Random thoughts, musing, and kvetching brought on by a week of cabin fever

Yes, I live in California.  Yes, I know there is no such thing as cabin fever here.  But it is DAMN cold this week!  At the same time I'm hoping for snow on the beach early this morning.  Why?  Because I want to take a picture of my kid on a sandy snowy beach.  Is that too much to ask of global warming?  An odd and rare photo op?  I think not.  Anyway, I've been saving up some random thoughts for my blog, so here we go:


The C-string is insanity.  If you don't know what it is, google (probably nsfw).  It has NOTHING to do with html coding.

Can Jennifer Aniston stop posing semi nude for semi men's magazines?  For Christ's sake woman, COMMIT!  I'm all for nudity, it's this flirting around the edges that makes me nuts.  Why does she do this?  I will NOT "just go with it."

Can we all agree that fur vests are NOT going to happen?  I like me some Rachael Zoe, she is Buh-na-nuhs, I die.  But really, vests are bad enough on their own, they really only have a place with hikers.  But even in a world where it snows on beaches, I can't think of one social occasion where a fur vest (or even a faux fur vest) would be appropriate attire.

I love me some Mad Men as much as the next girl, but I'm beginning to suspect that nothing has really changed in the ad industry since Don Draper's (historical yet fictional) day.  Somewhere in a city with high rises, some bitch called Peggy Olsen has decided that along with reliable birth control, I want the following for my life: a Grad School degree, a Significant Other, a picnic by a waterfall, a baby, a trip to Japan, a trip to Paris, lotions and potions, presents, tea cups, make up, a house (a purple one at that), cupcakes, a yellow car, and a hot air balloon ride.  A picnic by a waterfall?  Seriously?  Way to sell out your own sex, Peggy.  Perhaps it's shoddy timing, but I just can't swallow this when the House is making decisions like this.  


Portlandia is awesome.  It reminds me of Santa Cruz.  Especially Zachary's-the hipster invasion is complete.  Cue my sad face.


Royal Pains has gotten really schlocky.  Dr Hank needs to go practice on House since he can cure anything and everything.


This turned into more kvetching then musing, but what are you gonna do?

Mother of A Sale Diaper Event: Will Blog for Free Diapers

Mother of a Sale is having a huge cloth diaper event TODAY! 

They are also running a giveaway-visit their facebook page to post and get your name in to win $250 of new diapers for your stash.  This would be an especially great win if you are just starting out!

Also, if you blog about MOAS, you could get 3 samples of the new diapers to review on your blog- you know I'm ALL OVER that!

Cloth Diaper Reviews 2

Hello my name is Sarah and I'm a diaper-holic.  Not only have I become a cloth diapering advocate, it's become a hobby.  I don't know if it's akin to a girl thing-like collecting lingerie, albeit baby lingerie-but I've been enjoying buying new diaper brands to try out as I've built my stash the past few months.  I've sold diapers that didn't work for us and bought new or gently used diapers that will work, or just to try.  So far I've broken even money-wise when I've used the swap sites, but I admit I bought some with real money.  Now that I'm "stashified" I must woefully admit that it's become a sort of game to try new brands, but I tell myself it's ok because I'm giving it up for Lent.  So let the fun begin!

Sunbaby 2.0
I bought Sunbaby 2.0 from ebay first.  I guess I didn't google well enough to find the main website, but I am still happy with the earlier version of Sunbabys.  The 2.0 are great diapers for itty bittys and skinny babies.  The elastic is a little bit thin so I did notice some read marks on Vy the first time I used them.  I've since adjusted the snap to give her a little more room and I'm able to avoid leaks at the same time.  

Sunbaby 4.0
I really like the Sunbaby 4.0.  The fleece is soft, the PUL on the solid colors is thick so they do not fit as trimly as the prints, but they are still trimmer than other diapers like the Bumgenious 4.0.  The print PUL is nice and soft, I feel like these would make great swim diaper.  The fit is super trim and the added hip snaps make a nice fit.  The inserts are the same with both Sunbaby 2.0 and 4.0, they have several layers of microfiber serged together into an absorbent insert.  I didn't feel like I needed to prep them too many times to get good absorbency.  The best thing about Sunbabys are that they are cheap!  At $60 for a dozen it's a great way to bump up your stash and give your more expensive diapers a good rotation.

Weehugger Snap Cover-I tried Weehuggers before I found my love for fitteds, but I felt overall they had a great fit.  I had some wicking issues when I used a wide insert/prefold, but it was easily remedied by double checking the legs.  I think I'd like the aplix version of these covers better, just because Vy is crawling around like crazy these days and does not like to stop for a diaper change.

Clotheeze Workhorse (fitted)-I had tried Dream Eze fitted diapers but didn't like them, but after reading so many raves about the Clotheeze Workhorse (and at $7.95 a piece), I couldn't resist trying them.  I've long been attracted to quilty fluffy prefolds, despite only owning Gerber prefolds.  I feel like I don't use them enough to buy more, but the Clotheeze Workhorse is a modified prefold so it is the best of both worlds.  SUPER absorbancy, even without being properly prepped (I couldn't wait), they work great with Flip diaper covers and Bummi's Super Whisper Wrap.  They have made me discover my love for fitteds.

