Homemade Laundry Detergent

Lately the hubby and I have been all about saving money. He is getting me into couponing, if anyone has any tips on me let me know. Something that I did in December to start our frugality was make our own laundry detergent. It is one of the best things that I have done, for real.

Here is what you'll need:

-1 4 lb 12 oz box Borax found in the detergent isle

-1 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda found in the cooking isle

-1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz found in the detergent isle

-3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap, found in the detergent isle

-2 small containers of Oxy Clean or store brand Oxy Clean

Start by grating up your fels-naptha soap. If you have one, use a food processor. The first time I made this I hand grated it and it took forever, plus I scraped some of my fingers. Next, add in all the other ingredients. You can mix this up in a garbage bag and enter add to your storage container, but that is not necessary.

This will make about 2 gallons of soap. You can find a large enough container at Walmart or Fred Meyers... Or basically any store.

This detergent is fairly mild, but works wonders. You will only need about 2 tablespoons per load because it does not have all the excess that store bought soap does. I even use this soap in my HE washer. Just put it straight into the barrel instead of into the dispenser.

That picture above was taken today. When I made my soap in December that container was full. Seven months later I am still using the same soap. It lasts forever.... Seriously, forever. I spent about $25 to make, so I would definitely say money-wise that this is worth it. The awesome part too, is it has no smell. If you want to add some, you can use the Purex crystals. Or do some homemade fabric softener, which I will do a post about later :)

 

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More weight loss ish

Today is day three. I wanted to give more tips and things that I am doing.

Working out should be fun... Right? I am completely unmotivated at times... Like most of the time. To help solve this little issue I grabbed a mason jar from Michaels, added some glitter, and made a deal with my husband.

Every time I do a work out (running, push ups and sit ups) I get a dollar in the jar. Every three pounds I lose I get three more dollars. It really seems simple and childish, but it will keep me motivated. Once I get to $100 in the jar, I get to go shopping and buy myself whatever I want. Plus, the hubby can't complain if it's only a dollar every time :)

Next is have a goal and a partner. My goal is to do The Color Run in Portland on September 29th in Portland. That gives me all summer to prepare with no school or work (I know, I'm a lucky girl) to distract me. My other is a weight loss goal. Both of those are important so I have something to work towards. Partners are important to keep you motivated and accountable. My sister Megan is going to do the 5k with me. My friend Amber walks with me two times a week. That leaves me at least three days on my own, but my husband keeps me accountable for those.

I think the plan might be the most important part of all this. Here is my plan-

For The Color Run I will keep the workout schedule to the right. It's simple enough but also pushes you quite well. Plus, it's made for training for your first 5k and The Color Run. I will do that at least three days a week, along with my other workout stuff, and then two days of walking with Amber.

For weight loss I bought a scale, obviously, and put a notebook and my money jar next to it. I weigh myself every day and write down the weight in the book. Plus, the working out will help with the weight loss. Simple right? It's a harsh reality sometimes when I look at e scale. It is so hard for me to cope with the weight gain. I was always so little and never ever had to worry about weight. Then one day I saw how much I had gained and just didn't know what to do. After about 6 months of being depressed about it I am finally taking control of it.

The hubby and I are starting to eat healthier- at least one fruit or vegetable every meal. Less snacking- which was never really a problem of mine. Today, I decided I am done with soda. This pains me to say, but I can't drink it while I am trying to lose weight. No skipping meals. No eating for the last three hours before bed. Lots of water.

All the things above are simple changes that will be easy to do and will make a difference. I really hope that anyone who feels the need to lose some weight or make changes in their life will start with me. It really does help to have people to talk to and motivate you. Let me know if you're joining me on this journey!!!!!

 

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Weight Loss

Yesterday was day one of losing weight. My goal is to get rid of 37 pounds.... This is the most I have weighed in my entire life. 162. It's scary for me to put a number on here, but I think I am going to have to. This will keep myself honest and committed to the goal.

The first step of the journey was buying a scale. Weighing myself everyday, from here on out. There is no way I can reach my goal weight without a scale.

Next, I have registered for a 5k at the end of September, The Color Run. My sister Megan is doing that with me. Yesterday I stared a couch to 5k running program. It is an eight week long running program. This week I have to run 3-5 times, 60 seconds running then 90 seconds walking, repeat 8 times. It seems simple, but I think by the end my butt will be kicked! Plus two days a week of walking with my friend Amber. Add to that, daily tripes to the dog park with Coco.

