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Oct. 14, 2009
WFMW: A gentler antibacterial soap
We don't use many antibacterial soaps in our home anymore. My children have contact irritant dermatitis when they use antibacterial soap too much. The backs of their hands become redder and redder, then they start to itch, and can even bleed. In winter, when they also have winter dermatitis, just washing their hands ONCE with an antibacterial soap can make their hands bright red and bleeding. This is often how they come home from church on Sunday, after using the soaps provided in the bathroom. We have to use thick moisturizing creams to heal their skin. It is an ongoing battle in cold weather.
Several years ago, we accidentally found a solution to this problem. I had friends who were using the foaming soaps, and then refilling them! They talked about how it was saving them money, and their kids tended to use less foaming soap than regular liquid hand soap. (Does anyone else's kids use three pumps of soap?) So we decided to give it a try.
We started out using baby shampoo in the soap pumps, but finally settled on using liquid castile soap, which is more natural and also very concentrated. I can put 1-2 Tbsp. of liquid castile soap in the foaming soap dispenser, and then fill with water until I am about 1 inch below the top. Close the bottle, gently shake it up, and voila! Your own bottle of gentle foaming soap. It didn't take long before we noticed the children's hands were improving ... until we went somewhere and used a different soap. Aha! THEN we realized that the cold weather wasn't the only culprit causing their red rough hands.
When we are fighting an illness or it's cold and flu season, I also add a couple drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to the castile soap and water mixture. This provides a more natural and gentle antibacterial soap than anything I can buy. My children can use my home-made natural antibacterial foaming soap, without their hands turning bright red ... even in winter.
Every now and then I buy a new bottle of foaming soap at the store, to replace a failing dispenser. I place the new bottle in the kitchen where it is mostly me washing my hands, and not the children. Sometimes if it's a really "yummy" scent, I will pour half of it into another container, add a little castile soap and water, and use the new "yummy" scent diluted with my home-made version. It still smells nice, but isn't as harsh on our hands ... plus we get two bottles full out of it!
Natural antibacterial foaming soap works for me! Hopefully it will help someone else, as well.
Trusting In Him,
April
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Sep. 4, 2009
Review -- Molly's Money-Saving Digest for August and September!
I was just reading the August and September Molly's Money-Saving Digest this week, and wanted to recommend them to others. The August issue deals with organization -- of the home and homeschool! The September issue focuses on frugal home decor! Two of my favorite subjects, although you couldn't tell it by looking around my home right this minute. (The first step in my home decor project is new paint everywhere and decluttering ... ouch!)
In the August issue (Organization for Busy Families) there are so many ideas for organization, several of which were new to me. Molly tackles 12 different trouble spots in our homes ... AND she has an article from Marmee Dear about making your own baking mixes for the kitchen to save time and money. There are lots of recipes in this August issue.
My favorite article was "The Trouble With Toys" which had many ideas for organizing the chaos that comes with toys. This has been a real problem in our home over the past year and I needed to read this article. Not just for ideas, but for the inspiration to actually put forth the effort to make some changes! With seven children it's an ongoing battle, although my oldest two are beyond the toy stage. The more toys there are -- the bigger mess my 11 month old, 3 year old, and 5 year old can make during the school day. Argh!
The most helpful aspect of the August issue is that it walks you through HOW to organize areas, step by step. How to clean a closet, how to organize a kitchen, how to organize your e-books. It's not just a list of ideas, but a step-by-step explanation for those not naturally-inclined to organize. I like to organize, but I struggle with decluttering. I needed the reminders that cleaning a closet doesn't mean fitting it all back in like a puzzle, but making sure that only what NEEDS to be in there goes back in.
Molly's September issue (Frugal Decorating) was a little discouraging to me at first, mainly because I know that first step in my home needs to start with paint (and decluttering) -- neither of which are quick or simple. The issue was full of great ideas, including "Do-It-Yourself French Painting" of furniture, but I'm just not there yet. I've lived with a small-house-that-is-obviously-home-to-a-homeschooling-large-family-of-pack-rats-using-hand-me-down-furniture for so long that I am not quite ready for some of the great ideas in this issue.
BUT I did find a great parenting tip from Molly in the "Parenting That Pays" segment on lowering the volume in your home. It's a short and simple tip, but one that I needed to read and I really need to put into practice. I think it will reduce frustration as well as volume.
The article on "Sensory Homemaking" was also a blessing to me. I needed the reminder to look at my home not only from a stranger's perspective, but also from all five senses. How does it look, smell, feel, sound, and taste? We've had a busy summer and a hectic year, to be honest. I'm afraid we've let our home management slide, and we've grown accustomed to it actually. The pile of bills on the computer desk, the over-stuffed toy shelf, the chaotic bookshelves, and the overflowing school boxes have become normal to us. But does it provide a restful environment to visitors? No.
After reading the "Sensory Homemaking" article, I have a place to begin ... again. I have something to focus on that is manageable right now. I can't start a repainting project, but I can start working on the sensory side of my home. I can reduce clutter, I can keep the floors vacuumed and the house smelling fresh. I can reconsider the art I have on my walls ... is there too much? Would it look better rearranged?
Then, when I'm ready ... I can return to Molly's September issue and find more inspiration for redecorating my home.
I'm sure that each of these issues of Molly's Money-Saving Digest will have something for everyone, like September's great "Begin With The Basics" article on reducing your grocery bill with coupons! You'll find daily encouragement and ideas at Molly's Econobusters blog, too.
Trusting In Him,
April
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Sep. 1, 2009
Molly's Money-Saving Digest's Pick-A-Pack Deal!!
Econobusters is offering a new deal on their Molly's Money-Saving Digests. It's the Pick-A-Pack deal, which lets you choose any 5 digests for $20.00! These are usually $4.95 each, so it's like buying 4 and getting one free.  It's a great way to complete your Molly's Money-Saving Digest collection ... or start it!
Trusting In Him,
April
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Jun. 10, 2009
The number one reason TO fold your laundry
In March, I had posted the number one reason NOT to fold your laundry ... but last night I was reminded of the number one reason TO fold your laundry. Once again, it involved 3 yo L.
She came to me in the kitchen, where I was sitting on the floor talking to Steve. She leaned on me and said, "Mommy, I peed." I hugged her and said, "Did you? Okay, we'll change your diaper." I was just thinking about how sweet she was leaning in on me like that.
Then my hand moved down her back to her bottom. She had on her pajama shorts, but there was NOTHING under them. I thought to myself, "Aha ... so that was why there was an unused diaper next to the potty chair!" I had thought it was from earlier.
I asked, "Where did you pee?" (I'm sure you can see where this is going.)
"In the laundry," she said with a mischievous grin and a laugh in her voice. She knew I wasn't going to like that answer.
"The laundry!?!?! Argh." I laid my head on the floor and started laughing and pretending to have a little temper tantrum. All the kids ... and Steve ... laughed. You see, I had 2 baskets of laundry out there, and a pile on the couch ... waiting to be folded.
So, I get out there and the couch pile is now spread across the whole couch. I assume that is where the wetness will be found. And it was, but it took some careful searching to find it while Daddy helped her get re-diapered and re-dressed in clean pajamas.
Thankfully, I only had to return about 5-6 clean items to the laundry. She'd had her accident on a thinner section of laundry ... and thankfully it wasn't into a laundry basket.
