Portable North Pole

If you have a little one, you need to try this- so cool! You can make their very own video message from Santa!!!
http://www.portablenorthpole.com/home

Sensitive Skin Care- Exederm to the Rescue!!

My kids were blessed with my sensitive skin (poor things). About a year ago my eldest son started scratching his face constantly to the point that it was bleeding and I finally figured out it was the Johnson's bubble bath I was using was giving him eczema. A trip to the pediatrician confirmed that yes indeed the "supposedly pediatrician recommended" Johnson's is not that great for sensitive baby skin in fact it can be down right harsh as we found out the hard way. So she recommended something gentler like Aveeno baby products so I switched. Then came the info that Aveeno products as well as a lot of Johnson Products (Aveeno is owned by Johnson) have cancer-causing chemicals in them.
See link http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/01/johnson-johnson-baby-sham_n_1069123.html

So I went on the hunt for something safer that was for sensitive skin and one day I happened upon Exederm in the baby aisle at Stop & Shop. It had the National Eczema Association seal of approval, boasted that it contained NO HARSH chemicals and had an adorable baby on the packaging. I decided to take it home and try it out. It worked like a charm and cleared my son's eczema up in two days!!!

Children with Eczema require sensitive skin care that does not have harsh irritants in them. Exederm's line of baby cream, baby shampoo, baby bath wash, and baby lotion and baby oil boasts that they contain:

-NO Fragrance
-NO Parabens
-NO Lanolin
-NO Propylene Glycol
-NO colors or dyes
-NO SLS- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
-NO CAPB- Cocamidopropyl Betaine
-NO Phtalates

Check out there web page for comparison charts of Exederm vs leading baby products and their ingredients to see what your current baby products contain. www.exederm.com

Ever since I have changed to Exederm about a year ago my son has NOT HAD ANY flare ups. I even use the products on myself. They have an adults line, but I just use the same as the kids since I already have it in the house. I usually buy mine a Stop & Shop- they have the cheapest price. Bottle of the products are usually $9 and change, every so often they go on sale for $7 and change and I try to stock up then. You can check their website for stores that carry them www.exederm.com

Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Database to see how safe your cosmetics, shampoos, sunscreens, and baby products are. http://www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=308

 

New Logo

OK so I think I am officially happy with the new logo and I am finally settled with the look of the blog. I think this graphic is perfect!!! What do you think?

I found the graphic at this neat website- has sooo much. Check it out!
www.clipartof.com/

Are You Listening to Your Baby?



 

This is a fascinating video from The Oprah Show about how babies use 5 words to communicate with us their needs. Wish I had heard this when my first was little- would have helped alot! Check it out- it's simply AMAZING!!!!

 

 

Are you intrigued? For more info check out the website- http://www.dunstanbaby.com/

Nature's Promise Organic Foods

For those of you looking for Organic foods, but don't live close to a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods stores. Try your local Stop & Shop. They have their own brand of organic foods called Nature's Promise. They have recently expanded their brand to include many different items and some stores have now made an entire aisle dedicated to healthy, organic brands.
For a listing of items under this line click here http://www.stopandshop.com/our_stores/offerings/brands/index.htm?brnd=NATURE_PROMISE

We love their Organic Animal Crackers, Cheese Crackers, Pasta Sauces, Chicken Broth, Frozen Strawberries, Homestyle Frozen Waffles, Milks, Meats, Cheeses, Lemonade, and Black Beans- just to name a few.

Everything we have tried under this brand we like better than the non-organic version we had been eating before. I have even had people ask me what sauce I used in my ziti- because it tasted so good! Being a busy mom, I can't always do homemade everything so when I do buy ready made items I always try to get the best products for my kiddos and I know when I give them Nature's Promise items that they not only taste good, they are good for them! Nature's Promise items are cheaper than most other organic items found in your regular grocery store and because it is made by Stop and Shop they have these items on sale regularly. So if you haven't tried Nature's Promise brand I highly recommend you do so!

