I have been using the Finish Powerball tablets for my dishwasher and they are realy good but very expensive. I buy them in bulk in Big W for $50 for 112 (Box contains 8 boxes of 14 which is about 0.45 a dishwasher load) as aopposed to about $7 a pack of 14 in the groceries (woolworths) It is a saving to buy the big box at Big W but it is still quite expensive.
I decided that since I was so happy with my Laundry Liquid I would search out a homemade dishwashing powder recipe. There are lots and lots of recipes and much debate about the quality and the ingredients.
The one I use is:
1/2 c of borax (from the laundry aisle in woolworths)
1/2 C of washing soda* (Lectic soda powder in the laundry aisle at woolies)
1/4 C of table salt
1/4C of citric acid (you get this in woolies in the cake aisle near the baking powder and cream of tartar , you can also buy it more cheaply & in bigger quantities and from Home Brewer shops)
Put everything in a screwtop jar and shake. Label and store in your safe chemical cupboard so no lil people can get to it just as you would the dishwasher tablets.
Use 1 tablespoon per dishwasher load.
NOTE: Washing soda is Sodium Carbonate and in australia it is called Lectic Soda and is in the Laundry Aisle and comes as crystals or a fine white powder. I use the powder one. DO NOT USE BAKING SODA which is sodium bicarbonate or your dishes will come out with a white film over them!)
Keep the ratios the same and you can make up bigger quantities for convenience. But as these are ingredients I keep handy all the time and it literally takes 2 shakes to make up I make up a batch about every 2-3 weeks as I need it. We use our dishwasher EVERYDAY :( and dont pre-rinse as we are on tank water. If I have a very tough stain like the lasagna baking dish or boiled potatoes that have gone rock hard I will just fill the dish with hot water and soak overnight just like I did with the store bought one.
I made up a small sample and tried it over many loads over a week and it worked just brilliantly- and in my opinion -it did a better job of cleaning the glassware than the finish did.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Homemade Laundry Liquid
My DD 13 & I have wanted to make laundry liquid together for quite a while and when we came across the Duggars recipe we gave it a go- I figure they do quality control on 18 kids every week including little boys so it must be good at getting out many varied stains!!
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar (I used a bar of Sard Soap)
1 Cup Washing Soda ( I used powder Lectic Soda- it is in the laundry aisle at woolworths- it must be Sodium Carbonate- not baking soda which is sodium bicarbonate)
½ Cup Borax (Also form the laundry aisle in woolworths in a green tub)
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon (18 L) 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.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. You can use empty 3L milk bottle or the clear 2 or 3L apple/OJ fruit juice bottles.I store them in big bottles and every few weeks pour into a small bottle to use so it is a bit easier.
Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil. (I didnt because I was satisfied woith the sard soap smell)
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. (36L)
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
It doesnt suds up very much but does a terrific job of cleaning the clothes.
I occasionally add an extra scoop of napisan or sard just like I would if I was using store bought detergent to get tough toddler stains out. I love it & I enjoyed making it with M, so I wont be buying laundry liquid anymore
:)
Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar (I used a bar of Sard Soap)
1 Cup Washing Soda ( I used powder Lectic Soda- it is in the laundry aisle at woolworths- it must be Sodium Carbonate- not baking soda which is sodium bicarbonate)
½ Cup Borax (Also form the laundry aisle in woolworths in a green tub)
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon (18 L) 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.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. You can use empty 3L milk bottle or the clear 2 or 3L apple/OJ fruit juice bottles.I store them in big bottles and every few weeks pour into a small bottle to use so it is a bit easier.
Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil. (I didnt because I was satisfied woith the sard soap smell)
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. (36L)
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
It doesnt suds up very much but does a terrific job of cleaning the clothes.
I occasionally add an extra scoop of napisan or sard just like I would if I was using store bought detergent to get tough toddler stains out. I love it & I enjoyed making it with M, so I wont be buying laundry liquid anymore
:)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Whatcha thinking??
Philippians 4.8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I have seen this verse everywhere I look this week!! I really need to obey it and take my thoughts and hold them up to this- I think on probs/ worries/peoples mistakes & focus on how i feel and gnaw on it- but God says DON'T!!
Instead I need to be obedient and think on these things: truth, noble, right, pure,lovely, admirable,excellent, praiseworthy - wow according to this how much junk should I just be saying to myself "nope- not going there" I also need to hold my words accountable to this too.
This is tough for me.
Yesterday I printed this verse out and put it up to see to try to remind me as God has just been bringing it up over & over so I want to really learn what He would have me learn.
So watcha thinking??