But I was reminded of the number one reason TO fold laundry ... it's safer in the dressers and closets. I've had laundry get puked on before, and have had spaghetti spilled on it. Now it's been peed on, too.
So even if it does make a handy bed for a sleepy 2 yo, I'll remember last night's lesson and get it folded more quickly from now on. Like right now.
Trusting in Him,
April
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May. 31, 2009
What does $22.90 buy?
Well, if you hit the right yard sale, it can buy:
- 3 denim skirts for your daughters (in a bag with other items for $1 total)
- 3 pair of like new blue jeans for your daughters ($5 for all 3)
- 1 pair of twin size flannel sheets - $1
- a box of Corelle dishes (4 dinner plates, 3 bowls, a couple salad plates) to add to your mismatched collection... and surprise the dinner plates have a single long-stemmed rose on them - $.25
- 5 white milk glass vases for your collection and 2 clear vases to give flowers away in - $.45
- a box of legos for your kids to enjoy, especially your 8 yo son - $5
- baskets to make into gift baskets - free
- Christmas ornaments - free
- a large stack of books for the kids - um, they were buy one get one free and all $.10 or $.25 but I am not sure what it added up to
- 2 curling irons that look like brushes because you know those never last long - $.50
- 3 very nice necklaces for the girls - $.25 each
- hair barrettes and clips for the girls, including some butterflies that move which might work for 3 yo L when she's a flower girl this summer - $1.50 total
- leg warmers, mittens, knit hats, and gloves - $2.50
- 4 pair of toe sock slippers for the girls, and they said they'd actually wear them - $1.00
- 2 plants started in mugs which I'll need to transplant soon - free
- more miscellaneous toys and stuff I can't really recall
THAT is what $22.90 at the right yard sale on its very last day can buy.
You can check out other "weekend wonders" at Molly Green's Econobusters blog.
Trusting in Him,
April
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Apr. 22, 2009
Molly's Digest is here again!
I've decided that the May issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is my favorite of all! I've enjoyed every issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest , but this one resonates with many of my recent thoughts and desires for my home and family.
The Feather Your Nest Frugally feature (guest-written by Aubrey Lively) has a wonderful article about creating a peaceful, unified home decor in small spaces, and on a tight budget. I have been frustrated recently by the cluttered and disorganized appearance of our school - dining area, and was challenged by this article to create a more peaceful and beautiful home environment. Aubrey encouraged me that it is possible, even on a tight budget!
"Preschool Pressure or Preschool Peace" by Barbara Frank (part of the feature topic on Learning For Life -- Your Child's Education) is also a subject that has been on my heart recently. I have seen an increased emphasis on "preschool at home" all over the internet in recent years. Websites and blogs full of activities for our preschoolers, and even those who have school rooms for their preschoolers. (I don't even have a dedicated school room for my 8th grader!) I have felt an increasing guilt that I wasn't doing more "preschool activities" with my youngest children. Barbara Frank's article was a breath of fresh air, a guilt-buster article for me! My youngest children aren't missing out on "preschool at home" ... they don't even need it!
The articles on college alternatives were very encouraging to me. College isn't for everyone, and it isn't the only way to gain an education and career training that prepares you to provide for your family. I am always interested to read of others who are successful, and have found their career training without the huge expense of a college education (and the debt that usually accompanies it).
I also found the article on "clepping" your college courses interesting. I learned about a wonderful way to have the best of both worlds -- gaining your college degree in a less expensive, shorter, and creative way. For the children in my family that God leads to college, it is good to know there are more options than pouring time and money into the secular community college, secular state universities, or private (and expensive) Christian colleges!
This month's Goal Getter Spotlight shares one family's journey from being a two-income family, to the Mom achieving her dream of being a full-time stay-at-home-mom. A reminder that it is possible to be a full-time Mom, even in today's economy.
And then the Reader's Write In ... so I did. Yes, you'll even find a little something from ME in this month's Molly's Money-Saving Digest! I responded to their request for readers to share about how they've furnished or decorated their homes on a budget. I even included a few pictures of one of our very best deals!
Did I mention the lovely yummy recipes throughout this issue? Who can resist easy chocolate-dipped strawberries, freezer jam, or salads for your Memorial Day barbecue? Or who wouldn't be encouraged to read about how "Small Changes = Big Savings" without giving up all your luxuries and pleasures?
Like I said ... May's issue is my favorite issue of Molly's Digest so far! It was encouraging and refreshing -- exactly what I needed to read this week!.
Watch for the May issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest very soon ... and visit the Econobusters website for more great ideas from Molly while you wait.
Trusting in Him,
April
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Mar. 11, 2009
Molly's Money-Saving Digest ~ Watch for the April issue!
I admit it! I'm in love with Molly's Money-Saving Digest! I look forward to each issue, and am thankful I've been able to review some of them in advance. They are a great source of information and inspiration for frugal living!!
I've been practicing the art of living frugally most of my life, especially since I became a Stay-At-Home-Mom. As our family has grown, so have our money-saving skills. Even though I already consider myself to be quite frugal, I learn something new in each issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest. Molly always challenges and inspires me to look for creative ways to frugally care for my home and family.
April's theme for Molly's Money-Saving Digest is "Making A Frugal Fresh Start". This issue is full of ideas for our home, providing for our family, and controlling our spending. Here are a few of the articles that inspired ME most:
- Frugal home organization inspiration in four different articles:
- "Feather Your Nest Frugally" column
- "Readers Write In" column
- "Making A Fresh Start" monthly feature
- "Something Old - Something New" column
- Blessing your home through housework is covered in:
- "Spruce Things Up On A Shoestring"
- "Parenting That Pays: Sowing Servant Hearts"
- Yard sale season is almost here. Learn how to earn money, and save money with yard sales!
- "Holding a Successful Yard Sale"
- "How To Shop Yard Sale Like A Pro"
- "Keeping It All Together-- Setting Up A Home Financial Filing System"
- "Fiscally Fit: The Tax Refund -- What We're Doing With It This Year"
Those are MY favorite articles in the April edition of Molly's Money-Saving Digest -- but there are even more articles to inspire YOU. For instance, check out the "Begin with the Basics" article on the art of boiling eggs. I'm particularly skilled at boiling eggs so long that the shells crack, which makes dyeing eggs with the kids interesting. But Molly knows how to do it right, and you can learn the tricks, too.
For even more inspiration, there are THREE "Goal-Getter Spotlight" contributors this month. THREE different success stories from readers who have saved money for a special project, dream, or goal!
The April issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest will be available soon. Watch for it in the Econobusters store! And while you're waiting, you can read Molly's blog at www.econobusters.com.
Trusting in Him,
April
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Feb. 25, 2009
Molly's Money-Saving Digest, March 2009 issue and a FREEBIE!
I reviewed the January 2009 issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest in December. It was a wonderful introductory issue, and I enjoyed it so much. I was eager to review Molly's Digest again, and I wasn't disappointed. Molly has done it again! Another great issue to help us save money, get out of debt, and even make money from home!
Once again, Molly's Digest is full of tips to save money in your home, and advice on getting out of debt. It's so helpful to know what items are typically on sale this month, and ideas for celebrating holidays inexpensively with your family. My favorite columns are still Feather Your Nest Frugally and Something Old - Something New. I love Molly's ideas for inexpensive home decorating, and re-purposing old items! Home decor is an area where I'm always looking for new ideas! I love when I find just the right thing at a great price, or when I figure out a new way to use something I already have. Molly helps inspire my creativity!
