Homemade Laundry Soap How To

Hey all! It's been awhile since we had a tutorial, eh? I finally had a chance to make some laundry soap over winter break! I had made it quite frequently before but once I returned to work I didn't have time for it. .

The recipe comes originally from Arkansas Soaper. I don't make as much at one setting as she did, so my measurements are
3 Cups Borax
2 Cups Baking Soda
2 Cups Washing Soda
2 Cups Grated Soap

The washing soda is sodium carbonate and is found in the pool cleaning department of any major retailer. For the grated soap, I use handmade soap I buy from some fabulous sellers. I usually buy mine from CosmicCleanBody  If you have a favorite handmade soaper, see if they will sell you their "uglies"...the soaps that aren't quite up to par but still smell lovely.

I followed her directions for the powdered soap, and she is very correct that it's way easier if you grate the soap with a salad shooter. I too found mine on Ebay and it works great.

 Isn't the grated soap pretty?

Once the soap is grated, and your powdered items are measured out (wear a mask to keep from inhaling the borax and washing soda.) I add a bit of soap and a bit of powdered materials into a blender to blend it super fine, so it washes correctly.

Follow her directions and pulse the blender to grind up the ingredients. This keeps it all soft and powdery!

Once it's all grated up and in your storage container, give it a few shakes (see the layers in mine, that means it needs to be shook up) and you're good to go! She suggests using 1/8 cup per load.

Depending on where you buy your soap from, this laundry detergent is far far cheaper than store bought and much greener. I have heard some people add oxi-clean, which I would probably suggest if you had any athletes in your house or garden, or anything particularly messy. I find this one works well for us, I even used in back in my cloth diapering days.

Hope this saves you some pennies in the new year for laundry!

~~Amy

Deal of the Week

Get ready for the holiday cleaning!

Buy One Set of Swiffer Pads get One Set FREE! ONLY in MicroMops! MUST Mention in notes to seller "blogfreeset".
Good on November 7th--November 11th purchases ONLY!

on the way to girl, disconnected

I am on a mission to live simpler, fresher, cleaner, healthier, more naturally, etc. I’ve been on this mission for some time now. If you read back through my blog, you’ll find posts on living simpler, living frugally etc. And I am enjoying this process!

Although I am an avid couponer and sales addict, I purchase only items I REALLY use. However, even looking at my stockpile I see room for change. I’m curious...how better would I feel if I really did know where my meat, produce and dairy came from...and if I ate less processed foods. Now, I’m Gluten Free, so I probably eat far less than the average American consumer, but still GF foods are not always good for you. They compensate the lack of gluten with more sugar and fat.

I am, a sugar addict. I admit that. I was not raised on the healthiest of diets so even the way I eat now is a DRASTIC change from where I was ten, twenty years ago! So I stick to small changes, still. I use Sun Crystals (stevia and sugar blend) in my coffee, and since I hate artificial sweeteners and consider them poison....I can’t go that route. So what’s a girl to do?

Here are my to-do’s. I’ve no idea how long it will take me to complete them, but I’ll keep you posted!

*Integrate stevia and blue agave nectar into diet more. I never could get over the bitterness of stevia, but now that I’ve been using Sun Crystals, perhaps I can. Blue agave nectar has tons of uses, so I need to discover them!

*Use up current stockpile of all items that contain high fructose corn syrup, and multiple chemicals on the label. Really if there are 20 names for chemicals on it, should we be eating it? But I’m not a waster, so I cannot just toss food.

*As we use that stock up, research alternatives for such items. I have goals but I’m also a realist. My children are so damn picky as it is, I’m not going to deny them ketchup. But how about a ketchup without HFCS in it? (Sorry big corn business...I ain’t calling it Corn Sugar.)

*Limit our soda intake. This may mean not buying it anymore. I used to drink soda like water growing up...and weaned myself off of it after years of bladder infections. Somehow, we slowly sunk back into having soda constantly in the house. Once it’s used up...purchase natural sodas without HFCS.

*Drink more Water. This one is not terribly hard, I do drink a lot of water, but could drink more. And for the record people, Mio water enhancer? Really? Dyed water? No thanks.

*Cut back on sugar.  This is the hard one for me. I am a sugar fiend. But even I can tell...I usually eat the stuff because it’s THERE...and I don’t truly enjoy it. What I TRULY enjoy is some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a real homemade gluten free cookie. So why do I buy sugar filled processed candies I don’t love as much?? Time to stop!

