Samantha Maye Everyday

~Too Cute for words ~

Most of you remember the post that I wrote last week with all the safer homemade household cleaners on it , Right ? Well embrace yourself because now I’m gonna take it one step further …Ready ?!? The past few days while I have been away from my blog I have been busy making my very own homemade laundry detergent . Yep, that’s right …Mrs. Tide herself is now making her own detergent ! Now I know you are all gasping for air and wondering where this is all coming from so let me take a few minutes to explain…..

I have been thinking (among other things) about the health and safety of our home, specifically as it relates to cleaning (you know that fizzing scrubby cleaner you use on the tub? Ever wonder why it hurts your throat to breathe when you use it, or has so many warnings on the label?). Most chemicals that we use to clean our home are not only harmful to our bodies but they damage the environment as well . Now I don’t know about you but I thrive on a clean home however, I don’t want to harm myself or my family in the process.

A few months ago, I saw a story on the CNN.com web site about people making Green changes to their daily lives. One of those changes was making your own Homemade Laudry Detergent. I began to think about this, and looked at the prices of Laundry Detergent on the shelves at the grocery store. Have you noticed that the prices of laundry related items have gone up, while the package sizes have gone down? I have!

The price of a 75 fl. oz. (2.21L) bottle of a name brand detergent is approaching $16. The items to make multiple 2 gallon batches is much less !

I just made my second batch….This morning…. By the way, the recipe I use is posted in the blog post below, it makes about 2 gallons of detergent! I love it… have no plans to go back to the store bought variety.

Our clothes come out of the laundry just as clean as before, the process of making it takes only a little effort, and I can rest easy knowing that not only am I saving money by doing this, I am reducing the impact of our household on the environment.

One thing I have enjoyed doing instead of using polluting fabric softeners, especially with sheets and towels, is doing a vinegar rinse in the laundry cycle – just add about 1/4 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to ensure all the soap is rinsed out. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell – it goes away once everything dries. For a special touch, you can add some essential oils to your vinegar rinse – I put a couple dozen or so drops of lavender scent into a gallon jug and use that. When the vinegar smell (not very strong to begin with) goes away, the scent remains. Ah…lavender sheets!

Not only are these options healthier, they’re cheaper and they’re a lot kinder to the world in which we live. Happy Washing

Here you go ladies Save hundreds of dollars per year using these recipes!

I didn’t “invent” these recipes, they were passed along to me. I have used them with much success, and have saved tons of money already , so I want to share them with you…

Included are a liquid detergent recipe(this is the one that I am using right now), a powdered recipe, tips, and instructions about where to find ingredients.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated

5 Gallon Bucket

1 Cup Washing Soda

1/2 Cup of Borax

4 1/2 Gallons Water

Place grated soap in a small saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water, and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup of Borax  mix well. As it cools it will thicken. May be used immediately. Use 1-2 cups per load.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

1 Cup Grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax

For light load, use 1 tablespoon.
For heavy or heavily soiled load, use 2 tablespoons.

• Liquid detergent can also be used as a pretreater for stains.

• Ivory Soap, Deodorant Soap, and Beauty Bars can be substituted for the Fels Naptha Soap.

• Essential Oils can be added to soap for fragrance.

Fels-Naptha® Laundry Soap Bar: Made by the Dial Soap Company, so any store that carries Dial should be able to get it for you. If they carry it, it will be found in the bar soap or laundry soap aisle at your regular supermarket. It is usually on the bottom shelf. If you can’t find it in your area, try Ivory Soap instead.

Super Washing Soda: Washing Soda can be found on the laundry detergent aisle of your supermarket. It comes in a 55-ounce yellow box. Baking soda SHOULD NOT be used in place of washing soda. They are completely different products, although they are both made by Arm & Hammer.

Borax: One brand name is 20 Mule Team® Borax. It is also found on the laundry detergent aisle.

~Our Daily Schedule ~

Please note that the times listed on this schedule are very flexible - However, this is a rounded list of daily goals set for our family for the Summer of 2008 =)

8:00-10:00 A.M.

Rise and Shine

Make bed(s)

Brush teeth/ Dress for the day

Help mom prepare breakfast, Eat , Load dishwasher

Mom will Start first load of wash for the day

*Please note, the time gap in this schedule is lengthy due to the fact that our main goal here is to enjoy the Mornings together and to start our day off as relaxed and stress free as possible . *

10:00- 11:00 A.M.

School Lessons- This will consist of math, spelling, and writing activities ( Work will vary per child according to the most needed areas of help- during this time most work will be separate and Hands on per individual )

Mom will prepare our lunch and arrange dinner plans while helping the boys individually if needed .

11:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M.

Once “written ” work for the day has been completed we will head out side for Summer Play =)

Examples of Summer play may include, Swimming, Sandbox, Bike Riding , Water Toys, Sidewalk Chalk, Ect.

My goal this summer is to provide as many fun- yet different activities as possible =)

* Lunch will most likely be eaten outside during this time slot every day- Weather permitting of course ! *

Approximately around 1:45 P.M. (before heading inside )

Clean up outside area - Pick up pool , sand, outside play items and return them to their proper place.

More days than not once inside  a change of clothing will be required during this time slot.

( Boys + Dirt = Lots of washing for mom ! )

2:00- 4:00 P.M.

Reading time =) We will average reading approximately 2-3 books per day during this time , we will read as a group and then have group discussion that will follow accordingly .

Afternoon Snack

Resting/ T.V. Time

4:00-5:00 P.M.

Boys will have one hour of “Free Play ” while mom prepares dinner and does a quick walk through of the house completing small tasks where necessary. Folds/ puts away first load of laundry for the day, then proceeds to start on Second load.

5:00-6:00 P.M.

Family dinner

6:00- 8:30 P.M

Daddy Time =)

(During this time the boys will have daddy all to themselves . He is in charge and loves to be their Playmate during this time- By this time in the day they are ready to take orders from someone other than me anyways, and the father / son bond is amazing

The possibilities here are end list, They always have a blast =)

I always use this time to catch up on anything that has not yet been completed on my ” To do ” list for the day…(Including finishing up with that second load of laundry! ) However, I do allow myself at least thirty minutes to treat myself to some “Alone time” whether this be a nice, long bubble bath or just enjoying some time in my room reading or catching an episode of a Favorite t.v show =)

8:30- 9:30 P.M.

Bath time !

Brush teeth/ lay out clothes for the next day =)

9:30-10:30 P.M.

“Winding down time ”

We use this time to calm down and relax before venturing off to bed. I try to keep this hour as low key as possible. Some of our favorite activities during this time are catching fireflies while chillin’ out on our front porch swing. (Call me weird however-There is just something about nice, clean children laughing and playing on a beautiful country porch filled with Wonderful Flowers at night time…It’s just so refreshing to me ! I must admit, this is one of my favorite times of the day !) We also like to enjoy a round or two of our favorite card game during this time . And of course, the Boys are always begging for a night time snack =)

After snack and usually around 10:30 we call it a day , and usually we are all ready to hit the Hay ! So- There you have it, a little walk through of what’s most likely happening around our house at any given hour of the day =) Remember, life is about living and schedules are subject to change, our main goal this summer is to Take the time to Enjoy ourselves and make some wonderful Memories =)

So, What does your Summer Schedule Look Like ?? Feel free to share if you’d like

Yesterday Morning I received a call from my son complaining with ear pain - Since it’s the Summer Season I was certain what was causing his regular routine of Ear pain mainly because we deal with this several times during the Summer Months. Every. Single Year ! So, it was a given that the Nasty, Dreaded Swimmer’s Ear had struck once again I arranged an afternoon’s Dr. Visit and we were off. Everything at the Dr’s went as planned , the usual quick visit in and out and the the short trip to the pharmacy to get the needed ear drops to make Momma’s little pumpkins all better. The funny thing about swimmer’s ear is that it is the only thing that will make a child Run from water…

Seriously, Even my water frogs detest being anywhere remotely around a pool or water hose when they have this gunk ! And believe me, that’s saying a lot for my Swimaholics ! What I didn’t know was how common this swimmer’s ear was in children during the summer months, apparently it’s as common as the Flu in the Dead of winter y’all . So with that being said, I thought it might benefit the minds of mothers everywhere if I share this bit of information with you all that my children’s doctor was nice enough to share with me yesterday .

~Introduction on Swimmer’s Ear ~

How your ear functions ….

Water normally flows into and out of your ears without causing any problems. You can nearly always shower, bathe, swim, and walk in the rain without a problem — which is remarkable, considering how large and deep an opening your ear provides. You’re protected by your ear’s shape, which tips fluid out, and by its lining, which has acidic properties that protect against bacteria and fungi.

When your ear is exposed to excess moisture, however, water can remain trapped in your ear canal. The skin inside becomes soggy, diluting the acidity that normally prevents infection. A cut in the lining of the ear canal also can allow bacteria to penetrate your skin. When this happens, bacteria and fungi from contaminated water or from objects placed in your ear can grow and cause a condition called swimmer’s ear (acute otitis externa, or external otitis).

