My daughter has really dry lips. Chapsticks, lip gloss and other stuff we have tried just doesn't cut it for her. I resorted to finding something else that would work. The lemon scrub that I posted sometime ago worked well for her but she said she could taste it for hours afterwards and that's the only thing that kept her from using it more often. So, I went to mixing and found something she loves to use.
Here's what you need:
Dark brown sugar (I'm sure light brown would work as well)
EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
tablespoon for measuring
Small bowl with lid
Spoon
Take 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, add 1 tablespoon of EVOO and mix until well incorporated and cover with the lid.
To use this, dip your finger in and get a small amount on your fingertip. Rub on your lips and lightly scrub for a couple of minutes. Wipe off with a damp washcloth or damp paper towel. Instantly your lips are free of cracked skin and look much healthier! Love Love Love!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Yet another scrub
I had someone give me a recipe for hand scrub that used pomegranate infused oil along with soap. Ok, I will admit, we loved it. A LOT! However, it is rather hard to come by that type of oil. Takes a good while to make the oil. So, as I was washing up a pizza stone, I realized right in front of me was my wonderful Palmolive Pomegranate dish detergent. Figured I would give it a try and see what I come up with. I mixed just like I did the other scrub and was amazed that it turned out exactly the same. WOW, lucky test run I suppose.
Anyway, here's what you need:
*Palmolive dish detergent (I suppose other dish soap with moisturizer in it will work but it will not smell the same, that's for sure)
*Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*Sugar
*Small jelly jar or other small container
*tablespoon
*small bowl
*spoon
Take the jelly jar (make sure it's clean and dry) and add sugar until it is about ½-1 inch from the top of jar.
Add dish soap until it's almost to the top.
Then add 2 table spoons of EVOO.
Dump it all in the bowl and mix together until it's combined really well.
Use the spoon to add it back to the jar or container and cover with an air tight lid.
Anyway, here's what you need:
*Palmolive dish detergent (I suppose other dish soap with moisturizer in it will work but it will not smell the same, that's for sure)
*Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*Sugar
*Small jelly jar or other small container
*tablespoon
*small bowl
*spoon
Take the jelly jar (make sure it's clean and dry) and add sugar until it is about ½-1 inch from the top of jar.
Add dish soap until it's almost to the top.
Then add 2 table spoons of EVOO.
Dump it all in the bowl and mix together until it's combined really well.
Use the spoon to add it back to the jar or container and cover with an air tight lid.
This stuff is wonderful. We love it around our house. Hope you like it as well!
Dryer sheets
I love a good smelling load of laundry. What I love more is for my laundry to keep it's smell for several days. Homemade fabric softener is always an option but when I coupon shop and can get things for free, I'll do just that. Well, almost. I always look for ways to try and make my freebie last a little longer. I was able to score a large bottle of fabric softener for free. So, I made fabric softener/dryer sheets! Yes, they work like magic. I LOVE them!!!
I purchased a container from the dollar tree, with a lid to keep them in the laundry room.
Here's what you need:
*6-8 pieces of 3"X5" pre-washed fleece or flannel. (I used an old fleece scarf)
*Fabric Softener
*Water
*Container with lid (for storing. I used dollar tree container, you can use a quart jar if you'd like)
Cut your fabric and place inside container (no need to fold)
Mix 4 parts fabric softener with 10 parts of water, stir together and pour over your fabric. Put lid on and shake.
Each time you dry a load of clothes, pull out one sheet, sqeeze out excess liquid into the container and throw the sheet into the dryer. When you clothes are done drying, throw your sheet back into the container and shake to get it wet.
I used a ½ cup as one part, meaning 2 cups of softener and 5 cups of water.
I used an entire container (one mix) of these sheets for 64 loads. If I done my math right, that means my free, 120 load bottle of fabric softener will allow me to do 1920 loads in the dryer! That friends, is absolutely AMAZING!
I wrote Fabric Softener Sheets on a piece of computer paper and taped it to the container (covering the entire label) with shipping tape to keep the paper from getting wet.
I purchased a container from the dollar tree, with a lid to keep them in the laundry room.
Here's what you need:
*6-8 pieces of 3"X5" pre-washed fleece or flannel. (I used an old fleece scarf)
*Fabric Softener
*Water
*Container with lid (for storing. I used dollar tree container, you can use a quart jar if you'd like)
Cut your fabric and place inside container (no need to fold)
Mix 4 parts fabric softener with 10 parts of water, stir together and pour over your fabric. Put lid on and shake.
Each time you dry a load of clothes, pull out one sheet, sqeeze out excess liquid into the container and throw the sheet into the dryer. When you clothes are done drying, throw your sheet back into the container and shake to get it wet.
I used a ½ cup as one part, meaning 2 cups of softener and 5 cups of water.
I used an entire container (one mix) of these sheets for 64 loads. If I done my math right, that means my free, 120 load bottle of fabric softener will allow me to do 1920 loads in the dryer! That friends, is absolutely AMAZING!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Orange or Lemon Dusters
I had the pleasure of experiencing an allergic reaction a few months ago. (*note the sarcasm*) I have used furniture polish over and over again through out my life. Yes, the name brand stuff and the cheap stuff. However, I've had and used the same can long before my reaction. My hands broke out with a slight rash. I went to bed and in the middle of my deep sleep, I woke to burning, itching, hurting hands. My hands were hurting so bad I didn't realize the bottom of my left foot was also on fire. Strange, YES! My quest to the doctor and his questions didn't render any answers at first. He left the room to get my "injection" ready and it hit me. I dusted the entire house and threw the dusting rag in the laundry room. When I done my next load of laundry, I stood on that rag with my bare feet. I remember doing this because as I stepped away, the dusting polish was still on my foot and I slid and almost fell. I didn't fall, but I sure gave everyone a good laugh. Including myself.
As the doctor came back in, I told him what I had figured out. Told him I had used this same stuff for years and it had never done this before. Well, as most of you know, you can develop an allergy with age. Lucky me!!!! (note the sarcasm, again!)
So, I came up with a way around those itchy, burning and rashing hands.
