Changing Pad Tutorial

I bought my daughter’s changing table at a second hand store at an awesome price. I did not come with the changing pad, so I put a standard contoured pad on my baby registry. I did not measure the table, as I figures any old pad would fit…. Wrong! I got my changing pad at my baby shower, and came home learning it was too long for my table. I brought it back to Babies R Us, but they did not have any that would fit my 29in x 19in table.  I headed online to try and find one that would fit. I could not find one anywhere, but found that I could order a custom pad for around $45. I decided to see if I could get materials to make one, and let buying the custom pad be my plan B. Luckily, I was able to make one myself, and used the store credit from the returned pad towards other baby items.

What you will need:

Outdoor cushion forms (whatever size you need). I bought two 15in x 17in forms so it is a tad narrow for my table, but it doesn’t matter.

Waterproof fabric of some kind (vinyl, PUL… I’m sure there are more. I used PUL because I have a lot)

Scrap of fabric

Scissors or rotary cutter

Sewing machine

Thread

 Instructions:

Cut your cushions (if you need to) to the right size of your table. Put your cushions next to each other, placing your fabric scrap on top of the seam. You are going to sew the fabric to each cushion to keep it together. If you would like to use a different method of connecting the cushions, by all means do it. I kept going over it in my head, when my mom recommended doing it this way. Since I did NOT take pictures, here is a diagram of what I am talking about.

Sew the fabric to each piece of foam, keeping them as close together as possible. Take your time because it is a pain to get it through your sewing machine. You could do fabric on both sides if you want, but I just did one side. Now, it is not the pretties. I contemplated adding a layer of batting before sewing on the cover, but am thankful my lovely mother reminded me that I would be wiping a butt on this thing and it does not matter :)

Now, measure your waterproof fabric to sew on a tight fitting cover, keeping in mind your seam allowance. This cover is going to stay on the cushion permanently. I made mine like a pillowcase, folding one long piece over itself (waterproof sides in) and sewing up the two long sides. Flip the fabric right side out (waterproof side out) and slide your cushion in. It should be snug but too tight. Fold the raw edges in to give the open end a finished look, and sew as closely to the cushion as you can to close it.

Now you have your pad! You can stop here if you would like, or make cute covers for it. Because you used waterproof fabric, you can just wipe it off if it gets messy during a diaper chance. 

How to Clean Your Microfiber Sofa

I have been trying to find a way to clean our microfiber sofa since we bought it used. It needed a little freshening up when we purchased it and has only gotten worse since. When I first found it, I thought microfiber would be great. It is advertised as being stain resistant and a good material to have with children. This is not true. Every little water drop makes a mark that is almost impossible to clean off. I started doing some searching and found countless blog articles on cleaning a microfiber couch with rubbing alcohol. I found this one first, and was really excited. I read the instructions and cleaned our sofa this way a few times. It took me a very long time, and it only mildly helped. In doing more research, I found many people saying they unzip the covers and throw them in the washing machine. This shocked me, as many people say to follow the cleaning code strictly. Unfortunately my sofa does not have removable covers. I had just made a new batch of my all purpose cleaner (click here for the recipe) and decided to give it a try. I figured I couldn't make it look any worse than it already did and gave it a shot. I was amazed!! 

*Please test the solution on an inconspicuous spot before spraying all over your sofa. Make sure it will not ruin your furniture! 

Before:

 

            After:

I cannot believe how great my sofa looks. My son immediately got some water from his sippy cup on the sofa, but at least I know how to get it clean!

Here are the steps to cleaning your couch:

Vacuum your sofa to remove loose dirt.
Get a white wash cloth soaking wet and wring it out.
Spray the cleaning solution lightly over sofa, and start rubbing with the wash cloth.
Rinse it out as needed, and continue to rub the sofa with the rag until it looks like the stains and water marks are gone. Allow to dry and be amazed!

**If you do not want to make the all purpose cleaner, use the method below! I tried this method recently just to see how it would work.

 

Cleaning with dish soap:

 

Get a bowl of about 4 cups warm water. Add just a couple drops of dish soap and gently stir. Dunk your rag into the bowl, wring out, and rub the sofa with the rag. It works very well and left no residue on my sofa. I did slowly add the soap, starting with just one drop, and increasing until I felt I had just enough. 

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

I recently ran out of my Seventh Generation cleaner and decided to make my own to replace it. I have a gallon jug of Dr. Bronner's castile soap sitting around the decided to use that. Here is what I did:

Empty and rinse your old spray bottle
Fill it almost all the way with clean water
Add up to 1/4 cup Dr. Bronner's
Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (Optional)
Add more water to fill your bottle
Put the top on and lightly mix solution


I used lemongrass oil and it smells heavenly. This solution works just as well as store bought cleaners, but costs much less and contains much safer ingredients. Happy Cleaning!

