Soap and water? For what? Getting clean?

Nope. Getting rid of ants!

We woke up yesterday to a small ant infestation in our kitchen. This week apparently kept me busy and I didn’t get around to sweeping up those crumbs or getting the dirty dishes put in the dishwasher and they found them.  They also found our dishwasher. Hundreds of them. And to make them worse, they were the biting kind that sting and itch like crazy. Let me just say, they were not welcome in our house. I immediately swept and mopped the floors, hoping to get up any crumbs and food stuck off the floor while Mark was busy squashing and spraying whatever he could get his hands on (what a way to spend Saturday morning, right?).  And that worked…for a little bit. Until we came home and saw even more.  We kept pounding our fist and trying to drown them but a new batch would come right out. Finally out of desperation and not wanting to go to the store to buy chemicals, I searched the internet for natural ways to kill ants.

And it worked.  Who knew something so simple as a few squirts of dishsoap and hot water in a spray bottle would be so effective? They seriously die instantly. Bam. I think it’s the bubbles that trap them or maybe something in the soap that doesn’t agree with them.  Who knows, but it works. And, I’m not afraid to be using it myself since I’m pregnant and even Savannah gets a kick out of spraying them as pay back for all the times they bit her toes outside. We sprayed it in the cracks we knew they were coming from and only a few have ventured out since our attack…and those few were quickly dead whenever we walked by.

Muhahaha! Take that ants.

I think it’s funny how my favorite foods expand as I grow older. I used to not really like broccoli or asparagus growing up, but now they are my favorite veggies with and in just about anything (within reason, of course, like pastas and stir fries or as a side dish to dinner. But, waffles and broccoli? No thanks). Same goes with cheese. I’m still not a huge cheese fan,  I can’t handle a lot at a time like lasagna or certain kinds like ricotta…but I eat a lot more of it in general and try different kinds than I would as child, or more than my own Dad will even now.

My newest discovery? I love spinach. Like, love it. I’ve eaten it just about every day this summer since friends introduced me to ways to eat it that is appealing (the cooked spinach I’ve seen like Popeye? Isn’t so appealing). My obsession started back in May with a spinach basil quesadilla a friend made me along with a homemade strawberry vinaigrette salad with soy nuts.  And, soy nuts? I hadn’t heard of them and normally only like peanuts, but soy nuts are fabulous on a salad!

And then, another friend made a spinach strawberry walnut salad last month with a raspberry vinaigrette. Yes, there is a difference than the one I had in May because it had real strawberries on it, not just nuts, and it was made with spinach leaves rather than lettuce. It took my love to a whole new level.  That is another new thing, fruit on salads never appealed to me until I actually tried it. And surprise! Spinach leaves tastes just like any other darker lettuce and I figure it’s a good way to get the iron I need for my growing boy. And since then, me and my spinach have been best friends for practically every lunch.

Since having my first spinach quesadilla, I’ve been perfecting it to my taste the past few months. My favorite way to make it goes something like this:

-A whole wheat tortilla in a greased pan (I use olive oil spray) on medium heat

-While tortilla is warming, add a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese

-Break pieces of grilled chicken (I used the pre-cooked strips like Purdue Shortcuts) and fresh basil leaves (we have a plant outside, I wash and use about 3-4 leaves total) and place around tortilla

-Sprinkle of Herbs de Providence, onion powder, and garlic powder (this is what took the flavor the extra step of goodness!)

-Layer of raw spinach leafs (I used the pre-washed bagged stuff)

-A little more basil leaf pieces, another layer of cheese, and a top tortilla.

-Allow to cook until bottom tortilla is a golden brown, then flip and brown the top layer

-When everything is browned and melted perfectly, I use a pizza cutter and start munching!

The Strawberry Salad is super easy:

-Place washed raw spinach leafs in a bowl

-Throw some soy nuts on top (I found mine at Bloom, but I’m sure they would be at a health food store and I’ve heard even Walmart has them)

-Add fresh chopped strawberries (I was out when I took the picture above, sadly. The sweet berries with the sorta-salty soy nut is an amazing combo)

-Add your favorite raspberry or strawberry vinaigrette (I’ve been trying out different store bought ones, right now I’m using Newman’s Raspberry Walnut).

