Homemade Laundry soap

Recipe for Making Your Own Laundry Soap
I have been making this for quite awhile and it works pretty well. The recipe calls for a 2 gallon bucket but I double the recipe and use a 5 gallon bucket.


Homemade Household Cleaners

Nettle Infusion: herbal nutrition with herbal infusions

No 'Poo

Ingredients:

Baking soda
32 oz bottle or use old shampoo bottle- can always adjust measurements to the size of the bottle and what measurements of b.soda work for you
water(if you can use distilled the better)


Directions:

Warm 2 (12oz) glasses of water into the pan. You just wanna get it warm. Then mix in 4tbs of baking soda & stir for an extra minute then pour mixture into large bottle.

*If you have hard water/well water, here is what to do. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Turn off heat and add b. soda. It will really foam up so make sure your pot is big enough. Give it a little stir just to make sure all the soda dissolved and let it sit until cooled.

Using the No Shampoo Method

I have no idea what she's talkin' about because I use vinegar on top of my head and it makes it nice, clean, and shiny not oily or stringy. lol

Going No Shampoo -- Part 2

Going No Shampoo (no poo method)

I have been usin' the b. soda this week and it seems to work great! I have some stuff to make my own herbal mixture to go along with it. For the last 2 years I have been using vinegar as a hair rinse. It cleans your scalp and rids it of build up from shampoo. ~Karla

How To Make Ginger Soda

How to Make Soda: Lacto Fermented Soda pt. 2

How To Make Soda: How to Make Ginger Soda

How To Make Soda: How To Make Ginger Soda Pt.2

Cuttin' ginger up to make the soda syrup.

Scale to weigh the ginger.

Soda culture

Letting the Soda cool to room temp after makin' the syrup and pouring it in and filling it up with more water and some starter culture.  This turned out great! We like it alot! Plus, it's healthy and puts good bacteria into your body:)

How to Make Soda: Lacto Fermented Soda Culture Making Par...

Yogurt Cheese & Whey

Yoghurt  Cheese tastes like cream cheese!~ Use a nut mylk/ sprout bag or some really good cheese cloth(will need to use like three pieces on top of another) and take room temperature yogurt pour yogurt into cheese cloth over a bowl and tie the cheese cloth  then use a paper clip to clip onto a hook or sink and let drip into bowl for 24 hours so as to let the yogurt and whey separate. You can use whey in soups and whatever else (Nourishing Traditions by Sall Fallon & Mary Enig have a few recipes using whey in it.) Here's a youtube video on it : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvVeMTM0Mog

Whey

Homemade yogurt

Pour 1 quart of whole milk into a saucepan and warm milk over medium heat until bubles form around the edge of the pan.  Remove from heat and let cool until milk is lukewarm. You should be able hold finger comfortably in the milk for ten seconds.    -Then add (2tbs)plain yogurt  (use plain yogurt and make sure that the label says active or live yogurt cultures) or yogurt starter and stir until well combined. Pour Mixture into a wide mouthed jar ( I just use the regular mason jars). If using a powdered starter, follow pkg instructions. Place jar in a warm spot, and let sit 4 to 6 hours. Don't disturb it, or you risk breaking the yogurts structure and it won't set.  For an even thicker yogurt, with a  texture more like that of store bought yogurt, you can add 1 tbs of gelatin to the milk with the starter. I didn't use any gelatin and don't plan on it. I think it's fine the way it is.

Squeezing lime into my Brother's yogurt. He wanted that for flavouring. I normally use honey in my Pa's and mine but sometimes add cinnamon, too. I like to put raisins in mine or make parfaits and use whatever else we have in the fruit department in our fridge.

Being a goofball:)

Feminine Challenge Day 1

Howdy everyone! As you all know I already wear dresses/skirts on a daily basis and modest one at that but I have been wanting to take part in this for quite sometime just for fun. Yes, I said fun:)

Here's my outfit for the day:

Floral light pink button up top with a pinkish t-shirt to go along with it underneath, denim tiered skirt, and brown cowgirl boots.

Sprouting Pics

Have no idea what this is in the first pic. I forgot to label it! Second pic is lentils. They sprouted so well!!!

Raw Banana Cinnamon Icecream & Homemade Almond Milk

I saw this super easy recipe on youtube and had to try it!