I have made my own duster rags. Ohhhh why didn't I think of this years and years ago! I absolutely LOVE them! I will never, ever use anything else!!!
Here's how I made mine.
I purchased a 2 pack of microfiber rags from the Dollar Tree.
Along with the rags, here's what else you need:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon of olive oil
& the rind from an entire orange or lemon
1 quart jar with lid
In the quart jar add the vinegar, water, olive oil and ½ the rind. Shake really hard and let sit for 30 minutes so the vinegar and warm water will help bring out the natural oils in the rind. After 30 minutes, shake again to make sure everything is mixed together. Then add your two rags. Just shove them in there unfolded. Then you need to place the rest of the rind on top of the mix and let sit another 15-20 minutes. Remove the rags, ring out all the excess liquid, dump out the liquid from the jar and place rinds back in the jar. On top of the rinds, add your rags, and seal with the lid. These will keep for a long while. Ones that I use keep up to 2 weeks before the rinds start going bad. I have also put the prepared rags (in the jar of course) in the fridge and they've been there over a month. We don't want moldy rags to wipe down our house. That wouldn't be good at all!
I LOVE these. They smell really good, make my wood look amazing and I don't get all of those chemicals from furniture polish on my hands! Try them, I'm certain you will like them too!
As the doctor came back in, I told him what I had figured out. Told him I had used this same stuff for years and it had never done this before. Well, as most of you know, you can develop an allergy with age. Lucky me!!!! (note the sarcasm, again!)
So, I came up with a way around those itchy, burning and rashing hands.
I have made my own duster rags. Ohhhh why didn't I think of this years and years ago! I absolutely LOVE them! I will never, ever use anything else!!!
Here's how I made mine.
I purchased a 2 pack of microfiber rags from the Dollar Tree.
Along with the rags, here's what else you need:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of warm water
1 teaspoon of olive oil
& the rind from an entire orange or lemon
1 quart jar with lid
In the quart jar add the vinegar, water, olive oil and ½ the rind. Shake really hard and let sit for 30 minutes so the vinegar and warm water will help bring out the natural oils in the rind. After 30 minutes, shake again to make sure everything is mixed together. Then add your two rags. Just shove them in there unfolded. Then you need to place the rest of the rind on top of the mix and let sit another 15-20 minutes. Remove the rags, ring out all the excess liquid, dump out the liquid from the jar and place rinds back in the jar. On top of the rinds, add your rags, and seal with the lid. These will keep for a long while. Ones that I use keep up to 2 weeks before the rinds start going bad. I have also put the prepared rags (in the jar of course) in the fridge and they've been there over a month. We don't want moldy rags to wipe down our house. That wouldn't be good at all!
I LOVE these. They smell really good, make my wood look amazing and I don't get all of those chemicals from furniture polish on my hands! Try them, I'm certain you will like them too!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Yearly Binder
As most of you know I am a penny pincher. I, at times, refuse to spend money on myself or pay retail for ANYTHING! If I can't find a coupon for it or I can't find it on clearance, then it's likely that I will not purchase the product. Same goes for me when I grocery shop. Most people will go for the generic product versus the name brand, simply because it's cheaper. Me, well I get the name brand WITH a coupon and still get it cheaper than what you penny pinchers do. I'm just good like that! ;)
I use to have someone tell me all the time that making a menu would help you save money. You could buy in bulk, seperate and save a lot of money freezing things. Rickey and I have been married for 17 years (bless his heart) and I've tried the menu thing a couple of times. Well, it turns out that a menu, buying bulk and freezing does save a ton of money. I've just never taken the time each month to make a menu and shopping list. Until now! Not only have I made a menu and shopping list for one month, I've made one for an entire year. Yes, an entire YEAR! I ran across this brilliant idea HERE. I was thinking this idea was going to take days and days from start to finish. Actually, I was wrong. After printing out all of the sheets, including the extra recipe cards, shopping list sheets and other goodies. I was able to complete this in about 4 hours total. I didn't take the time to write down each recipe if it was in a cookbook. I just wrote name of cookbook and page number. When I used the menu, I loved the idea but it was always hard getting everyone to tell me what they wanted. Now, as we are watching tv or just sitting around, I'll have them write down something they like. Sometimes they'll even come home from a friends house and say they have had something that was really good. I'll make a quick call, get the recipe and add it to the menu. For those of you that are Pinterest followers, that is a great source for recipes.
Here's how I done mine. After printing everything from the link above. I made out my menu and shopping lists. Inserted all of them into the binder like the link directs. Before making each shopping trip, I'll scan local sales papers, see where I need to shop or ad match, attach all coupons to the shopping list and go. Last month I had $897 worth of groceries and to my shopping helper's (Rickey) amazement, we spent less than $175.00. For my blog reading friends that live close to me or close to a Fred's store, this is a great place to get "free" items. Dawn dish detergent, palmolive, cascade and other things needed around the house I always get for free or less than a quarter. Fred is my new best friend! :)
So, all of you take the time to look at the link that was provided for the Yearly Menu Binder and see what you think. If you are considering this, please remember to click on her "new" links to different printables to take full advantage of each item to put the binder together. Mine looks wonderful and I'm sure everybody elses will too! Need my help, let me know!
One last thing about saving to the max...... I NEVER buy spice products in the store, unless I can get it for free. The reason: I am a swagbucks member. I have a swagbucks toolbar and when I need to search for something I do so thru that toolbar. When searching you can earn "swagbucks" and use them to buy products ranging from posters to electronics. I've gained enough by referring people, searching, watching swagtv videos and other things that I have actually purchased Amazon & paypal gift cards and order my spices online from Amazon or other sources that take paypal. I get amazing deals, most of the time catching them on clearance. I've also purchased X-box controllers, DS covers, games, stylus pens, Wii games, movies, shirts, even a few school supplies. Why not, it's all FREE because I searched! Want to follow my savings and see what it's all about? Well, go to THIS and sign up under me and get yourself searching for some swags!
