Simple Living

[Earthy]

http://simplereduce.wordpress.com/

Just thought this was a neat site. I would really like to try the rose petal jelly.

[ABall]

Interesting isn't it. We would be introuble just with the use of the computer. I like using my life easing tools like the MICROWAVE!

[SoonerMama]

Could I do better at some things? Yes.

Will I ever use cloth toilet paper? No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. NOOOOOOOOO!

[KrisRV]

thanks for sharing. I don't about flower jelly, but I am sure its good.

[Earthy]

Will I ever use cloth toilet paper? No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. NOOOOOOOOO!

LOL

[SoonerMama]

I am just astounded that someone would consider doing that. I mean, more power to you; you're a much more dedicated person than I am. But...:eek:

[Jo Anna]

There is NO way I could do that either!!

[TeacherMom]

Ew!

[Earthy]

What about cloth pads? Would you not consider those either? I have thought about that.

[Emma's#1fan]

My mom used cloth pads for a short while and her mom and grandma used them all their lives. My mom said that once they were able to purchase store bought pads, she was in seventh heaven! I used to use pads and without sounding to gross, I would feel an extreme lack of freshness using cloth pads. Same goes for cloth diapers. I worked in a dry cleaners in my younger days and the heat of the driers would release certain oders that did not come out of some garments.:eek: I would not want to put my dryer through that, I love her to much!:lol: :lol:
Patty

[SoonerMama]

What about cloth pads? Would you not consider those either? I have thought about that.

I don't think I would. But right now that is not really much of a consideration since I haven't had a period in almost 4 years. And I am loving it!!:lol:

[Ohio Mom]

I remember no microwaves, b/w TV's (3 stations), no interstates, no air conditioning, wringer washers, party line phones, no fabric softeners, 1 car for every family, no wash and wear clothes, no disposible diapers, 1 McDonalds in the whole city - we never went there, no VCR/DVD, computers, no curling irons, we had curlers and we slept on them at night. Some people had a hair dryer - you sat under it (plastic cap with a hose going into it). That was the "good ole days" to me. I like getting to Florida in 12 hours instead of 24, blow drying my hair and using a curling iron, getting on the computer and "talking" with my friends, of course, there are some things that I liked back then - going out to play kick the can, hide and seek. The schools, the city pools, family time, stores being closed on Sundays, my mom and I canning, shelling peas, gardening. Ok, I will stop, I'm getting teary eyed.

[SoonerMama]

You, know, I can remember some of those things (I am almost 31) and I often think about how hard it must have been to have kids when I was little or before. I cannot imagine trying to get along without the microwave or computer (though I remember when we got both) or trying to change a cloth diaper in a restroom with no changing table. I am definitely spoiled!!

[Ohio Mom]

As far as changing diapers in a restroom, we hardly left the house, there was only one car and it was at work with dad. I can remember the stench coming off those diapers everytime I opened the diaper pail. Yuck!!! I DON'T miss that at all!!!

[Earthy]

Ah--No Microwave:shock: I can do without some things, in fact lots of things, but a microwave I don't think so:)

[SoonerMama]

So are we all in agreement that simple living is not for us? :lol:

[TeacherMom]

I would be okay with simple living, if I lived on a farm type location with a river or creek to swim in, and fish in... or just to sit beside and put my feet in.
I could live with otu a tv or a microwave. Have done it before.
We are not a family to go out and buy a new one just because its broken, we fix it or wait till a good sale comes along.
The fun thing is that the board games all get used during those days!
You learn to cook something other than instant meals and coffee is not enjoyed as often.
There are a lot of good things to simple living. Yep for sure!

[ABall]

I guess I enjoy simple living to the fullest!

microwave, programable coffee maker, 4 slice toaster, hair dryer (not used all that much), lights, flushing toilets, hot running water, TV, vcr/dvd player, kitchen gadgets galore, washingmachine, and a dryer that works most of the time. Yep, I go for the most simple way to do things! I like opening a can, a box or a package to help make dinner go faster. I don't even want to crank the icecream maker, I want to plug it in! I like being entertained by TV. I have been a little cranky because we don't have one in the kithchen right now. (I miss the news)!

[TeacherMom]

I do like indoor plumbing and I do like my washing machine, i have used an old fashioned ringer washer before, two differnt kinds even! When we lived at grand parents homes they had them and so that was what we used. I am not THAT old, but I was blessed to experience the differences
I like my ice cream maker that can plug in, and I Do need electric lights,
so I do draw the line at a few things haha,
But I would gladly give it up for a horse ranch and a horse!

[Earthy]

I could give up several things. Hairdryer, curing iron, tv, etc. Though there are several I wouldn't want to give up; hot water, ice cubes, washer, etc.

I would also love a horse ranch! And a bunch of wild kitties running around outside.

[TeacherMom]

dd said we will have to do that, get a bunch of kitties and let them run around!

of course I would want the ranch in the first place so I can have a bunch of little KIDDIES running around on it!

[SoonerMama]

I could go for the ranch thing. When dh is out of the military in a couple of years we are planning on moving closer to home and building out in the country somewhere.

I guess there are quite a few things I COULD do without. We did not have a TV hooked up for over a year after we moved here and did not have a landline phone for 2 years. But I don't WANT to live without them if I don't have to!

I do love it now that my son is at the age where he can play board games with us and do stuff like that. There is so much going on today that kids have no clue about "simple" living!

[Earthy]

http://www.geocities.com/mytafadhali/mommypads.htm

http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/

You can make your own! How cool is that!

[Emma's#1fan]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!:eek:
After reading the Mommy Pads link, I have determined that simple living really is not so simple.:lol:
Patty

[P.H.]

