Self-care is important for business owners, but it’s easy to forget self-care or feel like you have no time for it when you are constantly rushing to keep up with the demands of business management. This is why creating a better work-life balance can be crucial to a personal self-care regimen.

 

You have to carve out time and space for yourself to do the things that keep you feeling your best, even when it seems impractical or impossible to do so. Here are a few ideas from MamaSuds about how to do that.

 

Yes, You Definitely Need Self-Care

 

If you’re reading this thinking, “I can do without self-care,” you may have a misguided understanding of self-care. To get a better idea of what it is, it’s helpful to clarify what it is not: self-care is not an indulgence, splurging, or reward. Rather, Life Works notes that it has to do with tending to your own very real and legitimate needs so you can be your best self, thrive as well as possible, and fulfill your responsibilities to your loved one and your community. Pursuing self-care means taking responsibility for your wellness.

 

Achieving Better Work-Life Balance

 

The conundrum for the busy entrepreneur is that you know you’ll be a better manager, as well as a happier person, if you make time for self-care regularly. But there’s always something that seems more urgent on your to-do list. So having a better work-life balance will open the door to a better self-care regimen.

 

One of the most important things you can do to achieve a better work-life balance is to create boundaries between your business life and your personal life. Another is to stay organized, keep clutter to a minimum, and stick to a schedule so you make the most of your work hours and have time left to yourself. It’s also important to learn to delegate responsibility, suggests Harley Therapy. This may sometimes mean hiring employees or freelancers to perform tasks you aren’t well-equipped to do or don’t have time for.

 

One way to take some things off your plate mentally is to organize your business structure in a more helpful way. A limited liability company (LLC), for example, can simplify your tax obligations and reduce your exposure to personal liability. Filing the necessary paperwork to form an LLC can be tricky, but a formation company can make the process of filling an LLC in Michigan quick and easy. They’ll walk you through the major steps and have your LLC legally filed in minutes.

 

The Importance of Simplifying Your Tasks

 

If you feel you are constantly rushing around with no time to relax or recharge, you may need to figure out whether you can simplify some of your tasks or master new time-saving techniques. You can save time and simplify your work by transitioning to digital as much as possible. This means your apps and software will do much of your work for you, and you won’t be chasing paperwork around all the time.

 

One way to simplify tasks is to digitize your documents. PDFs have become the standard format for document sharing and exchange, due to their many advantages. PDFs are universally viewable, meaning they can be opened and read by anyone, regardless of what device or software they are using. This makes PDFs ideal for sharing documents online, as there is no need to worry about compatibility issues. If you’re concerned about making changes to a PDF, you can use a PDF editor tool to edit a PDF online. Personally, we use Canvas PDF Editor, it's easy to use and we use Canva throughout our company. This is especially helpful for making notes or highlighting important information.

 

Easy Self-Care Rituals for Work and Home

 

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Little practices that take barely any time out of your day, such as five minutes of yoga or meditation, can make a real difference. Fitting in an exercise session is also important. Even a short workout will help you feel better and improve your overall wellness, so try to get in three to four high-intensity workouts per week. Before purchasing any equipment, be sure to read unbiased reviews online to get a sense of which products will work best for you. Also, do what you can to optimize your home for wellness, avoiding negativity and self-criticism as much as possible.  

Although self-care doesn’t have to be indulgent, it can be - and there is nothing to apologize about if you partake. Getting a massage may seem unnecessary, but not only will a good massage allow you to relax, it will also reduce inflammation and pain, as well as boost your immune system. Establishing a skin care routine and getting facials can also leave you refreshed.

Once you make self-care a habit, you will begin to see a positive change in both your work and your personal life. This will be more easily accomplished once you have learned to set aside time for yourself. Make a point of simplifying your projects at work for better efficiency and better work-life balance so self-care can become a part of your daily ritual.

 

If you’re searching for household cleaners free of harmful chemicals, visit MamaSuds online today!

PVA is microplastic

Hey there, label reading moms! Today, I want to talk about something that may not be on your radar yet - PVA. PVA is a type of microplastic, and it's becoming increasingly prevalent in our environment. Here's what you need to know about PVA and why it's important to be aware of its presence. Thanks for reading!

