Spring is Here - Spring Cleaning Time!!

Spring is here and we know what that means...Spring cleaning! I’m as opposed to the whole cleaning scene as the next busy gal, but there are some things that just need to be done. The clothes can only pile so high before you actually have to wash them (:

Over the years my clutter bug ways became a challenge, so I was on a mission to develop some sort of system or checklist to keep me focused in a natural, no stress way.  For many years I lived the way so many others do today...whatever's flying around in front of me gets the most attention.  That's okay for a little while, but it's no way to create a planned and prepared life. 

I had no idea how to clean.  Don't get me wrong...I had the cleaning skills down pat, but there was no rhyme or reason for the process which meant there was ALWAYS tons to do.  Then I'd get overwhelmed and only clean when someone was coming over (I see you smiling over there.  You know exactly what I'm talking about, eh?).  I'm a list maker.  If I write it down it gets done, so checklists seemed to be the answer!

I decided to get back to basics and clean the way my Grandmother and Mother did...little by little with a few steps each day.  I started by making lists of daily chores, then weekly with bi-weekly and monthly tasks quickly following.  I found a flow to my style.  Soon things came together and made sense. 

The lists were kept in a prominate spot so, as each job was completed, a lovely little check would appear - done! For some reason there was something so gratifying about a fully checked list. With each completed task, it beckoned other tasks to follow (:

Now cleaning isn't such a chore and actually brings peace and contentment.  Simplicity really is the key (:  Try making a list of your own.   Print those puppies out and keep them in a spot where you can't miss them.  Make sure to separate the duties - Daily, Weekly and Monthly.  I started with daily tasks only and then when those became a habit I added another list. 

I love the idea of placing them inside frames and using a whiteboard marker to check off the tasks as they're done.  The frames above were only $1 each (don't you love The Dollar Store) and look more like organized mini whiteboards than simple lists.  Match them to your design style and make them fun!!

If you aren't sure where to start in creating your own lists, we're offering our Cleaning Simplicity Printables which include Indoor and Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklists just in time for the season!  When you purchase our downloads, print as many as you like.  Pop them into frames to use them over and over again, add them to your homekeeping notebook or simply hang them on the fridge.  By following the lists and doing a little at a time, you'll never be overwhelmed by cleaning again!

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The Beautiful Simplicity of Paring Down

I'm very careful about the products used in my home and on my body and Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap has been a favorite for years. So versatile that it not only works for bath and body needs, but for home cleaning as well...simplicity at its best. As I starting thinking about all of the many uses of this soap and the inherent simplicity, it encouraged me to rethink many of the other items being used in my home.

I began to take a closer look at the things around me. Is this a true reflection of what I believe? Do I really need/use this? Does it add to my life or just take up space? Can it be used in multiple applications (versatility)? Is it just hanging around because it might be used one day or does it serve a purpose?

One by one as things left cabinets, drawers and closets, rooms weren’t as cluttered and organization was a new found appreciation. The funny thing? The process left my bathroom with VERY few items.

I have naturally curly hair that can lean on the frizzy side if the right product isn’t used and for years TONS of mousse, hair gels, shampoos, conditioners and hot oil treatments lined the shelves. After taking a good look only a few things were really needed...

• Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap - serves as shampoo, hand soap, body wash, jewelry cleaner, makeup remover and bathroom cleaner.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - makes the perfect conditioning hair rinse, a wonderful balancing/conditioning facial toner and bathroom cleaner.
• Olive Oil - great for a weekly hot oil hair treatment, a deep conditioning cuticle treatment, a wonderful lip conditioner and just the right thing for those extra dry patches.
• Rose & Hibiscus Facial Cream - the best face cream ever!! Made from organic aloe vera juice, hibiscus flower extract, coconut oil, rosehip seed oil, vitamin E, rosemary and neem oil. Technically a facial cream, it’s light enough for all over and I always keep some in my purse.
• Hairspray – made from lemon wedges, water and alcohol.
• Mousse – made from gelatin and water.