The road to weight loss isn't easy, but I am going to get there. No more making excuses.

 

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Hectic Week is OVER!!!!!

This week has been absolutely insane! Let me give you the weekly breakdown.

Monday was the hubby's surgery. He didn't get anything done that will help heal his shoulder, but now we know what is wrong. His doctor used a camera and inserted it in the front of his shoulder and then into the back of his shoulder. Basically, his humeral head is non-existent now. It can be from a few things, but most likely from not moving it. His body stopped sending blood to that part of the bone because it wasn't being used and the bone died and was absorbed. So his shoulder joint is just cartilage. Now, you may be asking, what is the course of treatment? Well, after my brief discussion with his doctor after the surgery he told me three options. Obviously the first is a joint replacement. He can also drill holes into the bone to get blood back into the humeral head and hopefully the bone will regrow. The last is a joint replacement, but using a donor humeral head from a cadaver. As of right now I have no clue which way this is going to go. We meet with his doctor on August 1st, so we will know then and hopefully begin scheduling his next surgeries.

An hour after we got home from the hospital with Richard I was at the vet. For some reason we may never know, Coco had a seizure. That was one of the scariest things I have ever experienced. My poor puppy was so scared. We ended up watching her over night and giving her muscle relaxers. The next day she was so much better. Hopefully that never happens again.

The rest of the week was uneventful compared to Monday, but let's just say I am glad it's over. Last night/this morning, the hubby and I went to see The Dark Night Rises. Three hours later, it was really good. I enjoyed it a lot, but I won't say too much because I hate when people ruin movies for me. Just go see it.

My heart thoroughly goes out to the families affected by the Dark Knight Rises shooting in Aurora, CO. It is so sad that someone could be so messed up that they begin a shooting at a movie premiere, seemingly at random. Everyone is in my prayers, including the shooter and his family. I hope that everyone can find peace at this time of tragedy.

So there you have it, a quick rundown of the important highlights from my week. :)

 

 

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DIY Home Cleaners

We have all been reading about natural cleaners and right now they are all over Pinterest. I found one that I figured I would try. Overall, any of these cleaners are really simple to make. Here is the link to the directions I used :)

For both cleaners:

12 oz spray bottles- I found some at Dollar Tree; the Container Store among others has them too.

Window Cleaner

– 3/4 cup vinegar
– 3/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
– 1/2 tsp liquid dish detergent
– 3 drops of orange (or whatever you like) essential oil
– 3 drops of vanilla (or whatever you like) essential oil


Countertop Spray

– 3/4 cup vinegar
– 3/4 cup water
– 1/2 tsp liquid dish detergent
– 10 drops of orange (or whatever you like) essential oil
– 10 drops of vanilla (or whatever you like) essential oil

Once you mix all the ingredients together, pour them into the spray bottles. For best results, shake them before each use. When washing your windows, use a news paper. It works a million times better. I also recommend making some cute little labels... But, there are also free printables on the link if you want to use her scents. Oh, she also has instructions for a soy wax candle to go with the sprays!

I have been using these sprays for awhile now and I love them. They are so simple to make, you can make them smell however you like, plus it is REALLY cheap to make.

My first test with this was to clean my microwave out and let me tell you, it practically wiped all the mess right off. I would mark this Pinterest pin as a win.

 

Lovelovelove

 

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Birthday is Over

My birthday is all over :( It was good though. Richard got me a new pair of hot pink Toms. And I had my epic birthday cake. Plus, he woke me up with my birthday crown and a bowl of ice cream for breakfast.... And he didn't wake me up until 10am. How sweet of him right?

Coco had her first camping trip this weekend. She did really well.... Until it got cold or rainy, which was often since it was at the coast. Last night she was curled up in a wool blanket next to the fire. It was adorable. I wish I would have gotten pictures of it. She slept in my sleeping bag with me and did really well staying between my legs and feet. Except at one point last night I woke up and I couldn't find her... She had moved from between my legs to laying right next to me and on the ground... It was really weird. I am just glad she didn't try to escape!

