Showing posts with label handmade lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade lifestyle. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Homesteading
I live in town just north of Boston Massachusetts. It's not a rural community and it's not a city either. My goal this year is to learn about and start homesteading. I keep trying to figure out what direction to take this blog and my life.
I initially started this blog after going to farmers markets almost 6 years ago. I had already been interested in natural health, so this blog was really just an extension of what I had already been interested in. I am looking to live a more handmade and natural life, but yet I don't want to beat myself up when I can't or when in the moment, I don't want to.
My ultimate goal is to learn how to use my garden to my advantage and learn how to save, store, and can veggies from my garden, so that I can enjoy my efforts into the winter. It will take some time, but I will research and learn how best to use my garden after the summer has passed.
I want to get a blueberry and a raspberry bush that can be grown in containers. My thought with this is, I don't have to find the right place to plant them and we can enjoy them all summer. When the cold weather comes, you are supposed to be able to move them to a sheltered place and they will last through the winter. My kids love berries and it would be awesome to have them just pick them off the bush when ever they wanted them. I also need to get a strawberry plant because we are a house that loves strawberries. Again, I want to make and can my own jellies and jams.
I would love to get a chicken or two and have my own eggs. I think my husband thinks I'm a nut with wanting chickens, but how nice would it be to go to your back yard and get eggs when you need them? I think it would be awesome! I just don't feel like I know enough yet, but I want to learn!
On to researching all sorts of things, canning, storing food, chickens, homesteading and many others!
Amy
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Happy New Year!!!
Good-bye 2014, and welcome 2015! Thankfully, unlike some of my friends, 2014 wasn't a bad year. My big accomplishment was testing and passing my LICSW test. This was a huge accomplishment and one of my major goals that I had set for myself. Another thing that I started was the 100 mandala challenge. I am loving creating these different mandalas. I finally learned what the zentangle method is.
Since starting this blog more than 5 years ago, I have been trying to live a healthier, more natural, handmade life. I have had some ups and downs while I've been working on that. As much as I hate to admit it, there have been more downs than ups, but that is going to change this year.
With the start of 2015, I am planning on putting forward my intentions for the new year and beyond. I am not going to make resolutions. I think using the word intention sets you in a better frame of mind and is a more positive way to embrace change. Within the 100 mandala challenge, I am also choosing a word of the year. I am hoping that my word/s of the year will help me with my intentions.
Without further ado, here are my intentions for 2015:
1.) My word/s of the year are balance and passion: I intend to figure out my passions and how to follow them both personally and professionally. I think I know what they are and I will write more further down, I also want to have balance in my life, again, both personally and professionally.
2.) I intend to continue to create mandalas and go beyond 100. Creating these mandalas is my form of meditation. Along with creating my own mandalas, I want to learn more about the practice of mandalas.
3.) I have decided to join a 100 days of real food challenge. I intend to get rid of the processed foods that I still have in my life. One of the goals that I had when I started this blog was to eat healthier and more natural foods. I have had some great moments and some really not great moments. I intend to learn more about how foods affect out mind/body/spirit as well as taste good and also how our food and how its gown/raised affects our environment. I want to see if there is a way to use food in my professional career as a social worker.
4.) I intend to treat my body the way it deserves to be treated. I intend to start looking at my body as a whole and look at it from the mind/body/spirit connection.
5.) I intend to make being creative a priority. One of my friends started a Facebook group called "make art everyday" and asked me to join in it. I intend to make time every day to be creative and make something handmade.
My intentions for 2015 follow along with my intentions of this blog. I am hoping that I 2015 will be the year that I start making changes and start following through with what I see as my life goals and dreams. I plan to share what I learn about food, mandalas, creativity and the mind/body/spirit connection, and my journey through this year.
Amy
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Well, Hello There!
Well, Hello!
It's been a while. I've been at the computer a lot lately, but not on my own blog, just every other blog out there, or so it seems. I have written multiple drafts of different posts, but never seem to be able to finish them. I'm hoping to get a new laptop or tablet or combo so that I can spend time doing different research and maybe even post a little more often. I have started so many blogs, but I think that this one is one that I can maintain and keep going, all while combining the different aspects of my life.
I've gone a little off track with both this blog and my life. I started writing this blog, trying to be more health conscious and living locally and naturally. I seem to have gone away from this belief and started to eat more processed foods vs natural foods, buying things at large box style store vs local stores or even better making my own, and spending more time in front of the computer or the TV vs spending time creating or reading.
Today, I started making my own farmer's cheese and some sour dough bread. I also started infusing some vodka (marshmallow and cranberry not that it's a healthy food). I plan to try to make some homemade caramels too, again not a healthy food but better than processed store bought. I will be making some yogurt over night too. I've been growing my own sprouts lately and have tried to grow micro greens. I just need to start the micro greens again. My goal is to continue to make my own meals instead of eating out. That way, I know what we are eating and we are saving money.
I want to start making my own clothes or at least up-cycling thrift store finds or hand me downs. I Find myself sewing a lot more than doing other types of crafts. I like being creative in general, but I really love sewing! I really love quilting!
I hope to start posting more often. Hopefully, my posts will consist of foods that I make and why and how I made them. I hope to post more about the homemade things I make, bath and body items, household cleaning items. I also hope to post more about the handcrafted things I make and how I make them.
This is a blog about balance, so it will also have some posts on how to not go crazy trying to live a natural and handmade life. My house is definitely not a house that is free from plastic toys and they probably have too many toys. The kids probably watch too much TV, but we are working on that (for me too). Here, in New England, it's been a snowy and cold winter. I am looking forward to spring and doing more outside things as a family. I am hoping to get out to western MA to see some parts of my own state that I haven't ever really experienced.
I'm looking forward to being back on here and sharing how I have "the balance of living a handmade and natural life" with 3 small kids, a husband, a dog, and working part time. Hopefully this will help me keep on track!
Amy
It's been a while. I've been at the computer a lot lately, but not on my own blog, just every other blog out there, or so it seems. I have written multiple drafts of different posts, but never seem to be able to finish them. I'm hoping to get a new laptop or tablet or combo so that I can spend time doing different research and maybe even post a little more often. I have started so many blogs, but I think that this one is one that I can maintain and keep going, all while combining the different aspects of my life.
I've gone a little off track with both this blog and my life. I started writing this blog, trying to be more health conscious and living locally and naturally. I seem to have gone away from this belief and started to eat more processed foods vs natural foods, buying things at large box style store vs local stores or even better making my own, and spending more time in front of the computer or the TV vs spending time creating or reading.
Today, I started making my own farmer's cheese and some sour dough bread. I also started infusing some vodka (marshmallow and cranberry not that it's a healthy food). I plan to try to make some homemade caramels too, again not a healthy food but better than processed store bought. I will be making some yogurt over night too. I've been growing my own sprouts lately and have tried to grow micro greens. I just need to start the micro greens again. My goal is to continue to make my own meals instead of eating out. That way, I know what we are eating and we are saving money.
I want to start making my own clothes or at least up-cycling thrift store finds or hand me downs. I Find myself sewing a lot more than doing other types of crafts. I like being creative in general, but I really love sewing! I really love quilting!
I hope to start posting more often. Hopefully, my posts will consist of foods that I make and why and how I made them. I hope to post more about the homemade things I make, bath and body items, household cleaning items. I also hope to post more about the handcrafted things I make and how I make them.
This is a blog about balance, so it will also have some posts on how to not go crazy trying to live a natural and handmade life. My house is definitely not a house that is free from plastic toys and they probably have too many toys. The kids probably watch too much TV, but we are working on that (for me too). Here, in New England, it's been a snowy and cold winter. I am looking forward to spring and doing more outside things as a family. I am hoping to get out to western MA to see some parts of my own state that I haven't ever really experienced.
I'm looking forward to being back on here and sharing how I have "the balance of living a handmade and natural life" with 3 small kids, a husband, a dog, and working part time. Hopefully this will help me keep on track!
