http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/catherinerobertson

Well, now I have a *third* web-site! In addition to CatCanCook, and GuelphSwapShop, I am very excited to announce that I have my own Creative Memories Web-site Please take a moment to check it out! Feel free to peruse the on-line catalogue, and even place an order to be shipped directly to your home or as a gift for a friend!

I LOVE these products! I can’t say enough good things about them!

In this evenings quest for green cleaning resources, I found this great information on home-made cleaners on Better Homes and Gardens web-site! I wanted to post it here for you to see how easy it really is to “Go Green” I will keep adding to this recipes section as I find more. I am also going to make a whole batch of different cleaning products later this week, so I will let you know how that pans out! Pans…get it?!? Oh, never mind!

Here is some really practical advice on making your own cleaning products:

The Basic Ingredients

Soft Scrub (for sinks, counter-tops, tub..etc.)
Add enough soap to 1/8 cup baking soda to make a creamy mixture. Apply with sponge to clean; rinse the surface well. Use and discard.

Appliance Cleaner
Dry baking soda shines up small appliances and even removes bread wrappers burned onto the toaster. Try rubbing a teaspoon onto your grubby blender or food processor with a clean flannel cloth.

Toilet Cleaner/Deodorizer
Sprinkle toilet bowl with 1/4 cup baking soda. Drizzle with 1/4 cup vinegar, then scour with a toilet brush.

Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle oven with 1/2 cup baking soda (more if needed) and spray with water. Let sit for several hours or overnight before scraping up stains and spills. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Hardwood Floor Cleaner
In a pail or bucket, mix 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar in one gallon warm water. Mop wood or linoleum floors, then rinse with water, making sure not to leave large pools to dry

I’ve recently begun to research something that I have not thought about for a long time.  Given the fact that I have young children in my home, I believe it is high time I take these matters into my own hands. You are probably wondering “what on earth is she talking about?” Well, it just so happens that I am talking about “Going Green” It’s been nagging me silently for a while now, and I have finally decided to try my hand once more at making some of my very own Earth Friendly Cleaning Products. I used to do this *eons* ago, back in my high-school days, but since moving away from my parents home, attending University, getting married and having children, I suppose it has become something less of a priority…until now. Recent readings of “Green Chic” and “Green This” two awesome books on life-style makeovers of the environmental kind, have inspired me to do my part. Now, I’m not saying that I am making earth-shattering changes here.  I just want to take baby steps into a greener home, something I am committed to doing for my family, and for the future of our earth.

So…after a bit of research, I have discovered that many wonderful cleaning products can be made from regular, non-toxic household products like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil..etc.  The recipes seem easy and straight forward, extremely sensible, and easy on the wallet to boot!  In fact, if my calculations are right, most of the recipes I’ve found would actually cost less than buying ready-made *toxic* cleaners.

I must admit, that the books scared me into submission. Talk of the environmental impact as well as the huge impact on human health (especially children’s health) by the use of store-bought cleaners scared me out of my mind. Basically, these concoctions are poisoning us! Yikes! Quick, hand me the vinegar, and maybe a glass of Merlot too (though I won’t be cleaning with that thank-you very much!)

There is a myriad of information on-line on some wonderful cleaning products you can make and keep in your home, that are completely non-toxic as well as affordable. There are apparently ones that even smell great, thanks to the essential oils that are added because of their fragrance and anti-bacterial qualities.

So, today instead of offering you a recipe for something yummy to eat, I offer the recipe for a clean home, the earth-friendly way!  Below are a couple of great recipes I am eager to try:

All Purpose Greener-Cleaner

1 tsp. borax, 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. vinegar, ½ tsp. dish soap or mild castile soap, 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice and 2 cups hot water. Store in a spray bottle and use like any all-purpose cleaner.

Combine 2 tbsp. baking soda with 2 cups hot water, and stir until dissolved. Add fresh lemon juice or any essential oils (Tea Tree, Lavender, Bergamot, Peppermint…etc) Store in a spray bottle and mist into the air to freshen it.