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I have seen this verse everywhere I look this week!! I really need to obey it and take my thoughts and hold them up to this- I think on probs/ worries/peoples mistakes & focus on how i feel and gnaw on it- but God says DON'T!!
Instead I need to be obedient and think on these things: truth, noble, right, pure,lovely, admirable,excellent, praiseworthy - wow according to this how much junk should I just be saying to myself "nope- not going there" I also need to hold my words accountable to this too.
This is tough for me.
Yesterday I printed this verse out and put it up to see to try to remind me as God has just been bringing it up over & over so I want to really learn what He would have me learn.
So watcha thinking??
Friday, July 23, 2010
Quick- what is the time?
I have been catching up on some emails because I have been a bit busy lately and have not been on top of things.
Funny eh! How often do we say this? How often is it true?
Yes we are REALLY busy, probably busier than any other time in history for women.
Our daily journals and calendars are PACKED with appointments, our "to do" list looks more like a encyclopedia's table of contents than a prompt for little tasks that we dont want to slip our mind.
We are so busy that we cant always (or dare I say it often?!) fit in our time with the Lord.
But come on girls- are we being honest with ourselves? Are we plain being decieved? or worse being self- decieved?
Lets really open our eyes:
Are we so busy that we must leave the house in our pjs because we just could spare the time to get dressed and brush our hair and teeth? (Im not talking about the bus- run- or the fact that Im typing this in my pj's!! Im talking about the grocery store, the post office, work, church, - I have never heard- "nope- I just couldn't spare the time to get dressed this morning!"
Or maybe are we sooo busy that we just plain couldnt eat today?
I hear you saying..." Yep I've left the house and skipped breakfast" but what did you do all morning? I know I looked for opportunities to grab a bite- a takeaway coffee or a breakfast bar from my purse. If I get to lunchtime and still havent eaten, I feel terrible, I am definately not functioning at my best. I am really determined by now to slow down and swing by the drive-thru, or take a swig out of the toddler's juice bottle. If I dont and I am still racing around by 2pm I am just about ready to eat those unidentified crackers from beside the toddlers car- seat.
If one of our girlfriends sees us in the street and says "wow, you look dreadful" and it is revealed that it is 3pm and you still havent eaten today, I can gaurantee she will grab you by the sleeve and march you to a cafe, or pull a trusty cereal bar from HER purse to tide you over.
You get it- We make it a priority to feed our bodies.
If we dont we get sick.
We need to make it a priority to feed our Spirit- if we dont we will get REALLY sick.
We need to be that aware of the vital importance our time with the Lord is and as committed to consuming the Word as we are to our earthly eatting. As sisters in Christ we need to be watching out for our sisters- ready to check if they are ok today and be ready with a spiritual muesli bar as the case may be.
I have been so blessed to be part of a "Good Morning Girls" group for some months now and each lady in this group has asked to be accountable to the rest of the group for making her time with the Lord a priority. I love the Lord. I want to make Him my focus and priority as the stuff of life seems to pile up no matter how much I get done in the day. I love the group as they help me stay accountable (or convicted as the case may be...) Every weekday we spend time reading the word and then send of a quick email to the rest of the group. It is not a Bible study or forum for preaching, it is about saying, "I read this today and I learned this" or "I ddin't make it today, please pray for me tomorrow" but it has been an tremendous blessing to me. The girls in my group have prayed for me, encouraged me, and taught me.
I challenge you to make your time with the Lord your priority .
Last week on Scripture Dig there was a FANTASTIC Alphabet Priorities Poster.
Please check it out- It is now printed and pasted on my biggest excuse or diverter of time from the Lord- ;;';;./; -pl'lo opps, sorry, the tape got in the way of the "Send" button,
Blessings all
Funny eh! How often do we say this? How often is it true?
Yes we are REALLY busy, probably busier than any other time in history for women.
Our daily journals and calendars are PACKED with appointments, our "to do" list looks more like a encyclopedia's table of contents than a prompt for little tasks that we dont want to slip our mind.
We are so busy that we cant always (or dare I say it often?!) fit in our time with the Lord.
But come on girls- are we being honest with ourselves? Are we plain being decieved? or worse being self- decieved?
Lets really open our eyes:
Are we so busy that we must leave the house in our pjs because we just could spare the time to get dressed and brush our hair and teeth? (Im not talking about the bus- run- or the fact that Im typing this in my pj's!! Im talking about the grocery store, the post office, work, church, - I have never heard- "nope- I just couldn't spare the time to get dressed this morning!"
Or maybe are we sooo busy that we just plain couldnt eat today?
