Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

There are lots of reasons to LOVE avocados… and I’m no dietitian… but here are my top ten!

Why Avocados ROCK:

10. They are delicious

9. They are a kid pleaser

8. They are an easy, soft, first food for your toddler

7. From what hear they are a “good” fat (still seems like an oxymoron to me though)

6. They are high in potassium (great if you are a runner or worker outer… which I don’t know much about…)

5. They are high in fiber

4. They are a fruit with protein!

3. It is easy to tell if it is ripe or not (should be not too squishy, not hard, if there is a stem flick it out – if what you see is green – you’re good to go!)

2. They make everything better (salad, tacos, pizza, pancakes, chocolate pudding – for real pinterest it- you name it)

1. They are the main ingredient in guacamole!!

Which brings me to my next point, some NOT YOUR AVERAGE guacamole.  I started messing around with guacamole, honestly because I am not a huge fan of a typical ingredient in there, cilantro.  You either love it or you hate it and I don’t love it… So I started adding lots of things to it… fruit, veggies, and this combination is one of my favorites!

The Recipe – Not Your Average Guacamole:

What you need:

• 3 avocados
• 2 peeled and diced mangoes (I have also used peaches, SO good too, use what’s in season)
• 1 cup of fresh, off the cob, corn (it’s the season!! just hold the corn upright and cut the corn off, you’re ready to go!)
• 3 limes, the zest and the juice
• (optional: 1 diced Spanish onion)
• Salt and Pepper

What to do:

Cut avocados around, remove the pit.  I find it’s easier to cut them up while they are still in the skin, and then use a spoon to scoop out the already cut fruit.  Once it is all in a bowl, gently mash it to your desired consistency.  Honestly sometimes we eat this like fruit salad – so we leave it a little chunky.  Dice up your mangoes and add them in with your corn.  Add zest and lime juice, salt and pepper.  Stir and enjoy with chips or just as a meal on its own.  We LOVE it and I hope you do too!! We served it as an appetizer at a party and it was a huge hit!

Do you like to mess with tradition or are you a guacamole purist?  I love adding tomatoes, peaches, pineapples, whatever is in season and in my fridge… what do you add?

The post Not Your Average Guacamole appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

I have been gardening for 3 years.

The first year, after vegetables started making their way to the kitchen, my husband and I were both shocked at how successful we were without REALLY trying.  Since then, my garden has quadrupled in size and we are growing MANY different veggies and herbs.

I am by NO means a gardening expert – but I hope to share my gardening successes with you here!

While most of you probably have started the process – jump in wherever you can!  If you don’t have seedlings going yet – head to your local greenhouse or hardware store – organic varieties are pretty widely available – so grab some that are already started for you!  If you don’t want to plant a garden this year -make it your mission to learn what plants grow in your area.  Visit farmers’ markets to see what veggies are plentiful and when… next year you can get started!

To start…

I begin planting in March/April (indoors) because I live in central MA – where last week we STILL had frost.  I use organic seeds, organic potting soil, organic fertilizer, and homemade compost from the yard (we compost most of the year – kitchen scraps more on that later).  I put these newly planted seeds in a sunny window on my (very old but effective) steam radiators.  I cover the seedlings to create a greenhouse steamy effect that seems to speed up the sprouting process.

Keeping Pests Away without Pesticides

I have been pretty successful using plants to prevent pests from invading my garden.  By that I mean creating a barrier around my garden of some plants that pests don’t particularly like… marigolds, petunias, lavender, are a few suggestions that have worked for me in the past!

Oregano and mint also work to naturally prevent pests – BUT – use caution – these are very rapidly spreading herbs… so unless you are planning on lots of tomato sauce and mint tea – watch these plants carefully and remove what you don’t want spreading all over your garden/yard at the expense of your vegetables.. and grass.

Here is a bigger list on plants that prevent pests. If surrounding your garden with these pretty, and naturally preventative plants isn’t enough, you might need to add a fence – but honestly the plants have worked wonders for me and I haven’t needed an additional pesticide!  If you do… look for ones that are plant/herb based only- typically they smell like cinnamon

Composting… Organic food for your plants!