Bummi Super Whisper Wrap-I generally shy away from aplix closures fearing that they won't last until potty training.  Although, with no experience to the contrary, I must admit this to be an irrational fear.  I have become a bit of laundry tab nazi, but I excuse myself of bad behavior claiming frugalism and protection of our investment.  Ahem.  Anyway, these covers seem to run a tad large for us, but I like they will have a long life.  Bummis are made from TPU instead of PUL and I'm really digging it's softer features.  I also like that you can dry them in the dryer in a pinch.  I can't wait to try these with aplix closure fitteds (fluffy mail is on its way!).

RockinGreen Detergent-Our laundry sturm und drang is quite impressive: sensitive skin (fragrance allergies), wool allegies, HE front loader machine, and hard water!  Whew!  While our trusty Seventh Gen laundry soap has been doing the job of washing the diapers just fine, I did notice a few issues with Sticky PUL.  When I saw RockinGreen comes in a specialized formula for hard water I decided to give it a try with some cash back points from diapers.com.  It made a HUGE difference.  After one washing all my diapers feel like I stripped them, nice and clean.  I love the scents, my favorites being Lavender Mint Revival and Smashing Watermelons.

Joeybunz Hemp Inserts-What can I say, in the world of diaper absorbancy, hemp is king.  I use my old gDiaper inserts as night doublers and Vy stays nice and dry all night, it's amazing.  Why I ever thought I needed to use sposies at night the first few months of cloth diapering, I'll never know.  These hemp inserts differentiate themselves by being contoured.  The hourglass shape really helps reduce bulk in between the legs.  While I didn't really NEED them because I have the gdiaper inserts, the contour shape helps turn my Fuzzibunz Medium pockets into trim night diapers.

Imse Visme Flannelette Wipe and Green Mountain Diaper Two Sided Wipes-Cloth wipes you ask?  I say YES!  It never really occurred to me to use cloth wipes until I started seeing a lot of buzz around them on the Baby Center Cloth Diapering board.  While trading in some of Vy's old clothes and gear I saw some wipes and decided, why not?  At first I used a store bought wipe solution spray, but Vy didn't have a good reaction to it so I decided to make my own.  I love it!  I like that I can add a light scent. 

My current favorite recipe is:
1 cup brewed Camomile Tea
1 tsp Vitamin E Oil
1 tsp Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
Mix together and put in a spray bottle or bottle (I use a sitz bottle)

Back to the wipes...I like the flannelette wipes.  They are a little thin but they stay soft after washing and do the job.  The two sided wipes are great for the big messes.  The terry side is great at really getting the diaper area clean and the flat side is getting softer by the wash.  I still have a stash of disposable wipes for outings, but I'm coming to really prefer cloth wipes.  Here's a great site with lots of wipe solution recipes: Zany Zebra 

Wetbags:
Itsy Ritzy Wet Happened Wetbag-this is a CUTE wetbag.  Itsy Ritzy does great patterns.  The waterproof liner is really thick, I hang dry because it looks like it might crack if dried.

Weehuggers Small Hobo Wetbag:  This wetbag has style!  With two compartments (one for clean, one for dirty), this diaper does double duty in your diaper bag, or take it on it's own for quick trips. 

More Reviews to Come: Fuzzibunz sized and one sized fleece/microfiber and fleece/hemp pockets, Baby Chai Lucky Jade bamboo AI2, Bagshot Row Bamboo AI2, Happy Heiny, Blueberry (regular and minky), and Swaddlebees, and alpaca dryer balls

More deal sites

I was prompted to write the last blog because one of my deal sites was offering free diaper samples, but it got me thinking about all the other sites I visit. So, I thought I'd post them:

Groupon and Living Social

Zulily-for mom and baby: items sell out fast but shipping can be spendy. Please use this link so they know I sent you: Sarah's Zulily Link

Mama Bargains-all manner of baby items, terrific sales on high end gear...up to eight daily deals

Babysteals-same as mamabargains...two daily deals

Baby Half Off-the name says it all!

These are my favorites so far, my inbox gets a little full, but that's what naptimes are for!

Money saving tips

As a single income family we are always trying to save where we can. Coupons and sales are a way of life, but for items that are hard to find on sale I turn to Internet deal sites. Often times they have designer baby clothes, expensive gear, and other items 50-80% off retail. Shipping is usually reasonable, and it's nice to not have to run extra errands around town burning gas and cash. One of the newest sites I've found is motherofasale.com. They just had some cloth diapers on sale-what a deal!

Honorable Mention Baby Items

Thinking back, I had to give honorable mention to some other items that I love, but aren't in that lifesaving category or didn't last the entire first 6 months, etc:

Ergo Performance Carrier:  I have two carriers, the My Baby Nest, which is a wrap style carrier, and the Ergo.  The My Baby Nest was great when Vy was little.  The Ergo is IT when it comes to carrying her around while we're out and about (she gets sick of the car seat) and when I need full mobility of both arms.  The performance is super light and like all Ergo models, it's super comfy for all body types.