I hear you saying..." Yep I've left the house and skipped breakfast" but what did you do all morning? I know I looked for opportunities to grab a bite- a takeaway coffee or a breakfast bar from my purse. If I get to lunchtime and still havent eaten, I feel terrible, I am definately not functioning at my best. I am really determined by now to slow down and swing by the drive-thru, or take a swig out of the toddler's juice bottle. If I dont and I am still racing around by 2pm I am just about ready to eat those unidentified crackers from beside the toddlers car- seat.
If one of our girlfriends sees us in the street and says "wow, you look dreadful" and it is revealed that it is 3pm and you still havent eaten today, I can gaurantee she will grab you by the sleeve and march you to a cafe, or pull a trusty cereal bar from HER purse to tide you over.
You get it- We make it a priority to feed our bodies.
If we dont we get sick.
We need to make it a priority to feed our Spirit- if we dont we will get REALLY sick.
We need to be that aware of the vital importance our time with the Lord is and as committed to consuming the Word as we are to our earthly eatting. As sisters in Christ we need to be watching out for our sisters- ready to check if they are ok today and be ready with a spiritual muesli bar as the case may be.
I have been so blessed to be part of a "Good Morning Girls" group for some months now and each lady in this group has asked to be accountable to the rest of the group for making her time with the Lord a priority. I love the Lord. I want to make Him my focus and priority as the stuff of life seems to pile up no matter how much I get done in the day. I love the group as they help me stay accountable (or convicted as the case may be...) Every weekday we spend time reading the word and then send of a quick email to the rest of the group. It is not a Bible study or forum for preaching, it is about saying, "I read this today and I learned this" or "I ddin't make it today, please pray for me tomorrow" but it has been an tremendous blessing to me. The girls in my group have prayed for me, encouraged me, and taught me.
I challenge you to make your time with the Lord your priority .
Last week on Scripture Dig there was a FANTASTIC Alphabet Priorities Poster.
Please check it out- It is now printed and pasted on my biggest excuse or diverter of time from the Lord- ;;';;./; -pl'lo opps, sorry, the tape got in the way of the "Send" button,
Blessings all
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Today I was Reading an update from my nephew-in-law as he begins a new chapter in his missionary work, I want to share it with you, I have really been challenged by the post and would appreciate it if you took time to visit and leave a message of encouragement for Brad as he starts his latest journey.
He simply asks for prayer for a man he met and talks of the challenges that they are facing sharing the Gospel in Indonesia.
That kind of persecution is so different from our experience in Australia- to fear for your very life or worse that of your family- I cant even imagine how terrifying the reality of that is.
As I was praying for the men's boldness & safety to speak for the Father & I was humbly challenged to examine my own boldness for Christ.
We are so blessed with safety and comfort and often we don't speak about our relationship with Christ because we worry we might be embarrassed or rejected- in fact most people ACTUALLY NEVER have been mocked or rejected they just fear they might be. The enemy has done such a good job of starting us thinking that if we speak love, hope & relationship into their lives we will be laughed at & that is somehow more tragic than eternal separation from Christ.
Please stop by and encourage Brad. He is a young man (just 22) with a heart for the Lord and needs covered in prayer and encouragement as he enters this new missionfield on Indonesia and speaks about his heart for the Father.
Please visit http://thirteenthree.org.au/blog/21/07/2010/pray-for-boldness/comment-page-1/#comment-12
He simply asks for prayer for a man he met and talks of the challenges that they are facing sharing the Gospel in Indonesia.
That kind of persecution is so different from our experience in Australia- to fear for your very life or worse that of your family- I cant even imagine how terrifying the reality of that is.
As I was praying for the men's boldness & safety to speak for the Father & I was humbly challenged to examine my own boldness for Christ.
We are so blessed with safety and comfort and often we don't speak about our relationship with Christ because we worry we might be embarrassed or rejected- in fact most people ACTUALLY NEVER have been mocked or rejected they just fear they might be. The enemy has done such a good job of starting us thinking that if we speak love, hope & relationship into their lives we will be laughed at & that is somehow more tragic than eternal separation from Christ.
Please stop by and encourage Brad. He is a young man (just 22) with a heart for the Lord and needs covered in prayer and encouragement as he enters this new missionfield on Indonesia and speaks about his heart for the Father.
Please visit http://thirteenthree.org.au/blog/21/07/2010/pray-for-boldness/comment-page-1/#comment-12
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Big smiles!
Today is full of Happy smiles after GOOD news at her hearing test- C measured 20-23dB which is only a very mild loss so NO more hearing aides!!
This time last year 3yo DD C had a 65dB loss ( moderate- severe loss) which fluctuated to 100dB on bad days (couldnt hear the sound of a jet engine)
Today they say that though her expected hearing should be between 2-5 dB for her age she hears at 20-23dB- about the same level as most adults which is perfectly fine for speech development!! She will need another test in a year but no hearing aides!!!!
