homemade dishwashing powder

When we were building our new house, there were many things I wanted that I'd never had, simple things really, but a dishwasher was not one of them.  It was DH who insisted on this, not sure why as he doesn't do the dishes!  I have to admit there have been times that I've thought its the best thing I've got that I never wanted.  Its the kids job to do dishes at night, but with DS16 being in Germany for six weeks and more often than not just three of us home I've been washing them and not using it.  However, with him back and eldest being home as well now, its getting a good work out.  There was a period of three months - an electricity bill length - where I banned it to see the difference in the electricity bill.  I couldn't believe there was none, so much to the delight of the dishwashers it started up again.


About six months ago I found a recipe for homemade dishwashing powder.  I can't remember where abouts, I just googled and printed.  I just couldn't justify the cost of shop brought powder and it was another cost saving measure, although knowing what's in it is just as important to me.




DISHWASHING POWDER


1 cup borax
1 cup bi-carb soda
1/4 cup salt
1/4 cup citric acid
30 drops citrus essential oil


Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight plastic container.  Use 1 tablespoon at a time.


I found in one lot that it tended to clump after a while.  I think this was due to the lid not being sealed properly, I just give it a good stir or shake up each time.

 I also use white vinegar for the rinsing aid which works just as well as commercial ones.


Hope you're having a great week, we've had a small respite from the heatwave, back up to very high temps at the moment!


Trying to keep cool :)

peeling fresh boiled eggs ..... grrrr .... solution!

You know how some things just really frustrate you?

Well, trying to peel fresh boiled eggs is one of mine.  After destroying some yesterday and wanting some more for a salad tonight, I decided to google again, just to see if I could find something new .... and just look at these, laid yesterday and peeled so easily!

Here's the trick ......

..... boil the egg, drain the water from the pot, put the lid back on and give the pot a few shakes as if you were making popcorn (back and forward, as well as a little up and down).  Next add cold water to cover the eggs, let sit for one or two minutes, drain and peel.  At this point they should peel easily.

Check out where I managed to find this along with a load of useful info here.

I have to admit I was very sceptical, I've tried every trick in the book.

Wow, was I impressed, it worked perf-egg-tly .... lol

Hope you had a fantastic day, it was a stinker here, first real hot day since last summer, love and thoughts to those down south (Margaret River region) who have lost their homes today and continue to battle a massive bushfire!

the essentials

There are days when you just have to do what needs to be done, right??  YUK!

It was another beautiful day outside, despite the forecast of rain developing again.  I went out several times, just because, but had to get stuff done inside.

First, I want to thank you Leanne from Cottage Tails for joining me as my first follower!! I was very excited, rang hubby at work and he said "is that what you rang for", I'm sure he was excited on the inside! He said he would always 'follow me', mmmm, I love him!

 * Bread rolls and a loaf made early.

 * Slow cooker on ready for dinner tonight.

 * Laundry detergent made and bottled when cooled (you can find this and much more here).

 * Washing folded, ironed and put away.

 * Refereed the kids when needed .... yep, its still school holidays.

 * Then sat to start a new knitting project.  Already have a jumper to finish, but this needs to be done for a birthday next weekend.  I'll fill you in on it next time.

Hope you all had a terrific day :)

washing day

Its one of those days when you just know you have to do the washing.  I've been putting it off because I have no washing liquid left.  Quite some time ago I became an avid follower of Rhonda Jean at down-to-earth.  I have learnt so much from this wonderful lady.  One of those being home-made laundry detergent, so I set myself to the task.  You can find the recipe to this here.


This will give me ten litres of washing detergent.
 

While you're over there, have a good look around - if you haven't done so before.  There is a fountain of knowledge that just flows and flows!

The upside of washing these days is that the nights are still so warm that I can hang it on the line at seven at night and its dry at seven in the morning!

Have a lovely day :)