Handmade Soap!

I am going to be trying my hand at soap making!  
Handmade soap is far superior than any traditional store bought soap.  The biggest difference is in the amount of synthetic ingredients.  Handmade soap has far less synthetic ingredients.  Handmade soap also contains more natural ingredients and are therefore gentler on skin as well as the environment.  

Its ingredients can be changed to suit you own personal needs and preferences.  With store bought soap you are limited to what is on the shelf.  With handmade soap you can be sure to eliminate any ingredients that may irritate your skin and add any colourants, scents, oils and conditioners you desire!  

Now, there are a few (I use the term loosely) "negatives" with handmade soaps.  Now with no chemicals added, handmade soap tends to spoil faster (no chemical preservatives) and produce less lather (with added chemicals) than store bought.  For me, this is not a negative.  I am ok with less chemicals in my soap even if it means having to use it within the year it was made and being sure to rinse thoroughly.  With handmade soap comes a lotion like feel as well as being less drying than the store bought soaps.  

Benefits of Handmade Soap:
Handmade soap retains all of the glycerine which is produced as a by product of the soap making process. Glycerine is widely used in the cosmetics industry and is frequently removed by the large manufacturers of commercial soap. Glycerine is a natural moisturizing agent and accounts for many of the benefits of handmade soap.

Most of the handmade soap contain natural vegetable oils.  These oils are more expensive than those used by the large commercial manufacturers and result in a superior texture, moisturizing properties and cleaning ability.

Handmade soap can also be changed to suit your personal needs and preferences.  You can eliminate what irritates your skin and add whatever oils, colourants, scents and conditioners you desire; with store bought soap you are limited to what is on the shelf.  

Chemicals, detergents, degreasers and the like are absent from homemade soaps. While these compounds will clean your skin, they also remove the natural oils and dry the skin.

To illustrate some of the advantages of handcrafted soap over mass produced commercial soaps, lets take a look at two store bough soaps  “Dove” and 'Lever 2000'. Like all store bought products there is an ingredient list.  The ingredients are always listed in order by the quantity of that ingredient in the product, with the largest quantity listed first.

Dove:
Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, microcrystalline wax, Sodium Palmitate, Lauric Acid, Sodium Isethionate, Water, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoate or Sodium Palm Kernelate, Fragrance, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, olefin sulfonate ,Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891).

Lever 2000:
Sodium tallowate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoate, water, sodium isethionate, stearic acid, coconut fatty acid, fragrance, titanium dioxide, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium etidronate, BHT, FD & C blue no. 1, D&C red no. 33.

Notice that sodium tallowate is listed first in both of these soaps.  Tallow has been used in soap making for thousands of years.  This compound is a natural result of combining sodium hydroxide (lye) with beef tallow.  It is considered by some to clog pores, cause blackheads, and increase eczema for those individuals with sensitive skin.  The attractiveness of tallow for mass producing soap is that it processes quickly, produces a hard bar of soap, is cheap and plentiful.  Pioneers on the American frontier had few, or no, alternatives to the use of animal fats for making soap .  Today, there are many vegetable oils which are better alternatives.

Sodium cocoate is listed in both sets of ingredients.  Sodium cocoate is the result of combining coconut oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).  Coconut oil is a main ingredient in many quality soaps. Sodium palm kernalate is listed next.  This soap compound results from the combination of palm kernel oil with sodium hydroxide (lye).  This is an excellent soap compound; white in colour, very hard, and excellent lather.  Although Palm oil contributes to the destruction of the rainforest.

Stearic Acid is listed in both sets of ingredients.  Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid usually derived
from tallow or lard and sometimes palm oil.  The use of stearic acid can contribute to a harder, more long-lasting bar of soap.

Titanium dioxide is a neutral, very white powder used in combination with other colorants. It is not considered to be harmful.

If the list stopped there there would be no major complain about store bought soap, but it doesn't; it continues...
Now lets take a look at the other ingredients:
Tetrasodium EDTA - Synthetic preservative - can be irritating to the eyes/mucous membranes.