Here's the link:

Raw Banana Cinnamon Icecream

I think I should of let the banana's freeze a little bit longer so the icecream would of been thicker.  But, we all liked it!


We bought a bunch of mixed nuts from the Farmers Market and so I cracked a cup's worth of almonds to make almond milk for the icecream recipe.

Almond milk recipe:
1 cup of almonds (soak overnight. it helps to digest them better.)
3-4 cups of purified water
- You can add honey and vanilla to  the left over almond milk and then drink it:)

Blend in a blender.
 Strain the milk through a nut bag or painters strain bag to get the pulp out of the milk. You can use the almond pulp in crackers or cookies. Or maybe you can make almond butter with the pulp?  To make almond butter put almonds or pulp in food processor and add 3 tbs of olive oil, coconut oil, or palm oil. If it's not to the consistency of peanut butter and you would like it to be add a little more oil at a time until desired consistency.

Almond pulp.

Homemade Sauerkraut

Homemade sauerkraut is healthier for you than the store bought. Store bought version- after they culture it they then proceed to cook it thus killing the good bacteria(probiotics), and enzymes in it.

I love homemade sauerkraut! It has a crunch and I like that alot!

Here's a pic:
I used purple cabbage and green cabbage for this 1 gallon. As, you can see that at the bottom the water is reddish purple from the purple cabbage.

I tried a different sauerkraut recipe this time around although it's not too different from the previous ones that I posted before.

SAUERKRAUT:
 Makes 1 quart (I used to cabbages hence the gallon)

1 medium cabbage, cored and shredded
1tbs caraway seeds (I didn't use these, didn't like them in the other recipe I used!)
1tbs sea salt
4tbs whey (page 87) (if not available, use an additional 1 tbs salt)

In a bowl, mix cabbage with caraway seeds(didn't use these), sea salt and whey. pound with a wooden pounder or meat pounder (I think I  used my fist) for about 10 minutes to release juices. Place in a quart-sized, wide mouth mason jar and press down firmly with a pounder or meat  hammer  until juices come to the top of cabbage. The top of the cabbage should be at least 1 inch below top of  the jar. Cover tightly and keep at room temperature for about 3 days before transferring to cold storage. The sauerkraut may be eaten immediately, but improves with age. We started eating it day 3 and still have some left and I still haven't put it in the fridge and it is still really yummy:)

Taken from the book:
  Nourishing Traditions
The cookbook that challenges politically correct nutrition and the diet dictocrats
Revised second edition
 by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, Ph.D

Raw Fudge & Homemade Peanut Butter

Hi, everyone! I thought I'd share a video on raw fudge with you that I found on youtube.

Raw Fudge Recipe


Here's what mine looked like after I made it and refrigerated it for awhile. It was pretty good!!!

I use homemade peanut butter. We had bought some unroasted peanuts from the Farmer's Market.
I shelled them then put them on a pan, drizzled organic pal oil on them then roasted them in the oven for 7-8 minutes. Then the next day I used the food processor to make peanut butter. I will include the link two two different videos on instructions on making it. I added more oil as I went along (when I thought I should add more).
Here's the links:

How To Make Peanut Butter

How To Make Homemade Peanut Butter


Homemade peanut butter in a peanut butter jar I kept (specifically so I could put the homemade in it)when I used up the store bought. Homemade is YUMMY!!!

Basic Lye Soap Recipe

I like this recipe alot!!!! It's a keeper!

First off, safety. Rubber gloves are recommended, however I personally don't use them. Second, keep white vinegar near by when working with lye, it will counteract and neutralize the lye if it splatters on you. Make sure to always have it handy. Third, do not use aluminum. Use either enamel coated pan or glass saucepan( I use a 2 quart glass pyrex measuring cup). Use a wooden spoon to stir. You can also use a plastic pitcher or plastic pan to mix lye. CAUTION: DO NOT breath in vapours from lye. Stand back while mixing lye with water. If using glass to mix it in, I set my saucepan in a plastic dish (plastic tub you get on the same isle as dish drainer/ silver ware tray)to be sure that if it shatters it won't be such a mess. I haven't had that happen but I know someone who has. Better to be cautious.

Soap making is very easy. This recipe is no heating and all that. There are people who make it that way but this recipe is less nerve wracking and turns out the same.

