DIY: Make Your Own Washing Machine Cleaner and save $$$

Instead of buying those washing machine cleaners at the store that last time I looked cost almost $10.00 for a box; and trust me I have paid that much and tried them, but found I wasted a lot of money and I wont bother with that again, I can make it myself and save money to buy more craft projects or go SHOE shopping LOL

Fill the washer with HOT water. Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach - no detergent – and let the machine agitate for a minute, then let it sit for one hour. After one hour, allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle. Immediately fill the washer with HOT water again and add 1 quart distilled white vinegar. Let agitate for a minute, and again, let it sit for one hour.

Using the bleach and vinegar will clean away bacteria, soap scum and mineral deposits from the wash basket and hoses. This is especially important if you live in a hard water area and should be done every three months. Every washer should be cleaned at least twice per year. While it is soaking, dip a scrubber sponge in the vinegar water and detail all the nooks and crannies of your washer, including the knobs, the lid and the exterior. After an hour, run the longest wash and spin cycle again

Here’s what you need:
2 cups bleach
2 cups white vinegar
microfiber cloth

What to do:
Fill with hot water on highest setting, add bleach aggitate 1 min, then lift lid and let it sit an hour, then run through cycle
then fill again with hot water and add vinegar this time and repeat
then wipe down outside and inside with microfiber cloth

Repeat this cleaning once a month or two for sure and never less than every 6 months

DIY: Make your Own NEVER ENDING DRYER SHEETS~REUSABLE FABRIC SOFTENER SPONGES!!!!

So Today I ran out of Fabric Softener sheets but I had 2 large containers of liquid Fabric Softener So I decided to Make My own Reusable Fabric Softener Sponges instead of those little sheets that always cling to my laundry. 

NEVER ENDING DRYER SHEETS~REUSABLE FABRIC SOFTENER SPONGES!!!!

~WHAT YOU NEED: 

1 Container with an airtight lid (grabbed out of my pantry) 

2-4 sponges cut in half ($1.00 for a 4pk at the dollar store) 

1 cup of your favorite fabric softener ($0.30 worth of fabric softener) 

2 cups water (free from my tap) 

~WHAT TO DO: 

Mix the water and fabric softener into a plastic container. Add the cut sponges so they can soak in the mixture. I only used 2 sponges and cut them in half, they fit perfectly in my container. 

When ready to use, squeeze the excess liquid from 1 sponge and place into the dryer with your wet clothes. Run the dryer cycle as normal. Once complete place the now dry sponge back into the container of liquid for use next time. 

Clothes smell good, are soft and have no static just like the expensive non-reusable dryer sheets.

For pennies you can have dryer sponges and have any scent you want too, I even add essential oils to plain fabric softener

~*******~

We now make our own laundry soap so I was thinking what about fabric softener too?

So I searched and started reading ingredients and walla I found a recipe for that too.

The recipe

6 cups hot water {I used hot tap water, but you can boil the water as well}

2 cups white vinegar

1 bottle of hair conditioner {any conditioner will do. I picked one that smells great & 

that’s cheap!}

In a bowl mix the hot water and full bottle of conditioner. Stir until completely 

mixed & dissolved. After that pour in the vinegar and mix it all together. After that 

pour your laundry softener into the container of your choice. I chose a mason jar 

because I already had one & this large one is easy to pour or scoop the product out 

of. I use about 6 table spoons, but you can use the amount that works for you. 

***

Here is another fabric softener recipe that is very simple and pure

First of all you should know that the use of vinegar in laundry is good for fluffing it up, softening and essential being a good replacement for regular fabric softener or dryer sheets Well, since then, we have taken this concept much further and made our own fabric softener, fabric refresher and much more from this idea to use in every single load!

Here’s what it does:

Makes the laundry soft and fluffy

Removes odors

Removes even more bacteria than just washing alone

Makes them actually smell good (yes, the vinegar really does this…..)

And it can also help to lessen the amount of color “bleeding” between fabrics (similar to a Shout Color Catcher)

So that is what we have done! You can make your own fabric softener with 2 ingredients and with 4 different variations! Let me share these easy ways:

Make your own fabric softener by soaking your old dryer sheets in vinegar that has several drops of lavender essential oil. You will be able to do this several times before the dryer sheets break down and need to be thrown away. Or use the Sponges as I described above

Make reusable dryer sheets by cutting up an old t-shirt into squares, then put them into a baby wipes or cleaning wipes tub, cover with the mixture of vinegar and lavender essential oil and throw in your dry for each drying load. Make a new batch after you use them all! These will last forever!!

Make a pre-mixed liquid version for the wash cycle by mixing vinegar with several drops of lavender essential oil and store in a container to use in your washing machine.

