dailyamazed.blogspot.com
I hope you will follow me over! I am talking about what I am going through RIGHT now. Mostly my son having aspergers and my 2 yr old tyrant and my chronic conditions... also trying to collect resources for parenting special needs kids, since I am learning as I go.
I still love my cloth diapering and crunchy mama stuff, but my life is complicated so I need to keep things SIMPLE!
Thanks So Much!!!
~RT
Rediscovering the joys of being a green(ish) mama. Join me, stumbling along, trying to get it right this time ;-).
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Less Is More
So, when I discovered "Bargain Blogging" I was entranced. The whole idea of being green and cheap at the same time is right up my alley. I started blogging about deals because it gave me an excuse to shop around and see what was out there. [cool stuff here]
Now I am on a new mission. Instead of shopping for green goods at discount prices, I am looking at what I need and what I don't. I am looking at reusable items that I can make, find or live without. I am reassessing the list of "needs" and ask "do we, really?"
Since I am a WAHM (who makes no $$... go figure) and my dear husband is a student, we are living off our future income (ie: credit cards and loans) so I don't want to pay tomorrow for what I threw away today. Even if it was "green" and a great deal.
So, let's see how I do shall we? What do you think?
Now I am on a new mission. Instead of shopping for green goods at discount prices, I am looking at what I need and what I don't. I am looking at reusable items that I can make, find or live without. I am reassessing the list of "needs" and ask "do we, really?"
Since I am a WAHM (who makes no $$... go figure) and my dear husband is a student, we are living off our future income (ie: credit cards and loans) so I don't want to pay tomorrow for what I threw away today. Even if it was "green" and a great deal.
So, let's see how I do shall we? What do you think?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I am an oxymoron... ?
If I didn't have all these kids, I would have more time for blogging, buying cloth diapers, making cloth diapers, researching 3 year old behavior issues, etc. etc...
But I wouldn't need to do any of that, if I didn't have all these kids. (Hmmmmm)
But I wouldn't need to do any of that, if I didn't have all these kids. (Hmmmmm)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Time keeps passing, crap keeps happening, and I never get anything done!
Well.
That's what it feels like sometimes. I broke my commitment. I need accountability or something! I really want to relate the rest of what happened with my journey to breastfeed my, now, 8 month old baby girl. I really want to encourage someone somewhere who may be going through it too. Ironically, my dear girl hates when I NAK (nurse at the keyboard).
I could write it right now. I could. I could stay up for another few hours while the house is still and quiet (ahhhh bliss) and write. Then, I will be SO tired and finally creep into bed and then I will close my eyes and the baby will wake up. On cue. She's amazing like that.
Aren't kids fun??
I am going to debate the pros and cons of blogging vs. sleeping. The winner will be obvious. ;-)
g'night......zzzzz
That's what it feels like sometimes. I broke my commitment. I need accountability or something! I really want to relate the rest of what happened with my journey to breastfeed my, now, 8 month old baby girl. I really want to encourage someone somewhere who may be going through it too. Ironically, my dear girl hates when I NAK (nurse at the keyboard).
I could write it right now. I could. I could stay up for another few hours while the house is still and quiet (ahhhh bliss) and write. Then, I will be SO tired and finally creep into bed and then I will close my eyes and the baby will wake up. On cue. She's amazing like that.
Aren't kids fun??
I am going to debate the pros and cons of blogging vs. sleeping. The winner will be obvious. ;-)
g'night......zzzzz
Monday, August 9, 2010
FREE BIB from Baby Star
Baby Star just kicks butt making the coolest eco chic duds for your little one. And now, they are giving away a FREE BIB with any hooded towel purchase this month (August). Sah Weet!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
World Breastfeeding Week
The Ten Steps To Successful Breastfeeding
- Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
- Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
- Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
- Help mothers initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
- Show mothers how to breastfeed and how to maintain lactation, even if they are separated from their infants.
- Give newborn infants no food or drink other than breastmilk, unless medically indicated.
- Practice “rooming in”-- allow mothers and infants to remain together 24 hours a day.