This month, Molly has interviewed Amanda Bennet (http://www.unitstudy.com/) about raising resourceful children, and helping them start their own businesses. Amanda Bennet has raised two entrepreneurial children, and she shares several tips with Molly that will help any parent. She's writing a book on the subject of Kids And Business, as well.
This month's feature article is on making money from home. Molly has 3 women who are experts at working from home share their work-at-home tips with us. I know many stay-at-home moms are wondering what they can do to make money from home. They are hoping to find an opportunity that will fit with their family's goals and needs. Too often I hear of Moms having to go back to work, even if they'd rather stay home. The March issue of Molly's Digest has several ideas that may help you stay home, or pay off debt faster by adding to the family income.
Molly's Money-Saving Digest closes with stories from their readers. This month's Goal Getter Spotlight shares an encouraging story of a wife who saved money for a special European trip, and how she did it. And one reader wrote in to share about her own successful home business. Perhaps her idea will be the one to work for you!
Molly's Money-Saving Digest for March 2009 is full of great ideas and encouragement. You won't want to miss it, especially if you are trying to get out of debt or looking for a new way to supplement your family's income. Watch for it to be available soon at the Econobusters Store for $4.95!
For an added bonus, if you go to Molly's Econobusters website, and sign up for her email newsletter (sign up in the right column), you can get a free copy of a Menu Planning e-book by Sheri Graham. I've already enjoyed reading this e-book, and it's full of ideas to help you save money and time by planning ahead. I also picked up some other handy household tips to save money. I even tried one of Sheri's ideas last night. So sign up for Molly's free email newsletter, and get your free Menu Planning e-book, as well.
Trusting in Him,
April
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Feb. 19, 2009
It's confession time!
They say confession is good for the soul ... so I'd better confess my laundry sins. I blame my mother, though. Isn't that the fashion, to blame your parents for all your problems? *rolling eyes*
But I do blame my Mom. Mom would wash the laundry, then bring us baskets to fold as we watched television. We'd all sit around, folding into stacks on the coffee table together. Once she started working, she'd wash laundry once (sometimes twice) a week, and we'd just fold clothes all day long ... while watching movies.
I was pondering my struggle. I've always washed clothes regularly, but often let the baskets sit until I could sit and fold clothes watching a movie. This often meant waiting until littles were all sleeping, so my piles would not be climbed on. I slowly overcame this problem, of letting baskets of clean clothes pile up for days, and started folding every night.
I was doing so well with this for a couple years. But I've fallen back into the old habit of letting baskets sit. As I pondered this bad habit this week, I was feeling guilty and as if I were just being lazy again. I tried to pinpoint when the change occurred. I finally decided that part of it had to do with moving here. I could not fold clothes after the kids were in bed, because we try not to stay up late now that Steve has to get up at 5:30 in the morning.
I haven't yet established the habit of folding clothes before the kids get up. I usually use that time for my devotions and computer time. Then Baby G was born, and my afternoons are busy with a baby, and homeschooling. So the clean unfolded laundry just piles up.
All those things play into it ... but I know I let plenty of opportunities pass by because I'm just waiting for that movie on the couch moment to arise. And that's when I realized it's my Mom's fault. Because I started folding laundry in front of the TV when I was young, I still enjoy doing it that way. Sometimes, when the laundry just HAS to be folded, and the living room is too messy or busy, I'll take it to my bed instead. But my preference is still the living room couch ... with a movie.
I need to make the mornings my laundry time, or start having the children help me in the afternoons. I need to overcome my bad habit of letting those baskets sit. For one thing, it's ugly and messy. For another thing, it's a pain to have to look in the baskets for that one item you want to wear. And of course, then you have to worry about someone spilling something on the clean clothes, or throwing up on them when a stomach virus hits.
So there you have it. My laundry confession. I still blame my Mom ... but since I'm not a victim, I need to overcome this bad habit ... again!
Trusting in Him,
April
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Jan. 8, 2009
The ramifications of the CPSIA law
I'd heard about the CPSIA law several months ago from a friend who sews cloth diapers. At the time, I thought it was just a concern for those who make and sell products for children, the small home businesses. I confess I thought that was a shame, but I didn't worry about it too much. I usually can't afford to buy the hand made items that are brand new, anyway.
But then I began to hear of other possible ramifications that would affect me more directly: mainly not being able to sell used children's clothing that precedes the CPSIA law, not being able to sell children's books and toys from before the CPSIA law. Suddenly it had my attention.
We buy used most of the time. I prefer to buy used books, used clothes, used toys, because it saves money for our family. Even better than buying used, is getting it free from freecycle, paperbackswap, a friend, or family member. We love hand-me-downs, thrift stores, and yard sales! Will this still be legal after February 10, 2009?
I don't know. No one seems to know. I find that worrisome and alarming.
I'm not worried about the big companies ... they can likely handle the extra cost of product testing, although I know that consumers will likely be affected by higher prices and less product variety. However, I am concerned for the small businesses who may have to shut their doors, or raise their prices drastically to survive.
I'm even more concerned for the families who will be affected by this. Those who, like us, are on a tight budget ... who stretch that budget by buying used products, and look forward to hand-me-downs. Not only is it possible they can no longer do that ... but they may be facing higher costs for the new products they have to buy instead.
I confess I'm just beginning to pay attention to this law that was passed last year. I confess that I know very little, although it seems even the lawmakers know very little about the Act they passed. The CPSC has taken the CPSIA law and are trying to define it ... they're trying to lay down guidelines. But the law is so vague that the guidelines could be changed again later.
If you are interested in learning more about this issue, or in taking action, please read these:
Save Handmade!
Act Now!
CPSIA FAQ
Trusting in Him,
April
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Dec. 11, 2008
Experimenting with Clothesicles!
My dryer died in November, 3 weeks ago. I was able to use the clothesline the first week, since the daytime temperatures were in the 50s that week. We had company over Thanksgiving, and the temperatures fell at the same time my laundry pile grew. Last week and this week I haven't been able to use the clothesline ... or so I thought. I've been using my 3 indoor drying racks to dry 1 - 1.5 loads of clothes every day or so.
For some reason, I just couldn't get caught up and stay caught up like that. I finally had enough this week, and checked the weather report. Day time temps in the 30s yesterday, 40s today and tomorrow, and 50s on Saturday ... only 10% chance of precipitation. So yesterday I washed 4 loads of clothes, and all sheets, towels, undershirts, and dress shirts went outside on the line. More commonly used items were hung inside to dry. I almost emptied the 3 bin hamper.
Today I washed 2 loads of clothes (one was pukey blanket from the sick 2 yo). I hung the comforter on the clothesline, and the rest of the clothes inside. Tomorrow, I should be able to wash dark clothes again, and totally empty that bin in the hamper. Catching up, at last!
In the meantime, I discovered last night what a clothesicle feels like. I went out to hang a few last items on the line around 4:30 pm. The king size sheet I had hung an hour earlier was frozen stiff. I discovered that when I decided to adjust it and drape it over two lines, to raise it higher up from the ground. Clothesicles!
