A little late, but photos from 4th of July. We can't seem to locate ours, so we had to steal them from Ashley's Myspace.

Top photo: John, Me, Ashley and PJ
Bottom photo: John and I watching fireworks

Homemade Deodorant

Ok, So I (Cathleen) have been investigating the use of a natural deodorant. This has proven to be quite difficult because I have grown to LOVE Secret Clinical Strength. It really keeps me super dry and odor free ALL day! The problem is the chemicals!!! They are so harsh! I have tried the natural deodorants before and they just don't work...so I have one last attempt at a chemical free deodorant that will hopefully work. Here is the recipe I found:

Deodorant:

3 TBSP Shea Butter
3 TBSP Baking Soda
2 TBSP Cornstarch
2 TBSP Cocoa BUtter

Melt for 30 seconds in microwave and then stir
Add and Stir in:

2 Vitamin E oil gel caps
Essential oil (Ylang Ylang and Orange)

Place in Fridge to set

**I am still on the hunt for some ingredients, but as soon as I make it and give it a try, I will post the results.

Mexican Taco Stew

I got this yummy recipe from Whole Foods and finally made it the other night. It was really good, cheap and healthy!! It costs on average for this 4 serving portion (which actually made 6 for us) $3.11 a serving. Here goes: I like to get organic if possible...of course you can use whatever :)

1/2 lb (I used a lb) ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pkg taco seasoning (I used Simply Organic brand)
2 cups chicken broth (again...organic)
1 zucchini or summer squash, cut into cubes (local or organic)
1 15oz can organic black beans
1 14.5oz can organic diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup salsa

Brown turkey in large pot over medium high heat. Drain, remove and set aside. In the same pot, saute onion and garlic until onion clear. Add turkey back to pot and sprinkle taco seasoning to blend. Add remaining ingredients and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 10-15 minutes. I served it with homemade tortilla chips and shredded cheese.

Homemade Tortilla Chips:
Cut flour tortillas any way you like...little strips, like a pie, cut out of cookie cutters (for kids)
Spray a cookie sheet with Pam (or whatever spray you have), lay down tortilla shapes in a single layer. Spray tops of tortillas with spray. Bake for 10 min or until brown on 350 degree oven.

You can also make some dessert tortillas by shaking on some cinnamon sugar before baking...YUMMY!!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I am attempting to make my own laundry soap! It will end up costing only about .03 a load vs. store bought at an average .35 a load.

Here’s the recipe:

1 bar bath soap (Ivory is best-and can be used for baby clothes)
1 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer - found in laundry section of grocery store)
1 cup baking soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax (found in laundry section as well)

Grind ingredients together in your food processor. Use 2 Tablespoons for a full load.

You can also use Dawn to fight laundry stains, and white vinegar as a fabric softener. (The smell disappears when the clothes dry.)

White vinegar is so versatile! You can also use it as a rinse aid in your dishwasher, as well as for keeping ants off your counters or floors - instead of using harsh ant killers. (Bugs can’t stand the taste of acid.)

New Baby

Our friends Saretha and Robert had their baby girl on Wednesday, July 30th. Her name is Syndey Elizabeth and she is too cute!! John was so happy to hold the little bundle. We took care of their dog Misty while they spent a few days at the hospital. We can't wait to see her again!!

Shampoo Free

So recently I have attempted to get rid of shampoo all together. I know, it sounds crazy, but it has been pretty successful. I found a website that had tons of information on why shampoo is so bad for your hair. It basically strips away all of it's natural oils...along with all the other hair products. So, they recommend using baking soda. I use about a tablespoon (a little less) every time I wash my hair. I just make a paste with a little water and the baking soda. I rub it around in my hands and then just wash away. They recommend cider vinegar for conditioning. I haven't tried that yet (I need to go get some), so I have just been going without. My hair has feels clean and soft...and it's chemical free...amazing!! I will keep you posted on the cider vinegar once I give it a try.