I remember no microwaves, b/w TV's (3 stations), no interstates, no air conditioning, wringer washers, party line phones, no fabric softeners, 1 car for every family, no wash and wear clothes, no disposible diapers, 1 McDonalds in the whole city - we never went there, no VCR/DVD, computers, no curling irons, we had curlers and we slept on them at night. Some people had a hair dryer - you sat under it (plastic cap with a hose going into it). That was the "good ole days" to me. I like getting to Florida in 12 hours instead of 24, blow drying my hair and using a curling iron, getting on the computer and "talking" with my friends, of course, there are some things that I liked back then - going out to play kick the can, hide and seek. The schools, the city pools, family time, stores being closed on Sundays, my mom and I canning, shelling peas, gardening. Ok, I will stop, I'm getting teary eyed.

I almost thought I wrote that, Ohio! And we made our own soap, sewed our own clothes, butchered our own chickens, hogs, and beef, canned our own garden produce, and made heavenly pies from the purplest, juiciest, sweetest mulberries in the whole world!

[SoonerMama]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!:eek:
After reading the Mommy Pads link, I have determined that simple living really is not so simple.:lol:
Patty

That is so funny, Patty! I was thinking the same thing!!

[TeacherMom]

hahaha, this thread is good for a laugh early in the morning!
Grama, You are awfully young for someone who has been around for all that you mentioned!
I hope to stay young as my years rise in number!
I had a grama who lived to be 107, that is my goal at least!

[Emma's#1fan]

Growing up, we slaughtered our animals for meat and raised some of our own fruits and veggies. My mom canned and sewed. I think I wore homemade cloths for a very long time unless they were purchased at a cheap store or were given as gifts.
There are many blessings that come with doing it yourself. We have our orchard and veggie garden. We usually have fresh eggs from our chickens. I make candles, chapstick, and lotion. I do not have luck with soap so I gave that up.:| I wash dishes by hand since my dishwasher broke and I actually like the results more. The dishes seem cleaner. I sew my curtains and bake from scratch, unless I am in a hurry.;)
BUT...
...as much as I enjoy doing things myself, I am not a Mommy Pads type of gal. Diapers and pads, in my case it is tampons, come from the store.
My mom is a firm believer in cloth diapers. I remember having to rinse my brother's poopy diapers, a few times a day, and the smell would linger a lot longer then if we used disposable diapers.
Patty

[P.H.]

I have some soap recipes that usually work well, Patty, but I've never made chapstick or lotion. Do you use olive oil to extract the essential oils and fragrance from the herbs and then thicken it with beeswax? Do you ever share your recipes?

(I think this is still related to the simple living topic, even though it's not about paper products.)

[TeacherMom]

Patty, I agree there are some things that we are blessed with as disposable that must be a benifit... the only thing that bothers me with dirty diapers is the ..... er emptying them, Lol!
So wiht plastics we tossed them, then I wonder where do they all go, I know they try to make them biodigradable now, more cloth like feels etc, but are they really?
We used cloth with first child in begining all but when we went out. And then as he got older too as they were easier to keep on him haha, Active children run in my family hahah.
The others we were busy family and went all the way disposable.
I would however like the ranch life and growing my own vegies I am working on , but my little house on a hill is surrounded by many others in a city full of homes, so alas I wait for the promised land!

[Earthy]

I know one think I could not give up is tissues! There is NO WAY I am washing a bunch of hankies in the wash!

LOL Funny I have no problems with cloth diapers (http://www.homeschoolspot.com/showthread.php?t=6310&highlight=nellie)or cloth mommy stuff;)

[Emma's#1fan]

I have some soap recipes that usually work well, Patty, but I've never made chapstick or lotion. Do you use olive oil to extract the essential oils and fragrance from the herbs and then thicken it with beeswax? Do you ever share your recipes?

(I think this is still related to the simple living topic, even though it's not about paper products.)
I would love your recipes for soap!:D
I do not extract anything from anything.:lol: :lol:
I do crush my lavender for candles but could never figure out how to extract oils. I seen this amazing, small, extracting machine but could not afford it.
So I purchase my oils.
My chapstick is basic. I add a very little bees wax because some recipes call for to much and it tends to not go on as smooth but I definitely have to add a little to solidify it.
I have a few recipes I can share. I made my own concoction because I still was not satisfied with what I had. The only problem is I do not have measurements. I just add the ingredients as I go and then sample a bit on a piece of wax paper. When it cools, then I know if it is good.
I will go through my craft file box and post them later today.:D
This is fun!!!!!
Patty

[TeacherMom]

ooo.... crushed lavendar for candles? Do you put that into the wax then or melt it down?
I was invisioning the lavender flakes in there, we have a HUGE bunch of lavender bushes!
I love Lavender

[Earthy]

http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/tp/Start_Frugal.htm
good ideas

[Earthy]

Loofa Soap:

You will need:
Loofa sponge
Block glycerin soap
Glass measuring cup
Microwave
Plastic wrap
Tall drinking glass
Knife
Scissors
Instructions:
Dampen the loofa sponge in water then squeeze out excess. Cutting across the loofa, use scissors to divide into three pieces.
Cut 3 large squares of plastic wrap. Set one piece of the loofa upright on the center of a piece of plastic wrap then wrap the sides of the sponge, leaving the top open. Repeat with remaining pieces. It is important that the plastic wrap not have any seams or openings in the bottom area. Push wrapped sponge into tumbler.
Use knife to cut glycerin soap into small pieces about the size of small ice cubes. Place these pieces inside the measuring cup then microwave them at 15 second intervals, occasionally stirring the melting soap pieces with a large craft stick. DO NOT let the soap come to a boil. Once the soap has melted, pour it into the glass over the loofa sponge.
Let the soap set in the tumbler overnight. Or, place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
NEVER PUT SOAP IN THE FREEZER
When the soap has set, remove the loofa from the tumbler then remove the clear plastic wrap. Use a knife to cut into slices.

[Earthy]

Lip Gloss

CRAFT MATERIALS:
1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon honey
1 packet (.13- to .23-ounce, or enough to make 2 quarts) unsweetened flavored powdered drink mix, such as Kool-Aid
¼ teaspoon hot water

Time needed: 30 Minutes or Less
1. Combine the shortening and honey in a small bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, stir together the drink mix and water until the powder is dissolved.

