Now that I'm in the post-vacation laundry throes, I thought I'd take the opportunity to reassess my washing needs and see if there are some ways I could be more frugal.
I have front loading high efficiency machines (bought on sale, of course!) that are great for reducing the amount of water being used. I really only need to use just a little bit of detergent. When my water was hard (we now have a water softener installed) I added borax to each load to decrease mineral buildup and aid in cleaning. I've also added baking soda to my laundry before, which is a great cleaning agent as well. See how little soap you can get away with!
I know the Internet hosts a ton of great resources on the subject, but to keep it simple, here are two links that I've found very helpful:
This post from "Fabulously Broke in the City" titled, Eco-Friendly yet Frugal Laundering, has some great suggestions and is a good starting place. I like her reminders to consider what your laundering needs are-for example, have a load of just gently worn clothes? Then you probably don't need soap at all!
This article on "About.com" has some good tips on using vinegar as a Frugal Laundry Booster. Vinegar has been a long-time companion of mine! I use it all over the house, in addition to laundry.
I have been trying to stretch the time between washing our jeans. They don't get that dirty in the winter anyway! I can often wear my shirts 2-3 times if I hang them up between uses. I always air dry my shirts-keeps them from shrinking and reduces wear and tear on garments. Plus, then they usually don't need to be ironed!
Incidentally, laundry has never been my forte. Ugh-I'd rather ignore it and do dishes instead! Because of that, I've really tried to change my attitude toward laundry and make it into my own "fine art" to keep me motivated. Coming up with ways to do it frugally adds to the fun for me.
So get creative with your laundry!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Home Again!...Bathroom Decor...and Laundry
Yesterday evening we returned home from our trip to Florida.
Loved it!
I could ramble on and on about how beautiful the weather was and how we had a wonderful time. :)
I intended to blog a few pictures, but discovered Tom took my camera to work this morning! Apparently he wants to photograph something at a job.
So, instead, I leave you with a recent photo of a bathroom. How's that in exchange for Florida photos?!?
Our little bathroom has been a fun project that we've worked on over time. Nearly everything was purchased or created from fantastic bargains. The bowl sink came from eBay. The laminate counter top it sits on is something Tom pulled from a trash bin! Even the trim work and crown molding was an incredible deal. When I get my camera back, I'll photograph and post more pictures of the bathroom as well. It's very different from the rest of my house and I've had fun with it!
Meanwhile, on to conquer Mount Laundry. During our vacation, I did just one little load. So now one week x's 5 people plus camping towels and bedding equals a headache of laundry!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Notes From 1998 :: January
In addition to my regular journaling, I also tried to keep a daily log of special events, random quotes and thoughts, scripture verses that were especially meaningful to me, anything that struck my fancy...
December 1997
28
Esther is a year old today! "How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?...I will call on His name." Psalm 116:12
29
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."
A "rule of peace" is something I desire. I don't want to have fear in my heart. Col.3:15
30
"My soul finds rest in God alone." Psalm 62:1
"Though my father and mother forsake me the Lord will receive me." Psalm 27:10
31
New Year's Eve! Sang tonight at the DiGennaros'. I enjoyed it very much.
Excited to see how God will work in my life this coming new year!
January 1998
1
"When I stand in Glory, I will see His face, There I'll serve my King forever, In that holy place. Thank you, Oh, My Father, for giving us your Son..."
2
"One thing I ask of the Lord-this is what I seek-that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." from Psalm 27
3
"Make what you do today important, because you are exchanging a day of your life for it."
4
Lord, teach me how to worship and praise you. "Make a joyful noise to the Lord...praise His holy name..."
5
Ian is 6 today! We had a little party for him, and he had fun. Read in Luke 10- "I am the Good Shepherd."
6
Sometimes it is so easy to become discouraged and upset. "Do not fret-it leads only to evil." I need to keep a restful heart!
7
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zach. 4:6
I surely have an awesome God!
8
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ...?" Nothing! Romans 8:35-39
What a promise.
9
"He gives me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the cloak of despair..." Isaiah 61:3
10
Today is Dad and Mom's 17th anniversary!