I checked the clothes this afternoon, when I was hanging the comforter. Nothing was dry yet. 24 hours on the line, and still damp. I'm sure the frost isn't helping at night. I'll check again tomorrow. Eventually they'll dry, right? Since my dryer does tumble dry with cool air, I could probably use it to "dry" the last little bit of moisture out of items. That, and drape them over furniture indoors, if necessary.
In the meantime, the expirement continues.
Trusting in Him,
April
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Dec. 10, 2008
Meet Molly Green -- Molly's Money Saving Digest
Molly Green is the main character in a new series of e-books from The Old Schoolhouse, and she happens to share a passion of mine and Steve's -- saving money!
As homeschooling families, frugality is often one of our main concerns. How do you stretch one income to provide for your family, and your children's education? How do you reach your family goals, and pay off debt? It takes creativity, self-control, patience, planning, careful spending, and sacrifice. Molly Green has all of that, and wants to share her knowledge and ideas with us!
Molly's Money Saving Digest will be an e-book digest, publishing monthly modules. There will be a new featured article each month, as well as standard columns, including three write-in features where readers can share their ideas and stories. The standard monthly columns will be: Molly’s Minute, Begin with the Basics, On Sale this Month, Keeping it all Together, Feather Your Nest Frugally, Pull Up a Chair, Parenting that Pays, Something Old – Something New, Goal-Getter Spotlight, Readers Write In, Molly’s Question of the Month, and Words Worth Saving. Each digest will also include helpful forms for budgeting and planning. As an added bonus, if a reader writes in, and their suggestion is used in a digest module, they'll get that module free.
I enjoyed reading the January 2009 Molly's Money Saving Digest. It encouraged me to continue with my money-saving efforts, and reminded me that I am not alone in my efforts. Sometimes it feels as if we are the only family homeschooling on a tight budget, and I needed to be reminded that we are not. It also reminded me of ways I can better organize our finances, as well as our home. I especially enjoyed the ideas for decorating our home frugally, and finding new uses for old items.
The Begin with the Basics column on bread-baking inspired me to resume this yummy household chore, which I had abandoned. Molly also challenged me to open my home to others, an area where I need improvement. I open our home to family several times a year, but I fail to invite community friends over. I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes included in the January digest, and sharing it with friends.
Molly's Money Saving Digest really has a little bit of everything. I'm sure everyone will find something new and something inspiring in each and every digest. Whether you're facing difficult times and tightening your belt for the first time, or whether you're an old-hat at living frugally ... Molly can help you.
Keep your eyes open at The Schoolhouse Store for Molly's Money Saving Digest, January 2009 e-book. In the meantime, be sure to check out Molly's new website: Econobusters. It's still under construction, and the store isn't open yet, but Molly is already posting ideas on the Econobusters blog. I'm sure you can find some inspiration there, while you wait for Molly's Money Saving Digest.
Trusting in Him,
April
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May. 20, 2008
How to keep your microwave clean
I've discovered the secret to a clean microwave. Raise it to eye-level.
In our old home, the microwave was on a microwave cart, lower than the kitchen counters. I rarely ever cleaned it. Steve would occasionally comment on its dirtiness and scrub it out for me. I just hardly ever noticed it. It wasn't filthy ... I'd have noticed that. I've seen some really disgusting microwave interiors, and it wasn't like that.
But, in our new home, the microwave lives on top of a tall chest of drawers. (What? You don't have a chest of drawers in your kitchen? I highly recommend it. They supply great storage!) The microwave is now right at my eye level. I only have to bend slightly, if I want to see the ceiling of the microwave.
You know ... the microwave is getting cleaned much more often now. 
Of course, if you're bordering on OCD and your family is telling you to stop cleaning the microwave every time you use it, perhaps you should lower yours down so low you can't see inside it easily. And then move fast. Don't linger when you put something in, or take something out. Just rush off to the next thing, and shut that door quickly. (Not sure how likely this scenario is, but it might help some Mom out there.)
Trusting in Him,
April
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Mar. 12, 2008
Aaah ... now that looks like home!
Four months after moving in, I finally hung our pictures and art on the walls. When we first moved in, I did hang a few large items that weren't packed in boxes (on pre-existing nails). But that was all I'd done. At first, I thought I'd wait until after we painted. But since that hasn't happened and Steve was starting to talk about having company over for dinner, I decided I really needed to get them hung up.
But then I put it off for another couple weeks, because I wasn't sure where I wanted to hang things. With our large picture windows here, and the tall bookshelves, we have less wall-space in the living room than we are used to. I didn't want to relegate the family photos to the hallway, but I also didn't want to clutter the living room walls.
This weekend, I just got them all out and started playing with them. In the end, I did put most of the family photos in the hallway, but hung a group portrait of our children, and one of the whole family in the living room. It took two days, but we finally found a place for almost everything. One of my kitchen pictures will need extra care to hang, because I couldn't get a nail to go into the plaster walls ... they're hard as rocks. And we decided to get rid of 4 smaller plaques.
I wasn't expecting the children to be so enthusiastic about the project, though. They were actively involved the whole time. Watching, admiring, offering suggestions. And little L (turning 2 next week) is still talking about the pictures as we go from room to room ... especially the family photos. We've walked down the hall naming off each family member, immediate and extended, repeatedly.
We hung our maps in the dining room, and we're all glad to see them again. We've missed having them easily accessible.
After that, I unpacked my last box of breakables and "knick-knacks", including my Willow Tree collection, and found safe homes for them.
The only things left to hang are three long shelves (one of which will display the girls' china dolls in their room) that Steve really wants to wait to hang after painting, and my two coat hook bars (one for towels in the bathroom and one for jackets in the hall). I'm hoping to convince Steve to let me hang them for now, since he hasn't given me a time-frame on painting, and we really could use them. He did say that they will not be re-hung until 2 weeks AFTER a room is painted, and has had time to cure. We hung them too soon in our old home, and ripped paint and drywall off when removing them to move.
I didn't realize how much I missed having these out, until after I hung them. I wish I hadn't taken so long to hang them, but at least they're unpacked now. And it does look and feel a little more like home now.
Blessings,
April
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Aug. 31, 2007
"Travelling Light Contest" update
This is going to be "stickied" to the top for the month of August, to help me stay motivated. For recent blog updates, scroll down beyond this.
I've reached my first 50 lbs. entry in the Travelling Light Contest on the HSB Front Porch!!
I reached my second 50 lb. entry in the contest on August 13!!
Still working away. I want another 50 lb. entry before the month is over. Although Steve hopes to sell an extra vehicle and get about 40 more entries. (yes, we have surplus vehicles at the moment)
I did it!! My third 50 lb. entry -- on August 20. Hmm. Can I fit another one in before the end of the month?
Pounds decluttered so far:
- 15 lbs. toys given away
- 20 lbs. old clothes to trash
- 6 lbs. misc. items to Freecycle mystery box
- 10 lbs. to Goodwill
- 7 lbs. clothes and shoes given away
- 16 lbs. magazines given away
- 14 lbs. books given away
- 6 lbs. clothes to Goodwill
- 2 lbs. books to church library
- 4.5 lbs. children's books to Goodwill
- 10 lbs. of old coloring books to trash
- 19 lbs. of misc. stuff from bedroom and kitchen to freecycle
- 17 lbs. twaddle children's books off an overcrowded bookshelf to freecycle
- 1 lb. blood sugar monitoring kit we were given and can't figure out to freecycle
- 1 lb. misc. purses and bags decluttered
- 7 lbs. twin sheets and 1 curtain to freecycle
- 4.5 lbs. homeschool books decluttered
- 2 lbs broken crayons sorted out of the art supplies and tossed
- 5 lbs. Highlights magazines to freecycle
- 1 lb. baby stuff given away
Subtotal: 168 lbs.
