Preparing and Menus

As I sit here and drink my warm cup of pregnancy tea, I feel over joyed and excited to be meeting our new bundle of joy in the next few weeks.  The excitement can sometimes lead to nervousness but that is a part of pregnancy and welcoming newness into our lives.  As I am feeling all this excitement, nervousness, and joyfulness...I know there is a lot to be done around here.  My before-baby list fills up a huge piece of paper right now but at the same time I don't feel rushed.  I know that no matter what I will be ready for this sweet little baby, when this sweet little baby is ready to come.  Inside of my belly is a sweet tiny life patiently waiting for their arrival and my little family and I are waiting patiently as well with love.  So everyday I am doing small things here and there to prepare for this sweet little one.  From washing those precious little clothes & hats, getting all the cloth diapers together, yoga, walking, reading, cleaning the Moses basket, freezing meals, and just cuddling with my little boy!  There is actually a lot more on my list to do but I'm just taking it slow and easy! 

Friday was my cloth diaper day with lots of organizing and cleaning!  I got them all cleaned and organized by size.  The little newborn cloth diapers are by far the cutest things in the world.  They are so incredibly small!  It was so fun to pull out all the cute little prefold, covers, and wipes, to clean them, and put them all away.  It brought back some amazing memories of when my little boy was a little baby!  Geez...it goes so quickly!

So here is my green mama advice for all you mamas out there who want a green, eco-friendly, toxic-free detergent for cleaning your sweet little baby's diapers, clothes, and blankets.  Baby's skin is very sensitive and I believe that the typical store bought detergent can be unhealthy for a new baby and the environment.  So here are my top 3 detergents you can use to save your baby's skin and planet.

• Charlies Soap-  We started using this soap when my son was first born.  I love it.  It is safe, non toxic, and biodegradable!  It seems kind of expensive at first but it lasts a lot longer than most detergents.  There is free shipping online through their website or you can find it at some local Whole Foods stores and baby stores.  Their website also shows different retail stores that sell their products in your area. 
• J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care Laundry Soap-  We just started using this soap in the past month or so.  It is very similar to Charlies Soap.....all natural, eco-friendly, and toxic-free.  I have only seen this at one local store here in Portland.  But you can find it online.  
• Make your own detergent!  I have yet to do this but have wanted to!  I hope soon I can give it a try!  If anyone has any great recipes for laundry detergent, send them my way! 

 Enjoy some pictures of part of my cloth diaper stash!

And now on to my menu for this week!  I am doubling a couple of my meals this week to freeze for when the baby is here.  As usual we are using food that is either grown sustainably, organically, or locally!  It is important for our bodies, our planet, and our souls to eat as healthy and sustainably as possible! 

MENU:

MONDAY:  Tortellini Salad with tuna (sustainably caught tuna) and sauteed swiss chard

TUESDAY:  Spinach and Mushroom Quiche (recipe posted soon) and a big green salad.

WEDNESDAY-  Homemade minestrone soup (recipe posted soon) and a big green salad

THURSDAY-  Veggie tofu stir fry over brown rice

FRIDAY-  BBQ Black bean burgers, grilled pineapple, and Strawberry Spinach Salad

SATURDAY-  Leftovers and a big green salad

SUNDAY-  Mustard-Crusted Salmon, kale chips (recipe posted soon), and whole wheat couscous

For more meal planning inspirations, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie every Monday.

What are you cooking this week?

Peacefully,
Alyson

"Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." - Lao Tzu