***Go HERE for swagbucks sign up***
***Go HERE for the 2012 update***
***Go HERE for the printables***
***Go HERE for directions on putting it together***
If you don't understand the directions and need help, slip me a message on facebook and I'll do what I can to help you!
I use to have someone tell me all the time that making a menu would help you save money. You could buy in bulk, seperate and save a lot of money freezing things. Rickey and I have been married for 17 years (bless his heart) and I've tried the menu thing a couple of times. Well, it turns out that a menu, buying bulk and freezing does save a ton of money. I've just never taken the time each month to make a menu and shopping list. Until now! Not only have I made a menu and shopping list for one month, I've made one for an entire year. Yes, an entire YEAR! I ran across this brilliant idea HERE. I was thinking this idea was going to take days and days from start to finish. Actually, I was wrong. After printing out all of the sheets, including the extra recipe cards, shopping list sheets and other goodies. I was able to complete this in about 4 hours total. I didn't take the time to write down each recipe if it was in a cookbook. I just wrote name of cookbook and page number. When I used the menu, I loved the idea but it was always hard getting everyone to tell me what they wanted. Now, as we are watching tv or just sitting around, I'll have them write down something they like. Sometimes they'll even come home from a friends house and say they have had something that was really good. I'll make a quick call, get the recipe and add it to the menu. For those of you that are Pinterest followers, that is a great source for recipes.
Here's how I done mine. After printing everything from the link above. I made out my menu and shopping lists. Inserted all of them into the binder like the link directs. Before making each shopping trip, I'll scan local sales papers, see where I need to shop or ad match, attach all coupons to the shopping list and go. Last month I had $897 worth of groceries and to my shopping helper's (Rickey) amazement, we spent less than $175.00. For my blog reading friends that live close to me or close to a Fred's store, this is a great place to get "free" items. Dawn dish detergent, palmolive, cascade and other things needed around the house I always get for free or less than a quarter. Fred is my new best friend! :)
So, all of you take the time to look at the link that was provided for the Yearly Menu Binder and see what you think. If you are considering this, please remember to click on her "new" links to different printables to take full advantage of each item to put the binder together. Mine looks wonderful and I'm sure everybody elses will too! Need my help, let me know!
One last thing about saving to the max...... I NEVER buy spice products in the store, unless I can get it for free. The reason: I am a swagbucks member. I have a swagbucks toolbar and when I need to search for something I do so thru that toolbar. When searching you can earn "swagbucks" and use them to buy products ranging from posters to electronics. I've gained enough by referring people, searching, watching swagtv videos and other things that I have actually purchased Amazon & paypal gift cards and order my spices online from Amazon or other sources that take paypal. I get amazing deals, most of the time catching them on clearance. I've also purchased X-box controllers, DS covers, games, stylus pens, Wii games, movies, shirts, even a few school supplies. Why not, it's all FREE because I searched! Want to follow my savings and see what it's all about? Well, go to THIS and sign up under me and get yourself searching for some swags!
***Go HERE for swagbucks sign up***
***Go HERE for the 2012 update***
***Go HERE for the printables***
***Go HERE for directions on putting it together***
If you don't understand the directions and need help, slip me a message on facebook and I'll do what I can to help you!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Soap + Vinegar = Magic
I am all up for easy cleaners that cut cleaning time in half AND work! Of all places, I ran across this recipe on food.com. Yes, I said food.com. Weird huh? I can promise you one thing. It is pure magic on tubs, showers, tile & grout. One thing I hate is a dirty shower or tub. They are not used to get dirty, they are used to get clean. So, there really isn't a need in standing in a dirty, scummy grim infested shower. I want my shower walls shiny and my shower floor spotless. My fear, someone elses toe funk getting on me! YUCK!
At one time I used a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the bottom of my shower. Honestly, it worked wonderful! I absolutely loved the "clean" shiny look. This gives the same affect without the foaming. Either works great but this one even cleaned my shower head and it's so super easy. Tried it out on my kitchen counters and they look amazing too! Who knows, I may even use this as a laundry pre-treater too. Works so well, it's worth a shot!
1½ cups of white vinegar
1½ cups of Dawn dish detergent
-Heat vinegar in the microwave for approximately 1 minute (very
important) and pour into a spray bottle. You do not want it boiling, just alittle warm. Then add dawn detergent and slowly, and I do mean SLOWLY, swirl around to incorporate together. Doing this to fast will cause extreme suds that will not go away and you'll have a huge mess.
Can be used on pretty much anything. Shower walls, shower doors, floors, shower heads, tubs, faucets, sinks, you name it!
For tough scum, spray on and let sit overnight. Scrub with a brush and rinse off. Wonderful magic stuff!!!
To clean a shower head pour some of the solution into a ziploc bag. Slip shower head (while still hanging in the shower) into the bag and use a twist tie to hold the bag onto the shower head. Leave for at least 2 hours. Remove bag and pour a cup of hot water over the shower head to rinse the outside and then turn on the shower running hot water for at least one minute. Wham! It's all clean!!!
At one time I used a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the bottom of my shower. Honestly, it worked wonderful! I absolutely loved the "clean" shiny look. This gives the same affect without the foaming. Either works great but this one even cleaned my shower head and it's so super easy. Tried it out on my kitchen counters and they look amazing too! Who knows, I may even use this as a laundry pre-treater too. Works so well, it's worth a shot!
1½ cups of white vinegar
1½ cups of Dawn dish detergent
-Heat vinegar in the microwave for approximately 1 minute (very
important) and pour into a spray bottle. You do not want it boiling, just alittle warm. Then add dawn detergent and slowly, and I do mean SLOWLY, swirl around to incorporate together. Doing this to fast will cause extreme suds that will not go away and you'll have a huge mess.
Can be used on pretty much anything. Shower walls, shower doors, floors, shower heads, tubs, faucets, sinks, you name it!
For tough scum, spray on and let sit overnight. Scrub with a brush and rinse off. Wonderful magic stuff!!!
To clean a shower head pour some of the solution into a ziploc bag. Slip shower head (while still hanging in the shower) into the bag and use a twist tie to hold the bag onto the shower head. Leave for at least 2 hours. Remove bag and pour a cup of hot water over the shower head to rinse the outside and then turn on the shower running hot water for at least one minute. Wham! It's all clean!!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Cheesy as cheesy can be!
