This is one of the final posts of the cloth diapering series. There will be one final post on detergent and other natural products to use with your cloth diapers.
For now, I thought (as I promised) I would give you a list of the diapers I have or have tried. If anyone would like some pictures or more information on any of these diapers, feel free to let me know. I know how hard it can be to make a final decision on diapers, especially if you are in it to save as much money as possible. I have even added in a few eBay diapers to my stash just for this purpose. Surprisingly enough eBay diapers are often compared to the highest brand names out there.
This list is going off of my memory, so I apologize if I leave something out. I am always adding and taking away from our stash as I find new things that fit our daughter better. Baby A can still fit in the newborn sized diapers, which is why I wanted to post this now. So here's the list....
Lil Joey's
Blueberry Fitted Pocket - Bamboo
BumGenius All-In-One (AIO) Fitted
Happy Heiny's One Size (OS) Pocket
BumGenius 3.0 OS Pocket
BumGenius 4.0 OS Pocket
Blueberry OS Pocket - Bamboo
Swaddlebees OS Pocket - Bamboo
Rumparooz OS Pocket
Kawaii OS Pocket
Grape-Apple OS Pocket - eBay
iCute OS Pocket - Bamboo - eBay
Best Bottoms OS Hybrid
Grovia OS Hybrid
Thirsties Duo Wrap - Cover - 2 Size
Tweedlebugs OS Cover
BumCheeks OS All-In-2 (AI2)
Diaper Rite Flats
Indian Unbleached Prefolds
Kanga Care Fleece Liners
BumGenius Doublers
GroVia Disposable Liners
BumGenius Disposable Liners
PlanetWise Wetbag - Large
Rumparooz Wetbag - Large
Grovia Travel sized Wetbag
Kushies Travel sized Wetbag
Wondering which are our favorites? Wondering why I chose a diaper I did? Want to know which ones are best for a particular reason? Want to know which ones I like to travel with? Want to know which ones dry faster?
Feel free to ask!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Recipe: Black Magic Cake
Recently, I was on the hunt for a simple dessert that I could take to a gathering. I was suppose to bring a dessert, and for me.... I do not make many desserts. Different recipe sites became my best friend. I came across this one. I just had to make it because of it's name. All the reviews were 5 stars and family tested and approved. I thought I had to give it a go.
I actually had never made a homemade cake before. Normally I do cookies, cobblers, pies, etc. Never a cake. I have also never done a homemade frosting. This recipe is super easy and delicious. Many people raved over it and asked for the recipe.... when I had to confess that I found it "somewhere" online. Here is the saved document to my computer, and I wish I could show you where it came from but I can't remember. However, if you google the name of it, different variations will come up! I hope you enjoy!
And I must add, before you freak out over the addition of coffee in it. You can NOT taste the coffee at all. I hate coffee and I can always smell it and taste it from a mile away. Not this time!
Ingredients
| 1 3/4 c | all purpose flour |
| 2 c | sugar |
| 3/4 c | cocoa powder |
| 2 tsp | baking soda |
| 1 tsp | baking powder |
| 1 tsp | salt |
| 2 | eggs |
| 1 c | strong black coffee, cooled |
| 1 c | buttermilk |
| 1/2 c | vegetable oil |
| 1 tsp | real vanilla extract |
| CHOCOLATE FROSTING | |
| 1/2 c | margarine, softened |
| 2 oz | melted unsweetened chocolate, cooled |
| 3 c | powdered sugar |
| 3 Tbsp | milk |
| 2 tsp | real vanilla extract |
Directions:
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer.
Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Batter will be thin.
Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan or two 9 inch cake pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes for a 9x13, or 30-35 minutes for layer pans.
Combine frosting ingredients and mix with a hand or stand mixer. Spread frosting on cooled cakes.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Ramble, ramble, ramble
With Mr. Man being gone, I (once again) decided to double up on school. I officially start this term, and I am so excited about it. I can not wait to see what it has to offer for me. Now that Baby A has a schedule and has proved to be such a sweet baby, I am going to take it on! Hopefully this will allow me to take some time off once Mr. Man gets home so we can do some traveling with Baby A. I really want to take her around and show her some things before it gets too late. I really do not want to look back and regret not taking her to see things just because she is this young. I hope that later on she will look back and appreciate all the things we have done for her. We have worked so hard to be where we are at and we want to be able to do these things for her.
