Chemical Cleaning Products
For the longest time, I’ve cleaned with traditional chemical cleaning products and have hardly thought twice about it. But over the past several years, my husband and I have become increasingly aware of the dangers of chemicals, pesticides and herbicides lurking in nearly everything, from our food to various household products. With a two-year-old underfoot and a second baby on the way, I’m making the effort to purge chemical cleaners from our home. Switching to natural alternatives has simplified my cleaning, saved money and spared me the guilt that used to come with pouring my bleach-spiked mop water down the drain.

To purge chemical cleaners from your home, here are some natural-cleaning recipes that have become my staples. A few are compliments of Passionate Homemaking; Earth Easy also has an exhaustive list of recipes.

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1/2 gallon water. Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial, so it works as a disinfectant. I sometimes add a few drops of tea tree oil to scent the water and further enhance the antimicrobial properties. Use on kitchen counters, floors, showers, tubs, mirrors and windows.

Tub and Showers: For tougher tub/shower jobs, sprinkle with baking soda, then spray with the all-purpose cleaner. Baking soda acts as a scouring agent to remove soap scum.

Carpet Stains: Spray hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and let set for a few minutes (screw a spray nozzle directly onto the bottle), then pat dry. Because hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, be sure to test for colorfastness first. For tougher stains, mix equal parts salt, Borax and vinegar. Rub in and leave for a few hours or until dry, then vacuum.

Unnecessary Expenses
In an effort to become completely debt-free, including our mortgage, my husband and I have been cutting out extraneous spending, devising (and sticking to) a monthly budget, and setting realistic, long-term financial goals. Though I initially balked at the thought of debt-free living (selfishly I didn’t want to give up the freedom of at-whim spending), I have since become its proponent. Knowing that my husband and I are working towards a common goal that will result in financial freedom and long-term wealth is exhilarating. Yes, it is a sacrifice, but it’s worth it in view of the goal. It’s also given me a sense of control; knowing that I’m operating within pre-determined boundaries prevents me from the worry that sometimes accompanied my previous spending habits. As we purge unnecessary expenses from our lives, here are some insights that have helped me embrace this new discipline.

Dave Ramsey: We’re following Dave Ramsey’s method for debt-free living. Though I know there are others out there, his formula is the one we’ve chosen.

Monthly Budgeting: It’s impossible to expect your spending to trend exactly the same each month. Some expenses are monthly, some three times a year, and so on. As a result, it’s imperative to set budgets that will realistically address each month’s real needs.

Make a Game of It: This has helped in my grocery shopping. If I view the budget as a game rather than a burden, I then feel challenged to win every week.

Give Yourself Some Grace: Sticking to your budget is key, but you also must extend yourself some grace. If from time to time, you end up over-budget, don’t let guilt usher in feelings of defeat. Acknowledge where you went astray, recommit yourself to the game, and then move on toward debt-free living. And know that you’re in this for the long haul … it’s a marathon, not a sprint, which means you’re likely to stumble. When you do, just get up, brush yourself off and get back into the race.  What gives you balance in your life?

photos Shalene Roberts, istockphoto.com

Enter How Fast Time Flies. Founded by mom Cathy Bennett, How Fast Time Flies creates a wide variety of pre-designed digital scrapbook page templates. With 624 designs to choose from, you can easily drag and drop photos into a variety of templates. The templates can then be customized with titles, fonts, quotes and journaling.

When finished, your 12-by-12-inch creations are printed on four-color card stock and can be easily slipped into industry-standard scrapbooks. You’ll love the result: a professional-quality, custom-crafted album to showcase those precious moments. And that is definitely something worth collecting!

For additional customizable albums, we also love Blurb and Tiny Prints.

photos howfasttimeflies.com

Pack a picnic and head to a park or botanic garden. Be sure to stock a bag with balls, frisbees, books and anything else to keep the kiddos entertained. If your youngsters are older, pack some binoculars and/or a magnifying glass so they can watch nature … the birds, the detail of ladybugs, the patterns in a leaf.

Plan a movie night. Rent a $1 flick from Redbox or use the mail-order convenience of NetFlix. Then plan a fun meal to enjoy during the movie. It has become a tradition in our house to make homemade pizza once a week, and it pairs wonderfully with a good flick. Purchase a pre-made crust or make your own—it’s a cinch to make pizza crust from scratch, and it beats store-bought hands down—and then allow each family member the chance to assemble their own creation. Let everyone sample each pizza concoction and then snuggle in for the show.

