winkydinks

Eeking out the last of a product

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had a tube of moisturizer that I couldn't unscrew the pump top from - I knew there had to be more cream in there, even though it wouldn't pump out. I cut the top off! There was at least 1 1/2 teaspoons worth in there (which is a lot considering you only need a few drops!). I'm so glad I didn't throw it out!

Pin It

You can use this technique on many things; lotion, toothpaste, food items, and many more. Even a tube of toothpaste with a large opening will leave some product behind. Cut it open and scrape it out and save yourself some change!!

p.s - I like this moisturizer with SPF15 by Boscia. It scores fairly well on the toxicity scale and is mostly natural. Does anyone else have a great daily face moisturizer with SPF that scores better? I'm always looking for one! Only caveat: it can't be scented.

Eco-friendly packagaing

2011-12-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

As I get my packages ready to mail out to family and friends across the US, I came across this idea on the USPS website, and am going for it!

Use AIR POPPED popcorn instead of packing peanuts or bubble wrap. It's all natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, inexpensive, and smells yummy! What a fun surprise when you open a package. Maybe my recipient will make a popcorn string?

Pin It

(Notice the reusable bag? See the tutorial here)

If I had fragile items in my shop, I'd switch over to this for my business too.
Some of my bigger packages are getting re-used amazon.com bubble packs and bubble wrap. At least re-using is better than buying new, I figure!

Reusable gift bags!

2011-11-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

I spent a couple of hours the other night making up reusable gift bags for all of our family gifts that we'll be sending out this year. I meant to do it last year but only got as far as buying the fabric! We have a bunch I've made up over the years for our immediate family but my goal was to not use wrapping paper this year (well, not much, if we can help it).
Here's how they turned out!

Pin It

You can find a link to my original tutorial on how to make simple reusable gift bags here. Give it a try and let us know how they turned out!

Time saver - easy labels for school photos

2011-10-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Pin It

It's that time of year again where we pass out school and sports photos. If your family is like ours, we have quite a few pictures to mail, and lots to hand out. A few years ago I started doing this trick, and I'll never go back to hand writing on the backs of photos again! Use small return address labels (like Avery 5267), print your child's name, age, and school year on each one, and put on the back of school pictures. This has lots of benefits:

It's quick! Each year, you can just edit the label document with the new information
It's neat! No smudges, illegible handwriting, or mistakes
It's safe! No ballpoint pen pushing through to the front of the photo, no permanent marker bleeding through
It's easy!

Have you done this yourself? Share any tips or techniques you have found!

Giveaway!

2011-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

There's a (not so secret) giveaway happening at my Hyena Cart shop! Don't miss out! There are only 47 entries right now (out of 749 facebook followers!), so your chances are pretty good :) Drawing will be held tomorrow.

A little slice of heaven

2011-10-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

This little slice of heaven came to my door today, and I had to smile.

(This is the 6 half bar sampler set from Sweet Sally's Soaps) Pin It

Have you tried handmade soaps?? They are my new addiction and guilty pleasure. I don't mind paying more for all natural hand crafted goodness that smells divine. It's one of those "me" things (and now the rest of the house goes along).

When I started eliminating toxins from our home, soap was one that had quite a few questionable ingredients, and is one habit that's easy to change (see here for information on ingredients in your own products). Plus, if you suffer from allergies, going with essential oils versus artificial fragrance can be a benefit. If you suffer from eczema, a goat's milk soap can be beneficial. We also switched to shampoo bars, but that's a whole other topic :) Give handmade soaps a try - my guess is you won't go back!

Sprinkled oatmeal!

2011-10-13T13:02:00.000-07:00

A fun family tradition we have started is to get holiday colored sprinkles for the kids' morning breakfast. Right now it's Halloween time! The kids love putting sprinkles in their plain oatmeal, and I love that it winds up being less sugar than the pre-flavored packets. Those have between 9-18g of sugar (remember, 1 tsp = 4g)! So even though they are liberally shaking out some sprinkles, I know it's less than 2 teaspoons, and I like that! I also put some brown sugar into an old sprinkle container so they can use that for flavor, and we don't have to worry about double dipping spoons into the sugar container when they are on their 2nd (and sometimes 3rd) bowls!

Ideally, we'd be flavoring oatmeal with fresh fruit...but for now, I'll settle for less sugar :)

Do you have any fun holiday breakfast traditions or healthy shortcuts?

Going outside your comfort zone

2011-09-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

One of my frequent customers requested a custom order that at first scared me off a bit; it seemed too complicated. But after a little more discussion and thought, I decided I could make something I'd be proud of - and decided to step out of my comfort zone a little. Here is the result - gnome and toadstool longies!

It took a little more work, but it felt good to let my creativity shine. Plus, I was able to work with one of my best customers and get her something she truly wanted - and that feels good! Now, I can't say I can ever create these again - they are truly one of a kind! Each piece was cut free-hand.

Sometimes it's good to think outside the box you create for yourself. This summer I also set a goal to be able to run a 5K - and started the Couch to 5K training program (Yes, I truly was a couch potato...and I'm going into week 5 already and can run for 5 minutes!) Is there something you've tried recently that you were hesitant at first, but once you did it, you were happy? Please share!

Ironing board covers add some pizzazz!

2011-09-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe I'm new...but I just discovered patterned ironing board covers! I've spent the past 1/2 hour browsing Etsy to find the one that's just right for me. I've been wanting to add some *spunk* to my laundry room (it's very small, so not many options), and not sure what to do. I have my boring silver padded ironing board hung on the wall. Well, no more!!!! (You can see the extent of my laundry room decor on my post here.)

It's true, it's really not a major breakthrough, but what a fun way to add a little something to a space! I had no idea people were even making these until I saw a patterned cover on a blog about laundry room organization, and started searching.

Here's one I'm eyeing from Compelled To Craft:

You can find lots more by doing a search on Etsy.
Once I get my new cover and some other things settled, I'll post an "after" picture!

Plan for waste-free lunches this school year!

2011-08-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat in the lunchroom during your child's lunch break at school? Whether preschool or elementary school, I have really noticed the "convenience" packaging offered by food manufacturers is a big hit with busy families. Individually bagged snacks, pre-packaged apple slices, juice boxes, water bottles....And then there's the ziploc baggies for everything else in between. Yes, those products make lunch-packing a bit quicker in the morning, but the waste that's generated in just one lunch is incredible!

There are MANY cute, colorful, cool options (or more sophisticated for older kids) available to have a completely waste free lunch. For us, it doesn't take too much time to put some chips in a container, grapes in a reusable bag, and wrap up a sandwich in a wrap-n-mat. My kids love having their own lunch packaging, and it has always come home (which is pretty impressive for a 6 and 4 year old).
Pin It

Check out reuseit.com for some great tips on packing a waste-free lunch. Use this referral code to get $5 off your first order (new customers only): rcohllq Also, there are many great Etsy sellers who sell reusable items. Here's a list of lunch items from Team EcoEtsy. Also search for things like: cloth napkins, reusable snack bag, lunch kit, etc. There are also many options if you are trying to avoid all plastics (even BPA free ones). (Try to stay away from things lined with PUL that would go next to food - they have not been tested for food safety, though a lot of sellers use them for their waterproof nature.)

Here's another idea: You can get pre-made name labels from places like Mabel's Labels or Name Bubbles which work great to identify snap top containers, sandwich wraps, reusable snack bags, thermoses, and drink containers.This ensures your investment doesn't get stuck in the lost and found bin! (See examples on my son's water bottle and wrap-n-mat above)

Here's to a great school year; and healthy, waste-free lunches!

Mom's Balancing act

2011-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

As a stay-at-home mom, working mom, or work-at-home mom, we all know that balancing daily life can get to be a challenge. Sometimes I feel a little bit like this two-headed turtle we recently saw at the Reptile Zoo! Kid's schedules, our schedules, deadlines, goals, house duties, hobbies, relationships...aahhhh! I think one of the biggest challenges is learning how to balance it all and be successful overall. What do you struggle with the most? What's the one thing that you let "slide" (mine is ALWAYS housework)? Does it change from time to time as your focus shifts?

A few months ago I made the decision to cut back on the time I was spending on my business. As it turns out, I really hadn't realized the time it had been monopolizing. Now that it's been awhile, I have had some time to reflect.

I am planning to walk the Susan G Komen 3 day walk for breast cancer next September, so I have been focusing on walking daily. I purchased the fitbit pedometer, and it has really urged me to increase my activity. But did you know, staying home with the kids I average about 3-4 miles of walking a day WITHOUT going for a purposeful walk for exercise?? I always knew I was busy :) Since I've changed focus, I've also lost 5 pounds. Focusing on my health, exercise and reducing stress has really paid off. I'm also more purposeful about the food that I put in my mouth. All of this has helped with the stomach problems I was experiencing as well.

I do miss the satisfaction of the business side of Winkydinks, but I know that it's still there when I'm ready to shift my focus again. Are there things you have been meaning to do but "life" has gotten in the way? Is it time to re-prioritize? Share with us your struggles and successes!

Also, if anyone would like to take on the walking challenge of hitting 10,000 steps a day (which is a fitness goal floating around out there), let's do it! If anyone has or purchases the fitbit, let me know and we can be "friends" to share stats and goals!!

Shop change announcement

2011-04-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed all of my "custom" listings have gone missing from my shops. I finally had figured out a great way to have customers get the items they needed in the sizes they wanted by using style numbers and pre-selected color combinations. The popularity of this new listing style has been very strong, and at the same time, overwhelming.

Due to the volume of orders coupled with less available work time (for numerous reasons), it has been stressful to meet the demand for customs. Out of necessity for my work-life balance, I've decided to take the shop in a new direction.

The change: I'll be listing only IN STOCK items, and as always, they will ship next day. I will have several CUSTOM slots available periodically, depending on my availability. Those will be offered through my Hyena Cart shop only, and scheduled ahead of time (so you'll know when they're coming). Each slot will allow up to 4 items to be made for whoever reserves it. Items between my Etsy and Hyena Cart shops can be combined when ordered the same day, and shipping overages will be refunded.