And 2 sets waiting to leave ASAP so I can hopefully claim them before the contest ends.
- 10 lbs. misc. decluttered from my closet, dresser, and cupboards to freecycle
- 2 lbs cassette tapes
Total: 180 lbs.
Blessings,
April
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Aug. 14, 2007
Photos to go with my laundry love
Aug. 14, 2007
Falling in Love with "Whole Laundry"
The other day, I was hanging out clothes, and thinking of how one daughter keeps complaining about her stiff clothes (although most items are not ending up stiff). And I was thinking of how I keep telling her I'm saving money and energy by letting the sun and wind dry our clothes.
Then I thought how she could argue that using the electric dryer is okay since now they are making energy from wind and sun (especially here in the Plains, wind energy is becoming a big thing). Then I was thinking how that argument wouldn't hold since we don't have solar or wind power here at our house, but maybe we could add them at the farm someday.
Then I thought how the process of making electricity from the sun and wind had costs. And that I was saving those costs by drying on the line, and using the sun and wind in its original natural state.
Whole Laundry Drying instead of Whole Foods?
Then I started thinking about how I was also using the natural stain remover, brightener, disinfectant, and deoderizer of the sun ... instead of laundry additives.
See ... whole laundry! Laundry in its most natural state. Except the washing. I'm not ready to give up my electric washing machine.
I'm falling in love with my clothesline again. Even when it's 104*, I still enjoy hanging out my clothes. Of course, we'll see if I can continue with it when it's cold instead.
My clothesline is an umbrella line. It can only hold 2 of my large loads at a time. Sometimes I have to take down a couple items from the first load to fit the second load on. But we manage, most of the time. Usually by the time I have a third load ready, my first load is completely dry. If there's a fourth load, it usually has to stay out overnight and continue to dry in the morning.
I was trying to decide what are my favorite things to see on the clothesline. But I have several favorites. Cloth diapers are emotionally fulfilling to see hanging on the line ... and they also satisfy my old-fashioned or retro urges. I love seeing my daughter's light colored floral dresses billowing in the breeze; it's so artistically fulfilling. Towels and cloth napkins are mathematically fulfilling with their symmetry and sharp edges. But the other day I was hanging up pair after pair of red or navy little boys shorts, and that made me smile, too. They had a cuteness factor all their own.
Since we've made up our mind to use the clothesline as much as possible, to save electricity and wear and tear on our dryer, I'm glad I am enjoying it. I didn't expect to fall in love with it so much. Perhaps it's the momentary peace of slipping outside alone to hang a little laundry, check on the garden, think, and pray. Perhaps it's a reminder of each of my family members, and my love for them, as I hang their clothes on the line beside my own.
I know my two oldest daughters could help with hanging out the clothes (at least on the lower lines), but I'm not ready to give them that task yet. I'm enjoying it too much.
Blessings,
April
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Jul. 26, 2007
Rearranging Ramblings and Ponderings
I've been doing some rearranging to try to get more room in our house. I put away the electric piano for the moment, and moved a chest and the doll house that sits on it out of a child's bedroom to the living room. I organized some things stored in my bedroom to make room for our pregnant cat (and all her stuff) to move in there until her kittens are born and big enough to roam the house unharmed by eager children. And now I have to work on the back bedroom, sorting out toys, organizing toys, and either storing or getting rid of the excess to make it easier to keep clean.
For awhile, I've just been sitting and staring at these areas, and a stack of totes that needed to be sorted and put away. Finally, the need to get our cat situated in our room motivated me to get busy. And once I started moving, it wasn't so bad.
As I was working, I decided that God must have put us in this home to keep me busy and thinking creatively. It's a relatively small home (1200 sq. feet) for a family of 8. It has no linen closets, broom closets, coat closets, or pantry. It has no attic, basement, or garage. But it has 3 large closets, and it uses its space very well. We may have only one bathroom, but our 3 bedrooms, living room, and eat-in kitchen are more spacious than other homes of similar size that I've seen.
But, due to the size of our home, the size of our family, and the idiosyncracies of the family members, I am constantly challenged. It is a creative challenge to find room for more books, more computer stuff, more clothes, more toys, more craft supplies, more stored food, another bed, etc. I have become an expert at the puzzle of rearranging my home. I think I even came up with a way (yesterday) to fit one or two more small bookshelves in the house -- which are needed. Unfortunately, some rooms are so well-pieced that there is no other possible way to arrange them and still fit everything in.
As I was pondering that yesterday, I was feeling rather pleased with myself. I was thinking about how I'm also adept at packing too much stuff into our Suburban for trips. I can usually arrange the back end to make it all fit.
And then I remembered ... I am not so adept at choosing the right size storage container for supper leftovers. Steve will usually know I have the wrong size bowl before I do. He laughs at the small amounts I sometimes put in large bowls and the times I have to get a second bowl to finish holding the leftovers that didn't fit in my first bowl.
I also can't judge how much spaghetti to cook. I have cooked too little often enough that now I always throw in more than I think I need, and usually have leftovers. Sometimes lots of leftovers. My sister finds this funny, as well. I guess we can't be good at everything.
Our home has served us so well. We moved here with two children, and it seemed huge coming from our little 2 bedroom apartment. We have run a home daycare in our home, received guests, hosted family gatherings, homeschooled, and have grown a large family with all their accessories. It's been a good ten years here, and it's been a good home to our family. And it keeps my mind active and creative, trying to get the most use out of our home that we can.
Blessings,
April
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Jun. 25, 2007
Tip of the Day -- Start Your Christmas Notebook
Today's tip is to start your Christmas notebook. Yes, I know it's June, but if you're like me you need to start early.
If nothing else, start making notes of the things your children are interested in. Keep a file on the computer, or a list on paper, of anything that would make a good gift idea for those you know.
My family always wants gift idea lists for the children. We found out the hard way that we need to offer each family member who asks for one a different idea list (too many mix-ups and duplicate gifts in the past). If I didn't keep a running list on the computer, I would have no ideas to offer them. Making one list is easy, but 4 lists?
In addition, we shop for our parents, our siblings, and our nieces and nephews. I keep a list of ideas for them on the computer, as well. My mind is pre-occupied with homeschooling, housework, and the details of taking care of my family. If I don't write a gift idea down when I think of it, I'll never remember it when I'm ready to shop.
I also keep a list of craft ideas I might like to make and give to Sunday School teachers and Pastors at church. When I hear of a craft I think I could do (especially if it's low-cost and not time-intensive) I make a note of it.
Some people keep lists of gifts given or received in the past. I'm sure this can be helpful, but it's not a level of organization I've achieved yet. Maybe someday.
Organized Christmas Website has printable Holiday planner pages you can use to create a Christmas Notebook. There are even pages to use to break the housework down into different weeks before Christmas. You can do the same thing with Christmas crafts you're planning, as well as setting goals to finish shopping, finish wrapping, finish sending cards, etc.
