Non-Toxic Shoe Spray for Family Odor Elimination: What Actually Works

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If you’ve ever peeled off a kid’s sneaker after a long Florida afternoon and wondered how something so small could smell so aggressive — friend, you are not alone. Between the humidity down here in Northwest Florida, the hours spent running barefoot through the yard, and the inevitable chicken coop visits in whatever shoes happen to be closest to the back door, we have a situation in our mudroom.

And I’ll be honest: for a while, I just accepted it. Stinky shoes were part of having active kids, right? But as I started making more intentional choices about what we bring into our home — cleaning products, personal care items, even the sprays we use around our pets — I realized I didn’t want to blast our shoes with whatever mystery chemicals came in those aerosol cans from the store.

So I went down the rabbit hole. And I’m here to tell you what I’ve learned about non-toxic shoe spray for family odor elimination, what actually works, and what’s just marketing fluff.

Why Traditional Shoe Sprays Made Me Nervous

Most conventional shoe deodorizers rely on synthetic fragrances and antimicrobial chemicals to mask or eliminate odors. When you look at the ingredient lists — if you can even find them — you’ll often see things like triclosan, parabens, and fragrance blends that can contain dozens of undisclosed compounds.

Now, I’m not here to fear-monger. But as someone with a science background who’s spent years learning to read labels, I just don’t love the idea of my kids sliding their bare feet into shoes that have been coated with ingredients I can’t pronounce or research. Especially when those same kids are tracking through our house, lying on the floor to play, and yes — occasionally putting their feet places feet shouldn’t go.

Plus, we have our mini labradoodle who likes to steal shoes. The last thing I need is her chewing on something sprayed with who-knows-what.

What Actually Causes Shoe Odor (And Why It Matters)

Here’s the thing: shoe smell isn’t really about sweat. It’s about bacteria. When feet sweat (and boy, do they sweat in Florida humidity), that moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Those bacteria break down the sweat and produce the lovely odor we all know and love.

So an effective shoe spray needs to do one of two things: either kill or inhibit the bacteria, or neutralize the odor compounds they produce. Ideally both.

This is why just spraying perfume into a shoe doesn’t work — you end up with floral-scented funk, which is arguably worse.

Non-Toxic Ingredients That Actually Work

After testing various options and doing way too much research, here are the ingredients I look for in a truly effective, family-safe shoe spray:

Essential Oils with Antimicrobial Properties

Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and thyme oils have all been studied for their antimicrobial effects. They’re not just nice-smelling — they actually help address the bacterial situation. I love that these are the same types of ingredients I see in other products I trust, like Wondercide, which we use around the house and on our dog.

Baking Soda

Old school and effective. Baking soda neutralizes acidic odor compounds and absorbs moisture. Some sprays incorporate it in liquid form.

Alcohol (Ethanol or Isopropyl)

A small amount of alcohol helps kill bacteria on contact and evaporates quickly, which is important because you don’t want to add more moisture to the shoe situation.

Zinc-Based Compounds

Some natural deodorizers use zinc ricinoleate (derived from castor oil), which traps odor molecules rather than just covering them up.

Our Current Shoe Spray Routine

I’ll be real with you — I’ve tried a lot of products, and I’ve also made my own. Here’s what our routine looks like now:

For daily maintenance: I do a quick spray with a DIY mixture of distilled water, witch hazel, and essential oils (tea tree and peppermint are my go-tos). I keep it in a small glass spray bottle by the back door.

For deeper cleaning: About once a week, especially for the sneakers that see the most action, I sprinkle in some baking soda, let it sit overnight, and shake it out in the morning. Old school, yes. Effective, absolutely.

For shoes that have gone to the dark side: Sometimes a shoe is just too far gone, especially those rain boots that got left outside with water in them (don’t ask). In those cases, I’ll put them in direct sunlight for a few hours. UV light is a natural antimicrobial, and here in Florida, we have plenty of it.

Making Your Own Non-Toxic Shoe Spray

If you want to try the DIY route, here’s the simple recipe I use:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup witch hazel or vodka
• 15-20 drops essential oil (tea tree, eucalyptus, or peppermint)

Instructions:

1. Combine in a glass spray bottle

2. Shake well before each use

3. Spray inside shoes and let dry completely before wearing

That’s it. The witch hazel or vodka helps the mixture dry faster and adds antibacterial properties. The essential oils do the heavy lifting on odor and bacteria.

Prevention: The Best Odor Eliminator

Of course, the best approach is preventing the stink in the first place. A few things that have helped in our house:

Rotate shoes. Kids don’t need fifteen pairs of shoes, but having at least two pairs to alternate lets each pair dry out completely between wears.

Go barefoot when possible. This is the 1990s childhood hill I will die on. Kids’ feet need to breathe, and honestly, mine are happiest running through the backyard barefoot anyway. We save the shoes for when we actually need them.

Choose breathable materials. Canvas and leather breathe better than synthetic materials. When it’s time for new sneakers, I try to keep this in mind.

Air them out. We don’t store shoes in a closed closet. They live on a rack near the back door where air can circulate — and where I can grab them quickly when I need to chase someone away from the chicken coop.

A Note on Natural Products You Can Buy

If DIY isn’t your thing (no judgment — some seasons of life are just about survival), there are good ready-made options out there. Look for brands that are transparent about ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances. I like to shop at places like Grove Collaborative when I need to stock up on non-toxic home products because they vet brands for ingredients, and I don’t have to spend twenty minutes reading labels in a store aisle.

The Bigger Picture

Honestly, stinky shoes aren’t the end of the world. In the grand scheme of raising kids who play hard, get dirty, and actually use their bodies — a little foot odor is a sign of a life well-lived.

But I also believe we can address these little everyday problems without bringing a bunch of unnecessary chemicals into our homes. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes the simplest solutions — baking soda, sunshine, essential oils — are the ones that actually work.

So if you’re standing in your mudroom right now, wondering if those sneakers can be saved, take heart. Grab some witch hazel and tea tree oil, let those babies air out in the Florida sun, and know that you’re not the only mama dealing with this particular joy of raising wild-rooted kids.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rescue a sandal from the dog.

How to Manage Chicken Manure Composting: A Simple Guide for Backyard Flocks

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If you’ve got backyard chickens, you’ve got chicken poop. A lot of it. And if you’re anything like me, you probably stood in your coop one morning wondering what on earth you were supposed to do with all of it. The good news? That smelly mess is actually liquid gold for your garden — you just need to know how to handle it properly.

When we first got our flock a few years ago, I’ll admit I was a little naive about the manure situation. I thought I’d just toss the coop cleanings in the garden and call it a day. Turns out, fresh chicken manure can actually burn your plants and introduce harmful bacteria. Lesson learned. But once I figured out a simple composting system, it became one of the easiest parts of chicken keeping — and honestly, one of the most rewarding.

Why You Can’t Use Fresh Chicken Manure Directly

Chicken manure is incredibly nitrogen-rich, which sounds like a good thing until you realize that “hot” nitrogen can scorch plant roots and leaves. Fresh manure also contains pathogens like salmonella and E. coli that you definitely don’t want anywhere near your vegetable garden or your kids’ bare feet.

