Friday, August 31, 2012

Handmade Laundry Detergent

As a stay at home single mom I try to find as many ways as possible to cut costs. We have all noticed how expensive laundry detergent has gotten....its outrageous!! So why not make your own at home that is inexpensive, easy to make with three basic ingredients you can find at your local grocery store, is just as effective as those expensive brands in both top loading and HE washers and you avoid chemicals.



As I said..its easy...3 basic ingredients..  
1  cup Borax
1 cup Washing soda
1/3 - 1/2 shredded Bar of soap ( I use my Castile Soap as its unscented,  all natural and vegan friendly, but you can use any natural soap). If you prefer scented you can always use a scented natural soap or add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.

Grate your soap - you can use a food grader or be lazy like me and use a food processor. Mix grated soap, borax and washing soda together. Store in a container with a lid in a dry area.

To Use: add 1 tablespoon to your wash. You can use 2 tablespoons for heavily soiled items.

This laundry detergent has low suds and is safe for HE washers. Suds are not what cleans your clothes... suds are produced by a chemical added to commercial soaps and laundry detergents. Another good side note is that the low suds and all natural detergent is safe for your septic tanks (the high suds and added chemicals of commercial brands can cause your lines to clog).

For a natural fabric softener... add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. I add a few drops of lavender EO when I do my linens..the vinegar scent disappears when clothes are dry and leaves behind the wonder smell of lavender.


Monday, August 27, 2012

Crochet Giveaway

Check out this Crochet Giveaway by Opps I Craft My Pants... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=456900334349513&set=a.207741385932077.53040.119971941375689&type=1&theater

Friday, August 17, 2012

Baked Hamburger Stew

There was a touch of fall in the air today and made me think.... its getting time for comfort foods. Soups are one of my favorite fall and winter comfort foods. Baked Hamburger Stew is one of my faves. Its easy and quick to put together and is loaded with wonderful veggies and flavor. This is great to make ahead and freeze for a quick dinner or lunch.


Ingredients:

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

3 medium carrots, sliced

3/4 lb lean ground beef

1 can(14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 medium onions, sliced

2 tablespoons of butter

Salt and pepper to taste


In a greased 13"x9" baking dish, layer potatoes and carrots. Crumble beef over carrots. Layer withe the tomatoes, peas and onions. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degree for 1 1/2 hours or until meat is no longer pink and potatoes are tender.
Serve with homemade French Bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Treasury Time

Our Red and Black Polka Dot Hip 2 Be Square Crossbody Purse was featured in this great AMUS team treasury...Lots of great handmade purses to choose from!  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODI2MDEyMXwyNzIwNjI3NDI3/thats-my-bag-baby-from-the-all-mixed-up

That's my bag baby from the All Mixed Up Shop team

Curator