tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52135452852565808652024-02-01T19:08:47.257-08:00Today's Modern HomemakerBeing a homemaker doesn't mean the wife is home all day slaving away to meet everyone else's needs. A modern homemaker is defined as a creating the balance of providing healthy food, social opportunities, outlets to release energy and provide a safe environment. The constant ripples and tides of life are part of the adventure of being todays modern homemaker. Our job is to figure how to help everything mesh while keeping up with the demands of life. kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-73794316236941164222013-02-26T21:13:00.001-08:002013-02-28T10:40:03.369-08:00Free local organic Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08-s.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Did you know that there's free food right in your backyard. Way to many people spend money to eradicate this very beneficial and tasty herbs. Right now there is a very very common "weed" that is at its prime right now. Well, I should say the leaves and roots are ready to harvest, then the flowers are ready when they first start blooming, then the roots again in the fall & winter, and repeat. This is one of the most renowned herbs by most herbalist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7hId1prKDFUq0ciYxeWTFly9_tv8zm-tcyf11Bl_lBYbQEblNdxvXkmk_Z019tTNOZfzLft_cnXTk5oTFhPFJONz9yhUtCFKHByhwkAWN5V8AStriYhoBQWuNuhJol8lLr4lpesZsRzx/s1600/dandelion_roots_leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7hId1prKDFUq0ciYxeWTFly9_tv8zm-tcyf11Bl_lBYbQEblNdxvXkmk_Z019tTNOZfzLft_cnXTk5oTFhPFJONz9yhUtCFKHByhwkAWN5V8AStriYhoBQWuNuhJol8lLr4lpesZsRzx/s200/dandelion_roots_leaves.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: center;">This herb is Dandelion (<a href="http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html" target="_blank">Taraxacum Officinale</a>). </span><span style="text-align: center;">Susan Weed has over 30 pages devoted to the benefits of Dandelion in her book "Healing Wise" and over 16 recipes. Rosemary Gladstar indicated on a webinar that I listened to last year (email me I'll send you the MP3) that dandelion is in her top 10 of favorite herbs. In Rosemary's book, "Herbal Recipes for a Vibrant Health" she writes that "Dandelion, is, I'm convinced, one of the greatest tonic herbs of all time." Now those are some powerful words from such a well known herbalist. Dandelion is one of those herbs that is ready to harvest at the perfect time when our bodies need extra cleansing (As with other herbs, such as cleavers, chickweed, etc, but more on that later). As the winter slows down and spring is right around the corner, the perfect herbs start popping above the ground for us to harvest. Kami McBride says that Dandelion is high in Vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, magnesium, and iron. It's also a bitter tonic herb, which increases the flow of saliva, which results in better digestion and stimulates the liver. Dandelion is even said to improve the enamel on teeth! There are so many wonderful things to say about this wonderful, yet top hated, herbs. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I've been enjoying eating dandelion greens and roots the past few weeks. I gather the plants as I clean out my garden and flower beds. I simple have two buckets; one for yard waste and the other for herbs to dry and/or eat. I had such a tasty lunch today that I wanted to share the recipe so you can also enjoy the bounties of the seasons.</span><br />
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Sauteed Dandelion Greens</h2>
- 1/2 onion sliced in half moons<br />
- 1 TBL coconut oil<br />
- 1 TBL butter<br />
- 5-10 dandelion whole plant (roots, buds, & leaves) seperated in root and greens<br />
- 2-3 cloves garlic<br />
- 1 tsp. sesame seed<br />
- Salt & pepper to taste<br />
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Saute onion in coconut oil and butter until slightly brown and soft. Add chopped roots and cook 2-5 min. Add garlic and dandelion greens. Cook 2 min. until greens wilt. Add sesame seeds and season to taste. I thoroughly enjoyed these greens on top of a everything bagel and cream cheese. Oh so good. I might have to have this tomorrow!<br />
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Enjoy the early spring offerings that our wonderful land is providing us.<br />
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<i>What other recipes and herbs do you enjoy this time of year?</i><br />
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References:<br />
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- Juliette de Bairacli Levy (1997). Common Herbs for Natural Health. Woodstock, NY: Ashtree Publishing<br />
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- Rosemary Gladstar (2008). Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing<br />
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- Kami McBride (2010). The Herbal Kitchen. San Francisco, CA: Conary Press<br />
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- Susan Weed (1989). Wise Woman Herbal Healing Wise. Woodstock, NY: Ashtree Publishing<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is shared on <a href="http://www.picklemetoo.com/2013/02/26/traditional-tuesday-nutritious-and-delicious-38/">http://www.picklemetoo.com/</a> and </span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2013/02/pennywise-platter-thursday-228.html">http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com</a></b></span>kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-49852425533916884792013-01-08T21:36:00.000-08:002013-01-08T21:41:58.090-08:00Sourdough Pigs in a BlanketI started a sourdough starter a few weeks ago and my world has opened up. I want to add sourdough to everything that I can! Not only does it taste good, but it's better for you.<br />
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Check out this <a href="http://www.weedemandreap.com/2013/01/is-your-homemade-bread-causing-more.html?m=1" target="_blank">article</a> about the benefits of sourdough. There's also a great recipe from my new favorite cookbook, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Art-Baking-Natural-Yeast-Pancakes/dp/1462110487" target="_blank">The Art of Baking with Natural Yeast</a>" by Caleb Warnock and Melissa Richardson. My other go to sourdough book is"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Sourdough-Ruth-Allman/dp/0882400851" target="_blank">Alaskan Sourdough</a>" by Ruth Allman. Both of these books provide different styles and recipes, but the results are both tasty!<br />
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I would like to share a recipe that I modified from a soft pretzel recipe:<br />
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- 1 cup active sourdough starter (<a href="http://todaysmodernhomemaker.blogspot.com/2013/01/sourdough-starter.html" target="_blank">starter recipe post</a>)<br />
- 3-3-1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
- 1 cup water<br />
- 1 teaspoon salt<br />
- 1 Tablespoon sugar<br />
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Mix ingredients together until dough forms ball and is not very sticky. Place on floured surface and knead until soft.<br />
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Place dough in large greased bowl, cover with towel or plastic wrap, and set in warm place to rise to double it's original size. (1-2 hrs.)<br />
