Blog Party Tutorial! How to Make All Natural Laundry Soap!

WEll...AS YOU KNOW THE BLOG PARTY STARTS THIS WEEKEND HOSTED BY INSPIRATION AVENUE! So, I wanted to share my How To... You may know that Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts has added a new line of eco friendly, greener, cleaner products! Here is how to make one of my latest additions (actually, it will be posted this weekend to my new shop at : http://handmadeartistsshop.com/MommyTyme.html along with my Etsy at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and this tutorial will be on the site at http://www.mommytyme.org so stop by...)





















Here we go...

How to Make an All Natural Laundry Detergent - oh, if I told you the stories of the chemicals in your laundry detergents you would shudder in fear... really!

In fact, at the end of this post I will leave you some links so you can check out the truth about the chemicals on your clothes.. but, for now, lets just have fun and make some great cleaning product for your laundry! It is safe, clean, and eco friendly- it is also less bulk and waste because you only need to use 2 TBS per load (it's true!), and it is safe on your septic! No harm to the water systems, no harm to the environment! so, what is the downside? None! It is incredibly cost effective, too! The ingredients are NOT hard to find, either!



Here is what you need:
Baking soda
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
Borax
A Natural Castille Soap Bar (this can be ordered from a variety of company's, I find mine at true value, you may be able to order online, or if you want to give it a go right away, you can use Ivory soap!)

That is it! That is all! Now this is not a stain fighting, or whitening recipe. I do sell that version in my shop, but I can not call it all natural because the whitening and stain fighting agents are not 100% natural, but they are significantly less harmful and contain less chemical compounds than your other cleaning additives!


First get a large bowl and a shredder. Make sure all of your utensils and containers are CLEAN! I soak all of my items prior to use in SCALDING Hot water for about 10 minutes, then let air dry. You can add vinegar to the water, too!

First, Grate your bar of soap into the clean, dry bowl.



















Next, I measure 2 cups of the ARM and HAMMER washing soda and mix into the bowl

Followed by 1 cup of Borax




















Add 1/4 c. of baking soda

Mix it all together Well! That is it, that is all! Package in a large air tight container and you are set. Just add 2 TBS to your wash water before you add the clothes and you are Ready!

But, there are a few fun things you can do to make it your own product- you can give it some extra benefits by adding a stain fighting bar such as Fels Naptha (my favorite choice)! This gives it a fantastic clean scent and is really tough on stains, too! It adds a little coloring to your mix for fun, also. The key is to make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

For whitening power you can add 1/4 c. of oxi clean, too! Again, not A NATURAL ingredient, but it is less harmful than bleach (do you want to hear my stories on that?)






















For the items I will be selling at my shop, I have added fragrance from essential oils. If you choose to do that, you must bag your soap into a ziploc bag or sealed container of some type- you add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (remember, fragrance oil is not the same as essential oil) and you mix it all up. Leave it sealed for about 2 weeks to let the fragrance infuse your soap mix. Many essential oils have some intense anti bacterial, anti fungus, disinfecting powers all of their own that really boost your detergent- such as lemon essential oil, patchouli essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil.

If you want to know more about oils or natural ways to clean and make products- keep stopping by the blog! New recipes are added all the time, and the website hosts all kinds of fun ways to go GREEN!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be adding a great new natural way to add fabric softener to your laundry next week! Happy Washing! Have fun at the rest of the blog party!

http://www.mommytyme.org
http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com
http://www.zibbet.com/MommyTyme
http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com

Mommy Tyme is opening a new shop! That's right! I am going to give a new marketplace a go and see if the benefits outweight the participation cost! So, here is the new URL, although I just started loading items, I hope you take a moment to check it out! It seems that this is a supportive community with quite a few SEO and marketing perks! For only 5.00 your items are listed, you receive a home page (shop page), and participate in the community forum and blogs! So, check it out!

http://handmadeartistsshop.com/MommyTyme.html

Any words of advice for this new shop? I am also looking at making my Mommy Tyme website a shop direct site- http://www.mommytyme.org Currently orders are emailed direct to me and I send a paypal invoice, but that may make new customers uncomfortable? I am not sure, so I thought about making it direct route to pay pal, credit cards, etc. Any advice?

Oh, finally, stop by the new blog for the blog party this weekend! It is going to be a blast, with great tutorials, advice, links and more...
http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com

Blog Party coming soon....

