life – Page 3

A Dog Named Jasper

I’m totally reminded of that horrible Nickelodeon show from back in the day when I say this, but it’s true. We totally have a cat that is part cat/part dog. Dogcat. Catdog. Weird but totally how he is.

Dave and I were dog people from the start. I had to give up a kitten as a little girl due to severe allergies (which, apparently, come out depending on the type of cat.) We both owned and adored our family dogs and always figured that we’d follow in the same footsteps. And we still may, some day.

But, then Beardslee came into our lives and it was a slippery slope from there. Winston was just begging to be our “second (in his mind ONLY) cat.” Then, Jasper just showed up on our doorstep on my birthday and our trio was complete.

The cool thing about Jasper is that I had always wanted a lap cat. Someone to snuggle with, to allow the use of my lap for a nap, who wouldn’t mind being picked up. He totally fit the bill, 100%.

As time went on, though, I realized that he was so much more than just a snuggle buddy; he was the family dog.

Since it’ll probably (okay, definitely) be a challenge to handle Hadley + 3 very “unique” cats + any pups, it looks like the part of canine will be played by Jasper for the foreseeable future. And we’re totally fine with that. He’s freaking awesome.

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He’s got total dog tendencies. Here’s just a few:

– He chases his tail. Seriously. Catches it, then does it again. Falls down the stairs trying to catch that darn thing. (The sick joke? His tail is by far shorter than his two brethren. Winston stares at him like “That’s not hard. I could do that. I just don’t want to.”)

– He seems to think what Ricky Gervais (and many others, I’m sure) says that dogs think: Everything humans do is WONDERFUL. His huge eyes show a constant amazement at how awesome we are. The other two? Meh. Big deal, Mom. You made dinner. Whatever. Jasper? In awe.

– He lays underfoot. I’m sure other people have cats that do this, too, but Winston and Beardslee have a tendency to lay where they won’t be bothered; ie not in the middle of the room. JJ, however, tends to lay on his side, comfortably watching me put dishes away and prep food. He’s always nearby. Must. Know. Everything.

– Y’know that dumb stare? Totally a dog thing. The others have stares but they either mean that they’re juuuuuust about to doze off or are plotting evil revenge. Jasper’s stare is completely, utterly blank. Devoid of any thoughts whatsoever. Total “dumb dog.” (Remember: I love dogs! Dumb can be an awesome trait. And, no, not all dogs are dumb. But Jasper is totally a dumb dog.)

– He gets low grades for natural cat behavior. Jasper just isn’t great at BEING a cat, the poor thing. He has mastered going to the bathroom in the right spot (um, most of the time) and TRIES to cover it up, but he really…sucks at it. Beardslee used to sit by him as he went just so that he could hop in afterwards and give it a proper cleaning. And clawing at stuff? Definitely does it wrong. Oh, and he’s not skittish AT ALL. Two-year-old kid running straight at him? Doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t move. Just lets it happen.

– Food beggar. He doesn’t always do this, but when it’s a food item that he adores, he’s ON it. When my father-in-law comes, he always sits nearby in hopes that he’ll get some table scraps. No kidding. He’ll also eat pretty much anything you hand over. (That said, Winston loves Chinese. So, the one-to-two times a year we get it, he comes running.)

What about you? Do you have a pet that has some “weird” behavior? Does it make you love them all the more? Or just scratch your head?

5+ Great Simple Ideas for Non-Food Easter Goodies

Happy Monday, guys! Can you believe Easter is in less than a week?? Today, I’m sharing a few simple ideas for Easter basket gifts, aside from the candy.

We keep the sweets at Easter to a minimum. Sure, we still enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny, and our little man definitely gets his fill of candy (a small amount of organic from the Easter Bunny and some of the “traditional” stuff from his super generous grandmas), but as far as what he gets for the day, the candy isn’t the main event.

We don’t treat the holiday like the next coming of Christmas, either. It’s a pretty low-key day for us. We have a couple of family events, so it’s really all about the FUN FUN FUN rather than the STUFF STUFF STUFF.

That said, here are a few of our favorite non-food treats for H to find in his Easter basket that never get old:

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Clockwise from top left:

Urban Infant Chunky Chalk – This will be the first year we take to the streets for some sidewalk graffiti, but isn’t it fun?? Since spring is just around the corner for us (or already underway for some of you), Easter is an awesome excuse to give “think spring” gifts.