*Eliminate or drastically cut back on food dyes. This is more for the kids, but I’m sure the dyes are out there. I also plan to research the dyes. But with one child with Autism, one with suspected sensory processing issues, and just them being boys in general..... I need to limit anything that will hype them up!

*Purchase meats, dairy and produce that I KNOW where it came from. Ok...Jamie Oliver scares me. I am very grateful I send my children’s lunch to school...let’s just say that. If you haven’t seen “food revolution”...you must do so. But I admit, I’m a penny pincher. We are a family of four living on a budget. But our health is most important. So my mini goals in this section are:
    *Purchase red meat and chicken only from our local grocery store that sells local/organic meats. This will take some creative meal planning, but hopefully it will be doable.
    *Purchase the ‘dirtiest’ produce list http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/29/2010-dirty-dozen-produce-list-released-by-the-ewg/ organic and preferably, locally grown. I have checked into joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) and it’s just not in our budget or time frame. However, there is a local produce stand that I believe purchases items from the local CSA, so that should help work out. Sadly my FAVORITE farmer’s market stand (a huge one!) was destroyed in Hurricane Katrina and he never reopened.
    *Purchase locally grown and organic fed dairy products. Now, I do get WIC for my youngest son so we get some dairy products each month...and we are prisoners to what they choose for us to get. But we drink far more milk than we are ‘given’ by the WIC department (which we may or may not have much longer if he doesn’t requalify for the medicaid for children with disabilities). I usually do purchase the local milk where they seem to run a healthy farm....but I would like to try my hand at Raw Milk. This will be much harder to achieve as it is illegal to purchase raw milk and honestly, if I find it...I’m not going to tell you about it! The eggs and dairy are much easier, as there are a lot of companies who make organic, cage free eggs and organic dairy products.

*Exercise more! This one is REALLY hard for me. I admit it, I take on too much. I have a husband, two children, a house, a full time job running my businesses at home (of which requires me to do EVERYTHING...the manufacturing, books, shipping, purchasing, marketing, etc.) I also handle different things voluntarily and choose to do some things for fun like blogging and writing. This leaves me little time to exercise. So my goal is simple: 30 minutes of “Just Dance” on the Wii (or comparable fitness game) 3x a week. We shall see.....

*Spend more time in bible study. My religion is of utmost importance to me but I do not give it the time it truly deserves. Basically it is due to the same reasons why I do not exercise. But all of those are just excuses. If I cannot draw closer to God, then everything I do is a waste of time! So I’ll start small: 30 minutes of bible study every day. Prayer is a part of my day, throughout the day but you can always do more. I also have a smaller goal of reading the Bible story with my oldest son, so that he can more thoroughly start to understand WHAT we believe and WHY.
*Cleaning and Housework.  I’m already a fairly eco friendly housekeeper. I do run a shop that focuses on eco friendly cleaning after all....www.micromops.artfire.com. But I do have weaknesses....and that includes commercial cleaning products and paper products. Those honestly don’t bother me terribly, as it is certain products I use that are commercial made. But if I REALLY wanted to save money, I’d experiment more with natural cleaning recipes and methods! The paper products are my weakness because well, I do enough dishes...paper plates saves me some dishes. Paper towels are quick and easy and when my mother in law is over, she goes through a whole roll practically just cleaning the kitchen. So I keep them on hand. They don’t go bad, and are great to donate and give to the school. So this is one I don’t need to work terribly hard, just make up my own cleaning solutions more.

*Purge some of the plastic. Now, I’m not a nervous nelly by any stand point. I’m pretty much ok with dirt, filth, and germs to a point because it’s our freak out ways that has caused overuse of antibiotics, antibacterial soaps, etc and left our human bodies at a loss on how to fight simple illnesses we used to fight easily generations ago. But, with time and technology we invent things we may not completely understand how they all work. So one thing I know I can change is, plastic. Its common knowledge heating plastic and eating/drinking from certain forms may not be great for you. Since the verdict is still out on much of it, I’m trying to look at it from the “did my grandma us plastic” stand point. Nope, she didn’t. And she lived 30+ years after they told her she’d die of cancer, so I’m gonna go with what she did. This doesn’t mean my house will be totally void of plastic...remember, I’m also a realist. But I will start tossing Eli’s sippy cups if they are not marked BPA free (heck, they probably are getting old anyways.) and slowly reinvest in those awesome metal kids cups. Or, SHUDDER....teach my children to drink from glass!! OH THE HUMANITY!