I am so excited to share a fun Blog Party with you that will be happening May 1-2! It is going to be a blast! Filled with great tutorials and lessons, blog hopping from one great spot to another- sharing and learning- Wow! I am so anxious! As a member of Inspiration Avenue I will be posting my own tutorial here and at Mommy's Reviews to share with the Blog Party attendees! With the Green theme I have been trying to promote, I think I will give a tutorial on how to make some natural products that you can use to replace things already used in your home... Fabric softener? cleaning products? Health and beauty? Well, I have not quite decided.. But, stop by the weekend of May 1-2 to see what is up! If you have a suggestion or idea of what you would really like to see, let me know!

There Should Be a National Thank You Day

There Should Be a National Thank You Day

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Make your home more Eco Friendly

Easy Ways to Make your Home More Eco-Friendly

We all want to do our part to protect the environment, but without a large paycheck, that can be seem difficult, if not impossible. But doing your part doesn’t have to be hard. Small steps add up to a big difference, you just have to know which ones to take.

Use less water.

Saving water is all about small steps, here are a few that will help save big.

- Shut off the water while you brush your teeth
- Take showers that are a minute or two shorter
- Only flush the toilet when you need to
- Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
- Buy from sustainable producers. These are farmers, ranchers, and other producers that use techniques that pollute less and use less water. You can do some research online or ask at your local organic market to find these products.

Use less energy.

If you don’t have the money to buy a hybrid car or convert your house to solar power, you can make a big difference with small changes.

- Buy energy efficient appliances. They may be more expensive, but make up for the increased cost in lower energy bills.
- Unplug chargers when you’re not using them. Cell phone and other chargers use up powers even if there’s nothing attached to them.
- Put devices with remotes, like T.V.s, VCRs, and stereos, on a power strip and turn it off when you’re not using them. These devices use a lot of power to run the remote receiver even when the device is off.
- Walk or ride your bike for short trips.
- Buy local products. It takes energy to transport food and other products across the country. Buying local not only supports your local economy, it helps them use less energy.

When it comes to saving energy and water, it’s a great idea to get the kids involved. You can even make it a game. Have them track how much water and electricity everyone is using. You can compete to see who uses the least water. You can often count on your kids to help keep you on track when given the task.

Reuse.

Most of us know the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, but when we work on conserving, we often leave reuse out of the picture. While you can often find tips on how to reuse common products from other people, what you need most is creativity. With a little thought there are many items around your home that can be reused – toilet paper holders can be used to sow seeds for the vegetable patch. And old yogurt containers can be cut into strip to make plant labels. Old food jars can be refilled with homemade foods or can make great impromptu vases.

Use environmentally friendly products. When you go to the grocery store, you probably see more and more “natural” or “eco friendly” products every time. There are generally two big problems with these products: 1. Just because they’re more natural than regular products, doesn’t mean they’re entirely natural. 2, They’re often expensive.

If you want inexpensive, natural, safe products, why not just make them yourself. Vinegar is a great way to clean and disinfect glass and other surfaces. Need to remove stubborn stains? Just add some baking soda to your vinegar cleaner. Some quick searching online will lead you to hundreds of other natural safe home-made cleaning products.

We all knowing that going green means better for the environment, but it’s also better for you. Conserving resources also helps save you money, which is something most of us are happy to live with.


Natural Cleaning Article Bundle

Did you know that the chemicals in your laundry detergent could be making you sick?

Take a moment and stop by my new blog at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com Following is the type of posts and ideas you will typically find, not to mention, recipes, contests, freebies, etc.

One of the reasons I recently decided to create some greener, more eco friendly products for the Mommy Tyme Bath and Gifts line was that I began to realize how dangerous the things in my home are. I have always thought it important to keep my house clean and sanitary because I have a little boy who seems to get sick at the drop of a hat. So, I would pour on the bleach and bust out the surface disinfectant. I also love my whites to be WHITE when it comes to my clothes. Oh, and I cant forget about the air fresheners - with a dog, a husband, and a 4 year old, my house always seems to have some kind of "funk" so I would give it a spray of Renuzit! But, I found that my son continues to be sick, continues to have serious allergies and respiratory issues! How could that be? Well, I started doing some research and realized just how dangerous some of the chemicals in everyday products can be! My beloved bleach may be more harmful than good- not just to my family, but to nature! I was shocked! But, I kept researching and found that there are tons of alternatives out there, in fact, cheaper equivalents! So, as I did with my soap making, I began to try recipes and tweak them until I found just the right blend for me. But, it is important to me to share this with everyone... The chemicals can be so harmful to you and your family, not to mention dangerous if they are misused by a child or pet. So, I would like to share a few articles I located on the subject (as I am NO expert) and then introduce some of the new products I have added to my shops! I will also be sharing some recipes that you can do at home, too! Oh, and if you have a recipe or idea ... Please share! Keep up with all the upcoming articles, recipes, tips and ideas at my new blog where Eco Friendly and New products is the focus- Mommy Tyme Gifts at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com

Here is a great article that does not waste words...

