SAHM or WAHM? July 20, 2008

I have recently become a SAHM (stay at home mom), while West coast has done this for over a year, and will post herself later….we are both actually looking at being WAHM’s (work at home mom’s), but finding a legit opportunity seems pretty challenging, let me start by saying I love it, and yes it is harder than any job I have had, and more rewarding than every job I have had.  I have yet to find a better way to balance everything that needs to be done during the day, and carve out a few me minutes in there.  I have a whole new respect for those who do this.

I recently watching Jon & Kate plus 8 (love that show) and was blown away by her efficiency, effectiveness, and have you seen how clean her home is, her children are all happy (not to mention the always look nice (hair done, clothing clean etc) , it looks like she makes good and healthy meals…and I think how the heck does she do this.  I am someone who always dreamed of having a big family, but the reality of it for me is if one or two is a challenge, how do people have 8 or more?

So ladies, are you a SAHM or a WAHM?  We want to hear from you, how you manage it all, and make it work for your family.  If you don’t work, how do you keep costs down?  What activities do you do with your children to keep things fun?

If you do work we want to hear what you do, since we (kat & skye) are both looking into finding something we can do while raising the kids!  More later…..

Babyfood making June 22, 2008

I am curious as to how many momma’s out there make their own babyfood, and why they do.  Also those who don’t the reason why as well.  The economy as it is I can see that more people will get into this.  I just went out and got a food mill & storage containers today. I would only use organic produce. 

My family and I are making and canning applesauce this fall, we like it on the chunky side, but I thought I would also make some that is really blended for the babies.  Being a part time WAHM, I have the time to do this, and I know it will make me feel good doing it.  Having said that, it is always a personal decision for each parent to make. 

Cloth diapering June 22, 2008

There are so many options out there.  I am wondering if it is cheaper to learn to sew them, I love the AIO’s with the cute prints, especially the embroidered ones, but they are pricey. I have 5 so far, and only use them when we are staying at home.

So how hard is it to sew these?  Which patterns would you use?  I have begun researching different patterns.  I am thinking of getting a bunch of different ones sewing them, testing them on the babies and reviewing them so other momma’s know the pro’s and cons of each one.  What about fabrics?  Where are the best places to buy diaper fabrics?

 I also think the wool soakers are adorable!  So momma’s of the world, how much does it really cost you to cloth diaper your little ones?  We are looking for a knowledgable momma(s) to tell us the real deal…..

Trying to be a “green” Momma June 9, 2008

Trying to be green, and not because it is trendy.  Once you become a momma, and you learn about what all these pesticides, hormones, antibiotics etc. can do to you & your family it becomes more of a how can you not do everything in your power to make the switch. 

Plus I want to leave my children with less environmental damage as well.  The downside is how expensive it can be to feed your family organic, & purchase safe cleaning products I can’t believe how quickly it adds up.  With our fuel crisis in this country, and the skyrocketing cost of groceries it can be a real strain on the budget.  Right now I am nursing, and even though it is less costly than formula, I still have to eat as well as possible.

I am currently writing an book on saving money on all these things, using my own experience & trial by error.  I will share it as soon as I am done.  I feel that there is a major shift going on in our country right now, a back to basics time, and I don’t know how many of us are truly prepared for what that entails.