This has been a hard personal choice for me. I truly enjoy making things that meet your specific needs, and I know I can't possibly stock the exact sizes and patterns that you might be looking for at any given time. Customs have been a huge part of my sales, so as a shop owner it is frustrating to need take a step backwards. With upcoming summer vacation now that my kids are school-age, I anticipate having much less available time to get things made. Custom orders require more communication, plus they are time-sensitive (everyone is anxious for fluffy mail!). With this new direction, I will be able to make things on my own schedule, without worry of getting behind on orders - plus be able to make up some new and different things. I will also be able to stock more wool items since I won't be focused on custom fleece.

Thank you all for your business and continued support. I'm very proud to be able to say that Winkydinks started as a "give it a shot" endeavor, and now has grown too big for its britches :)

And the Tax Relief contest winner is....

2011-04-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Tax Relief contest is aware - who guessed 376

Congratulations! The actual number of items sold in 2010 is 387 - good guess! I'm pretty proud of that number - that's an average of more than one item sold per day - not too shabby for a mom who is also running a household, entertaining a 6 and 4 year old, and trying to stay sane at the same time :) Thank you to all of my wonderful customers for keeping me so busy.

Tax relief contest - just for fun! Win a credit to Winkydinks

2011-04-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's about that time...April 18th is just around the corner (thanks Gov't for the extra few days this year, by the way!). I have just finished up my business and personal taxes and sent them off...have you?

In doing my taxes, I also had to take inventory. I surprised myself (and my husband) by the number of items sold in 2010. I thought it would be fun to make a contest out of this. SO.....

The person who guesses the closest to the number of items sold by Winkydinks in 2010 (without going over) will win a $10 credit to my shop!

"Items" includes: soakers, longies, shorties, hats - it is not the ORDER total (which would combine multiple items for one customer into one transaction).
Items sold through Etsy, HyenaCart, and direct email are included in the total
If two winners are exactly correct, they will both win the prize. If more than 2 winners are correct, I will take the first two who posted. The winner will be closest to the actual number without going OVER. (So, if you are one guess over, you would not win, but someone 5 guesses under would win).
Credit expires May 31, 2011. Can be transferred/gifted but not sold to someone else.

Contest ends on Tax Day! April 18th, 10am PST.

Enter your guess by commenting on this blog post. Only one entry per person please!
Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you if you win (either by having your profile filled out or leaving an email in your comment).

New available fabrics

2011-03-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

I've been stocking a piece from my new fabrics every now and then, but here they are all together (click photo to enlarge). Look for them soon in my updated "pick your style" listings. I'll be replacing some of my discontinued/clearance items, and low remaining quantity fabrics with these. As always, since these are listed in my fabric album, they are available for custom orders too. Many look great with other trim options as well!

As I make up custom orders and in-stock items with my fabrics, I make room in my small storage space to get new fabrics. I'm always on the lookout for cute things - but I only buy limited quantities, so when they're gone...they're gone....!

Happy diapering!

Stripe it Rich going Retail!

2011-02-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wanted to announce that I've agreed to a "trial" wholesale order with ali AND swan for my Stripe it Rich soakers. I'm excited about having a new channel for my products! The first order is a small number (pictured above), just to see how things go. I have always been wary of a wholesale situation for a number of reasons:

1 - I don't charge enough to enable me to sell my soakers at a deep wholesale discount to anyone for resale. I sell them directly to my customers for the best price I can. That's always been my goal - keep it affordable!
2 - I don't want to take up the few hours I get to sew with a wholesale order when I would rather get customs done or get my shop stocked. When you get the kids' nap times, preschool hours, and sometimes evenings to work (in addition clean, exercise, or do any other hobby), your time is precious!
3 - I was nervous to have someone else represent MY items, and didn't want them sold for more than I was selling them in my own shop.
4 - I was worried about too much pressure to "produce"

Well, after working with Alison from ali AND swan, I feel very comfortable with her representing my handiwork. In addition, she's a WAHM herself (if you've ordered from me recently, you may have received some of her product as a sample - Super Stars wipe solution!). I'm also very happy with the way she's set up her shop and the other products she's carrying. In addition - she offers a military discount and free shipping on orders over $40. She's willing to work with me on price and quantity so that we're both happy. So, all in all, I think it's a good match.

So, check out ali AND swan, and be on the lookout for IN STOCK Stripe it Rich soakers stocked there from yours truly :)

Why use fleece covers?

2011-02-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Fleece offers a waterproof, but BREATHABLE, barrier between the cloth diaper and the outer clothing. While it is not a natural fiber, it is highly reusable (I've had some that are going on 2+ years old) and is very effective. (For some pros/cons between fleece and natural wool covers click here).

A fleece cover/soaker is used over a fitted, prefold, or flat diaper (or any non-waterproof cloth diaper). It can also be used as extra protection over a pocket, AIO, or disposable diaper. When being used over a waterproof diaper, it can only provide an extra layer before it hits the clothing - it cannot force the liquid back into the diaper to re-absorb. Make sure all edges of the diaper underneath are completely covered to get any extra protection in these cases.

Fleece does not absorb anything. Without a diaper underneath, it will leak. Depending on the effectiveness of your diaper, you could get leaks out the legs of a fleece cover (for example, a poorly secured prefold diaper).
Fleece can be washed with regular laundry or diaper laundry, with no special care (100% polyester won't shrink).
Fleece does pill with wear (Click here for examples).
Fleece offers a breathable barrier - this being said, you may feel "dampness" or humidity on your baby's clothing if you're getting used to fleece covers. It is not a puddle or a wet spot, but you feel the heat/moisture exchange a bit. To me, this is a good thing because you know your baby's skin can breathe!
The more often you change the diaper, the more effective fleece will be for wetness protection. For night time, a soaker with a double layer of fleece in the wetzone is helpful and often gets babies through the night (again, depending on the diaper absorbency). There is also thicker fleece (200 or 300 weight) which provides more reliable protection (though a bit bulkier and more expensive).
Some people find fleece is bulky under daytime clothing, compared to a PUL cover. However, for others, they are already sizing up in clothing to make room for a fluffy diaper :) In my case, it helped to keep the pants on my skinny 2 year old!
There is no elastic in the legs/waist which is a benefit if your little one gets irritated by it
Soakers can be worn on their own during the summer months with baby legs for a cute outfit! You can also get fleece shorties or longies that double as a cover and clothing at the same time.
Fleece soakers on their own are not a suitable "training pant", since there is no absorbency. However, once children are at a stage where they stop their flow upon realizing they need to go, soakers can provide that extra layer of protection before it hits the clothing. (If they are still having full accidents, a soaker over training pants is not your best solution).
There is a fabric called "eco fleece" that is made from 89% recycled pop bottles - great solution for an even more eco-friendly product (and it's the thicker, 200 weight)!

If you'd like to see more fleece covers in action, visit my Facebook page to see customer photos!

Do you have other questions about fleece as a cover? I'd love to hear! Leave me a comment.

Patchwork soakers

2011-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

These are by far the most fun for me to make (although they take the longest) - patchwork soakers! They really use my creative energy. I've made and sold a few, and have gotten a great response. Saving all of my wool scraps has paid off! The hardest part is organizing them, and finding coordinating color schemes with the same weight of wool.

I've just listed these three, which I've been working on for quite some time and finally finished up. Enjoy!

Click here to visit my shop to see the listings

Green shipping

2011-01-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Is there really such a thing as "green shipping"? With Winkydinks, I'm trying to focus my efforts on staying as green as possible, but that's a little challenging considering 95% of my customers are out of state. So I chose to make my shipping as cost effective and environmentally responsible as possible.

I switched to Eco-Enclose polymailers. These are biodegradable or recyclable, in addition to being very sturdy (a.k.a. REUSABLE!). Many people who cloth diaper wind up selling/trading diapers with others and these are perfect because they don't add weight to your package.
I don't include unnecessary wrapping
With the exception of International packages, all of my shipping is done from home via PayPal (no extra trips to the post office, which saves gas)

But I felt like I should be doing more. I researched ways to do carbon neutral shipping, and have found something that will work for me. It's called Green Shipping. (click to go to a Demo screen).

I pay (a price per shipment they have calculated by distance and weight) to offset the carbon used in that delivery. I can also add in personal packages I have received or sent, as long as I have a tracking number! They also offer package tracking, which my customers can use. I haven't figured out the best way to send that information out, but am working on it.

So if you're curious, you could enter in your own tracking number and see what it says!

Polishing silver without toxic chemicals

2011-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you're lucky enough to have some real silver pieces, you know that they do have to be polished from time to time. The commercial silver polishes contain harsh chemicals, but you can clean them without exposing yourself and your family to them.
I found this article (look for "make your own silver dip") which explains how to do it with simple household ingredients, and I'm happy to say it worked! I had two piggy banks that needed the tarnish removed, and after sitting for about 5 minutes in the solution plus some rubbing, most of it came off! I will say it may not have gotten off all of it, but it's definitely shiny, and I'm glad it was natural!

New year's resolutions - mom style

2010-12-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

It's the time for resolutions - of which I've vowed not to make any more! They just never seem to work out and I wind up feeling more like a failure than anything. So instead I try to re-shift my focus during the New Year - this year I am focusing on finding the balance between myself and being a mom. My kids are 6 and 4 now, and I'm still struggling with this!

I thought I would share part of an article I tore from a Parents magazine (January 2005), which has been hanging on my refrigerator ever since (and, boy, is it tattered!). It helps keep me centered and focused in the midst of real life.

8 Resolutions Every Mom Should Make

I will embrace the fact that I'm not perfect
I will get down on the floor and play with my child every day
I will take care of my body
I will learn to love chaos
I will make the family dinner a priority
I will focus a little more on my marriage
I will make time for my friends
I will remind myself daily that time with my children is precious

The article goes into a bit more depth on each of these, but you get the point. Here are a couple of other take-aways from the article:
"Children don't need you to be perfect. What they really need are lots of hugs and kisses, and a happy mommy."
"Remember that the essence of parenting isn't in the milestones, but in the every day moments."