The fourth and final way to do this is actually what I do! Pour your vinegar in your softener slot on your front loader or top loader washing machine, then add a drop of lavender essential oil! This is the easiest way for me to do this and so that is just how I have been doing it!

I hope you find my tips and ideas helpful, please share my blog on FB, Twitter, and Pinterest and other places you like.

Thanks

Baby Owl Cocoon Project

My final Project is Finished and it turned out so Cute

Everyone is asking me for the Pattern and to make more

I have seen several cocoon patterns out and around and I have a few this is my version

I just love it, it takes lots of time, let me tell you but all so worth it.
You can also make several different hats to go with it

DIY: The secret to Beautiful skin is Gentle Care, Good Products and Pure Natural Ingredients!

Take care of your skin, don't use lots of chemicals on it and don't I repeat DO NOT go out and spend hundreds of dollars on products that you do not know what is in them!!!

I hardly buy a thing these days from the cosmetic section I buy natural products and make my own skin care, household cleaners and laundry soaps.

I am going to share many recipes I have tried and used and some I have made myself.

ALWAYS remember be Gentle to your skin, give it some devoted time each day and best of all find something that de-stresses you each day, take the time it will show on you.
You may not like everything you were born with but You can always improve what you were born with even if it's not just what you wanted.
I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with My Self, Mother Goddess and Father God were good to me and I did inherit good genes I must say I have beautiful Patents, Goddess and God bless them always!! I wouldn't have plastic surgery on my face, with age do come some wrinkles anyone who thinks they can outrun the wrinkle faery is just crazy, but we can ease into those wrinkles gently and fight them with magick and good skin care and these recipes so do try some of my recipes I share.

I can't complain ;) 

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5 Simple Ingredients for Homemade Beauty Products

I love it when I know exactly what's going into and onto my body. When I can name every ingredient in something, without resorting to phonetically sounding it out. When the stuff that goes on my lips (or in my mouth) is actually edible. When the oil that soaks into my skin comes from olives, rather than petroleum. When my cleanser smells nice because part of it was once real flowers. 

So now I make a lot of my own beauty products. And actually, it's so easy and really fast, too. Faster than running down to the pharmacy for another tube of whatever. Make a list, go get these things, and try some recipes out!

Here are 5 fantastic and cheap ingredients to get you started: 

Organic coconut oil 

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties (and which babies get a good dose of in mum's milk). It's a good saturated fat, but got a bad reputation from the hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated varieties found in processed foods. So stick to the extra virgin or minimally refined versions. 

*cook with it - it doesn't break down at high temperatures, it lasts ages, and it's creamy at cool temperatures

*use it for creams like deodorant or chest rub

*use it for cleansers and make up removers

*use it as a conditioner for hair or a moisturizer for skin

Um, just looking at all these cross links and you can see how much I love coconut oil! I actually have two varieties - the extra virgin (which is less processed) and the refined (which is more subtle, when you don't want a strong scent).

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Organic extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and is known as a heart-healthy fat.

*cook with it

*use it in cleansers and make up removers

*use as a natural furniture polish

*use as a moisturizer for skin or lips or hair

NOTE: store out of direct light if possible

I love when I rub olive oil into something I'm cooking - my hands get so soft!! You can also used olive oil to get rid of cradle cap when she was a baby - just rub some onto the scalp and then use a comb to remove the flaky bits.

***********

Organic lavender essential oil (you only use a few drops at a time!)

Lavender can provide relief from insomnia, headaches, and also has antihistamine properties.

*put a few drops in your bath for extra relaxation

*add a few drops to your laundry rinse cycle to make your clothes or linens smell amazing

*add a few drops to homemade moisturizers or cleansers

*add a few drops to 10 mL apricot kernel oil for a relaxing massage oil

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

I love the smell of lavender. Though it was one of those smells that repulsed me during pregnancy (along with coffee! what a nightmare that was!) so it took me awhile to get back into it ...

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Good raw honey-buy good honey

Raw honey hasn't been heated to high temperatures, so it retains all its natural goodness. Honey has antiseptic and anti fungal properties, and is soothing on the throat. A truly natural sugar.

*cook with it (or just use it raw!)

*use for mild cuts or burns or fungal infections

*makes a good face mask

*helps soothe sore or dry throats - try 1 Tbs lemon juice + 1 Tbs honey + 1 cup hot water

NOTE: don't give honey to babies less than 12 months old, or as your doctor recommend

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Tea tree oil (a little pricey but like any essential oil it'll last you ages)

Another great antiseptic and anti fungal essential oil. This one comes from an Australian native tree, and has quite a potent smell. So use in moderation! 

*add a few drops to your hot wash cycle as an extra disinfectant for towels and linens

*helps the skin recover from shaving or you can apply a drop or two directly to mild cuts or abrasions

*use in conjunction with white vinegar to clean the house - try 1 c vinegar + few drops oil + a bucket of hot water to mop tiled floors or without the water to clean the toilet

*is a natural insect repellent

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

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I hope this gets you started on good skin care, get some friends or family members together and have an at home spa day!!

