Feathers in Our Nest

a blog about faith, family, food, & more written by a wife and stay at home mom of five

Cool Summer Tea

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The real feel temperature was 116 degrees yesterday!  While I drink lots of water, I like other beverages on occasion.  It’s too hot for coffee, so I’ve turned to tea.  I used to drink lots of sweet tea, but since we have cut out refined sweeteners, I’ve said goodbye to my beloved Mickey D’s tea!

But I’ve found a new love… Tazo Passion Tea!  I fell for it at Starbuck’s, but I have replicated it at home for much, much less $$!

I brew a cup of Tazo Passion Tea at night (tea purchased at Target – $3.49/20), sweeten it with a little organic raw honey (1 tsp.?), and let it sit in the fridge overnight.  In the morning, I have a lovely glass of sweet herbal tea to sip on all day long!

Do you like iced tea?

*While I mention Tazo Tea in this post, I have not been paid or perked in any way to share about it. I paid for the tea myself, and all opinions are my own!

Enjoy!
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Linked to:
Tasty Tuesday
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Tuesdays at the Table
Tatertots & Jello

I Will Remember

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Most days are quite busy for me lately, with an active almost-two-year-old and a social four-month-old who has learned to roll/propel herself off of the bed. Some days I feel like I barely have a chance to breathe, let alone “savor every moment.”

But the truth is, this season is fleeting.  Every season is.

Saturday I forced myself to slow down a bit and to savor the sweetness of who Cordelia is this month. I took some photos of her to help me remember what I love about her right now. (Perhaps if I can chain Vera down long enough, I can take some photos of her this week as well.)

Cordelia, I will remember how much you love to make eye contact with me & Daddy.

I will remember your sweet smile that breaks forth so easily.

I will remember how happy you are, and your lovely content personality.

I will remember your chubby arms, legs, and tummy.

I will remember the funny faces you make.

I will remember your tiny hands that curl around my fingers and hair.

Those eyes! Oh, I will remember those eyes.

I will remember your soft, fuzzy head and your hair that has continued to lighten since your birth.

I will remember your lips, which are so perfectly pink.

I will remember how strong your head is as you lie on your tummy looking around the room in wonder.

I will remember your curiosity and alertness.

I will remember how you roll to your tummy every chance you get.

I will remember how you crane your head to see us when we talk to you from across the room.

I will remember how you chew on your toes with delight.

I will remember that perpetual line of drool descending from your chin.

I will remember your “coo’s.”

I will remember your creamy, perfect complexion.

I will remember how much you love to stick out your tongue at us.

I will remember those cheeks.

I will remember your sweet nose.

I will remember the thrill you give me every time you smile.

Cordelia, I will always remember how blessed I am to be your mother.  While this season is busy (and looks to get only busier!), I would not for a moment have it any other way.

Ways We Save Money: Baby Stuff

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I’m continuing in our Ways We Save Money series today by talking about how we save money on baby things.  Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments section!

1. Accept hand-me-downs
We have been blessed by many friends giving us gently used baby and children’s clothes since the summer before Vera was born.  A way to save money on kids’ clothing is to let your friends and family members know that you appreciate hand-me-downs!  Between hand-me-downs and gifts from family and friends, we have had to purchase very little clothing for our girls so far.

2. Buy used
This goes right along with my last point.  Don’t be afraid of items that are gently used!  We have found great deals on baby items at consignment stores, Once Upon a Child, Goodwill, and Craigslist.  Our changing table, pack ‘n’ play, glider, Boppy, nursery lamps, dresser, swing, papasan, and many baby carriers were all used before coming into our home to be used by our family.

3. Breastfeeding
Some women are not able to breastfeed for various reasons, but the Lord has given me favor in successfully breastfeeding both of our girls.  This has saved hundreds of dollars over the cost of formula and bottles.  If you are able to breastfeed, it can be a huge money-saver, not just in formula, etc., but in terms of overall health of your baby (heightened immune system, etc.) and reduced visits to the doctor.  To date, neither of our girls have ever had to visit the doctor due to illness of any kind and they have not ever been on antibiotics.  I came across a great article on breastfeeding recently that may help you if you are preparing (or struggling). 

4. Cloth diapering
It’s not for everyone, but cloth diapering really works for our family!  Even with two in cloth currently, it is doable.  I cannot even begin to calculate how much money cloth diapering saves our family, but I know it is a lot!  Even if you can only cloth diaper part-time (a few diapers a day), it will still save you money.  If you have questions about cloth diapering, feel free to email me.

5. Homemade baby food
Homemade baby food is not really as technical as it sounds.  We do “baby led weaning” which, in a nutshell, means giving your baby the food you are eating (pieces of banana, chunks of avocado, etc.) and allowing her to feed herself.  If you wait until your baby is really ready for solids, you won’t have to puree stuff for her; she can just eat slightly mashed versions of what you are eating.  Easy, low-stress, and money-saving!  A great guide to homemade baby food can be found at Wholesome Baby Food.

6. Learn to take good pictures (or make friends with a photographer)
Before Vera was born, Tad bought me a Nikon D3000 and a 35mm prime lens.  I have been learning how to use it over the last two years, and I am finally comfortable shooting with it on manual (see some recent results on Monday!).  I’ve read countless online tutorials about photography and peppered my friends with questions, and now I finally think I “get it” when it comes to the technical aspects of digital photography.  I’ve been practicing a lot on my girls, and I have really enjoyed taking their newborn photos and other milestone photos.  Of course, nothing replaces a real photographer :), so try and make friends with one and offer to exchange talents (i.e., you could sew curtains or something for them and they could take pictures for you).  Or find someone who is just starting out their business and will shoot photos for you for their portfolio.  I’m hoping as I get better with my camera, I will be able to exchange family portraits with some friends of mine.

7. Shop clearance
I have found some great deals on baby clothes on the clearance racks.  Like I said, I haven’t had to buy much for my girls, but I do try and shop used or on the clearance racks when I do need to purchase something.

8. Don’t buy everything
You don’t need to buy into the mentality that you need every baby item, gadget, toy, and outfit that is advertised when you walk into the baby section.  We have lived just fine without a wipes warmer, a video monitor, an exersaucer, a Johnny Jump Up, a special machine to make baby food, and more.  You need less than you think you do for your baby!

Your turn now!  How does your family save money on baby items?

Linking to:
Life as Mom

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