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
11
"Rushing Wind, blow through this temple, Blowing out the dust within. Come and breathe your breath upon me-I've been born again. " Keith Green
*note-"Rushing Wind" is one of my favorite songs and a good friend sang it during my wedding reception
12
"It's not who and what we are or what we can accomplish-it's who and what He is and all He desires to accomplish through us!" Holly Hageman
13
"Therefore be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. " Matt.10:16
"Flee the evil desires of youth...call on the Lord out of a pure heart..."
14
"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me...do not abandon the works of your hands, O Lord." Psalm 138:8
15
"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart..." from Psalm 24
16
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot "...whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Matt. 10:39
17
"If I covet any place on earth than the dust at the foot of the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love." Amy Carmichael
18
God is bigger than this world and yet He can fit into our hearts
Great-Grandpa Reeves died today.
19
Luke 9:62: "Jesus replied. 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
20
The funeral was today. A very cold day. I am thankful that I have the promise of eternal life in heaven with Christ!
21
"Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace." Psalm 144:12
I'm still in the carving process :)
22
Art lessons. We had a light snow today. I worked on Mara's birthday jumper- I hope she doesn't discover it before then! 2 Chron. 7:14
23
Jesus
Others =JOY!
You
24
Ladies' Brunch-Mom had a day out.
Something to remember when I read the Word:
eisogesis (reading a meaning into the text) vs. exegesis (drawing the meaning out of the text)
25
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who loves in me...who loved me, and [gave himself for me]. " Gal. 2:20
26
Mrs. Nisbett's birthday! Mom got her some flowers but forgot to give them to her on Sunday (yesterday). :) Another gorgeous day! Feels like it shouldn't be winter.
27
The weather is warm and beautiful! Spring seems so close on days like these.
"Can the world see Jesus when they look at me?"
"Let no man despise thy youth."
28
"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him..." from Psalm 42
29
"What sails are to a ship, and wings to a bird-so is prayer to the soul.." Corrie ten Boom
I want to have a burden of prayer
30
Sang tonight with the D's. We love them like family. :) I've missed singing these past few weeks.
31
"Why should my heart be troubled, and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my helper, my constant Friend is He..."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ever Have a Day Like This?
I've been down with the flu the last two days, and feeling tired and unmotivated in general. However, we're leaving for Florida in a couple days and I'm supposed to be preparing for our trip! I was beginning to wonder if I'll get it all done in time...you know how it is when moms get sick; somehow the house explodes into a giant mess and the laundry *shudder*...oh the laundry! Well, I came across this old journal entry and it made me laugh and feel hopeful at the same time.
We all have "blah" days, when nothing seems to go right.
But that's ok, God is definitely with us each step of the way.
And His mercies are new every morning, right?
**********
October 16, 1997
Today has been unbelievably full of mistakes. We had a bread order and Mara and I both made mistakes on TWO different batches of bread-so we had to make whole new batches.
Plus, Mara spilled oil over the oven bottom (think SMOKE) and ruined a pie when she set it on a hot burner-the glass pie pan exploded and we had apple and glass everywhere.
Milk got spilled twice in the kitchen and I kept stubbing my toe and falling over my feet.
Oh well.
Tomorrow is a fresh start.
We all have "blah" days, when nothing seems to go right.
But that's ok, God is definitely with us each step of the way.
And His mercies are new every morning, right?
**********
October 16, 1997
Today has been unbelievably full of mistakes. We had a bread order and Mara and I both made mistakes on TWO different batches of bread-so we had to make whole new batches.
Plus, Mara spilled oil over the oven bottom (think SMOKE) and ruined a pie when she set it on a hot burner-the glass pie pan exploded and we had apple and glass everywhere.
Milk got spilled twice in the kitchen and I kept stubbing my toe and falling over my feet.
Oh well.
Tomorrow is a fresh start.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Easy Lunches ...made from basic ingredients
And I mean really easy...we've enjoyed these simple ideas many times, especially when the cupboard is bare right before shopping day! Also, in an effort to stretch $$, I like to see what I can make with ingredients on hand.
Rice- plain ol' unromantic rice. I have a rice cooker, which I love to use when I don't have time to keep track of rice on the stove top. Brown rice with butter and seasonings-usually the kids add their own salt and pepper. That's it! Hot, steamy rice will fill their tummies. I rarely buy instant rice ( regular rice is probably a lot cheaper) but I imagine that would be a fast lunch idea, too.