Amy
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
"Unprocessed October"
I'm taking some inspiration from my Facebook friend and fellow twin mom over at http://bonusrounds.blogspot.com and challenging myself to follow through with my reasons for starting this blog. For the most part, I shop the perimeter of the store. I tend to try to make my own foods, but lately have become lazier than I would like. I have also become lazy with my dairy free, gluten free diet. With this being October 1st and the start of the fall season, I am challenging myself to really be focused on what we eat and how much of it is processed versus how much I make myself.
One thing I have started making from scratch is yogurt. I used the "recipe" over at http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html and have loved how it comes out. It is definitely thinner than store bought yogurt, but guess what? All you have to do is strain it and then you have greek yogurt and it is delicious, thick and Creamy!
I plan to make my own gluten free bread today after I get home from a play date. Unfortunately it is from a mix, but I had already bought it and don't want to waste it. I plan on making up my own gluten free pancake mix, my own granola and granola bars, maybe even my own nut milk. I am hoping to get back in the habit of cooking healthy foods for my family.
Along with cooking, I am also planning on continuing to research more about art therapy and how I can make it a career. Being creative is something that is very important to me, including being creative in the kitchen. Being as natural as possible is very important to me. I am hoping to get back on track with following my beliefs and living a handmade and natural life as much as possible. As the title of my blog states, there is definitely a balance, but my goal is to be more natural than processed!
Amy
One thing I have started making from scratch is yogurt. I used the "recipe" over at http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html and have loved how it comes out. It is definitely thinner than store bought yogurt, but guess what? All you have to do is strain it and then you have greek yogurt and it is delicious, thick and Creamy!
I plan to make my own gluten free bread today after I get home from a play date. Unfortunately it is from a mix, but I had already bought it and don't want to waste it. I plan on making up my own gluten free pancake mix, my own granola and granola bars, maybe even my own nut milk. I am hoping to get back in the habit of cooking healthy foods for my family.
Along with cooking, I am also planning on continuing to research more about art therapy and how I can make it a career. Being creative is something that is very important to me, including being creative in the kitchen. Being as natural as possible is very important to me. I am hoping to get back on track with following my beliefs and living a handmade and natural life as much as possible. As the title of my blog states, there is definitely a balance, but my goal is to be more natural than processed!
Amy
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Goals for 2013
Do I dare even write this down for all to see? This summer I am going to be 40! Sometimes I can't believe that I will be 40 and then other times it doesn't phase me in the least. I recently found a blog someone decided to make and give away 36 quilts this year since she turned 36 January 1st. The blog I found was at http://dailydog.typepad.com. It has inspired me to create and give away 40 things by the end of the year (If I have to I'll give myself until I turn 41 next summer).
As some of you know, I am the MA National Chapter leader for http://enchantedmakeovers.org/category_28/National-Chapters.htm. I recently got my first donation to send to a local shelter. The goal of the National Chapter leaders is to: "Enchanted Makeovers is growing across the country one sewing project at a time! Each state has a chapter, led by a coordinator who will answer your questions on our three sewing projects and collect/deliver the hand-made pillowcases, capes and dolls to shelters for women, teens and children. Hand-made items are a big part of our mission because we believe each gift carries with it the love and positive energy of the crafter. We have seen first hand the impact this has on those who are re-building their lives while living in a shelter. Please join us by donating our sewing projects to your state chapter. The National Chapters only represent our sewing projects."
I now have to find local shelters that would like to have these donated items. My goal is to make at least 40 pillowcases, dolls, and/or capes to donate to the shelter that we partner with. My thought is to find a smaller shelter as the larger more well known shelters more than likely have a lot of donations coming in. They probably don't have items like this, but I'm sure they have more things donated than smaller less known shelters outside of Boston. I love this idea and it is inspiring me to do something in my own community, I just have to actually formulate a plan and put together something that will fill the needs of my community.
I am thinking that we have a local food pantry and that maybe they would like to have handmade hats, scarfs, mittens, and blankets. I can only imagine that if they can't afford to buy food, they probably can't afford other things either. Also, having something handmade to comfort them and keep them warm is always nice. We also have a large population of people with mental health issues. I was thinking of tapping into that area to for areas to donate handmade items.I think I had another thought, but unfortunately that has left my conscious memory right now. I was also thing we have a local hospital, and hospice agency that could benefit from handmade craft items, like chemo caps, prayer shawls, etc.
This is one way that I am trying to merge my love of social work, community, and crafting. One of the things that I would love to work on is figuring out how to make this into a career. I was thinking of at some point looking into grant writing for some funding. I am contemplating working with my local farmer's market to have a place to have collections of handmade items to donation to local agencies that have needs, maybe even a knit, crochet, sew out. They do a plain aire paint out every year and have the wakefield collaborative there. This may all be a pipe dream, but I really want to utilize my love and passion of my social work career, community involvement, and crafting in my career. I don't want to not do something for fear of failure, but I want to make sure that what I do has the thought and time that it needs put into it.
Before I do anything, I do need to do a community needs assessment to figure out what my community needs. I certainly can start small and see what I can do even by myself and hope that it will grow in to something larger. I have a lot of thoughts spinning around in my head. I also have a part time job, 3 kids, a husband, and a house that need my attention. I do need to find something for me that I enjoy though, and have it maybe even be something that can grow into a career. Lots of research to be done, but I am looking forward to it. (I wish my iPad didn't get ruined. Maybe since I don't have a ton of money I can look into a windows one.)
Amy
As some of you know, I am the MA National Chapter leader for http://enchantedmakeovers.org/category_28/National-Chapters.htm. I recently got my first donation to send to a local shelter. The goal of the National Chapter leaders is to: "Enchanted Makeovers is growing across the country one sewing project at a time! Each state has a chapter, led by a coordinator who will answer your questions on our three sewing projects and collect/deliver the hand-made pillowcases, capes and dolls to shelters for women, teens and children. Hand-made items are a big part of our mission because we believe each gift carries with it the love and positive energy of the crafter. We have seen first hand the impact this has on those who are re-building their lives while living in a shelter. Please join us by donating our sewing projects to your state chapter. The National Chapters only represent our sewing projects."
I now have to find local shelters that would like to have these donated items. My goal is to make at least 40 pillowcases, dolls, and/or capes to donate to the shelter that we partner with. My thought is to find a smaller shelter as the larger more well known shelters more than likely have a lot of donations coming in. They probably don't have items like this, but I'm sure they have more things donated than smaller less known shelters outside of Boston. I love this idea and it is inspiring me to do something in my own community, I just have to actually formulate a plan and put together something that will fill the needs of my community.
I am thinking that we have a local food pantry and that maybe they would like to have handmade hats, scarfs, mittens, and blankets. I can only imagine that if they can't afford to buy food, they probably can't afford other things either. Also, having something handmade to comfort them and keep them warm is always nice. We also have a large population of people with mental health issues. I was thinking of tapping into that area to for areas to donate handmade items.
This is one way that I am trying to merge my love of social work, community, and crafting. One of the things that I would love to work on is figuring out how to make this into a career. I was thinking of at some point looking into grant writing for some funding. I am contemplating working with my local farmer's market to have a place to have collections of handmade items to donation to local agencies that have needs, maybe even a knit, crochet, sew out. They do a plain aire paint out every year and have the wakefield collaborative there. This may all be a pipe dream, but I really want to utilize my love and passion of my social work career, community involvement, and crafting in my career. I don't want to not do something for fear of failure, but I want to make sure that what I do has the thought and time that it needs put into it.
Before I do anything, I do need to do a community needs assessment to figure out what my community needs. I certainly can start small and see what I can do even by myself and hope that it will grow in to something larger. I have a lot of thoughts spinning around in my head. I also have a part time job, 3 kids, a husband, and a house that need my attention. I do need to find something for me that I enjoy though, and have it maybe even be something that can grow into a career. Lots of research to be done, but I am looking forward to it. (I wish my iPad didn't get ruined. Maybe since I don't have a ton of money I can look into a windows one.)
