36 weeks

I am rounding out the last few days of my third pregnancy. I am also getting a little sentimental because this is most likely our last. (I have already shed tears over this fact)

Anyways, here I am in all my pregnancy glory.

26 days to go!!! (Give or take)

DIY Tote/Diaper Bag

I have been carrying around the nastiest, stained tote bag when I leave the house. It's actually slightly embarrassing.

When I saw a tutorial on Pinterest for this tote bag, I just had to make it. I am no expert seamstress but I do have to give myself kudos. My skills are greatly improving.

I am in LOVE with the color scheme on this bag (Thanks to fabric.com's awesome fabric selection).

Here is the tutorial I followed:
http://poppyseedfabrics.blogspot.com/2011/02/super-easy-tote-bag-tutorial.html?m=1

I made some minor adjustments in order to have a larger tote (big enough to fit diapers, sippy cups, etc)

Here are the measurements I used:
Batting: 20" x 13.5"
Bag piece (yellow chevron): 20"x27.5"
Pocket (grey): 20" x 21"
Webbing: 80" (2 40" pieces)

I really like how it turned out. I can't wait to sew some more in different colors.

Laundry Detergent

I know there are a ton of different homemade laundry detergent recipes out there. (Thank you Pinterest) I tried the powder and was not impressed. (My less than stellar washing machine may have played a role)

A lady in moms group I belong to shared this liquid detergent recipe and I have been using for months now. It works great and the cost savings is AMAZING!!!

The first time I made this recipe, I wasn't sure I was doing it right but I assure you, you can't really mess this up.

I have a homemade fabric softener recipe I'll share too.

Laundry Detergent:
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
1/3 bar Felts Naptha (grated or chopped finely in food processor)

Directions:
In saucepan mix grated Felts Naptha and 6 cups of water. Heat on LOW until soap is melted (do NOT bring to a boil)
After soap is melted in water, add borax and washing soda. Stir until dissolved.

Pour mixture into large bucket or container. (I use a dish pan) Add 4 cups of hot tap water and stir well. This is also the time you can add a few drops of essential oils for scent (I added lavender oil to my most recent batch)

Stir in 1 gallon plus 6 cups hot tap water. Let mixture sit overnight.

The mixture sort of gels as it sits. I stir it then break it up with a hand mixer before pouring it into my storage containers (which are an old laundry detergent bottle and a well-rinsed milk jug). A hand blender would also work well to sort of emulsify the detergent before storing it.

Use 1/2 cup detergent per load and ENJOY all the $$ you'll save.

Note: This recipe is safe for he washers too.

Fabric Softener:
6 cups HOT water
3 cups white vinegar
2 cups Suave Refreshing Waterfall Conditioner (this smells the most like laundry to me but I also have used V09 Lavender something or other because it was cheaper)

Directions:
Dissolve conditioner completely in hot water. Add vinegar. Stir well and store in a container of your choice.

Use 2-3 tbsp per load of laundry in Downy Ball or Fabric Softener spot in washer.

Happy Washing Everyone!!!

First Day-February

I once again was not equipped with my nice camera on First Day and only actually realized it was the 1st thanks to Nicole's reminder. Next month I'll try to aim for using a real camera vs my grainy iPhone camera.

Thursday night we took advantage of a midweek special at a hotel/water park in Duluth. Emmy Lu had an early wake up time (hence my early start to my first day.) She, thankfully, went back to sleep (after a little Cailou on her LeapPad) and both kids stayed in bed till nearly 9. However, my in-utero baby "Tiebreaker" often has other plans for my body and what he/she deems appropriate times for gymnastics.

We combatted the sub zero temps by swimming again this morning, getting some greasy treats for lunch and doing some baking this afternoon.

Sorry for the long intro this month. Without further ado....here's our First Day.