Puj Tub:  The Puj tub was perfect for bathing Vy when she was littler.  It would have continued to be great if she wasn't such a tall baby and our sinks were bigger.  As a new mom I felt secure bathing her in the Puj and it was really easy and fast to set up.  I think if we had a larger sink with a different faucet I would have used it longer.

Camera: Specifically, a camera with a burst mode or fast shutter.  I use my iPhone a lot since I can take several photos at a time to get that perfect picture.  But I've been slowly using my point and shoot digital since the quality is better and it has a burst mode where it takes one picture every second.

Water Boiler:  We have a Zoshirushi water boiler that keeps water at a boil all day long.  Having boiling water is great when you have a little one.  Its great for warming bottles, flash sterilizing dropped pacifiers (depending on where they were dropped), and helps the dinner process along.

Baby Nail Scissors:  Don't know what's wrong with me but I am a klutz when it comes to trimming Violette's nails with a baby nail cutter.  I always seem to leave a jagged end and it's annoying.  This weekend I got some Tweezerman Baby Nail Scissor/File set and it is SO much easier to cut her nails.  There's safety guard that helps you not cut too short.

Ten Best Items for Baby and Mama-the First 6 Months

My baby is almost 6 months old!  I seriously have no idea how 6 months have passed already, although it seems so long ago that she was a tiny baby.  Reflecting back, here is my list of 10 items that have been invaluable these past 6 months:

1.  iPad:  I spend so much time rocking Violette for naps and I got really sick of watching tv after the first two weeks.  At first I had a laptop but it was really hard to type on it.  Since the iPad has the touch function it’s super easy to browse the web, read online magazines, play games, and correspond that way.  It’s expensive (and mine was a gift), but made my life a lot easier and happier.

2.  Anything Aden and Anais:  This brand is the best!  Cotton muslin gets softer and softer with each washing and retains heat in a way that avoids overheating or getting too cold.  Violette has the sleepers (regular weight and cozy), swaddles, cozy blanket, issie, and burpy bibs.  The burpy bibs go at the top of my list since they are multiuse: burpies, bibs, and they work great when you’re pumping.  They are bean shaped so they nicely right under your breasts to catch any leaks. 

3.  Good quality glider: In retrospect I would have bought a glider that also reclined, but having a good quality glider is essential.  I must have spent the entire first two months sitting in mine.  Springing for the ottoman was great as well because it allowed me to keep my feet up after my c-section.

4.  Sophie the Giraffe: Sophie is Violette’s favorite teething toy!  Ours did smell like rubber at first, but after a few washings and lots of use the smell has gone away.  She can be a huge crabby pants and Sophie cheers her right up.

5.  Brest Friend:  The unfortunately named Brest Friend actually will become your best friend while nursing!  I had both the Boppy and the Brest Friend and preferred the latter.  It straps around your waist which is nice because it has a little back support section that helps you sit up straighter.  At first I used pillows but it made getting set up for feedings a pain in the ass and my back would still burn.  Violette nursed in the football hold position exclusively for the first 3 months until she big enough not to get smothered by my breast and I just put the Brest Friend on sideways and it worked perfectly. 

6.  NoseFrida: Oh the wondrous NoseFrida!  This was recommended to me by our photographer who is a new dad himself.  It’s the best thing since sliced bread!  Violette was very congested the first few months and would SCREAM when we’d put saline drops in her nose and try to suction out the mucous with a bulb aspirator.  The NoseFrida is totally hygienic and really gets that snot out of the little one’s noses.

7.  Orajel Medicated Swabs: Way easier to get the Orajel actually on the gums using these instead of the gel.  Instant relief (for Violette and my ears).

8.  Glow Worm (comfort item) for diaper changes:  At first Vy didn’t like diaper changes, not sure why.  Her glow worm plays a little song and glows.  It provided her with a familiar comfort item when being changed.  Now that she’s bigger it gives something to play with so during diaper changes.  If anything, it’s a roll over deterrent on the high changing table.

9.  Baby Bjorn lightweight pack and play:  I’ll be honest, we’re freaking spoiled.  We have both the conventional Graco pack and play and the Baby Bjorn.  The bells and whistles of the Graco are great for home, but it’s really heavy and bulky for trips.  The Baby Bjorn packs up very compactly, and like they claim, you can set it up in 20 seconds flat.  Vy really likes it, I think the shape makes her feel safe and secure, especially in random environments.

10.  King Sized Bed: We co-slept with Violette in a queen bed the first two months or so, but I got really tired of being squished in the middle.  The king bed was an essential buy for everyone’s sleep.  Vy has plenty of room on her side, she’s safe with the baby guard rail, and I don’t have to worry.

So there are the 10 things I can’t live without!  I’m sure I’ll find more as the year progresses and the adventure continues!