3/24/2012

I've been making my own soap!

My not so fancy laundry detergent holder. 
I had been tossing around the idea of making my own laundry detergent for a while now, but just never got around to it. Thankfully a friend made some and posted about it on her blog. After I made sure to wait for her opinion (hehe) I decided to give it a try. She found the recipe on this blog Laundry Soap. I made it about December 27th, it costs less than $20 and I just recently had to make more. It makes a ton and cleans great. I am not sure how many loads, but decided to track it this time. So far I have washed 23 loads since I made the batch last Saturday. I did not include the oxyclean this time because the store was out of it and I wasn't in the mood to go to another store. If they have it next time I go to the store, I will add it in. I keep it stored in a empty 25 lb cat littler. I also bought a mailer square container to keep it in on my shelf. I had great plans on making this container cute, but just haven't gotten around to it. Just a tip it you decide to make it, please do not inhale deeply over the ingredients as you pour them in. The dust it kicks up will burn the crap out of your sinuses. :)




So I was excited about making my own detergent, I decided to make my own liquid hand soap. Thanks to Pinterest I found this blog Hand Soap and off to the store I went. It was pretty simple to make and I loved the smell. Mine does have a sort of snot like consistency, but it works fine. I am going to try a different brand of bar soap next time. I made it February 13th, it filled an 8oz liquid hand soap container, a gallon milk jug and about halfway up a 12oz body wash bottle. I am now about half way through the soap. The cost was about $4-$5.
Grating away

The soap Allison picked  (I used 2 bars.)





Kind of snotty. 






So not only am I trying to save some money, I am also producing a bit less waste because I am recycling containers I already have. How knows what I might make next.... 

3/17/2012

Happy Birthday Mom!

It is hard to believe the last time I could say that to you in person was three years ago as I was visiting you in the hospital. Oh how the time flies!  I think I will make a cake today to celebrate  your life and will take the kids out to enjoy the beautiful weather. What I really want to do is lay in bed and wish the world would stop for just a few minutes, because it seems so unfair that the world can continue without your presence.   We know that won't happen, so I will just keep pushing forward as I always do.  So Happy Birthday my beautiful loving Mother. I hope you are rocking out with Elvis today.


Such a character!



"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

3/05/2012

I've been tagged!

A fellow blogger and friend  Mama P tagged me, so it is my turn to answer some questions. :)

There are some rules:

1. Post these rules
2. You must post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in the post you were tagged in
4. Create 11 new questions for your tagees to answer
5. Tag them on Twitter, Facebook or your blog

My 11 random things.

1. I am so grateful my husband works two jobs so I have the privilege to stay home and care for our kids even though he hates it.

2. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream, but only the green kind.

3. The end of this month my mom will be gone 3 years and I still find myself going to call her to tell her something.

4. I love my kids more than words can describe.

5. I need to buy some new undies and socks. (hey they are supposed to be random things. LOL)

6. I hate grocery shopping with the kids.   

7. I would love to go college, but am realizing that is a dream that will never come true. 

8. I am blessed to have an awesome Mother in law and Father in law.

9. If I had to move to another state, it would be Pennsylvania.

10. I believe in ghosts. 

11. I would love to see my family more often than holidays.  

My 11 Questions:

1. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?
Hmm, that is a tough one. Maybe wait a little longer between Allison and Nicholas. God that sounds terrible. Let me explain though. It is not because I couldn't handle it or even for Allison's sake. I would wait for Nick. Why? Because I truly believe me having him so close to Allison and the fact that he was three weeks early contributed to his ADHD and other problems. I don't care what anyone says, I carried him, I was the one who lost 18 pounds(never gained an ounce) with his pregnancy because I was so sick.  I will feel responsible for his problems until the day I die because I feel when I should have protected and cared for him the most I failed. 
2. Paper bags, or plastic? 
It depends on the store, but mostly plastic. 
3. When was the last time you tried something new and what was it?
I tried grilled octopus last Friday on date night. :) 
4. What is your favorite scent?
I guess it is a toss up between new baby smell and lilacs. LOL
5. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
It depends on what you mean to teach. If I was a teacher I would want Kindergarten or 1st grade. If it is just teaching someone something, I want to teach my kids how to cook. 
6. What pair of shoes have you had the longest? 
My pair of clog type black sandals my husband's Aunt bought me about 9 1/2 years ago while we were visiting her in Pennsylvania. 
7. If you could change your name, what would you change it to, if you even would?
I wouldn't change my name. 
8. What are three "NEVERS" in your life? 
I try not to say never, but I try to never tell my kids plans for things until the last minute in case something happens. One pet we will never own is a snake and I will never eat a rabbit 
9. What is one defining moment from childhood? 
Racking my brain here..... Being told by someone important that he feels sorry for my future husband. To this day that phrase still haunts me.
10. Do you have manicured nails? If so, what color?
Hahahahaha, not even close. My toenails are rocking a very chipped red look right now though and my nails don't have anything. 
11. Name one new goal you can set this year to positively impact those around you.
I am going to try and not be so negative about myself. 

Now my questions for you...

1. Favortie body part? 

2. What was the best meal you ever had?

3.  Coffee or tea?

4. Favorite dessert?

5. Biggest regret in life? 

6. What was the last wedding you went to? 

7. What is your favorite book?

8.  When was the last time you got your hair done? What did you do to it?

9. If you own any animal, what would it be? 

10. What movie do you identify most with?

11. What do you like to do for yourself?

I tag




Amanda