Green Cleaning

I mentioned green cleaning months ago, and have been putting off the post to see how I felt about what I'm using, and I have found I am very happy with my cleaning process/ingredients. 

It's funny because we have always used the Clorox or Lysol wipes, or Costco brand to clean  counter tops, sticky spots on the floor, table, and at first Sky's tray on the highchair.  But, it bothered me that I was using the wipes and then putting her food on the tray or counter.  I didn't love the idea of her ingesting even a small amount of cleaner.

Then I found a pin on Pinterest about using white vinegar to make your own cleaner.  (I spend a lot of time on Pinterest and actually find great stuff that I am able to use!)  I made the cleaner and used it to clean the house before everyone came over for Sky's birthday.  We were both really happy with how well it worked!

I was then led to this book...Clean House, Clean Planet.  It's basically a recipe book for home made cleaners, using normal kitchen items like vinegar, baking soda, club soda etc.  I'm so very happy with how well everything works and how clean the house is.  Plus, I love knowing that if Sky somehow managed to climb on top of the washer to the very top shelf, that even I can't reach, and ate any of it, she won't die.  It won't taste good, and it may clean her out, but it's non-toxic and won't kill her.

The other change made is using an antibacterial micro fiber cloth to wipe down the counters and Sky's tray.  Jodi turned me on to this line: http://www.norwex.com/norwex.php?lng=7&cnt=223  I'm building up my Norwex supply slowly.  It's not the least expensive option, but over time once I have enough to do what I need to on a weekly basis it eliminates the need for the wipes, and will drastically cut down on paper towel use as well.  And, Jodi shared a great idea....use one as a towel to dry Sky's hands with.  Kid's don't always do a great job of washing their hands, so drying with an antibacterial cloth assures their hands are clean!  My next purchase is the travel pack so we can have some in the trailer for camping. 

I also found micro fiber cloths on the auto isle at Target I think they were $5.99 for 4.  They aren't antibacterial, but they work great for scrubbing the bathroom and floors with. 

I'm still using up the last of the purchased cleaners but once they are gone I will strictly use the cleaners I make from the book. 

Another great bonus is that it's pennies on the dollar to make my own cleaner.  With me not working outside the house I feel like it's my job to save money anyway I can.  We don't have a lot of big options for saving money, we are pretty darn responsible already, but little things like this add up over time.  And, I love knowing our house is a healthy house and as chemical free as possible! 

Thankful Thursday

Today I'm thankful for the sun!

And for this...

The table and chairs that I was able to bring home from Grandpa's.  He didn't want or need it any longer.  (yes I'm thankful for the little girl in the pic as well).  Sky and I sat at the table in the sun and watched this yesterday morning...

The US Ladies in their first soccer game of the Olympics, on our lovely big screen.  We have the perfect view of the TV from the deck, and thanks to the surround sound the speakers in the back of the room can be heard outside no problem!  (I have to say the TV is still one of my fave purchases we have made.  We love sports and watching sporting events on this TV is pretty great!)

This is my first year being home during the Olympics and I plan on watching as much of it as possible from the deck, while working on my tan! 

I'm also supper thankful that Mark doesn't give me a hard time about enjoying the sun and Games while he is at work.  He knows that what I'm really doing is playing with and managing Sky and mostly listening to the game because I'm chasing her around the yard keeping her safe. 

So excited for opening ceremonies tomorrow night!  Let the Games begin!!!!

Home

We are back home.  Got in yesterday afternoon (in time to stop by Grace and Kiera's b-day party as well!). 

Tired, and spending the day unpacking, running errands and resting. 

Family Photo Shoot

Check out this blog tomorrow : http://chellenicole.com/WP/

for more of this...

...and Mark and I too! 

2 Cute Little Girls

Jodi and I went for a quick walk, and since the park was a bust (all the toys were wet) we headed back to her place to let Reagan and Sky play in the back yard.  We really need to start taking videos, those to little ladies are super funny together! 

Weekend catchup:
Friday walked to Starbucks with Jodi (but didn't get our free drinks because we were too early!  I got mine later though when I went to Safeway).  Saturday ran 5 mile drive with Michelle and Winona, and was easily the best 5 mile drive run I have had in a very long time!  BBQ'd with the Beckham's Saturday evening.  Sunday Sky and I were pretty darn lazy.  We practiced for football season...PJ's, couch, Tour de France and Soccer, and not much else.  Didn't accomplish anything around the house, but sure had fun hanging out with her. 

May or may not have time to blog tomorrow...and am out the rest of the week until Sunday.  Going to the East side to pack up my Grandma's stuff and help make it a little easier for my Grandpa to be in the house without her. 

Thankful Thursday

Last week on Rock Center they did a special on babies born addicted to prescription pain killers.  There is one hospital in the US that has up to 75% of the NICU babies detoxing, and it killed me to see them crying and shaking and going through withdrawals. 

It made me so very thankful that Sky's birthmother took such good  care of herself and Sky during the pregnancy.  She removed herself from a potentially harmful situation and made a huge effort to be healthy during her pregnancy. 

I know we have had it easy given Sky is not a typical baby.  It could have been a very different situation had Sky not had such a caring, loving, healthy start in life.  I'm thankful every day!