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of your outer ear and ear canal. It can be associated with a middle ear infection (otitis media) if the eardrum ruptures.

Usually, self-care steps can relieve the symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Signs and symptoms

• Severe pain on moving your outer ear (pinna, or auricle) or pushing on the little “bump” (tragus) in front of your ear.
• Pain or discomfort in or around your ear. Usually only one ear is involved.
• Itching of your outer ear.
• Swelling in your ear or lymph nodes in your neck.
• Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear.
• Pus draining from your ear.
• Decreased or muffled hearing.

Swimmer’s ear may also cause your outer ear to appear red with scaly or flaking skin.

Causes

Causes of swimmer’s ear may include:

• Persistent moisture in your ear from swimming, bathing or living in a humid environment
• Exposure to an infectious organism from swimming in polluted water such as dirty pools, lakes, rivers, public swimming facilities
• Skin breakage caused by scratching or rubbing your ear with a foreign object , or attempting to clean earwax (cerumen) from your ear canal
• Bacteria growth fostered by hair sprays or hair dyes in your ear

Risk factors

Swimmer’s ear is common in children and in young adults. You may be at increased risk of infection if a skin condition, such as eczema, causes you to scratch your ears excessively. Earwax buildup or blockage also may increase your risk by trapping water in your ear and increasing the likelihood that you’ll cut the skin while cleaning your ear.

Other ear problems also may increase your risk of swimmer’s ear, including small ear canals that don’t drain well and chronic middle ear infections that moisten and perforate the eardrum.

If you’re an older adult or have an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, your immune system may be impaired, increasing your risk of swimmer’s ear. If you have poorly managed diabetes, you’re at increased risk of developing severe, painful swimmer’s ear that may be difficult to treat.

When to seek medical advice

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your ear or drainage from your ear. Swimmer’s ear is not usually an emergency, but it’s important to see a doctor right away if you have an underlying disease that may impair your immune system. Most commonly found when dealing with the elderly.

Your doctor will examine the inside of your ear and, if indicated, refer you to a doctor who specializes in the care of ear, nose and throat disorders (otolaryngologist).

Call your doctor immediately if an infection that’s already being treated produces new signs or symptoms, especially fever, redness of the skin behind your ear, or increased drainage from or severe pain in or around your ear.

Treatment

Though Swimmer’s Ear is very common and not life threatening, The goal of treating swimmer’s ear is to clear up the infection. Treatment may include:

• Cleaning. Clearing your outer ear and ear canal of any drainage and flaky skin allows topical medications to work more effectively. Your doctor may perform this procedure with a suction device or a cotton-tipped probe. To prevent further irritation or injury, don’t clean inside your own ear unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
• Topical medications. Your doctor may prescribe eardrops containing antibiotics to fight infection and corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation. If your ear canal is swollen, your doctor may insert a special wick into your ear to allow the drops to reach the end of your ear canal.
• Oral medications. In some more severe cases, doctors suggest using oral medications in addition to topical treatments. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), may help ease severe ear pain. Ask your doctor which over-the-counter pain medication is best for you. Always take NSAIDS with food.
• Lifestyle modifications. Don’t swim, fly or scuba dive during treatment for swimmer’s ear. For the most effective treatment results, water should be kept out of the ear. Talk to your doctor about your bathing habits.

Prevention

Follow these tips to avoid swimmer’s ear:

• Keep your ears dry. Dry your ears thoroughly after exposure to moisture from swimming or bathing. Dry only your outer ear slowly and gently with a soft towel or cloth.
• Swim wisely. Avoid swimming in polluted water.
• Use earplugs. Some earplugs are designed specifically to keep water out of your ears when swimming.
• Practice self-care. Here’s the Recipe y’all ;)
  
• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part alcohol to make an effective eardrop to use before and after swimming. Pour 1 teaspoon of the solution into each ear and let it drain back out. This mixture may help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer’s ear.
• Avoid putting foreign objects in your ear. Never attempt to dig out excess or hardened earwax with items such as a paper clip or hairpin. Using these items can pack material deeper into your ear canal and irritate the thin skin inside your ear.
• Protect your ears. Avoid substances that may irritate your ear, such as hair sprays and hair dyes. Or put cotton balls in your ears when applying these products.
• Use caution after ear infection or surgery. If you already have an ear infection or have recently had ear surgery, talk to your doctor before you swim.

