Prior to my baby, I never thought about using all natural or organic materials. In fact, I never thought much of the environment. Now that there is a new addition to the family, I am suddenly aware of the chemical products around the house. You now find me buying Seventh Generation diapers, organic cotton, all natural lotions, organic food, etc.

I agree. Going green can be a bit more costly to begin with. But in the long run, it’ll pay off. Not just environmental-wise, but pocket-wise as well as health wise.

So what are some of the ways in which you can go “greener” without breaking your budget? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Recycle! I recycle all of my tin cans, milk jugs & glass. The green part? You’ll get “green” bills returned to you!
2. Use cloth diapers. Cloth diapers these days are much easier to use. You no longer have to use the traditional cloth and safety. Cloth diapers now come in velco or snaps to make cloth diapering convenient.
3. Cloth diapers still turn you off? Use biodegradable, chlorine free diapers. Did you know that 50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day and they stay there for up to 500 years? Yep. That number is amazing, isn’t it? Actually, these biodegradable, chlorine free diapers are not that much more expensive. Offset the extra few cents per diaper from the recycling you’ve done! Need a recommendation? Try Seventh Generation diapers.
4. Use your own canvas shopping bag instead of the traditional paper or plastic when grocery shopping. Or even an extra large tote bag will work. As long as the bag is sturdy enough and large enough to hold your groceries.
5. Use tupperware to refridgerate or freeze your leftovers instead of ziploc bags. Tupperware is also reusable so you won’t have to buy another box of ziplocs when you run out. I try to wait until the after Christmas sales and get them for 50% off. Who cares if my tupperware has Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and snowmen on them?
6. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’ll save you money on your energy bill!

If you have any other ideas, suggestions, or would like recommendations on how you can get greener, post a comment below and I’ll try my best to respond. Just remember, going green doesn’t have to break your piggy bank!

Enjoy reading this article? Click here to read our other Earth Friendly articles.

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

WOW.  

That’s what we thought when we saw the baby’s first ultrasound.  Although the images aren’t that clear, and although you can’t see the baby’s defined features, it’s amazing to watch the heart beat, the head move, the mouth yawn, and even hand wave!  Well, it looked like a wave! 

One of the first thoughts that crossed my mind while the technician was moving the receiver across my belly was, “I can’t believe there is actually a real human being, a little baby, a part of me in my belly!”

Watch the video and you’ll see why we were so impressed:

http://stevencathy.com/babychang

I swear he was waving at us, as if he knows we are watching him! 

By the way, the video is narrated by my husband.  It’s difficult to see where the baby’s head is versus his butt.  So he thought he’d make it easier for the viewer to see.  Hoe you enjoy his narration.

Our little guy is 7 months old now.  Oh the progress!  Today, I decided to watch the video for grins and giggles.  That yawn.  It’s the same yawn he has today!  Isn’t that something!

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

What better way to start your Valentine’s Day with cooking your lover a nice warm fuzzy breakfast in bed?  Want to cook something special for him or her?  Try making some Heart Shaped French Toast.  I’m sure it’ll be something both you will enjoy!

6 thick slices of white bread
1/4 cup milk
2 beaten eggs
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries
Powdered sugar
Heart shaped cookie cutter

1. Using the cookie cutter, cut each slice of bread into a heart shape
2. Mix together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl.
3. Dip 3 of the heart shaped bread slices into the mixture.  Make sure you dip both sides of the bread.
4. Prepare a large skillet by melting one tablespoon over medium heat.
5. Arrange the 3 slices into the skillet and cook both sides until golden brown.
6. Transfer to a serving plate.
7. Sprinkle on the powdered sugar and top with strawberry slices.
8. Repeat steps 3 to 7 for the other three heart shaped slices of bread.
9. Serve with a kiss while still warm.

Yields: 2 servings

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

I’d get insanely upset at myself for forgetting to pay two credit card bills that were due two days ago. Now it’s late and I’ve racked up $90 in late fees plus interest. Whoops! There goes 3 cans of Costco sized formula.

Then I realize I forgot to move my car off the street and onto the driveway last night. It was Street Cleaning Thursday. The ticket was $45. That’s 4 bags of diapers. Sigh.

If you can relate to that story, then you can understand when I say: “It’s really the baby’s fault! I’m usually pretty good about that stuff!”

It’s frustrating to just “give” the bank that kind of money, isn’t it? A few months ago, I realized that a bit of organization really can put a few extra bucks in my purse! Here are a few simple suggestions to help manage your monthly bills:

1. Use Microsoft Outlook. You can avoid late fees and accrued interest by setting monthly reminders in your Outlook.
2. Many cell phones have a built in calendar with reminders. You’ve already paid for the phone and you’re already paying the monthlies so why not give your cell phones another function?
3. If you’re like me and are more old fashioned, then you probably prefer to write down dates. In this case, buy yourself a day timer. Costco has great starter kits.
4. Set up automatic payments from your bank account so that you don’t miss a payment. Just make sure you have enough money in your bank account so you’re not paying overdraft fees.
5. See if the billing company has an email reminder option. They can send you an email a few days before the bill is due. This is usually a free service so use it to your advantage.

The catch to any of these suggestions is that you must use them. There is no point in setting up dates in Outlook if you don’t use your computer often.

Pick one way to keep track of your bills and stick to it. Just remember the 3 cans of formula or the 4 bags of diapers that you “gave” the bank just because you are not organized enough to pay your bills on time.