Composting solves both problems. The heat generated during proper composting kills harmful bacteria, and the aging process mellows out that intense nitrogen into something your tomatoes and herbs will actually thank you for.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to compost chicken manure. Here’s what works for our family:

• A designated compost area (bin, pile, or tumbler)
• Carbon-rich “brown” materials (dried leaves, straw, cardboard, wood shavings)
• Your chicken coop cleanings (manure plus bedding)
• A pitchfork or shovel for turning
• Time and a little patience

If you use the deep litter method in your coop — which we do — you’re already halfway there. The pine shavings or straw mixed with the manure gives you a nice carbon-to-nitrogen balance right from the start.

The Simple Composting Process

Step 1: Build Your Pile with Layers

Think of composting like making lasagna. You want layers of “green” nitrogen-rich materials (that’s your chicken manure) alternating with “brown” carbon-rich materials. The ideal ratio is roughly 2-3 parts brown to 1 part green.

When I clean out the coop, I dump everything into our compost bin and then add extra dried leaves or cardboard on top. Here in Northwest Florida, we have no shortage of oak leaves in the fall, so I stockpile bags of them specifically for this purpose.

Step 2: Keep It Moist but Not Soggy

Your compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Too dry and nothing breaks down. Too wet and you get a stinky, anaerobic mess. During our humid Florida summers, I rarely need to add water. In the drier spring months, I’ll spray the pile down when I turn it.

Step 3: Turn It Regularly

Oxygen is what keeps your compost cooking. I try to turn our pile every week or two with a pitchfork. This speeds up decomposition and helps everything break down evenly. My kids actually love helping with this part — there’s something satisfying about seeing the steam rise off a well-working compost pile on a cool morning.

Step 4: Wait for the Magic

Hot composting can give you finished compost in as little as 6-8 weeks if you’re diligent about turning and moisture. Cold composting (the lazier method, which I’ll admit I default to sometimes) takes more like 6-12 months. Either way, you’ll know it’s ready when it looks like dark, crumbly soil and smells earthy — not like a chicken coop.

Tips for Managing Manure in Florida’s Climate

Our humid, subtropical weather here in the Pensacola area creates some unique considerations. The heat actually works in your favor for composting — things break down faster when it’s warm. But you’ll want to keep an eye on moisture levels during our rainy season, and make sure your pile has good drainage.

I also recommend keeping your compost bin away from areas where the kids play barefoot, at least until it’s fully finished. We have ours tucked behind the coop, which keeps everything contained in one “chicken zone.”

To help manage flies and odor — especially important in our warm climate — I sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in the coop and on fresh compost additions. It’s non-toxic and helps keep pests down naturally.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Smells terrible? Your pile is probably too wet or needs more carbon. Add dry leaves or cardboard and turn it well.

Not breaking down? It might be too dry, or you may need more nitrogen-rich material. Make sure you’re turning it regularly.

Attracting pests? Cover fresh additions with a layer of brown material, and consider a covered bin if you’re dealing with raccoons or rats.

Using Your Finished Compost

Once your chicken manure compost is ready, you can use it just like any other compost. Work it into garden beds before planting, use it as a top dressing around established plants, or brew it into compost tea for a gentle liquid fertilizer.

Our raised vegetable beds have never been happier since we started using our chicken compost. It feels like the ultimate closed loop — the chickens eat our kitchen scraps, we compost their manure, and then we grow food that feeds all of us (including the chickens).

Making It a Learning Experience

If you’re a homeschool family like us, composting is a fantastic hands-on science lesson. We’ve used our compost pile to study decomposition, soil biology, and the nitrogen cycle. My kids have sketched decomposers in their nature journals, and we’ve used our pocket microscope to look at compost up close.

If your kids are really into the chicken side of things, A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens has a great section on coop maintenance and manure management written at their level. For us grown-ups, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is my go-to reference for all things flock management.

A Few Upgrades That Made Our Lives Easier

Over the years, we’ve added a few things that have streamlined our chicken-keeping routine. An automatic coop door means less daily trekking back and forth, and a nipple waterer system keeps the water cleaner and reduces mess in the coop — which means less soggy bedding to deal with at compost time.

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Managing chicken manure doesn’t have to be complicated or gross. With a simple system in place, it becomes just another rhythm of backyard chicken keeping — and you end up with incredible compost for your garden in the process.

Honestly, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning what most people consider waste into something that grows food for your family. It’s the kind of practical, hands-in-the-dirt skill I want my kids to grow up understanding. And on the days when the coop is a little stinkier than usual and the compost pile needs turning again, I remind myself that this is the good stuff — the real, unglamorous, beautiful work of tending a home and a little piece of land.

Happy composting, friend.

Florida Homeschool Portfolio: What to Include (Without Overcomplicating It)

If you’re a Florida homeschool parent staring down your first annual evaluation, you might be wondering what exactly you’re supposed to put in that portfolio. Or maybe you’ve been at this for a few years and you’re still not sure if you’re doing it “right.” Friend, I’ve been there—sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by piles of papers, wondering if the evaluator was going to think we spent the whole year watching the chickens scratch around the backyard.

Spoiler: we kind of did. And it counted.

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Here’s the thing about Florida homeschool portfolios—they don’t have to be complicated, Pinterest-perfect, or stuffed to the brim with worksheets. They just need to show educational progress. Let me walk you through what that actually looks like in a real homeschool home.

What Florida Law Actually Requires

Before we dive into the practical stuff, let’s talk about what the law says. In Florida, if you’re registered through your county (Option 1), you’re required to either:

1. Have your child evaluated annually by a certified teacher, OR

2. Have your child take a nationally standardized test

Most of us in the Charlotte Mason world prefer the portfolio evaluation route because it captures the fullness of what our kids are learning—not just what bubbles they can fill in. A good evaluator understands that education looks different in different homes.

The portfolio itself is meant to show a “log of educational activities” and samples of work. That’s it. There’s no checklist from the state, no required format, no magic number of pages.

What to Actually Include in Your Portfolio

A Simple Log of What You Did

This doesn’t have to be fancy. I keep a basic planner where I jot down what we covered each week—subjects, books we read aloud, nature walks, field trips. Some weeks it’s detailed. Some weeks it says “library + creek exploration + lots of LEGO.” That’s real life.

Your log can be:

• A written planner or notebook
• A digital document or spreadsheet
• A printable checklist you mark off

The point is to show you were intentional about your child’s education throughout the year.

Work Samples Across Subjects

Here’s where people tend to overthink it. You don’t need every worksheet from the entire year. You need samples—enough to show what your child was working on and how they’ve grown.

For each subject, I typically include 3-5 pieces spread across the year. For us, that looks like:

Language Arts: Copywork samples, narration pages, spelling tests, and handwriting practice. If your child is older, maybe a book report or creative writing piece.

Math: A few completed worksheets or lesson pages showing different concepts. We use a hands-on approach with manipulatives (similar to what you’d find at Rainbow Resource), so I also snap photos of the kids working through problems.

Science & Nature Study: This is where our homeschool shines—and where Florida really works in our favor. Our nature journals are packed with sketches, observations, and pressed specimens. We include drawings of birds we’ve identified (our Sibley guide is dog-eared from use), insects we’ve caught, and plants we’ve studied.

Social Studies/History: Timeline entries, maps, narration pages from our history read-alouds, or even photos from field trips to places like Fort Pickens or the Pensacola Lighthouse.

Art: Watercolor paintings (we love our Faber-Castell watercolor set), nature sketches, and any other creative projects.

Photos of Hands-On Learning

This is where Charlotte Mason and nature-based homeschoolers really get to show off. Photos count as documentation!

