Homemade Laundry Detergent is Terrific!

I adore homemade laundry detergent. The first time I read about homemade detergent was in a book written by Jim and Michelle Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting. In theory, it sounded good, but I never got around to making any. Later, I came across a detergent recipe on the blog Sugar Pie Farmhouse. After reading the many positive comments, I decided it was time to give it a try. By the way, if you have never read Aunt Ruthie's blog, you must stop by. WARNING: Have lots of time on your hands, because you will be enthralled.

I was just in the beginning stages of developing this blog when I made my last batch of detergent, so didn't think to take a picture of all the necessary items; therefore, the borrowed picture of..

The Starting Lineup...


(Sugar Pie Farmhouse)

Best Ever Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe:

1 - 4 pound box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda

1- 4 pound box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

1- 4 pound box of Borax

3 bars of Kirk’s Castile soap–Shredded (other choices are Fels Naptha, Zote, or Ivory soaps)

Mix well in a large container.

Add two heaping tablespoons to each load of laundry. That's it!

I used Fels Naptha for my first batch. It is yellow in color and when shredded looks like shredded cheese! For the last batch, I ordered Zote soap from Amazon. It has a pretty pink color! It came in a set of three huge bars, so I only shredded two bars in my last recipe.

For shredding, I have a couple of recommendations. First, I recommend purchasing an extra Parmesan cheese grater to have on hand just for shredding soap. For my first batch, I shredded the soap on a regular hand shredder...it was a workout! Second, shred the soap so that you end up with finely shredded soap. This is the way I like the soap to look...finely shredded.

I also began using plain ole vinegar as a softener. Commercial softener tends to build up on towels and bath cloths and also causes build up in your washer and dryer. That build up prevents detergent from getting into the fibers of your laundry, thus preventing it from getting perfectly clean. The vinegar is fabulous and cuts the build up leaving you with clean smelling laundry! Also economical!

Give homemade detergent a try. I think you will love it! Happy Wash Day! Remember to Whistle While You Work!

A Treasure in the Vines....Waverly Plantation

Imagine a dream. A dream in which you are wandering through the woods and discover a beautiful, long forgotten home. A home which rises above jasmine vines wrapped tightly around graceful columns. A home which has endured the ravages of rain, the heat of hot Mississippi summers, the infestation of bees and bats, and yet still retains the grace of a bygone era. Such a dream came true for the Snow family. Robert and Donna Snow owned an antique store in Phildelphia, MS. One day a salesman stopped by and told them that he had gotten lost down by the river and found a beautiful home, hidden in the woods near West Point, MS. According to Melanie Snow, one of the Snow's children, her parents stayed up all night thinking about the home. The next morning they told their children that they were going on an adventure, packed the kids in the car, and off they went. Imagine their delight when they discovered this beautiful home . . . Waverly....

Ronald McDonald House and Recipes: A Winning Combo!

I have collected recipes and recipe books for as long as I can remember. Some of my most treasured recipes include my grandmother's hand written sour cream pound cake recipe dotted with batter and spattered with dots of vanilla. It has a place of honor in my recipe notebook which contains some of my family's favorite recipes. When we built our home, I had a set of bookshelves built in the kitchen to hold my collection of recipe books as well as a collection of milk glass. I love to cook while looking at some of my favorite things around me. Last night, I went to Dillards to do a little shopping. As I checked out I noticed the annual Southern Living Cooking for Christmas cookbook at each register. Only $10.00! I snatched one up and added it to my items. I love Southern Living cookbooks with their beautiful pictures and mouth watering recipes. A bonus of this cookbook is that Dillards has once again teamed up with Southern Living to ...

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I had planned to share my new front door decor, but alas, like many residents of the MS Gulf Coast, all loose outside objects have been secured as we await the arrival of Hurricane Isaac. Instead, I thought I would share with you a set of my favorite dinnerware. I began collecting Memory Lane ironstone many years ago, but my love of the pattern began when I was just a little girl. My Grandma Mercer had one dinner plate. I imagine that she picked it up either in a box of laundry soap or as a reward for shopping at the IGA of Chattahoochee, Florida. I came to love her one plate. My grandmother would make sure that my food was served on that plate no matter what other dinnerware pattern was set on her table! When she passed away, I was blessed to receive her dining room set which included a lovely buffet with glass knobs along with the matching table and chairs. I also received my Memory Lane plate. During my search for more pattern pieces...

Still Woods Farmhouse

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