3. Stir the water mixture a drop or two at a time into the base mixture, until the gloss is colored and scented to your liking.

Tips:
To save the lip gloss for another day, refrigerate it in an empty lip gloss pot or other clean container for up to three days.

Pour into small containers; like 35mm film container

Instead of shortening; try Vaseline or beeswax

---------------
Perfume

Rubbing Alcohol
citrus peel, clover, orange peel, lemon peel

Add small amount of rubbing alcohol in a bottle, add one or more of the ingredients

-----------
I think I got these out of a magazine a long time ago.


Here are a couple links to make your own products:

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/lotions.html

http://www.rachelssupply.com/bwax.htm

[Earthy]

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/othergoodies.htm
How could I forget to add this one!

[TeacherMom]

cool thanks Nellie!

[P.H.]

Thanks for the recipes, Nellie. I copied some of them.
Wholesome Sugarfree Cooking, 2004, Ray and Malina Yutzy, p.267, gives this recipe for hand soap:

1 cup lye
2 cups cold water
1 cup boiling water
2 Tbs. borax
1 tsp. salt

Melt fat & cool. Stir lye into COLD water until dissolved. Cool.
Dissolve borax and salt in boiling water.
When grease and lye mixtures are the same temperature (by feeling the outsides of the containers), slowly pour lye water into the fat. Stir often.
Add salt solution. Keep stirring. When soap is thick like pudding, pour into molds and let it cure.
Note: always use wooden or stainless steel spoons and containers. (I have also used glass.)
They claim this may also be used as a shampoo and then rinse with vinegar. I've not tried that.


The simplest and smallest recipe is from the Reader's Digest Back to Basic book, p. 369:

1/2 cup cold, soft water
2 heaping Tbsp. commercial lye
1 cup melted tallow (or lard)

Slowly add lye to water, then cool both lye solution and fat to about body temperature. combine the two in a glass bowl and mix slowly and steadily (you may use an egg beater) until the consistency of sour cream. Pour into mold and age.

Brushy Mountain Bee Farm's Soapreme booklet, informs us that if sweet lard, soft fat, or butter is used, we need to cool the lye even more, to about 77 degrees F., and the fat should be about 98 degrees F. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. At varying degrees, the saponification process also varies, sometimes taking 20-30 minutes or so (and longer for a huge batch).

Here's a link for soap recipes for those who like to measure in ounces rather than in tablespoons and cups and who use thermometers in soap making:

http://members.aol.com/oelaineo/directions.html

There are many good soap recipes. Some use ammonia, Borax , glycerin, and even sugar! To make a deluxe, good-for-your-skin soap, some olive oil, cocoa butter, and coconut oil can be used a part of the fat. Coconut oil has the reputation of sudsing nicely. We once laid mint leaves into the soap bars with delightful results!

When I was young and our family butchered, it would be part of my job to stir a cauldron full of fat. This was called "rendering." After it was clarified (cleaned) and cooled, the adults would mix dissolved lye into it and stir it until it "traced" or left a trail. Then, it would go into boxes, lined with cloth and left to cure in the basement. My dad would cut it into squares, and on laundry days, I would sit on a little chair and run the soap squares across a slicer (like a potato slicer) to make fresh-smelling, smooth, ivory-colored curls. They dissolved nicely in the boiling water we washed our clothes in.

Homemade soap avoids the sodium laurel sulfate and other chemicals of commercial soap. I know it's better for a person, but I mainly make soap for the fun of it! .

[Earthy]

Soap making does sound fun. What about glycerin soaps?

-------------------
Natural Green Chamomile Soap:
Ingredients
2 cups glycerin soap base
1 tablespoon powdered chamomile
1 tablespoon glycerin or aloe vera
1 capsule chlorophyll concentrate

Instructions
Melt glycerin base in double boiler on low heat. Blend powdered chamomile with glycerin or aloe. Stir this mixture into melted glycerin then stir in contents of chlorophyll capsule. Pour into small tupperware style containers and leave uncovered until cool.
The chlorophyll capsule gives the soap a natural color. Putting soap into this style of container allows for travel use. Allow glycerin soap to dry before putting cover back on.
-----------------------------

Lavender and Rosemary Soap
Ingredients
3 cups glycerin soap base
1/4 cup infusion of lavender flowers and rosemary leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons of lavender oil
1 1/2 teaspoons of rosemary oil
1 teaspoon pulverized dried rosemary

Instructions
Melt soap base and add other ingredients. Stir until blended, then pour into molds.
Infusion basically means to make tea. Pour hot water over fresh or dried plant parts. Three tablespoons of herb per cup of water for ten minutes should do fine. Use distilled water, if possible. Non-chlorinated water is best.
-------------------------

Homemade Glycerin Soap
Materials:
block of hardened glycerin
double boiler or a microwave
dye in color of choice
handy, household molds are cookie cutters, ice-cube trays, muffin tins, plastic containers, drawer organizers or soap dishes
rubbing alcohol
small toy or other item of choice

Steps:
Melt down the glycerin, using either a double boiler or a microwave.

In a double boiler, melt the glycerin to 158 degrees, but never higher than 160 degrees. When melting in a microwave, place the glycerin in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low at 10-second intervals, stirring in-between, until the glycerin is completely melted.

Mix the glycerin with the dye of your choice. Be careful with food coloring because it can dye your skin. You can also just leave the glycerin clear if you desire.

Pour the glycerin into a mold and let it cool completely before removing it. For easiest removal, the mold should have a smooth surface.

Spray the glycerin with rubbing alcohol to remove any air bubbles floating on top.

Pour the soap into your mold and let it cool until a thin layer of skin forms.