Queso Blanco Dip (White Cheese Dip), The Second and Final Attempt
- 1 1/4 lb block White American Cheese (Land O'Lakes brand preferred, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles
- 2 pickled jalapenos, chopped
- 1 ounce pickled jalapeno juice
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup cold water
- pinch of cumin (optional)
Toss all ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stopping to stir after every minute. The mixture might seem watery during the first few stirs, but should come together as a nice runny dip after all the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately as a dip with tortilla chips or as a sauce over your favorite Mexican dish.
*Recipe Note: White American cheese is found at most deli counters in your local grocery store.
*Reheat Instructions: Store any leftover cheese dip in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until creamy and hot.
Source: Adapted from Christine, Reader of Pennies on a Platter
Monday, November 21, 2011
Liquid hand soap
I'm not sure this would even count for a "project" because it's so easy. I've had a wild hair for sometime now trying to figure out how to turn a bar of soap into liquid for our hand dispensers. Googled, looked on pinterest and a couple of other places and found several. I just kept reading those comments and seeing some negative feedback and really didn't want to waste a bar of soap.
Finally decided I would never figure it out unless I tried.
What you need:
1 bar of soap (I used Johnson & Johnson Baby Bath Bar) that cost me nothing using coupons.
9 cups of water
2 drops of glycerin oil (purchased at Walmart in bandaid area or in a healthfood store)
Grate bar of soap on small side of grater. Boil 4 cups of water and add the grated soap. Let soap dissolve (about 3-4 minutes). Add 2 drops of glycerin oil and the remainer of the water (5 cups). Stir every now and again and let cool completely. If it's to thick add 1 cup of water until it's the consistancy that you like. I did add another 1.5 cups. I used my mixer on a low speed to keep it from foaming. When mixed and set up (and ONLY AFTER) it has set up, add 3 tablesspoons of baby oil. Smells like a baby but it sure works.
Finally decided I would never figure it out unless I tried.
What you need:
1 bar of soap (I used Johnson & Johnson Baby Bath Bar) that cost me nothing using coupons.
9 cups of water
2 drops of glycerin oil (purchased at Walmart in bandaid area or in a healthfood store)
Grate bar of soap on small side of grater. Boil 4 cups of water and add the grated soap. Let soap dissolve (about 3-4 minutes). Add 2 drops of glycerin oil and the remainer of the water (5 cups). Stir every now and again and let cool completely. If it's to thick add 1 cup of water until it's the consistancy that you like. I did add another 1.5 cups. I used my mixer on a low speed to keep it from foaming. When mixed and set up (and ONLY AFTER) it has set up, add 3 tablesspoons of baby oil. Smells like a baby but it sure works.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Scrub 'em up
Megan and I were up long after the boys in the house went to sleep. I decided it was time to make at least one thing today. Yes, it's 10ºclock at night, but when will we find the house this quiet again? Definitely not during the day.
So, I decided to review a few recipes for hand scrub, tweak them just a little, use it and see if MY recipe would really work.
Naturally I have very dry hands. I usually carry two small bottles of B&BW's lotions in my purse year round. I've noticed over the past few weeks that my hands were more dry and brittle looking than past years. Probably because I'm getting older, but no ones hands should dry, crack and sometimes bleed. Mine are that dry! Putting on lotion should make hands feel great. But sometimes when I apply lotion, they burn like fire. That makes me want to avoid lotions all together but I know I can't.
Megan and I get busy, mixing, smelling and dabbing. So, this scrub-a-dub that we finally mixed up and liked, looked rather odd but Megan and I dipped two fingers in, scrubbed away.
True soft skin. Not only to they look better, but they also feel much better. That was only after one application.
It might seem like this would be sticky because of the ingredients, but I promise there is nothing sticky about this recipe if you do the following..... Just remember to completely rinse your hands in warm (not hot) water. Rinsing in cool or cold will result in excessive oily or sticky hands.
Here's what we came up with:
2¾ cups of granulated white sugar
1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Fill up airtight container with mixture and keep sealed when you are not using.
We used this on our feet and oh my goodness, it worked wonderful! Our hands, feet, nails and cuticles look amazing! This is going to be a keeper for sure!
This was enough to fill up a pint size mason jar and a small maraschino cherry jar and a little to go ahead and use.
I'm sure if this is left to sit in the jar for awhile, then it will need to be stirred before using.
This would make a great gift for someone. After you put into a jar, decorate the lid, seal and add to a gift basket with other homemade goodies.
***The olive oil does not have a pleasent smell, natural essential oils can be added. Had someone tell me they add lemon extract to theirs for the smell. That would also work well. Essential oils can be purchased at a health food store or online.
So, I decided to review a few recipes for hand scrub, tweak them just a little, use it and see if MY recipe would really work.
Naturally I have very dry hands. I usually carry two small bottles of B&BW's lotions in my purse year round. I've noticed over the past few weeks that my hands were more dry and brittle looking than past years. Probably because I'm getting older, but no ones hands should dry, crack and sometimes bleed. Mine are that dry! Putting on lotion should make hands feel great. But sometimes when I apply lotion, they burn like fire. That makes me want to avoid lotions all together but I know I can't.
Megan and I get busy, mixing, smelling and dabbing. So, this scrub-a-dub that we finally mixed up and liked, looked rather odd but Megan and I dipped two fingers in, scrubbed away.
True soft skin. Not only to they look better, but they also feel much better. That was only after one application.
It might seem like this would be sticky because of the ingredients, but I promise there is nothing sticky about this recipe if you do the following..... Just remember to completely rinse your hands in warm (not hot) water. Rinsing in cool or cold will result in excessive oily or sticky hands.
Here's what we came up with:
2¾ cups of granulated white sugar
1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
Fill up airtight container with mixture and keep sealed when you are not using.
We used this on our feet and oh my goodness, it worked wonderful! Our hands, feet, nails and cuticles look amazing! This is going to be a keeper for sure!
