Squeezing More Out of Our 24 Hours?!?

I'm realizing how hard I have to work at having good time management! If I don't have a plan of things to get done, I don't get anything done. And even if I need a break for some ME time, if I don't carefully watch it, I overwhelm myself with that time and don't get anything else done. Some times I get so frustrated with that cycle. I'll post more as I figure out ways to address my problems!

Some friends have issues with specific household tasks, like laundry. A friend suggested doing one load a day, therefore not being overwhelmed. For many, that's an excellent tip. I could easily run a load of cloth diapers in the morning and hang them outside to dry. With two adults and a toddler at home, even with cloth dipes and trainers, I don't have an adversity to laundry. I end up doing 2-3 loads in the evening a few times a week. I don't like running single loads because I don't want to waste the energy used heating up the dryer; so I'll run at least 2 loads. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I try to use that energy late in the day, just in case it's less of a draw on our power supply and bill!

I can wrap my brain around laundry, but I still have to work on how to address my issues with cleaning the bathroom. You'll have to help me out!

Photo Credit:Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thoughtful Living Tuesday - Guest Post

I "met" Joanna at a Twitter party and asked her to write about how she uses vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to clean her house -- I figured it was fairly simply, but didn't know the exact amounts, since I'm using a product which gives me measurements to put into their containers. But it is so simple I don't need to make those kind of purchases and can save by making my own!

Baking soda so simple

You clean your home diligently and yet more and more evidence is coming to light that the mass of luminous blue, green and yellow household cleaners that huddle underneath the kitchen sink, especially those with triclosan in, may not be a good thing in the environment.

So what are you to do if you wants a dust & grime free home but without the side effects of synthetic chemical based cleaners?

Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple; baking soda, white vinegar and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Bingo! Household cleaner extraordinaire.

The recipe is, depending on the size of your bottle:

A few spoons of baking soda
Cautiously add some vinegar (the combination of baking soda and vinegar can be exciting, thus add slowly!)
Top up with cooled boiled water
Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil.

Put the lid on and shake well.

Baking soda is really effective at removing grime from ovens, baths, kitchen counter tops and I have been known to put in stinky training shoes, and dust out after a day or two. This spray cleaner can also be used on sinks, toilets and mirrors, just use an eco-cloth to remove any residue.

Vinegar is acidic and naturally good at keeping things clean. The combination of essential oils in this simple eco-friendly cleaner provides natures antibacterial agents, in the form of essential oils, and is more than enough for a normal house.

Triclosan, the common ingredient in many anti-bacterial household cleaners, was developed for hospitals and yet many American homes now have antibacterial soap, deodorants and toothpastes all containing triclosan. There is an illusion that if a little bit is good then more is best but I would disagree and say that when it comes to having a clean house, there is little substitute for soap and scrubbing, with a few essential oils.

My favourite essential oils are: organic lemon, orange and lavender. These three powerful little bottles are great for keeping your house clean but also smelling heavenly without a synthetic chemical in sight.

This winter why not aim to ditch the expensive shop bought cleaners and create your own, it will save you money as well as breathing in toxins. Are you up for the eco-friendly cleaner challenge?

To learn more about simple, effective ways to Detox your Body and our World™ with Joanna visit ActualOrganics.com

©Actual Organics 2010


Mrs Joanna Runciman, BSc(Hons), CMC
ActualOrganics.com
Detox your Body and our World™