Cloth Diapering 101: How We Do It (and on a budget too!)

A lot of people I talk to are either intimidated or grossed out by cloth diapering. Honestly, it's no more gross than changing any diaper and it's a lot easier than it seems. Believe it or not, we love using cloth diapers!

We love them not only because we are reducing so much waste but because we are saving money, we never encounter diaper rash, and the styles look SO cute on our sweet babe's little bum. I originally wanted to cloth diaper our little nugget because it's the proper thing for a crunchy mom to do (insert laughing emoji). I never thought I'd love using cloth so much more than disposables.

If you've looked into cloth diapering, you know that it can get pretty expensive. If you want to cloth diaper strictly to be frugal, some of the upfront costs can look a little daunting. Lucky for you, I have some tips and recommendations to start out your cloth diapering journey frugally and (hopefully!) mess free.

They're are different styles of cloth diapers. Prefolds, pockets, and all-in-ones. The diapers we chose and like so much are pocket diapers. I tried an expensive brand of all-in-ones and hated them. They leaked and then shrunk in the dryer on low heat. I paid almost $18 a piece for these, but thankfully only purchased two of them.

Once you choose a style you like, it's time to choose the brand. This was the hardest part. There are so many to choose from and a lot of the popular brands run anywhere from $12-$18 per diaper. Yikes!

I was prepared to pay $200-$300 for a set of 12 diapers and inserts. How was this saving us money, exactly? I couldn't get myself to spend that, especially when I was already purchasing organic mattress pads, sheets, and other non-toxic baby essentials. These items are far from cheap.

My mom knew that we were planning to cloth diaper, so she started doing some research on a set she could buy us. She also had the same reaction to the price tags and set on a journey to find affordable, but also quality, diapers.

She read tons of Amazon reviews and finally decided on GoalBaby diapers. These are the diapers we use and absolutely love. They are just a rebranded Alva baby diaper. They are the same exact diaper, manufactured in the same place, just have different tags placed on them.

Once we started using our GoalBaby diapers and discovered how great they were, we purchased another set of them, with the even better liners (bamboo viscose instead of bamboo charcoal).

There are tons of cute styles to choose from whether you're purchasing for a baby boy, girl, or you don't know yet! Buy them here:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0188XEJUC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   

My Cloth Diaper Stash:

28 Covers
36 Inserts (24 bamboo viscose, 12 bamboo charcoal)

My Must-Have Accessories:

1 Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
2 Planet Wise Washable Pail Liners

I wash my cloth diapers every day or every other day, depending on how busy my day is.

My Washing Day Routine:

I take the steel pail from Elishah's room to the laundry area of our home. I dump the diapers and the diaper pail liner bag straight into the washing machine. I do a quick scan to make sure there aren't any liners still stuck inside the pocket of any diaper covers. Then, I run a quick rinse cycle on the diapers in hot water. Once that is finished I run a wash cycle on warm with my laundry detergent (currently using UPP from Norwex) and a scoop of baking soda (I get the giant bag at Costco). Once that's done the diapers are either ready to go to the dryer on low-heat or be hung on the line to air dry. A bonus of hanging the diapers out to dry is that the sun naturally bleaches the stains out of my off-white liners. I also wipe out the inside of my diaper pail about once a week and add some of my favorite essential oils to it- OnGuard, Lemon, or Orange.


The cost break-down:

For 12 pocket diaper covers and 12 liners, it's $75.99. That ends up being roughly $6.33 per diaper. That is a STEAL of a deal. If you don't believe me, check out the price of one popular brand pocket diaper, here: https://www.amazon.com/BumGenius-4-0-Pocket-Cloth-Diaper/dp/B003VRGYT0/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1465584014&sr=1-1&keywords=bumgenius

We purchase 12 additional inserts for our diaper stash for $30, here: https://www.amazon.com/LOVE-MY-4layers-Absorbent-Antibacterial/dp/B00SKKPMIC/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=XZ7AGGZP6B426VYTF65N


The Ubbi diaper pail is a bit of an investment at $69.99, but it's well worth it: https://www.amazon.com/Ubbi-Steel-Diaper-Pail-White/dp/B00821FLT4/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1465589153&sr=1-1&keywords=ubbi+steel+diaper+pail

You could use a steel garbage can like this, https://www.amazon.com/Behrens-6110-10-Gallon-Locking-Lid/dp/B000AS3OW8/ref=pd_sbs_328_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=517UY2dFvAL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR119%2C160_&refRID=EY7SXQ1HAM0DD6KF8AYB, and save $50!

