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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2017 : 1:46:05 PM
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Becky Gilson (#6695) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Intermediate Level Buttoned Up Merit Badge!
“I made a necklace using buttons. I think it turned out okay.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2017 : 4:20:22 PM
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Hadassah Schaap (Mentoring Sister Heidi Schaap, #3752) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Horse Dreams Merit Badge!
“I learned all about horse breeds through our library and books, and learned about Palominos, Thoroughbreds, and working horses. We drove around town, pointing and looking at all the horses in our rural area of Ohio. Our neighbor rescues and trains them to race, so I decided to go over there one day to meet some horses! ;)
I met a horse named Mary Estelle, and a horse named Grand Circuit, who is retired from racing, and also saw another horse that had been rescued and wasn't calmed down yet. I took lots of fun pictures of them and got to meet them up close! It was lots of fun to learn and explore horse's behavior and needs. I didn't realize they were so much bigger than me! :)”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2017 : 4:21:41 PM
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Hadassah Schaap (Mentoring Sister Heidi Schaap, #3752) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Birds Merit Badge!
“I researched birds in our area, and located several on our Provident Woods Farm. I made a "future birds to look for," list and found several! I have a book of birds, and a bird journal which I keep bird sightings and nests that I find around our house. We live on a foresty rural farm, so we get a lot of birds around these parts! It's always so fun to see new baby birds and crazy breeds we have never seen before, such as the Scarlett Tanager or Blue Birds!
Later in the year, I put up a bird house that we had built years before (but never got around to it!) and set that out for the Blue Jays, Chickadees, Goldfinches, Robins, and Finches.
I also went on a bird expedition with my camera and got several good pictures, including one of a BRIGHT RED Scarlett Tanager! :)
I learned a lot.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 22 2017 : 4:23:10 PM
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Hadassah Schaap (Mentoring Sister Heidi Schaap, #3752) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Backyard Farmer Merit Badge!
“We started our first chicken flock in 2015. We built a coop, and then purchased chicks from a hatchery. Last summer we tripled the size of our coop, building it into our barn, and this spring we doubled our flock with new chicks.
In May of 2016, I bought some meat rabbit does from a friend who was moving away. Recently, we decided to take our rabbits off pellets to eat healthier (and more self-sustainably) and so we learned how to grow our own organic wheat grass fodder. We slowly transitioned them from pellet to fodder, and now we can say we grow all their food ourselves!
Seventeen weeks after receiving our chicks we started getting little farm-fresh eggs! Soon we hope to double our egg production, as well!
We are looking forward to our first litter of meat rabbit kits soon!
Our chickens and dairy goats are pasture/forest-fed, and we hope to grow organic fodder for them in the winter, as well.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 10:57:45 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level Shopping Green Merit Badge!
“My husband and I have collected about (10) different reusable shopping bags; we were amazed how much easier it is to carry groceries in them!
Several times we left our bags at the house- now we store them in the truck so we always have them available! We love using our own bags!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:04:40 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level Water Conservation Merit Badge!
“All the water taps inside and out were checked- found a leaky tap outside!
Realized it was taking a large amount of water to keep all of the house plants/outside plants watered on a weekly basis (and besides they really did not like city water as much as rain water!)
After checking and fixing the taps, I now have started saving rain water to water all of my plants. 5-gallon buckets are great! The buckets are set at 3 corners of the house- able to store 25 gallons of water. The plants love rain water!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:10:10 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Level Get It Together Merit Badge!
“Finally pulled out all of those containers and went through each one- lid and container. Threw away the ones that were stained or did not have a match.
Still organized to date! I have a tendency to think I need every leftover contained, but have learned how to recycle many of them!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:14:16 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Level Get It Together Merit Badge!
“My husband and I have been married a short time and have "kitchen odds and ins" we both used in the past. We cleaned out what was broken, duplicate, or not used and purchased the few necessary items we use all the time.
We love to cook together and eat home-cooked meals. Our kitchen is organized and has all of the necessary "tools" we need!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:21:19 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Level Recipes Merit Badge!
“My mom, aunts, sister, cousins, and grand-mothers are great cooks! We have shared recipes and printed them in the "family cookbook."
