Frugal Portable Potty For ECers

Years ago, back when I was practicing  Elimination Communication with my baby, I got to Marnie Holme’s website Noonee Wilga, where she explains her invention, the Very Portable Potty System (VPPS).

I got excited and went off to get the needed materials to build my own version of this fantastic EC gadget for my son.

When Baby Has To Go, Baby Has To Go!

There are many situations where you’re not near a bathroom.  This happened to us in train stations, inside a train and a bus, airports, and dozens of places both indoors and outdoors. You may think it would be awkward, but since most people are unaware that little babies can use the toilet this way, it’s very probable that nobody will notice what’s going on.

Make your own VPPS with things you already have at home: Read more

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Micro Loup, A Favorite Short Film

Micro Loup is an animated short film by Richard McGuire that we’ve enjoyed watching with 4yo Carlos.

This is the story of a microscopic wolf (in French, “loup”) who is taken in a cage from his natural environment to an urban exhibition.

I’m not always comfortable with him watching films with violent meaning. However, I feel comfortable with Micro Loup story and how it’s presented from an upside view.

We even play the “Micro Loup” game, which is basically him trying to catch me and eat me in one piece. After I’m inside his stomach, he always returns my body to start the game over again.

Enjoy watching the story of this little wolf:

Micro Loup from Richard McGuire on Vimeo.

Wooden Bento Lunchbox Review

I got this Japanese bento box for a review from Life Without Plastic online store.

From the beginning I was so excited with the idea of a non-plastic container, and definitely fell in love with its simple Japanese look.

So far I’ve been using the Wooden Bento Box for over a month in our frequent outings, and every time I use it I feel like an old Samurai’s daughter.

Having lived in Japan for 3 years, I experience a nice feeling when eating rice from the Bento Box, but there are other benefits I can mention:

• Lightweight
• BEAUTIFUL (you get lots of compliments with this one)
• The perfect lunch size for us. It may not be enough for large portion eaters
• Easy to clean. Just use soapy water and a soft sponge
• The cedar wood is treated with Japanese traditional lacquer URUSHI, which is derived from the Urushi tree. This makes a brilliant, water resistant coating without harsh chemicals
• No BPA concerns
• Very pleasant to eat from
• Although not suggested by the vendor, I’ve successfully used it with only one compartment.

Enjoying obento at the Metropolitan Cultural Center in Quito

I’ve also found a couple of cons:

• Although it looks somehow sturdy, I wouldn’t take it just anywhere. I give it a lot of use in the city and for one day outings. I don’t take it to several-days trips.
• Not leak-proof. You can’t carry watery food
• The urushi coating looks delicate. I use wooden or silicone forks and spoons
• The box is comparatively pricey, but if you want to enjoy a plastic free life, the quality is worth the price

May I suggest an improvement: The box would be perfect with a Japanese fabric wrap. I indeed use a Japanese handkerchief to wrap my bento box.

Quick salad: Olives, free range eggs, organic tomatoes and macadamia nuts (not showing)

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