Enjoy the New Year's celebration, and be sure that in 2011 you focus on making YOURSELF happy, so that you can make your FAMILY happy too :)

If you have any great tips or suggestions you'd like to share on how to balance work/life and mom/self please share!

Tutorial: Make a reusable gift bag

2010-12-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

Pin It

Reusable gift bags have become a new tradition in our family. We have some adorable prints and we can re-use them year after year. I was initially worried that the kids would be disappointed opening a bag, rather than ripping off paper, but they don't seem to notice the difference (ages 6 and 3 1/2). If you can sew a straight line, you can make these! Give it a try!

I don't make them fancy: there are raw edges inside that fray and the hole that the ribbon comes out is not finished. You can make the look more professional by double rolling the hems (turning them under so there is no raw edge) or by using a serger.

Start by getting some inexpensive holiday fabric (make sure its thick enough you can't see through it easily). 1 yard will yield 2-4 bags, depending on what size you want them to be.

1. Cut the fabric into a rectangle (so that when its folded, it is the end size you would like). Plan to have the fold on one SIDE of the bag.

2. Fold the long edge (what will be the top of the bag) over about 4" towards the wrong side of the fabric. Sew along the inside edge.

3. Sew another seam about 1" away from your initial seam (making a casing for the ribbon)

4. Fold the rectangle (right sides together) to make the bag shape, with the folded 4" hem along the top.
5. Sew around the 2 sides of the bag, making sure to sew up to the ribbon casing, backstitch and cut the thread. Then start again on the the other side of the casing and continuing around the sides.

6. When you reach the first corner, stop the needle while its IN the fabric, lift the presser foot, and turn the fabric so you make a nice sharp 90 degree turn.

7. (OPTIONAL) When making a larger bag, I like to add bottom gussets. This allows more room for the item to sit in the bag and makes a cleaner presentation. It is completely optional though!
7a. To make the gusset, pull the bottom corner away from itself by using both hands, and pinch it so it is folded back on itself.

7b. Press it flat, and then sew a seam perpendicular to the original bottom seam.

7c. Trim away the excess

7d. Repeat on the other bottom corner, trying to match the distance of your seam to your first one.
7e. You wind up with the bottom of the bag looking like this when turned right side out:

8. Turn the bag right side out, and hook a saftey pin to the end of your ribbon, and start to feed it through one of the ribbon casing openings.

9. Push the safety pin along, scrunching up the fabric around it, then pulling it through more as you go. When you get out the other side, remove the safety pin and tie your two ribbon ends together to prevent them from pulling back through at some point. Then, pull the ribbon through the hole so that it is accessible from the outside of the bag.

10. Voila! Hand out your gift in ECO-STYLE and be proud of yourself!

Notes:

You can also just put a straight 1" hem at the top of your bag and feed the ribbon through. I like to add the extra fabric at the top so that when you cinch the bag closed it has a fluffy top, like this:

You can also make a bag so that the ribbon comes out both sides of the bag. To do this, plan to fold your fabric so the fold is at the bottom of the bag instead. Make two 4" hems on the ends of your rectangle, fold in half so they come together and feed the ribbon through each side separately.

I like using grosgrain ribbon because you can singe the ends with a lighter (carefully!) and it will melt them so they don't fray. Don't hold the lighter there too long or the ends will turn black.
My next venture is to figure out some sort of semi-permanent tag design so that each year I don't have to make up new hang tags.

Freeze a meal ahead

2010-12-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to have for dinner...again? Try this trick: When you ARE cooking, just double everything. Eat one meal that night, and freeze another for a day when you have no energy, are too busy, and just plain done cooking.
You can put certain things in freezer ziploc bags (soup, meat with a marinade, "dump" recipes, etc.). I have purchased aluminum pans with those foil lined cardboard lids and use those (but had to buy quite a few to get a good price). But you can also freeze them in a baking dish, without monopolizing all of your bakeware!

Assemble your meal in the dish you would normally bake in (shown here are lasagna rolls).
Cover tightly with foil.
Freeze in the coldest part of the freezer 1-2 days (it is best to let the food cool a bit first before freezing if there were things that were cooked before assembling. Do this in the refrigerator for food safety)
Remove from the freezer and let sit on the counter an hour or so. You can also dip the dish in a sink of warm water for 5-10 minutes. This will loosen the edges.
Use a butter knife to slip along one edge to loosen even more. Believe it or not, the whole thing will pop right out! (If you can't get the knife in, even just the tip of the knife will release the food from the pan). You can also turn it upside down and whack it on the counter (CAREFULLY so you don't break your dish!).
Place your frozen block of delicious goodness into a freezer bag.

When it's time to eat your meal, remove from freezer bag and put BACK into the original dish. Let thaw in refrigerator 1-2 days and bake as normal!

Some dishes you can bake from frozen and they work very well. Make sure you are using freezer-to-oven save bakeware!! Some you can put frozen into a crock pot and they'll do all the work for you while you're otherwise occupied! Some things don't freeze well, like: sour cream and cream based soups.

I've gotten into this habit of double-cooking, and really reaping the rewards on those super-busy days. Here's a cookbook that has many of our favorite freezer friendly meals. Give them a try and save yourself some time! Or, give one to a friend who needs a little help :)

Handmade felt ornaments

2010-12-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

This year I ventured out and made some ornaments. My husband's great-grandmother had crocheted ice skates with paper clips for the blade, which we hang on the tree every year. I thought, "there must be some sort of pattern out there for a sewn version of this project", and alas, I found it! (It also has a pattern for darling little mittens.).

They were really quite simple to make. I have a TON of felt scraps from my diaper soakers, and I added jingle bells and a year tag to them. I chose to hand sew them using a blanket stitch on the mittens. I had never done this before, and found a great tutorial. I love learning new things! I used a straight stitch on the skates. Now, if I weren't making THIRTEEN of them, it would have been a much less daunting task. :)

These are going out to family and friends this year, but perhaps...just perhaps...next year I can start this project early enough to make some to stock in the shop. I can't decide which I like better....the pair of skates or the furry mitten. Hmmm... I guess I'll keep one of each for us this year!

You can also make these with eco-felt (made from recycled pop bottles), or any fabric you have around the house (maybe old sweaters, sweatshirts, or even socks?). I'd love to hear if you try it!

My Christmas Card Tradition

2010-12-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's one of my most favorite things to do for the holidays - create and send out Christmas cards. It's a tradition I just can't seem to stop - even in the name of "green". My husband tells me we should send out an e-card. I have a couple of friends who tease me when they receive theirs, saying "WHAT? These are made of PAPER?".

But let me tell you why I just can't stop. It's one of the "non-green" things I cherish.

It's the one time of year I go through my list of friends, family, and acquaintances and as I'm writing their envelope, I spend a dedicated moment thinking of them.
It's the one time of year where I look forward to going to the mailbox. Something personal from someone I know and love is exciting...and different in this fast moving, electronic world.
It's the one time of year where I send out a family photo. I hope that people keep it on their wall. I know I do! I take all the photos I receive and make a collage that stays on the fridge year-round. Then I put them in a scrapbook when the next year's come around. I have a scrapbook filled with our friends and family's photos and it's fun to see how everyone changes. You can't do that with an email greeting.
I love to create the card itself. I used to hand-make them, and now that I have a family, I make them through a photo service like Shutterfly. They are easy, and cute! (I also love picking the perfect picture. Although, my husband would argue this creates a lot of undue stress in my life!)

So...how "non-green" are Christmas cards? I considered doing a carbon neutral offset donation to cover my "habit", but I couldn't find any hard numbers to tell me how horribly non-eco friendly I was being. (Here's an interesting article on the subject).

There's the paper. Many companies offer recycled paper products now. However, my theory is that I'm sending a glossy photo, and really...a photo is something you could keep a long time.
There's the postage. My theory is that the mail truck is already coming to your house, may as well bring my envelope of cheer :)
There are arguments that e-mail is not totally carbon neutral either - it takes electricity to run your computer.

I (at least) am making other efforts to reduce my footprint in other areas. Around the holidays specifically, using reusable cloth bags instead of wrapping paper (like the one on the left).

There are lots of very cute electronic greetings out there. Maybe they are right for you. But for me, I hold on to a little piece of "old fashioned". What are your thoughts?

- Happy Holidays!

12 days of Clothmas!

2010-11-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

Keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway sponsored by Winkydinks on The Cloth Diaper Addiction blog. They are hosting 12 days of giveaways!! (And, just perhaps....Winkydinks might be on day 1...hint hint...)

Black Friday discount code!

2010-11-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Use the code BLACKFRI15 at either my Hyena Cart or Etsy shops and enjoy 15% off of your order (before shipping).

This code will only be valid on purchases on 11/26/10, and you will only get the discount if the code is used on the order (i.e. I will not refund the amount).
I'm hopping up and down now that Etsy has rolled out coupon codes!! Yay!

Enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and friends, and we'll "see" you on Friday!

Scentsy: a great gift idea!

2010-11-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

I was introduced to Scentsy from my friend, Emily, who has become a Scentsy consultant after being won over by the product herself. I can see how it happens! I'm now hooked as well. These are great products, and they make great gifts (hint hint) for those "hard to buy for" people who have everything!

Basically, they are wickless "candles", and melt scented wax over a light bulb. They also double as a night light! Learn how they work here. My current favorite scents are Cinnamint, Sunkissed Citrus, and Christmas Cottage.

Here's what I love about them:
1. I don't have to worry about my house burning down
2. I don't have to use harsh chemical room fresheners
3. The scent permeates the whole room
4. The scents are easily changed out depending on my mood
5. I like how they look!

So, needless to say, I have 3 warmers in my house (2 of them are the plug-in version, which is great for small spaces because they don't take up counter room, and I can keep them away from the kidlets), and I think I might need one more. The Scentsy folks do tend to change the scent line periodically, so if you find something you love, you may want to stock up! If you are near a consultant, they have little samples of each scent that you can smell before ordering. Or, you can contact Emily and she'll be able to help describe them! You also don't need to have a "party" to get the product, you can just order directly!

Winner of longies announced!

2010-11-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone for your participation in my Anniversary giveaway!

