Over 40 Mosquito Bite Itch Relief Tips

It’s mosquito season and I have buffalo sized ones zipping around the backyard as I type this.

Thanks to their first feast on my ankles tonight, I was inspired to dig through every tip I had regarding mosquito bites and relief from the itching. Scratch Scratch. (ALL NIGHT LONG) No kidding - I have about 13 just from my knees down...no part of my legs/feet have been spared.  

I haven’t tried most of the suggestions below, but I’ll note which ones have worked for me.

Here are more than 40 tips organized in one neat file, each bullet tip is a single method:

Household Items

1. Rub a bar of soap over the itch. I just tried this and the relief was near instant. I used a dry bar of soap directly on the skin, but I also have seen that you can spritz bite with water and then run bar of soap over area–or use a wet bar of soap.
2. Place a piece of scotch tape on the bite; or dab rubbing alcohol or ammonia on the area first then stick on a piece of tape. (I tried this after  #3 - it helped, but still didn't 'fix' it!) 
3. Hot water: Take a hot shower, or a hot bath, or apply a hot compress. As hot as you can stand it without burning you. (My own timed tested rememdy - and it mostly failed today :( ) 
4. Ice cube, ice pack or very cold water

Dabbers

The quicker you can apply one of the remedies below, the faster the relief. These are topical suggestions, apply directly to the area.

1. Nail Polish
2. Strong tea mixed with rubbing alcohol
3. Toothpaste 
4. Mouthwash
5. Vinegar (apply directly to bite or take a hot bath with 2 cups of vinegar in the water- I did this during the lunch hour - probably the best feeling it's been for two days!) 
6. Honey
7. Underarm deodorant (solid or roll-on) – apply directly to skin
8. Rubbing Alcohol
9. Ammonia
10. Bleach
11. Tea: Use a hot tea bag or a cotton ball soaked in hot tea to dab on skin

Paste Applications

Mix these fresh then apply to bite as soon as possible. The consistency should be nice and thick so it won’t run, yet will still stay in place on the affected area. You could also spritz bite with water then apply grains/powders directly (generously) and rub them in.

1. Baking Soda & Water 
2. Meat Tenderizer & Water
3. Salt & Water 
4. Epsom Salt & Water (could also do this as a foot soak if it’s the ankle/foot area affected)
5. Tums Tablets: crush and add a few drops of water
6. Aspirin: crush then add a few drops of water
7. Aspirin – crush then apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol

Commercial Product Lotions, Creams & Applications

*Apply directly to mosquito bite

1. Calamine Lotion
2. Benadryl Cream
3. Orajel
4. Anbesol
5. Caladryl
6. Vicks VapoRub (works for me)
7. Preparation H (works for me)
8. Lucas Papaw Ointment
9. Tiger Balm
10. Bag Balm
11. Gold Bond Medicated Cream (or the Gold Bond Medicated Powder)
12. Mylanta (heartburn relief product)
13. After Bite

Essential Oils

Apply full strength directly to skin. There are concerns about using essential oils on children and pre-teens, especially repeated use, so make sure to check and ask a pharmacist or other medical professional. 

1. Tea Tree Oil
2. Lavender Oil
3. Witch Hazel (astringent)
4. Cedar Oil

Leaf Applications

*Crush the fresh leaves roughly then apply to bite

1. Basil
2. Plantains (Plantago)

Fruity Applications

*Use fresh fruit & apply directly to skin

1. Lemon Juice
2. Lemon Slice
3. Lime Juice
4. Lime Slice
5. Banana Peel (rub inside of peel on bite)

Whew! Big List! If I’ve missed your favorite remedy for mosquito bites, please add them below.

Notes

• If a remedy doesn’t provide fast relief, don’t despair. Give it another try, sometimes it will take 2 or 3 applications before it kicks in.
• The itch is a reaction from the saliva of the mosquito that it injects into you as it feasts on your blood. There are several dozen different species of mosquitoes and you may react to some species bites more than others.
• If large swelling occurs (like welts), contact a doctor or pharmacist for suggestions (especially if it’s a child with a strong reaction). It could be an allergy to the bite. It’s important to watch the throat for swelling and get treatment asap.

July photo a day!

Let's try this again this month!! :)

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes.

Summer! Things I'm excited about, in no particular order: 
Sunny weather.
Wearing sandals everyday.
Blue skies. 
Fresh berries.

