Grocery List Fail

I'm always making grocery lists.  But there always seems to be items that I can't remember to buy or get on the list, but then the store doesn't have the item.  Here are some of this weeks items!

Natural Apple Sauce
Maple Syrup
Corn Meal
Buckwheat Flour
Vanilla Extract

Homemade Laundry Soap

I have been using this for 6 months now and am pleased with the results.

Mix until combined:

• 1 Bar Fels Naptha (shredded to powder)
• 1.5 Cups Borax
• 1.5 Cups Washing Soda

Use 1 TBS in wash instead of soap. 

Tips:

• I use a hand grater to powder the bar soap.
• Use any soap you want, I like a low smelling laundry soap.
• Cost: $0.03/load
• The above amount lasts a long time - 3 months or so.
• For whites you must use Oxy Clean - otherwise the whites can dull.

Homemade Shea Butter Salve

This stuff is great for dry skin.  It's a little tricky to make but worth it!

Heat the following in the microwave (heat in batches of 20-30 seconds until melted):

• 1 Cup Shea Butter
• 1/2 Cup Oil (I used Olive and Avocado Oils)

Add the following to the melted mixture:

• 4 Capsules Vitamin E

Put in the fridge for 30-40 minutes to cool the mixture.

Then I whip the semi-cooled mixture in the kitchen aid until frothy.

Place in container of choice.

Tips:

• As with all homemade lotions there is a shelf life of 3-6 months.
• You might have to warm this salve with your hands before applying.
• I use this as a night cream and on any area that is too dry.
• Be careful not to use too much oil, as it makes the salve oily.

Homemade Chapstick

Recipe for Homemade Chap-stick.  I love this and always have one with me.

Heat the following in the microwave until melted (heat 20-30 seconds at a time):

• 1.5 tsp Beeswax
• 2 tsp Coconut Oil
• 1 tsp Cocoa Butter
• 3 tsp Oil (I use 1 tsp Olive, 1 tsp Jojoba, 1 tsp Avocado)

 Then add the following to the melted mixture:

• 3 Capsules Vitamin E
• 5-12 drops essential oils (I used Sweet Orange and Lavender)

Pour in to 6-7 empty chap-stick tubes.

Tips:

• Use a Pyrex measuring cup, so you can pour into the tubes.
• Do NOT use emulsifying wax not the right texture for chap-stick.
• Experiment with different essential oils to get a unique smell.
• Mountain Rose Herbs is a great place to find the ingredients.

In the Fall get your Home ready for Winter Projects

In the Fall I like to get my home ready for winter by doing the following:

• Stock up Freezer:
• Soups
• Casseroles
• Fall Veggies
• Cookies
• Potatoes

• Organize Closets
• Put away summer items
• Get out coats and boots

• Deep Clean
• New Filter on Furnace
• Wash blankets and comforters
• Scrub Fridge

What do you do every year to get ready for the colder months?

Related Posts:
Things I like to do in the Fall but never get around to doing
What I like to do on a cool rainy Fall day