Learning How to Bead!

Beads Beads Beads!

 

I have always admired beaded work. Loved the beauty, the time, the patience and the love of the work that it takes for someone to make such an exquisite piece of art.

I am not a very good at hand sewing. I never have had that knack or ability. I have always simply longed to try but never had the opportunity!

 

A dear friend of mine, a talented force I tell you what! She has an amazing eye for detail and beauty. She is a mama of six and is simply amazing. A wonderful role model for us other mama's! She gifted me the opportunity to learn from her talented wisdom! And so begins my new love affair with the art of beading.

Begins!

 

 

For you see, this particular week I overdid some things. Being 31 weeks pregnant and a homeschooling mama of 3, I sometimes forget that I am supposed to take some rest. Life, is so wonderful and I love keeping busy. I have been blessed with my life and want to live each day to the fullest of the gift that God handed to me.......but I also must remember that, even God rested. So, my dear hubby "grounded" me to the couch and rest for the day. My friend invited me over and was explaining how relaxing, rewarding and productive beading is for me and I can put my feet up! So, naturally, I am all in!

 

 

 

 

Once I got started.....the love affair begin. I tell ya, if you have never had the opportunity to learn this is your day. I am absolutely in love with beading. The beauty of it. The effort. The serenity it is when beading. The fact that when you have completed for the most part you stare at it and just silently sit in awe..for I never knew I could ever accomplish anything like it!

 



 

 

Now you see, this is only my second time attempting this beading. The first time, was last year when I made my youngest daughter some moccassins. Oh that was hard. And it was on beautiful moose hide. Which, in itself I am in love with....but beading on it was quite a learning curve!

 

 

This was a whole different ball game. Its like, being just in sync. The calmness. The beauty. The elegance. I love it. Like I was meant to sit and bead. I don't know how else to describe it! It was serenity. This past week I was praying that God help me. So many different things that I was going through and thinking of and praying for.....and then He gave me this beautiful gift of an afternoon with a genuine friend. A friend that I had so much fun with. A friend that was nice to just sit and hang out. God gifted me this beautiful new desire to relax and work it through. As if beading and I were meant to be!

 

Sounds a little funny, I know but unless you try you may never know!

 

I pray that each of you find your serenity moment this week. That each of you are safe and loved and that you go through your week with joyfilled hearts!

 

Blessings to you and your family,

~Stacey Home Maker~

Dish Soap, Hand Soap......two different kinds no more!!!!!!!!!!!

On the Left is my vinegar solution for all purpose cleaning.
In the middle is the Dish Soap Solution, and on the Far left is the bathroom hand soap.

I have to say that all of these chemicals in all of our everyday use cleaning supplies just FREAK me right out. We are a family of sensitive skin, eczema and simply ouchieness to all of these so called sensitive skin products.

I am telling ya sensitive skin is hard to even attempt "new or different" sensitive soaps. So I went searching and found my own.

I found a recipe on one of my fav sites. www.frugallysustainable.com and tweaked to my families needs.

HAND SOAP RECIPE

 

10c of Water

5tsps of ivory bar soap

118ml aveeno baby soap

90 ml of washing soda

105ml of vinegar

9.5 ml Pure Tea Tree Oil

9.5ml Pure Lavendar Oil

7.5ml of Pure Vitamin E Oil

 

Yields 2L which lasts my of five 2 months

=$6.76 cost to make

**remember all utensils and pots, measuring cups are only used for this purpose**

Boil water and the shredded ivory soap

(be careful to boil on a low temp keep stirring so as not to bubble over)

When the ivory soap is all melted, I pour it into a measuring cup

 (so as easier to pour into bottles later)

I then add the Aveeno Baby Soap, washing soda and vinegar making sure all is dissolved I let cool for 15 min.

After cooling period I add the Tea Tree Oil, Lavendar Oil, and the Vitamin E Oil.

Mix well

pour into your bottles, and let sit for 24-48 hours before use. I found I am in a dryer climate at a higher elevation and 48hours to set worked for me.  A friend of mine from a wetter and lower elevation only needed 24 hours.

check after 24 hours if it is a wonderful liquid texture with no clumps and you like it that way then its good for you. After 24 hours it can gel up I like it like that. But make sure to give it a good shake each day to mix it up sometimes like anything else it can settle.

 

DISH SOAP RECIPE

 

Is the exact same except for one ingredient. I use the regular baby soap, the yellow everyday baby soap. In replace of the Aveeno. Reason for it is the Aveeno has a moisturizing ingredient that I like for the more frequent washing of hands.

