Toddler Dress Tutorials

I decided I wanted to make my little ladybug a dress for Easter. Although I can sew a lot of different things without a pattern or directions, clothing doesn't fall in that realm. Especially little girl clothing. A tutorial will definitely be needed, so I've rounded up some of my current favorites.

Top Left: Fly a Kite Dress at The Ribbon Retreat

Top Right: Snappy Toddler Dress at Prudent Baby

Bottom Left: Tshirt into Dress with Braided Collar at Make It & Love It

 Bottom Right: Junebug Dress at Craftiness is not Optional

 

generationMe Giveaway

generationMe is a company that is founded on one simple concept of living healthier and producing less waste. Meg began cloth diapering with her fourth child and making her own cloth diapering items brought her attention to other things around the home that could be reusable. This became the gateway to her extremely adorable snack bags. The loss of her sister to lung cancer caused Meg to re-evaluate the things in her home containing chemicals and other not-so-great things such as body lotions, shampoos and cleaning products. This eventually led to her creating a product line featuring 12 eco-friendly and smart solutions for the home.

Reusable Snack Bags

These are great for everyone but I know there's no limit to how much use you would get out of them if you're a mommy to a toddler like me. =) We personally don't go through a lot of plastic baggies for snacks, rather she just gets into the drawer and hides them all over the house. Pretty wasteful and I bet it would only take a few of these to replace my whole box of baggies.

Reusable Kitchen Napkins

I love this bright, fun take on a classic cloth napkin. Made of soft, designer flannel to compliment your personal decor and personality. Each napkin measures just a little over 10" by 10" and will shrink slightly when washed. Professionally serged edges will keep the napkins pretty and useful.

Paperless Towels

Reusable Paper Towels are a simple way to add reusable function to your kitchen. You'll wonder why you ever used disposable. Made of soft, absorbent birds-eye cotton, also called diaper cloth because of it's absorbency power. They actually get more absorbent after washing. Each towel measures just a little over 10" by 10" and may shrink slightly when washed. Professionally serged edges will keep the towels pretty and useful.

Reusable Produce Bags

These extremely durable produce bags are see through mesh on one side, making it easy to see produce numbers and barcode. They require no special care and you can just toss them in the wash with your other kitchen cloth.

Wet Bags

Durable and waterproof, these gore-tex wet bags can be used for anything from cloth diapers, kitchen cloth, swimsuits, mama pads and gym clothes. These have a strong zipper closure and a cool snap feature on the handle so you can take the bag anywhere. Use the snap handle to attach the wet bag to a towel rod, door knob, or even your oven handle.

All Natural Laundry Detergent

The most important things that I can tell you about this detergent are:

...it works,

...it does not contain borax,

...it is an excellent soak for cloth diapers,

...it is gentle enough for babies and sensitive skin,

...it is strong enough for all your laundry,

...it only uses one tablespoon per load for HE Washers and only 2 tablespoons for top load washers,

...it is safe for septic systems,

...it has a built in fabric softener,

...it is completely natural and made with the earth in mind,

...it works with hard or soft water,

...all ingredients are disclosed for your peace of mind. 

Each bag is enough for 6 loads (HE Washers) and 3 (Top Load Washers) or 3 loads of Diaper Soaks. Use with generationMe Scented Dryer Packs for a completely chemical free, eco-friendly laundering experience!! 

Ingredients:

Castile Soap (Soil Remover - made from vegetable oils), 

Oxidizing Agent (Natures bleach - breaks down to water, oxygen and soda ash), 

Baking Soda (Odor remover), 

Citric Acid (Water Softener).

I'm so glad that Meg sent me a sample of this detergent to review. I added it to my diaper wash routine and immediately noticed how clean they smelled when transferring to the dryer. I also watched during the wash cycle and noticed that there were no more suds by the end. Since a lot of our diapers are older, I did go ahead and do a hot rinse just in case. =) I'm hoping to make the switch to using generationMe exclusively for all of our laundry.

Now, for your chance to win a sample size of your own as well as a set of reusable cloth wipes. 

Made from uber soft flannel and fleece that are so comfortable next to your baby's sensitive skin.
Each product measures approximately 8" x 5" and is serged for extra durability (keeps the edges from fraying.) They fit nicely into any standard wipes case for home or on the move.

