more pictures to come soon... the other baby is calling:)
Monday, March 26, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Turqouise Cowgirl Soaps
Since I will be a stay at home mom permenantly beginning June 4, I decided to start an at-home business. Many of my friends sell Mary Kay, Arbonne, Scentsy, that kind of stuff, but no one sells soaps. I have a student who has sold soaps for the last few years as his FFA project, and I decided to do it too... and market to another crowd so I don't steal his customers of course!
The name of my soap business is Turqouise Cowgirl Soaps and I will be selling handmade natural soaps made of olive oil, coconut oil and soybean oil of various scents. All soaps are scented with essential oils. I will eventually also be selling goats milk soaps as business progresses.
I do hope to eventually sell my soaps not just out of my house, but also at local salons, car dealerships, boutiques, ect. .. Basically anywhere someone will let me set up a stand!
The picture is of my new logo for my soaps. I hope to have them ready to order by the beginning of next week. Please contact me if you would like to buy!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Homemade saves you money, which makes you happy
One of my favorite websites of all time is www.diynatural.com they have recipes and ideas to keep your cleaning time natural! Love it!
Some other great websites and recipes are listed below:
homemade dishwasher detergent and rinse agent
try this: shampoo bars
home made tooth paste
NOTE : I have not tried all of these recipes. I usually only make my own laundry soap and fabric softener, but as you can see, the recipes are endless... if you want to save money and become more "green" or natural, then these are the ways to go. Life without chemicals is good.
I am however, a firm believer in essential oils. There are many places to get them, but I would make sure that before you buy, make sure they are certified organic - meaning there are no additional ingredients such as alchohol or chemicals. Most essential oils are safe to take internally if you choose and so the following websites are ones I completely reccomend and are safe (and organic)
New Directions Aromatics
DoTerra
I personally prefer new directions aromatics because they are more cost effective in my eyes and you don't have to be a member (like doterra) to get the wholesale prices. However DoTerra is good if you like essential oil combinations and other benefits such as vitamins derived from plants only or even lotions made of essential oils.
One of my favorite websites that my family has ordered from for years is Melalueca
I hope you enjoy these ideas and website as much as myself!
Some other great websites and recipes are listed below:
homemade dishwasher detergent and rinse agent
try this: shampoo bars
home made tooth paste
NOTE : I have not tried all of these recipes. I usually only make my own laundry soap and fabric softener, but as you can see, the recipes are endless... if you want to save money and become more "green" or natural, then these are the ways to go. Life without chemicals is good.
I am however, a firm believer in essential oils. There are many places to get them, but I would make sure that before you buy, make sure they are certified organic - meaning there are no additional ingredients such as alchohol or chemicals. Most essential oils are safe to take internally if you choose and so the following websites are ones I completely reccomend and are safe (and organic)
New Directions Aromatics
DoTerra
I personally prefer new directions aromatics because they are more cost effective in my eyes and you don't have to be a member (like doterra) to get the wholesale prices. However DoTerra is good if you like essential oil combinations and other benefits such as vitamins derived from plants only or even lotions made of essential oils.
One of my favorite websites that my family has ordered from for years is Melalueca
I hope you enjoy these ideas and website as much as myself!
Top 7 myths about Pink Slime
This is a good read for everyone. I don't care if you are a beef eater or not. read it.
pink slime myths
pink slime myths
Monday, March 19, 2012
what to do on a snowed in kinda day?
here is a list, like it or not of what to do on snowy day
enjoy.
1. don't get dressed. stay in your jammies all day
2. snack on deliciousness..
3. eat noodles and broth for lunch
4. eat leftover birthday cake for dessert following lunch. and dinner. :)
5. exercise because there is nothing else to do.
enjoy.
1. don't get dressed. stay in your jammies all day
2. snack on deliciousness..
3. eat noodles and broth for lunch
4. eat leftover birthday cake for dessert following lunch. and dinner. :)
5. exercise because there is nothing else to do.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Pallet Garden.. such a COOL idea!
As I was browsing facebook this morning, I happened upon my friend Janie's posting of making a pallet garden. I of course impulsively clicked on the link because I love to garden, create new things and do cool stuff.. so of course I was interested!
I can't believe how easy it appears to be, and the fact that I can likely do it for less then 40 bucks is even better. I am all about the bargains after all. I even think I am going to do this with my students once I go back to work and auction them off at the FFA banquet at the end of April.
Yes, I live on a 100 acre farm and I have all the space in the world for planting a huge and bountiful garden.. but if I use the pallet garden to plant small root crops such as garlic, beets, onions and carrots and herbs then I will have more room in my "in ground" garden to plant melons and squash and tomatoes and corn... so obviously, I am definitely going to do the pallet garden.