- Encourage breastfeeding on demand.
- Give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
- Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic
I love this campaign by the World Alliance For Breastfeeding Action (WABA) because it puts the responsibility of nurturing new moms and babies onto the community. The healthcare industry that claims to want the best for us, tells us that breastfeeding is best, but has no adequate policy to help moms learn how to. Says me, just from personal experience
:-P.
So, in honor of the campaign, I am going to make a commitment to finish writing my story this week, in hopes that I can encourage others who may be experiencing beastfeeding challenges too.
I also want to announce that my husband and I have started a new little "work from home" business venture called Green Baby Bottom. (That is why I have been slack on the blogging front.) Our etsy shop is here: greenbabybottom.etsy.com and we have a new line of nursing covers we call "Milk Drunk" which are all about FUN and just perfect for this week!
So, keep your eyes peeled and hold me accountable, "part 3" of my breastfeeding story is coming...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Burts Bees Is A Daily Deal At Target!
Target had This wonderful Burt's Bees Two by Two Lip Shimmer and Lip Balm Set today only for $7.99 with Free Shipping (always a deal!).
And when I was looking at this deal I found a new boutique at target selling very affordable organic products for your little ones! Check out the beautiful and bright outfits at The Little Seed here.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Plan Toys on SALE At Gilt!
Plan Toys makes some very modern looking, very cool AND eco-friendly toys. They have just gone on sale at Gilt Groupe. This makes them very affordable! Check them out here.
Bebe au Lait Nursing Covers at Zulily
So the Bebe au Lait nusing covers are at Zulily startng today for $21.99! Their organic line is also included for the same price. Check it out here.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Adventures In Dysfunctional Breastfeeding Pt.2
Two kids was plenty, so we decided we were done. The drain of working full time and birthing two kids in two years was enough for me. Also, we had a girl and a boy.. that "perfect pair"and popular commentary seems to be if you have both you must be done and if you don't you must keep trying. Strange. I digress.
My husband got a vasectomy. His idea, really! So in the fall of 2008 it was done and we were done. The day before my husband turned 52 years old, in April of 2009, I found out we were wrong.
Oh crap wrong.
I am not going to digress into the impact of unplanned pregnancy. It's deeply personal and terribly complicated. I changed jobs to work from home, pulled the kids from full time daycare and we moved our family to the coast. We were making lemonade. Fast forward to November 2009, in a new town with a new doctor and a different hospital. I did very little to prepare for this baby since I had done it twice already and figured it would be fine. Or it would be whatever.
I did know in my heart and head that I was going to *try* to breastfeed. I didn't read or research. I didn't seek support. I didn't know jack. I knew I was going to be home with her so I knew I had to try, but that was all I knew. I was fearful and nervous and basically dreading it.
I woke up the day after Thanksgiving and felt off. Well, the next day we were home again, with baby in tow. (THAT was quick) It was my third unmedicated delivery and I remember right after the delivery I was so relieved she was out but also knew my work wasn't done. "Oh God, (help me), now I have to learn how to breastfeed!"
In the mandatory twenty four hours we were there with the baby, the nurses and doctors seemed to encourage the breastfeeding, but in a "good for you, good luck with that" sort of way. There were no lactation consultants on staff. The nursery called (on the phone) to check on the babies feedings and said if my nipples hurt to ask a nurse for a nipple shield. I did. She gave me one. "Good luck with that". By the time I got home I was in pain. I was nursing her all the time and it hurt every time. I thought that was because it just does hurt the first few weeks. So, I took my painkillers like a good mommy and kept on. I thought "I am going to get this, I am going to be one of those really cool nursing mama's, dammit".
I was very lucky to have my mom in town for a few days while my husband was back at school for finals (yup, good timing huh?). She helped keep my other two children distracted. I was learning how to be comfortable with breastfeeding and trying to teach my kids to be comfortable with it too. It took some time to adjust them to the fact that their mommy was the baby's bottle. My almost five year old was insatiably curious. She was also trying to help. "Mommy are you okay? Does that hurt? Its going to get better right?" She's my little care taker.
