How to make awesome laundry detergent.

I am going to share with you my favorite recipe for laundry detergent that brightens clothes,  cleans everything and smells great. 

The ingredients, 

1. Pink Zote Soap , you can use blue or white also i just happen to like pink. (http://www.zote.com.mx/english/fre_as.htm ) 

2. 20 Mule team Borax ( my box broke i do not have a picture but here is a link to all its uses and where to find it. ) http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/

3. Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda

http://www.armandhammer.com/fabric-care/laundry-boosters/Products/arm-and-hammer-super-washing-soda-detergent-booster.aspx

I get all these ingredients from my local Walmart. If you cannot find them you can order them online. 

It took me a while to find the right recipe that is strong enough . Out of 3 boys I have a baby who loves to wear his food on his clothes, and a son that wets the bed. The recipes I found were not strong enough to get out the smell of urine from sheets so I  had to sample for a while till I got the right mixture. This recipe leaves clothes smelling great, bright, and clean . I have heard this mix works for cloth diapers as well, (I recommend soaking the diapers in borax first. ) 

The Recipe to make 1.95 Gallons

2 Cups  Grated Zote soap

1 Cup Borax

2 Cups Super Washing Powder

First get a pot, ( I have one i do not use for cooking ) Boil half the pot full of water

Grate the Pink Zote , add to pot and bring to a broil until the soap dissolves

At first it will be very watery, let it sit for a few minutes till it is a bit thicker constancy. Then add other ingredients and stir.

After all ingredients are mixed thoroughly , move mixture to your container. I use a 1.96 gallon container from previous Xtra i brought. I use a funnel so the mixture goes in easily. 

After you have transferred your mixture, Fill the remaining container with water. and shake ( lightly) 

Let sit for 24 hours to thicken. 

Hurray !!!!  You have soap. 

...let me know how your mixture went...and pin this post for later use. 

Dating in 2013?? Are the rules really that different?

                                                                     



I was reading a New York Times article called  "The end of Courtship?" http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/fashion/the-end-of-courtship.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

This gave me a slew of thoughts and comments, as this article discusses the downward spiral of courtship and formal dating into " Hook Up" culture. Is it true that we ( 20's 30's and younger) have lost the art of dating? It goes on to mention text messaging and social media as a contribution to the decline. Maybe i was raised a bit old fashioned but Random Hook Ups, just do not seem to appealing to me.

What I have found lately in speaking with friends, family and strangers is lack of expectations and therefore accepting anything.

This article speaks of text messaging " hang out requests"
If this type of thing was unacceptable, then how can it happen.
I find newer generations ( including mine) accepting anything from men ( and women, but this article is mainly for women)
Here are my dating tips to keep the courtship alive in 2013

1. Know what you want and stick with it. 
 If you are looking for the type of guy who will open the door, give you flowers, and take you to dinner
Make it known
and those who walk away .... they simply  didn't make the cut. Those who stick around might have great potential.
Too many times i hear people waiting for their guy to change, you cannot change anyone. The principals your relationship begins upon will not change, so start off on the right foot in the direction you want it to go. 

2. Be clear about your expectations / Do not settle
This seams to be a very muddied concept now a days no one wants to seem like that girl who wants to rush into things and it seems like people get wrapped into a situation where they become " weekend hook up" because you never defined the relationship or your expectations. It is very hard to go from weekend party girl on Sunday night to Regular steady relationship. It is like a lasting first impression. With this i believe the old saying stands  "The kind of girl that you can take home to mom/mama". Is your behavior reflecting that girl? If you are looking for a serous relationship date accordingly and do not be afraid to say so. The Men who are not looking for "anything serious", will not change their minds after an evening rendezvous. 

3. Don't be Obsessive
Its one thing to call and say Hi after a first date, its another to call and say ( in the Stewie voice)  " Hi, Hello, How are you, Am i going to see you again, Can i see you today, I like you, Can i see you tommorrow"
Don't be that girl that gets talked about on Facebook. Have some old fashioned poise, or modern day cool, or even as they say a little " swag" 

4. Have Fun
Dating is still fun, don't over think your every move to the point that you are writing topics for conversation. But the nature of dating itself has always been to asses someones suitability as a partner ( by definition). 
Meet/greet/talk/and have fun. 

Sometime in 2013 i will come out with Part 2 ( So you've dated in 2013, now Relationships in 2013)

What is your take on  new age dating as the New York times portrays it?

The Horrible Blogger

Ok so I admit I am  a little terrible at this blogging thing, I commend all those moms I see out there especially the homeschooling ones like me who find the daily time. This year one of my resolutions is simple...to be diligent at everything i do. I stress the importance of diligence to my kids and at times could use a little myself. My other resolution is to start the day earlier, to fit in those things that by the end of the day rollover to the next, like that extra e-mail, to do list, finding the resources and planning a lesson  organizing the clutter on the shelf or  to write a blog  ;) With that said expect more randomness from me the Self employed, Homeschooling, crafty-crazy, Pinterest obsessed, super hero ( or at least my 2 year old thinks so) weird and sometimes cool mom.

What are your new years resolutions?