Ollie’s Easter Egg – We have multiple of these Olivier Dunrea board books with feature various adorable fowl (chicks, geese, etc), but any books your little one will enjoy (Easter-related or not) will be fine. This is one area that I don’t mind overdoing a bit. 😉

Kids Tool Set – Another beckoning of springtime, these tools will allow the whole family to get their hands dirty this planting season. Yes, it’s messy, but it’s also incredibly fun, educational and rewarding. Toss in a couple of organic seed starter kits (from the $1 area at Target, score!) and up the excitement level.

Zoe b Organic Fantastic Beach Toys – Any little beach toys or ball or pail will work, but we like to give any new “summertime fun” stuff at Easter time. Feel free to include a floppy hat and sunglasses if you want.

Melissa and Doug Sunny Patch Turtle Bubbles – We ALWAYS got bubbles (and jump rope, which Hadley’s too small for yet) in our baskets. Even on the coldest Easter, we’d beg to go outside and blow a few bubbles. It was heaven when it was warm enough to actually do so, but most of our memories involve frozen fingers and very brief outdoor visits.

A few more ideas…

Clothes – I know, boring, but depending on the season (and if he’s already got sneakers he’s using or not), we’ll include a pair of sneakers or sandals, and maybe one outfit. It’s a fond memory of mine to have our white canvas “play” sneakers peeking out from the top of the basket.

Stuffed animals – We’re not huge stuffed animal fans, so sometimes we’ll reuse a forgotten little bunny or chick here and there. May not be able to do that for much longer, though. 😉

Coloring books and crayons/markers/watercolor paints – This one’s always a hit, especially if you buy a book with some favorite characters. 😉

Play-Doh – I know it’s not super eco-friendly, but just one new canister of a new color blows his mind. Sooooo, yeah.

A figurine of some sort – We’re into the Fisher-Price Little People ones, so we’ll grab one of the two-packs to fit in the basket if he doesn’t have too much yet. We definitely try to keep tabs on how much he’s getting!

I’m hoping to be back this week to share with you some food treats that the Easter bunny does bring. We’re not complete monsters, y’know. 😉 They might just give you some new ideas of what to give your little ones!

Feel free to share any additions you’d like to make in the comments!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. All this means is that if you make any purchase through Amazon links above, I make a tiny percentage of the sale. Thanks for supporting us!

Beatles Songs for Toddlers

You wouldn’t think the words “toddler” and “Beatles” belong in the same sentence, right? Well, in our house, they do. We’re pretty big on educating our little guy that there’s a wider world past his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (not that there’s anything wrong with that…in doses). He already enjoys a variety of classical music (he can actually name numerous composers by song), 1940s big band, and 1960s/’80s pop.

So, given that Dave and I are big Beatles fans, it was only a matter of time before our Pandora listening with the little guy started showing the Fab Four. But, better yet? While listening to some Beatles recently, I rediscovered that they’re not all psychedelic storytelling and upbeat love songs. There are actually some valuable life lessons that can found within those awesome, timeless tunes.

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Hello, Goodbye – Ohhhh, disagreements. Obstinence. It’s all part of a toddler’s daily to-do list. (Sad but true.) I love the lyrics in this song for so many reasons, but particularly in the idea of opposites. You could use this song with children simply to point out the opposites (“you say yes, I say no…”). A fun spin on an argumentative tune!

We Can Work It Out – Another song about getting along with others. My favorite line? “Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend.” Preach, brothers.

Blackbird – Perfect lullaby, and although it’s actually about racial tensions in the South in the 1960s, kids can take it in the more literal sense and still find beauty. Even after great pain, we can fly and thrive.

Yellow Submarine – What’s better than a little drinking shanty to sing with your kiddos? I actually sang (and loved) this song in kindergarten (even better than “What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor”). It’s actually a fun song that seems to build friendships and solidarity between the singers. See also – Octopus’s Garden

Good Day Sunshine – What an upbeat, happy song! Why not spread the joy?

Here Comes the Sun – Similar to Good Day Sunshine, this is a sweet love song that perfectly describes the coming of spring. Great for teaching seasons!

Penny Lane – Just a fun story of an English street set to music, but great for the imagination.

All You Need is Love – This is my mantra for life and was the “closing song” at our wedding reception, so of course I’d love for H to be exposed to such an epic tune. Definitely helpful with creating peaceful minds.