I encourage you to check it out and build one yourself, plus, it makes me feel more "green"
how to make your own pallet garden
I can't believe how easy it appears to be, and the fact that I can likely do it for less then 40 bucks is even better. I am all about the bargains after all. I even think I am going to do this with my students once I go back to work and auction them off at the FFA banquet at the end of April.
Yes, I live on a 100 acre farm and I have all the space in the world for planting a huge and bountiful garden.. but if I use the pallet garden to plant small root crops such as garlic, beets, onions and carrots and herbs then I will have more room in my "in ground" garden to plant melons and squash and tomatoes and corn... so obviously, I am definitely going to do the pallet garden.
I encourage you to check it out and build one yourself, plus, it makes me feel more "green"
how to make your own pallet garden
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Visiting "Mr. Frank"
we have a neighbor across the river from us whom Case lovingly calls Mr. Frank. Mr. Frank is the tall cowboy type who reminds me of a combination of my dad and grandpa Bill as he has a mustache and wears wranglers and wrangler denim shirts.. and that is ALL he wears. I imagine thats all he owns. I like people like him. :)
He lives on a farm as well, and I am pretty sure he wishes Eric was his son, he treats us like family which is really nice being that our families live at least 3 hours away. He helps us out with things, and we do the same. Just last week he came over and disced one of our fields and helped Eric level it with a transit. I like neighbors like him. :)
He farms hay, raises cattle, has some horses and now has some barbados sheep, boer goats and some oberlhasi dairy goats which are funny looking as they have no ears. He called us up to let us know that the Oberlhasi Nanny (thats what you call a mamma goat) had kidded (given birth) to triplets and wanted Case to see them. So we headed over and Case who believes he is a whisperer of all animals, instantly fell in love and began to work his "magic" as he says...
He lives on a farm as well, and I am pretty sure he wishes Eric was his son, he treats us like family which is really nice being that our families live at least 3 hours away. He helps us out with things, and we do the same. Just last week he came over and disced one of our fields and helped Eric level it with a transit. I like neighbors like him. :)
He farms hay, raises cattle, has some horses and now has some barbados sheep, boer goats and some oberlhasi dairy goats which are funny looking as they have no ears. He called us up to let us know that the Oberlhasi Nanny (thats what you call a mamma goat) had kidded (given birth) to triplets and wanted Case to see them. So we headed over and Case who believes he is a whisperer of all animals, instantly fell in love and began to work his "magic" as he says...
He started by introducing himself to the Boer Nannies
Then went into the Nanny Nursery... and introduced himself to the Oberhlasi Nanny and her babies
Loving on the kids
All of my boys visiting the goats
Saying Goodbye to the Boer Nanny who is ready to kid very soon
Thanks Mr. Frank for sharing your goats with us!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Happy Birthday Case!
I can't believe I have a four year old. four. Four. FOUR! This means next year he will be able to start kindergarten and I will no longer have my first baby at home. So sad!
Yesterday was Cases' birthday, not today so I am a day late posting. oops! sorry! Anyhow, he woke up and went to get hay for the horses with dad while I made his favorite banana muffins for breakfast. Upon their return, we ate breakfast and then continued about the day. I started making his cake immediately and it is good that I started early because I forgot sugar. I can't believe I forgot sugar! sO into the garbage the double chocolate cake went... and round two began.... I opted to make a red velvet cake and it turned out soooo good... sweet and moist... yum-o!
Yesterday was Cases' birthday, not today so I am a day late posting. oops! sorry! Anyhow, he woke up and went to get hay for the horses with dad while I made his favorite banana muffins for breakfast. Upon their return, we ate breakfast and then continued about the day. I started making his cake immediately and it is good that I started early because I forgot sugar. I can't believe I forgot sugar! sO into the garbage the double chocolate cake went... and round two began.... I opted to make a red velvet cake and it turned out soooo good... sweet and moist... yum-o!
Case asked for a chocolate lizard cake, so I put my creative cap on and made a gila monster.
He loved it!
For his birthday we got him new boots and my parents got him an alphabet picture book and imaginets. Thank You!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Family Education
It is my firm belief that when you begin to educate, you are not the only the only one doing the teaching, but you are learning yourself. How is this? You might ask. When a good teacher teaches her students, she evaluates how they retain the information and adjust to make sure they learn every bit being taught.
Currently, we are teaching Case preschool stuff. We work on his math, science, reading and writing. I like to learn by doing fun, hands on activities and thankfully, Case is the same way. The month of March is Agriculture Month (National Teach Ag Day is March 15) and March 20 is The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day. We are going to celebrate both.
