Dirty Laundry

I love fragrances...In fact, I used to buy the most fragrant laundry detergent--with it's matching sidekick, the laundry softener and would top it off with it's kin, the dryer sheet...it made for a very fragrant bouquet of towels.

Then I became a label reader and learned of the dangerous carcinogens and toxins that permeated our laundry room, and my fragrant bouquet of towels quickly became not-so-fragrant anymore.

It's been a disappointing switch for me as I really do love a "fresh" smelling pillowcase.

I originally started using a splash of Dr. Bronner's soap in my laundry to give it some extra fragrance, but it can get fairly expensive.

Now, to get a lovely smelling load of laundry (healing too!), I use our standby, Trader Joe's non-toxic laundry detergent and a few drops of one of my essential oils of choice... Essential oils host a variety of purposes in healing and are a fascinating avenue to travel on.

Eucalyptus oil is wonderful for clearing passages when you or your little one is suffering from a cold... you can put a few drops in a humidifier or simply keep a rag next to the pillow... you can also wash your child's sheets with a few drops and the healing properties are working as you breathe it in!

I usually use lavender oil for sheets as it is proven to relax the mind and body... for other loads, I use the essential oil of jasmine, which is so very fresh and "summery".

When shopping for essential oils, make sure they are pure, essential oils... sometimes they can have additives. They do run a bit costly (about $10 a jar), but you use them so sparingly (a drop or two) and their scent and use can go very far.

If you dare, read this article about what is in your laundry detergent, what "cleaning agents", "brightening agents", and "fragrance" actually entail. When you make the switch, you will be surprised at how overly-fragrant normal detergents smell and can even cause you to get nauseous or a headache (you know that can't be good)!

So, there you have our solution to dirty laundry. Eventually I'll be attempting to make my own laundry detergent...yes, yes, in due time (this homesteading thing can be kind of intimidating)...what's your solution? Any suggestions on recipes to start up my own?

Now go do some laundry (surely my least favorite household duty).

The Affirmation Wall

A very busy weekend. Lots of blood, sweat, and splinters at The Bee Hive. We've worked hard to get our back yard "play-able"... even if it is just a plot of dirt. The boys are happy as at least now where there were juniper boasts a ramp for their quads...can't get much better in a boy's world... now for a Mom, some grass may be nice... but that's a stretch at this point. Beggars can't be choosers.

Since my yard doesn't have much appeal, we focus inward...I would like you to meet our affirmation wall... I had Daddy Mock pull out the saw and cut out spaces so that we can affirm our kids daily. Sometimes you forget to tell them what they're good at, who they are, and how special they are...this is a daily reminder to me and to them!

We will also use their spaces for them to eventually affirm each other, something I was raised doing with my siblings (which I loathed at the time!). Bee's space needs to be updated as he made a big leap to the big boy bed this past weekend!

Exciting milestones for them will also be used on their space.

I painted over a primitive sign and then added another layer of chalk board paint so that we can always have some sort of family portrait based on where we are...the goal is to photograph it every time for record sake, you know? I'm not so pleased at how angry I look or at how big my head is, but that's okay, Kid...well done. Am I wearing some sort of bandanna?

Since the wall is the only place in the house that gives the kids easy access to toys, the bottom to shelves are where we keep some of their things. They spend a lot of time at these bookshelves, and it's turned into a cozy space to read books as well.

I used scrap fabric to create a monogram....and the plant? Aye, I honestly do not like indoor plants at all. Not an indoor plant person, major apologies to those who are, but I have never been. However, they do wonders for the air quality in the home, and for that, I drug a pathetic little plant in and am trying to appreciate it's purpose.

Where's Daddy Mock's affirmation space? Well, above our bed, naturally. Wink wink. This little plaque has been a fun way to "affirm" each other.... the benefits are quite amazing (and often immediate!), if I say so myself...