If You Want to Push the Boundaries…

Here are a few that, if you think they’ll go over your child’s head (which, in general, they will), you can try. Otherwise skip over them and assume I’m a bad parent. Go ahead!

All Together Now – A super adorable, upbeat song about child playtime listing numbers and colors along the way. Let’s just hope the kids don’t ask to take their friends to bed.

With a Little Help from My Friends – Okay…if you’re a family who’s not shy about nudity (“I can’t show you but I know it’s mine”) and you can explain that getting “high” means lifting your spirits, you’re golden. Or not, up to you. 😉

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite – I can’t say that any of the lyrics are questionable here (it describes carnival-like festivities), but the minor key and general “strangeness” of the melody might scare some children. Our son, however, has a preference for minor keys and finds nothing scary about them.

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds – Considering this “technically” came from the mind of John’s son and “allegedly” NOT about an acid trip, maybe your little one would appreciate the silly lyrics and imaginative happenings. Seriously, keep your kids away from Sgt. Pepper’s if you’re not into this one.

What do you think? Would you add any songs I haven’t included? What’s your favorite music to listen to with the kiddos?

Real Food Challenge – Week #12

For 14 weeks, the family and I are undertaking a Real Food Challenge (put forth by the awesome 100 Days of Real Food blog). I’m hoping to check in about any struggles and successes along the way each week. Our ultimate goal is to cut down on our dependence on processed foods and start using some cleaner fuels to energize our bodies. And stuff.

So, here’s how it works. I’ll get an email every Thursday for the next 14 weeks (the actual eating challenge will start on Sunday or Monday for 7 days, so there are a couple of days of grocery prep built in). Each email outlines the “rules” for that particular week. It’s up to each participant as to whether or not they’d like to try each week independently or build on top of the prior week. In other words, continuing doing the prior weeks while attempting the new weeks, if that makes sense. There’s also a very active Facebook group (I’ve actually joined an offshoot that’s super supportive and far more focused) that’s there to share, answer and support.

Review of Week #11: This past week has all about “going local.” I totally love the idea of it. While the suggestion was originally to eat one local thing per meal, it was far too challenging for many of us still dealing with cold temps and snow flurries (our CSAs and full-time farmers’ markets don’t start until May, and even them tend to have slim pickings). So, “at least once a day” it was. We hit up an indoor FM Saturday morning, which saved our bums. Local, grassfed beef made a stew that lasted us Sunday and Monday, locally milled and baked bread (sourdough, mmm) helped with breakfasts, eggs fit the bill several ways, and some local spinach and onions helped localize our salads.

I’d love to try this throughout the summer months! A fun challenge to eat as much local food as possible. 😉

Week #12 Challenge: Well, we only have a few weeks left and, of course, the challenges are mounting. Next week is all about eliminating ALL SUGARS, whether naturally occurring or not (even maple syrup and honey, which have been my saving grace). I’ve decided to opt Hadman out of this one since he doesn’t eat “sugary” foods on the average (zero candy, maybe a little in his organic cereal bars yogurt unless I’m packing it with maple syrup). I don’t need to put him through the misery.

While we were actually told that we didn’t HAVE to do the whole week (suggesting that we try a couple of days and just recognize how challenging it can be to find ANYTHING without sugar), we’re going to try our best to see how much we can do. This will be relatively easy for my husband, but darn near horrible for me. I’m pretty sure I have a “sweetener addiction” (not necessarily straight sugar since honey and maple syrup have worked fine for me), and I don’t quite feel ready to say “goodbye” forever. I’m sure I’ll feel healthier…but I may feel hungrier, which definitely never helps the situation.

I’ll be trying naked herbal teas, toast for breakfast…but my favorite snack of the day (whole plain yogurt which I usually add berries and maple syrup to) will sacrifice and, dare I say, probably won’t be eaten at all. Which sucks. Also, bought some Larabars, which aren’t organic but…I’ll try them. I’ve got my doubts. I’ve stocked up on fruits, veggies, local breads (not made with sugar), nuts, and Dave will make some homemade popcorn…any other suggestions are terribly welcome!!!! Breakfast will be carb-laden, as you can see…

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First World Issues

Today’s post is probably the most random of random posts I’ve ever shared…and I’ve shared some super random stuff. So, if you’re in a “train of consciousness” mood, follow along. Otherwise, see ya Wednesday! 😉

(No, really. You can stay. Just keep the eye rolls to a minimum.)

