Cloth For Your Cutie?

Believe it or not cloth diapers are making a come back. These aren't like the diapers your mothers or grandmothers used. You may have the image of a white cloth diaper with big pins and the word inconvenient may pop into your head but today's cloth diapers are much different!

Think cute, stylish, and healthier for baby and planet :)

You may be asking why someone would choose cloth when disposables are available everywhere, convenient, and when dirty you roll it up, re-tape and throw it out.

But what happens to the hundreds of thousands (or more) of diapers that get thrown away each year? They don't break down in landfills for many years if at all. And what about the chemicals that are used to make disposable diapers? Considering babies are usually in diapers all day it definitely concerns me.

I realize that cloth diapers are not for everybody but for those of you that are interested there are a lot of companies and individuals that make diapers. Some, like gDiapers, call themselves hybrids. They have flushable inserts that are biodegradable and have cute breathable covers. The best of both worlds! (They also have other options, be sure to check out their site for more info) And of course there are numerous others available. There are so many options when it comes to cloth diapering and the new styles on the market usually have Velcro, multi layers, are almost as easy as disposables, and only add 2 loads of laundry per week on average.

If you have a baby, are pregnant or thinking of babies you may want to consider cloth.

Here are a few places to start:

http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/newmom.htm

http://www.gdiapers.com/

http://www.bumgenius.com/

http://www.fuzzibunz.com/

http://www.etsy.com/ - you may want to check here too!

Fertility, Trying To Conceive, and Natural Contraception

One of the books I have read recently was called Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH and I have to say that I think it's a good read for every woman.

I think almost everyone will learn something. With so many side effects from the pill and other hormone based birth control options, I think this could help many women/couples with a natural option.

Fertility Awareness Method can be used to when trying to learn more about your body and cycle, when trying to conceive, and as natural contraception.

If you would like to learn more you can go to http://www.tcoyf.com/ or check out the book!

July 2010 Newsletter

Buzz Off Mosquitoes
A beautiful summer evening can be ruined quickly by mosquitoes and other flying pests, but you may have some reservations about turning to potentially harmful insecticides. DEET, an active ingredient in many repellants is effective, but also carries health risks. Studies published in Experimental Neurology (2001, vol. 172) and the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2001, vol. 64). found prolonged exposure, equal to about 2 months of typical use, caused nerve cells in the brain to die leading to memory and coordination problems. The researcher involved in the studies noted children are at an increased risk to the effects of DEET because their young nervous systems are still developing. Read More

How to Soothe an Itch
If you've ever had a serious case of itching you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether it was from a mosquito bite or skin irritation from poison ivy, itching skin can deprive you of sleep and even your sanity. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to stop itching and help you get a good night's sleep. Details Here

Lighten Up Your Summer Menu
Summer rules! Time to wind down, wear shorts on weekdays, dine outside and declare a free zone away from all the fuss. Foods lighten up, too. Summer issues a new crop of restaurant menus featuring more salads, grilled entrees, cold soups, frozen drinks and fruit for dessert. The problem is that "light and fresh" don't always mean light in fat and calories.Read More

Grill More Produce
Dietitian Vicki Piper of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston encourages those doing cookouts to grill plenty of fruits and vegetables -- and less meat. Diets high in plant foods can lower the chances of developing several cancers... Get Information

Cut Out Beverage Calories
When it comes to losing weight, what you drink may be more important than what you eat, according to new research; it shows that cutting back on sugar-laden drinks is associated with weight loss and seems to have a bigger impact on weight than cutting back on solid foods. Full Story Here

Ant Problem?

I don't know about anyone else but we have had ants this year (eeeeek!!) and I am not impressed!!

This is not something I want in my house and I don't use nasty chemicals inside or outside my home so what is a girl with ants to do?

Well I looked around and found a recipe for a natural way to get rid of ants and I thought I would share in case anyone else could use it.

All you need is Borax and powdered sugar. Just mix equal parts, put in an out of the way place (I put the mixture on a paper plate for easy clean up) so kids or animals cannot get into it and presto! An easy, effective, natural solution to ants.

I recently tried this and within 2 days I did not see any more ants!

I love it when I find an answer that is easy and natural :)