The Chemicals in Laundry Detergent

By: Janelle Elizabeth

Something as simple and ordinary as cleaning your clothes in a washing machine can have serious repercussions. The chemicals used in these cleaning agents are hardly user-friendly.



In fact, many of them contain cancer-causing chemicals, as well as other harmful toxins. As a consumer, you should familiarize with some of the common terminology that is often overlooked but may have longer lasting ramifications than ever before thought.



There are some very specific ingredients to watch out for and avoid when you examine the label on laundry detergent. Some of these chemicals have even been banned or restricted due to their noxious side effects.



One such common chemical found in laundry detergent are petroleum distillates, or napthas. Having been linked to cancer, lung damage and/or inflammation, and mucous membrane damage, this is a very harmful chemical.



Along the same lines, another family of harmful chemicals are phenols. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has declared that phenol is toxic to people, especially those who are hypersensitive. The hypersensitive population could experience very dangerous side effects or even death, even at low exposures. Additionally, it can absorb very rapidly, causing toxicity through the whole body.



Should phenol be absorbed into the body, death and toxicity are prone to attack the central nervous system, heart, blood vessels, lungs and kidneys.



Further, another active ingredient in laundry detergent is household bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Responsible for the majority of household poisonings, this chemical is a forerunner to chlorine.



The results can be even more harmful when it reacts with other organic materials,. Carcinogenic and toxic compounds are created. These have been know to cause disorders or damage to the reproductive system as well as the immune and endocring systems.



With so many disadvantages to using traditional laundry detergents, it s no surprise that consumers are becoming more educated about what it takes to go green and make changes for the better in their own homes and in the world. From fragrance to whiteners, detergents have become increasingly dangerous to use, especially on a regular basis.



Many who have families do laundry on such a frequent basis that these dangers posed by toxins should not go ignored. As the awareness grows for the dangers of the chemicals found in laundry detergents and other similar products, companies will have to shift their focus to a greener, safer line of goods.



In order to reduce the use of these potentially harmful products, alternatives are constantly being developed that aim to be environmentally friendly, and healthier for us.

About the Author

Using a magnetic laundry system will allow you to reduce the amount of chemicals you expose your family and the environment to.

(ArticlesBase SC #569809)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Chemicals in Laundry Detergent

Green Beauty Tips

Natural homemade beauty recipes

Nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people are finally catching on that natural is better.

Most stores now have a line of “natural” beauty products. Unfortunately, they often come with a big price tag attached too. Often times many of these products are not actually “natural” so it does pay to do your homework to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Fortunately actually making beauty products yourself isn’t too difficult. So if you want beauty products that you know are natural and are also inexpensive, just make them yourself. Here are 5 quick and easy recipes you can make at yourself.

Face Mask
Eating good food helps give you the right nutrients you need to look good. You can get more of these vitamins and minerals by putting the good stuff right on the skin.

Combining a mashed carrot, mashed avocado, and a beaten egg with a half cup a few tablespoons of honey creates a great face mask that provides vitamins, and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Just stir well, apply, let sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.

After you’re washed and nourished your skin, you can use grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice as a toner to help tighten your skin and close up your pores to close your pores and keep your skin looking great.

Hair Conditioner
Many people pay a lot of money for a conditioner that actually makes your hair look and feel good. Here’s a great natural recipe to save you money and help your hair.

Just mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of castor oil and apply to hair. Let sit for about ten minutes and rinse out. You can use this every so often as a conditioning treatment for healthy shiny hair. If you like being experimental, you can try mixing other kitchen items, herbs, and natural items with eggs for healthy, shiny hair.

Hand and Foot Cream
A quick face mask will help make you look great in not a lot of time, but hands and feet require extra care.

Use ½ cup of olive oil mixed with natural sea salt and massage into your hands and feet. Leave a few minutes to soak and then rinse off with warm water.

When it comes to natural beauty products, these recipes are just the start. You can find hundreds of different combinations in natural beauty books, magazines, and on the internet. Or you can go to your kitchen cabinet and make your own special creations.

Natural Beauty - Makeup PLR Bundle

reBlog from Mommy Tyme: Your Thoughts on our Children, Development, and Life

I found this fascinating quote today:

Are you a screamer? How effective is that, really? We all lose our cool sometimes- although I like to think I have the patience of a saint- reality is, when I am already 15 minutes late for wrok and have a forty five minute commute to get there, still have my son trying to find his shoes, and the front door was left open so the dog has run off.... Sometimes I do yell (or as I call it, talking very firmly in a loud voice...) So, when I ran across the following article I thought, "Whew... I am not alone..." So, check it out- then tell me... How do you keep it together?Mommy Tyme, Your Thoughts on our Children, Development, and Life, Apr 2010

You should read the whole article.

