All Natural Mommies

Archive for the ‘Natural Tips and Tricks’ Category

Although living green does not always equate to living frugally, it can be done if you’re vigilant.   Many people want to be more earth-friendly, but don’t because of perceived costs.  Don’t let this stop you!  Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Start small. You don’t need to change everything at once.  Even small changes are a big help.  Removing all of the plastic from your home, for example, can be a daunting task.  Start by replacing plastic shopping bags with reusable, cloth totes.  Replace the plastic containers in one kitchen cabinet at a time.

Buy used. Many of our households purchases do not need to be new items.  Peruse eBay, Craigslist, or your local classifieds for new-to-you furniture and clothing.

Or don’t buy at all. Free yourself from commercialism.   Find ways to extend the life of the items you already have, or repurpose them into other items.

Use Coupons. Visit the website for your favorite stores.  Many stores offer special coupons for use online or in store.  Register with the websites and sign up for their newsletters, to be sure you get in on special offers.  Save purchases for items you need until you can find a good deal.

Conserve water. There are many ways to save water, depending on just how eco-friendly you want to be.   Start by taking shorter showers and/or installing a low-flow shower head; running the dishwasher and clothes washer only with full loads; using a water filter and reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water.  When you’re ready, you can move on to using rain barrels for watering the garden; and using a bucket or bowl to collect run-off from the shower or sink to water flowers or flush the toilet.  You’ll save money while conserving water.

Walk or bike instead of driving. Need a few items from the store a couple of blocks away?  Grab your reusable tote bag and take a walk.   Bring the kids along for a little extra quality time together.   The fresh air and exercise will be good for you all.  If the store’s not within a comfortable walking distance for you or the kids, grab a backpack and make it a bike ride.

You don’t need to dole out cash to live green.  Make small changes, be persistent, and you’ll soon be the crunchiest family on the block!

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Giveaway

This week, I’ll be going back to school!  I’ve decided to train as a massage therapist to better serve my doula clients.   This will be a big change for my family in terms of time and money.  We’re already a pretty green and fairly frugal family.

So, how does a frugal eco-lover save even more money?  I’d love to hear your favorite tips for living green and frugal.  Leave a comment with your tip, and you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate to All Natural Mommies.

One winner will be chosen at random on May 15th.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erica_A_Brooks

To add to the postpartum depression post, I’m posting an article from our main website, All Natural Mommies.  The article talks about ways to soothe a new baby.  A crying baby is a big source of frustration for new parents.  I hope this article gives you some new tools to help deal with a fussy baby.  Enjoy!

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It’s a fact that’s difficult to ignore.  Babies cry.  Sometimes a baby will cry because a need is not being met; i.e. he’s hungry, or he needs a diaper change, or he’s not comfortable and needs a change of position or scenery.  And sometimes he’ll cry because he craves attention.  The first and must difficult step in calming the baby is figuring out what he needs. 

According to the teachings of Teresa Kirkpatrick Ramsey, BSN, LMT, of Babies First Massage, there are two types of cries – The Talking Cry and the I Need Help Cry.  These can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.  The Talking Cry may change in tone but the pitch stays the same – almost like the baby is talking.  The I Need Help Cry, however, becomes higher pitched, and louder, until the baby’s needs are met.

                There are other signs to help you figure out if your baby is just trying to communicate.  If the baby makes eye contact and can hold your gaze, he probably just wants attention.  Let him talk!  Hold the baby close so he can see your face, make good eye contact, and listen.  He may continue to cry for several minutes or make gurgling sounds.  Talk calmly to him and let him know you’re there to listen.  Click here to continue reading…