Advice, ideas, discussions and stories about raising children, being pregnant, and planning a family. We love talking about living naturally & organically, baby wearing, cloth diapering, breastfeeding and having fun raising your children.
Due to inclement weather last week, the bi-annual Franklin Goose Baby Shower event has been postponed to January 29. This event is currently full.
UPDATE: Once more due to Virginia's snowy weather, this event has been postponed to Wednesday, February 5.
We wanted to extend a big Franklin Goose thank you to the manufacturers who have contributed to our Franklin Goose Baby Shower Goodie Bags! Baby Shower guests will receive a Kushies reusable tote bag filled with several amazing gifts, including
About a month ago one of our staff members came to me and told me she had tried a new diaper we HAD to carry. I was overwhelmed, because it was the Christmas season so I told her we would someday and thanks so much for the recommendation. So, she told me again, then she sent me pictures, then she talked to me about it at work, then she talked to Stefanie (our cloth diaper guru), then she came back to me about it again. So, I figured I had better listen because this girl, loves her cloth diapers, and really, really knows what works. The company is Lil Helper, they are Canadian and amazing! They make an incredible diaper and we are so excited to be carrying them!
I thought I should share our love for them so here are some of the reasons we just can't get enough of Lil Helper charcoal bamboo diapers:
1. Charcoal bamboo has amazing absorbency! I mean seriously amazing, like after a 3 hour nap an almost 1 year old wakes up dry, amazing.
2. The overnight inserts last about 12 hours.
3. They don't show stains (the liners and the lining are a pretty grey color)
4. They are incredibly soft (even after washing)
5. They are one size, 7-35 lbs & with the 2 included inserts you should have great absorbency the whole time as well
7. Charcoal bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, deoderizing & anti-bacterial!
8. For every 3 diapers sold Lil Helpers donates 1 cloth diaper to a needy Canadian family
9. As long as the covers don't get soiled you can continue to reuse them by simply changing out the insert. Yep, that means a very affordable diapering option for you!
10. They have really cool prints and colors (I know it seems shallow but I can't help myself I love the cute cloth diaper prints.)
I hope you give these diapers a try, or at least use the inserts in the diapers you already have (they snap into a best bottom cover perfectly). I think you will love them and the extra sleep you get at night.
One thing I have to remind myself of as a Mother is to stop and smell the roses. To enjoy the little moments when they occur. I get so caught up in getting where we need to go and daily chores that I often don’t let myself enjoy motherhood.
This morning we woke up to about 1/4” of snow. Which may as well have been 3 feet to my kids. They were so excited. They begged me to go outside to play in the snow before we shuttled them off to school. For a split second I thought “but i was trying to get to the gym this morning before work”. Mind you the gym is a luxury for me. I rarely make time to go but desperately need to for my physical health and my mental health. So the selfish side of me just wanted to get out and fulfill my needs.
I thought better of it and we quickly got dressed (amazing how fast they dress themselves when they want to do something), suited up and out we went.
Their screams of laughter and excitement filled the neighborhood. We made snowballs, and a “snowman” with that 1/4” of snow. We brought some inside to conduct an experiment. But most of all we made a memory and I am so happy that I seized the rare opportunity to enjoy the snow with my 2 buddies.
It doesn’t take much to excite them and as parents I think we forget that 1/4” of snow is thrilling when you are 3 feet tall.
Do you have moments like this? What are your favorites?
Ladies, you are cordially invited to our bi-annual baby shower event on Wednesday, January 22. It's going to be so much fun! We'll have games and giveaways, plus food! We'll also have discussions on parenting and motherhood, and on what baby items you actually need.
We will also be featuring baby shower decor that is eco-responsible because we love being green!
This baby shower is for expectant mothers only, and space is limited, so please RSVP early. You can reserve your seat by calling us at (804) 355-0595 or emailing us at [email protected].
We can't wait to see you! It's going be a great night!
As the newest member of the Franklin Goose team I have decided to write a post each week about parenthood from my perspective. Nothing revolutionary just a peak into the life and thoughts of a mother with 2 kids, ages 4 and 2. Maybe some tips and tricks, hopefully some random knowledge, and some humor.
