As I read, I laugh.
I see the writer, same as I always have. And I read the jabs directed at me. Cute, really. I'm sure you will read this soon, writer. And, so, I write for you.
No matter what happens, I believe in you. You could shoot me and I'd still believe in you. I ALWAYS HAVE, you damn idiot.
Your writing is amazing. Small issues, like always. But when I read it, it comes alive. I may cry before the book is done, and you know why. I have seen what it was, and now I get to see what it has become. I fell in love with that character on day one, when he was in a notebook and the female lead was based on her.
Things went bad, and that's on me. I get it. I am the worst person on Earth and in the universe. I don't need the fighting to know that. Actually, I quite enjoy it, for once.
Because of what is there, you could be in China and I could touch your hand. Creepy, yes, but that's just the way it is. I have no faith in anything anymore, except one thing. YOU. You jerk. You've done unspeakable things (so have I), yet it's still right there.
I remember every stupid little thing about you. I haven't seen you in years, or heard your voice, but I remember. I remember college. I remember Fishy Kisser. And the worst things ever. Still very unfair. I remember the longest bike ride ever. And Vampire games that don't exist anymore.
I was there. I'll continue to be there, in one form or another. And I will believe in you, no matter what. So believe in yourself, or I'll pee on your shoes. (You know why, you dick.)
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
What I Pulled From the Ashes
You are the writer, I'm not. So sorry if it is crap lol.
We burned our world down, but some things will always remain. The cars we owned, the songs we sang, running away. We held on too tight and let go too fast. We both have scars, some worse than others. But I'm still here, as I always have been, Waiting. Not now, though. It's too much and we know it. We are Broken and bent. (Sorry but bent makes me laugh.) My shoes are gone and forgotten. But I remember the dragons. We may never make it out of this hole we created, never get the trust back. But I'll keep fighting for at least some shred of it. The past can't be changed. The future is still there. We didn't die at 25, we won't be married at 40. There are no more flowers, or stupid dances. It's just us, fighting as we always manage to do, until it's no longer fighting, just pain.
The pain is fine, I'll hold your hand forever, whether I'm there or not. Bound, connected, pulled. Sucks for us lol.
Always.
We burned our world down, but some things will always remain. The cars we owned, the songs we sang, running away. We held on too tight and let go too fast. We both have scars, some worse than others. But I'm still here, as I always have been, Waiting. Not now, though. It's too much and we know it. We are Broken and bent. (Sorry but bent makes me laugh.) My shoes are gone and forgotten. But I remember the dragons. We may never make it out of this hole we created, never get the trust back. But I'll keep fighting for at least some shred of it. The past can't be changed. The future is still there. We didn't die at 25, we won't be married at 40. There are no more flowers, or stupid dances. It's just us, fighting as we always manage to do, until it's no longer fighting, just pain.
The pain is fine, I'll hold your hand forever, whether I'm there or not. Bound, connected, pulled. Sucks for us lol.
Always.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
The World We Live In
I am not going to use special fonts and colors today. This post doesn't need anything taking away from the message. Also, I apologize that this is not one coherent thought. I am fighting tears as I write this, because it means so much.
The world sucks. More importantly, the people in it suck. If you don't agree, you can get off my page right now, because you are the damn problem.
We are living in what should be the BEST TIME. We have self driving cars, are making breakthroughs in every industry, and could easily make living conditions better for everyone if we put our minds to it.
Instead, we are filled with HATE. People are protesting the national anthem, and instead of asking why, we say they should be shot in the head?! 'We need to build a wall." WHAT?!?! When did it become popular opinion that homeless people are there because they are lazy? Did I miss the memo? How did we erase years and years of protests, speeches, and laws for equality? Where did all this racism and prejudice come from AGAIN? Calm down, Hitler Jrs.
I can't even watch the news anymore. There is so much death and hatred that it is slowly killing my soul. I have two girls, and I don't want them growing up in a world where they can be raped and have it be their fault. I was raped as a teenager, and in an abusive marriage. Guess what? It was NEVER my fault.
