tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61566837628616480422024-03-19T00:42:04.780-04:00Greenish MeMy life as a yoga & Pilates teacher, Reiki master & mom of two in the Catskills living as clean as I can be. I'm learning to change all the time!Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-6371126522365772582013-06-05T08:15:00.002-04:002013-06-05T08:15:34.307-04:00Days 3-4 Missed PostYesterday was quite busy, and I ended up exhausted. I believe it was mostly due to the fact I worried so much over T's lumps in his neck, but they turned out to be swollen lymph nodes, and he has them everywhere. The doctor thought they could be in reaction to his allergies and that they should go back to normal as his allergies subside. We will see.<br />
<br />
I also started this 30 Days to Yelling less Challenge by <a href="http://theorangerhino.com/join-me/">The Orange Rhino</a>. I'm really excited about it, and what I've already learned about myself by paying attention to the things that set me off. I realize I yell mostly when I'm getting annoyed, as well as when one of my kids is in danger or just won't leave the other one alone. I'm trying to allow them to handle situations by themselves a little more, but still feel the need to step in at times when the older one is picking on the younger - who is still just 19 months old. He can hold his own for the most part, but T is still bigger at this point.<br />
<br />
That's enough for this morning. :)Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-19148253169803728402013-06-03T22:45:00.001-04:002013-06-03T22:45:10.273-04:00Day 2There are so many things for me to write about, really. I began to think about it, and every direction I turned in my mind I came up with more to share. But tonight, what is on my mind is only one thing.<br />
<br />
It was bedtime, and T, my 4 year old, was about to pick out a book to read. Before he went to his bookshelf, he came to me with his hand on his neck and said, "There's a ball in my neck. And it's magic! It shows me what's inside my body."<br />
<br />
It's tick season here in the Catskills and he's already had a dog tick burrowed in his scalp, and I found two deer ticks on myself over the last 24 hours. That was where my head went first.<br />
<br />
But, then when I asked him to show me, I realized there was nothing on his skin - this 'ball' was deep below the surface. And it surely is a ball. It's not near his glands (which have always had a tendency to be swollen), either.<br />
<br />
I was shockingly calm. I listened to his tales of how he could see his blood and guts and bones through this ball. I asked him if there was another on the other side of his neck.<br />
<br />
"There should be." He responded matter-of-factly.<br />
<br />
But upon further inspection, he told me there wasn't another that matched.<br />
<br />
I said, "Ok, you know what? We're also going to see what the doctor might have to say about it!"<br />
<br />
He loves the doctor. The office is large and he gets stickers.<br />
<br />
"Ok!" he said.<br /><br />And as we read <u>The Great Honey Hunt</u>, I snuggled him a bit closer.Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-80758321161947428412013-06-02T12:29:00.000-04:002013-06-02T12:29:05.755-04:00Consistency in Training - Day 1This post is a big deal.<br />
<br />
I am making a choice here - it's time to change my life in a BIG way. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to create the life I've wanted for a long time.<br />
<br />
I could have created a new blog for this purpose, but I decided to hijack my old one. To actually keep my promise of writing more often. To keep myself accountable for my past decisions. And for my current decisions. In the end, it probably doesn't matter who reads this, but for me to post daily, and in public is a big deal.<br />
<br />
A year ago (May 31st) I joined <a href="http://www.newlifenow.zealforlife.com/">Zurvita</a>, a fantastic network marketing company. We market a product called Zeal - a wellness supplement that has helped my family in a variety of ways. I love the stuff! I have heard so many amazing success stories from all over the US and now Canada about how Zeal has quite literally changed lives. It is a nutrient dense formula that nourishes the body down to the cellular level. Of course it isn't for everyone, but it works so well for so many people, it's hard to conceive keeping it secret.<br />
<br />
Yet, that is mostly what I have done. Because it's a network marketing business, and for as many people as a product can help - there are at least twice as many skeptics of the industry. But truthfully, the industry is amazing! It is truly the model of wealth in a failing economy. I believe in Zurvita as a company as much as I believe in Zeal the product. But, due to fear, I have kept myself 'safe' in who I speak with about it - but that is not how a business grows. And it's time for me to change that.<br />
<br />
I have been teaching yoga and Pilates for 7 years. I enjoy it, I do, but in the last few years my ideologies have been shifting. I have come to realize in the last few months that I never really intended for teaching these modalities to become my 'career'. I have floundered for years searching for what to do with my life. At my base, I am a singer. I sing out of love, out of anger, out of hope, and just to be silly. I used to sing as a narration for my life. Fear held me back with music, also, but I do believe deep in my soul that it will rise up in my life again. Music is forever, and it will always be there for me.<br />
<br />
The other passion in my life was to become a mother. For as long as I can remember, having children has been not only important, but a way to complete my being. I now have two, and yearn for more, but with these two amazing boys I have seen that idea - the completion of my soul in motherhood - ring true. I feel more at ease as a mom than I ever did flying solo. Don't get me wrong, the transition to motherhood was rough and leaving my childhood behind was hard, but I have settled into my role as mom and love every day that I wake up too early to nurse my 1.5 year old, and every sweaty hug from my 4 year old. In the end, they are my life, my love, and my legacy.<br />
<br />
And that brings me to my WHY. We live simply, we can financially only do so much due to the bills we have. We purchased our tiny home at the height of the housing market in 2006 (yay) and the job I relied upon - and our mortgage was based on - ended (business closed) once my first was born in 2008. We were left struggling with a way to make ends meet. I do a bit of this, a bit of that - I cleaned houses and offices and such and brought the babe with me. I taught classes once my husband returned home from work. I babysat. It was all *just* enough to scrape by. Then things got to an <i>okay</i> place, and I got pregnant with #2. We were trying, but I kind of just gave up the finances to "we'll figure out a way". We made a lot of terrible money decisions. In fact, we are still paying for some of the ones we made in our early 20's; 10-15 years ago.<br />
<br />
Last year I hit rock bottom. I called the housing help hotline to see what they could do for us re: our too high mortgage. When all was said and done, they recommended we go for a short sale. It was the better option than foreclosure. I couldn't speak. The kind man on the other end of the phone gave me a bunch of websites and phone numbers to places that MIGHT be able to help us lower bills, and I hung up. I took a deep breath, and I sobbed.<br />
<br />
And then I got angry. Overwhelmingly, <span style="color: red;"><b>bright </b></span><b style="color: red;">red</b><span style="color: red;"><b> hot</b></span> angry. We made too much for most of these places to actually help us. I tried before I broke down and called them. We fall in a bad place of making too much for government financial aid, but too little for a bail out. I tried getting help with a refinance. Refinancing the car, even. Nothing worked. My credit rating fell in an instant from 720 to 548 the day after we missed a mortgage payment. I thought the world was going to end. Ha!!!<br />
<br />
