My mother-in-law gave me this recipe for laundry detergent. It is easy to make, works great and is WAY cheaper than buying laundry detergent. I just make a big bucket of it and then pour it into my old Tide bottle. This soap works in all kinds of washers. It works great in our old washer and my Mom just bought a really nice new washer and it works great in it as well.
4 cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar (I found this just at the grocery store)
1 cup washing soda
1 cup Borax
1.Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
2. Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
3. To make it easy to use, pour it in to an old laundry detergent container.
Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled.
Top Load Machine: Use 1/2-3/4 cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
Front Load Machines: 1/8-1/4 cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
The cost of supplies is initially:
Box of Borax about $2.50
Box of Washing soda about $3
Bar of Fels Naptha about $1.50
5 gallon bucket
Note: This soap does not really "bubble" in the washer. This really bothered my Mom so she adds a little bit of dish soap to her detergent to make herself feel better. She also researched it online and found out that detergent companies actually add soap to their detergents as well because the detergents don't "bubble" on their own either. So, your clothes will be and are getting clean with this detergent.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Budget Tips Friday: Think Swaps!
If there is something you need somewhat temporarily, instead of buying try swapping.You can swap talents. For example if you cut hair and want some family pictures, post a message to google groups and wait for the inevitable response.
Exchanges. Certain size kids clothes or even toys that your kids are bored with at the moment.
You can swap material items or even just ask to borrow, people love helping others out. Like if you need cake pans and can't think of any other time in the next year that you will need them again, don't waste the borrowed money, borrow the pans.
You can even swap talents for material items. It can sound odd, but it works. Awhile ago I offered a photo session for maternity clothes and got responses galore.
This is a great thing to do when every purchase is a financial strain. Even when the student days are over, talent swaps especially can always be used.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sorry!
So a double ear infection and sinus infection has had me getting by with bare minimums for the last few weeks. But I'm back and at it so keep tuned for updates this week!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Friday Budget Tip
I love cloth diapering. Hold on, don't stop reading!!! The cloth diapering I am talking about is NOT your mother's cloth diapering! There are no pins or plastic pants - yuck! The new cloth diapers are hip, environmentally friendly, and best of all, very wallet friendly!
Here's the 411:
Cloth: Yup, you have to wash them. Depending on how often you want to wash them will help you know how many to buy.
One-size: A diaper meant to last from birth to potty training. BumGenius, FuzziBunz, Happy Heineys
Sized diapers: Specifically sized for weight/height/etc. I prefer these for a better fit. FuzziBunz, Swaddlebees
All-in-one (AIO): Just what they sound like - it's all there. No stuffing or anything. They tend to hold smells and take a long time to dry. BumGenius, Swaddlebees
Pocket diaper: You put an insert into a shell - usually with PUL (waterproof material) on the outside and microfleece that touches baby's skin. They clean very well and dry fast. FuzziBunz, Swaddlebees, Happy Heineys
Inserts: What you put into a pocket diaper. Made of microfiber, hemp or cotton. The first two are the least bulky, and are super absorbent. FuzziBunz come with a microfiber insert.
Diaper doubler: basically another insert that you put in your diaper when you want some extra absorbency. Usually a little smaller than a regular insert.
Microfleece: A super-thin fleece that causes the moisture to wick away from baby's skin. So when you change your baby their little bum is dry.
Liners: Go between the baby's bum and the diaper. Can be made of anything, but the best ones are made of microfleece because of the wicking capability. They make for easy poop changes. They also have flushable liners so there is never any swishing. I've tried them tho, and they tend to just give wedgies because they don't stay in place very well.
Prefolds with covers: Definitely the least expensive, but the cotton against the baby's skin has to be changed as soon as it gets wet to avoid irritation and rashes. Ouch. This is what our mom's used - only no pins this time around. There are great little contraptions called "snappis" that hold the prefold in place. There are lots of cute diaper covers out there. Kissaluvs, bummis
Changing: Depending on the type of diaper you use (see prefolds above) every 2-4 hours, very similar to a disposable. The hemp/microfiber inserts can hold a lot.
