money saving

Muffin Tin Tacos – Hispanic Kitchen

/ gardengal bevy

TacosMuffinTin

 

so yummy and easy to make.  also great for the little ones to handle their “own” tacos.  😀

the variations are limitless!

Muffin Tin Tacos – Hispanic Kitchen.

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HEALTHY HOMEMADE DEODORANT

/ gardengal bevy

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Today, I tackle a subject that no one really wants to talk about- body odor. More importantly, I will tackle it naturally. Chances are, you’ve probably experienced body odor at some point. I am posting this because it was a touchy subject for me for a long time, and I’m hoping my (embarrassing) plight might be able to help someone!

Eating a good diet and drinking enough water can really cut down the odor, but sometimes you need something else. Sure, the conventional antiperspirants work great, if you don’t mind infusing your armpits with cancer causing aluminum, but for those of us who have sought a more natural option, you may have noticed that the pickings are rather slim. There are a lot of natural deodorants out there, it’s just that, well… most of them don’t work well. I say this from experience, as a woman who has been pregnant four times in the last 5 years (pregnancy increases sweat) and worked out through the pregnancies.

So what to do? Sweat like a horse or get Alzheimers and breast cancer? Is there no other option? Fortunately, there is! Unfortunately, it takes more time than going to the store, but it lasts a lot longer and is a whole lot healthier!  In my pursuit of healthy armpits, I finally found a recipe that works and is still healthy. This is after trying every natural variation I could find (which didn’t work or caused a rash) and after several very failed attempts at making it.

I did find in the process that pure baking soda or plain coconut oil work pretty well, so if you aren’t into making your own, maybe try that. Both of the recipes below work really well. I prefer the softness of the first recipe, but if you don’t have shea butter lying around, the second recipe works just as well.

I present to you:

http://wellnessmama.com/1523/how-to-make-natural-deodorant-beating-the-b-o-with-natural-deo/

 

Homemade Laundry Detergent Liquid (my version)

/ gardengal bevy / 2 Comments
  • Homemade laundry detergent
  • This detergent is safe for the newer HE washers, as it is very low suds.
  • 1/2 Cup: Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (do not use baking soda)
  • 1/2 Cup: Borax
  • 1/3 Bar of ZOTE
  • 1/4 Cup of your favourite fragrance oil if you want it to smell super good (optional)
  • Bucket (I use a 5 gallon I got free at fast food place, so I have plenty of room for mixing)
  • Empty laundry detergent containers or bucket with lid to store detergent.
  • I pour what I need into an empty detergent bottle, then refill from the bucket as needed.

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Grate 1/3 bar of ZOTE Soap over large pot or saucepan…

  • Add 6 cups of Water.
  • Heat over medium-high until soap dissolves and melts.
  • Add Washing Soda & Borax, and stir until dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Pour 4 cups Hot Water into bucket, then add Soap Mixture.
  • Stir, then add 1 Gallon + 6 Cups of additional water.  Stir.
  • I use my stick blender to make sure it’s all mixed well.
  • Transfer to a bucket with a lid, or pour into empty laundry detergent containers.
  • Set aside, and let it sit overnight, or up to 24 hours, to thicken and gel up.
  • Consistency and color will vary depending on your soap & water ~ it may be lumpy and watery… kind of like a watery gel, but it works great!

Stir or shake before each use, as it will continue to gel.  I keep a long handle spoon or stick blender (I have 2) in my laundry room, so I can stir as needed

I use about 1/3 cup of detergent per load.  If I need to, I add liquid bleach in the normal amount (for whites) or oxy for colours.

Cost?

  • Borax, 76 oz. box ~ $3.14 at Wal-Mart or Winco
  • Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, 55 oz. box ~ 3.42 at Walmart and 3.14 at Winco
  • Zote  ~ $.97  at Walmart and Fels Naptha was $.97 at Winco
  • About 2 gallons for around 1.00 at these prices.

Your prices will vary according to where you live and what store you shop.

Some people use Fels Naptha.Image

I don’t like all the chemicals in it, so I use ZOTE.  You can also use a bar of ivory soap, but will need to use the ENTIRE bar.

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Look for my post on homemade fabric softener