Organize a game night. Like #2, plan a game night that brings the whole family into the living room. Solicit the kids’ input and ask them for their ideas regarding games to play. Plan a fun menu consisting of easy-to-prepare finger foods so the kiddos can assist in the kitchen before the games begin.

Become a member of your local zoo or children’s museum. Though the initial price of a family membership will be more than $10, we use our zoo and museum memberships so frequently that it averages out to mere dollars (sometimes even cents) per visit. Plus, many zoos and children’s museums will allow you to pack a picnic lunch, so you don’t have to fork over more money for food or drinks.

Organize a neighborhood block party. Neighborhood block parties may be fond memories of your childhood, but they needn’t be relegated to history. A block party will not only foster a sense of community and allow neighboring families the chance to get to know one another, but they’ll give your family the chance to show hospitality to others while getting you all outside together.

Go camping, hiking or biking. Head into the great outdoors and pitch a tent. Camping sites can often be had for dollars a day. If staying overnight in nature’s hotel isn’t your idea of a good time, check online for resources listing local trails and get the whole family outside for a bike ride or hike.

Plant a garden or small container garden. Coaxing herbs, vegetables and flowers out of the dirt is a rewarding endeavor that you and your children can enjoy immensely. Little tykes can help dig holes, plant and water, while older children can take full responsibility for plants of their own. Gardening teaches little ones to respect the miracle and beauty of nature, and provides a sense of personal satisfaction when they see the fruits of their labor. Start with one container and one plant to keep the initial cost under $10.

Visit a Pick-Your-Own farm. Some of my fondest memories are those times in my grandmother’s garden when I picked warm strawberries and ate them right off the plant. Now you can give your family similar experiences with a visit to a Pick-Your-Own farm (also called U-Pick or PYO farms). Crops vary based on the season and your location, but the experience will be rich no matter the bounty you bring home. Visit www.pickyourown.org to find local farms near you.

Fly a kite. Need I say more? It’s such a simple activity, but it brings my two-year-old immense joy. I myself still have memories of kite-flying times when my dad would let the string out so far the kite was only a tiny speck in the vast sky.

Engineer a scavenger hunt. This one takes some foresight and planning, but older kids will love it! Plant clues around your home and backyard or in a public place that will allow the game. Divide your family into competing teams (if numbers allow) or have everyone collaborate together. Assist the kiddos as needed in solving the clues and then have a fun treat waiting at the end as a reward.

My mother grew up on a working farm in a little Kansas town. Several times a year, our family would return to the farm for holidays, family reunions or weekend get-togethers. As a kid, I loved it; as a teenager, I tolerated it; and as an adult, I’ve come full circle. I now relish our return trips … the chance to get outside and experience a bit of a simpler existence while passing the experiences onto my son. As I reflect on those years when I was younger, some of my sweetest memories include my grandmother’s garden. I still recall days in her garden, helping pick strawberries and the sweet treat of popping the ripe fruit, still warm from the sun, into my mouth.

My grandmother grew an abundance of flowers with heady perfumes, as well as fruits and vegetables. Nurturing seedlings as they grew into thriving plants was a passion of hers, and throughout the past couple years, it’s also become a love of mine (despite my tiny city yard). I love the chance to get outside, to get my hands in the dirt and tangibly connect with nature, and I especially love getting my two-year-old in on the action. Involving kids in gardening—no matter their age—is a great way to instill in them a love and respect for nature and a passion for the cultivation of living things. And no matter your space—a large garden plot or a small window box in the urban jungle—you can involve your children in planting something. So as spring heralds the planting season, follow these tips and let your kiddos dig in the dirt.

Relax! A garden tended to with help from kiddos will not be perfect, so don’t set unrealistic expectations. So what if your toddler dumps an entire watering can on one poor plant and drowns it. It’s the experience of the entire process that matters, not a picture-perfect garden.

Force plants indoors from seed. Allowing little ones to drop seed into a peat pot and watch as the seedling pokes through the soil will reap smiles and a sense of satisfaction for your child. You can then assist your child in transplanting the seedling outside.

Give kids their own plants. If your children are old enough, allow them to be responsible for a few plants. I potted several begonias for my two-year-old last summer, and they were all his to tend. He loved knowing they were his to water. And though he often drowned the poor things, he couldn’t kill them if he tried!

Choose plants that germinate quickly. Because tots can get impatient waiting for seedlings to sprout, plant quick-germinating plants. According to Martha Stewart, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, calendula, marigolds, sunflowers and zinnias all germinate quickly.

