Giving Up Our Cleaning Supplies...

No, we aren’t going to just live in squalor.Dan and I have made the decision to give up our cleaning supplies and trade them for more natural cleaning agents.

Enter the holy trinity of natural cleaning supplies: baking soda, vinegar and lemon. Instead of purchasing a cleaner for the bathroom, one for the kitchen, one for the floors, bleach for the laundry, etc…trying buying these three items that will cover it all. Not only will you be saving a ridiculous amount of money, but you are also using non-toxic cleaning solutions and opening up a whole bunch of space in your cabinets (go ahead, open your cabinets and see how much space those chemicals take up).

Uses for vinegar:

1.       Mopping your floors: vinegar and warm water does wonders and makes them shine.

2.       Washing your dishes: add some to your dishwater.

3.       Keeping the spots off of your dishes in the dishwasher: I just pour some in the bottom of the dishwasher after I’ve loaded it up.

4.       Cleaning your dishwasher: adding it in with each load of dishes will help remove buildup and keep buildup from happening.

5.       As a substitute for bleach to whiten your clothes: using this instead of bleach is effective and not as harsh.

6.       Cleaning your coffee pot: Fill up the water reservoir, do not put a filter in, and then just run the coffee maker as usual. Afterwards, run a pot of clean water the same way to remove the vinegar scent. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a better smell.

7.       Cleaning your oven/microwave/refrigerator: with some hot water or just straight vinegar you can get all of your appliances clean.

8.       Taking the buildup off of your shower head/faucets: For the shower head, just put some vinegar in a little baggy, put it up over the shower head and then secure it with a rubber band. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, remove and rinse with clean water. Do the same for the faucets.

9.       Cleaning your shower curtain: Vinegar with some hot water should take the scum right off. I’ve also heard that keeping a spray bottle with vinegar and water by the bath tub and spraying the shower curtain before you get out of the shower is a great preventative measure to keep the scum away.

10.   Lightening your hair: yes that’s right, rinsing your hair in vinegar will lighten your hair.

Uses for baking soda

1.       Making a paste of baking soda and water (the more water the less abrasive the paste will be) makes a great oven cleaner. Spread some on the inside of the oven, then let sit for 20 minutes. Then you should be able to wipe it off with a damp rag. For the tougher spots, keep repeating this process until it’s clean.

2.       To relieve itchiness from hives, big bites or other irritants: I am highly allergic to grass, so as a kid I took many baking soda baths. Just run a warm bath and sprinkle in some baking soda (We just eyeball it, so I can’t really give you an exact measurement, I would say at least a cup or two.) Then just soak in the tub for a while.

3.       To keep your refrigerator smelling fresh: just place an open container in your fridge and it will soak up the odors.

4.       As a bug repellant: putting some near windows/doors and under sinks can keep pesky bugs away

5.       As a bathroom/kitchen/all-purpose cleaner: put 3 tablespoons of baking soda into an empty spray bottle, fill with water (leaving about an inch of space), shake and then use it like you would your regular cleaner.

6.       Laundry: add some to your next wash load for a stronger cleaning power.

7.       Freshen up your carpets: sprinkle some on your carpets, let sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum as usual. It will take away smells and help clean the carpets.

Uses for lemon:

1.       Cleaning your garbage disposal: cut a lemon in half and run it down the garbage disposal. The acid will help break down the buildup and it will remove the horrible odors.

2.       Laundry: works like bleach. Add some to your wash water.

3.       To clean the microwave: quarter a lemon, add to 2 cups of water in a microwave safe dish, and microwave for 3 minutes. The food particles should wipe right off.

4.       Cleaning your toilet: empty your toilet of water, make a paste with lemon juice and salt, put paste on tough rust spots. Let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub toilet and rinse.