I wasn't going to let them try to take our house. Plus, any rental we could find in our area was going to cost us just as much as our mortgage AND be much smaller. Did I mention already that our house is tiny? I couldn't see how that was the way out. Sell your house, then go into worse debt paying for someone else's mortgage! Yes, that fixes things!<br />
<br />
So, instead I called my brother and bravely asked him for a loan. He graciously gave it to us. We scraped by, managing to pay our bills just within the time frame to keep them from qualifying as late. But, there had to be a way out.<br />
<br />
I opened my heart up to options, and began watching one of my Facebook friends' posts. She spoke about how her family was doing so much better financially, and their health was improving as well. I watched for two months, and then I decided to contact her. We didn't know each other outside of Facebook - in fact, she lives on the other side of the country and we've never met. But that first phone call lasted an hour and a half, and ended only because my baby woke up and I needed to go nurse him. She introduced me to Zeal, and after a month of research and trying it out, I made the decision to join. I was terrified, but I pressed the button on my computer and didn't look back. And while I have not made leaps and bounds in my financial life this last year, my personal growth has been amazing, and I am so much better off for making that decision.<br />
<br />
This year, my decision is to follow through with the financial aspect. I am making changes in my approach, and I am getting the word out in a big way. I believe in Zeal, I believe in Zurvita, and I believe in me. It's time.<br />
<br />
And with that, the title of this post. Consistency is the name of the success game. I have been inconsistent with nearly everything. Yesterday I decided to make this blog my consistency blog - my accountability. This year - 365 days - I am going to post daily, even if it is just a couple of lines. It's about the consistency in my life. I'll be posting about my successes, my failures, my learnings. In the end, I will be grateful - and satisfied.Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-57675127715144480232012-07-20T22:23:00.001-04:002012-07-20T22:23:36.963-04:00Big ChangesI have a lot of ideas, dreams, plans and schemes. There is SO much going on in this brain of mine lately, that I'm just having a tough time organizing it all - especially since my planner has been MIA for over a week. It could be somewhere in this mish mash of a living room we have, or I could have lost it while out and about. I'm SERIOUSLY hoping it isn't the latter, as it held a lot of important info for me.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here is the tip of the iceberg. This blog is about to get much more active. I am currently still a mom of two, working as a yoga & Pilates teacher learning to green my life more and more...and the green part won't change. What I'm looking to change is my status as a working mom. I will always have to work in some regard, but I no longer wish to RELY on teaching as a means for paying bills. I want to teach for the joy, and be able to give my proceeds to charity - specifically an organization I hope to create in the near future. In a nutshell, I want to help moms stay at home with their babies/kids, and I want to create a monthly giveaway of necessary baby items, working toward a dream nursery giveaway. This will all start small....but I hope for it to grow and grow.<br />
<br />
So, how does a working mom (who still RELIES on that work to just fill basic needs) shift her life to be able to help others and grow? It starts with the belief - that this will happen, it's all a matter of time - and it's built by a company that fuels dreams and keeps people alive - and well.<br />
<br />
I have joined an amazing company and begun an amazing journey. This company is called Zurvita, and they have come up with a mostly whole foods supplement called Zeal. This isn't your regular supplement - Zeal changes lives. There are testimonials galore of what Zeal has done for people, all within a short 1 1/2 year timeframe from which it was introduced to the world. Since I began taking Zeal on a regular basis, only a month and a half ago, I have found more energy, more patience, and most interesting to me - I have had a small lump in my arm for at least two years, perhaps longer. I was just beginning to think I should get it checked out, but had heard some others say cysts and moles shrank after using Zeal. I decided to wait and see....and it's shrinking. Not gone yet, but definitely shrinking. Pretty cool if you ask me.<br />
<br />
What's in it, you ask? There are so many ingredients and it's too late for me to get into it all now - but it begins with the powerhouse of stabilized rice bran. Stabilized by a non-chemical process! This is a first, and SO important to our health. That single ingredient plays a vital role in the nutrient base of Zeal. It brings with it protein, complex carbohydrates, insoluble and soluble fiber, omega 3s and 6s, tocopherols, tocotrienols, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals. I will be covering each of the things listed above as well as the many other ingredients in Zeal (to name a few; moringa oleifera, chlorella, and aloe vera powder) in posts to follow.<br />
<br />
Want to know more right now? Follow the link on the side (link love) for my site, or contact me directly.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-22794125988878727572012-04-15T16:01:00.001-04:002012-04-15T16:01:50.369-04:00ConfessionI.....have a confession. I don't know where this fits in the scheme of things, but I can't talk to many people about it, because they'd think me nuts. My husband thinks me nuts already, he's not on the same page at all. I am torn, unsure, and hoping things shift for us financially in a major way! Why? Because that's the #1 thing that will shift hubby's mind about moving forward at all. We need to be in a better financial position for sure, and that is the only reason I think of myself as crazy.<br />
<br />
What is all of this nutty crazy talk, already? Well, it is widely known among our family and friends that I have wanted three children for a long time. Three seemed to be the magic number, a healing number if you will, since my brother and I had a third sibling who was lost late in pregnancy. We now have two beautiful and healthy boys, the elder is 3 years, 4 months, and the younger will be 6 months tomorrow. The crazy thing is....the absolute second my second son was born, as I was looking into his face - in complete shock and wonder at this new life...I thought - no, I KNEW - I could do this not just one, but several more times. I want a houseful of kids, a bundle of them to fill our home with laughter and tears, with fun and with fights, with drama and love. I want to spread my wings out wide and take them all under, show them what love is and means and how to grow into loving, caring, wonderful adults who can make changes in this cruel, yet beautiful world. I want to shower a houseful of kids with kisses and tickles, with wise words and wisdom, as well as prove to myself and them that they are more wise than I ever will be. It's such a blessing and a fantastic opportunity to be a mother, a parent, and I want not just two, or three, but more - however many will bless us.<br />
<br />
Crazy, I know...but I will see it through to whatever point that may be - so long as my hubby agrees he has the heart to share, and we have the money to make things work.<br />
<br />
Now to squeeze my little...while he is still little.Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-62336196699678636652012-02-16T22:23:00.004-05:002012-02-21T13:14:23.878-05:00The Green Band-Aid (Guest blog)I'd like to welcome Allison Brooks as a guest blogger on Greenish Me. Allie writes:
The Green Band-Aid
How to make a holistic first aid kit
Households all around are more than likely to have a standard first aid kit somewhere in their house,
car, or purse. Though these are a useful thing to have around the house, especially if you have a child, or
you are accident prone, what would you do if the cleaning pads and antibiotic creams were out of date?