Amy
PS- I also have the goal of getting healthy. I want to eat healthier, exercise, and have good mental/spiritual health!
Monday, February 4, 2013
History
If you can't tell, I love to create! I also love to know the history behind things I create! I have friends/acquaintances, more friends/acquaintances than I realized, who like to make hand made items too. The funny thing is, I don't know if any of them are as interested in the history of the things they create as I am. I am also more of a traditionalist when it comes to creating things. I can certainly appreciate more modern patterns, but when it comes to things that I love, I am much more traditional and classic in my taste.
I would love to teach the history of hand crafted items. I've already read a little about civil war quilting, but no where near enough to know really anything. I recently started looking at english paper piecing and the history behind it. It's actually kind of funny how little info I am finding on the history. The one fun fact that I found is; early on, women would use old letters or newspapers as the paper pieces and use old scraps of material to make their paper pieced quilts. The other fun fact is that this allowed people to date these quilts, as women would often leave the paper pieces in the quilts for extra warmth.
I'm looking forward to reading more about quilting history, and can't wait to learn more about the history of other crafts that I enjoy. I'm going to start reading http://www.womenfolk.com and see what kind of information I can learn. Personally, I can't wait to the how the things I enjoy came about. Maybe I can, in time, become someone who teaches the history as well as someone who can teach how to make traditional projects.
I have a ton on my plate right now, with the kids, work, husband, and household stuff. I am contemplating not putting my twins in preschool and doing some homeschool stuff with them and use the money that I would spend on preschool on other types of learning activities that will hopefully teach them and allow them to have fun and learn at the same time. I am also hoping to add in some learning about hands on activities not just phonics, spelling, math (all of which are important, but I believe there needs to be a balance of hands on learning too).
Too much to think about right now. I just want to keep learning about the things that I create and teach my children to appreciate handmade things.
Amy
I would love to teach the history of hand crafted items. I've already read a little about civil war quilting, but no where near enough to know really anything. I recently started looking at english paper piecing and the history behind it. It's actually kind of funny how little info I am finding on the history. The one fun fact that I found is; early on, women would use old letters or newspapers as the paper pieces and use old scraps of material to make their paper pieced quilts. The other fun fact is that this allowed people to date these quilts, as women would often leave the paper pieces in the quilts for extra warmth.
I'm looking forward to reading more about quilting history, and can't wait to learn more about the history of other crafts that I enjoy. I'm going to start reading http://www.womenfolk.com and see what kind of information I can learn. Personally, I can't wait to the how the things I enjoy came about. Maybe I can, in time, become someone who teaches the history as well as someone who can teach how to make traditional projects.
I have a ton on my plate right now, with the kids, work, husband, and household stuff. I am contemplating not putting my twins in preschool and doing some homeschool stuff with them and use the money that I would spend on preschool on other types of learning activities that will hopefully teach them and allow them to have fun and learn at the same time. I am also hoping to add in some learning about hands on activities not just phonics, spelling, math (all of which are important, but I believe there needs to be a balance of hands on learning too).
Too much to think about right now. I just want to keep learning about the things that I create and teach my children to appreciate handmade things.
Amy
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Wishcasting Wednesday: What Do You Wish to Share
It's again Wednesday and I remembered to join in with Wishcasting Wednesday at http://www.jamieridlerstudios.ca. This week we are asked "What Do You Wish To Share?"
For a long time now, I have been looking for a way to share my love of creating and my love of my career as a social worker. I have tried to find a way to get continuing ed credits by taking conferences that are more creative driven vs. clinically driven. They all have a clinical component, but they also have a creative component too. I have taken an art therapy workshop, a journaling workshop, a yoga worksop, and next I am taking an art therapy for grief and loss next month.
After reading a couple of books, specifically "Craft Hope", I have been trying to find a way to craft for charity. I figured this would be a decent way to combine some community work (social work) and crafting (creating). I've been trying to find a way to go about doing it. I was hoping to start in my own community, but didn't know where to start. I was reading Facebook and saw a post about "Enchanted Makeovers" looking for dolls. I still have to create some and send them off, but I looked at the website and noticed that they have national chapters and my state is not listed. They are looking to have a chapter in more states, so I contacted Terry Grahl, the founder of "Enchanted Makeovers" and have a phone conference on Monday to talk about heading up a chapter in MA. I am a little nervous about this phone call. I haven't told my husband about it. I have sent e-mails to over chapter leaders hoping to get some inside info on what being a Chapter leader entails. I figured that this may be a good way to start to share my love of community (social work) and my love of creating. It would be an established program and I guess I would just be a liaison to the company for local people who have questions or donations for area shelters. I wish it was a paid position! I would love to have something like this as my job. I do think that this will be a great addition to my resume for when I have the ability to start my own type of program.
I don't want to be the person that has dream that never get fulfilled. I don't want to look back on my life and say "I wish I had followed my dreams and passions". I do like being a social worker, but I don't just want to do clinical work without creativity. I want to share my love of creativity with others as well as my love of social work, but more the community work of social work, not individual clinical work. I want to help my community by sharing my talents and gifts, both as a social worker and as a crafter!
What do you wish to share?
Amy
For a long time now, I have been looking for a way to share my love of creating and my love of my career as a social worker. I have tried to find a way to get continuing ed credits by taking conferences that are more creative driven vs. clinically driven. They all have a clinical component, but they also have a creative component too. I have taken an art therapy workshop, a journaling workshop, a yoga worksop, and next I am taking an art therapy for grief and loss next month.
After reading a couple of books, specifically "Craft Hope", I have been trying to find a way to craft for charity. I figured this would be a decent way to combine some community work (social work) and crafting (creating). I've been trying to find a way to go about doing it. I was hoping to start in my own community, but didn't know where to start. I was reading Facebook and saw a post about "Enchanted Makeovers" looking for dolls. I still have to create some and send them off, but I looked at the website and noticed that they have national chapters and my state is not listed. They are looking to have a chapter in more states, so I contacted Terry Grahl, the founder of "Enchanted Makeovers" and have a phone conference on Monday to talk about heading up a chapter in MA. I am a little nervous about this phone call. I haven't told my husband about it. I have sent e-mails to over chapter leaders hoping to get some inside info on what being a Chapter leader entails. I figured that this may be a good way to start to share my love of community (social work) and my love of creating. It would be an established program and I guess I would just be a liaison to the company for local people who have questions or donations for area shelters. I wish it was a paid position! I would love to have something like this as my job. I do think that this will be a great addition to my resume for when I have the ability to start my own type of program.
I don't want to be the person that has dream that never get fulfilled. I don't want to look back on my life and say "I wish I had followed my dreams and passions". I do like being a social worker, but I don't just want to do clinical work without creativity. I want to share my love of creativity with others as well as my love of social work, but more the community work of social work, not individual clinical work. I want to help my community by sharing my talents and gifts, both as a social worker and as a crafter!
What do you wish to share?
Amy
Friday, June 8, 2012
Latest Projects
As I've written before, I am trying to make time to be creative every day. This week, I have been trying to finish up some WIP's (works in progress), while attempting to use up some of my stash. I had already finished my daughter's, and last night I finished her twin brother's. I now have to finish my older son's afghan, a shawl or maybe lapghan for my mom, and start on for me and my husband. I am also making some doll size ones to donate to my mother of twin's group for their table at the annual convention. I am only hoping that they will like them. I know that one that is almost finished is one that I really like.
The one for me and my husband should be interesting. He has asked me to also make a quilt the same way. See, his legs get warm at night, so he likes having them uncovered. He has requested a quilt and/or an afghan that is in the shape of an L so that I am warm and his upper body is warm, but his legs stay cool.
