tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69225735601635629332024-03-13T07:17:50.520-04:00Life with Ollie-- cheaper, greener, happierMusings from a frugal mamaStefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-61765447411773609522008-12-12T06:18:00.005-05:002008-12-12T06:28:22.643-05:00Happy Holidays<div><div><div>Update: I landed a job and we're moving into a new (rented) house on Sunday!!! Since the economy is in the dumps and mortgages are pretty tough to get right now, we decided to wait another year or so before buying a house, but we found a great place to rent:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278861961994126386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SUJI_F77RDI/AAAAAAAAAGw/eunu8LhSDN0/s320/home1.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><p>It's got a big garden plot and room for my chickens, so stay tuned for a special series on raising chicks in the spring!</p><p>And here's a couple of Merry Christmas photos of the little guy (and Mazi) to share with you all:</p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SUJJoGjpIZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/TPN8VZR1sLU/s1600-h/olliexmas1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278862666535346578" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SUJJoGjpIZI/AAAAAAAAAG4/TPN8VZR1sLU/s320/olliexmas1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SUJJ4Ifk60I/AAAAAAAAAHA/WnpwSCCJRPs/s1600-h/olliexmas2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278862941933071170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SUJJ4Ifk60I/AAAAAAAAAHA/WnpwSCCJRPs/s320/olliexmas2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p>I just can't believe he'll be one in only 10 days! Where has the past year gone?</p><p>Anyways,</p><p>Peace, Love, and Joy to your family from ours.</p></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-87195603491854365022008-11-13T13:05:00.002-05:002008-11-13T13:06:49.124-05:00Greener cleaners revisited<a href="http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2008/10/green-cleaning-the-revised-arsenal.html">http://thetobyshow.typepad.com/the_toby_show/2008/10/green-cleaning-the-revised-arsenal.html</a><br /><br />Just wanted to share this link-- recipes for homemade earth-friendly cleaners! Sorry I've been MIA lately...I'm trying to land a (real) job. Wish me luck!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-12720428545974720352008-10-25T09:55:00.002-04:002008-10-25T11:10:00.678-04:00Rave review- Northernessence.comFirst of all, let me say that Northern Essence has not paid me or asked me to write about them on my blog. I just REALLY like their products. They've got a little bit of everything- baby soap, nursing pads, diaper cream, bath stuff for mom and dad, candles, etc. I especially love that their products are natural and REASONABLY PRICED! I've tried a few of their soaps, and the deo disks for my diaper pail, but my favorite thing from Northern Essence so far is their Better Butt(er) Cream. It's safe to use with cloth diapers and has a wonderful creamy texture and no gross smell like some diaper creams. Here's the link, check out their stuff:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.northernessence.com/catalog.php">Northern Essence</a>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-4716542749678849832008-10-22T11:31:00.003-04:002008-10-22T11:38:12.217-04:00Cheaper greener tip for today- tea in a jarI drink a lot of tea, and instead of using powdered iced tea mix (NOT cheap or green), here's what I do:<br /><br />I have a half gallon glass milk bottle (you could use a big jar or any type of glass bottle). I fill it with HOT tap water, pop in 3 tea bags, and set it on the counter for an hour or so to steep. I'm still nursing Ollie, so I stick to decaf or herbal teas, but you can try lots of different combinations. My favorites are: 2 decaf bags and 1 earl grey, or 1 decaf, 1 lemon, 1 mint.<br /><br />I don't sweeten my tea, but if you wanted to you could add a squirt of agave nectar or honey.<br /><br />Oh, and toss those used tea bags in your compost pile instead of the trash!<br /><br />Enjoy :o)Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-7755954749243219242008-10-18T11:23:00.003-04:002008-10-18T11:42:36.631-04:00Cheaper greener tip for today- check your checkingIf you already have online banking and pay your bills via the internet, hooray for you! If you don't, look into it. Often, online checking acounts have no fees, and may even earn interest, so shop around. And the green part is, less paper wasted! If you get on a website like <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/">bankrate.com</a>, you can compare some online checking account deals side-by-side.<br /><br />Make sure you look at some local banks and credit unions too. Our bank is local but we have an interest-earning free checking account with full online access. They also refund all ATM fees each month. To keep up our end of the deal, we must use our debit card at least 10 times per month, pay at least one bill online, and receive our monthly statements electronically. Pretty easy...and cheap...and green!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-48993642123023292242008-10-17T08:53:00.004-04:002008-10-17T09:06:11.560-04:00More yummy muffinsI made these the other night, and they came out sooo good :) These tasty muffins are a great way to get some extra fruit, veggies and fiber in your diet. I used a flour combo, but you can skip the wheat flour and wheat germ and just use 1-1/3 cup all purpose flour if you want.