Today 22nd March 2013, it is World Water Day. So I think it is very appropriate to dig one of my student projects out investigating water harvesting. This is a step-by-step guide in making Rain-Chain, and water collection solution. Let me know what you think & hope you find it useful! :)  

Last week, we received a large package labelled "Nappy On A Mission" at the front, but there was no name nor return address to be found. This anonymous very generous person has donated 30 nappies towards Nikki's place! http://www.nikkisplace.org, the Agape Home cares for mothers and their children living with HIV and AIDS in Thailand. I will be visiting them in person sometimes this year. Nikki's Place who are currently using anything they can find, whether it be old towels or even rags. We are over the moon in receiving this gifts and would like to Thank you very much for your generosity. 

Then we had an empty box... oh what to do?? Inspired by Creative Ideas facebook page. It got me started cutting the box up and created this over/cooker with Ethan, since he does not have a pretend one to play with and we really can't afford one, so why not get crafty! I really enjoy doing this little project with my boy. I get to spend time with him, teaching him how to cut paper shapes by holding his hands into mind. He loves cooking and helping me out with little things in the kitchen and now he has his own oven kit to play with. It is just perfect! I get to teach him the names of the different colours, different shape names, and let him decorate the box by sticking things, and letting him take charge decorating the toast grains and beacon strips. He can do fried eggs, boiled eggs (from kinder surprise eggs), fried bacon, oven chips, and fried/ oven fish, and toasts. He love stirring food on his oven top and now he loves eating his real dinner on it too! I guess if you have a fussy eater like Ethan, this is one way to encourage your little one to eat more. "Bon Appetit" I say.    

Use vinegar and newspaper to clean windows, it gives an amazing shine and no harmful chemicals are used! from Jane, Lancashire :)

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/advice/care_guides/Home_remedies_197925.html

FRUGAL TIP! Do you take the hangers when you buy a new outfit? I don't usually, the hangers are cheap and I have plenty of nicer hangers at home.

But here's an idea that you just might use!

Cut off the clips and use them to close your opened packages!

Found here: http://pinterest.com/pin/234046511855003078/

Switch to Ecoballs for washing. You stop adding detergent to our water and save yourself a fortune (particularly if you wash nappies). From Arianwen in Penge Bromley

image: http://www.ethicalsuperstore.com/reviews/ecozone/eco-balls/

Never buy another cleaning spray again! Use e-Cloths.  In a bid to rid our house of chemicals that were affecting my son's health, I came across e-cloths.  They are fantastic and only need water to clean, with proper scientific studies done to show that they remove bacteria better than chemical sprays.  Give them a try!  You won't turn back. From Julia, Essex :)

image: http://adogslife-henryandme.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/e-cloth-antibacterial-cloth-review.html 

I'm sure this isnt a new tip but stick your nappies on the line in the sun, or even just a bright day, the sun will bleach out those nasty stubborn stains making them appear brand new! From Tim & Kate, Kent.

 image: http://naturemoms.com/blog/tag/disposable-diapers/ 

Following on from Eco-Tip #24: If no garden buy a bokashi bin, marvellous magical liquid that your waste produces, it does everything from feeding your plants to cleaning your drains, naturally. From Jane, Lancashire.

image: http://www.wormsrus.com.au/shopping/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_51

Get a couple of ex battery hens, you will never waste food again from Jane, Lancashire.

 image: http://www.the-compostbin.com/

My Eco tip is for using reusable nappies - make the nappies up before going, even with the fleece liner in this makes changes out an about easier, and also means childminders aren't scared of reusables! Louisa, Devon

 image: GreenPomelo® Real Nappies