5.       Vinegar/baking soda enhancer: you can add lemon to vinegar or baking soda to use on dirtier projects.

6.       Lightens your hair: again, rinsing your hair with lemon juice will lighten your hair.

These are just a few of the many ways that you can use these three items in place of store bought cleaning supplies. Not only are these environment friendly, kid friendly and amazing cleaners, but they are super cheap. For example, Walmart.com has a 2lb box of baking soda for $1.00, 1 gallon of white vinegar (name brand) for $2.56 and a bottle of lemon juice for $2.19. These mixed with water will last forever. Let’s look at the price of household cleaners: on Walmart.com you can get a SC Johnson 6pc cleaning bundle which includes 6 household cleaners (which do the same stuff) for $18.43!!! That’s $5.75 compared to $18.43, and the trinity will last you a lot longer, is much more versatile and doesn’t scare me if my kids get near it.

I’ve already been using baking soda, vinegar and lemons every once in a while, but once we run out of our house hold cleaners we will be switching to baking soda, vinegar and lemons only! (I might want to switch, but I’m not wasteful. I will use up my old stuff before I start with the new stuff.) I’m taking the challenge, will you?

Recycle fun with coffee cans!

So while looking at one of my favorite blogs www.totallytarget.com, I noticed that she had a post for a Folders coffee promotion. Well, I was digging around on Folders' website and found that they have a new "can decorator". Now in my family, we use Folders coffee cans for EVERYTHING, but they make really good storage cans. So, how excited was I that they had a specific can decorator program. I got even more excited when I saw that they have different labels for each holiday or ones that you can make on your own. This would be prefect for making seasonal craft containers.

Making seasonal craft containers with Folders coffee cans:
What you'll need:
1 or more plastic plastic Folders coffee cans (29.2/27.8-ounce or 33.9-ounce) washed and dried
Adhesive ( I really recommend Mod Podge since it is also a varnish, but rubber cement works too!)
Sand paper
Printer paper
Scissors (to cut out the labels)
And your labels that you create here: http://www.folgers.com/promotions/can-decorator.aspx

Start by collecting some Folders coffee cans, wash the cans really good and let them dry. If you don't have any I'm sure you know someone who does. Now, go to the can label creator and pick the label for the holiday cans you want to create (the labels come in the two biggest sizes, and make sure you pick the correct sized label). The best part of this program is that you can decide if you want the label to say something or if you want to leave off the text and just print out the basic label. Since the labels are soooo cute on their own and thanks to it having a seasonal theme, I decided to just leave the text off of mine. The labels will be shaped just perfectly to fit over the preexisting Folders can labels, so once the labels on, it will look like it was made that way.

Once you get your labels printed, go head and attach them to each canister. Since this is something you want to last for a while, or at least through the multiple reorganizations that you, if you are like me, will inevitably do throughout the year, I suggest using rubber cement or mod podge. To get a more lasting adhesive, you’ll definitely want to use some sand paper to “rough up” the surface of the coffee can just enough to give the glue something to hold on to.

If you are using rubber cement, brush the cement on the can where the label will be placed and also over the back of the label. Make sure to get the corners and the edges, otherwise the label will start peeling up on the edges. Then place the label on the can and position it. I like to press down in the center and then work your way out to the edges, getting all of the air bubbles out and smoothing any creases. Then let it dry.

If you are using mod podge, use a clean paint brush or foam brush and then use it basically the same way as you would the rubber cement. Once you get the label in place and smoothed out, you can apply a light layer over the top of the label to give it a nice finish. It will dry clear and act as a varnish. Then if you really want it to look nice, once it drys wet sand it (wet your sand paper) with fine grade sand paper and do an extra layer of mod podge. I am a newbie to mod podge, but I am in LOVE! You can use it on anything and not only is it an adhesive but it’s also a sealant/varnish!!! It is so easy to work with, gives a professional finish, and did I mention it dries clear so if you make a mistake no one will know. =)

I tried this for myself twice. Once using photo paper (thinking I was going to be super fancy) and once using plain old printer paper. Guess what?! The plain old printer paper work much better and turned out so much nicer. So definitely go with the cheaper paper. The photo paper ink started coming off almost immediately and the edge of the paper didn't want to lay down. Now you may be thinking what I was, "But I want it to have a glossy finish"....but if you use Mod Podge get the glossy finish, and it will look photo quality when it dries. The halloween bucket was done using photo paper and I photographed the only side that turned out decent. The Snowman bucket is the one I used plain old FANTASTIC printer paper. I think that this one turned out amazing and I only spent a few minutes doing it as opposed to the 20 minutes I spent on the photo paper trying to get the edges to lay down.

