Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent

I've been making this laundry detergent now for a couple of months, and I love it! I love that it is completely natural and safe, and it is pretty inexpensive as well. I keep it in an empty half-gallon container (I half the recipe), and I keep a measuring cup attached with a rubber band for easy measuring. I had originally made a full gallon, using an empty milk carton, but I found that sometimes the salt and baking soda settles to the bottom, and shaking up a full gallon was a little more awkward. The half gallon container makes this easier, and since it's pretty quick and easy to make, I don't mind making it a little more often!

Day Trip!

We took a day trip to an old fort, which is now a public park. We enjoyed a pretty drive, a nice picnic lunch, and Benjamin loved exploring the fort. Fun day!

Benjamin and Joanna

I thought I'd share a few recent pictures of the kiddos...

Benjamin thought this end table would make a great place to read a book =)
An organ duet!
I was feeding Joanna when I had to go do something, so Benjamin thought he'd take over. He did pretty good until he shoved the spoon a little too far in!
Sleepyheads =)

Fabric Bowl Covers

Several months ago I decided not to buy any more aluminum foil or plastic wrap. I didn't use them very often anyway, since I try to use reusable containers, and I figured that would be one less thing to buy. Sometimes, though, it is nice to be able to leave leftovers in the bowl they're in, and not have to transfer them to another container.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I spotted a picture of some fabric bowl covers that someone had made, and I was really excited! That would be perfect for the times I just wanted to stick a bowl of something in the fridge.

They looked really simple, so I made a couple...



They were super easy and quick to make, and they are really handy! I've already used them a few times, and it is the perfect solution for me! Obviously, they aren't airtight, since they're made of fabric, but then, neither is foil or plastic wrap, really. When they're dirty, just toss them in the wash - no garbage!

I'm planning on making a couple more, so I'll take pictures and post a tutorial when I do.

Finished Projects!

I've been able to finish a number of little projects over the last month or so....

A little blanket for Joanna...
Birthday crowns for the kids, from The Creative Family by Amanda Soule.
A fabric gift bag...
A crayon roll for Benjamin's birthday....
Another skirt for Joanna - this will go in her stocking.
Joanna's stocking - I made this using the Knifty Knitter.
A little fleece jacket for Joanna - this was my first attempt at making an article of clothing by tracing a piece of clothing. It turned out really well! I made it simple on myself by just tracing two pieces and not separating the sleeves!