Luckily, there’s this thing called nature, which is often overlooked, that can help you with just about
anything. This opens the door to so many different holistic cures that can offer relief, speed up healing,
and be less harsh to your body.
Below is a list of a few common homeopathic and natural remedies to help treat the common
household accidents. But before we dive on in, I would like the say that “common household accidents”
are not all that can be treated by homeopathic remedies. The list is endless for treatment, and some
have been adopted in the medical community as treatment complements. Now, in integrative cancer
institutes, holistic and natural therapies are being offered to patients suffering from cancers ranging
for simple skin cancers to aggressive ones like <a href="http://www.pancan.org/">pancreatic</a> and <a href="http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/">mesothelioma </a>cancer. Much more
information can be found in the Healthy Medicine posts on this blog.
And back to the list:
Emu Oil
Emu oil is the oil rendered from the fat of an emu. It has a long history of being used for the treatment
of fevers, arthritis, and cuts. Today, this natural remedy has a variety of uses, including minor burn relief,
reducing pain and swelling and the treatment of insect bites and stings. Emu oil is also an extremely
effective moisturizer, and can be used to treat dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.
Ledum Palustre
Ledum Palustre is most commonly known as Marsh Labrador tea and is known for it fresh white flowers.
This homeopathic remedy is used to treat puncture wounds, insect bites and pain resulting from
rheumatoid arthritis.
Belladonna
For those of you that know what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna">Belladonna</a> is, you might know it as the Devil’s Berries for the fruit
of this shrub is very toxic. But handle in the correct way, this remedy is used to treat a variety of
conditions, including colic, earache, fever, sore throat, headache and upset stomach.
Calendula Succus
Calendula Succus, closely resemble Marigolds. This yellow-flowering plant has a long history in treating
many skin ailments and wounds. As a topical remedy, <a href="http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/calendula-herbal-remedies.htm">calendula</a> is used to treat ailments such as minor
cuts and bruises, chapped lips, dry skin, rashes and insect bites. It can be also be taken orally to treat
ulcers and upset stomach, and gargled to treat sore throat.
Hypericum Perforatum
Also known as St. John's Wort, hypericum perforatum is typically used in the treatment of depression
and anxiety. For first aid purposes, it can be used to treat shooting nerve pain, especially in the hands
and feet.
Arnica
Arnica belongs to the sunflower family and is a common visitor in the Spring and Summer months.
Medicinal uses for arnica include headache relief, as well as the treatment of pain and swelling of
muscles, joints and ligaments. The roots of this plant can also be used to form a liniment for sore
muscles.
Symphytum
Also known as comfrey, topical uses for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comfrey">Symphytum</a> include relief from bruises, burns, cuts, scrapes and
inflammation. Administered orally, symphytum promotes healing in broken and fractured bones, and
also relieves joint pain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About ~
My name is Allie and I went to the University of Mississippi. I earned my degree in biomedical anthropology and now I am currently studying in the field to finish an ethnography on the effects of biomedicalization on Bolivian cultures, but relate on other societies as well. I love to guest blog on my time off to past time and spread the word.Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-77063103009078229642012-01-26T20:06:00.001-05:002012-01-26T20:06:11.650-05:00And so it begins...So! Has it been too long??? Of course, that's my MO. However, I am (yet again) attempting to actually blog here - with a couple of motivational tools. I am going to join up with February's 29 Day Organizational challenge hosted by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/challenge">Organizing Junkie</a>, and I've also started the 30 day Pilates Challenge on PilatesAnytime.com.
Backtracking - As you can see from the previous post, I now have two beautiful children, both boys. C was born in October...and although he is only 3 months old, I suddenly feel incredibly lazy! And, how is that true? many ask me...I have two kids. Yes, I have two, but I know many with more. But children aside, I have been looking around at my surroundings and searching within myself for ways to improve. I have a lot of inspiration to declutter, not only my home, but my own emotional stagnancy. I've held myself back in a lot of ways over the years and I feel it's time to start a new way. I can't say I've ever really held onto this feeling before, although it has passed through me, but this time I want to take hold and charge forward. In all honesty, having children has always been a high priority of mine, and now that I actually do have the plural of chilDREN, and not just a child, I feel a little bit more complete (although certainly not done...but that's another story!).
So, on the quest to declutter my home, I begin next week with the February challenge, and I will be linking up at the end of the month to show progress...the main thing to consider is WHICH room to choose???
And for my post-pregnancy body I've begun the 30 day Pilates Challenge. Yesterday was Day #2, and today I ended up stuck for several hours waiting for my car to get finished, so I haven't found my time. Sorry excuse? Perhaps. But I will pick back up at Day #3 tomorrow.