 

Other than that its all the same. I also really enjoyed substituting the Baby Goats Milk Soap, but I only tried it because it was a gift from a friend. This soap makes the cost  to make a lot higher.

 

To make it easier you can make your dish soap and hand soap with the aveeno and make a double batch, and it works great. We tried that and it wasn't to bad. Like I said I have extremely sensitive skin and need the extra moisturizing action of the aveeno with the handsoap.

 

 



I have to say I love utilizing this recipe with our 9 year old daughter. This is an amazing Homeschool project to do with her, after the little ones have gone to bed and have a mother daughter night. Its so much fun and she learns so much from it. We talk about the antibacterial properties of the lavendar and tea trea oils, and where they come from. Why Vit E oil is essential for immunity of the hands and skin, how it increases the elasticity of our skin. I make into an education but sooo much fun night.

 

Remember each moment with your children is precious. Make it count. I love turning education experiments or anything into a whole family affair to make memories. And I am teaching my children ways in which to be frugal and still be able to have our needs met. To also be aware of what we are purchasing and watching out for sale items like our ivory soap and stocking up when it is really low. We are building our home and family on a debt free basis and hope and pray that teaching our children the fundamentals of a debt free lifestyle through basic financial principles every day will increase their chances of not being in debt when they are older. And that they are more financial minded when they do grow up and leave the safety of our home. God is an Awesome God and His will to be done but our goal is to grow them up with all of the tools and knowledge that we did not get while growing up! All from a bibilical mindset as well.

 

 

I pray that this was a informative and fun read,

May you be blessed each day and may you equally be a blessing to all those around you,

Stacey Homemaker~

 



Loving Moisturizing Bars Home Made

Homemade is one of my true passions. I love making and creating. It gives me a sense of accomplishment, a sense of “I really did that!” I really can do that. I don’t know about you but I really love that feeling. Even if no one ever saw or uses anything I make, I still am excited and feel accomplished that I created something.

Sometimes as mothers, wives, home makers, chef’s, menders, defenders of all that is right in your children’s world, chauffer’s, maid, laundress and pretty much jack of all trades, and it’s a 24/365 a year career, we forget to treat ourselves to a hobby.

I am talking about a bonified only to do something that is for you, hobby. For me, researching and creating things for my family is mine. Making clothing for my children, making soaps and crafts. All of this is my hobby. Learning to do new things is like a much need fix of fresh ocean air for this busy mama.

Making the time, is a real mind warping conundrum sometimes. I don’t always get to do it every day or even once a week. When I do, it’s like an amazing rush of amazement and content ness.

Now I am not saying by any means that I am not fulfilled completely by my husband or children. But if you’re a mama you can on some level understand what I am talking about.

I have extremely sensitive skin. Most moisturizers burn, itch, or make my skin red and blotchy. When I am pregnant this is magnified and my apprehension for chemically laden products is heightened. Thus, my search for a bar or lotion I could make myself with ease and not needing a bunch of ingredients (some or all I cannot pronounce). Lol!

I happened upon www.frugallysustainable.com and saw her recipe for the bars. Although as you will see in the recipe of my I omitted all but bare minimal of ingredients. I only had four ingredients on hand so I used what I had. I have to say with my eczema and sensitivity I am in love and will never go back to traditional moisturizers again. Although I will share with you what I will do differently next time around!

 

Recipe

ÿ1 ½ cup bees wax

ÿ2 cups Extra Virgin Coconut oil

ÿ1/3 cup dried dandelion leaf

ÿ½ cup dried chamomile flowers

You will need:

ÿa two quart slow cooker (using for this purpose only always)

ÿmeasuring cup

ÿplastic stirring spoon

ÿmolds for your bars

1.   place coconut oil, dandelion leaf, and the chamomile flowers into the slow cooker

2.   infuse for 1 hour on high (make sure you are frequently stirring and watching it)

3.   once the oil and the flowers are melted but it on low for 1 hour

4.   switch to warm and leave overnight

5.   in the morning switch to high and add your bees wax.

6.   This is extremely important that you are watching it closely, bees wax can catch fire if to hot

7.   When all bees wax is melted pour into your molds

8.   Let sit on counter for one hour then move into fridge until completely set

9.   To use rub between hands and the heat from your body will melt the bar enough for you to distribute evenly onto your skin.

