One thing I am trying to do, is to cook more at home. I am trying to make my own products when possible instead of relying on pre made items. I am trying eat healthier too. When I shop, I am trying to make sure that I only shop the outside perimeter of the store. I am trying to plan my meals in advance so that I am not wasting food. planning in advance and not wasting foods are 2 things that I really need to work on.
I have been cloth diapering since my twins were 6 months old. They are now going to be 3. Thankfully we are getting to the point of potty training and then we will be done with diapers (hopefully). A couple of months ago, I decided to start making my own "mama pads". I was a little afraid that I would be grossed out or that my husband would be grossed out. After talking to another twin mom friend, I decided to try making my own. Turns out, my husband is extremely supportive of this and I am on my 3rd cycle of using them and am really happy that I made the switch. Unlike cloth diapering, if I am traveling I will use disposables. My goal, now, is to refine my pattern and make better pads. Pretty sad, but I am really excited about making the switch!
I am trying to not use harsh chemicals in my house. I love how clean things get with bleach, but am not a fan of the smell, or having it around with little ones. My goal is to only use it occasionally and I plan on using white vinegar and baking soda more often. I have used both of these products depending on what I am cleaning and I have been happy with the results. I now need to get some recipes and find natural way of making an anti-bacterial cleanser that is not bleach. I also need to get organized (which is another goal) so that I am cleaning on a schedule (I hate cleaning!!). I am also trying not to use harsh chemicals in my health and beauty products. Again I am trying to stay away from buying pre made items in stores when possible and make my own from supplies!
I would love to make my kids clothes and even my own. My problem is that I am not that good at sewing clothes and I don't have a ton of time to practice. I try to use hand me downs for the kids so that we are not always buying new. I am trying to plan on making toys and learning experiences for them instead of looking to the store to get what I want. My next book to get is:
"Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond"
I am also trying to up cycle when possible. We try to donate unwanted clothing, but I would love to try to use it to make things instead of just giving it away (also a way to save money and not rely on stores all the time). I am using old receiving blanket for cloth wipes and my "mama pads". Again, this way I don't have to buy new material and spend money after throwing away perfectly usable cloth! My next goal is to go to a thrift store and actually buy clothing for cheap that is totally outdated and try to update it and make it current. I am totally inspired by http://www.newdressaday.com/ and would love to be as creative and thrifty!
Hopefully I can really start to work on these goals and make it so that I can feel good about doing what I can for my health, my family's health, and the environment! I think that, for me, it is good that I am writing this down so that a) I see it in black and white, and b) there are people who read my posts and hopefully this will make me more accountable.
Amy
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