The Story of Stuff Project and how it has started the wheels in my head

The Story of Stuff

The website above, The Story of Stuff project, goes into something I have felt/said for a long time...there is way too much stuff out there to buy! and where does it all go?  Now there is a site with research and real numbers to help illustrate how bad the problem really is.

I remember all the shopping when I moved out on my own, buying towels, sheets, etc. Then a few months later the big named stores taking everything off their selves and restocking for the next season. It blew my mind that there was so much on the selves and that people kept buying...and where does the leftover stuff go?
I remember feeling burdened by the whole concept of materialism and having a comforter for every holiday and season....don't get me wrong, I like to decorate, I like to feel like my space reflects our taste, and yes we have two comforters (one for summer, one for winter). But, I think self expression and accessorizing for the climate is way different then the problem our country is facing.

Point and case, our current economy. I have been saying for years, we are buying/selling too much! People are too focused on keeping up with the Jones' that they have lost tack of what is really important and even more so they have lost a senses of self.  Getting wrapped up in stuff can only lead to unhappiness...look at our country today.  So many have spread themselves too thin trying to buy the bigger house and faster car.  People blame the banks, but think about it...couple A gets a promotion, they buy a bigger house, but wait, still only saving the same amount because the bigger house off sets the promotion.  Then you need "stuff" to fill the house because god forbid anyone sees an empty room.  First paycheck, wow look at the money...humm we need a car.  A year later and the credit cards are maxed and no one gets why they can't afford their house.
I was not raised that way...Couple B gets a promotion...They save their money to put a larger down payment on a house (20% or more) thus lowering their monthly payments.  They have no credit card debt and believe you only charge what you can pay off every month.  They don't care their cars are a few years older, they take care of what they own and have no extra monthly bills.  There is no cable bill.  They get out and take advantage of the area we live in (parks, museums, free things!).  When their mortgage statement comes, they pay it with ease, have money for groceries, travel and to put into savings.  Obviously I am being extreme, but you get my point...

Why do we find the need to live in such a disposable world?  After watching this video I was sad to see this vicious cycle and how I contribute on a daily basis.  The whole "going green" movement makes me laugh...why? because it shouldn't be a movement! It should be how we live everyday.  I grew up always interested in what is now a "movement"  so in someways it is nice.  I can now find products that were hard to get before and people know what I am talking about...but the downside, it is also being commercialized and turned into stuff.

How do we get ride of it all? how do we break the cycle?  One way is to buy local, homemade, and buy less (or less often).  There are local farmer's markets, online vendors to support homemade items and buy items that are reusable instead of disposable.  Also, don't be sucked into needing the latest and greatest shinning object...they are taking your money and the old item is polluting the system in so many ways.
I am starting to make handmade/crafty things myself.  One thing I have decided, find a shipping material that is recyclable.  At home we save all the boxes or recycle them, but think about all that bubble wrap and plastic that gets thrown out.  Another way, don't live outside your means, why? usually this means you are buying and spending too much, which in turn contributes to the cycle and unhappiness or loss of self.  Don't let your stuff define you! You define you and where you are going in life.

Before I didn't think there was much I could do to help the problem...but now I am starting to brainstorm again.  I have that problem where I think I can save the world, but then my realistic side kicks in and I know I can't...but hey maybe starting on a small level will pay off.  One things for sure, that save the world thing is never going to leave my personality, so I should give in and feel accomplished and not defeated by the little things I can improve/change.
What I really wish, is that there was away to bring down the cost of eating healthy, organic and more access to the local vendors...maybe that's my next project.


Have you done anything to help impact your community?  Share with us, and if not I challenge you to come up with an idea.  It doesn't have to be a big one, and you can do it as a group.  For example, there is a mom group I do a cloth diaper swap with.  Being green and teaching moms that want to try it out, how it all works.  So it can be something small like that (and you get to enjoying meet people, and being a community) or it could be something big.  I would love to hear your ideas!

I think its a balance...We can't work and save our money forever, that just burns people out; but we can't spend it all either.  When you buy something do the research spend a little more and get a better quality item (not the must have, but a reliable name) so that you don't end up throwing it away and buying another one.  Buy consigned, second hand and eBay is awesome!  I am always up for finding a good deal so if you need a little help just ask ; )

thanks for reading my rant, just something to think about...

Benefits of Amber and Hazelwood

I found this site from a cloth diapering site and was excited about their baby legs...then I read on and found they had some really cool natural products for the whole family.

The following is from the site:

Inspired by Finn

"Our Baltic Amber jewelry is a unique piece of history…The amber beads are fossils from an ancient forest which existed tens of millions of years ago. Baltic amber is not a stone, but a fossilized tree resin.

