You sprinkle and pour and watch the satisfying bubbles rise up. You watch the bubbles pop and feel proud that you're using a safe and non-toxic cleaning solution. The bubbles fade away and you scrub down your sink, toliet, tub, or counter. But do you really know what you're actually scrubbing around and how effective it is? I learned something interesting last month when I wrote a post over on Keeper of the Home about vinegar not being a great non-toxic cleaner. Some people love their vinegar … [Read more...]
Green Cleaning with Lemon Essential Oil {Green in 365}
This is Day 221 of the Green in 365 series! Guest Post by Krissa of More Than Mundane: If you've been following along with the Green in 365 series, you've likely heard some about the dangers of cleaning with conventional cleaners that are loaded with harsh chemicals. There are many all natural alternatives to cleaning that are just as effective as conventional cleaners, but that don't cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and airways and that you can feel safe using in your … [Read more...]
Your Green Resource 4.11.13 {Featuring: Re-Purposing Old Clothing}
We're finally getting some nicer spring weather around here and we've been so happy to be spending time outdoors again! We're also getting excited about starting our garden, hoping to get some early plants in soon! And then there's rainy days like today where we just want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie, but rainy days are what make our flowers and plants grow! I can't wait for the flowering trees to bud, that's my favorite part of spring! Now it's time for Your Green Resource … [Read more...]
DIY All-Natural Egg Dyes {Green in 365: Spring}
This is Day 71 of the Green in 365 series! By Kim Daly of The Soulicious Life Coloring eggs is a spring tradition across this country, both for those who celebrate Easter and for those of us who celebrate "Happy Spring." Though I've never been a fan of hard-boiled eggs myself (I leave those to SoulDaddy to eat), I am a huge fan of the family time and creativity it inspires. Unfortunately, conventional food dyes and artificial colorings pose a number of hazards. They have … [Read more...]
FAQ: Getting Started with Composting {Green in 365: Spring}
This is Day 66 of the Green in 365 series! Writing about starting a compost pile is likely to bring up a lot of questions, so I thought I'd answer some of the main questions I get about composting all together in one place. Please remember that I am not a master composter, this is just our family's experience with our little backyard compost. I always recommend that you do your own research, and try things out for yourself to see how they will work for you and your … [Read more...]
The Lazy Guide to Setting Up Your Compost Bin {Green in 365: Spring }
This is Day 65 of the Green in 365 series! It really is amazing to me that we can take something that we'd usually throw in the trash, pile it up together and give it air, water, sunshine, and time, and it will turn into something full of nutrients to use to fertilize our gardens. I think a lot of times people are afraid to start a backyard compost because they're afraid they will mess it up. They think it's complicated, or scientific, or that you need a special bin and … [Read more...]
Your Green Resource 3.7.13 {Featuring: Hibiscus and ACV Hair Rinse}
So, I'm writing all about Spring this week for the Green in 365 series, but yet, on Tuesday night we got a heavy snowfall and even had a snow day yesterday. Now our world looks like a winter wonderland and not so much like Spring is just around the corner. Sigh. My kids are yearning for warmer days too. They keep asking when spring will come. And my daughter has been making a bucket list of all of the things that she wants to do this spring and summer. Things like running through the … [Read more...]
Upcycle the 1930’s – Cafe Curtains {Green in 365: Spring}
This is Day 64 of the Green in 365 series! Note from Emily: As your decluttering around your home, keep your eye out for things you can repurpose around your home and give new life to in a meaningful way the way Renee did. I love her curtains! By Renee from Joyful Mom I like to keep pretty things--quilts too many for the number of beds in our house, linen table runners, doilies, and the old fashion card table coverings... did I mention the tea-cup collection? I have … [Read more...]
Green in 365: Valentine’s Day Links
This is Day 40 of the Green in 365 series! Valentine's Day is next Thursday, and if you're still in need of some cute and candy-free DIY Valentines, here are a few great options for you: If you only have to give out a few Valentine's cards, I love this idea for thumb print flower and see packet Valentines! Easy Teacher Valentines {Free Printable} My friend Jenica made these super cute glow stick Valentines for her daughter. I love this idea and think we'll use those next … [Read more...]
Cute as a Button: Free Printable Candy-Free Valentine’s Cards
This is Day 33 of the Green in 365 series! It's the month of love and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Since my daughter is in school now she has to hand out Valentine's to her class. But, it so frustrating to me that every month there seems to be a reason to hand out candy at school, so I try not to add to the candy craze by having her hand out candy-free Valentines. When you're in school though, there's not much cooler than giving and receiving candy. To help her feel good … [Read more...]