Friday Four!

Happy Friday ya'll!

Here are some "Yay for being a mom!" things that I found this week.  Who says it needs to be Mother's Day to celebrate you and all that you do!

1. Vanilla Brown Sugar Body Scrub - Yummy!  My sister-in-love started making scrubs as gifts last year...and I love them!  This is not her site (she doesn't blog), but this one sounds like it would be awesome.  I made some peppermint scrubs and gave them out at Christmas last year.  Tip Junkie has a post directing you to several different scrub recipes.  Go on, you're worth it!

2. Chocolate Cupcakes - Wowzers!  These look amazing!  They sound simple enough and look decadent.  I can't wait to invite some girlfriends over and make them. =)

3. Best workout for your body type - Since having babies wrecks havoc on your body (and eating cupcakes like the one shown above!), this site looked like it might be able to help.  I'm hoping so. =)  It's time to shed some of this baby (and otherwise) weight!

4. Up-cycled Serving Tray - I'm always looking for neat serving trays and platters that are inexpensive.  I think this is awesome!  I'll be making it as a wedding gift for a dear friend of mine...then I'll make one for my own home.  Every home deserves feminine and beautiful decorations. =)
 

Have a great weekend!

-Joy

Friday Four!

Hello all!

We're gearing up for all things fall around here. =)  Thought I'd share what I've found:

1. Family Handprint Tree - We will definitely be doing this for our mantle!  I'm a sucker for handprints and I think this is a really neat thing to display.

2. 75 recipes that taste like fall - Apple Pecan Sticky Rolls?!?  Yes, please!

3. Autumn Cork Painting - How cool is that?!  I know my little painters will love it.  Another variation would be to have them use green as the leaves and red and yellow for apples. =)  Also, it's a great excuse to drink a couple bottles of wine...but I wouldn't know anything about that... =)

4. Duo Diaper Family Tree Exclusive Print - In keeping with the fall/tree theme - here's an adorable diaper I found at Kelly's Closet!  I think I'm in love.

I pretty much live for the fall...in case you may not have picked up on that... =)  We're enjoying the transition into cooler temps here (well, I could do without the pressure change headache...)!  

Have a great weekend!  -Joy

Friday Four!

Hello all!

Hooray!  The weekend is here!  Here are some cool birthday ideas I found this week.  We have several birthdays coming up and these ideas will help us with planning.  Hopefully they'll help you too!

1. Birthday party ideas for boys: Our son will be celebrating his 6th birthday next month and we'll be throwing our first friend party for him - can't wait!  This website has a lot of great themed party ideas - check it out!

(I pictured the LEGO one since that may be where we head first....)

2. Birthday party ideas for girls: Had to be fair...and our daughter's birthday is coming up too. =)  There are some really cute ideas here too!

3. Banana Split Cupcakes: Couldn't post birthday ideas without these cuties!  Don't have a birthday coming up?  How about - "Yay!  We survived the first week of school!" - or some other made up celebration to say goodbye to summer. =)  We'll be making these el pronto.

4. Serve ice cream like a pro: Wow!  Pinterest is my best friend!  While looking for ideas, I came across this one for ice cream.  I think it would be cute to leave the ice cream in the paper cups.  How clever!

Hope you all have something to celebrate soon too!

-Joy

Friday Four!

Hello all!

Here are some AWESOME things that I've found this week...

1. Funfetti Sandwich Cookies - These look adorable!  I'm a HUGE fan of sugar cookies AND sprinkles!  I just hope my sister-in-laws don't see this post...I'm bringing these as a surprise for favors at our family's birthday celebration. =)

2. Flower Power Eggs - These are really good!  I love using fresh produce that's in season.  I do have a tip: after you crack the egg in the peppers, add a little bit of water (maybe 1/4 c.) and put the lid on your skillet.  This will allow the tops of the eggs to get done without burning the bottoms.  My kiddos even liked these!

3. Play Create Explore - an INCREDIBLE website filled with fun activities for you and your kiddos to do!  In our household, we love heading to the apple orchard every year.  Lots of fun family memories!  So, I can't wait to do the Apple Printing activity.  I'm seeing some matching shirts in our future...

4. Zookiescrafts - diaper cover/shirt sets - I LOVE her diaper covers (I recently acquired 3 at an awesome sale!) and now she's doing these custom sets.  How cute for a first birthday party!

Have a great weekend!

-Joy

Friday 4!

Hello again!