Give kiddos their own tools. A pint-sized spade, rake and watering can will allow the little ones to fully take part in the gardening action and will further their sense of ownership.

Avoid chemicals. You want your little ones to be able to freely enjoy the garden. Use organic methods for their safety and your peace of mind. Check www.organicgardening.com for resources and information.

Let them pick! Once flowers bloom and vegetables and fruits produce a crop, let the kids get out and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Cutting flowers for fresh arrangements indoors and eating a fruit or veggie straight off the plant are rewards that can only be had in a garden.

photos istockphoto

Founded by Jane DeLaney (right) and co-created by her sis, Jenny Cochran (left), E-Mealz is the secret to stress-less meal planning and grocery shopping. The program—designed to give busy families the tools they need to create tasteful, budget-friendly meals amidst the busyness of their hectic schedules—delivers weekly dinner menus to subscribers based on supermarket specials.

The subscription-based program costs just $1.25 a week. For that price, members can choose from 23 meal plans, including regular family meal plans (serves 7 meals for 4-6 people), regular meal plans for two (serves 5 meals for 2 people), or specialty meals plans, including low-fat and vegetarian. Each week, members receive a family-friendly weekly meal plan complete with easy-to-follow recipes and corresponding grocery list. No more hours spent designing dinnertime menus or compiling a supermarket-shopping list; it’s all e-mailed directly to you in a printable format so you can just print and go. And the grocery total for a week’s worth of meals averages $75 (for the plans serving 4-6) or $35 (for the two-person plans). The time-saving convenience and direct-to-you meal plans and grocery lists coupled with the promise of substantial savings make E-Mealz a must-have program for any busy family seeking togetherness and connectivity over shared dinnertimes.

photo courtesy of E-Mealz

So to help you solve the how-to-get-in-shape-despite-my-busy-life dilemma, we chatted with Lisa Druxman, an expert in pre/postnatal fitness and founder of the mommy-and-me fitness franchise, Stroller Strides. A published author, certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, Lisa is a wife and mother of two who is encouraging other moms to take “me” time. It’s her belief that “fitness will help energize and invigorate women for motherhood.” We couldn’t agree more.

To overcome the challenge of fitting fitness into your day, heed Lisa’s advice. “Fitness does not have to be a traditional hour workout in a gym. Fit it in anywhere–on the playroom floor with baby, lunges in the kitchen, squats while brushing teeth.” And of course, be inspired by Stroller Strides and head outside for a workout with your kiddos. When it comes to healthy eats, Lisa emphasizes preparation. The toned mama suggests having bagged veggies, pre-cooked chicken breast, washed lettuce and more on hand. “Make double batches of healthy meals and freeze half so you are always ready,” she added. “The key to healthy eating is to have lots of healthy choices readily at hand.”

She makes it sound so easy, we know, but it starts with baby steps: some crunches here, 20 lunges there, a game of tag while outside with your kids. Get creative, get inspired, try a Stroller Strides class or simply gather a couple moms and tote your tots together–you’ll get fit, gab with friends and get your kiddo some fresh air … even we can make time for that!

www.strollerstrides.com

photos Lisa Druxman

Editor’s Note:  Join us this month as we take a look back at some of our top posts from the past!

I first heard about Caldrea in the premiere issue of Real Simple magazine about 11 years ago.  It was a relatively new company at the time, and the masses were only able to order their products online or private labeled by Williams-Sonoma (They still manufacture the Williams-Sonoma signature soap and lotion line).  I just about ran my cart into oncoming traffic when I spotted the Caldrea Essential Collection at Target last summer.  I was in HEAVEN.  My preference?  Olive Oil scent.  I absolutely ADORE it.  Other scents available (vary by store):  Hibiscus Yuzu, Citron Ginger, Herbs of Provence, Orchid Violet, Vanilla Lemon, Water Lily, and Cypress Sage.

Caldrea was founded in 1999 by Monica Nassif, who desired to make household chores more enjoyable through luxurious, earth friendly, and beautifully fragranced household cleansers. Caldrea uses fresh, fragrant and plant-derived ingredients, as well as natural extracts and essential oils to provide superior freshness and cleaning performance.  How did she come up with the name?  By combining her daughters’ names:  Calla and Aundrea.  Clever, huh?

So, head on over to your nearest Target and grab a bottle or two — since they are very reasonably priced.