Composting is a huge part of keeping a successful, organic, garden.  My 4 year old is in charge of keeping track of the compost bucket in the kitchen and he takes this chore VERY seriously.  When it is full he walks it out back to the compost pile, dumps it, and “stirs” the pile.  Also into the pile throughout the year goes grass clippings (we don’t fertilize the grass) and leaves.

We have a two sided pile – divided with wood.  The side we are currently adding compost to is not the side I am adding to my garden… the compost sits for about a year (with frequent turning) and then gets incorporated into the garden.  Be careful… since you’re composting veggies… sometimes surprises (pumpkins) grow in it We also incorporate a small amount of Jobe’s Organic Fertilizer into the garden too.  It has worked really well for us!

The Crop Swap

One of the best things you can find (OR START!!!) is a crop swap.  Create a (digital or real) community of fellow gardeners – that share your views in gardening.  It allows you to swap your overabundance of veggies with someone else’s who perhaps grew something you did not!  It is also a great community in which to ask questions about your garden that other’s in your area might better be able to answer!

How does YOUR garden grow?  What kinds of things are you growing this year?

The post Pest Free, Pesticide Free, Organic Gardening appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by Contributing Writer, KT @ One Organic Mama

This is my grandma’s recipe.  We are so very lucky that my children know and love their GREAT grandma! She is the matriarch of our very Italian family, and she is such a wonderful witness to all of us.

Since I don’t get to see her every Easter anymore, we enjoy Easter with my husband’s family, so I have endeavored to prepare it on my own.  It is never perfect like hers is – but it always reminds me of being at her house for Easter!  I thought it was too good not to share – everyone should wake up Easter morning to this bread.  It is perfect with cold butter on it (sounds gross but it is so good). The kiddos love to be involved and they are great kneaders!

Stay with me here.

Grandma’s Easter Bread We use organic, fair trade, and or local ingredients when possible.

3 1/4  cups of flour (I usually switch to whole wheat in recipes – but this should be WHITE flour – go wild, it’s Easter, if you’re GF here are some substitution tips) 1/4 cup of sugar (or sugar alt. like stevia or honey) 1 tsp salt 1 package of yeast 2/3 cup of milk 2 Tbs of butter, melted 2 eggs (room temperature) 1/2 tsp aniseed 4-5 raw eggs in shells (you can color them if you would like)   Confectioner’s sugar (or make your own) Round sprinkles   I found some organic sprinkles and food dye that is dyed with veggies instead of those nasty artificial food dyes

These are Grandma’s words with my notes in italics:   Measure the flour onto a piece of wax paper (I used a bowl).  Combine one cup of flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing bowl.  Add milk to butter, then gradually add to the dry ingredients.  Beat at low speed in electric mixer, (add in aniseed) scraping seeds down from sides of bowl occasionally, 2 minutes.     Add first two eggs and then 1/2 a cup of flour (switch to dough hook). Beat at medium speed, scraping sides of bowl occasionally, 2 minutes, or until thick and elastic.  With wooden spoon, gradually stir in just enough flour to make a soft dough that cleans sides of bowl.     Turn out onto lightly floured board (my Grandma has a cutting board that fits over her counter that my Grandpa made, it’s awesome, since I don’t have that, I used a silicone baking liner, nothing sticks to it!), shape into a ball and knead for 5 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.     Put in a greased bowl, turn to grease top.  Cover and let rise in warm place free from drafts 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.     Punch down dough, turn out onto a lightly floured board.  Divide in half and roll each piece into a 24’ rope.  Twist ropes loosely together and shape into a ring.  Arrange unshelled (dyed) eggs in empty spaces in twist.     Cover and let rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until doubled in bulk.  Bake in a moderate oven (350) for 30 to 35 minutes.     Remove to rack, cover with towel.  Before eating frost and sprinkle with candies.   (I make the frosting with confectioner’s sugar and milk).