You will need:
12oz 100% lye (1 1/2c)
3pounds lard
3c water (cold)

The day before: Place 3 cups water in refrigerator.
Place lard in a flat bottom plastic dish pan and allow to come to room temperature overnight.

1. Place water in saucepan. Slowly pour lye in water while stirring with wooden spoon. Stir until crystal's are dissolved. It will be hot. DO not breath in vapours. Best done outside. Let sit 1 hour.

2. Slowly drizzle lye water into lard while stirring constantly, (can be done indoors). After all the lye is added, continue stirring until pudding like consistency. May take 1/2 hour or more.

Let set over night. Cut into bars with thin knife. Should be able to turn out onto towel. If not firm enough yet, let set another day. Then let them set for two weeks until dry Turning every couple days.

NOTE: you can always use a mold instead of the plastic dish pan. After making this once I plan on getting a mold to use otherwise the edges are rough and I don't have time to shave the edges but might do that someday to try to make re-milled soap.

Also, some of the dry crystal's got on my skin and made me itch and when the soap had hardened and I touched it it made my skin itch but once it's been in water I had no problem and I like the soap alot! Just thought I'd share with ya in case that happens to someone else to encourage them not to quit making this:)


HAVE FUN!

Sprouting Seeds

Howdy! I thought I'd share this excerpt from a book I have because I am very interested in sprouting my own seeds:)


Taken from the book: Just in Case, How to be self sufficient when the unexpected happens. By Kathy Harrison

I consider sprouting seeds to be one of the cornerstones of the preparedness pantry. They are inexpensive, take up very little room, and do not need any fancy equipment to process. After a diet of canned and dried food, our bodies will crave something green and alive. Sprouts will fill the bill nicely. Sprouts add crunch to sandwiches and a vitamin boost to scrambled eggs and casseroles. They are tasty eaten right out of hand and make a terrific addition to a stir fry. I have even added a handful to bread batter with excellent results.

Sprouts contain vitamins,proteins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber. All of these may be in short supply if you are eating for any length of time out of storage(those who stockpile and there was a crisis for them to eat from their stockpile). If you have a bag of lentils in your pantry, you have what you need to get started.
Most although not all, seeds and beans are good for sprouting. The following list is of the best:

Alfalfa, Amaranth, Barley(hull-less), broccoli,
buckwheat, cabbage, clover, flax, lentils, oats(hull-less), peas, pumpkin, radish, rye, spelt, sunflower, & wheat.

Each sprout has a unique flavor. Lentils and alfalfa are mild, for example, while radish has a bite to it.

As is usually the case, you can purchase rather complicated equipment for sprouting. I have seen a couple of these, and while they look pretty impressive and do a fine job of sprouting seeds, I did not find that they did a better job than I was able to do with a few things I already had in my kitchen. I not only saved a bit of money, but also saved the space a sprouter would take up in my kitchen and that's just as important.

The equipment is as simple as a glass jar, a rubber band, a piece of cheesecloth, and some seeds.

Sort out any foreign matter from the seeds. Soak two tablespoons of seeds in warm water for an hour or two. Drain, then place in a quart jar. Secure piece of cheesecloth around the top with rubber band. Put the jar in a dark cabinet. Two or three times a day, rinse the seeds with warm water, and drain through cheese cloth. In two or three days you will have sprouts. If you leave them in the sun for a few hours, the sprouts will turn a lovely green and will increase their vitamin content. I have started to make my last rinse in very cold water, and the sprouts seem crisper. Harvest sprouts when they are about three times longer than the seed they came from.

There are a couple things to know. Tomato and potato seed sprouts should never be eaten, as they are poisonous. Do not use nay seeds that have been treated with fungicides or pesticides for agricultural use. Bean sprouts have the same protein-binding substance as beans, but they must be cooked for a couple of minutes to make it available.

The biggest challenge will be keeping your sprouts from going sour. You will know by the slimy texture and foul odor that a batch has gone bad and you will need to dispose of it. You really have to be diligent about rinsing you seeds. The problem is that the jar of seeds should be kept in a dark cabinet. I used to forget about them until it was too late I finally set up a system of rinsing my sprouts before each meal. After a few weeks it became a habit, and I rarely forget anymore.