(This one is my favorite. This is already looks fantastic and it still has some drying time. I will definitely be redoing the halloween bucket.)

Once the cans are dry, you can fill them will craft items specific to each holiday. This is so great because then you can throw put them out in the garage on a shelf, and when a holiday is coming up, you'll be able to go out and instantly recognize the one you are looking for without having to open EVERY container to find out where in the world you put those darn halloween stickers!

Don't forget there is also an option to design your own label from scratch, which means that you could use the same idea in your kids' rooms and make it match their decor. These cans are great for diecast cars, art supplies, hair accessories, etc..., and since they are plastic they are perfect for kids' rooms.

Best part of all, you are recycling these cans and keeping our landfills clear of plastic! Also, it doesn't hurt that you don't have to pay one cent for that coffee canister that you are getting ready to throw away anyways!

(I have not been compensated in ANYWAY or even been asked to do this by Folders. I saw the can label creator and thought this would be a good idea. Thanks Folders for the awesome home design tool!)

It's baby season!!!

It seems like everyone around me is pregnant! Lots of babies coming soon which translates to lots of baby showers. Usually I order my son's diapers off of Amazon.com, but I didn't have any coupons this week and I was almost out, so I ventured over to Target. I get to the baby section and I couldn't even get down the diaper aisle. It was packed full of pregnant women with registry scanners and women with registry lists searching the aisles for the perfect shower gift. The last time I needed a baby shower gift I went into the store with a $25 budget. I wanted to get a package of diapers, a tub of wipes, some lavender baby bath, a nice blanket (luxury item for the gift), an outfit and maybe a small toy. I have two kids and not much time, so of course I went shopping the day of the shower...I'm not quite sure what I was thinking. With not much time and the kids in tow, I head to the baby aisle. First up; diapers and wipes. I'm not sure how the new mom feels about generic brands so my choice is Huggies and Pampers. One package of size one diapers....Pampers 40 count or Huggies 40 count: $9.99! Almost half my budget, but it’s a baby essential. Wipes: $2.50 a tub! On to the lavender baby bath (which I highly recommend): Johnson & Johnson brand: $4.29! Now to pick up a blanket: 1 minky chenille blanket: $18.99. At this point I realize that the blanket is eats up all but $5 of my budget. I could put everything else back and just get the blanket but it seems kind of small and impersonal by its self. I could put back the blanket and just go with the diapers, wipes and baby wash, but it feels so impersonal. I decide to go ahead and get it all, but I'm going to have to forget about the outfit and toy.

Total so far:

1 package of 40 diapers - $9.99

1 tub of wipes - $2.50

1 bottle of baby wash - $4.29

1 blanket - $18.99

--------------------

$35.77 (whoops)

Ok, on to the check out...wait I forgot a bag and card! No time to run home, so I need a bag and tissue paper. Bag: $4.99 tissue paper $0.99. Card: $2.99

New total:

Gift- $35.77

Bag- $4.99

Tissue- $0.99

Card- $2.99

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$44.74

Tax: $48.79

Friend's joy over gift: priceless

My stress level over just spending double my budget on a gift I'm not exactly thrilled about: Through the roof.

I wonder to myself how many people at this shower had the exact same experience, and then I see a girl across the room totally deflate when she sees that I gave our mutual friend the same blanket that she purchased for her. I decided that's it! I'm not going to give any more last minute, overpriced, duplicate gifts to my friends, and I want to give my other friends the same option. So, I started Plum Creek Traditions.

