Homemade Laundry Detergent {again}

I just love homemaking and I get really excited over DIY projects. I  really despise spending 6 bucks on a bottle of fabric softener and 10 bucks on laundry detergent. Yet I love a good smelling, fresh batch of laundry.

You may remember this post: Testing the Homemade Laundry detergent.

While I liked that recipe, I didn't love it. So, I went back to store bought stuff and forgot about it.

Then along came Pinterest......

Ah.......what a way to waste time. :)

Just kidding, I try not to waste too much time on it and I have found some great things there.

Here is a link to one of them:

No Grate Homemade Laundry Detergent

I love this recipe!! It is wonderful. It is super easy and of course I tested it.

I used one load of this and then one load with the store bought stuff and honestly the clothes smelled more clean and fresh with the homemade version. Also, I now have an HE washer (which I loathe) and I use this in it.

Now here is my fav!!

Homemade Fabric Softener

If you try this and like it let me know. I am really pleased with it and the savings it brings!

Happy Homemaking,
Melanie

Wow! Where does the time go?

I have not just give up on my blog. I really do miss it.
We have had sickness since before Christmas that is still hanging on.
I just wanted to drop a little post and say, Lord willing, I will be back soon.

A Healthy Latte....yes, it is possible (and it tastes good)

Yesterday I mentioned my new sugar free lifestyle.

All is well except for the longing in my soul for a Starbuck's White Chocolate Mocha or a Venti Pumpkin Spice latte. Really, for the first few days I almost cried. I have a Tassimo, and it brews some pretty amazing mocha and cappuccino  and lattes...oh my!

Okay, I think you get that I love some good, sweet coffee drinks.

The quest to reproduce that in a sugarless, low-fat version that actually is worth the trouble and worth drinking seemed hopeless.

Here is my new favorite, healthy drink.

Have on hand:

Gevalia espresso T-disc or strong coffee or other espresso.

Torani Sugar free syrup, I used the hazelnut flavor.

Stevia in the Raw, 1 packet

Almond milk, unsweetened. 1 Cup

I used a Froth au Lait milk frother. A hand held would probably work too.

Froth the milk, adding the packet of stevia and 2 TBS of the sugar-free syrup before the frother shuts off.

Pour it into a cup, brew your T disc or add your espresso.

Voila!

Amazing!

Wonderful!

Ahhhh....happiness in a cup!

Want more happiness?

Check this out!

Yep! 32 calories! Do you know that my usual latte would have come in at 150 calories with fat and sugar!

Now, I do not advocate using artificial sweeteners other than stevia or xylitol. But it was a matter of sanity for me. (The syrup is sweetened with Splenda) I have to have coffee that taste good. Period. :) Just out of curiosity I checked the nutrition facts for my beloved pumpkin spice latte. Hold on to your seat: 410 Calories, 17 fat grams, no fiber and 48 grams of sugar! Whoa! I think I will try some of Torani's sugar free Pumpkin syrup next!

Enjoy!

P.S.

Blue Diamond Breeze froths better than Silk. But, I think it has 10 more calories.

UPDATE 7-17-2013 Since I am now trying to follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan I have revisited this recipe during a Fuel Cycle, FP day. Don't have a Tassimo? Just brew some really strong espresso to counter all of the almond milk. It works just as well with KAL stevia extract,  sweetened to taste. A little vanilla extract added, and some Fat Free Redi-whip will make you feel all special. :) A Fuel Pull Latte! Happy, Happy, Happy!

Linking up at Stacy Makes Cents and Gwen's Nest for Trim Healthy Tuesday.

Cooking Experiment

I haven't said anything about my health goals lately. I'm just waiting for the right time. You know, the time I feel like I can do it and not quit....

Anyway, I've been at a new eating plan (I don't like the D word) for the last three weeks.

It requires that I eat tons of veggies and lean protein, low fat and no sugar. I know, your thinking I'm crazy. Well, that may be true but we won't go there. This is really like clean eating and that is something I've been really wanting to try but never had the courage.

