random tidbits.

just an fyi... i have added a label list to the sidebar, and am working on adding labels to all of the previous blog posts. if you are looking for something specific, this should make it easier on you. for example, if you would like to see all of owen's monthly updates, just go to the labels list on the sidebar, click on 'monthly updates,' and they will be displayed in a new window. similarly, if you would like to see all of the info i've posted on cloth diapers, go to the sidebar and click on 'cloth diapers.' i plan to add more labels as time allows. hope that helps...enjoy.

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i recently came across a couple of great cloth diapering articles in mothering magazine. if your interested, check 'em out here...
a tale of two diapers + crazy for cloth.

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and since summer is finally here, i thought i'd share these very cool *bpa free* popsicle molds that i found on the safe mama site. scroll down and you'll see a great little recipe for toddlers and kids. i can't wait to make up a batch.

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and this weekend, i am planning on making some of my own green cleaners. if you would like to give it a try, heres a great recipe that i found on another blog. (be sure to let me know how it goes.)

All-Surface Cleaner:

This will require a spray bottle (easily found at most stores - check your dollar store for a great deal!), vinegar (I prefer white), water, essential oils of your choice (my favorites are lavender or tea tree oil) and grapefruit seed extract. All of these ingredients can be found at a local health store, online or, surprisingly, at most drug stores.
Fill your spray bottle halfway with vinegar. Fill almost the rest of the way with water, leaving some room to add your oil/s and extract. I add my essential oil/s based on scent - generally around 10-15 drops. As for the grapefruit seed extract, I find that it’s very thick/stick and I just pour it from the bottle rather than messing with the dropper. I would guess it’s approximately 2 droppers full. Give the bottle a gentle shake and you’re done! Ready to clean - and it will clean! Did you know that grapefruit seed extract is more effective than bleach at killing off the bad things in your kitchen?

*happy thursday*

a peek into my diaper bag...

i did this for different blog a few days ago and thought it might be fun to add here, as well.

ju-ju-be | be all contents:
-2 gad pocket diapers
-method diaper cream
-clean well hand sanitizer
-baby blanket sun-block stick
-seventh generation chlorine free wipes and disposable diaper
-changing pad
-paci pod
-2 board books
-extra change of clothes
-ugly doll
-wet bag for cloth diapers
-jcrew wallet
-little uni hat
(missing: snack trap, sippy cup, baby tylenol, + body shop body butter)
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and on a slightly different note...my new reusable bags are finally here. i can't wait to start using them...no more plastic bags piling up under the sink. yay!

lets celebrate earth day.

so ever since owen bugs was born, adam and i have been taking small steps to "green" our home and our lifestyle. in honor of earth day 2008, i have listed a few of the *very small* things that we, as a family, are doing to help our environment. i have also compiled a list of green sites that i have found to be very useful. HAPPY EARTH DAY.

so here are few of the *small* things that we have changed:

-we try to recycle and reuse whatever we can.

-we are in the process of switching from disposable to cloth diapers.

-we have switched to more natural, biodegradable cleaning products. (may even get brave enough to try some baking soda and vinegar concoctions.)

-we are attempting to go paper towel/napkin free. (micro-fiber towels for cleaning and cloth napkins for mealtime.) 

-we no longer use dryer sheets for the laundry, and we try to do most of our laundry in cold water. 

-when washing dishes, we use a washcloth rather than a disposable scrub pad.

-we don't use disposable dishes or utensils. and we NEVER use styrofoam.

-we receive and pay all bills online, and plan to get added to 'stop junk mail' list.

-we have checked to make sure that all of our food and drink plastics are #1, 2, 4 or 5. (the safest options.) and we try to avoid using plastic to warm foods in the microwave.

-we plan to order reusable organic cotton bags for shopping.

-we plan to swap out some of our standard light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs.

-we plan to get a water filtration system and reusable water bottles. (no more disposable plastic ones.)

-adam is going to make a small compost in our backyard and use it to fertilize our plants. instead of using the hose, he plans on using rain barrels to water our plants. and we're even going to try to landscape with more native plants.

-and ultimately, we are going to try to consume less.

obviously, there is A LOT more that we can do. we still consume way too much water, set our thermostat way too high, drive way too many miles, and buy and dispose of way too much stuff. we definitely have a lot of room for improvement, so please share with us any green tips that you may have. we would love to hear them.

and now, for some of my favorite green links:
www.lowimpactliving.com
www.thedailygreen.com
www.treehugger.com

www.greenerchoices.org

www.reusablebags.com

www.greendimes.com
www.catalogchoice.org

www.thestoryofstuff.com

parent/child green links:
www.zrecs.blogspot.com (*info on bpa.)
www.greenmomfinds.com
www.safemama.com
www.enviromom.com

and tonight, adam, owen, and i will be planting a little tree in our backyard to celebrate earth day.