This was enough to fill up a pint size mason jar and a small maraschino cherry jar and a little to go ahead and use.
I'm sure if this is left to sit in the jar for awhile, then it will need to be stirred before using.
This would make a great gift for someone. After you put into a jar, decorate the lid, seal and add to a gift basket with other homemade goodies.
***The olive oil does not have a pleasent smell, natural essential oils can be added. Had someone tell me they add lemon extract to theirs for the smell. That would also work well. Essential oils can be purchased at a health food store or online.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Deadly Cake
Every night I want something sweet. I usually want one of my Mom's cookies, of course, I can't run to her house each night at 11p.m. to nab a cookie. So, I'll have to come up with another source for my sweet tooth. Normally I grab a popsicle. We are down to the ones I do NOT like. I remember a recipe for a Deadily 3 minute cake someone from Indiana sent to me. Figured I'd give it a try tonight. Yum-O! Delicious!
If you'd like to try, here's the recipe:
DEADLY 3 MINUTE CAKE
1 Coffee Mug
4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) mini chips would be the best
Small splash of vanilla
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
!!!EAT!!!
If you'd like to try, here's the recipe:
DEADLY 3 MINUTE CAKE
1 Coffee Mug
4 tablespoons flour (that's plain flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) mini chips would be the best
Small splash of vanilla
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
!!!EAT!!!
Scented or Unscented
As flu season is upon us. There is no one I know that wants to pile up in bed to get over being sick. I'm a disinfecting freak during and after someone in the house is sick. I bet you can already guess. I've made my own disinfecting spray. So now I can disinfect everything before, during and after. I use this stuff on everything that needs to be disinfected.
Disinfectant:
To disinfect kitchen sponges, soak them with this mixture and put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Disinfectant:
- Mix 2 teaspoons borax
- 4 tablespoons vinegar
- 3 cups hot water.
- For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap.
- Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle.
To disinfect kitchen sponges, soak them with this mixture and put them in the dishwasher when running a load.
Baby or facial wipes
Of course, like any other day, I was roaming around pinterest and found instructions for baby wipes. What? Baby wipes? Yes, and it was actually easy. Thanks to baby sitting Moo (Maddie) from time to time, I had all of the supplies and figured I would try. Well, my cutting skills weren't so wonderful but they turned out great! I read reviews from other people and they used them as facial wipes too. So, I tried them for that and they work wonderful! LOVE THESE babies!
**I did find that 2 cups of water makes them very wet. Wet to the point that you need to wring them out before using them. So, I made a second batch. For that batch, I used 1¾ cups of the water mixture and it worked great!
Check it out HERE
**I did find that 2 cups of water makes them very wet. Wet to the point that you need to wring them out before using them. So, I made a second batch. For that batch, I used 1¾ cups of the water mixture and it worked great!
Check it out HERE
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Pizza in a weave?
I found a recipe for homemade Calzone's on squidoo. Calzone's are one of my favorites. Warm, filled with yummy stuff and pretty simple to buy. Yes, I said buy. Ammaazzzinnnnggg calzone's in a little city I use to work. Custom Pizza is da-bomb! So, are they just as easy to make? I don't know. I'm going to give it a whirl and see if I can weave it up nice and pretty. If it doesn't taste good, then at least it will be pretty!
The kids and I pop these babies in the oven and wait what seemed like an eternity. (35 minutes) When we pulled those things from the oven, I was pretty certain they were going to be wonderful.
They looked like this:
Canadian Bacon & Turkey bacon:
Turkey Pepporoni
Go HERE to check out the recipe, instructions and more pictures.
**The recipe says: 375º. After reading reviews and seeing it burned, I decided to change the temp to 350º and watch until it started browning. 30-35 minutes and it was perfect!
The kids and I pop these babies in the oven and wait what seemed like an eternity. (35 minutes) When we pulled those things from the oven, I was pretty certain they were going to be wonderful.
They looked like this:
Canadian Bacon & Turkey bacon:
Go HERE to check out the recipe, instructions and more pictures.
**The recipe says: 375º. After reading reviews and seeing it burned, I decided to change the temp to 350º and watch until it started browning. 30-35 minutes and it was perfect!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
All purpose? Do I still need to clean?
Folks, out of your all purpose cleaner does not mean the cleaning is done. Sad but true! If that were the case, I would pour all my cleaners down the drain. Yes, oh yes indeed I would!
So, here's a recipe for making your own, eco friendly cleaner. Just because it says eco friendly doesn't mean it's not capable of tackling stubborn stains. Here goes:
What you need:
*2 Tablespoons Borax (crush out any lumps so it is nice and powdery)
*2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
*2 Cups Hot Water
*A Squirt of Liquid Dishwashing Detergent
*a few drops of essential oil (lemon, orange, etc...) (optional, used only for scent)
*Spray bottle (16 oz size or larger)
Put the 2 tablespoons of borax in your spray bottle. Add the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let it set for about 5 minutes to let the borax dissolve. (This is why you want your borax free of lumps before you put it in the bottle). Next pour the 2 cups of water into the spray bottle. Finally, add a quick squirt of dishwashing detergent. Gently roll or swirl the bottle around to mix. Do not shake or you will have suds that may not go away.
So, here's a recipe for making your own, eco friendly cleaner. Just because it says eco friendly doesn't mean it's not capable of tackling stubborn stains. Here goes:
What you need:
*2 Tablespoons Borax (crush out any lumps so it is nice and powdery)
*2 Tablespoons White Vinegar
*2 Cups Hot Water
*A Squirt of Liquid Dishwashing Detergent
*a few drops of essential oil (lemon, orange, etc...) (optional, used only for scent)
*Spray bottle (16 oz size or larger)
Put the 2 tablespoons of borax in your spray bottle. Add the 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let it set for about 5 minutes to let the borax dissolve. (This is why you want your borax free of lumps before you put it in the bottle). Next pour the 2 cups of water into the spray bottle. Finally, add a quick squirt of dishwashing detergent. Gently roll or swirl the bottle around to mix. Do not shake or you will have suds that may not go away.