By day four I thought I was doing okay. It was hurting like hell, but I was getting adjusted to it and she was eating and not fussy at all. My milk was in and the baby had gotten the thumbs up from her doctor that her weight gain was perfect. I was learning how to nurse while laying down which was a great relief to me because I could rest (thank you God!) and be off my still sore bottom (thank you God, for natural child birth, LOL). I thought I was awesome.
Then I got a cut. I was mortified. I knew what it was because I had experienced it with my first baby years before. I felt a stinging pain and detached her to check it and it was ugly. I just sat there thinking "I have to feed her, what am I going to do?" I don't even remember what I did next. Probably put her on the other side to eat once I calmed down. I had a ton of questions about what I should do and spent all my spare time online searching for answers.
I should've called a lactation consultant, but was really apprehensive about getting a lactivist and also wondered how we'd pay for it. So, the internet it was.
I ended up using a shield and nursing on the "good" side only while pumping the other side to sustain milk production as best I could. After a week or so I was able to nurse on the cut side again, with the shield on of course. I used the shield from then on. I couldn't bare the anxiety of another injury. I felt protected and my baby's doctor said it was fine. So I went on like that for a while. As she got older I notice that our nursing sessions seemed to go on longer, not shorter. I didn't really know what was normal and I read that "cluster feedings" were common. So I didn't worry, I just resigned myself to it. At her two month check up she was 9lbs, just perfect for a breast fed baby.
I was so proud. By three months I felt like I was doing alright. I was trying to learn how to be mobile with her. I was pretending to be comfortable while nursing in public or with guests over. I just knew I was going to get to exclusively breast feed my baby for the six month recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I was getting my back patted (for once) and felt like I really had mastered being a good mom. Until her four month check up, that is. My heart sank when they weighed her. I was shocked and confused. She had lost weight.
Pride gone. Anxiety and disappointment enter. Here we go into Phase II of my adventures in (dysfunctional) breastfeeding.
To Be Continued...
My husband got a vasectomy. His idea, really! So in the fall of 2008 it was done and we were done. The day before my husband turned 52 years old, in April of 2009, I found out we were wrong.
Oh crap wrong.
I am not going to digress into the impact of unplanned pregnancy. It's deeply personal and terribly complicated. I changed jobs to work from home, pulled the kids from full time daycare and we moved our family to the coast. We were making lemonade. Fast forward to November 2009, in a new town with a new doctor and a different hospital. I did very little to prepare for this baby since I had done it twice already and figured it would be fine. Or it would be whatever.
I did know in my heart and head that I was going to *try* to breastfeed. I didn't read or research. I didn't seek support. I didn't know jack. I knew I was going to be home with her so I knew I had to try, but that was all I knew. I was fearful and nervous and basically dreading it.
I woke up the day after Thanksgiving and felt off. Well, the next day we were home again, with baby in tow. (THAT was quick) It was my third unmedicated delivery and I remember right after the delivery I was so relieved she was out but also knew my work wasn't done. "Oh God, (help me), now I have to learn how to breastfeed!"
In the mandatory twenty four hours we were there with the baby, the nurses and doctors seemed to encourage the breastfeeding, but in a "good for you, good luck with that" sort of way. There were no lactation consultants on staff. The nursery called (on the phone) to check on the babies feedings and said if my nipples hurt to ask a nurse for a nipple shield. I did. She gave me one. "Good luck with that". By the time I got home I was in pain. I was nursing her all the time and it hurt every time. I thought that was because it just does hurt the first few weeks. So, I took my painkillers like a good mommy and kept on. I thought "I am going to get this, I am going to be one of those really cool nursing mama's, dammit".
I was very lucky to have my mom in town for a few days while my husband was back at school for finals (yup, good timing huh?). She helped keep my other two children distracted. I was learning how to be comfortable with breastfeeding and trying to teach my kids to be comfortable with it too. It took some time to adjust them to the fact that their mommy was the baby's bottle. My almost five year old was insatiably curious. She was also trying to help. "Mommy are you okay? Does that hurt? Its going to get better right?" She's my little care taker.