I keep a folder on my phone where I drop pictures throughout the year:

• Kids exploring tide pools at Navarre Beach
• Examining a feather under our pocket microscope
• Collecting specimens for their bug kits
• Baking and measuring in the kitchen (hello, fractions!)
• Building projects, science experiments, garden observations

I print a handful of these and add short captions. Evaluators love seeing education in action.

Reading Lists

Keep a running list of books your child has read independently and books you’ve read aloud together. This is one of the easiest pieces of documentation and it carries a lot of weight. A child who’s been read to consistently and who reads on their own is clearly being educated.

Any Extras That Show Growth

Did your child take a co-op class? Include a certificate or summary. Did they learn to care for the backyard chickens using a kid-friendly guide? Write a sentence about the life skills they gained. Did they participate in 4-H, scouts, music lessons, or sports? Document it.

Education isn’t just academics. Our evaluator always loves hearing about the “real life” stuff.

How to Organize It All

I’m not a binder person by nature, but I’ve found that a simple three-ring binder with tab dividers works best for evaluation day. I organize by subject, with the log at the front and photos at the back.

Some families prefer a digital portfolio—a Google Drive folder or PDF document. If you go this route, check with your evaluator ahead of time to make sure they’re comfortable reviewing it that way.

The goal is to make it easy for your evaluator to flip through and see the scope of your year.

What You Don’t Need to Include

Let me save you some stress:

• You don’t need every single worksheet
• You don’t need a formal curriculum list (though you can mention what you used)
• You don’t need test scores unless that’s your chosen evaluation method
• You don’t need to prove you did school for a certain number of hours or days

Florida law requires 180 days of instruction, but you don’t have to document each one individually. Your portfolio and log demonstrate ongoing education—that’s enough.

A Note for PEP Scholarship Families

If you’re using the Florida PEP scholarship like we are, you already know there’s a bit more documentation involved for your purchases. But your evaluation portfolio is separate from your scholarship records. Keep both organized, but don’t conflate them. Your evaluator is looking at educational progress, not receipts.

Finding the Right Evaluator

This matters more than you might think. A good evaluator understands different homeschool styles and isn’t looking to catch you doing something wrong—they’re there to confirm that learning is happening. Ask around in local homeschool groups (the Pensacola area has several good ones) for recommendations. You want someone who “gets” your approach, whether that’s Charlotte Mason, classical, unschooling, or eclectic.

Keep It Simple, Mama

Here’s what I want you to walk away with: your portfolio is just a snapshot of your year. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to prove you’re the world’s best homeschool mom. It just has to show that your kids are learning and growing—which they are, even on the hard days.

Some of our richest learning moments this year happened while we were watching a mockingbird build a nest, or when the kids spent an entire afternoon splashing in rain boots after a summer storm, or when my youngest finally understood a tricky math concept using her hands instead of a worksheet.

That’s education. And it’s worth documenting.

You’re doing a good job. Now go gather those work samples—and maybe let the kids take a break outside while you do.

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Want more tips on homeschooling in Florida the nature-based way? Stick around—I share what’s working for our family, one messy, beautiful season at a time.

Best Outdoor Learning Subscription Boxes for Kids (And What We Use Instead)

If you’ve been searching for ways to get your kids outside more—really outside, not just passing through on the way to the car—you’ve probably stumbled across a dozen ads for outdoor learning subscription boxes. They promise adventure, curiosity, and screen-free fun delivered right to your door. And honestly? Some of them are pretty great.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned after a few years of homeschooling in our little corner of Northwest Florida: sometimes the best “subscription” is the one you build yourself, piece by piece, based on what your actual kids are actually curious about.

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Let me walk you through what’s out there, what we’ve tried, and what we’ve landed on in our nature-based, Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool.

Why Outdoor Learning Subscription Boxes Are So Appealing

I get it. I really do. When you’re juggling multiple kids, lesson planning, and—oh yeah—keeping tiny humans alive, the idea of someone else curating an outdoor adventure sounds like a dream. Open a box, follow the instructions, and suddenly you’re the fun mom leading a nature expedition.

These boxes usually include things like:

• Themed activity guides
• Nature tools (magnifying glasses, collection containers)
• Craft supplies
• Educational cards or booklets

For families just starting to prioritize outdoor time, they can be a wonderful on-ramp. They remove the mental load of figuring out what to do outside.

Popular Outdoor Subscription Boxes Worth Considering

Kiwi Crate’s Atlas Crate & Kiwi Crate Explore

Kiwi Co. has several lines, and their nature-adjacent boxes often include geography, science, and hands-on projects. They’re well-made and the instructions are kid-friendly. If you have a child who loves structured activities, these can be a hit.

Little Passports Science Expeditions

This one leans more toward experiments than pure outdoor exploration, but many of the activities can easily be taken outside. It’s great for kids who want to understand why things work the way they do.

THiNK OUTSiDE Boxes

This is probably the most “outdoorsy” of the mainstream options. Each box focuses on a survival or nature skill—fire building, shelter, navigation. If you have adventure-loving kids in the upper elementary range, this one might be worth a look.

What We Actually Use Instead (Our DIY Approach)

Here’s my honest take: after trying a couple of subscription boxes, we found they didn’t quite fit our rhythm. The activities felt a little too prescribed, and half the supplies ended up in a drawer somewhere. What works better for our family is building our own “outdoor learning kit” and letting curiosity lead.

A Simple Nature Journal

This is the foundation of everything we do outside. Each of my kids has a nature journal that goes with us on walks, to the backyard, even just onto the porch. Charlotte Mason called this “nature study,” and it’s less about teaching facts and more about noticing. We sketch what we see, press leaves, and sometimes just write down questions to look up later.

Field Guides That Actually Get Used

We keep a copy of the Sibley Kids Bird Guide by the back door. It’s gotten rained on, dropped in the grass, and is absolutely loved. When we hear a new bird call or spot something at the feeder, we look it up together. No curriculum, no schedule—just genuine curiosity.

Real Tools for Real Exploration

One thing subscription boxes do well is provide tools. But you can build your own kit for less money and customize it to what your kids actually care about.

Our go-to items:

• A pocket microscope (this thing has looked at everything from chicken feathers to pond water)
• A bug catcher kit for catch-and-release insect study
• Good rain boots because Florida afternoons don’t ask permission before dumping rain

These tools live in a basket by our back door and get grabbed constantly.

Making It Work in Florida

I should mention—outdoor learning here looks different than it might in, say, Vermont. Our summers are hot, y’all. Like, “the-dog-won’t-even-go-outside-at-2pm” hot. So we do most of our nature study in the early morning or late afternoon. We also take advantage of our mild winters when the rest of the country is buried in snow.

And because we’re dealing with Florida’s special brand of bugs and humidity, I always have non-toxic sunscreen and Wondercide on hand. It makes the difference between a pleasant morning outside and everyone coming in cranky and covered in bites.

The Chickens as Unexpected Teachers

I can’t write about outdoor learning without mentioning our backyard flock. Honestly, the chickens have taught my kids more about biology, responsibility, and the rhythm of daily life than any subscription box could.

We’ve watched eggs develop, learned about molting, and had hard conversations about predators. If your family is even a little bit chicken-curious, I always recommend A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens. It’s written at an accessible level and gives kids ownership over the learning.