Sodium cocoyl isethionate - synthetic detergent. Technically, an anionic surfactant, meaning it reduces
surface tension, making water 'wetter'.

Sodium isethionate - synthetic detergent. Technically, a moisture absorber, surfactant and anti-static agent.

Trisodium etidronate - A preservative. Possible irritant.

BHT - (butylhydroxytoluene) Synthetic antioxidant to keep oils in formula from going rancid. When ingested, implicated in tumour formation and liver enlargement in rodent tests. Sometimes used as a food preservative.

Disodium phosphate - Buffering agent, used to adjust pH.

Sodium Laurdyl - cheap foamer used in the auto industry to clean car motors.

Microcrystalline Wax - A type of wax from petroleum products used to harden soap.

Etidronate - chelating agent used to soften water and soap to prevent soap scum. Aggravates skin problems, particularly eczema. (I'd rather clean soap scum!)

Olefin Sulfonate - Man made plastic like chemical used as a hardener.  Known to cause birth defects and reproduction/ fertility

Fragrance - far too many possible ingredients to list. Here is a helpful link.
Now we can take a look at some common Handmade Soap ingredients:

Oils:
Coconut Oil - Great for moisturizing and produces a good thick lather even in cold water!

Olive Oil - very good moisturizer because it attracts external moisture and holds it close to the skin. It forms a breathable film to prevent loss of inner moisture.

Canola oil - Contributes protein and moisturizing qualities.

Cocoa Butter - lays down a protective layer that holds moisture to the skin making it a great skin softener.

Neem Oil - great oil that is used to treat dandruff, oily skin, and skin diseases such as scabies. Great mosquito repellent!!

Castor Oil - a vegetable oil from the castor bean
Acts as humectants by attracting and retaining moisture to the skin. Great for shampoo and any skin care.

Shea Butter - also known as African karite butter it is an awesome moisturizer. Helps to heal cracked, dry feet and leaves the skin soft and supple.

Grapeseed Oil - loaded with anti-oxidants and possessing regenerative and reconstructive qualities makes this a great oil for aging skin.

Avocado Oil - contains protein, amino acids, and large amounts of vitamin A, D, and E. They not only moisturize but also heal. They enable the Avocado Oil to regenerate cells, soften tissue and heal scaly skin and scalp.Great for aging and sensitive skin.

Colourants:

Cinnamon - cooking spice that adds a dark, earthy brown colour as well as some fragrance

Annatto Seed - imparts a yellow-orange colour

Turmeric - cooking spice that adds a yellow colour.

Paprika - cooking spice which adds a peachy pink colour.

Alkanet - a root which produces shades of pink, blue and purple depending o ampount used as weell as other ingredients.

Scents:
Floral: geranium, lavender, lilac, rose, etc.

Citrus: grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, etc.

Aromatherapy: lavender, peppermint, ylang ylang, etc.

Medicinal: tea tree, rose geranium, etc.

Earthy: atlas cedarwood, balsam, juniper berry, sandalwood, etc.

Seasonal: pine, spruce, etc.

Conditioners:

aloe vera, cinnamon, lemon oil, tea tree oil, wheat germ, calendula, lavender, oatmeal, vitamin E coconut milk, etc.

Conclusion: store bought soap = chemicals, handmade soap = natural.

Now decide for yourself as to what you would rather use on your body.  I choose natural handmade soap!  I am thinking it will not only be better for our skin but also for our wallets... plus it should be loads of fun to make!

references: Island Soap and ehow

Dishwasher detergent and Laundry Soap

In our efforts to minimize our impact on the environment and to live healthy and green... we have decided to start making our own cleaning products!  After reading some articles and information about household cleaning products it is clear to me that something is seriously wrong with our way of thinking when we use harsh and poisonous chemicals to "clean" our homes, possessions and even our own bodies.  We are going to be using the simplest formula with no added perfume (ie: chemicals) unless plant derived and organic.