Honest Company Diapers

I recently have not been happy with the diapers I had been using on my toddler- Pampers Baby Dry (didn't have Dry Max). I noticed that they smell a little chemical to me lately- that I never noticed before and that the seem to fall apart very easily lately and I have those annoying gel beads to clean up. I suspect they have changed something in the way they make their diapers. So I went on the hunt to find the best diaper and while I was at it I wanted to find a more eco-friendly option.

My research revealed that the diaper I had been using was the best-rated for keeping kids dry and lasting through the night. Well damn, that is not what I was hoping to find. And all the eco-friendly brands where more $ and didn't get the greatest of ratings for holding up well. Then I came across a new brand of diapers- The Honest Company.

The Honest Company is the baby of Jessica Alba (that's right, the actress) and Christopher Gavigan (former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World). They make top quality eco-friendly diapers that your order from their site and are delivered to your doorstep. https://www.honest.com/ I was intrigued- so I researched them and found that moms who tried it seems to all be singing their praises. So I ordered a sample and have been very happy and decided to order the monthly bundle.

THINGS I LIKE ABOUT HONEST COMPANY DIAPERS:

• Naturally biodegradable & pure plant-based PLA in the inner & outer sheet (NO petrochemicals/oil)
• Bio-based wheat / corn super-absorbent materials blended with reduced SAP gel  
• Secure moisture barrier cuffs to prevent leakage or blowouts
• Comfortable stretchy, re-fastenable grip tabs- they feel more sturdy than our old diapers
• Hypoallergenic 
• Chlorine free fluff
• Non-toxic adhesive used
• No heavy metals in the inks used
• Super Absorbent

So if you too are in the market for better quality, safer, eco-friendly diapers I suggest you check them out. They are a little more expensive- a month supply is about $80 plus shipping and tax, but hey they work, don't smell (unless your child makes you a present) and are very absorbent for overnights. They have a free sample package (you pay S&H) if you wanna test them out before ordering.
https://www.honest.com/

Cleaning Schedule

As fall approaches I am reminded of all the fall cleaning that needs to happen; take air conditioners out of windows, clean window screens, wash curtains, clean the rugs, and it goes on and on. In an attempt to be more productive and organized this year, I have compiled cleaning lists for fall, spring, monthly and weekly. Happy cleaning!

Weekly Cleaning Schedule

• Wash Bed Linens
• Dust Bedroom 1
• Dust Bedroom 2
• Dust Master Bedroom
• Dust Kitchen
• Clean Bathroom
• Dust Ceiling Fans
• Do Laundry
• Put away Laundry

Monthly Cleaning Schedule

• Wash air conditioner filters
• Wash air purifier
• Clean windows
• Dust/Vacuum under/behind furniture
• Clean Microwave
• Clean Washer/Dryer
• Scrub bath, shower, bathroom floor
• Clean trash cans
• Vacuum Baseboard heaters

Fall Cleaning Schedule

• Replace Hepa filters air purifiers
• Wash and/or change out curtains
• Change out kids clothes fall/winter
• Steam Clean carpets
• Remove air conditioners and clean them
• Wash window screens and put back
• Vacuum mattresses and flip them
• Clean out Fridge and Freezer
• Clean out pantry
• Clean kitchen cabinets inside/out
• Oil burner inspected and cleaned
• Winterize sprinkler system
• Turn off outdoor faucets and store hoses
• Clean and store patio furniture
• Clean cars inside/out
• Check and repair caulk around windows and doors inside and out
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors- replace batteries
• Rake and clean up yard
• Check and clean gutters
• Go through toys to donate
• Go through clothes to donate

Spring Cleaning Schedule

• Replace Hepa filters air purifiers
• Wash and/or change out curtains
• Change out kids clothes spring/summer
• Steam Clean carpets
• Clean air conditioners and put in windows
• Wash window screens
• Vacuum mattresses and flip them
• Clean out Fridge and Freezer
• Clean out pantry
• Clean kitchen cabinets inside/out
• Power wash house
• Turn on sprinkler system/ repairs
• Turn on outdoor faucets and hook up hoses
• Clean and put out patio furniture
• Clean cars inside/out
• Mulch garden
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors- replace batteries
• Go through toys to donate
• Go through clothes to donate

Use Baking Soda as a Beauty Product

I have been on a mission lately to "greenify" my beauty products. With so many chemicals in cosmetic products that are harmful, toxic and cancer-causing I have been transitioning slowly to greener options as I research and test different products.

