Flats and Handwashing Challenge Day 2 - Whatcha got?

I am participating in Dirty Diaper Laundry's 4th Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge.  One week of using flat diapers and covers, with no washer or dryer.


Today is day numero 2 of the challenge and despite being sick (damn spring/summer colds stink!) and having all 3 of my boys acting crazy all the time I have managed to stay ahead of the game washing diapers.  When I did the challenge 2 years ago I let a couple of days lapse between washing and boy did I learn my lesson.  I wasn't sure how it was going to be doing this with Thing 3 because he is used to stay dry diapers, but he doesn't seem to mind.  We are averaging about 6 to 8 flats a day and 2 to 3 covers.  Nothing too crazy.  I only have been using our stay dry liners when he is going down for a nap or going to bed.

Today I am writing about the fun part of the challenge.  The supplies!

For this challenge I am using 8 - Flip daytime inserts, 6 Stashify  Pad-fold bamboo flats, and 12 Green Mountain Diapers unbleached flats.  If I were to buy all of these new it would cost $133 for these 26 diapers.  I already had the Flip inserts in my stash from my first son.  There are many cheaper options when it comes to flats that work just as good.  I also love Diaper Rite flats which can be bought for around $20 per dozen.

Next up are my covers.  I am using 3 Flip Covers, 3 Econobum covers, and one majorly felted SBISH underwoolie that I got from my friend.  The Flips covers I already had, but they can be bought for $14 per cover and the Econobums go for around $11.  I was able to score a 3-pack of Ecnobum seconds covers for $15 which was a huge deal.  Other great brands of covers that are easy on the budget are Thirsties, Kawaii, and Bummis.   Cost for covers - $60

Next up is my Cotton Babies Fleece diaper liners.  They work great and wash up even better.  These were 5.99 for 6.  Total cost - $12 for 12.

Last is my handy Wonder Wash.  I am using it to wash diapers during the Challenge.   Cost - $39.99

Other supplies (gloves, snappi, wipes - $5)

Now I could have done this a lot cheaper, but I wanted to try some new things for the Challenge.  I could diaper my son from birth to potty training with this stash with no problem.  But if you think about how much disposables cost weekly throughout the time your child is in diapers, the start up cost of diapering with flats is minimal.  

Grand Total - $249.99

This can be done MUCH MUCH cheaper with still having the same results.  Check out what my fellow bloggers are using for their challenge! 

Flats and Handwashing Challenge Day 1 - What? WITH YOUR HANDS????

I am participating in Dirty Diaper Laundry's 4th annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge.  One week of using flat diapers and covers, with no washer and dryer.

It might be hard to understand why I would decide to sign up for something that will ADD to my workload for 7 days.  The answer is actually pretty simple and the truth is that it isn't as hard as you think.  This is my second time participating in the challenge.  I did this very same thing back in 2012 when my middle son was just shy of 2 years old.  So when the challenge came back around this year I was actually excited about having yet another son to participate with.  This event was created to show that anyone can cloth diaper in any situation.  There are many people across the US that have to make the choice between diapering their children and food.  They make the decision to leave their children in one dirty disposable diaper the entire day or worse re-use a disposable diaper.  If you Google or just take a look at some of the other bloggers doing this event you will see that it can actually cost very little money to start up cloth diapering with flats and covers.  I am about as crafty as a rock, but some folks have even created their own full diaper stash out of stuff they already had!  Now that is awesome.

My personal reason for taking this challenge is that I live in an apartment and do not own my own washer or dryer.  I am limited to either taking my diapers to a laundry mat, using the dirty nasty laundry rooms here where I live, or drive my load of diapers over to my mother's house which would mean not having diapers for a couple days since I can't stay there and hang out till they are done. None of these options are ideal, and I know some families have it much worse.  I hope to show readers that not only can you handwash and dry diapers in an apartment setting, but it is actually easier and cheaper!  No backyard or clothesline needed.

Day 6 of Whole30

Please send cake.

Flats and Handwashing Challenge 2014 - Almost There!

The 4th Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge starts Monday and I am ready.  I just finished prepping my stash and I am excited to get started.  

For the challenge I will be using 6 covers:

3 - Flip covers

3 - econobum seconds covers

1 - completely felted SBISH Underwoolie to use at night 

I have 12 Fleece liners (boring but wanted to note I was using them).  They are mostly for nights since my guy is sensitive.

And the main star of the Challenge is the FLATS!!!!! I will be using 12 - GMD flats, 6 Stashify bamboo flats, and 8 Flip daytime flats. 

And the boy wearing it all!!!! (In this pic we are testing out a GMD flat pad folded in a flip cover) 

What are you using for the challenge?

 

Wordless Wednesday

Day 2 of Whole30 and I miss SUGAR.

I never realized how addicted to sugar I really am.  Crazy actually.  I always thought of myself as a healthy eater, but I am a true carb fan.  I like bread, bagels, desserts.  Day 2 of 30 and I am already feeling the sugar monster getting angry.  I have been grumpy and head-achy.  It probably doesn't help that I am still breastfeeding Thing 3 so my caloric requirement is higher than most.  I am also a runner who runs almost daily.  I have been filling in the gaps with some (gasp!) snacks because I tend not to be able to eat large meals.  I have been sticking to the plan though.  An example of my days so far:

Pre-work out - handful of almonds and a banana
Black coffee (ack)
Post work out/Breakfast- BLT Egg Salad (NOTE: I didn't omit the bacon as I was able to get nitrate and bad stuff free bacon)
PM - Pecans, bananas, coconut mix
Dinner - Squash sauteed with ghee, salt, and pepper and a large salad with olives, grilled chicken, and strawberries.  Homemade vinegar dressing.

Not bad.

Hopefully I can keep up the momentum.

My Body Hates Me.

I knew it would happen at some point.  My body is failing me.  After 3 pregnancies in 6 years and cancer, chemo, and surgery mixed in there as well, my body has given up the good fight.  I am dealing with a few problems that at first seemed like nuisances but are now proving to be otherwise.  Low thyroid which might be autoimmune related.  Digestive issues that have cause me much pain and trips to the bathroom.  I am just tired of it.  My Endo and a few other folks have recommended the Whole30 Plan to help figure out if my issues are dietary or food allergy/sensitivity related.  I am going to give it a whirl.  I have a lot to gain from it and nothing to loose.  So I guess today is Day 0.