People are being shot in the streets, and apparently the answer is MORE VIOLENCE. Peaceful protests are being met with death threats, and riots are met with just death. STOP KILLING EACH OTHER! And we are breeding the next generation, which is going the same route. Have you seen all those videos of little kids beating each other up while adults just laugh? WTF. How are you even surprised that people are killing their kids and doing horrific acts to them?
This year is election year. Both main candidates are ridiculous. Instead of focusing on trying to make the country better, it's all about personal attacks and idiocy. I watched a clip today where a Trump supporter said Obama didn't do enough during 9/11, when he wasn't even president. I wanted to scream. (Shut up, shut up, shut up! Presidents have a tough job, and like it or not, they are doing what they think is right. Get over it, because you would do a hell of a lot worse if you were in office.)
We are headed for a civil war. Sadly, that is exactly what the hate filled people want. IT DOESN'T END THE WAY YOU WANT! It ends in death of people you love, and no one truly being happy. There is no reason for this crap. People are people, even when they are different. There is no need for hatred, and clowns, and murders. We need LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
If you help others, it will help everyone. Love grows if you cultivate it, as does hate. Thanksgiving is coming up, when everyone loves to donate food and clothes and money to the needy. Why do we only do that one time a year?? Food banks and donation drives are year round. DO MORE.
What upset me a lot (as well as my husband) is that there are all these empty houses and lots, and tons of homeless. Why are we not providing housing to these people? The majority had jobs and homes and just hit a rough patch, and now are facing discrimination because they can't get a shower every day or wash their clothes. Not every person on the street is bad or lazy. Where I used to live, there was a homeless man who slept on the same bench every night. They removed the bench.
Other countries made it mandatory for grocery stores to donate outdated food instead of throwing it away (outdated food can actually last a lot longer than they will sell it for, especially if you freeze it). Why are we not doing this? So much food goes to waste, and yet we are still telling our kids that there are kids starving in Ethiopia. THEY ARE STARVING HERE TOO.
Again, I apologize for "bringing you down". But if you aren't already depressed about the world our children are growing up in, and what they are learning, then you either live in a bubble or are part of the problem. We are on the path to destruction, and only we can fix it. One person can change the world, if they believe they can. Whether you change it for better or worse is up to you.
The world sucks. More importantly, the people in it suck. If you don't agree, you can get off my page right now, because you are the damn problem.
We are living in what should be the BEST TIME. We have self driving cars, are making breakthroughs in every industry, and could easily make living conditions better for everyone if we put our minds to it.
Instead, we are filled with HATE. People are protesting the national anthem, and instead of asking why, we say they should be shot in the head?! 'We need to build a wall." WHAT?!?! When did it become popular opinion that homeless people are there because they are lazy? Did I miss the memo? How did we erase years and years of protests, speeches, and laws for equality? Where did all this racism and prejudice come from AGAIN? Calm down, Hitler Jrs.
I can't even watch the news anymore. There is so much death and hatred that it is slowly killing my soul. I have two girls, and I don't want them growing up in a world where they can be raped and have it be their fault. I was raped as a teenager, and in an abusive marriage. Guess what? It was NEVER my fault.
(This book is extremely powerful, especially in a time when so many victims are blamed.)
This year is election year. Both main candidates are ridiculous. Instead of focusing on trying to make the country better, it's all about personal attacks and idiocy. I watched a clip today where a Trump supporter said Obama didn't do enough during 9/11, when he wasn't even president. I wanted to scream. (Shut up, shut up, shut up! Presidents have a tough job, and like it or not, they are doing what they think is right. Get over it, because you would do a hell of a lot worse if you were in office.)
We are headed for a civil war. Sadly, that is exactly what the hate filled people want. IT DOESN'T END THE WAY YOU WANT! It ends in death of people you love, and no one truly being happy. There is no reason for this crap. People are people, even when they are different. There is no need for hatred, and clowns, and murders. We need LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
(They got it right.)
If you help others, it will help everyone. Love grows if you cultivate it, as does hate. Thanksgiving is coming up, when everyone loves to donate food and clothes and money to the needy. Why do we only do that one time a year?? Food banks and donation drives are year round. DO MORE.
