little tips and hints

First of all, I wanted to announce that Barbara's etsy shop is now open! She's been busily sewing for weeks and has some very cute stuff in there! (But don't look for the adorable red & white apron because it's gone...wink, wink!)

I realized that we have actually done a few more things, after reading your wonderful comments on my last post! I bought reusable bags at my grocery for a dollar each and now I get $.05 back each time I use them there. I bring them everywhere I go! I also look for things in glass instead of plastic. Here's a great site: Reusable Bags. (Thanks Nathalie!)

Barbara had a good tip earlier that I want to try: she says for getting rid of weeds, spray them with distilled vinegar.

Vinegar is one of those "can't live without" products! It can replace most of your household cleaners. I've been using Seventh Generation products on and off for years. They've gained popularity as people have become more aware of the harm the chemicals in regular products are doing to our waterways. I found my laundry detergent on sale at Target the other day! It's expensive but it only takes a very little bit and lasts a long time.

Barbara also mentioned that her husband wasn't too keen on the cost of going organic. That is something that you have to do gradually over time. Organic DOES NOT mean that it tastes worse! Real food is GOOD food! Find recipes that your family likes. I took my kids to the organic aisle and told them they could pick out anything to try. They picked out good versions of their favorites and for the most part, they liked them (there was one yucky candy in there!). If your family is used to eating chips and pop, make a switch to better versions, then try to eliminate them. But everything in moderation. IZZE pop is really good to me, but not so much to Caroline. Cooking things from scratch is actually less expensive and healthier than buying processed meals, even if they have all natural ingredients in them! It's actually been a lot of fun to try new recipes and bake! (Get a fancy apron... enjoy the process!)

If your lips are chapped, the best thing I've ever found is to put a little vitamin E oil on them and they'll instantly heal! Places like CVS Pharmacy carry it. 

For really rough heels after wearing sandals and walking by the pool all summer, I do two things: First use a foot file like the Orb and get rid of the calluses. Then rub in some Bag Balm and it totally softens them! I've never found anything that worked like this. Craig laughed at me because they used this stuff on the cow's udders when he used to milk! Forget all those expensive lotions that really never work!

I want to add that when you go "all natural" be careful about what products you use for face care. Lots of organic and natural products still have fragrances added that can be irritating to your skin. Fragrance free things are the best. I tried bunches of natural brands a few years ago, but never really found anything that worked until I read Paula Begoun's books and tried her line of skincare. Now that's all I use. It does contain chemicals but with her background in chemistry she assures us that they will not harm us. Well, that's for you to decide. What I do know is that everything in them is there for a reason and they work! I don't spend tons of money on products that don't do what they claim and there's no irritating ingredients. 

Eva suggested that the new blog I am designing be a place for everyone to share ideas and suggestions. I thought that was a wonderful idea! I have some deadlines to meet first, but then I will try to get it up and running as soon as possible! In the meantime, please feel free to share things with me and all of you here at this blog!

I want to leave you with something that I think is very funny. I know this is satire, but it does strike a real chord, doesn't it? Have a great weekend!

~ Bethany

xo

 

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