Entertaining Success!

I began the journey out of my entertaining-phobia tonight! W00Hoo!

We hosted our new bible study group tonight with people we have only met one time before and I did not, I repeat, did NOT freak out! Not only did we have bible study but my in-laws were planning to come into town right around dinner time. Normally this would be the cause of much panic and "weeping and gnashing of teeth", to put it biblically, as I frantically dialed for pizza delivery. Not so today! Thanks to 4 Reluctant Entertainers I had a plan. A scrumptious and utterly simple plan: crock pot vegetable soup, store bought crusty Italian bread with garlic butter, and No Peel Apple Cake.

It was a good day, I gave it to God and he blessed me with peace. For the first time I cooked and cleaned for company with the intention of creating a warm, relaxed and comfortable space rather than worrying about people judging me because my baseboards weren't clean or my cooking was bad. Not that they were actually judging me, I just feared that they were. Instead of focusing on myself and my fears I chose to remain outward focused and you know what, I enjoyed myself! Instead of feeling exhausted and drained afterward, I was energized. Imagine that!

Phthalates...Ever Heard of These Bad Boys?

Me neither, until recently.

At the risk of being a "Debbie Downer" (think SNL) I thought I would share what I've learned.

Phthalates (pronounced thalates) are some nasty chemicals that are commonly found in children's toys, baby products, air fresheners and almost any household or beauty product with "fragrance". Bottom line they wreak havoc with our reproductive systems, especially males and most particularly our male babies in the womb. Take a moment to read these links to learn more here, here and here.

As always when I learn about yet another scary health hazard, I'm left wondering "what now". Over the past 6 years or so I have very gradually phased out many products in our home containing harmful chemicals. But these phthalates are in so many products that I never felt concerned about before like my children's sippy cups and vinyl children's toys. So do I go on a phthalate rampage and throw out all sippies and soft plastic toys??? Or do nothing but hope that we are not those people who have high levels of phthalates in our blood but live with this nagging sense of guilt and helplessness? Arghh. This is precisely why I try not to read too much stuff like this. Sticking my head in the sand = feel less guilt and fear.

Any ideas out there? Input? More cheerful thoughts?

Jen

Safe and Eco Friendly Cleaners

My good friend Becky asked me about household cleaners that are safe to use and do not have a strong fragrance. I was just going to email the info to her but then I thought, why not share with everyone else? You see I'm very generous that way. :0)

These are all products that I currently use and like.

***Update***

I just found surface cleaning wipes to replace my Clorox Wipes! I have found it hard to give them up because they are so convenient for spot cleaning in the bathroom but today I finally found Method surface wipes at Target. I have heard that they existed somewhere out there but have never found them. It's weird the things that I can get excited about! I almost did a little dance in the aisle at Target. Well, no not really, but I thought about it, for a second. Anyway, check it out here http://www.methodhome.com/products.php?cat=type&prod=wipes . Wow, this picture is really big.

DISHES- Biokleen Lemon Thyme Dishwash Liquid

I really like biokleen products http://biokleenhome.com/

Most of them have a citrus scent which is one of my favorite smells in the world next to cinnamon, hazelnut candles, and Body Shop's vanilla spice body butter. Mmmm. Besides how good they smell, Biokleen products work really well too.

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Detergent

I have tried several dishwasher detergents and you know what? It is really hard to find one that doesn't leave spots and really gets the crusties off the dishes. So far I like this one best http://www.seventhgeneration.com/index.php.

ALL PURPOSE SURFACE CLEANERS

Ecover Cream Scrub

This stuff is great for toilets and sinks and I just discovered on the Ecover website that it is good for stainless steal too. It cleans without scratching. http://www.ecover.com/us/en/

Seventh Generation All Purpose Surface Cleaner

This one works for counter tops and tables. I have the orange scented one but I couldn't find a picture of it.

CARPET/FLOORS SPOT CLEANER

Biokleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Remover

My only disclaimer for this one is that it has a very strong scent for you ladies with delicate sensibilities. Men too, I wouldn't want to discriminate against my vast male readership.

WINDOWS

Citra Clear Window Cleaner

Citrus again! Do we detect a pattern here? http://www.biconet.com/home/citraClear.html

LAUNDRY
Biokleen Laundry Detergent with Non-Chlorine Bleach

I REALLY like this detergent. http://biokleenhome.com/products/household/general.

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Fabric Softener

This fabric softener has a geranium scent (not citrus, but I do make exceptions now and then) and it really does work. I have tried other eco friendly fabric softeners that were just not effective and the scent didn't last. I really like fresh smelling laundry. http://www.mrsmeyers.com/Default.aspx

One more thing about laundry, I have not found an eco friendly stain removal product. If you have one you like please let me know!

I can buy all of these products at Fred Meyer. I haven't done a price comparison for those of you who are super thrifty. You're on you own there.

Happy Cleaning!

Jen