Thank you for your prayers and biggest hugs
C
This time last year 3yo DD C had a 65dB loss ( moderate- severe loss) which fluctuated to 100dB on bad days (couldnt hear the sound of a jet engine)
Today they say that though her expected hearing should be between 2-5 dB for her age she hears at 20-23dB- about the same level as most adults which is perfectly fine for speech development!! She will need another test in a year but no hearing aides!!!!
Thank you for your prayers and biggest hugs
C
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A stop off for peace
Caitlyn is going back for her hearing test to determine if she needs her hearing aides back in or not- it was re-sheduled to 11am tomorrow- & I started to feel a bit panicky then i got to grab some time alone & the reading for today was just scripture I needed tonight:
Matthew 6:25-33
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
He is a good loving faithful Father, I have no need to fear or worry- He knows already her test results, He loves her and has a good plan for her lil life and will take care of us- as He has shown us over & over again. Ah, I love the peace of resting in His care -
Hugs all,
C
Matthew 6:25-33
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds. "Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion--do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers--most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
He is a good loving faithful Father, I have no need to fear or worry- He knows already her test results, He loves her and has a good plan for her lil life and will take care of us- as He has shown us over & over again. Ah, I love the peace of resting in His care -
Hugs all,
C
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Today I was reading a wonderful passage:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 NIV
———————————————–
I was watching my toddler sleep and was thinking how relaxed & contented she was curled up in her bed- she wasn't listening for anything, her total trust was in us being there and keeping her safe.
If she does wake in the night - there is a lil soft call "mum..." she does NOT lie there and reason- "should I call," " will she hear me," "does she even want to hear me," "is she trying to teach me a lesson?" -she just calls: for her that is who I am- I am mum and she is 3 & C has her simple childlike faith & trust in me to meet her needs.
I need to re-kindle that simple faith in my heart. That child like dependence that stops reasoning, stops doing all "on my own" and whisper out or even shout out- as the case may be "Father" and give my fears, troubles, worrys and weakness to Him- He
has even written it down to remind us that He WANTS us to come to Him when we are burdened and troubled!
Most times my lil C doesn't even always explain- she calls. I come and I see & know what she needs- So does the Father- I just need to call a little more often.
Have an awesome day!!
Hugs
C
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 NIV
———————————————–
I was watching my toddler sleep and was thinking how relaxed & contented she was curled up in her bed- she wasn't listening for anything, her total trust was in us being there and keeping her safe.
If she does wake in the night - there is a lil soft call "mum..." she does NOT lie there and reason- "should I call," " will she hear me," "does she even want to hear me," "is she trying to teach me a lesson?" -she just calls: for her that is who I am- I am mum and she is 3 & C has her simple childlike faith & trust in me to meet her needs.
I need to re-kindle that simple faith in my heart. That child like dependence that stops reasoning, stops doing all "on my own" and whisper out or even shout out- as the case may be "Father" and give my fears, troubles, worrys and weakness to Him- He
has even written it down to remind us that He WANTS us to come to Him when we are burdened and troubled!
Most times my lil C doesn't even always explain- she calls. I come and I see & know what she needs- So does the Father- I just need to call a little more often.
Have an awesome day!!
Hugs
C
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Lost inthe dark
Struggling and under a dark cloud of stress, fear & depression.
I feel lost abandoned,
no decision is easy,
all around fear is waiting,
all that I love us threatened
consumed in this fog
how do I get out
what do i do to help my family
How do I breathe
Lord I am crying out for your help
I need your stregnth, your rescue
I need to be held tight in Your Arms
I need you in my decisions
I have nothing left,
everything hurts
Everything feels too much
Help me please help me
I am not afraid or lost when you walk beside me,
Please open my eyes, awake me from this dark dream
Leet me feel you near me,
Let me hear your direction
Let me be safe in your love & light
Lord help me in the midst of all this pain and trouble.
Psalm 42:5
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God– soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
I feel lost abandoned,
no decision is easy,
all around fear is waiting,
all that I love us threatened
consumed in this fog
how do I get out
what do i do to help my family
How do I breathe
Lord I am crying out for your help
I need your stregnth, your rescue
I need to be held tight in Your Arms
I need you in my decisions
I have nothing left,
everything hurts
Everything feels too much
Help me please help me
I am not afraid or lost when you walk beside me,
Please open my eyes, awake me from this dark dream
Leet me feel you near me,
Let me hear your direction
Let me be safe in your love & light
Lord help me in the midst of all this pain and trouble.
Psalm 42:5
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God– soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
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