What upset me a lot (as well as my husband) is that there are all these empty houses and lots, and tons of homeless. Why are we not providing housing to these people? The majority had jobs and homes and just hit a rough patch, and now are facing discrimination because they can't get a shower every day or wash their clothes. Not every person on the street is bad or lazy. Where I used to live, there was a homeless man who slept on the same bench every night. They removed the bench.
Other countries made it mandatory for grocery stores to donate outdated food instead of throwing it away (outdated food can actually last a lot longer than they will sell it for, especially if you freeze it). Why are we not doing this? So much food goes to waste, and yet we are still telling our kids that there are kids starving in Ethiopia. THEY ARE STARVING HERE TOO.
Again, I apologize for "bringing you down". But if you aren't already depressed about the world our children are growing up in, and what they are learning, then you either live in a bubble or are part of the problem. We are on the path to destruction, and only we can fix it. One person can change the world, if they believe they can. Whether you change it for better or worse is up to you.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Oh, crap. The holidays are coming.
Uh-oh. It's almost that time of year again.
Family, gift-giving, shopping, and celebrations.
Crap.
I don't know about you, but I always stress out so much, trying to make everything perfect, making sure everyone has the perfect presents. Most of my family will be happy no matter what... but my oldest... she is so hard to shop for sometimes. Every year she changes (obviously). Different colors, styles, etc. This year, I think I have her number, though. She swears she wants this damn stuffed dog, but someone else can get her that. I found such special things (I can't give away too much in case someone she knows reads this lol). I will say, most of her stocking stuffers will be of the pretty variety, which is made way too easy for me because of Avon. Seriously, if you have girls, pretty and smelly things are uber cheap.
Anyway, I always look for really creative things for each person. It's lost on the tiny one, but last year, I got my dad signed pictures from Star Trek, my hubby skull salt and pepper shakers as well as tiny Pokemon figurines, and my daughter a ton of vintage books as well as art supplies. This year, I am stumped for the guys. Ugh.
Then there is holiday cooking. I share my daughter with her father for holidays, and this year I get her for both big dinners. No clue how I'm pulling that off. I am a baker, I suck at cooking turkeys, hams, whatever. Still going to attempt it, and if it is awful, I guess there's always chicken wings!
Full disclosure: Halloween is my favorite holiday. This year, it falls on a Monday, and with piano practice and work and blahblahblah, it's not possible to go trick-or-treating. So, we are doing a celebration on the weekend, with fun baking, dressup, and scary movies (or Halloweentown).
I know this post is crazy random, but I've been mulling all this over for DAYS and needed to get it out. Obviously, I will be posting closer to each holiday with special features and such. Also, maybe a giveaway (hosted by me, not someone else), but not positive yet.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Family, gift-giving, shopping, and celebrations.
Crap.
I don't know about you, but I always stress out so much, trying to make everything perfect, making sure everyone has the perfect presents. Most of my family will be happy no matter what... but my oldest... she is so hard to shop for sometimes. Every year she changes (obviously). Different colors, styles, etc. This year, I think I have her number, though. She swears she wants this damn stuffed dog, but someone else can get her that. I found such special things (I can't give away too much in case someone she knows reads this lol). I will say, most of her stocking stuffers will be of the pretty variety, which is made way too easy for me because of Avon. Seriously, if you have girls, pretty and smelly things are uber cheap.
Anyway, I always look for really creative things for each person. It's lost on the tiny one, but last year, I got my dad signed pictures from Star Trek, my hubby skull salt and pepper shakers as well as tiny Pokemon figurines, and my daughter a ton of vintage books as well as art supplies. This year, I am stumped for the guys. Ugh.
Then there is holiday cooking. I share my daughter with her father for holidays, and this year I get her for both big dinners. No clue how I'm pulling that off. I am a baker, I suck at cooking turkeys, hams, whatever. Still going to attempt it, and if it is awful, I guess there's always chicken wings!
Full disclosure: Halloween is my favorite holiday. This year, it falls on a Monday, and with piano practice and work and blahblahblah, it's not possible to go trick-or-treating. So, we are doing a celebration on the weekend, with fun baking, dressup, and scary movies (or Halloweentown).
