How to make your own Homemade Laundry Soap - DIY (Updated 7/16/13)

** Update 7/16/13 **
The first batch I made lasted about 6 months. When I transferred the soap into the jugs I only filled them halfway and added warm water. If you love your soap to be thick and sudsy, then this won't work for you since it's a bit watery and no suds at all. Then think about it. Does suds = clean? I think not. I washed my clothes both ways (regular soap and with this and it came out the same) Well, less soapy smell but clean. Unless you work somewhere filthy then this is perfect. I love it and even my mom who loves her suds ask for more jugs LOL!

This was on my list about 2 years ago and never really made it. Then last week I saw my cousin posted this SITE on her wall and it made me want to make the homemade soap again. So homemade soap we made, well, I made. 

The site is The Homestead Survival and she's got some pretty cool stuff on her site. You should go check it out.

I just copied everything that's needed from her video. I didn't see it written on her site. So here it is. 

Stuff you need:

1 bar Fels-naptha soap (Any soap can be used)
1 box of BORAX
1 box of ARM & Hammer Super washing soda
1 bottle of Tea tree oil
1 5 gallon bucket (walmart or home depot has them with lid)
funnel

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THE SOAP:

1 bar Fels-naptha soap (shredded)
1 cup BORAX
1 CUP Washing soda
2 tbsp. tea tree oil

WHAT TO DO:

* Make sure whatever material or utensil you use on making the soap, will only be used for this and should not be used for food. I used an old pot to mix the soap and same with the grater ( I used the old one).

1. Heat a big pot with 6 cups of water on simmer (not boiling) hot enough to melt the soap. Add shredded soap and stir to make sure it melts, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Pour into the 5 gallong bucket that's half filled with warm water. Stir well. ADD the cup of borax and stir well. ADD cup washing soda and stir well again. Add the tea tree oil.
3. Fill the bucket with more warm water and let it sit for 24 hours.
4. 24 hours later and you can stir it and mix it well. It will be gel like. Mix it until it comes to liquid again. You can then transfer them to your jugs or leave it in the bucket. If you have jugs or empty bottles use them 'coz it's a pain in the butt to leave in the bucket since you have to stir and mix it every time you use it.
5. If you do transfer it to the jugs you can fill it halfway and add warm water to dilute it or just use as it is.

If you use the mixture from the bucket without diluting it then use half a cup, if you dilute it then you can use a cup.

*Just make sure you shake the bottle in every use 

If you want to know more info and see her video, click HERE.

SLOPPY Taco - RECIPE

Another experiment at our house. The hubby like sloppy joe and kids love taco, so what better way to mix them both together. It was definitely different.

Hubby thought it was weird because he likes the tortilla wrap instead of having it on a bun. Kids on the other hand loved it. They said it's a "MAKE IT" again meal. Maybe, when I do make it again. I can always get hubby a tortilla and the kids can have the bun.

Overall, I thought it was good too.

*Apology again about the photo. I have been too occupied with just taking a photo with the pod and not grab my camera.

What you need:

Yummy sloppy taco for dinner.

• 1 lb. Ground beef (turkey woud work too)
• 1 packet Taco mix
• 1 cup water
• 1 jar salsa

• American cheese slice
• Hamburger buns

What to do:

1. Cook meat and drain fat. Mix in taco mix and water. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes until bubbling.
2. Add salsa and simmer for another 5-10 minutes. 
3. All done. Serve and enjoy!

Thank you for stopping by! Make sure you come back and let me know, if you tried my recipe.

Happy Birthday Love!

Quick post to wish my little man a Happy Happy Birthday! We love you and you are just growing up so fast. It felt like it was only yesterday that you came out to this world. 

He loved his Skylander cake, even though it was made quickly while he was at school. He was surprised when he saw it when he came in.

*Sorry the photos are a bit low res. I just used the Instagram photo.

YUP! I'm back with a YUMMY Sugar Cookie RECIPE

What? I know right? I had to clean out the cobwebs out this page. LOL! Crazy, crazy few months. I've been doing photo as a sideline job / hobby, so I have neglected my baking page *gasp*. Yes, yes I have, and I feel bad.

As I typed this up, I am constantly up and back to the kitchen trying to make dinner. I'm making lazy dinner today, cheeseburger macaroni. I'm also trying to get my supposed to be Christmas cookie going. As I am on my second batch of cookies, my trusted Beater Blade broke in half in the middle of mixing *sad*.  Anyway,  I'm just glad that I finished my sugar cookies before it broke. 

This recipe is by far the best sugar cookie I've ever tasted. I like it plain with no fancy frosting or addition to it. I like it the way it is. It's best when it's still a little warm.

I apologize I didn't take any photos at all during this process. I'm pretty sure you will do fine. This cookie recipe is super easy. I'm not sure where I got this recipe from, but all I can say is I have tweaked it more than enough so it's perfect for me.


What you need: 

• 1  cup butter softened 
• 4 oz cream cheese (I buy the 8oz block since I make 2 batches anyway and just split it in half)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 egg
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp. salt

What to do:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and sugar till fluffy.
2. Add the extract and egg.
3. Stir in flour and salt until blended.
4. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate dough for at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
5. Heat oven to 375F.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll 1/4 of the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness. (Keep the other dough on the fridge if making double batches). Cut dough with cookie cutter and place on a parchment lined cookie sheets.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until sides are light brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack. Cool completely.
8. Frost cookies as desired.

Enjoy and wishing you and your family 

a very 

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!

~ Claire from NY ~

Crunchy stuffing cheesy chicken bake RECIPE

Hey everyone! How long has it been? I'm back, again!

Western New York is safe from Sandy. The storm gave us a little bit of shake and a little scratch, but overall our town and the surrounding ares is safe. Some areas are without power and school closed.

Wishing and hoping everyone their safety and stay safe!

So here we are again. This is why you're here right? To check and see if I have more super easy recipe? Well, here's another one that I'm sure your family will love.

Here's what you will need:

• 1 box of stuffing mix for chicken (6 oz.)
• 1 lb. boneless / skinless cut into cubes or bite seize pieces (cooked)
• 3 cups frozen or fresh broccoli florets (frozen thawed and drained)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10 3/4 oz.)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to make it:

1. HEAT oven to 400F.
2. SAUTEE or boil chicken with salt and pepper (set aside)
3. PREPARE stuffing as directed on the box
4. MIX broccoli and cooked chicken in a baking dish (9x13" pan)
5. ADD cream of chicken, milk and cheese mix well and top with stuffing.
6. BAKE for 20 minutes or until the stuffing is slightly crispy, cheese melted and heated through.