Furniture Polish (for wood)

Polish wood with a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and vegetable/olive oil. Rub the polish into the wood, then buff with a soft cloth.

In Loving Memory of Thelma Hahn (my Gram) who’s own spirit flew free on June 12, 2008. I love you forever, I’ll miss you always…

She Sends Birds

By: Catherine Robertson

She sends birds in this time of sorrow,
to watch over and protect.
They bring love in a time of sadness,
and this symbol seems perfect.

An Oriole in tree-top high,
a shining jewel of love.
A Mourning Dove mourns with me,
gifted from skies above.

Two ducks drop in with comfort,
and waddle through the grass.
Bright Goldfinch at the feeder,
keep watch on your way past.

I long to see them often,
bring peace and solace here.
While memories sustain me,
these gifts of birds appear.

She sends birds to make life peaceful,
a sign she knows we’ll see.
Spirit bless each one we witness,
as they’re sent eternally.

Those who knew her well knew how much Gram loved birds. I think that every phone conversation I ever had with her included tell of that days’ activity around her bird feeder. Even if it was just sparrows, this was thought to be worthy news, and told as though it was the highlight of her day. Birds brought her such joy, and were a true passion for Gram.

In the days since her passing, tremendous comfort has been brought to me by the visitation of birds of varying varities, and always at the most appropriate times. The other day while sitting on the deck of our home, so very deep in sorrow, and feeling such a tremendous sense of loss, a sweet little Mourning Dove landed right beside me. He regarded me inquisitively as I wept, and as quickly as he came to me, he fluttered away again. I took this as a sign that Gram was with me. She had sent him as a signal “it’s okay, I’m here”

Cardinals continuously bathe in the bird bath Gram offered Stuart and I when she moved from her home on 6th street. We had just bought our first house, and were thrilled at the prospect of watching birds in our very own backyard. Inded, it has had so much use, over the years, but until this past week, never had I seen a Cardinal use it.

Robins have adorned my yard like autumn leaves this week, their happy songs can be heard early every morning. They watch me as I water the garden, hoping to sneak in at just the right moment to grab the fattest worm possible..

Ducks have come in for brief landings, and wandered through the yard as if giving it their approval. The chickadees sing and chase each other happily, and finches dance through the skies, providing a wonderous show of gold.

The most beautiful experience of late, was the morning of Grams passing, when an Oriole came to a tall tree near the deck of mom and Dad’s house. He sang happily to us, and although he was shy, he made certain he was seen and heard. Charlie, Mom and Dad’s inherited resident crow, has also accompanied the Oriole in recent visits to the pond, bringing joy to those who catch a glimpse of him, while he catches the daily offerings of bread crusts out back.

Gram has sent us birds as a sign that all is well. An offering from a place that we cannot possibly comprehend, but a symbol which brings understanding and peace . They are a sign of new-found freedom and joy. They represent her spirit.

I will watch for Gram’s birds for some time to come…and even though I know that they have always been around me, I intend to stop and watch, listen and feel…for the birds she sends are sent with love, and now, recieved with so much more joy than ever before.

After 4 years of deliberating, I *finally* decided that I might as well try to make some income from one of my favorite past-times and passions, and sell Creative Memories products! I hope it goes well. I already have a weekly group of ladies that get together at my house to work on our scrapbooks, so why not integrate the two?

In case you are unfamiliar with Creative Memories products, they are a beautiful line of products ranging from stickers to embellishments, albums, cutting and cropping systems, organizational tools and tote bags, and software for making digital photography easy to store, share and use! They even have a whole new line of home decor items!  Not only are all of the products acid and lignen free for archival preservation purposes, they are also beautiful, high quality and easy to use. Also, if you are not an overly creative person, these products take away the guess-work, making page layouts a snap!

I’ve used Creative Memories products for the past 6 years, and I can honestly say they are my favorite scrapbooking product line!

I look forward to posting more about my future endeavours with Creative Memories. Training begins next week! Wish me luck!