I LOVE MAKING GRANNY SQUARES! The afghan's I have made have all been granny square afghans so far. This will actually lend itself to the L shape that my husband is looking for! I just pinned a ton of granny square things to my crochet board. I'm hoping that the weather stays nice and the kids can play outside while I crochet some more and maybe finish a couple more doll afghans sooner than later.
Oh, and I made a pair of earrings and a hand stamped washer pendant this week too. I am hoping to donate some handmade jewelry to the twin's group too!
Amy
Thomas' granny square afghan
The one for me and my husband should be interesting. He has asked me to also make a quilt the same way. See, his legs get warm at night, so he likes having them uncovered. He has requested a quilt and/or an afghan that is in the shape of an L so that I am warm and his upper body is warm, but his legs stay cool.
I LOVE MAKING GRANNY SQUARES! The afghan's I have made have all been granny square afghans so far. This will actually lend itself to the L shape that my husband is looking for! I just pinned a ton of granny square things to my crochet board. I'm hoping that the weather stays nice and the kids can play outside while I crochet some more and maybe finish a couple more doll afghans sooner than later.
Oh, and I made a pair of earrings and a hand stamped washer pendant this week too. I am hoping to donate some handmade jewelry to the twin's group too!
hand stamped washer pendant
earrings
Amy
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Goal: Living Naturally
One of my new goals this new year is to live more naturally. For me, this means making things when possible, not using harsh chemicals when possible, eating healthy, and other things like that. I would love to try not to buy things at big chain stores when possible, but unfortunately, the state of our financial affairs makes it so that we have to find the best price possible.
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:
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
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
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year/New Goals
It's January 1st 2012. Like most people, I am trying to figure out if I should make any resolutions. I am tinkling that I want to, but then there are those that talk about how resolutions are foolish. They say that resolutions don't work. They believe that resolutions are just a way to try to make changes but that they are just a way of making us feel better. This year, I am thinking that instead of making resolutions, I am going to Set goals for myself. Now this may seem like I am just using a different word to mean the same thing, but I think either way goals are better than resolutions. Also, I am not doing this because that is what you do at New Years, I am doing it because the holidays are over, life is settling down, and it just feels right!
So, what are my goals? Right now, my goals are to follow my beliefs behind this blog. To clarify this for myself, the following are my goals:
1) cook more healthy foods and to make more foods from scratch and try to be more sustainable in what we eat
2) make time to be creative
3) try to live as natural a lifestyle as possible
4) spend more time in direct play with my kids
5) get my stuff organized
6) hopefully start an etsy.com shop
7) try to learn more about the things I am interested in instead of just knowing a little bit of information!
I could and probably should be more specific. From my professional career, I know that goals are supposed to be written certain way and these are not. I need to refine them make them measurable and more specific, but for now, it will do. I have more time to get more specific. I may write another post about the goals when they are more clear, but for now this will do!
Amy
So, what are my goals? Right now, my goals are to follow my beliefs behind this blog. To clarify this for myself, the following are my goals:
1) cook more healthy foods and to make more foods from scratch and try to be more sustainable in what we eat
2) make time to be creative
3) try to live as natural a lifestyle as possible
4) spend more time in direct play with my kids
5) get my stuff organized
6) hopefully start an etsy.com shop
7) try to learn more about the things I am interested in instead of just knowing a little bit of information!
I could and probably should be more specific. From my professional career, I know that goals are supposed to be written certain way and these are not. I need to refine them make them measurable and more specific, but for now, it will do. I have more time to get more specific. I may write another post about the goals when they are more clear, but for now this will do!
Amy
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Jobs and Careers
I keep thinking about returning to work. Not anytime soon, but I know that it will come soon enough. I so don't want to go back to work doing the same old boring mundane thing, yet I am so scared to branch out and try something new. I keep day dreaming about what I would what to do if I were given a choice with no holds barred. Would I really want to be a social worker? On some level, probably. I do like being a social worker. I do like the whole psych piece of things, but, that being said, I have so many other interests that I would love to do something else.
My biggest question is what would I ultimately like to do? I think I would love to do something with natural health. The problem is, I have all these beliefs, but I never follow through with them. We were over a family members house tonight and someone started talking about things and all I could think was "you are all talk. You don't actually follow all these things that you say that you believe." The problem is, neither do I. If I really did what I believed, I would be eating a total vegan diet, no meat, no diary. I would also not be eating any gluten related foods. I would be drinking my water kefir. I would be making non dairy milk kefir. I would be making more kombucha and using it. I would be using more natural cleansers. I would be studying more about herbs and essential oils. I would be studying more about art therapy. I would be creating. I would be learning more about spirituality. I would spend more time outside with the kids. I would not be watching tv. I would not be on Facebook all the time. I would not be checking my e-mails. I would be either doing more with blogging to help with what I believe in not just reading people's blogs. I would journal more, and by journaling, I mean literally writing on paper. I would learn more about set journaling. I would learn more about soul collage (which I actually learned about in grad school for social work, so I know that there are ways I can use more alternative means of therapy vs just literal talk therapy. It has been done. there is a precedent for this type of thing). I would be better organized. I would cook more. I wouldn't drive as much. I would take the kids for walks more. I would try to be more of a part of my community. I would attempt to do charity crafting and maybe try to make it a community affair! I would try to follow through with what I believe, not just spout off at the mouth, like i sometimes feel that I do!
That was one long paragraph to basically state that I think I have all these beliefs and I think I want to use them in my career, but if i am not following through in my own life, how can I make it a career. I guess, I need to take a look at what I want out of life and try to figure out how to get it. I have about another 3-4 years before I am back in the work force full time. I keep writing about these things because I am hopeful that if I put it down on paper, I can figure out how to make it happen.
I am going to finish up by saying that I am going to try to follow through with my beliefs. I am going to watch less tv. I am going to read more. I am going to research the things that I am interested in and see if I can figure out how to make it into a career. I am going to create more! I am going to continue to follow through on my beliefs such as using handmade items, beauty products (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, cream), household cleansers, etc. I am going to research about herbs and veggie gardening. I am going to journal in a notebook more. I am going to read and learn more about soul collaging, meditating, and yoga and how all this relates to social work. There are so many things I want to do. I am hoping that taking time to write all this down is going to be helpful.
Amy
My biggest question is what would I ultimately like to do? I think I would love to do something with natural health. The problem is, I have all these beliefs, but I never follow through with them. We were over a family members house tonight and someone started talking about things and all I could think was "you are all talk. You don't actually follow all these things that you say that you believe." The problem is, neither do I. If I really did what I believed, I would be eating a total vegan diet, no meat, no diary. I would also not be eating any gluten related foods. I would be drinking my water kefir. I would be making non dairy milk kefir. I would be making more kombucha and using it. I would be using more natural cleansers. I would be studying more about herbs and essential oils. I would be studying more about art therapy. I would be creating. I would be learning more about spirituality. I would spend more time outside with the kids. I would not be watching tv. I would not be on Facebook all the time. I would not be checking my e-mails. I would be either doing more with blogging to help with what I believe in not just reading people's blogs. I would journal more, and by journaling, I mean literally writing on paper. I would learn more about set journaling. I would learn more about soul collage (which I actually learned about in grad school for social work, so I know that there are ways I can use more alternative means of therapy vs just literal talk therapy. It has been done. there is a precedent for this type of thing). I would be better organized. I would cook more. I wouldn't drive as much. I would take the kids for walks more. I would try to be more of a part of my community. I would attempt to do charity crafting and maybe try to make it a community affair! I would try to follow through with what I believe, not just spout off at the mouth, like i sometimes feel that I do!
That was one long paragraph to basically state that I think I have all these beliefs and I think I want to use them in my career, but if i am not following through in my own life, how can I make it a career. I guess, I need to take a look at what I want out of life and try to figure out how to get it. I have about another 3-4 years before I am back in the work force full time. I keep writing about these things because I am hopeful that if I put it down on paper, I can figure out how to make it happen.