Self-care

If the aching is mild and there’s no drainage from your ear, try these steps:

• Heat therapy. Place a warm (not hot) heating pad over or against your ear to help reduce pain.
• Pain relievers. Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to ease your discomfort. Make sure to give correct measured dose as recommended on container .
• Ear protection. Keep your ear dry while it’s healing. Use earplugs when showering or bathing. Don’t swim or clean your ears until the infection is gone.

So there you have it guys…Treatment plans, recipes and instructions for hopefully enjoying a Summer Free from Swimmer’s Ear . Just for the record, my Dr. vowed that the vinegar solution listed above works wonders and she also warned us vaguely against swimming in public facilities and lakes that have not properly been chlorinated . The best detection even with your own pool is to check all your levels at least once a week if regular swimming activity is in play. Happy Swimming Friends !! =) =)

This week aside from playing Mrs. Queen Bee on my float in the pool I have got one serious “To Do ” List attached to my daily agenda. Bummer, I know especially since it’s summertime- however the truth is I’m a list freak =) I thrive on lists and Schedules no matter what season it may be ! Last week was a very wild and crazy week with the boys being home 24/7 and no set schedule in place at all . Now, don’t get me wrong, we did have fun however the needed structure wasn’t there, and I longed for that.

So before you all start giving me super strange looks , Let’s be honest here , Shall we ?? The truth is we all work better on a schedule- Kids and Adults - and if you don’t believe me take the time to enforce one and then get back with me, ok ? I’m sure after you have set the ground rules and schedule for your family that you will all be a happier group of people.

Now by schedule I’m not talking about a 8:00 Bedtime or certainly not an alarm clock being set to wake you up with the chickens in the morning - I realize it’s the Summer and Believe me I like to veg out at night and sleep in as much as the kids do =) When I say schedule I am referring to the events that we are to fit into our beautiful summer day ! For instance even though School is out, we will still incorporate Reading and other learning activities into our days. This summer my youngest will participate in a summer reading program that is offered at his school. He will attend this for one hour intervals for two days a week starting in July. This should help to maintain his reading level throughout the Summer- and I think that’s Awesome ! Who knows, If we work extra hard he may gain a level or two instead of forgetting all that he gained in the second grade ! My oldest son, also has a Summer reading project to complete. He must choose one book from a list, Purchase and Read the book and complete some activities that correspond - Besides these set in stone activities , I have also made a list of Goals for each of them for the Summer. These are simple goals that range anywhere from brushing up on writing skills to learning the basic facts of Multiplication . I believe in fun learning and I also believe that a summer with no Educational influence can do more damage than a solid year full of nothing but school work ! Now besides all the reading a writing - We also have to work harder to keep things in order around the house - It’s certain that more time spent at home = More messes ! Besides from their room, my boys aren’t responsible for a lot in the Chores department so I have decided to use some time this summer to begin teaching them some responsibility in the Kitchen area first. I chose the kitchen mainly because this area seems to strike a lot of interest with them during this stage in their life. And too, with three meals a day now being preprepared in there, I’m sure I can use all the extra help that I can get !

I am working extra hard this week while the boys are away to really get things spruced up around here so that they will come home to an organized house full of Summer Fun

I will post our summer schedule up later in the week once I get it all completed, in the meantime , I would love to hear what you do to keep things in order- yet still incorporate some fun around your house during the Summer months .

Please feel free to share any ideas you may have in the Comment section below !

I don’t know about you all but I am getting quite accustom to Summer’s Schedule already !! I have truly enjoyed staying outside after dark (Catching bugs at dark is one of our family’s favorite Summer Activities) and sleeping in a little later in the mornings with no rush to be anywhere at all is totally Awesome ! =) Last week was our first official week of Summer and boy did we enjoy ourselves !

With the Gas prices rising and the temperatures too , we decided to opt for having as much fun at home as we possibly can this summer. My wonderfully- amazing husband suggested that we purchase an above ground pool from a local department store and let me just say, this may very well be the best idea he’s had yet ! The boys have officially turned into little water frogs and hubby and myself aren’t far behind ..lol

As a matter of fact we are finding ourselves enjoying the pool even when the kids aren’t home. I told my hubby yesterday that this summer has been the best yet and it’s only the second week into it, I can only imagine what kind of fun we will be having around here by Mid July =) So, the bottom line here people is if you don’t want to waist a fortune running to the Beach this year for a short stay and to only regret the money that you waisted while you were there on Food, Gas and what not …Invest in an Above ground pool for the family =)

Honestly , we have already gotten our moneys worth out of ours and the upkeep isn’t aggravating or expensive at all . Your kids will thank you and you never know guys, you wife probably will too !!

Well, Ta Ta for now…The boys are gone for the week and that means the Pools all Mine =)

Have a Great Day Gang !