It won’t be as good as the bread my parents will get straight from my grandma this year – but it will do!  Hope your family enjoys it too!!

Do you have any special Easter recipes that your family makes every year? What about a Grandma who taught you something- what did she teach you?

The post Grandma’s Easter Bread appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

In light of Rachel’s wonderful news (seriously – check out her ADORABLE new addition!!) – I thought I would share the story of my VBAC.  It has been almost two years since my beautiful E entered the world and we have been blessed every single day since!

One reason I think it is important to share this story is because on a few occasions mamas have asked about my VBAC and have mentioned that they don’t know anyone who has ever had one. I figured I would write about mine so that perhaps it could help with your birth decisions. :)

First let me say, there is no judgment here. None.

How could I judge?  Birth is unpredictable, sometimes uncontrollable, scary, and awesome.  So no matter what you did, it was the right thing for you.

What is here was the right thing for me.

A Brief History

I had D in 2009 via emergency c-section 3 weeks early.  The “emergency” was high blood pressure. In some cases this can lead to preeclampsia,  a very serious condition.  In my case, 6 months of blood pressure medicine later, I was diagnosed with something far less threatening.

White coat syndrome.

Sound serious?

It’s not.  It means I’m afraid of doctors.

I mean not literally, but my blood pressure is high at the doctor’s office and no where else (except the dentist office… they freak there too).

So my “emergency” was anything but an emergency.  My “high blood pressure” was anything but high.  I was uneducated, uninformed, and terrified (hello white coat syndrome) about what was safe and what was in my best interest as a mama.

I thought that was the job of the doctors and nurses.

Well.

After I was given drugs NOT APPROVED for use in laboring women, or to put women into labor, or for pregnant women, or for breastfeeding women, surprisingly, D didn’t react well.

Read more about misoprostol here:
NIH
Drug Danger

After his bad reaction over a series of hours, they tried to remove the miso (ick, gross), and stop my labor.

He still wasn’t doing well, so 24 hours after arriving, 3 weeks early, for fake high blood pressure, he was delivered via c-section.

Thankfully he was ok.  Unfortunately, my lack of knowledge continued, my milk didn’t come in for 7 days, and I continued to have “high blood pressure.”

Flash forward almost three years…

I’m much more knowledgeable about my wants and needs and I know a lot more about birth.

I have an amazing doula.

I have had successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).

So.  Honestly, I wasn’t itching to have a VBAC.  I love the natural, organic and earthy community so much.  They embrace, share, educate and love with kindness and without judgment, but scheduling a date to have a baby sounded kind of nice and organized… and who doesn’t like a plan?

I however… want to get out of the hospital.

In addition to my white coat ridiculous syndrome, I also have hospital hatred.

No offense nurses, doctors, cafeteria workers.

I hate it there.

I hate the windows that won’t open.

The non-organic milk.

The processed food.

The gross bathrooms.

The scratchy sheets.

Those air mattresses that adjust constantly.

The fact that the bed is also a scale.  Come on.

The 13 channels (3 of which are the same).

The CONSTANT nighttime interruptions the night after being in labor for three days and having a baby.

I want OUT.

So.  That was where my desire for a VBAC was born.

Sure, after reading the interwebs I learned about how awesome I would be if I had one, and how great they were for the babies, and how babies should come on their own time, and all the great things that come with natural childbirth – ALL bonus for GETTING OUT of the hospital.

So.  If you’re looking for the story – here it is.

Let’s start with 1 day before my due date.

I break my back. (walking down icy stairs in April). #lifeinMassachusetts

I go to work, as a high school teacher, (yup, I was still working) suffer through the day, call my doula who suggests a chiropractor.

Or as I like to call them… hocus pocus.

Well, thankfully he did relieve some of the pain and write me a note to NOT go back to work anymore.

So.  Bed rest.

Sounds awesome, but still isn’t (I was on it with D too because of my “high blood pressure”) this time around bed rest included considerably less peanut butter m&ms, darn organic lifestyle and no Dawson’s Creek marathons.  Booooo.