I am going to finish up by saying that I am going to try to follow through with my beliefs. I am going to watch less tv. I am going to read more. I am going to research the things that I am interested in and see if I can figure out how to make it into a career. I am going to create more! I am going to continue to follow through on my beliefs such as using handmade items, beauty products (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, cream), household cleansers, etc. I am going to research about herbs and veggie gardening. I am going to journal in a notebook more. I am going to read and learn more about soul collaging, meditating, and yoga and how all this relates to social work. There are so many things I want to do. I am hoping that taking time to write all this down is going to be helpful.
Amy
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Where Am I Going With My Life?
I joined in with creativeeveryday.com to try to help force myself to make time to be creative every day. Overall, I did much better than I thought I would. I was able to work on more things than I actually posted, which I suppose makes sense. I would much rather be creative and not post than try to make time to post and not have as much time to be creative. I keep thinking that I am going to try to seel things I mark, but I haven't gone that way yet. I still have so much fear about failing, that I don't really try to peruse it. I really need to think about letting go of my fear of failure and go for it.
I also really need to think about what I am going to do when I go back to work. I still have plenty of time, but if I don't start thinking about it, I'll be needing to find a full time job and I won't necessarily be Doing something I really want to do. Will I ever be able to make a living doing something I love vs something I like? Will I be able to be creative in my work instead of just following regulations? There has to be a way to use my social work degree, my love of creating, and my love of handmade and natural things in my career choice!
I really need to focus on what I want my personal life to be and maybe then my professional life will follow. I need to start eating right. I need to start making time to be creative and maybe making time to sell thinks I make. I need to continue to live a handmade and natural life and increase or even start practicing certain things like yoga, meditation, vegan/vegetarian eating, etc.
I will keep the focus on figuring out where I want to go with my life and figure out how to make sure that I can maintain a great family, a house and maybe start a new professional career in time for when I go back to work in the next 3 or so years!
Amy
My latest sewing project for my 20th reunion. I hand sewed it quick to have something to bring, but now I need to machine sew it so it lasts better.
I also really need to think about what I am going to do when I go back to work. I still have plenty of time, but if I don't start thinking about it, I'll be needing to find a full time job and I won't necessarily be Doing something I really want to do. Will I ever be able to make a living doing something I love vs something I like? Will I be able to be creative in my work instead of just following regulations? There has to be a way to use my social work degree, my love of creating, and my love of handmade and natural things in my career choice!
I really need to focus on what I want my personal life to be and maybe then my professional life will follow. I need to start eating right. I need to start making time to be creative and maybe making time to sell thinks I make. I need to continue to live a handmade and natural life and increase or even start practicing certain things like yoga, meditation, vegan/vegetarian eating, etc.
I will keep the focus on figuring out where I want to go with my life and figure out how to make sure that I can maintain a great family, a house and maybe start a new professional career in time for when I go back to work in the next 3 or so years!
Amy
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Newest Projects
My friend Liz over at http://www.goddessinprogressblog.com/quilts/ posted a fun bag she made from http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/free-diaper-bag-pattern.html. I couldn't wait to make this bag and I finally pulled out a bench of material to make it. I love that I used some material that I had bought before my wedding (shhhhh, don't tell anyone, I was supposed to make bridesmaids gifts that never happened). I Love how it came out! I can't wait to make another one. I probably have enough material at home but not the interfacing (which I didn't use for my first bag).
Sewing this bag re-ignited my passions for sewing and any other craft related item. I just joined in a table runner swap over at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/. I am so excited! I love aprons, but I love that this is a table runner swap. We are in the process of making some small renovations to our kitchen so this will be a nice addition to the kitchen! I missed out on the last swap since it was during the summer. I just figured that there wouldn't be enough time to sew it and get it out in the mail, but with school back in session, I think this will work, plus I am trying to tell my husband that we both need to make time for our hobbies (he needs to get back into his wood shop), but we are just so tired by the time the kids go to bed!
I have so many projects that I want to do. I really need to start working on the kids Halloween costumes. I can't wait to make them, but I am not looking forward to cutting and sewing satin material. I probably shouldn't complain, but I hate the slipperiness of the material. After that, I really need to start on my Christmas gifts. I am really hoping to make a lot of our gifts this year, partly for financial reasons, but also partly because I love it. I am really finding that I need to make time for my creativity and I hope that I can really make a point to do what I love!
Amy
Sewing this bag re-ignited my passions for sewing and any other craft related item. I just joined in a table runner swap over at http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com/. I am so excited! I love aprons, but I love that this is a table runner swap. We are in the process of making some small renovations to our kitchen so this will be a nice addition to the kitchen! I missed out on the last swap since it was during the summer. I just figured that there wouldn't be enough time to sew it and get it out in the mail, but with school back in session, I think this will work, plus I am trying to tell my husband that we both need to make time for our hobbies (he needs to get back into his wood shop), but we are just so tired by the time the kids go to bed!
I have so many projects that I want to do. I really need to start working on the kids Halloween costumes. I can't wait to make them, but I am not looking forward to cutting and sewing satin material. I probably shouldn't complain, but I hate the slipperiness of the material. After that, I really need to start on my Christmas gifts. I am really hoping to make a lot of our gifts this year, partly for financial reasons, but also partly because I love it. I am really finding that I need to make time for my creativity and I hope that I can really make a point to do what I love!
Amy
Monday, August 15, 2011
Christmas
Yes, I know it's still August and Christmas is far away, but I always put off my Christmas list until the last minute and then I never have any time to make people things like I want to. I am not wishing away summer, but I know how time flies and I know that I need to start planning so that a) I know what I want to make people, b) I can afford it, and c) I have the time to complete all I want to make!
When I started this blog, I had a goal of not going to big department stores, but shopping at smaller local stores and trying to make my own things, from food, to clothing, to gifts, etc. I haven't really been able to really follow through with that goal, but it still remains a goal. One thing I really would like to do, which would essentially be a huge help to meeting the goal of making my own things, is to have a work station where I could leave things set up, like my sewing machine or a jewelry project, or anything else that I was working on. Once my brother in law leaves, which will hopefully be soon (we can all hope), I hope to move some things in the basement and get a work station set up so that I can leave my sewing machine set up, have an area to work on jewelry projects, maybe even scrapbooking/paper crafts, or even my aromatherapy stuff. I have most of my supplies organized, just no place to actually work!
Once I finish this post, I am going to start my Christmas list so that I can hopefully plan out what I want to make people and have goals set to finish projects. My first priority is my husband and my kids. I have been wanting to make a picture quilt for my husband for a long time now. I have bought some material and even the special material to put through a printer to print the pictures on. I think I have even printed some old pictures from before we were married ( I had printed them before we were married, that's how long I have wanted to do this). I also want to make all 3 kids something special from me that I have made. I would like to make this an annual tradition. My absolute favorite gifts/cards are things that my husband has made me and I want my kids to treasure things that are handmade and mean something not just some thing that was bought at a store and made in China. I also want to make special things for special people in my life.
I am really hoping that I can plan things out so that I can get projects completed in time for Christmas. It will really feel good to give handmade special gifts that will hopefully mean more than jsut something I picked out from the store, especially since I really enjoy making things. Hopefully I can also get a spot to work out of so that I can be a little more productive!
Amy
When I started this blog, I had a goal of not going to big department stores, but shopping at smaller local stores and trying to make my own things, from food, to clothing, to gifts, etc. I haven't really been able to really follow through with that goal, but it still remains a goal. One thing I really would like to do, which would essentially be a huge help to meeting the goal of making my own things, is to have a work station where I could leave things set up, like my sewing machine or a jewelry project, or anything else that I was working on. Once my brother in law leaves, which will hopefully be soon (we can all hope), I hope to move some things in the basement and get a work station set up so that I can leave my sewing machine set up, have an area to work on jewelry projects, maybe even scrapbooking/paper crafts, or even my aromatherapy stuff. I have most of my supplies organized, just no place to actually work!
