H Loves R

Long time no talk...and completely un-Blythe related...

2010-11-18T09:27:00.001-08:00

Please excuse my flippant use of proper punctuation.

I'm going to post a few little tips and truths that I've found helpful to know about parenting. We've been in cloth diapers now 100% for about a week (so I'm totally an expert). There's certainly a learning curve, but we're becoming a lot more adept at it.

First, cloth diapering is one of those things that people become OBSESSED over...and I'm not one of those people. I think cute prints are cute, but I'm sure-as-shit not going to spend $40 on a diaper with monkeys on it. My child shits in these things. Not to mention WEARS CLOTHES OVER TOP OF THEM. I don't think everyone should cloth diaper. It's not a life altering experience or anything. In fact, at first, it's a total pain in the ass. We didn't do it for the first 6 months of his life because I wasn't going to spend a bunch of money on diapers that he'd grow out of. The all-in-one one sized diapers look amazingly stupid on children 15 pounds and under. I'm still trying to get used to how funny his butt looks in them now that he's almost 18 pounds. So yeah, we have about 20 all-in-one one size diapers (don't EVER call them "dipes" in front of me unless you're being facetious) and 3-4 Thirsties diaper covers that I've just been using with a prefold or diaper insert/doubler from the other diapers. I'd like to mention that I lied about him being 100% in cloth. He actually wears a pampers 12 hour disposable at night because he almost ALWAYS poops in the early morning and I don't want to deal with a crib full of poop. If he poops in a diaper I don't want it to be my precious and clean cloth ones. Yellow poop stains are totally weird. They come out, but I want to have a super easy experience with cloth. Plus, I was always sort of intrigued by the fact that the amount of disposables we use as Americans can make it to the moon and back 30 times or whatever. I'm not going to rob SERIOUS SCIENTISTS of that fact. I'm sure tons of research and testing went into that theory. Who am I to save the rainforests?

So...20-24 cloth diapers should be fine for once a week laundry if your child isn't a newborn. Also, don't ever buy a cloth diaper full price. You can always get them for a percentage off. I won't buy used diapers because that's gross (IMO). Check sites like mamabargains.com, babyhalfoff.com, babysteals.com, greenbabybargains.com, and minibargains.com daily. They always have cloth. Check in the morning though. Nickisdiapers.com also has sale diapers all the time.

Get a flip lid trashcan at Target/Walmart/whatever. Get a Planetwise diaper pail liner or hanging wetbag (again, on clearance). We have the liner.

So you have your diapers. Here's how we do it. I'm sure there are even easier ways, but I'll be the first to say I dedicated zero time to research because I have better things to do than pour over info on pooping and peeing. Here's my whitetrash method:

1. When diapers are dirty shake the insert out into the pail and dump the liner in there too.
2. When pail is full dump the whole thing in the washer (pail liner/wetbag too).
3. Set your washer on a hot wash with a second rinse and a presoak.
4. Add detergent. They make special detergent for cloth, but that's stupid in my opinion. It's expensive and you always end up with stinky diapers anyway. We use powdered Tide. The 2nd rinse gets rid of residue and we've never had a diaper rash...ever. I'd like to mention my kid has super sensitive skin.
5. Dry inserts on medium heat and hang covers to dry on a line. You can dry everything on low heat, but it might take 2 tries.

That's it. Seriously.

We also do cloth wipes. My mom made us a million of them out of bamboo material. You can also just use flannel or baby washcloths (which I have a million of). Surge the edges of whatever size square you want. Make solution out of a half cap of apple cider vinegar and 1/4 aloe per 2 cups of water. I store it in a squirt bottle that I got from the hospital postpartum. I put the wipes in a cloth wipe warmer that I got from my mom. I used to think those things were ultra dumb, but it turns out babies hate cold wipes. I don't blame them.

That's basically it.

Rhys's quick tip:
Don't forget to- "//cc5oiooi.pxq/z"

2009-05-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Summer Blues Play Dress, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

My gardenias are blooming!

I'm only making 2 of this dress (because that's all that's left of the fabric). I LOVE this fabric. I would blanket myself in it if I could. Now available in my shop!

6 New Dresses

2009-03-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

6 brand new dresses have been listed!

Click here to be whisked away to H<3R on Etsy

New Dresses

2009-03-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I haven't updated in a while. I have lots of new fabrics for dresses coming. I'm a primary school teacher and our school's spring break is next week. Keep an eye out. I'll be working on some new frocks! :)

Possible designs include:
panda
vintage inspired florals
strawberries
mushrooms
nautical theme
hedgehogs

+ more!