I also had a problem of finding myself sprout deprived. Sometimes I wanted sprouts and they weren't quite ready. I solved that problem by staggering my sprouts, beginning a new batch every other day.

Sprouts will store in a perforated plastic bag in your refrigerator or any other very cool. dark spot for a few days. You shouldn't have to throw any out if you get into the habit of popping a few into whatever you are cooking.


Karla's note: they use sprouted seeds in Ezekiel bread. I was sent some Ezekiel bread recipes from my friend, Karen, so if any are interested in making your own let me know and I'd be happy to pass the recipes along:)


Videos on sprouting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoaIpZZfcFc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY2Ezu5GYMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CVJ9e4SzBo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4n5p1rmTiw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udiZvl7tLt8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owPgJr3ESng

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-1V4vtV8Yo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqv65dhRgD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUOu-3gsu6A

More videos on youtube.

Lavender Sugar Cookies

1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1 C sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract(I added a little more)
2 tsp lavender flowers, ground
1 1/2 cups of sifted flour
2tsp baking powder

Directions:

(Grind lavender flowers in blender
& store in a covered jar w/the
recipe so it's all ready to use
and keeps well.)

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla,
lavender flowers.

Sift flour and baking powder together and add to
butter mixture. Drop by spoonfuls of batter on
ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 minutes, just until edges are brown.

Cool and enjoy!

Water Kefir

I wanted to let everyone know that I am selling water Kefir grains. If anyone is interested let me know. It is $16 including shipping and handling or if you would like a mason jar to put the Kefir in so you can get started right away once you receive your Kefir then it will be $20 all together with shipping and handling included. Once you buy the grains you won't have to buy them again because if they are healthy they will reproduce and you will have more grains!




Milk Kefir: Milk Kefir vs. Water Kefir

Milk kefir and water kefir are essentially very similar. Both exist in the form of small crystalline grains which can be brewed into drinks and both confer huge health benefits to the people that include them in their diet. The main difference between them – and the reason why many people prefer water kefir – is the difference in versatility between them.

Milk kefir grains were the first kind of grains used to brew drinks. Since they have been around a lot longer, they have had more time to become widespread popularity and are currently well known throughout Russia and Eastern Europe (which is a pretty wide area).

They are also popular in the west, although not yet to the same extent. One of the great limiting factors on milk kefir popularity is the fact that there are many people out there who do not enjoy “milky foods”, or simply cannot digest them.

Water kefir grains provide all of the same health benefits as milk kefir, whilst being much more versatile! It is fun to experiment with them and see just how much they can do. If you start to cultivate your water kefir and then want to make a milk-based drink with them, you can just transfer a few of the grains into some milk. After a brief “lag phase”, the bacteria inside the grains will adjust to living off milk and start acting like milk kefir!

Water kefir grains really are that versatile. Many water kefir enthusiasts also enjoy brewing their grains with grape juice or coconut water, since it opens up whole new avenues of recipes that can be made with the finished drinks.

Many probiotics – the types of foods that, like kefir, contain helpful bacteria – are made from milk products. Pro-biotic yogurts are great, but not if you don’t like yogurt!

Water kefir grains allow you to make probiotic foods without always having to involve dairy, which is something milk kefir grains cannot achieve. They can be brewed into drinks (starting with almost any sugary liquid) or simply eaten, and can benefit almost anyone.

Although milk kefir grains are more widespread, and often easier to come across than water kefir grains, with a little effort it is usually possible to find someone who is happy to send you the things you need to get started making water kefir for yourself.

What is Kefir?

Strictly speaking, Kefir is the substance that exists as “Kefir grains,” that either look like pieces of cauliflower (in the case of Milk Kefir) or like little crystals (in the case of Water Kefir)..

These grains are living colonies of bacteria and yeasts that live in perfect harmony together, and have been around for thousands of years! One day someone discovered that if these strange-looking grains were brewed into a drink, the person that drank it would experience enormous health benefits. The idea soon spread, and Kefir is now popular as a health drink all over the world.


Kefir, which actually means “feel good” in Turkish, is a handcrafted, effervescent, cultured and enzyme-rich probiotic drink that's filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your inner ecosystem.

Drinking Water Kefir may help you achieve your optimal health, strengthen your immune system, and help to prevent diseases of all kinds.

