Money Saving Washing Powder Tips

OK, let’s face it, you gotta do laundry. My family runs the washing machine at least four times a week. Can you imagine the amount of laundry powder we go through?

I get so frustrated because I love the good smelling strong powders but I also want to stay away from the strong toxins many of them have while saving money. It was a few years back that I decided to learn how to make my own. Now I have the best of all three worlds. My clothes smell dreamy, feel of toxins and we save money with each load.

Try these recipes and see how you too can be toxic free like me….. well, at least in the laundry room. This mixture will wash about 60 loads.  Enjoy!

Grab

• bar bath soap, grated (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup arm & hammer super washing soda laundry detergent (a laundry booster)
• ¹⁄₂ cup borax
• hot water

Then do this:

1. Cover with water and simmer over medium heat until all soap is melted, stirring occasionally.
2. Pour into 5 gallon bucket.
3. Add washing soda and borax.
4. Add enough hot water to fill the bucket.
5. Stir  & let sit overnight to gel.
6. Use 1 cup per load.

NOTE: You can pour this into old detergent containers or leave in the bucket.  For fresh, clean laundry without chemicals, make your own powders and sprays.

Even simpler:

Mix-

16 cups baking soda

13 cups of Borax
12 cups washing soda

8 cups grated castile or glycerin soap flakes*
3 tablespoons lavender, lemon or grapefruit essential oil

Combine baking soda, Borax, washing soda and soap flakes. Add essential oil and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1⁄8 cup per load. Yield: This recipe makes enough powder to last a family of eight for six months.

*Pre-Wash Stain Spray

1⁄2 cup white vinegar
1⁄4 cup baking soda
3 cups water

Stir together and fill a labeled spray bottle. Spray on soiled spots just before washing. Always test a hidden spot first.

Bleach/Brightener Substitute

1 cup hydrogen peroxide
1⁄4 cup lemon or grapefruit juice
12 cups water

Store in a labeled plastic jug. Add 2 cups per load along with detergent.

Extra tips:
For extra-clean clothes, follow your detergent with 1/2 cup of washing soda, an all-natural laundry booster. Add baking soda to wash water at the same time as detergent to soften and freshen clothes and linens.
These work well for us. The children love to help with these projects, also. I allow them help select the soap pieces, pour dry items and capping bottles. It makes them happy, so have fun with it!

Okay, now here’s a little from my son’s game Monday. We had a ball! It was so clear that it’s More than just a game.

Keep it Clean, ~QC Supermom

Friday Four: How Not to give Hand-Me-Downs’

I should’ve known what to expect when she said “My husband wants it out of the house.” But no….. I went anyway! I said to myself,she is as nutty as a walnut,but I know she wouldn’t give me any mess.

 

It’s always cool to help someone out while getting your spouse off your back. I do it all of the time. My husband and I have a rule, for everything we bring in, something must leave. (Yes, I agreed to that). Any-hoots, back to the story, there is a fine line between being dismissive and just plan out negligent. I gotta talk to my “friend later today.She asked me to come to her house to get some really nice things. Maybe she doesn’t know any better,and I’ll deal with her later on that, but you will.  Here’s four things to remember when you decide to give away your summer household purges.

Check to see if items are share worthy

1. Before you give someone a previously loved items, make sure it is clean – nothing is more disappointing than seeing dead bugs, cat hairs. dirt and mold on gifts from a “friend.” Even if you must clean it yourself. Take the 5 minutes to grab some baking soda and vinegar and just do it.

2. Determine if it’s appropriate to give the products(s) to THAT person. For example, if the giftee has older girls or all boys, don’t give her stuff for little girls. To do so is like asking her to just get rid of it for you. And if that’s what you wanted, you should just ask. While you may not get the receipt from the non profit donation, you’ll still get it out of your home.

3. Present it like you care. Enforce the box or bag with tape. You don’t want the box to collapse while they are loading it. It also shows that you really want them to enjoy your gift. When I give used items away, I will use a strong lawn trash bag or solid box. Both are so affordable.

4.Tell your giftee if it’s in a questionable shape. If you have animals, missing parts, a bad leak in your basement, etc, has been handled roughly over the years, and you are not sure if you should trash it, let the giftee know upfront!

Now, be reminded, there are exceptions to every rule. Some people like receiving simple and humble finds to shift through and recycle them. Cafters, pickers, hoarders, – it’s the thrill of the hunt. Others, like myself – Not so much. I was so disappointed as my children enthusiastically explored the malarkey.

I don’t know if I should be insulted or just disappointed in her. A few years ago I made a post for a local clothing donation center and in summary I said, If you wouldn’t wear or use it, don’t give it. We’ll, after I rummaged though the stuff, we did find some treasures.It consisted of books,a canister of tea and a fun tent for the boys. Not too bad I guess. We’ll now would be a great time to go camping in the back yard. Later!