Congratulations to comment #8 - Isha! You win a pair of black longies with your choice of heart or star applique on the ankle. I'll work with you on the details when you respond (within 48 hours)!

Isha said... 8 Found out about this giveaway from the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team Facebook page. Congrats on 2 successful years on Etsy!

Anniversary Giveaway - Fleece Longies! (CLOSED)

2010-11-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

In celebration of my 2 year Etsy anniversary - I'm offering one winner a pair of my fleece longies (your choice of size and inseam). This pair will be solid black, with your choice of any color star or heart applique on one ankle (or plain). You may also choose to have the waist be the same color as the applique.

My longies are a single layer (daytime use), and function as a diaper cover and clothing in one! They also work great over pocket diapers or AIOs for a little extra protection - plus they are sized for cloth diapers so they are roomier through the hips, with a higher rise than regular pants. You can find sizing information here.You can find them to purchase at my Hyena Cart store, or my Etsy shop!
Always available for customs, and quick turnaround times!! Does your little one have chunky thighs? I can tailor them so they aren't too tight!

***********************************************************************
Giveaway is now closed!
I'm going to make this a simple contest!
To enter: leave a comment here letting me know how you came to find this giveaway (if you can remember!).
I'll choose a numbered comment using random.org on Friday November 19th, 9pm PST and post the winner here as well as direct email. The winner has 48 hours to respond or I'll choose a new winner. Please be sure your profile has contact info or you leave your email address in your comment. Open to all countries.

Winkydinks celebrates 2 years!

2010-11-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

This month, I'm celebrating having my Etsy shop open for 2 years! I can't believe it's been that long, and am so thankful to my wonderful customers for helping me to keep up my momentum.

In celebration, I have a few things planned:

Free shipping both on Etsy and Hyena Cart stores! Use code "freeship2yr" on HC in the discount code field. On Etsy, put the code in your checkout notes, and I will refund you the amount after you check out (sorry, no discount codes there yet!) Available now through 11/19/10. (Remember I can always combine your orders between shops if you contact me first.)
Blog giveaway planned here for this weekend
3 clearance priced fabrics available - you choose the size! Available for a limited time, starting 11/10/10 on Hyena Cart.

Thank you for your support over these years! While neither of my boys are in cloth anymore, I still am enjoying keeping in tune with the CD world through my shop. (And now my sister is expecting, so I'm able to continue my "addiction" via her baby!)

Easy corn on the cob

2010-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

We got some delicious locally grown corn on the cob from our organic produce delivery company (Klesick Family Farms), and I thought I'd share how easy it is to prepare! My mom used to boil corn, which definitely works....but we've found that grilling it is a SUPER easy way to prepare it, and brings out a lot of flavor. PLUS, it comes in it's own handy packaging - no need for aluminum foil on the grill! Even on a cold fall or winter day, this is a great way to prepare it:

1. Soak corn (with husks on, but silk tips trimmed off) for 10-15 minutes.
2. Place them on a pre-heated grill on Medium heat

3. Turn every 5-10 minutes, making sure that each side gets a turn near the flame/coals.
4. The corn should be cooked after about 30 minutes. The pre-soaking method steams it at the same time as it grills.
5. Carefully (with hot mitts) shuck the corn, and enjoy!

Do you have a favorite corn on the cob recipe??

pumpkins!

2010-09-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had a customer request a pumpkin applique, and while I hadn't done one before, I figured, why not? Sometimes the best ideas come from custom orders! :) I plan to make up some of these for the shop as well. Happy Fall!!!

the latest in fashion....

2010-09-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

I wonder if this will be it? A fleece bangle bracelet secured with a safety pin - courtesy of my 3 year old son "helping" me to sew..."A bracelet just for me?" How can I not wear this all day?

What's one of the best/silliest/worst gifts your toddlers have given you on their own accord?

What is Hyena Cart?

2010-09-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

I realize many of my customers and fans are more familiar with Etsy than Hyena Cart.
I thought I'd take a minute to post about this other site, so you can familiarize yourself with it (#1, so you can be ready for the Deal-a-Day stuff coming soon...and #2, so you can find some great items from other sellers of fine handmade, child related items)

The easiest way is to point you to their shopper's FAQ.

As a seller, I like that they have a different fee structure than other places. The listings are easy to post, AND I am able to configure choices. For me, this is the easiest way to offer custom items - This lets the customer pick size (with adjustments for price), color, trim, etc. as drop down choices. Many diapering families look to Hyena Cart for the latest and greatest in WAHM wares. I'm happy to be part of that group!

You can find me on Hyena Cart here: www.hyenacart.com/winkydinks

Happy shopping, "Hyenas" (that's what you're called over there)!
Jen

Winkydinks is doing a Deal a Day!

2010-09-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

(note, I have changed some of this information after it was originally posted. Specifically with regard to how the items will be listed).

You may know I'm crazed with the "deal a day" sites (BabyHalfOff, ScrapbookSteals, HippoBargains, etc.)...and I thought it would be fun to host my own DEALS! I've been busy making up some special stock just for this event and will have previews up on Hyena Cart so you'll know what's coming. (Ok, this is a little different than the daily surprise steals, but I wanted to give everyone a chance!). Items are very limited at these prices (remember, I'm a small work-from-home shop!)

There will only be 2-3 items each day, and each deal will last 24 hours only.
All "deal a day" items will be on Hyena Cart

They will be BUY IT NOW style items, which means if you click "buy", it's yours...you can't delete it from your cart. This makes it so nobody else can buy it while you're checking out. This is a little different than my standard items. (edited 9/13)
Because of the type of listings for these, you are required to have an account to make a purchase (set one up before the item you want is stocked!). (edited 9/13)
If you order other items THE SAME DAY, but not in the same transaction, I will still combine shipping.
All items are first quality, offered at an extreme discount
Items will be shown in "preview" mode, showing the day/time they will become available for purchase. You can add them to your "spots" or favorites though!

I will stock items at different times, giving people in different parts of the country and with different schedules a chance (i.e. they won't all be at 9am PDT)
Please refrain from purchasing more than one deal - let's share the luck!
I'll post reminders on Facebook the day of the deal (and when previews are up)!

I plan to get previews up this week!
What do you think? Are you ready for some STALKING??? :)

(If you're new to Hyena Cart, don't be afraid! It just takes a name and an email address to register!)

wordless wednesday - starting school!

2010-09-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Friday Favorite - Traci Bixby Illustration

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted a Friday Favorite - but here's a sweet one: Traci Bixby Illustration! I know Traci from my "pre-kid" life, and she's opened up an Etsy shop, so I had to check it out. I ordered some of these note cards, and I LOVE them! (So much in fact that I hate to give them away).

I also ordered this little magnet for my friend's daughter, who I think resembles this fairy so much. She loved it! Very high quality, well packaged for shipping, and oh so adorable!

Hummingbirds!

2010-08-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

My grandparents had several hummingbird feeders, and I remember as a child watching them with awe. They were always there, and grandma was always re-filling the "juice". After my grandfather passed away, I got one of those feeders, and I've been trying my best to bring the hummers to our house! We live in a new development, and so there aren't many trees (though we're working on landscaping our yard, especially with hummingbird attracting plants). I was getting discouraged...it's been a couple of months.

But, this week....we have a regular visitor! (the pictures are a little blurry, taken through our kitchen window, and then zoomed in). I went with a different style feeder (easier to clean, and with a perch around the edge), and it finally worked! We've been enjoying watching this little guy land, eat, and then return. I never knew they actually sat still, but read that they actually use so much energy hovering that the prefer to eat while perched.

My youngest son has named him "chocolate hero" :)

I also have this feeder from Glorious Glass Garden on Etsy, which they hover around but haven't visited - I need to fill it with something other than water.

Next on my list is to get another little one, like this. Let's get some more birdies to our bare backyard!

Lovely fall treasury

2010-08-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Check out this lovely fall themed treasury, created by a fellow EcoEtsy team member. It features my latest listing, a recycled lambswool diaper cover. I'm tickled to have been included with these beauties, thank you LindaEve!

Click image above to explore the treasury items in Etsy!

Diaper Drive for Cloth Diaper Foundation

2010-08-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

Are you done with part of your stash and not sure what to do with it? Check out the current diaper drive going on at the Cloth Diaper Foundation - they are looking to collect enough donations to keep afloat and be able to offer diapers to people who need them. You can help!

The Cloth Diaper Foundation is a great organization that Winkydinks is proud to support!

The Review Stew giveaway winning item

2010-08-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Susan who won her choice of Eco-Fleece soaker from The Review Stew (This is a size small in charcoal)! Thanks for playing, and enjoy! To get your own Eco-Fleece soaker (made from 89% recycled pop bottles), visit my Etsy or Hyena Cart shops.

Tank top gift bags - super easy!

2010-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Looking for an interesting way to wrap a birthday gift? Or need a few extra reusable bags to stash in the glove box? Find an old tank top, and in a few minutes your problem is solved! With just a few stitches from a sewing machine, you can do it!

1. Turn the tank top inside out

2. Sew a straight stitch along the bottom of the shirt (however long you want the bag to be)

3. Fluff open the bag at the seam you just made, adjust the fabric so the new seam is in the middle of the fabric, and sew a perpendicular line to your new seam. This creates a gusset (square bottom). You can omit this step for a flat bag.

4. Trim the excess fabric

5. Turn the bag right side out. Voila! You did it!

You can tie the "handles" together, or use a fancy ribbon. Maybe decorate with fabric paint, or even an iron on transfer for a one of a kind gift!

Half off deals!

2010-07-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these sites? They're the new "cool thing"! Each site offers a different deal of the day. They are only there ONE day, and they tend to sell out quickly (sometimes in minutes). If you love stalking for diapers, watch out, this can get addicting too! So far I've been happy with my [far too many] purchases! You do need to read the fine print, but they are all first quality items, and GREAT deals -- even some cloth diaper items.

