Why I don't use coupons for cleaning products...

For the past few months I have been using the Melaleuca family of products exclusively to clean my home and my family. I was turned on to the brand after a woman from our church gave me a sample of their lotion to try for my son’s eczema. It worked like a charm. Now we all use it for our everyday lotion!

I looked into the brand more by exploring their website and discovered many more products available with no harmful chemicals. I have tried brewing my own natural cleaners at home only to be disappointed by their ineffectiveness at cleaning quickly and thoroughly. Since I have a son with skin allergies, I try to be cautious about what I clean the house and the laundry with so not to aggravate his skin…and him for that matter!

I will admit I assumed that by signing up for Melaleuca I would be adding another, yet necessary in my mind, expense. I was surprised to be wrong in my assumption. Since all of their products are concentrated, they actually end up being less expensive. One bottle of concentrate costs the same as the other cleaner I was purchasing and actually makes 4 bottles once diluted!

I have LOVED the difference these products have made in our home and I invite you to take a look at their website and consider using more natural cleaning products for your home, you and your children. They have such a wide variety of products available…you’ll be amazed. I have never used such an effective cleaner as the Tub & Tile and not be exposed to powerful odors from the offensive chemicals. I even feel safe plopping the boys in the tub right after it has been cleaned.

Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions or are interested in signing up to receive the Preferred Customer prices. Right now they are offering $20.00 in free product every month for your first 5 months so that you have the opportunity to try more of their products without the cost.

Visit this link in particular to see the savings vs brands that you are familiar with and are probably currently using.

A Sick Boy & A Dirty Sink

Sloan and I were on our way back from a morning appointment when I checked my voicemail. The dreaded call from daycare. We'd hoped the sickness was over and we could get away with sending Zachary to school, after all he didn't have a fever. But there's no way to disguise vomit...we were caught. After picking him up and a quick stop by the grocery store for the makings of the B.R.A.T. (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet, we were home. Zachary managed to eat a little and quickly surrendered to a nap.


I used this time to catch up on some blog reading when I came across the Fly Lady. As I came across her baby steps, I knew I could handle this guide to cleaning. Day 1, what a great place to start. Shine my sink??? Okay...


What I would have ordinarily considered a "clean enough" sink:



My sink now (I only did one side so far):



And while my sink was enjoying it's soak, I whipped up this:


When the sink cleaning instructions called for bleach, I was reminded of my sad excuse for an apron. Since our budget didn't involve a shopping trip, I got resourceful, I used up leftover material from a quilt I made for my mother-in-law. It's nothing fancy...but it's a lot better than my old one.