Cream of WHAT?!?
I'm a "Cream of ____ Soup" kinda girl. I love the flavor that cream of ___ soups add to just about any recipe. I tend to buy at least 10-15+ cans per month for recipes. So when I run out, it's a sad sad day! When I ran across this recipe for "Cream of WHAT?" I had to try. Viola', it's wonderful. Actually, I think I like it better than the soup itself.
1/4 cup bouillon cubes
4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions (I used the minced onions from Sam's Club)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (I couldn't find the thyme so I used dried parsley instead)
1 teaspoon pepper
Mix all together and store in an airtight container in your pantry. When you run out, or if you are like me and it's all you will use, then grab from the pantry and whip up a "can" for your recipe.
Here's how to whip it up:
For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup, mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water. Cook until thick and add to your recipe! Wham, it's that easy!
Now, when I store mine away, I have taped the recipe on the outside of the container so I don't have to run back to my blog to figure out what I need. Simple!
Happy Whipping!
I have made this two ways. Both ways work great.
I mixed all ingredients except for dried milk. Put it in an airtight container and when I need to make cream of ___ soup. I put milk in my pan and add 1/3 cup of the mix and whisk until done. Also, my hubby doesn't like onion taste so I reduced the minced onions down to 2 teaspoons and it's still great!
Here's a picture, just not my picture. Shhhh, we won't tell!
1 cup non-fat dried milk
3/4 cup cornstarch1/4 cup bouillon cubes
4 Tablespoons freeze dried minced onions (I used the minced onions from Sam's Club)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme (I couldn't find the thyme so I used dried parsley instead)
1 teaspoon pepper
Mix all together and store in an airtight container in your pantry. When you run out, or if you are like me and it's all you will use, then grab from the pantry and whip up a "can" for your recipe.
Here's how to whip it up:
For the equivalent of one can of condensed cream soup, mix 1/3 cup dry mix with 1 1/4 cup water. Cook until thick and add to your recipe! Wham, it's that easy!
Now, when I store mine away, I have taped the recipe on the outside of the container so I don't have to run back to my blog to figure out what I need. Simple!
Happy Whipping!
I have made this two ways. Both ways work great.
I mixed all ingredients except for dried milk. Put it in an airtight container and when I need to make cream of ___ soup. I put milk in my pan and add 1/3 cup of the mix and whisk until done. Also, my hubby doesn't like onion taste so I reduced the minced onions down to 2 teaspoons and it's still great!
Here's a picture, just not my picture. Shhhh, we won't tell!
Oxi it out!
Oxi clean, Oxi clean and more Oxi clean. My theory for years. Then I found a $1 bottle of stain remover @ the local Dollar Tree that works wonders. However, I ran out and needed something quick. So, I was in a mad dash to search google for a solution to help me out in my pinch. Boy did I find a goodie!
Stuff already on hand is always a big plus.
I mixed up in a small mason jar and went from there.... Now my laundry room is sporting a mason jar with a recipe on the front so I don't forget (like normal) what is in the concoction or how I'm suppose to use...
What you need:
Stuff already on hand is always a big plus.
I mixed up in a small mason jar and went from there.... Now my laundry room is sporting a mason jar with a recipe on the front so I don't forget (like normal) what is in the concoction or how I'm suppose to use...
What you need:
1 cup water
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup baking soda
Mason jar with lid or small spray bottle will work too.
1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide
1/2 cup baking soda
Mason jar with lid or small spray bottle will work too.
Mix together and soak stain in it for 20 minutes to overnight and then wash as usual. Or you can just skip the water and pour the peroxide and baking soda directly into the wash with your laundry soap and wash as usual.
For soaking, I used an empty dishpan type thingy from the dollar tree. I laid the shirt in the pan with the stain showing. Poured the liquid over it and folded the outer sections over the stain. I let it soak for about an hour, washed as normal and whhhaaaallllllaaaaa it was nice and clean! Works wonders on colored clothes too. No bleaching effects. Just stain removal! :)
For soaking, I used an empty dishpan type thingy from the dollar tree. I laid the shirt in the pan with the stain showing. Poured the liquid over it and folded the outer sections over the stain. I let it soak for about an hour, washed as normal and whhhaaaallllllaaaaa it was nice and clean! Works wonders on colored clothes too. No bleaching effects. Just stain removal! :)
Kool-aid anyone?
Well most of you know, I'm all about thrifty-nifty. So, after I've made laundry detergent, fabric softener and a few other things. I decided it was time to find a recipe for dishwasher detergent. After searching pinterest and Google I found one that made sense. I wanted one with a scent because I love smelling my dishes getting washed and me not manually doing them. So, go HERE to see what I found. Good stuff I tell ya. I ♥ it!
***Please note that I used citric acid and not kool-aid. It didn't state how much to use. Or that I seen at first glance. I used 1 cup and it works just fine.
***Please note that I used citric acid and not kool-aid. It didn't state how much to use. Or that I seen at first glance. I used 1 cup and it works just fine.
Sock it to yo head
Sock it to "yo" head and I mean this literally.
If you know me well enough, you will know these things:
1.) I have extremely curly hair
2.) I have thick hair
3.) I hate wearing my hair down
4.) I hate my hair cut to short because it causes an afro
5.) If I get a chance to pull up in a "poof" then I do it quickly!
So, when I ran across this. I immediately tried it and was wow'ed! I LOVE IT..... So, if you see me with this funky big bun on my head, you'll know I have 'literally' socked my own head.
***Since posting this I've had several ask if I would do this and post pictures. Well, it will be awhile before I can take a picture to show you how it looks on my own head. I took the plunge and had my hair chopped off :)
Go "HERE" to check it out!
Happy Sock'n! ;)
If you know me well enough, you will know these things:
1.) I have extremely curly hair
2.) I have thick hair
3.) I hate wearing my hair down
4.) I hate my hair cut to short because it causes an afro
5.) If I get a chance to pull up in a "poof" then I do it quickly!