BabyHalfOff.com
Babysteals.com
Kidsteals.com
MamaBargains.com
Hippobargains.com

And not kid related, but MOM related
ScrapbookSteals.com
LivingSocial.com

One of the best ways to keep tabs on the offers is to follow them on Facebook or get daily emails.
Have any of you made purchases from these? Do you know of any others? I'd love to hear your stories!

Friday Favorite - RsLangArtPottery & Butter keepers!

2010-07-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I received an email awhile back regarding butter and margarine...while it turned out to be an inaccurate email forward, it did get me thinking. On my "green" list of things to do is to try to eat more natural foods. I decided for me, a tablespoon of butter every now and again is going to be better for me than something filled with chemicals. But I HATE trying to spread cold butter!!!

My mother-in-law introduced me to the concept of butter bells - a way to keep fresh butter room temperature, without spoiling. After searching the commercial brands, I wondered if anyone made them on Etsy. Lo and behold, I found some! The one I settled on was from RS Lang Art Pottery - it holds much more than most of the others I found, and I liked the styles and colors.

This is the one I got - it matches our granite counter tops very well! I am VERY happy with my purchase! It fits well in my hands, keeps the butter soft and fresh, SUPER fast shipping, and great communication.

Wordless Wednesday - Camping!

2010-06-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Bottombumpers giveaway info

2010-06-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

I recently found The Review Stew - a great site for giveaways and reviews, and had to share one of her current giveaways - a Bottombumpers AIO! These diapers ARE truly great, and I'd love to have one of my followers win one and try them out! :) Visit her site to enter.

(Oh, and psst....there will be an upcoming review and giveaway from Winkydinks there soon - her event is extended through July!)

"Box of Good"

2010-06-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

We got our first organic produce delivery box and I love it! It's called a "box of good", and I think that's such an appropriate name! We are using Klesick Family Farms - they are local, but they bring in a variety of other organic produce so we get something different than what the NW can provide right now. We'll see how much better I start cooking to use it all!

We also use the "green produce bags" (I think you've seen them on TV), and they really work to prolong the life of fresh produce. Also Tupperware has a series of products I also love. A head of lettuce lasts for weeks!!
Do you use a produce delivery company or belong to a CSA? Maybe you head to the farmer's market? Let us know your experiences!

Baby Cilantro!

2010-06-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

I planted some cilantro seeds that I gathered from my plant last year. I was actually surprised to see them sprout for some reason! I was even more surprised to see what they looked like - NOTHING like cilantro - lol. But just now, they have begun to LOOK like cilantro...sprouting the jagged little leaves. I'm excited to get a crop I can use to cook with!

Green your clean: air fresheners

2010-06-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Fragrances and perfumes can cause adverse reactions (allergic reactions, asthma triggers, headaches, etc). They may not be toxic in the small quantity introduced by commercial cleaners, but the fact remains that many people are sensitive to synthetic fragrances. Given that fact, I have to assume they probably aren't that great for the rest of us (plus they don't really smell that great compared to their natural counterpart).

Personally, I get an instant headache from perfumes and some cleaners. I'd much rather smell a real lemon than lemon-scented cleaner, how about you?

Safer Substitutes

Remove the source of the odor
Simmer cloves and cinnamon in water to freshen the air, or simply open the windows.
Baking soda! It can absorb smells on carpets, in garbage cans, in the refrigerator, or in the disposal.
Invest in some Essential Oils - they are all natural and provide a pretty potent fragrance! Use them on a cloth laid on your bathroom counter, or put a couple of drops on a light bulb (not sure how this works with CFLs - anyone know?)
Burn soy candles with all natural wicks (clean burning)
As an alternative to hot flames near children, check out Scentsy wickless candles - it melts the wax using a low voltage light bulb and the smell radiates through you house, and is long lasting! (my friend Emily just started selling these, and I am hooked!)

What are your other suggestions for natural odor removal and control in your home?

Oh I wish I had a reason to keep these!!!

2010-06-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

I was suddenly inspired to make some racing bums! I have read the Golden Book version of Lightning McQueen about a million times and tend to daydream when I read it now...but this time it inspired me!
I was so happy with the way they turned out...I only wish I had a legitimate reason to keep them here at my house. But alas, my children are no longer in need of them (even though they love Cars and racing!). I hope they can find a new home with one of my great customers! (And I'd love to see a photo of your little one sporting them!)

Two new wool soakers just listed today -

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN (size Large)

RACING STRIPES #1 (size Medium)

Make your razors last longer!

2010-06-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

We read about this online and tried it, and it DOES work! Our disposable razors have lasted 3-5 times longer than normal by running them along an old pair of jeans. What a simple way to cut down on razors (less waste, and saves money!). My husband gets about a month out of his (versus a few shaves), and I don't even remember the last time I replaced mine!

Run the blade the opposite way you'd shave along the jean material about 10 times (you don't need to press hard)

Then turn it around and run it back the other way another 10 times.

You can see other tips for making your razors last longer on this article I posted as well on WikiHow!

Wordless Wednesday - Chicken Dance

2010-06-02T15:21:00.001-07:00

Green your clean: oven cleaners

2010-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Post 3 in my series on getting toxic cleaners out of your home!

Oven cleaners could be one of the most toxic cleaners in your home. They are very hazardous to inhale and corrosive to the skin, especially those containing lye or marked DANGER or POISON. Even the residual fumes can be harmful to your (and your children's) respiratory system.

Safer Substitutes

Use non-lye products like Bon Ami (or try sea salt and baking soda), then use a damp cloth or wet cleaner to soak and soften baked spills.
To prevent build-up, use a tray or foil liner to catch spills and wipe up spills promptly.
If you have a self-cleaning oven, USE IT! Or for small spills, clean them up as they happen so you don't have to use resources to run your oven at high temps.

My personal preference:
I'll admit, cleaning my oven is not something at the top of my priority list. I recently found a product though that helps me do it and not run out of the room from the fumes. It's the "Scour Off" product by Shaklee - I really like it! Here's my before and after shots (using that product and some elbow grease, it wasn't actually too difficult).

BEFORE

AFTER

LOW tech oil spill clean up - have you seen this?

2010-05-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

I received a link to this video via a mass forwarded email. Normally I ignore those...but I'm glad I didn't on this one. Take 5 minutes to watch this simple presentation, and think about how EASY, LOW TECH, and SMART this solution is! I wrote to the White House...maybe you can too! They at least should consider this as an option - even if we only have enough hay to clean up a percentage of the total spill, its still better than nothing, right? And better than bird feathers :(

New product at Winkydinks!

2010-05-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to offer this new line of soakers, made from 89% recycled pop bottles! Fleece diaper covers are great - they are reusable, soft, and super cute. However, some cloth diaper advocates steer clear from them because they are made with a chemically processed fiber...polyester. This fabric made by Malden Mills is made from a yarn that is composed of 89% post consumer soda pop bottles. They perform equal to, or better than, my soakers made from 100% polyester (and only need a single layer to do so), and have an eco-friendly twist to them!

You can see my custom listing for details and to order! My only gripe is that it only is available in a few solid colors...

If you're interested in how they make the recycled fibers (not specific to fleece), check out this video from "How It's Made"!

Green your clean: toilet bowl cleaners

2010-05-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Post 2 in my series on getting toxic chemicals out of your home! Scouring powders and toilet bowl cleaners are laden with chemicals and bleach....find something more natural, and get the same results!

Toilet bowl cleaners are potentially hazardous!

They may contain hydrochloric acid or hypochlorite bleach. They vary in their danger level, read labels carefully - remember to look for words like: DANGER and POISON.

Alternate solutions:
- Baking soda
- Baking soda and vinegar
- Oxygen cleaner

My personal preference:
My new routine is to grab my baking powder and vinegar and head to each bathroom - I pour a scoop of baking powder, and a dollop of vinegar to the toilet bowl and the sink, then head to the next bathroom. While I'm gone, it makes a fizzy solution that's great for cleaning! Then I return to the first to do the scrubbing.

I use a rag to swish around the mixture in the sink, wipe down the counters and sink handles, and then scrub the sink. Then rinse with clean water. I use the same rag to wipe down the outside of the toilet. I use a toilet brush for the mixture in the toilet bowl itself, and then I'm done! I use a different rag for each bathroom. You can also add a few drops of essential oil if you like a different scent. (The vinegar smell dissipates very quickly though).

Do you have any other alternative cleaning methods for the toilet bowl and surrounding areas? One of my followers has a toilet bowl cleaner listed on her blog - check it out!

Sugar overload!

2010-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

As a mom, I try to offer my kids a healthy diet. With so much processed food, its sometimes hard, but we do try! (I haven't yet conquered the "all natural, organic" diet, that I'm know would be the best, but we do the best we can). We do splurge though and give the kids treats (like chocolate milk or candy). Well the other day I was convinced to buy some cotton candy by a rather persuasive 5 year old.

I checked the labels and was shocked to learn that the serving of cotton candy (half the bag) only had 10 more grams (about 3 tsp) of sugar than the small container of chocolate milk had! It made me realize that perhaps a small bite of pure sugar would be a better treat than something sold as lunchtime fare (especially at today's schools). Goes to show....always check your labels!

Friday Favorite - SKOY cloths

2010-05-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon these Skoy cloths during a blog giveaway somewhere, and LOVE them! They replace paper towels, and work so well. They dry quickly (be sure not have them crumpled or sopping wet), and work BETTER than paper towels because they are much thicker. I machine wash mine and air dry them, and have been using this set (pictured on right) for about 8 months. It's probably time to open up the new pack (pictured left), but these are working fine so far (though slightly stained)! I highly recommend them! We haven't bought paper towels in over 2 years (with a combination of using these and washcloths) - that's liberating!!!!

Winner's choice!

2010-05-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here's what the lucky winner from last week's Fluff-a-Rump on Hump Day giveaway won! (Winner's choice of size and fabrics, contest held at Etsy Cloth Diaper Team's blog). This is a Medium, Rockstar fabric with bubble gum pink trim. How cute! Congrats to Tiffany!

Clean up your window washing routine!

2010-05-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

As a first part in the series on getting poisons out of your home - here are some tips on avoiding harsh chemicals to clean windows and mirrors. Afterall - do your mirrors need to be disinfected -- or do they just need to shine? Save some money - and save yourself risk from toxins!

