Magic Monday

I'm always searching for "natural" cleaning methods. In my search to find a way to clean that disturbing grease from my range hood vent screens, I found a miracle. Baking Soda and Boiling Water = MIRACLE (cue angels singing). This was too good to not share with all of you.

So....

Step 1: Remove vent screens and be prepared to be thoroughly disgusted.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. CAREFULLY pour in 1/2 cup of baking soda, about a tablespoon at a time (this will bubble up and then subside). Insert vent screen (mine was only able to submerge 1/2 way).

Step 3: Once again be prepared to be disgusted. Wait until your water doesn't seem to be changing color (mine took about 3 minutes). Then flip your vent screen over and wait an additional 3 minutes or so.

Step 4: Turn off boiling concoction and remove vent screen to sink. Thoroughly rinse and allow to dry before placing back in range hood. For that nasty water I took mine outside to drain into the yard. (NO WAY was I putting all of that sludge down my drain!)

This was the easiest I have ever had it cleaning those little buggers. Go on give it a try and let me know what you think.

Hugs,
Jenni

Homemade Laundry Soap

About a month ago I was perusing the many blogs I like to follow looking for ways to cut costs and cut out sulfates and phosphates. I discovered a recipe for "Homemade Laundry Soap." After purchasing a $30.00 box of Tide that wasn't so great for my HE machine, I decided I had to give it a shot. All of the ingredients only cost me $10.00 and it made 2 gallons. Yikes!

Thanks to MaryJane at thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com for this amazing recipe.

4 lbs. Borax
4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
3 bars Ivory Soap (original recipe called for Fels Naptha, but I couldn't find it until after I made my recipe)

First, grate the 3 bars of Ivory soap with the small side of a grater. Then, combine all ingredients in a large bucket and mix together. (I used a 5 gallon bucket to mix it and found it easier to mix if I added a little of each ingredient at a time.) This makes 2 gallons of laundry soap, and I bought a 2 gallon plain white paint bucket with lid to store mine.

Depending on the size of your laundry load, you would use 1 - 2 tablespoons of the laundry soap. YES! I said tablespoons. It is amazing! I gave it a shot and not only are my clothes softer, but my whites are whiter. I will never go back to store bought again.

NOTE: If using an HE machine, you can dissolve the laundry soap for each load in a small jar of hot water and then place in your machine. I have found that both ways work for me.

If you decide to give it a try, please let me know how it went. Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Jenni

Restoration Project

Part of my Labor Day weekend was spent restoring two of these 1950's chairs. They are an adorable addition to my outdoor patio.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Back to School Shake

Christopher started back to school today and I wanted to give him a nice afternoon treat when he got home. Since school now starts in August we are always experiencing extreme heat. What better way to cool off than with a refreshing shake! This Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shake hits the spot. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shake

Makes 1 Serving

3 scoops vanilla ice cream
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla syrup

Put the ice cream in the blender and add peanut butter and preserves. Add milk. Finally add vanilla syrup. Blend on low speed until ingredients are mixed, then on higher speed until mixture becomes smooth and thick. Pour into your favorite shake glass and enjoy!

Hugs,
Jenni