By day four I thought I was doing okay. It was hurting like hell, but I was getting adjusted to it and she was eating and not fussy at all. My milk was in and the baby had gotten the thumbs up from her doctor that her weight gain was perfect. I was learning how to nurse while laying down which was a great relief to me because I could rest (thank you God!) and be off my still sore bottom (thank you God, for natural child birth, LOL). I thought I was awesome.
Then I got a cut. I was mortified. I knew what it was because I had experienced it with my first baby years before. I felt a stinging pain and detached her to check it and it was ugly. I just sat there thinking "I have to feed her, what am I going to do?" I don't even remember what I did next. Probably put her on the other side to eat once I calmed down. I had a ton of questions about what I should do and spent all my spare time online searching for answers.
I should've called a lactation consultant, but was really apprehensive about getting a lactivist and also wondered how we'd pay for it. So, the internet it was.
I ended up using a shield and nursing on the "good" side only while pumping the other side to sustain milk production as best I could. After a week or so I was able to nurse on the cut side again, with the shield on of course. I used the shield from then on. I couldn't bare the anxiety of another injury. I felt protected and my baby's doctor said it was fine. So I went on like that for a while. As she got older I notice that our nursing sessions seemed to go on longer, not shorter. I didn't really know what was normal and I read that "cluster feedings" were common. So I didn't worry, I just resigned myself to it. At her two month check up she was 9lbs, just perfect for a breast fed baby.
I was so proud. By three months I felt like I was doing alright. I was trying to learn how to be mobile with her. I was pretending to be comfortable while nursing in public or with guests over. I just knew I was going to get to exclusively breast feed my baby for the six month recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics. I was getting my back patted (for once) and felt like I really had mastered being a good mom. Until her four month check up, that is. My heart sank when they weighed her. I was shocked and confused. She had lost weight.
Pride gone. Anxiety and disappointment enter. Here we go into Phase II of my adventures in (dysfunctional) breastfeeding.
To Be Continued...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Free Shipping @ Banana Peels
www.bananapeelsdiapers.com has FREE SHIPPING this weekend through 5/31. They usually have a $50 minimum for this. There are some exclusions and I don't know what they are. They have Grovia, Sustainablebabyish and Rockin' Green featured right now.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
You Know It's Bad When You Can't Even Update Your Facebook Status....
That is how little time I get alone with my computer. I have half written the rest of my nursing saga, but, alas, I am still in the middle of my nursing saga. Just wanted to stop in and say hi.
Hi Web.
Well, it was fun catching up. 'Nighty night.
Yo (tired and crunchy) Mama
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Pampered Buns Birthday Deals
I love it when stores do free shipping so I thought I'd pass this one along. It is for TODAY ONLY, so hop to it!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Adventures In Dysfunctional Breast Feeding Pt.1
So, I posted here about how my baby needed me right now and I haven't had much time to post. Things have settled down a little since then and I am getting a little be more time in my days. Hallelujah. I have been learning a lot about the trials of breast feeding in a formula world (society, actually).
My newest little girl was born the day after Thanksgiving last year. She was early and perfectly on time. I was back home from the hospital 26 hours after checking in. The baby came quick. I knew I was going to try and breast feed.
First some history. My attempt to breast feed my first child was, um, well, excruciating. And the first of many lofty expectations I had about motherhood that got blown to bits. I was working full time when she was five weeks old and barely held it together enough to pump for, what felt like, three long months. The day I gave up I felt completely relieved and defeated at the same time. I feel bad for that new mom that I was. It felt so hard. I ignored all information related to nursing and breast milk after that, since it "didn't relate" to my life anymore. Really, I just didn't want to be reminded of my failure.
When baby number two came along I was working at a new job which was our only income at the time. I knew I'd have to go back to work early. I started back part-time at two weeks and full-time at four weeks. I knew I'd have no time with my dear boy and I knew there was no possibility for pumping on the job so I put him straight on formula and tried to enjoy our first weeks together. It was a joy.