*Read More! I’ve been working on this one for months, and I’m love it! I finally caved to getting a Kindle and IT IS AWESOME. I really DO read more with it. It fits in my purse, books are always right there, I love it. This is one, I’m rocking, I must say.

*Un-Plug More. Thus we come to the main point of this post. I need to disconnect more. Social networking and technology is fabulous. I love it. I’m an addict. I was a computer nerd from the get go, playing Dream House on my brother’s Commodore when I was six! That was all she wrote. I’ve been a tech nerd ever since. But for much of my life, we couldn’t AFFORD most technology. I only got a cell phone when they started becoming more prevalant because I was going to college and working, driving hundreds of miles a week. Until recenly, we had computers, and one cell for me, but that was about it. We still don’t have a fancy tv, stereo system, iPod, etc...but we have slowly accumulated a few more things...particularly as the internet and social networking became our society’s lifeblood.

Don’t get me wrong, social networking and the net has it’s place. I think it’s vital in today’s world. But I know I tend to get too caught up in it. Unfortunately, I’m rather stuck with it, because I run my business ONLINE. I have no choice but to be on the internet, and I certainly don’t want to toss it aside, it has helped provide me with a decent handmade business! Plus, I can never get rid of the computer....my friends are in there!

But....if I want to actually ACCOMPLISH some of the above things on this list....I need to unplug. I need to remember what it was like to sit on the sofa at 2 in the afternoon and just read. I need to recall laying in the grass and watching the clouds with my boys. I need to make obnoxious paper plate art with my children. I want to get filthy with them in the dirt and wash off in the hose. I want to clean, decorate, read, write, live, love, and laugh withOUT feeling the need to broadcast it on facebook or twitter.

So, it’s time....from June 1st to June 30th... I will disconnect. Ironically I WILL be blogging the progress of this on this blog, but my net time will be limited. I WILL be keeping my shops open...mama’s gotta make some money after all. But you can read my allowable internet activities here: http://blog.mamaslittlemonkeys.com/2011/05/girl-disconnectedcoming-in-june.html

Now, no fussing at me if you see facebook and twitter posts....I have most of my blogs hooked up to auto post! I am not the only one writing for www.realhousewivesofnola.com  http://dailyhandamdepicks.blogspot.com or www.handmadelouisiana.com so those sites especially will have posts. But for the most part I will not be allowed online other than to blog the progress and run the shops.

What do I hope to gain? Hopefully accomplishing some of what’s listed above. Also peace of mind and a more in-tune consciousness of how often I rush to get on the computer.

My friend Heather will actually be joining me in her version of girl, disconnected. so check out her blog here: http://heatherscustomsewing.blogspot.com/2011/05/girl-disconnected.html

I will keep you all updated and see you in a month!!

~~amy

Feeling Dirty? Let MicroMops help you out!

In case you've not heard, I've opened up yet ANOTHER shop!!

But before you bust out laughing at me and my penchant for opening shops...in my defense, this is a partnership with my friend Dee of Stitches In Cotton :) We've been working together on my reusable swiffer wetjet pads and we brainstormed this little shop! We figured surely we aren't the only moms who need to save money and want to be kind to the earth at the same time! Thus MicroMops was born!

MicroMops is having our Grand Opening this weekend and we're ready to share some deals with you!! You can find a variety of eco friendly-budget friendly items at MicroMops. Swiffer pads for WetJet and Sweepers; Clothespin/Grocery Bag Holders, Altered clothespins, Clothespin Magnets, Dish Cloths, Dust Mitts, Cleaning Mixes, FREE Recipes and more!!

And to get ready for our Grand Opening, we're having a little contest! Check out our Facebook Page for our "Messiest Mess Contest." Share with us the nastiest, grodiest, messiest mess you've ever had to clean up. A panel of messy judges (men!) will read the entries and declare a winner! The winner will receive a $15.00 gift certificate to MicroMops so they can clean up their mess! :)


So we hope you'll come on over, check us out and share with your friends!!

~~Amy

So, I have this new gig....

So, I have this nifty new gig, as a columnist for the Green Wise department over at Handmade News. Of course I am extremely honored and pleased to be a part of this! I do try to lead a greener life, partially to save money and also to respect and honor what God has given us on this Earth. You likely won't see me chaining myself to trees but I do believe in respecting all that is around us!