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Place on floured surface and roll into rectangle to roughly 14" x 12". I used 8 hotdogs, so if you're making more, roll out a larger rectangle.<br />
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Cut 7" x 4" squares or big enough to roll a hotdog<br />
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Roll the dough around the hotdog and pinch the ends closed<br />
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Cut into 4 pieces<br />
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Place onto parchment paper lined (optional) cookie sheet.<br />
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At this point you can put the cookie sheet in the freezer and place in separate container once frozen for later use<br />
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For a crunchy crust, brush dough with water and salt before baking.<br />
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Bake 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown<br />
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Enjoy!kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-80833936506677015722013-01-08T21:35:00.003-08:002013-01-08T21:36:25.002-08:00Sourdough Starter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I checked out wonderful book "<a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/wild-fermentation/" target="_blank">Wild Fermentation</a>" and "<a href="http://www.wildfermentation.com/the-art-of-fermentation/" target="_blank">The Art of Fermentation</a>" by Sandor Katz and this has generated an immense interest in fermented foods. Not only have humans been successfully preserving foods by fermenting for hundreds of years, it's healthier for us. Fermentation breaks down the foods, which allows our body to digest it easier.<br />
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Sourdough is fermented dough resulting in a natural yeast that helps bread rise, pancakes get fluffy, and taste so good. Another wonderful sourdough book that explains sourdough in simple terms and provides some awesome pictures and recipes is "<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ViJ1UrtlDvQC&pg=PA3&lpg=PA3&dq=melissa+richardson+natural+yeast&source=bl&ots=I9MLc2JlgY&sig=-xjCzkz2I2ZA9KptcrbxmdT_FSg&hl=en#v=onepage&q=melissa%20richardson%20natural%20yeast&f=false" target="_blank">The Art of Baking with Natural Yeast</a>" by Caleb Warnock and Melissa Richardson.<br />
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After researching how to make a sourdough starter, I decided to use the simplest method that I could find.....water and flour.<br />
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<u>Day 1</u>: Mix equal parts by weight (slight less water than flour) of flour and water. The texture should be like a thick pancake batter. I decided to start our right and use whole wheat. Mix very well with a non-metal spoon.<br />
<u>Day 2</u>: The starter will separate. Mix very well.<br />
<u>Day 3</u>: I started to see bubbles! This is when you start feeding it equal parts water and flour to keep the consistency like a thick pancake batter<br />
<u>Day 4 and beyond:</u> I feed my starter everyday and leave it on the counter to stay bubbly and active because I use it every couple days. If you aren't going to use it, just place it in the fridge. Feed it flour and water at least once a week to keep it active. Having it in the fridge slows down the fermentation process so it doesn't go "flat" as quickly as it would unfed in room temperature.<br />
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I hope this was straight forward enough. Let me know if you have any questions. Keep posted for sourdough recipes galore! I just can't stop myself from wanting to adding sourdough to every bread related food.<br />
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<br />kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-7246245155413172502012-12-30T22:47:00.000-08:002012-12-30T22:47:07.657-08:00Bath Salts & Bath Bombs<br />
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<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know the Christmas season is done, but it's always a good idea to have gifts on hand to give as needed. Who doesn't like bath salts and bath bombs! The coolest thing about making bath salts is they’re super
easy and you can make a bunch of them in a short amount of time. You can also
make them fancy, fizzy, bubbly, colored, or just plain and they’re still so
fun! I’m going to explain how to make a basic bath salt, a fizzy bath salt, and
bath bombs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Basic
Bath Salts<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Makes ~3
cups<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Supplies:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Large bowl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mixing spoon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 cup Epsom Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 cup Baking Soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½ cup Oil, such as sweet almond, canola, shredded
cocoa butter, etc (optional, but great for moisturizing)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10-15 drops, or desired amount, essential oil
or fragrance (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5-15 drops food coloring (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flower petals, such as rose, lavender, etc.
(optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large bowl add dry ingredients, mix well. Add oil and
mix. Add desired amount of essential oil/fragrance and food coloring. Mix well.
I have found that the bath salts usually harden up a bit so don’t be surprised
if you have to loosen them up after a day or so.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjk941ugYF3UCJNFKgcBxn6WFr1FbV5jeRBsgifxH5ic1THHsmt-4ZhHFGp1YSIO4eAQbGoTAijDZzydVX-paEzX4-3ntYhmNoU5O6hb_jiy5LCxpGb4EVfwLwpmfpYO6NMN7THy6zGdX/s1600/IMG_5001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjk941ugYF3UCJNFKgcBxn6WFr1FbV5jeRBsgifxH5ic1THHsmt-4ZhHFGp1YSIO4eAQbGoTAijDZzydVX-paEzX4-3ntYhmNoU5O6hb_jiy5LCxpGb4EVfwLwpmfpYO6NMN7THy6zGdX/s200/IMG_5001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fizzy Bath
Salt<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Makes ~4
cups<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Supplies:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Large bowl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mixing spoon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2 cup Epsom Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 cup Baking Soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¾ cup Citric Acid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¾ cup Light Oil, such as sweet almond, canola, shredded
cocoa butter, etc. (optional, but great for moisturizing)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10-15 drops, or desired amount, essential oil
or fragrance (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5-15 drops food coloring (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flower petals, such as rose, lavender, etc.
(optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a large bowl add dry ingredients, mix well. Add oil and
mix. Add desired amount of essential oil/fragrance and food coloring. Mix well.
