Green Living
Flu and Cold Season
Uuuggghh! I am sick. If anyone in a family cannot afford to be sick, its the mom. And this mom does not like taking over-the-counter medications. I reach instead for any natural or homeopathic remedy. It all began with a sore throat late Monday night. There was no warning, no scratchy throat, nothing. Just the immediate onset of a sore throat... »
Powdered Laundry Detergent
I read once that using liquid detergent was better for your home. The powder cannot cake up and clog your drains and modern appliances. Therefore, I prefer to use and make liquid laundry detergent. However when you make a batch of liquid laundry detergent, it has to sit for a day to gel. To my dismay, I did not stay on... »
Becoming a Plant Expert
I have been reading J.D. Wyss' novel, Swiss Family Robinson, to my children for the last 3 weeks. We are almost halfway through the novel, but are enjoying it immensely. Well, we enjoy the story, but both Jake... »
Mosquito Predators
We have been getting a lot of rain recently. It began with the Hurricane Alex a week or so ago. Even though the hurricane was a long way away, it dumped inches of heavy rain on us. Now we are experiencing the typical afternoon thunderstorm during the hot days of... »
All-Natural Upholstery Cleaner
Some friends of ours generously gave us a couch and love seat set. The colors and the floral pattern on the fabric looks great in our home. The couch is very comfortable. The set definitely looks better and feels better than the couch we used before. [caption id="attachment_1388" align="alignright" width="300" caption="This couch looked like the top cushion. Now the bottom... »
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has a many uses. Some are for medical purposes. Hospitals rarely pump one's stomach if they suspect poisoning because they treat the patient with activated charcoal. Other uses include treating stomach upset and other problems associated with the bowels. I bought activated charcoal in capsule form when I was going through a seven... »
Shoo Fly! Don’t Bother Me
Upon my return from New York, one of the first things that I noticed is we had developed a fly problem. I have read that in hot weather flies can multiply in 2-3 weeks. The weather has certainly warmed up in Texas. Flies are not only a huge nuisance to animals and people alike; they can spread disease. Flies are attracted... »
Alternative to Perfume
I may have a soft spot for chocolate, but when it comes to scents that I like vanilla wins by a landslide. I never have been a heavy perfume wearer. I remember one time when I was in 9th grade. I got dressed to go to my mom's one woman art show at a fancy gallery in Houston. I was all... »
Natural Approach to Biology
This year I entered the world of high school level science. There are many great books and programs out there. Apologia science is probably the most well-known in the home school world. It is a solid program with a text, lab work, tests, etc. However after years of observing nature, reading great informative books, and raising tadpoles in a fish... »
Applied Kinesiology
If you are like me the first time you ever heard the words, "Applied Kinesiology," you pictured high school coaches or college students seeking a degree in kinesiology. Kinesiology is the study of the way a human body moves. If that is what you thought, do not be embarrassed. If it was not for my good friend, Marjorie, I would... »
Shark Steam Mop
Once we laid all the tile in my bedroom, bathroom, living room, and dining room, I started looking for the best way to clean the floor. I wanted to find something that was easy to use. I wanted it to do a great job. I preferred to not use household chemical cleaners. I... »
Dryer Balls
One of the most thoughtful gifts I received for Christmas was from my son, Jake. He decided to use some of his own money he earned from working for my father to go shopping for a few people on his Christmas list. I happened to be on his list. Early one morning he happened to see part of an infomercial on... »
A Breath of Fresh Air
For some time now, I have been saving up to purchase an essential oil diffuser. I wanted to be able to fill the air in my home with the refreshing and healing scents of my essential oils. Since Jake is allergic to formaldehyde, I have steered away from store-bought air fresheners. I have... »
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Last Saturday my whole family began feeling under the weather. We had scratchy throats and stuffy noses. I immediately began giving everyone garlic, vitamin D3, and astragalus. Early Sunday morning I woke up with the worst sore throat I have had since I was a little girl. It hurt so bad that I decided to get up at this insane hour... »
Pumpkins
It is that time of year again. The night air is getting much cooler. The leaves on the trees are beginning to fade into different shades of yellow-green. And, pumpkins are everywhere. Churches are selling them in big lots. Stores have them out as decorations. I sadly did not get any pumpkins from... »
