Hey everyone - I've been gone awhile - but I'm back :) I've learned quite a bit in my absence. I don't think I could ever stop typing if I actually tried to write about it. One thing is for sure. I am even more excited about living my life with a purpose, on purpose. Improving myself, my home and my family's quality of life all-together, is at the very top of my list. And I plan to have fun doing it. Perhaps I'll paint my living room and hang some family photos :) On top of working on my own book I plan to finish three books by fantastic authors like Os Hillman and my favorite motivational speaker Dani Johnson.  In addition I am thrilled about discovering creative ways to take better care of people! This included my relationships.

I haven't had a chance to as much as crack its spine, but Os Hillman's book Change Agent, couldn't be a more timely read for me. As a stay-at-home mom, its easy to feel untouchable and even trapped at times. But my eyes have been opened. Sometimes our humble state, no matter where we may be in life, is what causes us to rise up and BE THE CHANGE. So the simple fact that you actually noticed a need, proves that you are part of the solution to the equation. Follow?

Lately i can't help but think there is a new mom somewhere who is overwhelmed and isolated. Looking back, i have a great amount of compassion for this situation, because i know what its like. Having a baby is a major deal! Postpartum and baby blues are a very real thing and no one should have to go through such a life change feeling alone. I have a big dream to give these mothers a place to relax and relate with other mothers. And I believe God will make it happen. Primarily because I know He is responsible for putting the dream in my heart. Many parents struggle with caring for children with special needs. This is also a wellknown crisis in our world today. These people deserve to know that there is help and nutritional hope for their family. I've seen it time after time. Children who doctors said would never be able to communicate are now thriving because they were willing to try again- quite possibly a completely different approach. Then we have others who don't "need" anything. They are completely financially stable, but are bedridden or suffer daily from their condition. These people want nothing but their health back so they can enjoy their families.

The truth is, a certain level of resistance had been badgering me, attempting to make me give up on the idea of helping anyone.  I can only imagine it was so i would take on a bitter approach. So that I might respond to rejection in defeat, instead of my natural inclination of love and compassion for people in need. Anyway-  it didn't work. I love people too much to stop telling the truth or giving them the aid that the lack. In reality, we live in a broken world. If its my role to play the band-aid, then so be it. My prayer is that I be a great help to those that need and desire change. I'm reminded of Jesus, who came not for the well, but the sick. That's good enough for me <3

God Bless.

The Happy Winner!

FINALLY-I know this is a bit delayed. After all it is March and the giveaway was in January :) But I haven't had computer access to make this happen until now. Thanks again to all who made my giveaway possible, participants and sponsors! Special thanks to Jody from Ruby Blaise Essentials and Dustin over at Amazing Green Planet! Congrats again, Adrianne!!!

Adrianne is enjoying all these wonderfully green goodies! Doesn't she look happy? :)

::dreaming up giveaway #2::

Time to Breakaway, Time to Push My Pace

 Now I played a handful of different sports through out my life, and one thing they all have in common (except  Vball) is running. Whether on the court, field or track. Whether during training season or in the heat of the action. Can you tell I love sports??  Well, I ought to. My parents both were on scholarship for track- and they were both one of a kind, record setting, athletes. Competitive, quick and steady. Even today I run into people that knew them or watched them compete as far back as highschool, they can never say enough about those glorious days. That never gets old to me, ya know? I am proud. They would have made excellent coaches. Watching the races alongside them today, makes me wish I would have followed close in their footsteps. My dad says I would have been great! My brother, I think, even better than me. It's kindof bitter sweet to watch the races and know we have the build and the bloodlines ;) If the state track and field board would not have moved Maxine Graham from AA to A, my mother would still hold the single A high school long jump record today!

