I get a lot of chuckles from my clients. Their sense of humor and insights always provides me with knowledge and inspiration.

The latest joke as told to me by a fabulous client…

“What do you get when you are doing too much and not spending enough time just being?”

Doo-Doo.

“What do you get when you have a good balance between doing and being?”

Do-Be-Do-Be-Do (spoken like “Scooby Dooby Doo”).

It was silly to hear it said like this and yet it really rings true. Too much doing and not enough being and you end up caught up in the busyness of life. Doing needs to be balanced by being in order to find your rhythm.

What “being” means will be personal for you. It may include meditation, a walk, listening to music, talking with a friend, or simply unscheduled time for you to just pause. You pick what “being” means and then actually follow through with it. Otherwise you’ll just end up with doo-doo.

If you’re looking for a non-toxic alternative to commercial cleaning products, we want to share a great free resource. Vermont’s Chittenden Solid Waste District has published a online resource for how to make simple, non-toxic cleaners at home. From all purpose cleaners to stain removers, this site has the information. Less costly and safer for the environment makes this an attractive solution.

If you’re already feeling very busy and the thought of taking the time to make your own seems overwhelming, read on. I decided to give this a try at home to see how long it would really take. With a husband, four kids (including newborn twins), two dogs, a cat, I’m a pretty good testcase.

Once I bought the basic ingredients (such as white vinegar, baking soda, and liquid soap) from my grocery store, it only took a few moments and an empty spray bottle to create my first cleaner. Very easy. Give it a try- you’ll be pleasantly surprised!