My niece married in the spring. Her wedding present from myself and my husband was a copy of the "family cookbook" in a mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and "cookie in a jar" mix.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:24:52 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Level Putting Away for Winter Merit Badge!
“Using a book my husband and I picked up at an estate sale, "Freezing and Canning Cookbook: Prized Recipes from the Farms of America," copyright 1963, learned how to scald/cool/freeze fresh vegetables.
Successfully froze fresh squash from my garden in addition to pink eyes and black-eyes peas from the local farmer's market. Still using this technique with fresh vegetables this year!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:35:16 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Level In the Garden Merit Badge!
“Made a trellis and a bean teepee for the garden this year! The trellis is made from wire and stakes; the teepee is made from cane poles secured with twine- with of course some decorative country style material strips tied to the top to fly in the wind. The garden is beautiful!
The beans and potato vines are thriving on the teepees! The peas are trailing on the trellis in addition to the trellis supporting sunflowers and corn!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 11:58:29 AM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Level Build It Green Merit Badge!
“Love using wood, cane and natural vines to decorate in the house.
My husband has taught me how to "make a walking stick" from cutting it down, drying them, stripping the bark, and decorating with natural items. We have a beautiful collection of walking sticks!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:04:21 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Level Let's Get Physical Merit Badge!
“Set a goal to take better care of myself and start a regular exercise program.
In April 2017, I started doing a YOGA exercise tape (5) mornings/week. Consistently completed the tape for an entire month!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:05:06 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Level Let's Get Physical Merit Badge!
“Wow--I have been able to continue my YOGA 5 days/week since starting April 2017! I have also now added a "YOGA Burn" tape I do on the even days of the month. In addition to these, I try and walk for 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. My husband and I are eating healthier with much smaller portion sizes--means more leftovers and less eating out!
Feel great! My husband comments how proud he is that I am taking care of myself!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:09:32 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Level Relaxation Merit Badge!
“Learned the need to relax for a few minutes (tough job for someone who multi-tasks all day!)
Learned deep breathing techniques and actually use them every day--really does clear the mind.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:12:32 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Level Relaxation Merit Badge!
“Learned how well I feel after a good walk or YOGA in the morning to get me started.
Started this spring and still going strong in June- despite the Georgia heat and gnats!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:18:06 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Knitting Merit Badge!
“I had already learned to knit but had not picked up the needles in almost one year. Since it had been so long, I started with simple stitches for dishcloths.
Actually knitted (3) different cloths- some of which were more like dish towels due to the size! It is important to determine correct gauge before starting a project!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 12:18:48 PM
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Wendy Black (#7024) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Scrapbooking Merit Badge!
“My husband has a military background. Our town hosted a historic military event which we both volunteered as escorts during the event. I took many pictures at the event and combined them with scrapbooking materials related to military subjects. I worked on the scrapbook on weekends when my husband was working.
When the scrapbook was finished, I gave it to my husband. He actually cried and was so thankful stating "No one has ever done anything like this for me." Every minute of work was worth it!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 1:19:12 PM
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Cyndie Parzuhoski (cyndieparz72, #7407) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Intermediate Level Shopping Green Merit Badge!
“Spent a lot of extra time during grocery shopping, research on various websites and other resources on natural cleaning and purchasing of several all natural cleaning products for use in my home for a safer, greener home environment.
While I have always paid attention to buying products that are not in single use packaging, I was disheartened that while spending extra time doing in store research for this level of the Shopping green badge, I found that many products are packaged in #5 plastics. While Polypropylene can be recycled, #5 recycling capabilities are extremely limited, at least in my area. The only area that #5 plastics can be recycled that I found are at Whole Foods, which is done through Terracycle, and it is limited what types of containers you can recycle. It seems like there is an immense case of "green washing" occurring with packaging, as products I know used to be #1 or #2 plastics, easily recycled, are now in #5 plastics. I made a conscious decision with my last bi-weekly shopping trip (last Sunday) to purchase only items in either paper, aluminum, glass or free of packaging all together. I have pledged to myself to do this every shopping trip to the best of my ability.