Remove the skin and insert the toy, upside down. If the glycerin is too hot, the toy will simply sink to the bottom of the mold.
----------------

For a simple liquid soap that uses bar-soap as a base, grate one full-size bar of your favorite soap and add it to 1 cup of boiling water. Add this mixture to a heat-proof blender and whip it until the soap has disintegrated completely. Next add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of glycerin to the mixture and blend it again thoroughly. Now add enough water to the mixture to bring it up to the six-cup mark and allow the mixture to cool, occasionally mixing it in the blender. When the mixture has cooled and is thoroughly blended, pour it into a bottle with a pump top.

If you want to start from scratch with your liquid soap without relying on pre-made soap as a base, here is a basic recipe.

What you need:
6 ounces of water
3 ounces of potassium hydroxide
8 ounces of non-hydrogenated soybean oil
4 ounces of coconut oil
4 ounces of sunflower oil
½ cup of glycerin
Essential oil in fragrance of your choice

First, begin by combining the 6 ounces of water and the 3 ounces of potassium hydroxide (this can be obtained at some pharmacies and at any of the online business that cater to soap-making hobbyists). Next, combine all the oils together and heat slowly. Be sure to stir well, so that the oils will mix fully.

After the oils have mixed well, bring the mixture to about 150 degrees F and mix in the water/potassium hydroxide mixture. Mix vigorously to prevent the different components from separating. When all the oils have stopped rising to the top, then allow the mixture to cool. Now let this mixture set for a week or so, occasionally stirring it to help prevent the oils from separating.

Finally, add in the half cup of glycerin and the amount of fragrance that you desire, and give the mixture a final stir. Add as much water as is needed to dilute the soap to the consistency you desire – more water if you desire a very liquid hand soap, and less if you desire more of a body wash or shampoo. When you have the desired consistency, pour the mixture into pump bottles and use.

To add a bit of herbal flair to your liquid soaps, make up strong batches of herbal tea and substitute it for the plain water in the above recipes. Chamomile, mint, and green tea work especially well. Also, if you want a nice body wash, mixing a bit of oatmeal into the above mixes helps produce a grittier texture that will allow you to scrub away layers of dead skin more effectively.

As a final note, when making your own soap, be aware that homemade soaps do not contain preservatives. Indeed, this is the allure to homemade soaps for many, but this also means the soaps do not last as long as commercial soap and should be refrigerated to prevent the oils from going rancid.

[P.H.]

Oh my goodness! I may just have to try that glycerin "made from scratch" recipe! I've never worked with glycerin soaps before, because I get a greater sense of satisfaction from knowing everything that's in the recipe. Somehow it wouldn't seem like the soap was "mine" or something if I simply melted down a block of glycerin and added decorations or scents to it. YKWIM? My June calendar is taken, but I might try this later in the summer. Thanks so much, Nellie!

[Earthy]

PrairieHome- I have only made glycerin soaps here. I also buy them too though.

HomeMade Cleaners
http://web1.msue.msu.edu/imp/mod02/01500631.html

Natural Household Cleaners
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/cleaners

Non Toxic Home Cleaning
http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm

[P.H.]

Thank you again!

[Deena]

I know one think I could not give up is tissues! There is NO WAY I am washing a bunch of hankies in the wash!

My dad used and still uses cloth hankies---WHY???!!! I have never in my life understood that! It was good because it was easy to get him presents for Christmas, Birthday and Father's Day! But to actually use them...and worse yet, to clean them? Eeeeuuuuuwwww!

[KrisRV]

My mil uses them cloth things for what. I told her the other day when I was there I was coming back this week end and we were going to give them cloth things to the garage can for the mice to use and wipe there little nose. They are so gross. So, I bought her a bunch of boxes of tissues and told her to use them until I came back. I hate those cloth things. WHY

[Emma's#1fan]

Here are some lip balm recipes. I do not care for most of them as they are. So I have learned to alter them.
These recipes are how they originally appear. Make sure what ever you put into it is natural and not chemically made.

Peppermint Lip Balm

2 tablespoons petroleum jelly
1 teaspoon beeswax
10-14 drops peppermint essential oil

HONEY LIP BALM

4 oz extra virgin olive oil
3 oz beeswax
1/2 vitamin E capsule
1 oz honey

Creamy Cocoa Lip Balm
Ingredients:
4 oz extra virgin olive oil
3 oz beeswax
1/2 vitamin E capsule
1/2 teaspoon cocoa

Milk Lip Balm Blast
Ingredients:
8 oz extra virgin olive oil
2 oz beeswax
4 oz cocoa butter
1/2 vitamin E capsule
1/2 teaspoon cream
1/2 teaspoon honey

Lemon Lip Balm
Ingredients:
4 oz extra virgin olive oil
3 oz beeswax
1/2 vitamin E capsule
1 tablespoon lemon juice

I have found that often, the lip balm recipes call for too much bees wax. It works great but I find the final product is too hard. Petroleum jelly can be substituted for shortening but I do not care for it. It is too heavy on the lip and tastes bad. When melting, always melt the bees wax first and then add other ingredients then heat again. Blend well. After everything is melted you can add flavored oils, cosmetic glitter dust, and color. If you use a flavored oil, you do not need to use honey. Honey is used for flavor. You can use a little honey in any recipe that does not call for it. The recipe will be fine as long as you add a little bit.
I use a dripper to fill the tubes and tiny canisters.
If you melt it over the stove, use a double boiler. I melt mine in a small bowl in the microwave but do it in small bursts of time because it heats up fast and some products can be flammable. Pretty much every ingredient melts fast.

I suggest making one of the recipes as it is given. Then you can see if it is too hard, too soft, to dry...and you can adjust the recipe by changing things. It is very easy to change recipes.
Good luck and have fun!!!
Sorry if my directions aren't clear. Let me know if you need to know anything else.:D
Patty

[Emma's#1fan]

ooo.... crushed lavendar for candles? Do you put that into the wax then or melt it down?
I was invisioning the lavender flakes in there, we have a HUGE bunch of lavender bushes!
I love Lavender

I dry the lavender, crush it, then put it into the wax. When the candle melts it brings out the oils in the lavender and it smells so good.:D
Patty

[TeacherMom]

hmm, if I am allergic to bees will I be alergic to bees wax balms

[Emma's#1fan]

Hmm!
I do not think so because it is the venom in the stinger but you might want to check with a doctor to be sure. Most lip balms, from the market, have honey for flavor.
Patty

[TeacherMom]

ok, Im probably okay then...