If I get a head by a month of school, I plan on taking a week at a time to travel around. Right now we are planning two trips. Mr. Man has already been approved for the time off, so now it is up to Baby A's passport and Visa to determine where we go. If we do not have her Visa in time, then we will be going farther into Scotland. If she does have her Visa, we are going to go to Germany. Mr. Man and I both really want to go to Germany since I have not been and he has only been for work training. I am going to do more research on the whole Visa ordeal because afterall Baby A is part British until she turns 18. She has a British birth certificate, so I do not understand why she can not reenter the UK without an American Visa or why she can not apply for a British passport. Makes no sense to me. Actually, she does not even have an American birth certificate, social security card, or anything else. Her stuff just barely got sent off for her passport. She's been registered in the UK since she was 10 days old!!! So enough on that... I am so excited to start traveling again. It makes it so much easier that Mr. Man has use or lose days. It means they HAVE to give him leave! So I can not wait to make more memories and travel around the world.
With that in mind, I am also planning Baby A's first birthday. Sounds crazy since she is only 3 months old. But since we know that we will be here for her first birthday, we want to do something special, something we will never forget! .... but it's a secret for now! We will not be announcing our plans until a month or two before her birthday. But the planning must begin now!
If I get a head by a month of school, I plan on taking a week at a time to travel around. Right now we are planning two trips. Mr. Man has already been approved for the time off, so now it is up to Baby A's passport and Visa to determine where we go. If we do not have her Visa in time, then we will be going farther into Scotland. If she does have her Visa, we are going to go to Germany. Mr. Man and I both really want to go to Germany since I have not been and he has only been for work training. I am going to do more research on the whole Visa ordeal because afterall Baby A is part British until she turns 18. She has a British birth certificate, so I do not understand why she can not reenter the UK without an American Visa or why she can not apply for a British passport. Makes no sense to me. Actually, she does not even have an American birth certificate, social security card, or anything else. Her stuff just barely got sent off for her passport. She's been registered in the UK since she was 10 days old!!! So enough on that... I am so excited to start traveling again. It makes it so much easier that Mr. Man has use or lose days. It means they HAVE to give him leave! So I can not wait to make more memories and travel around the world.
With that in mind, I am also planning Baby A's first birthday. Sounds crazy since she is only 3 months old. But since we know that we will be here for her first birthday, we want to do something special, something we will never forget! .... but it's a secret for now! We will not be announcing our plans until a month or two before her birthday. But the planning must begin now!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
One Year
It's been a little over a year since I started blogging. Lately I haven't done much blogging because I have been so busy. I rarely do anything exciting because it seems I always have things that have to get done. When Mr. Man is away, this is how it is for me. I focus on school and now Baby A. I do take her out to do things, but it is mostly to shop and for walks. But that's not the point of this post.
The point is that I have been blogging for over a year. It's hard to believe that a year ago I started blogging because Mr. Man was away. I wanted something to document our lives and travels, and blogging was the way I chose. It's hard to believe that a year later, I am in that exact same position. Mr. Man is away... the only addition is that I have a beautiful baby girl to keep me company.
With this year has come some amazing things. I have met some amazing people through blogging. I have open up to more people and have found new friends. I have met people that I could potentially someday be stationed with, some people that I am already stationed with. It's amazing what blogging can do. It's like its own community in the mist of all the fresh air that we breath.
I have recently reached 300 viewers and posted my 300th blog post. I honestly never even realized until I remembered that it had been over a year that I have been blogging! Over a year... !! I know times get slow, and the blogging slacks. Truth! But I always seem to make it back, even when there's nothing exciting going on.
So I wanted to say "Thank You!" to all the friends that I have met through this and for all the support that my readers show me and my husband. We appreciate all of the kind words, and I look forward to more blog posts, maybe another year (?), more friends, and new adventures!
The point is that I have been blogging for over a year. It's hard to believe that a year ago I started blogging because Mr. Man was away. I wanted something to document our lives and travels, and blogging was the way I chose. It's hard to believe that a year later, I am in that exact same position. Mr. Man is away... the only addition is that I have a beautiful baby girl to keep me company.
With this year has come some amazing things. I have met some amazing people through blogging. I have open up to more people and have found new friends. I have met people that I could potentially someday be stationed with, some people that I am already stationed with. It's amazing what blogging can do. It's like its own community in the mist of all the fresh air that we breath.