In researching ways to eliminate toxic cleaners/substances from my home, I had made process in this previous to this merit badge, but still had certain products that I was finding difficult to part with - bleach, metal cleaner, spider/bug spray and Ivory dish washing liquid.
However, I did a few hours of Online research and looked up in some old magazines I purchased at an estate sale (Vintage Mother Earth News in print), I was able to identify some excellent substitutions for Bleach - high quality Oregano Oil (the highest content of Carvacrol possible), Grapefruit Seed Extract and White Thyme oil are the best green alternatives and the most effective. Of course, all have to be used with care, as any essential oil or natural product can be harmful if not diluted properly. Oregano Oil and GSE can also be used for several different medical purposes internally, also with care.
For replacement of the products I was having a difficult time parting with, I have replaced my dish washing liquid with Grab Green (Magnolia and Red Pear) and Seventh Generation Lavender and Mint. To get rid of the toxic bug spray, I am replacing it with Diatomaceous Earth. The Metal Cleaner I was really surprised - I was able to find an all natural cleaner. I have also replaced my wood cleaner with Better Life Natural wood cleaner (I was previously using Milsek that is petroleum-based). I replaced my all purpose cleaner that I have used green for some time (but lackluster) with Good Home Company Grass scent cleaner. I have attached a photo of some of these products. Also, I purchase "DOC cloths" for a reusable alternative to paper towels.
For laundry, I have used Nellie's for sometime and still love the way it performs, but I like a little scent on my clothes. I purchased Good Home Company Grass scent detergent, Biokleen Citrus essence detergent, and for heavier soiled laundry (especially now that it is Summer), Biokleen Sport Liquid on the recommendation of a friend.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 1:26:04 PM
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Cyndie Parzuhoski (cyndieparz72, #7407) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level Going Green Merit Badge!
“While working on my Shopping Green Intermediate Badge, I was able to complete the Beginner level of Going Green. Research and purchases to replace toxic products in my home.
I eliminated all of the remaining toxic cleaners and products in my home that I use for housekeeping.
For replacement of the products, I purchased my dish washing liquid with Grab Green and Seventh Generation. To get rid of the toxic bug spray, I replaced it with Diatomaceous Earth. For metal cleaner, I purchased Paul Revere Silversmiths Metal Care Polish. I bought Better Life Natural wood cleaner and will start using Coconut oil for extra "shine" on my wood furniture.
For laundry, I purchased Good Home Company Grass detergent, Biokleen Citrus essence detergent, and for heavier soiled laundry (especially now that it is Summer), Biokleen Sport Liquid.
I wrote a Mission Statement for my household:
We shall not use any cleaners, detergents or products of the like that can do harm to any part of the environment.
If possible, we will use products that we can make ourselves or those that are readily available without "braking the bank" (such as White Vinegar, Baking Soda and citrus fruits).
If purchasing products, we will only purchase those with packaging that can either be reused or easily recycled.
We will use essential oils to freshen the air, not purchase harmful, chemical-laden candles or synthetic air fresheners.
I purchased a 100% recycled content notebook and started a "Green Cleaning and Idea" journal.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 1:40:20 PM
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Cyndie Parzuhoski (cyndieparz72, #7407) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level My Fair Farmgirl Merit Badge!
“Researched cruelty free and organic HB products vs. mainstream commercial products.
I began to purchase and replace some of the "toxic" HB products I have been using.
I made a very simple, but very effective lip balm from ingredients I had in my home and a used lip balm container.
I researched cruelty free ingredients on several different websites - PETA, Skin Deep Cosmetics database and EWG (Environmental Working Group). I found a ton of information on many different toxic ingredients that are found in many different products. The problem is that by using many different "mainstream" products containing these substances, you increase your risk of bio-accumulation (build up) in your body and cause multiple problems, including some diseases and allergies. They are found repeatedly in almost every product marketed and sold by "big" manufacturers. Even worse, all of these chemicals have more than likely been tested on animals, causing suffering and death to those animals.