[Earthy]

Does anyone make soy candles?
http://www.soya.be/soy-candle-making.php

I would like to try the lavendar ones!

[Emma's#1fan]

I do not make soy candles because it costs more then paraffin candles. The only difference in difficulty is with paraffin you have to double poor. That is it. Depending on the type of candle, fragrance, and dye, a stabilizer might have to be added to paraffin but a little goes a long way. In the long run it is still cheaper then soy.
I have heard that soy is natural and burns better and cleaner then paraffin, but again, I haven't noticed a difference.
The only time I will make soy candles is if someone asks for this specifically. I charge them more because I have to purchase the soy. Everything else is the same.
Patty

[Earthy]

Emma's#1fan- Do you sell candles? Maybe I missed that! Do you have a website?

I have never tried soy candle making but would like to. I have only made the old stick ones that are on a string and there is one candle on each side. I haven't made them for a long, long time though.

I would like to make some in jars.

[P.H.]

Patty, thanks for the recipes. A young woman who used to be part of our support group is interested in this type of thing also. She soaks herbs in oil (and maybe some in alcohol) to leach out the "essence," which I think means the oils, medicinal properties, and scent. Then she uses the resulting oils in her lotions and lip balms.

I appreciate you taking time to share these. I hope to try some later this summer.

[homeschooler06]

The only thing I make from scratch is 50 percent of our food. I am in the works of having cloth napkins because it will end up being cheaper in our house. My dad uses hankies and did as a kid.
I just had to check out the hillibilly house site because I use to be called a hillbilly back in the day. I haven't made them yet, but I do have fabric for aprons. I have a few store bought ones. Ever since I got married, I have been using them more, along with my daughterwhen we cook.
I wouldn't mind living simple except in tolieties and my computer and camera. I can almost go with out one of our cars. GOT to have our truck because it pull ours pop up. In a way I do simple living for the weekends but HAVE to have TP! DOn't do cloth on the kids so I won't do cloth on me.

[JenniBear]

no wash and wear clothes

I'm a young'un.....what does this mean?

[Ohio Mom]

Everything had to be ironed. It wasn't throw them in the wringer washer, wring them through the wringer (it puts lots of wrinkles in them, then hang them out on the line to dry - shake water on them, roll them up and put in the refrigerator. Then you spent all day ironing them. That's what my mom did, I watch her and then she taught me how to do it.

[Emma's#1fan]

Emma's#1fan- Do you sell candles? Maybe I missed that! Do you have a website?

I have never tried soy candle making but would like to. I have only made the old stick ones that are on a string and there is one candle on each side. I haven't made them for a long, long time though.

I would like to make some in jars.

I do sell them but not online. I sell the most from fall through Christmas. Lately I have been giving them away because a while back I ordered a bunch of pretabbed wicks. The man sent me the wrong ones. I didn't realize it until many candles were made so now I am trying to get ride of them. I could throw them away but I don't want to do that.
I enjoy using jars because I can decorate the lids and jars but I also enjoy molded candles because there are more possibilities. I guess I like them both equally.:lol:
Patty

[JenniBear]

Everything had to be ironed. It wasn't throw them in the wringer washer, wring them through the wringer (it puts lots of wrinkles in them, then hang them out on the line to dry - shake water on them, roll them up and put in the refrigerator. Then you spent all day ironing them. That's what my mom did, I watch her and then she taught me how to do it.

When we were moving, my children saw the ironing board and iron. "What are those, Mommy?" they asked.

:lol:

I probably iron maybe, oh MAYBE, once a year. It's a pretty special occasion when the iron comes out!

[Ohio Mom]

I still like to iron some of my clothes, but I don't enjoy it.

[Frugalcountrymom]

I think even if you dont do all this stuff its nice to know how to do it incase of emergency. Husband and I when we were younger wanted to live off the grid but as we got older I guess the luxury of washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioner sort of spoiled us? :) Now I am just going for safe enviroment stuff.

Do you notice that a lot of living off the grid blogs out there have internet access and a computer to post their blogs? They may not have tv or other luxury items but the one thing I do see is a computer and internet access unless they are posting it through the library? I have always been curious about that.

Sam

[Emma's#1fan]

Petroleum jelly can be substituted for shortening but I do not care for it. It is too heavy on the lip and tastes bad.

I made an error!:oops:
It should say:

Shortening can subtitute petroleum jelly but I do not care for it because it is too heavy and tastes bad.
So basically, I like petroleum jelly better.
Patty

[Emma's#1fan]

I think even if you dont do all this stuff its nice to know how to do it incase of emergency. Husband and I when we were younger wanted to live off the grid but as we got older I guess the luxury of washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioner sort of spoiled us? :) Now I am just going for safe enviroment stuff.

Do you notice that a lot of living off the grid blogs out there have internet access and a computer to post their blogs? They may not have tv or other luxury items but the one thing I do see is a computer and internet access unless they are posting it through the library? I have always been curious about that.

Sam

I agree!:D
It is great to know how to do this in case there is ever a need.
I love my washing machine and air conditioner too!
My mom sometimes still washes cloths on a scrub board. She does not like to wash large loads since they are on a water tank so if she needs something she uses the scrub board.
Patty

[lovinhomeschool]

Ok, if you grew up on a ranch or around a farm, you may know this. If not, please read!!! :D
I grew up with horses, pigs, rabbits, chickens, dogs and cats. We ate the pigs rabbits and chickens. Now, we didn't have a garden most of the time and my parents were not into simple living. SO
It's ALOT of work!!!!!!

[Frugalcountrymom]

My mom sometimes still washes cloths on a scrub board.MY mom too! She has the same board that my dad bought her almost 60 years ago.