I have recently reached 300 viewers and posted my 300th blog post. I honestly never even realized until I remembered that it had been over a year that I have been blogging! Over a year... !! I know times get slow, and the blogging slacks. Truth! But I always seem to make it back, even when there's nothing exciting going on.
So I wanted to say "Thank You!" to all the friends that I have met through this and for all the support that my readers show me and my husband. We appreciate all of the kind words, and I look forward to more blog posts, maybe another year (?), more friends, and new adventures!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Friday Five: Dreaming
Five things I have caught myself day dreaming about this week.
Beach.
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri.
A water park.
SeaWorld.
Baby A a swimsuit.
What I would do to be able to enjoy all of these!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Cloth Diapering: Different Types of Diapers
I am going to break down the different types of diapers that are available. There are many different varieties of brands and styles. I have tried all of these types, so if you want to see my opinion on my favorite or least favorite, just let me know. Here's a breakdown of which each kind are and how they work.
Flats - These are one-layer diapers, generally made out of cotton and are the most “old-fashioned” choice. The advantages are that they dry extremely quickly and fit a large range of size. The disadvantages are the folding and pinning that are required.
Prefolds - They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. The Gerber diapers you see at Target and Walmart are prefolds, but they aren’t nearly as absorbent as the Chinese prefolds (CPF's) you can buy on-line. Prefolds come in bleached or unbleached. Prefolds need to be pinned, snappi’ed, or folded into a trim fitting wrap-style cover. Hemp prefolds are another variation and are more absorbent but much more expensive than cotton prefolds, but can be a good option for nighttime diapering.
Fitted - Fitted diapers have elastic at the legs and back and basically look like a disposable diaper (only much cuter, of course). They can have velcro or snap fasteners, plain or printed outers, and can be made from a variety of materials like organic cotton or hemp.
Covers - there are several different styles of covers: 1) wrap – this refers to covers, which can be velcro or snap closing, that fasten in front, like disposable diapers. 2) side closing – these are usually snap closing covers, but there are some side-aplix covers out there. They can be used with fitteds or pinned prefolds. 3) Pull on.
All-in-One - All-in-ones are the absorbent part of the diaper and the cover combined into a single diaper, just like disposables. They come in snap or velcro closures, as well.
Pockets - These have a layer of fleece sewn to a cover (either fleece or PUL) with an opening in the back so that the inside of the diaper can be stuffed with any absorbant layer from CPF’s, to specially made stuffers, hemp prefolds, or even hand towels.
Flats - These are one-layer diapers, generally made out of cotton and are the most “old-fashioned” choice. The advantages are that they dry extremely quickly and fit a large range of size. The disadvantages are the folding and pinning that are required.
Prefolds - They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. The Gerber diapers you see at Target and Walmart are prefolds, but they aren’t nearly as absorbent as the Chinese prefolds (CPF's) you can buy on-line. Prefolds come in bleached or unbleached. Prefolds need to be pinned, snappi’ed, or folded into a trim fitting wrap-style cover. Hemp prefolds are another variation and are more absorbent but much more expensive than cotton prefolds, but can be a good option for nighttime diapering.
Fitted - Fitted diapers have elastic at the legs and back and basically look like a disposable diaper (only much cuter, of course). They can have velcro or snap fasteners, plain or printed outers, and can be made from a variety of materials like organic cotton or hemp.
Covers - there are several different styles of covers: 1) wrap – this refers to covers, which can be velcro or snap closing, that fasten in front, like disposable diapers. 2) side closing – these are usually snap closing covers, but there are some side-aplix covers out there. They can be used with fitteds or pinned prefolds. 3) Pull on.
All-in-One - All-in-ones are the absorbent part of the diaper and the cover combined into a single diaper, just like disposables. They come in snap or velcro closures, as well.
Pockets - These have a layer of fleece sewn to a cover (either fleece or PUL) with an opening in the back so that the inside of the diaper can be stuffed with any absorbant layer from CPF’s, to specially made stuffers, hemp prefolds, or even hand towels.
Friday, July 1, 2011
5 Years - Happy Anniversary!
It has been 5 years that Mr. Man and I have been together. Five years of fun loving family adventures! It is crazy to think that 5 years ago I married my high school sweetheart. 5 years ago, I was 17 and barely graduated from high school. 5 years ago I said "I do" and moved to another state.