Here's just a some of the MANY benefits of drinking Water Kefir:

Contains a wide variety of good bacteria and beneficial yeasts as well as many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. (including Vitamin c, Vitamin B, and

Has antibiotic and anti fungal properties.

Contributes to a healthy immune system and has been used to help patients suffering from many conditions, including AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, herpes, Candida, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Can stop unhealthy food cravings, especially cravings for sugar and sweet foods. (For some)

Aids in the digestion of all foods.

Has a tonifying affect on the intestines, reduces bloating, and flattens the abdominals!

It appears to cleanse the liver.

Many see changes in their complexion and overall condition of their skin.

Brown liver spots may fade as can skin tags, moles, warts, etc.

With high levels of valuable minerals, including potassium, natural sodium, and chloride, the hair, skin and nails become stronger and have a prettier shine.

It appears to have a beneficial, cleansing effect on the endocrine system (adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, ovaries). Women find that their periods are healthier; some who had experienced early menopause have found this important monthly cleansing returning again.

It increases energy and gives you an overall feeling of good health.

Its tranquilizing effect on the nervous system has benefited many who suffer from sleep disorders, depression, ADHD and autism.

Drinking water kefir regularly can help, promote bowel movement, relieve all intestinal disorders, reduce flatulence and help create an all together healthier digestive system.

It's cleansing effect on the whole body helps to establish a balancing of the insides for optimum health and longevity.

It can also ameliorate eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

It tastes great... and it's a really inexpensive drink to make!


~ I myself have noticed a difference. It definitely detoxifies.

Peach Cobbler

Howdy, Everyone!

It's been awhile since I have posted so here I am:)  I wanted to share a video and a recipe with you.
I saw an excerpt  of the West Ladies in The Art of Cooking and they were making peach cobbler. So, I decided to look for a recipe similar to their and I found one! I made it Saturday and it turned out pretty good. My Dad agreed and said, "That was good!"

So, here's the video and I will include the recipe underneath it.:
The Art of Cooking


Ingredients

* 2 cups fresh peaches
* 1/2 cup sugar (for peaches)
* 1/4 lb butter
* 3/4 cup milk, for batter

Batter

* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 3/4 cup flour

Directions:

1.Heat the peaches in saucepan with 1/2 cup sugar, til good and hot.
2.(if using canned peaches, don't add sugar).
3.Melt butter in 2 qt baking dish. ( I doubled the recipe and baked it in my 12 inch cast iron skillet)
4.Mix dry ingredients for batter.
5.Add 3/4 cup milk, beating until all the lumps are gone.
6.Pour batter onto melted butter.
7.DO NOT STIR!
8.Spoon hot peaches onto the batter.
9.DO NOT STIR!
10.Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
11. The batter will have risen to the top, making a beautiful golden crust.
12. This is also good with plums, boysenberries, apricots etc.


ENJOY!!! - I forgot to take a pic of it after I took it out of the oven...I know I am terrible!

About Foods High in Iron: Nutrition & Healthy Eating | eHow.com

About Foods High in Iron: Nutrition & Healthy Eating | eHow.com

Sit Still By J. Danson Smith

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days, these waiting days, as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure he waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay-
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! Ah, yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis, true! But then-He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
















This painting is an artist's rendition of Ruth waiting for Boaz
when Naomi says to her "Sit still, my daughter, until thou
know how the matter will fall..."

Southwest Black Bean Soup

Prep:15 minutes    30 minutes total  6 servings

1tbs olive or canola oil (I think I used either corn or vegetable)
1 medium chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 2 jalapenos (you can seed them if you want), finely chopped
2 cans (15 oz each) (I used a bag of dry black beans) black beans
1 can diced or fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 3/4C chicken broth (32oz carton or 14 oz can)
2tsp Cumin
2tbs chopped fresh cilantro
 Sour cream or lime wedge-optional (we used both...we squeezed the lime int each of our bowls and it was so good!)

Directions:

1. Heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, & jalapenos; cook 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.

2. Stir in beans(if you used dry beans ya need to boil them till tender- I boiled them 20 minutes in b.soda then drained and rinsed then boiled in plain water till they were tender. I won't soak them overnight again b/c it didn't help soften them up), tomatoes, broth, & cumin. Reduce heat to medium low; cover & simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro. Top individual servings w/s. cream & serve with lime wedges.