Ok, if you grew up on a ranch or around a farm, you may know this. If not, please read!!!
I grew up with horses, pigs, rabbits, chickens, dogs and cats. We ate the pigs rabbits and chickens. Now, we didn't have a garden most of the time and my parents were not into simple living. SO
It's ALOT of work!!!!!!


Amen to that! hehe

[homeschooler06]

When I worked I was the only one that had ironed scrubs. Dh and I would take turns ironing our uniforms. Since I SAH I no longer iron. WHy? It just my everyday clothes nothing major. Now we will do the church clothing but that's about it. Since DH is military, he irons every other day. Every once in awhile I will do it for him.

[Earthy]

The only thing I make from scratch is 50 percent of our food. I am in the works of having cloth napkins because it will end up being cheaper in our house.

I am making cloth napkins too! I would also like to make an apron, the old kind.

Ever since I bought my laundry rack I have been hanging all the clothes on it to dry. I haven't used my dryer since! It's awesome.

[Earthy]

I don't suppose this would be simple living?

http://www.sinkpositive.com/

It would condense things:) I would love it!!!!!!

[TeacherMom]

I dont think so, my hair would get wet! Lol

[Earthy]

LOL ...I didn't think of that! Well, maybe we could wash our hair at the same time! Conserve water ya know~

[TeacherMom]

rofl!
ya, I thought of my boys washing thier hands while they went HAHA< that would be weird I am sorry just plane weird!

[Earthy]

Wow I just found an old post of mine:)

http://www.homeschoolspot.com/showthread.php?t=292 called Eco/Earth/Environmentaly Friendly products

I have been simply livin' all along:lol:

[Earthy]

Ok, one thing I don't like is my bath towels feeling crunchy when bringing them off the line. :(

In the dryer they were always fluffy. :)

[TeacherMom]

ya, that is one problem of hanging them and here you get insects deciding its a nice place to cool off!

I tried hanging my clothes on line and rack for a while but the bugs got to me! I had to check the clothes when I brought them in and again when I folded them...
I sometimes will hang a blanket still cause they need more air anyway!

[SoonerMama]

Ok, one thing I don't like is my bath towels feeling crunchy when bringing them off the line. :(

In the dryer they were always fluffy. :)


Is it any better if you use a fabric softener in the wash? I have not hung anything out to dry lately because it has been raining EVERY DAY. I have lived here for almost my entire life and I have NEVER seen it rain this much. It is crazy!

[Earthy]

I hang my clothes inside our back sunroom, not outside. There are no bugs...well I am sure an occasional fly but just as the house has.

I don't use fabric softener so I don't know? That would probably help though??

[momothem]

I somehow missed this link before. thanks!

[crazymama]

I haven't read what everyone has to say in this thread and don't have the time to read it all right now but I read the first page of posts and wanted to give my 2 cents anyway..lol Warnning this borders TMI ;)

I started using cloth dipes on my 2 babes last October. With 2 in dipes the cost was just out rageous for huggies, so I invested in a cheap stash of dipes figuring if I didn't like them no big deal and I would resell them.. I found a superb love for them! I also found a great distaste for the cost of most of them... so out of the need to cover my kids bottoms and keep us on a tight budget I taught myself how to sew them and refreshed my crocheting skills to make them wool covers. I have adapted my diaper pattern to perfection for my little ones, and my wool covers are now my own pattern and I have created them in shorts, simple covers, adorable skirts for dd, pants, convertable pants/shorts you name it

I also have started using cloth pads.. I was very skeptical at first and only made myself 3 to give them a try.. I was in love! I didn't think I would like washing them out because I totally hate that time of the month to begin with, but it's not that bad.. mainly because the pads are colored so I don't see so much. I also feel much much drier and don't breakout anymore like I did with Always.

I have to go get ready for a picnic now.. but can't wait to read the rest of the posts from you all :)

[Earthy]

That's really good info. I have been wanting to make my own mommy pads;)

Really LOVED the cloth diapers!

Still trying to get my towels not to be crunchy by line drying them. :roll:

[TeacherMom]

I haven't read what everyone has to say in this thread and don't have the time to read it all right now but I read the first page of posts and wanted to give my 2 cents anyway..lol Warnning this borders TMI ;)

I started using cloth dipes on my 2 babes last October. With 2 in dipes the cost was just out rageous for huggies, so I invested in a cheap stash of dipes figuring if I didn't like them no big deal and I would resell them.. I found a superb love for them! I also found a great distaste for the cost of most of them... so out of the need to cover my kids bottoms and keep us on a tight budget I taught myself how to sew them and refreshed my crocheting skills to make them wool covers. I have adapted my diaper pattern to perfection for my little ones, and my wool covers are now my own pattern and I have created them in shorts, simple covers, adorable skirts for dd, pants, convertable pants/shorts you name it

I also have started using cloth pads.. I was very skeptical at first and only made myself 3 to give them a try.. I was in love! I didn't think I would like washing them out because I totally hate that time of the month to begin with, but it's not that bad.. mainly because the pads are colored so I don't see so much. I also feel much much drier and don't breakout anymore like I did with Always.

I have to go get ready for a picnic now.. but can't wait to read the rest of the posts from you all :)
crazymama! how cool! you shoud sell your patern ! You could be the next millionairess! Wee!
I like the idea of the wool covers,
We used the kind that had a velcro cover with my two first kids, Dappi Diapers, they were called, so we inserted teh diaper, or if we ran out we used a paper towel or a cloth we could toss if need be.
then we had no pins to pin the with either. My sister was pinned for a while as a baby has a scar from it I am told by my mom, but she did nto cry until they took itout to change her daipe so they never knew!
I was afraid of pins for that reason and was so happy that dappies were invented because we loved our daipers, of course I was blessed with a daiper service for y first one, someone got it for us, so that gave me a good start!

[TeacherMom]

That's really good info. I have been wanting to make my own mommy pads;)

Really LOVED the cloth diapers!