Beach time.

Sand in my toes
Fireworks!

S'mores

Fairs and carnivals

These CUPCAKES :-) 

Cutest Cupcakes EVER!!! 

I'm super excited to try these (and share of course!!) 

24 flat-bottom ice cream cones

1 batch of cupcakes (either homemade or from a boxed mix)
1 batch of your favorite frosting (I will use white for 4th of July theme)
Sprinkles!

Preheat oven according to recipe or boxed cake mix. Place an ice cream cone standing up in each of the wells of a 24-cup muffin pan.

Prepare cupcake batter according to directions and spoon into ice cream cones, filling them 2/3 of the way full.

Bake according to directions, for about 20-23 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. 

When cupcakes have cooled, prepare your frosting and pipe on top in big generous swirls 

 Decorate with...

June already?!?

Well didn't those last couple months sneak right by!!
So here's my latest obsession - and please don't hold me responsible if you have a medical condition after reading this ;-) -  Jogging/running.  So much so that I ACTUALLY signed up for not 1, BUT 2 5k's.  There is still one more I wouldn't mind doing, but I'm not sure I'll be ready in time ;D

Here's the first one -August 4th - If you can, please support the cause.  It's a nationally known and well used program:
Stepping Up For Wishes
and the second one, August 11th.  This one is near and dear to the hearts of many, especially in the families :) (Both mine and my husband's!)
Melanoma Dermatology Consultants (My mom's employer is the main sponsor!) If you want to join the fun, join my team (Reed Run) or if you want to donate to the cause,
Donation Page for Reed Run team!




Oh...and don't lose faith, I'll bring back the photo of the day thing too :D

What a super idea!

Mommy Chef Wisdom

Cooking in a professional kitchen really isn’t all that different than cooking at home for my family. Sure, there are fewer people around, and those who are around are typically under foot or clambering up on stools to help.

Why not try these kid-tested ideas to help turn meal preparation in your home into an interactive, fun and educational experience the whole family can enjoy.

Create-a-Meal Night
Saturday night in our house is create-a-meal night. The kids alternate picking ingredients that mommy then has to turn into a great meal. Think ‘Iron Chef,’ mommy-style.

The rules: they have to pick at least two vegetables and one protein and I pick the carbs. For example, one night I chose brown rice, and they chose chicken, carrots, broccoli, peanut butter and pineapple. Then it was time to turn their random ingredients into a Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry with a Thai Peanut Sauce.

Create-a-meal night not only teaches children about proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and more, it also gives them a vested interest in the meal.

Kids Recipe Book
Each of my children has their own recipe book. It’s just a simple book of colored paper in which we write down their favorite recipes, or new ones that I’ve made that they like. When they’ve earned enough stars for being helpers in the kitchen, they get to pick a recipe for us to make together for dinner that night.

Stone Soup
Are you familiar with the book “Stone Soup” by Ann McGovern? First, I would read the story, and then the kids would get to make their very own ‘stone soup.’ They loved to select the ingredients, with a little bit of guidance from me, of course. (No, applesauce probably isn’t the best choice for soup!).

Don’t forget to add your creation to their recipe book when you are done.

Young Gardeners
How many 2-6 year-olds know what basil is? Mine do! Kids love to watch things grow, and I love using fresh herbs whenever possible.

Herb gardens can grow in pots on the patio, in a flower bed … in just about anything that can hold soil. Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor to any meal, and after growing the herbs themselves, your children may be more inclined to try new dishes and flavors.

By including your children in meal prep, you are teaching them vital cooking skills and allowing them to contribute which builds self-confidence and much more. Bon appétit!

How I know I'm a Mother....

With Mother’s Day coming up, I was reflecting on my hard work as “Mommy” this morning, and how this gift/challenge has changed me and taken over my being—body, mind, and spirit.

Physical signs that I’m a mother:
Lower back pain from lifting my kids, sometimes simultaneously, sometimes kicking and screaming simultaneously, once kicking and screaming simultaneously with a trike in each hand. Saggy, deflated breasts and overstretched nipples (especially the left one which was always a favorite, I guess because it produced chocolate milk.) But, believe me, they looked AMAZING once!

Alas, those days of extra calorie-burning are gone, though it is hard to shake the constant urge to snack that came with breast-feeding, and so I have a new little tummy to go along with this new era of motherhood.