With this history, its a wonder I am here writing about actually breast feeding a child. ME. With my "perfectly fine" formula babies. Why would I dare drag myself through the breast feeding trenches again? So many reasons not to. Only one reason to. One reason precious enough that I knew I just had to try again. 110%.
To Be Continued....
Stay Tuned, and feel free to ask questions. I want my experience(s) to be of some help to someone somewhere. Someday maybe? ;-)
My newest little girl was born the day after Thanksgiving last year. She was early and perfectly on time. I was back home from the hospital 26 hours after checking in. The baby came quick. I knew I was going to try and breast feed.
First some history. My attempt to breast feed my first child was, um, well, excruciating. And the first of many lofty expectations I had about motherhood that got blown to bits. I was working full time when she was five weeks old and barely held it together enough to pump for, what felt like, three long months. The day I gave up I felt completely relieved and defeated at the same time. I feel bad for that new mom that I was. It felt so hard. I ignored all information related to nursing and breast milk after that, since it "didn't relate" to my life anymore. Really, I just didn't want to be reminded of my failure.When baby number two came along I was working at a new job which was our only income at the time. I knew I'd have to go back to work early. I started back part-time at two weeks and full-time at four weeks. I knew I'd have no time with my dear boy and I knew there was no possibility for pumping on the job so I put him straight on formula and tried to enjoy our first weeks together. It was a joy.
With this history, its a wonder I am here writing about actually breast feeding a child. ME. With my "perfectly fine" formula babies. Why would I dare drag myself through the breast feeding trenches again? So many reasons not to. Only one reason to. One reason precious enough that I knew I just had to try again. 110%.
To Be Continued....
Stay Tuned, and feel free to ask questions. I want my experience(s) to be of some help to someone somewhere. Someday maybe? ;-)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Free Bag @ Squishy Tushy
I just got this email today from Squishy Tushy:
~All orders today will receive a free Squishy Tushy reusable shopping bag!
Other Deals include:~GroBaby diapers and packages are all now 5-10% off!!! GroBaby has announced it will be changing it's name to GroVia in May and some products will be discountinued, more to come later.
~bumGenius AIO diapers have just been restocked and are going fast. You are welcome to order as many $2.50 AIO/Magazine promotions as you would like as long as you ONLY purchase one $2.50 promotion PER order and you order an additional $10 of qualified products per order. If you have any questions please let me know.
~FuzziBunz hanging pails have arrived! I am getting pre-orders out and the rest have been listed on the site! I have also just stocked more One Size diapers in Blue Daisy, Green Daisy and Red Daisy.
~Happy Heinys Earth Day Sale-most products are 5-12% off! Happy Heinys hanging pails have arrived, these are a great pail! All orders through 4/24 are entered to win one!
Current SalesLil Joeys 10%
Rumparooz One Size Diapers 10% plus get 1 Free with a 24 pack
Snap Ez AIO 3T trainers only $94.99 -6 pack (while supplies last)
bumGenius 3.0 24 packs 10%
Bummis Bamboozles 5%
Kissaluvs Contours 5%
Rainforest Babies AI2 only $9.40 or $13.20 with a soaker!
and much, much more!
~All orders today will receive a free Squishy Tushy reusable shopping bag!
Other Deals include:~GroBaby diapers and packages are all now 5-10% off!!! GroBaby has announced it will be changing it's name to GroVia in May and some products will be discountinued, more to come later.
~bumGenius AIO diapers have just been restocked and are going fast. You are welcome to order as many $2.50 AIO/Magazine promotions as you would like as long as you ONLY purchase one $2.50 promotion PER order and you order an additional $10 of qualified products per order. If you have any questions please let me know.
~FuzziBunz hanging pails have arrived! I am getting pre-orders out and the rest have been listed on the site! I have also just stocked more One Size diapers in Blue Daisy, Green Daisy and Red Daisy.