<br /><br />Stef's Morning Glory Muffins<br /><br />1/2 cup unbleached white flour<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />1/3 cup wheat germ<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp cinnamon (I used a little bit of pumpkin pie spice too)<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1 cup grated carrots<br />1 cup grated apple<br />1/2 cup shredded coconut<br />1/3 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)<br />2 eggs<br />1/3 cup oil (or use half oil, half applesauce for less fat)<br />1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375 and grease (I do a quick coat of nonstick spray) 12 muffin cups. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a second bowl, combine carrots, apple, coconut, raisins/chopped nuts, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until batter forms. Spoon batter evenly into 12 muffin cups, then bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.<br /><br /><strong>Enjoy!!!</strong>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-70990724294295867412008-10-14T10:11:00.000-04:002008-10-14T10:12:30.370-04:00My cute mohawk boy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SPSoubBHvhI/AAAAAAAAAGo/FMejsrTLhYU/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257012180528119314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SPSoubBHvhI/AAAAAAAAAGo/FMejsrTLhYU/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-17605012467475309802008-10-03T13:56:00.003-04:002008-10-03T14:31:02.742-04:00Netflix- a good deal?Hubby and I LOVE movies. We used to spend a fortune renting movies when we had no cable or satellite and we were living the baby-free life, then we found <a href="http://netflix.com/">Netflix</a>. Instead of spending $3.50 plus the cost of gas every time we wanted to see something (which was 3-4 times per week), we could pay about $15 per month for 2 movies out at a time. As soon as we send one back, there's a new movie in the mailbox 2 days later. Let's look at how much that saved us:<br /><br />(round it up to $4.50 per movie to account for gas)<br />so $4.50 x 4 movies per week = $18 x 4 weeks = $72! <br />with Netflix, the cost per month is only $15 for the 2 out at a time, and if we watch movies the day we get them, we can end up with about 3-4 per week.<br />Total Savings: $57 per month!<br /><br />Netflix also has some hard-to-find flicks and seasons of your favorite shows, which is an added bonus.<br /><br />Now, if $15 is a little more than you would like to spend, they have a 1 movie out at a time plan for 8.99 plus tax-- still a pretty good deal.<br /><br />If you'd rather spend um... <em>nothing</em>, check out your local library. They may not have the best selection, but <em>free is good</em>.Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-73220519452567417712008-09-24T11:12:00.004-04:002008-09-24T11:42:15.882-04:00Cheaper greener tip for today- baby foodMaybe this subject doesn't apply to everyone, but let's talk baby food anyways. Ideally, I would love to make all my own baby food, but in reality, I don't always have time. I've found a few shortcuts that are quick and easy and MUCH cheaper than store bought baby food. (Although we still splurge on a few jars of the Earth's Best variety each month).<br /><br />When I have time to make up a batch of baby food, here are the steps that I take:<br />1. peel, cut up veggies/fruit<br />2. steam<br />3. puree with hand blender or food processor<br />4. let cool, then freeze in ice cube trays<br />5. pop out frozen food cubes and put in freezer bag<br /><br />Fruit/Veggies to try with the frozen cube method (you can do combinations for older babies):<br />sweet potato<br />carrots<br />butternut squash<br />summer squash<br />white potato<br />peas<br />turnip<br />pumpkin<br />pears<br />peaches<br />apples<br />mango<br /><br />If your purees are too thick, add expressed breastmilk, formula, or a little bit of water<br />If your putees are too thin, add a little bit of baby cereal just before serving<br /><br />There are also some foods that you can mash without cooking, which saves time and energy- ripe banana and avocado are two that come to mind.<br /><br />When you really don't have time to make baby food, here are some options that are cheaper than the little jars (especially if you choose organic).<br />*Save money by buying applesauce and whole milk yogurt in full-sized containers instead of little baby-sized ones.<br />*Instead of buying the puffs with added flavors and preservatives, try puffed rice as a first finger food for your baby (you can get a big box of it for a couple of dollars).<br />*In the frozen food section of your supermarket, you can find already pureed winter squash and sometimes pumpkin or sweet potato as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">****Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby****</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A great website to check out for more info on making your own baby food: <a href="http://wholesomebabyfood.com/"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wholesome Baby Food</span></a></span>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-40038552058962812542008-09-21T16:10:00.002-04:002008-09-21T16:11:38.525-04:00A boy and his dog<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SNaqbRIf-1I/AAAAAAAAAFY/3X2UZb6O9_E/s1600-h/018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248569801179134802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SNaqbRIf-1I/AAAAAAAAAFY/3X2UZb6O9_E/s320/018.