After I pee, I usually have to pee. When I hear your baby crying, I find myself bouncing up and down, as if to hold and soothe her. (This motion has become automatic in my body after enduring hours of crying newborns.) Tired eyes and worry lines on my forehead just go without saying.

When I empty the pockets of my jeans (after wearing them three days in a row), I find the remnants of my recent mommy moments, little treasures and memories now headed to the trash can: the cherry Chapstick my children have licked and smeared all over their faces; the mini-plastic airplane that caused a battle between them; the dinosaur fossils (rocks) found on a walk; the flower (dandelion weed) given to me, someone's “ABC” gum wrapped in a Post-It note reminding me to do something school/dance related, call so-and-so and to breathe deeply; a broken crayon and kleenex, and a quarter—lucky me!

Have you seen me lately? Obviously, beauty and style—not my first priority. (Though I often brush my teeth.)

Mental signs that I am a mother:
I find myself singing “Here We Go” in the car, and then realize that the car seats are empty. Perusing my bedside table for night-time reading, I opt for Sandra Boynton’s Snuggle Puppy of Mine instead of the intellectual and more “developmentally appropriate” Dave Ramsey book. (But I still fall asleep before finishing the child's book.) I dream about potty-training and pacifiers (my sub-conscious trying to sort through the problems in my universe).

When someone asks me what my daughter’s name is, it takes me a full ten seconds to come up with it… yet the words and inspiration for my latest creative endeavors, two “Mommy” country songs come pouring out: “My New Dream Vacation is an Hour Alone to Myself” and “Got a Paci in my Pocket on my Way to See the Shrink.” My brain is too tired to think of anymore, much less complete a…

Emotional signs that I am a mother:
Nothing makes me happier nor more miserable than being with my children. They test the extremes of my emotional reserve. Sometimes when I am away from them, I long for them and think of them fondly. Sometimes when I am with them, I long for time away from them and think fondly of other peoples’ children (and my life B.C., “before children”).

Other things that used to matter just don’t anymore. Little dramas at work or with friends, choosing the right towels to match the new shower curtain, hitting a sale at Kohl’s to add to my own wardrobe, washing dishes, taking out the trash…

I think my children are most beautiful when they are sleeping peacefully at the end of the day, and my heart is full of love for them, and my home full of PEACE. I experience moments of such tenderness, unconditional love, and acceptance from my children that it makes me a better person. I can simultaneously be aware that my time as the center of their universe is fleeting, and feel such a pang of sadness at this knowledge, while also daydreaming about the day when they are out of the house, and I can do whatever I want to do!

Spiritual signs that I am a mother:
I feel a true connection to all of you, and all the hard-working, loving moms in the world. I strive not to judge any of you, but to help you when you are overwhelmed; to open a door for you when you have your hands full of children and stuff leaving pre-school; to get you extra napkins and drink refills at a restaurant when you’re with kids and I’m dining solo; to give you a knowing smile and a hand when your children are throwing tantrums at the store (and mine are home with Daddy); to encourage you to give yourself a break as a mom when life is hard; to give you a hug and kind word when you need some extra encouragement; to donate money and supplies to help you feed your children, clothe your children, and keep them healthy; to share snacks, Band-Aids, and baby wipes at the park when you are low. (What am I saying? I am never the mom who comes prepared, but the one who needs YOUR help).

Heck, I feel connected to mommy ducks I see at the park, leading their little ones around. When a flock of ducklings got stuck down the gutter and their mother was desperately quacking nearby, my heart was aching until a neighbor crawled into a manhole to free them.

When your child is sick or in trouble, I am hurting with you. I am aware that if we all opened ourselves to the nurturing, Mother Spirit around us and within us, the world would be kinder, and more loving. We would recognize the world’s children as our own, and decide to care for them. We would recognize the plight of mothers around the world as our own, and decide to fight for them and stand with them. We would know that we are all one family.

Wishing you and all mommies health, love, and peace for your family

1-2-3 CAKE RECIPE!

Here's the Easiest recipe EVER for single serve cake!

1 box of Angel Food Cake Mix
1 box of (ANY) flavor cake mix (chocolate, strawberry, lemon, white, etc)
Mix/shake together well (Dry mix)

When ready to prepare:
3 TBSP of dry mix
2 TBSP of water
Stir together.  Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute (in a microwave safe bowl, cup, mug, etc).  TADA.  Cake.  Done to perfection!
You can top with ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, etc....