I offer burp cloths, super soft blankets and even bibs. I have a wide selection of fabrics for boys, girls or even neutral patterns. The burp cloths and bibs are made from soft snuggle flannel and are super absorbent. They are contoured to fit your shoulder and have a cute fringe which definitely sets them apart from standard burp cloths. My blankets are made with soft snuggle flannel and super luxurious (yet completely machine washable) minky chenille. Each blanket is extra-large at 40"x 36", and like all of my items is homemade.

Not only are all items reasonably price, but we wrap it for you too! At Plum Creek Traditions, we love the charm of an old fashioned mercantile, therefore we package all orders in only old fashioned brown wrapping paper, cotton twine (just like they used to), and cute little Plum Creek tag with washing instructions (EVERYTHING is machine washable/dryable, which is super mom-friendly). All orders are completely ready to be given as gifts.

Every mom that has received our products have loved them and totally loved the fact that they were especially made for her. So skip the last minute, overpriced, duplicate gift, and let us help you give a personalized, reasonably priced unique gift; wrapped and ready to go!

Choose items individually or save a little money with our exclusive Plum Package which gives the new mama 1 blanket and 4 burp cloths uniquely packaged and ready to go for just $36!!! No tax, no last minute bag, no unexpected total, just hand crafted with lots of love! Need it shipped? We can do that! We will work to get you the lowest shipping price possible for your selected items, so the shipping doesn't break your bank! Need to use a credit card? We take paypal!

So stop by our Facebook, Etsy page, or even send us and email, and let us help you give an unforgettable gift!

Where did we get the name "Plum Creek Traditions"?

Answer: Little House on the Prairie. Stop laughing, I'm serious. We are actually really big fans of the TV. show. I don't care how corny the show may seem, it has really good values and life lessons. I've been a fan for many years, but when I started staying home with Leila and I saw all of the garbage that was on TV for kids, I made the decision that I would rather my kids grow up watching Little House on the Prairie then a certain yellow sea sponge that shall remain nameless.

The more we watched the series as a family, the more we liked the idea of getting back to basics. After our son Jack was born, Dan and I were drifting further apart because we were so busy with the house, the kids, family, and work. We decided to start turning off the TV at night and start reading, and what did we start reading? The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder of course! If we’re going to watch the show, we should at least read the books! Every night after dinner, baths, and jammies, our little family of four curls up in our bed and we read. We will read as much as we can each night, with Dan and I taking turns reading (Someday, very soon, Leila will get her turn.) Not that there is anything wrong with them, but we do not read little kids books. We read books like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and of course the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We really feel that it is important to expose our children to literature and not just things like “see spot run, see spot jump.” I’m not at all saying that those books aren’t important. I’m just saying that you should not limit your children. They are much smarter then we all give them credit for. My parents always spoke to me as if I were an adult, meaning that they didn’t use tiny words or baby talk. I think it’s important to remember that your children will grow up speaking as they were spoken to.

Anyways, back to the Little House series. It is an amazing series of books. Laura’s writing style is so beautiful and detailed, and really absolutely NOTHING like the show. In the show the family settles in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, which is true, kind of. The Ingalls family moved around quite a bit actually and Walnut Grove was really only a small part of their life. To top it off, they didn’t actually live in Walnut Grove. They lived on the banks of…Plum Creek, a few miles from Walnut Grove. So, that’s where our name comes from.

If you haven’t read the Little House series, please do, and with your kids. She explains the ins and outs of everyday life as a pioneer. Her descriptions are so detailed; you could almost use the books as a manual to start “homesteading”. Laura explains everything from how to harvest maple syrup to how to make button necklaces. Through it all, you realize that your family doesn’t need hundreds of dollars of Christmas gifts, a perfectly decorated house, or even smart phones to be happy. We are so busy “socializing” through electronics that we forget to “socialize” with those that matter most; your family.