Friday Four: Crazy Easter Eggs

I would “Burry” & eat this up! But I don’t do Easter.

Fill up a sugar free basket!

Happy Easter Weekend!It’s raining in the Carolina. All outdoor hunts are officially drenched! Í would be upset if we had plans today, but because we don’t,” Que Sera Sera .” If you are stuck inside and need some sunny bright ideas for indoors, here you go. I’ve put together four of the best indoor egg games ever!

Growing up in the south, I remember my mom passing out Easter speeches to all of the church children and getting us out to each and every practice. Then when the big day came, we got all shiny and clean just to hold the mike and freeze.The church was lucky if they heard a “Happy Easter Day!” This video reminded me of those carefree days! Too funny, take a look. Our church would respond just like those folks did.

We don’t celebrate Easter anymore. In the mean time we have can up with so many ways to enjoy this festive time with family and friends. I’ve listed some below.

 FOUR EGGCELLANT  IDEAS  & 3 Bonus 

Fun Easter games and more:

1. Top 10 Tips for Indoor Easter Fun  & play time! Grab this collection too!

2. Very Cute, Easy & Fun Decorating ideas & more!

3. 15 Easter Party Games for Children & for after Easter play! 

4. Enjoy yummy salads this year and other light meals.

Color them naturally!

Eat well! By This Guys World

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you hurry, you can get everything before the best thrift stores close!

Noah’s Easter swag for the day. we’ll add blue jeans.

 

Now to wrap it all up with a little Easter Swag Rap! 🙂

Why, because it free to watch. That is all Easter bunnies!

The First Family Easter swag!

Mommy’s Hints for College Kids

Cousins…..My college crew

My son just called asking about his laundry issues. I know that I taught him how to do laundry ,but obviously he missed something. Lucky you! Here are a few laundry tips and other keys to a easy  life. 🙂 If I left anything out, please tell me here. I’m sure the other kids will need this info also.

College kid TIPS:

1. Remove pimples! Dab some lemon juice on the pimple.

2. You know that sticky residue that collects on irons? Run the iron (don’t use the steam setting) over white paper sprinkled with salt.

3. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to a load of laundry to brighten whites.

4. Broken necklace? Connect it with dental floss till you can get it fixed.

5. Clean your microwave by placing a glass bowl filled with 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 cup water inside and heating it for five minutes on the highest setting. After the mixture cools, use a cloth dipped in it to wipe off splattered food stains.

6. Breath stinks? Chew on some parsley or cilantro.

7. Put a slice of bread in a bag of hard brown sugar and check it a few days later. The brown sugar will soften and become usable (and edible) again.

8. Keep the microfrige fresh-smelling and dry by lining the bottom with newspaper.

Make Your Own Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Toothpaste

Homemade Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Toothpaste Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil 
  
• 2 tablespoons Baking Soda
• 10 drops of Peppermint oil

Instructions:

A. Mix baking soda and coconut oil in a small container, until it forms a paste like consistency

B. Add several drops of peppermint oil and mix (*peppermint is optional)

9. Make a paste out of lemon juice and salt and use it to scour and disinfect your bathroom surfaces (but don’t use on marble!).

10. Sound the alarm. To keep unwanted people out your closet, room, etc. tie a small bell to the door.When the door opens the ring will sound.

Extras:

‘Halloween Layer Cake” By Taste Of Home

11.  Let your car warm up! Racing a cold engine increases wear.

12. Hangover? I know it happens. Just grab a cold tea bag to relieve those tired eyes.

So how’d I do?

Happy Fall, QC Supermom

Friday Four: Dogs have super powers!

Why we love Star Pressley, the super terrier albino.

6 years ago we got Star from my sista’. She is a terrier. Not sure what type, but she’s amazing!

Right off the bat, our little albino terrier stole our heart. She was obedient, fast, tiny and just a real sweetheart. You couldn’t ask for a better play mate for the boys out side and a petting buddy for the girls in the house. Even my hubby liked her, even though he has yet to admit it.

She kept us laughing and on our feet. The kids loved feeding her and even grew to love grooming and picking up after her. Some of the lesson we learned from star could only be taught by a non human. Like compassion, non verbal communication,coping skills and yes even self esteem.

Star was our first family dog and we loved having her! I would catch the girls reading, talking to her like a true friend. When we moved, we had no where to put her, but my dad helped out so off to South Carolina she went.

She looked a mess when we picked her up. But my 15 year old looked GREAT. 1 out of two aint that bad. As my daughter was staying down there also. Fast forward- once we got back to Charlotte, we couldn’t wait to roll in the grass, race,play tug-n-drag with our smallest bundle of joy.

Instead, she growled at the neighbors and boo-boo in front of the dogs next door fence,then scratched our 3 year old in the face. At that point, I WANTED to escort her myself to the time out pound. When it a choice between my lil ones and a pet, my children’s safety will always come first. I just wish that he didn’t interfere with her lunch at that time.

After I got my whoosaaah on to control the anger. I realized that she being with my dad with little to no human interaction has taken a toll on her.

A year, salon visit, 2 hair bows, a bandanna  green tea and potato soup later, she’s back happy here with us again.Over time with patience, I know she’ll get back to where she was  a year ago. We love our all in one exerciser, clown, dress up doll, play-buddy, stress relieving, feisty little girl and can’t wait to declare her our best friend again.

If you are looking to get a dog for your family and is wondering which breeds are best, here is a list of the top 10 breeds for kids. Please consider going to the shelter first to find one.

Best Dog Breeds For Kids*
1. Golden Retriever
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Poodle
4. Irish Setter
5. Vizsla
6. Newfoundland
7. Collie
8. Bull Terrier
9. Beagle

10. Bull Dog (that one shocked me I must say)

Read more:

Pets good for kids’ immune systems, researchers find

How pets benefit child development

What every child needs to know before 16 years old

They built a Home Depot Ginger bread house.

 

Have you ever walked into your child’s room and it looked like Hell had an Auction ? Please don’t tell me that I’m the only one with that problem.

She dresses well, cooks and baked great, she even has her book knowledge together well. I just can’t get her to keep that bed room clean for ANYTHING!

It never fails, I’ll either threaten her or hold a “carrot over her head” to get the results that I want in her bedroom.

It got me to thinking about the other things she and her 14 year old sister should have down pack before they leave our home within the next 3-4 years. So I made this list and went over it with my daughters. They accepted this checklist pretty well. (Good for them, as they don’t have parent rights up in this house)

 Here’s our family’s

“Ready  For The World Life Skills” Checklist

(It’s a list in progress feel free to add on in the comments)

Simple hair care knowledge. is essential

“Set the timer for 20 minutes and take a 5-minute break. Do that a few times and then take a longer break.”

1. How to communicate with adults casually and professionally.
2. How to hem and repair a button
3. How to change a tire.
4. How to do their own taxes
5. How to do laundry.

 “The teen years need to involve a gradual shift of responsibility to the teen.”

 

6. Know how to create and stick to a monthly budget.

7. What to do in case of an emergency, (car, medical, technical, spiritual)  

8.To have  working knowledge of herbs and plants.

9.How to properly clean cloths, and a entire house,

Resist the temptation to pick up the piles of clothes, books, and other messes in your child’s room. “If you keep organizing their room, they will not learn what works and what doesn’t.”

And last but not least,

10. How to create a full well balanced meal.

Not too bad huh? This morning, as I gathered up the troops to get the household chores done, I grabbed my laptop, a cup of green tea and sat down to see how I, err I mean they, measure up.If you’re interested in how we made out, grab a cup and follow me. We’ll chat like old friends right here:

See you there! QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Entitlement: meeting their needs, but not all of their wants

A sense of entitlement may sound like:  “I Want It Now!”, “I don’t want any of that,”Is that all you have?” Buy me ___”.

Now, more than ever, entitlement — the idea that “I should get everything I want when I want it, even if I haven’t worked for it” — is rearing its ugly head. And I understand that.  On the one hand, you want to provide your child with every advantage. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like when you do that, you’re feeding an incredibly unhealthy characteristic in our culture. From the best milk (breast feeding) to other inalienable rights (a phone for texting, iPod touches, Facebook) 

One day I came home to a bathroom with a hill of tissue off the roll, laundry on the floor, clothes sitting in the washing machine, beds not made up,cereal boxes open up on the table, dead skin and dirt ring in the tub my boys learning system in the play area! I couldn’t do a thing but turn around a walk right back out the door. I had been gone just 4 hours and came back to the biggest mess ever. I not only need to clean my house needed a plan!

So that’s what I did, I started to really clean house. It made no sense to do all of the housework, cooking, cleaning, repairing, driving, shopping, etc,. while the kids do very little. I was on the path to running myself down and teaching them it was ok, which it really wasn’t. 

Selfishness is rampant, but can be corrected!

My husband and I created and shared guidelines based on each child’s ability and held them resolutely accountable for their behaviors. When we promise to do something we do it. Empty promises are bad. Our strategy is giving them so many organic opportunities of empowerment and love that they are always looking for ways to be better individuals with continuous support .

Anything they can do, they will do. My children help cook, clean and volunteer, and they do it with pride. They have been taught how and is given everything they need to be successful in their task. Just like in our home school setting. The scary part isn’t them failing; it’s not equipping them how to get back up and keep it moving.

If you don’t remember anything else, remember this- You are NOT their friend. If they don’t get pissed off at you every once in a while, you may want to slide a video camera in your house to see what things need to be tighten up.

Disclaimer: I am not a monster- I’m not saying it’s not a good thing to give to your children. I believe that the way you give to them can either help them develop a sense of ownership by earning things, or nurture a sense of false entitlement

Often in assisting them, a parent dulls the character, integrity, work ethic, and socialization skills

their children need to become responsible adults

More Resources: 5 ways to fight entitlement in our kids

My 14 year old is an entrepreneur.

 

    Click here for a physiological point of view

here’s another good posting- click here!

Yet another one on transforming them- Click here.

Last but not least, FREE STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS!

Friday Four:Thanksgiving strategies for gratitude

Thanks Giving  as always is a great time to focus on being thankful. As the parents of 7 adolescents, my husband, Rag, and I generally alternate between pride and dismay at their behavior. Mostly we get to see the good stuff, I’m glad to say. But lately the scales have begun to tip toward disappointment in one area. Amen, 3 and TeHun, 2, seem to appreciate the big things we give them . But their day-to-day comments have started sounding increasingly demanding and — I hate to say it — entitled:

“Mom, I need my juice!

“Ewww, that looks disgu

sting. I’m not eating it.”

“I’m not going. You can’t make me.”

“NO! NO! Leave me alone!”

On the other hand, these might just be the lines of the treble two’s and his natural desire to test his ring pass not.

Adolescence on the other hand are certainly a crazy time for both parents and teenagers. But it doesn’t have to be unpleasant.

I don’t expect my younger sons to be selfless saints, but I’d like to see my daughters and older son to understand how fortunate they are and to recognize the contributions that other people (including Rag) make to their lives. We already say grace, albeit speedily, before meals. 

But  I’ve also been reminded that some gratitude interventions—practices that researchers design to increase gratitude in individuals—don’t always work for everyone.  In fact, several prominent gratitude studies have shown that for some people, consciously practicing gratitude (in certain prescribed ways) actually doesn’t make them feel more grateful. But I’ll venture forth to say that I want mine to practice it regularly.

If you have been imparting good values to your children they will stay with him for the rest of his life.  During adolescence, “(they) may have put them (your values) in cold storage……..but they’re there and they will reappear in time”..no worries for you. 

Children need to see us being grateful for what we have. Tell them, “I am so grateful to have you in my life.” If that is too corny for you, you can say, (when they come home from school), “It is good to see you.”Here are a few more tips that we use to teach our children the value of  gratefulness:

• Let them see you saying thank you to the postman, the store clerk, and your friends.
• Let them see you and your spouse thank each other. Thank your spouse for making dinner, for taking out the garbage, cleaning a clogged drain or for making the phone call to Aunt Ethel, something you really didn’t want to do.
• Don’t complain about all the things you don’t have.
• Enjoy the beauty around you and point it out to your children. Sunsets, the sun shining on the snow, laughing babies and blossoming trees.

Check out Madea’s best parenting clip.  (You’ll LOVE It!)                 Till next time! -QC Supermom

Teen Girls

Patience is such a wonderful word……….may I borrow some of yours? PLEASE???

This is what I’m learning  so far with my girls.

No two teens are alike.  They’re designed by God to be unique and dynamic.  Even two teens, under one roof, sharing the same mom and dad… will be radically different from each other!

There are external differences, of course… blue eyes versus brown.  But I’m talking about personalities.  What works for one teen won’t work for all the kids at home.  When one feels comfortable in a new situation, another might shy away from it.  One kid may explode in anger… the other might comply silently.

It’s important to know the differences in your kids… and adapt for each one.  You need to employ different techniques.  Ask questions… so you know how to tweak your parenting style to fit.

It’ll take a extra effort … but it’ll be worth it all!  Celebrate that no two teens are alike!

Wednesday wow: Cheap House Cleaning!

Housecleaners Too Expensive? Not If You Do It My Way

I have a cleaning crew that takes care of our home  for just $30 a week.  As anyone will tell you, that’s a steal by Charlotte, NC standards. I do sometimes have pangs about underpaying them. Until I remember they’re my children.

Our 2 girls, ages 12 & 13, pocket between $5 and $11.50 a week to keep our home tidy. Jobs range from the 50 cents you can earn for reading to their younger brothers to $2.00 for scrubbing the tub. The wages sound pretty puny when you break them down by job, but measured by the total time spent each week, the girls are beating minimum wage. And, more importantly, my husband and I match their earnings 100%, like an employer’s 401(k) incentive. So our 12-year-old is really earning $10 dollars a week, but half is being put straight into her bank account.

How many lessons have we covered in this strategy? Did you say 4? You did? Aren’t you a smart one. Okay friends I gotta go, see ya’ll on Friday Four!