The fizzy bath salts also harden up a bit so don’t be surprised if you have to
loosen them up after a day or so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNAEGbzvBs3SEXry87QevQSlRwgP9tyIoOoiEZb9J550CFGWf_oCvDV2t34-BVyxBoNKZHWlEaGPWf0HVPbyq3eSo0n_jZ9lBulaekBeDuQLJ1JBUxZFCJsgcv8Z97vEmf3dSOLC8BmSo/s1600/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNAEGbzvBs3SEXry87QevQSlRwgP9tyIoOoiEZb9J550CFGWf_oCvDV2t34-BVyxBoNKZHWlEaGPWf0HVPbyq3eSo0n_jZ9lBulaekBeDuQLJ1JBUxZFCJsgcv8Z97vEmf3dSOLC8BmSo/s200/IMG_4984.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bath
Bombs<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bath bombs are the same ingredients as the fizzy bath
salts. The main difference is you have to add water via a spray bottle to
saturate the salts in order to form into a bomb. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spritz salts with no more than 2 sprays. Put your ear close
to the bowl and listen to the crackles of the baking soda and citric acid. Mix
well and continue until the salts stay together when pressed between your
hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can use just about anything for molds, such as silicone
baking dishes, plastic Easter eggs, hands, etc. I used plastic Easter eggs
because that’s what I have. To do this, you fill each half more than you think
you should. Press both sides together with all of your might and let set for a
minute or so. Slowly take the egg part off of the bomb without twisting. Even
if they break and don’t stay together, ½ egg shaped bombs are cool too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another way of doing bath bombs is to do bath bomb chunks
by spreading the mix in a cookie sheet. Let dry and break into chunks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How to
make bulk:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course you can just double, triple, quadruple, etc. the
recipes, but here are some quick tips to make it faster:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "French Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "French Script MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2:1 ratio for citric acid to baking soda (ex: ½
cup citric acid to every 1 cup of baking soda)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "French Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "French Script MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2:1 ratio for salt to baking soda<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "French Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "French Script MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All sorts of salts can be used, such as sea
salt, epsom salt, or even table salt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "French Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "French Script MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½- ¾ cup oil to every 1 cup baking soda.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "French Script MT"; mso-fareast-font-family: "French Script MT";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oil/butters change the smell of the salts so
keep that in mind on what oils/butters you add.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XqLs9sp4Rs3c9vqIwzxCbM8k2z6hHhlLSEYxuwJpPLMeEZTqQOzntJtr_1BsA7oriD1FMr_8Xmq0WgAVPo-5NYC6lOyjrgRfrj0GpoJQh6PAmbspqaJQSdYwMLfdg3OOEPLFde1iA4ko/s1600/IMG_5004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XqLs9sp4Rs3c9vqIwzxCbM8k2z6hHhlLSEYxuwJpPLMeEZTqQOzntJtr_1BsA7oriD1FMr_8Xmq0WgAVPo-5NYC6lOyjrgRfrj0GpoJQh6PAmbspqaJQSdYwMLfdg3OOEPLFde1iA4ko/s320/IMG_5004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Packaging:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "French Script MT"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bath salts and bombs look beautiful in most containers.
Cellophane bags are a couple bucks at the local craft or party store. Most
wedding sections in craft stores have a great selection of very cute jars and
containers that hold roughly ¼- ½ cups of salt. Also, don’t forget the ribbons,
labels, and all the other fun things to personalize the containers according to
the wedding colors, bride and groom favors, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-33283000377748219632012-03-24T22:11:00.001-07:002012-03-28T15:38:23.989-07:00Homemade Breadcrumbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHFQrHrOLPLpHcxwMjTrocKyhZHxgrXm2OrtyeC8chnRXPO7HPze7Y6GmEGWWCjaWm56HBrspIJB_fsDpkCgn6sePt3SGYvVCsh5oCQFdKacFxtrzDxYrJ9G487q_Sp_UNH7zxMzXJ4TM/s1600/breadcrumbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHFQrHrOLPLpHcxwMjTrocKyhZHxgrXm2OrtyeC8chnRXPO7HPze7Y6GmEGWWCjaWm56HBrspIJB_fsDpkCgn6sePt3SGYvVCsh5oCQFdKacFxtrzDxYrJ9G487q_Sp_UNH7zxMzXJ4TM/s320/breadcrumbs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
During the cooler months I'm inspired to eat only homemade bread instead of store bought bread. I've been making some deliciously flexible almost whole wheat breads that I will share the recipe with you soon. Last night I made some bread, which was a total flop. I let the first rise way to long. I decided to move onto the second rise, shaped it into loaves, and baked it. Not surprisingly the bread was dense and not sandwich bread worth. Nevertheless there's always a use for recipes gone wrong. As in art there are no mistakes, so with cooking the mistakes can be turned into other things and these loaves turned into breadcrumbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To make homemade breadcrumbs all you need is bread! Break the bread into chunks and let them air out on a cookie sheet until dry. Pulse in a food processor until desired consistency. You could also put the crumbs in a plastic bag and hammer those crumbs out (sounds like a great time for the kiddos). I store my crumbs in the freezer to ensure they don't mold. The fridge probably works too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now you have breadcrumbs for chicken nuggets, meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, etc. No need to buy that who knows what's in it store bought breadcrumbs when you can make some at home. Enjoy.</div>kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-67571996148469417632011-08-04T18:18:00.000-07:002011-08-04T18:18:55.396-07:00Laundry Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOEF-eYehzkE8F9LW_9HAG1g9avGjJ8lVHxbUEUzdS45qnd-8ammEn2UDOpjMVYjLUkENlEYIiGzfJ3DQpOS_UxvBortrfPVX_9RZtkeL5QPIw-GeldWPudILVf6V7mzfZKppwadEpRzl/s1600/laundry+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOEF-eYehzkE8F9LW_9HAG1g9avGjJ8lVHxbUEUzdS45qnd-8ammEn2UDOpjMVYjLUkENlEYIiGzfJ3DQpOS_UxvBortrfPVX_9RZtkeL5QPIw-GeldWPudILVf6V7mzfZKppwadEpRzl/s320/laundry+soap.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Who loves the fresh scent of cleanliness without all the chemical yuckiness? I know I do. I started making my own laundry soap as a means to clean my son's diapers. Homemade laundry soap smells of what you put in it. It doesn't stink of chemical perfumes and who knows what's. Sometimes I add a couple drops of lavendar or tea tree essential oil to my fabric softener ball, that is filled with vinegar, to add some beautiful scent and also cleans my clothes that much more.<br />
