Tuesday, May 5, 2015

GETTING ON MY SOAP BOX

You know- I could have 

SWORN I posted this before

but it is still showing in 

DRAFT status so here it is

just in time for

MOTHER'S DAY!


It's a LONG POST 

and I am

GETTING ON MY SOAP BOX

Seriously,

Did you think I was 

going to stir up trouble

and controversy?

Not me!

I don't like that~

 although

I will stand up for what 

I think is right.

Not always a 

GOOD THING,

as our friend, Martha Stewart,

would say.


Nope this  

SOAP BOX

is about

making laundry detergent.

I wanted to give my girls 

a little something fun and

different for Mother's Day.

What to give them?

Hmmmm...

Something sweetly scented?

Something wholesome and clean?

Something to make their lives easier?

Something to save them money?

Yep, Yep, Yep And Yep.

Here is the sweet little package.
Here's what is inside.
There is a long handled 

1 Tablespoon measuring spoon

tucked inside.

Don't you love it?

It smells amazing.

It cleans better than anything

I have ever used.

Here is what you need to make it.

I'll post the recipe at the end.
Here is what you need to stir it with.

Do child labor laws prevent this

in your state?
Not to worry.

As long as you give regular breaks

you will NOT be arrested.
She chooses to ride bike rather

than smoke during her break.

Works for me.

I can't afford those cigars

she likes- bwhahaha.


(We moved from bucket to

Rubbermaid container for

stirring purposes).

It takes a lot of stirring,

and grating the bar soap

is the worst part of it all

to make this wonderful

concoction.

Here are the 3 bags all

set to go to my 3 girls

on Mother's Day.
I also put another little something

in each one that was geared just

to the recipient.

Here's the recipe in case you

are interested.

You can also use

FelsNaptha (which most people use)

 Ivory, Castile or PINK Zote bar soap.

I used the Pink Zote because 
I love the smell

and looks of it.

(The pink Zote soap is in an odd place

in most grocery stores-it is not with

the soaps or with the laundry detergents-

it is usually in the Mexican food section)

Home made Laundry Soap

and Softener

2 bars Fels Naptha (or Zote) Bar Soap

4 lbs. Borax

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

1 container OxiClean

1 container Purex softening CRYSTALS.

Grate bars of soap and mix into

all other ingredients.

Mix and store in airtight container.

1 to 2 tablespoons per load.


This is perfect for ANY type of

washer-including front loaders,

top loaders and HE (high efficiency ones).

This makes a LOT of soap
.
I gave away 4 large containers

of it and 1 small container.

 I have enough left for

several months worth of

laundry.  I think it averages

out to about 6 or 7 cents per load.


REMEMBER it makes NO SUDS but 

does a super job of cleaning!

Hope your day is full

of sunshine and freshness

I'll be hanging sheets on the line

this morning...

freshly washed with this soap.

And if anybody gets smart with me

I can wash their mouth out

with soap and not leave any

evidence....just sayin'....



ps- Off to the VA, dentist and coffee with a friend-you'll see me when you see me unless I decide to run away with Ronald McDonald in which case you will see me on billboards everywhere anyway.........
your photo name

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the recipe! What an awesome gift, too.

JoAnne said...

That's such a sweet gift for your girls, Diana. Your recipe sounds much better than the one I have used in the past so I'm going to have to try it. I love how economical it is too!

Pam Kessler said...

You know you can buy laundry detergent at the grocery store :) Just kidding!!! That is a really cute Mother's Day idea! Wonder why they hide the pink soap in the Mexican food aisle? I'm going to try to find it today when I pick up my daily groceries (yes, I shop that often).