3 days before my scheduled (just in case, back-up, I would find a way to skip it anyways) c-section was scheduled (a week past my due date) I went into labor.

Don’t get too excited.

I called my awesome, amazing, doula.  In the middle of the night. #theydon’tgetpaidenough

She came over, chatted, hung out, slept on my couch.

I was having contractions every 5-7 minutes.

All night.

Doula went home.

All day.

All through my nephew’s birthday party.

All night.

All morning.

All afternoon.

Until my 3pm doctor’s appointment.

I decided perhaps I should make my way to the hospital.

They were getting a little closer and certainly hurt more.

I’m not a complainer, screamer, whiner

When I arrived, they locked my doula out in the waiting room while I was in triage.

“oh I see you already had a c-section and you’re late” they said.

translation – “how soon can we get you to the OR?”

“how are you feeling?  how often are your contractions?” they said.

translation – “if you don’t progress on our timeline we will just send you to the OR”

“oh you’re 5.5 cms already!!?!” they said.

translation – “oh you’re serious about this VBAC, we should let your doula in and get you in a room.”

So, they admit me, THREE days to get to 5 cms CRAZY.

I hang out, get attached to all sorts of hardware (which by the way you CAN decline. YOU are in charge).  I get some antibiotics because I am group b strep + (again you can deny these- not my style though).

They have me on a monitor that I can only walk 3 feet from, I walk in crazy, you belong in an institution style circles for hours.

My doula calls the nurse she knows and gets her into our world.

She is AMAZING.

My doctor is on call.

1 in 16 chance.

Amazing.

She wants to break my water (you can say NO), I say yes.

WHY? because I am worried after being in labor for 3 days, that I won’t progress fast enough (according to their timeline) and they will throw me in the OR, slice me open, and MAKE me stay in that hospital/jail for 5 days.

My fantastic, angelic, wonderful, amazing doula, recommends that IF I want to get an epidural I get it before they break my water.

Smart lady.

note: I am all for natural childbirth – as is my doula – after a discussion we decided – I decided – that a broken back is not usually part of natural childbirth and that I wanted some pain relief – sometimes your back (coccyx) breaks OUT in childbirth, mine was broken IN already – be jealous

My nurse, doula, and husband were awesome.  Lots of laughs, sarcastic jokes, making fun of horrible residents, etc.

At 12 pm I started pushing.

I push for 3.5 hours.

My doula and nurse did everything they could think of to help, push bars, positions, sheet to hold onto, fluids, juice, hot towels, cool towels, throw up buckets, they were amazing.

3.5 hours later my little babe was born, on the date of my scheduled, I’m not going anyway c-section.

If you have questions, concerns, NEED to know more, need doula recs, contact me!  I am happy to help you.  I am very happy with my decision.

I was allowed to walk an hour after I had him.

I was out in ONE day.  Home with my big boy and my little boy.

Seriously, ask if you have questions.  I am happy to help  You should be able to PM the page through the link.

Here is my quick list of tips if you want a VBAC:

1. GET A DOULA
2. GET A DOULA
3. Get your doctor on board – make sure they are supportive or a trial of labor/VBAC – if they aren’t find a new one
4. STAY AT HOME AS LONG AS POSSIBLE – the hospital clock starts when you arrive – keep that in mind when you *think* you are in pain at home
5. Stay home longer
6. EAT before you leave your house (thanks doula!!) – once you get to the hospital they treat food like it is some rare treat you can never have.  On your way to not going to the hospital too soon – go out to eat.
7. Walk
8. Make sure YOU are making your decisions (even if you are memorizing the doula’s words – they have to come from your mouth – it’s easier if you agree!)
9. Know that some of this all is left up to chance.  Even the most prepared trial of labor may end up in a c-section.  Be at peace.  You have a baby!
10. GET A DOULA

Have you heard of white coat syndrome? Has it effected your health-care choices? How did you make your birth decisions?