<br />
Here's the basic recipe for laundry soap, which of course I double/triple as needed. The recipe below washes around 20-30 loads:<br />
<br />
1 bar unscented <span class="il">soap</span> (I used homemade plain lard soap, but you can use any soap you prefer to use)<br />
1 cup Washing Soda (this isn't the easiest to find. It's always located in the laundry soap isle, but I have only found it at one local store, Fred Meyers)<br />
1/2 cup borax<br />
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Grate up the bar of soap<br />
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Add all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until everything is powdered finely.<br />
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To use I add 2 Tablespoons to a load. When I wash cloth diapers I add a handful (roughly 1/2 cup) of baking soda to help neutralize the smells and fill my downy fabric softener ball with vinegar (roughly 1-4/-1/2 cup). The baking soda and vinegar help to neutralize scents and keep the clothes smelling clean.<br />
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If you make your own laundry soap, please share your recipe. Shoot....if you make your own dishwasher soap, etc. please share because I'm looking to make as many things from scratch as I can.kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-22912093934417645642011-06-27T15:52:00.000-07:002011-06-27T15:52:03.701-07:00Sunburn Relief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYd_4utTOrukWV_SEI-gzEIzUfOYY5ht7HzmDih9OmWr03INpVS6QVYEx-I2XnZgG2TM_rsv8qIEc7xmFz37ZnzHzimL5ayrWwm9hBe8dS-k_hiMZ5d3mQAFRdGxgkF_kyy2Lp3RrYc6z/s1600/IMG_3421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYd_4utTOrukWV_SEI-gzEIzUfOYY5ht7HzmDih9OmWr03INpVS6QVYEx-I2XnZgG2TM_rsv8qIEc7xmFz37ZnzHzimL5ayrWwm9hBe8dS-k_hiMZ5d3mQAFRdGxgkF_kyy2Lp3RrYc6z/s320/IMG_3421.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Summer is finally here in western Washington (I think....). The temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees everyday, the sun is out more than 1/2 of the day,the heater hasn't been on for over a month, and the windows are cracked open all day and night. In the pacific NW that means it's summer, even if the rain joins us every couple days :) One thing that comes with summer no matter where you live is sunburns! I generally don't put sunblock on immediately when I go outside in order to give my body a chance to absorb some Vit. D, which is a serious deficient vitamin in the NW. Sometimes I remember to put some on after a while and sometimes I don't.<br />
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This last weekend my family and I went to an awesome hotrod show in Eatonville, WA, which by the way is a gorgeous cute little town at the base of Mt. Rainier. The sun was out and the hotrods shined. By 3pm I was feeling kind of crispy. Sure enough when I got home I was as red as a lobster.<br />
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Last summer I made a concoction with hopes to ease my sunburn pain and help heal burns quicker. I've heard that vinegar is good for helping soothe sunburns. I also know that St. Johns Wart and Lavendar are good for general burn relief (<i>Note: if you ever get burned on the stove or by another means put some St. Johns Wart infused oil and Lavendar essential oil on the burn. The pain goes away and the St. Johns Wart prevents blistering</i>). Both St. Johns Wart and Lavendar are starting to flower this time of year. St. Johns Wart is a "weed" around here and Lavendar grows in almost everyone's yard. Now is the time to make this for next year's sunburn relief. I've also read that St. Johns Wart is good for preventing sunburns (<a href="http://www.wisewomantradition.com/healingwise/2011/05/st-joanjohns-wort-and-the-sun.html">http://www.wisewomantradition.com/</a>)<br />
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Here's how I made my homemade sunburn relief spray:<br />
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<b>Supplies:</b><br />
<ul><li>Large glass jar</li>
</ul><ul><li>plastic lid*</li>
</ul><i>*if you don't have a plastic lid then you will need wax paper to prevent the lid from rusting</i><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul><li>Fresh St. Johns Wart flowers</li>
<li>Fresh Lavender flowers (preferably right before they bloom)</li>
<li>Apple cider vinegar</li>
</ul>Gather as many flowers as you can to fill the glass jar (1/2 St. Johns Wart Flowers, 1/2 Lavendar flowers). Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar to the top. Let sit for minimum 6-8 weeks. Top off with vinegar if needed.<br />
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After 6-8 weeks strain herbs out of vinegar and place vinegar into a clean jar. You can either use the vinegar by pouring it into a spray bottle or putting some on a rag and rubbing in on the burn. I personally like spraying it on for ease of application. Either way let the vinegar dry on the skin and the sunburn will go away sooner then you think.<br />
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The sunburn that I got this last weekend (Sat.) is turning into a nice golden brown without peeling or any discomfort. I'm usually not an advocate for tanning in the slightest, but I must say it's kind of fun not being as white as a ghost after a burn.<br />