Several of the ingredients that are harmful are Octinoxate, Dimethicone, DMDM Hydantoin, almost anything listed as "Fragrance" (loaded with harmful pthalates), Retinyl Acetate, Polyesthers, Parabens, Triclosan, Retinoids, Propylene Glycols, heavy metals and multiple other ingredients. My research has shown me that if you can't pronounce it or know what it is at sight, then it is something you don't want to use and more than likely has cause suffering to animals. One of the biggest offenders is actually toothpaste, which contains one of the most dangerous ingredients, fluoride.
I have pledged to replace absolutely every product I use for health and beauty with "Leaping Bunny" certified products, meaning that neither the ingredients or the finished product has been tested on animals. I pledge to use as many "solid" products as possible, eliminating harmful packaging which may leach even more toxic chemicals into products and most likely do not use preservatives.
I immediately replaced my toothpaste with Desert Essence Fluoride-free toothpaste (really strong, but super natural and wickedly fresh!) I replaced my mouthwash with the same brand and flavor, and alcohol-free. While I had been using natural deodorant for sometime, I had replaced my previous brand with Schmidt's, that is all natural. You would be surprised how many "natural" deodorants contain Propylene Glycol and other dangerous ingredients.
For the product to make, I have always saved my old lip balm tubes for use at a later date (and now I know why!) and I made a very simple lip balm:
Organic Cocoa Butter Organic Mango Butter Kokum Butter (Which I had on hand as I use it in winter for my ridiculously dry hands) Lime Oil Organic Lavender Oil
What I loved with this lip balm is that there are no animal ingredients (Beeswax). I simply melted small amounts of each butter in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water, and added the essential oils to my liking. I removed the bowl from the water, let it sit for a while to slightly solidify, used a bamboo spoon to place it in the container and placed it in the refrigerator to solidify. The butter re-solidifies nicely without the need for beeswax.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 1:56:33 PM
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Cyndie Parzuhoski (cyndieparz72, #7407) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level My Fair Farmgirl Merit Badge!
“After completing the beginner level, I continued to replace my health and beauty products and made my own deodorant.
In continuation from my Beginner Badge, I got rid off all of my toxic nail polish and replaced it with Spa Ritual brand, that is free from any toxic ingredients and cruelty free.
I replaced my semi-natural liquid shampoo with Auromere all natural, cruelty free shampoo bar. This eliminates preservatives and packaging.
For conditioner (I have ridiculously thick hair!), I started using Alaffia Everyday Coconut Conditioner, that uses the absolute barest of minimum of preservatives and is fair-trade and cruelty free.
I replaced my body wash with Auromere Tulsi and Neem bar soap and several Zum brand soaps (the Clove is to die for!)
I also purchased Periobrite Toothpaste and Mouthwash (I like variety!).
Now, one of my biggest weaknesses is that I love to smell good and over my adult life, I have probably spent thousands of dollars on high-end, chemical-laden, cruel perfume. I took the plunge and got rid of every bottle (except the perfume I wore at my wedding, which I stored away in a black velvet pouch in my Cedar chest) - I recycled all of the bottles, too! I purchased a bottle of Pacifica all-natural Mediterranean Fig perfume and a few bottles of Demeter Perfume, which is a minimum of 95% natural and if any synthetics are used, they are verified "safe" synthetics, no parabens or pthalates and their ingredients are from sustainable resources. I bought Grass, Dirt, Flower Show and Funeral Home (OK, sounds odd, but a stunning fragrance!). Wow is all I can say! You can layer them, or use as a single note. Love them and intend to purchase others.
I also, at the recommendation of a friend, bought a tube of Fluffy Bunny hand cream from Farm House Fresh. It is 96% natural, cruelty free and is a wonderful Lavender and Mint Julep scent that is delicious!
For the natural product to make, I decided that while I love the natural deodorant I am using, I wanted to try my hand at making my own. I had saved the glass jar from my last Schmidt's purchase.
I used the following ingredients: Coconut Oil Tea Tree Oil Cocoa Butter Arrowroot Powder Zinc Oxide powder Bentonite Clay A small amount of Diatomaceous Earth Sweet Orange Oil Lemongrass Oil Palmarosa Oil White Grapefruit Oil
I left out Baking Soda, since too much can cause a rash, at least for me.