Here is our ingredients for Laundry detergent (costing $0.05 per load):  

• 1 – 55 ounce box of Washing Soda 
• 1 – 76 ounce box of Borax
• 1 – 10 pack of 4.5 ounce bars of Fels-Naptha®

Here is our ingredients for Dishwasher Detergent (costing $0.05 per load):

• 1 – 55 ounce box of Washing Soda
• 1 – 76 ounce box of Borax 
• 1 – 48 ounce box of coarse Kosher Salt 
• 1 – 5 pound container of food-grade Citric Acid (You can find this online or at your local brewery or specialty beer store.  If you cannot find this you can substitute LemiShine.)  
• 1 – gallon of White Vinegar (rinse agent: costs $0.06 per FILL)

Recipes from: DIY Natural - Great Link! 

Thanksgiving Dessert!

For Thanksgiving dinner we decided to make a... you guessed it, a pumpkin ice cream.  I found the recipe from David Lebovitz Blog.  Now, if you like pumkin pie, you will L-O-V-E this recipe!  The only thing we did different was not straining the mixture prior to putting it in the ice cream maker.  I think this step was to eliminate any chunks that may have been in the pumpkin puree.  The texture ended up being a bit "loose"... I am not sure how else to explain it.  The flavour was fantastic but I think not straining the pumpkin puree was the cause of the different texture.  The texture was not a bad thing, just not creamy, though it was still smooth in your mouth.  

Churn baby churn!

VOILA!

We brought the IC over to my brothers for dinner with the family and served it with a ginger and cinnamon snap cookie.... DELICIOUS!

Chickens New Home

I just realize that I haven't posted about my Chickens new home yet, so here it is:
They are now living at the Windsor, Essex Coop Cooperative.  They run around with 31 other birds and live in an old trailer for a coop... not too shabby!  It's about a 15 minute drive, at most, and we go at least twice a week.  I often stop by during the day when on my way into the city to give them a few treats and some love and cuddles.  I had been very nervous about my ladies getting along with the existing birds but it took no more than a few days and they were making friends.  My ladies stayed in the coop for the first few days only venturing out at odd times.  I had witnessed one of my ladies running out and getting picked on quite a bit from the other birds.  Although, this didn't last long.  Within a few days they were seen running around with the other birds and having no issues whatsoever.  There had been some Chanteclares introduced a few weeks prior to ours and they never left the coop until my ladies were there.  I think once they saw my ladies running around outside they decided they should head out as well.  Everyone seems very happy together.

The Cooperative plans on keeping the coop and chickens all winter long and so we will now be hiking out in the dead of winter for the birds.  I don't mind much, but hopefully there are no major issues with the cold and ice.  I am not sure what the plan is for the waterer... hopefully it doesn't freeze solid inside the coop.  They winterized the coop by covering it with plastic tarps to keep drafts and such out, but there are areas for venting.  I think we will all just take it one day at a time and concur the challenges as they arise.  That said, I was very glad to see where my birds had decided to roost.  They are on the highest shelf.  It is a wide shelf so they can tuck their entire feet and legs under their bodies without any hanging over an edge.  They also are enclosed a bit since there is an immediate top and sides around them so they can huddle together, as they do anyhow, and keep warm.  I remember when we brought our ladies there, some of the existing birds had definitely been roosting on that shelf; they definitely got the boot once my ladies got there.  Now, I have read that the highest rooster are the "boss" but I am not sure if that is fact but I know one of my girls, I like to call her Sophia, is definitely a bossy bird.  I have seen her out in the run putting others in their place when I throw some scraps... its nice to know I raised a natural leader.  

Day one.  We had them in their own small area for the first few hours.

Checking out their new digs.

Roosting!

Crazy Chanteclares.

Pretty Girls!

Too many production birds in one nesting basket.  LOL

3 peas in a pod... or, 3 chickens in a basket.