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Enjoy the summer and take care of your skin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4bF7ti_eA0Zi77gIBoc7Xp4OxuT9VSXX8Ebeu5xn066gxQq9XMEaZi0UvZwieSU63HWeR7DLooAsFwon5KHZJnhopGI0WGJ-k6nkGyl13_63xOc3dKNeh5_xnySLt-_DUWMp5qHw2epY/s1600/IMG_3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-61337692074063610912011-05-23T23:14:00.000-07:002011-05-23T23:47:42.195-07:00Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTt_SLtIeew4qBVswDrPr1tbR_bgRnpIu2WOvtP9o-xb6GzGEG1lypVseKhUH2S5VofiHjfh_Cp4oI9JMMfmQlz0InBZx2CFbTuR25Avj8o4GpSXW9W0nBrnsJPRGy44iImn3oXouSyER/s1600/hamburgerbuns.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTt_SLtIeew4qBVswDrPr1tbR_bgRnpIu2WOvtP9o-xb6GzGEG1lypVseKhUH2S5VofiHjfh_Cp4oI9JMMfmQlz0InBZx2CFbTuR25Avj8o4GpSXW9W0nBrnsJPRGy44iImn3oXouSyER/s200/hamburgerbuns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610162740489485858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The weather in WA is starting to get close to a summer like pattern. Clouds in the morning, sun breaks, and mid to upper 60's. It's very exciting. Time for burgers, macaroni salad, and fruit!<br /><br />I've been making bread for the past few years, but during the past couple months I've been exclusively eating my homemade bread. I need to give kuddos to <a href="http://www.pennilessparenting.com/2010/07/perfect-bread-recipe.html">Penniless Parenting Blog</a>, which is where I got the original recipe and have modified it according to my taste and am now making buns out of it! If you haven't been to Penniless Parenting blog yet, you should totally check it out. There is way to much useful information on there.<br /><br />Anyway, what I love about this recipe is that it's healthier than white because it contains a good amount of wheat <span style="font-weight: bold;">and</span> it's flexible enough to use for sandwiches. I've experimented using a 10 grain cereal flour that I ground into flour with my vita-mix, spelt flour, and wheat. So far the best mix is using wheat or spelt flour. Here's the recipe:<br /><br /><div><u>Ingredients</u></div><div></div><div>1 cup whole milk<br />1 tablespoon butter<br />1/4 cup honey<br />1 cup whole wheat flour</div><div>2 cups white flour</div><div>1/4 cup potato flake (you can use potato water in place of flakes, just omit the milk or use 1/2 milk 1/2 potato water)<br /></div><div>1 tablespoon yeast</div><div></div><div>1 teaspoon salt<br />1 tablespoon vinegar</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Instructions</u></div><div>1. In medium sized glass bowl add milk, butter, and honey. Heat in microwave (of course stovetop in a pot would work too) for 1-2 minutes. Wisk until it's all combined and set aside.</div><div>2. Add dry ingredients together and mix.</div><div>3. I use a stand mixer, but kneading by hand works perfectly fine. Knead until it's soft and pliable (mixer: 5-10 min., hand: 10-15 min.). Add flour as needed.</div><div>4. Place dough in greased bowl, spray dough with oil, cover with plastic wrap and let double (1-2 hrs.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The nice part about this stage is that it can rise longer without ruining the bread. You can also let it slowly rise in the fridge overnight or all day. Just make sure to let it get to room temp. (30 min. or so) before going onto the 2nd rise.</span></div><div><br />5. Take dough out of bowl and lay the plastic wrap aside for later use. Seperate into 6 pieces. Shape each piece into a circle by kneading it and pinching the edges on the bottom.<br />6. Place each ball on a grease cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly and cover with the saved plastic wrap. Let rise slightly (15-30 min.).<br />7. Brush melted butter on each bun and cover with sesame seeds, onions, or desired topping. Cook 20-30 min. in a 350 degree oven. The texture will be soft so the best way to know if it's done is to place a meat thermomiter in the bread and it's finished if it reads 200 degrees.<br /><br /></div>Enjoykstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-76873187243456728752011-05-08T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-08T13:40:18.680-07:00Happy Mothers Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDcrJRdEgocCtZOj5rSe7X7juf-gvNYcH7pvFW_MlTJJ5Kdev3aLiH-HwMu1TjfMPtHT3-jRP18HvwkUv8lIKmjYaRnVNoB2RObK86O6wSCSgRy5D9EUR0gtIRozkmM6IfN9TXO8CsZEs/s1600/IMG_4395.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDcrJRdEgocCtZOj5rSe7X7juf-gvNYcH7pvFW_MlTJJ5Kdev3aLiH-HwMu1TjfMPtHT3-jRP18HvwkUv8lIKmjYaRnVNoB2RObK86O6wSCSgRy5D9EUR0gtIRozkmM6IfN9TXO8CsZEs/s200/IMG_4395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604447705627292786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsroRmr5zM7TdJdTab-aN7-nguNx0HxSrpF-oJLM2f1FqZqpl_daI4P11uYJL40aOT4pG7vQkf0KVYF6U7SmUgpsJZwRluDKBbAjhiNQ3FMGTD_Dl_0JRMagILyvI7Cl2Qpmo6u2cqe-K/s1600/IMG_4583.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsroRmr5zM7TdJdTab-aN7-nguNx0HxSrpF-oJLM2f1FqZqpl_daI4P11uYJL40aOT4pG7vQkf0KVYF6U7SmUgpsJZwRluDKBbAjhiNQ3FMGTD_Dl_0JRMagILyvI7Cl2Qpmo6u2cqe-K/s200/IMG_4583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604446308624801986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWrzz2Ns95wgHp8K0n0KIlFJ_5pnc38wCLCcYPWd3wqeqtaoYdiHzVtfgO8wHINyQeX1nPtkOQwT9EgY85g-ITrWmcmAX5NOfCv3OdalsfAQN9EUfrda4PQ8NZKv6YZbLFU0PoLojO-yV/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWrzz2Ns95wgHp8K0n0KIlFJ_5pnc38wCLCcYPWd3wqeqtaoYdiHzVtfgO8wHINyQeX1nPtkOQwT9EgY85g-ITrWmcmAX5NOfCv3OdalsfAQN9EUfrda4PQ8NZKv6YZbLFU0PoLojO-yV/s200/IMG_4665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604447367964284626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrK15Ex2lSAhXgHkNvhrhgzRrEd3LHcffLGbbsoIzeWIIPdP6mzOS44yHFp78f48_1q399zsZEUne7AKT822W3ES7HQFIod0M_KEYBIlO3_Etave2espnZ_GmphZAFQHd7LvSg66BvrqR/s1600/IMG_4399.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrK15Ex2lSAhXgHkNvhrhgzRrEd3LHcffLGbbsoIzeWIIPdP6mzOS44yHFp78f48_1q399zsZEUne7AKT822W3ES7HQFIod0M_KEYBIlO3_Etave2espnZ_GmphZAFQHd7LvSg66BvrqR/s200/IMG_4399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604447008105342066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms out there. Today is to celebrate all that you do for your kids and family.<br /><br /><br />'Ode to the little men in my life that make everyday a grand adventure.kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-75436113925998584482011-03-27T18:23:00.000-07:002011-03-27T18:35:01.719-07:00I'm still here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ff-pRO0sf8FcdSbqqSMXwy026XhWjUO-Gfe_Lr-RqnlBZDLeYrsJIl2e-cvoVrrh4a8iTZcRkQe2W-fwNdqfhvp8dMzislteiwqMj3hoXtPXSeJlke2cWhqHMrLk093_JrihyeYceZH6/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Ff-pRO0sf8FcdSbqqSMXwy026XhWjUO-Gfe_Lr-RqnlBZDLeYrsJIl2e-cvoVrrh4a8iTZcRkQe2W-fwNdqfhvp8dMzislteiwqMj3hoXtPXSeJlke2cWhqHMrLk093_JrihyeYceZH6/s200/IMG_4150.