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-37227373445112952552008-09-18T21:57:00.002-04:002008-09-18T22:00:30.480-04:00Free samples- Bear Naked granola and Kashi cookie!<a href="http://www.bearnaked.com/postcards/sample.asp">Get your granola!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://kashi.com/stealacookie/getmycookie">And a cookie to go with your organic milk!</a>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-17405256832144421442008-09-18T17:33:00.004-04:002008-09-18T17:42:24.921-04:00Diva discussions continuedThere are a few things I wanted to add about the Diva Cup. For me, and many others I've spoken to, there seems to be a learning curve. The first few times I inserted my cup were tricky, but it became easier after the first couple of days. Here is a great resource on different folds (shown using a different cup, but you get the idea):<br /><br /><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups/453392.html">Menstrual cup folds</a><br /><br />I also wanted to link to the Diva Cup website because they have a great FAQ section:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.divacup.com/">Diva Website</a><br /><br />Hope this info helps!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-84414792705603445652008-09-17T13:38:00.004-04:002008-09-17T15:47:15.810-04:00Are you a Diva?<div>Warning to any men that may read this: this post contains <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">girly</span> vagina information not suitable for men of any age. Stop reading. Seriously, this is more info. than you would ever want to know.<br /><br />After 16 blissful months without Aunt Flo, she has returned full force and I've finally gotten to try out my Diva Cup. I have to say I'm totally impressed. For those of you who are unaware of this fantastic little invention, here's the scoop:</div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SNFD-KX_HZI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/N-xycSajZeg/s1600-h/diva.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247049776079248786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 169px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" height="221" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SNFD-KX_HZI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/N-xycSajZeg/s320/diva.jpg" width="160" border="0" /></a>The Diva Cup is inserted like a tampon, but instead of absorbing your monthly blood flow, it catches the blood in a cup and can be emptied out, then re-inserted. It comes in two different sizes (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pre</span>-baby is size 1 and post-baby is size 2). According to the Diva Cup website, they should be replaced every year, but as long as it is sterilized and cared for, I'm guessing they would be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ok</span> for about 3 years.</div><div>I got mine for just under $20 which is a great deal, considering how much money I will save over the next few years not having to buy tampons. Well, let's go ahead and see just how much money I'll save (this is really an estimate since tampon preferences differ as well as how heavy/long a person's period is...).</div><div> </div><div>Let's say I can get an economy pack of 100 regular tampons for about $15. On average a person bleeds for about 5 days and changes their tampon every few hours, so about 6 per day. That's 30 tampons for each monthly period.</div><div> </div><div>30 tampons x 12 months = 360 tampons x 3 years = 1080 tampons</div><div>so for 3 years I would need to buy about 11 boxes of tampons at $15 = $165</div><div>SAVINGS from buying a Diva Cup = $145</div><div> </div><div>Even if you replace your Diva cup each year, you could still save about $40 per year!</div><div> </div><div>Monetary savings aside, there are other reasons to switch to a Diva Cup:</div><div>Environmental reasons- less waste, packaging, etc.</div><div>Less vaginal dryness/irritation- people with sensitive skin (like me) can appreciate a non-chemical alternative to tampons</div><div>Convenience- Diva Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, and there's no need to send hubby on an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">embarrassing</span> trip to the pharmacy<br /><br /><a type="amzn" search="Diva Cup"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Get your Diva Cup!</strong></span></a></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-69983538734672130372008-09-05T20:32:00.001-04:002008-09-05T20:34:35.595-04:00<a href="http://www.quakersimpleharvest.com/">Free Quaker Simple Harvest granola bar sample!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.quakersimpleharvest.com/"></a>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-67265773847406471042008-08-28T08:16:00.004-04:002008-08-28T08:28:34.602-04:00A few vacation photos<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaY7aFCc-I/AAAAAAAAAFI/xSa0Kn6J02Q/s1600-h/045.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239543362872308706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaY7aFCc-I/AAAAAAAAAFI/xSa0Kn6J02Q/s320/045.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaYRXAO8qI/AAAAAAAAAFA/4d-poqQK298/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239542640492343970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaYRXAO8qI/AAAAAAAAAFA/4d-poqQK298/s320/019.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaX7Y8eFyI/AAAAAAAAAE4/v8zQ_Fuvaj0/s1600-h/046.