Patch-Work

Looking through my daughters' drawers, it's hard to find a pair of jeans that are without holes. I often wonder why this happens now at this stage? They're not toddlers anymore who are constantly crawling around on their hands and knees. But ever since their Size 4 jeans and up? Yup...holes, holes and more holes.

Whatever the reason behind it, it's frustrating!

Not only do I not want to just throw out the damaged clothing, I also don't want to fork out more money to keep replacing them when the holes come quicker than they outgrow them.

I'm not much of a sewer. That's an understatement actually. But I do pride myself on sewing patches on my girls' ripped jeans, getting at least a little more life out of them [I iron them on first, but then also sew them on for a bit of extra strength, because if they're just ironed on they seem to peel off quickly after the first wash].

This way I'm keeping my money in my pocket, I'm re-using jeans that tried to defeat me AND the girls get a fun splash of color on their otherwise plain-looking jeans.

It's a win-win-WIN situation if you ask me!

I actually just came across a blog post for a few other ideas for patching clothing too. Jean jackets, knit sweaters and of course jeans [a fun under-the-hole patch idea that I think I'll try next time!].

And aside from fixing up wardrobe items for them to maintain their original use, you can also come up with ways to re-use them as other things. Worn out jeans can be turned into capris or shorts - or used to cut into squares and make a denim-patch quilt! Sweater sleeves can be used to make sock look-a-likes to go under your boots for fall. And one project that I totally want to try with an old t-shirt is this DIY T-Shirt scarf!

So the next time you come across an item of clothing that is not in tip-top shape anymore - don't give up and just toss 'em. Think about the other things you can do with them to either lengthen their life span or to give them a totally new use! The options are endless...thanks to Pinterest [hee hee]!

How Can You Go Green?

Hey everybody...it's Andi here. Today I want to talk about different ways that we can "go green." Cloth diapering is of course a huge way to benefit the environment [and your wallet!] but what about for those of us [myself included] who are past the cloth diapering stage? What other ways can we be green?

Believe it or not, there are several ways to help the environment without having to first buy something [even though in the long run it typically WILL save you money $$]. It's true. We believe in being green, even if it doesn't involve selling you something from the shop!

Of course there is the obvious: RECYCLING! One of the simplest ways to help the environment with those oh-so-handy blue bins. Plastic bottles, tin cans, magazines and fliers...and even some things you might not even think of! Here is a list you can check if you want to see what can actually be recycled. It's as simple as putting something in your blue box instead of your garbage can. And it can make a world of difference!

And the RE-USE factor is something that can be simple too, once you get your mind trained to think of it! Toilet paper rolls can be used for crafts, kids can draw/color on BOTH sides of a piece of paper, old magazines can be used for kids making collages. And after a games night the other day, I discovered there are MANY uses for a newspaper once you are finished reading it.  :) What are some other things you can think of that you can re-use?

We can't forget about the final "R" in that trio: REDUCE! Without even listing things from the Tiny TreeHugger shop, there are many ways we can reduce waste. Investing a little bit of money in shopping bins and re-usable cloth bags is just one small way. Most stores have the option of purchasing cloth bags that are sturdy to hold most kind of shopping items and actually are a fair size too. You could also always try making your own too {you know, from some old material instead of throwing it away...hey! That's reducing AND re-using all at once!}. This way you can make it a fun color or pattern which is just an added bonus!

And how about composting? Do any of you do that? You can compost grass clippings, fruit & vegetable peels and cores...my husband even composts his used coffee grounds!

My almost 7-year-old, Malia

I'm sure you all have your own ideas of how you are green on a day-to-day basis. It doesn't have to be a BIG thing to make a BIG difference. Every small thing adds up and contributes to a greener earth!

I'd love it if you would all share one thing that you do to be kind to the environment. My girls have an idea of how we can save trees...   ;)

Winner announced!

Grapes and strawberries, this is what Tamara P said she would put in her snack bags if she won. And CONGRATS!! You have won a set of snack and sandwich bags from the giveaway ending yesterday. We have contacted you and look forward to seeing which fun print you choose.

PS More Sling Sisters sandwich bags arrived on Friday and will be updated this week!

Congrats again Tamara P.

Have a great week everyone! It is spring break here so we have all the boys at home this week in between pickups, meetings and shipping [& a few playdates and outings thrown in the mix too].

It's all about the SNACKS! & a Giveaway...

Lori from The Sling Sisters tells us how she does SNACKS

Let's be honest, we all love to snack!  Our reusable snack bags take it to a whole new level by making snacking more fun and yes, even fashionable.  I've tried to convince myself that only healthy foods fit in my snack bags, but in reality a handful of jelly beans in my Over the Rainbow snack bag makes me so happy!

I store our snack bags in a drawer in the kitchen and the kids love getting to choose their bag for the day.  One of my favourite things is that the kids get to choose their own prints and they love them so they are really good at knowing where they are. 

Here's how it works:

Step 1: find a snack - our bags are water resistant so you can use sliced up fruit/veggies or anything that has a little moisture (no soup or yogurt!)

Step 2: choose your favourite bag - the small bags hold 1 full cup or 1 apple, 2 mandarin oranges if they are peeled and separated, the large bags hold a big sandwich, bun, bagel, or a few muffins

Step 3: pack it or eat it!  Enjoy that your child will be able to open and close quietly all by himself (2yrs +)

Step 4: pull lining out and wipe or toss in the washer/dryer 

Repeat!

Thanks Lori! Now I feel like snacking...

Are you up for a giveaway? You have a chance to win a set of snack and sandwich bags!! 

Follow the instructions below and make sure you do what the entry says for it to count or else it will not count! Ends March 24th, 2012. Please contact us if you have any questions :)