Tomorrow is the big day... Richard is finally having his shoulder surgery. Surprisingly I am really nervous. I know it's shoulder surgery, but it's still scary. I know everything will be fine.... Except my four to six hours I will be sitting up at the VA hospital by myself waiting. Maybe I will ride the tram down and walk around downtown Portland. As long as its a nice day. But back to Richard. He is scared. I know it. But after tomorrow it will be a start to recovery, finally. Something to thoroughly look forward to.

I am going to push my Pinterest Interest for this week back to Tuesday so I can concentrate on my husband tomorrow.... Hope you all understand :) let me know if anyone has any suggestions for things they want to see on Pinterest Interest. I mean, I have a lot of things to go through, but I really want to do things that my readers will enjoy.

Lovelovelove

 

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Happy Birthday To Me!

23. Man oh man.

Let me tell you about my epic birthday cake!

One box Devil's Food

One roll cookie dough

One quart ice cream

Fluffy vanilla frosting

Sprinkles

Delicious.

I baked the Devil's food according to the package. You'll need two layers, mine were 9".

While those are cooling, press the package of cookie dough into the cake pan. For mine, I baked it for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Pop that it of the pan onto a cooling rack.

Allow all layers to cool completely. Now, from my error, put the cookie layer on the bottom.... It's the heaviest and when it freezes the hardest to cut. So you have your cookie layer, then do a layer of ice cream. I used chocolate chip cookie dough. Then I did a layer of cake followed by ice cream and the last layer of cake. I covered it in fluffy white frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

It was epic deliciousness. Luckily it's birthday cake, so calories don't count :)

 

On another note, the day before my birthday is kind of sad. My aunt was born on July 12th. Sadly she passed away a few years ago and now her birthday is another one of those sad reminders. I miss her terribly. It was awesome having our birthdays so close. I remember one year She was complaining about getting old, so I went and bought her a huge, and I mean huge, cow balloon that said over the hill. She laughed so hard when I brought it to her. It was one of the greatest reactions ever. I still have the birthday card from that year too. I can remember it so clearly and I am pretty sure it is my last birthday with her.

Sorry this week has been very little posting. It's been a very busy birthday week! This weekend might be a little slow too... I'm going to be camping. Oh, fingers crossed and prayers for Richard on Monday, he goes in for surgery Monday morning.

Until next time.

Lovelovelove

 

 

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Pinterest Interest- DIY Tea Soap

 

This week I am looking at some really cute tea soaps that I found here.... They were really simple (and fun) to make. Plus, they turned out really cute. I loved being able to customize the soap by what tea that I put it in. So here, is the way I did it.

Materials:

Soap- I found an awesome kit at Michaels that had the bar soap... But, there is a huge selection at Michaels for all the kinds of soap you want, basically a good melt and mold kind.

Tea- I used Peppermint and also Earl Grey

Apricot seeds- this came in my kit from Michaels, but I believe they have them for individual sale there too. This adds the exfoliating scrubbing that I love in soap.

Soap Mold, bowl, tissue paper, string, and labels if you want them :)

I started by breaking off pieces of the soap and putting them in the bowl. Microwave this in about 20 second intervals until you have a smooth consistency. Add in about 1/2 to 1 tea bag into the soap. Also add in a little of the apricot seeds to your desired scrubbiness level. Dump this into your mold and let it cool completely before moving it!

Once it is cooled pop those suckers out of the mold. Now, I don't have a picture of it, but I wrapped them in tissue paper so that they looked like little tea bags. Then I stapled on the string and added a label that I made quickly so I would know what kind it was. If you want more detailed pictures of how it was wrapped, go to the tutorial that inspired this, she does a much better job than I ever could.

 

There you have it loves, a simple soap that smells wonderful, works amazingly, and is so cheap. Oh and here is a little bit of info on the benefits of green tea soap I you need another reason to make it.

 

Lovelovelove.

 

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DIY Mineral Veil

This one is really simple. While perusing Pinterest, I found this pin. Making your own mineral veil, who would have thought. I am one to spend a lot of money on makeup, but this is one place I will now save.

I will admit, this may be the easiest project you will ever do. One ingredient, that's it, just one. Cornstarch. I bought it at Fred Meyers for under $1.50.

Now let's do some price comparison down here.

This mineral veil costs $20. Look at its ingredients below... Notice what the first ingredients are? Oh yeah, it's about .3 ounces of product...

