Tip Tuesday: Protecting Your Porcelain

Noritake in Silver Palace. (I won a winning contest when I was 15 and received 8 place settings of my choice pattern!)

Always protect your fine china during storage, even if it's just in your cupboard or china cabinet, by placing one or more coffee filters between them. This inexpensive technique will go a long way in protecting your favorite dishes.

Cloth Diaper Laundry Survival Tips

One of the first questions I get after I tell someone I use cloth diapers (after "do they leak?", of course!), is how I wash them. Cloth diaper laundry does not need to be overwhelming. If done properly, you can even avoid the dreaded "stripping" of cloth diapers. Here are a few quick tips to help you on your way to clean cloth diapers. Of course, you do not need to do all of these tips every load. Some suggestions are beneficial for diapers that have developed stink.

**Note: I owe a top loading washer and dryer, not a HE or front loading washer and dryer. In fact, top loading washers are supposed to be best for washing diapers.

-Always have your washer set to the largest load as this prevents stink.


-Always make sure you use the rinse cycle. This will prevent build up and eventual leaking.

-Make sure laundry tabs are closed before washing diapers, if using aplix or velcro closures on your diapers. 

-If you have a problem with stink in your diapers, try adjusting the amount of detergent used. You may require more or even less detergent than you are using.

-If a diaper doesn't smell clean, it isn't it. Simply rewash (I toss such diapers right into my pail and wash them in the next load).

-If your diapers are not getting clean, it may be due to the number of diapers per wash. Never exceed 24 diapers in a single load.

-Remove inserts from pocket diapers prior to washing.

-It's best to line dry your diaper covers. The heat from the dryer can break down your elastics more quickly.

-Avoid soaking your diapers. While some parents choose to use wet pails, some manufacturers recommend that you do not soak your diapers as this can break down elastics more quickly.

-Pre-rinse to remove soil on diapers.

-Top loading washers are reportedly better for cleaning cloth diapers.

-Do not exceed 2-3 days between washes.

-Toss a towel (not one dried with a dryer sheet!) in with your inserts while drying them. This will speed up drying times.

-Consider investing in wool dryer balls to reduce drying times and prevent static in your other laundry.

-To treat stains, place diapers outside in the sun. The UV rays naturally take out stains. Amount of time in sun will vary depending on the stain.

-Never, ever use dryer sheets!

-For a list of ratings for cloth diaper detergents, click here.

-If you use a diaper pail liner in a plastic garbage can, consider a 9-gallon trash can instead of 13-gallon. That way it forces you to wash  your diapers more frequently.

-Above all, be sure to check the tags on your diapers or the manufacturer's website to ensure the best care for your diapers to make them last longer!

Product Review: Orville Redenbacher Natural Lime & Salt

I'm not typically a fan of popcorn. I like it, but it's not something I normally seek out as a snack. However, when I saw Orville Redenbacher Natural Lime & Salt I knew I had to try it. I'm a huge fan of lime and salt flavors in guacamole, salsas, and (virgin) margaritas. So tasty.

First off, if you haven't tried the mini bags, you should. They are the perfect size for a quick snack for two (or one!) and are ready in about a minute. I used to have them on hand when I was single and living by myself for the occasional snack. They are pretty fabulous!

As for the lime and salt flavor, I was having some serious doubts once I popped my bag in the microwave. It had an usual and not so appetizing smell. I wasn't even sure I wanted to try it. Thankfully I did. The flavor was light and airy, not overwhelming. It tastes like lightly buttered popcorn that's just salted, drizzled with lime juice, only without the soggy after-effect. It also reminded me of lime tortilla chips, but with a fun twist in texture. So yummy! Be sure to give this unique flavor a try.

Tip Tuesday: Shaving Tip

Looking for a cheaper way to shave? In this economy, who doesn't need to save a few extra pennies? Try replacing your fruity scented shaving cream that always seems to run out too quickly with a cheaper option--aloe gel. Most shaving creams boast aloe as an ingredient, so why not use it exclusively? It works great for even my sensitive skin!

Tip Tuesday: Polishing the Silver

Did you know you can polish silver with toothpaste? Instead of using nasty smelling chemicals, which never seemed like a healthy way to polish silverware any way, use toothpaste. Try it on your silver jewelry, silverware, silver teapot, or any other tarnished silver you may have in your home.

How to Not Fall into Debt While Using Deal Sites

Deal sites are fun and exciting. You try to grab the next deal before it sells out. The deep discounts can be oh so very tempting. Next thing you know, you find yourself considering $40 fleece lovey that was featured in "O" magazine because it's super cheap...Seriously?? Time to put the credit card down!

Here are a few tips to keep your head on straight and your credit card in your wallet!

-Before you click "Buy", check the shipping costs. Often the additional cost of shipping makes your "deal" a few dollars short of full price.

-Instead  of just hoping to find a good deal, you want to have items you need in mind. Make a (mental) list. Say, cloth diapers, amber teething necklace or sleep sacks are on your list. When a deal pops up for cute bibs or burp cloths, you don't have to consider buying them if they aren't on your "need" list. Often I'll scan deal sites and don't even bother looking at the deal if I don't see a key word from my "need" list.

-Avoid buying sized items, unless you already know the size you need from that specific brand. Remember, deal sites cannot accept returns.

-Remember, it's only a bargain if it's something you need or were planning to purchase beforehand. Otherwise, you're just spending money.

-Always have a good idea of the regular price of the item before you purchase. Sometimes the price listed on the deal site as the previous cost is higher than actual retail price on several other sites. Do a price comparison before you buy unless you know the price!!

-If you need the item by a certain date, be sure to check for any notifications that shipping will be delayed. These notifications are usually toward the bottom of the page.


Happy Shopping!

For a list of baby deals sites, click here.

Tip Tuesday: Removing Hot Glue

Did you know that you can remove cooled hot glue with rubbing alcohol? Without ripping apart messed up hair bows or trying to scrape it off tables and basically doing more damage than anything else, just soak a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and dab. Viola! The glue easily becomes unstuck.