Here is my all-purpose cleaner. Fill a large 32-ounce spray bottle with the following: (preferable one that is recyclable)
2 cups of water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure castile soap
3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide
20 drops of tea tree oil- This is a natural bacterial/fungus killer
20 drops of lavender or lemongrass essential oil- THIS WILL CUT THE VINEGAR SMELL
If you live in a place that attracts lots of insects (that get into the house) add citronella essential oil to the bottle,as it is an excellent insect repellent!
Recipe for window/glass cleaner:
In a plastic spray bottle mix equal portions of distilled vinegar and water. This cleans glass like nothing I have ever used!!!
Baking Soda:
I can not say enough about it!! It's AMAZING. It really cute the grim and grease in my kitchen sink!! That's all I use in my kitchen sink now. I have also used it to get marker off my built in book cases in my living room as well as a few spot of my stainless steal sink!!
This is a recipe my friend Rachel shared in the comments from my last post. Rachel has some great tips on here website!!
All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
1/2 cup vinegar
2 cups (1 pint) rubbing alcohol
1 teaspoon dishwashing soap
Combine it all in one gallon of water. (A vinegar jug is just right)
Put some in a spray bottle, and this will clean and disinfect everything in your bathroom - and clean the mirror and windows, too! It's nice to be able to reuse the bottles each time, too, so there's no garbage.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Guess who turned 4??
I can't believe it has been so long since I have made a post!! Goodness gracious!! Since, my last post our Joshua turned 4!! When did that happen? We had a Pirate Birthday party to celebrate and Joshua LOVED, LOVED it!!! I too had a lot of fun with the food, decor and details of it all.
An update on my quest for more environmentally friendly cleaning products. I have been trying quite a few and have found some things I really like!! The grocery store near my house has been so gracious in accepting all my returns on items I didn't like....no questions! That has certainly made this quest even more fun. Two things I have changed in the household; our dish detergent and our laundry detergent. Ecover makes a really great dish detergent with a price point that isn't so bad....sorry I can't remember the exact price at the moment. I'm loving many of the Mrs. Meyers products (all of her packaging is biodegradable and reusable).....the laundry detergent is really wonderful with many yummy smells to choose from! The price point on this is $12.99 for 32 loads which is spendier but we have always used Tide and that isn't the cheapest. I wanted to expand on my finding but for now this will do!!
An update on my quest for more environmentally friendly cleaning products. I have been trying quite a few and have found some things I really like!! The grocery store near my house has been so gracious in accepting all my returns on items I didn't like....no questions! That has certainly made this quest even more fun. Two things I have changed in the household; our dish detergent and our laundry detergent. Ecover makes a really great dish detergent with a price point that isn't so bad....sorry I can't remember the exact price at the moment. I'm loving many of the Mrs. Meyers products (all of her packaging is biodegradable and reusable).....the laundry detergent is really wonderful with many yummy smells to choose from! The price point on this is $12.99 for 32 loads which is spendier but we have always used Tide and that isn't the cheapest. I wanted to expand on my finding but for now this will do!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I'm it!
I just got tagged from Trina http://lavidalocadelafamiliagonzalez.blogspot.com/. Joshua and her son Asa played soccer together!!
5 things I'm passionate about.
1) Living healthfully; eating as many whole foods as possible, exercising, soaking up the sun, getting enough rest and being kind to the environment.
2) My family
3) My husband and my boys whom we hope to raise to be happy, health, and confident.
4) Not holding grudges....life is to short for that!
5) Educating and exposing my boys to the world/worlds around them.
5 things I want to do before I die.
1) Watch my boys grow up and conquer their milestones!
2) Start my own business
3) Go to Africa
4) Send my Aunt and Uncle on a trip somewhere
5) See my husband full fill his dreams and passions
5 things I often say.
1) "Use your kind words please"
2) "Um hmm"
3) "Seriously"
4) "Oh, my goodness"
5) "Yes, Mommy"
5 books I have read lately.
1) The new strong willed child by Dobson
2) The total money makeover by Dave Ramsey
3) The Bible
4) A Pirate's ABC
5) Books on the Environment and becoming green
5 movies I have watched 5 times or more
1) Pippy Long stocking
2) Spider-man
3) 10 things I hate about you
4) Toy story
5) Coyote Ugly
5 friends I'm tagging.