You can be as fancy or plain as you like-throw in some leftover cooked hamburger and/or chopped veggies and stir-fry a bit.
Popcorn and smoothies-we like to pop our corn fresh in a hot-air popper and then add butter and salt to taste. Blend some of the following together to make tasty smoothies: yogurt, fruit (bananas are great! we love frozen blueberries, too), ice-cubes, orange juice or other juices, milk, even ice-cream!
Refried Bean tortillas- I mentioned these here...look near the end of the post.
Grilled cheese sandwiches- got bread? got cheese of any variety? You're good to go! If you happen to have fresh tomato on hand then you can get really fancy.
Quesadillas-same idea, only using tortillas! Butter the outsides and fry lightly on the skillet while the cheese melts.
Beans-put together with rice and you have a complimentary protein! If you remembered to soak them the night before, you can simmer them in the morning to make soup, or add to rice, or make your own refried beans, and so on.
Noodles-like the rice, you can experiment by adding cooked meat or veggies. Or, serve them with lots of butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, a little oregano, and Parmesan cheese!
Leftovers-no explanation needed here! It's great to have extra, say, lasagna or soup on hand from the night before. Or mix and match leftovers, like the roast beef hash mentioned here
Eggs-have eggs and not much else? Make deviled eggs with the kids and have a "finger food" lunch with any other odds n' ends you have that need to be used up. Bits of lunch meat? Fruit? Cheese? Stick 'em on toothpicks and the kids will be thrilled. Or, if you have bread you could make egg sandwiches. Boil the eggs like you would for deviled eggs, mash them up, add some mayo and spices and there you go!
Biscuits-no bread in the house? Make a batch of biscuits and serve as is, with jelly and honey, or slice and melt cheese on top. Most everyone has the ingredients for biscuits-flour, salt, baking powder, shortening or butter, and liquid (can be milk, buttermilk, or water. I regularly make biscuits using each of those and they always turn out good).
Potatoes-they really are a wonderful vegetable and great staple to have on hand. Mid-morning, pop some in the oven to bake. Add toppings-cheese, little bits of leftover meat, sour cream, crumbled bacon, etc.
Fried Potatoes- My siblings and I loved making fried potatoes for lunch when the fridge was empty! Chop them into bite-sized chunks and fry in hot oil. Drain well, salt, and there you go!
To any of these lunches add yogurt, carrot sticks, sliced apples, or other fruits and veggies you may have on hand. If you don't have any of those things-don't worry. Your kids will survive just fine. Pass the fried potatoes please!
Do you have any lunch ideas to add here? I'd love to hear them!
Rice- plain ol' unromantic rice. I have a rice cooker, which I love to use when I don't have time to keep track of rice on the stove top. Brown rice with butter and seasonings-usually the kids add their own salt and pepper. That's it! Hot, steamy rice will fill their tummies. I rarely buy instant rice ( regular rice is probably a lot cheaper) but I imagine that would be a fast lunch idea, too.
You can be as fancy or plain as you like-throw in some leftover cooked hamburger and/or chopped veggies and stir-fry a bit.
Popcorn and smoothies-we like to pop our corn fresh in a hot-air popper and then add butter and salt to taste. Blend some of the following together to make tasty smoothies: yogurt, fruit (bananas are great! we love frozen blueberries, too), ice-cubes, orange juice or other juices, milk, even ice-cream!
Refried Bean tortillas- I mentioned these here...look near the end of the post.
Grilled cheese sandwiches- got bread? got cheese of any variety? You're good to go! If you happen to have fresh tomato on hand then you can get really fancy.
Quesadillas-same idea, only using tortillas! Butter the outsides and fry lightly on the skillet while the cheese melts.
Beans-put together with rice and you have a complimentary protein! If you remembered to soak them the night before, you can simmer them in the morning to make soup, or add to rice, or make your own refried beans, and so on.
Noodles-like the rice, you can experiment by adding cooked meat or veggies. Or, serve them with lots of butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, a little oregano, and Parmesan cheese!