Treat yourself this weekend!

Both avocado oil and shea butter are known for their hydrating and moisturizing properties, making it the perfect marriage of ingredients for the delicate under eye area. 

Avocado oil Benefits:

Extremely moisturizing.

It is a natural source of Vitamins A, D and E.

It is easily absorbed into the skin and can help with regenerating and softening of the dry eye area. 

Contains potassium, which can help with the growth of new cells.

Supports skin elasticity.

Shea Butter Benefits:

It is a natural fat that is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, which is very hydrating.

It is widely used in skin care to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and stretch marks. 

It melts when it comes in contact with your skin (if you buy the real stuff you will see what I mean) and it is instantly absorbed, without making you feel like a greasy mess. 

Has anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Restores the natural suppleness of your skin.

DIY Under Eye Treatment:

Avocado Oil 

%100 Pure Shea Butter *Make sure you read the back label before you purchase. You want to make sure the only ingredient listed is shea butter. 

*You can find both of these ingredients at a health food store in the beauty section. Or you can purchase them here and here. 

Directions:

Take a few drop of avocado oil and gently massage under each eye until fully absorbed. 

Finish by applying a thin layer of shea butter on top. Gently massage into your skin until absorbed. 

So easy and super cost effective!

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ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil Now for the eyes! You can definitely use a heavier (read:
oilier) combination here as the tissue around your eyes is very thin and obviously more prone to
 wrinkles.

WHY AVOCADO OIL?
Avocado oil is perfect for your eyes because its abundant fatty acids help balance skin’s moisture
levels, and the high levels of vitamins A, C and E rejuvenate dry skin and remove those pesky free
radicals that age skin.
****

ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL
1 tablespoon gentle oil(found at Mountain Rose Herbs,com) check them out
1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 – 1/4 cup aloe vera
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Melt the coconut oil if needed and combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle, preferably one with
 a dropper. Shake well to combine. Put 3-5 drops onto your finger and pat into the skin around your
 eye before bed. If you add the vitamin E capsule you’ll need to shake before each use.
 Note: you can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa butter to the recipe if you prefer a more solid
 cream. Cocoa butter is another major moisturizer and can make it easier to apply (it won’t slide
 around as much).
 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil After you apply the facial serum at night, tap a tiny amount
 of eye cream around the crease of your eye. A little goes a long way – if you go overboard
 slathering it on you’ll get it in your eyes and it will sting a bit (yep, learned this the hard
 way!).
 I love this Eye Oil I made a new batch of it today!
****

HYDRATING SERUM
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
2-4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile or rose
Combine ingredients in a small glass pump and shake well to combine. Apply to clean skin at night
for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if including the vitamin E capsule. Will
last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.

WHY JOJOBA OIL?
 Jojoba and avocado oil (see below) are two of my favorites for skin care recipes. Jojoba is an oil
 that’s very close to our skin’s natural oil, and you can use it for just about anything (much like
 coconut oil). It’s non comedogenic, so it won’t block pores, and, in fact, it helps oily skin
 level out oil generation. Plus it’s loaded with vitamin E, linoleic acid and antioxidants that
 regenerate skin cells.
 But if you don’t have any jojoba on hand you can totally make this recipe without it, and it will
 still be excellent for your skin.

I love this Antiwrinkle serum

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Avocados are Nutritious

Avocados are fruits which grow on Persea Americana trees which are native to Mexico. Avocado is also known as 'Alligator Pear'. They have green tough skins which are textured and they are pear shaped.

The flesh inside the tough skin is the edible part. It is soft and creamy and very rich. There is also a large stone inside which can be easily removed.

Although avocados are high in fat they are still very healthy. They contain mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are the 'good' fats, as they contain omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for hair, skin and eyes. The good fats are unlike saturated fats which tend to be found in cakes and cheese, as they are less harmful to the arteries and high blood pressure.

Avocado is a versatile fruit, as it is filling and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Eating Avocados

I can't rave on these enough!!

Avocados are eaten raw with the flesh scooped out and the stone removed. They are enjoyable as a snack or in a salad.

They go well with prawns, fish or melon and they are the main ingredient in the Mexican dip guacamole.

Add lime, chopped coriander, onion, tomato and seasoning to avocados and mash together to make the guacamole. It can be chunky or pureed and served on french toasts or to dip chips or bread sticks.

Avocado can also be a luxury treat in a sandwich or wrap with cream cheese or ham.

Baby Food

Avocado is a soft food great for your growing baby. Mash it down or blend it in baby food as a nutritious meal rich in vitamins and good fats. It is ideal for a developing brain. Although it contains a high level of fats, it is good for baby in small amounts. Check with your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a blended drink full of your favorite fruit. You can make them yourself in a smoothie maker or in a blender with ice and fruit juice. Add avocado, banana, lime or strawberry for a healthy morning drink.