Here are my favorites from around the web:

1. Recycled Wind Chimes - What a neat project to make with the kiddos!  We're going to hang ours in their "fort" on our play set at home.

2. Strawberry Shortcake Muffins - These are awesome!  I'm a HUGE strawberry fan - and I LOVE baking with them in the summer.  These won't disappoint!

3. Kid's bathroom idea - I feel bad that I couldn't find the source, but I love this too much to not share (and since I'm not claiming it as mine, I hope that's okay =) ).  This is on Pinterest and the person said they took up close shots after the kiddos had taken a bath and then hung them over monogramed hooks.  How cute!

4.  Cloth Diaper Addiction Swap - Need a place to sell some used diapers?  Have a specific diaper you've been hunting for but don't want to pay full price?  Looking for a trade?  Check us out - we have a group on Facebook that can hopefully help you out! =)

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Joy

Friday 4? Nope - Sunday 6!

Hello all!

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!  I was working on the Friday Four earlier, but got side tracked by time in the ER with our youngest (asthma/allergy attack).  She's all good now and because of that - I saved you all from a funky recipe. ;-)  I'm glad I tried it first - it wasn't so wonderful.  Anyway, here are some cute/fun/yummy things to check out!

1. Watermelon and Strawberry Lemonade - We just tried it this afternoon - it was really tasty!  Everyone enjoyed it!  You do have to do it in batches - too much to fit in one regular blender.  Also, I'd recommend decreasing the sugar a bit - you can always add in more if you think you need it. =)

2. Anyone need a chocolate caramel fix?  I know it's what I crave now!  I haven't had a chance to try these Chocolate Salted Caramel Mug Cakes - but they look amazing!

3. How cute is this Rag Rug?!  I'm going to be working on making two of these for our homeschool area.  I think they'd look adorable in a nursery or any place you want to have a little splash of color - in front of a book case perhaps?

4. I've been meaning to make homemade hand soap for a while now...I've just been a little busy (actually, intimidated!) and haven't gotten around to it.  Then I found a tutorial from Sandra at The Sensible Mom - she makes it look easy!  I'm going to tackle this project later on today.

5. Does your van/car accumulate trash like mine does in the summer?  Carting kids everywhere can make for a messy ride!  Here is a SUPER cute way to store trash bags in your car!  Clean up is much faster if you have a bag to throw out the trash in. =)  

6. Now something fun for the kiddos - Liquid Sidewalk Chalk!  My Bethany LOVES to paint - we're going to give this project a go this week. =)

Have a great week!  I'll see you all again on the real Friday! =)

-Joy

Joy's favorites!

These are a few of my favorite things... =)

Cover:  We're just starting to use covers around here - for night over a fitted.  I REALLY like the bumGenius Flip cover - it fits really well on our daughter and the tabs are nice and stretchy.

Fitted:  Tots Bots Bamboozle Stretch - I'm in LOVE!  I was always scared to death to cloth diaper at night, changing bedding and giving baby a bath first thing in the morning is not my idea of fun.  I'm SO glad I was introduced to these - they're awesome!  We use the Flip cover with them and haven't had a leak! =)

I know it's hard to see the actual diaper - she wasn't cooperating on the changing table!

Prefold:  I've only used one prefold and I've managed to lose it.  How in the world do you lose part of a cloth diaper?!?!  So, I can't even look up the name of it!  Anyway, if we have another baby, I plan to use more prefolds - rumor has it they are awesome for newborns.

AI2:  We're big Best Bottom fans around here!  Easy peasy!

AIO: bumGenius FREETIME!!!  I'm in LOVE!  I'd do my whole stash in these if I could.  Hands down my favorite diaper.

Isn't Lovelace gorgeous?!?

Pocket:  I'm a big fan of Knickernappies.  The diaper is a little bit more narrow, so stuffing can be a little more difficult, but I LOVE how it fits on Ella and we haven't had a leak. =)

Detergent:  We use Country Save.  Haven't had a problem!

Wipes solution:  Water here too. =)

Wet bag:  I really like my Planet Wise Large wet bag.  It has a handle so I can hang it on a door handle.

Wipes: Confession: I'm not a huge cloth wipes fan...I just have a hard time getting baby cleaned off with them.  BUT, they are great for when your baby has a major diaper rash and the chemicals from store bought wipes burn, as well as to use for blowing baby noses.  For these purposes I really like the Grovia wipes - the colors are beautiful too!