The washable pail liners are $12.95 each: https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Wise-Reusable-Diaper-Seaspray/dp/B00CF322PG/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1465587715&sr=8-2&keywords=planet+wise+pail+liner

Our entire cloth diaper stash and accessories cost us $277.96. This could have been less if we chose the right liners the first time (takes away our $30 in extras) and if we wanted a more inexpensive dirty diaper storage (minus $50). Your stash could cost you around $198. When you consider that the average cost of disposable diapers per year per child is $900, you're saving a significant amount. Not to mention cutting back on waste. We can use these diapers all the way until Elishah is potty trained and even on our next baby. We'll have years of money saving.

We exclusively cloth diaper now. It's easy and we enjoy it. It wasn't always this way, however. We may love it now, but when little man was a newborn, it was a different story. We learned a thing or two.

For the next kiddo, we'll purchase a dozen cloth diapers in newborn size. Our GoalBaby diapers didn't fit our baby well until his little chicken legs chubbed up a bit (around 6 weeks.) I also will never purchase microfiber inserts (they get stinky) or the charcoal ones (they don't absorb as well so it takes two).

We are still learning new things and will continue to do so as our little boy grows. It's a journey.

Just remember it takes a little practice, a little trial and error, a few leaks, and a few mishaps before you get the hang of it. This is true with disposable diapering and any area of parenting, really. You won't regret sticking with it if you decide you want to cloth diaper.

Do you cloth diaper? What are your favorite tips for newbies?

Products I'm Loving Lately

BeautyCounter's Lengthening Mascara

You guys, this mascara not only rocks, but it's some of the most natural mascara on the market. I've had the same tube of mascara for four years waiting for someone (anyone!) to come up with a cleaner version that I could purchase. BeautyCounter nailed it! Run, don't walk, to get yourself a tube of this. Oh, and throw out your drugstore mascara on the way.

Get it here: http://www.beautycounter.com/cosmetics/eyes/lengthening-mascara.html


DoTerra's Motivate Essential Oil Blend

This smells so incredibly amazing. I've had it in my diffuser daily for over a week. Everyone needs this oil.

You can order it here:https://www.mydoterra.com/megancquigley/#/ or e-mail me at livewholewithmegan@gmail.com to learn how you can get it in a kit with other essential oils for emotional well-being.

Clarisonic Mia 2

Anybody who knows me, knows that I oil cleanse my skin. However, since having my little boy, I don't always have the time to get it done. That's where this snazzy little device comes in. I keep it in my shower (it's waterproof!) I dip it in a little baking soda and turn it on. In less than a minute my skin is clean and exfoliated. Then I can just throw on my favorite face cream (which is FatCo's myrhhaculous face cream) and be done with it.

QVC is running a killer deal on one here: http://www.qvc.com/Clarisonic-Mia2-Sonic-Cleansing-System-with-1-Year-Supply-Brush-Heads.product.A265350.html?sc=A265350-User&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-6-_-A265350&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/50/a265350.001?$uslarge$

TraceMineral Company's Electrolyte Packets

These are FABULOUS when it's noon and you realize you haven't drank any water. They help you catch up and restore your electrolytes- without the load of sugar and artificial colors like gatorade. I get mine at my local health food store or Natural Grocers, but they can also be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Electrolyte-Stamina-Orange-Trace-Minerals/dp/B001LV4J2M?ie=UTF8&keywords=trace%20mineral%20electrolytes&qid=1465314862&ref_=sr_1_4_a_it&sr=8-4

DoTerra's Deep Blue Rub

This has saved me from taking tylenol the past few weeks. I'm not sure what's going on with my ribs (let's be real, my post-baby body needs a massage) but they ache by the end of the day. I rub this on before bed in order to avoid waking up at 2:30 in the morning in pain. I want to take a bath in it.

Order here: www.mydoterra.com/megancquigley or e-mail me at livewholewithmegan@gmail.com for a FREE sample :)

What products are you loving lately?

How We Got Out Of Debt (And How You Can Too!)

Debt. It's a nasty word. Even typing it, it seems menacing. Debt isn't scary to all of us though. Most of us grew up in a world where debt was considered normal. Debt, in some cases, is even celebrated. Celebrated in the form of a shiny new car, an elaborate home, and that vacation of a lifetime. Behind the scenes of these celebrated financial disasters, are people who are stuck constantly working just to pay the loans on items they rarely get to enjoy. Nobody enjoys a vacation they put on a credit card. Not really, anyway. Once the tan fades, the bill shows up in the mail.