I'll tell you more about the plan later. Right now I wanted to share a recipe. I felt like one of those happy chefs on the Food Network. I was just cooking and tossing in ingredients like I knew what I was doing. Boy, it turned out awesome!




I've come to love vinegar and spices. They add so much to the food. I don't miss the fat and sugar at all. This started with two chicken breast and a hungry momma.

Here is the list, as best as I can remember. I didn't measure a thing.

-Two boneless, skinless chicken
breast, sliced or cubed
-Extra virgin olive oil, 1 TBS
-white wine vinegar
-chicken broth, fat free, low sodium, no MSG
-lemon juice
-pepper, to taste
-a tad bit of kosher salt
-baby spinach, raw, about two cups
- sliced raw mushrooms, 1 cup
-onion & garlic powder , 1 TBS each
- Parmesan cheese, 1/4 c

Start with EVOO. Add chicken to hot pan with oil. Begin to cook. At this point I added the spices, vinegar (1/4 cup?) and poured in some broth, 1/2 cup maybe. When chicken is no longer pink add mushrooms. Pour in some lemon juice, again I just poured, perhaps about 1/8- 1/4 cup, maybe less. After mushrooms are cooked down toss in the spinach. Just let it wilt a little. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese. (If you can find lemon pepper seasoning that does not have MSG then that would be good too.) Serves 2
Yum!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A New Birth

During the last revival at our home church, which happened to be the third week of revival meetings we had been in, my Jenna was saved. I won't even try to write how I felt. There are no words. It was a so sweet. It was Jenna and our Heavenly Father. He knocked and she opened her heart. Glory.

Jenna with her Dad

Jenna and the Evangelist, Robbie Chastain

 She was so happy. She came up out of that altar with the testimony that the Lord had saved her. She wanted to be baptized right away. So, two weeks later we went to the creek. It was a lovely, warm day.

 Little Janie saw the solemn look on her sister's face and ran to her side. It was the cutest thing. She just rubbed Jenna's arm and stood right with her.

 What a happy, blessed day. Her father & Pastor had the honor of laying her down in that liquid grave.
This. This is our goal. The three R's are important in our homeschool, but the most important is that we raise children that will love the Lord with their heart, mind and soul all the days of their lives.

What School Looks like Here Today

Well we are on our second week of revival. This will be our ninth night going. I've seemingly strained a ligament in my neck and after seeing the chiropractor, and still feeling like I'm 90 when I wake up, I'm moving slow and easy and suffering horrible headaches. Today will be lots of ice and heat on my neck and lots of coffee! I'm still trying to be productive in the day and not allow too much wasted time.
Here are a couple of snap shots of what is going on here right now.




Schooling with apps! What are your favorite? Got to love iSchooling!




Tried and true favorites. Stacking pegs.




High school studies-in her bed! Does she really know how good she has it? :)
The boy doesn't like for his picture to be made. :( one day I'll grab a quick one.


Then sometimes we learn together. That's the best!


Happy homeschooling at your place!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Our School Room 2012

This week in the Not Back-to-School Blog Hop it is School Room week. What a great time to have to make pictures, that means the school room gets a little extra TLC, not that I would neglect the school room... ;)

Our school area has changed so many times over the years. Here is a link to a post from a few years ago. We have also schooled in a little "school house" that my hubby built us when we first started. It was an awesome little playhouse type building outside and since Josh was just a toddler it worked out great. he could play in the outdoors and we could school uninterrupted by the things in the house. The only drawback was heating it in the winter and the trips to the bathroom. So, as I have fond memories of that time, I really am thankful for what we have now.

Our school room used to be our garage. About 6 years ago my husband, who is the greatest, gave in and allowed me to convert the garage. Do I miss the garage? Not hardly as much as I thought!

Now to the pictures of our room now:

Our main school area for written work. 

The snuggle and have coffee area. :) My favorite!

The fitness area, I am really working on fitness. Perhaps one day I will blog about it.