Want another reasonable option?  Walmart now stocks the famously green staple, Mrs. Meyers, also a Caldrea company.  They carry Lemon Verbena, Basil and Lavender — and save up to $3 a bottle by purchasing at good ‘ole Wallyworld.  Mrs. Meyer is actually Mrs. Thelma Meyer, Nassif’s mother.  Happy green cleaning!

I am the oldest of four children. Since there are several years between me and my youngest two siblings, I can vividly remember how the addition of a brother and sister changed our little family. Introducing a new baby into a family unit can be a tricky adventure. The key to a healthy transition lies in the approach. According to the University of Michigan, there are several strategic things parents can do to prepare kids for a new sibling, before and after the new baby is born. Here are just a few of their suggestions:

Preparation before the new arrival:

o Tell your child about your pregnancy when you tell your friends. Your child needs to hear about it from you, not from someone else.
o If you plan to move your child to a new bed and/or bedroom, do so well before the baby arrives, so your older child doesn’t feel displaced by the baby. This also goes for any other major changes, like weaning, toilet training, and starting preschool or child care.
o Check with your hospital about sibling preparation classes and hospital tours.
o Bring your child to prenatal visits so they can meet your birth attendant.
o Give them a realistic idea of what to expect when the baby first arrives. You will be tired, and the baby will take lots of your time. The baby will not be able to do much at first, except eat, sleep, poop, pee and cry. The baby will not be a playmate.
o Visit friends with a new baby, if possible.
o Look at pictures/video of your older child’s birth and babyhood. Tell them about their birth and what they were like as a baby. Tell them how excited you were when they were born, and how everyone wanted to see them and hold them.
o Have your child practice holding a doll and supporting the head. Teach them how to touch and hold a baby very gently.
o Let them participate in preparations in any way possible. Give them choices, such as choosing the baby’s coming home outfit from two acceptable options.

Adjusting after the baby arrives:

o Set aside special time for your older child. Each parent should spend some one-on-one with the older child every day. It’s amazing how much even just 10 minutes of uninterrupted one-on-one time can mean to your child (and help their behavior!). Let your child choose the activity, and you follow their lead.
o Listen—really listen—to how your child feels about the baby and the changes in your family. If they express negative feelings, acknowledge them. Help your child put their feelings into words. Never deny or discount your child’s feelings.
o Make sure it is very clear that absolutely no hurting is allowed. Give your child other ways to express bad or angry feelings they may have toward the baby. For example, they could draw an angry picture of the baby, or act out their wishes with dolls, or roar like a lion.
o “Baby” your child, if that’s what they seem to crave. This may help stave off regression in areas that are less acceptable to you. There is a tendency to suddenly expect your child to become more independent when you have a new baby. If you expect less independence, you are more likely to get more!
o Have the new baby and older child exchange gifts.
o Have some special “big brother” or “big sister” gifts to give your child as friends and relatives start showing up with baby gifts, so your older child won’t feel left out.
o Make sure the older child has some special, private space, and things of their own that they don’t have to share with the baby.
o Give them special jobs that they can do to help the family and help with the baby’s care (but don’t overdo it—take your cue from your child on this).
o Let them participate in the baby’s care—baths, dressing, pushing the stroller, etc.
o Point out the benefits of being an older child, like choosing what to eat, being able to go the park and play, and having friends.

For additional reading materials for both parents and kids, check out the resource section here!

photo Martha Stewart

Here are some wonderful ideas for family-friendly crafts from the lovely marthastewart.com:

Envelope Bunnies

 

One great way to say happy Easter is with paper-envelope rabbits — bearing treats, of course.

 

1. Seal the flap of an envelope, and draw bunny ears on the sealed side, as shown below. You can draw your own or use our bunny ear template. Find Martha’s template here!

 

2. Cut along the line through both layers of the envelope.

 

3. Flip the envelope over; what was the side of the envelope becomes the bottom of your treat holder.

 

4. Cut pink construction paper to make eyes and insides of ears, and glue them on the front of the envelope. Use colored pencil for mouth; glue on a pom-pom nose. Fill with yummy Easter sweets.

Honey Bunny Bookmark

 

Tools and Materials:
Honey bunny bookmark template
Thick paper
Self-seal laminate sheets
Scissors or utility knife
White chenille pipe cleaners
Wire clippers
Hole punch
Photo of child

 

Honey Bunny Bookmark How-To:

 

1. Print Honey bunny bookmark template onto thick paper.

 

2. Laminate both sides of paper using self-seal laminate sheets.

 

3. Cut out bookmark.

 

4. Wrap white chenille stems around arms, ears, and head of cutout.

 

5. Clip with wire clippers, and tuck in ends when finished.

 

6. To make the head, use an inch and a half hole punch to make a disk from the same sheet of paper used to cut out the template.