The funny thing is that I have been a mother now for 4 years and I still can’t quite get used to it. I still think I can have a Saturday or a whole weekend to myself to sleep late or read a book. I keep wondering when it will sink in that this is my new life at least for the next 16 years.
I do know those years will go by very quickly and I will be back to having free time again and then I will be missing the kids being around.Which, is one of the first things I learned about parenthood, your feelings and emotions are all over the place, one minute you are calm and happier than you have ever been and the next you are in tears and completely out of patience.
Parenting is the ultimate journey and such a learning experience. I thought I was finished with my education but I am back at it. I read all about pregnancy, then birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering when I first started this journey. Now, I am reading about discipline. Who ever knew it could be so hard. Who ever knew it could be so fun.
I look forward to sharing my journey with you and hope you will continue sharing yours with us at the store and on the web.
At the beginning of the holiday season, one of our customers came into the store wearing a beautiful scarf she had made. When Sheri and I asked her about it, she directed us to the website Delia Creates where we found a tutorial for the Scarf of a Thousand Chains.
I took up crocheting once in middle school, made a snowflake ornament for my great-grandmother, and then promptly lost interest, so when Sheri suggested I try to make this scarf, I was hesitant. But what’s great about this scarf is that it’s a very easy crochet project and perfect for a beginner.
The Scarf of a Thousand Chains is simply that, a thousand chains. A strip of leather or fabric is used to wrap around the knotted ends. The first time I tried, it took me just a little over 1 episode of Psych on Netflix to complete.
I tried several different yarns before deciding to use a chunky yarn. Using thinner yarns looked okay if they were doubled up, but I think the chunky yarn makes the scarf cozier.
Once I got comfortable with the stitch, I got a little creative with my scarves. I made several scarves for various family members.
For the purple and gold scarf, I did 500 chains of each color and then yarned over the 2 strands together. For my sister and my 15-month-old niece I made matching scarves, the smallest with just 500 chains. I used a purple batik fabric for the decorative piece.
If you’re looking for a beginner’s project for yourself or a child, or if you’re an expert crocheter and you’d like something easy to do on a cold January night, the Scarf of a Thousand Chains is a great option.
The one thing I don't like about new years is the resolutions. I don't make them, I am realistic enough about myself to know that more than likely I am not going to stick to them just because they are New Year's Resolutions and I feel like the expectation is to fail. I try really hard to work on things all year round ( except I can't seem to get the whole exercise thing worked into my schedule, I keep hoping the guilt will somehow morph my 40+ year old muscles into toned ones. I will let you know how that goes, so far, no success). Here are some things I am excited about this year:
1. We are bringing a lot more unique, handmade and hard to find products into the store
2. Our babywearing, car seat and stroller sections are growing and growing
3. Our furniture offerings will be growing this year too!
4. We will be doing a lot of great activities and events this year that we haven't done before (thanks Stefanie)
5. We are offering a newborn diaper rental (available now)
6. I have a bunch of family members with milestone birthdays I can't wait to celebrate!! (and someone else turns 40 so I won't be alone in this over 40 category anymore)
7. One of my favorite family members is getting married to a great guy, in a great venue (can't wait to be there)
8. My amazing (step) Granddaughter will be here spending more time with us this summer, which means more roller coaster rides, trips to the Smithsonians, dancing and singing contests and other general silliness
9. I finally bought furniture for my office/craft room at home so I can't wait to work on some projects for the store, my family, and non-profit organizations at my beautiful desk and mid-century modern credenza!
10. We are going to start a video campaign for the store that I can't wait for! (except that it means I have to be on camera more, perhaps I should rethink the guilt as a fitness program idea...)
For future reference, or if you have any lazy days coming up, here's our very own Snow Day Survival Guide:
1. Get crafty. Haven't started an advent calender this December? I don't really think it's too late, and this advent calender at Oh Happy Day is pretty quick and easy. It's also not too Christmasy, so you can reuse it for other holidays or birthdays!
3. Grab that one can of pumpkin left over from Thanksgiving. No need for it to collect dust in your pantry when you can make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!
