homemade fabric softener

I saw this recipe for homemade fabric softener on Pinterest a couple days ago.  Bought a bottle of Suave conditioner at Walmart for 94 cents.  Had the vinegar on hand.  The mixture filled a 1.04 gallon bottle about 3/4 of the way full (old Downy bottle that cost me nearly $10 at Sam's).  This mixture cost me around $2.00.  I'm headed to wash and dry a load of laundry now, so we'll see!  I'll update the post later and let you know what I think.  :)  Update:  after washing several loads over the weekend, I have to admit that the fabric softener is ok, but it is not GREAT like I was hoping for.  You still need to use something for static.  That is what I don't like about this homemade version.  It smells fine, BUT, I don't want to use this AND something else.  Know what I mean?  So. . . I will use this up and still use my dryer sheets.  Dang it.  I'm kinda bummed.  Oh well!  
Homemade Fabric Softener Link

"pizza hut" breadsticks. yummy goodness.

I found a recipe for "Pizza Hut" style cheese breadsticks on {wait for it}. . . Pinterest!  You never would have guessed that, huh?  ;)  Anyway, I fixed them tonight and they were SO GOOD.  I have pinned many, many recipes (among multitudes of other stuff), but have not yet had the time to make them all.  So, when I do fix something from Pinterest, I want to let you know my thoughts on it.  This one is a keeper!  The hubs said you WILL be fixing these again.  And the boys loved them, too.  Score!    Here is the link. Pizza Hut Cheese Bread This guy got all fancy with the blue checkered paper and cup of marinara sauce.  I just cut mine up and slapped 'em on a paper plate.  ;)

I would recommend adding a little more salt to the dough.  It was still a little sweet.  I added the granulated garlic to mine, and they were delicious, but next time I'm just going to add the cheese and forego the garlic.  We ate them all--but this was our entire meal.

chocolate pumpkin muffins

Need a chocolate fix, but don't want all the calories?  Weight Watchers has a great recipe that is sure to satisfy your cravings!  And, it is so simple I'm almost afraid to call it a "recipe!"  :)  *Note, I did add a couple ingredients, but they added no extra calories!  Without the water, I think it is too thick.  And I added the cinnamon just for a little extra flavor.  You can use any flavor cake mix.  I believe back in the day these were 2 points each.  But I know the point values have changed, so I'm not sure now.  I just know they are yummy and much better for you than a regular cupcake!

1 15 oz can pumpkin
1 Devil's Food cake mix
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 tsp cinnamon

Mix it all together, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  Makes 24 regular size muffins.

homemade powder laundry soap

I absolutely LOVE the recipe I found on Pinterest for homemade powder laundry soap.  The Pin led me to this blog beingcreativetokeepmysanity I made my first batch last fall. . . I would guess it lasted me nearly 6 months (but I didn't completely run out).

I made it exactly like the original recipe.  The second batch, I used a 36 load container of "Dirty Jobs."  I like this recipe equally as well. . . really I can't tell any difference in the cleanliness of our clothes.  I do use the scoop that came with the OxyClean, though.  I really like it.  I use 1 scoop in most loads, 2 scoops if they laundry is pretty soiled.  The first batch cost me just under $17 (awesome for 6 months!) and the second batch just a tad bit more because the Dirty Jobs is a little more expensive.  Now, I should also let you know that I wash an average of 8-10 loads of laundry a week.  Sometimes more, depending on how many activities were going on that week or if my hubs is reffing football or basketball and I have to wash his uniform two or three times in one week.  The bottom line is this stuff works, and it is easy on the budget!  I highly recommend it.  Oh, and I mix and store the detergent in a 17 quart rubbermaid container.  It works for me, although I like all the cute containers other people have come up with.  :)

magic carpet cleaner

Had a stubborn spot on the carpet in our bedroom. . . a grayish color thanks to my son's dirty feet while he sat played the Wii.  I had used a couple different carpet cleaners on it, but they just didn't really do the trick.  Lessened the appearance of the filth, but it was still there.  It kinda grossed me out since I knew it was from his feet.  :)  Anyway, read about a solution of 1 part hot water, 1 part ammonia on Pinterest. . . and it led me to this blog One Good Thing by Jillee.  Thank you for sharing!  I now am rid of the grayish dirty feet spot on my carpet!  Just gave the spot a good douse of the solution, put down the towel, ironed over it a few times, and POOF!  Gone!  I am beyond thrilled.  :)

Before:  It is the gray tinted splotch in the middle.  The other is a shadow from my iron.  ;)

After:

Is this not awesome!  Also tackled a spot in the hallway outside the bathroom where the oldest son had a not-so-pleasant experience months ago.  Had done my best then as well. . . now it just looks much better.