It's time to stop keeping up with the Joneses. Or more fitting in today's society, the Kardashians. Unless you can afford that ridiculous lifestyle. Then, by all means, follow your dream. It's time to be honest about your financial fitness. Yes, that's a thing. You can be financially out of shape or you can be financially fit. The choice is yours. If you're someone who wants to choose the latter, here are a few tips to get you on the track to debt-free living:

1.) Get A Budget- And Follow It!

This one seems all too obvious, but most people don't have any sort of plan for what to do with their money. Fail to plan, plan to fail. Sit down and figure out what you make each month. I know it can change, so estimate on the lower side. Then figure out what you're spending or what you should be spending on your necessities. I don't consider a $75 per month cable TV bill a necessity. Here's an random example:

Monthly income = $3,500

Rent: $800/ mo.
Utlities: $150/ mo.
Groceries: $400/ mo.
Car Insurance: $150/ mo.
Gas: $200/mo.
Phone Bill: $100/mo.
Health Insurance: $50/ mo.
Car Payment: $200/mo.
Student Loan Payment: $150/mo.

Total= $2,200/ mo. monthly payments

A budget always needs some wiggle room, so make sure you incorporate a few non-necessities (choose them wisely) to your list. It was important that my husband and I had some "fun" money to use to go bowling, to a movie, or use the extra on gas to head out to Red Lodge for a day of hiking. Your "fun" money could go to Netflix, an occasional dinner at your favorite restaurant, or you can save it up and make a well thought out purchase with it.

This is where expenses get cut. When you create a budget, sometimes you realize you're spending $4/day on a cup of coffee (at 5 times per week that adds up to about $80 a month), getting your nails done every two weeks ($50-$80 a month), and paying for an expensive cable package at $60/month... that adds up to a lot of cash. You need to learn what you can live without. The more you give up, the better you'll be off in the future. Sacrifice now to reap the benefits later. I promise it is worth it.

2.) Tackle Debt

Dave Ramsey recommends something called the "Debt Snowball" and I'm all for it. What you do is tackle your smallest debts first, moving to the larger ones as you pay off the lesser ones. It pumps you up to get a few debts out of the way, and I guarantee it will keep you going toward the bigger, more daunting ones.

Example:

Your Debt Sum

Medical Bill: $125
Credit Card: $500
Car Loan: $6,000
Student Loans: $11,000

Let's assume you're the person above and make $3,200 a month in your household, spending $2,200 on your necessities. We'll give you $200 a month to put away in case of emergency and $100 a month for non-necessity fun. That leaves you with $700 every month to demolish debt. In your first month, you could have your first two debts paid off just by being more mindful about your money.

3.) Go Harder

I understand that we all make very different amounts of money and some of us have a lot more debt than others. Maybe after you pay your necessities, you only have $300 left over. You may need to get creative and a maybe even extreme with your debt-free journey. Even if you have $2,000 leftover to pay debt, going the extra mile is very rewarding. Here are a few ideas:

Downsize Your Home.  So many people live in homes so much bigger than they need. If there's two of you living in a five bedroom house-- find.something.smaller!! A smaller home means less money toward a rent or mortgage, freeing you up to put more toward your debt. Another bonus is that less house means less time spent cleaning! With a smaller home you also can't fit as much into it, therefore lessening the temptation to fill it with unnecessary crap. (which also saves money!)

Get A Side Hustle. Find something you can do on top of your regular job to make some extra cash. Russ took care of the yard for our landlord to get some money knocked off our rent. I got a job a couple days a week at a physical therapy office on the side of my own business. I went through all of our things and started selling items we didn't need. 

Find Free and Cheap Fun. We spent a lot of our evenings going for walks with our dog. It was free, relaxing, and healthy for us all. We also enjoyed fires in our backyard, fishing, and game nights with our friends. Instead of going to the movie theatre, we'd rent a movie and make our popcorn at home. Date nights and evenings with friends don't have to cost a thing. It's really the company that matters.

Frequently Reevaluate Your Needs. Maybe after a month or two of doing your debt free journey, you realize you can manage to have $50 a month of fun money instead of $100. More money to put towards your debts.

Do A No-Spend Month. This is a month where you only spend money on your basic bills and use up all your food in your pantry. You just go to the grocery store for perishables. Meals are definitely simple during a month like this. But guess what? You'll surely survive.

4.) Make As Many Purchases As You Can With Cash

Then, make the rest with a debit card (which is essentially cash) It's easy to watch cash disappear which makes it harder to get rid of. Swiping a card is just too easy. Cancel your credit cards-- you don't need one! Put money away every month for emergencies so you are never tempted to use a credit card.