When a Subscription Box Is the Right Call

All that said, there are seasons when a subscription box makes total sense:

• You’re brand new to outdoor learning and need a starting point
• You have a child who thrives with structured activities
• Life is overwhelming and you need something done for you
• You want a gift that keeps giving throughout the year

No shame in any of that. We’re all just doing what works for our families.

Our Approach: Low-Key and Curiosity-Led

If I had to sum up what we do, it’s this: we keep good tools accessible, we say yes to rabbit trails, and we don’t stress about covering every topic. Some weeks we spend hours outside. Other weeks, it’s a quick walk to check on the chickens and refill the waterer before the Florida heat sets in.

Charlotte Mason believed that children should have “long hours out of doors” and that nature itself is one of the best teachers. I’ve found that to be true in our backyard, at our local springs, and even on our front porch watching thunderstorms roll in.

Final Thoughts

The best outdoor learning subscription box for kids might actually be the one you create yourself—a nature journal, a few good tools, a field guide, and the freedom to explore. But if a monthly box is what gets your family outside and curious, that’s a win too.

Whatever path you choose, the goal is the same: kids who know what dirt smells like after rain, who can identify at least one bird by its call, and who remember childhood as something that happened mostly outside. That’s the kind of childhood we’re building over here—one muddy morning at a time.

Now if you’ll excuse me, someone just yelled that they found a “really cool beetle” and apparently I need to come see it immediately. This is the job, friends. And honestly? I love it.

How to Teach Kids Poetry Appreciation the Charlotte Mason Way (Without Making It Feel Like Work)

If the thought of teaching poetry makes you want to hide in the pantry with a cold cup of coffee, I get it. Maybe your own school experience involved dissecting poems until they were unrecognizable, or memorizing stanzas that meant absolutely nothing to you. But here’s the beautiful thing about the Charlotte Mason approach: poetry appreciation doesn’t look anything like that. It looks like Wednesday mornings on the porch, a poem read aloud while the chickens scratch in the yard, and kids who actually ask to hear their favorites again.

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I’ll be honest — when we first started homeschooling, poetry felt intimidating. I had a science background, not an English lit degree. But Charlotte Mason’s method is refreshingly simple, and after a few years of doing this, I can tell you: my elementary-age kids genuinely love poetry. Not because I’m doing anything fancy, but because I’m not.

What Charlotte Mason Actually Said About Poetry

Charlotte Mason believed that children deserve the best — the finest literature, the most beautiful art, the richest poetry. She didn’t believe in dumbing things down or only offering “kid versions” of great works. Instead, she trusted that children could appreciate beauty and meaning when it was presented simply and consistently.

Her approach to poetry was delightfully uncomplicated:

• Read poetry aloud, regularly. Not as a special event, but as a natural part of your days.
• Don’t explain it to death. Let the poem speak for itself.
• Return to favorites. Repetition builds familiarity and love.
• Allow for memorization, naturally. When children hear poems often enough, they begin to absorb them without drill.

That’s it. No worksheets analyzing metaphors. No quizzes on rhyme schemes. Just beautiful words, read aloud, allowed to sink in over time.

How We Bring Poetry Into Our Homeschool Days

In our house, poetry happens most mornings during our “together time” — that cozy window after breakfast where we gather on the couch or the back porch (depending on whether the Florida humidity is cooperating). I keep a few poetry books within arm’s reach, and we simply read one or two poems before moving into the rest of our day.

Start With One Poet Per Term

One thing that helped me feel less scattered was focusing on a single poet for an entire term — about 12 weeks. We might spend a fall term with Robert Louis Stevenson, then move to Emily Dickinson in the winter. This gives kids time to get familiar with a poet’s voice and style without rushing through an anthology.

For elementary kids, some of our favorites have been:

• A.A. Milne (whimsical and fun)
• Robert Frost (perfect for nature-loving families)
• Christina Rossetti (beautiful imagery)
• Langston Hughes (rhythmic and accessible)

Read It Aloud — Then Let It Breathe

Here’s where so many of us want to over-teach. We read a poem and immediately ask, “So what do you think the author meant?” But Charlotte Mason encouraged us to trust the poem. Read it beautifully, with feeling. Then… that’s it. Maybe read it once more if it’s short.

Over time, your kids will start making their own observations. My daughter once heard a Frost poem and said, “That sounds like how our yard looks in the morning.” That’s poetry appreciation happening — not because I quizzed her, but because she had space to connect.

Keep a Poetry Section in Your Nature Journal

We love combining poetry with nature study. When we’re outside sketching birds or pressing wildflowers, sometimes a poem fits perfectly. I’ll read a short verse about birds or seasons, and occasionally my kids will copy a favorite line into their nature journals. It’s not required — but when something strikes them, they want to keep it.

This is especially lovely here in Florida, where our “seasons” are subtle. A poem about autumn leaves might not match our landscape, but a poem about herons or afternoon storms? That feels like home.

Memorization Without the Misery

Charlotte Mason valued memorization, but not the painful kind most of us remember. Her approach was gentle: hear a poem enough times, and you’ll begin to know it by heart.

We pick one poem per month to focus on. I read it aloud most days — just a minute or two. By the end of the month, my kids can usually recite it, or at least most of it. No flashcards. No pressure. Just repetition and rhythm doing their quiet work.

Some months we add hand motions or act it out, especially with younger kids. “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson is perfect for this — they can’t help but move while hearing it.

Simple Tools That Make Poetry Time Sweeter

You don’t need much to teach poetry appreciation, but a few things have made our time richer:

• A beautiful anthology. We rotate between a few, but having one “main” book for the term helps with consistency.
• Watercolors for poetry illustration. Sometimes after a poem, I’ll set out our Faber-Castell watercolors and let the kids paint whatever the poem made them feel or see. No right answers — just response.
• A cozy spot. Poetry reads differently when you’re comfortable. Our porch swing gets a lot of use.

If you’re looking for curriculum support, Rainbow Resource has an excellent selection of poetry books organized by age and style. I’ve found some of our favorite anthologies there.

What About Kids Who “Don’t Like” Poetry?

First — give it time. Many kids who say they don’t like poetry have simply never been exposed to it in a living, enjoyable way. If their only experience is fill-in-the-blank worksheets, no wonder they’re resistant.

Second — try different styles. Some kids love funny poems (Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky). Some love nature poetry. Some love narrative poems that tell a story. Keep experimenting until something clicks.

And third — don’t force a response. Charlotte Mason was clear that we shouldn’t require children to perform their appreciation. Just because they’re not gushing doesn’t mean the poem isn’t working on their hearts. Trust the process.

Connecting Poetry to the Rest of Your Homeschool

One thing I love about the Charlotte Mason approach is how everything weaves together. Poetry doesn’t live in isolation — it connects to nature study, to history, to art.

When we studied birds last spring using our Sibley Guide, we paired it with poems about birds. When we learned about the seasons changing (as much as they do in Northwest Florida), we read poems about weather and time. Poetry becomes a thread that runs through everything else.

This is the kind of education I dreamed about when we started homeschooling — the kind where learning feels connected and alive, not chopped into disconnected subjects.

A Little Encouragement for the Poetry-Hesitant Mama

If you’re reading this and thinking, “But I don’t even know where to start,” let me offer you this: start with one poem. Tomorrow morning, read one poem aloud to your kids. Don’t explain it. Don’t quiz them. Just read it, maybe twice, and then move on with your day.

That’s it. That’s poetry appreciation, Charlotte Mason style.