Ingredients

Zea Mays (Corn Starch), Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Now my 12 ounces container of cornstarch cost less than $1.50. How do you even validate paying for the other one?

If you have an empty mineral veil container from the last time you bought it you can just reuse that. If not, just buy a container that you can find in the travel section or even use a small Tupperware.

If you want to add a slight color to the mineral veil, just add some of your powder that you already have. Otherwise, this will just leave a nice translucent cover on your face. It really helps to set your makeup and make everything smoother.

There you have it ladies (and gentlemen I guess) the easiest project you will ever do from Pinterest.

Since I missed last Monday I am going to do another Pinterest Interest tomorrow. :) I know, you all love me. Check back tomorrow!

 

 

Lovelovelove.

 

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Crafting

I've been watching Craft Wars on demand today and it is quite interesting. I am super jealous of all the cool craft supplies that they get to use. It is the most epic craft supply room. I am so jealous of the crafters on this show. I wish I was good enough for it.

I need to find something to create today so that I can blog about it tomorrow. Any ideas?

Officially one week until my birthday! Woo hoo!

Lovelovelove.

 

 

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Finally back home.

Hey everyone! Richard and I made it home safely last night. While I loved California, I am so glad to be back in Oregon. I am so sorry I didn't blog more during vacation, but we were busy and I had crappy Internet. So, now I am going to give you a quick run through of vacation :)

We got in EARLY Wednesday morning and took a shuttle to the Anaheim Hilton. We hung out there until we could check in. Then Richard wandered around with some people he knew and I took a book up to the pool.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were all basically the same. Richard went to Vidcon and I went to the pool and also did some shopping.

Sunday is when the fun began. We woke up early and went to Disneyland!!! We had so much fun (probably me more than him, but still).

That picture is from the downtown Disney Lego store. I absolutely love it. They had some other cool Lego statues, but this one was my favorite.

For my presents I got a super adorable Dumbo pillow pet and also an etch a sketch case for my iPad. It is ridiculously cool.

 

This picture is from the Toy Story Midway Mania ride. It is really fun. You sit in a car and it is 3d carnival games, plus you compete with the person you are with. Richard beat me by a lot, but it was still fun.

We got to go to Disneyland the week after the new Cars land opened. They did an amazing job on it. This picture is from the Radiator Springs Racers. When you go there, you feel liked you walked straight into the movie.

We waited in line for 30 minutes for a fast pass for this. It was worth it. When it was time for us to use our fast pass the regular line was at about a 3 hour wait. Normally for a two minute ride I would say that is ridiculous, well even for this it was ridiculous, but the ride was really cool.

They even had princess Merida!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love Goofy. This was one of his singing shows at California Adventure.

We spent one afternoon at Venice beach walking along the boardwalk. It was kind of fun. We got some ice cream, watched the skateboarders at the skate park, and saw some crazy muscular men at Muscle Beach.

 

We also did our In-N-Out meal that same day. For anyone who hasn't been there, you need to go! It is really good and really fresh. I just wish we could have them in Oregon.

When we did our afternoon at Santa Monica we ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company on the pier. Oh Lordy, this was the best fish and chips I have ever had. Completely serious about that too. Richard and I split a meal and completely inhaled it. So, if you are ever near one of these, eat there.

 

Here is my first Pinkberry. It was good I'll admit, but it was just frozen yogurt. I went so that I could say I had been. And honestly, just look at that deliciousness. They do a very nice presentation there. We also ate at Yogurtland, which we have one of in Oregon. It was also good, but again, just frozen yogurt.

 

This is one of my favorite pictures of the whole trip. We were getting ready to land in Portland and Richard was looking out the window. We had a really pretty sunset as we were coming in to land. I really love flying at this time of day.

Richard and I had a really great trip and had so much fun. It was a great way to start off summer vacation. I cannot wait for all the cool things we have coming up this summer. Next up is my birthday and then Richards surgery.

Today it has been exactly one year since we met. Crazy. Some say we got married too soon, but he is my best friend and I love him to death. I can't wait for all that our life together will bring us. I hope you all will continue to follow my blog and stick around for the ride.

Next up is my birthday and then Richards surgery. Hopefully we will be doing something super cool for my birthday. And fingers crossed that his surgery goes well!


 

Lovelovelove.

 

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