Organized Christmas Website also has a Rudolph Club. The idea of the Rudolph Club is to use the 25th of every month as a day to work on your Christmas plans. Perhaps that would be helpful to you.
If you haven't started planning for Christmas already, use the Summer months to start planning. It'll be easier to do now than it will be once school has started again.
If you have started planning, take time today to work on your plans. Do you need to make some new lists? Do you have any new ideas to add to your lists? Is there anything else you can do to make this year's holiday season more enjoyable, and less stressful? Write it down, before you forget!
April E. (ElCloud Homeschool) is a Homeschool Mom of 6. She has homeschooled for over 7 years, and enjoys sharing the things she's learned in her homeschool journey with others.
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Jun. 18, 2007
Long Hair and Swimming Pools
We don't swim very often, but we do put the children in summer swimming lessons, and we do make a handful of family trips to the pool each summer.
My daughters and I all have long fine hair, and I worry about chlorine damage. I thought I'd share what we do to protect our hair when we swim.
Before we swim, we use shea butter to protect our hair. You can order this online, or buy it in the ethnic hair care section at Wal-Mart, which is where I bought mine. Just put a pea-sized dab in your hand, let your body warmth melt it, and then rub it on the length of your hair, from the neck down. The shea butter will help to condition the hair and provide a coating to keep the chlorine from soaking into the hair. It also helps to hold your hair in a neat braid. Sometimes I use it to prevent loose hairs from escaping my braid or bun, even when I'm not swimming.
Braid the hair and secure with a snug hairband. This will help prevent the inevitable tangles that come from swimming, and prevent breakage when trying to detangle the hair.
After swimming, gently remove the braid and gently comb the hair. Wash and condition hair as soon as possible. If you or your daughter swim often, and you notice a dry crunchiness to the ends of your hair, you can use the shea butter to help deep condition the ends after washing, as well.
Shea butter can be used alone, or it can be used to make Fox's Shea Butter Conditioning Cream -- recipe found HERE. I use olive oil when mixing Fox's Shea Butter Conditioning Cream (SBCC), because I have that on hand. If you use olive oil, you might be able to use only 1/4 part oil instead of 1/2 part oil. I keep my SBCC in a small plastic food storage container with an air tight lid. One batch can last a long while.
Enjoy your summer, and keep your hair healthy!
Blessings,
April
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Jun. 18, 2007
Tip of the Day -- Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Today's tip is a useful one for the summer months. We learned this tip last summer, but not in time to prevent a painful bout of swimmer's ear (our first) in my oldest daughter at the start of the summer. After that, we used this method to prevent a recurrence of swimmer's ear.
Mix equal parts of White Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol (I use 1 Tablespoon of each). Using a medicine dropper, put 1-2 drops in each ear after swimming. The drops help to break the surface tension of any trapped water so it can drain out, and it also helps kill any bacteria that might be lingering in our ears after swimming.
Last summer I kept it pre-mixed in a small plastic container with a tight-sealing lid. When my family returned home from swimming, we just lined up and treated everyone's ears right away. I had forgotten about that, but my husband reminded me today on our way home from the pool. So, I mixed it up again, and treated everyone's ears.
It's quick and painless, and has worked well for our family. Hopefully it will help your family, as well.
April E. (ElCloud Homeschool) is a Homeschool Mom of 6. She has homeschooled for over 7 years, and enjoys sharing the things she's learned in her homeschool journey with others.
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May. 2, 2007
The Black Hole Under My Computer
Our computer is on a desk (big metal office desk) in the corner of our living room. The desk is an ugly shade of light puke green that was once so popular in offices, but it doesn't matter because you can't see most of it. The computer monitor, CPU, printer, keyboard, wrist pad, mouse and mouse pad, and piles of paper cover the top of it nicely. And since it's in a corner behind the couch most people can't see the front of it, either.
But that's beside the point. The point is that underneath and around this desk is The Black Hole. Although since our carpet is light gray, maybe it's The Gray Hole. And the dust bunnies under there are gray, too.
Every now and then I drop something. And I bend over (while still sitting in my office chair) and I push the chair back as far as it can go before bumping into the bookshelf full of VHS videos we still watch and aren't getting rid of. And with my head hanging upside down, I look for whatever item I've dropped, while rolling the chair from side to side to get a better view. And when that fails, I get down on my hands and knees and crawl under the desk and under the chair (and it's a really tight fit) and try to find it.
Most of the time, the item is gone. Like the piece of fruity circular cereal ring I just dropped, it's gone. Disappeared. Lost somewhere between the desk and the wall, poked between boxes of computer disks and 12-packs of soda and 6-packs of orange flavored white tea I'm supposed to be drinking. I'd never even heard of white tea before this month.
As a home maker, I'm trying to ignore how many other pieces of food I might have dropped down there. I'm thankful we don't have a pest problem, because if we did, I'm sure The Gray Hole would suit them quite well. Then I'd be peeking under the desk before I sat down, and sitting cross-legged with my feet up off the floor.
One of the things that was lost in the abyss this year, was a special coin of Steve's that he had bought for his collection. It was on the wrist support on the computer desk. Someone shorter than an adult came along and put their hand on the edge of the computer (and wrist support) which flipped the wrist support off the desk, along with the coins. Alas, despite my contortions and the shifting of boxes, I found one coin, but not the other.
Someday, we'll move. When we do, we'll pull out this heavy desk, and all the boxes under and around it. And when we do, we'll have to hope we don't have any helpers to see everything that disappeared into THE GRAAAAYYYY HOOOOLLLEEE (imagine that in a weird 60s echoey voice from a 60s sci-fi tv show). Because that could be embarrassing.
Oh, alright ... I'll confess. Every now and then, when doing work on the computers, Steve pulls everything out of this corner (except the desk) and vacuums/dusts all around the area. So, I'm sure sometime before we move, he'll have to do something to the computer and he'll clean up the area. I just hope he doesn't vacuum up anything important -- like his coin.
And now you know that Spring cleaning is not my forte'. But I'm taking comfort in the fact that surely every other home MUST have a black or gray hole too. It has to be one of those Murphy's Law things, right? I hope.
I think I need to create a new category for posts like this -- something like "No, I'm not perfect". Although anyone who reads this blog regularly or knows me in real life should already know that.
Blessings,
April
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Feb. 12, 2007
Cutting Your Family's Hair
Keri asked me to write about how I learned to cut my family's hair. So I'll try to do that.
Cutting Girls' Hair
I grew up in a family of four girls. My Mom always trimmed our hair until we reached an age where we desired different styles of cuts and then she took us to the beauty parlor. When I was 17 years old, my parents adopted a 1 month old baby girl. So, I was able to see my Mom cutting a little girl's hair again.
When I had my children, it was 3 girls in a row. And it was just natural to me to trim their bangs. I couldn't see taking a 1 yo to the beauty parlor to pay someone else to do it. So, out came my scissors after A's bath one day. I combed her hair and cut off the long point of hair in the middle of her forehead. I have always used the eye brows as my cutting guideline. I comb the wet bangs, hold them between the pointer and middle fingers of my left hand, and trim them at the eyebrows. I place my fingers just at/above the eyebrows, and cut below my fingers. (Being right handed, I use my left hand to hold the hair and my right to cut. Obviously, you'd reverse this if you are left handed.)