Sometimes I take fresh strawberries and puree them with the raspberry vinaigrette for an even better tastes-like-homemade dressing. I still use this little baby food guy for my puree needs even though we’ve been done with baby food for years. Love it. I’ve also heard people use walnuts, pecans, feta cheese, cranberries, etc. if that’s your thing. That’s what’s great about quesadillas and salads is that it’s so customizable!

And at least I’m craving something healthy everyday, right?

Drink tea.

While I write a paper. Drive to school. Snuggle my little girl (who steals a sip or two).  Eat breakfast. Catch up on blog readings. Read emails . Even while we viewed a piece of land yesterday (!).

I heart tea.

Me and tea, we go way back, and the bonds are everlasting.

And? I can do it guilt free with no caffeine and no sugar. I’ve been using “Ideal” brand Xylitol and love it. It tastes and looks like sugar, but it has zero calaries, low carbs, and no sugar. And, it’s actually good for you, unlike sugar and other artificial sweeteners: it  helps prevent cavities! Plus, it’s cheap.

So, I heart Xylitol as well. I just wish I could buy it in bulk in local stores :-/ More on xylitol later. It deserves it’s own post!

I’m 100% positive I have Candida (over growth of yeast) which is what causes my acne and the sudden onset of skin issues starting last year.  I’ve tried various things: Healthier diet, fish oil pills, Candex pills, a colon cleanse, switching make up, and resorting to typical acne medicines like benzoyl peroxide. All of which helped to lessen my issue but I’m still not getting to the root of the issue: yeast in my gut.  It’s hard to kill, yall.

So, I’m embarking on yet another new adventure with apple cider vinegar. Have you heard about how awesome apple cider vinegar is? It’s got multiple uses, everything from shiny hair to house cleaning to weight loss to digestion issues.  I’ve even used it to get rid of planters warts and it worked. This website lists some of the uses and how to use it for each, great stuff. Anyway, so as I’ve become frustrated again with my acne (it has it’s up and down phases, but still overall better than it was a few months ago) I’ve been doing research again. I’ve read about ACV for months, even used it as a toner for a while (which Mark hated because of the smell!), but wasn’t brave enough to drink it like many people recommended.  Until today. I decided that the benefits are well worth dealing with the taste and seeing if it helps.

I’m sitting here with a mug of hot water, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. And really? It’s not too bad! It reminds me of apple cider with a kick. I’ve always like vinegar type stuff anyway (salt and vinegar chips, anyone?) so maybe that makes me more prone to tolerating the taste better than others, but I don’t think it’s that bad as long as its diluted enough.

I’ll keep you updated :-)

It’s official: I’m switching to cloth diapers.

Go ahead, Gasp. Call me asking why I would do such a thing. Facebook me about it. Or comment simply to root me on. I’m changing and proud of it!

Yes, Savannah is 2.5. Sure, the logical thing is to potty train to save money but the simple point is this: she’s not ready to potty train and I’m not one to make her. I’m fine with changing diapers, but I’m not fine shelling out $50 (plus the cost of wipes) a month until whenever she shows me she’s ready (and yes, we’ve tried). Which, could be at least another 6 months for all I know. Or longer! In our tight budget, I don’t want to keep (literally) throwing our money away. Not to mention, the green mommy (not green with envy, of course! Environment conscious mommy) in me is emerging and I don’t like the thought of throwing out plastic and poop every day to sit in a landfill for 500 years. I just won’t do it anymore, and I so wish I was this brave when Savannah was still a baby and switched years ago!

So aside from saving hundreds of dollars until we potty train and doing a small part to protect the earth, I also am investing in our future child. I mentioned back when I found out I was pregnant last time that I had planned to cloth diaper that baby, and that still holds true whenever our time comes again.  So the bonus of the diapers I chose?  They change sizes! One diaper fits newborns up to toddlers, so as long as I take care of them I’m good to go for next time. I bought 15 Bumgenius 3.0 (pictured at top) for a super good deal (plus I already have 2 Haute Pockets), so Savannah can wear them now until she’s out of diapers, and the next baby can start wearing them as an infant up until he/she grows out of diapers. Which, let me tell you, saves a heck of a lot of money in the long run. I’m also switching to cloth wipes since I can just throw them in with the diapers.