Once I finish this post, I am going to start my Christmas list so that I can hopefully plan out what I want to make people and have goals set to finish projects. My first priority is my husband and my kids. I have been wanting to make a picture quilt for my husband for a long time now. I have bought some material and even the special material to put through a printer to print the pictures on. I think I have even printed some old pictures from before we were married ( I had printed them before we were married, that's how long I have wanted to do this). I also want to make all 3 kids something special from me that I have made. I would like to make this an annual tradition. My absolute favorite gifts/cards are things that my husband has made me and I want my kids to treasure things that are handmade and mean something not just some thing that was bought at a store and made in China. I also want to make special things for special people in my life.
I am really hoping that I can plan things out so that I can get projects completed in time for Christmas. It will really feel good to give handmade special gifts that will hopefully mean more than jsut something I picked out from the store, especially since I really enjoy making things. Hopefully I can also get a spot to work out of so that I can be a little more productive!
Amy
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Getting My Life Organized
I've written a lot about my desire to get organized, so I will not belabor the point. I am slowly getting there, but it is certainly going to take some time. I have gotten a couple of shelves from freecycle to help get some of the toys we have organized and it actually seems to help a little. My biggest problem is maintaining what changes I make.
One of the newest areas that I need to work on organizing are the different things that I do to help me live a handmade and natural life. One of those areas is my recipes for natural house and beauty products. Right now, I have all the different recipes in different areas. My goal is to put these all in one notebook, separated between household products and beauty/body product. I have been making both my own toothpaste and my own deodorant and I really want to make sure that these recipes are at my finger tips so that I don't have to go searching. I know the basics; baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil, and essential oils for the deodorant and just plain baking soda and essential oils for toothpaste. I also have been making my own body cream and I really need to write down exactly what I use since my husband has a specific cream that he finds works extremely well. At this point, I need to go through what I have for recipes and start organizing them so that I can easily find them when I need them.
I am also going to try to start off organized when I start learning about herbs and diet. I have my notebooks and my organizer, now I just need to make sure that I take notes in the right notebook and keep things organized and orderly. Getting and maintaining my organization will help me be able to get everything I need so that I can make the different products I need when I need them and not have to go searching for how to make them.
Amy
One of the newest areas that I need to work on organizing are the different things that I do to help me live a handmade and natural life. One of those areas is my recipes for natural house and beauty products. Right now, I have all the different recipes in different areas. My goal is to put these all in one notebook, separated between household products and beauty/body product. I have been making both my own toothpaste and my own deodorant and I really want to make sure that these recipes are at my finger tips so that I don't have to go searching. I know the basics; baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil, and essential oils for the deodorant and just plain baking soda and essential oils for toothpaste. I also have been making my own body cream and I really need to write down exactly what I use since my husband has a specific cream that he finds works extremely well. At this point, I need to go through what I have for recipes and start organizing them so that I can easily find them when I need them.
I am also going to try to start off organized when I start learning about herbs and diet. I have my notebooks and my organizer, now I just need to make sure that I take notes in the right notebook and keep things organized and orderly. Getting and maintaining my organization will help me be able to get everything I need so that I can make the different products I need when I need them and not have to go searching for how to make them.
Amy
Monday, March 7, 2011
Going and Remaining Green
I just read one of my twin mom's blogs about cloth diapering and it reminded me of why I started this blog. When I first started this blog, my goal was to write about living as naturally and as green as possible. Lately, I'm not sure that I have really been talking a lot about this area.
When I started this blog, I had just started cloth diapering. I have been cloth diapering my three kids for the last year and a half. I have had to use some disposables off and on (due to rashes or traveling but as I got used to cloth diapering I just used cloth when we were traveling) within that time frame, but overall, I have been able to keep up with cloth diapering. I have also started using cloth wipes, and they have made such a difference. I still have disposables for when we are out, but I have used old receiving blankets to make the wipes and I am using just a little bit of castile soap and some tea tree oil in water for the solution. I really believe that my kids have sensitive skin and using the disposable wipes all the time, is just too harsh on their skin. The only regret I have is that I didn't start using cloth diapers and wipes sooner.
When I started this blog, I mentioned how I wanted to use thrifted clothing, up-cycled clothing, or make my own. I have been able to do this a lot for my kids, but not so much for me. To be honest, I haven't really bought new clothes for me, but I haven't looked in thrift stores for clothing for me either! As I mentioned above, I have used old receiving blankets for cloth diapers and since I still have a bunch, I am thinking about making some "momma pads" which I have heard from reliable sources are much more comfortable than disposable ones. I just have to sit down and draft a pattern and then sew up a few. Another great way to use those old flannel blankets.
I am trying to be good at using homemade cleansers for the house. I have one cleanser that I am using which is really just water, castile soap, and lemon essential oil. I use a steam mop for the floor, so I am not using any floor cleanser, but I am using energy. I'm not sure what the best /most efficient way to wash the kitchen floor is! I will be looking into more homemade cleansers. I am a huge fan of baking soda though!
I am doing better with using natural body products. I have been using my homemade deodorant which is really just equal parts baking soda and cornstarch as well as coconut oil with some essential oils added in. I don't have the exact amounts right here, but if anyone is interested, I will post the recipe that I use. The other thing that I am doing is not using shampoo to wash my hair. I have loved not having to rely on shampoo to wash my hair. I have been following the protocol in "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey, and when I feel like I need to shampoo, I use a shampoo with ingredients that I can pronounce. I am using a fairly natural soap, but my goal is to learn to make my own. My husband's cousin is going to show me, but I just haven't set aside time to learn. I had been using baking soda and salt with some essential oils for tooth paste, but I got away from that and need to get back to it. I hate using products with ingredients that I can't pronounce. When I use hair gel, I am using gel that is made from flax seeds. I have to say, that I am impressed with how much hold there is.
I have been much better at making my own meals. I actually have a weeks worth of meal planning completed and now I need to prepare the next week. This is actually helpful in grocery shopping. I need to go to the grocery store today, but I know what I need to get and I don't need to stress about what supplies I need. I need to move on to the next week so that I stay on top of this. I am really liking having a plan and only buying what I need instead of buying too much and wasting food!
I am sure that I can be better at using less energy. I try to take short showers, but I do use awfully hot water. Not only is that probably not the most environmentally friendly, but bad for my skin too. I try not to run the water needlessly wether it is when I am brushing my teeth, doing dishes, etc. I try to shut off lights when I am not using them. I am going to try to limit my driving since it has a negative impact on the environment as well as my pocket. I'm sure there is more that I am doing as well as more that I could be doing.
I do need to make more handmade things. This is one area that I have been lacking in. The worst part about this is that I really enjoy making things, but yet I tend not to. I guess, I just need to make the time to do it. As I've often written, I need to stop watching so much TV, using the computer, using my iPad and iPhone. I need to just set up a project to work on and do it. Knitting projects are perfect for doing while I watch tv. I'm sure that there are plenty that i have to work on.
This post was as much if not more to remind me of what I need to be doing and what I am doing. I need to give myself credit for what I have already changed, yet I need to be aware of what I still need to change!
Amy
When I started this blog, I had just started cloth diapering. I have been cloth diapering my three kids for the last year and a half. I have had to use some disposables off and on (due to rashes or traveling but as I got used to cloth diapering I just used cloth when we were traveling) within that time frame, but overall, I have been able to keep up with cloth diapering. I have also started using cloth wipes, and they have made such a difference. I still have disposables for when we are out, but I have used old receiving blankets to make the wipes and I am using just a little bit of castile soap and some tea tree oil in water for the solution. I really believe that my kids have sensitive skin and using the disposable wipes all the time, is just too harsh on their skin. The only regret I have is that I didn't start using cloth diapers and wipes sooner.
