tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42985911261000563542024-02-20T18:21:41.312-08:00GF Frugal Adoptive MomgotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-39693645815148015672011-08-24T14:33:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:03:31.323-07:00Homemade Laundry Recipe<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria; line-height: 25px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p>1. Collect your <strong>3 ingredients</strong>:</p><ul><li>1 bar of Fels Naptha soap or Ivory soap</li><li>1 cup of borax </li><li>1 cup of washing soda (Can use 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup) washing soda</li><li>optional: U<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 20px; ">s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; ">e about 15 drops of Lavender and Grapefruit Essential Oils to give it a nice scent.</span></li></ul></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria; line-height: 25px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">2. Hand <strong>grate </strong>your bar of soap. Grate as fine as possible. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria; line-height: 25px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p>3. <strong>Mix</strong> in 1 cup borax and 1cup washing soda.</p><p>
<br /></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Cambria; line-height: 25px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">To use the laundry soap you will want to use between <strong>1-2 TBS per load</strong>.</span>gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-19394662285398690332011-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:21:39.211-07:00Homemade Automatic Dishwasher Detergent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(99, 86, 95); line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><p style="line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(99, 86, 95); ">1 cup Borax
<br />1 cup Washing Soda
<br />1/2 cup salt
<br />4 packages of lemonade flavor, unsweetened kool aid mix (need the citric acid)</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(99, 86, 95); ">Mix the above four dry ingredients, store in a clean sealed container.</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(99, 86, 95); ">Use 1-2 tablespoons of powder to each dishwasher load depending on how dirty the dishes are.</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(99, 86, 95); ">I read that you can use as few as 2 kool aid packets with soft water, If you have hard water add more unsweetened lemonade flavor kool aid packets.</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; color: rgb(99, 86, 95); ">Also filled jet dry reservoir with white vinegar for the rinse cycle.</p></span></span>gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-84097908936846312032011-08-24T14:16:00.001-07:002011-08-24T14:17:21.129-07:00Liquid Dishwasher Detergent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><u>Liquid Dishwasher Detergent</u> </p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">2 cups vegetable-based castile soap (such as Vermont Soap Organics or Dr. Bronner’s)</p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">½ cup water</p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">½ cup <a href="http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/5-easy-green-cleaning-tips-that-use-vinegar/" style="color: rgb(0, 66, 118); ">white vinegar</a> </p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><a href="http://www.organicauthority.com/blog/organic/5-easy-green-cleaning-tips-that-use-vinegar/" style="color: rgb(0, 66, 118); "></a>1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice</p><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">3 drops essential oil of your choice</p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Pour ingredients into a recycled plastic bottle with a squirt-top and shake until thoroughly incorporated. Before using, shake liquid well and measure out 2 tablespoons per load.<span>
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<br /></span></span>gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-26777531786489486302011-08-24T14:11:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:14:43.473-07:00Natural Green Cleaners<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(219, 219, 112); ">Homemade Cleaners: How to Make all Natural Green Cleaners
<br />
<br />Basic Ingredients Checklist
<br />Baking Soda
<br />Vinegar
<br />Water
<br />Lemon Juice
<br />Ammonia
<br />Salt
<br />Borax
<br />Vegetable or Olive Oil
<br />Club Soda
<br />Isopropyl Alcohol
<br />Toothpaste
<br />Spray Bottles
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<br />Tips Before You Get Started
<br /> Mix in a well-ventilated area
<br /> Label containers and store in a safe place
<br /> Use containers with tight fitted lids
<br /> Don't reuse old containers from other cleaners
<br /> Don't mix bleach and ammonia. NEVER!
<br /> Don't store in food containers
<br /> Test an area before using any cleaner
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<br />Dusting
<br />Re-use dryer sheets for dusting instead of the new Pledge or Swiffer cloths.
<br />
<br />Linoleum Floor
<br />Use club soda to clean
<br />
<br />Fabric Softener
<br />Add vinegar to the rinse cycle
<br />
<br />Microwave Cleaner
<br />Mix 2T baking soda or lemon juice and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for five minutes or until the liquid boils and condensation builds up inside the microwave. Wipe down.
<br />
<br />Chrome Cleaner
<br />Toothpaste is great for cleaning chrome.
<br />
<br />Dishwasher Rinse
<br />1 1/2 white vinegar added to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher
<br />
<br />The following recipes are safe and non-toxic:
<br />Wood Floor Cleaner
<br />1/2 cup white vinegar
<br />1/2 cup vegetable oil
<br />Mix well
<br />
<br />All-Purpose Cleaner
<br />1 tsp. borax
<br />1/2 Tsp. washing soda
<br />2 Tbl. lemon juice
<br />In a spray bottle, combine the ingredients with 1 cup of hot water and shake.