I remember my dad setting up those old wire hangers, and bending them in such a way that they resembled extra-mini hurdles (his forte in his prime) for me to leap over as I ran down the hall. In a big announcer voice he'd say, "Runners take your mark, get set, GO!" My parents taught me techniques that helped them hang with the best like breathing correctly, and how "use my arms". These helped me in anything I played.  Another thing they taught me was about pacing myself. Now, my parents were sprinters. I think the reason I wasn't much a fan of racing, is because it's so "individualistic." It's all about your game, your training, your individual effort. I like actual "team" sports, where players play their own game, but are fueled by the synergy of the team. LOVE THIS. The fact that I even think that way, probably says a lot about my personality, huh ;)

More on Pacing Myself- this concept of pacing myself has to do with leveling out my energies, so they are consistent throughout. You do this, I believe, to conserve your energy. This way you can accelerate and really push yourself in the last leg of the race. This is speaking more from a "distance runner" standpoint. I used this during conditioning/training seasons to practice the discipline of endurance. It's actually how endurance is built. You have to steadily push yourself, all the while saving the best (of yourself) for last! This is what wins games and all sorts of events! It's how underdogs come back out of the locker room with their game face on and  CLEAN UP in the last quarter! WOOO! They are tired and drenched in their own sweat. They may be down several points with  nothing left to give. But after the coach's pep talk, there is a tingle of new energy you can taste in the air! They come away with the victory because they dug deep and turned their BEST on! Ah, it's beautiful! But for real, this stuff is training that is relevant for every area of life. I even used them while in labor. It helped my confidence and focus, especially when it was time to transition from pacing myself (laboring), to pushing (delivering).

In my life, now more than ever, I feel an urgency to pickup my pace a bit. Push myself. Get ahead and steadily PULL (BrEaK) AWAY!  I can still hear the words of Kelly Clarkson's (actually Avril wrote it) ringing in my heart as my friend <3 and I sang our farwell to the senior class of 2005. In what ways do you feel it's time to break away from the pack? In your health, education, relationships, business, personal goals and dreams?

::Breakaway- you can't be the best hangin with the "ok's"::

Live Well, Be Well 30-Day Challenge!!

Happy March Everybody!!
Around this time of year, I can only think of two things on peoples mind: St. Patty's Day and MAARRRRCH MADDNESSS ((Just as a sidenote....I LOVE BASKETBALL- played in HS...ahhh-LOVE!)) So yes, I agree that the MaDnEsS can get pretty exciting. Good, clean competitivness is always fun!

Well, I have something else fun I'd like to throw out there this month. Now it's not a competition per say, however we shall call it a challenge or "dare" if you will. Much in the same way I encouraged you to make healthier decisions this year, with my Greenest of Green Mama Giveaway. For this event, I am looking for at least 5 new success stories! Individuals who are tired of (literally) being sick and tired all the time. People ready to begin making a change this year and take a step in the investment towards their health.

This is what you get in one daily vita-strip!!

Of this 30-Day Challenge, there will be one of two participants. Those that will take part in the "Dare" or the "Double Dare". Both dares include using and reviewing Shaklee's amazing product, Vitalizer.

Dare 'ya-  Accept the challenge. Choose the Vitalizer that's right for you (Women, Men or Gold/50+). Take one vita strip everyday for 30-days and report back to me with your results and overall experience...how you feel on day 30. take a gander click here for more on Vitalizer!
Double Dog Dare 'ya- Accept the challenge. Choose the Vitalizer Wellness Pack or the RX for a Healthier Life (which includes Vitalizer and some of Shaklee's best products) Select the line-up that best meets your personal needs. Consume for 30-days and report back with how you feel and any noticible changes! Take a peak at what the Vitalizer Wellness Pack has to offer!

Vitalizer Wellness Pack

And that's all folks! This is gonna be a blast!!  So all you have to do is post " I accept the Live Well, Be Well 30-Day Challenge" here or on my wall, and let me know which way you'd like to participate,  and I will show you how to get started. For all those who accept my challenge, their name will be submitted in a drawing to win a FREE Shaklee product! So far only a few are interested. But I'm sure there will be more. Feel free to tweet and share on FB!

*Don't be surprised if certain health conditions lessen or completely disappear. It happens all the time. Shaklee has offered the purest, most potent products for over 55 years :) So ready yourself for SUPER results! and no worries- if you try Vitalizer and are dissatisfied with your results, Shaklee will return your money! WIN WIN!

All the best!!!!!

::Who's GAME?::

Pretty Much Dream-like!

Do you all remember Dreamcicles aka Orange Creamcicles?  Now I don't know about your mom, but mine  would have never let me have dessert before a meal. Well here's a way to make a healthy shake- yummy for breakfast or as snack that kids (and the child-at-heart) will keep asking for!