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588935966589293586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm still here. I promise that I'm not the type of person to start a blog and never come back to it. My how time flies. I've thought about my what my next post would be for the last three months apparently. It feels like only days, but that's how it goes.<br /><br />Life is a bit busier than I thought with watching two little munchkins all day everyday. My 18month old is off and on very clingy and independent at the same time. My 3-1/2 yr. old is independent and very very loving to his little brother (a little smothering) that I must keep eyes and ears on each most of the time. It's great fun, but when the boys finally go to sleep I feel the need to do not much of anything. So that's what I do.<br /><br />I have some great post ideas for this year, such as pancake syrup, soap recipes, herbal recipes, gardening ideas, etc... I'm excited to make the time to share this information. So keep your eyes open for the next postkstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-87935661045574327112011-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:002011-01-06T16:58:08.308-08:00Welcome to 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K6PC4OR5MfPiuoJfRNUL2uCcbwTmBlT3SzO8iUAZQ1pSbv9DZTa3iZpzPH1HylATE9CUkfh9x_YEN9HYQMvWKNeX7QnhC8MV66p30qQ5TPVAJRNBdjq_1OMW8d6I_6_Z4ujBeSHipmzF/s1600/2011_snowman.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K6PC4OR5MfPiuoJfRNUL2uCcbwTmBlT3SzO8iUAZQ1pSbv9DZTa3iZpzPH1HylATE9CUkfh9x_YEN9HYQMvWKNeX7QnhC8MV66p30qQ5TPVAJRNBdjq_1OMW8d6I_6_Z4ujBeSHipmzF/s400/2011_snowman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557843346675834050" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Welcome to 2011! Happy New Year from TodaysModernHomemaker. Tis the season for resolutions. Some personal resolutions that I'm aspiring to do different or try to do more of is:<br /><br />- Simplify my house. Clear the clutter, donate and toss things that we haven't used and won't use. Everything needs a home or it doesn't belong. I've been reading some fabulous ideas in "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simplicity-Parenting-Extraordinary-Calmer-Happier/dp/0345507983/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294036046&sr=8-1">Simplicity Parenting</a>" by Kim John Payne to help guide me along my way.<br />- Along these lines I will get my upstairs cleaned up. It's our out of sight out of mind area, which has turned into a pack rat, unorganized zone that needs some serious attention.<br />- Learn more homemade recipes, such as chocolate syrup and other things that I would normally buy.<br />- Tackle the world of sewing. Knitting and crocheting are fun, but with two little munchkins I think learning to sew will offer faster results. My objective is to make cool things for me, but to be able to sew the boys clothes, costumes, and whatever is needed. Gotta start somewhere right?<br /><br />I hope to life up to these resolutions since they're not to far fetched. No losing weight or other cliche resolutions. Personally it's not my style to do what others are doing. Just realistic personal goals that I've been striving towards for a while. The time has come to get them done.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Check out some other wonderful resolutions on <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2010/12/pennywise-platter-thursday-1230.html">Nourishing Gourmet's Penny Platter Thursday</a></span>kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-47411137609308192552010-12-26T15:39:00.001-08:002010-12-26T16:02:19.060-08:00Cleanup Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAybw4cMloGj6Iz4p1fUThnc9Pg5pUHrdw5j97yBOTaYgy4M6Kvqjren62_RTISB5riJ4pKwclisYbrDeoGIo0nAZtNDxhpAfFizV6pRpQWtVaYdEFA33iNVMM0Y4eWFGO0j7eHnpSEXP/s1600/soapscrub.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAybw4cMloGj6Iz4p1fUThnc9Pg5pUHrdw5j97yBOTaYgy4M6Kvqjren62_RTISB5riJ4pKwclisYbrDeoGIo0nAZtNDxhpAfFizV6pRpQWtVaYdEFA33iNVMM0Y4eWFGO0j7eHnpSEXP/s400/soapscrub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555141574380762290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Christmas is over and oh what fun it was. Now it's time to cleanup the mess. All the gifts are put away and now it's time to scrub the kitchen counters, the whole bathroom, all of the floors, etc. You might be asking yourself what this picture has to do with cleaning. Well this is my all purpose scrub. It scrubs away bathtub scum, dirty floors, and whatever else needs a little extra scrub.<br /><br />Here's the recipe. Mind you that I don't measure recipes often. Recipes are guidelines and it's best to get a feel for what works for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- 1 part borax</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- 2 parts baking soda</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- 10-20 drops of preferred essential oil(s). I like to use grapefruit seed extract, lavendar, tea tree, and sometimes a drop or two of patchouli.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- liquid soap. I use peppermint or eucalyptus liquid castile soap</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- water</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Stir first three ingredients. Add enough liquid soap to make a crumbly mix with the consistency of corn meal. Slowly add water while mixing until it is a smooth paste. The thickness of the paste will depend on what you're using it for. </span><br /><br />I use this recipe mostly for scrubbing the bathroom tub, but it can be used for many things. The beauty of a recipe like this is that it's non-toxic. A lot of times the boys want to help me clean and they can with this cleaner. No need to air out the house for fear of putting nasty chemicals in the home. This cleaner smells so good and you can personalize it to your fragrance needs.<br /><br />Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!.......and happy cleaningkstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-13178047210962432692010-12-03T21:43:00.000-08:002010-12-03T22:33:01.035-08:00Take a Guess<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr7gfV9LKDw2W3zCJ3EkNRAqOq3JLPLFw51VoObKaghcXH9zf3wMwsYgP31QfiqC2C_A8gx_7eyrs4uGTS532BbddvykpM9Wbw_m-rYE7vocTBWfKeaq70faO-Jb8wayGzk9ycTePYp2p/s1600/acornsquashseeds.