This paring down process has also made a difference in the daily routine. After hopping out of the shower cream is immediately applied to face and body, a few drops of olive oil massaged into cuticles keeps them soft with the excess applied to lips, only a dab of mousse is needed in my hair because the vinegar conditions so well and then I’m ready for makeup!

In the evening I simply soak a washcloth with warm water and add a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s to remove makeup/wash my face, rinse the cloth in cold water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the wet cloth and apply it to my face. No cream needed at night because the vinegar conditions! Not only had this simplified my space and routine but it saves the pocketbook as well.

So how have you pared down your spaces? How has simplicity made a difference in your everyday routine?



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Frugal Fridays

This weekend there will be lots of 4th of July celebrating going on and we're blessed to have access to so many frugal, fun things for the holiday! Our complex has a pool so swimming might be involved (: Who wouldn't feel pampered sipping mint tea while lounging by cool waters? We'll also be grilling burgers and then taking in the splendor of the evening fire flowers (fireworks) at the lake down the road. All free, so it fits within our No Spend Month, but packed with enjoyment!!

Our No Spend Month has also inspired a new idea...Frugal Fridays! Each Friday's post will have frugal tips, design ideas, DIY tutorials, organization methods or anything creative that might help save money. This Friday I'll start with something simple to get things going (:

I'm always looking for ways to make things last longer in the kitchen. One thing I've found is that liquid soap does the exact same job when diluted. This includes liquid hand soap and liquid dishwashing soap. If you buy the generic liquid lemon soap for $1, then that dollar will last twice as long!

I prefer natural, organic products and make our dishwashing soap using half water, half organic liquid castile soap with a few drops of lemon essential oil. It's used for both dishes and hand washing since the castile soap is really easy on the hands. I'm able to get the gallon size for $26 (128 oz at $26 = $.20 per ounce ) and our soap pump holds 16 oz. which means that bottle costs $1.60. Not bad for an organic soap!

Do you use steel wool soap pads? Nothing seems to scrub a burned pot or pan better, huh? The only trouble is most of the time they rust before the life of the scrubs runs out, so you're throwing away a large portion of their usage. When you get them home from the store, cut them into halves or thirds (depending on the size of the pad). Not only will this increase the life of the box, but it will sharpen your scissors too!

For more frugal tips, check back each Friday! I'll be adding a Frugal Friday button on the blog which will keep all of the tips in one spot, making it easier to find the tips if you miss a post (:



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Laundry and Dishwasher Detergent Recipes

Last week I posted recipes on how to make your own cleaning products and received several emails from those wanting more info and possibly pictures. These are really simple recipes...I'm all about the simple way (: The photos should help you know what to expect as you're preparing your own detergents.

I know there are several recipes out there for liquid laundry detergent. I've tried all of them, but found the process took too much time, not to mention the space needed to hold large quantities of the stuff (: I prefer the dry detergent because it takes up less space and can be made within 10-20 minutes at the most!

Laundry detergent

• ¼ cup liquid castile soap
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup washing soda

Use a fork to blend the liquid castile soap with one of the dry ingredients first. A hand pastry blender works even better and the process goes much faster. Then add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix.

Once all of the ingredients are added and the clumps have been blended out it should look like this.

Make as much as you need! I keep mine in this plastic container that fits perfectly above the washer.

1 Tablespoon does an entire load! If you have a really large load or one that’s extra grungy, use 2 Tablespoons.

I prefer not to use essential oils in the laundry detergent because the castile soap has such a beautiful scent all on its own. But feel free to add oils if you like. Just make sure they are clear oils, as those with any color will end up coloring your clothes. On my first batch I got a little trigger happy with the lemon essential oil and quickly found white towels to be a lovely soft yellow (: If you have a favorite essential oil, just add several drops on a cotton rag and toss it in the dryer with the clothes. Instant dryer sheet! Not only will your clothes smell great but the scent will fill your home too (depending on the location of your dryer).