<br />
<br />Furniture Polish
<br />In a spray bottle mix 1 cup vegetable or olive oil
<br />1/2 cup lemon juice
<br />Shake well and apply a small amount to a cloth.
<br />
<br />Vinegar Glass Cleaner
<br />1/2 cup vinegar
<br />1 gallon warm water
<br />
<br />Vinegar Glass Cleaner
<br />1 gallon water
<br />1/2 cup white vinegar
<br />1/2 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
<br />Shake to blend.
<br />
<br />Vinegar Glass Cleaner
<br />1/4 cup vinegar,
<br />1/4 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent, and
<br />2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
<br />Combine in a spray bottle.
<br />Shake to blend.
<br />
<br />Vinegar Glass Cleaner
<br />1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
<br />1 cup water
<br />1 tablespoon white vinegar
<br />Combine in a spray bottle.
<br />Shake to blend.
<br />
<br />Ammonia Glass Cleaner
<br />To a gallon jug, add:
<br />1 tsp dishwashing detergent (Dawn)
<br />1 pint rubbing alcohol
<br />1/2 cup ammonia
<br />Top off the gallon with water
<br />
<br />Ammonia Glass Cleaner
<br />1/2 c. ammonia,
<br />1/2 c. isopropyl rubbing alcohol
<br />1/2 c. water.
<br />Combine in a spray bottle.
<br />Shake to blend.
<br />
<br />Ammonia Glass Cleaner
<br />2 parts ammonia
<br />1 part rubbing alcohol
<br />9 parts water
<br />
<br />Multi-Purpose Deep Cleaner
<br />1 cup household ammonia
<br />1/2 cup white vinegar
<br />1/4 cup baking soda
<br />1 gallon warm water
<br />Mix well
<br />
<br />Generic Tilex (mix and use in a spray bottle)
<br />1 part bleach
<br />9 parts water
<br />1 part Dawn Dish Soap (or brand with surfactants and NO ammonia)
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<br />Carpet Deodorizer
<br />Fill a jar with baking soda. Add essential oil (your choice of fragrance and amount), one drop at a time. Stir so it doesn't clump. Sprinkle on carpet and leave for 10-20 minutes before vacuuming.
<br />
<br />All Purpose Cleaners
<br />These all purpose cleaners are convenient to use when placed in a spray bottle.
<br />3 tsp liquid soap & one gallon water
<br />1/4 cup vinegar & one gallon water
<br />1/4 cup lemon juice & one gallon water
<br />1/4 cup Borax & one gallon water
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<br />Disinfectant
<br />1/4 cup Borax
<br />1/2 gallon water
<br />OR USE THIS RECIPE:
<br />1 part bleach
<br />9 parts water
<br />
<br />Oven Cleaner
<br />Sprinkle salt on spills immediately
<br />Baking soda
<br />Vinegar
<br />Steel wool
<br />Clean grease with rag and vinegar. Sprinkle salt on spills. Let it set for a few minutes, then scrape the spill and wash the area clean. For stubborn spots, use baking soda and steel wool.
<br />
<br />Drain Cleaner
<br />1/4 cup baking soda
<br />1/2 cup vinegar
<br />Pour baking soda, then vinegar down drain. Close drain until bubbling stops. Pour boiling water. If the clog remains, use a plunger or snake. If all else fails, take the elbow off the pipe.
<br />
<br />Mildew & Lime Deposit Remover
<br />1/2 cup white vinegar
<br />Warm water
<br />1/2 cup Borax
<br />Dissolve borax in water, add vinegar. Make a fresh batch for each use.
<br />
<br />Ant Killer (NOT child safe!! Use any poison to kill insects with caution!!!)
<br />Powdered Sugar
<br />Borax
<br />Combine in equal parts and sprinkle in places where they crawl.
<br />(I mix with a water to make a thick liquid and dip and paper towel or 2 and softly wring out. Then put in in a glass jar with nail holes in the lid. This way the ants can climb in and out but your kiddo can't.)
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<br />Microwave Cleaner
<br />Place 2 small, medium lemons (cut in half)with a cup of water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 5 minutes and remove bowl. Wipe out microwave. The same thing can be accomplished with equal parts water and white vinegar (but lemons smell better). If your microwave is encrusted with lots of food residue that is old, it won't be so easy the first time.
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<br />My favorite are the carpet deoderizer, microwave cleaner, and the drain cleaner. It's a wonderful example for kids on how science is useful in daily experiences.