The dry mix can be stored for up to 6 months in an airtight container.

Easy as 1-2-3!, yummy and just the right amount of sweetness for that must have sweet craving but don't want to bake a cake or anything.  (Makes a GREAT gift for those people who should have gifts, but you don't want to spend a ton of money on ;D)

You can have your cake....Day 20

In less than 5 minutes (NO KIDDING!) I'll attach this recipe to the next post, but here's the before and after picture for Day 20!

Healthier diet tip of the day:  Fish for Omega-3's. Two to three servings per week are good for your heart, brain and body. You'll find it in fatty fish (like salmon and albacore tuna), ground flaxseed, soybean oil and walnuts.  Omega-3's... now a must have for our bodies!  We don't eat nearly 2-3 servings a week, but I try to get at least some in our menu every week.  It helps improve brain function, which is important when raising two kids (their brains AND ours ;D)

"Luck is what you have left over after you give 100 percent." ~ Langston Coleman ~

A little giggle goes a long way...

Day 19 - FUNNY!  These are about the three most entertaining kids I know.  My two and the neighbor boy.  Get them together and there's little fighting and a ton of laughing!  They come up with some pretty crazy stuff!!

Tip for healthy diet:  Look for "green flag" menu words. Healthy restaurant foods are usually described as baked, boiled, broiled, fresh, grilled, light, multigrain, poached, reduced, roasted, seasoned, steamed, or stir-fried.  Or just don't eat out much :)   That's our new take on eating healthy.  It's so much easier to eat out, but no matter what you order (short of water) everything else can probably be made cheaper AND more healthy at home! But use these words as a guideline for those times you can't get out of eating out ;-)

"Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity." ~ Oprah Winfrey ~

In my own little corner...Day 18

This is a corner of my front 'landscaping'.  It is a VERY important key element in my flowers surviving and looking awesome :D

Diet health tip:  Get the nutrition facts. The front of a package won't tell you the whole story. Read labels and compare key nutrients calories, serving size, fat, fiber, calcium, and ingredients to make the best choice.  Isn't it kind of sad that WE, as consumers, have to do this with our products?!  I feel like the manufacturer's need to take some responsibility and STOP putting so much S**T in our food!!!  But READ LABELS VERY CAREFULLY!!!

"Just tell yourself, Duckie, you're really quite lucky!" ~ Dr. Seuss ~

Luck of the Irish to you....

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I have never been one to really 'celebrate' this holiday, but I know many who do ;-)
Day 17 - Green, of course ;D  The 4 year old had so much fun attending a St. Patty's Day special event - and thank you Mrs. Brasket (and helpers!) for sending home a huge shamrock with a ton of glitter ;-)  Gosh I love school (hey, no sarcasm - it helps keep the glitter mess 95% out of my house!!! :D)

Diet tip of the day:  Happy St. Patrick's Day! Research shows that moderate drinking can prevent certain diseases, but occasional binge drinking has negative effects. Limit it to 1 drink daily for women and 2 drinks daily for men.  This is something that can be repeated over and over and over.  No need to be excessive.  IF you NEED to have more than this on a DAILY basis, you may need to look more closely at yourself.  Not that I'm judging (been there done that), but health and being around for my kids, grand-kids, etc, WAY MORE IMPORTANT!!

"For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way.  Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and everyday."  ~ Irish Blessing ~

The future's so bright... day 16

These are the best looking sunglasses ever!!!

Tip of the day for healthy diet:  Aim for 3-6 servings of grains each day. Rich in energy-boosting carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber, they're important for overall health. One serving is equal to 1/2-cup cooked (rice, pasta, oats) or 1 oz. (1 slice) bread.  This is something I'm just realizing NEEDS to be in our diet plans! Not only healthy for many reasons, but it really helps with overall digestive health ;-)

"Luck has a peculiar habit of favoring those who don't depend on it." ~ Author Unknown ~

Only in my dreams.... Day 15

We went to the Auto Show.  Found a LINCOLN for LINCOLN ;-)

Healthier diet tip of the day:  Eat a snack before bed. It's a myth that eating late causes weight gain. As long as you don't overeat, you can enjoy a snack close to bedtime without worry.  This one makes sense to me, but it's generally not something we practice.  I don't know why...maybe because there isn't much time for us between supper and bedtime.  We do enjoy a dish of ice cream or a piece of fruit, probably 2-4 times a week, but our "rule" is if we have dessert, we don't have a bedtime snack.