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Diana girl ... if I miss another post (it is crazy busy here ) .. Happy Mother's Day to you and what a wonderful present !!
I would love THAT .. I am a person who loves fresh clean scents from everything and especially laundry ...
One day I am going to try this but I am not sure about the soap ... I don't think Canada has that or at least not here ... but I will look online too !
Our dafss are so pretty out front as the beds are waking up .. it is just a mess in the back while we are waiting for the deck to be done ... talk about pulling a band aid off hair by hair ???
Take care girl
Joy : )

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

How fun! This is such a great gift - love that the littles got involved. I am definitely going to try it out. Wouldn't it be a fun wedding shower favor? Have a lovely day Diana. Jane

Laura @ duke manor farm said...

no, not soap in the mouth!!:) Truth is , i have always wanted to make homemade soap. I love the thought and care going into homemade gifts and who dosn't need laundry soap! Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful gift, I have always wanted to try this home made soap,,, I have never heard of that zote soap,, but we have absolutely NO Mexican foods products here, or cleaning products,, now I'm curious as to the smell of it, lol,

Susie said...

Diana, Laundry hanging outside has such a great smell. I miss that. I know My daughter Angie does, she used to hang her laundry out all summer long...now she has no clothes lines. I am going to look for that Zote soap.. That picture of SC is so cute. I wish I had some child labor going her, haha. Emma may come over near fall and pick hickory nuts up for papaw...he gives her a dollar a bucket. She'll want more money now. Hope you have a good day. xoxo,Susie

BeachGypsy said...

your soap looks amazing!! And a pretty pink! I tried one of the "make our own soap" recipes........I didnt end up liking it.........BUT!! your recipe has more ingredients.............so maybe that was the problem? I was missing some ingredients. Totally coincidentally.........my post for today is titled "good clean fun!" ha ha ha ha LOL can you believe it!

ā„³artina @ Northern Nesting said...

What a great gift Diana...I bet it smells amazing! Enjoy your afternoon!

Cecilia said...

Diana, I've been making my own soap for over a year and really like it. Mine is liquid and I use Ivory soap as the hubs doesn't like the odor of the other bars. I've never seen the Purex softening crystals....I will need to look. Wood love to try this out!

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

Sheets dried on the line are heavenly! Someone last week was telling me about this recipe and how it got even the dirtiest of her husband's farmer shirts clean as a whistle!

Laura said...

What a beautiful gift idea- and practical- and your helper is the most beautiful of ALL!

Thank you friend for being YOU.

Laura
White Spray Paint

Jettie said...

I've made the liquid but never the powder kind, going to make this very soon. Ingredients are similar to what I have been making.

Wild Oak Designs said...

Diana, I made a similar laundry detergent for a couple of years...though the big problem was finding the washing soda....and of course the grating of the bar of soap. I finally gave up. I now spend more on a similar product I buy from MA, Leo's Washing soap....It's even less harsh and does a great job...
Your packages are simply adorable though!! What a cute idea! Sweet Mother's Day gift!
Have a great Mother's Day!!
Nancy

Kim said...

I've made homemade detergent before, but it wasn't pretty like yours. I'm sure your girls will love using it, and will think of you with every load! ;) Have a lovely day being the hottie at the VA, and don't you go making googoo eyes at Ronald McDonald! He's no good for ya!

Kathy @ Smile for no Reason said...

Wonderful Mother's Day gifts. I enjoy making my own laundry detergent. Better watch those child labor laws though. They are getting pretty strict! Lol Have a great day. :)

Amber ~ The French Pressed Home said...

I want to try this! I'm wondering about HE front loaders, though. I know the powder would have to go into the load. I really, really miss my top loader!!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I*'ve been making my own too for 4-5 years. Mine doesn't have the oxiclean or purex crystals in it...and I love it!!! I have wanted to try the pink soap and couldn't find it..now I know where to look! Thanks! Very nice gift for your "girls"! It does clean the clothes so much better than the regular soaps
warmly,
deb

Trisha said...

I haven't tried the Zote but I am going to have to now! What a fun gift, I am sure your girls will love it, I know I would!

~Trisha

SImple and Serene Living said...

Thanks for the recipe, Diana. Now all I need it some child labor :)
xo
Laura

Vee said...

You give your girls Mother's Day gifts? Wow! You are a nice mom. Bet they will love the soap. Everyone who makes her own soap seems to love it. I tried it once and went right back to my former buying habits when it was gone. (Actually, it's not all gone.) Perhaps I need a soap-making crew!