PVA is a type of microplastic that can be found in many everyday products

Have you ever noticed those laundry pods or dishwasher pods when doing laundry or running the dishwasher? You might not have noticed that they contain tiny microplastics, like Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). PVA is most commonly used in laundry and dishwashing detergent products to keep laundry detergents from clumping and works as an anti-static agent in laundry. While it serves a beneficial purpose, these laundry pods are one of the main sources for PVA microplastics which can be found in many everyday items. Microplastics, such as PVA, are too small to be filtered by water treatment plants and can make their way into our waterways. It's important that we all be aware of how these microplastics impact our environment and strive to limit our consumption of them where possible.

PVA is harmful to the environment and can take centuries to break down

Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits. Unfortunately, it is not biodegradable and remains a pollutant of concern. Of particular note is the fact that PVA takes centuries to break down in nature, meaning that even when used responsibly, it can linger in the environment for far too long. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of how PVA may enter our streams and rivers, potentially having an adverse effect on aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, we should take the necessary steps to reduce or replace the use of such materials wherever possible. By understanding the potential dangers that PVA poses to the environment—and taking action to mitigate them—we can all help protect our planet from further harm.

You can help reduce the amount of PVA in the environment by avoiding products using it

A big problem with microplastics is the use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in many different products. It's important to be mindful about what we buy and consume; when you make a conscious choice to purchase PVA-free items, you can help reduce the amount of microplastic in the environment. Once microplastics enter down into our waterways and out into the ocean, they become a major source of environmental pollution. This can even cause microplastics to eventually enter our bloodstream! Be part of the solution and check product labels or look online for items that don't use PVA so that we can protect our environment — and ourselves.

PVA is also found in our food

We are surrounded by Polyvinyl Alcohol(PVA) in our daily lives, and oftentimes don’t even know, since it's a key ingredient in various industries. What many people may not realize is that PVA is also found in our food. PVA can act as a binder to enhance the consistency and texture of certain products such as beverages, soups and processed meats. The FDA doesn't care that you're eating microplastic; food-grade PVA has been accepted for use in contact with foods for decades and has informed people that it poses no health risks when added to humans' diets - making its presence almost unnoticeable! Yep, you heard that correctly. The FDA approves of microplastics in your food. Imagine that.

Help spread the word about the dangers of PVA and other microplastics to help protect our planet!

Microplastics are posing a big threat to life on our planet, but not enough people are aware of the dangers posed by PVA and other microplastics. These materials, which are often present in the products we use for everyday tasks such as washing dishes or clothes, get washed down the drains and into our rivers and oceans. This is immensely damaging to aquatic life, so it's up to us to boycott products that contain PVA or other microplastics and help spread the word about the threats they pose. Doing something as simple as telling your friends and family can have a huge impact - many hands make light work! We all need to take responsibility for protecting our planet, before it's too late.

How to Clean Indoor Plants with MamaSuds

MamaSuds offers a natural, eco-friendly way to clean your indoor plants - and it's pretty simple. Here's how it works: Use MamaSuds All-Purpose Spray to mist your plant, and watch the dirt and grime disappear with each wipe. Plus, this solution is safe for both you and your plants! So if you're looking for an easy way to keep your plants clean and healthy, MamaSuds is the way to go.

Gather your supplies - you'll need some MamaSuds soap of your choice, and a cloth

Look in your closet, under the sink, or wherever you hide all the MamaSuds products that make cleaning easy: it's time to grab your supplies so you can get cleaning! Grab a spray bottle, your favorite MamaSuds Castile Soap (or our ready-to-use MamaSuds All-Purpose Cleaner), and don't forget to bring along a cloth. A cloth helps spread out that MamaSuds love so that every corner is getting some special attention while you're cleaning. Then just sit back and admire your hard work and all the effort you've put into getting those surfaces shiny and spectacular!

Spray your plants with the cleaner, but don't go crazy

Although it seems reasonable to assume that spray-cleaning your plants would help keep them in tip-top shape, don't be tempted to go too crazy with it. Overdoing it can damage the delicate leaves and deter their growth. Using a bit of moderation is always helpful when you spray the cleaner - think of it as the golden rule and your plants will thank you for it!