"I've been lucky. I'll be lucky again." ~ Bette Davis ~

The clouds...Day 14

Were non-existent this particular day!  Must love clear blue sky though ;)

Tips for healthy diet:  Be a brown bagger. Packing your lunch ensures that you are eating better and saving money. Try lean proteins, whole grain bread, fruit, vegetables with dip, and broth-based soups for a filling meal.  After about 5 years of trying, I FINALLY have my husband convinced this is the way to go :)  It's so awesome, he actually complains about NOT having leftovers nowadays :D  (go me!!)

"Luck does not favor hesitation."  ~ Roman words of wisdom ~

Day 13 - I saw the sign....

If I must say so myself, this one CRACKS ME UP!!!! :-)

Healthy diet tip: Monitor your sodium intake. Less than 2,300 mg each day is ideal--that's about 1 teaspoon of salt. Look for salt-free and reduced-sodium versions of canned and frozen foods.  HOLY...that really put it in perspective for us!  We are starting to really watch this in our house as of late.

"If you can't take a good kicking, you shouldn't parade how much luckier you are than other people." ~ Charles Saatchi ~

Fork in the road...

Day 12 (YAY -I'm back to caught up :D) photo is Fork.  This is a typical meal in our house worth of forks :) Two 'little' ones, two big ones!

Tip for better nutrition:  Go nuts! Almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachios all contain
healthy monounsaturated fats that lower you risk of several diseases. Grab a small handful 3-5 times per week.  Notice the recurring advice?!  Not only are they 'healthy', they are good for your heart, they are easy and unless you have an allergy to nuts, they are a good source of protein (especially if you don't like meat!)

"It's hard to detect good luck-it looks so much like something you've earned." ~ Frank A. Clark ~

Talk is cheap...

Day 11 - someone you talked to... Really?!?  At least it was a weekend day :)  But I still choose this picture.  These three crack me up -  it's my kids and their cousin (about 3 months younger than my 2 1/2 year old...)  They are funny, especially when all together :D

Nutrition tip:  Chew on schedule. Too much time between meals can drop your energy levels, decrease your metabolism and result in overeating. Space your meals evenly throughout the day and eat a healthy snack between each meal.  Not going to lie.... I don't do this on a regular basis.  #1 reason, we just don't always think about it.  We KNOW it works (and it helps lose weight for those looking for those tips too) but scheduling doesn't ALWAYS allow it work out that way.

"It is better to be born lucky than rich." ~  Author Unknown ~

Quiet time...

What's that?!  I'm a SAHM....there's very little quiet time in my life (and I LOVE it!!) but Day 10 wants something loud...SO.... a mall play area full of kids or a room full of 10 3-5 year olds with tap shoes on?!?!  Or just the everyday music/parade/playing stuff we do?!?!!  You decide... .:D

Nutrition tip of the day:  Eat 4-6 servings of vegetables daily. High in nutrients and low in calories, veggies can help prevent diabetes, stroke, heart disease and more. One serving is equal to 1/2 cup.  In my house, I think my husband and I have no problems doing this...but our kids, a little more picky.  Don't get me wrong, I TRY to give them at least one veggie at lunch and dinner, but sometimes getting them to eat it is the trick.  We've started doing carrots and dip for snack, or letting them pick the veggie of the day and that's what we eat...they have to eat at least as many bites as they are old, especially if they pick it :D

"If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can  totally transform one million realities."  ~ Maya Angelou ~

I saw

RED!  *(a little Warrant moment, anyone?!?!)
Not only that, just a reminder... High Noon will be re-uniting on March 25th for a benefit for Mary Solberg (wife of HN Drummer, Mark. )  It's only happening once a year or so...so get out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (If you're in the MN area :D)

Tip for better nutrition:  Start at the perimeter of the grocery store. Fruits, veggies, dairy and grains, which should make up the bulk of your diet, are located here. Eating these unprocessed foods boosts your nutritional intake and promotes health.  How funny....this is how I've started making my lists too...because generally speaking every store is set up like this!  (I did it based on the store I shop at the most, but I've found it true at many, MANY stores!)


