Getting Honest: Ditching Cloth Diapers

We had big plans to use cloth diapers until bean was potty trained, but now that he is in full-time daycare (and they don't allow cloth), we're mostly a disposable diaper house. With the never-ending mess of a toddler, and the constant laundry of a baby, I just haven't found the time (or energy) to keep up with cloth. 

Even though we fell off the cloth wagon, I still wanted/needed something that would work with the bean's sensitive skin. We've been using Pamper's Swaddlers Sensitive, but they only make up to a size 4, and he's over 32 lbs now, so we needed a bigger alternative. He's showing no signs of wanting to potty train, so we're in diapers for a while longer.

I used Honest Company diapers for both babies as newborns until they were big enough for their first cloth diapers, so I was familiar with the brand. I really like their products - we also use their cleaners, hand soap and sunscreen. We bit the bullet and ordered a bundle of diapers/wipes to be delivered monthly.  The cost of the bundle (auto-ship) is reasonable, and can you stand how cute these prints are?!

Our first shipment came and the bean was excited to bring in the box… turns out he was just interested in the box itself (isn't that always the case?). So, without further ado, here is a tutorial from the bean about how to play with a box: 

Step 1: open the box

 Step 2: empty the box

Step 3: crawl in

Step 4: go all the way to the back

Step 5: turn around for a better position

Step 6: close up the box

Step 7: PEEK-A-BOO!!

Step 8: hop out and do it again!!

He's lightning fast these days, and the iPhone camera just isn't fast enough to capture him without blur. 

What are your favorite diaper brands? Have you used Honest Co before?

UPDATE: Check out our new fall prints!! How cute are these?!?!

Getting Organized

I've been starting to sound like a broken record - "Honey, is tonight a late night? Are you taking the kids today?". So, I decided to make a calendar for us both to look at and reference without bugging the other person. I know there are calendar apps available, but as much as I use my phone, I often like something I can walk by and look at. 

So, I ran to Hobby Lobby and got a 14x11 frame (50% off). I also got a set of sparkle letters. I already had some white poster board and a sharpie.

I knew that I wanted this to hang on the fridge, but I also didn't want to commit to ripping off the 'leg' of the frame. So, I secured it with a bit of duct tape and we were off to the races.

I started with four magnets, but that proved to be not nearly strong enough (the frame did a SLOW slide to the ground). I ended up with 8 total square magnets so it would be sturdy enough to take a hit from a rouge ball from the kiddo. They were thick enough to come beyond the taped down leg, so it sits perfectly even on the side of the refrigerator. 

For space reasons (and because we're together most weekends), I only did the 6 sections with a split Saturday/Sunday. There is also an 'upcoming' section at the bottom of things on the horizon. The standard/consistent events were written on the back of the glass so I don't have to worry about erasing/rewriting them.

I decided to put the letters behind the glass (directly onto the poster board) so they wouldn't get in the way when cleaning/erasing the board. The only downside to this is the writing casts a bit of a shadow onto the board. Luckily we have light coming from multiple directions, so it isn't a big problem.

I lucked out and had some mini dry erase markers that already had magnets on the back (and an eraser on the tip) - awesome!!

Looking back at this picture, I wish our life was this open - the frame has almost double the entries now...

How do you stay organized?! Do you have favorite apps?

Blueberry Muffin Remix

I almost titled this post 'Vegan Blueberry Muffins' but I think some people shy away from things labeled vegan because they think it means less tasty. These muffins were just as good as the regular (without the guilt or the hives)!

My intention wasn't to create vegan muffins; I just wanted some goodies for a morning party that our son could eat (dairy free). Also, I was looking for one without egg, as I have a friend who's child has an egg allergy. I know what a relief it can be to have 'safe' food for your kids.

I came across a few different recipes and tweaked them. We already eat TONS of soy - so I really didn't want a recipe with lots of soy (plus I feel like you can always taste the hint of soy in something). We use organic soy milk, but even then, soy crops are one of the most 'engineered' in our food supply (right up there with corn). I'm not diligent with non-GMO foods, but I always want to choose a more natural alternative when possible. 

My recipe ended up as follows:
Preheat oven to 350º
Combine ingredients in a bowl the order listed
1/4 cup non-dairy margarine (can sub 'real' butter/margarine)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup rice milk (can sub almond, soy, real, etc)
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour (any kind)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
fold in 2.5 cups blueberries
Bake 35 minutes

I used Costco brand organic rice milk and this spread from Trader Joes:

 

Mine made 2 dozen smaller muffins (not mini-muffins, just no muffin-tops). I find giant muffins harder to get out of the liner for little ones. If you want to make larger muffins you'll probably get closer to 18.

I'm happy to report I came back with an empty platter - so the other kiddos and moms enjoyed them too!

Get creative with the mix - use flavored applesauce, add raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc!

**Side note: I know there are many blogs that post the most amazing, glorious, beautiful pictures of food. I'm the mother of 2 small ones with an iPhone trying to find and share goodies with anyone who stops by :)