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr7gfV9LKDw2W3zCJ3EkNRAqOq3JLPLFw51VoObKaghcXH9zf3wMwsYgP31QfiqC2C_A8gx_7eyrs4uGTS532BbddvykpM9Wbw_m-rYE7vocTBWfKeaq70faO-Jb8wayGzk9ycTePYp2p/s400/acornsquashseeds.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546710821318672946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So what do you think these are? Go ahead take a guess.......<br /><br />If you said pumpkin seeds think again. These are acorn squash seeds. Who knew that you could eat acorn squash seeds like pumpkin seeds! Actually you can eat all winter squash seeds if you want.<br /><br />I was preparing some acorn squash to put in my chili and was feeling guilty about tossing the seeds. I decided to save them and let them soak in a salt water until I was able to bake them, which was about an hr. or so. I baked them in a preheated oven (350 degrees) for 20 minutes or until they're golden (stirring them after 10 min.). The results were a crunchy, salty, yummy goodness that I couldn't stop eating. Honestly I couldn't taste a difference between these and pumpkin seeds. I'm totally going to eat all the seeds from the winter squash that I have bought this year so far.<br /><br />It feels good to have one less thing to throw out and to get more bang for my buck. There's definitely something satisfying about using as much as I can in things that I buy. Now I just need to figure out what to do with the skins.kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-54873392303595445562010-11-15T21:48:00.000-08:002010-11-19T12:47:28.079-08:00Homemade Shampoo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HvKhj-1UIjqo4Drb20YvcZ3Xi9fugPpY-1ns-RbHgUyp0ia8adS7t_ItLX9_h8DZ1oMZgc0nLzwtRhl42J9qVB1ge4OlZMqjbonJouUYOGVQ3TFKzQaaSBHi5phHgk2UvXTLFWoedbmC/s1600/blog_IMG_4315.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HvKhj-1UIjqo4Drb20YvcZ3Xi9fugPpY-1ns-RbHgUyp0ia8adS7t_ItLX9_h8DZ1oMZgc0nLzwtRhl42J9qVB1ge4OlZMqjbonJouUYOGVQ3TFKzQaaSBHi5phHgk2UvXTLFWoedbmC/s200/blog_IMG_4315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540809542237819682" border="0" /></a>I'm always looking for ways to make things myself instead of having to buy it . One thing that my body hasn't agreed with fully is regular shampoo. The reason is because my hair is very oily, well I thought it was. When I use regular shampoo (organic, natural, or not) my hair is very oily by the next day and nasty oily by the 2nd day. I don't mind taking a shower everyday if I want, but don't like taking one because I have to.<br /><br />The last time my commercial shampoo ran out I promised myself I would try to make my own shampoo and try to rid myself of the shackles of daily hair washing. I reviewed all my personal books and found a wonderful recipe by Rosemary Gladstar in her book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rosemary-Gladstars-Herbal-Recipes-Vibrant/dp/1603420789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289888442&sr=8-1">Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health</a>." This book is full of easy herbal recipes that help you keep healthy by using natures most natural form, plants. I would totally recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a do it yourself health lifestyle, but I digress. Let's diving into the shampoo making.<br /><br />Before I go into the recipe you should know that I view recipes as a guideline and meant to be customized. I'll write the main recipe, include my modifications, and end with the results. The best part of making your own things at home is you can customize it to exactly what you want:<br /><br />8 oz. water<br />1 oz herbs (dried or fresh)*<br />3 oz liquid castile soap<br />1/4 tsp. jojoba oil (rosemary oil if you have really oily hair)<br />25 drops pure essential oil*<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*I'll give you reason</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s why I chose the herbs and oils that I used, but you should check out Rosemary's book for further details on the specifics on uses of other herbs and oils.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step One</span>: <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa934JZ_KIOvTfT835sA-r6MiS71wmrESqJp8zIAaM9sXg1dDRsF61R9PduFAYzbuAMnyBJzd9YYzlWokoIoEhC4o576eil_4zw_-s-bDVEDbX6I1hVYWUUQK5mjYU93nbc5z8i6Sk3Wp/s1600/blog_IMG_4291.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaa934JZ_KIOvTfT835sA-r6MiS71wmrESqJp8zIAaM9sXg1dDRsF61R9PduFAYzbuAMnyBJzd9YYzlWokoIoEhC4o576eil_4zw_-s-bDVEDbX6I1hVYWUUQK5mjYU93nbc5z8i6Sk3Wp/s320/blog_IMG_4291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540797940025586114" border="0" /></a>pick some herbs. I chose dried rosemary, sage, and fresh yarrow leaves primarily because I have them already. Rosemary is great for oily hair and helps with Dandruff treatment and promotes hair growth (I can use that!). Sage is good for all hair types and is good for dandruff treatment. Yarrow has drying properties. I chose little handfuls of each.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step Two</span>: Cover herbs with water and boil. Cover and let simmer for 20 mins. Of course longer doesn't hurt either as I'm sure there are plenty of distractions as your house as with mine. I just figure it pulls more of the good stuff out the longer it sits.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoUASs80GNlqk_UmtLDUC7W9QzWquSPTu2qCP0hZ7ouM6Vns4uXRwuIqLSMVJI3qN7ArDnSCmQs0Zy7vv1WowyJ-jdZ8afDGk7-HX0kLpvdJhL3QWUd8aRw_CXbmRgmSlip1_LOnEqGUE/s1600/blog_IMG_4301.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoUASs80GNlqk_UmtLDUC7W9QzWquSPTu2qCP0hZ7ouM6Vns4uXRwuIqLSMVJI3qN7ArDnSCmQs0Zy7vv1WowyJ-jdZ8afDGk7-HX0kLpvdJhL3QWUd8aRw_CXbmRgmSlip1_LOnEqGUE/s200/blog_IMG_4301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540804310003710722" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step Three</span>: Strain the tea into a large glass measuring bowl. This way you know how much liquid you actually have. This will be the basis on how much castile soap and essentials oils you put in. I ended up with 2 cups of tea so I doubled the recipe.<br /><br />Slowly add the castile soap while stirring. Then mix in the rosemary oil and essential oil. I used 25 drops of lavendar, 15 drops of patchouli, and 10 drops of Tea Tree oil. All of these oils have oil, and itchy scalp fighting properties and plus they smell so good.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlU9r_3MHLoNPHlOBeT-sF83H5wvxPiAng21n-bIbg3hsbrBMYGGCBELftM48cxl-YZxYIsqoxwcJggpbeeew7vR1guYP0EsyQDHB0-QK6NmrmSeb8oIxf5XmQ2bUxmv6Qy5JRIEE2LBB/s1600/blog_IMG_4307.