Cloth Wipes Tutorial

After more than a year of cloth diapering, I found myself about to run out of disposable wipes. I have been reading on a lot of cloth diaper sewing boards lately about moms using cloth wipes. I was hesitant to try them, but finally gave it a try. I have read about using anything from washcloths to cut up receiving blankets. Because I am having so much fun sewing, I decided I would buy some cute fabric and make my own! I bought some flannel as well as terry cloth. I wanted to make some with 2 layers of flannel, some with 1 layer of flannel, and a few with 1 layer of terry cloth and 1 layer of flannel. I made my wipes 8in x 8in because they fit nicely in a wipes container when folded in half. I didn't get all 8 inch squares because of the fabric cut, so some are smaller. The result? I LOVE cloth wipes! I wish I made the switch much sooner, as diaper changes are so much easier now! I don't have to worry about sorting wipes for the trash from my cloth diapers for the pail. My husband even approves :) 

Steps 

Wash and dry your fabric. It is best to wash in hot water since the wipes will be washed with your diapers.

Iron your fabric. Even though you are just making wipes, it will be much easier to get a good clean cut if your fabric is ironed straight.

Cut your fabric into 8 inch squares, and pin right sides together. 

Sew all sides, leaving an opening in the middle of one side about 3 inches open so you can turn it right side out. 

Trim around corners to keep them looking neater and turn right side out.

Press the seams and fold the edges of the open end in to give it a finished look.

Take the wipe back to your machine and do a top stitch close to the edge to close the hole, and keep the shape of your wipe.


You're all done!

There are many methods to using cloth wipes. Some people keep a spray or peri bottle near their changing table and wet the wipes as needed, while some keep them wet in a container or wipe warmer. There are also many recipes for the wipes solution. I started off using just water, then adding a little bit of baby soap or essential oils, but found that my favorite recipes is warm water and coconut oil. It soothes my son's skin and cleans really well. I also noticed that poop is easier to wipe off him when he has a light layer of the coconut oil. 

My Cloth Wipes Solution Recipe

2 cups warm water
1 tsp coconut oil

Dissolve the coconut oil in the water and pour on top of your wipes that are already sitting in the warmer. 

How to Get Rid of Razor Burn

Yesterday I made a big mistake. I dry shaved. I was in a hurry and did not have time to shower. I was wearing capri pants, so I decided to just shave the bottom part of my legs really quickly and run out the door. After a couple of hours, my legs were on fire. I tried lotions and lidocaine creams but nothing helped. I had little scabs and red bumps all over the bottom part of my legs. Then I had an idea.... coconut oil! I have been hearing so many great things about this stuff, and previously treated my husband's sunburn with it. Before bed, I got in the shower and shaved my legs.... properly. I even shaved over the razor burn to open everything up. It hurt, but it wasn't too bad. I was already uncomfortable. When I got out, I slathered my legs in coconut oil. I let it sink in as much as possible before putting on my pajamas and heading to bed. The relief was almost instant. My legs did not feel like they were being attacked by ants anymore! In the morning, my legs were smooth and soft again. The razor burn was completely gone! I only wish I had taken before and after pics to show the difference. From now on, I am going to use coconut oil every time I shave!

 Want to get in on some FREE samples? There are many websites that promise free samples, but most send lots of annoying spammy emails. All You does not. I get emails occasionally for coupons and deals, but nothing I can't deal with. All You has a Daily Free Sample Calendar, where you can log links to free samples each day. You can also sign up for their email list, and you will receive an email each day with a link and instructions to redeem your free sample. They do the work of finding the samples, and you reap the benefits! Enjoy!

Online Surveys

Reviews of online survey websites based on my experience...

e-Rewards: It seems simple enough, take surveys and earn money! Well, the reality is that you need to earn at least $70 in order to receive $25 in gift cards. Some surveys pay out $15+, but I have found that it is very hard to qualify for these types of surveys. In fact, I have never qualified. Other rewards include magazine subscriptions and coupons. In my opinion, it is not worth the time to complete surveys to eventually earn a measly reward.

OneOpinion: Here is another case of "I never qualify for any surveys". I signed up with them a month ago, and only have the $5 in my account that I received for signing up. You need to have $20 in order to cash out, so I don't see that goal anywhere in the near future. 

Pinecone Research: This is my favorite survey website. The catch? You have to be invited. I have no idea how I got an invite a few years ago, but I did. I got paid $2 for each survey I completed, and it was mailed to me soon after I completed it. They always paid, and it was great! I also participated in studies to test products. They mailed me free products to evaluate and I got paid! I only got a few a month, so I didn't make any real money here, but every little bit helps. Unfortunately, I got busy and passed on some surveys and was subsequently removed from their list.  They like people to be active in their survey taking. I hear now that they are paying $3 per survey, so if you can get an invite take it! 

Tellwut: This is a point based survey site. For each survey/quiz you take, you receive points (the ones I have taken are 5-10 points each). For every 4,000 points you accrue, you can redeem a $10 Amazon gift card, or a $25 Walmart gift card for 10,000 points. That sounds like a lot, but it is easier than it sounds. It literally takes about 10 seconds to complete a survey. Unlike other sites, there is nothing to qualify for, which is great!