February is birthday month here at the Wilhelm house. We celebrated Michael's 42nd birthday on the 8th. And we will celebrate Amira's 5th birthday on the 18th.
Michael and I have been scratching our heads trying to find ways to make our lifestyle a bit simpler and more sustainable looking into the future. We're trying to be kind to ourselves and take babysteps. I'm sure I'm the biggest offender as I hop into the minivan daily for my errands. So, my big goal is to be better about riding that bike around town. (Which is much easier to do when the temperatures fall into the 70s. I'm such a creature of comfort that if it is too hot or too cold ... well, let's just say I wouldn't survive in the wild long).
Anyhow, I was out looking for a gift for Amira today. She is in love with beautiful dresses that make her look like a princess. She also has an Emelda Marcos sort of fascination with shoes, but that is another topic for another day.
Rather than drive down to Target or some big box and grab a new, cheaply made dress, we decided to try the ARC and Salvation Army stores first. Unfortunately, I think lots of other people have had that idea first and probably for years before I ever did. They were tapped out. Michael suggested looking into the Baby Boutique close to our house. Although I thought it was a stretch, I popped in anyhow.
Wow! That place rocks. If I had a new born, I would do all of my shopping there. The store is all "elite repeat" wear and eco friendly and locally made goods. Lots of Moby Wraps and Klean Kanteens and stuff. Most of the clothing would be better suited to somone under the age of 4. But I told the owner my dilemma. She went into the back room and pulled out the most beautiful dress (not pictured here because it is hiding in a box!) It had belonged to her daughter as an Easter dress years ago. Her daughter is now 8 and was happy to relinquish the dress for all of $12. What a deal!
And while I was there I found something most moms would love to know about: straws! Why do you care about straws? Well, kids love to drink from straws. I just hate the waste of buying plastic straws and throwing them away. They have sets of bamboo straws (pictured here).
They are Fair Trade and totally reusable. To santize simply place in bath of water and vinegar and boil for 20 mins. How cool is that? No more smoothie guilt on my part.
It's the little things a little at a time that I am hoping will make a difference.