Prepare you avocado plants

Avocado Trees

When I had eaten my avocado, I wanted to know if there was anything to do with the stone (pit) in the middle. I then came across a different way of growing plants from them indoors.

By poking cocktail sticks into the middle of the stone it is then able to balance on a cup of water. As long as the bottom of the stone is immersed in the water they should be fine.

Keep them on a sunny window sill and with any luck they should begin to sprout in a matter of weeks. Once there are leaves and roots, allow them to grow about 6 inches. They can then be planted into pots.

Ensure that you use good compost and plant them shallow in the pot, with the roots downwards.

Keep them watered but do not saturate them. They need plenty of light indoors to grow. As new leaves grow pinch out the old ones to encourage good growth. You can them keep them outdoors in the summer, but bring them inside in the winter so they are safe from frost.

You may not get any fruit on the tree for the first year or two, but grow a couple of trees together to aid pollination.

Hair mask!

Avocado Hair Mask

Another use for avocados are to use them on your hair and skin! Try a nourishing hair mask every now and again for glossy locks.

Hair Mask Ingredients:

1 Mashed avocado

1 medium egg

1 tsp honey

Method:

Mash together the ingredients in a bowl.

Massage the mixture in your hair and wrap in cling film or a plastic shower cap.

Relax for 20 minutes and allow the vitamins, minerals and good fats enrich your hair and scalp. The honey is moisturising and the egg contains protein. Add olive oil if your scalp is particularly dry.

Rinse out of your hair after 20 minutes. Use a mild shampoo to remove the avocado mixture as it can get messy!

*___*

Avocado Face Mask

Avocado is great for dry skin. Add mashed up ripe avocado to a spoonful of runny honey and smear on your face avoiding the nose, mouth and eye areas. Honey has antibacterial properties which can help soothe and skin and fight pimples.

If you have a lot of spots, add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon as this is antiseptic.

For very dry skin, add plain natural yogurt or coconut oil to your mashed avocado. The natural ingredients are free of nasty chemicals which are found in shop bought face masks, and if you buy organic ingredients then all the better.

My New Texting, Fingerless Gloves, I just love these

Do you put on Gloves and then have to take at least one off all the time to answer your phone or Text?
Yeah Me too, and I get so tired of it, so I decided it's time for Texting Gloves
THESE are the best things, I'm so Glad I decided to make some and now I am going to try all different kinds of Designs. So many colors and styles I can think of to make and I've seen tons of cute ideas
Here are a couple that have been really popular

There is always Classic Black

Got to have a Pair

These are so cute with Jeans Especially and who doesn't wear Jeans???
I make them in ALL Sizes too

Child's sizes

Winter Crochet Time-The Scarves!!

So in order to keep the winter Blahs away, I find Crocheting is one of the crafts I especially like to do

I have been having so much fun Crocheting ALL Kinds of Scarves, Ruffle, Infinity and colors and yarns
are so much fun to make with these.

I've done several of the easy and fast Ruffle scarfs and sell them all the time, you can order yours from me as well.
Here are a few pictures of some that I have made and I will be happy to help you with colors and how to

There are so many pretty colors

I love Purples

This one is especially good for Valentine's Day

Then the Fur Yarns and Oh so Inspired for Winter fun

The Fun Fizzle Yarns make really cute Scarfs

These are all made by ME

;You need to contact me to Put your orders in today

Then you know what I decided to try out?

Arm Knitting and it's really fast and fun

All of these are lots of work, don't get me wrong

but worth the enjoyment you get out of designing every piece of ART

This one is so pretty in person, it has an iridescent Glitter that just makes it SPARKLE

I have had so much fun this Cold COLD Winter 

stay so busy and love every minute of life

DIY Healthy Cinnamon Water

It's easy it's fast and it's so good for you

Drinking Water is one of the best things  for your body, life, your mind
Drinking Cinnamon water is even better than anything else you can drink, put down the soda, the energy drinks full of sugar and coffee and tea, and have some CINNAMON WATER

If you do not love water.... *** APPLE CINNAMON WATER ***( Amount of water we use is 2 quarts, however just any large pitcher about that size will work) Boost ...your metabolism naturally with this ZERO CALORIE Detox Drink. Put down the diet sodas and crystal light and try this out for a week. You will drop weight and have TONS ON ENERGY! Sounds yummy! Makes one big pitcher, re-fill water 3-4 times before replacing apples and cinnamon. 1 Apple thinly sliced (whatever your favorite is) 1 Cinnamon Stick Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher and then the cinnamon sticks, cover with ice about 1/2 way up then add water. Let sit for a couple of hours.