:)Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-57320298553006744652011-11-07T21:04:00.001-05:002011-11-07T21:04:59.328-05:00Photo Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=3AbuWbZi0aOTg&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/3AbuWbZi0aE/3AbuWbZi0aE4s/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1320717867000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Family Snowfall Holiday</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Create your <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">holiday cards online</a> at Shutterfly.com.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-60098191148183971022011-08-06T07:40:00.006-04:002011-08-06T07:57:33.738-04:00And the winner is...First of all, my apologies for taking the better part of the week to fill this giveaway! Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away last Sunday, and my week has been a whirlwind. Back home now, here is the answer you're waiting for!<br /><br />Maia G! Since entries were low, I just had my son pick a number out of a hat, and it was #3, comment, "I follow your blog via gfc". She has been contacted via email as well.<br /><br />Thanks for entering, and have a great day!Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-91984134480544208472011-07-13T21:11:00.005-04:002011-07-25T22:38:21.929-04:00Seventh Generation Free and Clear diapers Review & GiveawayUpdate: Due to low entries, I will be extending this giveaway until July 31, 11:59 EST. <br />Thanks! ~Julia<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGitYj6bL6dj_mNTTH-5-mH8QtzoAn6Jnpy9CC6CEILDNgVLUr0nEJq2GbrQkEFbtqGJ_KLPy7QogcS9k-8ju6avxZZ4D482SJiBJc7DrZnjK8adCSHiDcVvQjZ0IkTMF98__p27WyiNE/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGitYj6bL6dj_mNTTH-5-mH8QtzoAn6Jnpy9CC6CEILDNgVLUr0nEJq2GbrQkEFbtqGJ_KLPy7QogcS9k-8ju6avxZZ4D482SJiBJc7DrZnjK8adCSHiDcVvQjZ0IkTMF98__p27WyiNE/s320/IMG_2154.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629028801794047298" /></a><br />As a cloth diaper enthusiast, I rarely have the opportunity to use disposable diapers. This is, of course, mostly by choice - I love my boy in cloth too much to opt for 'sposies! He has, in his 2.5 years of life, spent a total of 22 days in disposable diapers. Truth be told, 9 of those days he wore cloth at night since I really don't trust disposables to hold in all he has to offer. <br /><br />That said, when opting for a disposable, I turn to the more environmentally friendly companies first. Seventh Generation is one of the top options on that list for me. So, when I received an offer from MyBlogSpark to try out, and review the new line of Free and Clear dipes offered by Seventh Generation, I decided to go ahead and give it a whirl.<br /><br />My pack arrived the day before we took off for my mom's fourth of July weekend. While I have always brought cloth with me to her house in the past, I figured it was an opportune time to try out the disposables. So, off to the store I went to purchase a package of Seventh Generation wipes to match (why use cloth wipes with disposable diapers? I know, I know, I could have, but I didn't), and we took off for NJ. <br /><br />T was overjoyed with the package of diapers...he walked around the living room before we left holding them and exclaiming over them. This excitement didn't wane with the option to put one on when we arrived at our first destination, a friend's house in NJ. He thought they were great! Of course they are super easy to use, the fit is great, and they clean up easily. Most of my complaints come only from the comparison of cloth to disposable, and not of these diapers in particular. <br /><br />What do I like about the Seventh Generation diapers? <br />~ The ingredients are listed right on the package. <br /><br />~ A major complaint I have with most disposables is that I can smell a wet (urine filled) diaper the second a child wearing one comes into my immediate range. With these diapers, it's not so overwhelming, and I assume (with no factual basis) this is because Seventh Generation uses both SAP (super absorbent polymer or sodium polyacrylate)and wood pulp as absorbents, rather than just the SAP. <br /><br />~ Seventh Generation is consistently working toward creating a healthier product for family and the planet, and the new generation of the Free and Clear diapers are no exception. The packaging is now smaller and recyclable wherever you can return plastic bags (as in supermarkets). They've cut back the amount of wood pulp used, and attempt to cut the overall space each package contributes to landfills. <br /><br />In the past, I have erroneously assumed the pigmentation of these diapers was due to the lack of chlorine bleaching in the processing of Seventh Generation diapers. As written on the package, "The color of disposable diapers is typically achieved through the addition of pigments. This is also true for the brown layered materials in Seventh Generation diapers." Reading more from the Seventh Generation website, I learned that without such pigmentation, disposables would be virtually see-through, and after direct feedback from consumers, the company decided to continue using the safe brown pigment in their diapers.<br /><br />After three days away, I still have half a package of these diapers to use. I'm saving them for a rainy day. As in the past, I will continue to reach for Seventh Generation as an option when necessary, like when T had impetigo and I had to strip all of our cloth diapers. It's still up for debate as to whether I will use disposables for the meconium days when baby #2 arrives this fall. If I do, I may opt for these dipes as well. We'll see!<br /><br />As a part of my participation in this review, Seventh Generation would like to offer a package of Free and Clear diapers through MyBlogSpark to one lucky winner on this blog. Interested to try a pack of your own? Please enter, and spread the word! <br /><br />Want to try the diapers out before the giveaway closes? Seventh Generation has offered a $2 coupon to my readers. You must have a coupon printer installed to print this out. Find the link <a href="http://bit.ly/seventhgendcoupon">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> Giveaway will be closed to new entries July 24th, 2011 at midnight Eastern Standard Time.<br /><br />To enter the giveaway, you MUST answer the following question and leave your email in this comment:<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> What do YOU think about the new Free and Clear diapers?<br /><br />Extra entries:<br /><br />Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect and leave a comment that you do. (1)<br /><br />Go to the Seventh Generation website <a href="http://bit.ly/SCGDiapers">here</a> and tell me one thing you learned about these diapers in a comment. (1)<br /><br />Leave in a comment your own preference for diapers, cloth or disposable? Brand? (1)<br /><br />Refer another person to this giveaway and have them leave a comment you sent them, and you both receive an extra entry! (no limit)<br /><br />Thanks so much, and good luck!</span>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-85169556053150285732011-06-24T20:36:00.003-04:002011-06-24T20:44:50.429-04:00UpdatesFor anyone who happens to stop by occasionally...hello again!<br /><br />I am currently 5 months pregnant with baby #2. I got pregnant at the end of January, and by the time I hit 5 weeks, nausea hit. It increased incrementally until I could no longer keep a thing down, including water or most beverages. Ginger ale worked for the most part, but I was still dehydrated. Anyway, at 20 weeks it all passed, and here I am heading into the sixth month and feeling alive again.