Share the Love... It's my turn!

As you may know, we do a fun blog shout out called Share the Love at On Fire for Handmade! Each week a member is showcased and we all post their information! This week was Mommy Tyme and Anne from OFH created this fantastic collage of my products! Isnt this fun? If you would like to join I have posted the link information for On Fire For Handmade! Anne Rocks!

This weeks Featured Artisan is Valerie of Mommy Tyme. Valerie has a wonderful collection of handmade creations! From Bath and Body, Scarves and Jewelry, Mommy Tyme has something for everyone!
You can find Mommy Tyme @:

Shop URL
http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com
2nd Shop URL
http://fuzzb.com/MommyTyme
3rd Shop URL
http://mommytyme.shophandmade.com/
Website URL
http://www.mommytyme.org
Blog URL
http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com



To join On Fire for Handmade:


Visit On Fire for Handmade

Check out the cool giveaways and freebies you can pick up at the above blog....
This week there are some super cute flip flops that are up!!

Celebrate Earth Day with Mommy Tyme Gifts

In support of Earth Day- Mommy Tyme Gifts is coming out with some new Eco Friendly products! During the next few weeks, Mommy Tyme will be introducing several items in the "Mommy Tyme for Tomorrow" line.

Recognize that we only have one planet to live and share, thus we all have to do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. If you are like me, you have probably heard it over and over again- the controversy with global warming, the dangers to the ozone layer, the declining water supply, pollution, the importance of recycling- but what do you really do? I have thought in the past, "does my recycling of a few water bottles really change anything?" - Yes! It does! Everything matters. Every action you do today will impact tomorrow.

You don't have to change everything overnight, and most of the changes you make will save money, be better for you and your family, while still promoting a better planet for our children. Start small- make sure all of the lights are turned off and everything is unplugged before you leave the house. Don't turn the air conditioning on until it is sweltering hot. Support company's and buy products that are made with environmentally safe procedures or that use recycled materials in their packaging.

I remember how careless I used to be with energy, fuel, and waste... I think it all changed for me (gradually...) when my son came into my life. I want him to have a green, clean, healthy environment- so, I have to change today for a better tomorrow. You can make it fun, too! My son is our "Patrol" and he goes around the house a few times a day checking that everything is unplugged, that lights are off, TVs are not on in two rooms, our cell phone chargers are not still plugged in with the phone no longer attached, etc. When he finds something, he "tells a ticket", meaning he finds one of us and "tells us to unplug it". He is learning responsibility, environmentally appropriate behavior, and his game serves a useful purpose. We also take "treasure walks" with a bag in hand, and pick up all the garbage we find along the way. The challenge is to see who can fill their bag the fastest! He has become very conscious of litter and waste, which is important for all of us. Start these lessons now and your child will have more respect for their world as they grow...

With all of this in mind, I decided to take some time and evaluate my ingredients, procedures, and purposes of some of my products. I have revamped and create some new items I am excited to show off in the next few weeks- I have been working on these for a while and have a ton of ideas for more... but, I wanted to have a few items to introduce along with Earth Day. I have also created a new blog that will focus on How To's, ideas, products and ways that we can continue to focus on tomorrow by our actions today- I hope you will stop by and offer a comment or thought at http://mommytymegifts.blogspot.com To really kick off the new blog, I will be offering some freebies, prizes, and give aways! Make sure to follow the blog, comment with your contact info. and enter, enter, enter....

From now until Earth Day I will continue to present new items, articles and ideas for a better planet! If you have a blog, idea, or product that you think is eco friendly, feel free to post the link and comment here! I will be thrilled to show you off and get it the realization it deserves! So stay tuned, check back often, and keep thinking "GREEN"!

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Blog Party?

Ok, I just hit upon a really fun party - blog party- can you believe it? I had no idea what this was or how it worked, but I read on Inspiration Avenue about an upcoming blog party that our team is hosting and thought "I better figure out what this is exactly...". So, I hopped over to the Mom Blogger Party- Wow! It was really cool! Of course, I was a day late, as always... but there are still a ton of really cool blogs posted, interesting ideas and much more! Take a minute to check it out and see what you think... Did you attend? If so, dish!

This will give you an idea of HOW a blog party is hosted- doesn't it sound fun? Anyway, point being, Inspiration Avenue will be hosting one the beginning of May! Keep stopping by and I will give you all the details! For now, see the blog party I just visited at: