Red in my garden

Red

Bold, Beautiful
Confident, Unchanging
Warm, Deep, Full
Respectful

The top photo is a red rhododendron growing in our rock garden (we purchased in 1998 from our youngest daughter when she was in high school and selling them through her vo-ag class), the middle photo is my red blaze rambling rose (a start from my mother's bush that is finally taking off and rather showy this year!), and the last photo is a day lily that was given to me by my 90 year old friend a year ago (whom I used to be a caregiver for). Beautiful red, beautiful thoughts of beautiful people.

Homemade Laundry Soap

One of the things I got accomplished today was making homemade laundry soap. My friend Jeannie, from Pine Cottage blog, recently posted a recipe for making it. The only problem I had, is that I am now unable to find washing soda in the stores like I used to. After doing a little research on the internet, I found it the opinion of more than one author, that baking soda is actually more healthy and gentle than washing soda in use for laundry. That's good for me, since I can't find it. Here is the small batch recipe and below it are the adjustments I made to work for our water:

1 cup grated bar soap (I used Ivory)

1/2 cup borax

1/2 cup washing soda (I used baking soda)

Mix well and store. Use 2 TBSP per load (or as needed for dirtier laundry)

Adjustments I made:

I found with using cold water for some of my washing, the grated soap did not completely dissolve. I experimented today, putting the powdered detergent I had made, in a pan on the stove with just enough water to cook it down and melt down the grated soap. It made a nice thick product about the consistency of mashed potatoes. After it cooled, I stirred it well and put into jars, labeled and stored. It has such a fresh clean smell! Note: Cook it on low, as high heat produces massive suds which overflow quickly! (lol).

Thank you for getting me going on this, Jeannie! You are a real inspiration!