Still trying to get my towels not to be crunchy by line drying them. :roll:
re towels, try putting hand softener in the wash? and then take them down just before they are dry?
Just a thought!
let me know if it works!

[lovetruesoul]

interesting site- I didn't see anything about lip balms, and such- I tend to have a hard time navigating my way around though! I did see a home page with what looked to be a blog and other pages about 90% reduction. Some really great ideas and lots of practices I believe in- many I practice, some I aspire to.

[Earthy]

and then take them down just before they are dry?


maybe....just when I hang them out in the morn I don't get them until afternoon. LOL

[chicamarun]

I just got to this post. I am "spoiled simple" I guess you could say.

I can stuff, freeze stuff, make my own sandwich bread (can't perfect rolls yet)... can't use liquid fabric softener (makes a mess of a spetic system).... but I like my computer and TV.

I don't use a "mommy pad" but I use a DIVA cup. No waste and it only gets rinsed out. Simple and very effective as my months are very heavy and I can't stand leaks.

No kids in diapers anymore - but it was like a pay raise when they grew out of them! Now, I would probably use cloth.

I'd like to sew - but I'm not that great at it. But I might work on it at some point because I'd like my daughter to run around in some light summer dresses which cost $20 at the store which I know I can make for $5-10

[crazymama]

Ok.. I have but a few seconds again... but will be back later to read read read.. simple/frugal living is totally me :)

The towels not being soft enough... I use liquid fabric softener for our clothes... I can't live with out it! But!!! for the diapers I use white vinegar instead of fabric softener. Fabric softener is a big no-no on cloth dipes. I hang them out every time I can... then to make them SOFT when I bring them in, I put them in the dryer for a few minutes, 10 to be exact. The not only come out nice and fluffy but they are also free of any pollen, bugs that didn't shake out or any other goodies that fly around in country air! Also, if I can't hang them out and I dry them in they dryer the vinegar as a fabric softener works great.. the dipes come out as soft as can be. Oh and the smell from the vinegar.. once everything is dry the vinegar odor is completely gone!

[Earthy]

That's right! duh. I use vinegar in all the other loads...LOL I don't know why I forgot this. Geeze.

I normally don't buy fabric softener and if I do it never gets used.

[KrisRV]

wow, didn't know that about vingear thanks for sharing.

[Earthy]

I use vinegar all the time for cleaning, laundry, hair:), yep...love it.

[momothem]

those are great ideas!

[Earthy]

Yeah, feel free to add anyting you want Deanna:)

[crazymama]

I still have to read all of this thread... maybe someday...lol

[P.H.]

I use vinegar all the time for cleaning, laundry, hair:), yep...love it.
I use vinegar, also, and am in the process of learning to make my own. It's a thrill to me! It's called "kombucha," and many people use it as a health drink.

(If you research it on the internet, don't be way-laid by reports of two women dying from it. Those apparently have been discredited, but they keep showing up.)

I just discarded my extra starters, but in a few weeks I'll have some more to share, if anyone's interested.

[Earthy]

That's neat! learning how to make your own. You'll have to let me know how it goes. :)

[TeacherMom]

what is vinegar made from anyway?

Also do you know you can make your own mayonaise?

[crazymama]

isn't mayo oil and egg white?

yeah what is vinegar made from... it seems I should know this but I don't :oops:

[TeacherMom]

yes mayo is, so you use your blender and you can make it !
We do it with the yoke too, because it is richer then. But I have one of those stick like blender things?
Its fun, and you can add like LIme juice to it and other flavors like that!

[Earthy]

Yep. You can also make buttermilk. Lots of great stuff to make!

[TeacherMom]

yum!
I love blending stuff hehe

[Ohio Mom]

TM, My vinegar bottle says - Ingredients: Made from select sun-ripened grain, diluted with water to a uniform pickling and table strength of 5% (50 grains) acidity. Straight from the Heinz Distilled White Vinegar.

[P.H.]

I'm just a newbie at this, so the little I know is sure to be improved upon, but here's the impression I have at this point:

The basic ingredients can be grain, fruit, sugars--any type of food that can be fermented into alcohol and carbonic gas. The gas evaporates, and leaves the alcohol and fruit flavors and other properties. Then oxidation changes the alcohol into acetic acid, which is vinegar. The instructions say to use wide-mouthed jars or open bowls to allow plenty of air contact, so that nearly 100% of the alcohol is changed to vinegar.

I used green tea and granulated sugar in mine. The sugar gets entirely used up, and the tea gives nutritional benefits, which remain. The acidic strength can be measured with ph strips, but I haven't found any strips in the right range to do so yet. I go by taste. You can tell when it has become vinegar.

To get our process started, we use a kombucha "mushroom," or "mother." It is a film which I think is caused by a symbiotic relationship of fungus and bacteria. When a new film has formed on top of the older one, the acetic acid transformation process should be completed.

So, then, this liquid can be used similar to vinegar, or combined with fruit juice and bottled. If left at room temperature for a week or so and then refrigerated, it looks like it becomes carbonated. If you shake it, it fizzes. Some other homeschool families and we have been having fun experimenting with this. Supposedly it's very good for a person. I recommend buying a bottle of kombucha from a health food store to try it and see if you like it, before going to all the work of making it, unless you enjoy experimenting for the sake of experimenting, or unless you'd like to make your own vinegar for cleaning purposes. Some people don't like it to drink, but others recommend taking a measure of apple cider vinegar and honey every day, anyway. (I haven't studied the rationale behind that.) But, anyway, this is supposedly a step more nutritious than regular vinegar.

'Sorry that I can't explain more of the chemistry behind it, but I hope this is helpful.

[KrisRV]

think you did a wonderful job Prairehome.. thanks

[crazymama]

Thanks for educating me Prairie.. That is really cool and my son would love to do it as a science project I'm sure!

[P.H.]

It'll be fun to share a starter with you!

[TeacherMom]

okay, this process kinda sounds like what people do to make that old fashioned alchol moon shine! YIKES! lol!
I would be careful what I chose to ferment... we have come up with many medicinal forms from this process too! Through out history of man.