Debbie said...

What a fun post, Diana. You are such a great mom to your girls! I prayed for Rondell, and will pop over to her blog. Thank you for letting us know she needed prayer. Please try to restrain yourself around Ronald McDonald...I hear he's a wild one.
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

Gypsy Heart said...

How sweet you are! [I won't tell the truth here!] :) You know I'm kidding! I've often wondered about this soap ~ whether it was worth the cost of supplies, if it really cleaned, etc. Guess you've answered all my questions!

Hope you have a wonderful day...just be careful who you run away with. I don't believe Ronald is all that innocent. I've been wanting to run away for a very long time.

xo
Pat

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Diana, Ronald McDonald??? I love the idea of making laundry detergent and doing laundry for me has always
been enjoyable. Thinking about trying your recipe out, I'm sure your daughters will love this gift.
xoxo,
Vera

LV said...

Any gift that is personally made is the best to me. Great idea.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like something fun to make, if I can find all those products at the store. I like your child labor.....(smile)
Louise

rphilbeck said...

I make this same soap and have for about 3 years. It does wonderful. I have tried making the liquid, the condensed one but this by far is my favorite. Lasts like a year for family of 4. I love how you packaged it. Great idea for Christmas gifts.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I've been wanting to try making my own for a long time. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Isn't that so weird that the pink zote soap is with the Mexican food? I don't know what they're thinking sometimes. I was looking for a specific coffee pod the other day (Texas Pecan flavored) and my store didn't have them with the regular coffee. It was on an end cap several aisles away. I mean, they should have ALL the flavors on the regular coffee aisle, then if they want to showcase a few on an end cap as well, that's fine. But have them in BOTH places. Okay, off MY soapbox now. Lol! I'm so glad your sweet girl decided to ride that trike instead of taking a smoke break! Ha ha! :)

Carla from The River said...

I have been making my own laundry soap too. I have not added the Purex crystals. What are they?
I have my boys help too. I give them breaks and they usually eat cookies. LOL

Have fun today, sounds like a great time...I am waiting to hear that you ran off with one of your VA sweethearts. ;-)

Love ya,
Carla

Red Rose Alley said...

What a nice gift for your girls, Diana. And the wrapping is one of the funnest parts, these are cute. The homemade laundry soap is a great idea. I always wonder what's in the store bought ones. I am looking forward to Mother's Day, as I will have all my chickadees with me this year.

Have a nice time having coffee with your friend. I just met my brother and nephew at Starbucks yesterday. The raspberry loafs are out for the season and they are so yummy!

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

"Tessa was here..."

And is laughing... You on a billboard, with Ronnald McDonald! -gigggles-

Joy Junktion said...

One little tip - the soap grates Very Well in a food processor :) I love making my own soap and this reminds that I'm out and need to make some this weekend! Have a beautifully wonderful day and make sure the billboard is for advertising and NOT WANTED!!!! Blessings, Cindy

Nellie said...

I do think you've posted this before, but I am very happy to see it again! THIS TIME I will take notes! It sounds like the perfect gift for Mother's Day! You and Ronald McDonald! What a pair! Hope your Tuesday has been terrific! xo Nellie

Brenda Pruitt said...

Well if you meet up with Ronald McDonald, they have a caramel iced coffee that is to die for! Great idea for the detergent!
Brenda

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Lovely idea, especially for a gift. Not only does it wash clothes, it makes a great gift the way you presented it. xo

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

This is a very timely post! I was about to make some liquid laundry detergent, and didn't find the time today. I will be looking for the pink zote soap - sounds awesome, and thanks for the hint on where to find it! Your blog is so entertaining, and I laughed at your getting on your soap box lol! You just know how to bring a smile out of every story you tell! You have three lucky girls for sure! And your soap helper was just the cutest! :)

This N That said...

Wow..Sounds special..Great idea..Where do I get the mixers?? Happy Mothers Day Dianna..

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Great idea - would love to try this - appreciate the inspiration.

Tell Ronald I said hi. "snicker giggle snort

Beemie said...

