Pinching my pennies

I'm always looking for ways to cut spending. With our first daughter, I made my own baby food and now with the second, I've also included making baby wipes. Both are so easy and I feel better knowing I'm giving them better products (especially since they are made with love...awww). Anyway, this is how I do both in case anyone was wondering. 

Baby food:

Steam the vegetable of your choice and puree in a blender or food processor. You may need to add a small amount of water to get the baby food to the right consistency. Then, spoon it into an ice cube tray, cover and freeze. Today I made 12 servings of peas for $1.00

Baby wipes:

You will need a roll of 2ply paper towels, Ziploc bag, baby wash, tea tree oil, water and baby oil or olive oil. Anyway, I tear off the paper towels and create a stack. It really takes very little time once you get a little rhythm going. Once I've got my stack of towels, I cut them in quarters...so now I've got 4 stacks. You could just cut them in half but I find it more handy to have the smaller wipes. Place the paper in Ziploc bags (one roll makes two bags of wipes). Now you mix 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon baby wash, 1 tablespoon baby oil or olive oil, and a few drops of tea tree oil. Mix and pour over the wipes. Mix up a second batch of the concoction and you have just made yourself 2 bags of wipes. So quick, easy and cheap!

A suitable replacement

As you may have read in a previous post, Autumn's dear bear-bear was lost and quite possibly thrown from the car window. We had a few back up security blankets but nothing would replace her old friend. Anyway, she has always been a fan of Moose and Zee from Nick Jr. and so last night and early this morning I gathered my supplies and got to work crafting her very own Moose and Zee buddies. My reward was the smile on her face and the way she gave them hugs and kisses. Once again, we will have peace in the house thanks to momma and "Moozy." 

Spring is on its way

I've been crafting again and I even had my dear hubby helping me cut tulle...what a good sport :) Aowyn is  modeling a lovely pink and purple tulle tutu and matching headband. Perfect way to start Spring!

Dear old friend...

Bedtime was different without Bear Bear. He has been with Autumn, our two year old since she was born. He has never missed a nap or bedtime but we are missing him. I packed him in the car this morning for our trip to Gainesville but he never made it home. We fear he may have been thrown out of the car window while driving through the Ocala National Forest. I have plenty of back up security blankets but he is irreplaceable. I found a similar bear and told her that Bear Bear went to college but that his brother, Beary would like to keep her cozy (I know... I borrowed that from Blues Clues).  Autumn was not very pleased but she has fallen asleep. I know it's just a security blanket but I miss him too and I hope he finds his way into the hands of someone as caring as Autumn.

Another Felt Creation

Red Felt Rose Hair Clip

Time please

It has almost been two weeks since my last entry. I need more time or maybe I should buy a cape and I will magically gain superwoman powers....not likely. I am at a point in my life where I am in constant demand. If one child isn't crying, the other one is and there have been a few occasions where we have all cried. I know the girls will be grown before I know it and I will yearn to feel needed again so, I take a deep breath and know that we will get through the day.

As for the crafting, I guess since Valentine's Day has come and gone, I will move onto the Spring theme. I've also been wanting to learn how to crochet. I figure I should tackle crocheting before I take on knitting. Enough talk...the kids are finally both asleep at the same time (this rarely happens in my house) so, I must use my time wisely and get to work. 

Simply perfect

I haven't had much time for Mama Hen Crafts recently. I have been getting ready for Autumn's 2nd birthday. In fact, I just finished decorating Dora cupcakes and it is not even 6 a.m. I am not a morning person but when you become a mother, you do things when you can. Anyway,  last year I told myself that I was going to simplify and just have family come over and serve cupcakes. Well, now it has turned into a Dora themed birthday party at the petting zoo. I'm sure Autumn would have been perfectly happy with cupcakes at home but we want her to have an extra special day and we have such a hard time containing our excitement. We are sure to have a great day surrounded by friends, family and a the farm.