Dishwasher detergent

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup baking soda
• 10-20 drops of lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil

Add borax and baking soda to the bowl. Then sprinkle essential oils on top and blend with a fork.

Store in an airtight container. I use this type and keep it under the kitchen sink. All it takes is 1 Tablespoon per load! Use vinegar instead of products like Jet Dry and pour into the rinse compartment of your dishwasher. Dishes come out sparkling!

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How to Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

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Making your own natural cleaning products can be one of the easiest steps to create a healthier home and save a ton of cash in the process. Think about all the cleaning products you buy, and if going green is important, these products can cost even more. Usually there's a different cleaner for every task, but if you stock just a few items you'll be able to tackle any job that pops up, and in a natural way!

There are so many books out now offering recipes and concoctions, but I suggest trying several simple recipes to get your feet wet. Below are a few essentials, many you might already have on hand.

• Baking soda
• Borax
• Distilled white vinegar
• Essential oils (lemon, lavender or tea tree)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Liquid castile soap
• Washing soda

Liquid dish detergent – Ratio of ½ liquid castile soap, ½ water, and 10-15 drops of lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil.

Dishwasher detergent – 1 cup borax, 1 cup baking soda, 10-20 drops of lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil. Use 1 tablespoon per load.

Dishwasher rinse – White vinegar. Use this instead of products like Jet Dry and pour into the rinse compartment of your dishwasher.

Laundry detergent – ¼ cup liquid castile soap, 1 cup borax, 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup washing soda. 1 tablespoon does an entire load! If you have a really large load or one that’s extra grungy, use 2 tablespoons.
I’ve found it’s best to blend the liquid castile soap with one of the dry ingredients first, using a fork. Then add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix. A hand pastry blender works really well if you have one.

I prefer not to use essential oils in the laundry detergent because the castile soap has such a beautiful scent all on its own. But feel free to add oils if you like. Just make sure they are clear oils, as those with any color will end up coloring your clothes. Or just add several drops of your favorite oil on a cotton rag and toss it in the dryer with the clothes. Instant dryer sheet!

Fabric Softener – ½ cup of distilled white vinegar. This is the best fabric softener and so easy! Yes, that’s it, just plain ol’ vinegar. Simply add it to the rinse cycle.

Vinegar also gets rid of urine odors – perfect for those who have little ones that wet the bed or pets who aren’t quite housetrained yet. Simply wash the load with ½ cup of vinegar and hot water. Then wash again with the laundry detergent and items come out fresh and clean!

Basic Cleaner – 16 oz of hot water and 1 oz of liquid castile soap. I use this to clean everything and always have some in a spray bottle! It also works as a floor cleaner. I use a steamer mop to clean our floors, but when I don’t want to drag it out, simply spray the Basic Cleaner on the floor and use a towel to wipe it up!

Another Multi-Purpose Cleaner – 16 oz of hot water, 3 tablespoons of vinegar and 10-15 drops of essential oils.

Window Cleaner – 16 oz of water, 2 oz of vinegar, ½ teaspoon of liquid castile soap and 10-15 drops of lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil.

This also works as a great bathroom cleaner for the toilet, tub & shower since vinegar and tea tree essential oil kill mildew.

Vinegar can also be used on its own as a wonderful window cleaner.

Tub & Tile Scrub - Ratio of ½ water and ½ baking soda. Use a sponge or brush and scrub away! If you feel you need more “power” in the scrub, add a little liquid castile soap.

Bleach Alternative – Hydrogen peroxide makes a great bleach alternative.

Here are a few book recommendations to begin your natural cleaning journey:

• “Clean House, Clean Planet” by Karen Logan
• “Better Basics for the Home” by Annie Berthold-Bond
• “Clean & Green” by Annie Berthold-Bond

In Gratitude,

Post shared at Frugally Sustainable

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