**Disclosure: These are 100% my words and opinions. I was not paid to complete this review; I did however receive a complimentary product for review purposes.**

Happier, Healthier Parenting

My hubby and I are super relaxed parents. I mean, why shouldn't we be? In my pregnancy I had no problems and didn't even face the dreaded monster, morning sickness. I had a smooth, easy birth and quick recovery. Thank the heavens because I'm a wimp when it comes to pain and if I would've had a horrible pregnancy & birth experience I'm not sure we would be hoping for more than one little one. Our little girl has us looking at the world in a completely different way and I can honestly say that I feel for those parents who don't always keep that perspective change and can end up frazzled and stressed out. Nobody wants that because our children are like mirrors and will reciprocate the feelings they are getting from you.
Here's a few tips that we have found help tremendously not only to keep our home a happy one but also to help build our little girl's independence.

Paparazzi by Holly Giveaway

Can I just say that I was so excited when Holly contacted me about doing a giveaway for her Paparazzi jewelry. Paparazzi was started by Misty Kirby in 2008 as a way to fund a Disneyland trip. After teaming up with her sister, Chani in 2009 the business took off. It's easy to see why. Paparazzi offers lovely jewelry at an extremely affordable price. Everything is only $5.50!!


Not only do I want this blog to be a place where I can post tutorials, recipes, and cloth diapering tidbits but I sometimes need to remind myself (& help remind some of you) that something pretty can go a long way. I read something on Holly's Pretty in Paparazzi site that just hits the nail on the head. 
"The biggest thing I've noticed though is how much better I feel about myself.  Instead of lounging around it my sweats or pj's all day, I've started to get up and get dressed, fix my hair, put on some make up, and top it all off with some Paparazzi jewelry.  I feel more put together, more productive, more ready to face the world.  I didn't have to spend a lot to do it either...that little $5.50 necklace that I've worn 3 times this week was a great investment in a little pick me up.  I may start wearing this stuff even while I'm in my pj's!"


As a stay at home mom of a toddler, I couldn't have related more to that. It's so easy sometimes to stay in pajamas all day long if I know I have no errands to run or plan to leave. Usually if I stay in pajamas there's a pretty high chance there's also no makeup being applied or hair getting too much attention. It's so amazing though how your entire mood changes when you put on real clothes, a little make up, tame your hair in some way, and top it off with jewelry. I end up getting more done around the house, taking my little one for spontaneous trips to the store (or park, or wherever) and just feeling better about myself.


You can even book parties to get all your friends together and get a look at the latest jewelry and accessories. =) Each piece is only $5.50 with tax.  Your guests will be able to try on everything available and take their favorites home right away.  No catalogs, no waiting or paying for shipping.  You will also earn a FREE item for hosting the party, as well as a percentage of the sales in free sparkles!  Your guests also have the chance to earn free items when they schedule a party of their own! Be sure to Contact Holly if you're interested! =)
Here's a few examples of lovely Paparazzi products. =)

Here's your chance to win a beautiful Paparazzi necklace!! I personally think this is a set that could go with basically anything. Yep, you read that right, SET, it also comes with earrings!

I just LOVE those roses!

Here's my Paparazzi necklace. I'm really into neutrals with pops of color so the tiny bit of pink is just PERFECT for me. =)

**Disclosure: These are 100% my words and opinions. I was not paid to complete this review; I did however receive a complimentary product for review purposes.**

Why we love the "family bed"

When my daughter was born my husband and I were renting a very small 1 bedroom house. When I say very small I mean maybe 500 sq. feet of space. We had a queen bed in our room and there was 1 foot of space between the bed and closet and maybe 3 feet of space from the bed to wall on the other side, leaving 2 sides of the bed flush against the wall.

The lone bathroom in the house was through our room and the door opened towards the bedroom meaning that there was really no room for a crib. For the first month or two we used the giant pregnancy pillow that my aunt had bought for me and made it into a makeshift nest area for our baby. It worked great until she started rolling over and wanting to move around more. we eventually moved her into our bed and using rolled up receiving blankets and our boppy pillow, made a nest like area in between my hubby and I. It worked like a charm and we are lucky to say that our baby slept through the night from the start.

Booty Buns $546 Cloth Diaper Giveaway

Finally, the big event you've all been waiting for! I've never done a giveaway on this blog before so why not start by doing one $500+ in fluff?? =)

I present to you the Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers! Over 175 blogs have teamed up to put on this truly amazing cloth diaper giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering.

Here's your chance to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

 

This amazing cloth diaper prize pack includes:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

(these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!)

20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes

40 microfiber inserts

20 cotton flannel liners

(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)

First, a little about Booty Buns...

In case you haven't heard about them, Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are incredible one-size cloth diapers that truly fit from birth to potty training! They feature a snap-down rise with 5 different snap settings (most one-size diapers only have 3!) and a waist with 10 regular snap settings plus 2 crossover snap settings. The diapers have hip snaps to prevent wing droop on smaller sizes. The incredible size range of this diaper fits from 3-45 lbs!