Our life together has been remarkable. We have done exactly what we have wanted and so much more. Yes, we each have given up some things in life for this adventure, but it has never stopped us from reaching out to achieve our goals and have our own life. My husband has given me the greatest opportunity to be my own person, have my own friends, and create my own future. We may be as one, but we also reach out to meet our own needs and goals in life. It has been 4 years that I have been unemployed. 4 years of being a stay at home wife/Mom and half of that a full time student. He has given me the courage to reach out and make my dreams come true. Some say fairy tales are not true, do not happen. But I beg to differ. Our life has seemed to work itself out and things have happened in the most perfect timing. I have always said that God was on our side, and he always seems to prove himself (not that he needs to). Mr. Man may not be the first person I see when I wake up or the last person I see when I lay my head down at night, but he is forever in my thoughts and dreams. Baby A is so lucky to have such a wonderful Dad, and I know she already knows it. It's such an amazing feeling to be in love, and know that you did everything right... that all this was meant to be. I have never felt so lucky and blessed in my life. To know that my husband sacrifices just about everything for his family is such an amazing thing he could do for us.
Most military wives feel that they have to live in the shadows of their husbands. It's them that gets the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices... and sometimes the families left behind do not get that appreciation and respect that they deserve. I have never once felt like I live in the shadow of my husband. I do not think people understand the sacrifice I (and our daughter) make as part of his family, but I do not ever feel like I am forgotten or just a bump on a log. Mr. Man encourages me to do my own thing, create my own life, support myself, do my own things, be my own person, love in my own way, do everything my own way and the way I want, the way that makes me happy and satisfied. And honestly, even though I technically can not speak for him, I believe he feels the same way. I believe he knows he can do what he pleases, go where he wants, be who he wants to be, have his own friends, create his own future, and everything else. And I think this is what makes our love so strong. Knowing that we are our own separate people, but in the end we are as one. I am proud to call him my husband and the father of my child. He is the most amazing gift God could have ever given me, and for that I will never take him for granted.
On this day, we celebrate 5 years of marriage a part, physically. But emotionally we are in step every second of the way.
Our life together has been remarkable. We have done exactly what we have wanted and so much more. Yes, we each have given up some things in life for this adventure, but it has never stopped us from reaching out to achieve our goals and have our own life. My husband has given me the greatest opportunity to be my own person, have my own friends, and create my own future. We may be as one, but we also reach out to meet our own needs and goals in life. It has been 4 years that I have been unemployed. 4 years of being a stay at home wife/Mom and half of that a full time student. He has given me the courage to reach out and make my dreams come true. Some say fairy tales are not true, do not happen. But I beg to differ. Our life has seemed to work itself out and things have happened in the most perfect timing. I have always said that God was on our side, and he always seems to prove himself (not that he needs to). Mr. Man may not be the first person I see when I wake up or the last person I see when I lay my head down at night, but he is forever in my thoughts and dreams. Baby A is so lucky to have such a wonderful Dad, and I know she already knows it. It's such an amazing feeling to be in love, and know that you did everything right... that all this was meant to be. I have never felt so lucky and blessed in my life. To know that my husband sacrifices just about everything for his family is such an amazing thing he could do for us.
Most military wives feel that they have to live in the shadows of their husbands. It's them that gets the recognition for their hard work and sacrifices... and sometimes the families left behind do not get that appreciation and respect that they deserve. I have never once felt like I live in the shadow of my husband. I do not think people understand the sacrifice I (and our daughter) make as part of his family, but I do not ever feel like I am forgotten or just a bump on a log. Mr. Man encourages me to do my own thing, create my own life, support myself, do my own things, be my own person, love in my own way, do everything my own way and the way I want, the way that makes me happy and satisfied. And honestly, even though I technically can not speak for him, I believe he feels the same way. I believe he knows he can do what he pleases, go where he wants, be who he wants to be, have his own friends, create his own future, and everything else. And I think this is what makes our love so strong. Knowing that we are our own separate people, but in the end we are as one. I am proud to call him my husband and the father of my child. He is the most amazing gift God could have ever given me, and for that I will never take him for granted.
On this day, we celebrate 5 years of marriage a part, physically. But emotionally we are in step every second of the way.
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