As A's hair grew, it was also natural to just comb her wet hair and even up the back of it. Then R joined the family, and there were two little girls needing to have their hair trimmed. R had much thicker hair than A did, but she didn't have any of A's curls. It wasn't hard to adjust to cutting their different hair types.
I found it easiest to cut their hair right after a bath. Using the comb I'd comb the hair and hold the hair in place against their back using the comb at the length I wanted to trim it to. I'd cut below the comb, right up against it. Then I'd move the comb over and cut at the same level as I went. After it's all cut. I comb it again to look for any long hairs I missed. It's easy to see if one side has ended up longer than the other. Then I just even it up. I like to go around to the front and comb their hair again. Then I can see from the front if the two sides are even (pulled forward in front of their shoulders). If I find any long hairs, or an uneven length, I hold one side between my pointer and middle fingers again, and cut below them.
It's really just a matter of having confidence in yourself, and reminding yourself it's only hair, and it grows back. I don't do complicated hair styles on my little girls. We like to keep their hair long, with simple bangs. We did have to cut C's hair into short bobs with rounded edges at the front when she began chewing on her hair, but it is not our preferred style for our girls. We like longer hair which we can braid or put in pony tails, or leave down (most of the time). In reality, I may end up with shorter hair than I intended to cut, but it'd be hard to ruin it. And if all else fails, and you do mess it up ... then you can still make that trip to the beauty salon. But if you never try, you'll never find out if you can save that money.
Cutting Your Own Hair
From cutting my own girls hair, I soon moved on to cutting my own hair. To be honest, I had been cutting my own bangs between beauty parlor visits for years. Granted my first few attempts as a teen were disastrous, and I soon learned NOT to try to "feather" my own bangs. I just comb them when wet, hold them between my fingers and trim at the eyebrow. Then comb out again and snip any stragglers. This usually gives a slightly rounded cut with the sides a bit longer. I like it this way since it's softer.
I wore my hair in a bob, which I would let grow out to shoulder length and then cut shorter again. In a moment of desperation one day, I just started cutting my wet hair. I started by cutting the sides, while looking in the mirror. Then I reached around behind my head and cut the back of it to be level with the sides. It was a short bob, but it looked nice. Of course, I have wave and body that helps hide any uneven ends.
I also learned that I could cut a slightly longer cut, by splitting my hair in half down the back. Drawing each half over a shoulder, and then cutting them the same length. From the back, it gave a slightly rounded u-shaped cut. From the front, that wasn't as noticeable. I would let it grow several inches, then cut it back up to my collar bones again. I did this for years.
Three years ago, I finally decided to grow my hair long. I found online instructions for cutting your own long hair and used that to cut off some of the u-shape my hair had. Feye's Self Trimming Methods When my hair grew to my lower back, I felt it needed to have the split ends removed. I actually had to decide to trust my husband to cut my hair that time. After a shower, I had him come into the bathroom and cut my hair, using the bottom of my bra-line in back as a cutting guide. It worked well and he now does this for me about 2 times a year. Although, I still occasionally cut it myself using Feye's Self Trimming Methods as linked above. I still cut my own bangs about every 6 weeks.
If you aren't comfortable trying to cut your own hair, and you can't bring yourself to trust your husband, you could find a friend to trim it for you. You could even exchange trims. Obviously, this will not work if you have a layered hairstyle. For me, I have found that I prefer a simpler style that doesn't require regular beauty parlor visits. I don't want to be controlled by my hair style. When I had more complicated styles, I always reached a point of frustration with my hair. Sometimes I'd have to put up with it for several weeks before I could afford to go to the beauty parlor. With a simpler style, I'm not having to pay anyone else to cut my hair, and I don't have to be frustrated that it needs to be cut before I can get in to have it done. My hair isn't controlling my finances, my moods, or my self-esteem. (I don't want to imply that it is wrong to have a style and visit the beauty parlor regularly ... but if it is a financial hardship to your family, then I do think it is something to reconsider.)
I did go to the beauty parlor in December and had some length cut off my hair and some layers cut in. It was the first time I'd had a salon cut in 7.5 years. My hopes had been that the layers would add some body as well as helping to let more of my wave come out. I'm not sure if it really does or not. I am not sure that I can cut layers into it myself, and I'm not sure how often I can get it cut at a beauty parlor. So I may not continue the layers. I do have instructions from a friend (former hairstylist) on how to do it myself. But until I do that successfully, I will not share them here.
Cutting Boys' Hair
Now, to the harder part of this ... cutting my husband and sons' hair. Several years ago, I was reading MOMYS Digest and several ladies were sharing about how they cut their sons and husband's hair. I mentioned it to Steve, and he was willing to give it a try. This was actually before we had any sons, so it was over 6.5 years ago. We bought a set of Wahl clippers from Walmart, that came with a video. I watched the video on cutting hair and then I gave it a try.
It helped that Steve paid attention at his hair cuts. He knew he like the #3 guard on the back and sides of his hair. He knew he liked the back of his hairline and his sideburns trimmed shorter than their natural growth line, and shaved off. He knew he liked the cowlick at the back left longer so he could plaster it down with hairspray and avoid the Alfalfa look. The scary part to me was using the scissors to layer the top of his hair and then blend the sides in with the part that had been clipped. But we gave it a try, knowing that if necessary, I could just fix my mistake by giving him a buzz cut.
I began by using the clippers on the sides and back of his hair. Then I followed the instructions on the video to use the comb and my fingers to hold the hair up and cut it level, going in several different directions to get a nice even layering. I followed the shape of the cut he'd recently been given, and did my best. After that, I finished it up by shaving his neck and making sure his neckline and sideburns were neat and tidy. Then Steve examined it and gave me pointers on what to change.
Some things I've learned are that he likes his neckline raised about an inch. So I shave the hair that grows further down on his neck, and raise that neckline an inch, evenly across. Then I use the #2 guard (one step down from what I used on the back of his hair) to blend the bottom inch of his remaining hair into the rest of his slightly longer hair. After I shave off his sideburns, I also use the #2 to do the edges around his ears. Just to soften the edge a bit and give a smoother look to his cut.
I'm not perfect. Sometimes I do get the cowlick area at the back too short and it gives him fits for a week or two. Sometimes I get the front bang area shorter than he likes, especially since he also has a cowlick in that area, and a widow's peak. But for the most part, we are both usually pleased with his hair cuts. We've tried some long buzz cuts (using the largest guard on the top of his head) during the Summer months, but he prefers a scissored cut.
After we had started this adventure with cutting Steve's hair, God sent us our first son. I have cut both our boys hair since they were about 11 months old. We usually begin cutting their hair when ladis at church start making tiny ponytails on top of their head. When very young, Steve holds them on his lap while I cut. Usually, it helps to play one of their favorite videos. I still use the #3 guard on the back/sides of their hair, just like their Daddy. But I use a larger guide (#6 or #8) on top of their head, and blend the two areas together with my comb and scissors. I do this by holding the comb vertically and combing sections of their hair out away from their head. I can see the shorter clipped hair, and the longer clipped hair. Using my scissors, I then cut a straight line against my comb. This gives an even blended look to the sides of the head. Sometimes I give J (brown hair) a shorter buzz cut in the summer, using a #4 guard on top of his head, and the #3 on the back and sides. But this does not look right on 3 yo M with his blond hair.