"I never knew an early-rising, hard-working, prudent man, careful of his earnings, and strictly honest who complained of bad luck."  ~ Henry Ward Beecher ~

Look out the

Window...you never know!!

Tip for better nutrition:  Slow down. Savoring your food in a calm environment helps you tune-in to your body's signals. You're less likely to overeat and experience problems like acid reflux when you take your time to really enjoy the moment.  We USUALLY have a sit down meal with all of us around the table.  I believe in two things at meal time... 1) Family time! 2) Sitting down and slowing down, are good for, not only digestion, but mental states.  Relax!!

"I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."  ~ John Heywood ~

Letting go...

Day 7 wants something you wore... I have a hard time moving past Tony Stewart not racing for Home Depot anymore, so I still wear my Tony (orange) stuff and wear it proudly - it all says Stewart, so it's still cheering for Smoke, right?!!? ;-)

Nutrition tip:  Avoid trans fats. They increase your risk of heart disease. Foods with "partially hydrogenated oil" as an ingredient contain trans fat (even if the label says 0 grams) and should be left on the grocery shelf.  Again, it can be a tough thing to start doing, but once you do it, it's so worth it!!!

"I don't know anything about luck.  I've never banked on it, and I'm afraid of people who do.  Luck to me is something else; hard work and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't."  ~ Lucille Ball ~

It's 5 o'clock somewhere....

"It's always 5 in Margaritaville".... hahahahahaha! (PS - I LOVE THAT SONG!!!)  (yep, a few minutes late...........) 

Tip for nutritional month:  Drink water. It's the only beverage your body really needs and craves. Gradually replace soda, flavored coffees, sugary drinks and other high-cal liquids with water. Aim for 8-12 cups each day.  Hard to do, but not really?!?!  I use an online tool to help track my water.  And the simple body improvements (weight loss, regularity, etc) from drinking more water - awesome!! :)  

"Good luck seldom comes in pairs, but bad things never walk (come) alone." ~ Chinese proverb ~ 

Just smile....

Today's photo... a smile :)  

Nutrition advice for the day:  Too busy to cook healthfully? To save time, use your Crockpot, cook and freeze large batches of food, buy pre-cut or pre-cooked ingredients, and keep an organized grocery list.  I think I only agree with half of this advice. Even as a SAHM, my crockpot is my best friend in the kitchen!! :)  I don't like buying many pre-cooked items...and if you're on a budget, pre-cut and pre-cooked often up those prices.   So be careful...just know it's better to eat at home, so do what you need to do ;)  

"Good luck is often with the man who doesn't include it in his plans."  ~ Author Unknown ~ 

TIME OUT

Taking a quick time out from the 'normal'... 


Here's a 'recipe' that I've been trying to remember to find for a few weeks.  My youngest (still in diapers) has a terrible rash right now and regular wipes, no matter what kind or how gentle they are, always make him cry.  (He's teething and his bottom is the one to suffer the most.)

Last week, I made a new container of homemade wipes, so I thought I'd put the recipe online.  I LOVE these wipes.  They are really absorbent and super easy to make.  They are also cheap!  GREAT money saver - try it once-what will it hurt?!?! 

Ingredients:

1 roll Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels

1 1/2 tablespoons baby bath

1 tablespoon baby oil

2 cups water

Start with 1 roll of Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels.  They really need to be Bounty.  I use off brand paper towels for general use, but I tried them once as wipes and they fall apart and don't clean baby bottoms nearly as well as Bounty. 

 Pull the wrapper off and place on a cutting board.

 Using a sharp non-serated knife, cut the roll in half.

They will look like this.  Keep one and put the other one away for next time.  

You need a container to place the wipes in that is big enough to fit the paper towels.  The cover also needs to seal well so they don't dry out.  I found this one at Target.  It's a ClickClack 2.9 quart.  

Measure out 1 1/2 tablespoons of baby wash.

Then 1 Tablespoon of baby oil.  Add both to the container

Add 2 cups of water to the container.

Mix together

Place the roll of paper towl in the container.  I place the cut side down.

Place the cover on the container and turn the container upside down.  Keep it upside down until the paper towels are soaked through.

Open the container.  Pull the cardboard center out of the paper towels.

This is how they look!  We love them!