I’m perplexed. On my slow-but-constant quest to better this here blog, I’ve stumbled over a technological conundrum.

See, my less-than-a-year-old HP laptop suhuuucks. I had a Dell before that for numerous years and I knew I didn’t want another. Well, now I know I definitely don’t want an HP. The issue here is that I’ve had it so long that it’s not returnable (I assume; I suck at calling customer service #nopleasedontmakeme). Plus, the issues I’m having with it seem to be everyone’s issues with the thing (the touch pad decides to stop working every so often, in addition to other system crashing annoyances), so I clearly don’t want a replacement. After numerous Google searches, it seems to simply be what it is.

I’m not sure how to dispose of (or possibly sell? Who’d want it?) this one in order to purchase a new one. Wop-wop.

And that’s where my question turns into a two-parter.

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photo source / photo source

I’ve also been saving my pennies here and there (namely from my work for Green Child Magazine which, honestly, isn’t like work at all) to buy a low-end DSLR camera. I’ve been pining about it for about 2-3 years, and I’m reaching the point where I’ll be able to make that investment shortly. Er. Maybe.

Since I’m an overthinkerus maximus, I’ve been weighing which option to get (Canon Rebel or Nikon 3100 refurbished or 3200…or something else). But, now that I’m close, I look at the literally hours that I’ve added to working on my writing on my HP Crapfest 2000 and find myself thinking, “Uuuummmm, maybe I should get a replacement laptop instead.”

Damn.

So, here we are. My first world issues. We eat mostly organic food. We have warmth and comfort (not just in the form of cat heat). We don’t get snowed/rained/hailed on. We. Are. Majorly. Lucky. I’m a brat that I’m even concerned about this, in all honesty.

Yet, I need your help. If you’d like to enable my brattiness (j/k…kinda), please vote on what YOU would do in my situation. Plus, feel free to hit up the comments to weigh in about it, and be sure to add your two cents as to what brands you prefer (either camera- or laptop-wise). Oh, and while I’d love to have an Apple product, it just ain’t in the cards so don’t bother suggesting it. 😉

Please and thanks!!

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Real Food Challenge – Week #10

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Review of Week #9: This week has been the week of “no refined sugars, only maple syrup and honey.” (Some people on our message board were getting scared about the lactose in milk, but as I see it, it’s naturally occurring…just like the fructose in fruit. We’ll let those rest.) For the most part, we’ve done well. But, I won’t lie: We inadvertently cheated a couple of times. Hadley baked some goodies with his grandma the other day, which were loaded with traditional sugar (she sent some home, but I put it in the freezer to enjoy at a later date). Dave ate some crackers that had some sneaky sugar in them. Our croutons had hidden sugar…dang it. But, mine was probably the worst. I had a kid bring me a cupcake after a very long, stressful day, and I gulped it down without even thinking about the challenge. Oops!!!

Plus, I’ve got plans this weekend that pretty much demand that I eat “out”. Pretty sure even a wrap or sandwich of some sort will include some hidden sugar (wrap your head around THAT one!); and dessert will be a must, so there goes that. I suck.

Otherwise, our meals and snacks have been either devoid of any sweeteners or made with maple syrup. I baked some of Lisa’s carrot applesauce muffins with maple syrup and learned FAST to freeze a majority and store the ones I hoped to eat within a day in the fridge. Seriously. I felt awful when I had baked them, tossed them in bags, and sat down to enjoy mine Monday afternoon for a snack…only to find bits of green forming all over the top. INSANE. So, there’s my tip of the day: all-natural = refrigerate the darn things. That said, they were super moist and I might have packaged them too soon before cooling, so it’s probably part user error.

My other trick of the week involved my coffee. I’m trying to cut back, but my energy has been low (trying to kickstart my at-home yoga sessions again!). So, when I do drink the stuff, I found that the syrup was too heavy tasting and had a definite depth from the maple. So, I tried raw honey, which I usually loathe, but it gave the perfect light sweetened taste without that “bee puke” aftertaste. Plus, it’s FULL of antioxidants (the coffee was far from boiling, so they were left intact). Win-win!!

Week #10 Challenge: Next week seems suspiciously easy, so I know it’ll be a greater challenge than I expect: No refined oils. So, the only oils we’re allowed for the week are: butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. (To be specific, the butter should be at the very least organic from pastured cows, the olive oil should be extra virgin, cold-pressed and unfiltered, and the coconut oil should be organic, unrefined and centrifuged if possible.)

