Homemade Is My Future

I was born in the wrong century. Ya, I said that right. Being alive in the late 1800's or early 1900's would have been hard and steady but in my mind it sounds like a wonderful time. Life was simple. Men and women's roles were clearly defined. I am obsessed with organization and I feel that the day-in day-out chores and routines of the old times sounds perfect. You had a wash day, a baking day, etc.. No electricity, using a hip tub, heating water over a cook stove to fill the tub or to wash dishes. No T.V.s or outside entertainment. Kids found things to do, they were aloud to be innocent. Families pulled together more for the good of the whole family. Cost of living was less expensive and a family could survive off of a mans income alone. Neighbors seemed more generous and stores didn't run our lives and control our needs. Homemade goods were common and safe. Having a kitchen garden and canning foods to survive the winter. It all sounds too good to be true! I know, I am crazy. Right?

Well, because I find myself often fantasizing about this type of life I have set a challenge upon myself. I will try each month to find a new way to become more domesticated and self-reliant. What a better time to start this challenge, than these days where the current state of economy is forcing us all to be a little more frugal and make what little we have stretch. My homemade adventure is trying to encompass making as many homemade household items myself, in my own home.

A century ago making these common household products was common and not thought twice about. Now, with the economy at a low point and this push towards being "green" I feel encouraged to re-establish the norm of making these goods on a constant bases.

I started my adventure with the encouragement of my "cheap", I mean frugal husband. I love to cook and began making almost all my foods from scratch. He RAVED about them. I felt special because he began to brag about and share my foods. (I am not big headed really!) But, after the great reviews I just kept on it and continued to find new ways to make common foods from scratch. I couldn't just stop there. I was curious about making other items such as cleaners, clothes, and foods. Thus, I began this adventure of homemade living.

Here are some benefits of a homemade adventure:

Self-reliance- the more you make the less you depend on outside resources and big name distributors.

Creativity and Handiness- creating your own homemade products and materials will boost your creative thought. You will reach out to try new things and be encouraged by the new things you can make. When getting the supplies needed to make new products buy in bulk. This brings the cost down and allows you to have stock available. This is wonderful at the moment when you realize you just ran out of dish soap, but no worries, all you have to do is whip a batch up and you are set!

Green Living – because you make the products, you choose the building blocks and the method of production; use of chemically laden ingredients can be kept to a minimum if you so choose.

Savings– The more products you make, the more money you will save; I am speaking from personal experience as I save more money with each additional homemade item I tackle.

Health – when you create your own products you will undoubtedly be very choosy as to the health considerations each product will have on you and your family; and because you are in full control of production, you stand to cut out more and more items that can be detrimental to your health.

In the coming posts I plan to show you some of the recipes and ways I have already changed to become more self-reliant. I will also continue to post on new things I plan to try and let you know how they work! Please share any suggestions you may have to become more self-reliant.

Thanks!

Family Rules

So, I saw these cute little Family Rules wall hangings months ago on a couple blogs I follow. This one is my favorite, it was created by Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge. I used most of her rules since they were so perfect, I did add a few parts here and there and also took a few things away. Still this is one of my most favorite projects I have created! Google "family rules" and just see the millions of these wall hangings out there. They are the hottest things, see why?

I started with laying out my paper to cordinate a great mix and pattern. This took lots of time!



Next, I tore the paper into strips about 3-4 inches wide with a decorative edge. I Mod Podged the paper onto a huge piece of plexi-glass I had from home. You can go to Lowes and buy plexi-glass to the size you want. Also, people have used canvas. But, from the sites I have read plexi-glass eliminates the flaw of your paper bubbling. Don't get me wrong it still bubbles just not as bad and is easier to smooth out.



I let my board dry over night. After my pretty little creation had dried I decided for the printing I would use a Cricut Machine. Well, this did not work. To fit everything on it I couldn't get my letters to print small enough. :( Next best thing? I hand painted all my rules. Not my favorite part of this project. This took lots of time and concentration. Let's just say my handwriting is very... plain... and being creative with it was challenging. I did do my best and it does have its flaws...but HEY it is MY FAMILY RULES! So, whatcha think so far?





Here are my rules, I love these because they are something the whole family can benefit from their reminder. My boys have already asked me to read them a few hundred times and they are now reciting them. :)

My Family Rules:

Always tell the truth
Family comes first, always be there
Use your manners. Yes, please. No, Thank you.
Toys don't belong on the floor, put them away...
Sing silly, dance crazy, hug often
Use nice words, ignore dirty words
Have fun, be kind, No fussing, No whining
Hands are for hugging not hitting
Don't go to bed angry~Always kiss goodnight
Keep your promises
Treat eachother with respect
Share EVERYTHING except bad ideas
Husband, adore her~ Wife, love him forever
Say your prayers, Thank GOD for this family!

I tied a cute ribbon through some holes I punched and voila! My Family Rules! Just added it to the perfect wall in my house, added a few accenting pictures and there you have it! Its ADORABLE!!! I can't stop staring at it!