Accessories: A diaper pail with a liner. I put baking soda in the bottom of my pail, a lovely citrus circle at the top and use a mesh bag to hold the diapers/inserts. When I first started I used prefolds, but now I only use them for changing pads. They are perfect. For poopy diapers I take the diaper in the prefold to the toilet, swish a little and put it back in the prefold to take to the pail.
Laundry: Do you have your own washer and dryer? If not, CDing could be kind of a pain. Again, depending on how many you get determines how often you do laundry. 24 is a good number for newborns, and that puts you doing laundry every 2nd or 3rd day. 18 is good for mediums, again, doing laundry every 3rd day.
Night time diapering: If your kids are anything like mine, they are super-pee-ers at night time! Even double stuffing the diapers didn't hold everything, which meant that the moisture-wicking advantage of micro-fleece didn't work and there would be red bums in the morning. Disposables can hold SO much liquid! Have you ever forgotten a swim diaper and left them in a normal one in the pool? Crazy.
Also on trips I use disposables. It's just not so fun toting the diaper pail around. And doing laundry at your in-laws house. ;o)
Poop: I swish a little in the toilet. It really isn't bad. :o) Prefolds are handy to have so you don't drip on the way from the toilet to the pail. Eew! Blowouts are no more common in good cloth diapers than in disposables. Notice the "good" part. :o)
Diaper pail: This is the one that I have. I just got it at Target (or for a baby shower gift...hmm...I should remember). I also had this one for a little while, but it was for my disposables (yes, I had two diaper pails...for a little while)
Cost: I don't know the cost if you have to use a laundromat to wash, but if you have your own W/D the cost is WAY WAY WAY less than disposables. The difference is in the thousands of dollars anyhow, so even using a laundromat you would save lots and lots of money using cloth. Like you said, it is completely ridiculous how much money we throw away on disposables. Literally. They are about 25 cents apiece!
Here's how it breaks down, for new sized FuzziBunz diapers and disposable diapers (and the disposable diapers cost more now - these numbers are a little old):
Cloth 0-6 months: 24 diapers - $360
Paper 0-6 months: ~$250
Cloth 6 mth - 2 1/2 years: 18 diapers - $270
Paper 6 mth - 2 1/2 years: ~$813
Totals:
Cloth: $630
Paper: $1,063
Cloth x 3 kids: $630
Paper x 3 kids: $3,189 (assuming prices don't go up)
Even factoring in washing and drying, you are still coming out WAY ahead. The initial upfront cost is the part that can be a little daunting, but save up - it is worth it! Or get fewer at the beginning, and as you want/need more, or budget for more, get them then!
If your child isn't ready for potty learning at 2 1/2 (as mine weren't), you'll keep spending money on disposables, and in all likelihood will continue using the same cloth diapers - unless your child has HUGE thighs. :o) And I'm talking BIG!
Newborns: I wouldn't start using cloth until your baby is a couple of weeks old. The meconium just isn't fun with any diaper! And give yourself time to adjust to a new baby in the house! Babies are in mediums for the longest amount of time (this is assuming you want sized diapers and not one-size), so it almost makes sense to wait until the babies are into mediums and not buy smalls at all. Just a thought. :o) Then you could buy a few more mediums and not have to do wash so often. :o)
Diaper rashes: You can use cloth with diaper rashes, but you have to use a liner because you don't want to stain the diapers or inhibit the diapers absorbency. When my babies got bad rashes (open, bleeding sores) I used disposables...or nothing at all. I'd just sit them on a soft cotton prefold with their bums covered in all sorts of stuff. Because I could care less if my prefolds aren't absorbent!
If your babies have really sensitive skin I would use Swaddlebees AIOs because it is cotton that touches the baby's skin, not a man-made material like microfleece. But again, with cotton you have to change them more often because it doesn't wick moisture very well. And specifically with Swaddlebees you have to change them more often because the inserts aren't as big, so they don't hold as much. One friend used Swaddlebees because of her kids' allergies and really liked them.
