Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 16

courtesy of

Review: Charlies Soap

So I will admit, I was slightly skeptical at first. - Ok fine, I was very skeptical. I remember at the beginning of my cloth-diapering journey, having people tell me how wonderful it was -- *the best* thing, ever. But, in my mind... it was soap. What could be so "special" about it? ~How in the world could just one simple tablespoon wash a whole load of clothes? ~ Esp if it has no smell? Eww. ~ AND, why in the world would I want spend "extra" for it when the store stuff is just fine? (shows how much I really knew! lol). Now, I look back and giggle at myself - what a long way we've come on this journey, indeed.

Of course it didn't help matters, that my sister had to go off, get married, have a baby, and also go crunchy... therefore fueling my already "crazy" desire to want to go natural. - LoL!

One day she called me up all excited. - After reading so many great reviews, she had finally bit the bullet, bought a case (several bags) of Charlies Soap. ~ And turns out... she LOVED it! Still kinda skeptical, she offered to send me some, to try. Hmm, a free sample? Sure, why not! After several loads in, I was sold. My diapers have never looked and smelled so clean.... (yeah, even with no added scents, the laundry acttally didn't stink after all! hee, hee)... my clothes didn't seem any worse for the wear (duh, lol)... and [best of all], there were no yucky chemicals to worry about! (yes, I've learned a bit since those beginning days...) It was awesome!

Unfortunately, with potty-training a toddler, that "sample" my sister sent me (albeit generous) went all too quickly! Leaving me - in desperation/determination not to have to switch back to the old (now deemed:"yucky") stuff - scrambling to find a source, before I was totally out. Thankfully, we have an awesome community around us, and I was able to buy an 80-load bag off another mama... which bought me plenty of time to search out the best price, and get ours ordered. Turns out, at approx 15¢/load (closer to 10¢, when bought by the 5-gal).... it's not only cheaper than traditional detergents, but it also lasts forever! ~ After over a month of use (including nine house-guests, WITH an additional fluffy-butt)... and we are still only three-fifths of the way through that afore mentioned bag!!

Charlies Soap site
(though I have found it's not the most cost effective, to buy directly from them)

Each day had its own proper work....

"Each day had its own proper work. Ma used to say:
"Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday." ~ Little House in Big Woods

In an attempt to not let any job get too overwhelming, I have come up with weekly & daily chore schedules... Here's the main idea of the routine I try to keep... (though some days I switch it up a bit, depending on what's going on that week...)

Monday:
• Pick/Straighten House ("Post Weekend" Clean)
• Laundry + Wash Sheet
  (Remake bed)
• Spot Clean Kitchen:
  Wipe Counters, Table, stove top, Spot Clean Floor, Put odds and ends away

Tuesday
• Vacuuming
• Clean Master Bath:
  Mirrors, Shower,Toilet, Counters, Cabinets, Drawers, & Sink Floors (sweep, wipe up)
• Spot Clean Guest Bath: (unless used - then full clean)
  Wipe Counters/back of toilet/front of cabinets, Spot Clean Floor, Wipe out tub
  
  Wednesday:
• Clean Kitchen:
  Counters, Cabinets, Stove, Table, Floors (Sweep & Mop)
• Layout Clothes for TNT
• Ironing (sometimes... b/c I honestly hate this!!)
• Every other week: prepare & pack for LEARN/Church
  
  
  Thursday:
• Laundry + Wash Towels
• Vacuuming (as needed)
• Dusting
• Spot Clean Master Bathroom:
  Mirrors, Counters, Spot check floor
  
  Friday:
• Spot Clean Kitchen (See Monday)
• Mop back [family] room
• Straighten bedrooms
• Catch up for things not done on other days
  
  --------------------------
  Everyday Stuff:
• Make bed
• Pick up family room (KB's toys, channel changers, dishes, clothes, etc) before B gets home
• Keep bathroom straight
• Empty load dishwasher (Run when needed)
• Kitchen Counters wiped
• Keep junk at bay (sort mail as it comes in – recycle junk, file important papers in filing cabinet)
• Diaper laundry (every other day – hang on line to dry)
• Have dinner ready & waiting by 6:30 (doesn't always happen, but hey...it's good to have a goal!)
• And it's my dream to someday use Fridays to bake bread.... :sigh: someday.... ;-)
  
  Hope this helps!!