It’s no secret I love cloth diapers. I’ve taught you how to save money on prefolds, choose & pack a cloth diaper bag, and how to deal with poopy diaper laundry. Today, it’s time to introduce you to my newborn cloth diaper stash.Before my first child was born, both my husband and I were sold…
Is Non-toxic Nail Polish For You?
Source Last month I gave away all my nail polish. Okay, so I only had 5 bottles. I decided to do away with chemical-laden polishes, opting instead for the 4-sided nail buffer that’s been a staple in my makeup bag since high school. Sure, shiny, smooth, buffed nails look professional, but I missed fun summer…
How to Use an Infant Prefold on a Newborn
I don’t know about you, but my budget requires I get a whole lot of mileage out of my baby’s cloth diapers. Even if you plan on using them for future children (like I did) I’d still recommend avoiding newborn sized prefolds and opting instead for the next size up, infant prefolds. With almost no…
Pregnancy Tea: Make it or Buy it?
Staying fit and healthy throughout pregnancy is a no-brainer for most mamas, but have you ever considered uterine health? For centuries women have relied on herbal teas to maintain uterine tone and help intensify contractions during labor, particularly pregnancy teas made from red raspberry leaf. Source Since I experienced minor hemorrhaging post-birth with Summer Elizabeth,…
Whipped Belly Butter
Years before I ever pictured myself as a mom, my vanity told me that pregnancy was just not going to happen. Stretch marks? Um, no thanks. Now I realize that stretch marks don’t mark all moms. Whipped belly butter can help! I’m astoundingly grateful that God changed my heart about motherhood and happy to tell…
Our Favorite Breakfast Smoothie
Summerbeth and I are generally awake shortly after the roosters crow. Yes, we really do hear roosters even in an urban neighborhood here in Costa Rica. Since I’m hardly able brew my cup of coffee with both eyes open at this ridiculously early hour, the last thing I want to do most days is cook…
Labor-Friendly Natural Massage Oil
Show me a pregnant woman who doesn’t like massage, and I’ll show you a…. wait a minute, I’m not sure what I would show you. Anyway, most pregnant women in labor appreciate the relaxation benefits of a massage given with strong hands and a labor-friendly natural massage oil. Source With our first child, our sweet…
When You’ve Got ‘Em
When you’ve got mangoes, you eat them. That pretty much goes without saying. Our neighbor has a gorgeous mango tree whose sturdy limbs hang over our tall concrete wall, mangoes dancing above our little house like the Nutcrackers’ sugar plums. As the rains rush in, high winds batter the mango tree and send fruits thudding…
Farmer’s Markets in Costa Rica
You haven’t really visited Costa Rica until you’ve gone to the farmer’s market. It’s absurd to think that grocery stores alone could give you the full picture of the wealth of fresh produce abounding in this tropical nation. They can’t give you the cultural experience of rubbing elbows, canvas sacks, and dirty sneakers with the…
Pizza Box Painting // Mommy-Brain Mixer
Have you ever wanted to finger paint with your child but been hesitant of the mess? Try using a pizza box to keep all your supplies & inevitable splatters contained. Summer & I painted for the first time ever last week, and the pizza box worked like a charm… if you don’t consider the time…
