Hello

Hello and welcome to the new blog. I am trying to separate my diary type blog from my own personal lifestyle and thoughts. They may sound like the same thing in principal, but I need a place to mull over my choices and connect with other Mama's who live their lives in the same way as me, or in the same way I would like to live. I want to find the strong nurturing woman within myself, and also find inspiration in others. To do that I need a blog where family cant find me and criticise my choices (extended family of course, not my husband or children, who are always in my heart and by my side, be it in real life or on the web).

In the spirit of things to come I thought I would share a recipe on the first post, but not a cooking recipe, a recipe for washing powder (for clothes). I am trying very hard to eliminate chemicals from our home, but of course its impossible to do it completely. What I can do though is eliminate it as much as possible. It gives me a sense of achievement to make something for use instead of buying something for use (it often works out less expensive too), and this applies to all levels, from food to knitting and sewing right down to washing powder. So here we have it.

The ingredients are as follows
1 cup of bicarbonate of soda
1 cup of soap flakes or grated soap bar
2 cups of soda crystals
a sprinkle of your favorite essential oil
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and decant into jars. I use 3 tablespoons (heaped-ish) per wash of this, so it lasts ages.
I have found it can be a little clumpy in the jar, but a quick mash with the end of the spoon does the trick.
If you find your clothes are too hard try adding half a cup of white vinegar (in the softener dispenser), this helps to soften the clothes, and does not leave a vinegar smell. If linens are softened they actually last longer, because hard fibers rub together and wear away faster.

I hope you have found that helpful? If any of you lovely Mama's have your own recipes, please feel free to leave them in the comments or leave a link to your own blogs, I really want to hear from you.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours

Val