[P.H.]

The label on a jar we bought says the amount of alcohol is less than 0.5 %--like that of apple juice. I don't know how apple juice or vinegar or anything else is tested; so I can't really speak to that issue. I'm guessing that the starters are different if you want to end up with alcohol rather than vinegar and that the fermentation process is different, too, but I'm not sure. Maybe someone else will know. I'd be glad if someone else would like to help research this with me. Here's some more info:

http://www.nutrition4health.org/noha...ombuchaTea.htm

I'm editing this to say that if it says this page cannot be found, look for small letters saying you can access nutrition4 health anyway. On their home page, type in kombucha in the search box and then select the first site that is not an advertisement--the third one down. The article addresses some of these issues and says that, depending on how long you let it process, you will get anything from sweet-sour tea to vinegar.

[Earthy]

Thanks for all the info and the link, Prairie:) I am going to check it out!

[P.H.]

we have come up with many medicinal forms from this process too! Through out history of man.

Are you saying that you have done this process? What medicinal forms have you discovered?

Here's a recipe I just found and hope to try soon. It could be posted under "House and Home," or here, because it's more basic than many other recipes.

Homemade mayo, makes about 2 cups.
3 large egg yolks--beat in mixer until slightly thick
then add:
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 t dijon mustard
1 t sea salt--Beat until blended, then on high speed very slowly add:
1 1/2 cups oil (could be a combo of olive oil and others)
Beat until well incorporated, maybe 10 minutes.
Then, stirring by hand, add:
2 Tablespoons hot water
2 more teaspoons lemon juice
1 t more salt

My mother made her own mayonnaise for years, but I think she used vinegar instead of lemon juice.

[Earthy]

Great recipe. Thanks!

...well...my towels are still not as fluffy as a dryer would be...but I am saving money by not using the dryer! :) So, this makes me very happy!..now back to hanging laundry on my lovely little rack.

[TeacherMom]

Yikes, I was speaking as 'we" in the people of the world hehe, not myself! YIKES! Lol! HAHA< GULP NOT EVEN!

I am just saying you have to be careful what you ferment thats all... I mean look what mildewed bread makes? An antibiotic to some that is deadly to me...
One reason we have guidelines out there is to have a system of checks and balances, its easy to take normal things and make something very deadly on accident was what I was getting at.
But that experitmenting is a good thing as well because there have been many of good things that have come from them.

[P.H.]

TMom, I kinda thought that's what you meant.:lol:
But I was hoping maybe there was a chance that you knew a bit more about this particular recipe that the rest of us didn't.

[crazymama]

Great recipe. Thanks!

...well...my towels are still not as fluffy as a dryer would be...but I am saving money by not using the dryer! :) So, this makes me very happy!..now back to hanging laundry on my lovely little rack.

Have you tried tossing them in the dryer for just 5 or 10 minutes when you bring them in? It still helps with the electric, but the should fluff up alot. When I bring in my diapers from the line I have to do this... they come in so stiff they could stand on their own (I will try to take a pic of that today for fun..lol).

[Earthy]

Well...the whole point of me doing this is to save $. So, I am trying not to use the dryer at all. I am sure it would work though!

I know what you mean about them standing on their own~ too funny:)

[TeacherMom]

nope sorry, though I have made my own perfumes, and foofoo water I dont know about this one... I have heard that mint is good for colds though, especially the fresh completely it. So I would use mint tea for alergies and colds, with a bit of honey.
ANother thing to be cautious of, I know cautions because of my alergies... honey from your local area can bring n an alergic reaction to someone who has major allergies to the plants in thier area.
I was told not to get local honey by a doctor.... weird I know!

[Emma's#1fan]

This is a long shot, but could you use a little fabric softener in a spray bottle, diluted with water, and spritz the clothing when they are still moist.
I remember growing up, we had to hang our cloths and linens every day. Even when the weather was bad we had to hang. Unless it was raining, then we were aloud to use the drier.
Handsome can't stand the stiff towels. He says it feels like he is drying with sandpaper.:lol: I do not mind it.
Patty

[KrisRV]

This is a long shot, but could you use a little fabric softener in a spray bottle, diluted with water, and spritz the clothing when they are still moist.
I remember growing up, we had to hang our cloths and linens every day. Even when the weather was bad we had to hang. Unless it was raining, then we were aloud to use the drier.
Handsome can't stand the stiff towels. He says it feels like he is drying with sandpaper.:lol: I do not mind it.
Patty


thats a good idea, I heard of that too, if you spray softner on it will help, worth a try..

[homeschoolinmum]

I love doing the mix of water and softener and using it like febreze!

[Earthy]

Yeah, I just gotta get motivated to try that spray thing. Thanks for the ideas.

[TeacherMom]

go mix it up right now! Then you will have it on hand and when you need it you can try it!

[Earthy]

Well, I hung my clothes out as long as I could, and used the spray thingy....But in the middle of the winder it's not the easiest thing to do, dry clothing in the house. Being as today it's -5 degrees right now. So, I've been back to using the dryer for a while, and when it gets warm enough I am looking forward to hanging everying in my back room again:)

[KristineIN]

I would never use cloth pads, but I do use the Moon Cup (similar to the Diva cup or Keeper) I've been using it for about six years and LOVE it. I would have used it before then had I known about it. I love feeling like I'm not on my period and only having to empty it about once/twice a day. It's freedom!

Kristine

[Earthy]

I've never even tried something like that. That's great though!

I forgot I had these in another link Cleaning Recipes (http://www.homeschoolspot.com/showthread.php?t=6409&highlight=nellie)though they might be on here already, don't remember.

Has anyone done anything new to live simply? :)

[TeacherMom]

nellie the only problem I have is that borax is so harsh like bon ami or one of those other abraisive cleaners isnt it?

[Earthy]

Yeah that's true. I don't use borax. I do however use baking soda and vinegar alot.