Historically, Baltic Amber has been used in Europe as a natural and traditional remedy and curative for many ailments for centuries. Long ago it was considered one of the leading ‘medicines’ of its time. Baltic Amber is the most esteemed amber in the world, and the healing qualities of Baltic Amber make it unlike any other type of amber found in the world.

When Baltic amber is worn on the skin, the skin’s warmth releases trace amounts of healing oils from the amber. These oils contain succinic acid and are absorbed into the skin.

Baltic Amber has some of the highest concentrations of Succinic Acid found in nature, and this is what makes it so special. Succinic Acid is a natural component of plant and animal tissues, and it's presence in the human body is beneficial in many ways.

How can Baltic amber help us?

• Pain Relief -

Baltic amber contains analgesic properties and helps take the edge off of many types of discomfort associated with dental issues, headaches, joint pain, etc.

• Strengthens the body's immune system -

In many different and subtle ways, succinic acid helps boost the body's own natural healing ability and immune system.

• Restoring Energy –

The human body naturally produces succinic acid. The salt of succinic acid (succinate) is one of the most active substances in the processes of cellular respiration and intercellular energy creation. Succinic acid restores oxygen and energy supply to depleted cells and helps the body return to a normal, functioning state.

Succinate is a raw material and a catalyst in the Krebs Cycle which is one of our main sources of energy. During the Krebs Cycle carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are metabolized for energy.

• Maintaining Wellness -

When the human body reacts to stress, the body’s cells begin to use oxygen more quickly. Oxygen plays a central role in the intercellular creation of energy, and a lack of oxygen can result in feeling lethargic.

Oxygen is alkaline-forming in the blood and maintaining a slightly alkaline blood ph helps keep us healthy. Whenever the body functions in a state of low oxygen, it is much more susceptible to illness.

• To help break a cycle of (chronic) inflammation -

Where chronic inflammation is present, disease lurks.

When the body’s cells are chronically inflamed the human body’s immune system response is to increase production of free radicals. Chronic overproduction of free radicals results in inflammatory-related disease. Chronic inflammation is a common denominator of many seemingly unrelated diseases.

Hazelwood 

Hazelwood is an ancient remedy first used by aboriginal people -- It has the medicinal property of neutralizing the body's acidity.

It relieves or prevents ailments such as ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, acne), arthritis, constipation, migraines, sensitive & bleeding gums, helps reduce dental cavities and more. These necklaces are a great remedy for heartburn and nausea during pregnancy!

Hazelwood necklaces are made from the branches of a hazelwood tree alternated with glass and/or gemstone beads for ornamentation. They are handmade - from the gathering of the wood to the stringing of the beads.

In order to receive a therapeutic benefit the necklace must be worn as much as possible - for adults, we recommend wearing the necklace over night as well as during the day. It is also recommended to wear the necklace while bathing. Keeping the hazelwood moist aids the body in absorbing the beneficial properties of the Hazelwood.

The life span of the necklace will depend on the level of acidity of the body. In general, a necklace will maintain its medicinal benefits for 6 –12 months. Higher acidity may mean a shorter lifespan of the necklace. A necklace is losing effectiveness when the ends of the wood beads darken and/or symptoms return."

At 2 months old I bough a teething alternative anklet and a hazelwood necklace for my daughter.  She was having pretty bad reflux and I though with shots coming up and growth spurts, putting on the amber a little early couldn't hurt.  The day after I put on the amber was the last major episode of reflux and three days after, first day the amber was on, she slept the most she ever had.  She has the occasional spit up now and then but nothing like the whole feeding or two she used to project out.  We are having a little change in her sleep pattern now, but related to a growth spurt that I hear most babies go through around this time...and she is at least sleeping some, many of my friends are not getting much sleep through this same growth spurt.  So, from our experience I think it is wroth the money ($21-$25 depending on what you get) to at least give it a try.  Next I want to try out the adult version for head aches, carpel tunnel and morning sickness (not quite yet though ;] ).  Have you tired amber? What is your experience?  

Cloth diapering in a small space

I see a lot of blogs showing how they store and use their cloth and decided to take a few pictures of our set up to share.  The quality of the pictures aren't perfect but it helps illustrate how you can maximize what little space you may have.  We live in a two bedroom condo with a large master room.  We currently use our room for the changing table and cradle.

                           One of my favorite dressers from Ikea...finally had an excuse to buy it!

 Cloth wipes in a Cottonelle box, Costco disposable wipes, a Ikea draw organizer filled with bumGeumis odor remover, Rockin' Green pail powder, California baby diaper wash, Arbonne baby care (bath stuff and lotion) and diapers.

 Ikea changing pad and cover...also an Ikea mirror.  My husband's idea and Claire loves it.