5.) Buy Used

Everything. Well, not everything. I don't recommend used underwear. We paid for our Toyota Highlander with cash simply because we bought used and we shopped around. It can be done, people. The entertainment center in our living room is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. It retailed for $600 unfinished. I found it on Craigslist, refinished for $100. Whether you're shopping for a car, furniture, dishes, or pet supplies you can likely find it used and in great shape. Just have patience. Check out Craigslist and spend a Saturday going to garage sales. It doubles as good bonding time with a friend or significant other!

6.) Let Your Friends And Family Know Your Plan

Telling the people in your life that you're getting out of debt is an important step. First, it holds you accountable. If you tells others your plan, you're more likely to stick to it. Secondly, it lets them know why you'll be skipping on some dinners out and possibly that summer road trip. This part can be hard, however. You'll find some people will think you're stupid and have a bad reaction. I find that these people are usually up to their eyeballs in debt. Don't worry about them, just do your thing-- maybe you'll inspire them to get up and try too.

7.) Incorporate Daily Personal Development

It's important (in all aspects of our lives) that we never stop learning. This is true to your debt-free journey. Go to your library (free!) and pick up some books on finances and frugality. Download Dave Ramsey's podcast or an inspiring audiobook. These tools will help you stay focused on your end result.

You have to make your money work for you or you'll always be a slave to it. Break the mold of the "American Dream" and crush your debt-free goals.

My Postpartum Necessities

Ah, the first few weeks of motherhood. In the moment it seems they'll never end. You're exhausted, overjoyed, and overwhelmed. Just when you think you're a failure and you aren't sure you're going to make it through-- it's over. You magically got the baby to sleep and hey- he nursed with a strong latch. You cooked a meal for the first time in weeks and a load of laundry made it out the washing machine and into the dryer before it smelled like mildew. If you're a mom-to-be or a new mommy smack dab in the middle of this stage, hang in there. You're not alone, sister. Nothing I can do or say can make everything go perfectly smooth through this process, but I do have a few tips on making life a little bit easier.
Here's what I couldn't live without:


Belly Band

In the first few weeks of my c-section recovery, it sort of felt like at any moment all my guts were going to fall out. Gruesome, I know. It took me a week to order a belly band and I'm so glad I did. It helped hold everything in and make breathing, sneezing, and bending much more comfortable. I suspect one of these would feel nice if your birth was vaginal too since pregnancy stretches out our midsections so much. Let's all take a moment and marvel at the fact that they eventually go back to normal (albeit a new normal). Amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/UpSpring-Baby-Shrinkx-Postpartum-Xlarge/dp/B00KB49UG0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Shakeology

This was a game changer for me! I started drinking it the last month of my pregnancy because I was curious and my mama-in-law had an extra box she was sweet enough to give me. I immediately loved the taste and the fact that it kept me full until my next meal. I drank it everyday for awhile, and then signed up for my auto-shipment soon after. I now drink the vegan shakes because of my baby's possible dairy sensitivity. It's an easy and nourishing breakfast I can drink with one hand while breastfeeding. I look forward to it in my mornings like people who drink coffee look forward to that early morning cup.

I have some free sample packets for those of you interested in trying it. Just e-mail me at livewholewithmegan@gmail.com

Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream

If you're a mom who chose to breastfeed, you know the nitty gritty of the first couple weeks of nursing. The pain, the blood, the cracks, and the dryness. If you're a mom of a baby who had a tongue tie or other nursing problems (like myself) you know those first couple of weeks can turn into a month or more. This cream helpes ease the soreness and occasionally prevented tears. It also works great with my breast pump.

http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Mama-Angel-Baby-Natural/dp/B000JVCBBG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Audible

Okay, I know this really isn't something specific for postpartum issues, but I find it so helpful. I love to read, but honestly don't have the time for it like I used to. The first month of breastfeeding was not only difficult and painful, but I also practically nursed non-stop. I found myself glued to the recliner with my sweet babe glued to me. That's where the audiobooks come in. While my hands were tied with the baby, I could push play and listen to a good book. A funny book. An encouraging book. A parenting book. Now that my little boy has started taking a few naps in the day, I can listen to my audiobooks while  I clean the kitchen, pay bills, or even blog. Mom life is all about multi-tasking.

http://www.audible.com/

Himalayan Salt Lamp

I bought one of these for my side of the bed so that I could do nighttime feedings in bed without having a bright light disturb my husband. It works perfectly for that, but it has even more benefits that I didn't expect. First off, I learned that it purifies the air. Who couldn't use a little more pure air? Also, my baby LOVES looking at it. It seems to have a calming effect on him. When he's upset and I've tried everything, I'll run to the bedroom, turn it on, and face him in a direction he can see it.

http://www.amazon.com/WBM-Himalayan-Natural-Crystal-Control-8/dp/B001892AX2/ref=sr_1_4?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1463542993&sr=1-4&keywords=himalayan+salt+lamp

So there you go. It's not your traditional list, but I'm not your traditional gal. What helped you out postpartum?