 

7. Use hole punch to make a hole in center of the disk.

 

8. Twist white chenille pipe cleaners through hole in disk.

 

9. Cut out picture of child using inch and a half hole punch.

 

10. Apply glue to back of photo and attach photo to disk.

 

11. Apply glue to edge of disk and attach to body.

 

You can also watch Martha demonstrate how to make these easy bookmarks here!

Bunny Ears

Tools and Materials:
Bunny ears template
Child-size headband
8-by-16-inch piece of pink felt
6-by-6-inch piece of white felt scissors
pinking or scalloped shears (optional)
hot-glue gun
hot-glue sticks

 

To Cover the Headband:

 

1. Measure the width and length of the top of the headband, add 1/2 inch to all sides, and cut a strip of pink felt to cover.

 

2. Glue the felt strip onto the top of the headband, wrapping the extra material around the headband’s edges.

 

3. Measure the underside of the headband, and cut a strip of pink felt to fit.

 

4. Glue the strip to the underside, creating a backing that covers the edges of the top felt.

 

To Make the Ears:

 

1. Print out our bunny-ears template, and cut out both shapes.

 

2. Trace the outer-ear shape onto pink felt twice, and cut along scalloped edge (or cut out with pinking or scalloped shears).

 

3. Trace the inner-ear shape onto white felt twice, and cut out with regular scissors.

 

4. Glue each pair of ears together with hot glue, and let dry.

 

5. Crease each ear vertically down the middle, and press.

 

6. Fold up the bottom flaps on either side of the notch, and attach to headband with hot glue, pulling notches closed so ears are slightly bent. Hold until glue sets.

photos Martha Stewart

All things are abuzz as the Royal Wedding of the century takes place in just a few weeks — have you been following the details? Like many modern couples, the Prince and his fiancée have a wedding Web site, which details everything from the couple’s charity (in lieu of wedding gifts) to the ceremony details.  People.com writes:

The palace has also added a news site to its roster of social media – there are royal-couple Facebook, Twitter (@ClarenceHouse) and Flickr accounts, as well as the Royal Channel on YouTube – says this will be the first place for fans to learn details of Kate’s eagerly anticipated dress.

 

 

Also planned for the site: a video stream of the April 29 wedding.

 

 

"On the day itself, the site will be the first place to view information, such as the details of Miss Middleton’s wedding dress," reads a statement.

 

The official The Royal Wedding Web site was launched by St. James’s Palace, where William and brother Prince Harry maintain an office.

 

Officials working for the couple will use the Web site as the official information service to dispense regular announcements on details leading up to the wedding day. They promise "exclusive content, including photo galleries, features, videos" and links to important info for visitors on the day (in addition to London tourist tips).

 

"Subject to further planning work, the Web site may feature a live Web stream broadcast of the wedding itself," a statement said.

There is also a detailed media briefing, which outlines some very interesting facts:

Timeline of Wedding Day Events (get your DVR ready! – It’s going to be live on BBC)

 

8.00 -10.00am
Main congregation arrive

 

After 10.00am
Foreign Dignitaries and Royal Families arrive. The British Royal Family are – as protocol always dictates – the last to arrive, just ahead of the Bride.

 

11.00am
Bride arrives, and the service starts

 

12.15pm
Service ends and Carriage Processions begin

 

1.25pm
Balcony appearance

 

1.30pm
Fly Past

  

Around 1,900 people have been invited to the service at Westminster Abbey.

Around 650 people have been invited to the lunchtime reception at Buckingham Palace given by The Queen.

Around 300 people have been invited to the dinner at Buckingham Palace given by The Prince of Wales.

Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have chosen Leicestershire-based cake designer, Fiona Cairns to create their wedding cake. The wedding cake will be a multi-tiered traditional fruit cake. Like any bride, Miss Middleton did her own research into the cake’s design and met Ms. Cairns to give her specific guidance on what she would like the cake to look like.

 

Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have set up a charitable gift fund for those who very generously may wish to donate to charity to help the couple celebrate their wedding.

Will you be tuning in to see the Royal Wedding this month?

photos cover Fiona Cairns, officialroyalwedding2011.org (1-3,5), WPA Pool/Getty Images Europe (4)