REVIEW: Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL.

In seeking healthier methods to take care of my family and also save money, I purchased Wool Dryer Balls 6 Pack-XL by Feeling Fluffy. I was not too sure how my family would  respond to having "fluffy balls" in their laundry.

The first person to adjust was Hubby. He wanted his dryer sheets. His argument was that the dryer sheets didn't really cost that much and added a nice fragrance to the laundry. The answer to cost is that while the dryer balls are an expense at the beginning, after a month or two (3-4 for average sized families), the balls are cheaper.

The next person to complain was G3, the college student. Her complaint was that the balls get stuck in her laundry, specifically her sheets and blankets. But, she did notice that the laundry dried quicker.

What I have noticed since purchasing in November 2015:

1. My dryer runs a lot less = lower electricity usage
2. Our clothes seem to be softer.
3. We now have fewer chemicals in our lives, I don't purchase fabric softener at all .

Tricks we learned to make everybody happy:

1. I put a drop or two of essential oil on each ball about once a week.
2. I don't over dry my clothes to prevent static.
3. I use at least 6 per load (we ended up buying another set)

The only true problem we have run into is that if the laundry sits, the balls get misplaced in the basket. So we have to stay on top of the laundry, which is good practice anyway with this brood.

As I am finishing this up, The bed set (comforter, mattress pad, fitted sheet, and flat sheet) that I put in the dryer 20 minutes ago is done. That used to take at least 45 minutes and rearranging to get dry before.

Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. We were not compensated for this review.

October Already? Fall, Autumn, Color, Crisp Air

It is hard to believe that time has brought us to the month of October already. The kids have completed the 1st 9 weeks of the 2016-2017 school year.

There have been a couple hiccups. B1 exploring being in the High School and joining Raiders with the JROTC. Learning that being responsible is not just a nice thing, but sort of required in life. He is doing well with his academics and is enjoying the competition.

B2 is enjoying being an "upperclassman" in the middle school. Good grades, enjoying choir and growing like a weed. He is looking to try out new things to find just who it is that he wants to be. Being the musically creative one, he also wants to see what other things spark his interest. He says singing isn't going to create video games so he has to find something that will.

It appears to be the one having the hardest time adjusting this year is B3. 6th grade is a hard adjustment. He has never adjusted to change easily,  With his special needs, anxiety is becoming a major issue. We are attempting to work with his teachers but it does take time. We are thankful that we have essential oils to support him while his issues are coming under control.

The amazing part of the season is that the air is turning crisp, the colors are vivid in the foliage and it is perfect chili weather. I can not wait until we have a bonfire and hot dog roast. (It is one thing the entire family loves.)

One of the must-haves when it comes to the change of seasons is our essential oils. The protective blend of essential oils is a must have. I love diffusing it in the diffusers at home to give the air a fresh fall scent. The blend has wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

Back to School

It has been a while, hasn't it?

Today is the first day of school for our brood. We are down to just the boys still living at home. The two oldest girls have spread their wings and moved along while our youngest daughter is in college. Seems like just yesterday they were in kindergarten.

It is bittersweet for the boys today. They are growing up and new experiences are coming. B1 is now a freshman in high school. The journey to adulthood is upon him.

 His year will be spent discovering exactly what he wants to do with his life. (The age old question that some adults do not have an answer to.)

He will be experiencing Visual Art, Principles of Mechatronics, Principles of Law, and JROTC. In addition to his core classes.

Currently, B1 is contemplating going into law enforcement. He has relatives already there and would like to serve the community. JROTC and Principles of Law both will enlighten him on that career.

He also loves drawing and figuring out what makes things work. Visual art and Principles of Mechatronics will feed that curiosity.

We fully anticipate this will be a major personal growth year for B1.

B2 and B3 are at the middle school. 8th grade and 6th grade. Major changes for them too.

B2 is in 8th grade and ready to enjoy being at the top of the food chain. He is anticipating choir again this year. He is also excited about being the responsible big brother that keeps an eye on B3.

B3 has a touch of apprehension going on this morning. He doesn't like change, doesn't care to experience the unknown. New school, new teachers, news expectations.

When we went to Open House for the middle school B3 was quite excited about the computer lab and the classrooms that have computers in them. He is our high tech boy.

All in all, it appears the school year is off to a good start. Now for mom and dad to get it together during the day. Ha!

Mom has picked up substitute teaching in addition to adjunct to help with things. We feel it is important to know what is going on at the schools and until a full time position opens up in higher ed, supplementing with substitute teaching will be an added bonus.

Back to School fun!