homemade laundry soap

Please Note: this post is supposed to have pictures. I can not get them to load from my file onto blogger. Because this post was promised a couple of days ago, I am posting without pictures. I will come back and add them later.

Here it is....
Gather your supplies:
2 cups Baking Soda
2 cups Washing Soda (sold in grocery stores on the laundy soap aisle)
1/2 cup liquid castile soap (I use a very concentrated tea tree oil soap, but the recipe will work nicely with Bronner's liquid castile)
1 cup white vinegar

The above order is exactly how I place in my mixer.

I put baking soda and washing soda in mixer and turn on low. You will create a small chemical cloud, do NOT breathe it in.
Next, add the soap slowly and mix until blended.
Add vinegar slowly, so it bubbles only slightly.
As most home-schooling mothers know, vinegar and baking soda makes a nice volcano.

When it is mixed, the consistancy will be anything from pastey to mashed potatoes.

I can tell you from experience, know matter what you end up with, you will be able to use it. No waste here. I have used mine, when I did not blend the powders together well and had pebbles; to this time which is too wet, and still I always use what I have made.

Once mixed, allow to dry a little. At this point it wil be all in one clump. I use a pastry cutter and crumble it up. You could also use a fork, wooden spoon, your hand, whatever you want.

Place in glass jar for storage.
I use 2 Tablespoons for a front load washing machine, my mom uses 3 Tablespoons for a top load washer. We both have very soft water, I am sure if you have hard water you would need more.

I hope you enjoy your soap, and the money you save by making your own.
Please come back and share any tips you have, and how much you use for your washer.
~Jarnette, I am sorry this post took so long.~

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...July 27, 2009

Outside my window...it is cloudy and likely to rain this afternoon. I love this summer pattern of afternoon storms we are in. A little less lightning would be nice.

I am thinking...I must post the laundry soap recipe and instructions today.

From the learning rooms...cleaning out, throwing away, and selling. Does anyone know of a place to donate used curriculum? I would love to send some books someplace that needs them or to someone who would be thankful to have them!!

I am thankful for...friends that come to my rescue. Thank you Tara for helping.

From the kitchen...pilau (Minorcan rice and sausage dish) for the boys to take and share in Spanish class, homemade red sauce. I am going to post red sauce until I get it done.

I am wearing...jeans, t-shirt and flip flops. Jeans in the summer, it's been a lot of summers ago that I did this.

I am reading...my Bible, and The Yada-Yada Prayer Group. I wish I was reading for enjoyment. Right now I am mostly reading policies and procedures.

I am hoping...to get another section of the policy and procedures manual completed for our business.

I am creating...A Policy and Procedures Manual for our business, patient exit survey, fire exit plans, etc, for accreditation.

I am praying...for the person that will survey our facility. Please Lord, send someone that is kind and ethical.

Around the house...much of our conversation is focused on the fall activities that we know are just around the corner. How will we make this work, seven people working, playing, eating and being together, all the while grasping to remain connected and a family?

One of my favorite things...the sound of music, created by my children, filling my house.

A few plans for the rest of the week...meetings, writing, purchasing textbooks, knitting and...The Beach!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...In The Still of Night.

Peggy is on vacation, but you can visit Grandmother Wren to see more Daybooks. Thank you ladies, for causing me to stop and reflect on what and where I am spending my time.

knitting and coffee

...During our beach trip last week.

Knitting seaside, while children laugh, run,

dig, and splash about.

A sweet relaxing time, no doubt.

Now, off to knitting at the coffee shop...

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today, Monday July 20, 2009

Outside my window...it is pitch black, raining, and I can hear the train in the distance. It is the wee hours of the morning, nearly 1:00 and I am sleepy but too many thoughts are racing through my mind.

I am thinking...about a first time Mama whose baby is in NICU on a ventilator (born Sunday, July 19th), friends that are getting divorced, a new Christian struggling with awful doctor reports. Life feels very heavy and yet the message from the pulpit was joy. The Lord new that "real joy" would be necessary this week.