So, when I ran across this. I immediately tried it and was wow'ed! I LOVE IT..... So, if you see me with this funky big bun on my head, you'll know I have 'literally' socked my own head.
***Since posting this I've had several ask if I would do this and post pictures. Well, it will be awhile before I can take a picture to show you how it looks on my own head. I took the plunge and had my hair chopped off :)
Go "HERE" to check it out!
Happy Sock'n! ;)
The new favorite drink, yum-o
So, I also ran across this recipe on pinterest. I am such a sucker for pinterest. To me, it's way better than facebook, a lot less drama. Now that I've had my fill of facebook, I realize it is nothing more than a bunch of people being nosey. The less folks I have nosing into my business, the better. Yea, I still get on there. I check messages, comments and from time to time post things. I just no longer surf around to see what's up with everyone. (Except nieces/nephews that don't live close). Chat rooms are so, well, lets see, relationship ruining, over-rated. Wanna make friends? Get up off yo buttocks! Yup, truth!
Ok ok, back to this new favorite drink for the hubs. He loves Cherry-Limeaides. I mean LOVES them. So, to pinterest I'm browsing and run across this:
What you need:
1 can of 7up/Sprite
3 tbsp of grenadine
1 wedge of lime
1 cherry (optional)
Pour canned beverage into a glass, mix 3 tbsp of cherry grenadine and squeeze lime juice from wedge into glass. Then drop wedge into drink and garnish with one cherry. Pure awesomeness! So so good! Nightly favorite. Actually, I am now making it by the ½ gallon each night!
Ok ok, back to this new favorite drink for the hubs. He loves Cherry-Limeaides. I mean LOVES them. So, to pinterest I'm browsing and run across this:
What you need:
1 can of 7up/Sprite
3 tbsp of grenadine
1 wedge of lime
1 cherry (optional)
Pour canned beverage into a glass, mix 3 tbsp of cherry grenadine and squeeze lime juice from wedge into glass. Then drop wedge into drink and garnish with one cherry. Pure awesomeness! So so good! Nightly favorite. Actually, I am now making it by the ½ gallon each night!
Cinnamon Roll Cake
So, I'm browsing around pinterest like any other typical day and I run across this picture of heaven. Thanks to my daughter, I had everything for this except for eggs. She's such an egghead :)
So, to the neighbors house I send the kid for eggs. Boy oh boy was I thrilled to know she had a couple of extra eggs. Glad I didn't tell what I was cooking or I would have (like always) said I'd share when done. After taking the first bite, it was not likely that I'd be sharing with anyone. I plan to make one for them one day and just show up baring this heavenly gift!
So, when I follow the link I end up here. Everyone take a little bit to check out her stuff. It's wonderful!
Here's the ingredients for this heavenly cloud of a thing called Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted
Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.
Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Mmmmm Mmmmmmm Gooodnesss meee ohhhh myyy!
So, to the neighbors house I send the kid for eggs. Boy oh boy was I thrilled to know she had a couple of extra eggs. Glad I didn't tell what I was cooking or I would have (like always) said I'd share when done. After taking the first bite, it was not likely that I'd be sharing with anyone. I plan to make one for them one day and just show up baring this heavenly gift!
So, when I follow the link I end up here. Everyone take a little bit to check out her stuff. It's wonderful!
Here's the ingredients for this heavenly cloud of a thing called Cinnamon Roll Cake
Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted
Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.
Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.
An apple a day...
I've always heard an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I'm just not sure they mean this type of apple. It's pure dreamy, creamy, deliciousness. I am a sucker for a good, and I mean GOOD caramel apple. So, when I seen this on pinterest, I knew this was a definate try for me in the kitchen. It was so easy, I even added the help of a 7 year old.
What you need:
1 package of Caramel Apple Kit
1 package of Candy Apple Kit
Apples
Toothpicks
Preheat oven to box directions
Slice the apple with an apple/fruit slicer into 6 wedges. Cut each wedge in half.
I don't remember how many apples I used but the original recipe calls for 6 apples. So 6 apples cut into 6 wedges X 2 = 72. Don't fret, you only need 6 apples, but this will make 72 small ½ wedges. You don't have to use all of them at once. You can use whatever you'd like. 1 apple, 2 apples, etc... Each sheet of room temp. caramel/candy will need to be cut into 12 squares. I done this by lightly spraying my pairing knife with cooking spray and cutting like it were a pan of brownies. Pat each apple wedge with a napkin to make sure it is dry. This helps the caramel/candy to stick better. Stick a toothpick into each piece of apple. Then take your square of caramel and push down over the toothpick. Centering it in the middle of the square. Don't stretch, just push thru toothpick and lightly pinch the sides to form it to the apple. Follow directions on the back of the box for baking. I did cut time in half because we aren't melting caramel/candy for an entire apple. Just the pieces.
This is less mess than trying to eat an entire apple and it is just as wonderful!
I totally love that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. How about you?
What you need:
1 package of Caramel Apple Kit
1 package of Candy Apple Kit
Apples
Toothpicks
Preheat oven to box directions
Slice the apple with an apple/fruit slicer into 6 wedges. Cut each wedge in half.
I don't remember how many apples I used but the original recipe calls for 6 apples. So 6 apples cut into 6 wedges X 2 = 72. Don't fret, you only need 6 apples, but this will make 72 small ½ wedges. You don't have to use all of them at once. You can use whatever you'd like. 1 apple, 2 apples, etc... Each sheet of room temp. caramel/candy will need to be cut into 12 squares. I done this by lightly spraying my pairing knife with cooking spray and cutting like it were a pan of brownies. Pat each apple wedge with a napkin to make sure it is dry. This helps the caramel/candy to stick better. Stick a toothpick into each piece of apple. Then take your square of caramel and push down over the toothpick. Centering it in the middle of the square. Don't stretch, just push thru toothpick and lightly pinch the sides to form it to the apple. Follow directions on the back of the box for baking. I did cut time in half because we aren't melting caramel/candy for an entire apple. Just the pieces.
This is less mess than trying to eat an entire apple and it is just as wonderful!
I totally love that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. How about you?