What You'll Need:

• Meal Shakes (French Vanilla), or Cinch
• Shaklee Performance - Orange
• Milk (preferably cold organic whole, almond  or rice milk)
• A blender (or shaker cup)
• Truvia or Stevia
• Ice (optional)
• Chewable Vita-C 

Blend 1 serving of the Meal Shake and 1 serving of Performance with your milk and ice*. For one glass, use 1-2 packets of Truvia to sweeten (Stevia is stronger so you may want to use less than the suggested amount- I do not recommend the use of sugar in this drink). For immune boosting properties and added citrus flavor, crush 2-3 Shaklee Chewable Vita-C and add it to the mixture. Enjoy!


It really is tasty. Just had one myself! Great for finicky eaters! If you're interested in any of the products I mentioned check them out here: www.adscott.myshaklee.com or just leave your questions in the comments below ;)

::dream dream dreeeam::

Women's Health: Infertility <\3

Morning! Let's try this again. Wrote this yesterday and it got erased :( But this time I'll get straight to the point. I am expecting some GLA (omega6) from Shaklee any day in the mail. It regulates, balances hormones and helps with pesky bloating and headaches...which I experience around the time Aunt Flow pays me a visit. So I got to thinking about it and wondered what else this supplement can do for your body. I knew if I searched a while I could find something and I came upon a few amazing testimonies. Two of which mentioned how it was used to overcome infertility. There are so many questions about why certain women have problems with this and why others do not. Doctors can't even explain this. Even this to me, seems so unfair. There a lot of contributing factors in the equation. The good news is, hope lies in the ability to identify and address those factors that are most prominent. Here, just read the Leschke Family's story. Be encouraged.

Six months after our wedding Scott and I decided to start our family. What was expected to be a simple goal became our most difficult life challenge. The next seven years were filled with tests, procedures, surgeries and disappointment. Finally we were blessed with a pregnancy with in vitro fertilization. Miranda, our million dollar baby changed our lives dramatically. A few weeks after her birth, I was inspired to remove all the toxic cleaners from my home. That's how I became interested in Shaklee. What a change it made in our lives. We listened to a tape on infertility and Shaklee products and decided to explore this route for our second child. We BOTH began supplementing with Shaklee's Vita-Lea, B-Complex, Vita-C, Vita-E, Zinc and Energizing Protein. 

We also made a few dietary changes: no dairy, organic when possible and hormone-free meat. When Miranda was 21 months old I learned I was pregnant again. Oh Happy Day! This pregnancy only required feeding our bodies the necessary nutrition to do what bodies are intended to do--conceive and grow a healthy baby. I had a terrific pregnancy, no nausea or complications. Kellen, now 3 1/2 is the healthiest, happiest boy I know. Both children use Shaklee nutrition and have never needed medication or antibiotics. The average child goes to the doctor 15 times a year! Shaklee keeps my children healthy and "drug free".I suggest you clean up your home by removing all toxic products and use the best nutritional supplements you can buy, SHAKLEE! I believe the years of heartache and medical procedures could have been avoided with the simple, easy addition of Shaklee to our diets and our lives. –B. Leschke

According to Dr.Shaklee, if you give the body what it needs "...it will heal itself." Perhaps Shaklee had nothing to do with this miracle. Maybe throwing away your toxic cleaners and changing certain lifestyle habits don't matter. I however believe, that by offering the purest, most potent supply of nutrients, Shaklee had everything to do with naturally preparing Mrs. Leschke's womb, and others to conceive and carry a child full term. The debate on whether healthy eaters need to supplement their diet or not, will always be up in the air. But it's quite apparent to me that some women have tried everything and only ended up with heartache. I'm not a doctor, but time and time again I've listened and read about changed lives, and that says it all. If you or someone you know has experienced the pain of infertility or the devastation of miscarriage, and aren't ready to give-in, its time to take a closer look at what's really happening in your body. For some it will be as easy as adding or subtracting something in your diet. For others with more serious female conditions, this may be a call for a total lifestyle makeover, but it will be worth it in the end. I may not know your pain, but I do know there is help for you. Don't lose hope. Please leave your thoughts and concerns below <3

:Here's to double for your trouble::

RESULTS ARE IN! DRuMrOLL...