From the learning rooms...closure is needed from the last school year and the rush of the new year is nudging it's way in.

From the kitchen...this week will include girls baking cookies, homemade red sauce (it must get done) and a check of the fig tree.

I am wearing...a denim skirt and sweet cotton top.

I am reading...The Yada Yada Prayer Group.

I am hoping...sleep will come soon!

I am creating...a knitted baby hat for Katie S.

I am praying...for all the people I am thinking about and several others I did not mention. I am asking God to keep me focused on Him and the work He has called me to in this season.

Around the house...children's dressers, closets, game cabinet, video cupboard, etc need purging and organizing.

One of my favorite things...when the piano tuner makes a visit to our house, the piano sounds better and the children stop complaining about how bad it sounds.

A few plans for the rest of the week...scheduling, accreditation preparations, ironing, cooking and resting.

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you: a summer fruit salad served at a party I hosted this weekend and a second fruit salad served in the same bowl at Church Supper. Now, that was easy, and easy is good for the day of rest.

Peggy has taken the summer off, of hosting The Simple Woman's Daybook. To read more Daybooks, visit Grandmother Wren.

off to the shore ~ to camp

Hook up the camper, pack your bags...Let's GO!
We are headed for the beach and we can't wait.
It is a blessing to live in paradise when a staycation is necessary.
For the next week all we will stop work (for all but one day) and regular children's activities will continue. They are in summer school, hablan espanol, pottery camp, football, piano, etc.
This allows us to not have to burden a kind neighbor with farm chores, the packing to be lighter, all the while...ocean bliss.
It also allows for my parents to go (while continuing to run their business) and friends to come join in the fun. The camp fire, smores, BBQ's, beach sand, flip flops, shell collecting, laughing, movies, and a week of what has been and is predicted to continue, cooler than most Julys and quite pleasant weather, all added bonuses!
I hope to post a couple of times while soaking up the sun, knitting, reading a beach book and continuing my clay days.
Off to pack these:

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...July 6, 2009

Outside my window...beautiful sunshine, not quite as hot as it had been. It looks like the perfect summer day with the smell of fresh cut grass and a forecast for afternoon showers.

I am thinking...how incredibly blessed we are in America. Also, we must guard against apathy, teach out children that our freedom comes with a cost and that we must constantly check those in power over the people.

From the learning rooms...come large bags of trash, leaving behind clean cubbies, neatly assembled portfolios and anticipation of what is to come in the Fall.

From the kitchen...red sauce and pancake mix; these did not happen last week, but the granola is delicious and lovely in the jar on the counter.

I am wearing...capris and a cotton summer blouse.

I am reading...The Yada Yada Prayer Group? have not started it yet, but thought it may make a good beach read.

I am hoping...the children love pottery and the schedule we have worked out for the next two weeks.

I am creating...a market bag, a sweet baby hat. Hannah's quilt did get cut last week and the next step will be to lay it out and decide how she would like it.

I am praying...for Jr. and our business accreditation.

Around the house...things must be packed for a camping trip at the beach and cleaned for company that will arrive a day or so after we return from the beach.

One of my favorite things...red sauce on the stove.

A few plans for the rest of the week...knitting, packing, pottery (4-H camp), a football 7 on 7 game.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...Beach Girls...yes, we stay at the beach until dark!
Peggy has taken the Summer off, but visit her here to see what Simple Woman's Daybook is all about. To read more Daybooks, link to Grandmother Wren. Thank you ladies for hosting this simple reminder of the little things, it helps me stop think and reflect.

socks/size 14 men's

Sometimes the finish feels so good.

Size 14...do you know how many extra rows that is?

I don't either, didn't bother to count, just used a pair of Daddy's socks to gauge the size.

Wow, they fit perfectly.

It's not bench Monday. but maybe I can start a bench Thursday.

If you haven't knitted something today...go.

The cutest multi colored baby cap has just been cast on.