Over time, you’ll find your family’s favorites. You’ll notice your kids quoting lines at random moments. You’ll catch yourself moved by words you never would have chosen on your own. That’s the gift of this approach — it changes all of us, not just our children.

And honestly? On the hard homeschool days, when math takes forever and someone is crying about handwriting, those few minutes of poetry are often the most peaceful part of our morning. The dog settles at our feet, the chickens cluck outside the window, and for just a moment, everything slows down.

That’s the childhood I want for my kids — one filled with wonder, with beauty, with words that stick. Poetry is a small piece of that, but it’s a piece I’m so glad we didn’t skip.

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If you’ve ever gotten down on your hands and knees to scrub grout while your kids play nearby—and then caught a whiff of whatever chemical concoction you just sprayed—you know that gut feeling. The one that whispers, this can’t be good for us.

I had that moment a few years ago in our Florida home. The humidity here is relentless (you know what I’m talking about if you live anywhere near the Gulf), and our tile floors seemed to grow mildew in the grout lines faster than I could keep up. I was reaching for the heavy-duty stuff, the kind with warning labels and “ensure adequate ventilation” instructions, while my kids ate snacks at the kitchen table ten feet away.

That was my wake-up call. If I was going to create an intentional, non-toxic home for our family, the grout cleaner had to go.

Why I Stopped Using Commercial Grout Cleaners

Here’s what I learned when I actually started reading labels: most conventional grout cleaners contain chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate respiratory systems, trigger headaches, and linger in your home’s air long after you’ve finished cleaning.

For a family with elementary-age kids who spend a lot of time on the floor—building with blocks, sprawling out with picture books, or just being kids—that didn’t sit right with me. And honestly? Our dog spends even more time down there than the children do.

The thing is, we work hard to keep our home as clean and healthy as possible. We’re already mindful about what we bring into our space, from the cleaning products we use from Grove Collaborative to the way we handle pest control with Wondercide instead of conventional sprays. It didn’t make sense to undo all of that with a grout cleaner that made my eyes water.

The Simple Non-Toxic Grout Cleaner That Actually Works

After trying a few Pinterest recipes that left me underwhelmed, I landed on a combination that genuinely gets the job done—even on Florida humidity-level grime.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide (the regular 3% kind from the drugstore)
• 1 teaspoon dish soap (I use a plant-based one)
• A stiff-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• A spray bottle with plain water

How to Make It:

Mix the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Add the dish soap and stir to combine. That’s it—you’re done.

How to Use It:

Spread the paste along your grout lines with your brush or even just your fingers (it’s gentle enough that you don’t need gloves, though I usually wear them anyway). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. For really stubborn spots, I’ll leave it for 15.

Then scrub. The baking soda provides gentle abrasion while the hydrogen peroxide does the heavy lifting on mildew and stains. Spray with plain water and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Honestly? It works better than the commercial stuff I used to buy, and my house doesn’t smell like a swimming pool afterward.

A Few Tips From Trial and Error

Make it fresh each time. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down when exposed to light and air, so this isn’t a “make a big batch and store it” kind of recipe. I just mix up what I need for each cleaning session.

Spot test first. This is gentle, but if you have colored grout or natural stone tile, test in an inconspicuous area first. Hydrogen peroxide can lighten some materials.

Don’t skip the wait time. I know it’s tempting to scrub immediately, but letting the paste sit is what makes this actually effective. Pour yourself some coffee, check on the chickens, flip through your homeschool plans for the week. It’ll be ready when you get back.

Seal your grout afterward. Once you’ve done a deep clean, consider applying a grout sealer to make future cleaning easier. This is especially helpful in humid climates like ours here in Northwest Florida.

Keeping a Non-Toxic Home With Kids (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

I used to think that “non-toxic” meant complicated, expensive, or less effective. But the longer we’ve lived this way, the more I’ve realized it’s actually simpler. Baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, castile soap—these basic ingredients handle most of our cleaning needs.

And here’s what I love most: my kids can be around when I clean. They can help, even. My oldest has started taking on some household responsibilities, and I don’t have to worry about her handling something that could hurt her. That’s the whole point of building an intentional home, isn’t it? Creating a space where our families can thrive without hidden hazards.

This same philosophy carries over into everything we do—from the diatomaceous earth we use in the chicken coop to keep pests down naturally, to the way we handle bug bites and outdoor play. Speaking of which, if your kids are anything like mine and spend half their lives outside getting muddy, you might want to grab some good rain boots for kids—ours get worn year-round between Florida’s rainy season and all the puddle stomping that happens around here.

When You Need Something Stronger

Look, I’m not going to pretend this paste will fix grout that’s been neglected for years or handle serious mold issues. If your grout is black and nothing seems to touch it, you might be dealing with a moisture problem that needs addressing at the source, or grout that needs to be professionally cleaned or replaced.

But for regular maintenance? For keeping on top of the everyday grime that accumulates in a home with kids, pets, and muddy shoes tracking in from the backyard? This simple recipe has been a game-changer for us.

It’s About Progress, Not Perfection

If you’re just starting to transition to a non-toxic home, cleaning products are one of the easiest places to begin. You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start with one swap—maybe this grout cleaner, maybe switching to a cleaner household line like Grove Collaborative—and build from there.

Our family has been on this journey for years now, and we’re still learning. Still tweaking. Still figuring out what works for our particular home and our particular kids. But every small change adds up to a healthier space for everyone.

So the next time you’re staring down dingy grout lines and reaching for a spray bottle, maybe give this a try instead. Your lungs (and your kids’ lungs, and your dog’s lungs) will thank you.

And if you’ve got a non-toxic cleaning trick that’s worked for your family, I’d love to hear about it. We’re all in this together, friend.

Backyard Chickens Permits in Escambia County, Florida: What You Need to Know Before You Start

So you’re thinking about getting backyard chickens in Escambia County, Florida. Maybe your kids have been begging for baby chicks after seeing them at the feed store. Maybe you’re tired of paying $7 for a dozen farm-fresh eggs. Or maybe — like us — you want your children to understand where food comes from and experience the kind of hands-on learning that doesn’t happen on a screen.

Whatever brought you here, I’m glad you’re doing your homework first. Because nothing takes the joy out of a new backyard flock faster than a citation from code enforcement.

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Do You Need a Permit for Backyard Chickens in Escambia County?

Here’s the short answer: It depends on where you live within Escambia County.

Escambia County itself doesn’t require a permit for keeping chickens on residential property in unincorporated areas, as long as you follow certain guidelines. However, if you live within the city limits of Pensacola, you’re dealing with a different set of rules entirely.

This is where it gets a little tricky, so let me break it down.

Unincorporated Escambia County

If you live in unincorporated Escambia County (meaning you’re not inside city limits), you generally have more flexibility with backyard poultry. The county follows standard agricultural guidelines, and chickens are typically allowed without a formal permit.

However, you’ll still want to check:

• Lot size requirements — Some areas have minimum acreage for keeping livestock
• Setback requirements — How far your coop needs to be from property lines and neighboring structures
• HOA restrictions — If you’re in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association, they may have their own rules that override county allowances

The best step? Call Escambia County Development Services at (850) 595-3475 and give them your address. They can tell you exactly what applies to your specific property.

