February Life Update

Yes, I realize that I am behind on posting this, but better late than never, right?

I am finding that no matter how many activities we try to come up with at home, our little 2-year-old still gets cabin fever so February was filled with lots of zoo trips and park outings since the weather was so nice!

We also took the plunge and bought a minivan. Let me tell you, the amount of "cool points" that we lots for getting a minivan were worth it. I don't know that I'll ever go back to an SUV. The automatic sliding side doors, automatic hatchback, all the seats fold into the ground, TONS of cargo space in the back, excellent gas mileage, ahh I could go on and on!

Meet Velma, our 2016 Dodge Caravan

My life was basically filled with growing a baby, going to school online, and working my little side business.

26-week Bumpdate

28-week Bumpdate


I have kind of moved away from crocheting because I have found that I enjoying sewing more. Here are a few of my creations. You can also check out my Love Knots Designs Etsy or Facebook pages for more listings.  I have been overwhelmed with joy from all of the support and orders that I have received. The extra income has been a huge blessing to my family as we are preparing for me to take a pause on working as a nurse part-time and focus on adjusting to having two littles running around.


  


  


  
  


Daniel has been focusing on his research, as he knows that when the baby comes, he will have to take some time off, so he is getting as much as can get done now.  

I'm working on my March and April updates, as they were filled with even more craziness. 

~Jess

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

Well the day has finally come that I am taking the time to post my recipe for DIY liquid laundry detergent. I actually did not have much of a choice when I found out this morning that the blog that I used to reference is no longer available. I have been making this recipe for years now and rarely have to rebuy the ingredients because they come in such large amounts. To get started, it cost me under $15. All of the ingredients can be found at Walmart. So.... Here it is!!

I typically make mine in 3-gallon batches, but you can half or even third the recipe to make less.

This IS safe for HE washing machines.

**The beautiful thing about this recipe is it is super forgiving and you can make a ton of modifications along the way to fit your situation.   --> ** <--- indicate modifications.


What you need:
- 1/2 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax
- 1/2 cup of Washing Soda
- 1/3 bar of Fels-Naptha Soap (or any low sud-producing soap, but this soap smells AMAZING)
- 3 gallons worth of containers (I use old laundry detergent containers. I've also seen old plastic milk or orange juice containers)
- 3 gallons of water
- Pitcher
- Large spoon
- 3-5 gallon pot
**if you do not have one, I used a 1-gallon pot I had until I finally bought a bigger one
- Cheese grater

Step 1: If you have a 3-5 gallon pot, add 1 gallon of water and turn it on medium heat. 

**If you are using a 1-gallon pot, add 1/2 gallon water.

Step 2: Grate 1/3 of the bar of Fels-Naptha soap and pour it into the pot of hot water, stirring occasionally until all the soap is completely melted. The water will start to thicken and become cloudy. 

36-week baby bump making its appearance ;)

Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of washing soda into the pot of water. Also, add 1 gallon of water. Continue to stir the mixture and allow all of the ingredients to dissolve.

If the mixture begins to boil, continue adding your third gallon of water and slightly reduce the heat.

**If you are only using a 1-gallon pot, do not add any additional water for this step, just reduce the heat.

Step 4: When the mixture is completely dissolved, allow to cool slightly. Use your pitcher to scoop the mixture out of the pot and then pour it into your containers. (If you have a better pouring method, by all means, use it, but this is the easiest way I have found to transfer the detergent.)

** If you are using a 1-gallon pot, evenly distribute the detergent mixture into your containers and then add warm/hot water to the containers until they are full. Shake the detergent and it will settle just as if you were cooking it all together.

The detergent will start to thicken as it cools. Do not use until it has completely set. 

**If the detergent is too thick, you may have to shake it before each use. If it is still too thick, then add a cup of water at a time and shake until you are happy with the consistency.  

My little "helper"

Let me know if you have any questions or additional suggestions. I'd also love to know if you tried it and how it turned out for you!!

Enjoy!

~Jess