<br />
<br />Have good green fun!
<br />
<br />P.S. I would like to include a warning to all.
<br />
<br />Please remember NEVER mix Bleach and Ammonia. It creates chlorine gas which was used as a chemical weapon during World War I and later by Nazi Germany in World War II.
<br />
<br />What happens to your respiratory system when you inhale chlorine gas is the gas tears into your nasal passages, trachea, and lungs by causing massive cellular damage. Obviously, chlorine gas causes a very painful death.
<br /></span>gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-16963104330246087802011-08-20T19:16:00.000-07:002011-08-20T19:31:51.121-07:00Great Gluten-Free Baking MixesTaken from Rachael Ray Mag;<div>
<br /></div><div>Best Pancakes : Kinnikinnick Foods Pancake and Waffle Mix (kinnikinnick. com to find a store near you)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Best Muffin : Authentic Foods Blueberry Muffin Mix (authenticfoods.com to find a store near you)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Best Brownies : Gluten-free Pantry Chocolate Truffle Brownie Mix</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Best Pizza Crust : Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust Mix</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Best Yellow Cake : The really Great Food Company Yellow Cake Mix (reallygreatfood.com to find a store near you)</div><div>
<br /></div>gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-77276223624873524512010-10-09T15:03:00.000-07:002010-10-09T15:13:57.785-07:00Handy List Great baragin Web SitesI found this list of great baragin Web sites from Better Homes and Garden<br /><br /><strong>Coupons & discounts</strong><br /><br />couponmap.com<br />couponmom.com<br />ebates.com<br />entertainment.com<br />flit.com<br />groupon.com<br />livingsocial.com<br />redplum.com<br />restaurant.com<br />smartsource.com<br /><br /><strong>Home furnishings</strong><br /><br />craigslist.com<br />entertainment.com<br />estatesales.net<br />etsy.com<br />nobetterdeal.com<br />onekingslane.com<br />shopgoodwill.com<br />smartsource.com<br />ugallery.com<br /><br /><strong>Budget decorating</strong><br /><br />bhg.com<br /><br /><strong>Garden tools</strong><br /><br />acehardware.com<br />amleo.com<br />fiskars.com<br />walmart.com<br /><br /><strong>Picnic essentials</strong><br /><br />bungalow.com<br />lafreshgroup.com<br />origaudio.com<br />picnictrend.com<br />rei.com<br />shopkirdevries.com<br /><br /><strong>Beauty basics</strong><br /><br />beautysteals.com<br />beautyticket.com<br />bigdiscount fragramces.com<br />eyeslipsface.com<br />fragrancenet.com<br />hautelook.comgotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-9594361201625195302010-06-03T19:47:00.001-07:002010-06-03T19:53:23.223-07:00Do One Thing at a TimeLook away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Finisher</span> [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. - Hebrews 12:2<br /><br />"The apostle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Paul</span> tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing." - Joyce MeyergotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-22910191640405178272009-08-10T20:28:00.000-07:002009-08-15T15:21:51.987-07:00Stuffed Cornbread CasseroleTrader Joe's is having the breakfast theme. They had a recipe for stuffed cornbread casserole. I modified the recipe to be GF and more to my taste.<br /><br />1 package of 365 Gluten Free Corn Bread & Muffin Mix<br />1 package of fresh Sweet Apple Maple Chicken Sausage Chopped)<br />12 oz of Trader Joe's Shredded 3 Cheese Blend<br />1 can of Trader Joe's New Mexico Hatch Valley Fire Roasted Diced Green Chile (drained)<br />1 Trader Joe's Whole Kernel Corn (drained)<br /><br />Prepare Cornbread mix as indicated on package in a large bowl. (Note: I separate the white from the yolk and beat the white to a peak and fold in at the end) After thoroughly mixed, incorporate sausage, cheese, chile, and corn, stirring gently. Pour entire mix into a sprayed casserole dish ( I used a 9X13). Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until crust is slightly browned and center of the bread is firm.<br /><br />(You could also add minced jalapenos or roasted red pepper chopped)<br /><br />Everyone in the family like the cornbread. Son begged for seconds. I thought it might be too much for a family of four but it was gone pretty fast.<br /><br />Enjoy!gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-53455682511820532082009-06-23T20:24:00.000-07:002009-06-25T12:49:20.892-07:00Frugal Idea Part 3 of 31)Pack snacks for when you are out.<br /><br /><br /><br />2)Instead of a full haircut for my daughter we just ask for a trim of her bangs and they charge less. (She is trying to grow her hair out) And then every couple of month we will have a full trim. I am hopeless when it comes to cutting hair. I leave it up to the professional but you could buy hair clippers and do it yourself to save money.<br /><br /><br /><br />3)Teach your kids to shop the sales! I am also trying to teach the value of money at an early age. She pays for her own items at yard sales.