Window and Mirror Cleaners - Potentially Hazardous Products:

Ammonia-based cleaners are harmful if inhaled - they can irritate the sinuses and lungs. Mixing ammonia with chlorine-based products creates hazardous gases.

Windex contains: detergents, solvents, fragrance, Ammonia-D®, and alcohol

Safer Substitutes

Mix 1 cup vinegar with 3 cups water. Wipe on or spray. Dry with newspaper or clean cloth.
Use a spray bottle half filled with club soda, or sprinkle on a cloth. Spray or wipe on and then dry with a clean cloth.
Outdoor windows: Wash with a sponge and warm water mixed with few drops of soap. Rinse and squeegee dry

Keep in mind that too much soap will actually not rinse well and will attract more dirt once dried. The key really is to rinse it with a tiny bit of something to cut the dirt/grease and then wipe/buff it with your cloth of choice. Well-loved prefold diapers work great for this! (If you get streaks using vinegar/water only, try adding a few drops of dish soap).

My personal preference: I use Shaklee's Basic H2 (2 drops per squirt bottle), and wipe with a StarFiber microfiber towel. The StarFiber towel is really awesome! I use it with plain water actually a lot of the time, and also to clean soap scum off the shower door. (There are also some "glass cleaning" specific microfiber towels which also work well. Some microfiber towels -- for example the ones I use to stuff pocket diapers -- leave behind tiny bits of lint.)

DANGER! POISON!

2010-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

My original intent of this post was to show facts about household cleaners and their toxicity. To say the least, I was overwhelmed with the amount of information that's out there, yet most people in America continue to introduce these chemicals into their homes on a daily basis. Some even are known to contribute to indoor air pollution and cause breathing problems and allergies. I have read the following fact several places before (never with scientific evidence, but it still makes you think...) " Housewives have a 55% higher risk of getting cancer than do women working outside the home. This most likely has to do with the products they use on a daily basis." (click to go to original article on shareguide.com)

Rather than go into the specifics of each type of harmful substance in mainstream cleaners, I'll leave you with this....look for these words on your household products: DANGER. POISON. WARNING. CAUTION. Take them to heart, and keep these things out of your home. Many of these ingredients are not only toxic, but are known carcinogens

Toxic containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation

Carcinogen a substance or agent causing cancer

Many of these products cannot be disposed of without lasting environmental effects and need to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste center. Do NOT just throw them out, dump them out, or pour them down the drain. Many times using up what you have in small doses is the best way to get rid of them if you've already purchased them.

So now what do you do instead? I thought I would post a series of blog posts about safer, natural alternatives - from window cleaner to laundry detergent to outdoor products. First up will be window cleaners - please check back!

Sources for more information:
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/household.html
http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/household/carcinogens_home.htm

What a clever bundle!

2010-05-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have my share of reusable bags. Some even made from old tank tops...but alas, I often forget them. Today I bought some things from the local consignment store, and had my bundle of items to carry out (sans bag, since I forgot one). I returned to the counter after chasing down my 3 year old, and voila! Look what the sales clerk had done! Duh, why didn't I think of that? She stuffed everything carefully into one of the larger shirts (think she chose that one on purpose?), and everything stayed together. Very cool.

(this was everything she stuffed in there)

Wordless Wednesday - First Fish!

2010-05-12T08:29:00.001-07:00

Is it shortie weather where you live?

2010-05-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here in the Pacific NW, we are just starting to feel the sun's rays more frequently. It's shorts weather (yes, 60 degrees is shorts weather here!). I've just started listing some fleece shorts, made from my longies pattern with a shorter inseam. Please remember that you can ALWAYS order customs to get the color, size, and inseam you want. Turnaround is between 2-5 days generally. It's too hard for me to guess what people will want, so I just list a few to get your mind started :) Just send me a convo!

"Will fleece be hot", you ask? The great thing about fleece (and wool) is that they B-R-E-A-T-H-E! So, yes, slightly warmer than cotton, but they do the work of a diaper cover, and look great too. No need for a PUL cover (that doesn't breathe), plus shorts. If you get a shorter inseam, it will be no warmer for your little one than the diaper itself. Enjoy the sun!

Glass Dharma winner!

2010-05-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Glass Dharma straw giveaway is #6 - "Love" - Congratulations! I'll be in touch to get your information. Thank you to everyone who entered, and welcome to all of my new followers! :)

Friday Favorite - Buddha Bunz

2010-05-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you switched over to wool dryer balls yet? If you haven't...you should! No more chemical laden dryer sheets with fake smells, no more plastic blue pokey dryer balls that release chemicals when heated.. wool is all natural fluffing power! Dryer balls work to add extra tumbling power, getting clothes and diaper drier in less time, and adding softness and fluff (especially noticeable in towels and diapers!). It's true, they don't decrease static a whole lot, but I'll take static over the alternatives.

I just received my CUSTOM designed dryer balls from Buddha Bunz, and LOVE them! I chose a "tree of life" and then a coordinating solid ball. They are felted wool (not wool yarn), the colors are awesome, and the design hand made. They fit right in with my existing (tattered and old) dryer balls and spruce up my dryer, even when empty (which isn't often).

She's super busy, so you do have to be patient for your customs, but they are worth it! She has great customer service, and often has sales. Lots of other retailers carry them in-stock as well.

Stripe it Rich!

2010-05-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

I finally have my ducks in a row, and am excited to have my first listing up for the new Stripe it Rich! collection. Right now they are at Hyenacart because their system is a little easier to do multiple pricing (for size and doubler selection). If you want one through Etsy, just contact me and I'll create a custom listing!

And for a limited time, when you order one of these soakers I'll include a sample of Crunchy Clean diaper detergent!

Here are the current available colorways:

My little helpers

2010-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Just thought share some photos of my boys "helping" make up wool wash sample packages. They get really excited to help, but then their excitement trickles off pretty quickly :)

Glass Dharma straw giveaway!!!

2010-05-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I ordered 6 of these glass straws from Glass Dharma using an Earth Day coupon they were offering. Due to a shipping mishap, I have an EXTRA 2 straws. They have great customer service and offered to let me keep the straws. I have decided to instead offer them to one of my readers! These straws are awesome - they are very sturdy (the kids use them safely), and wash well in the dishwasher. See their FAQs for more info.

Giveaway details: Two (2) Simple Elegance Shorty (6.25" length) straws (9.5mmx6.25mm - the medium diameter option). Value: $12 +shipping

EASY to enter! Become a follower publicly of my blog (using Google Friend Connect on the right), and then post a comment to this blog post. If you are already a follower, just post a comment! I will draw a winner randomly on Mother's Day, May 9th at 9pm PDT.

And the new name shall be...

2010-05-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

After much consideration, I'm rolling with "Stripe it Rich" as the new product collection name. Thank you to Angela Luisa for your suggestion! I really appreciate all of the comments that I received, thank you everyone!

Angela - You can have your choice of a Stripe it Rich soaker in your color choice and size as soon as they are officially released. Hopefully next week - I have more photos to take and descriptions to write.

For the other 7 people who left suggestions, I'd like to offer you 15% off of one item on your next purchase as token of my appreciation. (I'll either refund you or contact me and I'll send you an adjusted invoice).

And I still have 2 more new items coming this month...keep your eyes peeled!

Who's that CD Mama? Jen!

2010-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Who are you Jen? Cloth diaperer, woman, mom, and more!

What is your current favorite diaper or accessory in your stash?
This AI2 made with a T-shirt on the outside from Batik Bum - my son loved it and my husband is a HUGE Cardinals fan. (This pic is 2 years old, but the dipe still fits him!)
What got you started in cloth diapering?
My cousin had some diapers that she lent me to try for night time - we were having bad leaks with disposables. LOVED cloth, and switched!
How many children have you cloth diapered?
I didn't get started until my youngest was 8 months, and my oldest was 2 1/2. I wish I had diapered a newborn!
Does your significant other support the decision to cloth diaper?
Yes! At first he was confused on which needed covers, but he can snappi like the best of them now. (Although he still doesn't get the fluffy mail excitement). Here he is mocking me taking a picture of part of my stash to post on Diaperswappers.
Where do you go to buy diapers or "talk fluff"?
Lately, I'm in love with Etsy. I am on Diaperswappers a lot too.

What is your biggest fear (not regarding your children)?
House fires
What other types of "green" choices do you and your family make?
Non-toxic cleaning products, reusable options wherever we can, recycling, using less of everything
What do you like the most about where you live?
Washington is so green - I put up with the bit of rain because it is so beautiful
What do you serve for dinner when you don't feel like cooking anymore?
Breakfast for dinner!
What's your guilty pleasure?
A really hot shower

Surprise! It's me - Jen of Winkydinks :) Anything else you'd like to know about me?

******************************************************************************
If you'd like to be featured on my blog in this series on profiling cloth diapering families, please contact me, I'd love to share your story!

Cosa Verde - Stash Bust!

2010-05-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Cosa Verde is a great site for handmade and eco-friendly items - each shop has to be approved for membership, so its a great place to browse! They had a challenge in April to only use the items you already have rather than buying more (Winkydinks failed this challenge, by the way) - and Jen from SewnNatural submitted her items as a success to this challenge. The great thing about her item was that it was made from scraps that she got from me :) I love seeing what she's come up with from the sweater pieces too small for me to use in my shop. It's a win-win for everyone! Check out the blog post here.

Friday Favorite - Piggy Paint

2010-04-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

Since I started my non-toxic movement at our house, its been over a year since my toes have been painted. When I stumbled upon Piggy Paint, my heart leaped for joy! Is non-toxic, doesn't smell (it smells like art paints), and is kid friendly. I ordered some for myself and am happy with the results. One thicker coat has stayed on for about 4 days so far without rubbing or chipping off. I would have waited to do a more thorough review, but they are offing a great deal right now for facebook fans, so I wanted to spread the word! This is the set I got. I love the colors!

From what I have heard, the polish remover does not work to remove standard nail polish, but works great on the Piggy Paint (I know this because my 2 sons begged me to paint their toes, and I had to then remove it from before gymnastics class - he said he didn't want people to laugh at him. Ha!)