I know this post is crazy random, but I've been mulling all this over for DAYS and needed to get it out. Obviously, I will be posting closer to each holiday with special features and such. Also, maybe a giveaway (hosted by me, not someone else), but not positive yet.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Walmart gift card giveaway!
Enter to win a $100 Walmart gift card, courtesy of Lil' Blog and More, Coupons and Freebies Mom, and Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom!
Welcome to the Walmart Gift Card Giveaway Event! A big, fun event, brought to you by a lot of great bloggers!
And an extra thanks, to the great co-hosts: Animal Bliss, Cha Ching Queen, and Deliciously Savvy.
This is a great prize, to help with anything you need, from back to school, and more!
Good luck everyone!
The Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a $100 Walmart gift card! Open to Worldwide entries. Ends 9/20/2016. Enter using the GiveawayTools form, below:
This is a great prize, to help with anything you need, from back to school, and more!
Good luck everyone!
The Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a $100 Walmart gift card! Open to Worldwide entries. Ends 9/20/2016. Enter using the GiveawayTools form, below:
Disclosure:
The bloggers involved in this giveaway were not compensated, and are
not responsible for prize fulfillment. Lil' Blog and More will be sending the
prize out. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter this giveaway.
This giveaway starts August 29th, 2016, and will end on September 20th, 2016 at
11:59 pm. The winner will be emailed, and have 48 hours to respond, or a
new winner will be chosen. Once a winner is drawn and confirmed, the
name will be announced on the GiveawayTools form.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Avon Product Review: FootWorks Lavender Set
*Disclaimer: I ordered this set while it was on sale as a special product. As of right now, the products are sold separately, but they go on sale often.
The other day, we received the Avon FootWorks Lavender Set, and it was amazing!
The other day, we received the Avon FootWorks Lavender Set, and it was amazing!
(shown: clay mask, pampering oil, softening balm, 4 in 1 tool, and overnight cream)
I am far from a girly girl. I do my nails myself, and have NEVER had a pedicure. My husband was the one who mentioned getting this set. He works hard all day long, and it takes a toll on his feet. So, as a treat, I ordered it for him, as well as the callus cream (which smells like peppermint).
The day my order came in, we the products out. We skipped the clay mask, but we soaked our feet, used the tool, massaged and everything. I may have a new addiction LOL. I wish I had taken before and after photos of his feet. He had really bad calluses and rough patches, and they are now gone. I love the overnight cream, but not for my feet. I actually have been using it on my hand (I have eczema that even medicated cream wouldn't heal. Washing dishes and cleaning clothes by hand took a toll on me. This cream healed it in two days!)
If you can't shell out the cash for a pedicure, I highly recommend getting these products, as well as the others in the footcare line. As a mom to a toddler, time is in short supply, but I had time to do a pedicure on myself, and it was super simple! (Also, I mentioned this post to my husband, and he said "Good, I love that stuff. People should know about it.")
To order these or any other products, go to MY STORE and click "Shop Now". Also, if you are interested in selling Avon, or have any questions, feel free to contact me through my page (the link is in the top left corner).
Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Diaper Bag Giveaway!
Awesome Giveaway!!!! Make sure to enter starting 7/7/16!
Sponsored by timi & leslie
Hosted by MomJunky
Co-Hosted by Deliciously Savvy
Starts 7/7/16-7/21/2016
18+
U.S. only
One winner will choose one of these awesome bags from the Marcelle Collection.
Each Set features:
- An adjustable cross body, detachable strap so you can wear the bag hands free;
- Our specially designed changing pad with a front mesh pocket to store your diapers, wipes or cream when you need to make a quick diaper change trip;
- A zippered sac to hold soiled clothes;
- A stylish clutch that you can use as your purse (who wants to carry a purse and a bebe bag?) with interior credit card slots and an inside zipper pocket;
- An insulated bottle tote to keep your baby's bottles warm or cool;
- Coordinated stroller straps to hang your bebe bag from your stroller;
- Water-resistant, light colored lining so you can easily see everything in your bag;
- 3 exterior pockets;
- 6 interior organizational pockets;
- Inside key fob – never lose your keys again!