Wipe down each leaf with the cloth until it's shining

Cleaning your plants may not be the most glamorous job, but it's certainly one that must be done. Just think of all the dust and dirt particles stuck in the leaves that you can easily remove with a simple wipe of a cloth! And imagine the satisfaction of seeing each leaf shine after your hard work pays off. Give yourself a pat on the back as you put away your cleaning supplies and admire your beautifully polished green friends!

Repeat every few weeks to keep your plants looking their best!

Keeping your plants looking their best doesn't have to be a chore. All it takes is a few repeat visits every couple of weeks, and you'll find your green friends are the envy of the garden! Make sure to check for any dead leaves or flowers, provide them with some water, and give them each (oh, who am I kidding - talk to them!) a little bit of tender loving care. You'll love coming home to the sight of vibrant foliage!

 

Now that you know how to properly clean your houseplants, there's no excuse for having a dusty fern! Gather your supplies and get to work - your plants will thank you. And if you need any more motivation, just think of all the money you'll save by not having to buy new plants every few weeks. So what are you waiting for? Go grab a bottle of MamaSuds All-Purpose Cleaner and get cleaning!

 

 

Many people have heard about castile soap, which is a fat-based soap made from olive oil or other vegetable oils. It has been around for centuries and is often used as a gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. Some people also use it as a shampoo, body wash, and to make homemade cleaning solutions. The most common question we get from people that are new to real soap is: Is your soap tear free?

Due to the very definition of soap, the answer is a hard no. Most of the products that sits on store shelves isn't technically soap at all. Tear-free soaps are synthetic products marketed specifically for babies and toddlers.

To understand why castile soap isn't tear-free, first you need to understand the concept of pH. pH stands for “potential hydrogen” and is a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is on a scale of 0 to 14. A solution can be considered neutral if it has a pH of 7; any solution below 7 is considered acidic and anything above 7 is alkaline.

Real soap needs to have a pH higher than 8 in order to be considered soap.

Although castile soaps come with many benefits due to their natural ingredients, it's important for those who use them regularly (especially around the eyes) to remember that these products are not tear-free. One solution to is pour 1-2 tablespoons into the bath water and just wash baby from the water. This is more than enough soap to wash their hair and skin. A quick rinse and you're done!

Customers have been asking us for years to make bar soap. Why? They are waste free, they look pretty and they make great gifts. Plus, our reputation of using high quality, low-allergen, synthetic free ingredients appeals to more and more people. 

Early in 2022, we started researching bar soap and ingredients. I had informational meetings with my business besties who have been making bar soap for decades and they helped a lot with the science and the process. I dug deep into oils I wanted to use. I wanted to make a bar soap that was hard (so it would last a long time), creamy (so it would feel amazing on your skin), cleansing (because it's soap!) and have a slight lather. We tried a dozen different recipes with a base of Olive oil and castor oil as the two oils that did not change.

The clear winner was recipe number 12. Each oil has a specific job, is organic when available, high quality, has a low allergen level and won't give us a headache trying to source it! We used non-GMO Olive oil and Rice Bran Oil for the conditioning, Mango Seed Butter for the hardness and the creaminess, Babassu Oil for the cleansing, hardness, and lather, and finally the Castor oil for the lather, conditioning and the creaminess.

We called it Number 12 for months as we thought of a name that would convey exactly how amazing we thought the soap was. It was coming down to the wire with the name and we were not coming up with anything that felt right. Finally, during a planning session with my friends someone said, "oh my gosh Michelle just call it No. 12! It's perfect!" and they were right! 

We made No. 12 unscented, mostly because it's hard to find unscented soap and we love that we are known for unscented products. Then we went to work on a seasonal scent. We were inspired by a walk in the woods and our Production Manager (and owner of the Red Oak Refillery) Cory came up with a blissful blend of Pine Scotch, Clove and Eucalyptus. It smells like the forest floor. I can't accurately describe the scent other than to tell you when I walk into the Soap Shop the day after we make it, it puts an instant smile on my face. 

We also knew we wanted to make a bar version of our MamaSuds Castile Soap so we made an unscented version and a scented version. The Scented version is our signature scent that can be found in our MamaSuds All-Purpose Cleaner. 

We can't wait for your to try it and get your feedback! 