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlU9r_3MHLoNPHlOBeT-sF83H5wvxPiAng21n-bIbg3hsbrBMYGGCBELftM48cxl-YZxYIsqoxwcJggpbeeew7vR1guYP0EsyQDHB0-QK6NmrmSeb8oIxf5XmQ2bUxmv6Qy5JRIEE2LBB/s200/blog_IMG_4307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540812606469150082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B44XuADH3y4gpfVNWmX_iskxB4MdLVsTmCnWsQSWS0Qmwd5BjAX6XRHO_e5BgKPk0t0MrP8w6dKa2704jfZ3_vjnQv7CHgETY8GHok8BoD1k-lxL9TbMpe464rCfkeP8xKbtX1xOYEMH/s1600/blog_IMG_4309.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B44XuADH3y4gpfVNWmX_iskxB4MdLVsTmCnWsQSWS0Qmwd5BjAX6XRHO_e5BgKPk0t0MrP8w6dKa2704jfZ3_vjnQv7CHgETY8GHok8BoD1k-lxL9TbMpe464rCfkeP8xKbtX1xOYEMH/s200/blog_IMG_4309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540812732471153490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Pour into a container with flip-top lid. Shake before use.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKyagvl86pJJ_2CGjBeSE3LKbPwZzujnqMg_sBevFt2vQVHpI2DLPvoDnuD830EKVeKcKwlN7eIQ5P6pdbj5QV0xJEeVBDZNh2icbsStDpDLFJZM1KN91tKzbXSwXH_xLz4aqCYSjvUAt/s1600/blog_IMG_4311.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 142px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKyagvl86pJJ_2CGjBeSE3LKbPwZzujnqMg_sBevFt2vQVHpI2DLPvoDnuD830EKVeKcKwlN7eIQ5P6pdbj5QV0xJEeVBDZNh2icbsStDpDLFJZM1KN91tKzbXSwXH_xLz4aqCYSjvUAt/s200/blog_IMG_4311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540806080422237426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Since this is a tea based shampoo it doesn't last forever. I made this once before the it lasted me a good month or more and smelled as fresh as ever. Honestly I'm not sure how long it does last, so make it as you need it. Also, I have found that my hair does wonderfully with a baking soda rinse (1 tablespoon baking soda to 16 oz water) everytime I use the shampoo and a monthly cider vinegar rinse (1 tablespoon vinegar to 16 oz water). I suppose this method of shampoo is considered "no poo", but I really don't know much about it so I won't talk about it. Feel free to leave comments explaining more about "no poo."<br /><br />I would also love to hear what other herbal and essential oil blends people use for homemade shampoo or how this recipe works for your hair.kstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-22355269757614448422010-11-13T01:13:00.000-08:002010-11-13T01:27:32.680-08:00Definition: Modern Homemaker<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO5fhzyr8n-NZL36ocLwuMVbh-pldw_I60H0gpf7ssbA4TA-kaFIOYxPEDLdnR6_xcjFB55u-XJVRVweVRibukgxUgJ5KCaW7o4HV8r1rzG0OrO08GhH0ZWiQ1j4nY4lxSJNHfvFyXAC7/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO5fhzyr8n-NZL36ocLwuMVbh-pldw_I60H0gpf7ssbA4TA-kaFIOYxPEDLdnR6_xcjFB55u-XJVRVweVRibukgxUgJ5KCaW7o4HV8r1rzG0OrO08GhH0ZWiQ1j4nY4lxSJNHfvFyXAC7/s200/IMG_4173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538961377207006082" border="0" /></a><br />I feel it's necessary to begin this blog with my definition of a modern homemaker. Of course, this is my opinion and by no means official.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Modern Homaker</span>: Someone (man or woman, married or single) who takes care of their home in a positive manner using as many resources as possible. When I say resources I'm talking about using things that are already available, something that can be made and not bought, or something that can be borrowed. Being a modern homemaker is all about simplicity and keeping life as close to nature as you desire. It's all about using products that can be reused (hence the picture of cloth diapers hanging on my neighbors line), figuring out ways to reuse things that are manufactured to throw away (i.e. keeping toilet paper tubes to make rainsticks or other crafts), and creating as many things from scratch instead of buying buying buying.<br /><br />Everyday I learn more on how to become a modern homemaker by my own defintion and will continue to learn everyday. I hope to use this blog to communicate methods that have worked for me in creating a wonderful home. I really enjoy reading how others create, cook, and their detailed instructions, so I'm determined to provide as much "how to" details so everyone can try.<br /><br />Keep your eyes open for wonderful posts on how to make laundry soap, graham crackers, etc.... I'm excited to share the knowledgekstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5213545285256580865.post-72074925835544065412010-10-31T21:58:00.000-07:002010-10-31T22:09:25.744-07:00Why Create this Blog?I have been wanting to create a blog for a long time (3 + yrs.) so I can communicate my experience and knowledge to whomever is interested. I have a lot of interests that aren't particularily inline with today's society and I know I'm not the only one interested in doing things the "old school" way. I use cloth diapers, make 90% of my food from scratch, and really want to make more homemade goods. Why you ask? Because I like to be self reliant, live within my means and provide everything to my family even if we don't have any extra money. If you're resourceful then anything can happen. If you have a negative attitude then nothing happens. I choose to try anything and everything and if it doesn't work then I know for future reference. I want my two boys to dive into new things without any doubt and live life to it's fullest. Honestly I think we can learn a lot from previous generations on how to live life simply, yet have everything that we need. This blog is to help us in our adventures of this goal and to help others achieve it through cooking, cleaning, crocheting & knitting recipes, etc. The more we make ourselves the less we rely on others to make our lives that much richer. I'm all about doing it ourselves as our ancestors did.<br /><br />To start the blog I'm currently doing a project to transcribe my husband's grandma's (Amy Park) Homemaking book. It's written in pencil and the pages are falling apart. My goal is to get it re-written well before Christmas (hopefully around Thanksgiving) so my mother in-law can get it publish for the family to enjoy. What a wonderful chance to be part of history to share history. I try to live my life as self reliant as possible and I'm hoping we can all learn a lot from Amy Park's recipes as I transcribe this bookkstrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697790696506897922noreply@blogger.com2