4. Catch up on your holiday TV viewing. It's not the holidays until you've spent time with the Grinch, Charlie Brown, and George Bailey.
5. Mix it up by turning on some holiday music and having an impromptu dance party. Check out Matt Wertz' fun song "Snow Globe."
6. Need an activity for after nap time? We love the Goose Grease Ornament Kit. Paint your own ornament for your tree, or let your kids give them as gifts for Grandpa, Auntie, or their favorite teachers!
Before working at Franklin Goose, I was an English teacher, so Sheri asked me to share with you what kind of gifts I thought a teacher might like.
Sure thing, Sheri.
A little pampering never hurt anyone. A teacher comes into contact with a lot of kids, parents, and other teachers. A bottle of hand sanitizer, like The Honest Company’s 8 oz Hand Sanitizer Gel paired with soothing lotion like Little Twig’s Calming Lavender Bodymilk would be a nice, practical gift. Or have your daughter pick out her favorite shade of Piggy Paint for her favorite teacher.
The Honest Company’s Healing Balm is a miracle product. Yes, it works great healing diaper rash, but it can also do wonders for chapped hands and dry skin.
Another great idea would be a lunch gift set. Kids aren’t the only ones at school having to choose between a bagged lunch or chancing the cafeteria’s menu. A gift of a Sugar Booger lunch sack with one of Sugar Booger’s fun prints, and a Itzy Ritzy snack bag inside would be a good choice. Or an Eco Vessel Stainless Steel Water Bottle, which is insulated to keep hot drinks hot for 8-10 hours, and cold drinks cold for 36 hours. No need to reheat coffee in between 3rd and 4th period!
If you’re looking for a nice gift for a teacher, either for a close friend or family member, or if your child’s class is going in on a gift together, why not spring for a really nice bag, like the Lassig Black Melange Urban Green Label diaper bag? Sure, it’s a diaper bag, but that makes it an excellent choice for a teacher! It’s got lots of pockets to organize keys, money, and all the little things, plus extra pouches, and enough room for stuffed folders and a laptop!
And since it was designed to be a diaper bag, you know it can endure interaction with kids.
I don't know about your grandmother, but when I shop for mine, I like to find her gifts that are practical, but also a little luxurious. I really like to pamper her.
Wean Green containers are made with glass and have a watertight lid. They’re not only great for kids’ lunches but for saving leftovers, too.
The Wean Green Lunch Cubes come in a pack of two. You can give them as is, or you can you fill them and make a fun gift with the ingredients for a tasty dish or a spa treatment. Check out our holiday post from last season for more ideas: Gift Ideas For Friends, Co-Workers, & Teachers.
(Don't forget, The Honest Company is doing an awesome Buy 2, Get 1 Free deal on select Body Care Products!)
If you want to get really creative, why not give a homemade sugar scrub, using The Honest Co’s Body Oil? Franklin Goose’s very own Stefanie came up with this recipe, and we think it’s pretty fantastic!
You could even put it in a Wean Green Lunch Cube!
Baltic Amber necklaces work wonders with children who are teething, but did you know they can help adults, too? An adult Baltic Amber necklace can relieve back, neck, and head pain, or can be wrapped around wrists and ankles to help with arthritis.
I gave my grandmother a Baltic Amber necklace when she told me she sometimes had pain in her legs. She wears it from time to time as an anklet and says that it helps a lot.
If you’re looking to really pamper your grandmother, how about an Aden + AnaisBamboo Daydream Blanket? Similar to Aden + Anais’ Dream blanket for children, the Daydream blanket is adult sized, incredibly soft, and wonderfully warm. We love them!
One of our favorite companies, Nook, is well known in our store for their fantastic crib mattresses, but did you know they also make pillows? They’re incredibly soft and comforting, and made with the same are and quality found in Nook's mattresses.
Finally, we love Kickee Pants’ adult nightgowns. They’re made with the same silky soft bamboo found in their pajamas for kids. The nightgowns are available in a lovely Berry or Stone color, as well as Stone Lattice. Pair it with a Kickee Pants adult robe in either Berry, Stone, or Stone Lattice.
What are you getting your grandmothers this holiday season?