Leftovers-no explanation needed here! It's great to have extra, say, lasagna or soup on hand from the night before. Or mix and match leftovers, like the roast beef hash mentioned here
Eggs-have eggs and not much else? Make deviled eggs with the kids and have a "finger food" lunch with any other odds n' ends you have that need to be used up. Bits of lunch meat? Fruit? Cheese? Stick 'em on toothpicks and the kids will be thrilled. Or, if you have bread you could make egg sandwiches. Boil the eggs like you would for deviled eggs, mash them up, add some mayo and spices and there you go!
Biscuits-no bread in the house? Make a batch of biscuits and serve as is, with jelly and honey, or slice and melt cheese on top. Most everyone has the ingredients for biscuits-flour, salt, baking powder, shortening or butter, and liquid (can be milk, buttermilk, or water. I regularly make biscuits using each of those and they always turn out good).
Potatoes-they really are a wonderful vegetable and great staple to have on hand. Mid-morning, pop some in the oven to bake. Add toppings-cheese, little bits of leftover meat, sour cream, crumbled bacon, etc.
Fried Potatoes- My siblings and I loved making fried potatoes for lunch when the fridge was empty! Chop them into bite-sized chunks and fry in hot oil. Drain well, salt, and there you go!
To any of these lunches add yogurt, carrot sticks, sliced apples, or other fruits and veggies you may have on hand. If you don't have any of those things-don't worry. Your kids will survive just fine. Pass the fried potatoes please!
Do you have any lunch ideas to add here? I'd love to hear them!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Drew's 2nd Birthday
The wagon is a gift from Drew's "Grandpop", and he is very happy with it! I'm sure it will be used to haul rocks and sticks and all sorts of little boy things.
Poor little guy-after all the festivities were over he came down with the stomach flu. Today we've been recovering and cuddling together on my bed. I hold his little chubby hand while he drifts off to sleep. It has caused me to pause and remember a day two years ago when he entered this world-during an ice storm!-and we spent time cuddling in bed and getting to know one another. Right after he was born, both my sister and good friend declared that he would have curly hair. I thought they were crazy! How could they tell, anyway? But sure enough, he did end up with cute baby curls.
He has been such a joy to Tom and I.
Edited to add: more pictures of Drew can be found at this blog
Friday, January 9, 2009
It doesn't get much better than this!
You are looking at my very favorite dark chocolate. I was the happy recipient of many varieties of chocolate this holiday season (Pear Caramel anyone?) but I must say I nearly went into ecstatics when a dear friend gave me this favorite. You can find it at Wal-Mart, where I first discovered it, although it is a little pricey. (Lately I've found it at Big Lots over 50% off!)
The flavor and crunch-oh my. You have to try it yourself. I couldn't keep my guilty little secret all to myself!
The flavor and crunch-oh my. You have to try it yourself. I couldn't keep my guilty little secret all to myself!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Little Boy in Red P.J.'s
Yes, of course I smothered him in kisses after taking these pictures! It couldn't be helped.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Best Brownies
The scrumptious cookies pictured are called, "Mocha Thumbprint Cookies" and I enjoyed making and serving them last week in my new glass cake server from Mom. It's a versatile server that can be used as a punch bowl and veggie/dip tray as well! Thanks, Mom! I know I'll be using if for a variety of things.
I know you are expecting the cookie recipe, which my sisters discovered and yes, it's fabulous, but you aren't going to get it. Not yet. The thing on my mind right now is BROWNIES. I had some yesterday at the Nisbett's house, the first in a long while, and they were so good I got a Brownie Fixation and had to make a pan of my own. Last night I tried a new recipe that comes with a creamy chocolate frosting and let me tell you, it was pretty good stuff. I don't know how they would taste cold, 'cause we ate them all hot. The top sort of makes a thin crunchy layer and underneath is the gooey stuff. Add some frosting and there you have it: Brownie Heaven!
So for a simple, delectable brownie recipe that hits your chocolate spot, try:
Best Brownies
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Creamy Brownie Frosting (recipe follows)
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Stir together butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Add eggs; beat well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in nuts-optional. Spread into prepared pan.
3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool; frost with Creamy Brownie Frosting. Cut into squares.
Creamy Brownie Frosting
3 T butter, soft
3 T cocoa
1 T honey or light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 T milk
Beat butter, cocoa, honey or light corn syrup, and vanilla in a small bowl. Add powdered sugar and milk; beat to a smooth, creamy spreading consistency.
I doubled this recipe easily for a 9x13 inch pan
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