In the past two years, my Father-in-law has begun to ask me to cut his hair. I was very reluctant at first, because I didn't want to mess up someone else's hair, outside my immediate family. But I gave it a try. He was very specific with what he wanted. And thankfully he likes his hair very short, so I do it all with the clippers. He likes a #2 guard on the back and sides of his head. Then he likes a #3 or #4 guard on the top. And he likes his hair trimmed with NO guard at all around his ears. I use the #1 guard to blend from the shaved area into the rest that I cut with the #2 guard. And I use the #1 guard to do the same on his neckline in back, too. Then I use the scissors and comb to make sure the slightly longer hair on top of his heads blends in smoothly with the shorter side hair.
Sometimes my Father-in-law comes with something different he wants to try. Like the month he wanted a #1 guard on the sides and back and the #2 guard on top. My Mother-in-law was not happy with that super short haircut, though, and the next month she came with him to make sure he didn't go that short again. And then several hair cuts ago, he started directing me to shave around his ears without any guard at all. That was new, because he was frustrated with how quickly the hair around his ears was growing back. It's easier for me this way because he always tells me what he wants, and I just do it.
Having the right tools
I will say that it really helps to have quality tools. I originally had a pair of hair cutting scissors from Walmart, which I occasionally used on non-hair things. I started to notice it not cutting well, which makes for uneven edges, so we bought a new set of hair scissors from a beauty supply outlet. I've carefully guarded these and only used them on hair. My hair clippers need to be replaced, they are starting to fight with me. Sometimes they seem to reluctantly slug their way through the hair. Sometimes (especially when the blades need to be oiled or the hair is longer) they will pull at the boy's hair instead of cutting it quickly. We had bought a new pair of clippers, but they never cut well from the very beginning. I went back to my Wahl clippers, but I know I need to start looking for a replacement pair.
If anyone else is thinking of cutting their family's hair, I think they should give it a try. You can find videos or books on hair cutting at the library or buy them online, if you want to study it a bit more. As I said earlier, if you keep the cuts basic, it's rather simple. And if you do mess it up, you can either cut it shorter or have someone else fix your mistakes. Don't give up!! It grows back, and you can always try again.
Of course, if you have teens they may not want to take the risk of letting you cut their hair. It helps to start when they are young. And if you have any girls who wear their hair shorter or layered, then you may not be able to cut their hair unless they are willing to grow out their layers and wear it in a simpler style.
Blessings,
April
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Aug. 8, 2006
Frugal Rambles
Steve brought home 2 rolls of Viva paper towels for me tonight, and I was grateful to be able to make our home-made wet wipes again. We've been making them for years and really do prefer them to store-bought wet wipes. They also save us money.
The original recipe we were given said to cut a roll of paper towels in half, to make two shorter rolls. Place a half roll into a container with a lid that seals tightly. In a measuring cup, mix together 1 Tbsp. baby oil, 2 Tbsp. baby shampoo or wash, and 2 cups water. (You can also add lavender essential oil or tea tree oil to provide extra anti-bacterial properties.) Stir, then pour over the paper towels, especially down the center where the cardboard roll is. Put the lid on and let sit several hours. Then remove the cardboard roll in the center and pull the wet wipes from the center.
We prepared it that way for a couple years, but after totally ruining a bread knife, and getting sore hands from all that cutting, I was relieved when someone else told me they quit cutting theirs in half and used a bagel keeper to hold the whole paper towel rolls. So, we quit cutting our rolls in half, doubled the recipe, and adapted it to suit us more.
Our Current Wet Wipe Recipe
4-5 cups water
1/8 cup baby oil (you can also use sweet almond oil, apricot oil, or jojoba oil)
1/8 cup Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap in Lavender scent (it is concentrated so you don't need as much)
And sometimes we add a few drops of Lavender oil or Tea Tree Oil to the mix.
We pour this over a Viva Paper Towel roll which we store in a plastic bagel keeper. With the larger roll, we usually have to flip it after several hours and let it soak another couple hours before using it. I often will prepare it the night before and flip it in the morning. Then I begin using it at the second diaper change. We've tried other brands of paper towels, but have found the Viva to work best and hold up longest.
We really like the Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap, too. We buy it by the gallon in the lavender scent from our Buying Club, and it lasts forever!! We love that it's gentle and concentrated so you use less of it. And I love the smell of the Lavender scent. I also like the Peppermint scent, but not for wet wipes.
Foaming Soap Dispensers
Another way we save money is to use the Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap to refill the foam soap dispensers. We buy a bottle of Foaming Soap at the store. When it's empty, we add about 1/2-3/4 inch of Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap to the bottom of the bottle and then fill with water, leaving about 3/4 inch of air at the top of the bottle. It works great! The children waste less soap this way, too. We use the foam dispenser until it quits working properly, and then we go buy another one at the store. You can do this with any liquid soap, not just Dr. Bronner's Castile soap.
Cloth Wet Wipes and Diapers
We use cloth diapers at home as much as possible. We're much more faithful to do this when babies are little and their diapers aren't as nasty. We're also more faithful to do this when money is tight, and we're trying not to buy disposable diapers too often. This week, I had used all our store bought wet wipes and didn't have more Viva paper towels to make my own. At first, I put four cups water and 3 drops of lavender oil into a wet wipe box and filled it with wash rags to use for wet wipes. But, despite using lavender oil, it would still sometimes get a musty smell before the wipes were all used. So I found a squirt bottle and filled it with water and a few drops of lavender oil. Now I can squirt it onto a wash cloth and use it right away. I am hoping the water and lavender oil will stay fresh longer this way. Sometimes I add soap and oil to my cloth wet wipes, but I haven't been this week.
Buying Clubs
We looked for a local buying club for several years, but there was not one in our town. We knew if we had to travel out of town to a buying club, we'd use it less. We also knew I wasn't the one to start a buying club in our town. So, we were very grateful when we were told that one was forming in our town. We love being members of the buying club, because it saves us money on certain items. We don't buy much of their grocery items, but we have purchased bulk herbal teas, whole wheat bread flour, bulk whole wheat pasta, bulk spices and seasonings, natural toiletries, healthy snacks, and vitamins and supplements. Most of what we buy through the club is supplements and vitamins, and it usually saves us money. If you shop in a health food store or use many vitamins and supplements, it might be worth trying to locate a buying club in your area.
Ebay
I'm sure we aren't the only family that loves shopping ebay for good deals. This Spring, we were able to get new (with tags) dress shoes for Steve on ebay at a wonderful price. They were very high quality, and his favorite brand/style of shoe. We also were able to get a pair of brand new Birkenstock leather sandals for my bad feet for $20. And we bought a pair of new (in box) Robeez leather booties for Baby L, at a savings.
We've often been blessed to find things we need on ebay at good savings. Now, you do have to be careful and factor in shipping and handling charges before bidding. You also have to be careful not to window shop too often, because it can lead to impulse bidding, which is hard on finances. But it can be a great way to save money, if used carefully.
Our family discovered this Ebay Song the other day and have been having a blast singing along with it and laughing about the lyrics. It's a Weird Al Yankovic spoof, and you can listen to it at this website. I hope you enjoy it, too.
I think I'm done rambling. I'm sure some of this is old stuff to many of you, but hopefully there was a new idea you can adapt for your family.
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