Taking the plunge

I feel very odd writing this post. I am, in no way, shape, or form, a part of the "green" movement. In fact, I don't believe in global warming, or climate change. While I believe that God put us on this earth to be stewards, I don't believe this should make us tree hugging hippies.

That being said, I DO believe that our nation is over-chemicalized (I just made up a word!). And I don't want to be anymore. I have allergies that are chemical based. I get skin reactions and migraines from certain smells. I don't want my daughter to be around those chemicals, or have the exposure I have had.

Plus, we're poor. Who isn't right now? Sure, Carl has a full time job now, but I see it this way: Carl works full time to bring home the money, I can work full time to SAVE us some money.

So, this week I embarked on the thrifty home-maker journey. I made my own laundry detergent (both liquid and powdered). It took me, oh, 5 minutes? And it saves about 6-7 dollars a GALLON. It really cleans too! I made my own "Oxi-clean" and it took out a poo stain on a sleeper, which, lets face it, if it can do that, it can do anything.

I also am going to take the plunge and start going shampooless.

I would say I probably spend around $25 a month on hair care products. I have extremely thick, fine, curly hair. I'm CONSTANTLY battling dry, frizzy hair, and an itchy scalp. So, I've been doing some reading, and I discovered that I can use baking soda and apple cider vinegar as a "shampoo" of sorts. I'm going to try it out, give it a month, and see how it goes. There's also some very interesting "Curly Girl" stuff that needs further reading.

I'm planning on using the rest of my 2 bottles of baby wash, and then ditching that as well, and just using all-natural goats milk soap, with an all-natural oatmeal lotion for the wee babe. Crazy? Maybe. Healthy? Yes.

So, follow me on this healthy Momma plunge, won't you?