When I started this blog, I mentioned how I wanted to use thrifted clothing, up-cycled clothing, or make my own. I have been able to do this a lot for my kids, but not so much for me. To be honest, I haven't really bought new clothes for me, but I haven't looked in thrift stores for clothing for me either! As I mentioned above, I have used old receiving blankets for cloth diapers and since I still have a bunch, I am thinking about making some "momma pads" which I have heard from reliable sources are much more comfortable than disposable ones. I just have to sit down and draft a pattern and then sew up a few. Another great way to use those old flannel blankets.
I am trying to be good at using homemade cleansers for the house. I have one cleanser that I am using which is really just water, castile soap, and lemon essential oil. I use a steam mop for the floor, so I am not using any floor cleanser, but I am using energy. I'm not sure what the best /most efficient way to wash the kitchen floor is! I will be looking into more homemade cleansers. I am a huge fan of baking soda though!
I am doing better with using natural body products. I have been using my homemade deodorant which is really just equal parts baking soda and cornstarch as well as coconut oil with some essential oils added in. I don't have the exact amounts right here, but if anyone is interested, I will post the recipe that I use. The other thing that I am doing is not using shampoo to wash my hair. I have loved not having to rely on shampoo to wash my hair. I have been following the protocol in "Curly Girl" by Lorraine Massey, and when I feel like I need to shampoo, I use a shampoo with ingredients that I can pronounce. I am using a fairly natural soap, but my goal is to learn to make my own. My husband's cousin is going to show me, but I just haven't set aside time to learn. I had been using baking soda and salt with some essential oils for tooth paste, but I got away from that and need to get back to it. I hate using products with ingredients that I can't pronounce. When I use hair gel, I am using gel that is made from flax seeds. I have to say, that I am impressed with how much hold there is.
I have been much better at making my own meals. I actually have a weeks worth of meal planning completed and now I need to prepare the next week. This is actually helpful in grocery shopping. I need to go to the grocery store today, but I know what I need to get and I don't need to stress about what supplies I need. I need to move on to the next week so that I stay on top of this. I am really liking having a plan and only buying what I need instead of buying too much and wasting food!
I am sure that I can be better at using less energy. I try to take short showers, but I do use awfully hot water. Not only is that probably not the most environmentally friendly, but bad for my skin too. I try not to run the water needlessly wether it is when I am brushing my teeth, doing dishes, etc. I try to shut off lights when I am not using them. I am going to try to limit my driving since it has a negative impact on the environment as well as my pocket. I'm sure there is more that I am doing as well as more that I could be doing.
I do need to make more handmade things. This is one area that I have been lacking in. The worst part about this is that I really enjoy making things, but yet I tend not to. I guess, I just need to make the time to do it. As I've often written, I need to stop watching so much TV, using the computer, using my iPad and iPhone. I need to just set up a project to work on and do it. Knitting projects are perfect for doing while I watch tv. I'm sure that there are plenty that i have to work on.
This post was as much if not more to remind me of what I need to be doing and what I am doing. I need to give myself credit for what I have already changed, yet I need to be aware of what I still need to change!
Amy
Monday, February 28, 2011
Back To The Whole Reason I Started This Blog
I started this blog about a year and a half ago to talk about my struggles and triumphs of balancing living a handmade and natural life. I feel like this blog has gotten a little away from that, probably partly because I have gotten away from living my life like that. I have been struggling to follow through with some of my beliefs that got me started writing this blog. I feel like lately all I have been writing about is my diet, and even though that is part of what I had hoped to talk about on this blog, it is not all I wanted to talk about. I guess, in order to remind myself why I started this blog, I want to write a few bullet points on what living a handmade and natural life means to me.
Thanks for reading this lengthy post. This felt really good to write and I think I need to do this every so often so that I write down my goals of how I want to live. My next posts won't be nearly as long and won't be nearly as boring.
Amy
- Diet: I want to eat as seasonally and as locally as possible. I know that there are going to be times that I can't or won't do this, but in the long run, eating this way is a much healthier way to eat. I want and need to find recipes that are based on eating local/seasonal foods. I know that there are a few books out there, I just need to find good ones. Currently, I have "Clean Eating" and am looking to get "Clean Start" by the same author. I am also working on moving toward a vegan diet. I have been starting my day off with raw green smoothies. I feel like I do so much better if I start of the right way. I am going to try to plan a menu for the month of March up front instead of flying by the seat of my pants and trying to figure out what to make each night. This has been a goal of mine for a while now, but I just never seem to follow through. My other goal is to finally eliminate all of the potential allergens that cam back on my blood test. Again, I've attempted to do this, but lack the follow through.
- Handmade Things: I want to start to make more things myself. This includes food, but so much more. I don't want to always rely on going to large stores to get what I need. There are going to be times that I need to do this for financial reasons, but my goal is to buy supplies to make the end product, not by the end product out right. I also want to make sure that I find time to create. Making things myself will force me to find the time to actually make the things I need. I guess that would be the other piece of how I want to live; I only want what I need. I don't want to have that feeling of needing to have something just because I want it! I also want to use what I have, not go out and buy more supplies. The only way I want to buy more, is if I run out of something or I absolutely need to buy something to make a project. I would rather choose a different project than buy new supplies adding to all the stuff that I already have and then I can save money too!
- Living Green: I am trying to live as green as possible. Some of the things that I have already mentioned fit this, but there are many other things that I can do. I need to make sure that I continue to recycle. I need to use my reusable bags more often. I try really hard, but sometimes I go shopping and I don't have them. I need to start composting again. I try to reuse ends of veggies to make veggie stock. I feel like this way, I am using all of the food not just part of it. Since I pay for it all, I should use it all. Also, why buy veggies to make stock and then throw them out when I can use veggies that I would have thrown out if not for the stock. And then, Why spend money on stock with who knows what type of ingredients, when you can make your own and now what is in there.
- Exercise: I want to start exercising and including my kids in the process. Hopefully, with March starting tomorrow, the weather will start warming up and we can get out for walks. Even if it doesn't so much warm up, I need the snow o be gone so that I can push the double stroller safely. What I really need to do is find some good DVDs with mom and kid exercises that we can do together when the weather is bad. I think it will be a good thing for the kids to do to get out some of that pent up energy that they have not being able to go outside. I also want to add in some yoga for me and for the kids! When the weather gets better, I want to start bringing the kids to Breakhart and places like that. I will definitely need another adult or two with me, but I want to add being in and enjoying nature to the exercise mix.
- Living a Wholesome Balanced Life: I want to incorporate everything that I have written here as well as continuing to use natural body products and home cleaning products. I want to continue to use more natural remedies for the different things that ail me. For example, this weekend, I felt the beginning tingle of a cold sore. Since I was up at 4am, I started my lysine regime right away. I am amazed that I neer got the traditional blister that i aways get. I must have caught it at the right time because two days later I do not have a cold sore! I have been using my own deodorant (baking soda, cornstarch, coconut oil and essential oils). I want to get back to making my own toothpaste (baking soda, salt and maybe some essential oils). I will continue to try to not use shampoo when washing my hair, but if I need shampoo, I will use those without sodium laurel/laureth sulfate. I want to start making my own soap (I need to get my husband's cousin to do it with me so I can learn the right way). I want to start making more of my own cleaning supplies. I know that I have a bunch of recipes printed out, but now I need to start making them.
Thanks for reading this lengthy post. This felt really good to write and I think I need to do this every so often so that I write down my goals of how I want to live. My next posts won't be nearly as long and won't be nearly as boring.
Amy
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My Blog
I feel like I am constantly writing about my diet and lack of will power, my addiction to all things that I shouldn't be eating, my inability to follow through with the things that I set out to do. I started this blog because I wanted to make healthy lifestyle changes. I wanted to eat more whole foods, more healthy foods. I wanted to live a more green lifestyle. I wanted to enjoy my love of crafting and homemade items. Have I followed through with these things? Yes and no. Fortunately I still strive for these things. Unfortunately, I still strive with what feels like little luck.