New collection naming help needed!

2010-04-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of my newest collection that I'll be listing in the coming days...but wait! I don't have a cute and clever name! I need your help....Please leave a comment here (click the word "comments" at the very end of the post if you don't see the comment form) with your suggestion(s). If I wind up choosing yours, you'll win a special prize! I may even be putting up a voting poll once I have a few options.

This collection was inspired by all of the wonderful striped wool sweaters out there that make super cute re-purposed wool items, as well as my patchwork soakers that were so popular. I started with "busy bee" which got rave reviews, so will now be offering about 10 different striped color combinations (including the 3 shown above). They are made "patchwork" style by sewing different colored fleece strips into one large piece, and then making the soaker.

I have names for each color combination (i.e. pretty in pink, busy bee, earth baby), but not the collection as a whole. Right now my name ideas are "bum stripes", or something to do with "variegated" or "kaleidoscope" but they aren't winning me over in the "oooohhhh cute" category. PLEASE HELP!
(and by the way, what do you think of the new idea?)

New ideas coming to Winkydinks!

2010-04-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be working on two new items for the shop - both are fleece.
One is something I've had in my mind for awhile and needed to take some time to drive out the design and spend some time making up some examples. These will be available as semi-customs - made to order in your color choice and size! I hope to release the new "line" the first part of May.
The other is a new fabric supplier, that I think many of you will be excited about! Stay tuned - right now its out for testing and feedback!

As always, re-purposed wool items are one of a kind and will continue to appear in the shop as I make them up! You never know what types of things will be stocked. I will say that the Etsy Cloth Diaper Team has a theme for May - "Planting Time", and I hope to make at least a few things for that!

Natural hair conditioner

2010-04-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to give this trick a try...and I love it! I use all natural shampoo bars, and the most recent batch I got from Apple Valley Natural Soap Company suggests this, as well hearing it from some of my followers. It helps to strip away buildup and leaves your hair SUPER soft and shiny.

Use about 1 Tbsp per cup of water, then pour it over your hair and scalp every 3rd or 4th shampoo. Rub in gently and rinse. I was surprised how well it worked. The smell is not overbearing and fades quickly.

A couple of notes: 1. Close your mouth when you pour it! 2. Don't shave the day you do this (or shave afterwards)...as it ran down my leg, I felt the sting! (Although I did have too much vinegar in my solution this time around).

Anyone else try this!?

Who's that CD Mama? Jackie!

2010-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Who are you Jackie? Cloth diaperer, woman, mom, and more!

What is your current favorite diaper or accessory in your stash?
Most of my stash is made up of SmartiPants pocket diapers. These are by far my favorite since I love snaps and they fit my daughter so well.
What got you started in cloth diapering?
After my daughter was born, I started lurking on an eco-friendly message board where they talked about cloth diapers a lot. I started researching and found out how simple they were to use and clean. And the fact that they were less expensive than disposables in the long run sold me.
How many children have you cloth diapered?
So far, just my daughter who will be 1 in a few weeks..
Does your significant other support the decision to cloth diaper?
Definitely. My husband was onboard when I brought up the idea. I still do the diaper laundry myself but he has no reservations about using cloth.
Where do you go to buy diapers or "talk fluff"?
There are a few local CDing stores in my area where I go to look at new diapers. I try to resist buying many new ones since I have a full stash already (but it is so addicting buying new ones!).

(Photo of my daughter in a fleece soaker I made!)

What is your biggest fear (not regarding your children)?
Small, enclosed spaces
What other types of "green" choices do you and your family make?
I’m just starting to jump on the green bandwagon but this is the first year that my husband and I are planting a vegetable garden. I’m super stoked about that.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
Listen to my daughter talk and giggle.
What do you like the most about where you live?
I like the community I live in and the summers can be very nice. Wisconsin winter, on the other hand, ick
What do you serve for dinner when you don't feel like cooking anymore?
Usually a frozen pizza.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chips and homemade salsa….and lots of it!

******************************************************************************
If you'd like to be featured on my blog in this series on profiling cloth diapering families, please contact me, I'd love to share your story!

Winkydinks soaker up for auction!

2010-04-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

I've donated this one-of-a-kind wool soaker to the Green Mama Benefit Auction - benefiting the Cloth Diaper Foundation. So far, its received 9 bids, with the bidding closing on the 30th. Here's your chance to help out a great cause, and receive a wonderful soaker from yours truly :) Also check out all of the other amazing items up for bid!

Green Mama Benefit Auction - featuring a Bella Band from Ingrid & Isabel

2010-04-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Since my sister announced they are expecting their first, my senses are tuned into things like this now. I used a Bella Band when I was pregnant, and LOVED it. And the proceeds from this one go to a great cause (The Cloth Diaper Foundation - formerly Miracle Diapers)
Up for auction starting 4/22 from Ingrid & Isabel:

This one is organic cotton - whoo hoo!
It's the BellaBand you trust and love, but now in organic cotton! Many moms today are conscious of the impact their shopping choices have on our environment. So is Ingrid & Isabel. That's why we now offer the eco-consciously produced BellaBand Organic. More wear out of the clothes you already have means less consumption. Organic cotton means earth-friendly. Sustainability and better fitting clothes? Now that's a beautiful idea. Learn more about how to wear BellaBand Organic by visiting the How to Wear page for the original BellaBand. Care Instructions: Machine wash warm, wash/dry with like colors.
Color-safe bleach only. Dry low temp. No iron.
Fiber Content: 95% Organic cotton/5% Spandex.

Please come check out the Green Mama Benefit Auction benefiting The Cloth Diaper Foundation. There are TONS of great items up for bid! (Including a Winkydinks repurposed wool soaker!)

Ribbit! Ribbit!

2010-04-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of something to make for Earth Day, and settled on some cute frogs - frog populations are dwindling and nobody is quite sure why...but is seems likely its an environmental indicator of something not so great. However, I am inspired by springtime and the insanely LOUD frogs that live near us; maybe the frogs are making a comeback! Here are some froggy soakers to celebrate them! :)

(Some of these are stocked at Etsy and some at Hyena Cart. As always, if you want to make a purchase from both, I gladly combine shipping, or I can "transfer" the item to the other store so you can purchase other things at the same time together.)

Help....I don't know what to do!

2010-04-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a new record....I haven't washed a diaper in over a week! HELP!!! Is it true? My cloth diapering days are over? (sniff sniff). My youngest has been day trained for a year and he is finally wanting to be trained at night...and has successfully stayed dry for a week. And my diapers are getting lonely! It's true my stash has been downsized to the bare bones, but its just weird to think of being done.

My continuing link to the cloth diapering world is my business, and I truly enjoy making soakers and longies - even if they won't be for myself anymore :) So please continue to send me photos of YOUR little ones in their Winkydinks items so I can live vicariously through my customers.

P.S. - As an upside to this story - my little sister just announced she is expecting in December...AND is considering following in my footsteps by cloth diapering. So I may just be able to continue my fluffy habit after all through a new niece or nephew. Oohhh, and newborn fluff too.....*sigh*

Who's that CD mama? Jessica L.!

2010-04-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Who are you Jessica L.? Cloth diaperer, woman, mom, and more!

What is your current favorite diaper or accessory in your stash?
My current favorite diaper is the Bum Essentials Diaper. It has a changeable bum pad so you can reuse the shell and just replace the pad.
Have you ever stayed up way too late or neglected other tasks to stalk something?
I woke up early to get some good deals on Cyber Monday at Hyena Cart. I got a few good deals.
What got you started in cloth diapering?
Some of my friends used cloth diapers and learned how much money they saved. I figured I'd give it a try.
How many children have you cloth diapered?
I have one son who has been in cloth diapers since he was a few weeks old.
What's your funniest cloth diapering story?
Best cloth diaper story is when my son learned to remove his diaper cover. He threw is arms up in the air, cheered and had a huge grin on his face. (He was about 10 months old.)
Does your significant other support the decision to cloth diaper?
My husband is very supportive of our cloth diaper use. He jumped on the bandwagon almost immediately, especially when he learned it would save us money. He changes just as many diapers, maybe more, than I do. I know I'm lucky!
Where do you go to buy diapers or "talk fluff"?
I spend a lot of time on diaperswappers and talk fluff on twitter.

What is your biggest fear (not regarding your children)?
I do not like spiders.
What other types of "green" choices do you and your family make?
We recycle everything we can, use organic cleaning products, buy local and organic whenever possible and walk a lot.
What is your favorite thing to do in the whole world?
I love spending time with my family especially outside.
What do you like the most about where you live?
My community. I have a great group of friends and family that love and support us. Wouldn't trade that for the world.
What do you serve for dinner when you don't feel like cooking anymore?
Usually a frozen pizza.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate, dark chocolate!
What do you do with your quiet time if the kids are napping?
Internet or take a shower.

Jessica is a blogger, too! You can find her at: The B Keeps Us Honest. She often does cloth diaper reviews and giveaways!

******************************************************************************
This is the first post in a series of post profiling cloth diapering families. If you'd like to be featured, please contact me, I'd love to share your story!

Save the Date - Earth day auction!

2010-04-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

These photos represent only partial samples of the items. Auction pages will contain detailed photos.

Team EcoEtsy

presents:

“Handmade for Earth Day Auction”

Handmade for Earth Day Auction starts on Monday April 19, 2010 at 12:00 AM EST and ends on May 2, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.

Six reusable t-shirt bags filled with eco-goodies that Team EcoEtsy members donated will go to the highest bidders. Go to the Eco Etsy blog to view and bid on these awesome packages! (Winkydinks has donated a re-purposed 100% lambswool infant hat). ALL proceeds will be dontated to an environmental charity (still being voted on by Eco Etsy members). Please stop by Monday to check it out! Also, please help spread the word!

"Its in my nature"

2010-04-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to have my soaker shown along side these other beauties from Team Eco Etsy in this Etsy treasury. I love these color combinations! Curated by Mary at Herban Lifestyle. Are you ready for Earth Day?