Living inside a pickle jar
So, I've been dealing with this "Ring around" the bottom of our shower and this grime looking stuff that's a nasty color in the bottom. I clean my shower often, more often than you'd think by looking at the shower. Iiccckkkk! I can't stand the thought of standing in a dirty shower. Well, I have bleached, scrubbed, even used a razor blade. When all else failed, I went to Google to see what I could find. I kept reading people rave about baking soda and vinegar. Ok, I have these things on hand, so I guess it's worth a try.
What you need:
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Warm water (lucky me, I'm cleaning the shower)
So, I used the vinegar (in a spray bottle) to mist the walls and bottom floor of the shower. Then I sprinkled baking soda all over the "dirty" part. Misting with the vinegar helped the baking soda stick. I went back and sprayed a light mist of vinegar all over again. Of course it looked like a science project but I did leave it alone for the recommended 5-10 minutes. I went back with a scrub brush and it came right off. When done swiping with a brush, rinse with warm water. It's now back to the sparkling shower I knew was hiding underneath. I was very pleased with the results, so I started cleaning everything with vinegar and soda. We now live inside a pickle jar!
Another note: It also cleaned my drains :) Whoop Whoop. My curly long locks are no longer a challenge for our drains!
What you need:
Baking Soda
Vinegar
Warm water (lucky me, I'm cleaning the shower)
So, I used the vinegar (in a spray bottle) to mist the walls and bottom floor of the shower. Then I sprinkled baking soda all over the "dirty" part. Misting with the vinegar helped the baking soda stick. I went back and sprayed a light mist of vinegar all over again. Of course it looked like a science project but I did leave it alone for the recommended 5-10 minutes. I went back with a scrub brush and it came right off. When done swiping with a brush, rinse with warm water. It's now back to the sparkling shower I knew was hiding underneath. I was very pleased with the results, so I started cleaning everything with vinegar and soda. We now live inside a pickle jar!
Another note: It also cleaned my drains :) Whoop Whoop. My curly long locks are no longer a challenge for our drains!
Feel the softness
If you’ve been wanting to cut costs on Fabric Softener… try making Homemade Fabric Softener!
**I made a ½ batch just to make sure I liked it before making such a large amount. Do as you'd like**
What You’ll Need:
- 6 cups HOT water
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups Suave Refreshing Waterfall Conditioner {or other favorite scent}
What You’ll Do:
- Mix conditioner & hot water well, until conditioner is dissolved completely.
- Add the vinegar, and mix well.
- Store in a large container {empty fabric softener container, empty large vinegar bottle, etc}
- Pour into a downy ball… or use approx. 2 tbsp. in the fabric softener spot in your laundry machine… then wash!
**I made a ½ batch just to make sure I liked it before making such a large amount. Do as you'd like**
Stinky Room?
I'm sure each of you have purchased air freshener at least once in your life. I'm just as guilty as the next. Point, spray, ahhhhh. Wonderful smell for a few minutes and then it's all gone. Why spend your hard earned $ on something that doesn't last long?
Well, here's a solution for long lasting freshness! You got it, homemade Febreze! You read it right. Febreze is $2 + without coupons in your local store but you can make a 32 oz bottle for less than 25¢. Plus, the smell last hours and hours.
Here's what you need:
32oz sprayer bottle
1/8 cup of fabric softener
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
Water
Pour baking soda and fabric softener into the bottle and shake. Fill remainder of bottle up with warm water and shake until you are sure the soda has dissolved. There ya go! Febreze!
Well, here's a solution for long lasting freshness! You got it, homemade Febreze! You read it right. Febreze is $2 + without coupons in your local store but you can make a 32 oz bottle for less than 25¢. Plus, the smell last hours and hours.
Here's what you need:
32oz sprayer bottle
1/8 cup of fabric softener
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
Water
Pour baking soda and fabric softener into the bottle and shake. Fill remainder of bottle up with warm water and shake until you are sure the soda has dissolved. There ya go! Febreze!
♥ Liquid Lovers ♥
For the liquid lovers out there.... then I'll post a recipe for liquid laundry detergent. Please note that I have not tried the liquid so this recipe comes from a friend. She will not use anything but liquid, so trying to get her to use the powder was useless :) She's just a liquid loving kinda' gal.
Two different recipes are listed here. Both work very well.
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
1 Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
Directions:
Two different recipes are listed here. Both work very well.
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
1 Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
Directions:
Bring in 20 Mule
So, these days people are looking for ways to save money. For my family, we've made it clear that things can be done on a budget. I'm all for thrifty but I sure like nifty too. I heard you could make your own laundry detergent. Skeptical? Yes. Worth a shot? After reading the cost per load was less than 2¢ per load, YES, 2 pennies per load, I decided to give it a try. Worse thing that could happen. I didn't like it for laundry. If that be the case, I could at least use it to clean the toilets.
Things you need:
1 cup of 20 Mule Borax
1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)
1 bar of soap (at least a 4oz bar) You can use Ivory, Fels-Naptha or ZOTE® and Fels-Naptha® are made specifically for laundry bar soap.
Grate the bar of soap on a cheese grater. I cheated for this. I cut the bar of soap into pieces (hunks) and put them in one of the small ($6) food processors that I rarely used. It turned into a fine powder this way so I will use this method from now on. That's it folks. It made this wonderful powdery substance that I now use for laundry detergent & to boot..... it works & smells great!
Things you need:
1 cup of 20 Mule Borax
1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (not baking soda)
1 bar of soap (at least a 4oz bar) You can use Ivory, Fels-Naptha or ZOTE® and Fels-Naptha® are made specifically for laundry bar soap.
Grate the bar of soap on a cheese grater. I cheated for this. I cut the bar of soap into pieces (hunks) and put them in one of the small ($6) food processors that I rarely used. It turned into a fine powder this way so I will use this method from now on. That's it folks. It made this wonderful powdery substance that I now use for laundry detergent & to boot..... it works & smells great!
2 tablespoons per load OR for heavily soiled items, I have found 3 scoops to work better. This also works well in high efficiency washers because it a low suds detergent.
Happy Washing!
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