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for! Adrianne Marcum is the winner of The Greenest of Green Mama Goodie Basket!! Thank you! Thank you, to every mama that entered to win and extra special thanks to every one of my sponsors! Let's do this again sometime!!

::Here's to a BIG GREEN START this year::

Give-a-way Results at Noon!!!!!!!!!!

As you all know! The Greenest of Green Mama Goodie Basket Giveaway happens tomorrow! I am more excited than anyone I think! So much so, that I couldn't resist. I went over to Random.org and drew a winner! However I wil be announcing the winning mama tomrrow at noon (est). I have yet to wrap the basket, but it's at least all intact. I told you it was gonna be big! Brace yourself.Here's a list of what's included.

•Charlie's Soap
•Snack Happened- Mini Reusable/Waterproof Snack Bags
•SA8 Laundry Detergent
•RE9 Advanced Skincare Sampler
•Cinch Energy Tea (1 stick of Green Tea, 1 stick of Pomegranate)
•Personal Mug
•Shaklee Vitalizer for Women (30day supply)
•Copy of Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and Cleaner Planet
  by. Sloan Barnett
•Spray bottle of Basic H - All Purpose Cleaner
•The Real Dirt on Clean Dvd
•Handmade Lavendar Dish Scrubbie
•Birdhouse craft

The winner will also receive:

•A set from Ruby Blaise Essentials: candle, mist and soap bar
•Bottle of Get Clean Dish Soap
•One free room from Bluegrass Carpet Cleaning*

THAT'S A LOT OF STUFF, RIGHT?!!!

Thanks so so much to everyone who made this possible!!!! Can't wait to do it again!

::Hope you're as excited as I am!::

Big Fancy Food Poisoning... Heart2Heart

Have you ever gotten food poisoning before? If not, count yourself very fortunate. When I was about 11 years old, my cousin one summer around lunch time, went over to the Bingo Hall and bought us two delicious looking pickles. My parents didn't buy pickles, so I was unfamiliar with the "flavor". I didn't know what a pickle that size was suppose to taste like lol. Sour yes. But that sour, no. That night we were sick as dogs. As our parents tried to figure out what could have made us feel so aweful, they soon discovered that we ate those nasty €€$2 pickles from Bingo.  Now, as an adult, I know not all pickles are gross. I like a few on a good burger once in a while, but after that experience, it took many years for me even to want to hear there word pickle!! Hahah. Please- I'm saying this. Just because you get food poisoning once after eating your favorite dish at a restaurant, would you refuse to eat from then on? Of course not! You would die. This event does not teach that food is bad, but only that your food was spoiled or ill-prepared. So perhaps not eating from that place is an order, but not banning all food. If you don't believe in God or refuse to serve Him, it may be because "someone" put a bad taste in your mouth towards Him. However, this has nothing to do with whether He exist or not. This has nothing to do with what He thinks personally about you. If you look for Him, you will find Him-the Everlasting God. The one who will never leave you. If you're not so sure about this, or you don't believe what I'm telling you then you've probably been served-up some offense. You've probably tasted some heartache.

 You know, if you decided to eat candy everyday for the rest of your life what would happen to your body? Your teeth would probably be the most visible sign of decay...the very thing you need to process your food and ready it for proper digestion. Maybe one would argue, "Oh- I don't need my teeth to enjoy what I eat!" Perhaps. But this life is not a Candy Land (if it were no one would have any teeth by the time the game was half way through lol) Besides the fact that everyone knows that candy isn't good for you, the simple fact of the matter is,  life wasn't meant to "suck", we were meant to use our teeth to chew with. Eventually, other health problems would arise-maybe several at a time. I can stil hear someone saying, " ...it is what it is. Its my life and I'll do as I please."  If people only knew their worth. If we were not so naturally self-absorbed, we would all see that the consequences of our actions (whether good or bad) touches the lives of everyone around us. Your life isn't (just) for you. It's about others. You were not meant to serve yourself, but to know God and how important you are to Him. No matter what you've been told. You can still use your brain, Proverbs says in all our getting to get understanding. Knowledge is power, right? Just because you believe in God does not mean you have to be a big dummy. But to say there is no God, I'd be a fool. Creation has His fingerprints all over it! Anyway, facts are fine and good, but no one can discount the overwhelming value of experience. Once you experience a meal prepared by the Master Chef and brought out to you by the Manager Himself (Jesus), you'll never be satisfied eating candy again. Plain and simple, you need to be introduced to the Master Chef.  Also, if you don't like the service you got last time, ask for a new server or the Manager! Don't let one bad meal change your opinion on food. Don't judge God by those who fail you. Let Him speak to your soul for Himself. People will always fail you, but He will not disappoint. To me, that's something worth smiling about ;)

