Branch Basics

I apologize that you have reached this page instead of the one that you wanted to read. Due to information I obtained on February 2, 2016 I am no longer able to support Branch Basics. I received the following email from Branch Basics owners (and I have highlighted things of utmost importance for Scratch Mommy, LLC and you)… Hi Jess, Thank …

Branch Basics Giveaway – Win 1 of 2 Branch Basics Starter Kits!

If you’ve been around the Scratch Mommy e-magazine much at all, you’ve noticed our absolute *love* for Branch Basics. Most of our Contributing writers have a bottle or two, and that’s for very good reason! Before I get to the good stuff (yeah, it’s a Branch Basics Giveaway!!! TWO of you are going to win a FREE Branch Basics starter kit!)… …

What makes cleaning actually fun? A product that is non-toxic & WORKS on EVERYTHING! Here are 7 reasons you NEED to switch to Branch Basics' non-toxic soap.

7 Reasons Why You Need to Switch to Branch Basics’ Non-Toxic Cleaner

I have a confession: Every other week I clean a home for extra money. And I despise it. The only reason I do it is because it covers the cost of Andrew’s school. This gives me more uninterrupted time to work on building up Naturally Loriel and taking care of my Editor-in-Chief duties around here on Scratch Mommy. You have to …

DIY Carpet Freshener Powder With Powerful Cleaning Herbs - Scratch Mommy

DIY Carpet Powder (freshens, cleans, deodorizes, AND disinfects!)

Do you remember that time you spent four hours shampooing the living room carpet? …Nope? Well let me tell you, you’re lucky. Stinky, gross carpets are no fun, but cleaning them with toxic chemicals is no fun either. You can easily whip that carpet back into shape with this DIY carpet powder. When we moved into our first apartment it …

Effective and easy DIY cleaning could not be more easy! This simple, non-toxic vodka disinfectant spray recipe packs a punch, and with essential oils you can customize, you can create the perfect scent.

Vodka Disinfectant Spray Recipe

There comes a time in every home when a little disinfecting is in order on top of the normal day-to-day cleaning routine. Some exposure to germs is good for us, helps build our immune systems, and keeps us healthier in the long run. However, there are times when we need to take a more aggressive tend toward cleanliness than the regular …

Proper DIY Skincare Etiquette: The Do's and Don'ts of your own creations

Proper DIY Skincare Etiquette

Knowing how to DIY your own skincare (and other) products is one of the best things that you can learn how to do. Not only will you save money over the long run, you will have complete control over the quality of ingredients that you use and ultimately put onto your kids, your family’s, and your own body. I absolutely …

Wouldn't you like to have a truly safe product effective enough to clean your bathroom, yet gentle enough to clean your face? This DIY face wash recipe is it!

DIY Face Wash Recipe (using the same soap you use to clean your bathroom)!

Yes, you did read that correctly! Today I’m bringing you a super simple (and effective!) DIY face wash recipe. …and yes, I use the same main ingredient in this face wash not only to clean my bathroom, but also to wash my laundry, clean my kitchen, and even keep my skincare retail store shelves and workspaces clean. Today we are talking …

Sometimes the best things come out of disasters. Here's a story of when DIY goes wrong... Or right? Good thing we had Branch Basics' to help clean the mess!

When DIY Goes Wrong… Or Right?

A couple of weeks ago, Loriel told you that she does not consider herself a DIY Queen. I completely understand being intimidated by DIY but… I LOVE IT!!! It’s what sets my soul on fire. I love spending the day working on a creative project. If too much time goes by without me making something I get REALLY REALLY CRANKY!!! Pinterest is my …

Hi, I'm Loriel and I suck at DIY. You too? Here are my confessions of being a not-so-good DIY'er and I've shared one product that saves the day, every day.

Confessions of a Not-So-Good DIY’er (and the solution!)

Cooking from scratch? No problem. DIY-ing? Eh, problem-ish. From my last post, you’ll know that I do dream and have aspirations to include DIY stuff (from cleaning products and makeup, to garden and home decor DIY) in my life but they are merely just an idea floating around in my head. I blame Pinterest for that. Regardless, I think what …

So, you're a mom with a budget... Why buy Organic? Is Organic really a label worth paying more for? Find where the organic industry is falling short & where we can give praises.

Why Buy Organic?

So, you’re a mom with a budget… Why buy Organic? Is Organic really a label worth paying more for? While many of us want to support small local farms or to grow our own food, and some of us can and do, it’s an unrealistic option for the majority of Americans. There are barriers that will take time and organic produce …