Last month I shared a bit about the awesome client management system Dubsado, and all that it can do to help your business run better.

But, if you are just starting to build your business, you may not feel ready to make the leap into a paid system or platform until you know just what you need.

I've been there, too. So, today I'm sharing with you a list of FREE tools that I've personally used and leveraged to build my business until I felt ready to make that jump.

For client intake forms:
As a doula, you need to keep track of your client's preferences, information, and more. Here, Google Forms is your friend. This free option allows some degree of customization in terms of color and an image at the top. And, the drag and drop form builder is super straightforward.

For online invoicing:
Wave allows you to invoice clients, collect payment via credit card or bank transfer, and includes accounting options as well. While other invoicing options have some bells and whistles, Wave is perfect if you intend to primarily utilize invoicing, and the processing fees are straightforwad.

For digital contracts:
Sign Request offers a free plan that can get you started with 15 free signed documents. If you'd like to upgrade to a paid plan their are lots of additional add-ons, but the free plan is enough to get your business up and making getting contracts signed quick and easy.

​For scheduling:
If you'd like to avoid the back and forth email train of trying to set a time for initial consult or prenatal meetings or postpartum visits, a scheduling tool like Calendly can make it a snap to streamline the process.  Again, the free plan gives you all you need to get up and running, with the option to add more paid features later.

Video consults
Do you want to offer clients the option to video chat for initial consults? Zoom offers a free plan that includes unlimited time limits for one-on-one video chats, and a 40 min time limit for meetings that include more users.

For graphic design
Looking to create social graphics, brochures, business cards, and more? Canva is an awesome free tool to create beautiful branding for your business. Their graphic and photo library includes images you can use for free as well as those you can purchase a license for or upgrade to their Pro account for even more options.

For stock photos:
Unsplash has a library of gorgeous photos. While you may eventually want to pay for photos more tailored specifically to your brand, this is a great first resource as you start to create graphics and materials.

For social media scheduling:
​Later offers a free plan that can you get started streamlining your social media posts. While the free plan limits you in the number of posts scheduled per month as well as scaled back features, it can be enough to help you sort out that piece of the business in a more efficient manner.

I hope this gives you some tools to jump into your business and feel confident moving forward.  Did I miss one of your favorites? Please share in the comments!

Are you looking for affordable, eco-friendly solutions for everyday cleaning? Maybe you'd like to involve your children in family cleaning, but you don't feel comfortable with the products you are using?

I'm with you. Having my kiddos made me take much more pause before grabbing a cleaner off the store shelf and toting it home to use.

But, I also need convenience.  Anything I make has to be quick and easy.

And, I confess, I do love the convenience of any kind of wipes - no spraying or soaping - just open and go.

Today, I'm sharing with  you a super simple cleaning recipe I've used for several years. While it takes a few minutes to make, the end result is easy-peasy like those store-bought wipes. But, with confidence in the ingredients and a reusable wipe - woohoo!

 Supplies Needed:
-washcloths or rags (I use about 12 washcloths for this recipe myself - you may like more or less depending on how damp you'd like them to be.)
- container that will hold your rags + solution
- 1 c. distilled water (or water you've boiled for 10 minutes)
- 1 c. white vinegar
- 2 TB vodka
(While some add essential oils to these types of recipes, I'm pretty cautious with any EO usage because of babes/toddlers/kids/pets.)

To make:
Combine all ingredients in the bottom of whatever container will fit your rags. (I use a container I saved from the recycling.) Roll cloth wipes and stand upright in solution. Close lid and give a little shake.  The cloth wipes will naturally soak up the solution and be damp when you pull one out to use.

To use:
Open container and pull out wipe. Clean. Toss in laundry. When container is empty, it is time to make another batch!

While I can imagine these wipes fulfilling several jobs, they are our go to for wiping down bathroom sinks, counters, and the outside of toilet bowls. I've found that a deep clean may be expecting too much from my kiddos, but they are all capable of a daily wipe down.

And, a daily wipe down to their standards is much better than waiting until I have the chance and need for a *deep* clean.

​Happy eco-baby living!

Looking for other Eco Baby friendly recipes and projects? Check out all the Nested Mama Blogs on this topic here!