I'm not...unless your ready this and you want to be tagged!!!
5 things I'm passionate about.
1) Living healthfully; eating as many whole foods as possible, exercising, soaking up the sun, getting enough rest and being kind to the environment.
2) My family
3) My husband and my boys whom we hope to raise to be happy, health, and confident.
4) Not holding grudges....life is to short for that!
5) Educating and exposing my boys to the world/worlds around them.
5 things I want to do before I die.
1) Watch my boys grow up and conquer their milestones!
2) Start my own business
3) Go to Africa
4) Send my Aunt and Uncle on a trip somewhere
5) See my husband full fill his dreams and passions
5 things I often say.
1) "Use your kind words please"
2) "Um hmm"
3) "Seriously"
4) "Oh, my goodness"
5) "Yes, Mommy"
5 books I have read lately.
1) The new strong willed child by Dobson
2) The total money makeover by Dave Ramsey
3) The Bible
4) A Pirate's ABC
5) Books on the Environment and becoming green
5 movies I have watched 5 times or more
1) Pippy Long stocking
2) Spider-man
3) 10 things I hate about you
4) Toy story
5) Coyote Ugly
5 friends I'm tagging.
I'm not...unless your ready this and you want to be tagged!!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Some big boy news....
We reached a major milestone this week...Joshua cut up all his Binky's!!! John and I have been talking to Joshua about getting ride of his Binky but he really hasn't been into it. So, we let it rest and this week Joshua suggested cutting his own Binky's and then going to pick out a toy at the store....and this time I new he was for real. So, we did it right then and there. To our surprise he hasn't asked for it once. He was just ready!! I can't tell you how happy this makes me!! Yeah, Joshua. Mommy and Daddy are so proud!!
In other news. Today when I was praying for Austen he said, Amen! There is truly just so much Joy that comes from being a Mother!
In other news. Today when I was praying for Austen he said, Amen! There is truly just so much Joy that comes from being a Mother!
Friday, May 16, 2008
The beauty products I have discovered.....
I'm so excited to share some of the things I have found...I have not tried all of these products but I will be slowly transitioning into them. The price point of these products range.
1) Suki (www.sukisnaturals.com): I can't wait to try the Lemon Grass Cleanser and it is completely organic.
2) Pangea Organics: all there packaging is fully biodegradable
3) Dr. Hauschka: created a holistic pharmaceutical company this line has a higher price point
4) Juice Beauty: There line looks super fun and there products are 95% organic ingredients
5) Aubrey Organics: made with essential oils and vitamins. (They make face, hair and body products)
6) Jason's Vitamin C line: Vitamin C stimulates collagen production so using a moisturizer that contains vitamin C is not a bad idea. What I like using is a small amount of yogurt mixed with the juice from an orange slice.
7) John Master's: (www.johnmasters.com): organic haircare. I'm especially going to try the Citrus and Neroli Detangler.
8) Eco Bella: (www.ecobella.com): Shampoo for everyday
9) Kiss my face: (They make soaps, make up, hair care and body care) We are using this soap and I like it. I'm very curious about there make up line.
10) Bert's Bees: Body care..I love their lip Balm!
11) MOP (Modern organic Products): hair styling products which I have used in the past and really liked.
12) SUNSCREEN: Jason and Aubrey Organics
If I remember right whole foods carries all of these brands just not John's Master or Eco Bella. Target also carries Bert's Bees and Kiss my Face. Still read the labels because I'm finding some products in the same line have one or two of the bad stuff while others don't.
1) California Baby: body wash, diaper creams and shampoo for the little ones
2) Method baby squeaky clean: Body wash and shampoo for the little ones. The ingredients on this are all natural except for the fragrance. So, you'll have to make the call on that.
3) Little Twig: (www.littletwig.com) body wash and shampoo for the little ones. This company donates to a charity every year. I'm very anxious for my body wash I ordered to arrive.
Those are some of my discovery's for now. Again, it's the tiny changes we make that count. So, don't go throwing away every beauty product you own!