City of Pensacola

If you live within Pensacola city limits, the rules are stricter. The City of Pensacola does allow backyard chickens, but with more regulations:

• Hens only — No roosters allowed (which is honestly fine if you just want eggs)
• Limit on flock size — Typically 4-6 hens depending on lot size
• Coop requirements — Must be a certain distance from neighboring homes
• No slaughtering — Chickens must be kept as pets or for egg production only

You’ll want to contact the City of Pensacola Planning & Zoning department to confirm current ordinances before you bring home any fluffy butts.

What About Other Municipalities?

Escambia County also includes smaller municipalities like Century. If you live in one of these areas, you’ll need to check with that specific town’s code enforcement office. Rules can vary widely even within the same county.

Setting Up Your Coop the Right Way

Once you’ve confirmed you can legally keep chickens, the fun part begins — setting up your coop and run.

Here in Northwest Florida, we deal with some unique challenges: intense summer heat, humidity that never quits, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes that could carry off a small child. Your coop setup needs to account for all of this.

A few things that have made our chicken-keeping life easier:

Ventilation is everything. Our Florida summers are brutal, and chickens don’t sweat. Make sure your coop has plenty of airflow while still being predator-proof.

An automatic coop door is worth every penny. It opens at dawn and closes at dusk, which means you don’t have to rush outside in your pajamas every morning. It also keeps your flock safe if you’re running late on a busy homeschool day.

Invest in a good chicken waterer with nipples. Regular waterers get filthy fast, especially in our humid climate. Nipple waterers stay cleaner and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

Keep food-grade diatomaceous earth on hand. I sprinkle it in the coop and dust bath area to help control mites and keep things fresh. It’s a non-toxic option that fits well with an intentional, chemical-free approach to homesteading.

Making Chickens Part of Your Homeschool

If you’re a homeschool family — especially one using Florida’s PEP scholarship — backyard chickens can become a rich part of your curriculum.

We follow a Charlotte Mason approach, which emphasizes nature study and living books. Our chickens have become the subject of countless nature journal entries. The kids have sketched eggs, feathers, and our grumpiest hen more times than I can count. If you don’t already have a nature journal, I’d grab one before you bring chickens home — there’s so much to observe and record.

For actual chicken education, Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens is my go-to reference for the detailed stuff. But for the kids, I love the Kid’s Guide to Chickens — it’s approachable, has great pictures, and makes them feel like they’re part of caring for our flock.

Chickens teach responsibility, biology, animal behavior, and even economics (those eggs aren’t free when you factor in feed costs!). It’s the kind of real-world learning that just doesn’t happen sitting at a desk.

Common Questions About Escambia County Chicken Permits

Can I have a rooster in Escambia County?

In unincorporated areas, roosters are often allowed, though noise ordinances may still apply. Within Pensacola city limits, roosters are typically prohibited. Check your specific location.

How many chickens can I have?

This varies by location and lot size. Unincorporated areas tend to be more lenient, while city limits usually cap you at 4-6 hens.

Do I need to notify my neighbors?

It’s not legally required in most cases, but it’s a good idea. A dozen fresh eggs delivered to their door goes a long way toward keeping the peace.

What if my HOA says no?

Unfortunately, HOA rules often override county or city allowances. Read your covenants carefully before purchasing chicks. Some families have successfully petitioned their HOA for a variance, but it’s an uphill battle.

Before You Bring Home Chicks

My best advice? Do your homework before you fall in love with those fuzzy faces at Tractor Supply.

1. Call your local code enforcement office and confirm the rules for your address

2. Check your HOA documents if applicable

3. Talk to your neighbors

4. Set up your coop and run before the chicks arrive

5. Research breeds that do well in Florida’s heat (we love our Buff Orpingtons and Easter Eggers)

Final Thoughts

Getting backyard chickens in Escambia County, Florida is absolutely doable for most families — you just need to know the rules that apply to your specific situation. A quick phone call to the county or city can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

And honestly? Once you’re legal and set up, keeping chickens is one of the most rewarding things we’ve added to our little homestead. The kids race outside every morning to check for eggs. They’ve learned gentleness, patience, and the satisfaction of caring for another living thing. Our dog has learned to leave them alone (mostly). And I get to sip my coffee on the back porch watching our hens scratch around the yard like it’s 1993 and life is simple again.

That’s the childhood I want for my kids. A little dirt, a little responsibility, and a whole lot of wonder.

If you have questions about getting started with chickens here in Northwest Florida, drop a comment below. I’m always happy to share what’s worked for our family.

Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum Charlotte Mason: What Actually Works for Real Kids

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If you’ve ever watched your child narrate the most beautiful, detailed story about the butterfly they found on the back porch — complete with dramatic pauses and vivid descriptions — and then handed them a pencil only to watch their whole spirit deflate… you’re not alone. Finding the best homeschool writing curriculum for a Charlotte Mason approach can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most programs out there want to drill grammar worksheets and five-paragraph essays into kids who are still learning to love words in the first place.

I’ve been there, friend. And after a few years of trial and error (emphasis on the error), I finally feel like we’ve landed somewhere good. So grab your coffee — or your sweet tea if it’s already hot out, because here in Northwest Florida, May feels like July — and let me share what’s actually working for our family.

Why Charlotte Mason Writing Looks Different

Charlotte Mason had this beautiful philosophy that children are born persons. They’re not empty vessels to fill with our adult ideas about what writing should look like. They’re whole people with thoughts worth expressing.

This means Charlotte Mason writing instruction doesn’t start with graphic organizers and thesis statements. It starts with living ideas. It starts with reading excellent books, observing the natural world, and learning to tell back what they’ve encountered.

The foundation is narration — oral first, then written. And honestly? This felt uncomfortable to me at the beginning. I have a science background, so I wanted structure. I wanted measurable progress. But I’ve watched this gentle approach actually work, and now I’m a believer.

The Core Components of Charlotte Mason Writing

Narration: Where It All Begins

Narration is simply the child telling back what they’ve heard or read. For younger kids (think K-2), this is entirely oral. They listen to a passage from a living book, and then they tell you about it in their own words.

This is training their minds to pay attention, process information, and organize thoughts — all the skills they’ll need for writing later. You don’t need a curriculum for this. You need good books and patience.

Around age 9 or 10 (third or fourth grade for most), you can begin transitioning to written narration. They write down what they would normally tell you aloud. Start small — maybe just a sentence or two. The goal is expression, not perfection.

Copywork and Transcription

Copywork is exactly what it sounds like: your child copies excellent writing. This accomplishes so much at once — handwriting practice, spelling exposure, grammar absorption, and exposure to beautiful sentence structure.

We use passages from whatever we’re reading that week. Sometimes it’s a line from our current read-aloud. Sometimes it’s a verse or a poem. I keep a simple nature journal on our school shelf specifically for copywork related to our nature study observations.

Around age 10, copywork transitions to studied dictation, where they study a passage and then write it from your dictation. This builds the bridge toward independent writing.

Nature Journaling as Writing

Here’s something I don’t think gets talked about enough: nature journaling IS writing curriculum.

When my kids sit outside with their Faber-Castell watercolors and their journals, sketching the Gulf fritillary butterfly that landed on our passion vine, and then writing a few sentences about what they observed — that’s real writing. That’s descriptive language born from genuine observation.

We keep our Sibley Birds guide on the porch for quick reference, and I’ve noticed my kids naturally borrowing language from field guides. “The male cardinal has a distinctive crest” makes its way into their own descriptions. They’re learning to write by reading good writing about things they care about.

Curriculum Options That Actually Fit

Okay, so what about actual curriculum? Because sometimes we need a little more structure, and that’s okay.

