After reading some articles, and books, and watching some documentaries about how our food and household products ARE KILLING US, I decided to go granola and start making more of our stuff from scratch. One thing I've been wanting to do for awhile now was make our own laundry detergent. It is so much cheaper than store bought and you can have a TON of it on hand for when you run out, or can't afford it, don't feel like looking up a deal and clipping a coupon, or for your 1 year emergency supply. It's hard to stock up on regular detergent, but this you could have a years worth really easily and make it as you need it. All you need are 3 simple ingredients. We're talking back to basics here.
First, you grate a bar of Zote laundry bar soap. Note: Make sure your kids know this is SOAP, not cheese. Then put it up out of reach until you're ready to use it.
Next you melt the soap in a quart of water (after looking up how many cups are in a quart). ((blushes))
Then pour that into a 5 gallon bucket and add some more water and the Borax and soda. I forgot the exact measurements but I think it's a cup of each.
Let it sit over night, then stir really well. Then I used a funnel and put it in an old, rinsed out detergent bottle. I scented it with some Orange Bliss doTerra oil, then shook it up!
I've been using this for about a month now and I'm pleased! It gets the clothes clean and doesn't break the bank. Tonight I had to refill my container for the first time and was glad not to have to run to the store - there was more in my 5 gallon bucket.
The Borax, Soda, and Zote cost about $7. The recipe calls for 1 whole bar of Zote, so that's gone, but the Borax and Soda I still have more of. Plus, they are also used in a lot of around the house cleaning supplies. These things are easy to store and cheap to buy, so I'm going to stock up.
ALSO, I've sworn off cold cereal. John wanted to shoot me and there have been a few mornings I wanted to shoot myself for this decision, but it's been a good one. We've had healthier breakfasts using whole grains (oatmeal, cracked wheat), egg dishes, fruit and cottage cheese, and pancakes from scratch. I notice the kids stay fuller longer and aren't clamoring for snacks 45 minutes later. This has also helped our grocery budget because not only are we not having to buy cereal, but we've gone from 3 gallons of milk a week to only 2. Milk is about $3.50 here so that's a noticeable difference.
I could go off on how unnutritious cereal is but I'll just give you the
link to the article. My guess is after you read it you'll feel the same way and cut out cereal yourself. So don't read it if you're not willing to go without cereal!
Also, for the first time in my life and I really never thought I'd say this....I want to live in the country and own land! I want to have animals and a huge garden and fruit trees and all that! It's totally possible here in MO without living hours away from civilization. My new goal for someday when we buy a house is to have plenty of acreage to do this! I want chickens so we can have our own fresh eggs, and possibly a milking cow.
If we could afford it I would buy all organic. I want to try slowly switching over on the important stuff like milk, meat, and the top 13 produce items you should buy organic. The chemicals and preservatives they put in our food is killing us and ruining our bodies! In my opinion the government should be doing something about this AND FAST!!!
I'm not perfect and we still eat processed foods and stuff, but I'm slowly trying to incorporate more whole foods one thing at a time. Baby steps.
I was going to post about the zoo and a pumpkin patch because I'm really behind on posting, but I saw these pictures so you got this instead. Oh well.