 Wet bag hanging with a small nail...hoping for a pail when we move, but this works really well.

 Top draw has all the diapers, liners, flats, covers (including a fleece and wool in the corner), etc.

Middle draw has burp cloths, extra wet bags, pail liner, cloth wipes, changing pad covers/mats, baby legs, and more.  The bottom draw has her cloths that fit now, extra blankets and sheets.

It's a pretty good set up and will allow us to use the dresser for useful storage after we are done with diapers.

"dumpster diving" its a fun sport...

My grandma use to talk about dumpster diving and all the fun things she would find...
In fact a mixer my mom had for years (and it was old when she got it, was always the story I heard) was found in a dumpster along with many other household items.  The best part about the stories growing up, was picturing my grandma "diving" in and coming out excited with her "new" treasures.

This is the bassinet/cradle Matthew and I found by the dumpster. People often put out furniture that needs repair or they no longer want, around the apartments and condos...so I thought hey, its free and we could make a project of it.  I also couldn't help to think about my mom and grandma "diving" into dumpsters : )  The picture above was taken after some fresh paint and a little patching. 

...some wood, foam and bedding later and the finished product!  It was a really fun project for Matthew and I to do before the baby came.  A great way to nest without spending too much money, and instead spending time together <3
My mom made the bumper and quilted the matching blanket...She did such a great job! We may have to sell these in our little shop one day.
Very cost effective, and it was great to be able to recycle something that would have ended up in a landfill.  Also fun that we get to use something my mom made, just for our baby girl, everyday.
ps ignore the mess in the background, lol...laundry day :)

Glucose screening

This is a post from when I did my glucose screening when I was pregnant...thought I would share.  I will post a new info sheet soon as I finish adding a few things

First thing, make sure your lab slip was put in as a random draw or that the lab allows you to drink the glucola before you arrive. If not they will turn you away, found this out the hard way. For this test you only have to be fasting 3hours before you eat the jelly beans...I played it safe and did 4hrs just in case. This allows you to eat breakfast and then fast so you don't feel miserable, like with the other methods. The jelly beans you have to buy are the big ones. The study recommends Brach's Jelly Beans, the 50gm dose is already calculated for you at 18 jelly beans. If you choose a smaller variety you have to eat 28-32, depending on the amount of carbs in the bean.

So you time it from the start of eating not the finish, and you should eat them pretty quickly 2-4mins, so that the test is accurate. The blood draw needs to be an hour after your start time, so arrive about 10-15min. early to the lab. Bring a protein snack for after, and some water, to help with the sugar rush. I was happy to find an alternative for myself, and our clients at the birth center.

Going really green...please keep an open mind on this one

(disclaimer: there is personal feminine talk in this one, so men may not want to read :] )

Yup! your looking at what you think it is :)
Cloth pads...and where on earth did she get this latest crazy idea? that is what you are asking, lol. I had a patient about a year and a half ago come into the office that used them. I did a little research and found a friend at my old job in NOVA that made them for her postpartum recovery. I got busy and forgot about it and then remembered half way into my pregnancy, when trying to plan for the birth. So, I started to research and found patterns and many shops on etsy that sold them. I found one place (Randumosity) that sold them for less than I could make them...considering my sewing skills are minimal and my busy call schedule at the time.
They are really soft and comfortable...in the picture you can see a postpartum pad (she also makes over night pads not shown), a regular and a liner. They fold up and snap together to store, as shown above. They were great to use right after having a baby for comfort. I have never worn pads for that length of time...so in the end I did have irritation from them, but related to the length of time and the way I was sitting with them on to breast feed.
So your question now is, how do you clean them? since we are doing cloth diapers I figured no big deal just through them it. The friend I have that made them used borax in a container stored out of the way in the bathroom (I put it under the sink). You put it in the bucket/tupperwear whatever container, to prevent stains buildup, and then I put them in with the cloth diapers. The instructions that came with the pad said you could rinse, then wash them with your cloths..sounds crazy, but you really could. The fabric works a lot like the cloth diapers where the soft fleece layer keeps you dry (repels) and the cotton inside absorbs the liquid (wicks it away from you once repelled by the top layer). There is a layer of PUL, also in diapers, that prevents the leaking. I was really surprised how well they worked. You don't see anything on the pad because it is absorbed in (except for the occasional mucusy things we know about as women, sorry if that is TMI).
The other picture is of nursing pads. They are made the same way and are really soft next to your skin. I have been using them like crazy...and cost effective, have you seen the price of nursing pad these days! also very easy to clean, just throw them in the wash, I put them in a laundry bag.
In the picture above the pink side would go towards you and the pattern side is for fun :)
So here is to being greener then I though I could go, lol...