I hope that answers some questions...and probably brings up more - so ask away! I know I'm not the only one in the program who uses cloth, so ask for second opinions! :o)
Claire
clairelaine@gmail.com
get-there-together.blogspot.com
p.s. I sell the FuzziBunz diapers - that is why they are such a good price, i.e. $15/each vs. $18/each. :o) Check out fuzzibunz.com to see all the fun colors and prints!
Here's the 411:
Cloth: Yup, you have to wash them. Depending on how often you want to wash them will help you know how many to buy.
One-size: A diaper meant to last from birth to potty training. BumGenius, FuzziBunz, Happy Heineys
Sized diapers: Specifically sized for weight/height/etc. I prefer these for a better fit. FuzziBunz, Swaddlebees
All-in-one (AIO): Just what they sound like - it's all there. No stuffing or anything. They tend to hold smells and take a long time to dry. BumGenius, Swaddlebees
Pocket diaper: You put an insert into a shell - usually with PUL (waterproof material) on the outside and microfleece that touches baby's skin. They clean very well and dry fast. FuzziBunz, Swaddlebees, Happy Heineys
Inserts: What you put into a pocket diaper. Made of microfiber, hemp or cotton. The first two are the least bulky, and are super absorbent. FuzziBunz come with a microfiber insert.
Diaper doubler: basically another insert that you put in your diaper when you want some extra absorbency. Usually a little smaller than a regular insert.
Microfleece: A super-thin fleece that causes the moisture to wick away from baby's skin. So when you change your baby their little bum is dry.
Liners: Go between the baby's bum and the diaper. Can be made of anything, but the best ones are made of microfleece because of the wicking capability. They make for easy poop changes. They also have flushable liners so there is never any swishing. I've tried them tho, and they tend to just give wedgies because they don't stay in place very well.
Prefolds with covers: Definitely the least expensive, but the cotton against the baby's skin has to be changed as soon as it gets wet to avoid irritation and rashes. Ouch. This is what our mom's used - only no pins this time around. There are great little contraptions called "snappis" that hold the prefold in place. There are lots of cute diaper covers out there. Kissaluvs, bummis
Changing: Depending on the type of diaper you use (see prefolds above) every 2-4 hours, very similar to a disposable. The hemp/microfiber inserts can hold a lot.
Accessories: A diaper pail with a liner. I put baking soda in the bottom of my pail, a lovely citrus circle at the top and use a mesh bag to hold the diapers/inserts. When I first started I used prefolds, but now I only use them for changing pads. They are perfect. For poopy diapers I take the diaper in the prefold to the toilet, swish a little and put it back in the prefold to take to the pail.
Laundry: Do you have your own washer and dryer? If not, CDing could be kind of a pain. Again, depending on how many you get determines how often you do laundry. 24 is a good number for newborns, and that puts you doing laundry every 2nd or 3rd day. 18 is good for mediums, again, doing laundry every 3rd day.
Night time diapering: If your kids are anything like mine, they are super-pee-ers at night time! Even double stuffing the diapers didn't hold everything, which meant that the moisture-wicking advantage of micro-fleece didn't work and there would be red bums in the morning. Disposables can hold SO much liquid! Have you ever forgotten a swim diaper and left them in a normal one in the pool? Crazy.
Also on trips I use disposables. It's just not so fun toting the diaper pail around. And doing laundry at your in-laws house. ;o)
Poop: I swish a little in the toilet. It really isn't bad. :o) Prefolds are handy to have so you don't drip on the way from the toilet to the pail. Eew! Blowouts are no more common in good cloth diapers than in disposables. Notice the "good" part. :o)
Diaper pail: This is the one that I have. I just got it at Target (or for a baby shower gift...hmm...I should remember). I also had this one for a little while, but it was for my disposables (yes, I had two diaper pails...for a little while)
Cost: I don't know the cost if you have to use a laundromat to wash, but if you have your own W/D the cost is WAY WAY WAY less than disposables. The difference is in the thousands of dollars anyhow, so even using a laundromat you would save lots and lots of money using cloth. Like you said, it is completely ridiculous how much money we throw away on disposables. Literally. They are about 25 cents apiece!
