Good Clothing on a Tight Budget

So many of you know that I love to shop at children's consignment shops (Sarah and Steve love a good deal). Not only is it great for our pocketbook, it is great for the environment, too. Plus kids outgrow clothing super fast. We have splurged on the occasional item (I love the Robeez, See Kai Run, and Livie and Luca shoes). But more often than not, Dalia's clothing is cheap!

We recently got two new pairs of corduroy pants (tags still attached) for $.99 each. Yep, those adorable red cords Dalia modeled in her 1 year photos are from good old goodwill. And that hat? $2 at Gap on sale.

We always get compliments on how cute she is dressed. I feel like people must think we spend a fortune, but we totally don't. On an earlier trip to Once Upon a Child, we found these (but the embroidered version) for $3. A recent trip to kid to kid was super worthwhile. Check out some of the great purchases:

We got a catimini sweater (top of the line European children's boutique designer) for $5.

I had no idea it was a boutique item. I was drawn to its warmth and beautiful yet quirky design. I was showing Steve when we got home and we just decided to google it. Hello, deal??!? I think so!

We got a roots winter down vest. Apparently roots is a Canadian company, who knew?! And that was only $3.

We got a pair of snow pants for $7. These are usually very costly. Plus, it may only snow once or twice so we won't worry that they weren't worth it.

We got two pairs of shoes and each cost $3.

Another great item was a made in the USA like new LL Bean windbreaker in a beautiful lavender. These jackets are usually $50 and we got ours for $5.

So get out and get some winter clothing deals!

Research Released--Ear Infections

Dalia has had one ear infection since she was born. And I have to admit it was a pretty miserable few days. Of course her temp was 103 and she was really really super really cranky (did I make that point clear?). We took her to the doctor and the doctor prescribed antbx. Well, my mommy mind kicked in and I doubted filling the prescription. I doubted it the whole way home. I ended up filling it. Then we debated giving it to her at the table for 20 minutes. Something told me no, but then we decided yes. So we ended up giving it to her (I still feel this was the wrong decision. My friend shared an alternative remedy with me just hours later).

She, of course, developed hives, a sure sign on an allergic reaction. Hmmm... I did tell the doctor that I am allergic (and having a parent that is allergic makes it more likely that the child will be). Needless to say I was annoyed that the doctor didn't prescribe something else just because.

Oh well.

Check this out. I love when research that supports what we feel is correct is released! This has been researched for a long time with similar results, but I like when stuff continues to come out. From DOCTORS, too!

Obviously some infections require anbtx, so always check with you MD or ND :)

Now the alternatives:

Herbal Wellness for Kids (made by Rainbow Light)

Onions and garlic are known to have anti-bacterial properties. Warm onion juice can be used as an eardrop. You can also warm up two garlic cloves in a couple of teaspoons of mustard oil until the oil turns black. Once it is cool, this oil can then be used as a simple home remedy for ear infection.

You can put together two drops of lavender oil, two of chamomile oil, and three drops of tea tree oil in an almond oil solution. Use this mixture, slightly warmed up, as an eardrop three times a day. Chamomile is also known to sooth inflammation, and tea tree oil has well documented anti-microbial properties.

Warm washcloths over the ear can help with pain as well

There are so many ways to deal with ear infections. Do you have any other natural remedies?

Dalia's 1 Year Photos-Sneak Peek!

We were fortunate to work with Crystal Hardin of Lily B Photography for Dalia's 1 year photos (side note: you should totally book her asap).

Dalia loved playing outside in the leaves.

Example follows:

I can't believe she is ours! Don't you just want to squeeze her!?

Crystal was amazing to work with! And she was a fabulous person, too! It was so nice to be outside in the beautiful, crisp weather with our little soon-to-be toddler (jaw hitting the floor yet??). I know I know, we can't believe it either. She is so big already. She has an amazing personality. She is the love of our lives.

*Keep in mind that these are copyrighted images. Do not print them or alter them in any way, including removing the watermark.

Dalia Plays

Play time after a bath is one thing Dalia seriously loves. I love the beautiful name bench from my friend Linh in Chicago. This girl loves toys!

If you watch long enough you will see Dalia cruise... what a treat!!

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Happy to be Home

Watch Dalia laugh with (and at) daddy.

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Nearing 1 Year of Exclusive Nursing

We are nearing our 1 year mark of exclusive breastfeeding and it feels like such an accomplishment! We have calculated that I have produced about 100 gallons of breastmilk for our baby girl (so far). Now that is a lot of milk. Think of how much money we have saved...

Despite not having a huge breastfeeding and natural childbirth support system (oh, but let me extend a big thank you to my husband, our amazing doula, our midwives, and our bradley teacher), we have managed to have a wonderful year.

It took about 1 month for Dalia to learn how to nurse and for my tatas to produce what she needed. It took about 3 weeks of excruciating pain for my girls to get used to a suckling little baby. Ouch! They say proper latch=no pain at all, but I seriously think that is a lie. I mean someone is tugging on your tata all day and night! One reason I was able to get through the really tough days (and the labor itself) was preparation for pain. My go to person for everything baby and attachment parenting, Dr. Sears, emphasizes preparation as a method of pain management.

Anywho...

Not everyone decides to breastfeed and some people are unable to for medical reasons, but almost everyone can. Our country needs more people who are informed about the benefits of breastfeeding. We need to see more women nursing in public, and we need more people who are educated about breastfeeding. A couple of our doctors at our pedi office nursed for 18 months! Now that is an accomplishment (so is 1 week for those mommies who stopped earlier)!

Many women choose to breastfeed while pregnant. Many women choose to tandem nurse. Whatever your decision is, I think this YouTube video (posted on fb) is fantastic!

ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcjKeDyTZP8

Natural Healing

With the recent recall of my favorite teething tablets, it truly is the case that nothing (not even the natural stuff) is always 100% safe. Of course the moment the recall happened, thousands and thousands of parents went on-line and to brick and mortars to buy up each and every single container of these miracle pills (natural parenting people, go figure). In fact, many natural parenting parents view the recall as nothing more than the FDA trying to come down on natural remedies for the sake of big pharmas. The "problem" with the pills, according to some, is the inconsistent amounts of belladonna--many docs believe this is nothing to be concerned about.

Side note: Eating 6 bottles may cause a problem. Imagine 1 bottle of Tylenol.

Still I have to admit that I have used them less, if only because Dalia seems less upset by her teething pains. Oh, and because of my recent purchase!

After reading, researching, talking, debating, and doing some general thinking about other teething/discomfort remedies, we decided to purchase a baltic amber teething necklace for Dalia. The jeweler, Inspired by Finn, is an entrepreneur who showcases her products at HyenaCart, one of my favorite on-line shopping destinations.

Read up on amber as a natural healing remedy:

http://hyenacart.com/inspiredbyfinn/index.php?c=63&p=14913

http://www.viewpoints.com/No-Brand-Amber-teething-necklace-review-00b92

http://www.mamapedia.com/article/amber-teething-necklaces

Side note number 2: the above is a quick google search and not my serious research!

Does it work? Who knows.

I will have to let you know, though it may be the placebos talking :)

Dalia eats beans

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