Vintage Folk

2009-02-28T16:28:00.001-08:00

New Dresses, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Coming next week with better pics! :)

Link to H ♥ R on Etsy

SALE!

2009-02-26T21:19:00.001-08:00

Check it out!, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

I'm continuing the sale until the fabrics run out (soon)!

Link to H♥R on Etsy

2009-02-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

New Dresses, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Sorry for the worst composition and lighting ever in this pic. I'm having "issues" with light and everything tonight. I'll take better pics tomorrow. I'm also working on 1 (maybe 2) more dresses. I'll probably list them sometime this weekend. :D

SALE!

2009-01-31T13:27:00.001-08:00

SALE!, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Sale! This weekend only! All prices have already been reduced. Everything's on sale <3

H<3R on Etsy

New Dresses Coming Soon!

2009-01-26T15:41:00.001-08:00

New Dresses!, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

A sneak peak at a couple new dresses. I'm not sure when I'll list them. Sometime this week.

Both have brown pom pom detailing :)

Do you like them?

New Dresses Preview!

2009-01-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

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A preview of what's available the evening of January 15th!

2009-01-06T15:24:00.001-08:00

Happy new year! I've added some re-runs to my shop! Including SURPRISE Japanese fabrics Scrap Bags.
I hope you like them!
*As usual, free gifts with every order!*

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
academybeldam.etsy.com

*Please note, I no longer guarantee that hedgehog fabric is always included in the bags. Don't worry though! The fabric is super cute/ kawaii! <3

2008-12-14T10:11:00.001-08:00

SECRET, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

SECRET SALE! Secret items in my shop have been deeply discounted! These secret prices INCLUDE the brand new dresses. Here's the catch... some dresses are not discounted! You have to find the discounted ones! Once the special items are gone, I will be relisting them at their regular prices! Get 'em while you can!

Merry-go-round Dresses!

2008-12-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Coming soonish, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Now available!

X-mas dresses...

2008-12-06T18:27:00.001-08:00

"A Very Vintage Christmas" Dress, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

I also have another x-mas dress in my photo stream that'll be available as well. I'll take better pics in the morning.

New Dresses Coming October 20th!

2008-10-19T17:44:00.001-07:00

I'll be listing these babies on Monday :)

My Candyland Colors collection!

New Collection!

2008-10-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

Candyland Colors Collection!, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Here's a preview of the new collection. Like 'em? More dresses to come :)

2008-10-05T09:52:00.001-07:00

Address Label, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

Which one for my new "H<3R" address label? Ignore the addresses that are on them now. It'll all be replaced with my shop info. Do you like any of them? None of them? :)

2008-09-29T13:04:00.001-07:00

Hi guys! I have a couple new dresses listed (plus some re-lists). Here's a taste...

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
academybeldam.etsy.com

Thanks for looking!

2008-09-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

All Hallow's Eve Set, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

I've been working on this set for the BHC team Halloween event on Etsy. I'll probably be making about 4 of these.

Now available

2008-09-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

This dress is now available in my shop (along with 4 other new ones). I hope you like them!

I will be re-listing these until the fabrics run out. There may be a couple of days between the re-listings.

2008-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

These are available in the shop now! There is only one of each listed, but I will list more soon.

A Little Update.

2008-09-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Hi guys! I'm sorry that I haven't updated the shop with any new dresses lately! My mother-in-law is in the hospital and my school teaching job has started up again. Once things calm down a bit I will be listing 5-6 new dresses. Don't give up on me! I'll be back soon! I promise :)

2008-08-18T17:21:00.001-07:00

Pink Posies

2008-07-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'll be posting 3-4 of this dress in a little while (Monday, July 28), or tomorrow. I have a super limited supply of this fabric. I love pinky pink dresses! Honey Lee is my new Chunky banged Kenner. She's a "pink" kind of girl! I hope you like it :)

2008-07-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dresses Galore, originally uploaded by academybeldam.

I've added a lot of new restocks to Etsy today :)

Previews

2008-06-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys. Here are some of the new dresses I'm working on. They sort of have that "vintage" feel. Well, the fabric anyway! Depending on what you guys think, I'll make more. If you hate 'em, I'll just skip it :)

What do you think?

Dresses added to the shop!

2008-06-23T10:34:00.001-07:00

http://academybeldam.etsy.com

2008-06-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

This is one of my Blythe/flickr friend's pic! She has a tradition where she gets one of my dresses for each of her new girls when she arrives or soon after her arrival.