Day time diaper:  Ummm....I think I made that one clear: FREETIME! =)

Night time diaper:  Tots Bots Bamboozle Stretch - a.m.a.z.i.n.g!

Daddy friendly diaper: Anything with velcro. =)  I much prefer snaps, but for those that don't change diapers very often (Daddy certainly isn't opposed to changing them - he's just gone to work 10+ hours for work), velcro is much easier to get a good fit.  If Daddy tries snaps, we usually have a leak thanks to "drooping wing syndrome." =)

Enjoy your weekend!

Where to find...?

Hello all!

Last day for back to the basics.  Now that you know a little bit more about the cloth diapers themselves, where in the world can you find the best deals?  Each area is different, but if you live close to one of us, here are our favorite places to shop:

Holland, MI
EcoBuns
www.ecobuns.com
12330 James Street, Suite B70
Holland, MI  49424

Madison, WI
Nicki's Diapers
www.nickisdiapers.com
739 N. High Point Road
Madison, WI  53717

Naperville, IL
Comfy Bummy
www.comfybummy.com
231 S. Washington Street
Naperville, IL  60540

Raleigh, NC
SmartMomma
www.smartmomma.com
8601-A Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC  27617


South Elgin, IL
Fluff Envy
www.fluffenvy.com
1345 N. La Fox St.
South Elgin, IL  60177



The beautiful thing about a brick and mortar store is that you can touch and feel all of the diapers!  The women that we've encountered at these stores are incredibly helpful and want to see all of us cloth diapering mommas have success! 

However, not everyone is fortunate enough to live in an area where there is actually a cloth diaper store.  Never fear, in addition to the above mentioned websites, there are some GREAT online retailers that are also happy to answer your questions!  Here are a couple of our favorites:

Kissed By the Moon
www.kissedbythemoon.com
{Free shipping!}

Kelly's Closet
www.kellyscloset.com
{Free one-sized diaper with every $59 purchase!  Code: vacation}

Modern Cloth Diapers
www.modernclothdiapers.com
{Newborn rental program!  Still not sure if you want to cloth diaper?  Check out the program!}

Happy shopping!

Joy's highlights from the past "year"

Hello all!

Well, my year starts in October when I joined the Cloth Diaper Addiction crew!  

I was really excited to have been given this opportunity! =)

October

My first review was a Thirsties Duo Diaper - graciously given by Comfy Bummy.  I LOVE those ladies!  Every time I walk into that store, I learn something new.

December

I shared about Muffin Tin Monday presents.  The kiddos LOVED it!  Perfect for doing with birthday wrapping paper or any other paper to mix things up and create excitement. =)

January

Ella and I journey to Denver, CO to visit my dear family!  I learned about flushable bamboo liners thanks to readers like you!  I'm not afraid to travel with cloth anymore. =)

March

I gave you our bullet proof steps to stink free diapers.  I still swear by this method!

April

One of my favorite kid-oriented posts!  We LOVED the rainbow rice and it's time to make a new batch...  Try it this summer.  I definitely recommend playing with it OUTside and on a sheet!

May

I introduced the Friday Four.  This feature won't be running in June because of our anniversary fun - but I can't wait to get back to it in July!  I LOVE sharing cool ideas that are floating around online.

I ditto Kristina and Terra - a HUGE THANKS to all who follow!  

We're happy to share in this addiction with each one of you! =)

Friday Four!

Happy Friday Ya'll!

Fun for the kiddos: With the weather getting downright HOT this weekend - these sponge balls are sure to be a hit!  I have made a set for us (easy!) - now we just need to head outside and get wet!

Recipe to try:  Jello Cake is one of our FAVORITE foods of the summer.  We make it for EVERY picnic/BBQ/pool party that we go too! =)  The only difference from this recipe and mine, is that I don't add 1/2 c. cold water to the jello, just the hot.  Give it a try - it's super easy and refreshing!

Neat decorating idea: It's Memorial Day weekend!  Have any special plans?  We found a really neat idea last year that we'll be doing again this year - lawn stars!  They are fun and easy:  Cut a star shape out of some cardboard.

Use a water bottle to spray the star with water:

Use a sifter to sift flour onto the wet grass:

Repeat as many times as you wish!  We heard lots of positive comments as people were walking to watch the fire works. =)

Cloth diaper related: Two weeks ago (I have no idea where last week went - sorry!), I showed you the Bummis Stretch Bamboozle diaper.  We still LOVE it!  No leaks!  Here was the fun part about that shopping adventure...bumGenius had just announced their new deal - buy two Flip covers and get one free!  This has worked beautifully over our Bamboozles.  It seems that most retailers are offering this deal - so if you're in need of some covers - check them out!