Now, this isn’t very different from our norm, except that I have been buying just plain ol’ store-brand (or Cabot; VT, woot!) butter. Our CO & EVOO are fine, though. The Dorky Daddy has been teasing me for awhile about the “GMO butter” I’ve been buying, but the other stuff that our store offers is a) super expensive, b) salted and c) from an organic brand that we don’t support. I’ve swallowed my pride, looked away at the checkout line, and hooked the family up with some Horizon (ugh) butter as well as a package of Kerrygold, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. 😉

There are sneaky issues here, though. Firstly, we won’t be able to eat out AT ALL. (We haven’t in awhile, but still. Knowing that you can’t sucks.) Secondly, much like with the sugar last week, things are hidden. Our favorite organic cereal bars undoubtedly have some sort of organic vegetable oil in them. Crackers? The same. Pretty much anything we might like to munch one, it’s there.

So, my strategy for the week is to once again be proactive. I hope to make some more muffins or a homemade granola bar of some sort, maybe a french toast bake that can stretch a couple of breakfasts, and hopefully some tortillas if I have the time. Plus, even though he’s busy with rehearsals (which tosses an extra challenge into dinners), the hubby will probably be called into his stellar popcorn-making service a couple times (he’ll make a HUGE batch during the weekend that lasts us about half the week). He usually douses it with a scant amount of butter and a teensy bit of salt, which will suffice. (Side note: Totally impossible to walk by that bowl and not grab a handful here and there. I dare you. Impossible.)

It’s looking like a lot of cooking for me this week, though. Eep!

Here are my meal ideas for the week…fingers crossed!

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Cheap (or Free!) Ways to Embrace Trends

Be they fashion, decor, technology, or anything else, “trends” can be kind of negative. And, to some extent, I agree. When a few years fly by, we find ourselves laughing or rolling our eyes at what we once thought was “cool.” However, I’ve realized that it’s up to us to decide which trends are worth our time (and money) or not. As with all things in life, we have to be true to ourselves and always go with our own individual interests and tastes in the end. I wholly believe that.

But, it doesn’t mean that we have to completely ignore the world outside our own minds. Some trends help to light a spark inside you that can help freshen up your life, fill you with inspiration, or put a spring in your step. I’ve discovered some of my favorite colors and prints after seeing them used in a really fun, creative way on a blog or store display. As long as it’s not ethically immoral (say, fur or a demeaning message), I’ll always give something new a little consideration. Sometimes I immediately know it’s not for me. Other times, I fall in love.

Says the girl who once adamantly brushed aside the latest fads for Punky Brewster mismatched clothes, a Peter Tork haircut and tie-dyed tees, and a short-lived ’50s James Dean (like, guy clothes) wardrobe. Take what I say with a grain of salt. I’m clearly not a fashionista. (Even that term is outdated.)

Anyway, even as a girl who considers herself to be pretty eco-friendly and minimalist, I feel greatly that while we purge, we still need to surround ourselves with joy…simply.

So, today I’m sharing a few simple ways to embrace trends without totally breaking the bank and completely overhauling your own uniqueness. (After all, that’s what’s most important in the end.) Some of these ideas are to spruce up your surroundings and others are wardrobe-related. All are just a little inspiration to try to mix up the old with some new-ish styles.

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Cheap Accessories Help Layer in the Fun – This chevron print infinity scarf is a great example of one of my favorite things about trends: they clearly failed history class because they keep repeating it. For only $15 (or on sale if you’re lucky), you can brighten up your bland wardrobe. This is honestly the only chevron print I’ve seen that isn’t overdone (it almost looks like diagonal stripes), so my attention is less on the print and more on the vintage-inspired colors. Oh, and a great pair of sunglasses (I grab mine at TJ Maxx for the cheapest options) helps bring it all together.

Put Some Spring in Your Step with a New Shoe – It may seem subtle, but switching out your usual flip flops for a cute sandal with fringe detail can bring you happily into the warmer seasons. The rest of your outfit may be a slouchy old t-shirt and capris or skinny jeans (yes, I’ve jumped on that bandwagon, too; don’t tell my 15-year-old self), but an inexpensive (this one’s about $20) shoe can help wake it up.

