Simple Days

Links may direct to affiliate sites. Purchases made through these links support our family’s work in spreading the Gospel to unreached areas.

The kids are traveling home this morning, we have a turkey, and today’s plans include prepping two versions of Pioneer Woman’s exquisite cinnamon rolls for easy baking tomorrow morning (regular and allergy-friendly), as well as making both a pumpkin pie and (allergy-friendly) apple pie.

It must be Thanksgiving.

Continue reading

On Babies

I finished knitting a baby gift last night. It’s a sweet little vest— my favorite pattern— in some of the squishiest variegated yarn I’ve ever used. It was a joy to watch this tiny little project take shape on my needles. I’m a notoriously slow knitter, primarily, I think, because knitting is, for me, a prayer in motion. I only cast on projects when I have an intended recipient, and each and every stitch is something like a rosary bead to me as I work my way through praying over the person who will wear or be wrapped in or hold fast to the item I’m working on. And baby items? Oh, there is so much to pray over when a fresh, new, unknown person is the recipient.

Continue reading

Greenchild creations {review + giveaway}

We received a free product for the purpose of writing this review. Our family only reviews items that we actually find valuable and are able to be 100% honest about regarding our experience. We received no monetary compensation for our opinion. Links contained in this post may direct to affiliate sites. 

We’ve talked about Jude’s size, right?

Eight months old, 40 pounds … that’s totally normal, yes?

No?

Continue reading

Diapering the *really* big baby {review + giveaway}

We received a product for the purpose of writing this review. Our family only reviews items that we actually find valuable and are able to be 100% honest about regarding our experience. Links contained in this post may direct to affiliate sites. 

When Jude was a newborn, I threw logic out the window and joined the Flats and Handwashing Challenge. It made little to no sense to sign on for a totally new-to-me style of diapering in those busy, early weeks, but somehow, I felt like it was the right thing to do. So I did. I learned a handful of folds and began to appreciate the simplicity and flexibility of the flats.

Little did I know at the time that six months later on, I’d be almost exclusively using flats with my baby boy. Why? Because he’s huge.

Continue reading

Olinmade {review + giveaway}

We received a free product for the purpose of writing this review. Our family only reviews items that we actually find valuable and are able to be 100% honest about regarding our experience. We received no monetary compensation for our opinion. Links contained in this post may direct to affiliate sites. 

What if I told you that I have– after seven years of nearly non-stop cloth diapering– finally found the perfect nighttime fitted? What if I said I had found a diaper that absorbs more than seems possible, holds like a champ, and fits flawlessly? Now what if I told you that the very same diaper cost just $22?

Continue reading

Chelory Boutique {review & giveaway}

We received a free product for the purpose of writing this review. Our family only reviews items that we actually find valuable and are able to be 100% honest about regarding our experience. We received no monetary compensation for our opinion. Links contained in this post may direct to affiliate sites. 

In more than seven years of cloth diapering, I never owned an all-in-one. There. I said it.

Continue reading

Glow Bug Cloth Diapers {review + giveaway}

We received a free product for the purpose of writing this review. Our family only reviews items that we actually find valuable and are able to be 100% honest about regarding our experience. We received no monetary compensation for our opinion.

Pockets. So trim. So adorable. So easy.

A good pocket diaper is enough to convert even a die-hard disposable user. The problem arises when the new-to-cloth Momma wades in to the offerings. The market is literally flooded with options, ranging in price from “Let’s mortgage the homestead” to “Can those possibly be decent?” And that doesn’t even begin to tackle the nuances of individual designs. Snaps or hook and loop? One size? Lower rise? Elastic at the tummy, or just around the back? Crossover wings? Gussets? Microfiber? Fleece? Envelope?

Continue reading

Buttons Diapers {review+giveaway}

I was given a free product in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. All thoughts are my own and represent my experiences in using this product.

As you might have guessed, I am a very big fan of getting as much bang for my buck as possible. As you can also probably guess, I’m looking for quality. Affordability means I can fit our needs within a tight, one-income budget. And things made with materials that will last mean that I can reasonably expect to get decent usage with multiple children. Score!

Continue reading

Final thoughts {Flats and Handwashing Challenge Day #7}

This post is part of the 5th Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge, an education and awareness campaign designed to highlight the benefits of using cloth diapers even in less than ideal financial circumstances.

“How was this experience for you, what have you learned, and what will you do with your new knowledge?”

A week of using only old-fashioned flat diapers, washing them by hand, and hanging them out to dry. A week of throwback, low-tech diapering. A week of bending over the tub, a week of being thankful for sunny, breezy days.

Continue reading