The reason I used Dandelion Leaf is because of the healing properties specifically for psoriasis, eczema, dry skin and dry scalp. The reason I used Chamomile flowers is because it to has the healing properties and a natural pain reliever.

Now, although I love these bars and that my skin is soo soft now. It is June and in our neck of the woods starting to get warm and dry. Which means cracking and bleeding usually already for my poor hands. I have not cracked or bled yet. I am so in love with my bars.

This is what I would change with my next batch;

Firstly, I would strain out all my flowers prior to adding the bees wax. The reason for this is that when applying the bar to my hands the flowers are extremely tough and ouchy.

Secondly, I would add vitamin e pure essential oil to the mixture just before pouring into the mold. The reason for this is to add to the healing and strengthening of the elasticity and immunity in my skin.

Lastly, I would use square or rectangle molds instead of pretty molds for myself so that it is easier. Although, I would still use my pretty molds for giveaways!

Overall, I am completely in love with making this for myself and for others! So this recipe was a complete success!

 

I have to say that when researching on the internet, I found the frugally sustainable website (I am in no way being paid or anything and all is my own opinion) is extremely helpful. The author gives step by step instructions, recipes and for those who do not have time to make it on their own, she sells her products as well.

 

Praying that this post was encouraging, and that you can take something new learned!

Praying that you have a spaztastic day!

Stacey Homemaker

 

www.planetbee.com

(purchased our bees wax from, amazing quality)

www.frugallysustainable.com

(where I found original recipe)

www.pentictonwholefoods.com

(where I purchased my extra virgin coconut oil)

 

Laundry Laundry Laundry

Ever wonder what happens when you go to sleep? I believe that all the laundry decides that it wants to get even with its humans…..

You see humans treat their clothes so cruelly, so they get together and I believe they multiply themselves, so as to watch in our utter despair when we see the Mount Everest in our laundry room.

Yup, I can see the clothing snickering and full out laughing at our faces as we sigh, and moan at the overflowing baskets and the expensive laundry soap that we go through like water.

They really get a kick out of that…. Now seriously, I do not believe that our clothes have a life or a soul of their own but sometimes it makes the mountains seem not so horrific when humor is added.

This is truly my face when I walk down my stairs and remember that the laundry is quickly overruling my home.

Even worse is how much it costs to launder a family of five (soon to be 6). At this time of writing this post in a week I can do upwards of ten loads of just clothing per week. Not to mention the bedding of five people.

 

Not to mention that I and our eldest daughter have extremely sensitive skin. Which means that we end up cracky and bleeding with most soap. So when we find a laundry soap that the whole family can use it’s a rarity. The only one that fills the need is Tide.

Now if anyone purchases Tide in Canada you know the wonderful price of a container that our size family needs for a minimum of a month of laundry washes……well lets look at some prices shall we……

www.walmart.ca/en

Tide Original liquid           64 uses =$15.95

Tide Original Powder    80 uses =$15.95

Tide Coldwater                 64 uses =$15.95

Tide Liquid 2x Free          96 uses =$21.78

Tide Powder                      120 uses =$21.78

(original scent)

Wow…..now I know that $15 or even $21 bucks may be like yeah but its 64 uses or its 120 uses! I get that but when you think about the fact that do ten loads of laundry per week that’s quite a bit of soap.

Not to mention that I would rather be spending our hard earned monthly budget on amazing, nutritious food for my growing bunch. I want to cut down costs of things like laundry soap down to as little as I can!

So one day I was watching this show on TLC and can you imagine having 19 kids and laundry….eeeek just imagining it I am seeing the horror film of laundry showcases across my eyes.

19 kids and Counting, with The Duggars had an episode about how they make their own laundry soap and how much it costs them.

So you better believe, I went searching for their web site and found that recipe. Now I have tweaked it to work for my family and our sensitive skin needs as well. Lets compare and see how your budget will like it, shall we…..

Stacey Homemaker Laundry Soap

                10gallons $.85

This last my family of two adults, an 8 year old, active 3 year old and a into all 1 year old four months. Now this is based on no more than 10 loads per week for four months. Now if we get sick or it is especially muddy we can go through this in three months. But in the three years that I have been making our own soap we have never had it last less than three months.              

This is how I do it…

I watch when we go shopping and as soon as my Ivory or Dove bar soap goes on sale for $2.99 for ten bars I buy a couple packages.