I melted the Cocoa Butter and Coconut oil in a Pyrex bowl over boiling water. I added in all of the oils, one at a time until the scent was to my liking (adding a little more tea tree because of its antibacterial properties). I removed the mixture from the heart and let it cool for about 10 minutes. At this point, I mixed in the powdered ingredients and mixed it with a bamboo spoon until smooth and creamy. I put the mixture into the glass jar, let it sit until about room temperature and them placed the jar into the fridge overnight.
I have been using this for 3 days now, trying it out. While it is effective so far, I think I need to make the texture a little "creamier" the next batch, simply for my liking. While it melts as soon as I put the bean-size amount against my underarm, I think it will be easier to get out of the jar with a little more fluid texture. However, I do think that if I use a little more Bentonite clay, it will provide more protection along the lines of antiperspirant. I think that I will "toil" with this mixture until I get it right.
While I do like my own mixture, it still is not quite as "perfect" as the Schmidt's that I use. I think that is because I was missing a key ingredient - hop extract.
I actually can't wait to do the expert level of this badge now!”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 2:07:47 PM
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Cyndie Parzuhoski (cyndieparz72, #7407) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Level My Fair Farmgirl Merit Badge!
“I purchased a used textbook (Environmental Geology) and did a little online research. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite badge to earn, because I find myself incredibly drawn to minerals in raw form!
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid element or compound with a definite chemical composition and a regular internal crystal structure.
A rock is a solid, cohesive aggregate of one or more minerals. This means that a rock consists of many individual mineral grains/crystals. A rock can also contain organic remains and mineraloids apart from regular mineral formations. There are some rocks that may include just one mineral formation though.
The two Characteristics of minerals that distinguish it from any other mineral are its chemical composition and and its crystal structure. No two minerals are identical in both respects, though they be the same in one. Example - Diamonds and Graphite - they are chemically the same, but their physical properties are vastly different because of their internal crystalline structures.
Minerals also come in many colors, but this is not a reliable guide to identification. Color variations result from the presence of small amounts of chemical impurities. Quartz, and it's many variations, is a wonderful example.
Minerals are measured on the Mohs scale of hardness, from soft (1) to hard (10) and minerals are divided into two types - Silicates and Nonsilicates, with multiple sub-divisions in those types.
There are Three broad categories of rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic.
Igneous rocks are formed when molten lava solidifies after a volcanic eruption and is known to be rich in the mineral granite.
Sedimentary rocks are formed when deposition of organic matter, chemical precipitates etc takes place. These usually contain minerals like shale, siltstone, sandstone, etc.
Metamorphic rocks are formed by the transformation of one rock type to another. No such process is applicable to minerals.
There are several uses of rocks and minerals in the world today. Silica is used in the creation of silicon electric boards. Aluminum is used for making cans, containers and for appliances used in the home. Chromite is used for making chromed parts of automobiles. Ores of copper are used in making coins, jewelry, cooking utensils and wiring equipment used for electrical devices, televisions, computers, automobiles, etc. Halite, more commonly known as salt, is used in cooking and food preservation. It is also used as a water softener and for de-icing on highways. Limestone is used as a component of cement which is used in the construction of homes, sidewalks, bridges and buildings. Fluorite finds its uses in the production of hydrofluoric acid, but its main use is in toothpastes to help protect your teeth. Lead is used in making batteries and as a protective shield in the doctor's office from X-rays.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 2:17:51 PM
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Hope Johns (woolybunny28, #7249) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Knitting Merit Badge!
“My Great Grandma got me hooked on knitting when I was 8, and since then I have been a big fan! So, for my knitting badge, I offered to teach my neighbor how to knit (she is a die hard crocheter). It was fun to get to know her better while I showed her how to cast on and knit. We spent the afternoon working on a simple dishcloth while discussing gardening & herbs.
I am really glad that I decided to work on earning this badge. It gave me a wonderful opportunity to share my love of knitting while I got to know my neighbor better!
It also helped keep me motivated to finish up the second sock on my latest knitting project. It was really so much fun - I have attached a picture of the finished pair of socks.”
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16464 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16464 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2017 : 2:48:47 PM
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Cyrie Wilson (Pixiedustdevil, #6941) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner and Intermediate Level Community Action Merit Badges!
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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