::let Him prove Himself to you, He will::

Giving & Getting

Alrighty! Only 8 days and 3 more items to go! I am so excited I can hardly stand myself. I love gifts. I love blessing others. So naturally, I l-o-v-e giveaways ;) I mean, nothing tops that feeling of being on the giving end! The best part about this one is I'm giving "big" not by my own doing, but because of the collective efforts of others!   Just by giving an opportunity to friends and small business to share their products or services, I get a chance to offer something good, wholesome and inspiring to my community. Its wonderful.

Thanks to all who have sponsored, entered, or encouraged me to do all that was in my heart concerning this project! The Greenest of Green Mama Goodie Basket Giveaway is being made possible by all giveaway participants. Special thanks to my friends Angee, Penny, Sharalee, & Jeanette- as well as Ruby Blaise Essentials, Amazing Green Planet and Bluegrass Carpet <3

Ruby Blaise Essentials
Amazing Green Planet
Bluegrass Carpet Cleaning

::finding good reasons to give::

Greenest Video Reminder!

Hey there greenies and wanna-bees <3 Couldn't upload the video from my camera, and I was forced to use my phone. So I apologize for the tacky film job, but just wanted to get in a quick and personal reminder! You still have time to enter mamas! Thanks to Jody creator of RubyBlaise: Essentials, the winner of my giveaway will also be receiving a candle, mist and yummy vegan soap bar! If you don't mind, go "like" her facebook page and thank her for being so awesome for sponsoring this giveaway, while you're at it! Then head on over to her sight and check out what blends you might like. I of course, want the Hippie blend :) 

Don't forget to invite your mama`2`be friends- this basket would be great for a new mom!

::Chizzz-ow::

TASTY GREEN MACHINE SMOOTHIE

Ok here it is! I love smoothies. There, I said it. Actually I like shakes and smoothies. The great thing about this is how easy this makes getting an extra serving of fruit or greens in for the day. I want to share a recipe that combines both! Which may sound totally disgusting to you. But I'm sure it really isn't that bad. Let me know if you try it before I get a chance to!

To make the Green Machine Smoothie, you will need:

1 cup coconut, rice, or almond milk, (you can use water...I don't recommend it ;)
1 banana
1 cup of another fruit (fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
1 cup spinach
1 tbsp ground flax seed
1/2-1 serving of the CINCH Chocolate Shake Mix
4 or 5 icecubes to make cold


Courtesy of Nathan & Jenni Oates over at healthyoates.com

:: blend, serve & enjoy! ::

Questions, Questions & Solutions

What if something you did every day was hurting someone else? Would you stop? Many would rush a quick "Yes, of course!" For instance, smoking while pregnant. Most would be appalled at this. But I know of several who kept right on smoking, even though there has been tons of research that proves the immense danger it causes the unborn. Now then, how many things, products and/or chemicals have been attributed to causing cancer or even reproductive problems and birth defects. I have to wonder if people live under a rock or if they simply do not care, for fear that nothing can REALLY be done. Which is the furthest from the truth. And you know what I can't stand?!! This whole mindset of   "when its my time to go..." you finish the rest. I DEEspise that line. Well what if there was something you didn't know that caused you to die before your time? Something that if you would have only known to do certain things a little differently, could have potentially saved your life? Or the lives of your family members and friends? Hindsight is 20/20, right? But it can be so bittersweet.

