Errand day and homeade laundry soap

It had been a busy day full of errands, and planning for opening my grooming salon.  The amount of work ahead of me is overwhelming at times, but simple projects help me keep it all in perspective-

Today I finally got around to making another batch of laundry soap.  I don't know why I always put it off, considering it takes me all of 15 minutes to make it. Yes, I know it takes about the same amount of time to buy it in the store, but after making my own, I'm not sure I'll ever go back to store bought - not to mention the cost difference alone is worth taking the time.  This is how I make mine:

Ingredients:

1 cup washing soda

1/2 cup borax

1 bar pure soap (not beauty bar), grated

3 gallons hot water

1. First bring some water to a boil and dissolve grated soap in it. 

2. While it's melting, fill your container with 3 gallons hot water (from the tap is fine)

3. Add dissolved soap to container of hot water

4. Add borax and washing soda to mixture and mix well. If  you dont have washing soda, you can put baking soda in a glass dish and bake at a low temp for a couple hours, this changes the chemical structure of the soda, making it washing soda by drawing out moisure.

5. Seal container with lid and set in a warm, still place for 24 hours.

A half cup per load should be sufficient to get your clothes clean.  Depending on your water, more or less may be required.  

I hope to get around to making a batch of bar soap this week. I'll try and post pictures of the process, since it will be my first attempt at hot process soap making.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas

It has been a long time since I've truly enjoyed Christmas, for reasons I won't go into at this time.  I always breathe a sigh of relief the day AFTER, because life returns to normal. But this year has reminded me why I used to love it.  Last night I had a small get together with friends (which felt like a huge get together due to the size of my humble home). We spent the evening snacking on treats that I spent the day whipping up, playing games, and laughing until we cried.  The sparkling christmas lights added to the intimate ambience, and we spent the evening thankful for each others company. It's funny, but when you bring together a bunch a people who dread christmas as much as you do and just have some fun, somehow a bit of the holiday spirit creeps back in. At least it did for me.  So much so that I forgot to take pictures. I was too busy having a wonderful time with my dearest friends, and the kids.

The kids went to their father's house last night, so the house is quiet this morning. A bit more cooking and off to Mom's to spend the day.  But before I do, I thought I'd share my favorite recipe for friendly get together's (It's on the back of the Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix package):

Knorr's Spinach Dip

1 package Knorr's Vegetable Soup Mix
10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained

1 cup mayo

16 oz. container sour cream

1 small can water chestnuts, diced

3 scallions

Mix all ingredients and chill to let flavors meld.  I like to bake a sourdough boule until crispy, cut off the top and hollow it out, reserving the cubes of bread for dipping, and fill the hollow boule with the dip.  Of course its also a great dip for crackers and veggies.  And it's as simple as that.

Wishing everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Favorite Christmas Treat

Yes, I know, treats aren't just for Christmas, but I tend to not cook/prepare 'junk food' very often, so at Christmas time I splurge a little.  My favorite confections to make during the season are Oreo Truffles! And they are SO easy to make.

Oreo Truffles

1 bag Oreos
1 brick cream cheese
Almond Bark or chocolate chips to coat (may use white, milk chocolate, or semi sweet)

In a food processor, pulverize oreos. Add cream cheese and mix until thoroughly blended. Refrigerate until able to easily roll into walnut sized balls.  Melt whatever you are using to coat the balls, and dip. Allow to dry on wax paper until set.


You can use whatever kind of oreo you like. Some of my favorites are the mint, peanut butter, and original. I prefer not to use the double stuff because the large amount of cream seems to give less of an oreo taste.

What are your favorite treats?

It's going to be a busy weekend. Son has a wrestling tournament today, and son and daughter have a band concert tomorrow, so not alot of down time for writing.  The coming week will also be full with grooming pups for Christmas.  If things get a little too crazy this week, Merry Christmas everyone!~