Sunday 28 August 2011

Clean cleaning

I started growing my own food approximately 5 years ago. In the last six months I have re-evaluated what I wanted to achieve through doing this. My baby sister gave me a book to read called 'No more dirty looks', a book about cosmetics and skin care and what really is in them. I read it and I was shocked. It opened my eyes to a world of organics. Having daughters myself I wanted to give them a better, healthier future. So I have changed my ways a little here, the skin and body care is under control now with the use of only 'clean' products, but I still have a long way to go as far as replacing all my make-up. It's hard to say good-bye to that favorite lippy.

I then started to read a lot more about this topic and went green with my cleaning products as well. This is something I'm really happy that I did. I have just cleaned my house completely through and I know that I haven't exposed myself to anything nasty. Once you buy the products needed it's easy. A few storage bottles are needed as well, but it's worth the effort. Below I have listed my homemade product that I use weekly, and the ingredients needed to make them.

I would love to know any other tips or recipes that people have.

Disinfectant:
2 cups water
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon tea tree oil
1/4 teaspoon lavender oil

Combine all ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Shake before use.


Mirror and glass cleaner:
I use either my enjo glass cleaning cloth, or sometimes I use vinegar and paper towel.

Floor cleaner:
I use only hot water on my polished floor boards. Sometimes I add a dash of vinegar. On my tiles I add a few drop of either tea tree oil or lavender oil.

Bath, sink and tile cleaner:
1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap ( I use dr. Bronners magic soap, made with organic oils, and available at the Vic market)
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup water
Few drops of tea tree oil

Mix altogether and store in a large sauce/ squirt top bottle. Shake well before use.


Toilet bowl cleaner:
Liquid soap
Borax

Spray soap around bowl, then sprinkle borax on top. Then simply scrub with a toilet brush.

I have other recipes too, but I find these are the only ones I really need,and I'm a clean freak!

Sill haven't tried the oven cleaner one I have, but if anyone has a recipe that works I would love to know it.

Happy cleaning......

Sunday 21 August 2011

Seven signs of the coming of Spring

Spring is definitely in the air here in sunny Melbourne, Australia. I could smell the blossom in the air today as we went for a Sunday walk.......So here's my 7 signs this week why Spring is definitely in the air.....
1.The strawberries are beginning to flower
2.The apricot tree is covered in blossom

3.The raspberry canes are sending out new shoots, and the new canes are appearing in the ground (sorry photo is blurry and my camera has run out of battery power)

 4. Our weather is on the inprove, with days expected in the low 20s this week!!!!!
5. The flowers are in full bloom
6. The chard has really taken off now and is looking great
And
7. The hydrangers and roses are starting to shoot

10 days to Spring!!!!!

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Brilliant Broccoli

Not a lot is going on in my garden at present. Winter is slowly coming to a close, and there are many bare patches in the veggie garden now, waiting to be planted out for spring.

The broccoli is still producing good little off shoots though. They will keep producing until I remove them to make way for the spring crops.


Hurry up Springtime!

Tuesday 2 August 2011

garden snaps

These are some pictures of my youngest daughter's garden. I think she has a green thumb.


A couple of months ago I made a new veggie garden area. It only receives limited sunlight during winter though. So I filled it with leafy greens such as broccoli, cauliflowers, rocket, Bok choy, as well as peas. They are so far doing great, and the Bok choy is doing brilliantly.

These are what my 'normal' carrots look like after harvest.



 
Also, I love a funny veggie shot. See what do think of this one ( sorry if you find it offensive).