Enjoy!

Tagged!!!

Okay, so I was tagged by Dave and am finally going to do this tag.


Do quick post about the person that tagged you saying thanks.
Thanks Dave for tagging me and for following me!

2, Answer the 10 questions

3, Follow 3 new blogs and list them.

4, Tag 6 people

5, Challenge one person to do something fun or crazy



Here are the 10 questions:

1: Have you ever been to a rodeo? Yeehaw!!! Yes, I have and they are awsome!!!!!


2: Have you ever tried to ride a cow? No...but, I had this crazy idea that if I could train one from the time it was little that I might could ride it once it's bigger:)



3: Have you ever milked a cow or goat? No



4: Have you ever been to a Demolition Derby? No



5: What is your favorite Country song? The fleshly side of me would like to listen to country but I do not listen to country...that's for the world not God's people.



b: Who's the artist? See above



6: Do you like to hunt? I never been, but I want to.



7: Have you ever cooked your breakfast over an open fire in your backyard? No.



8: Have you ever thought that the muck was shallow and when you stepped in it, you sank knee deep? Maybe...I don't remember if I did it had to be when I was younger.



9: What is the hardest thing you have ever done? putting my pride aside and finally surrendering my will to God and repenting and asking Christ to be my Lord and Saviour.



10: (The question is optional) What's one of your most embarrassing moments? Saying something that was somethin' only said around family. Spillin' orange juice on a guy's hand as I was refillin' his orange juice at a church breakfast....that was pretty embarrassing but he forgave me whoever he was.



I Tag:


Miss Courtney @ cowgirlofaith.blogspot.com
 and I can't think of anyone else:)

New blogs :

Recently, I started following:

cowgirlofaith.blogspot.com
http://feathering-the-nest.blogspot.com/
http://stevenandersonfamily.blogspot.com/

I challenge Courtney to go puddle jumpin' or to go sit in a field while it is rainin' as long as, it ain't real chilly:)

Cloth Diapers Go Green

So glad that cloth is makin' more of a comeback in the sense that there is a store openin' up. 

Cloth is back as diapers go 'green'
BY JENNIFER PALMER The Oklahoman Comments Comment on this article7
Published: January 13, 2010


When Morgan Harris decided to cloth-diaper her son, Spencer, there was no place in Oklahoma City she could go if she wanted to look at the products before buying.

Online shopping seemed overwhelming, so she ordered the most popular style. She wasn’t completely happy with them. Two years of research and experimenting later, she now has knowledge to share.

Harris, 30, wants to promote use of cloth diapers to other Oklahoma City parents through the retail store she’s opening next month, Green Bambino.

At 5113 N Shartel Ave., the store will stock a variety of cloth diaper styles and brands — from old-fashioned flat diapers with pins to newer, more user-friendly styles.

"If they can touch and feel and see how easy they are to use, they’ll be cloth diaper fans,” she said of future customers.

The store also will carry cloth diaper accessories, eco-friendly laundry detergents, baby carriers and organic gifts and toys.

Book-learning in practice
Harris learned the ins and outs of small business during a five-year stint working at Full Circle Bookstore. She stayed home with her son after he was born nearly two years ago and that’s when she discovered there was no cloth diaper retailer in the city.

"There’s no reason for it to be this way in Oklahoma City,” she said.

With the economy tanking and consumers more focused on frugality and protecting the environment, she said it was the perfect time to open a cloth diaper store.

An abundance of new cloth diapers — introduced recently — proved to her that it was a blooming market.

Use, re-use, repeat
Once open, Green Bambino will host classes on cloth diapering. Harris said she hopes to become a resource for people with questions such as which diapers to choose and how to wash them.

She also plans to offer a gift registry.

With a product mix focused on sustainability, it was natural to design the store with the environment in mind, she said. She hired bgDesign, an architectural firm whose partners designed the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

Low VOC paints, an eco-friendly sealant used on the existing floor and display cases made from architectural salvage and antiques, will give the store a "green” existence.

Jeremy Gardner, co-director of bgDesign, said the project has gotten him to think outside the box.

"It causes you to be more creative. We have a tight budget so we spend a little more time on how we display the products,” he said.

Old doors and recycled glass are being transformed into shelving and an old postal sorter has new life as a display cabinet.