So, before you knock my choices down and try to persuade me other wise (I’ve had enough of that, thanks): I’m not changing my mind. The diapers are bought, they are in the mail as I type.  Just be happy for me, even if it’s not what you would chose for your kids. Even if Savannah does magically potty train next month, this isn’t a waste, they can and will still be used in the future.

That said, cloth diapering mommas I need your help!  Mark is worried about the diapers stinking up the house between washes.  What worked best for you? I’ve heard of wet bags, diaper pails with liners with and without lids, and just a plain ol’ bucket.  Did you use baking soda or a product in the bag/pail? Is it true that not putting a lid on (so it has air circulation) reduces the smell rather than trapping it in with a lid? Any other cloth diapering tips I should know?

Seriously though, bottom line: I gotta do what’s best for us. If you don’t like my choices? Click away, click away…

I had my first midwife appointment on Tuesday to verify that I am indeed pregnant–and I am!  I also was hoping to figure out when I’m due, she currently has me at December 7th but I think it may be later (hoping it’s later for exam sake).  Since I’m unsure, I’ve got an ultrasound schedule for April 30th!  I’ve never had one this early on so that will be neat and she’ll be able to measure for an accurate date and she said I should even see a little heartbeat already by then.

I decided to go with a midwife this time because, if you haven’t noticed in the past few months, I’ve kind of…changed.  The whole natural/green world is really appealing to me and having a midwife seems to fit right along with that.  See, I’ve been induced twice, had two epidurals, etc. and I just want to try things different this time.  I know it sounds crazy but I want to feel what it’s like to go into labor, not just lie on a bed and wait for pitocin to kick in. I want to feel what it’s like to work through my labor pains, to walk around, to let gravity do some work, to be support by others, etc.

I really, really would like to try to not get an epidural this time. With Kaylee, it was fantastic. Everything about her birth was to me. With Savannah? The epidural left my back hurting for WEEKS. The nurse told me that I had a gigantic bruise from where it was inserted and the anesthesiologist dismissed it and my back pain to being from “back labor.” Right. I just don’t want to go there again. Plus, like I said, I don’t want to be stuck in the bed. I want to work through it. I know, I know I sound crazy.

Also, it really bothered me with Savannah that I did not get to hold Savannah or breastfeed right away. I did get to hold her soon after she was born, but it took a minute to wrap her up first. But to breastfeed? THREE HOURS LATER. It was midnight.  That really, really bothered me. I’ve talked with my midwife about all this and she was very positive that that wouldn’t happen again (unless something serious went on, God forbid).   She also said that if I’m not induced I’m more likely to progress faster with this being my third baby, so all the more reason to wait in my eyes. I love my midwife so far! I will still be delivering at a hospital (makes me feel safer “just in case”, but the care and attention will be different. I also have a friend who is a doula, so I’ve already got tons of support lined up!

And after the baby is born…I’m seriously considering cloth diapers *gasp* Again, I know people will think I’m crazy.  But 1) We’re poor college folks and I can buy an entire diaper collection for 3 years for the same prize as what I pay for ONE year of disposables and wipes (about $500-600).  To me, that’s worth a shot. If it doesn’t work out for me? I can sell them and make a profit back. 2) Have  you seen how much cuter they are? I’ll admit, I’m a little overwhelmed looking at all the options but with the help from some experienced cloth mommas I’m slowly figuring it out and what will work best for us.

And lastly, I plan to do a lot more baby wearing this time around. With Savannah I did a little bit for when we went on walks and such, but not so much in daily life.  With a toddler to keep up with on top of a newborn, I think I’ll be needing my hands but also want baby close so I plan to invest in a good sling or two.  Any suggestions?

I guess I’m becoming a crunchy little mom, huh?

P.S. I forgot to tell some super exciting news…Savannah peed in the potty! Of course, now she won’t do it again for me (she was at a friend’s house). But still. YAY for a start!