Monday, July 27, 2009

Asher

Today Isaac is sleeping a little long for his nap. Which means I get some time with just Asher. He is just so cute! I love watching his little walk and his little talk. He is in a baseball phase right now and everything can be a bat and ball. While usually this is a pain. today I'm watching and just adoring my cute little man. He won't be the youngest for long...He is at such a defiant but adorable age. Ah, the joy of toddlers.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Homemade = less expensive.

I found something I'd love to try. I've never personally made homemade laundry soap, but I've heard it is amazing. A friend posted this recipe and it looks easy enough to make. Right now I have about six months worth of detergent stockpiled, but when that is used I'm hoping to try this. Here is the recipe for any one else who is interested. Let me know what you think.

Laundry Soap Recipe: 2 bars Fels-naptha soap (you can buy at Kroger laundry aisle),
2 cups Arm & Hammer Soda Wash (also at Kroger in the laundry aisle),
and 2 cups Borax.
Grate bars of soap into small pieces (I use my blender on "ice chop" setting to shred - washes up great!) and put into 2 quarts boiling water and stir occasionally until melted.
Put Soda Wash and Borax into clean 5 gallon bucket (I used a kitty litter container, well rinsed). Add 2 1/2 gallons hot tap water and stir until dissolved.
Add melted soap mixture and stir. Cover. Use 1/4 cup to 1 cup in each load (depending on load size and dirt amount). It will become gel-like. Sometimes a little like jello.


Another money saver is home made baby wipes. I've done this since Isaac was a baby. It is quick and easy. I really like these for newborns because they are very sensitive and there are minimal ingredients.

Cut one roll Bounty paper towel in half. In a tupperware pour 2c. water, 2T. baby oil, and 2 T. baby shampoo. Set half the roll in tupperware for a few minutes to soak. Turn roll over until entire half is wet. Gently pull out cardboard from the middle. Wipes will pop out like a wet wipe roll. Each roll makes two tupperwares full.

I love doing this. It really only takes a matter of minutes. Plus the boys like to help pour in the ingredients.

I really like finding "recipes" for homemade items. If it saves money and is better for us and the enviroment then why not take the extra couple of minutes. :)