All items have been sourced locally.

Harris said she’s also using recycled paper business cards and gift cards, and designed bags so they can be reused.

The store is already generating interest among like-minded mamas, she said.

"We’ve already got 70 Facebook fans and we’re not even open yet,” she said.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/article/3431706?searched=green%20bambino&custom_click=search#ixzz0ceaWBi3J

Say What? Chaste? Discreet? What's that??? Be silent in church???

As I have finished reading Created to Be His Help Meet (yes, I know some don't agree with her on things)on Tuesday I have remembered some letters she or her husband had received from young men. I have shared them with my Pa and I have thought about it and I can honestly say that it is true about the way a "woman" dresses. I have written an article on this before on my xanga(www.xanga.com/virtuouswoman4jesus...not sure if you will find it so if ya don't go to my profile and it will be in the section of favourite thing to wear if I remember right) but I believe one can never hear it enough. This was on my mind and heart the other day but I didn't get a chance to write about it till today.

NOTE: You might get a wild hair to curse me for this post so if that's the case I will warn you that your comments will be deleted. I will not sit around and argue...I have things to do and do not sit around arguing on hours end. The BIBLE is clear and I will follow it. I encourage you to seek to follow God's words and His ways. With that being said have a nice day.



Women shame their husbands or fathers by the way they dress. They have become what some call eye candy(you can look but ya can't touch). But, at the same time some get pleasure from tempting men and makin' them lust after them and it becomes a game almost. Then there are some whose parents are supposed to be christians and yet they let them wear tight, low shirts, short skirts, shorts, tight pants(although, no matter what kind of pants they still show form and not feminine) and who knows what else and yet, the parents get mad when the boys or even men look at their daughters funny or just right out stare...I just wanna say well, DUH!!! Men are by sight and they need help to protect themselves. I have heard people say well they are gonna look anyways no matter what I wear...that may be true but you will be held accountable for the way you dress and present yourself, so if a girl or woman dress in long modest skirts or dresses, shirts that cover all your chest and hit the tip of the bottom of your neck that are loose shirts or sweaters and no one can see every curve of your body then you will have no blame on your side and it will be the man's fault. People almost forget that pornography is rampant and they act like the way a woman dresses wouldn't bother a man...HELLO WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!!! Men have a hormone drive and sometimes seein' an immodest woman can cause them great struggle or cause them to commit sight adultry. There are tons in churches today even ones that call themselves baptist that have tons of inviting teenage girls and women by the way they dress...there is no need to go on the street to find one all you have to do is go to church!!! Church was or is supposed to be a safe haven from the world but yet men are not finding rest or safety at church but have to be on guard there, as well, for the sake of their testimony lest Satan get the upper hand. Men have to avert their eyes and make a conscious effort to focus on the face. The way they dress almost says come and get me...even the women who are married! Let me say this honey, men who have been into porno at one time even those who have only seen 2 minutes worth and never looked at it again will always struggle with it on and off even saved men and for some of them they cannot see a woman's calves/legs because even that causes them thoughts. It takes two to commit adultry.

Bathsheba thought she could bathe anywhere she wanted and she cost people their lives, dignity, and put a curse on people. She cause a man whom God considered a man after His own heart to fall...grant it he should of been with his men but like I said it takes two and he let his flesh win over his love for God...women can have a powerful effect on men...in a sense they hold heaven or hell in their hands when it comes to a man.

1 Timothy 2: 9 & 10, In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

1 Peter3:4, But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Shouldn't we be dressing (act,or present ourselves) in a way that professes godliness if we are born of the Spirit? Normally, what is in our heart will show up on the outside...it starts with the heart. It is a matter of the heart. Those who want to go far and beyond so that if they slide a little that it won't be much if they do. Many always try to walk the edge and see what they can get away with.

Honestly, how is dressing immodest feminine??? How is showing your legs or every curve of your body feminine??? How is that lady -like??? People don't have any shame today or pride or even care that they don't even respect themselves. How can women expect men or others to show them respect when they themselves do NOT respect their own selves.

A man should want his wife to keep her body for him only and ought to want her to cover herself up. Can you just imagine a man's wife causing other men to lust??? There are pastors even whose wives tempt other men. Some are embarrassed by their pastor's wife or music minster's wife and how they dress that they don't want to invite others to come to their church. Women are not chaste or discreet anymore and those are 2 things listed in God's book.