- Bag Measures: 14"H x 17” W x 8” D and a 10.5” handle drop
One winner will choose which color - Black Edition, Teal/Saddle, Copper/Saddle, Sand/Saddle, or Black/Saddle
ARV $169
The winner will be notified by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond or forfeits the prize. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media. All participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment. All entries are optional. Void where prohibited by law.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Avon Product Reviews: Nail Pro+ Enamel & Anew Vitale Gel Cleanser
Last post I told you that I became an Avon rep. This week I am going to tell you about two of the products I am using!
Wait, I'm lying. Three.
The first one is going to be really short, but I love it so much so I needed to include it. The Flavor Saver lip balm comes in 3 flavors. I bought the melon one. It stays on until I manually wipe it off. It smells amazing. I usually hate lip balm but I am glad I gave this one a shot. (Added bonus: it is $.99 on the site)
Next up: Nail Pro+ Nail Enamel
I am horribly tough on nail polish. I haven't painted my nails in about a year, simply because I always chip it so fast. I figured I'd give this a shot since it was cheaper than the ones in the stores by me ($8, but at that point I think it was on sale for $6)
Day One
I like how smooth the polish went on, and the color matched the swatch on the site. It dried very quickly, and the only reason it smudges is because I accidentally bumped the table right after painting them. I also have brittle nails on my left hand, so I was extremely happy with how well it covered. I did 3 coats, just to be sure of full coverage, and because I didn't use a base or top coat.
Day Three
After numerous dishes, scrubbing the toilet and tub, playing with the baby, opening cans, and typing constantly, there was MAYBE one small chip on my nails. (Hint: it's on my ring finger)
Day Five
A few more chips, but only at the tips. Normally at this point I have at least one nail with half natural exposed, but not with this polish.
Overall, I was extremely pleased with this nail polish and how well it held up. It was worth the price. (I know gel lasts longer, but it is also more expensive.)
Final product: Anew Vitale Gel Cleanser
I received this product in a kit that is available to new Avon reps. It retails for $10.
Normally, I probably would not have purchased this, I have acne prone skin, so I tend to use medicated or gentle washes. This product is to tighten and even skin color. But, whatever, my face wash wasn't working properly anymore, so I figured I'd give it a shot.
The recommended use is twice daily, which is exactly how I use it. I wish I had taken a before and after photo, because this wash definitely makes a difference. My face feels tighter, and cleaner, but also, I have less breakouts. WHAT?! I've used anti-aging skin LINES before, and they have not had anywhere near the results this one does. I will definitely be replacing once I run out.
Another note: I use a pea sized amount on my face, and it works wonderfully. Not too soapy, but extremely cleansing.
If you are interested in purchasing these products, or want to see what else Avon offers (they have A LOT), please go to my site and click SHOP NOW. Also, if you want more information about joining the Avon family, you can contact me through the site by using the link in the UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Yay For A New Business Opportunity!
Recently, I have struggled with financial issues. My hubby has a great new job, but even with that, our income was lacking. We live with my father, and while it is nice to not have to worry about him as much (he is getting older and I'm his only family), I would like to have a home of my own. It isn't really doable with just one person bringing in paychecks (at least not for what we need).
So, I sat down and did some research about direct sales. I have done a few home-based businesses with success before. My main concern this time was start up costs (as well as monthly maintenance) and ease of selling. Most of the companies out there have great products, but you have to host parties or meet people while you are out. As I have attained hermit status lately, especially with a baby, I felt it would be hard for me to do this. Also, I wanted to find a company that had affordable products that I could stand behind. As much as I loved my time with [a beauty company that will remain nameless], they were a hard sale because of how much each product costs. Everyone loved them, but most people I met had a difficult time justifying a purchase of $50+ for one product.
After much searching and and a totally "duh" moment, I rediscovered Avon. I have used their products pretty much my whole life, so I know they are great. I remember my friend's mom doing Avon when we were little, and how much she enjoyed it. The company has been around for 130 years! A lot has changed since then.