1) Suki (www.sukisnaturals.com): I can't wait to try the Lemon Grass Cleanser and it is completely organic.
2) Pangea Organics: all there packaging is fully biodegradable
3) Dr. Hauschka: created a holistic pharmaceutical company this line has a higher price point
4) Juice Beauty: There line looks super fun and there products are 95% organic ingredients
5) Aubrey Organics: made with essential oils and vitamins. (They make face, hair and body products)
6) Jason's Vitamin C line: Vitamin C stimulates collagen production so using a moisturizer that contains vitamin C is not a bad idea. What I like using is a small amount of yogurt mixed with the juice from an orange slice.
7) John Master's: (www.johnmasters.com): organic haircare. I'm especially going to try the Citrus and Neroli Detangler.
8) Eco Bella: (www.ecobella.com): Shampoo for everyday
9) Kiss my face: (They make soaps, make up, hair care and body care) We are using this soap and I like it. I'm very curious about there make up line.
10) Bert's Bees: Body care..I love their lip Balm!
11) MOP (Modern organic Products): hair styling products which I have used in the past and really liked.
12) SUNSCREEN: Jason and Aubrey Organics
If I remember right whole foods carries all of these brands just not John's Master or Eco Bella. Target also carries Bert's Bees and Kiss my Face. Still read the labels because I'm finding some products in the same line have one or two of the bad stuff while others don't.
1) California Baby: body wash, diaper creams and shampoo for the little ones
2) Method baby squeaky clean: Body wash and shampoo for the little ones. The ingredients on this are all natural except for the fragrance. So, you'll have to make the call on that.
3) Little Twig: (www.littletwig.com) body wash and shampoo for the little ones. This company donates to a charity every year. I'm very anxious for my body wash I ordered to arrive.
Those are some of my discovery's for now. Again, it's the tiny changes we make that count. So, don't go throwing away every beauty product you own!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
becoming Eco-friendly.....
Lately, In our household we have been passionate about living earth-friendly and what that looks like for our family on a daily basis. We want our daily actions to have a positive impact on ourselves, our children and our environment. This has inspired us to do somethings differently around our home. We already read the ingredients label of most the foods we consume careful to eat as many wholefoods as possible but we haven't been reading the labels of our beauty/various household products. And I'm amazed at what I have been finding!!
The skin on our bodies is the largest organ, it is living, breathing and everything we apply to the skin absorbs directly into our bloodstream. Yet, so many of the products we use daily on our skin have not been tested safely and worse most are filled with dangerous toxins and chemicals. Obviously, the use of such products won't cause harm after one use but over time quite possibly they will. Think about how many products you use on your skin while showering, bathing and/or your general "getting ready" routine that contain these chemicals (ones listed below). Not only are they harmful to our bodies they are then disposed into our water. Below is list of commonly used ingredients that I found that are harmful to our bodies and the environment;
Coal Tar: is a known carcinogen used in dandruff shampoos. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1 are used in toothpastes and FD&C Green 3 are used in mouthwash.
Fragrance: the term is used to mask other ingredients, such as phthalates, which disrupts the endocrine system and could cause reproductive and developmental harm.
Hydroquinone: Commonly found in facial moisturizers; it's a neurotoxin and is allergenic.
Aluminum: used in eye shadow or deodorants, it is a carcinogenic, toxic, and mutagenic.
Triclosan: used in almost all antibacterial products, as well as soap, toothpaste and cosmetics. Triclosan is often contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic and can weaken our immune system, decrease fertility and cause birth defects.
P-Phenylenediamine: is used in hair dyes. It can damage your nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions.
Lead & Mercury: can appear in toothpaste as a natural occurring contaminant of hydrated silica. It is a neurotoxin that appears as lead acetate in men's hair dye. Mercury is found in a cosmetic preservative called thimerosol.
Ready for some more......these chemicals can create the formation of carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines.
