HP Photosmart Printer

While over at 5 Minutes for Mom this noon, I noticed that their most recent giveaway is exactly what I need to start scrapbooking. The HP Photosmart Printer looks really cool and would go perfectly with the kit I've got coming in from Emily . Therefore, I am destined to win it! Check it out here and post a comment on their post if you'd like to be entered as well.

Tackle It Tuesday

So I know I may not get to tackling some clutter every Tuesday (it wouldn't hurt if I do so any other day though!) but I decided to join the ranks of Tackle it Tuesday bloggers and give it another go.

My computer desk is pretty much grand central station in this home. I'm always on email, working on my sites or researching online. I eat here. I watch movies here. Aiden gets up in the morning and nurses while I click away. My files for each current month are here too, although not necessarily in their file folder. Jon lives at this desk on his days off as well. Aiden enjoys bouncing in the yoga ball chair, climbing on the desk to get to the tape, and using the chair to climb over the gate. (The gate is merely for dog control. It doesn't slow Aiden down one bit.) I would be (and should be) super embarrassed to post the before pictures here, but that is my incentive for really organizing each area.

Computer Desk & Diaper Storage Before:

And After:
I'm proud to report that many paper products were added to my scrap pile or to the recycle bin. I didn't tackle the linen shelf above because it needs to be moved to my studio.

Aiden doesn't use diapers at home during the day so my stash lasts forever. He's been using the potty for a while now and no longer has any pee related accidents! Potty training before 2 is one of the many benefits of using cloth diapers.

I hope that some of you would will join me in quest to organize their home, week by week.

Born Free Co-op

There is a Born Free Co-op over at the Hip Hippee yahoo group. It's going on in another group as well (same co-op though). Feel free to join. I've ordered Aiden some drinking cups on the other group. These are made from safer, BPA free plastics. You can find out more about Born Free at their website. Savings are significant when ordering through the co-op!

Being Neglectful Again

I know, I know. I'm neglecting the blog again. Whenever my husband is home, I literally have to fight him to get the computer. He can play Vanguard for 8+ hours straight! That is not the only thing keeping me from the blog, aside from the usuals, I have began looking into starting a diaper service. I had thought about it when Aiden was tiny, but after his surgery (which I don't believe I have ever mentioned on here because it's such a long story), the idea was pushed aside. The service area would be about a 20 mile radius from me here in Mexico, Maine. I'm compiling numbers and info at this time (big thanks to Sara at Organic Caboose for all the contact info!) and meeting with the River Valley Growth Council this Wednesday and then the SBA soon thereafter. This endeavor will start right! None of that year's worth of trial and error. Did you know that even at around $20 per week, a diaper service is still cheaper than disposables? Not to mention the countless other benefits of using cloth!

I'm the featured shop :)

A reporter came to Blessed Baby Boutique to do an article about us, our co-op and the Mother's Center we have in the works. Although she kind of put our quotes together by piecing random words and points we mentioned, and used the worst picture she took, I'm quite proud! She even mentioned my web address!
Read it here if you'd like: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4191805.html

Possible SaS Co-op Pre-sales

If anyone out there in blog land is interested in going in on any of the following, join my yahoo group & vote on the poll!
ProCare - like PUL only lasts much longer. Limited color choices
Fold Over Elastic
Moon Cups - Like DivaCups, but I've heard they are better
Glad Rags
Wahmies - wet bags or pail liners
Hemp/certified organic cotton fleece
If there is enough interest to start a co-op for any of these, we may be able to save some $ buying wholesale/in bulk :)

SaS Fabric Co-op Yahoo Group

I just created a yahoo group for leftover fabric & notions from sling and diaper making. I will also offer chances to go in on wholesale orders with me, as well as pre-sales from my site. There is a database for hemp / certified organic cotton fleece that will be open for at least a couple more weeks.

The address is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SaS_Fabric_Coop . Feel free to join and invite others!

Opinions Please!

I'm working on an ad for BOLD events taking place in Maine this September. What do you think of this?

I'm also thinking about redoing my website in olive greens and orange. Maybe some purple mixed in.Please be brutally honest, but only if you have suggestions on making them better.

I'll give you details about the photo, the wonderful daddy & beautiful baby later. They deserve a post of their own :)

Cutest Diaper Package Ever!

Here's 1/2 a package of flannel front Boo Bear Buns diapers that were sent out recently. These are one size fitted diapers with cotton flannel outers and 3 thirsty layers of hemp/organic cotton fleece. I love the prints!

EGCG Trunk Show

Stop by for some free samples of Itsa Greener Clean and check out the scrumptious bath & body products!

OMG, I'm in love!

Over at TeensyGreen, I fell in love. Endangered Species Chocolate is my dream come true. Seriously, how could you go wrong eating organic, ethically traded chocolate while supporting endangered species, habitat & humanity. The music & chocolate collection is even better, mixing wonderful tastes with Putumayo Kids music. (The prices are perfect for organic chocolate too)

Our Second Fairy House

When catching up with Grace's blog last week, I was totally inspired by the fairy tea party her family creates on Solstice. I love the idea of creating a party for the fairies held every year, and we will be doing that next year. After the Garden Party, we planned to build a fairy house in our backyard. We had even saved a shell to use for fairy food. The night I read her post, we ventured out into the trees that surround our yard. We found a particularly fine spot where two trees were joined at the base, leaving a hole that fills with water in the middle. A fine fairy pool, or hot tub these days. We immediately set to work on the house, using y sticks to hold stick for the roof. We then covered it with oak leaves and set up an acorn table & chairs inside. I managed to get a few pictures before Aiden's determination to put every stick within his reach on the roof got the best of it. I'm sure the fairies still enjoy their new home, despite it's structural flaws.

Dancing Hands Bookmarks

Alex Miller, a 9 1/2 year old homeschooled artist, is now selling her original, hand drawn bookmarks. They are beautiful, laminated, and finished with natural fibers. You can purchase them here. While you're there, take a look at her mom's beautiful creations. I greatly admire her felted bowls and goddesses.

Sorry I am Slacking

I fully intended to post more often. Apologies to all my blogging friends who come here to read and find cobwebs growing on old posts. My Uncle Skip died of cancer a few minutes ago and I am really busy with the house & SaS. Please do not give up on me. I hope to be back on my feet & more organized in a couple weeks.