Booty Buns Cloth Diapers are pocket diapers and each diaper includes 2 snap-on microfiber inserts that can be stuffed into the diaper or laid on top with the included cotton flannel liner against your child's skin. The diapers have a waterproof PUL outer and a soft suedecloth inner with duel gussets on the inner lining to ensure everything stays IN the diaper! Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers come in an assortment of bright colors and each diaper includes a matching handmade flannel/terry wipe. You can find out more about the diapers at Booty Buns, or check out the detailed Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diaper Review at Daily Mothering!

Booty Buns is dedicated to encouraging others to "go green" and "give charity." Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers, leads by example. For every diaper that Booty Buns sells, she donates one Booty Buns Cloth Diaper to a child in need in the US and third-world countries. Booty Buns is the exclusive cloth diapers donator for Operation Showers Of Appreciation, and they are also donating diapers to babies that have severe medical issues here in the US. Shannon hopes to donate a lifetime supply of cloth diapers {20 diapers} to every baby in need around the globe. You can join in this effort by purchasing your own set of Booty Buns Cloth Diapers and telling your friends about Booty Buns!

Make sure to stop by and follow Booty Buns via Facebook, Twitter and Blog for news and giveaways!

And now for the giveaway!!

ONE WINNER will receive this gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546!

And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

Sign in using your Facebook account OR your name and email address.

Click "Do It" for instructions on how to complete each entry.

There is no mandatory entry. Complete as many entries as you wish.

The more entries you submit, the better odds you have of winning!


What are you waiting for?? Get in your entries and stay tuned for even more wonderful giveaway opportunities!!

Nutella Mug Cake

Seriously easy mug cake. Takes a whole 5 minutes including walking to the kitchen. =) 

Although there's lots of different ones out there right now, Nutella holds a special place in my heart stomach. Hehe.

Be sure to top this with some whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Bonus points if they are also handmade. ;)

Be sure to check out the recipe over at Babble.

Busy, Busy

I know on your end it may seem like I haven't been around too much but I've been keeping busy. I made my little bug a few more pocket diapers and had a few packages to send out for my Craftster swaps. I took some photos to post here but because my camera is quickly dying, the focus was all off and I didn't upload them until after I had sent the packages. I made a couple of "hipslingers" and some fun pot holders. They are red with tiny white polka dots and the biding is a white with tiny lime green polka dots.

I'm also sewing a dozen diapers for another mama that is due in May. I think I could make diaper cuts in my sleep! Lol. Somewhere in between all that has been lots of laundry, major spring cleaning around the house. My husband and the guys he works with just moved into a new shop which has been so great because it's so close to our house and little bug and I can go visit whenever we please. Plus, my hubby is enjoying the extra help while I'm there so he can end his day sooner. =)

Sneak Peek: $500+ Cloth Diaper Giveaway Starts Saturday!

Would you like to win a LIFETIME SUPPLY of cloth diapers?!

The Go Green ♥ Give Charity Cloth Diaper Giveaway Event sponsored by Booty Buns Cloth Diapers starts this Saturday, March 24th! Over 175 blogs are coming together to present this fantastic fluffy giveaway hosted by Daily Mothering. Mark your calendar because you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an entire stash of one-size cloth diapers!

ONE WINNER will receive a gigantic cloth diaper prize pack valued at $546! And, the winner will get to select their choice of diaper colors!

This amazing prize pack will include:

20 Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers (these true one-size cloth diapers fit 3-45 lbs!) 20 matching flannel/terry cloth wipes 40 microfiber inserts 20 cotton flannel liners

(picture does not show inserts or liners also included)

This giveaway will be open to U.S. and Canada.

Come back March 24-31 for your chance to win it all!

 

Toddler Boot Tutorial *NOW WITH PATTERN

Just wanted to update that I've added the pattern pieces to the Toddler Boot tutorial found HERE.

Reusable Shopping Bag Tutorial

A while back I made some reusable shopping bags and I've been searching for the right fabric before giving you a tutorial. These bags are spacious yet strong. 

Mama Cloth Tutorial

As I tumble more and more into the world of "green", I'm learning just what that means for some people. Not long ago, I came across what is referred to Mama Cloth. Considering that most of the forums, groups, or blogs that I follow are cloth diaper related, these cloth menstrual pads are cloth for mama--Mama Cloth! 

Before we get to the tutorial, I just want to take a moment to discuss mama cloth. When I first came across this concept I couldn't imagine myself even think about making the switch. The only words I could think of to describe it was gross. Guess what folks, you may just be considering this as much as I am once you finish this post.

Mama cloth is easily customized to to specific shape, length, width, absorbency, and even what fabrics are used. The fabrics used are soft against the skin and you don't have that "icky" feeling of the plastic mesh-y stuff found on conventional pads.