I do miss seeing them in the yard and having the kids watch them and throw them some snacks but overall, I am happy about where our ladies have ended up (but will still bring them with us if we move).  We have gotten to know some great people with values similar to ours and are part of the local CSA as well as the Coop Cooperative.  I think the sense of community we will get from this group will be a major benefit.  It will help us learn as well as teach the kids about community, food and agriculture.  Regardless of where we live, be it farm or subdivision, we will remain a part of the CSA and Coop Cooperative.   Bylaw and neighbourhood drama can't change the fact that this has been an overall positive experience and I would not change any of our past or present decisions.  We have benefited from each stage of our "chicken journey" and plan to keep doing what we believe is best for our family, the environment and the world as a whole!

Water Kefir: First Results

After 48hrs of fermenting (grains were asleep when we got them so they needed some time to get going again) our kefir water was ready for straining.

Kefir water after 48hrs of fermenting, prior to straining.

Straining water kefir in our tuna strainer (was unable to find a plasric sieve).

Strained kefir grains and egg shell.

Egg shell on left was fermented with the grains, right egg shell is fresh. Fascinating!

The flavour of the sucanat was still very overpowering so I decided to add some lemon juice and strawberry puree. I didn't add it to the entire batch, just about 1/3. This was very tasty! I also made a batch of lemonade and added 1/2 kefir water and 1/2 lemonade and drank that... which was also very tasty.

Kefir water, lemon juice and strawberry puree.

I went ahead and started 2 more batches of water kefir. I decided to experiment with the types of surgar I used. I ended up with about 7 tbsp. of grains after our first batch so was able to make a 4 cup and a 3 cup batch. The 4 cup batch I added 2 tbsp. of cane sugar and 1 tbsp. of palm sugar and egg shell and 1 dried prune. The 4 cup batch I added 2 tbsp. of cane sugar, 1 tbsp. of each of palm sugar and sucanat and 2 dried prunes. After 24 hrs of fermentation, they were both ready... grains were working fully.

Fruit started on the bottom but floated to the top during fermentation.

Both batches ready to go!

Both of these batches were quite tasty. They are a bit sweet but have a bit of a zing to them as well. They are not very fizzy, but to achieve a fizzy drink I believe you have to seal the lid and keep it in the fridge for a few days after straining the grains.

Here is another great link all about water kefir: www.Yemoos.com

I decided to use about 1/2 of each batch and flavour them. I strained the grains and then added some mashed strawberries to one and blueberries to the other. I put lids on (loosely) and sat them back on the counter for another 24 hrs.... tomorrow we will taste!

Blueberry and Strawberry... yummo!

Water Kefir Grains

I had recently been doing some reading about healthy eating and such things.  I came across a grain I had heard of before but not anything past the yogurt style.  We used to purchase Liberte Kefir from the grocery store as opposed to yogurt.  It is similar in texture but kefir is far more tangy tasting.  It wasn't until recently that I discoved the many uses of these wonderful Water Kefir Grains!  (also known as Tibicos, tibi, sugar kefir grains, japanese water chrystals and California Bees)

Kefir Grains are cultures of healthy strains of bacteria and yeast.  They feed on sugar and produce lactic acid, alcohol(usually less than 1%) and carbon dioxide thus making a unique tasting carbonated beverage.  Drinking water kefir will supply your body with natural probiotics which aid in digestive health.  Kefir also contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid, B vitamins and magnesium, known for protecting the nervous system, also producing a calming effect.   There are many more benefits of this wonderful grain and they can be found all over the place on the wonderful web.

There a many links with information and recipes out there about water kefir grains but I have discovered a few that have been very helpful and informative:

http://zoevblog.com/2010/03/17/what-is-water-kefir-and-how-to-make-it/
http://www.yourkefirsource.com/
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/kefir

Aaron and I also found a local group of Kefir grains on facebook and have joined their group and managed to get some water kefir grains for free.  The grains multiply each time you use them so you end up with an abundance and its very easy to share with others, which we also plan on doing.  We decided to start a batch and just do a basic formula.

The basic formula is for every 1 cup of water (filtered) you add 1 tbsp. sugar and 1 tbsp. of grains.  You can also add dried fruit (unsweetened, unsulfered) and some lemon wedges (organic) and a piece of a free range egg shell.  You ferment for approx. 24hrs and then strain and enjoy!  You don't want to use any fruit that may contain any chemicals or any metal utensils as this will harm and even kill your grains.