The post Birth, Babies, and a VBAC appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

One of my favorite traditions growing up was one I shared with my cousins.  For Christmas we used to exchange fun t-shirts with clever messages.  As a history teacher mine were typically historical jokes (ie: A picture of Jefferson Davis labeled “Most like to secede”, or a picture of someone with furry bear arms that said “The Second Amendment”)… I know lame right?

My cousins, most of whom are also teachers got math, science, and English themed shirts.  It was a fun tradition that over the years got lost.  Union 28 is definitely going to bring this tradition back to my family!  I love their cute t-shirts and products for the whole family!!

Union 28 is a company created to “communicate a positive image of marriage in a fun and stylish way.”  They have shirts for men, women, and children with fun messages in various cuts and styles.  Their name represents “a strong marriage and the pursuit thereof.” You can read more about their mission here.

Features of Union 28 Apparel

• 100% Preshrunk Cotton
• Various cuts and styles (ie: Junior fitted, Missy fitted, Ladies cut)
• Super cute and fun messages (ie: “My Husband Rocks”, “I Love My Wife”)
• T-shirts, hoodies, hats, books, bags, music and gifts!

Now for my review:

I was given a My Husband Rocks t-shirt in a Large Ladies Cut.  It was cut like a regular t-shirt and fit just fine!  It was comfortable and washed up and dried nicely as it is pre-shrunk cotton.  I love the message and it is perfect for Valentine’s Day!!  The color of the shirt is a nice pink and the message is screened onto the shirt in a bright red.

If I were to shop again I would probably go for a cute hoodie for my husband or a t-shirt and onesie for my boys.  I love all the neat messages!!

What I Liked:

1. The material, it was super soft and pre-shrunk
2. The message!
3. The color
4. The cut

You can Buy It! 

Right now Union 28 has so graciously offered day2dayjoys.com readers a 15% discount through the end of February. Use this size chart to make sure you get the correct sizes!

Use code U28DDJ15 at check out to receive 15% off.

You can Win It!

Union 28 is giving away one of their NEW “My Husband Rocks Red Heart Tee” to one lucky reader, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Use Rafflecopter below to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Union 28: Marriage Apparel {Review & Giveaway} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

Want to encourage thankfulness in your little ones?

We started writing thank you notes early.  The kids would decorate paper with crayons or finger paint, and I would write the note and talk to them about what they liked about each gift.

This year, my 4 year old is ready to contribute (a little) to the writing process!  He is having fun practicing letters and loved writing his own note to Santa this year!  Imagine my surprise when he asked to write it, I didn’t realize how many letters he really knew already!  I dictated to him letter by letter, and he was able to do most of it by himself!  He was excited to write his own thank you notes which takes lots of patience and time (I dictate letter by letter), but I think in the long run it will be worth it.

There are three printables here (in case you want to use them for a later event and have already written your thank yous from Christmas) – hopefully one will work for you!  There are 4 cards to a page so your thank yous should fit into a smaller envelope!  Happy writing!

Here are 3 Free Printables for your use:

Thank You
Christmas Thank You
Penmanship Thank You

Do you have your littles write Thank You notes?

The post Thank You Notes from Littles appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT @ One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer

I love Christmas.

I love the spirit, season, the holiday, the decorations, the food, and being with my family.  I wish Christmas lasted ALL year and here is how I extend it as long as possible

Here are my 3 tips for extending our Christmas spirit and love throughout the entire year.

1. Gather the gifts

Despite my best efforts to cut down on the gifting of Christmas, my kids get tons of gifts.  They have a lot of people who care about them, and they show that at Christmas time with the gifts they give.  Once the initial excitement is over, I gather up the gifts and store them in a big box.

A little at a time, throughout the year, when we can appreciate how very special each gift is, we take one gift out at a time.  When we’re buried in snow in February – how about a new board game?  When it’s raining non-stop in April – what about some new legos?  It really helps us to value the kindness of our friends and family to space things out like this.  The rule is when we take one new gift out, we choose one item from the house to donate to those who need it.  Find a local respite center, non-profit, or family in need.  My area has an online fb group (a big one of about 1000 moms in the area) – if you put out there that you have some gently used toys that you would like to give to a family that needs them – a family that needs them will get them.

