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Laundry Detergent…Make Your Own!

We’re making soap today…

Well, not really.

I’m mixing soap to make some more laundry detergent.

It’s been over a year since I shared this recipe, but since then a few things have changed, so I thought it’s time for an update! Plus, my Mom was just out here for a visit and she wants the recipe…here ya go Mom!

Laundry Soap

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

First, chop the soap bar into large chunks to make it a little easier on the food processor.

Then pulse until it turns into little tiny balls.

Add the rest of the ingredients and let run for approximately a minute. The soap should be completely broken down into the mix, although you will still be able to distinguish the yellow with the other ingredients.

For a light load, use 1 Tablespoon. For really dirty clothes or towels, use 2 Tablespoons.

Yields: 3 Cups detergent. (Approx. 40 loads)

Since we live in the land of hard water, I add a splash of vinegar over the soap once I’ve spooned it into the load. I am pleased with the results. The clothes smell great, and with the vinegar I have no residue from the soap, ever.

I think you’ll enjoy the break on your wallet as well. This comes out to be way cheaper for a family of six to keep clean clothes.

I was able to find all of these ingredients at the local Wal-Mart.

Happy Wash Day (which is every day at my house)!

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Categories Homekeeping
Author wendyj

Something Sweet for Your Sniffles

14 Mar

Welcome to the series on Spring Tips. If you’re just joining us, be sure to check out these other great tips too!

I love honey! Isn’t great? You can almost smell the kiss of the sun in it and the golden color is irresistible. I always wonder at the way God made bees and the whole process to work. I can remember one of those crazy videos from junior high science class (the ones that everyone loved because they got out of homework and didn’t have to pay attention….Thank You Mrs. Wallace!!!) about bees and pollination. Honestly. I still remember it and being overwhelmed about how intricate the whole process was and how seamlessly God made it all work. And to produce such a product as Honey!

Now, that I have completely weirded you out with my obsession with honey and I’m sure you will all email me the names of great counselors where I can get help for my borderline OCD situation….let me share the real tip for today.

Of course, I was first introduced to this on Pinterest. (You can follow my pins here or check out the side bar over there to the right for the things I’ve pinned recently….) This one really caught my eye because I struggle EVERY SINGLE YEAR with allergies. And just when I think I’ve got the edge on it, wrong! It knocks me for a loop. You too? So sorry. I know someone has to support the tissue business, but this is ridiculous! That is why this concoction really struck me. I hope it helps you too.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Local Honey (that’s important…the local part. Check out the honey locator for more info in your area.)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Cayenne

Ginger

Water

Nancy calls this Maggie’s Cough Remedy and you can see all the proportions and details here.

I will give you a head’s up. It has a bit of a kick to it….so be ready. But, it’s not bad. I actually like it. A lot better than downing those gross syrups from the drug store. Ugh…

Give it a try…and please come back and tell us what you thought! Hoping it helps the sniffles and tickles that come with spring.

Remember, it is recommended not to give honey to children under the age of one.

If you like hanging out here at the blog, feel free to grab the box above and share wherever….thanks!

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Homekeeping
Author wendyj

Stanky Feet

12 Mar

Have you ever hopped in your car, latte in hand. Children all safe buckled in their seats, visions of a trip to Sonic’s happy hour dancing in their heads. List in hand or smartphone! And, you hesitate…what is that smell? No. No one left their happy meal in the back. No rotten bananas under the seat…..what? It’s coming from your feet? Your shoes? You’ve got to be kidding me! We just bought those shoes like five minutes ago.

Spring fever means sandals.

And sandals mean stinky shoes.

Stinky shoes equal incurable, unbearable stinky feet.

I’m hoping this season, we may have a solution to our stink issue.

Recently, I came across this find and can’t wait to try it out.

All you need is a few ingredients.

Cotton balls

Peppermint Oil (easily found at health food stores, some drug stores, whole foods groceries and online like this place)

Oh and of course….the stanky shoes! (I’ll loan you some if you’re having trouble finding any….)

Place the oil soaked cotton balls in the offending shoes and leave them overnight. This should definitely curb the stench.

We are starting the season with pre-soaked shoes as opposed to waiting for the smell to take us by surprise.

I’ll let you know how it goes……

Join us this week as we share more tips to make your spring rock even more! Feel free to grab the graphic below to spread the word, just give me a link back, K? Thanks.

By the way, if you haven’t checked us out on Facebook, click over really quick and like us. Thanks a bunch.

We wish you happy sweet smelling feet this spring!