egilje's Profile

Display Name: egilje
Member Since: 11/29/10

Latest Comments...

Made these this weekend and they were fantastic! Had to sub a couple things (greek yogurt for buttermilk, strawberries for blueberries) since I only had that on hand. Will be making again!

This was my first time using buckwheat flour so I went exactly as recipe described. The flavor was light, so I'll probably replace all of the white flour next time.


Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes from Megan of Not Martha
Breakfast with a Blogger

4/8/13 11:30 AM

I totally agree with other commenter about not keeping around in the *hopes* that your daughter wants it again some day. At one point in my life I would have held on to such things, but now that I have kids I don't think saving more than a couple things is worth it.

It feels like my MIL saved EVERYTHING my husband ever considered playing with, or read, and now we are burdened with it all (not even really classic toys) and I realize I don't want to do that to my kids. We are stuck with the guilt of tossing that stuff now that she's kept it 30 years. I also don't want the heartbreak when my sons wives aren't interested in the table&chairs, toy boxes, easel, etc, (in addition to boxes of old toys), I so lovingly tucked away. I love the thought of having a few of my husbands small things to share with our kids, but the amount of things she's saved has made it a bit less meaningful.

I'm not saying get rid of it if your heart is set on keeping it, but if it's taking up too much room, just think on it, and consider keeping other treasures that aren't so bulky for the memories. And PS - this isn't to imply you'll keep as much stuff as my MIL did, uff! :)


Ideas for Outgrown Play Kitchen? Good Questions
3/18/13 5:36 PM

This is a great article. We donate a lot of clothes to thrift stores, but I always make sure they are in decent condition. Otherwise it's made into rags. 80% of my wardrobe is hand me downs from friends who shop well. Works great for me!

I also recently discovered a consignment store in town that resells upscale clothes at great prices. I get nice clothes at a great price and give them a second chance at life (so to speak).

Word of caution: Make sure your donation goes to a good cause. I have discovered our town has many thrift stores that are for profit and benefit no charity. I've resigned to driving a bit further to the new Goodwill store to make donations.


The True Price of Cheap Clothes Slate
6/29/12 4:11 PM

We use GroVia diaper inserts in cloth shells and I've understood that those are the same - they decompose in 90 days (vs. 300 years). The packaging is also cardboard and a biofriendly plastic. I really like them as they are better for baby and environment and I don't have to deal with all the extensive washing/care of full cloth.

I have always heard about dumping solid waste in toilets, but I have to admit I'm only on top of this part of the time.


Elements Naturals: World's First Fully Compostable Diapers
6/28/12 1:37 PM

We definitely use our monitor and it's not a huge house. But like noted before, some of this depends on the house.

The standalone changing table always seemed like a waste of money to me. Most of them serve very little other purposes once done being used. We used the top of his dresser until about 5-6 months when he was too squirmy and we moved to the floor.

Also agree on the bathtub. We did like the "whale" tub (from Target) so that he could sit in the big bath without so much space around, but it was short lived and we easily could have done with out, or kept him in the kitchen sink longer.


Nursery Nevers: Products You'd Never Purchase Again Nesting a Nursery
3/26/12 3:47 PM

I do love the whole take on shipping containers built into homes. I love this one, even though it is a bit "industrial" inside than I would personally build for myself. I really love all the modern touches.

While I like using material from the outside for other uses inside, that boys bed would hurt like a mother if you caught your shin on the edge of it.


8 Shipping Containers Equal 1 Family Home Designboom
2/22/12 10:38 PM

These are great ideas, though I'm not comfortable using sharpie directly on skin. I wholeheartedly agree that losing a child is extremely scary and it's worth teaching your child what to do in a situation. It also doesn't hurt to take measures in the event they "freeze up".

I still remember my first address and phone number from over 20 years ago. My mom made it into a song that we sang all the time.

Slightly related note, we also had a password so that if anyone came up to us and said "your mom/dad wanted me to take you somewhere" they would have to know the password. That way if my parents did encounter a situation in which they had to send someone I wouldn't know, they could tell them what it was so we knew it was a safe person.


Tottoos (And How My Child Got Lost)
9/1/11 3:35 PM

Definitely doing this for my little man. I love the look and that it will use up so many of my scraps!


Colorful Fabric Scrap Map
See Kate Sew

8/9/11 4:24 PM

@spossberg Ridiculous comment. Have you ever actually tried it?

@TaraJane is right, if you're breastfeeding it is easier. I actually nurse him a time or two extra and don't worry as much about how much solid food I have with. We took our son camping (in the popup camper) at 5 weeks for 3 nights. This summer he's been out in the popup twice and regular tent twice and he's just over 10 months now. Most everyone said what I would have suggested. (I even got a few new ideas!)

Also, in contrast to what others have said, we've found it's easier to just go with the flow and read his signals. He still is on his general routine, it may just start an hour or more earlier or later than at home. Since we try not to look at the clock (hey, wilderness!) we just feed him when he's hungry and put him down for a nap when he's tired. So far it's worked well for us.

The other nice thing about a tent is that it's like a big playpen. As long as there are no "choke-ables" he can roam around in there all he wants.

Get out there and do it, enjoy it! Expect a few moments of "what were we thinking", but overall it'll be great!


Tips for Camping with a Baby
Good Questions

7/15/11 12:03 AM

I just made these as cupcakes to send with my son to daycare for Valentines Day. I barely had them out of the oven and had to take a taste... awesome!! They didn't sink on me like cupcakes usually do and the raspberry flavor is so good!

Haven't made it to the icing yet, but I think I'll use the mixer to break up the berries and do a rough strain to get some of the seeds out, based on other reviews.


Recipe: Hot Pink Raspberry Cake
2/13/11 3:31 PM