The biggest change is the online store. This makes it super easy to sell, but it also makes it easier for customers to contact you. Each representative gets their own personal site FOR FREE, and there is no maintenance required.
Another change is that Avon is no longer just cosmetics! They still carry a wide array of skin care, but they also now have clothing, toys, home decor, and more!
So, I sat down and did some research about direct sales. I have done a few home-based businesses with success before. My main concern this time was start up costs (as well as monthly maintenance) and ease of selling. Most of the companies out there have great products, but you have to host parties or meet people while you are out. As I have attained hermit status lately, especially with a baby, I felt it would be hard for me to do this. Also, I wanted to find a company that had affordable products that I could stand behind. As much as I loved my time with [a beauty company that will remain nameless], they were a hard sale because of how much each product costs. Everyone loved them, but most people I met had a difficult time justifying a purchase of $50+ for one product.
After much searching and and a totally "duh" moment, I rediscovered Avon. I have used their products pretty much my whole life, so I know they are great. I remember my friend's mom doing Avon when we were little, and how much she enjoyed it. The company has been around for 130 years! A lot has changed since then.
The biggest change is the online store. This makes it super easy to sell, but it also makes it easier for customers to contact you. Each representative gets their own personal site FOR FREE, and there is no maintenance required.
Another change is that Avon is no longer just cosmetics! They still carry a wide array of skin care, but they also now have clothing, toys, home decor, and more!
(I love candles, and who doesn't like red velvet?!)
As I said, part of my comparison was the price of startup. I simply cannot afford a ridiculous amount to start as well as a monthly fee. Most of the companies I looked at wanted $60-100 as a starting price, and that was just a basic package. One wanted $299!!! Also, some companies had extra monthly fees for a website, and some had a minimum PERSONAL order to keep you active. I understand that you have to spend money to make money, but that feels a little crazy to me.
Avon's basic startup kit is $15. It comes with brochures, samples, 2 full-sized products (you can try them, or save them as bonus items for your customers), and a few other necessities to start your business. They also offer "booster kits" once you are officially signed up, but they aren't necessary. You can choose to have it shipped to you, or you can meet up with a rep in your area.
Avon is just like any other business: you get out what you put in. The harder you work your business, the more you make. If you are looking for a way to earn extra money from home, please feel free to contact me here or go to my site and hit contact me for information about how to join the Avon family!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Real Talk About Cloth Diapers
I will preface this post with a fact: I am not an expert in cloth diapers. I am constantly learning, and make mistakes sometimes.
I wanted to share my experience with diapers, both disposable and cloth. Everyone has seen the memes with the price facts: you can save a lot using cloth diapers. What they don't tell you is that everyone will have an opinion, and if you don't have a friend who uses cloth, it can become overwhelming.
Cloth diapering is actually pretty easy, but starting can be difficult. There are so many different types, and patterns, and inserts! Then, there's what detergent to use, and how to clean them. If you tell anyone that you plan to use cloth, most people will tell you it's sooo hard and expensive. It's enough to make you quit before you even try it.
DON'T QUIT.
I let myself be convinced that disposables were a better fit for us, and now I regret it somewhat. I say somewhat because there was an upside to what I eventually decided to do, which was use both. I will tell you how I overcame my own personal obstacles... I had quite a few.
I started out crazy about cloth, mainly because I had used them with my godson. They were fun, and cute, and OMG JUST AWESOME! Yeah, that argument doesn't win you any points with the naysayers. As soon as I mentioned it, I heard "That's disgusting", "You can't afford it", and my personal favorite, "I tried it and hated it, so you will too." All wrong, but I was discouraged. I did buy prefolds before the baby was born, but mainly as burp cloths. I already had a few covers, so I thought I would just try it out. Maybe. I still didn't know how I would wash them (I lived with other people who told me I couldn't wash them in the washer, or sink, or tub. Thanks for crushing my dreams.) Now, I will share the crap I faced (pun not intended... okay maybe a little, lol.)
How the heck do I buy diapers with no money?!
