This and That

I think when i left you last i was about to cry from the holiday stress. No worries, there has been more "free" time this week than i thought there would be, and work is also slow, which helps a lot!

First-TBL....anyone?? I almost didn't make it bc it started at 8 and was a 2 hour episode. Let's remember we go to bed early. Anything past 9 is difficult.

i had my eyes closed the last 20 minutes "listening" to it, and periodically would ask Daniel if they knew who won yet. (sidenote: i've always been a sleep talker, but i'm actually waking myself up doing it a lot lately. it's confusing for me to say the least.)

anyways....yay Patrick!!! soo excited for him, he looked great. I love seeing the transformation and seeing how weight loss can completely change a persons complete physical appearance.

And by golly, there is another season starting January 4th!! and for those of you who love me...just a gentle reminder that my birthday is January 5th.  :)

SO.........

I've talked a little bit before about natural cleaning products....etc......

Here's the low-down:

I'm obsessed with Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castille soap (i buy it at Target near the make/up and Burt's Bees products). I look forward to cleaning our toilets and bathtubs now, it smells SO good! (i'm addicted to all things peppermint really.....peppermint mocha anyone?)

I made our laundry detergent, here's the recipe:

(courtesy of Rebecca)

1 cup liquid castille soap (I use Dr. Bronner's Peppermint)


2 cups warm water

1/3 cup salt

1 cup baking soda

Directions:
Add salt and baking soda to warm water and mix. Pour the mixture into a one gallon container (old vinegar bottle or i used a half gallon drinking bottle and halfed the recipe.) Add your Dr. B's. Fill the rest of the container with water. Use between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup per load. You can add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
 
Also courtesy of Rebecca:
 
Toilets:
Sprinkle Baking Soda in toilet, add a small amount of Dr. Bronner's, scrub around, add vinegar (i used a spray bottle), then flush.
 
Bathtub:
I use a sponge with Dr. Bronner's and baking soda-it makes a good paste. I scrub all over the tub, then rinse. You can use vinegar as well.
 
Drain:
I sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda in the drain. Then add vinegar (about a cup). Wait a few minutes then pour boiling/really hot water down. It fizzes and i feel quite happy knowing that i've cleaned anything down the drain that might have been 'lurking.'
 
All purpose cleaner:
Right now i just use a half/half combo of vinegar and water.
 
Floors:
Half/Half vinegar and water.
 
I also use Dr. Bronner's Peppermint for our hand soap. They have other scents, but the peppermint is to die for and takes me to my happy place.
 
Confession: I cannot stop using papertowels. I know i ranted about that  a while ago, but I cannot seem to break the habit.
 
For more ideas and recipes, go here.
 
Random:
 
- Daniel surprised me with roses yesterday!
 
- When my sister and i were little we had to have our wrists x-rayed and go to the dr every 6 months bc they were concerned about how short we were
 
- we have a chance of snow on Friday
 
- There are a lot of awkward moments i want to share on this blog, but people involved read it so i can't....
 
- I've never heard a Justin Beiber song. I know who he is, but have never heard his music.
 
- I lived in Belgium when i was a kid
 
- Choosing what to wear to a wedding stresses me out.
 
- i facebook stalk people like you wouldn't believe......
 
 
love
laura