I have been using baking soda as a beauty product for about a year now and I love it!! Here are some ideas:

Baking Soda Hair Detox
All of the products you use in your hair build up on the hair shaft. Shampooing reguarly removes some, but not all of the products. To give your hair a great deep cleanse try pouring some baking soda into the palm of your hand in the shower. Stick your palm under the water and make a paste with the baking soda. Apply to roots and gently massage in. (This doesn't foam up like shampoo, so it will feel different.) Then rinse it out. Your hair will be shiny, smooth and full of body! Usually I have to use a detangler product when I get done washing my hair so I can comb it through. On days when I use baking soda I don't have to- the comb goes right through! Do this every few weeks to remove product build up. Best of all it is NON-TOXIC!!!

Baking Soda Facial Scrub
Pour some baking soda into your palm and stick your hand under the faucet to wet the baking soda enough to make a paste. Apply to face and GENTLY massage into your skin in a circular motion. Then rise or wipe off with damp sponge. Your face will be as smooth as a babies bottom. Do this every few weeks or whenever your skin needs a boost! Also works well as a foot scrub.

Do you use baking soda as a beauty product? How do you use it?

Cheddar Potato Soup

Fall is in the air and I thought I'd share our family's favorite fall soup-

CHEDDAR POTATO SOUP

• 3-4 large baking potatoes
• 3 cans cheddar cheese soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Start by cleaning the potatoes and drying them. Poke several hole in each with a fork and microwave on high for about 7 minutes or until tender to the touch. Then let cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled take a knife and peel most of the skins off (it is ok if you leave some- it's a rustic soup). and cut into bite-size chunks.

In a large pot pour in the cheddar soups, chicken broth and milk. Add in the garlic, salt and pepper and heat on med/high strirring with a whisk until the cheddar soup dissolves into the other liquids. Bring to a boil. Then add in the potato chunks and turn down to a simmer. Let simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes to reheat the potatoes. Then remove from  heat and either mash the potatoes with a masher or use an immersion blender to break up the potatoes until you get the desired consistancy. BYOC (be your own chef) if you like it thicker- mash/blend less, if you like it creamier- mash/blend more. Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, garlic as needed to taste.

Top with your favorite baked potato toppings; sour cream, bacon, fried onions, scallions, cheddar cheese, croutons, crackers, etc.

Commercial Air Freshner can be Toxic!

 

Many commercial brands of air freshners only mask smells, not elliminate them. Plus they may contain harmful chemicals that can pollute your indoor air and pose a health hazard. Try making your own NON-TOXIC versions with these recipes that are easy, inexpensive and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
SPRAY BOTTLE RECIPES:
(Note: these are meant to be sprayed into the center of the room- not directly at a wall or fabric)
Vanilla Air Freshner- Grab yourself a new, or at least clean spray bottle (do not recycle a used commercial one). Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with very warm/hot water and mix until the baking soda dissolves (baking soda absorbs odors). Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and shake well. Spray away. (note- you can substitute vanilla for another extract like lemon, orange, etc.)
Lemon Air Freshner- Grab yourself a new, or at least clean spray bottle (do not recycle a used commercial one). Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with very warm/hot water and mix until the baking soda dissolves (baking soda absorbs odors). Add 1/4 cup lemon juice and shake. Spray away.
Vinegar Air Freshner- Grab yourself a new, or at least clean spray bottle (do not recycle a used commercial one). Fill with undiluted distilled white vinegar and spray. The vinegar smell evaporates quickly taking the odors with it.

