HOME-MADE Laundry Detergent

Cloth Diaper Safe DIY - Laundry Detergent

This week I decided to attempt to make my very own home-made laundry detergent that would be safe for my pocket-cloth diapers.  My hope is that this will save us money on the cost of all those special "cloth-diaper safe detergents" while preserving the quality of my cloth diapers for future little ones.

After much research and a little recipe adaption (Keeping in mind I am no chemist) I came up with what I think is the perfect recipe.  I tried it out and loved it so I am sharing it with ya'll!

What You Need:

1 Box(55oz) Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

1 Large Tub of OxiClean (96oz) (I used the knock off brand Sun Oxygen to save $)

3 (55oz) boxes of Arm and Hammer Washing Soda

2 (76oz) boxes of 20 Mule All-Natural Team Borax

One bar of Tom's All Natural Soap - finely ground (I used Sensitive and Unscented)

5 Gallon Bucket with Lid 

Plastic Gloves

How You Do It:

In a large 5 gallon bucket layer ingredients (alternating - This will make it easier to mix)  Mix as you go using plastic gloves for extra protection. Once ingredients are well mixed you are all set! That's it! So easy and affordable.  

Everyone washes their cloth diapers differently but I have found that I am only needing to use approx 2 Tbsp of the detergent with each medium (pre-soaked) sized load.  I kept the scooper from the Sun Oxy and am using that, as it measures approx 2 Tbsp.

* From what I read prior to settling on this mixture is that you CAN also add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, etc. in the mix.  I decided not to in the hopes that avoiding the essential oils may be better for the fabric of my cloth diapers. The essential oils may be a nice additive to use with a regular wash for added scent.

Where are you baby?

Today's post spawns from the fact that I am now officially full term (coming up on 38 weeks) HA! And they said we wouldn't make it! We sure showed them - all that bed rest and cookie munching sure paid off for baby McKenna. She weighed in at 6lb 14oz at yesterdays ultrasound (she's turning into a cute lil' chunky-monkey) 

To be honest - I'm at the point where I am completely ready to meet her now.  With all the pre-term labor and now it's officially go time... and ...NOTHING..NADA.... It was like we hit full term and she changed her mind. 

We let her get too comfy in there with all the stopping labor in the hospital three times last month! 

In light of my current situation I've heard multiple suggestions from friends and family on "how to get things crackin'.." or "Well... I just walked that baby out after 5 miles..."

Honestly, I'm POSITIVE they are all wives tales - at least that's what the doctors usually argue.  So I'm pretty sure I'll just stick to walking around and letting her find her own way out....

Hopefully sooner...rather then later.......but if that doesn't work.. maybe I'll take a peak at my other options.. just maybe...

The News on Cashews - The Perfect Mid-Day Snack!

THE NEWS ON CASHEWS!

I truly believe that cashews are one of nature's wonder nuts!

They are jam-packed full of great nutrients & health benefits - Below is a list of some of the amazing benefits that cashews have and an easy mid-day energy packed snack for you or the little ones!

-Cashews are one of the lowest fat nuts - approx 75% of their fat is unsaturated!

-Studies have shown with people with a weekly nut consumption of 5oz.+  have a decrease anywhere from 35-50% in the incidence of heart disease and death

-Cashews are high in minerals the body needs to function at optimum levels

-One serving of cashews contains 10% of the RDA of Vit E

-Cashews are rich in antioxidants to help protect the bodies' cells from damage

CASHEW DUSTED FRUIT

In a food processor or coffee grinder combine:

1 Cup Whole Raw Cashews

1/4 Cup Whole Raw Almonds

1 1/2 Tbsp Organic Cane Sugar

Cinnamon To Taste

Grind ingredients to a fine powder and coat chopped fruit and enjoy!

Store in tight container in refrigerator.

*My favorite is to chop a chilled banana into 1" pieces and roll in mixture.  The cashew dust is also terrific on pineapples!