Stuff like this makes my "job" super fulfilling! I'm touched. My heart is all burstin' with love :D

Thank you Memeeps for the support and kindness!

2008-06-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

These will be listed sometime in the next couple of days :)

2008-06-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly working on some new dresses. I'll try and get some stock made while my husband heals from his surgery. I'll add the new dresses to the shop in about a week (maybe more, maybe less). More updates through Flickr in the future :)

2008-06-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

I will be closed for a bit. My husband is having surgery next week and will need some extra TLC during that time. I'll be back soon with more new dresses :)

2008-06-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! The new dresses are all listed. i hope you like them!

New Dresses Coming Soon!

2008-06-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I've been working on some new dresses! They're be listed within the next week. The little gathered-top dress in the left corner is available in the shop right now though :)

A Tour of H<3R studios!

2008-06-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that my husband and brother completely renovated my studio for my birthday this year. It's really hard to get pictures of it. The paint is more of an eggplant color. in real life. Anyhow, this is H<3R central!

BEFORE Pictures

AFTER Pictures

New Dresses Coming Soon!

2008-06-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I've been working on some new dresses (party dress style + 1 gathered top style). There are about 6 new ones. I'm going to take pictures tomorrow and post a preview on Flickr. I probably won't list them in the shop for about a week or so. I want to build up some stock so I can cut down on the turn-around-time for the shop. Some of the prints to look forward to are:

More details later :)

2008-06-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

New gathered-top dresses added to the shop! I hope you like them!

2008-05-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

Prepare yourself! I say "style" a lot...

Hi guys! I've been working on this new style of dress. Before I go making a bunch more of this style, I wanted to see if anyone actually liked it. So...do you like the new style? I would of course add embellishments, trims, etc. As well as use different fabrics. Would you buy this style if I added it to my shop?

Meet the H<3R Models!

2008-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

I guess it's time to introduce some of the H Loves R models!

This is my new un-named custom Aubrey Encore. She had a re-root done with thermal saran (it turns yellow in the sun!) She has a fiery personality!

Twila is the silent type. She's a StarD and spends a lot of time sitting quietly in her shelf.

Tansy is my mohair custom. She's the first to snag the cutest hedgehog dresses to model. A total brat!

Monday is my Brunette Kenner. She's got a metal screw holding her hips in place!

Apricot is my redhead Kenner. She's the dreamy type, for sure!

Here's Opal. She my blonde Kenner. She spends a lot of her time in rollers. She's a bit high maintenance!

Scout is my Hello Harvest! She's the most traveled of my girls. She's been across the country (to San francisco) as well as all of the way up to Maine. Very adventurous!

This is Margaret. She's my ABe. She's probably the most studious of the group. She spends a lot of time facedown in a book. Or maybe she just can't support that giant head!

Daisy is my newly finished Saffy Encore Custom. A bit of a vixen, obviously ;)

And of course we have Astrid: The Phoenix 3000! She's the mrb who got caught in a house fire. She was resurrected and rose from the ashes to become who she is now. She spends more time plotting world domination than she does modeling for my shop. She scares the other girls!

New Dresses Soon!

2008-05-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting lots of new fabrics to kickstart the summer! That means lots of new dresses! I haven't started on them just yet. I'll be starting to do some preliminary designing this weekend. So get ready!

New Shop Info

2008-05-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Since my teaching job will be ending for the summer, I plan to focus all my time on running the shop at fullsteam! I'm very excited! I've been stocking up on some new fabrics (as well as some of the old faves). I'm not quite "there" just yet. I still have a lot of prep to do.

Shipping rates from USPS increased yesterday. I had to increase my domestic shipping price to $2.17 for the first item (from $1.90). I hated to do it, but I had to. I don't think it's too much of a difference. Many sellers on Etsy charge much more. The $2.17 will go directly to USPS and the few cents extra will go towards packaging supplies, NOT free gifts. I cover that cost on my own of course. You're not expected to pay for FREE items :)

Besides new dresses, other shop changes for the summer will include:

- Me trying to build up some inventory to cut down on order turn-around-time
- More blogging!
- Contests & special deals (haven't thought them up yet. I need your help!)
+ more I haven't thought of yet.

New blog!

2008-05-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have finally started a blog for my Etsy shop "H Loves R." I specialize in Blythe doll clothing made of kawaii Japanese fabric. I've been in business for just over a year making dresses for your girls!

I am a 25 year old full time technology teacher at an elementary school. I spend my extra time sewing little dolly clothes for you. I live in Florida with my husband, orange cat, and Great Dane.

Welcome to my blog!