Try a New Style of Pant with Subtle Details – Trying a new style can be downright frightening. (Almost as scary as bathing suit shopping. Eep.) So, if you’re a little shy, try to keep to a solid color. If you’re a touch more daring, try for a very subtle pattern, like this gorgeous colored (they say it’s red but it sways towards my favorite “new” color, coral) with dots. The fact that these pixie ankle pants remind me of Laura on the Dick Van Dyke Show makes me want to run, not walk, to my closest Old Navy. No, seriously. Oh, and I tend not to pay $35 for pants, so I’d suggest waiting for a sale (they’re currently on sale for $30…still iffy, but better).

Pillows, Pillows, Pillows – One of my favorite ways to include some new trends around the house is with the use of throw pillows. I usually buy mine at TJ Maxx (yes, again), but Target and World Market are great alternatives for inexpensive pillows. I usually pay between $10 – $15, but even upwards of $20 is worth it for a pillow if you fall in love with it. This World Market pillow uses the southwestern/tribal motif while the Target pillows follows more of a geometric, ’80s color vibe. (Okay, who am I kidding? The ’80s are back. Cue clapping and cheering from my husband.)

Do It Yourself – This is one of my favorite ways to get a trend you love without breaking the bank. While I haven’t done any projects lately, I always keep an eye out for super inexpensive (but good quality) pieces to transform. I actually have a couple of super old, super inexpensive (like $20 for both) wooden chairs that need to be stripped, and I’m giving serious consideration into doing the paint-dipped look like Remodelista shows here.

Bonus:
#1 – Buy Vintage – What’s old is new again! Hit up your local thrift shops and antique stores to see what once-scary item might serve a new purpose.

#2 – Free Printables – Depending in your style, there are free printables available from a ton of blogs and sites. Just Google your taste or check by your favorite blog and see what comes up. I’m loving this calendar from Vintage Revivals that uses the geometric trend wonderfully but in a fun, easy (and free!) way:

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So, what are your favorite trends lately? Do you skew “classic”, “trendy”, or somewhere else? (I’m definitely all over the place, myself!)

(There are actually no affiliate links in today’s post, despite the links. Just wanted to share some thoughts and inspiration. No kick-backs. :-))

Essential Oils – How We Do

After using essential oils for {counts on fingers} awhile now, I figured it was time to post an update on how it’s going. My original post (and information on the oils I purchased and why) can be found here.

Long story short, essential oils are highly concentrated oils that are derived from their original plants/herbs that contain incredible healing powers and benefits. If you start researching them, I guarantee that you will fall down the rabbit hole of information (and misinformation). Still, I do urge that you do as much research as you can before deciding to buy.

That said, I do love our oils! I decided to go a different, purchase-as-needed route (rather than signing up to sell the stuff, even though you don’t technically have to sell in order to reap the benefits) for a few reasons. For whatever reason, I’m skittish about becoming a seller. The only suggestion I have regarding purchasing is to buy a high-quality, well-reviewed brand. That’s it. Sell or don’t. Totally up to you!

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Today I’m just chatting about the kinds we’ve tried and how we’ve used them. Overall, I’ve decided not to go the “taken in capsule/digested in water” route. I’m sure there are tons of benefits that I’m probably missing out on, but I’ve read too many horror stories and quality control is still very new for this industry. So, the methods we’ve been using regard cleaning and health (in a topical way).

Cleaning with Oils

Tee tree oil is insanely effective as a cleaner and disinfectant. If you ever use the stuff, don’t overdo it — it’s strong. Also, be sure to keep it away from animals (and I’m sure to keep it away from H just in case) since I’ve read of fatal consequences. However, awhile back I used it to make homemade non-Clorox wipes and I’m glad to report we’re still using the same method (and same container!) to wipe down the toddler potty (and any other “ewwww, that needs disinfecting!” moments). I’d still like to switch out the dark cloth for some old white cloth napkins I don’t use anymore since they do leave some dark residue, but for the most part it works like a charm.

I also LOVE using lemon while doing laundry. Like tee tree, it has disinfectant properties as well as stain removal boosting properties. Plus, the smell is insanely delicious. I received a BIG bottle of the NOW lemon for Christmas and nearly fell over with joy. No kidding!

I’m still discovering other ways to use it, but look forward to adding more methods to the cleaning arsenal.

