• Understanding MCS: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a disorder triggered by exposure to chemicals in the environment which can cause symptoms such as headaches, respiratory problems, memory loss, depression and fatigue.
• Finding the Right Detergent: Individuals with MCS should look for "green" brands and check labels carefully when looking for an appropriate laundry detergent.
• Potential Issues with Standard Detergent: Reactions to "regular" laundry detergents can vary and may irritate skin or create other unpleasant results.
• Castile Soap Safety: Castile soap is made of olive oil and lye and is just as safe to use as standard bar or liquid soaps.
• Final Thoughts: Home testing different products while considering fragrance implications can help individuals find the right laundry detergent for their needs.

• High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water than traditional washers, but require specially formulated soaps.
• Products used in HE washers should have the HE logo to certify use in these washing machines.
• Quality all-natural laundry detergents do not ruin HE washers, however it is important to be aware of ingredients such as excess fatty acids which can cause build up and residue.
• All-natural laundry detergents will save you from being exposed to chemicals, but making your own supplies careful measuring and ratio considerations.
• It is suggested to opt for a professionally made all-natural laundry detergent that has been tested for compatibility with HE washers or use one that has a clean soap that's not superfatted.

• Castile Soap is a vegetable-based, non-toxic, natural and biodegradable product with many uses.
• It can be used to make DIY beauty products and household cleaning products.
• Castile Soap offers benefits like versatility, affordability, and gentle cleansing qualities.
• It can be used as a shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, dish soap then followed up with an acid for stunning results.
• MamaSuds offers quality Castile soap-based products at an affordable price.

 

There is nothing quite as exciting (or as exhausting) as the last trimester of pregnancy. The baby is coming soon and there are so many tasks to do in those last few months to be ready for your baby's arrival. Even if you are adopting or making use of a surrogate, preparing your house for the changes a new child will bring seems almost overwhelming!

As you head into the last few months before your baby’s arrival, taking the time to prepare your home will help you better handle all the changes that come. Getting your home cleaned and organized before you are juggling the demands of a newborn and your other responsibilities will give peace of mind and help you be prepared to handle any new mess or clutter that crops up. Consider tackling some of these key areas as you clean to better prepare.

 

Kitchen

The kitchen is the center of your home, where food and family meet on a daily basis. Take a few hours to inspect and prioritize these areas in your kitchen.

Refrigerator

Dedicate time to cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer before your baby arrives. Check expiration dates on items and throw away anything past expiration as well as any food or leftovers that have been lurking in the back of your refrigerator. Wipe down the shelves with warm water and vinegar.

Pantry

Just like your refrigerator, dedicate a chunk of time to going through your pantry and throwing away food items that are past expiration. Unopened cans or boxes that are not at expiration can be donated to your local food pantry. Stock up on quick, healthy snacks that you can grab on the go when you are home with your new baby. Keep a shelf stocked with bottles or breast pump supplies and be sure to rearrange a little space for kid’s snacks and food as they grow.

 

Laundry Room

Babies produce an incredible amount of laundry, much of it stained. Be ready to tackle stains and higher volumes of laundry.

Cleaners

Stock up on baby-safe cleaners for your newborn's clothing, sheets, and towels. Take it a step further and purchase laundry cleaners that are both good for the environement and safe for your baby.  

Hampers

Make sure you have adequate hampers with distinct compartments to sort your baby's clothes separately from the rest of the family.

 

Baby’s Room

You’ve probably been in a nesting stage for a while, but now is the time to double-check, dust and clean your baby’s future room.

Changing Table

No nursery room would be complete without one of these. Stock up your table with extra diapers, wipes, power, creams, as well as extra clothes. Organize the drawers in a way that makes sense for you during changing. Or don't use one at all (I never did!). I kept a basket with changing supplies in the room we were in the most and just changed my babies on the floor.

Closet

If you’ve received any baby clothes, sheets, or other future supplies, take time now to organize them in the nursery closet. Clothing that won’t fit right away can be packed away or hung at the back. Extra crib sheets and pillows should be stored on higher shelves.

 

Tackling cleaning and organizing tasks as you prepare for your new baby is a smart way to spend those last few months before they arrive. Do some organization and be sure you have a plan for future cleaning and organization as well.

How I Make Liquid Castile Soap (from scratch)

Originally this video on how liquid soap (castile soap) is made at MamaSuds was created in the summer of 2015. It is the highest viewed post ever on our blog! 

Two things I learned while making this video. 1) My blender made a lot more noise on the video than it does in person. Sometimes the blender is heard over my voice, but I promise I don't say anything life changing. 2) I say the word AND too much. Which is better than saying the word UM, but I am aware of it and I'll try to practice. <---- I call myself out on this only because I KNOW someone else will :).  So if you are into soap making, want to see what goes into making MamaSuds Castile Soap- which is in the Body Wash, All Purpose Cleaner and Laundry Soap. It's the very first MamaSuds product.  Grab your popcorn and your Junior Mints, it's a nail biter! How to make liquid castile soap....