The recent Unilever Dry Shampoo Recall has many of us in the health and wellness industry shaking our heads and asking, "Why is benzene used at all?". In all, NINETEEN products were voluntarily recalled (oh how nice of them, we should definitely trust them in the future) because of the "potentially elevated levels of benzene." 

According to the FDA:

"Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin and it can result in cancers including leukemia and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life threatening."

According to the CDC: 

• Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable.
• Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas.
• Benzene dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water.

The main way people are exposed to benzene is through personal care products that use benzene in their spray propellants. "

"The highest detections of benzene have been in aerosol spray products. FDA scientists hypothesize that contamination may come from inactive petroleum-derived ingredients, such as carbomers, a thickening agent, or isobutane, a spray propellant."

Wait, did you read that? FDA scientists HYPOTHESIZE? So they aren't testing products for it? Hmmmm.

How about banning aerosol products in general so we don't expose humans to daily contact? 

What are safe alternatives? We love the Dry Shampoo that Red Oak Refillery sells. 

Hello, My name is Michelle C. Smith and I am formally addicted to bleach. I used it in my laundry and I used on every one of my hard surfaces. I was convinced it kept my family healthy. From the research I have done on germs (partly to help my germaphobia), I have learned germs help our autoimmune system become stronger. I have also read so much about the horrible impact bleach and its manufacturing process has on our environment. 

Dioxins- have you ever heard of them? They are one of the most toxic chemicals known to our planet. 

Without giving you a boring chemistry lesson... "Dioxins are a group of chemically-related compounds that are persistent environmental pollutants" and they are a by-product of the manufacturing of bleach. Do dioxins cause cancer. YES. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, dioxins are a "multigrain carcinogen in animals. Target organs include the liver, thyroid, lung, skin, and soft tissues." That sounds scary. And it is, because dioxins are found in our food. More than 90% of human exposure is through food. It's mostly found in our meat. dairy, fish and shellfish. 

Ditch Bleach!

Bleach is caustic and corrosive. But the real problem is how it's made. Bleach manufacturers often release the solution in water and other industrial waste. It eventually gets in the water system which harms aquatic life and can mix with other organic compounds and create more harmful toxins.  

Bleach is in or contributes to the manufacturing of about 15,000 products. It's a big deal. So let's stop using it. 

It's hard to read about ideas and facts that make us question what we thought to be true. When I first started reading about all this information more than 15 years ago, it made me start questioning a lot of what I thought was the truth. It’s hard for some people to question things.  It makes you question more things. It has a domino effect. I find that once people learn about the real harmful effects that bleach has on us as people, as a human race, on our ecological system.... they change a lot of other aspects of their lives. It can be frightening. I don't even think that word captures the true feeling, but it's hard to think about how some tiny chemicals can wreak havoc on our environment and nobody seems to be talking about it. 

How does this information about bleach and how it affects us make YOU feel? 

Need bleach alternatives? Find them here.

 

 

Doing laundry often looks different from person to person or household to household. With many products available on the market, it can be difficult to know which laundry products are the best. Not only is it important to pick laundry products that get the job done well, but it’s also important to consider the safety of products for both you and the environment. Many conventional laundry products, like detergents and dryer sheets, contain chemicals that may be harmful to the environment and your health.

In this post, we’ll explore the difference between wool dryer balls and dryer sheets and help you determine which is better to use for your household. You’ll soon be on your way to chemical-free laundry!

 

Why Dryer Sheets Aren't Eco-Friendly

Traditional dryer sheets are filled with harmful chemicals, which most consumers do not even realize. Commonly found chemicals in dryer sheets include quaternary ammonium compounds, which are used as a softening agent. These chemicals are not eco-friendly, as they create waste. Dryer sheets can’t break down, so they end up in landfills, causing damage to our ecosystem.

Often, scented or fragranced dryer sheets use chemicals known as phthalates, which are often toxic. Other common chemicals found in dryer sheets include benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and ethanol, which have all been linked to negative health outcomes. Why use these dangerous chemicals on your and your family’s laundry when there are eco-friendly options available?

In addition, it is also important to consider the exposure to these chemicals in your laundry. Not only are these chemicals found within dryer sheets bad for the environment, but they’re also bad for you! When used in your laundry, these chemicals may affect your health. Chemicals found in dryer sheets have been linked to skin irritation, asthma, allergic reactions, and hormone disorders. As dryer sheets are used once and thrown away, they’re not friendly to our environment.