So, next time your family is trying to agree on a movie, try shutting the TV off and picking up a book. Each night, take turns reading a few chapters. It gives you all something to do, something to talk about, something to learn, and brings you closer together. I swear, it will change your family dynamic.

Welcome!

Welcome to Plum Creek Traditions! I'm Tanya, a 28 year old stay-at-home mom, and this is my blog.

A little bit of background about me:

I grew up in a very close knit family with very strong values. As children, my brother and I didn't receive an allowance, because lets face it, you shouldn't get paid for being a functional member of society. That's not to say that our parents didn't offer us opportunities to make some extra money, but those jobs were usually intense and ranged from everything from helping relandscape the yard to repainting the bathroom. My parents expected our absolute best from us, and I cannot thank them enough for that.

I was blessed enough to be able to attend a lutheran grade school and highschool. Here I was able to find myself and reinforce my beliefs. This is also where I met my best friend and my love Daniel. After highschool we went to the same college and began dating. We were both lucky to find someone right away that had the same beliefs and goals. Our relationship is very old fashioned. We had both only gone on a date or two with other people, and we both decided that it wasn't for us. By 2002 we were engaged and married by 2003. Yes we were both 20 and below the drinking age when we got married.

We started out planning a pretty big wedding and then finally one day it hit us; why are we doing this? Is this our wedding, or is this a big party for our friends and family. Dan and I talked about it and decided that we wanted the day to be about our religion and the commitment we were making to each other. So, our wedding was small. It was at our church, and the reception was in the church reception hall (which was also used as a bible study room, for coffee and snacks after church, and various school/church functions). We made our own invitations, our own decorations, and our food consisted of subway sandwich trays and various salads. Our wonderful friends and family helped decorate, prep food, and serve food. Our wedding did not have alcohol or dancing. Not only were we underage, but we wanted to show respect to the recovering alcoholics in our families and keep our underage friends out of trouble. As for the dancing, we really couldn't have a DJ playing rock and roll in a church building and we really couldn't afford it. Do we regret not having alcohol and dancing at our wedding? Absolutely not. Yes I do wish I had been able to dance with my dad, but he DOES NOT dance and he had already tortured himself with wearing a tux (he said he'd never wear one, in fact, he didn't even wear one to his own wedding!) Our wedding was a complete reflection of us. Dan and I have always considered ourselves to be "old souls", and having an old fashioned wedding fit us to a T.

After we got married, Dan finished college and started work with an insurance company, and I continued working for a book and magazine distributor that I had been working for since I was 16. In 2006 we had our beyond beautiful daughter Leila Ryan Magruder (yes she is named after the Eric Clapton song "Layla" just spelled different). We tried to have kids for 3 years, so she was a long awaited blessing. A year later I was forced to leave my job (that's a whole other story. Message me if you really want to know), and I found myself working in a temporary job at my husband's work. I busted my butt at that job and even earned an employee of the month through the temp agency, which was only 1 out of 5 spots in the whole country. Unfortunately, like everyone else, the company was hit by the failing economy, and even though I had been promised a permanent position, it was no longer an option. Daniel and I shed a lot of tears and had several very long conversations, and finally came to the conclusion that we would try me staying home with the kids.

I'm a numbers person, so I ran the tax numbers and found out that my loss of income would drop us into a tax bracket that would enable us to cover our tax expenses with our child credits and other deductions we had. In addition to this, our lack of child care and gas expense would definitely put us in a decent position...treading water financially. This is NOT an ideal situation for any family, however, if it meant that my daughter wouldn't have to go to day care anymore and I could focus on going to school full-time, it was a necessary evil.

Right after I started staying home, we found out I was pregnant with our unbelievably cute little boy Jack Arthur Magruder. This was so exciting and so scary, but we made it work and here we are today.

This past year, I started school full time at Northern Arizona University online, at the same time taught myself how to sew on the very generous Christmas gift from my parents. This lead to me starting my own business with the help of my husband, of course. Thus, Plum Creek Traditions was born.