Oils for Health

I find myself turning to oils any time an ache or pain starts acting up or I’m emotionally overwhelmed by something. I prefer organic coconut oil (a tub lasts you FOREVER) as a carrier oil. If it’s a headache or shoulder/neck pain (which, strangely, Dave and I have both encountered lately), I just grab a bit of coconut oil and put several drops of oil in, then mix with my fingers and massage in. Peppermint is uplifting and lavender or Tranquility (depending on the brand you buy, the blend will have a different name) is soothing.

I’ve also been known to put a few drops of lavender (or Tranquility) on each pillow to help us sleep. Seriously, it’s that simple and we all sleep like babies! Dave has raved about it.

I also received a diffuser as a Christmas gift. Dave was shocked at how excited I was for that thing, LOL. We haven’t had the opportunity to use it (at least, we haven’t gotten sick so I don’t seem to see a need yet — I’m sure there are other reasons to use it past illness, though).

So, I think that’s all for now! I’ll be sure to share more as my experiences grow. If you have any favorite oils or uses, please feel free to share in the comments! I’d love to have more ideas to try out, and I’m sure others would love hearing your thoughts.

{Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. You are not obligated to purchase anything, but if you should follow a link and make a purchase, it would help to support this blog.}

Generously Minted – Giveaway

Raise your hand if you’re ready to leave this frosty season behind! While I do my best not to obsess over winter’s chilly bite, it’s definitely easier to appreciate when you can find some springtime inspiration. Kind of like the gorgeously refreshing light to look forward to at the end of the icy tunnel.

So, when Minted contacted me to talk about their products, I hopped over to their website and found immediate inspiration, all with a gleam of springtime freshness and warmth. In case you don’t know, Minted is a fun company that offers beautiful invitations, cards, party products, home decor and art, all from independent artists’ designs. The fact that they have a Tree Planting Program that works with Plant-It 2020 to plant trees in order to supplant the paper that they use (some of which is actually made of 100% recycled paper) makes it a no-brainer to work with them.

And talk about gorgeous stuff!

Here are just some of my favorite art prints that I’m having serious mental back-and-forths about choosing:

A Dog Named Jasper - image d98ea-spring2bcolors on https://megactsout.com

Don’t they just pull you out of the winter doldrums?? They’re all beautiful, but I’m leaning towards Float with its bright retro watercolor vibe and Indigold with its fun, floral 1960’s mood…although I’ve always had a soft spot for Forsythia.

Speaking of springtime, Minted’s Wedding Invitation Collection is sure to fit the mood of any theme you might be planning. Designs range from simply elegant to modern, graphic and colorful. No matter the design, all are of the highest quality. Seriously, if Dave and I were planning our wedding today, I’d use these guys.

That said, aside from pretty spring art and wedding invites, I’m loving the kiddo stuff. I find myself falling for the birthday invitations (I’m mentally planning Had’s third birthday already!) as well as the adorably quirky nursery artwork since both my sister and sister-in-law are expecting babies.

As always, I’m having a hard time deciding.

And, guess what. One of you will get to experience the same wonderful “I can’t pick just one!” feeling. Yup! Minted.com has generously offered a $50 credit to one of my lucky readers! How excited am I?

Just click on the Rafflecopter options below for methods to throw your hat in the running. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway //widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Today’s post is written in partnership with Minted.com. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as usual.

Impatient Parenting

A Dog Named Jasper - image c60db-patientparenting on https://megactsout.com

Patience is not a virtue that I come by naturally…or sometimes at all. Aside from being innately stubborn, I also tend to have a hot temper. It usually takes a lot of pushing for me to explode, but lately that nudging is coming in an adorable, just-as-pig-headed package: our 2 1/2-year-old son.

I know it’s “just the age.” I know he’s “all boy.” I know I have incredibly high standards sometimes, which I have upheld my students to and now find myself upholding my son to. Plus, given that he definitely inherited my stubbornness, a battle can brew in no time. It just sucks, and it’s even harder to admit it here to the whole world. But, sometimes we can’t learn until we talk it out. Thanks for listening.

More often than not, I have been surprisingly calm and have been able to transition into the next activity with relative smoothness. But, yes, explosions happen. I feel absolutely awful when they do. It often takes so much to get into his head as to why something is wrong and he screams out of simple opposition (for the sake of disagreement, with no other real reason) so much that I find myself yelling just to get him to HEAR what I’m saying. I’m ashamed of it, and the last thing I ever want is to hurt him, but the fact that it only works one time out of ten means that I have to find another way. And, at times, my husband even succumbs to the temptation of yelling, as well; I feel myself and my disciplinary ways being transferred onto an otherwise incredibly gentle, quiet-hearted man. It hurts in so many ways.