Fighting Colds Naturally

 

It’s September and that means back to school which also means that our house will inevitably be hit with colds. Here are some natural ways to combat colds:
-Use a humidifier in the bedroom at night- this helps to keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe.
-Prop mattress up a little under your head- try sticking a pillow under your mattress directly under where your head lies. This help with keeping drainage going down, not up into your sinuses.
-Flush out stuffy noses with saline. I stock up on the little noses non-medicated saline drops. Since it is just saline you may do this as many times as needed. Helps thin out mucus, making it easier to breathe.
-Drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of healthy food like fruits. Try to get some chicken soup down too!
-To help soothe scratchy throats and coughs try some honey before bedtime. Honey has many antioxidants that can help you fight off the cold faster and because it is thick and sweet it helps coat and soothe the sore throat from coughs. It is best to let kids cough during the day to get the mucus up, but when coughing is keeping them up all night, when they need rest try some honey. For kids ages 2-5 try 1/2 tsp, ages 6-11 try 1 tsp, and ages 12-18 try 2tsp. DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER 1 YEAR OLD- may cause a rare, but serious case of botulism. I usually give my kids honey mixed in with something they like, usually I mix it with a little applesauce and warm it for 3 seconds in the microwave so its goes down smoother, you could try to add the honey to some warm (not hot) water.
http://suite101.com/article/honey-may-be-best-cough-medicine-a169827

Non-Toxic Daily Shower Cleaner

 

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First of all using a towel on the floor to step onto when exiting the shower and then wiping all shower and tub sufraces down with a towel is always helpful and will definately eliminate ALOT of the mildew in the bathroom. But if you find yourself needing additional help with mildew accumulation try this-
Take a new spray bottle and fill halfway with DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR and the rest of the way with good plain old WATER. Shake well and spray away! You may spray everything down first and then towel dry (which is what I do) or towel dry and then mist shower.
Mildew grows in damp and warm conditions so try using a vent fan, or grab a small table top fan to use during and after showers if you don’t have a vent fan or open the bathroom window. Try opening the bathroom door for a while after showering and leaving the lights on (mildew likes the dark).

Cleaning with a Lint Roller

 

Ever dust your fabric lamp shades with a swiffer duster or a cloth? What happens? You kick up the dust on them and end up sneezing! The best way I have found to clean fabric lamp shades is to use a lint roller. Simply tear off a sheet so you have a new, fresh surface on the roller and roll up and down then roll over the top and bottom-you’ll be amazed at the stuff you find on the roller.

TIP: This also works well for a “quick clean” when you need to clean the house fast for last minute visitors on couches, bedspreads and also doilies.

How to Clean Those Bath Toys

How do you clean bath toys? Those squirt bath toys are actually not the best toys to have. They harbor bacteria inside because you can never really get the water out of them. But of course how can you have a childhood without them! So what do you do? How do you clean them?
I use vinegar and water. Get a clean bucket and fill with 50/50 vinegar water. Soak up some of the vinegar-water in them then let the soak in the bucket for about a 1/2 hour. Then rinse and squirt!
If you get black pieces coming out when you squirt them it is time to toss them in the garbage! The black is mold!
We replaced much of our bath toys with plastic ones that are solid and don't get filled with water, but we do still have a few squirt toys. I try to clean them once a week or so and then when they start to look funky I toss them and get some new ones.

Make your Own NON-TOXIC Everyday Shower Cleaning Spray

Those daily showers cleaning sprays can and DO contain toxic chemicals- this is something to be concerned about... especially if you have young children! TRASH those sprays and grab a gallon of DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR and a spray bottle. Mix 50/50 vinegar and water in your spray bottle shake well and use this after every shower.

Several years ago I purged ALL the toxic chemicals in my house when I became a new mom. I started cleaning with vinegar a lot and baking soda. I don't have a vent fan in my bathroom,  I do have a window but is difficult to open- so it can get mildewy in there pretty fast. I spray my shower and tub down with this after we have finished showers for the night and then wipe everything down with the towel I used as a drip towel on the floor. This keep the mildew from accumulating and I find I have to deep clean my shower less frequently. I leave my bottle right on my window sill as it is non-toxic and this reminds us to spray it down since the bottle is right there. :)

Welcome to From Son up to Son Down

This being my first post I thought I'd let you get to know me a little. I am full-time mom who also works full-time. I am constantly looking for the best ways to clean and care for my family the healthiest and greenest way that I can with what little time I have. When I am home I don't want to spend all day cleaning, cooking, etc. I want to get my "chores" done so I can spend time with my family. I plan on sharing what I've learned along the way and what works for me in the hopes that another mom may benifit and make their life a little easier.