Photo copyright Gordon Smith. Used with permission. Click on image for link to his photo blog.

DIY

June 4, 2012

DIY Lampshade Tutorial using a Sweater

April 6, 2013
Louise's Country Closet: Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Cubes

Isn't this a wonderful idea!



Click on the plate image to see how to cook an egg omelete in a zip lock freezer bag! Fast, easy and inexpensive!



Why not make your own laundry detergent? It's easy and about half the price of the commercial detergents. To make, combine, mix and store in airtight container:

2 cups grated bar soap (Ivory, Octagon or your favorite bar soap).
2 cups Arm & Hammer washing soda (NOT baking soda).
2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax

Use 2 to 3 tablespoons for each load of laundry.

This recipe for Smoked Paprika Vinagrette Salad Dressing is super simple and inexpensive to make. If you're watching your intake of sugar, substitute artificial sweetener such as Stevia (just a pinch) for the sugar. I did not have any smoked paprika, so I used the Spanish paprika I had in my spice cabinet. Turned out great. You could also use this as a marinade for chicken.

You'll love this recipe for Bacon Jam! Bacon Jam Recipe

Make your own refrigerator or "ice box" pickles. Here's the EASY recipe.

Recipe for DIY natural deodorant

Spaghetti Sauce Dry Mix

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons minced or dry onion flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary flakes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar

Directions:
Combine and blend all ingredients. If you do not plan to use right away, wrap spices mixture in plastic wrap or pour into a zip lock plastic bag and place in a Ball type canning jar with a cap and seal. Store in a cool dry place (up to six months) until ready to use. When preparing spaghetti, add entire seasoning packet to 1 large can tomato sauce, 1 can tomato paste and two cans diced tomatoes. Season with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese and add browned ground meat or your favorite sausage.

If you decide you want to make a lot of your own dry mixes for sauces and flavorings, you may want to buy in bulk. I buy my spices in bulk at a reasonable price from the online site bulkfoods.com

Here's a neat idea from Paceset9999 of Bonanza.com Unhappy about the lack of cleaning power of your dishwasher soap? No problem. Add a small spoonful of TSP to the liquid soap. You can find TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) in the paint or cleaning departments of hardware stores or places like Home Depot in their paint or cleaning aisles. Once again, you will have glasses without film and cups without grit.