Our super awesome white board. (It is a shower board from Home Depot)

The ugly wall unit does the job of keeping cool  or warm   and I love the bulletin board! It was cheap to make!

If you want to see how I made the bulletin board click here: Bulletin Board

That is it! 

Happy Homeschooling!

Crock-Pot Pork Chops (for those busy days)

Over the next three weeks we are going to be one busy bunch of people. I am known for my love of being a home-body. Sometimes, though, you have to happily go. We will be having 3 weeks of revivals in a row. For these few weeks I am going to be using a lot of crock pot meals and I thought I would share them here, as time allows.

Crock-Pot Pork chops

1 family pack of bone-in thick pork chops (we just ate the last of our fresh, home-grown chops)
1 package of Ranch dressing dry mix (I really am going to find a healthier sub for this one day)
1 can of fat free Cream of Mushroom condensed soup
1 can if fat free Cream of Chicken condensed soup
1 TBS Onion Powder
1/2 TBS dried parsley flakes
Put chops in crock-pot
Mix all other ingredients in a bowl then pour over chops
cook on low for 6 hours.
Nutrition Info:
(Based on 8 4oz Pork Chops, bone-in center cut)
Calories: 188
Fat: 6
Carbs: 7
Protein:  26
Sodium: 393
Fiber: 1



This picture makes the chop look a little dry, but that was not the case. It was really good and there was a lot of "gravy" in the crock pot. :)

2012-2013 School Year - Picking Curriculum {and blog hop}

This is big!

I am just as surprised as the little guy above!

This will be my THIRD year using My Father's World!!!! I am still in shock myself!
All of those years I spent wandering through the wilderness of homeschool curriculum choices. The countless times that UPS man came up my driveway. The thrill that eventually gave way to a sale on eBay. For three years I have been done with that routine!

Did I say yet that I love My Father's World? Okay, I did? Just checking. :)


Let's start with Jessie, my upcoming high school junior. (That is equally as shocking to me)

MFW US History to 1877 (photo from MFW website)

Her core is the US History to 1877. Yes, the price is a little much to us homeschool moms. But really, is it? Considering what this education would cost at a private, Christian school I think it is a great investment. I have 3 others to come up through this program.

What will be new this year? This:

Don't get me wrong, I can really appreciate Dr. Wile's love for science and his Apologia Science books, but I just can't go there again with this child. Ah, the beauty of homeschooling! This is Biology 101. A DVD series that the entire family can and will want to watch and learn together. With the included Course Accreditation Program and Guide book ( you print these yourself) then it is a full years credit for high school Biology. I am beyond excited!  I purchased mine here: Biology 101 @ Rainbow Resource

Jessie will continue with her Viola lessons in the Suzuki method. She will also use Artistic Pursuits. She is my artsy child and I love to see her create. She has spent the last year beginning to take photographs for people and make money! She also taught herself Photoshop and by the looks of that program that is quite an accomplishment!

For the dreaded math we will continue and finish with Math-U-See. Bless her heart! :)

For ACT prep we are using this book

She will continue on through French although we are not sold on Rosetta Stone. (Any advice here is appreciated, please, leave a comment!)

To round it out she will complete the Logic course detailed on the MFW site for one semester and then this: One semester of Health. 



Whew! She is going to be a busy young lady!


Now, onto Josh (7th) and Jenna (2nd)

Exploration to 1850

MFW Exp to 1850 (MFW image)

The core for Josh and Jenna is Exploration to 1850. Awesome!

Josh is using Teaching Textbooks math and I could not be more happy about that!

For Science we will use Apologia General Science, and he will watch the Biology 101 DVD's. 

I found this awesome stack of papers lapbook to accompany this course. I chose to purchase it already printed. I also picked up the lesson plans for this level. 

L@@k at that stack...in a 3 inch binder.....what was I thinking??? Okay, I was thinking that it made this textbook look a little more fun and a little less intimidating! I will let you know how it all works out. 