To find information and printable activities for the very hungry caterpillar, click here
To find information and printable activities for teaching about Agriculture, click here
How else do you educate your family? Since we are Christians, we believe it is important to follow the teachings of Christ and share them with our family. A Bible verse to ponder on today is:
Proverbs 16:23:
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Currently, we are teaching Case preschool stuff. We work on his math, science, reading and writing. I like to learn by doing fun, hands on activities and thankfully, Case is the same way. The month of March is Agriculture Month (National Teach Ag Day is March 15) and March 20 is The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day. We are going to celebrate both.
To find information and printable activities for the very hungry caterpillar, click here
To find information and printable activities for teaching about Agriculture, click here
How else do you educate your family? Since we are Christians, we believe it is important to follow the teachings of Christ and share them with our family. A Bible verse to ponder on today is:
Proverbs 16:23:
23The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
what begins with C?
Today is C day. Case chose to have a sCavenger hunt for things that start with C...
1. Case getting clean in the bath with the letter C
1. Case getting clean in the bath with the letter C
more to come soon.....
Savvy Saturday - Suds or No Suds...
Many of my friends are starting to create their own cleaning products to get back to the more simple way of life. I too have jumped on this bandwagon of simplifying my life. One friend recently gave me a sample of her homemade laundry detergent and I love it. I love the simplicity of it... are you catching on that I am loving to see how many ways I can use the word "simple".. haha...
Anyways... Homemade laundry detergent is the way to go. Think about it, how much laundry soap do you go through a year? Are you dedicated 100% to your chosen soap? Did you know there are other options? You really should consider this:
Average Laundry Detergent Cost: $11 for 64 loads
Average Loads of Laundry done per week : 10
current math:
64 loads / $11 = .18 cents per load with Tide
10 loads per week x .18 cents = 1.80 per week
52 weeks in a year x $1.80 = $93.60 in Laundry detergent
Now how about those of us that are stay at home moms with toddlers and babies....
64 loads/ $11 = .18 cents per load with Tide
20 loads per week x .18 cents = 3.60 per week
52 weeks in a year x $3.60 = $187.20
wow! big difference! I think those of us who are stay at home moms, or even those of us who do lots of laundry should definitely try out homemade laundry soap..
Math for recipe:
Fels Naptha Bar - $1.14 (I purchase mine off of amazon.com because I couldn't find it locally)
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda - $1.82 (1 pound box)
Borax - $3.49 (76oz box)
water = free from home
5 gallon bucket with lid = free from home, or costs $5.00 at home depot
total = $6.45 or $11.45 if you buy the bucket
Recipe below:
Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)
try it out!
Anyways... Homemade laundry detergent is the way to go. Think about it, how much laundry soap do you go through a year? Are you dedicated 100% to your chosen soap? Did you know there are other options? You really should consider this:
Average Laundry Detergent Cost: $11 for 64 loads
Average Loads of Laundry done per week : 10
current math:
64 loads / $11 = .18 cents per load with Tide
10 loads per week x .18 cents = 1.80 per week
52 weeks in a year x $1.80 = $93.60 in Laundry detergent
Now how about those of us that are stay at home moms with toddlers and babies....
64 loads/ $11 = .18 cents per load with Tide
20 loads per week x .18 cents = 3.60 per week
52 weeks in a year x $3.60 = $187.20
wow! big difference! I think those of us who are stay at home moms, or even those of us who do lots of laundry should definitely try out homemade laundry soap..
Math for recipe:
Fels Naptha Bar - $1.14 (I purchase mine off of amazon.com because I couldn't find it locally)
Arm and Hammer Washing Soda - $1.82 (1 pound box)
Borax - $3.49 (76oz box)
water = free from home
5 gallon bucket with lid = free from home, or costs $5.00 at home depot
total = $6.45 or $11.45 if you buy the bucket
Recipe below:
Hot water
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax
1/3 bar Soap (grated)
- In a large pot, heat 3 pints of water. Add the grated bar soap and stir until melted. Then add the washing soda and borax. Stir until powder is dissolved, then remove from heat.
- In a 2 gallon clean pail, pour 1 quart of hot water and add the heated soap mixture. Top pail with cold water and stir well.
- Use 1/2 cup per load, stirring soap before each use (will gel).
try it out!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Learning the ABC's
Case doesn't like the alphabet. When we do preschool in the mornings, he would rather do numbers than anything. So in order to learn the alphabet, we are doing themed days. Yesterday was "A" and we pretended to be alligators, we ate applesauce and we even pointed out every big and little A we saw.
Today is "B" day. This morning we made Banana muffins and Case was a great helper. he helped measure the ingredients and sat on the counter to pour them in the mixer.
Today is "B" day. This morning we made Banana muffins and Case was a great helper. he helped measure the ingredients and sat on the counter to pour them in the mixer.
After we mixed the ingredients and I poured the batter in the muffin cups, Case thoroughly enjoyed the beater.
Once the muffins were done, they raised perfectly. yum! time to eat beef for lunch and then we can enjoy some banana muffins!
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