My first problem was finding "extra" cash to buy a stash. Baby was already here, so I didn't have time to wait for shipping, and there are no stores in my area that offer cloth. All the diaper money was going to disposables. Fine, whatever. I'll work around that. I ended up earning Amazon gift cards (I explain how in an earlier post), and using that towards my stash.
I started out small, one cover at a time, and started using the prefolds I had bought before. Immediately I was discouraged again. I couldn't figure out why the diapers were leaking. Come to find out, not all inserts are created equal. My prefolds were not as great as I had hoped. For anyone who wants to know, I got Gerber's prefold diapers. They were a nice size to begin with, but very thin, and when I washed them they shrunk a lot, even in cold water. It ended up that I could only use them as pocket inserts, and as soon as I could I replaced them. (More on that later.)
For my covers, I started out with "China Cheapies", which are no-name diapers that ship from overseas. They were about $4 each with free shipping. Later, I added a few Alva diapers, which are around $5-10. We now have 2 minky covers, 4 cheapies, and our personal favorite, a sweet designed cover with elephants on it. I learned something very important: try different styles. All of these are pocket diapers, which I prefer,but they are all different. For example, my cheapies asked if I wanted it with mesh or without. I assumed without mesh was just a straight cover with nothing to hold the insert in. Turns out, it comes as a nice pocket diaper with a plush piece where the mesh was. Silly me.
As for the inserts, I replaced my junk prefolds with flour sack towels, quickly followed by charcoal bamboo inserts. The towels were about $8 for a pack of 6, and the inserts were $4 for 6. I already had a few inserts that came with my Alvas, but I am in love with the bamboo ones. They hold so much! So, obviously it is doable to cloth diaper on a budget. I spent maybe $10 of my own money so far, and it gives me about 18-24 hours worth of diapers.
I have no washer!
So here is where the ick factor hits. I live in an apartment with no washer and dryer. I can't exactly go to the laundromat every day to wash dirty diapers, so I wash by hand. There are many different ways to do this. I have big tupperware containers, and I rinse my diapers, soak them for a while in soapy water, and then do 3 rinses to be sure they are clean. Sometimes I have to wash twice. Pretty simple. Then, I hang them to dry. Covers are dry the next day, inserts are usually done in 2 days. If you get 3 times my stash, you will be covered for the amount of time it takes to dry. I use disposables during dry time and also if my child needs diaper rash cream (usually we use coconut oil, but sometimes it's not enough).
I don't know what I'm doing!
Early on, I made numerous mistakes with my diapers. I put them on wrong, I ruined a few prefolds, and I thought I screwed up a cover by washing it wrong (I didn't). A few things I learned: you can't use Desitin with cloth, you should wash with warm to cold water with the correct soap, and always check the fit.
A smart move is to do research. But, there is A LOT out there, so it can be hard to tell what to listen to and what to discard. Soap is important to check, because some types will destroy your diapers. There are many lists that aren't hard to find. Look up how to put on covers correctly, and if you are using prefolds, look up a few folds and practice to figure out which one works for you. If you decide to use microfiber inserts, remember that it cannot touch the child's skin for a prolonged period of time because it will irritate it.
Everything is a learning experience with kids. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and messes. Don't listen to anyone who doubts you, because in the end, you are the parent and it is your decision on how to raise your child. Good luck with your cloth diapering adventures.
I wanted to share my experience with diapers, both disposable and cloth. Everyone has seen the memes with the price facts: you can save a lot using cloth diapers. What they don't tell you is that everyone will have an opinion, and if you don't have a friend who uses cloth, it can become overwhelming.
Cloth diapering is actually pretty easy, but starting can be difficult. There are so many different types, and patterns, and inserts! Then, there's what detergent to use, and how to clean them. If you tell anyone that you plan to use cloth, most people will tell you it's sooo hard and expensive. It's enough to make you quit before you even try it.
DON'T QUIT.
I let myself be convinced that disposables were a better fit for us, and now I regret it somewhat. I say somewhat because there was an upside to what I eventually decided to do, which was use both. I will tell you how I overcame my own personal obstacles... I had quite a few.