Amy
- Diet- I really want to be a vegan. Lately, I am really not enjoying meat at all. I seem to be ok with eating things like hamburger, but actual chicken, beef, and pork seem to just churn my stomach. I haven't eaten meat since Saturday when we had steak that I really didn't enjoy (I really thought I would). I did eat a taco salad tonight which was bad on more than one front, but I am moving on. I really need to eliminate the foods that I think I have an allergy/intolerance to. Now my kids may be facing similar allergies, only theirs may be more involved than mine. For me, I tend to get digestive issues and maybe some nasal issues, but my kids are having issues with ENT stuff, like fluid in their ears and maybe enlarged adenoids and/or tonsils. I am cooking more at home and eating out less. I am eating a little healthier. I really need to continue on the healthier track with my diet.
- Living Green-I guess I am doing ok at that. I re-cycle. I am trying to re-purpose clothing and free-cycle for things so that I am not buying things new all the time. We were composting, but since the winter is here, we really haven't been able to get the composter open easily. I really wish we should start composting again. I am trying to use my veggie peelings, my veggie ends, etc for things like soup stock. That way I am making my own, I am not throwing away useful food, and I know what is in there.
- Crafting and Homemade Items- I really need to focus more on this. I spend one night a week with a friend to craft, but I never quite plan enough ahead of time so I never have a project (out of the million that I have that i want to do) ready to work on. I am still buying things at stores(which I wanted to limit). My twins second birthday is coming up and my older son will be three one and a half months later. I still haven't made them a quilt. I still haven't started their birthday gifts (the twins birthday is in a week and a half). I wanted to start donating crafty things and haven't even thought about that, ok I have thought about it but have done nothing about it!
- Organizing- I still need to get myself organized. I am getting better, but it seems like everytime I make headway, something happens and I fall behind. Sometimes it feels like one step forward two steps back. I still need to get better at having a plan in place. Most of this means keeping the house neat and orderly.
- Exercise (weight loss)- I haven't done much exercising since the summer. I still chase after teh kids, but that's just not enough. I need to make time to exercise so that I can be healthy for me and my family. I hope that when the nice weather comes, I'll be more likely to get out with the kids. I can't wait though. I need to find something now!
Amy
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Handmade Christmas
As I've written, I had a plan to have a handmade Christmas. Due to my lack of organizational skills, I have a somewhat handmade Christmas. I have completed 3 aprons for the kids. I have 3 wine sacks to sew, which should tak eno time to complete. I made silhouettes of the kids for my mom and step-father. I have a couple of handmade faux food items for the kids that I have to complete. I had wanted to make a doll for my daughter, but I don't think that it is going to happen before Christmas. I had planned to make a quilt for my husband with pictures of our life together since we got married 3 1/2 years ago, especially since we got engaged on Christmas, but that too may be a work in progress. I may be able to give him some pieces that I complete, but there is no way that it will be even remotely completed by Christmas.
I think I may be totally running out of time, given that Christmas is a mere 3days a way. At this point, I am going to complete the wine sacks since they are easy, work on the quilt for my husband, and last but not least, maybe even finish a blanket that was meant for my baby (18 years old) sister many Christmas' ago. Even this is a little overwhelming to think about given that it is Tuesday and Christmas is Saturday. I have an errand to do after work, then it is home to sew at least the wine sacks and clean off my bed. The other problem is that I am starting to get sick, but I just need to push through it and do what needs to be done so that I can have things finished or at least started enough to have something for Christmas. Unfortunately there is also all the cooking that I have to do, but that shouldn't be too bad. I think I may have actually organized all that.
I continue to work on organizing my life. I may get a subscription to Real Simple, since it was a recommendation in one of the comments. I'm not exactly sure what I want to use for an organizing tool, but I am researching and using what I have access to at the moment. maybe next year, if I get organized, I can have a more handmade Christmas.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,
Amy
I think I may be totally running out of time, given that Christmas is a mere 3days a way. At this point, I am going to complete the wine sacks since they are easy, work on the quilt for my husband, and last but not least, maybe even finish a blanket that was meant for my baby (18 years old) sister many Christmas' ago. Even this is a little overwhelming to think about given that it is Tuesday and Christmas is Saturday. I have an errand to do after work, then it is home to sew at least the wine sacks and clean off my bed. The other problem is that I am starting to get sick, but I just need to push through it and do what needs to be done so that I can have things finished or at least started enough to have something for Christmas. Unfortunately there is also all the cooking that I have to do, but that shouldn't be too bad. I think I may have actually organized all that.
I continue to work on organizing my life. I may get a subscription to Real Simple, since it was a recommendation in one of the comments. I'm not exactly sure what I want to use for an organizing tool, but I am researching and using what I have access to at the moment. maybe next year, if I get organized, I can have a more handmade Christmas.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,
Amy
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Handmade Christmas
Christmas cards are stuffed and addressed and ready to be mailed. No, I didn';t make them this year, though I really wanted to! I already have way too many projects on my to do list, so I gave up on that project.
The projects that I have to complete are many and I have waited way too long to really have this be a handmade Christmas. I have 3 wine sacks to sew, which shouldn't be that difficult to do, it's more a means of setting up the machine and sewing. Along with that I want to make 3 wine bottle stoppers to go along with the wine that I buy. These may be more time consuming as I either need to do polymer clay or turn them on the lathe (which I haven't use since before grad school 4 years ago). I have a few felt food items to make for the kids as well as some aprons. I also want to make them some scrubs to go along with the doctor kit that we bought them. I also want to make a doll for Eva Rose and then I need to decide on projects for the boys. I may have to put some of these projects on hold as there are definitely ones that I need to finish by Christmas. I have the patterns to make silhouettes of the kids for my mom and step father's gift. I just need to get the black paper to cut them out of and then attach them to the frames that I just bought. I also want to make a simple scrapbook for my grandmother as she is in a nursing home out of state and failing. She hasn't seen the kids since March of 2009 just after the twins were born (they were 6 weeks old and Michael had just turned 1).
Wow just reading that list is making my head spin. I really want to have a handmade Christmas, but I have procrastinated way too long and I may have to put a lot of things on hold. I know that I can get a few more things done, I just have to prioritize what I have and when I have time to complete these projects!
Looking at this list and thinking of everything else that I have to do, makes me go back to my ADD issue. I really need to get organized and plan my days accordingly. I start lists, but then never use them. I make too many lists and really need to just stick to one. Does anyone have a good system on getting organized with household tasks as well as appointments, as well as a way to keep track of projects that need completing?
Happy Holidays!
Amy
The projects that I have to complete are many and I have waited way too long to really have this be a handmade Christmas. I have 3 wine sacks to sew, which shouldn't be that difficult to do, it's more a means of setting up the machine and sewing. Along with that I want to make 3 wine bottle stoppers to go along with the wine that I buy. These may be more time consuming as I either need to do polymer clay or turn them on the lathe (which I haven't use since before grad school 4 years ago). I have a few felt food items to make for the kids as well as some aprons. I also want to make them some scrubs to go along with the doctor kit that we bought them. I also want to make a doll for Eva Rose and then I need to decide on projects for the boys. I may have to put some of these projects on hold as there are definitely ones that I need to finish by Christmas. I have the patterns to make silhouettes of the kids for my mom and step father's gift. I just need to get the black paper to cut them out of and then attach them to the frames that I just bought. I also want to make a simple scrapbook for my grandmother as she is in a nursing home out of state and failing. She hasn't seen the kids since March of 2009 just after the twins were born (they were 6 weeks old and Michael had just turned 1).
Wow just reading that list is making my head spin. I really want to have a handmade Christmas, but I have procrastinated way too long and I may have to put a lot of things on hold. I know that I can get a few more things done, I just have to prioritize what I have and when I have time to complete these projects!
Looking at this list and thinking of everything else that I have to do, makes me go back to my ADD issue. I really need to get organized and plan my days accordingly. I start lists, but then never use them. I make too many lists and really need to just stick to one. Does anyone have a good system on getting organized with household tasks as well as appointments, as well as a way to keep track of projects that need completing?
Happy Holidays!
Amy
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