Days Until Christmas....

Friday, April 27, 2012

A Little More Green...and Stain Fighter!

This week, another Earth Day passed by.  On that day we were traveling to visit family, but we have been doing things a little more natural/green around our house.  We already compost, recycle, try to keep lights off that are not in use, use cloth bags for shopping, and the list goes on.....


I can almost always think of another way to get back to basics, which typically comes with a smaller price tag, and becoming a little more green in the process.  There always seems to be more ways to be just a little more earth-friendly.  


So.....this past few weeks, I incorporated a stain-fighter into my laundry process that is awesome.  I found it on Pinterest, and I've noticed it on many blog sites.  Anyway, it works much better than the Shout! or Spray and Wash that I've always picked up in the grocery store.  It makes me wonder why we stopped using what worked once to begin with?  I'm quite sure my Great Grandmother didn't go to the General Store and ask for Spray and Wash!  Did we change because we wanted what was advertised, what was conveniently put in a spray bottle for us? Did we want the extra cost?  Did we want the pretty colored bottle to set in our laundry room?  Hmmmm.  It makes me wonder.  


It took minutes to put these things together in a (recycled) spray bottle:
  6 TBSP Baking Soda.  
  2/3 Cup Ammonia
  2 Cups Warm Water
  2/3 Blue Dawn   (I use the WalMart Generic of Blue Dawn).
FYI - Put the liquid Dawn in last or it foams.  Mix all ingredients gently in a bowl, and pour in a spray bottle with a funnel (made out of a recycled soda bottle with the bottom cut off, if you need a handy funnel!)      


I use it on colors and whites and have been pleased.  After the first mix, you don't have to heat to make it work...just give the bottle a gentle tip back and forth (it separates a bit when unused for a bit) and spray away those stains. Spray and launder right away, or just spray the stain and throw it into the laundry to wait until you do your next load!  Either way, it's wonderful stuff.   (My hubby likes the look of his white shirt collars).  


No more extra spray bottles to plop into the landfill.  No more hunting down coupons for your stain fighter to help out on the grocery bill.  No more extra fragrances from a chemical concoction created by a factory.  Just back to basics.  


I've been doing a lot more "green things" lately.  I'll blog about more of them soon!  


-Rebecca



Saturday, March 17, 2012

The Irish...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This year our family looks upon St. Patrick's Day a little different.  There is still the fun of pinching each other before we remember to put our green on, but since we returned from a visit to Ireland a few months ago, we have a new special place in our hearts for the Irish!

We were in Ireland for a few weeks, and though it's not a huge island, it's so lovely with so many places to see. We didn't see half as much as we wanted!  We flew into Dublin, and drove to Limerick to stay. We took day trips from Limerick, and returned each night to our hotel during our stay. As each day ended, the we would say "THIS was my favorite day here" because all of Ireland is so amazingly beautiful.  The people were charming.  It was an amazing trip!

Because we have two boys who are insanely interested in castles, we went to more than 25 castles during our stay!  I've attached a few shots of the awesome history and views.

Have a great day, and don't forget to wear Green!

Until Next Time,
Rebecca










Friday, March 16, 2012

And We're Back....

I haven't blogged in a bit. Honestly, Blogger has me frustrated. My blog account got messed up a bit and I have put off straightening it out. I am back up and running. Another thing to check off my long to-do list! So, expect a post soon. After all, I have not posted recently and that means I have a lot to get off my mind! (Yep, look out!)