We simply added 4 cups water, 4 tbsp. sucanat ( raw sugar), 4 tbsp. kefir grains and a piece of free range egg shell for added nutrients.  After 24 hours we weren't sure if  it was working or if the grains were alive.  There was a fermentation type smell so we thought it was doing something.  We decided to let it ferment for another 24hrs, assuming the grains had been asleep.  After about 36 hours there were some bubbles on the top and I knew it was well on its way.  I tasted it at the 36 hour mark and it was a tad fizzy but not overly.  It tasted much like... well, sucanat.  I think once it is done fermenting, 48 hrs, we will each give it a try and then possibly add some pureed fruit or something for a boost of flavour.

Many people will add dried fruit and even a citrus wedge at the beginning for added nutrients for the grains as well as it adds a bit of flavour.  To have flavoured water kefir people usually add some flavour (fresh fruit, purees, flavouring such as vanilla) after 24hrs of fermentation.  They strain the grains and then add fresh fruit and allow it to sit and ferment (grains removed) for another 24 hrs.  We didn't want to mess with our first batch so we did the simplest method.  From reading I have noticed that many people just experiment with the grains and adding flavours.  Since the water kefir grains multiply rapidly (almost double) each time they are used, it is something you can simply play around with.  If you have a batch that doesn't turn out... simply toss and start again... nothing lost but a bit of sugar and possibly a few pieces of fruit.

Our first batch of water kefir!

Water Kefir Grains at work.

Household Toxins

It amazes me that most all of us use chemicals that can potentially kill us in our everyday routines.   Household cleaners with clearly marked labels stating flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc... to CLEAN our homes.  If we think about this... what exactly are we trying to clean?  Are we cleaning poison off of our counters and bathtubs?  NO, we are using poisons to "clean" common germs and dirt.   We are so concerned about not getting something like the common cold, that may be somewhat of an inconvenience on our lives, yet we don't think twice about spraying chemicals all over our homes since we can't see any immediate effects.   What ever happened to cleaning the house with vinegar and water?  What about corn starch, baking soda or lemon juice?  A great link with recipes for homemade organic cleaning products is at Earthnotes.

Lets think abut what chemicals are in our homes that maybe we are unaware of.  Here is a list of 7 other common household dangers we may be unaware of (from Rodale.com):

1.  Antibacterial soap which contains a chemical triclosan... also used in some toothepastes, is believed to disrupt thyroid function and hormone levels in people; when it mixes into wastewater, it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. And health experts believe that overuse of this and other antibacterial chemicals is promoting the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibacterial treatment.

Alternative: Good old-fashioned soap and warm water will kill just as many germs, studies have shown. If you must use a hand sanitizer, pick one that’s alcohol based and doesn’t list triclosan, triclocarban (another related antibacterial chemical) or other chemicals described as "antimicrobial" or "antibacterial" on the label.

2.  Synthetic Fragrances may be the most common type of chemical in your house. Used in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, air fresheners, deodorizers, shampoos, hair sprays, gels, lotions, sunscreens, soaps, perfumes, powders, and scented candles—and dozens of other products you may not know about—fragrances are a class of chemicals that are well worth the time and effort to avoid. The term “fragrance” or “perfume” on personal-care-product labels can be a cover for hundreds of harmful chemicals known to be carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and reproductive toxicants, even at low levels.

Alternative: Go the unscented route whenever possible, especially with soaps and detergents. Avoid any kind of air freshener or deodorizer, including sprays, gels, solid disks, and oils, suggests Anne Steinemann, PhD, a University of Washington researcher who focuses on fragrances in consumer products. “These products do not clean or disinfect the air, but they do add hazardous chemicals to the air we breathe,” she says. “Instead of chemical air fresheners, freshen the air with better ventilation and by setting out some baking soda,” she suggests. You also can place a bowl of white vinegar in a room to dispel a funky smell.