Here's how it breaks down, for new sized FuzziBunz diapers and disposable diapers (and the disposable diapers cost more now - these numbers are a little old):
Cloth 0-6 months: 24 diapers - $360
Paper 0-6 months: ~$250
Cloth 6 mth - 2 1/2 years: 18 diapers - $270
Paper 6 mth - 2 1/2 years: ~$813
Totals:
Cloth: $630
Paper: $1,063
Cloth x 3 kids: $630
Paper x 3 kids: $3,189 (assuming prices don't go up)
Even factoring in washing and drying, you are still coming out WAY ahead. The initial upfront cost is the part that can be a little daunting, but save up - it is worth it! Or get fewer at the beginning, and as you want/need more, or budget for more, get them then!
If your child isn't ready for potty learning at 2 1/2 (as mine weren't), you'll keep spending money on disposables, and in all likelihood will continue using the same cloth diapers - unless your child has HUGE thighs. :o) And I'm talking BIG!
Newborns: I wouldn't start using cloth until your baby is a couple of weeks old. The meconium just isn't fun with any diaper! And give yourself time to adjust to a new baby in the house! Babies are in mediums for the longest amount of time (this is assuming you want sized diapers and not one-size), so it almost makes sense to wait until the babies are into mediums and not buy smalls at all. Just a thought. :o) Then you could buy a few more mediums and not have to do wash so often. :o)
Diaper rashes: You can use cloth with diaper rashes, but you have to use a liner because you don't want to stain the diapers or inhibit the diapers absorbency. When my babies got bad rashes (open, bleeding sores) I used disposables...or nothing at all. I'd just sit them on a soft cotton prefold with their bums covered in all sorts of stuff. Because I could care less if my prefolds aren't absorbent!
If your babies have really sensitive skin I would use Swaddlebees AIOs because it is cotton that touches the baby's skin, not a man-made material like microfleece. But again, with cotton you have to change them more often because it doesn't wick moisture very well. And specifically with Swaddlebees you have to change them more often because the inserts aren't as big, so they don't hold as much. One friend used Swaddlebees because of her kids' allergies and really liked them.
I hope that answers some questions...and probably brings up more - so ask away! I know I'm not the only one in the program who uses cloth, so ask for second opinions! :o)
Claire
clairelaine@gmail.com
get-there-together.blogspot.com
p.s. I sell the FuzziBunz diapers - that is why they are such a good price, i.e. $15/each vs. $18/each. :o) Check out fuzzibunz.com to see all the fun colors and prints!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Digital Scrapbooking- warning- it's addictive!
Hi my name is Suzanne and I think I am quickly becoming known as the 'digital scrapbooking' woman in the group- which I guess is fine by me because I seriously LOVE it!! I love to take any and all opportunities to introduce digital scrapbooking to people- so here's another chance. :)
First a little background on me: I graduated in Art Education and during school I took a couple of Photoshop classes. I LOVED them- but could never figure out how I could use that knowledge for something I loved doing. Fast forward a few years- after my son was born I wanted to get into scrapbooking by I was overwhelmed by all the supplies (and cost associated with it) and the thought of my living room being over taken with stuff, when my sister introduced me to digital scrapbooking- and I have been hooked ever since. Most recently I have started selling my own designs at a digital scrapbooking store called ScrapMatters. I design under the name Purple Tulip Designs. With that out of the way- let's get started:
What is digital scrapbooking?
In the most basic terms- basically you use a program on your computer to arrange pictures with digital "paper" and "embellishment" files on a page (just like in normal scrapbooking) and then you can print those completed pages out to be put into normal scrapbooking albums, or into books. Of course there are WAY more uses than that- but that's the gist of it.
An example- you would download a digital kit that would look like this:
and turn it into a page that looks like this:
Do the pages look like they were made on the computer?
No! It's amazing the talent that is out there in the digital world- seriously so many of the pages I see look like they are actually pictures of real scrapbook pages!
So- what do they look like?