Enjoy the long weekend!  -Joy

The Friday Four!

Hello all!

I'm really excited to announce that I am moving to Friday and will be starting up something new - The Friday Four!  There are SOOOO many cool ideas online - from things to make with your kids, for your family, for yourself, for your house...you get the idea.  Each week I'll showcase my favorite four.  I'm aiming to have four different categories covered: fun for the kiddos, recipes, neat ideas for the house/organization, and of course something cloth diaper related (discount codes, free shipping sites, new products and the like).  I'll still have a review/giveaway from time to time - but with our family responsibilities changing (we start homeschooling kindergarten for our oldest two this fall), I needed to change things up a bit. I hope you enjoy these ideas!

Fun for the kiddos:  A laser beam challenge.  While it SHOULD be getting nicer out...this looks like great fun on a rainy day!

Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies.  These are yummy!  It's an easy way to jazz up a regular brownie mix.

Neat idea for decorating: Painted jars.  Don't these look beautiful?  What an easy way to add color to a shelf or mantle.

Cloth diaper related: New to me - Bummis Stretch Bamboozle.  A dear friend of mine has had success with these for overnight.  I convinced my hubby we needed two this weekend so we headed to Comfy Bummy to check them out. =)  They were super helpful and all love this diaper!  So far, two nights in them have produced a dry baby in the morning!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  

Can't wait to show you even more neat ideas next week!

-Joy

Darn Good Chocolate Cake!

Ever need a moment to just sit, relax, and enjoy a special treat?  Well, if you decide to whip up this incredibly easy, amazingly awesome chocolate cake - you can have that moment (or ten!).  It's called Darn Good Chocolate Cake and it's from the The Cake Mix Doctor.  Ever seen these books?  They're awesome!  It's one of my two go-to chocolate cake recipes.  The best part is that you don't need to ice it!  There are chocolate chips baked inside, and when served warm, it's all gooey and wonderful.  Okay, enough drooling - here's the recipe:

Darn Good Chocolate Cake

-1 package plain devil's food cake (by plain, it means the kind WITHOUT pudding in the mix - like Duncan Hines)
-1 (4 serving size) package chocolate instant pudding mix
-4 large eggs
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. oil
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate cake
powdered sugar for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 350*.  Grease a Bundt cake pan.

2. Combine the cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, warm water, and oil in a large bowl.  Beat with a mixer on low for 1 minute.  Increase speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes.  The batter should be thick and well combined.  Fold in the chocolate chips - making sure they are evenly distributed.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a rubber spatula.

3. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes - until it springs back lightly when you press it with your finger and it just begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.  Allow it to cool for 20 minutes.  Invert it onto a cake plate and allow to cool just a bit longer.  Just before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

This cake is best served warm.  If you can't bake it and then serve it right away, I highly recommend microwaving the whole cake for a couple of minutes before serving.  Or, if you're enjoying it slice by slice yourself, cut a nice piece and microwave it one slice at a time (15 seconds or so).

Enjoy!

Rainbow Rice Fun

Hello!

I know several blogs that do "Wordless Wednesday" and post a super cute picture on Wednesdays instead of a traditional post.  Here's my spin on that. =)  It's the instructions for making Rainbow rice in picture form.  Then you have the pictures of my kiddos at the end exploring it - all self directed!  On their own they: mixed the rice, filled the eggs, hid the marbles, found the marbles, made it rain rice, made musical instruments, filled the jar (together!), and yes - even stood in it! =)  It was really fun to see how the interacted with the objects in pan (I used a 9X13 Pyrex dish).  Give it a shot!  {Written directions are at the bottom of the post.}

Ingredients

Per color:

1 c. white rice

1 glob food coloring gel

1/2 t. white vinegar

Place 1 c. rice in a zip lock bag or plastic container.  Add a glob of coloring gel with a toothpick and give it a quick swirl.  Add 1/2 t. white vinegar and seal your container.  Give it a REALLY good shake.  Now shake some more!  Make sure the color is evenly distributed.  Pour it out onto a plate of some sort and let dry - preferably overnight (I hid ours in the oven).  Repeat for as many colors as you'd like.  Layer into a 9X13 container or dish washing bin.  Add fun tools and your kiddos and watch what they do!