Well, the good news is I have a solution. Its two things really. The first life changing factor for me has been Shaklee Corporation. It has given me the opportunity to choose some of the very best products for the health of my family and just by sharing (which I love to do) I've been handed the greatest opportunity of all, to create the lifestyle I want to live - working from home. I've seen Shaklee change peoples lives. Helping special needs children beat the odds, providing emergency income for a divorced spouse...the list goes on. That means a lot to me. Those are only some of the reasons why I joined the team. The second factor has been just remaining teachable.  Challenging what we've always known when it comes to nutrition and wellness. With all our technological and medical advances, if everything is as we've been told, shouldn't people be feeling better and living longer? I think so! Realize friends, that the people spending money to advertise products that we WILL BUY, probably don't care one lick about how they affects us! Or even if they kill those closest to us. This is why I as questions. This is why I read books. Articles. Reviews. Unbiased studies. I also enjoy talking to professionals, whether they know more or less than I do about the body and how it responds to what we put in it, on it and what we breathe. Its how I connect the dots.

So what if I told you the choice is yours? The choice is yours where you shop, what you buy and use. The choice is also yours when it comes to what you believe about these decisions you've made. As my wise Daddy says on occasion, "You gotta trust somebody." The question is who will you trust? Asthma rates in school age children has gone up 400% since the 90's. There are over 300 chemicals found in the bloodstream of newborns now days. Woman that work inside the home are 50€€ percent more likely to develop cancer, than those that work outside them home. This is directly linked to the use of several very harmful household cleaners. You either believe me or you don't. There are things we can do to lessen these occurrences. Things like avoiding exposure to certain chemicals. Starting with the ones we use to "clean" our homes. You do know that the Clorox solution on that wipey doesn't just disappear because you're done disinfecting your baby's toys...don't you??? Ultimately, you entrust your health and well-being to someone. Be it your doctor or not. America thinks we are the healthiest nation in the world. It's a misconception. Unfortunately, we rank like 37th. We go to the doctor the most and are the most medicated for sure! But that's not anything to be proud of. With all that being said, my question for you is won't you make a conscious decision to choose safer products for your home and family? Won't you search for answers and take your health into your own hands? What's the first thing we do when we get sick? We access the situation. What we ate, what we touched and who we were around. Were they sick? It's just like that. We know that to get different results, something will have to change. And let's face it. You won't change because you should. But you will if you care. That's all for today <3

Where do you start? I'm glad you asked. Here's to a new, safe kind of clean. 

Try the Get Clean Mini Kit!


:: Take Care €::

Awake & Dreaming

It's early. I'm up and dreaming! Ever wonder why in your dreams, anything goes. You may be rock climbing Everest in one frame and captain'ning a pirate ship in the one following. Either with people you've never seen in your life or the people dearest to you. I'm so intrigued by the human capacity to dream and imagine! To picture something in our mind's eye and bring it to life! It's an ability that only Mankind possesses and it's such a glorious, breathtaking thing! Is it not? It's something we humans share in common with Creator...who is gloriously, breathtaking, wholly good, kind and wonderfully majestic! What a sweet gift. Super power, if you will, that links us to Him. How thoughtful, to think of us and allow us to think for ourselves. Freely, unhindered and unchecked. For evil or for good. Whether we know, like or acknowledge Him or not. That's the wonder in it. It's divine, really.

So this morning, instead of limiting myself when I picture what I can accomplish, I am going to open the box I've been locked in. I am taking the limits off my potential.   I am unharnessing my powers for good and for LOVE. To give hilariously to those in need. To be inspired and be and inspiration to others. To BE a blessing to everyone I come in contact with. To encourage the world around me, because every person matters. To change my own outlook on life and what I'm capable of...the truth is in our dreams....anything we set in our mind to do is possible. ANYTHING. So today, don't you dare feel down, alone  or hopeless. Even if you have the right to be! Because if you knew what you were capable of you'd be a little less frustrated and you'd smile a lot more. The world needs you to be YOU! I for one know, that if I am to ever to be happy and satisfied to my core...its to be me. Natural, health conscious, mama-baby lovin, hole'in the wall, guitar playin, sing-songwritin me. First I was only a dream. A soul He fashioned Himself. I've realized He is pleased with what He sees. What a thought! Smile! We are the pinacle of God's green creation and He loves us more than the whales, trees or anything else He made. Although I believe we should care for these things and cherish what He's given us in nature. But that's for another post ;) Deep for Monday morning, eh? Thanks for reading! Are you a dreamer?