3.  Roundup Ready Food.  Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the country, is sprayed on everything from cotton to canola, lawns to golf courses. So it stands to reason that the stuff winds up in our air and water. But when you're eating "Roundup Ready" food, as in, food that's been genetically modified to withstand all those dosings of Roundup, you're eating it too, according to plant pathologist Don Huber, PhD, professor emeritus at Purdue University. That's problematic because scientists are learning that Roundup affects defensive enzymes our bodies use to keep us healthy. Roundup also reduces a plant's ability to take up vital micro nutrients that humans require for survival.

Alternative: Corn, soy, and canola are common crops that have been genetically engineered to withstand heavy dousings of Roundup (or other glyphosate-containing chemicals), and foods containing these ingredients tend to contain higher levels of Roundup than other crops do. To avoid genetically engineered (GE) foods and Roundup in your food, buy organic.

4.  Canned Food.  Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a hormone-disrupting chemical linked to male infertility, diabetes, heart disease, aggressive behavior in children, and other ills. The chemical is used in some No. 7 plastic bottles and most canned-food containers, and although some manufacturers are phasing the chemical out of their cans, it's not clear that the replacements are totally safe either. In 2010, scientists discovered that we absorb BPA from cash-register receipts through our skin. 

Alternative: Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and veggies, and bypass cans as often as possible. Don't store food or beverages in plastic containers. And say no thanks to receipts for minor purchases like gas and coffee, and at the ATM.

5.  Vinyl.  Some environmental health groups have dubbed vinyl the "poison plastic," due to its harmful production process and its effects on humans. Vinyl is laced with phthalates, chemical plastic softeners linked to hormone disruption, stunted growth, obesity, and other health problems, as well as low IQs.

Alternative: When it's time to replace flooring in your home, opt for wood, bamboo, or cork that's Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified or for real linoleum, instead of vinyl. Avoid plastic shower-curtain liners, as well as fake leather furniture, clothing, and accessories, to cut down on phthalate exposure. (Try hemp or organic cotton shower curtains.) Phthalates also lurk in anything with an artificial fragrance, including candles and many personal-care products.

6.  VOCs.  Nasty indoor air-polluting culprits, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, could be trashing your indoor air, especially in the kitchen, the basement, or even the laundry room. (Scented, petroleum-based laundry detergents contain high levels of VOC's.) These hazardous chemicals are linked to asthma and, in some instances, even cancer, and they add to indoor air pollution.  Pressed wood and particleboard cabinets and other furniture are big emitters of the VOC (and carcinogen) formaldehyde in the home, too.

Alternative: Choose unscented, plant-based detergents, or go old-school and use castile soap or washing soda and borax to clean your clothing. For new paint projects, choose readily available no-VOC paint, and avoid storing paint in your garage or basement—fumes can escape even tightly closed lids and enter your home. If you have leftover paint, take it to a waste-collection facility for recycling, or donate it to neighbors or a charity. Avoid plywood and particleboard when buying new household furnishings, and keep VOCs contained by sealing any plywood or particleboard furniture with a product like AFM Safecoat Safe Seal.

7.  Nonstick Cookware and Bakeware.  When you're cooking with nonstick pots and pans, you're essentially baking on plastic. That slick, shiny, enticingly nonstick surface is made from a synthetic material known as perfluoroalkyl acid, a class of chemicals that have been linked to ADHD, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. They're also potent sperm killers and are suspected of contributing to female infertility.

Alternative: Opt for safer cookware like made-in-America cast iron, glass or stainless steel. If you already cook with nonstick pots and pans, replace them with safer choices when you start seeing scratches and chips in the finish. 

When it comes to our shopping habits one must think about what choices we make.  Each time we purchase from a store we are casting a vote.  We vote on organic vs. non-organic.  Organic is typically prices higher than the non-organic.  For most people who live on a budget this means that we must read labels and see what non-organic products are safe (not all non-organic is bad).  Understanding labels and what is in our food and household products is the first step to healthier living.  Here is a link to another blog which has a list of likely Genetically Modified ingredients to avoid.  

Cheers!  To happy, healthy shopping.