Friday Favorite: Buck 'n' Ear

2010-04-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how I came across this shop - perhaps an Etsy Treasury....but I'm so glad I did. Her products are dainty and well made. I love that she has a sense of humor at her shop, and (quite honestly) I love the price - literally a buck an ear - that's $2 a pair! I bought earring for all of my family this past Christmas and was very pleased. It was hard to pick my favorites...and at this price, you are not limited to just one. Also, she combines shipping from her other shop which also has adorable jewelry.

Who are YOU, CD mamas?

2010-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

The thing I noticed fairly quickly about the cloth diapering community is how everyone is so helpful and supportive. I found the diaperswappers forum and was able to ask so many questions and learn so much about diapering...and other topics too (parenting, green living, etc). I also know there are many other forums out there as well. Whether we have other things in common or not, sharing the "bond" of cloth diapering has brought people from all walks of life together.

So, other than cloth diapering, what makes you YOU? I thought it would be fun to profile a different cloth diapering mama on my blog every now and again and find out more about how we're the same...and different. (Here's me on a ride at Legoland with my son...I WANT to ride the rides and then realize that I get motion sickness even on the smallest ones, or the back seat of a car, or a train, or a cruise ship...)

If you're interested in sharing a bit about yourself and your CD interests, and maybe a few photos, please contact me through my shop, or email me at info.winkydinks[at]yahoo[dot]com! I'll send you some questions (you can answer any or all of them) and then share them (anonymously if you prefer!).

Friday Favorite - Bodhicitta

2010-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I received these wonderful recycled glasses from my husband for my birthday - they are made from wine bottles! The edges are professionally finished and they are just the right size. Plus, they're upcycled! Check out Bodhicitta's shop for awesome sets of these glasses, and support handmade.

Oh, where's spring?

2010-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

We have had a bizarre winter in Seattle this year - very mild temperatures and ZERO snow!! Today, April 8th...what should be spring...we had a crazy storm blow in and covered the area with thick hail, snow falling (that didn't stick), and heavy rain and wind.

I can't wait for summer!

Why I love re-purposed wool

2010-04-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

I LOVE working with re-purposed wool for many reasons. (I also choose to work with fleece - mostly because it is inexpensive, holds up to repeated washings, takes no special care, and has super cute patterns and prints. But my all time favorite is wool!)

The thrill of the hunt for sweaters at the thrift store - Does it have big holes? Is it thick enough? Is it big enough? Is it soft enough? Cute enough?
Once its felted (washed and dried), how did it change? Sometimes I'm disappointed that it didn't felt enough and is too thin even though its a great pattern. You never know how the wool has been manufactured and how it will turn out.
I love creating something new out of something old. Trying to make the most out of each sweater takes a lot of planning and re-designing pieces to not "waste" any of the material. It's a challenge for me, and I enjoy it!
There are NO two soakers or longies the same. Even if two sellers find the same sweater, they will do something different with it.
I love how wool works as a diaper cover - it is breathable, all-natural, and works so well to contain wetness. Sometimes people are wary of wool because it needs to be hand washed, but the great thing is that you don't have to do it often - only every couple of weeks (depending on usage).
It is less expensive and less time intensive than crocheting or knitting a new soaker from yarn (oh, and also because I don't know how to do either of those!). Customers can get several re-purposed wool items for the same cost as some knit items - granted, who wouldn't LOVE to have those...but not everyone can afford them.

Whether you call it re-purposed, recycled, or upcycled - taking an old, unwanted, unloved sweater and turning it into something people can use over and over again is what keeps me doing this -I hope you enjoy them!

My trusty friend - the neti pot

2010-04-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ok, it may sound weird, but I have to say that I LOVE my neti pot! I have spent much less time being sick in the past year than in previous years, now that I have started using it. (And believe me, with 2 boys in preschool, we get some nasty germs around here!). Here's what it looks like:

What IS it? It's basically a container with a funny spout used to flush out your nasal passages (a.k.a. nasal irrigation)
How do you use it? You tip it slightly upwards while holding the spout to your nostril. It pours the warm saline solution solution through your nasal passages, flushing out germs and irritants on the way out. (you can use plain water and salt, but bottled *ack!* purified water and non-iodized salt may be less irritating).
Why would you use it? Germs tend to grow in places like your nose...don't let them stay there and get a chance to multiply! Also great for sinus issues and allergies.

Tips:

Don't use too much salt! The lining of your nose is very sensitive
Use warm (body temperature) water
Do not tip your head upside down - you'll wind up with a "summersalt in the pool" feeling in your nose. Only slightly tip your head, but tip the neti pot upwards instead.
Don't get sucked into buying all the "special" additives...water and salt work just fine!
Practice, practice, practice...it takes a while to learn the right angle of your head and the pot, as well as the right saline solution mixture.

Here is a video if you'd like to see it in action (I am NOT this graceful, and would never video myself...it's not this pretty!)

Another thing that I swear by to help with cold-busting is Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). 2 tablets twice a day when I start to feel a cold coming on (or canker sores), and it really helps!

Fun new treasury

2010-04-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

I was happy to find myself included with these lovely items in an Etsy Treasury by beerring (who has quite a nifty item in her shop too, check it out!) I love the color scheme...

Quick FFS Lottery on Hyena Cart!

2010-03-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

I decided not to play too many tricks this year on April Fool's Day, but I did want to have a little fun. I just listed a FFS (Free for Shipping) lottery on Hyena Cart. Enter to win a free soaker (you pick size and you can specify gender), and I get to send you a SURPRISE soaker! You just pay shipping if you win. Please enter, spread the word, and good luck! (Lottery ends tomorrow night!)

Cloth Diaper Foundation donation from my wonderful customers!

2010-03-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

I always have a listing for my customers to purchase a soaker for donation to the Cloth Diaper Foundation (formerly Miracle Diapers) in their name. I take the money they send me to put towards materials, shipping, and Paypal fees and then donate my time to create fleece soakers to donate. This quarter, I have 5 to send in!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

You can also donate cash or gently used diapers and accessories to the Cloth Diaper Foundation (tax deductible!). I am slowly but surely donating away my personal stash as my youngest is almost completely done with diapers. Turning a slightly sad moment for me into a positive for someone else in need always makes it better :)

Fleece wear and tear photos

2010-03-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

Piggy backing on the previous post, I thought I'd show you how a fleece soaker will wear over a bazillion washes. The soaker my son was wearing was worn probably every two weeks for 2 years. Fleece really can take a beating. I washed them with diapers (hot wash/hot dryer), as well as with clothing.

You can see that after 2 years of heavy washing they are still very cute and functional, and held up very well. Here are some photos to show it will look about the same after so many washes, whether anti-pill or not.

This soaker was made from blizzard fleece

This soaker was made from anti-pill fleece

There are different quality fleece fabrics available, but I know from my own experience that the fleece I use will wear well over time. Also, I get quite a few questions regarding the difference between anti-pill and blizzard fleece. I honestly feel that they will wear the same in the end, so I offer both types (mostly because I can get different prints and colors in blizzard fleece). Blizzard will start to pill faster, but in the end, I don't feel like there's much of a difference, especially with regard to function. Hope the photos will help those of you with questions!

A look THEN and NOW...

2010-03-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to share a then and now photo of my son in the very FIRST fleece soaker I'd ever made (long before Winkydinks evolved). This goes to show that fleece can last a LONG time...some people even say their soakers work better the older and more pilly they are!

Age 1

Age 3

It's a good example of how every baby is different size-wise. He wore this Med/Long cover from the time he was about 9 months old, and still when he was 2! After he was out of diapers, I used it over his underwear to protect his pants from those little "piddles" that reminded him it was time to go. It still fits TODAY at age 3 over his underwear - and I put it on him to help take up room in his pants to keep them from falling down! Now, most babies do not fit this size range very long....he's always been skinny, and doesn't have much rump to cover!

Friday Favorite: Love and Laughter celebration banner

2010-03-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

This week, I thought I would share this great banner I got from Love and Laughter on Etsy. We are using it for birthday party decorations and I'm sure I'll come up with other fun ways to use it. What a great idea! Re-usable, bright, festive, and cute! I like that it is something we can use as a tradition. Here it is at my son's party - can't you just feel the fun? :)

Made wikiHow's front page!

2010-03-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

The article I started - tutorial on how to make a reusable coffee filter - has made the front page of wikiHow! It has over 20,000 views after one day. Now THAT'S exciting! :) Several other authors have added content, making it even better. Give a reusable coffee filter a try!

Friday Favorite: Etsy seller tools

2010-03-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

As an Etsy seller, there are some things you need that Etsy doesn't quite do yet (granted, they're busy running the site...not a lot of time for enhancements). Some clever folks have found workarounds or "hacks" that get the job done. Some of them are AWESOME! And all FREE!!!

Check out #!Etsy Hacks - there are some tools on here where I think "how did I get by without this??" I've just started using them today, but so far, zero complaints. My favorites so far:

sold orders plus (I can view orders by customer now rather than searching through sold orders or entering them on an Excel sheet).
bulk image uploader (upload more than one photo at a time to your listing)
Next to try:
-copy listing - how much time will this save??!!!
-fast tagger - making going through my list of tags much faster!

Another great one is Heartomatic go there to see your total shop hearts, new shop hearts, and ITEM HEARTS (can't see that all in one place on Etsy). Also if you have been featured on the Etsy front page recently. So awesome.

Also, Craftopolis - find out if one of your items is currently featured in a treasury, or when a treasury is expected to open up.

I'm a little obsessive about stats, so I check these daily along with google analytics.

Etsy Treasuries!

2010-03-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Winkydinks is lucky enough to be featured in TWO current treasuries. Please check them out! The more clicks and comments a treasury gets, the more likely it is to be featured on the front page of Etsy.

Featuring items from the Etsy Cloth Diaper team

A fun BNR(buy and replace), where if you purchase from something featured, an item from your shop takes its place in the treasury (and gets carried over to future BNRs by the curator)

Also, do you have an Etsy shop? Check out Craftopolis and check to see if you're featured in a treasury at any given time! Unless the curator tells you you're included or you search, you'll never know! :)