See, I’m a proud part of a community of parents who believe in attachment parenting and gentle discipline. I agree wholeheartedly with most of the ideals behind these types of parenting. It’s probably what has helped me to learn how to deal thus far without CONSTANT yelling. But, I’ve decided that, for all our good, I should delve further into ways to lessen the stress, disagreements, and ultimate shouting matches that are, at times, more the norm than the exception at our otherwise joy-filled house.

We don’t hit our son, including spanking. Admittedly, I’ve thought about it, but we resolved long ago that this wasn’t in our parenting arsenal (at least when he doesn’t understand the reason and it’s out of utter embarrassment and shame). One of the issues we’ve had bubble up is that he hits us (not hard) when he can’t verbalize his anger, sometimes frequently. The last thing we want is to continue the trend — “If Mommy spanks me, it’s okay to hit.” It’s not. There are better ways.

The parenting articles at Green Child Magazine (which I’m proud to write for, by the way!) help get my mind in the right place. There is one particularly about the issues that come with parenting a younger child that it striking SO many chords with me right now. The fact that our guy is currently dealing with the ones/twos/threes&fours issues all at once? Glorious. At least, it’s awesome to have this article right now to tell me that a) it’s completely normal, b) there are developmental reasons for it, and c) there are ways to cope. *deep breath*

Another talks about natural consequences, which I thought I was doing well – but now realize that there are times that the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. Also, Making Time-Outs Positive? Genius. I have always wanted to do time-outs this way, but unfortunately the threat of a time-out has become a negative thing (yet, at times, has worked quite well…crap). I’m hoping that we can adapt this and turn things around with H, although I’m not sure if the damage has already been done. I try to say, “Do you need a time-out to help you calm down?” but…yeah…still negative. Fingers crossed on this one!

Most of these changes affect our little guy a lot, but are more so changes that Dave and I need to make for ourselves as parents. Ways that we handle things, choices that we make. A few of the changes involve positivity (like the time-out situation). This article on creating mindful parenting moments helps me to remember that diversity in experiences and getting out of the “what toy do you want to play with now?” rut and into the “let’s do something creative/different” mindset is good for all of us. Oh, and that “breathing awareness” thing? We do use that. We often sing Daniel Tiger’s “When you feel so mad that you wanna roar, take a deep breath…and count to four.” He even does the hand motions for counting that they do on the show. But, we’ve made it “our own” and when he’s bursting into tears (which is kind of rare; his tantrums are usually rage-motivated), we hug it out and breathe together. Definitely helps for everyone involved.

A final thing that I know we’re dealing with is the glut of toys and stuff. We may not have as much as other kids (since we try to keep that to a minimum…doesn’t always work at his birthday and holidays), we still have MORE than plenty. I haven’t done a great job at keeping up with simply going through all of his things and storing (or donating) ones not used regularly. He is a big “dump toys, move on to another dumping of toys without playing with a single one, then move to the next” offender. I’m working with him to pick up before moving onto the next thing (which works a little bit), but it definitely shows that he probably has too many things for his own good. This simplification article definitely reminds me that it’s time to purge.

Another website that I love for just this particular issue is The Orange Rhino. Funny name, I know, but it is completely about parenting without yelling at your children. Appropriate, right? While I’m not sure if I want to take the challenge (I’m already “challenging” myself with the real food thing right now; I’d rather have some methods to adjust my thinking than anything else), there are some good tips on the site and great take-aways. They particularly have a trigger tracking worksheet that makes me consider doing that for a day or two. 😉

Okay. So, now that that’s all out there, I’d like to publicly admit that we’re going to work to alleviate this issue as much as we can. We’re trying out “green/yellow/red light” method and I’ll be sure to check back on how it goes.

I realize that, while a lot of it is the sheer nature of the toddler right now, much more has to do with how I/we react. While patience is something that most people are born with (or not), I’m hoping to be much more active in the moment in order to find that touchstone of patience within, then transfer it to the situation…and, ultimately, to our son.

What parenting issues have had you tearing your hair out? Do you consider yourself a patient parent? Am I the only one that can reach the end of their rope from time to time?