Here's a slide show of some of the pages I have created:
Okay, so I'm interested- where do I start?
Luckily for you I am going to be teaching a hands on class for the MBASA in October. I am going to have everyone that can bring a laptop with a few things pre-downloaded so we can call see what this all about.
What do you use to make the pages?
I started using Photoshop Elements 5.0 to create my pages- which proved to be a great program. Elements is basically a scaled down version of Photoshop. It's a smaller (and MUCH cheaper) program- but it still is really great. I recommend it for anyone wanting to scrapbook. You can download a free 30 day trial of the latest version at Adobe. If you're planning on coming to the class though- I recommend you wait to download it until it gets closer to the class date so you'll have some time to play with what you learn afterward.
*You can use other programs to scrapbook with, I just have never used anything else, and Photoshop seems to be the industry norm- so that's what I recommend.
However, if you're impatient and want to start looking around now here are some great sites to start with:
Shabby Princess- Lots of great video tutorials, and free kit downloads.
Jessica Sprague- If you're looking for a little more structure- she offers online classes in 3 different levels. I took one of her classes and I strongly recommend them. She breaks the lessons down into short little videos that you have access to forever- they're really helpful in learning how to use Photoshop.
If you want some more cool sites to check out you can look at the list of links I've got on this blog here: http://digiscrappindivas.blogspot.com
And of course if you've got questions- I am always more than happy to help! :)
First a little background on me: I graduated in Art Education and during school I took a couple of Photoshop classes. I LOVED them- but could never figure out how I could use that knowledge for something I loved doing. Fast forward a few years- after my son was born I wanted to get into scrapbooking by I was overwhelmed by all the supplies (and cost associated with it) and the thought of my living room being over taken with stuff, when my sister introduced me to digital scrapbooking- and I have been hooked ever since. Most recently I have started selling my own designs at a digital scrapbooking store called ScrapMatters. I design under the name Purple Tulip Designs. With that out of the way- let's get started:
What is digital scrapbooking?
In the most basic terms- basically you use a program on your computer to arrange pictures with digital "paper" and "embellishment" files on a page (just like in normal scrapbooking) and then you can print those completed pages out to be put into normal scrapbooking albums, or into books. Of course there are WAY more uses than that- but that's the gist of it.
An example- you would download a digital kit that would look like this:
and turn it into a page that looks like this:
Do the pages look like they were made on the computer?No! It's amazing the talent that is out there in the digital world- seriously so many of the pages I see look like they are actually pictures of real scrapbook pages!
So- what do they look like?
Here's a slide show of some of the pages I have created:
Okay, so I'm interested- where do I start?
Luckily for you I am going to be teaching a hands on class for the MBASA in October. I am going to have everyone that can bring a laptop with a few things pre-downloaded so we can call see what this all about.
What do you use to make the pages?
I started using Photoshop Elements 5.0 to create my pages- which proved to be a great program. Elements is basically a scaled down version of Photoshop. It's a smaller (and MUCH cheaper) program- but it still is really great. I recommend it for anyone wanting to scrapbook. You can download a free 30 day trial of the latest version at Adobe. If you're planning on coming to the class though- I recommend you wait to download it until it gets closer to the class date so you'll have some time to play with what you learn afterward.
*You can use other programs to scrapbook with, I just have never used anything else, and Photoshop seems to be the industry norm- so that's what I recommend.
However, if you're impatient and want to start looking around now here are some great sites to start with:
Shabby Princess- Lots of great video tutorials, and free kit downloads.
Jessica Sprague- If you're looking for a little more structure- she offers online classes in 3 different levels. I took one of her classes and I strongly recommend them. She breaks the lessons down into short little videos that you have access to forever- they're really helpful in learning how to use Photoshop.
If you want some more cool sites to check out you can look at the list of links I've got on this blog here: http://digiscrappindivas.blogspot.com
And of course if you've got questions- I am always more than happy to help! :)
Monday, September 21, 2009
This Week...
