7 Quick Takes

I've seen a lot of bloggers pen an entry in this format, which works perfectly for my unfocused state the last few weeks. As I type, I can hear Sir Toddler kicking the wall in his crib, which is always a great sign an hour into "naptime."

1. Crafting

I made my first fabric-to-finish project since sewing class in 1998. I used this tutorial and found that the instructions were pretty helpful for even a novice seamstress, even though the materials were missing some important details. Perhaps those details would be obvious to a more experienced seamstress, but they weren't to me. So if you choose to make this, I recommend lightweight cotton twill for the fabric, 1 1/2" D-rings (I used 3/4" and they weren't really wide enough), and 1/2" boning (I used 1/4" and the peek-a-boo window collapses really easily) with or without covering (it's not going to fit in the pocket but you can just peel it off.) Most of my sewing attempts are alterations or made with scraps of fabric, so they predictably come out looking pretty dismal, but for this project it was worthwhile to invest in materials and follow the steps carefully.

2. Don't Do This

DIY personal care ideas pop up on the internet all the time, and I have fallen victim to many in my attempts to be super cheap save money or simplify my morning. There are so many glowing testimonials that I get suckered in reaaaaal quick. Perhaps my blog will save you from any of these heinous ideas.

No Poo/vinegar and baking soda: gave me horrible dry witch hair, except two days before wash day. Then it became unbelievably greasy. If you have lots of fine wavy or straight hair, don't do it.

3. Oil facial cleaning: I gave it the full six weeks. Know what it got me? Loads of pimples. Don't do it.

4. Castile soap/black soap for shampoo/face wash: Loads of pimples AND dry skin AND witch hair. Just buy normal shampoo and face wash.

5. Coconut oil for diaper cream: If your kids have wicked sensitive skin like mine, it's Triple Paste or bust.

6. Maytag Bravos X washing machine. Not on Pinterest that I know of.

Ours is less than 3 years old, and it started to make a sound like an airplane taxiing during the spin cycle. The (very nice!) repairman that came this morning said the problem is most likely a part+labor combination that costs as much or more than we paid for the machine. Don't buy this machine, especially if you cloth diaper. Apparently high water levels wear it out faster (???!!!).

7. I need chopping gloves.

So this happened. Making carrot sticks turned into the stuff of nightmare when the simultaneous screaming of both children distracted me enough to (skip the small print if you're squeamish) actually fully cut off a part of my fingertip. According to the very nice medical staff at the nearest urgent care center, this should actually heal fully barring any infection or re-injury with the help of a little Surgicell. Besides the necessity of having operational hands when constantly changing diapers and children's clothing, and buckling wiggly worms into car seats, it is welcome news that I will still be able to play piano when this is all over. In the meantime, I can be found awkwardly washing dishes with one hand curled inside too-small PVC gloves and not wearing contacts (I haven't figured out how to put them in without poking myself in the eye with my bandage. Waaa waaa). And looking at these on Amazon:

I wish I'd know about these before, that's for sure.

Happy weekending!