Cocamide DEH
Lauramide DEA
Cocamide MEA
Triethanolamine TEA
Diethanolamine DEA
As if this isn't enough. Then there is mineral oil which coats the skin like plastic and doesn't allow it to breath. Parabens (methyl-,ethyl-,propyl,butyl,isobutyl-) which are a chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone functions. Phthalates is a synthetic chemical know to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairment in lab animals exposed during pregnancy and after birth. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) This is a foaming agent that could be carcinogenic and is used in brake fluid and antifreeze as well as a huge variety of skin care products, including toothpaste, shampoo, bubble path and soap. Benzyl Alcohol is a petrochemical that can cause severe eye irritation and the repository system.
I will stop now (even though I could add a few more to the list). Because, I'm sure many of you are thinking she has gone mad...stop this crazyness now....but I can't and I won't. But, do check out this website www.safecosmetics.org You can acually type in your product and get the scoop on it by using Skin Deep, the company's cosmetic safety database.
I'm happy to report I been finding some really great alternative beauty/household products that will be replacing our not so friendly products. More on that to come!! For now, it's the one tiny change a day that will makes a difference.
The skin on our bodies is the largest organ, it is living, breathing and everything we apply to the skin absorbs directly into our bloodstream. Yet, so many of the products we use daily on our skin have not been tested safely and worse most are filled with dangerous toxins and chemicals. Obviously, the use of such products won't cause harm after one use but over time quite possibly they will. Think about how many products you use on your skin while showering, bathing and/or your general "getting ready" routine that contain these chemicals (ones listed below). Not only are they harmful to our bodies they are then disposed into our water. Below is list of commonly used ingredients that I found that are harmful to our bodies and the environment;
Coal Tar: is a known carcinogen used in dandruff shampoos. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1 are used in toothpastes and FD&C Green 3 are used in mouthwash.
Fragrance: the term is used to mask other ingredients, such as phthalates, which disrupts the endocrine system and could cause reproductive and developmental harm.
Hydroquinone: Commonly found in facial moisturizers; it's a neurotoxin and is allergenic.
Aluminum: used in eye shadow or deodorants, it is a carcinogenic, toxic, and mutagenic.
Triclosan: used in almost all antibacterial products, as well as soap, toothpaste and cosmetics. Triclosan is often contaminated with dioxins, which are highly carcinogenic and can weaken our immune system, decrease fertility and cause birth defects.
P-Phenylenediamine: is used in hair dyes. It can damage your nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions.
Lead & Mercury: can appear in toothpaste as a natural occurring contaminant of hydrated silica. It is a neurotoxin that appears as lead acetate in men's hair dye. Mercury is found in a cosmetic preservative called thimerosol.
Ready for some more......these chemicals can create the formation of carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines.
Cocamide DEH
Lauramide DEA
Cocamide MEA
Triethanolamine TEA
Diethanolamine DEA
As if this isn't enough. Then there is mineral oil which coats the skin like plastic and doesn't allow it to breath. Parabens (methyl-,ethyl-,propyl,butyl,isobutyl-) which are a chemical preservatives that have been identified as estrogenic and disruptive of normal hormone functions. Phthalates is a synthetic chemical know to cause a broad range of birth defects and lifelong reproductive impairment in lab animals exposed during pregnancy and after birth. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) This is a foaming agent that could be carcinogenic and is used in brake fluid and antifreeze as well as a huge variety of skin care products, including toothpaste, shampoo, bubble path and soap. Benzyl Alcohol is a petrochemical that can cause severe eye irritation and the repository system.
I will stop now (even though I could add a few more to the list). Because, I'm sure many of you are thinking she has gone mad...stop this crazyness now....but I can't and I won't. But, do check out this website www.safecosmetics.org You can acually type in your product and get the scoop on it by using Skin Deep, the company's cosmetic safety database.
I'm happy to report I been finding some really great alternative beauty/household products that will be replacing our not so friendly products. More on that to come!! For now, it's the one tiny change a day that will makes a difference.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The past few weeks John and I have been making some changes in the way we have been choosing to spend our money. We have been reading and listening to, "Dave Ramsey". If you have not heard of him...you truly must!! It's completely altered our views on managing our money as well as motivating us to make some radical changes in our lives and our money. We have been repeating these words many of times in the last few weeks, "Live like no-one else now, so LATER, you can live like no-one else."
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