2. Give the gift of yourself

This year I have learned a lot about the creation and struggles of small non-profit organizations.  Research.  Look in your communities, towns, and churches.  Someone you know is involved in a small non-profit.  One that is based in your community and run on small donations, volunteers, and lots of love.  Reach out to them.  Offer yourself, your time, your service, and your support throughout the year.

Big organizations are wonderful, but much of their money goes to advertising, marketing, and salaries.  Many times smaller non-profits have NONE of those costs, put every single donation toward their mission, and are struggling to continue.  This means they could use your help.  You could offer to file, type, make phone calls, or just your time to do what they need.

3. Keep the nativity

Yup.  We leave it up all year.  I love it, it is beautiful and why not?  Not only do we remember what Christmas is REALLY about, but we are reminded all year round, what our lives, our hearts, and our families, should be centered around.

What do you do to keep the wonderful feeling of Christmas alive all year?

The post Making Christmas Last All Year appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT of One Organic Mama, Contributing Writer 

*Note from Rachel: Since I am nearing 27 weeks pregnant, I have asked KT to help me with today’s review but be confident I support and love Peace and Carrots. 

On the 5th day of Christmas, day2day joys gave to me…

A luxurious duo of bath and body product from Peace and Carrots. This soap and body lotion is scented with essential oils and is a fantastic gift for yourself or others.

Peace and Carrots is a soap company created with the elimination of toxins in mind.  The company focuses on creating safe products that include healing and nourishing ingredients.
Soaps are hand crafted with only the best natural and organic materials.  Products are all cruelty, preservative, additive, detergent, synthetic fragrance, paraben, petrolatum, and sulfate free.  They, instead, are full of herbs rich in vitamins and minerals, botanical extracts, essential oils and hydrating butters.  You have GOT to try these products!!

Features of Peace and Carrots Soap and Lotion

• natural and organic
• chemical and preservative free
• filled with essential oils and vitamin rich herbs
• paraben, petrolatum, and phthalate free
• hydrating
• handmade with care

Now for my review:

I was given a bar of soap as well as a bottle of lotion, both scented with lavender essential oil.  The bar of soap looks rustic, but beautiful, and was smooth to the touch.  I read the directions (which are important – following them really made a difference in how my skin felt after!!).

The instructions explained that to gain all of the benefits of the oils in the soaps, it should be quickly rinsed off and then dried (so… don’t wash up first in the shower, wash up last).  So… after following the directions, my skin felt FANTASTIC.  Honestly, I didn’t even NEED any lotion at that point.  I did, after getting ready for the day, use the lotion on my hands.  It was equally luxurious and smelled just as wonderful as the soap.

Sometimes when you purchase natural soap, it doesn’t lather as well as conventional soap does.  NOT the case here at all.  It lathered up just fine, and was lovely.  As you use the soap more, you can feel the rice bran a bit more, which works like an exfoliant.  I absolutely loved this soap!!

What I Liked:

1. The smell
2. The feel
3. The hydration
4. The fact that it is TOTALLY safe for everyone in my family

What I didn’t Like:

1. Nothing!

You can Buy It!

Go to Peace and Carrots and see all they have to offer! Jodie is an in-real-life friend of mine (Rachel) and she is an awesome lady and has a heart to make products that will make a difference for those with skin issues.

You can Win it!

Enter this giveaway! If you win, you will get a bar of soap and a bottle of lotion from Peace and Carrots! Use rafflecopter below!

The post 12 Days of Christmas {Day 5: Peace and Carrots} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

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Written by KT, Contributing Writer

Weird thing to be thankful for right?

Actually I am thankful for finding out that GLUTEN was responsible for much of my son’s behavior problems.

I still don’t really believe it.  But after a trial off and then on and then off gluten, we found his tantrums to DRASTICALLY change.

