Archive for the ‘Cool stuff!’ Category

{soap nuts} | greener living

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

I came across these a while ago and decided I would finally try them. They are a different way to do laundry for sure. They look kind of strange and honestly don’t look like they would clean your clothes… but they actually do. I have been using Soap Nuts for a while now and I have to say I am loving them! No need to use fabric softener, which is another huge bonus for me… since I always forget to put it in. Oops!  One of the main reasons I wanted to try them is that my children have VERY sensitive skin and have had a lot of trouble with eczema. Soap Nuts are supposed to great for sensitive skin, so far so good!

Here is a little info from the Laundry Tree website just to give you an idea of what they are. I recommend heading over to their site and picking some up for yourself…they are wonderful!!

Soapnuts are a totally natural dried FRUIT with natural cleaning properties. You can use them to clean your laundry!

Yep, it sounds crazy — but it’s TRUE! Soapnuts aren’t actually a nut at all, they are simply the fruit of a tree (Sapindus Mukorossi), found primarily in the Himilayas. And they are an EXCELLENT alternative to traditional laundry detergents and cleaners.

THERE ARE A TON OF AMAZING THINGS ABOUT SOAP NUTS. A PARTIAL LIST:
  • They are simply a dried fruit — 100% totally natural.
  • They are organically grown and are free of harsh chemicals, so they are incredibly gentle. (This makes them especially great for those with sensitive skin — including babies and those that suffer from allergies, eczema, and psoriasis).
  • They’re totally biodegradeable, so they’re better for the environment than regular detergent.
  • They’re antimicrobial, so they’re even good for septic and greywater systems.
  • They are low-sudsing — exactly what you need for HE (or high-efficiency) washers.
HOW DO SOAPNUTS WORK?

The outer shell of the soapnut contains saponin, a natural substance known for its ability to cleanse and wash. (That’s what makes them so GREAT for cleaning your laundry!) And here’s a cool fact: soapnuts aren’t a new concept; they have been used to clean all kinds of fabric for centuries, and are only now gaining popularity in the Americas and Europe as a powerful, yet natural alternative to modern detergents. Having used any number of other detergents, we’re here to say so far man has yet to best Mother Nature in coming up with a genius cleaning agent for clothes.

SOAPNUT SOAK IS A WONDER.

It basically turns soapnuts into liquid deterget — convenient and easy to use. But it can also be used to safely replace many household chemicals: window cleaner, bathroom cleaner, kitchen cleaner, floor cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner, liquid hand soap, delicate laundry soap, and even shampoo.

Making it takes less than 5 minutes — including the time it takes to find the utensils. Even if you’re no kitchen whiz, you’ll find the process is as effortless as making a pot of tea — with useful, economical results.

{Summer Photo Project} | Cool Stuff!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

I came across something fun tonight…

Kelly over at Willet Designs has a fun little project to do with your kiddos this Summer…

you have to go check it out!

Willet Design’s 100 Summer Photo Ideas

This is going to be great little Summer project for me! I can’t wait to start it. :)

It will help me to remember to bring the camera along on our little everyday Summer outings,

as well as give us some fun ideas of activities when I get the inevitable  question

“Mom what are we doing today?”

I am thinking of making our collection of photos into a book at the end of the Summer.

It would be a neat little documentation of what we did all Summer. :)

Thanks Kelly!!

xx kathryn

skye’s posing guide giveaway | for photographers

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Hey photographers… go check out the giveaway for Skye’s new posing guide. http://pocketposingguide.com

They look really cool & totally useful!

Have a great day!!

She & Him Volume Two | music

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Thanks to my two older brothers I was exposed to all sorts of GREAT music while I was growing up.

{They still share and recommend music now which is cool.}

I am always on the lookout for new music so when I find something I love I feel the need to share… so here you go! =}

I am so excited for She & Him Volume Two to come out next Tuesday.

I already pre-ordered it on iTunes, but I am not sure I will be able to wait an entire week to listen to the album.

I love Zooey Deschanel’s voice so much!! That girl has some talent!

I suggest you go buy Volume One now if you don’t already have it and Volume Two next Tuesday. =}

I am sure you will love it as much as I do.

Hey, if you have some favorite music you would like to share feel free to suggest away! =}


A little preview of…”In the Sun”