The best kind of soapbox is the kind filled with love...a great idea.

Chatty Crone said...

Thank you I will save this!

Heaven's Walk said...

What a neat idea for a gift, Diana! I just love it! Your girls are just going to love it! I've seen DIY laundry detergent recipes before and just never got off my duff to make my own. Maybe I could hire you to make it for me? lol I hope you made it home ok.....or are you in the Bahamas with Ronald....?? ;)

xoxo laurie

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I've been wanting to try this...have you used it with an HE washer? I'm wondering if the detergent would go in the drum rather than the detergent dispenser? Pinning! Thanks, Diana!

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Your girls will love it...I just love homemade/handmade gifts! I am too lazy to grate soap...just sayin'.
Ronald McD is kind of creepy- who knew you liked red heads???

FABBY'S LIVING said...

I love your new pic, you look gorgeous! Your under age employer is a very hard worker...I won't tell, lol! She's adorable and you made me laugh thru your entire post...heheheheeee
Love that home made soap to give away...I love to make things for gifts.. Thanks lovely girl.
Hugs,
FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Employee, rather... lol
Fabby

Kelly said...

that looks like a wonderful gift! I love the packaging. I wish I could smell it right now!

tammy j said...

what a totally LOVELY idea!
and the little pink packages... so pretty and fresh.
i have written it all down. NOW. whether i ever make it is another thing entirely. but i LOVE the thought of it! so who knows? maybe i WILL!
xo THANKS!!!

Gert said...

Wish I were one of your girls...smile... Looks like a wonderful gift.

Blessings,
Gert

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Your girls are sure to enjoy such a thoughtful gift. Home made gifts are the best kind, in my book!

RURAL said...

They are going to love their gifts, and how wonderful that you made it yourself. Very cute!

I love making my own laundry soap, and it's a fraction of the cost.

Jen

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Look at you missy, getting all little house on the prairie on us :) Seriously this soap sounds like it smells amazing. I've never tried homemade laundry detergent but I just might with this recipe. I love having practical gift ideas for my hard to buy for family members.

Renee said...

I've read about this on Facebook. Also read a recipe for fabric softener. But I've been afraid to try it. I love using liquid Tide because it cleans so well. But maybe I will try this. Did you have a hard time finding all the ingredients? That is such a nice gift for your girls. And you have the cutest help :)

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Duh...I read all the way through before I got that you were not doing a rant! OMG I'm dumb. Need to blonde my hair again soon.

The Project said...

What a great idea. I'm going to make this right away. We use so much laundry soap here. Love your packaging!!!_____ Gayla

The Project said...

What a great idea. I'm going to make this right away. We use so much laundry soap here. Love your packaging!!!_____ Gayla

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, what a thoughtful Nana you are and what a great gift. I'll have to try that recipe. I never heard of pink zote soap. You are such a good teacher..Happy Tuesday..Judy

Maureen Wyatt said...

I think that is a really nice gift for your girls!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

What a great gift and the soap sounds wonderful. I am saving the recipe on how to make it.
Now behave your self at the VA, but enjoy yourself with your friend. No chasing Ronald. Did you see my new BFF on my post? He is a peach.
Hugs,
Mary xxoo

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

A gift made is truly a gift from the heart.

Kim said...

I am very out of the loop apparently, because I have never heard of half of those ingredients. AND you can bet I will be going to the Mexican food aisle to look for that one. Very curious indeed! ;)

Bethany Carson said...

Glad the child labor prevention folks haven't caught you...but honestly, it must not be too bad--especially with her sporting such a big smile on brake! What wonderful (and practical) gifts for your daughters!

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Hahaha!
You're so funny! I haven't ever thought of giving this as a gift. But it's pretty and makes a wonderful gift idea.
cute helper too.

Feral Turtle said...

This is awesome Diana! I am pinning this and might even make some for Christmas gifts! Cheers to you.

Junkchiccottage said...

What a cute Mother’s Dsy Gift. Love homemade gifts and this is fun and smells and clean your clothes. Love the container too. Have a great Moms Day. Hugs. Kris.