after using my face wash, I rejoiced! It doesn't use any harsh ingredients like alcohol or fragrances.

I have heard mixed reviews about using a toner with witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, but I've found this mixture to be successful for me (that was my disclaimer). It has now been a year since first making and using a homemade face wash and this toner. I don't use it every day (you'll see one reason why in the next paragraph), but I have noticed a definite change. I also find it extremely soothing on hormonal acne.

I do have one thing I feel a duty to mention: You could truly call this potion a husband spray, because, like bug spray, my husband will not get too close when I use it. Unless your significant other enjoys the smell of apple cider vinegar, use at your own risk ;-)

DIY Facial Toner

what you need:

1 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free!)
1/4 cup Distilled or Filtered Water
Essential oils - lavender, lemon, tea tree (optional - I don’t usually add them)

what to do:

1) Mix apple cider vinegar and witch hazel into desired glass container.

2) Slowly add the water, and finally the essential oils.

3) You will need to give a good shake before using a cotton pad (or a reusable cotton wipe) to wipe your face.

4) Do not rinse off

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What kinds of homemade facial cleansers have you tried and loved? Let me know below!

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6 Natural Ways to Make Your Common Cold More Bearable

It is definitely that time of year when colds start trying to invade our space. I personally dislike colds even more than the flu, simply because I usually feel mostly well, and just have an annoying sore throat and stuffy (or runny) nose. At least if I have something worse, I just feel completely awful. I guess I’m just strange. Of course, as a teacher (and most everyone will have this problem), I’m exposed to a lot of different germs in a day (and the kiddos have been coming in lately with sniffling noses), and as life will have it, sometimes because of teaching demands, I sometimes don’t get the nutrients, exercise, or sleep I need.

Of course, the best thing to do for a cold is to prevent it. You can do this by making sure you are eating the necessary nutrients your body needs, getting plenty of rest and water, and making sure you are exercising regularly! These simple things will help you keep your immune system up and colds away!

Whenever we do get a cold, we start pulling out our natural remedies. Now, our remedies don’t necessarily heal our colds (though some of them may help shorten a few of the symptoms), but they definitely make the colds more manageable and bearable. I have friends who eat whole onions and others who make the most intense sounding concoctions, but I'm not at that level yet. Then again, my colds don't get too terrible...

Do take note that none of these remedies replaces medical advice, so if you think your cold is worse than a cold, please go to a doctor!

*This post contains affiliate links

Ginger Lemon Tea

This is a simple mix I like to keep in our fridge during sickness. It’s pleasant to sip on, tastes great and is good for you too:

Ginger
Lemon
Raw Honey

Slice the ginger and lemon and layer it in a jar, making several layers.
Pour raw honey (make sure it really is raw honey - bonus points for local too!) over the layers until the jar is filled.

Spoon out the mixture into your mug and add hot water when ready! Keep it in the fridge when you aren’t using it. I drink a few mugs of this each day I’m sick!

Note: ginger keeps well in the freezer, so go ahead and freeze what you didn’t use!

Ginger Tea

If you don’t like the ginger/lemon mix, just plain ginger tea will do as well!

Add ginger (thinly sliced or grated if it was frozen) to a pot of water and boil! Strain into your mug and you will have a nice strong ginger tea! You can add a bit of raw honey to offset the spice if you like.

Sinus Bath Salt Mix

This is another great recipe to keep in your cupboard! Enjoy this sinus-clearing bath mix!

1 Cup Epsom Salts (try this one from Amazon!)
3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil
3 drops of Lavender essential oil
3 drops of Peppermint essential oil

Put 2-3 TBSP in your bath water and enjoy your soak! Don’t forget to breathe in deeply!
 

Stay Hydrated, Rested and Warm

Be sure to drink plenty (I’m serious!) of water and stay rested and warm. Sleep is not a bad thing at any time - especially when you’re sick. Use a hot water bottle (this one from Amazon is super cute) or heat pad (I have this adorable one) to keep you warm (and to help with those sinuses too)!

Eucalyptus Oil in Shower

Similar to a face steam (hot water + eucalyptus oil in a bowl and cover your head), put 4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil in the bottom of your shower to help clear your sinuses. It smells and feels great!

Avoid Refined Sugars

Sugar affects your immune system and keeps you from getting better! Avoid sugary treats! Opt for healthy Whole Foods instead.

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Of course, I hope you are all able to avoid the common cold this year! It’s definitely my goal to stay on top of my health so I can avoid the annoyance of this little bug!

How do you combat your colds? I have friends who eat whole onions and others who make the most intense sounding concoctions.

I’d love to know your remedies too!

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