**Update  Still like them.  After ordering more and having problems with the quality I would recomend a different company.  There are more places out there now that cloth pads are going "mainstream."  I will write a new post soon with details.

Intro to Cloth Diapering

Fitted with covers, All in ones (AIO) and Ones size pockets

A hybrid system, with one-size that works as a cover for prefolds &amp; option for disposable

What I have learned about cloth diapers

Before Claire was born, I researched a lot about cloth diapers. I found sites on cleaning, detergents, buying, selling, you name it! There are a lot of great resources out there, but until you put them on your baby its hard to tell which one will be the best fit. I wanted to share some of the different types of diapers here and then follow up with a later blog on what we are using now.

Cloth Diapering Options
(how my brain worked out all the confusion...)

Prefolds

The diaper you many remember your mom using. This is the old school, but still effective and very affordable way to cloth diaper. There are many choices in fabric type and absorbency. No more pins and sticking you or the baby, they now have something called Snappies that hold the diaper together. They do require a cover and there are many options out there.

Fitted

Fitted diapers are the next step up from prefolds. They are again made from different materials and can have velcro or snaps. They form to the body and make cloth diapering easy. Above, picture 1 shows BumGenius bamboo fitted diaper, Kissaluvs newborn fitter and two diaper covers (the cow print is a Blueberry one-size that grows with baby and the blue one is a Bummis newborn). This is a great system, easy to use and works well with skinny newborns. The Kissaluvs have a snap that folds down for the umbilical cord, though we found as she got bigger we found we needed a littler more in absorbency. The BumGenius have been great, Matthew's favorite to use. We use a insert/doubler at night, she is a heavy wetter, and it will last most of the night and sometimes all night. We are not big into snaps, the velcro seems to fit her better, but we both really like how the Blueberry covers fit her. We are able to use the cover several times before it needs to be washed. All the items in the picture were bought gently used from ebay :) I have had a great experience buying from eBay and was able to try many brands this way, without spending too much.

Pockets

The second picture shows BumGenius AIO and the pocket 3.0 one-size diaper. The light green diaper is the pocket. The front of the diaper has a row of snaps that allow you to customizes the fit to your baby. This diaper has been great, it was too big for our skinny baby until about a month old. Now the size works well, and I love the convenience. The outer layer is water proof, so no need for a diaper cover, thus eliminating an extra step. The diaper has a pocket on the inside that you stuff the absorbent insert into. One side of the pocket is the PUL or waterproof layer and the other side is fleece. The Fleece layer repels the liquid and it is what keeps baby's skin dry and away from the absorbent layer. Another benefit to pocket is fast drying time. You take the insert out, so unlike the fitted and AIO, there is less material in one spot to dry. We love our bamboo diapers, but they take forever to dry. Line drying is really great, and energy efficient, but can leave diapers stiff. So If my diapers are stained I line dry (amazing how the sun can bleach so well and without chemicals!) and then put them in the dryer to fluff for a few minutes. All the items in this picture were bought locally from Soft and Cozy Baby in Baltimore.

All in Ones (AIO)

An all in one diaper or AIO, has the absorbent layer built in...so no pocket stuffing! This diaper is usually the choice for babysitters, day care or reluctant family member or even when people are first starting cloth diapering. The system is closest to disposables in that you put it on and take it off, no extra steps. Some AIO also have a pocket option if your looking for more absorbency or an over night option. The blue diaper in the second picture is an extra small BumGenius, worked really well for our skinny leg baby. Also come in velcro or snaps.

Hybrid Systems

The last picture is an example of one hybrid diaper, GroBaby (now GroVia). Seen in the last picture, this diaper has inserts that snap in, but also offer a disposable option not shown here (I will post last). instead of the cloth you insert the disposable liner. This is a trendy new option also seen in Gdiapers and Flips (by the makers of BumGenius).

Organic and One-Size

A lot of the diapers offer an organic option that is often more pricey, but can offer more absorbency depending on the material used. BumGenius has an organic option along with one-size diapers. One-size grow with our baby and usually have an all snap or snap and velcro system that help you adjust to your baby's size. We have found they are harder to use on newborns...buying newborn sizes for the first few weeks and then the one-size, is a good options for people that don't like fitted or sized diapers.

A new start to a fun blog

Finally getting this blog up and running!
I wanted to create a place to share information on natural products and learn more myself.  With the birth of my little one I was introduced to cloth diapering.  I did so much research before she was born to make the process easier, and now I want to share it with all my friends.  I also know a lot of random things because of my background as a midwife and growing up with a family that was always interested in homeopathy and the holistic way of life.  So, I encourage all of you to comment, ask questions and even send ideas for post on things you would like to know more about.
I think this will be a fun adventure for me and I can learn a lot by sharing my experiences with you.