My Natural Cleaning Adventure! Healthy Home Happy Honey's

Cleaning Makes Me Happy!!

Today, I began cleaning my home with my hand made, natural cleaners. Many may ask WHY a mom of 17 would want to spend her time mixing up cleaning supplies? I am all about saving Time, Money, and Health! I FOUND ALL THREE TO BE THE CASE TODAY!

I saved a lot of time because I virtually had three home made cleaners to use throughout my house. My main scrub was baking soda mixed with wonderful smelling essential oils. The beautiful thing about baking soda is that, unlike store bought scrubs, they dissolve and rinse down the drain immediately without a scratchy leftover residue. In the past I would have spent so much time after cleaning, trying to rid myself of that bathroom grit!! 

I saved a ton of money buying basic ingredients instead of costly name brand cleaners. I got way more volume and bang for my buck!

Stickers made for my cleaning bottles

          And... The biggest perk was the way I felt. I usually have a headache at the end of cleaning day. After being holed up in three bathrooms and inhaling toxins all morning, I end my day in a slump and quite a grump. Not the case today! Smelling the lavender, and Wild Orange essential oils (www.mydoterra.com/healingsources) really gave me peace and inspired me to keep cleaning. It was fun! Besides, all of those toxins we breathe in are taking years off our lives and our health. So many cleaners are very bad for us and for our families. I am so thankful to find safe and effective alternatives that are not only safe for my family but also good for the environment and the septic. I love my new healthy, happy cleaning supplies.     

dollar tree supplies

Soft Scrub for Tub and Tile & Mold Killer

• 3 Tbs washing soda

• 5 Tbs hydrogen peroxide

• 1/2 Tbs castille soap

• 10 drops doTerra Melaluca oils

amazing oils at www.mydoterra.com/healingsources

 Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner:

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of vinegar and water. Add 40 drops of lavender essential oil and shake well to combine. Add 2 small drops of purple food coloring if desired. Spray on to surface and wipe with a soft cloth. Polish with a dry cloth if necessary. This is my new go-to spray for polished counter tops

                                                                                                                  Window Cleaner

                                                                      

                    

Window Cleaner

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Fill spray bottle 1/2 full of cleaning vinegar. ( Cleaning vinegar is more acidic then cooking vinegar thus a better cleaning choice. Find it in the cleaning supplies isle at Walmart.) Fill the rest of the bottle with water and 30 drops of your choice of essential oils. I used doTerras lavender this time. Add 1 Tb. of Rubbing Alcohol for better distribution of oil. Use as you would Windex.

                              

simple supplies
More cleaning adventures to come....

Tell Me, How Do You Do It All? Doing Life In A Large Family

I remember back when I was pregnant with my fifth child. I was in awe of big families. There was one super mom in particular who had just had her ninth child. She had home birthed, healed with herbs, home schooled, was fit and healthy.  I was amazed! I mean, how did she do it all? When did she have the time?

When I attempted to get that answer out of her, she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled benignly. I was drawn to her and watched her like some people watch a fish bowl! I learned that among the apparent chaos there was order.

Now, I am asked that question quiet frequently. Seventeen kids?? HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL?

I always am quick to tell them that I only have eight kids remaining at home. Which generally brings exclamations of the cost of it all and the words, "ONLY EIGHT!"
When I look back over the past 30 years of motherhood and contemplate how to answer that question it occurs to me that my super mom must have been stumped too. Many years have been a blur of activities and ups and downs.
In answer to that question though I would have to say first of all, always enjoy and treasure you children.. If you want to do this you have to raise people you like and be a person that they like. Be your own best example. Secondly, train and delegate.. Like any job, if an employee is trained to do the job well, then they are able to train other employees under. At first I expected my kids to just know how to take the trash out, for example, I soon learned to teach one or two kids each step they are to follow. When they have mastered the task, then put them in charge of training a newbie. This builds unity and leadership among the family . Eventually, I adopted the saying, "If anyone else can do that job, then Mama should not." Don't get me wrong, I work hard and have many responsibilities however, I DON'T do it all!