What's more, the chemicals and waxes used in dryer sheets also cause wear and tear on your dryer’s heating elements. Over time, the softeners and chemicals within dryer sheets build up on the lint catcher, causing moisture to be unable to exit the dryer.

 

An Eco-Friendly Alternative: Wool Dryer Balls

Instead of traditional dryer sheets, try using an eco-friendly, chemical-free alternative such as wool dryer balls. Wool dryer balls will help save you money, support better health, and are much better for the environment. Once you purchase an affordable wool dryer ball, you’ll be able to reuse it again and again without having to buy conventional dryer sheets, saving yourself money, trips to the store, and waste.

Wool dryer balls serve the same purpose as dryer sheets and will save you money! A dryer ball often lasts between 2 and 4 years and can be used for up to 1,000 wash cycles. Now that’s impressive! Wool dryer balls are excellent at eliminating static from your laundry and also allow hot air to circulate more evenly, reducing your dryer running time. When you use wool dryer balls, you’ll run your dryer for less time each cycle, contributing to lower monthly energy costs. This is yet another way that wool dryer balls help to save you money!

 

Switching to Wool Dryer Balls

Making the switch to wool dryer balls is a simple and effective way to do your part in supporting an eco-friendlier world. While you’re at it, choose natural, chemical-free alternatives, which are better for your health and will save you money. 100% wool dryer balls can help reduce your dryer time, soften the fabric of your clothing, and reduce and eliminate wrinkles — all without chemicals and dangerous components that are harmful to the environment.

Interested in getting started using wool dryer balls in your household? Check out Mama Suds for all your eco-friendly, chemical-free household cleaning products. Choosing all-natural cleaning products is easy with this extensive product offering of affordable and safe cleaning products to use in every room of your home!

 

Did you know that many of the most common household cleaning products have toxic and dangerous ingredients that can be harmful to our health? Unfortunately, most people have never given much thought to what’s in their cleaning products. However, it turns out the components of conventional cleaning products often contain ingredients that are harmful to your health and the environment.

Natural cleaning products can be used anywhere, from home to work, on the go, and much more! Switching to natural cleaning products offers many advantages to protecting your health and environment. This overview will explore everything you need to know about the benefits of natural cleaning products and why they’re so important.

 

Advantages of Using Natural Cleaning Products

There are endless reasons to switch to natural cleaning products! We’ve narrowed down some of the most important benefits of natural cleaning products below:

 

1. Great for the Environment:

 Every person can play a critical role in helping to protect our environment by switching to natural cleaning products. Conventional cleaning products often contain phosphorus or nitrates, which end up in our waterways and cause problems in our local ecosystems. Some cleaners also use sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be toxic to the environment.

Making the switch to natural cleaning products helps protect the earth by limiting the release of these dangerous chemicals in our environment.

 

2. Protecting Your Health

Not only do natural cleaning products protect the environment on a larger scale, but they also help protect your environment within your home, work, or other surfaces. Natural cleaning products are non-toxic, so you can safely clean your surfaces without exposure to harmful chemicals. The chemicals used in standard cleaning products often cause health conditions.

By avoiding breathing in or touching these chemicals, you’ll help protect yourself and your family from toxic chemical exposure. In addition, people who use conventional cleaning products may experience rashes, skin irritations, or other allergic reactions when exposed to certain ingredients in these products. Natural or “green” cleaning products offer a safe and easy alternative, especially for those with sensitive skin!

 

3. Safe for Small Children & Elderly: 

Is your home filled with little bundles of joy? If so, making the switch to natural cleaning products helps prevent dangerous situations for small children. Many standard cleaning products are toxic, posing a major problem for kids who don’t know better. Help protect your children and family by eliminating these products in your household.

Natural cleaning products help offer a safer home in the event your kids are exposed to cleaning products. Plus, children are sensitive and often susceptible to allergic reactions. Using natural ingredients helps limit these concerns.

 

Switch to Natural Cleaning Products Today!

Make the smart switch to natural cleaning products today, such as those offered by Mama Suds. We offer truly safe household cleaners for your family by using simple and safe, non-toxic ingredients.