Writing & Rhetoric by Classical Academic Press

This is technically classical, but it works beautifully alongside Charlotte Mason methods for older elementary kids. It uses fables and stories as the foundation for writing instruction, which feels much more natural than arbitrary prompts.

Brave Writer

Julie Bogart’s philosophy aligns closely with Charlotte Mason in many ways. The emphasis on free writing, living books, and the parent as a supportive coach rather than a critic resonates with everything we’re trying to do. The lifestyle component — poetry tea time, movie nights for discussion — fits perfectly with a CM home.

Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)

I know, I know — this one gets mixed reviews in CM circles. It’s more structured than some prefer. But for kids who really struggle to get words on paper, the concrete tools can be helpful. I’d use it gently and not as your primary approach.

Simply Charlotte Mason

If you want something designed specifically for this philosophy, Simply Charlotte Mason’s writing resources follow the progression from narration to written narration to composition naturally. You can find their materials through Rainbow Resource alongside other CM-friendly curriculum.

What About Grammar?

Charlotte Mason didn’t isolate grammar instruction until later elementary years, and even then, she believed children absorbed most grammar naturally through exposure to excellent literature and copywork.

We do a little bit of gentle, oral grammar discussion as we read. “Did you notice how the author used a comma there to make you pause?” That kind of thing. We’re not drilling parts of speech in first grade.

For more formal grammar around fourth or fifth grade, I like resources that keep things simple and don’t overwhelm. The same stores like Timberdoodle that carry our other curriculum have grammar options that don’t feel like drudgery.

Making It Work in Real Life

Here’s what a week of writing might look like for us:

Monday: Oral narration from our morning read-aloud.

Tuesday: Copywork from a poem we’re memorizing this month.

Wednesday: Nature journal entry after our outdoor time. We’ve been observing the chickens a lot lately — my oldest has been keeping notes on their pecking order drama like it’s a nature documentary.

Thursday: Oral narration again, maybe from history or science reading.

Friday: Free writing or a written narration for my older child.

That’s it. No writing “block” that takes an hour. No tears over blank pages. Just consistent, gentle exposure and practice.

Trust the Process

I’ll be honest — there are days I look at friends’ kids doing formal writing programs with their neat paragraph structures, and I wonder if we’re doing enough. But then I read what my daughter wrote about the anole lizard on our fence, or I listen to my son narrate a chapter of Paddle-to-the-Sea with such enthusiasm and detail, and I remember: this is working.

Charlotte Mason writing instruction trusts that children who are immersed in living ideas, who are trained to pay attention and narrate back, and who are given time to develop — those children will become capable, even beautiful, writers.

So if you’re feeling the pressure to add more worksheets or more structure, take a breath. Read good books together. Get outside and observe something worth writing about. Let them tell you about it first.

The writing will come. And it will be theirs — not a formula, but a voice.

From our little corner of the Florida Panhandle to wherever you’re reading this, I’m cheering you on. We’re all figuring this out together, one nature walk and one narration at a time.

How to Teach Kids About Moon Phases Through Nature Study (The Simple, Screen-Free Way)

There’s something almost magical about standing in your backyard with your kids, heads tilted up, watching the moon rise over the pine trees. Last week, my youngest tugged on my sleeve and asked, “Mama, why does the moon look like someone took a bite out of it?” And honestly? That’s the kind of question that makes this whole homeschool thing worth it.

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If you’ve been wondering how to teach kids about moon phases through nature study — without relying on apps or YouTube videos — you’re in the right place. This is one of those beautiful topics that practically teaches itself when you slow down and actually look. And it fits perfectly into a Charlotte Mason approach because it’s rooted in observation, wonder, and real-world connection.

Why Moon Phases Make the Perfect Nature Study Topic

Moon phases are one of the most accessible science topics for elementary-age kids. You don’t need special equipment. You don’t need to drive anywhere. You just need clear skies and a little patience — which, here in Northwest Florida, we’re blessed with more often than not (humidity notwithstanding).

What I love about studying the moon with kids is that it invites them into a rhythm. The moon doesn’t care about our busy schedules or our lesson plans. It just does its thing, night after night, and we get to be witnesses. That’s the kind of slow, observational learning that Charlotte Mason championed — and the kind of childhood experience I remember from growing up in the ’90s, before we had answers at our fingertips.

Plus, once your kids start paying attention to the moon, they’ll notice it everywhere. During afternoon errands. While checking on the chickens at dusk. It becomes a shared family language.

Getting Started: Keep It Simple

Start With Observation, Not Explanation

Here’s my biggest tip: resist the urge to explain everything upfront. Instead, just go outside after dinner for a few nights in a row and look. Ask your kids what they notice. Is the moon in the same spot? Does it look the same shape? What time did it rise?

This is living science. You’re not teaching at them — you’re discovering alongside them.

We started our moon study by simply adding “moon check” to our evening routine, right after we lock up the coop for the night. The kids race to see who can spot it first. Some nights it’s big and bright; other nights, we can barely find it. That variability is the whole point.

Use a Nature Journal to Track Observations

A nature journal is your best friend here. Each night (or every few nights — we’re not perfectionists), have your child sketch what the moon looks like. They don’t need to be artists. A simple circle with shading works perfectly.

Over the course of a month, those sketches tell a story. Your child will start to see the pattern emerge on their own — crescent to quarter to full and back again. That “aha” moment? It’s worth more than any worksheet.

We use Faber-Castell watercolor pencils for our moon journal pages. The kids love adding a wash of gray and blue to show the night sky, and it makes the pages feel special.

Hands-On Activities That Actually Work

The Oreo Moon Phase Demo

Yes, it’s a classic for a reason. Get a pack of Oreos, twist them open, and scrape the cream to match each moon phase. Lay them out in order. Then eat your lesson. My kids ask to do this one repeatedly, which tells me it’s sticking.

Flashlight and Ball Model

For slightly older elementary kids, grab a flashlight and a small ball (a tennis ball works great). Darken the room and have one child hold the ball while another shines the flashlight on it. As the “moon holder” slowly turns in a circle, they’ll see the light hit different portions of the ball — just like the sun illuminates different parts of the moon throughout the month.

This is where you can introduce the vocabulary: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, and so on. But only after they’ve seen it with their own eyes.

Moon Phase Calendar

Print or draw a simple monthly calendar and let your kids fill in the moon phase each day based on their observations. By the end of the month, they’ll have created their own reference guide. This is especially great for kids who love checking things off or seeing tangible progress.

Connecting Moon Study to the Bigger Picture

Tides and Ocean Life (Hello, Florida!)

Living near the Gulf Coast means we get to see the moon’s effects in real-time. If you’re anywhere near Pensacola Beach or the bay, talk about how the moon’s gravity pulls on the ocean and creates tides. We’ve had some of our best tide pool explorations during full and new moons when the tidal range is more dramatic.

Bring along a pocket microscope for examining shells, sand, and tiny sea creatures. It turns a beach trip into a full-blown science expedition.

Animal Behavior and the Moon

Our chickens are basically tiny dinosaurs with opinions, and I’ve noticed they act differently around the full moon — a little more restless, a little slower to settle in the coop. Whether that’s actually lunar-related or just my imagination, it makes for great discussion with the kids. Many animals are affected by moonlight for hunting, migration, and reproduction. It’s a beautiful rabbit trail to follow.