~Happy Heinys Earth Day Sale-most products are 5-12% off! Happy Heinys hanging pails have arrived, these are a great pail! All orders through 4/24 are entered to win one!
Current SalesLil Joeys 10%
Rumparooz One Size Diapers 10% plus get 1 Free with a 24 pack
Snap Ez AIO 3T trainers only $94.99 -6 pack (while supplies last)
bumGenius 3.0 24 packs 10%
Bummis Bamboozles 5%
Kissaluvs Contours 5%
Rainforest Babies AI2 only $9.40 or $13.20 with a soaker!
and much, much more!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Baby Legs for $2
Cloth Diaper FUN
Happily Domestic is giving away one Smartipants one-size pocket diaper today only. Click the banner to get in on it.
You Are Invited...
These exclusive shopping sites are all the rage and are making it possible to pick up some very eco chic goods and very affordable prices. Just click on the links and your invitation awaits...
The Mini Social: Tons of organic apparel for kids plus some other goodies, PLUS 10% of all earth week sales goes to TransFair USA.
The Mini Social: Tons of organic apparel for kids plus some other goodies, PLUS 10% of all earth week sales goes to TransFair USA.
Baby Earth: Tons of stuff in one place. Old school to new and cool. My referral code (gFRr2M) gets you $5 off your order.
Zulily: Lots of events featuring organic apparel for women, maternity and kids
bTrendie: Get $10 credit just for signing up. Why not??
Hautelook: Planning to have lots of green deals in honor of the day. Mostly for the fashion conscience ladies but also some goodies for the kids every once and a while.
Labels:
Clothes,
Daily Deals,
Eco Products,
green,
Organic,
Sales
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Earth Day - So Many Deals So Little Time
Here is the official Earth Day 2010 Campaign website. A great place to start.
Many of the big chains have some promotions going on for the BIG day. Green washing? Perhaps, but still serving the cause so, shop happy!
Target is giving away a FREE reusable bag in stores on earth day and here you can enter to win a Ford Fusion Hybrid Car.
Walmart has some green options and info going on. They have a bunch of green stuff for babies.. which is a good thing. You can use the Site to Store option if some items aren't offered in your store.
Pottery Barn will be having an event in stores and giving away a surprise!
Amazon has a guide to "Greening Baby's Room" and links to green products. Lots of deals, as always.
I will try and post more if time allows. I have been working with my five month old with breast feeding issues we've been having and my little humble blog is taking the hit.
If you are in the market for more fluff, the earth day specials abound! Check out these stores, I keep updating this list so check back. Also please let me know if your favorite online retailer is missing. I can fix that.
Cheers!
Yo (Crunchy) Mama
Many of the big chains have some promotions going on for the BIG day. Green washing? Perhaps, but still serving the cause so, shop happy!
Target is giving away a FREE reusable bag in stores on earth day and here you can enter to win a Ford Fusion Hybrid Car.
Walmart has some green options and info going on. They have a bunch of green stuff for babies.. which is a good thing. You can use the Site to Store option if some items aren't offered in your store.
Pottery Barn will be having an event in stores and giving away a surprise!
Amazon has a guide to "Greening Baby's Room" and links to green products. Lots of deals, as always.
I will try and post more if time allows. I have been working with my five month old with breast feeding issues we've been having and my little humble blog is taking the hit.
If you are in the market for more fluff, the earth day specials abound! Check out these stores, I keep updating this list so check back. Also please let me know if your favorite online retailer is missing. I can fix that.
Cheers!
Yo (Crunchy) Mama
Labels:
Clothes,
Daily Deals,
Eco Products,
Giveaways,
green,
Organic,
Sales
Friday, April 16, 2010
Organic Jammies On Deep Discount
Hautelook is another great site that sometimes has some great deals on organics for babies. Check out this event for New Jammies 100% organic cotton baby pajamas! These are very cute, check it out here.
They also have beanies and bibs that would make great baby shower gifts.
They also have beanies and bibs that would make great baby shower gifts.
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