On Cloth Diapers: Babies Are Expensive!

A friend told me once that they're not in a hurry to have a baby since they are simply too costly, that they're not financially and emotionally ready to have one. You know what, they're oh so right!

My goodness, we allot about Php5,000 just for baby Quino's daily need like milk, diaper, and distilled water. Monthly vaccines and other baby stuff not included, which may fall between Php5,000-Php10,000. Of this total, we're spending Php1,000 monthly for disposable diapers. That's a lot of money if you'll think of the yearly cost from birth until your baby is potty trained.

This is why I decided to use cloth diapers instead. Although a piece is expensive at Php1,000 (atleast the brand that I'm using)but if you'll think about it, is it actually cheaper in the long run, it's also good for the environment. These are actually a modern kind of cloth diapers and not the traditional lampin that our mothers used when we were little (but according to my mom, she used disposable diapers when I was a baby). I tried using the traditional lampin on my baby but I can't figure out how to fold it. Hehehe. Sorry, newbie mommy here.

A few friends discouraged me from using one mainly because its too much of a hassle and modern cloth diapers are not exactly cheaper like a pack of disposable ones. Yeah, I know it's too tedious but I'm really after the long tern goal.

I also found out that using cloth diaper will make potty training easier for babies. And since I plan on having another child (in a couple of years), our next baby can even wear the same diapers my baby Quino is now using.

The best thing I like about cloth diapers is that in my own little way, I'll be able to help save Mother Earth. I'm not really sure if disposable diapers are non biodegradable, but I know that by using one, I won't be adding to the overflowing landfills in metro manila.

These are some of the reasons I choose to use cloth diapers. It's like a road less traveled specially here in the Philippines - something that not every mother would prefer.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

For the last few weeks, my officemates and I have been discussing on how to have an extra income. From tutorial to paid by clicks online, name it we've talked about it. Why do we need it when we have stable jobs? Of course, to have more money! We can never have too many money. Don't get me wrong, I love the simple things in life like waking up every morning, a kiss and hug from my loved ones, and a simple smile from anybody I know. But money will also give me the stuffs that I've been dreaming about.

One of those officemates, Jodet of The Kitchen Apron created her dreamboard - the things she wanted to have as a result of her hard earned money. That's why I decided to make mine. I actually had this list since I graduated from college. It's the things I wanted to have for myself before I reach 50 years old. I don't really need a long list since most of the time, I'm contented with my life or with what I have. You can say that these are just some stuff that will make me say that I'm really really contented and fulfilled.

1. Egypt, 2. Cambodia, and 3. Italy. These are the three countries I badly want to visit. Sure, traveling to other places will make me happy but these three are my ultimate dream destinations. The Pyramids of Egypt, The Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Rome, Italy. I guess I'm just a history buff and have always been fascinated in the ancient civilization.

4. Emerald ring and earrings. Just because my favorite color is green and emerald is my birth stone.

5. Own house and lot. I know I'll inherit a few from my parents but nothing beats the pride and satisfaction to say that I bought my own house and lot from my own money.

6. Baby. One of the things I fear the most is not being able to produce an offspring. I'm glad I did and I want 2 more if possible. That's one dream fulfilled!

7. Car. Just like number 5, I want to get one for myself. How can I be a soccer mom if I don't have my own car? But first I need to learn how to drive. Hahaha!

8. Partner in life. Number 6 will not be possible without the number 7 on my list. I thought I would never find another man after the trauma I've experienced from my first boyfriend. I'm glad I found the one. That's a big check on my list!

2 out of 8 is not so bad huh. Anyway, I still have two decades to achieve these things. Are these possible? Or do think it'll remain a dream? You betcha it is! I believe in the power of perseverance and positive thinking. ;)