The truth of the matter is, it really is your fault

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

February 14th is usually marked with flowers, chocolates, and love letters. Many couples like to end their Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner and a glass of fine wine.

However, with the kids around, enjoying a quiet Valentine’s Day is nearly impossible. For a nice evening, find a babysitter or drop the kids off at Grandma’s. You don’t want to be interrupted by a crying baby while the two of you are whispering words of love to each other.

Creating the perfect setting will make the night memorable. Here are a few tips:

• Whether it’s a bouquet from the local florist or a nice arrangement of flowers from the backyard, flowers are a great touch. Too busy to run to the florist? Order online: http://www.gagazine.com/flowers
• Set the mood with lighting. Use candles or dim the lights and turn on some soft music.
• Cook your loved one’s favorite dish.
• And pair the meal with a nice bottle of wine or bubbly. For pairing suggestions to make your dinner extra special, visit: http://www.winehappy.com

Don’t forget to share your story with me below in the comments field!

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

FitPregnancy (http://www.fitpregnancy.com/bestcities2008/155) released an article on the best cities to have a baby in America. Criteria in determining the best cities include hospitals and doctors, midwives and doulas, birth and health risks, affordability, stroller friendly parks, and more. Study was based on the top 50 most populated cities in the U. S. And the top ten winners are (drum roll please):

1. Portland, OR
2. Minneapolis, MN
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Seattle, WA
5. Denver, CO
6. Boston, MA
7. Omaha, NE
8. Virginia Beach, VA
9. Austin, TX
10. Albuquerque, NM

And what about the worst city? Detroit. Las Vegas is second to last. Hmmm…I wonder why?

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

There have been studies in animals that phthalates can cause reproduction problems. Therefore, activists believe it can also cause reproductive problems in human beings.

A recent U.S. study took urine samples from 163 babies that were between 2 to 28 months and detected at least one phthalate, with lotions, shampoos, and powders having the highest level.

Phthalates are added to plastics to make them more flexible and can be found in commonly used items such as nail polish, cosmetics, vinyl flooring, plastic toys, and even sex toys. Many products with fragrances often have levels of phthalates in it as well. The recent study found that items such as baby shampoos, lotions, and powders.

As a parent, how do you avoid buying products that are phthalates free? It’s going to be difficult since manufacturers are not required to list phthalates as an ingredient. But some manufacturers do label their products as “phthalates free”. A good guide might be to just simply purchase things that are fragrant free when it comes to baby shampoos, lotions and powders.

To read more, you can visit: The Canadian Press or Associated Press

A lot women love to wear cosmetics with fragrances (I know I do - they smell great and makes me feel fresh and clean!). If you would like to try “phthalates free” products, here is a list of natural cosmetics companies that have phthalates free products: Phthalates Free

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

This isn’t so much for kids, but if moms/girlfriends want to get together, HGTV is looking for volunteer audience members for a new show! I believe it’s called Design Club with Matt & Shari, and they’re filming almost everyday in February. There are 2 shifts per day with 2 show tapings per shift. The first shift is 8:30am-12:30pm and the second is 1:30pm-5:30pm.

The organizers say the biggest need is during the 1st week (which is now), from Feb 6-9 and 11-12. Following tapings are from Feb 19-23 and Feb 25-28. Note that there is a dress code since audience members may appear on TV.

Email feelgoodnights@gmail.com or danaryan18@gmail.com to RSVP!

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

I realized that after you have kids, you will never be on time to an event again.

Yesterday, we were supposed to be at my in-law’s place by 1:30 pm. Didn’t get there until 2 pm. Then later that evening, we were supposed to be at my aunt’s place by 5 pm, but didn’t arrive until nearly 6pm.

I don’t know about you, but it seems as if packing your diaper bag takes an hour! And just as you’re about to head out the door, the baby starts to poop. Great, you think. Late again.

You rush him to wash his little tooshie, put on a fresh pair of diapers, sprinkle on some J&J’s Baby Fresh Scent Powder, pull up his pants, and rush out the door. On your way to your car, you realize that you hadn’t packed the formula. So you rush back into the house.

Isn’t taking the baby out terribly inconvenient? Packing his diaper bag alone discourages me from leaving the house. But when and if you do take him out, and you need to pack a few things, here is what I realized are the essentials for a small day’s trip:

1. Enough formula for two feedings
2. 2 or 3 diapers
3. Wipes
4. One pair of extra clothes
5. A wash cloth or burp cloth
6. Socks
7. Bib
8. Small toy

Anything else, you can probably do without. You really don’t need to pack more than you need. If you have them packed in advanced and not 10 minutes prior to your anticipated departure time, you might actually be on time one day.

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.

It’s been a while since my husband and I sat on the couch and did a movie marathon night. We used to designate Friday nights (or Sat nights if we had other plans) to watch movies or shows all night and then sleep in the next day. It’s been tough with the new baby. But last night, we stayed up until 4 am watching the first season of Lost. I can’t believe we never watched it before. It’s such a great show! We have been so engrossed in Dexter that we aren’t interested in watching any other shows. Plus, the baby makes it so hard to watch a lot of TV so the shows we watch are quite selective!

I just wanted to say that it was nice to watch hours upon hours of continuous TV without the baby’s interruptions. I sure miss those days…

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.