What's out your Backdoor?

BCheeky Guest Blogging Today

The Internet is an amazing place!
I never thought that I would be a person that could use the phrase "My Internet Friend" when describing someone I talk to on a daily basis.
Over the years I have made many "Internet Friends" and have even met a few of them in person...Yes I know, Freaky ;)

We are all from different parts of the country and the world.
Show off "What's out your Backdoor"

I live in Florida, the first images that come to mind for most are white sand beaches, maybe even Disney.

Stop by the BCheeky Blog to see What's out My Backdoor!
It won't be what you think

Whether your at work or home take a snap shot out your door or window and share it on your blog.
If you do, post a comment here or on the BCheeky Blog so we can take a peak into your world.

~Patricia

Reduce Reuse Recycle & Upcycle

Happy Earth Day!
To celebrate the day I have a couple Environment Friendly projects.

Going Green for me is not just about helping the environment, it's also about saving money.
I thought a good way to start is making my own laundry detergent.

Of course I can't find my receipt so I don't have the numbers on this.
The last time I bought "regular" commercial laundry detergent I think it cost me around $15.00-17.00 and I bought the HE kind for 64 loads.

The ingredients to make this detergent only cost a few dollars.
The recipe it self would be under $2.00 for approx. 40 loads (maybe less if I knew the numbers LOL).

Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent

What you need:
1 Bar Soap (Pure & Natural, Kirk's, Fels-Naptha or one you prefer)
1 Cup Washing Soda (not baking soda)
1/2 Cup Borax

You can Grate or Chop the bar soap.
If you Grate you do not need to use a Food Processor.
Since I am making a Powder Detergent I wanted it really fine, so I chopped and put it in a Food Processor.

If using a Processor, put all your ingredients in...

Pulse until well mixed and fine.

I recycled a plastic container to store the powder.

If you didn't use a Food Processor, just Grate the bar and mix the ingredients.

You can mix a few drops of essential oil in as well, perhaps orange, lavender or tea tree.

To Use:
1 TBS or 2 TBS for heavily soiled loads

There is also a recipe to make this a liquid detergent. I haven't tried it yet.
When I do, I'll post it.

additional info:
Why I chose Kirk's Soap
No Animal By-Products, Never Tested on Animals, Hypoallergenic, Biodegradable, No Synthetic Detergents

Check back later for a fun Upcycle project!
~Patricia

Green Mowing

I'm sad to say I haven't jumped on the whole "Going Green" lifestyle as much as I should.
But this attempt might just kick my butt in shape literally!
We have purchased a Scotts 20" Classic Mower

No Gas, No Oil, No Electricity
Just good ol' Human Push Power
Yes, it's great for the environment but it is also a great workout!
Ok, now we have 3 acres so I'm not using it on the whole yard just yet.
We bought it for me to keep up with about 8000 sq. ft. of grass in the front and back of our house.
You know the part of the yard the family is always playing in and I am always nagging Dave to mow

I just have to say I LOVE IT!
It's quiet, the kids can play safely nearby and I don't have to worry about flying debris and I am getting an awesome workout!
I think it's a win win for everyone including the environment ;)

~Patricia

Feathering the Nest

We moved into our new home a year and a half ago. I don't take well to change
No Really I just changed the address on my drivers licence last week and that was out of necessity.
Okay, truth be told I am the Queen of Procrastination!

But that is ALL behind me...
I have declared 2008 as My year of "Change"
I have altered my anti-schedule ways. I am making lists and actually crossing things off.

We are eating dinner by 5:30, the kids are going to bed on time (close enough), the house is cleaner and more organized than it was.
Now I am up to Feathering the Nest. This house is in much need of warmth and style.
Here are a couple new items I've added this week

hmm, What's that behind my New BlackBird Tin???
Just a little sneak peak at new items in the works for
One Boy One Girl

Meet Blu-Kitty...he was hopping to Feather his Nest too, LOL
Luckily for the Birds they outsmarted him. They were eating at another feeder ;)

~Patricia