<br /><br />Better news for you, I've decided to participate in a review & giveaway hosted by MyBlogSpark! I am a devoted and faithful cloth diaper user, I even stuck through it when I couldn't bear the smell of my son's poops in combo with the detergent I was using at the height of my nausea. Many a time, I thought I would put them away and get some 'sposies to get me through...but a change in detergent and several washes later, I pulled through the worst of it. <br /><br />Anyway, all of that said, this spark review is for a pack of Seventh Generation's new diaper line:Free & Clear. I will be receiving the diapers soon, and after using them a few times will conduct my review & giveaway. Please keep posted for the info on that! <br /><br />Hope to see you soon. :)Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-46898105660871104282011-01-05T21:54:00.000-05:002011-01-05T21:55:12.496-05:00A New Year, Same Old Goals :)Trying to post more regularly is a theme of mine. Sometimes it works and I'm good at it, others it just doesn't happen. For months at a time. Friends of mine have family members who egg them on for more posts, can't get enough. My own mom often can't even log into her account and my dad never checks here. I don't hear from anyone else, so who knows! It's just a few friends who love to read up when then can and for you, I post.<br /><br />My newest adventure has been in babysitters. Not babysitting, as many of you know I have done to keep things afloat since I got pregnant with T, but in actually getting sitters. Today I wondered if it was worth it as I gave the sitter exactly the same amount I was making (after paying her). But, it's good for T to have a different playmate, and it's all in the hopes of finding a day care for him one day a week. I wasn't necessarily going to put him into any structured environment until he hit 3, ready for preschool, but this new cleaning job came up and I just couldn't say no at this stage. <br /><br />So, we're here, and I suddenly find that I feel like a grown up. Is that weird? I mean, my kid is two, I'm over thirty, we own a house and have been married for 5 1/2 years. But hiring a babysitter for my son while I go work is what makes me feel grown up. Not in an "I'm proud of myself" kind of way, it just has that effect. Like, suddenly I crossed into a new realm of mommy hood and it's really ok to not be the main influence on my child anymore. I guess I still am, and will be until he really takes to having peers, but I gave up that position in a way.<br /><br />I have also come to realize something else. I don't care who thinks I'm nuts, but I've always wanted my children to be really close in age, much less than 2 years apart. Andy didn't feel the same way, so it was a bit longer before I even convinced him it was really ok to start trying. Well, I've realized my fears of not conceiving right away, or even the subsequent months after. Still waiting for the day we can say number two is coming, I look at my 2 year old boy and think "Wow, by the time the next one comes, he'll be close to or at 3 years old. And he'll be potty trained or close to it, and I'll have to get back into diapers. And lose sleep, when my boy has been sleeping through the night for a long time now. And get all crazy, when I really just rediscovered myself as a separate person, probably around the same time he did. Now I truly understand why I have always wanted my kids to be close together. But that's not what happened, and I have to find the grace and the gratefulness in the way things are."<br /><br />But it still makes me want to cry. <br /><br />On the other hand, I've been reading a book that I feel is somewhat cheesy, as in the exclamation point is way overused (did anyone even proofread this?) but just in that statement alone I'm undoing some of the work I've been doing with this book. The sequel to 'the Secret', "The Power" by Rhonda Byrne, is what is helping me realign my thoughts from a negative pattern to a more positive one - working with the power of the law of attraction. What I want must be what I love - and what I don't want shouldn't be thought or spoken of...<br /><br />I've been finding new ways to look at the world, and it's really bringing me back to where I was in my early twenties - more carefree, more open, less worried and much more focused. I have lost so much of my true self through the years, allowing one experience to dictate my feelings on the next. It's a snowball effect, but I feel I must have hit a plateau. A study I read a little about helped to change my view first, which allowed this book to work a little more. This study said that in observing the human brain, it was found that thoughts create different neurological pathways, and a person will automatically start to go into certain thought processes if a pathway has been set. So, if one constantly thinks negatively, the brain is programed to go into those negative paths as soon as a new thought enters. The fun fact is that with persistence, these pathways can be changed. By taking time each day to think positively, the negative pathways will eventually be erased and the positive ones take precedence. What beauty's in that! <br /><br />"The Power" also brings out the notion that life is not circumstance, but whatever you give out, you get back. It's really true, and has been spoken of all over in many different cultures, but the simplicity of it is likely what makes most people turn away. Which will make what you love turn away. By giving the love you have to those people and ideas you honestly love you are starting the path. It's tricky once you begin to find ways to change each negative word or thought into a positive one. <br /><br />So, giving half my pay today to someone to watch my son? I love that he has a new person to play with. I love that he warmed up to her within 3 minutes, not the usual 10-15 it takes him. I love that she didn't mind my house is a bit messy. I love that she can drive herself here and home. And I love that I had a little bit of freedom to go outside my house without remembering everything my boy needs as we walk out the door.Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-22041426894281544902010-09-29T07:34:00.002-04:002010-09-29T07:40:48.444-04:00Ask Momma Wednesday #7<center><a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/2010/08/ask-mommas-wednesday-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy269/nomieecoware/AskMommasWednesdays-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />I find it hard to believe that the last time I posted was for LAST week's Ask Momma Wednesday...but ok, here goes!<br /><br />My question is also about money (see Nomie's post). <span style="font-weight:bold;">Health insurance - </span> When I had our son, I was working full time and had my own insurance, which had fantastic coverage. We didn't pay a dime for the actual care or delivery. Once that business closed, and I became self employed, i went on my husband's insurance. Right from the get-go, it was WAY more expensive and covered less! Now we're thinking of #2, and the rates have gone up once again, leaving us with a tough decision. I can't get insurance elsewhere, I've looked & searched & tried. So, we've decided to go for a high deductible plan for the birthing year because the overall costs will be less...but my question is how to save for the upfront costs? We have enough trouble month to month getting by as it is, I don't know how do deal with this new loop. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What ways do you cut back on expenses or save on current ones?</span>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-27408439961401246842010-09-22T15:14:00.002-04:002010-09-22T15:20:43.707-04:00Ask Momma Wednesday #6It's that time of the week again! Welcome to all of you who are checking out my blog!