5 Natural Baby Products I Can't Live Without

When I found out I was pregnant (and actually started believing it) the first thing I started doing to prepare was researching my little heart out for the most non-toxic baby products on the market. I learned every company's policies on flame retardant usage, the ingredients of all the popular baby lotions, and even found myself looking at products from Europe due to their much higher standards for baby products. I promise I'm not crazy, but once you get into the nitty gritty of standard chemicals used in everyday products (baby or not) there is no going back to conventional ways.

When you have baby, you soon learn what products and items you actually use and what just sits around and annoys you. This list of products are items we use every single day with the exception of one. (#4 on the list)

1.) Water Wipes

I feel like I shouldn't have to explain why baby wipes with only two ingredients, water and grapefruit extract, are good. There is no reason for there to be any other ingredients in a diaper wipe. They work perfectly, don't smell like the wretched cleaning aisle at Wal-Mart, and most importantly are completely safe and healthy for your sweet babe to absorb into their body.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=water+wipes

2.) Coconut Oil

I love coconut oil. And because it's 2016 and you're a human, I assume you do too. I've used it for years on myself and in my kitchen so it only made sense to try it out on our tiny human. The results? Superb. It takes away the occasional baby acne breakout, heat rashes, and bits of dry skin. Plus, it enhances his already delicious smell. Win.

3.) Essential Oils

I bet you're all shocked by this one. Essential oils save our life! I put diluted Thieves on my little boy's feet to fight all the germs everyone who insists on snuggling his cuteness brings his way. I also use lavender on his feet to promote a good sleep, and frankincense on his back for an upset tummy. I love them and carry diluted roller bottles of them in his diaper bag. They work almost instantly, smell amazing, and when used properly, are completely harmless.

4.) Colic Calm

I bet you didn't know that babies cry. I bet you really didn't know they sometimes cry for reasons you can't explain. It's shocking, I know. This stuff has been a lifesaver for us when I've eaten something that my little one doesn't agree with. It's great if you think something is making your baby uncomfortable in his or her belly.  It's an all natural tonic used to help with gas, hiccups, and tummy issues. It's homeopathic, using charcoal and peppermint as it's active ingredients. Funnily enough, this product is a Walgreen's exclusive... I can't even get it at my local health food store.

5.) Como Tomo Bottles

This is my most recent baby product purchase and I am so pleased with it. This bottle is great for breastfed babies. It's made of food-grade silicone so it's squishy (making it way more comfortable to hold) and has a slow flowing ventilated nipple. Babies have to work a little more (like they do when nursing) reducing spit-up and gassiness.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=como+tomo

What natural products do you love and use on your little ones?

From Megan to Mama

I'm back. Back to writing and doing what feeds my soul-- sharing with others easy and natural ways they can take care of themselves and their families. This time, however, I'm back with a whole new perspective on it all. I'm a mother now.

My baby boy is almost seven weeks old and it's been the most exhausting, rewarding, amazing, frustrating, and joyous time of my life. I never knew I could love something so much. I never knew that never again would my needs come first, and I never knew I would be completely okay with that.

Leaving the house and a taking showers are now a privilege. My stomach may have stretch marks and I may never again have the laundry completely caught up, but my heart is full. I was blessed with a healthy and happy baby boy who looks so perfectly like his daddy whom I love so much. He laughs and smiles at me when I sing to him. He doesn't care that my eyebrows need waxed, my shirt is stained or that there are dishes in the sink. All he knows is that his mama is there to hold him when he cries, rock him to sleep, meet his endless hunger demands, and love him unconditionally.

Mommin' ain't easy. You never know everything your mom did for you until you're doing the same thing with the tiny human you've been entrusted with. Never judge a mom who is just trying her best. It's a crazy world and we're all just trying to do what we think is right for our babies. When you know better, you do better. Have grace for one another.

It's a new season of life for me, one I'm trying my hardest to fully embrace. I'll be sharing what I learn and hope you will follow along with me through it all.


Thanks for reading and happy mother's day to all you great moms out there. <3