<br /><br /><br />4)I also think twice about how I plan trips and if what I am going for worth it or if it can wait till I am on my way back home from work or other trip to not waste gas.<br /><br />5)I bicycle instead of drive when go to the local store if I do not have a trip planned with the car. This way I get exercise and help the environment. I have a trailer for the bike to pack the items in and can take the kids with me.<br /><br />6)We compost everything which can does go into it. Tea bags, egg shells, vegetable waste and etc.<br /><br />7)If your bank offers a Holiday Club Savings its a great way to save thru out the year for xmas shopping and you won't use credit.<br /><br />8)Track what you are spending it makes you more aware of that goes out. I use Quicken. There are some free software that helps.<br /><br />9)I usually buy a stock of kids toys and art supplies for my daughter to give to the birthday kids for the many parties she goes to. If I see a art kit and supplies on sale I will stock up. I only buy during clearance time keep a list of items so you know who you already have a gift for xmas and birthdays at least for those that you can shop ahead. End of the season clearance time is also a way to keep the budget down on kid’s clothes when you know next winter they need a bigger coat.<br /><br />10)Buy in bulk when on sale even meat Suggest to buy 1/4, 1/2, or whole animal if you have the freezer space. My father is a rancher and has sold a few this way. They will even do an exchange. A neighbor sells hogs and will exchange pork for beef.gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-54931233244338998952009-06-23T20:20:00.000-07:002009-06-24T09:32:22.306-07:00Frugal Idea Part 2 of 31) Shop garage/yard sales and thrift shops.<br /><br />2)Check out some swap type of websites. I found one for books and keep my cost of buying books down.<br /><br />3)I have given up my magazine and go to the library to read them. I take a notebook along to write down any information I might want to look up later online.<br /><br /><br />4)We have given up the newspaper. We read the paper online and print only the coupon we need online now.<br /><br /><br />5)We pay for daughter activities in one lump sum. Check to see if they give discounts for paying in one lump sum. This fall our daughter school will be giving a 2 1/2% discount if paid in full in September. Not much but every little bit counts.<br /><br /><br />6)Recycle as much as possible. We were able to reduce our trash service due to the small amount of trash we generate.<br /><br /><br />7)I clean the house and sell unwanted items on garage/yard sale twice a year. Fall and spring.<br /><br />8)All are cars are paid for. Since we are both engineers and have worked on cars. Our vehicles are salvage. We have had really good luck and know what to look for.<br /><br /><br />9)Check your area for a freecycle. We have three in our area. They have a post of things to keep out of the trash.<br /><br /><br />10)Shop around for ALL kinds of services. This includes trash service, Internet, phone, newspaper, TV, etc.gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-58012091817916054572009-06-23T20:13:00.000-07:002009-06-23T20:29:30.086-07:00Frugal Idea Part 1 of 31)Pay off your credit card each month.<br /><br />2)Avoid impulse buying.<br /><br />3)Pay off the balance on the credit card balance on a monthly basis<br /><br />4)Know your budget (I know that our checking is always low during the month of March due to taxes are due April 1st).<br /><br />5)Clip coupons and follow some other people blogs they have done the research on where the best buys are!<br /><br />6)Find other to do clothing swap with! We were able to convince our private school to have a clothing swap this year!<br /><br />7)Shop yearly for insurances. I have not changes our auto or house for years but still shop around to see if I can get a better rate.<br /><br />8)Grow a small garden or see if there is a community garden. This has helped with the groceries cost. We also grow fruit trees in our backyard. I know this can be done in the Midwest. Growing up we had apple trees, cherry trees, plums and grapes.<br /><br /><br />9)Put a small amount away in an emergency fund so not have to use credit cards. The thought out there is a 6 month reserve. We have a year reserve.<br /><br /><br />10)Pay off the house as early as possible. We placed a little extra down on our house payment and now we are mortgage free. This always me the ability to not work.gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-4409301889866977502009-06-22T23:02:00.000-07:002009-06-22T23:05:23.801-07:00GF Items which works for meThese items are the ones I like so far.<br /><br />Trader Joe's GF Brownies<br />365 GF Corn Bread & MuffinsgotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4298591126100056354.post-28696619486427562502009-06-21T11:19:00.000-07:002009-06-21T11:20:34.736-07:00Creating this to track GF and FrugalI have created this log to track and hep myself with frugal and gluten free life.gotoTheohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08227772889682724683noreply@blogger.com1