<br /><br />Here's the button link: (please go check Nomie's page for details) <br /><br /><center><a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/2010/08/ask-mommas-wednesday-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy269/nomieecoware/AskMommasWednesdays-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />And here's my question: <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> How much juice do/did you allow your toddler to drink?<br /><br />I try to limit it, especially after this summer's scare of lead in many popular juices (organic & non organic). Being as my boy's fave wasn't on the list, I ended up getting some again at some point and we're back in the rotation of having juice each day. I don't give it to him straight, he has it watered down, and he definitely tends to drink more when there's even the slightest flavor in his cup. At his 18 month appt in june, we saw a different doctor, who wrote juice up as a "stupid thing parents give their kids to fatten them up", which is not at all my point, but it made me feel awful! What do you parents of toddlers do with juice, and if your kids are older, what did you do when they were little?<br /><br />Thanks as always!Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-83505423881859188202010-09-17T21:06:00.003-04:002010-09-17T22:36:47.144-04:00One Lovely Blog awardI received the One Lovely Blog award from <a href="http://audsbabydays.blogspot.com">Life of this SAHM</a> Thank you Tracy!<br /><br /><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/sstubben/Blog/?action=view¤t=onelovelyblog1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f368/sstubben/Blog/onelovelyblog1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />On to the rules for accepting this award...<br /><br /><br />1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.<br /><br />2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.<br /><br />3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen.<br /><br />So, onward!<br /><br />1. <a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com">Nomies 3 Monsters</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.only-the-curious.com/">Only the Curious</a> <br /><br />3. <a href="http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/">Bird in a Tree Creations</a><br /><br />4. <a href="http://foreverandyesterday.blogspot.com/">Forever and Yesterday</a><br /><br />5. <a href="http://humboldtcherry.blogspot.com/">humboldt cherry</a><br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.mommykatie.com/">Mommy Katie</a><br /><br />7. <a href="http://mamabennie.blogspot.com/">Randomness of a Cloth Diaper Addict</a><br /><br />8. <a href="http://simplybug.blogspot.com/">Simply Bug</a><br /><br />9. <a href="http://mommymadegreen.blogspot.com/">Mommy Made Green</a><br /><br />10. <a href="http://lollyjaneboutique.blogspot.com/">Lolly Jane Boutique</a><br /><br />11. <a href="http://eclecticeffervescence.blogspot.com/">Eclectic Effervescence</a><br /><br />12. <a href="http://beachtownfamily.blogspot.com/">This Beach Town Family</a><br /><br />13. <a href="http://traci66.blogspot.com/">Traci66</a><br /><br />14. <a href="http://www.sueberrylane.info/drupal/blogs/sueberry">Sueberry Lane</a><br /><br />15. <a href="http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/">Take it From Me</a>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-29090164180242867062010-09-15T16:25:00.001-04:002010-09-15T16:32:58.841-04:00Ask Momma Wednesday #5<center><a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/2010/08/ask-mommas-wednesday-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy269/nomieecoware/AskMommasWednesdays-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br />Please go check out Nomie's 3 Monsters for the details of this hop!<br /><br />Ok, so here is my third week of this hop - and I'm honestly having trouble finding a question! But here we go:<br /><br />We're trying for number two now - and while I'm extremely excited and ready to be pregnant again (not yet, just looking toward the future), I'm also nervous about how to handle a toddler while going through the possible sickness I went through with him. Just as a bit of background, I was sick for 24 weeks, as in the all day/all night kind of sick. My middle of the night bathroom trips were double duty pee/puke. <br /><br />Now that I've got your attention, for those of you who have 2 kids or more, and experienced any kind of sickness though pregnancy, how did you deal with the subsequent pregnancies while caring for a little one???Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-62751259167290563222010-09-11T19:34:00.008-04:002010-09-12T14:38:47.153-04:00Reiki giveaway!Well! Now that I've reached & surpassed the 25 followers I asked for earlier this summer, it's time to start the Reiki giveaway!<br /><br />What is Reiki? You can check my earlier post <a href="http://catskillgreen.blogspot.com/2010/06/reiki-sessions.html">here</a> to see a little bit. As I have noted on that post, even if you aren't near me you can still enter, as Reiki works regardless of time & space. If you live in the Catskill mountain region and are willing/able to travel to Woodstock, the winner will receive a free one hour Reiki session with me at Woodstock Integrative Health. If you are not able to come to Woodstock, the winner will receive 4 fifteen minute distance sessions, scheduled between us ahead of time. Winner must be 18 or older and will be chosen at random.<br /><br />To enter: just follow me and leave a comment below that you do follow - be sure to leave your email if it's not easy to find in your blogger account. <br /><br />Extra entries? (1 entry per comment)<br /><br />~ spread the word! tell your friends via facebook, blog, etc. and leave the link in a comment.<br /><br />~ send a friend directly & have them say you sent them in a comment.<br /><br />~ comment on another post in this blog. <br /><br />~ grab my button & place it on your blog. leave the link in a comment. :)<br /><br /><br />This giveaway will run until September 25th at 11:59pm.<br /><br />Thanks!!!Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-27979350708682224722010-09-10T08:03:00.004-04:002010-09-10T08:27:49.106-04:00Greenish Me MamaFrustrated at the fact I needed to use mama cloth this month, I quickly realized I didn't even have enough to get through the first few days without washing laundry every day as I have in the past. So, I sat down and created a couple of patterns and voila! I'm so happy with what I've made! Definitely going to get these up on etsy, though I know there is an abundance of mama cloth out there already. Can't help it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVn7xQvoDVgy0nD3JmGyfdYBHrtI8GmCNh1ueo56ohtlX336ANMaotUxpHBzjr-rFGaAN4fV3ThBSAOAY84zcsYGaZpde4scKM8Ye5MdZi9jTDQtCrtoKHWsh63RsPUeeLyhsoqNHDYW/s1600/IMG_1759.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBVn7xQvoDVgy0nD3JmGyfdYBHrtI8GmCNh1ueo56ohtlX336ANMaotUxpHBzjr-rFGaAN4fV3ThBSAOAY84zcsYGaZpde4scKM8Ye5MdZi9jTDQtCrtoKHWsh63RsPUeeLyhsoqNHDYW/s320/IMG_1759.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515259325748154850" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wc4zYiQihdSADUCqw7PNZ1u3wtK5wM74rmTcCR3QDKd2ULryzCg2NkMpdChQ2UwH0Nqg38lE0ns_hrVx7BaKII2bMxFdbVhyphenhyphenM-AA6Vjht6qipDMUjFB-qFr5ODzzVB-9GHSIIrE3XYLQ/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wc4zYiQihdSADUCqw7PNZ1u3wtK5wM74rmTcCR3QDKd2ULryzCg2NkMpdChQ2UwH0Nqg38lE0ns_hrVx7BaKII2bMxFdbVhyphenhyphenM-AA6Vjht6qipDMUjFB-qFr5ODzzVB-9GHSIIrE3XYLQ/s320/IMG_1758.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515259313819066018" /></a>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-370412910052144842010-09-09T23:17:00.005-04:002010-09-14T06:54:22.099-04:00Joining in on some blog hops!