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239542263056308002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SLaX7Y8eFyI/AAAAAAAAAE4/v8zQ_Fuvaj0/s320/046.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />We had a great time, and I'm looking forward to sharing some cheaper greener tips with you when I finish the ridiculous amount of laundry we came home with!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-41111087244588183872008-08-15T17:32:00.002-04:002008-08-15T17:34:28.625-04:00Oh Vacation, how I love thee...We're off to Cape Cod for a week-- I'll post some pictures and stories when we get back. Wish us some sunshine (especially for the wedding on the beach Sunday morning)!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-36256221016525550452008-08-09T13:10:00.004-04:002008-08-09T13:31:25.574-04:00Zucchini anyone?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SJ3T9kWs1PI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Ig-64nN-UpU/s1600-h/stef%27s+camera+8-8+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232571396758754546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SJ3T9kWs1PI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Ig-64nN-UpU/s320/stef%27s+camera+8-8+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My parents keep trying to pawn off zucchini on us--as usual they planted WAY too much. I do like zucchini, but there is only so much boiled squash I can make my husband eat before he starts whining. For those of you who have the zucchini overload like us, here are some ways to use it up (some of these even work for the ones that resemble baseball bats!)</div><div></div><br /><div>*Zucchini parmesan (you can make it just like the eggplant variety)</div><div>*sauteed zucchini with sweet onion in olive oil, then topped with fresh basil and grated parmesan</div><div>*Zucchini bread/muffins--there are lots of good recipes out there (my fav. is listed below)</div><div>*add zucchini to soup</div><div>*ratatouille (great for using up tomato overload as well)</div><div>*for big ugly zucchini, grate it up, and then you can use it fresh or freeze it to use later</div><br /><div>I also thought this was hilarious, but I'm a day late--oh well, maybe next year!<br /><a href="http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Sneak-Some-Zucchini-Onto-Your-Neighbors-Porch-Night/Detail.aspx">Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Night</a></div><div></div><br /><div><strong><em>Stef's favorite zucchini muffins</em></strong></div><div>Makes 12</div><div></div><br /><div>3/4 c. all purpose flour</div><div>3/4 c. whole wheat flour</div><div>1/2 tsp. salt</div><div>1/2 tsp. baking soda</div><div>1/2 tsp. baking powder</div><div>1 tsp. ground cinnamon</div><div>1/4 tsp. ground ginger</div><div>1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg</div><div>2 eggs</div><div>1/4 c. canola oil</div><div>1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce</div><div>1/2 c. plain yogurt</div><div>3/4 c. brown sugar</div><div>1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div>1 c. shredded zucchini, drained a little bit, especially if using frozen</div><div>1/4 c. raisins and/or pecans (optional)</div><div></div><br /><div>Preheat oven to 400 and lightly grease 12 muffin cups. Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients (except zucchini, raisins and nuts) in separate bowls, then add dry to wet and mix until batter forms. Fold in zucchini/raisins/nuts. Bake 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.</div><div> </div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-56076419523498286002008-08-04T20:26:00.003-04:002008-08-04T20:31:38.081-04:00By golly it worked!<span style="font-size:180%;">SLEEP!</span> Glorious, precious, wonderful sleep! I got some--and it was marvelous!<br />And there wasn't much crying either. :o)Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-43199011405945772372008-08-03T13:37:00.003-04:002008-12-10T12:13:05.082-05:00This is your brain on no sleep...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SJXtQjULQNI/AAAAAAAAAEo/UDkGShfzDx4/s1600-h/eggs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230347410874253522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SJXtQjULQNI/AAAAAAAAAEo/UDkGShfzDx4/s320/eggs.jpg" border="0" /></a>My 7 month old is on sleep strike (which has been going on for over 2 months now)--so today we're rearranging some furniture and putting him in his own room. I hate to do it, and there is going to be some crying involved (no, not just me), but I have to because hubby and I can't survive with only 3-4 hours of sleep per night. <br /><br />Scrambled brains aside, if anyone has ideas to help this kid sleep, please speak up. We've tried just about everything and nothing has worked. My baby actually has DARK CIRCLES under his eyes--they're not as gargantuan as mine, but they're definitely noticable. Here's to hoping for a good night's sleep!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-43051436770918667702008-08-01T11:54:00.003-04:002008-08-01T13:47:06.801-04:00Blogging the RECESSION...I don't know too many people who aren't affected by this "downturn" crap, my own family included (hello? anybody want to buy a car from my hubby in the middle of a recession?). So when Kristin over at Motherhood Uncensored challenged us to "blog the recession", I was totally on board. The idea is that we all put the piggy button on our blog so that our readers can check out what other bloggers have to say about the recession and all things related. For those of us that make a little bit of money from page traffic, this may help bump up our income (ooohhh an extra 21 cents- I can buy 0.05 gallons of gas!)