Mama cloth is said to help reduce the cramping that is associated with PMS. How can simple cloth really help cramps? The decrease in cramps is actually from the absence of chemicals that are in conventional pads and tampons. Tampons put you at risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome, infertility, endometriosis, and the fibers left behind from tampons can cause odor and inflammation and give rise to tumorous growths. Pads are made with chemicals, fragrances, and are also often made with a dry-weave plastic cover which can cause rashes, irritation, sensitivity, and allergic reactions.

You also have the whole saving money thing which, face it, is a HUGE factor for many of us these days.  Like cloth diapering, there is some investment up front, but untold savings to be had in the future. I used materials that I feel were on the pricier side and for a set of 10 would cost me around $15 to make myself. Granted, you would need a larger stash than 10, but I figured that would give you a number to compare if you want to make the switch but can't afford the handmade ones available. I'm also really big on using coupons at JoAnns so in reality, I spent half of that estimate using 50% off coupons. 

Now to the good stuff...

What This Mommy Thinks: Baltic Amber Baby Necklace Review & Giveaway!

Only 1 day left to enter!!
Baltic Amber Baby says you can start using them as early as 8weeks old. $25-30 is DEFINITELY worth relieving my baby of teething and other pains!


WIN one!
One reader will win a Baltic amber necklace or bracelet of their choice from Baltic Amber Baby
Two readers will win a 20% off coupon on any item of their choice fromBaltic Amber Baby


What This Mommy Thinks: Baltic Amber Baby Necklace Review & Giveaway!

A Better You

Found this while strolling down Memory Lane on my personal blog. Posted this back in January of 2009! Lol. Either way, these are still great things to do for yourself to help create a better you. =)

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, Smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,

'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did last year.

7. Make time to practice Meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. - Appreciate their genuine nature, strength, and innocence. For real!

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan Salmon, broccoli,
almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Nature heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________. 

Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Hair Clips for Bug

If you've seen any photos of my little bug that pop on here occasionally, then you've probably noticed her hair grows forward, to the middle, and almost gets in her mouth.

She has a cowlick right in the front too, and her hair is super fine so heavier clips and barrettes just aren't able to do the job.

Not to mention that I'm not really the biggest fan of giant flowers on smaller babes and that seems to be a lot of what you find in the store. Here's a few that I made the other day. 

New diaper, Toddler Tested

Now that my new diaper is prepped, I couldn't wait for my bug to wake from her nap and try it on. At first she wasn't thrilled with the idea of a few photos, but that's because she's a complete girl and loves to wear clothes. she simply didn't want to be naked enough to show off the diaper.

She warmed up though =)

When she thinks she's oh-so-funny she uses her hand to muffle her laugh.

Apparently it's a good enough diaper to earn her round of applause. =) 

It fits her pretty well. I don't know if you can tell but I have her on the medium rise snap adjustment. Because the diaper is snaps and not aplix sometimes your snaps aren't necessarily on the same setting for both sides. Right now we're a little wonky, but the diaper is made for her to grow into so eventually it'll be the same setting. I'm sure I'm not the only mama that's ever done that but if so, sue me. Lol.

My Newest Diaper

As you may remember, I made my own cloth diapers when first starting out. I purchased a book with a few patterns in it and after using the diapers for less than a week, knew the inserts were just NOT going to work for my heavy wetter. I re-approached the issue and decided to make some basic cotton inserts. Well, as pretty as they were, those diapers were only mediums (which I felt fit more like a small/medium) and my little girl can no longer fit into them. =(

I purchased a lot of BumGenius 3.0 diapers gently used off of Craigslist. They work great and my hubby is really loving the pocket system. =) Problem is that they are all aplix and my little girl is so quick to pull them off and run naked down the hallway. I still had some diaper cuts I had made when originally sewing diapers that are marked as size large. I didn't want them to all go to waste (because we all know how expensive that darn PUL is) so I decided I'm going to sew them up. =)

Another Toddler Purse

Not that long ago I made the cutest purse to send in a swap. My little girl was fascinated with it and carried it around EVERYWHERE. She was sad the first day or two after I mailed it out but then seemed to phase back into her other toys. Over the past week, I've been upgrading from my craft closet to a whole craft room. I have a gift bag that I keep all my other gifts bags in for later use. Natalia took it upon herself to take out each little bag and put a toy or two in them. She then carried them all from room to room. My upstairs level was like an Easter egg hunt of gift bags. I decided today that she needed to have her own little purse. Nothing complicated or fussy about it although I'm thinking of maybe adding Velcro as a closure because I know she likes to play with it but I'm thinking it may make her more frustrated than anything.