::Changing my world, one person at a time::

What IN THE WORLD is a diaper swap?

Met a few new faces today at the diaper swap. Yep, that's right. Not only do I cloth diaper my toddler, I swap em' for cuter, bigger, softer ones...that happen to be 2nd hand. There is a local natural parenting store in town called Mama's Hip, that stands as a beacon of hope for mamas looking for guidance in their cloth diapering-babywearing-breastfeeding journey. They offer play group, a mama's postpartum group, an owl tree yoga class, wee rock (which is music!) and even cloth diapering 101. This place is wonderful. The atmosphere is very laid back and its a really great place to make new mama friends. I think I meet new ones just about overtime I go. The only draw back is its on a completely different side of town, but it usually is well worth the drive.

I was at the very first cloth diaper swap and found some really sweet deals. My little one is bigger now so we actually sold what I bought that day to a friend to use for her baby. Since then we have restocked with Fuzzi Bunz diapers! These are one of the most popular brand of CDs (see the blue diaper with white snaps in right panel?) I got 12 of them, gently used, in mint condition. Found them on craigslist actually. So anyway, I was a little disappointed at MH's swap because there wasn't nearly as much stuff as last time, and I came for the sole purpose of getting a large wet bag or pail liner (where dirty diapers wait to be washed). The store had a couple, but I really did,'t want to pay full price. I did however pick up two Hemparoo inserts by BabyKicks and something from Sustainablebabyish. Heard a ot about these brands. We didn't really need anything, but they are really trim (not bulky) and will help with night time diapers, since these inserts are made with natural fibers like hemp, bamboo and cotton blends.

The coolest thing today was actually getting to meet the Cloth Diaper Fairy! This gals a super cute redhead that goes around town scooping babies  dirty diapies and leaving fresh clean ones in their place. Sounds like a smelly job? She adores what she does! It's a beautiful thing. Maybe its because she feels she's making a huge contribution to our community? Maybe she just enjoys meeting new people? Whatever it is, what she's doing is working and I was really pleased to meet her. At the beginning of our CDing journey, I had considered using another cloth diapering service in town, but I ended up getting the hang of laundering my own diapers. This of course was cheaper. Financially speaking, cloth diapering is really an investment anyway. A diaper can range anywhere from $6-$30, which sounds like a lot to dish out upfront, but when you consider that you will not have to buy diapers every few weeks because you'll wash n' reuse your cloth ones...its a nice thought. I even found that during my postpartum days, cloth diaper laundry was therapeutic! Something about the process of getting them really clean and soft for my baby to wear again, just made me smile with satisfaction. I also knew there weren't any nasty chemicals on my baby's bottom. Now then, the naysayers will nay at you like they nayed at me lol. Just know in the long run, you will have saved more money CDing rather than using disposables for 2-2.5 years. Did you know using disposables can cost as much as $1,600, where as using cloth could cost as low as $300 all the way to potty training???  So yeah,  I'd be glad to give any pointers to those considering cloth. Ask your questions. Fire at will <3

Check this out:
http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php


::Cloth diaper laundry is the best laundry::

Get Clean Outcleans 20 Major Brands

Just want to say if you ever have the chance to try the Get Clean cleaning line from Shaklee, don't miss it. Every job from kitchen to laundry can be non-toxic and effective. Not only does it do a great job, its more economical than buying something premade. For example, to get the same amount of cleaning power that's in the Get Clean Starter Kit, you would have to buy over $3,000 of product. It's just that concentrated. And since Shaklee guarentees their products are always safe, always green and always work- or your money back.

HERE'S YOUR BIG CHANCE!

I am making available (sorry, only locally) my Get Clean Trial Caddy. In it will include alternative all-purpose/glass cleaner, oven cleaner, dish detergent/auto dishwasher powder, laundry soap and stain remover, disinfectant and wipes.

More information:
The Real Dirt on Clean - part 1
The Real Dirt on Clean - part 2
The Real Dirt on Clean - part 3
The Real Dirt on Clean - part 4

Check out the new ::Healthy Home:: tab on my page to learn even more.