There a young men who have quit the church because of the dress in the church and it isn't being preached about or against in the churches today and if it is it is a rarity. EVEN other women do NOT want to see a woman showing herself off....when flesh is shown it causes everyone to stare even if it doesn't cause a person to have problems but the people will think oh why can't she cover up, it's disgusting!

There are men who are unmarried and have avoided their friends because their friends have married a woman who brings her husband shame by the way she dresses and it makes it hard by their immodest dress on those unmarried men. The unmarried men want a good wife that won't dress like that. And their friends who married the immodest woman thought that once they married the woman would sober up...think again! You cannot change her for the better unless she has a tender heart to change.

There was a young man who said one time that he sees a woman and she is modest until she starts walkin' then you see her leg through the slit of her skirt and she isn't so modest after all until she quits walkin again- that is a type of strip tease...teasin' a man to look...quite shocking I know...many of ya'll wouldn't have considered or thought of that one. I could be even more blunt but I don't know who all reads this so I won't.

Now, I want to go ahead and speak about women wearing skirts or dresses...Deu 22:5 is clear...The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. - Abomination means sin by the way. It's interestingly enough that ya don't usually hear preachers mention this verse but they have no problem mentioning other verses that speak about other things that are an abomination...they have wives to please or don't wanna upset people in the church...many men compromise because of it. So, for any to say that they aren't sayin it's a sin for a woman to wear pants is wrong because that verse is clear and yes, I know some sweet women who wear pants but there are alot of sweet women out there who are even lost. So, that is overused. No, I don't go around tellin' those women they are wrong...but, if they ask me why i wear them all the time then I will tell them why. I have heard the argument that the priests wore robes or skirts but did you know that with Deu 22:5 that there obviously was a difference in men's clothing and women's otherwise God would not have taken time to have that put in there? Plus, haven't you seen where it says they girt their loins? ANd you have heard mentioned in the Bible the word girdle right? They girt their loins by tuckin' their robe or skirt into their girdle when they ran or worked or fought(not everyone was like Rome). And women try to use that argument a lot of times to justify them wearing pants. I even heard one say well, then why don't men go back to wearing robes? Pants have never been a woman's clothing in past so why now??? What makes now any different? What's wrong with being made different than men? What's wrong with lookin' like a lady? What's wrong with people givin' you more respect? One woman told me of how she went somewhere and how this man opened the door for her and not the woman that had pants on! Back in the day it was disgraceful for a woman to be wearin' trousers. We have come far from being distinctive in the way we dress. A man ought to be able to look at a woman and not guess but know it is a woman. Today, we get disgusted when men wear women's clothing - dresses and skirts and we call them cross dressers but what about the women who are cross-dressin'? If we wear full dresses or skirts we can do anything in them and if we can't then maybe we aren't supposed to be doing them. I have ridden a horse in a long tiered skirt and it worked quite well. I have camped, hiked, fished,and gardened in one.

Seriously, it is okay to be the weaker vessel. God didn't make us different to say that man is superior or whatever. He made him to lead to be over the woman and that's just that. Why is it that we think that God's design is not right? WHy is it that women want to work out in a man's work place and dress and do everything a man can do just to prove she is as good as he is? Men are good at what they do and women are good at they were designed to do( some just need help learnin' how to but when they get it down others will be in awe that she is great at her job). If we're the weaker vessel then we should be distinctively different than the man. I mean we have women that usurp authority in churches or somewhere else preachin'(makes me wonder who's the leader in their family).
-1 Timothy 2:12, But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
And women are out somewhere else teachin' men in a school setting at college... yes, they hire women to teach men.
Women are to be in silence not teach or usurp the authority of man.
-1 Timothy 2:11 says, Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
And that is what women aren't doin' today. They give testimonies and prayer requests during church in front of everybody. They ask other men and not their fathers or husbands spiritual questions. They do so many things they ought not...they are tryin to be the modern woman whether they realize it or not. People forget that we are in a battle and satan desires women to do the opposite of the Scriptures and God's design.

Well, that's all for now, I have more I will write about on women and their roles and what the Bible say about a woman later on.

Hope everyone has a wonderful- good and blessed afternoon:)

Until next time.


Glorying in God's goodness,

K