Movin'.

This baby likes to move.

This baby like peaches.

This baby likes to move when momma eats peaches.

Pretty much whenever I eat or am still enough to feel tiny little twitches.

Pretty Cool Stuff.

2 days until we find out a little bit more about lil' Fatty. So, get your votes in while you can!

I don't know how we will announce it - as of yet. But, we'll try to let you guys know as soon as possible.

Update: Homemade Laundry Detergent

How does it work?

I decided that my first load would be towels. They are usually stinky (as nothing ever seems to fully dry here in Portland) and any kitchen towels are usually pretty soiled. I wanted my detergent going against the "beast" in my laundry schedule and not just my delicates.

When I put a mere 1/8 cup of my detergent into the washing machine, I got really nervous. It doesn't have that strong "detergent" smell and my soap bar gratings didn't seem to be dissolving. But as we all know, "a watched pot never boils." So, I shut the lid and let her ride.

Taking the laundry out - again, no smell (good or bad). Probably because I didn't add scent and Ivory soap doesn't have a strong smell. Side note: some suggest adding a few drops of essential oil if you like yummy-smelling laundry, but EOs have also been sited for breaking down the fibers in your clothing more quickly.

Price comparison between homemade and store bought detergents:

Store bought laundry detergent (TIDE 26oz.) costs $7.00 per box that claims to yield 15 loads. That breaks down to $0.47 per load. I got this information online - so, feel free to do your own price comparison using your preferred brand of store bought detergent.

Price per load (using half-batch measurements):

Borax $ 1.83

Ivory Bar Soap $1.25

Baking Soda $1.08

Washing Soda $1.60

Total Cost: $5.76 yields 18 cups of detergent

1 cup yields 8 loads.

Total Cost per Load: $0.04

*And I still have leftovers of Borax (4 cups), Ivory (7 bars), Baking Soda (4 cups), and Washing Soda (3-4 cups). This will get me well on my way to my next half-batch.

For HE Machines (or front loading machines), Troy from TipNut suggests:

"3 bars Fels Naptha
3 cups Borax
3 cups Arm and Hammer Washing Soda.

Grate the Fels Naptha, then put in a food processor with a chopping blade and chop until fine. Pour into a large bowl with the Borax and Washing Soda and stir until combined. Use 1/4 cup in a HE front loader, use 1/2 cup in a top loader. In my HE front loader, it dissolves perfectly.

Best of Luck!

No Poo Movement

A friend chatted me up earlier today to ask me how I go "shampoo-less." It's fairly simple.

I started my research out of a motivation to cut costs and go natural, but it became a way to cut down on our family's use of plastic products - more on that later. I was lucky enough to find this site - which has been awesome for more than just "No poo" recipes.

I certainly did not reinvent the wheel. I use a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved with just a little water as a "shampoo." It's more of a scalp scrub and will remove the oil build-up on your roots. Be fore-warned, if you like lots of suds action - this isn't for you. I "condition" with 2 tbsp of ACV diluted into 8oz. of water. I only put the ACV solution on my ends - for me it makes the top of my scalp seem "greasy." If my hair seems to need a little extra conditioning, I'll treat my hair to a little warm jojoba oil (once a week).

My hair has been great. I have no complaints. Although I will state that I have very easy-to-work hair. I have noticed that I have plenty of volume and can easily go without blow-drying.

I'll say that shampoo might be "easier," but it's not necessarily better.

Homemade...laundry detergent?

I'm a bit of a thrifty person. I've "made" my own shampoo for the past 2 years, foregoing traditional shampoos for a cheaper and "greener" baking soda and ACV (apple cider vinegar) version. I've dabbled in homemade "Drano" (not the best experience), as well as greener ways to clean around the house using white vinegar and other pantry staples. With baby coming and traditional cleaning supplies not "pregnant-friendly," I'm biting the bullet and having a bit of fun this afternoon.

I'm making my own laundry detergent. I've put it off for two years due to the move from GA, living in the basement with a tiny kitchen, finishing off the store bought detergents, etc. Today we're low on detergent, Matt's out skiing (so he is unable to mock my silly homemade inventions), and I have the house to myself. So, here's to the great experiment.

First, you have several options and recipes for laundry detergents. I found the one that I'll be using today at TipNut.

Now, to decide on which recipe will work best for (a) your machine, (b) your comfort level in "making" detergent, and (C) your basic preferences (liquid or powder).

I chose Recipe #9. It makes a powdered detergent in bulk and uses a combination of Borax (for stains and brightener- still safe for colors), washing soda (also used as laundry booster and stain remover), Ivory bar soap, and baking soda (which acts as a fabric softener - so does white vinegar).

Powdered Laundry Detergent – Recipe #9

12 cups Borax

8 cups Baking Soda

8 cups Washing Soda

8 cups Bar soap (grated) - I chose to use my food processor.

Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.

Use 1/8 cup (1.5 TBSP) of powder per full load.

I halved the recipe and it made 18 cups of powdered detergent. I haven't used it yet - I'll get the opportunity later on today. I'll keep you posted - I'll also try to include a price per load breakdown for all you really thrifty chickadees.

*Borax can be a bit caustic - wear plastic gloves while mixing and a face mask to keep from breathing in any fumes.

**Also, the bars of soap resemble dippin' dots once grated. It's normal and the final powder detergent will have some lumps due to the texture of the soap - don't worry.

Never gonna be...

I am never going to be the cute pregnant girl. I'm not gonna lie, at this point and with this baby, I could care less HOW I look - as long as baby is healthy. BUT, as I've had to squeeze my ever-enlarging bottom into my size 10s....I've gotten a bit discouraged. My tops don't fit (I won't elaborate), my bottoms are snug, and the elastic bands in my maternity pants really do let the lil' tummy hang out. I look like a freshman girl after one semester of bar hoping....beer belly. Granted, I never did this as a freshman, but sadly saw many a classmate succumb to it.

I know that it doesn't matter. I know I should find freedom in the ASTOUNDING things that my body is doing (all on its lonesome, with no help from yours truly). I know that. I know I should embrace my hips getting wider....which the hubs lovingly pointed out (seriously, one of the cutest moments in our marriage). I'm working on it.

I'm working on it.

But, I'm not going to be that chick who doesn't look pregnant from behind....pretty sure all parts of me are going to look pregnant or enlarged.

Oh well. I'll deal with it. Baby is SOOO worth it.