<br /><br />Since I haven't done cheaper greener tips in a while, now seems like an appropriate time to revive that practice and give you all something to gnaw on. Oh, and click the piggy to see what everyone else is saying about this economic catastrophe.<br /><br /><strong>Cheaper Greener tips- come on people, pinch those pennies!</strong><br /><br />*STOP eating so much meat! Meat is relatively expensive and we greedy Americans on average eat way more than we should. Even cutting back by eating meatless a few nights per week can make a significant difference in your grocery bill and your health. There are plenty of other protein sources that are cheaper and better for you. Try cooking with tofu, beans, or nuts. Or stretch a little bit of ground beef with lentils. I made enchiladas the other night using a mixture of ground turkey and lentils--they were delicious!<br /><br />*STOP buying paper products (well, maybe toilet paper is okay- I'm not THAT hardcore!)<br />Trade your disposable diapers and wipes for cloth ones, instead of tissues, use a hanky, use real plates instead of paper, no more napkins or paper towels--you can buy cloth ones cheap! use reusable containers with lids instead of plastic baggies/wrap for everything.<br /><br />*STOP making so many trips everywhere--it is a waste of gas and time! Plan ahead and do all your errands on one day. Make a list so you don't have to go back to the grocery store to get things you forgot.<br /><br />*GET ORGANIZED! If you're living in chaos, it's easy for bills to get lost in the clutter and not get paid on time--which costs you extra. When you're not organized, you end up buying more of things you already have. If you're looking for cleaning inspiration, (or a kick in the rear) check out <a href="http://www.flylady.net/">http://www.flylady.net/</a> For financial inspiration (and a plan to get out of debt, try <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">http://www.daveramsey.com/</a><br /><br />And a photo of the cutie for good measure:<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj5/stef4h/IMG_1179.jpg" border="0" />Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-75591948842184319602008-07-12T13:32:00.002-04:002008-07-12T13:48:10.357-04:00Ode to Ollie<em>Blueberry eyes stare wonderingly</em><br /><em>at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tigerlilies</span>, leaves, clouds</em><br /><em>A reflection of the whole world</em><br /><em>from a view only half a year old</em><br /><em>Breezes ruffle silky blond hair</em><br /><em>that has never been trimmed</em><br /><em>Your new baby smell has not yet left</em><br /><em>but its time is dwindling</em><br /><em>Milky softness will give way to</em><br /><em>stinky little boy feet</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>I can't keep you little</em><br /><em>but I can cuddle you now</em><br /><em>and remind myself that</em><br /><em>these sleepless nights don't last forever</em><br /><em>I will trade them for a bigger boy</em><br /><em>but not just yet.</em>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-4234634142753941232008-07-11T22:30:00.002-04:002008-12-10T12:13:05.289-05:00I know, I'm a slacker...<div>but there are so many fun things to do in the summer besides writing on my blog! Here's a cute photo of the little guy to hold you over dear readers, and I will come up with something to write about tomorrow.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221950032000372514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VKKHttu-2g4/SHgX4xQ4zyI/AAAAAAAAADc/iDMt6YV5LQI/s200/002.JPG" border="0" /></div>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-39882020663021794912008-06-27T17:17:00.001-04:002008-06-27T17:19:14.698-04:00Win free bumgenius diapers!Here's the link:<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.thenatureschild.com/2008/06/beat-heat-summer-con-">Beat the Heat Summer Contest</a><br /><br />All you have to do is enter your info and tell them your favorite way to stay cool in the hot hot summer!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-573543401404559252008-06-27T08:59:00.002-04:002008-06-27T09:06:33.932-04:00Why I love breastfeeding1. It's free<br />2. There's no packaging to throw in the landfill<br />3. There are no bottles to wash<br />4. I don't have to get out of bed to feed my baby at 4 a.m.<br />5. I always have a snack available for him<br />6. Mama milk is nature's perfect food for babies<br />7. Breastfed babies have a stronger immune system<br />8. Breastfed babies are less likely to become obese<br />9. Breastfeeding is great for cuddling and bonding with baby<br /><br /><strong>10. I woke up this morning and put on my size 5 jeans from my freshman year of college--and I weigh less after 6 months of breastfeeding than I did when I got pregnant! :o)</strong>Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922573560163562933.post-31704151320651841692008-06-27T08:57:00.001-04:002008-06-27T08:59:09.438-04:00I usually hate forwarded emailsbut this was pretty funny:<br /><br /><em>Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... </em><br /><em></em><br /><em> 'Oh shit....she's awake!!'</em><br /><em></em><br />hmmm...I'd like to live up to that!Stefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01599596971020339605noreply@blogger.com0