Monday:
Board Meeting
8:30pm
TBA
Tuesday:
MBASA Football Game
9:15pm-10:15pm
North University Field #2
Wednesday:
Transition Tips and Fashion Show
8pm-9:30pm
WILK 3228
1st Years Only! Learn what your spouse is up to in the program and how to dress.
Board Meeting
8:30pm
TBA
Tuesday:
MBASA Football Game
9:15pm-10:15pm
North University Field #2
Wednesday:
Transition Tips and Fashion Show
8pm-9:30pm
WILK 3228
1st Years Only! Learn what your spouse is up to in the program and how to dress.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What I Do With My Free Time
My name is Heather Hatch, and I'm a second year spouse. I was asked to post about my talents. Now, potentially this could be a very intimidating post to write. Thankfully I love telling others how awesome I am...just kidding, kind of. :)
I have three incredibly cute little boys, and I'm due at the end of October with a little girl. So, most of my free time (whatever little I may have!) has mostly been spent making things for her arrival.
My mom taught me how to crochet, sew and embroider when I was about eight, but I HATED it. I didn't have the patience/skills required, and I gave it up when I was in junior high. Well, when I was pregnant with Matthew (my oldest), that nesting instinct kicked in and so, over the last few years, I've dusted off my sewing machine, embroidery needles, and crochet hooks, and I've been teaching myself how to do things all over again. I'm not perfect at it, but I enjoy it. In fact, I'm addicted to crafting/sewing blogs where I'm constantly picking up new techniques.
Most of my projects have been sewing, but there's a little crochet and embroidery thrown in there, too. So without further ado, here's what I've been up to:
I made these little shoes to go with a blessing dress I'm crocheting.
This is the girly diaper bag I made.
I use cloth nursing pads, so I made a TON of fun, funky ones out of my fabric scraps. Adding a little sassy to breastfeeding makes me actually look forward to it :)
I crocheted this hat to keep Miss Natalie's head warm this winter.
I sewed two baby slings. This one is lined in microfleece.
And this one is lined in a cotton fabric.
A half apron that I designed, including the embroidery and crocheted flowers on the side.
This picture shows the bling I attached to one side, because every apron should have a little bling, don't you think?
I have three incredibly cute little boys, and I'm due at the end of October with a little girl. So, most of my free time (whatever little I may have!) has mostly been spent making things for her arrival.
My mom taught me how to crochet, sew and embroider when I was about eight, but I HATED it. I didn't have the patience/skills required, and I gave it up when I was in junior high. Well, when I was pregnant with Matthew (my oldest), that nesting instinct kicked in and so, over the last few years, I've dusted off my sewing machine, embroidery needles, and crochet hooks, and I've been teaching myself how to do things all over again. I'm not perfect at it, but I enjoy it. In fact, I'm addicted to crafting/sewing blogs where I'm constantly picking up new techniques.
Most of my projects have been sewing, but there's a little crochet and embroidery thrown in there, too. So without further ado, here's what I've been up to:
I made these little shoes to go with a blessing dress I'm crocheting.This is the girly diaper bag I made.I use cloth nursing pads, so I made a TON of fun, funky ones out of my fabric scraps. Adding a little sassy to breastfeeding makes me actually look forward to it :)I crocheted this hat to keep Miss Natalie's head warm this winter.I sewed two baby slings. This one is lined in microfleece.And this one is lined in a cotton fabric.The next project I have pictured isn't for the baby, but I'm kind of excited about it. I have plans to open an etsy shop to hopefully support my sewing habit. I have a shop, just nothing listed in it yet. I'm still working on getting things made to put in it, and getting all the pictures taken. It should be up and running in the next couple of weeks. This is my latest creation:
A half apron that I designed, including the embroidery and crocheted flowers on the side.This picture shows the bling I attached to one side, because every apron should have a little bling, don't you think?I have a lot more unfinished projects that I'm scrambling to get done in the coming weeks. Wish me luck! Thanks for letting me share!
I also have a photography blog you can peek at if you're interested. Click HERE. What can I say? I like to stay busy.
I also have a photography blog you can peek at if you're interested. Click HERE. What can I say? I like to stay busy.
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