Friday, August 19, 2011

For Ladies Only...

I've heard people talk about Momma Pads for years...

I have friends that use Momma Pads...
I've been told that when you use Momma Pads you have a lighter cycle - possibly because store bought disposable pads contain chemicals that will actually draw more *issues* from you.

I have absolutely NO firsthand experience with any of this, and will admit that my first thought years ago was that of complete disgust. The thought of a pad going anywhere except the trash just seemed gross.

But now that it's been a few years, I feel I'm "over the hump", so to speak, now being on the side of probably going to try it at some point in time - though it might be years from now.

Cloth diapering the past month has been MUCH more pleasant that disposable diapers. My first experience years ago wasn't that good, but now that I have quality diapers, I'm loving it. We have less leaks, and I don't have to worry about the chemicals in disposables. I also don't have to worry about the price I might have to pay for more diapers - I'm done buying! :)

For anyone else that has debated the Momma cloth pads, there is a sale online today for 40% off of Fuzzi Bunz brand at https://www.ecobabybuys.com/index.php/home/reusable-feminine-pads.html .

A Momma pad friend recommends Party In My Pants pads. These are a little more expensive - you can buy 3 of the FB during this sale for the price of 1 of the PIMP pads on sale. http://partypantspads.com

Again, I can't say - maybe they are like cloth diapers - the brand does play a big part in how well they work, which means the happiness of the user!

My main thoughts - these are something to consider, should the prices of things sky rocket, or should we not have access to a store in an emergency.

Candace

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Medicine Cabinet

As I type this post, I have two children asleep with fevers, another just waking up moaning after having fever, headache, and throwing up today. We have a virus, and it seems it's just another thing that I see that while I am fairly well prepared for, I still have room to be more ready in the future.

Modern medicine can do little to nothing for a virus, but there are herbal treatments that work. While one herb might work for one person though, please do NOT assume it will work for you. There are certain factors to consider - age, health, medical conditions, etc... If you are unfamiliar with herbs or essential oils, PLEASE consult a trained herbalist.

When our first *virus victim* got sick a few days ago, we treated with herbs and oils and he was 90% better the next morning. Pretty quick! What I didn't prepare for wisely was building up everyone else's immune systems, and so now they are sick. :(

Here is a link to several beneficial herbs to have on hand - for the "just in case" moments that could always happen - http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/colds.htm .

Lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and wild oregano are good oils to have on hand. Cinnamon is also good for sickness. Be aware that you MUST use a carrier oil when using essential oils, they will burn your skin if not diluted.

Besides the medicine cabinet, we should also be prepared in the kitchen (which I wasn't). We had 1 can of chicken noodle soup, and one bottle of Powerade left from our last throwing up adventure. This doesn't go too far... And orange isn't the best color coming up (don't ask how I know).

I know that some people make homemade soup, but that's one thing I have no clue how to do!

And while I normally don't like using store bought cleaners and disinfectants, we did take advantage of a recent sale of 34 cents to stock up on these type products. You can also use essential oils and basics like vinegar and baking soda to disinfect.

If anyone has anything you can share with us on being prepared for sickness - for one person or many - in times of when we might not have access to supplies or doctors, please share in the comments!

I'm also happy to answer any questions you might have about herbs or oils, and would be happy to order what you need - with a 15% discount off retail!

Candace

Friday, August 5, 2011

Sales and Good Prices - Limited Time

I just came across a few things that might interest any deal seekers out there...

1) Dry Erase or Chalkboards (New in box)


  • 3 ft. - $5

  • 4.5 ft. - $10

  • 6 ft. - $20



2) Local Honey - 4 lbs./ $12 each (this is a half gallon jar)

3) Sam's Club Open House - For anyone that hasn't joined Sam's Club (like us), this every so often Open House is wonderful! Non-members just need to stop by the desk first (we learned this last time), and then shop just like members - with no 10% surcharge!

4) Tax free holiday - Not all counties are participating, but today through Sunday I believe, shoppers get a little relief from sales tax on qualifying products. Check sale ads and store coupons to get some really good deals!

*If you know me and are interested in any of these deals, email me for more info at Candace(at)Sonbeams.com.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

DIY - Homemade Deodorant

A couple of years ago, I noticed that I always seemed to stink. I would change deodorants, but within a few days, the smell would come back. Being pregnant didn't help, since my sense of smell was hightened. :P

I had tried homemade deodorant rocks or something in the past, but didn't notice they helped much - but I was also going for an antiperspirant at that time. Thankfully, I now realize that diet plays a big part in both sweating and smell.

Anyways, since we often use baking soda here to eliminate odors (such as in the diaper pail or in the carpet), I couldn't help but wonder how it would work as a deodorant.





It took a week or two for my body to adjust to the change, but I've used baking soda for a year now and it's been wonderful! On special occassions, church, or simply being outside in humidity and heat, I've pulled out the deodorant - once two days in a row. BIG MISTAKE!

I stunk for days - even after taking a shower! I can't say it will work for everyone, but this has been one healthy AND money saving venture that has worked wonders for me.

How to apply baking soda as a deodorant:

After a shower or sponge bath, apply a small amount of baking soda to your damp underarms, and brush the extra back into your container. (I keep a small bowl in my bathroom cabinet)

That's all there is to it! Simple, isn't it! :)

Again, it took a week or two for my body to learn to work w/o the deodorant/ antiperspirant, but I've found I sweat hardly at all anymore, even when outside in the summertime, and when showering or bathing off daily, I hardly notice a smell.

This has also been great for my clothes, which were staining under the arms with the deodorant, as well as smelling bad.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or other suggestions -

Candace

Monday, August 1, 2011

Okay for a little while?

It appears that, at least for a brief time period, we are safe from a default. But there's still a lot of problems to be resolved, and there's always the unknown of power outages/ storms - so I'd still like to make myself better prepared.

While browsing coupons today looking for basic stock up items, I saw one for Band-Aids. Yet one more thing that I never would've thought about needing to stock up on! We have a half-used box in the bathroom, and have probably had it for years. But maybe paired with a good sale, I'll be able to put these coupons to good use!