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Just an update. I'm on week 3 of not using commercial detergent or conditioner and I am really really liking what is happening to my hair. FIRST WEEK was rough, the SECOND WEEK I seemed to be over producing oil, and this third week has been great!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Homemade Laundry Detergent
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The first product I started making homemade (and what started my green journey) was laundry detergent. After I saw the results and saw how we were saving some money, I instantly got hooked. There are soooo many different recipes and it can be made in powder or liquid form.
One thing we had to be cautious of is making sure this was okay for our front loaders. I didn't want to damage my expensive birthday presents after all! But I have learned that MOST ingredients in homemade detergent is low suds which means it's front loader friendly :)
The ingredients in my recipe are safe for front loaders, but feel free to change it to your liking and smelly goodness preference.
What you will need:
1-4lb box of Borax
1-3lb box of Washing Soda
1- 3lb container of OxiClean
3-bars of Fels Naptha
2-2lb boxes of Baking Soda
1or2- bottles of Purex Crystals
Grate bars Fels Naptha soap (yes like grating cheese). Combine all ingredients into container. Mix well. Use 1 to 2 T per load.
As you can obviously tell, this makes ALOT of detergent!! We went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those 5 gallon buckets with a lid, lined it with a trash bag, and mixed all the ingredients in. I suggest mixing a little at a time because the container will get heavy and mixing will become a somewhat tough.
Make sure to keep those Purex Crystal containers!! Their lids have these lines on them that measure out 1 and 2 tablespoons perfectly!
And for those of you who have front loaders, I already know what you're going to ask..Where do I put the soap?? Since I'm a visual learner, here are a few pictures to help...
Take out the tray where you usually pour the liquid detergent into. Pour in powder detergent and start washing!!!
I think next time I'm going to try out the liquid version. But seriously....I have enough detergent to last me a year (maybe?)!! Once again I hear my bank account applauding :)
Feel free to post any questions about making homemade laundry detergent. If you're unsure of the ingredients or afraid to try any of them, I can offer alternatives and or redirect you to some sights I have found with comments that might ease any worries.
The first product I started making homemade (and what started my green journey) was laundry detergent. After I saw the results and saw how we were saving some money, I instantly got hooked. There are soooo many different recipes and it can be made in powder or liquid form.
One thing we had to be cautious of is making sure this was okay for our front loaders. I didn't want to damage my expensive birthday presents after all! But I have learned that MOST ingredients in homemade detergent is low suds which means it's front loader friendly :)
The ingredients in my recipe are safe for front loaders, but feel free to change it to your liking and smelly goodness preference.
What you will need:
1-4lb box of Borax
1-3lb box of Washing Soda
1- 3lb container of OxiClean
3-bars of Fels Naptha
2-2lb boxes of Baking Soda
1or2- bottles of Purex Crystals
Grate bars Fels Naptha soap (yes like grating cheese). Combine all ingredients into container. Mix well. Use 1 to 2 T per load.
As you can obviously tell, this makes ALOT of detergent!! We went to Wal-Mart and bought one of those 5 gallon buckets with a lid, lined it with a trash bag, and mixed all the ingredients in. I suggest mixing a little at a time because the container will get heavy and mixing will become a somewhat tough.
Make sure to keep those Purex Crystal containers!! Their lids have these lines on them that measure out 1 and 2 tablespoons perfectly!
And for those of you who have front loaders, I already know what you're going to ask..Where do I put the soap?? Since I'm a visual learner, here are a few pictures to help...
Measure out your detergent.
I think next time I'm going to try out the liquid version. But seriously....I have enough detergent to last me a year (maybe?)!! Once again I hear my bank account applauding :)
Feel free to post any questions about making homemade laundry detergent. If you're unsure of the ingredients or afraid to try any of them, I can offer alternatives and or redirect you to some sights I have found with comments that might ease any worries.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Pecan Pie Cupcakes
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These little beauties are a spin off of the Southern favorite, Pecan Pie. Making them into "cupcakes" was genius!!! Plus I had been craving pecan pie for awhile now and I didn't have the syrup. Guess what...These little guys don't need the syrup!!! Plus you don't have to make a crust. Double YAY!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
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Yet another item to replace in my home!!! I was running out of hand soap. You know, the expensive ones you buy at that store in the mall and you walk out with a headache and a dent in your bank account?? So I opted for making my own.
I can do without exposing my family to all those harmful chemicals, colorants and perfumes anyways. They aren't necessary in cleaning our hands..And I'm beginning to think all those perfumes are just brain washing us into thinking we are more clean if we smell like we were dipped in applesauce or peach puree...
I can do without exposing my family to all those harmful chemicals, colorants and perfumes anyways. They aren't necessary in cleaning our hands..And I'm beginning to think all those perfumes are just brain washing us into thinking we are more clean if we smell like we were dipped in applesauce or peach puree...
Manic Mondays: DIY Fall Wreath
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Sorry for missing yesterday's Manic Mondays. Which is usually the day where I show a DIY tutorial for something crafty. Apparently my little bun in the oven decided he might want to come a whole 7 WEEKS early..Impatient much?? Just like his dad....
So I had to take a small break for the day but now I'm back to catch up. Luckily I had most of everything ready and set up. The project is a very simple and cute fall wreath using everything from the Dollar Tree. So let's get started on our DIY craft tutorial for....
So I had to take a small break for the day but now I'm back to catch up. Luckily I had most of everything ready and set up. The project is a very simple and cute fall wreath using everything from the Dollar Tree. So let's get started on our DIY craft tutorial for....
Friday, August 24, 2012
Week 2 of "No-Poo"
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Just an update of how things are coming along with my "no-poo" shampoo adventure...
For those who might be new, go HERE to what it is all about. I have been on journey for 2 weeks now with-out using commercial shampoos and conditioners. I use only baking soda/water for "shampoo" and ACV/water rinse (now infused with essential oils for fragrance) as a conditioner.
My hair has made an amazing transformation in just two weeks..
For those who might be new, go HERE to what it is all about. I have been on journey for 2 weeks now with-out using commercial shampoos and conditioners. I use only baking soda/water for "shampoo" and ACV/water rinse (now infused with essential oils for fragrance) as a conditioner.
My hair has made an amazing transformation in just two weeks..
Homemade GREEN Bodywash
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One of the last things I had yet to get rid of in my daily shower routine was my store bought bodywash. Sure it smells nice but since our skin absorbs everything we put on it and it goes into our body. So for awhile, I started using just plain Dove soap which is what my pediatrician even suggested to use on my daughter. It's BETTER, yes, but even that bar of soap has some harsh preservatives and additives. No thanks. I'll make my own.
If you feel like you can deal with just using plain dove soap and still would like to make it into a body wash HERE is a site you can visit with the recipe (plus a ton of other fun ideas). It's easy, I've done it, and you can even do it for men! Hey, you gotta start somewhere right??
There are TWO main essential ingredients I used in MY body wash. The first is Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap ( I used baby mild, but you could use any of them.). There is a whole lot going on on the label, I think he thought he was the God of Soap Making, and apparently this guy was in the looney bin for awhile. But the uses are endless and it's safe AND GREEN!
If you feel like you can deal with just using plain dove soap and still would like to make it into a body wash HERE is a site you can visit with the recipe (plus a ton of other fun ideas). It's easy, I've done it, and you can even do it for men! Hey, you gotta start somewhere right??
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