Seventy Cents for Home Made Laundry Detergent

Hey Friends! We have made our own laundry detergent for the past 2 months. It is a liquid detergent, so it is better for your washing machine and septic system. If you want to make it yourself click on the link above or see the side bar. This also makes a great science experiment. The kids and I had fun making it. The three main ingredients

Washing soda, borax and a bar of soap you like (I used dial the first time)

react to make a stiff gelatin substance. This you stir after 24 hours, it is then ready to use. We use 1/2 cup at a time. My husband and I have been pleased with the results. The only down side is no fragrance unless you use a smell good soap. It is possible to add essential oils for fragrance. I think I could boil some rose petals in the water before adding the soap. If I do and it works, or doesn't, I'll let you all know.

All this hassle cost $0.70 to make. It yields 2 gal of finished product. Using 1/2 cup at a time I can wash 128 loads. If you don't want to make it yourself, I'd be happy to let you try some of mine. If you like the results and still don't want to make it, I'd be happy to sell you mine. Again, the kids and I had fun making goop.

Take Care, Rachael

How to get rid of lice in one day

LICE...we have had an invasion!!! I knew lice was going around and have been checking my daughters' long hair. I never suspected my son!

My parents opened our home to foster kids when I was a teenager. We did not have a clue about lice then. After the third recurrence we got serious. We did not realize what a monster it was. To be sure you have rid your home you must be serious about "sanitizing" your house. I have found the following protocol to be very successful in ridding your house of lice in one day.

1. Don't worry, they are going to die. Have purchased and ready:
"Lice killing shampoo"
"Lice killing spray" for your furniture (don't forget the vehicle).
conditioner
cheep hair spray

2.Pull your own hair back and hair spray it well. If you have lice this will keep them contained. Wear a button down shirt. When you are finished with your work this will prevent having to pull your shirt over your head.

3.Begin at the furthest point from your washing machine.

4.Get all clothing and bedding to the washer and start washing. It is helpful if you can put one person in charge of washing (after their hair is "sanitized" and they have "clean" clothing on). If you need to call a friend for help have them do step 2. I have helped other moms get rid of lice and did not get it myself.

5.Collect all hair accessories. I've thrown out a lot of hair ties. Brushes and combs can be put in a bleach bath. I fill the sink with water and some bleach.

6.Pillows can be put in the dryer for 30 min. The dryer bakes the little boogers.

7.ALL, how can I emphasize this, ALL stuffed and cloth dolls, animals or toys. Seal them up in a plastic bag for about a week or two. This suffocates the lice. Be sure you have them sealed in. If your child has a special toy they can not wait for, I am sure you could stick it in dryer with the pillows. Cloth hats can also be put in the dryer.

OK, now your house is clean and your laundry room is a mess. Again don't worry, you are closer to being done.

This is the time, if you are going to, for hair cuts. Cut hair before treatment.

8.Shampoo. Read all the instructions before you begin. Follow the instructions. Use a small bit of conditioner after your finished washing. This helps the combing process go smoother.

9.Have clean clothing ready for each person. I have them sit in their towel until combing is complete.

10.As you finish each person with long hair it is important that it is pulled back in some way. I prefer a french braid. Spray persons with long hair with lots of hair spray. Lice don't like places that are stiff and full of chemical. Spraying helps prevent re-infestation. I would do their hair like this until you have completed the second application of shampoo (7-10 days later).

You are almost finished.

11.Time to spray your furniture, beds, hats and vehicle. Follow instructions.

Your hair and clothing are "sanitized". Finish the laundry. Have a designated "sanitized" spot for the clean laundry.

12.Vacuum.

Your house is now "sanitized" in one day. You only have to put every thing back where it belongs as it comes out of the dryer. This may take a day or two depending on where your laundry room is.

Happy sanitizing!

Remember, "It is not a shame to have lice, only to keep it."