I purchase Borax from Superstore. The box is the size of a dishwasher detergent box, and is green in color. It is found in the laundry section. When I purchased it I got it for $5.99 for a 3kg box. Also at superstore, in the laundry section is Washing Soda. For a 3kg box $6.94.

recipe

 

 

Ingredients needed:

ÿ  1 Cup Washing Soda

ÿ  ½ cup borax (if washing greasy, oily or extra dirty on a daily basis increase to 1 cup)

ÿ  2 bars of Ivory or Dove Soap (use a butter knife to shave the bar into thin shavings, this is easiest when melting)

ÿ  Small pot (to be used only for this reason always)

ÿ  Measuring spoon (to be used only for this reason always)

ÿ  Knife (to be used only for this reason always

ÿ  10 gallon camping water jug (we purchased ours at Wal-Mart)

ÿ  funnel

Directions:

ÿ  Bring (slowly) to a boil the soap and water I use about two cups of water, careful not to leave stove top until all of the bar soap is dissolved. Can boil over very quickly.

ÿ  Pour your pre measured washing soda and borax into your 10 gallon jug

ÿ  When water and bar soap is completely dissolved add to the 10 gallon jug

ÿ  Mix until borax and washing soda are completely dissolved

ÿ  Transfer to the bathroom, hot water from tap to fill to the top.

ÿ  Let sit for 12 hours, about 150ml p/load

Now I know you’re thinking that’s crazy….85 cents and you get 10 gallons of laundry soap….

So when you factor in that it takes you about ½ hour per three months to make this laundry soap. Wow.

So do the math…for a family of 5 I make this on an average 3 times a year which equals $2.55 per year…now that is only 12% of what it costs of the tide that would last about 2 and ½ months for our family (using the 120 uses at $21)

I don’t know about you but that means I have all of that extra money to use in our grocery budget for good, organic and local produce filling my families bellies.

I pray that this post gave you something to think about and maybe to help out to showcase where we are able to cut the budget…

And guess what, our 8 year old loves to do this with mama every four months as a project when the little one’s have gone to bed. Homeschooling tip (Science-solutions, solid into a liquid)

Have a blessed day and may you be equally a blessing to others throughout your day.

~Stacey Homemaker~

 

 
 

Laundry Laundry Laundry           June 4^th, 2013

For price checks at Wal-Mart                                      www.walmart.ca/en

For price checks at Superstore                                   www.superstore.ca

Duggar Family, 19 Kids and Counting                       www.duggarfamily.com

TLC                                                                                         www.tlc.com

 

 

Meet Stacey Homemaker.

Stacey is married to a wonderful man of almost five years. They met at age of 6 and hated each other. Lol! After moving, living and life separated the two; they reunited at 23 and through a very short, but intense three weeks of dating were engaged. After a seven week period were married.

                Stacey is a blessed mama of three amazing and gorgeous children, and is currently pregnant with baby number 4. She also is homeschooling her children and keeps them quite busy.

                Stacey is a crafty woman. She loves to create things out of old things (she uses the word “upcycle”). Her passion is to sew and create lovely things for her children and for her family. This year she frustratingly took on the task of trying to knit (don’t worry it will be a post soon) and she is currently teaching herself to plastic canvas.

                Stacey is always making sure that our family is cutting costs where we can by making things from scratch, in order to put the money into things that really need it. For example, food, educations, and family day field trips.

                This year she also was able to learn some of her heritage and the traditional ways of making; moccasins, yarn bags, ribbon shirts, ribbon skirts and even a wee bit of beading.

                Currently, she is working on becoming bilingual in her traditional language of Nyselxcin. That will be a post as well, it has been a blessed journey to learning her heritage.

 

                As a family we believe that through Jesus Christ we are able to have a relationship with God. That in order to have the beautiful gift of salvation we must believe in the literal miraculous conception, birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

                As a family we use the King James Bible, and respect that each person has their own reasons for the version in which they love to tell of God’s beautiful word is their own decision.

                As a family we believe that each child is a gift and a blessing from the Lord. We believe that it is our divine appointment to have the amazing blessing of being gifted a child to raise, teach, and guide into adulthood and furthermore into eternity.

                We hope you enjoy Stacey Homemaker’s blog. We want you to be encouraged and want you to enjoy our blog and all of the wonderful posts coming your way.

                Although we respect others opinions and advice, if you leave slanderous, rude, vexing language your comments will be deleted. This is a blog to strengthen, encourage and share knowledge together. It is not for hate speech and things of that nature.

 

                May you be blessed each day by our posts. Thank you.