<a href="http://www.graphicdesignbytara.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/buffytara/gdbtbloghop.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Head on over to Graphic Design by Tara & check out her Weekend Blog Hop! Have fun & good night!<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Just adding another [few] links here - <br /><br /><a target="blank" href="http://www.only-the-curious.com/search/label/Where%27s%20The%20Love%20Friday" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Only-The-Curious" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab11/MommaPebzDesigns/wtlf.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://bellavita-bellasblog.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/ewhites/BLOG%20FAIRY/freshfridays-1.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.inspiringyou2save.com/search/label/Meet%20Me%20Monday" /><img src="http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o386/jakennedy1111/newbutton-1.jpg" /></a>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-20326465322587228902010-09-09T20:46:00.002-04:002010-09-09T20:51:36.971-04:00New button!Thanks to Tara from <a href="http://www.graphicdesignbytara.blogspot.com/">Graphic Design by Tara</a>, I've got a new button to show & share. I've got to give her a plug, too, because she was great! So easy to work with and completed the job very quickly (as in today). Furthermore, I really had no idea what I was doing & she managed to get it right. So, thanks Tara! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catskillgreen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/buffytara/greenishmeblogbutton2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-40703007517916638802010-09-08T23:06:00.001-04:002010-09-08T23:09:03.242-04:00Welcome WednesdayNow participating in: <br /><br /><center><a href="http://takeitfrom-me.blogspot.com/search/label/Welcome%20Wednesday"><img src="http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/KWynder/WelcomeWednesday.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=43740" type="text/javascript" ></script>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-66877720097416706032010-09-08T08:06:00.007-04:002010-09-08T14:38:32.857-04:00Ask Momma Wednesdays<blockquote><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>It's Wednesday again & time for a blog hop! This hop is hosted by three lovely ladies now! Please go to all of their blogs and check out what they have to say. Remember to follow them, too! Also - you can check the rules (please!) at nomie's blog by following the button below.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/2010/08/ask-mommas-wednesday-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy269/nomieecoware/AskMommasWednesdays-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/">Nomies 3 Monsters</a><br /><a href="http://traci66.blogspot.com/2010/09/ask-momma-wednesday.html">Traci66</a><br /><a href="http://envii-h.blogspot.com/">Perfectly Imperfect</a><br /><br /><br />As for me, <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span> For those of you who stay home or work part time, how often do you get your kids together with friends? <br /><br />When T was smaller, it was a lot easier to find time to gather with buddies and enjoy time to play, but now that he's nearing two, and NEEDS more of that, I just can't seem to get myself together to find many play dates! I feel like my life has gotten so hectic and when there is spare time, he needs a nap. Some weeks seem to be better than others, and we can get together with buds a couple of times during that week. Other times, he's stuck with me! <br /><br />(adding this part a little later - thought I'd mention that I teach most mornings & evenings, so we're often left with little awake time in the middle of the day.)<br /><br />What do you do to ensure your little ones get good friend time in?Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-15613148177631006452010-09-07T13:55:00.011-04:002010-09-07T15:06:55.215-04:00Cloth Diaper Awareness<span style="font-style:italic;">This post is part of Cloth Diapering Bloggers’ and Dirty Diaper Laundry’s Cloth Diaper Carnival VIII: Cloth Diaper Awareness. Please visit the other bloggers participating by following the links at the end of this post.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCF3iK62Q7RpjufbOWb8Taw6Acva4Q8iiQuGPSXKlc991ZXMxvGHJoXCENuhJLv7XFHi3pmJZQlc9iOg6x0YN2hahcjRq3w-C7CIiBjSykamVrJGTGw3UgFp3b9j3yvTzogi-crsTh4QC/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCF3iK62Q7RpjufbOWb8Taw6Acva4Q8iiQuGPSXKlc991ZXMxvGHJoXCENuhJLv7XFHi3pmJZQlc9iOg6x0YN2hahcjRq3w-C7CIiBjSykamVrJGTGw3UgFp3b9j3yvTzogi-crsTh4QC/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514249865961854786" /></a><br /><br /><br />What to do to expand cloth diapering awareness? For a while, I didn't do much in this area at all. While I have been CDing my son since he was a week old, I didn't think to push it or even talk about it with other mamas. As I left the diaper service we started out with, and began washing my own stash, I felt my love for cloth begin to grow. Then the questions started around me: Is it hard to keep up with? Doesn't the pail stink something terrible? Wow, those diapers are different, what are they? and I felt myself wanting to talk about cloth more & more.<br /><br />Fast forward 19 months...a friend admitted to me she wanted to CD her second child, who was due shortly after that, but didn't think she could afford the start up costs. She hadn't used cloth with her first because her family rents a small apartment without a washer & dryer, and it was enough to tote their clothing to the laundromat each week. Soon, they will be moving into a small house - laundry equipped. Right before her daughter was born, she put out the question of whether anyone had ever made their own diapers, and was it worth the work? <br /><br />That was all I needed to hear to get myself behind my own sewing machine. I've been wanting to make my own diapers for a while, but needed the real incentive. After all, my boy has quite a stash already! This put me on a mission, which I found to be extremely fun & satisfying!!! Then I started posing my creations on facebook & had a bunch of recognition, and a few people asking me for specifics as well as some telling me that somewhere along the lines of T's life, I had already convinced them to use cloth should they ever have a child. All of that said - I think we should be doing nothing short of putting up billboards advertising the savings of cloth! There are so many advantages to cloth, I see no reason not to use them. Well, the only one I do see is if you HAVE to use a laundromat. I had several issues with my diapers after washing them in a shared machine a few times. Those icky detergents & fabric softeners just don't rinse out of machines they way they should! <br /><br />Another idea I briefly looked into was to host cloth diaper parties. I received some info on the matter, but couldn't afford those start-up costs at this point in our lives, so it's been put to the side for the time being. Maybe I'll get something of my own together like that someday in the not too distant future.<br /><br />I am really interested to see what others have to say on this matter, and I hope you do too! Please check out the other links at the bottom of this post, and feel free to post any comments below!