For Jenna she will use the 2nd grade supplement that goes with this plan. I added these finds for her: Emma Serl's Primary Language Lessons Teacher's guide...I never knew...and I am glad I do know now!

Primary Language Lessons, Teacher's Guide

Also, I care not for Drawing With Children, I am sorry! I tried it twice! So above is a shot of the art I have added.

Beginning Drawing
I have purchased for Jenna Artistic Pursuits, but I don't understand why any art curriculum would start by asking the child to draw without showing them how to draw first.  So, that is why I added that DVD. Thanks to Tara for sharing the knowledge!

Jenna will continue with Singapore Math.  with plans to move into Teaching Textbooks.

On the topic of Jenna, I am still amazed at how she learned to read so well. I am in love with the fact that she learned to read not with only "Mat sat on Pat", but with starting at Genesis and reading through the MFW First Grade Bible Reader.


I am sure that there is more, but this post is long enough and gives a good idea about our year. Not to leave out little Janie, she will just tag along and will watch a lot of Leap Frog Letter Factory. I greatly attribute that DVD to Jenna being so ready to start MFW K.

Have a wonderful time planning your homeschool!
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Jenna's Birthday {the post I almost forgot to do}

Well, good grief! What kind of mom am I? I was uploading pictures for a blog post about our new school year and I ran across pictures of my dear little Jenna's 7th birthday. She had a fabulous cake done by me dear, talented friend, Tara and I just forgot to share it!

So, here you go...just a little late.

Birthday morning. Opening gifts before church.

A birthday muffin to start the day!

The main event: Brave cake!

Since her birthday fell on a Sunday we had cake and ice cream after night service in the fellowship hall with her little friends and family.

Isn't that the cutest cake!

This child is a sweet blessing! That little smile just makes my day. I am having a blast watching her learn to read and write. She is busy today writing a song. It is titled "I Love My Jesus."  What could be more precious? Since Jenna is the third born she has the advantage of having a momma who understands now that babies grow up real fast and that momma's need to cherish each moment!

How to get excited...

....about school when you don't stop for summer vacation. Start with coffee. :)







Take a small break. For me this is easy because my family loves to have my kiddos spend time at the lake with them. Two days works wonders for me and is about all I can stand when it comes to not having my babies at home.

Hit up the back to school bargains. New crayons, stickers, notebooks and markers are always fun.

Take time to evaluate how well you like what resources you have been using. Toss what don't work. Go ahead, it's your school. Sell that stuff on eBay and don't look back!

You still need books for the "next year", or what ever you call it. Have fun! This is to me what the mall is to most women. I love Rainbow Resource and right now they have free shipping when you place an order over fifty dollars. That is easy to do, right?





I am excited about still having little ones and have grown to appreciate the process of them learning the foundations and their eagerness and excitement!

Reorganize your school area. A good de-cluttering session always puts a pep in my step! Get some cute baskets. The Dollar General sometimes has these at a great price.


Got any advice for me? I'd love to hear it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

He's Concerned About Me

I have always kind of felt that I just got in on the love of God in a corporate way, so to speak. I have asked my husband, years ago, that was there any way the he could believe that if I had been the only soul on this earth that  God would still have sent His son to die for me. I have always had a hard time thinking that he could love me that much. So, for those reasons I think that is why these lyrics speak to my soul. Perhaps they will to yours also.
 

He’s Concerned About Me

Kyla Rowland

Verse1: I am troubled today; May be troubled tomorrow

But I know of mercy and in whom I’ve believed

There is comfort and healing for all who believe Him

And through all my suffering He’s concerned about me

Chorus:

I am more precious than the lily; more than the sparrow

I know who I am and who bears all my sorrows

He is my good Shepherd who died for this lost sheep

He is my Father, He’s concerned about me

Verse 2: With so many children with so many problems

He still knows where I am and He’s touched with my need

I have the Father’s attention through my Holy Physician

Oh, it is amazing; His tender care of me

Repeat Chorus

Tag: I’ll take no thought for tomorrow; It’s in the hands of the Father

He loves me, He’s concerned about me