I started out crazy about cloth, mainly because I had used them with my godson. They were fun, and cute, and OMG JUST AWESOME! Yeah, that argument doesn't win you any points with the naysayers. As soon as I mentioned it, I heard "That's disgusting", "You can't afford it", and my personal favorite, "I tried it and hated it, so you will too." All wrong, but I was discouraged. I did buy prefolds before the baby was born, but mainly as burp cloths. I already had a few covers, so I thought I would just try it out. Maybe. I still didn't know how I would wash them (I lived with other people who told me I couldn't wash them in the washer, or sink, or tub. Thanks for crushing my dreams.) Now, I will share the crap I faced (pun not intended... okay maybe a little, lol.)
How the heck do I buy diapers with no money?!
My first problem was finding "extra" cash to buy a stash. Baby was already here, so I didn't have time to wait for shipping, and there are no stores in my area that offer cloth. All the diaper money was going to disposables. Fine, whatever. I'll work around that. I ended up earning Amazon gift cards (I explain how in an earlier post), and using that towards my stash.
I started out small, one cover at a time, and started using the prefolds I had bought before. Immediately I was discouraged again. I couldn't figure out why the diapers were leaking. Come to find out, not all inserts are created equal. My prefolds were not as great as I had hoped. For anyone who wants to know, I got Gerber's prefold diapers. They were a nice size to begin with, but very thin, and when I washed them they shrunk a lot, even in cold water. It ended up that I could only use them as pocket inserts, and as soon as I could I replaced them. (More on that later.)
For my covers, I started out with "China Cheapies", which are no-name diapers that ship from overseas. They were about $4 each with free shipping. Later, I added a few Alva diapers, which are around $5-10. We now have 2 minky covers, 4 cheapies, and our personal favorite, a sweet designed cover with elephants on it. I learned something very important: try different styles. All of these are pocket diapers, which I prefer,but they are all different. For example, my cheapies asked if I wanted it with mesh or without. I assumed without mesh was just a straight cover with nothing to hold the insert in. Turns out, it comes as a nice pocket diaper with a plush piece where the mesh was. Silly me.
As for the inserts, I replaced my junk prefolds with flour sack towels, quickly followed by charcoal bamboo inserts. The towels were about $8 for a pack of 6, and the inserts were $4 for 6. I already had a few inserts that came with my Alvas, but I am in love with the bamboo ones. They hold so much! So, obviously it is doable to cloth diaper on a budget. I spent maybe $10 of my own money so far, and it gives me about 18-24 hours worth of diapers.
I have no washer!
So here is where the ick factor hits. I live in an apartment with no washer and dryer. I can't exactly go to the laundromat every day to wash dirty diapers, so I wash by hand. There are many different ways to do this. I have big tupperware containers, and I rinse my diapers, soak them for a while in soapy water, and then do 3 rinses to be sure they are clean. Sometimes I have to wash twice. Pretty simple. Then, I hang them to dry. Covers are dry the next day, inserts are usually done in 2 days. If you get 3 times my stash, you will be covered for the amount of time it takes to dry. I use disposables during dry time and also if my child needs diaper rash cream (usually we use coconut oil, but sometimes it's not enough).
I don't know what I'm doing!
Early on, I made numerous mistakes with my diapers. I put them on wrong, I ruined a few prefolds, and I thought I screwed up a cover by washing it wrong (I didn't). A few things I learned: you can't use Desitin with cloth, you should wash with warm to cold water with the correct soap, and always check the fit.
A smart move is to do research. But, there is A LOT out there, so it can be hard to tell what to listen to and what to discard. Soap is important to check, because some types will destroy your diapers. There are many lists that aren't hard to find. Look up how to put on covers correctly, and if you are using prefolds, look up a few folds and practice to figure out which one works for you. If you decide to use microfiber inserts, remember that it cannot touch the child's skin for a prolonged period of time because it will irritate it.
Everything is a learning experience with kids. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and messes. Don't listen to anyone who doubts you, because in the end, you are the parent and it is your decision on how to raise your child. Good luck with your cloth diapering adventures.
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