Poetry and Stories

Charlotte Mason was big on letting subjects overlap, and moon phases are perfect for this. Read poetry about the moon. Find folktales from different cultures about why the moon changes. Let your kids write their own moon poems in their nature journals. Science and language arts, woven together like they should be.

Resources We Love

For a deeper dive, I recommend browsing Rainbow Resource for moon phase unit studies and lapbooks. They have a great selection that works well with a Charlotte Mason approach — not too workbook-heavy, with plenty of room for hands-on learning.

If your kids are bird lovers like mine, the Sibley Birds field guide mentions how some birds migrate using the moon and stars for navigation. It’s a small detail, but it connects the dots between different nature studies in a way that makes the world feel wonderfully interconnected.

The Beauty of Slow Learning

Here’s the thing about teaching moon phases through nature study: it can’t be rushed. You literally have to wait for the moon to move through its cycle. And in a world that wants everything instant, that waiting is a gift.

Your kids are learning patience. They’re learning that some knowledge comes from showing up, night after night, and paying attention. They’re learning that the natural world has rhythms and patterns that existed long before screens and schedules.

Last night, we were out doing our moon check — the dog was sniffing around the yard, the chickens were already roosted — and my oldest said, “It’s waxing gibbous tonight, Mama.” She said it casually, like it was just something she knew. Because it is.

That’s the power of nature study. Not flashcards. Not tests. Just real life, observed and remembered.

So grab a journal, head outside tonight, and look up. The moon is waiting, and so is a whole world of wonder for your kids to discover.

—

What phase is the moon in tonight where you are? I’d love to hear how your family studies the moon — come find me on Instagram and share!

Non-Toxic Fabric Softener Alternatives That Actually Work (And Won’t Irritate Sensitive Skin)

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If you’ve ever pulled a towel out of the dryer, taken a deep breath of that “fresh linen” scent, and then thought… wait, what am I actually breathing in? — you’re in good company. That was me about three years ago, standing in my laundry room with a bottle of bright blue fabric softener, finally reading the ingredient list for the first time.

Spoiler: I couldn’t pronounce half of it.

For a family that spends most of our days outside — digging in garden beds, checking on the chickens, traipsing through trails at Big Lagoon — our clothes see some serious action. And I wanted them soft and fresh without coating everything in synthetic fragrances and questionable chemicals. The good news? Non-toxic fabric softener alternatives that actually work do exist. And most of them are simpler (and cheaper) than what you’re using now.

Why I Ditched Conventional Fabric Softener

Let me back up for a second. I’m not someone who went crunchy overnight. My shift toward a non-toxic home happened gradually — first with cleaning products, then personal care, and eventually laundry. But fabric softener was one of the last things I swapped out because, honestly, I didn’t think it mattered that much.

Turns out, conventional fabric softeners often contain:

• Synthetic fragrances (which can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals)
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (linked to skin irritation and respiratory issues)
• Preservatives and dyes that serve no functional purpose

These ingredients coat your fabrics with a waxy residue — that’s literally how they make things feel “soft.” But that residue builds up over time, reduces towel absorbency, and can irritate sensitive skin. With little ones who still have that beautiful, permeable baby skin? I just wasn’t comfortable with it anymore.

The Best Non-Toxic Fabric Softener Alternatives (That We Actually Use)

Here’s what’s been working in our house — tried and tested through muddy play clothes, chicken coop towels, and approximately one million loads of sandy Florida laundry.

White Vinegar: The MVP

I know, I know. Vinegar in the laundry sounds weird. But hear me out — it’s genuinely the most effective fabric softener alternative I’ve found, and it costs practically nothing.

Just add about half a cup of plain white vinegar to your rinse cycle (I pour it into the fabric softener dispenser). It:

• Softens fabrics naturally by breaking down detergent residue
• Helps eliminate odors (yes, even the mystery smells from forgotten wet towels)
• Keeps colors bright
• Won’t leave your clothes smelling like a salad, I promise

The vinegar smell completely dissipates as clothes dry. We’ve been doing this for over two years now, and I’ll never go back.

Wool Dryer Balls

These have become a staple in our laundry room. Wool dryer balls work by bouncing around in the dryer, separating your clothes and allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently. The result? Softer fabrics and reduced drying time.

I keep six of them in my dryer at all times. They last for years — seriously, I’m still using the same set I bought when we first moved to Pensacola. If you want a light scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the balls before each load, but we usually skip that.

Baking Soda Boost

For loads that need a little extra help — I’m looking at you, muddy rain boot socks and outdoor play clothes — I add half a cup of baking soda directly to the wash cycle along with my detergent. Speaking of outdoor adventures, if your kids are anything like mine, a good pair of rain boots is essential for puddle stomping and backyard exploring, but they sure do create some laundry!

Baking soda softens water naturally, which helps your detergent work more effectively and leaves fabrics feeling softer. It’s also great for neutralizing odors — a lifesaver when you’re washing towels that have been used to dry off a wet labradoodle.

DIY Fabric Softener With Epsom Salt

If you miss having something that feels more like a “product,” this simple recipe works beautifully:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• 20-30 drops essential oil (lavender and lemon are our favorites)

Mix together and store in a glass jar. Add 2-3 tablespoons to each wash load. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps soften fabrics, and you get a light, natural scent without the synthetic fragrance cocktail.

What About Fabric Softener and Towels?

Here’s something I wish I’d known years ago: conventional fabric softener actually makes towels less absorbent over time. That waxy coating I mentioned? It builds up on towel fibers and prevents them from doing their one job.

Since switching to vinegar in the rinse cycle, our towels are softer AND more absorbent. They also dry faster between uses, which matters a lot here in humid Northwest Florida where mildew is always lurking.

Making the Switch: What to Expect

If you’re transitioning from conventional fabric softener, you might notice your clothes feel slightly different at first. That’s not because the natural alternatives aren’t working — it’s because you’re finally washing out the residue buildup from years of commercial products.

Give it a few weeks. Your towels will start absorbing better, your clothes will feel cleaner (not coated), and you won’t have that artificial perfume clinging to everything.

A Note on Keeping Things Simple

One thing I love about our slower, more intentional approach to home life is how it extends beyond just homeschooling. The same philosophy that draws us to Charlotte Mason’s methods — simple materials, real experiences, less synthetic everything — applies to how we run our household too.

We don’t need fifteen specialty products to do laundry well. Vinegar, baking soda, wool dryer balls. That’s genuinely it. The kids don’t even notice the difference (except that their clothes no longer give them itchy skin after playing outside all day).

And honestly? There’s something satisfying about hanging laundry on the line, letting the Florida sun and breeze do the work, and knowing that what touches my family’s skin is just… clean. Not perfumed. Not coated. Just clean.

For other non-toxic swaps around the house, I’ve been really happy with Grove Collaborative for household essentials — they make it easy to find cleaner alternatives without spending hours researching ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Switching to non-toxic fabric softener alternatives doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start with white vinegar — it’s probably already in your pantry — and see how your family’s laundry responds. Add wool dryer balls for the dryer, and you’ve covered the basics.

Your skin (and your kids’ skin) will thank you. Your towels will actually dry things. And you can cross one more unnecessary chemical off the list of things you’re bringing into your home.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a load of chicken-coop towels calling my name and a backyard full of kids who definitely need hosing off before dinner.

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What’s your favorite non-toxic laundry swap? I’d love to hear what’s working for your family — drop a comment below or send me a message!