So what kinds of things would you like to read about in the Green Wise section of Handmade News? I have lots of little thoughts floating around my brain (the hamsters in my brain sometimes get smacked in the head by them too...) but I'd love to know what you think?

I know, I know...writing for Handmade News, Amy? Seriously? Do you not do enough already? Ahh, this is true. But sleep is for the weak. I can be a mommy, wife, run shops, be Chris Huff's pimp, stalk Blockhead Radio, run Handmade Louisiana and my Celiac group AND write for Handmade News.... I can, I can, I CAN!

Well at least I'll try really hard darnit!

So what do you want to know about the green life? Hit me with it!

It's Earth Day for Crying Out Loud!

Hey folks...ok...so I do not usually do 'rant' posts and I'm sure by rant standards this will be mild...but I just had to.

I am not what one would call a 'tree hugger' or huge Earth Day fanatic. I believe in taking care of what God gave us and respecting it just as we'd respect anything we have the blessing to be in possession of. For me, many of my 'green' life decisions also happen because they are economical and I will be green as long as my pocketbook allows. I'm not strapping myself to trees a la Lisa Simpson but I will do my very best to leave the lightest carbon footprint around.

As I've said for some time, I was Green before Green was cool...back then it was called being Poor! (Like that? Feel free to purchase it in my Cafepress shop!

So, I headed off to a local ahem, grocery store today for my weekly shopping. I was inspired by Walkinthewoods to bring my reusable grocery bags which I've had for some time but had always seemed to forget! So I threw my bags in the car and off I went, toddler in tow.

I had my usual buggy full of groceries...and put my bags on the groceries so the cashier would realize I was using them. Mind you, two of them are HUGE sturdy ones that basically stand up on their own, they don't flop over, and one was a smaller one.

Remember, it's Earth Day.

She ACTUALLY calls another cashier OVER to bag for her! To HELP her bag! She asks this, loudly, in between shooting me dirty looks. I, normally a pleasant person (ok, MOST of the time...) was not taking this nicely. I wasn't ugly or anything but I said, "Really, it's NOT a big deal, I will bag my OWN groceries. It's NOT THAT HARD." She never really responded to me and got her friend to come over. The friend basically said I'm not helping you bag..and proceeded to play with my baby (to make a point to her friend who was lazy or what I know not.)

So I ended up bagging my own groceries (no big deal but NOT my job...that's what THEY get paid to do.) and the cashier barely communicated with me other than the dirty looks. I was trying to casually explain how much more I can fit in the big reusable bags and what not. Nope, nothing. Just ticked off that I dared to bring in bags and not use their plastic bags!

Okay, so I realize it is not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it was really bad mojo on Earth Day of all days!! I know that where I live, they are WAY behind on eco-friendly, modern, or new ideas. However, if one thinks about it, LOTS of green ideas have been around for a LOOOONG time...reusable bags, handmade soaps, laundry detergents, etc. These are not new ideas! So I hope one day that cashier realizes that A) it is not evil or an inconvenience for your customers to use reusable bags B) that how you treat your customers reflects a lot..I will never go in her line again C) do good and good will come to you....be ugly to people and you will get ugly back!

Okay, rant over, I told you it was mild, I just thought it was ludicrous to whine over using reusable bags...Oye.

HAPPY EARTH DAY everyone!! :)

Go Green with Mom's Cafe!!

Happy Earth Day Everyone!!!! Mom's Cafe wants to invite you to tune in tonite at 9 pm Eastern and help us GO GREEN! :) Learn earth friendly tips (to save money AND Mother Earth!), share your Eco-Friendly items, tips, links and more!

How do you go green? Don't be eco-friendly to keep up with the crowd...being green has to do within yourself! Many people have different reasons for going green...for myself it is saving money and leaving less of an ecological imprint...I personally believe we have been given this lovely Earth and it is up to us to respect it.

Maybe you can drive a hybrid car? Use Reusable grocery bags? Turn off the lights (I always did this one...would've had a sore behind if I didn't!) Use microfiber towels for your swiffers, towels instead of paper towels, make your own cleansers...the list goes on and on!

So what do YOU do to go green? Does it also help pinch pennies? How do you feel about Earth day?

Join us tonite to learn much more and share YOUR tips/links in chat! Always feel free to drop links just keep it kid friendly! :)

Mama and Rocker will get you green...and hopefully with a smile! :)

~Amy

http://mamaslittlemonkeys.byhand.me

http://rockerchic.byhand.me