<br /><br /><p><b>Powered by Linky Tools</b></p><p><a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.linkytools.com/basic_list.aspx?id=43536″>Click here</a> to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…</p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1tAr1LK3Ewv7_ONa4vQik7zwGTMkaEbEYQtcuL1Na20TFYhpu5fNGVbi76ItcNFfBJ3EZj2zTXu-LHNj6WK8Ama3lnlDQRV5-667P_xoF2Lbb2SMmGQcsC3npmMOxCy6pAEENXn2o8_-/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1tAr1LK3Ewv7_ONa4vQik7zwGTMkaEbEYQtcuL1Na20TFYhpu5fNGVbi76ItcNFfBJ3EZj2zTXu-LHNj6WK8Ama3lnlDQRV5-667P_xoF2Lbb2SMmGQcsC3npmMOxCy6pAEENXn2o8_-/s320/IMG_1746.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514249845746799074" /></a>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-54414586390400868492010-09-06T21:08:00.003-04:002010-09-06T21:19:26.316-04:00From scratch<div><br /></div><div>I've read it and heard it in so many places, but to watch my boy time & time again enjoy something so much as a home grown fruit or veggie, well, it just makes me giggle with delight! It started with our strawberries - he wouldn't touch them earlier this year, made a face at the sight of one. But the moment he saw me pick one from the vine and put it in my own mouth, he turned from no way to every day. Each morning those glorious last weeks of May, we would go outside & he would ask for "oash"- which vaguely translates to strawberry, of course. Now, as soon as he sees anything remotely close to a berry in the store or at home he exclaims, "shhhrabewy!"</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUteC92mhikqFgUGlcx1DlQTYgsGWfuTqGPjnP0ANUP_cqU7gCDnOJwYIa0RqDcKCnzvpLVQvQCIkYdT4QyAyC14mUTxJ-l3N6E4VbnHSYKOKXe53HLvAqHWIIn6MlXGiJno1k8EJEjvN/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUteC92mhikqFgUGlcx1DlQTYgsGWfuTqGPjnP0ANUP_cqU7gCDnOJwYIa0RqDcKCnzvpLVQvQCIkYdT4QyAyC14mUTxJ-l3N6E4VbnHSYKOKXe53HLvAqHWIIn6MlXGiJno1k8EJEjvN/s320/IMG_1391.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513974212577086466" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0vDn-VSo-pSXM95upjMJpF6FOUXdfogVs43Hub8Wf-8t5NE2PZzyEojXP23Xn9fPZKthoGZE4o5QOTwVsUpn9Wx0fA5SSlxPxuNDDNnxYLz9SQc0K31AVTNZQ49AHQDKWXB8x-3IhZyt/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0vDn-VSo-pSXM95upjMJpF6FOUXdfogVs43Hub8Wf-8t5NE2PZzyEojXP23Xn9fPZKthoGZE4o5QOTwVsUpn9Wx0fA5SSlxPxuNDDNnxYLz9SQc0K31AVTNZQ49AHQDKWXB8x-3IhZyt/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0vDn-VSo-pSXM95upjMJpF6FOUXdfogVs43Hub8Wf-8t5NE2PZzyEojXP23Xn9fPZKthoGZE4o5QOTwVsUpn9Wx0fA5SSlxPxuNDDNnxYLz9SQc0K31AVTNZQ49AHQDKWXB8x-3IhZyt/s320/IMG_1387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513974208633085810" /></a><br /></div><div>Now that we're nearing autumn, there's a different crop. He's grown accustomed to picking tomatoes and cucumbers. While he's still not fond of raw tomatoes, he loves to hold them and tell me all about them. Cucumbers, on the other hand, are another of his delights. This afternoon we picked one and he immediately took it from my hands and walked for the next hour munching on it. Dinner is served. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBOEhqr_IPRaabUGtI_GOHSIdKPpbx0BZU1O8r-Ma3jXDa7fv5rapVZiD60-Z6UZX2BBTeWoOegA7N8wQtFmU_dO_17DeP8ZQn5tvTAmCJnPkmjHo7JTNMfk8SIQnNUte2yC4pPv65Gr8/s1600/IMG_1752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBOEhqr_IPRaabUGtI_GOHSIdKPpbx0BZU1O8r-Ma3jXDa7fv5rapVZiD60-Z6UZX2BBTeWoOegA7N8wQtFmU_dO_17DeP8ZQn5tvTAmCJnPkmjHo7JTNMfk8SIQnNUte2yC4pPv65Gr8/s320/IMG_1752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513974204045653618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTF-XDIoPLFeQCFxmps61TpfLg4uXW0Gm3450vYSUTuSCeeWQKnLfPfH9N1T69dsRvvqBVLC0szXss1D3Z_xWWcKWP__VD0KtH7Pr7JGLON6QTk3S7DusF0sv5RBS1U6mT_OZr9ZUcmIi/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTF-XDIoPLFeQCFxmps61TpfLg4uXW0Gm3450vYSUTuSCeeWQKnLfPfH9N1T69dsRvvqBVLC0szXss1D3Z_xWWcKWP__VD0KtH7Pr7JGLON6QTk3S7DusF0sv5RBS1U6mT_OZr9ZUcmIi/s320/IMG_1753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513974197495367778" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6156683762861648042.post-65144511678176935292010-09-01T06:48:00.004-04:002010-09-01T12:05:20.197-04:00Ask Momma Wednesdays<div><center><a href="http://nomies3monsters.blogspot.com/2010/08/ask-mommas-wednesday-blog-hop.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i798.photobucket.com/albums/yy269/nomieecoware/AskMommasWednesdays.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center></div><div><br /></div>Hi everyone! This is my first Ask Momma Wednesday - I'm glad to join up in this hop. <div>This hop is hosted by nomies3monsters & here are her playing rules:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 18px; "><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">I do have a <b>few</b> simple requests:</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">1. Follow me, your hostess and #2 spot!!</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">(Just let us know you follow us so we can answer your question and follow you back!)</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">2. Please only link up the post on <u><i>where you have the questions and/or comments</i></u> (that you have posted within the week: <b>Wednesday-Wednesday</b>) you’d like other Mommas to answer/comment.<br />3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; "><b>NO</b></span> giveaway links! There are plenty of giveaway links out there. If you need help finding some <u>great</u> ones, just ask and I'll help ya out!</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">4. No spam please. These will be removed. </div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">5. It would be <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">wonderful</span></b> if you are linking up this week if you could add this button to your sidebar or in a post to help spread the word! :) The more people that join, the more fun it will be! </div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">6. When you follow someone, please answer the questions or comment on the post they have linked up. In other words, a relevant comment(s) :o) But also let them know you follow them!</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">7. Please keep the sites and posts PG-13. I know I have kids that like to hover sometimes and well, they just don't need to see that kind of stuff! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; ">(If you don't know what I'm talking about, no worries!)</span></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">This hop is not meant to break anyone down! The rule your momma taught you: <i> </i><br /><i>“If you don’t have anything nice/helpful to say, don’t say it at all”</i><br /><b>applies here</b>.</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">This is a new list every Wednesday, so please remember to come back and link up! </div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; ">Spread the word and help other Mommas out!</div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; ">MOST IMPORTANT:</span></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large; "><b><i><u>Have fun!!</u></i></b></span></div></span><div><br /></div><div>As for today - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>WAHM's - How do you manage to do your work with little ones around? </b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I'm new to the work at home scene - and while I've attempted to do bits & pieces of this in the past, I've never truly succeeded because of the nature of life with a kid - and I only have one! So, it's sewing at naptime & bedtime for me. Does anyone else have a suggestion for helping keep my son happy while I'm at the machine - even if it's just for an hour?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Follow me & let me know so I can go answer your question! Thanks and happy blogging!!!</span></div></div>Julia Shoberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03164858841310941227noreply@blogger.com2