I mean… he’s 4.  Tantrums exist for EVERY four year old – but he was spitting, hitting, biting, kicking, throwing things down the stairs.

We use a variety of discipline methods, but none that could manage this type of behavior.

It was really quite terrifying that it couldn’t be prevented, de-escalated, or controlled.

With a hope and a prayer, we gave up gluten (well… for D anyway… I still eat my regular… semolina flour pasta… I know, I know…).  His violence and scary eyes melted away and he became again my sweet 4 year old.  His tantrums were fewer and his violence was non-existent.  When we returned him to gluten… the violence returned to our home.  So out it went.  Out of pasta, bread, gravy, cereal, muffins, out.of.everything.

So at this time of Thanksgiving I am so thankful for finding my baby, trapped inside a body that wasn’t true to the sweet boy I know existed.

I am also thankful for Gluten Free Apple Crisp… and you can be too

It has been a struggle for me to truly dive into this whole gluten free bit. I cook mostly by experience and feel, taste and smell, and this gluten free restriction opened up a world of flours I didn’t understand, bread that didn’t rise, and starches that sound like they came straight out of a chemistry class.  Anyhow – the things found in this apple crisp are widely available… and I bet you could just sub in regular flour if you’re not interested in giving gluten free a go

What is something you are thankful for that impacts your health?

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Written by KT, Contributing Writer

I know… if you are envisioning tubs of bleach, borax, rubber pants and pre-folds… you have got to get into this century of diapers!  They are cute, convenient, easy to clean, and daycare friendly!

Honestly, I had no intention of cloth diapering when I went back to work.  I didn’t even want to bring it up at daycare for fear that they would think I was totally crazy (and let’s face it… I might be!).  Much to my surprise… daycare brought it up with me!  My wonderful, loving, caring, daycare provider said – you do cloth diapers right?  I was thinking I could do them here!  She keeps the kids egg, gluten, and nut free with homemade meals… and now… cloth diapers?!  How does she do it?!

Anyway… here is a list of our daycare daily pack (depending on your stash – you might be able to send 2-3 days at a time). If you don’t do daycare – this is a great list of supplies for babysitters, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or anyone else who might watch the kids if you’re out for a bit.

Here’s a List of To-Go Cloth Diapering Supplies:

Diapers – depending on your babe – 6-8 diapers/day will probably be just fine (my day is 6:30-3:30).  I would choose an all in one, pocket, or all in two diaper.  I love itti-bittis and any kind of cute pocket diaper (pictured above).  I don’t ask my daycare provider to un-stuff them – that is easy to do before the wash.

Wet Bag – These handy dandy, stink free, bags have replaced the “diaper pail.”  They are just as cute as diapers are and made of the same waterproof material.  Send one that will fit the diapers you’re sending.

Wipes – if your daycare doesn’t mind tossing diapers into a wetbag… why not wipes? Pass them off in a container and already wet (with water).

Bum Spray – for heavy clean up.

Cloth Diaper Friendly Diaper Cream – this is important as many conventional lotions and creams can stain or ruin the diapers.

Carpet Deodorizer Wet Bag Deodorizer – They are the same! This is your non-toxic way of keeping your wet bag fresh smelling all day.

Disposable Diaper Liners – at home we love to use a strip of minky fabric to keep diapers clean.  It makes quick work of dumping any… ahem… poop in the toilet without a need for a diaper sprayer or any contact with toilet water… ick.  Disposable liners do the same thing and are flush-able – which makes things a little easier at daycare.

In the end – of course this isn’t for every daycare – but ask!  If you use cloth diapers at home… most likely you love them and spend time convincing others how great they are… if that’s the case… chat with those who care for your kids!  They might love them too!!

If you are interesting in learning more about cloth diapering be sure to check out Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Covert, an ebook that tells you everything you ever wanted to know.  *affiliate link

Have you convinced others to use cloth?  Do you do cloth at daycare?

*this post is linked to: Encourage One Another, Titus 2sdays, and WFMW*

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