Hydrogen Peroxide is FABULOUS stain remover!

My children are active.  That's the best way to say it.  They climb, run, and jump.  They never sit still.  They're kids; that's what they are suppose to do.  There are many times that they fall & get scrapped up.  Most of the time they get blood on their clothes.

 

This is from our current ouchie:

 

 

Pour the hydrogen peroxide directly on the blood stain.  Let it foam.  Repeat if necessary.  Wash with cold water and pour hp again.  There will be less foam each time you use hp.



This pair of sweats washed once.  The stain is gone!  No scrubbing & no harsh chemicals.

 

 

 

I have even done this on dried blood stains.  Do the same steps.  The stain still comes out.  If for some reason you wash & dry your clothes & you missed the stain, repeat the steps.  It will still foam, but I would add some stain remover.  I just love hydrogen peroxide!  A chemical free miracle!

 

Homemade bleach

I read somewhere that bleach was used as a method of chemical warfare during WWI.  Most households didn't have bleach they used hydrogen peroxide, which is safer for the environment.  This recipe isn't too harsh & doesn't have that "bleach" smell.

1 C hydrogen peroxide
3 T lemon juice
12 C water

Mix all ingredients.  That's it.  Use it in the wash, counter tops, where ever you need to use bleach.  Store in a cool place.  Use within 6 months.

An easy way to make fruit leather

You will need two things: yogurt and a dehydrator.  Yes that's it.

1. Yogurt, any kind, preferably the cheaper the better.  Great way to use up those containers that are just about to expire.

 

 

2. Pour it on plastic wrap and smooth out.  Add extra cut up fruit to intensify the flavor.

 



 

 

3. Dehydrate until dry about 6-8 hours at about 150*.

 

Pretty easy and better for the kids than the roll ups from the store.  I didn't add sugar or artificial sweeteners.  Next post will be dehydrated yogurt bites.  Can't wait to try it.



Homemade Vanilla Extract

Do you know what's in vanilla extract?  2 things: Vanilla beans & vodka.  THAT'S IT! The 3rd ingredient is time.  About 3-6 months depending on your desired level of strength of flavor.

First vanilla beans & vodka

 

 

 Cut beans length wise & scrap seeds into jar.

 

Put vanilla beans into jar.

Pour in vodka to cover beans.  Put jar in the a dark cupboard.  Let sit 3-6 months. 

Shake every month or so.  Don't forget to write date on the lid

 

Cost analysis: $5.99 for organic beans, $18.99 for a liter of vodka.  I probably used about $4.00 worth of vodka (overestimate).  So $9.99 total.  The jar holds 1 pint = 16 fl oz.  Amazon has vanilla on sale 8 oz for $10.17.  I made double for the same price & didn't have to pay shipping.  I'm ready to bake some chocolate cookies!

I'M BACK!

I've been MIA for a while.  School, hospitalizations, & life in general.  But I'm coming back with a vengence!  See my new posts soon!

Cinnamon Pear Fruit Leather

I got a 1/2 of tote of pears for free last week.  They are by no means pretty.  It was a lonely tree in front of our schools bus barn.  No spray, no love from anyone, but still produced a lot of edible pears.  And with pears, they all seem to ripen at once.  I'm only one woman.  Now that my husband has a FT job right now (YEA!), he can't help process all the wonderful fruits that the PNW provides.  I saw a recipe somewhere where I could use the oven to make fruit leather.  This is super super easy. 

1. Preheat oven to 170*. 
2. Peel & core pears.
3. Toss them into the food processor.
4. Add sugar & cinnamon to taste.
5. Pour pear sauce onto a silicone lined cookie sheet.
6. Lightly shake the sheet so the sauce is evenly distributive.
7. Bake for at least 4 hours (perhaps more)
8. About every hour or so turn & move (either up or down to the other rack) the cookie sheet.
9. Once cool & dry cut with pizza cutter.
10. Store in a plastic bag or enjoy right away.

I made about 5 tray fulls over the last few days.  My children have eaten all but 4 pieces!  Guess I'm making more!

Say What? Free Hair Cuts?

YES!  I cut my kids hair so this isn't really saving me money, but this could save me some time!  Starting on November 4th, and every Sunday thereafter you can get a FREE haircut for your kids at any JC Penny salon.  I’d still suggest making an appointment if at all possible. (Don't forget to leave a tip, too!)

BTW I did take advantage of their free hair cuts in August.  My oldest hair cut came out wonderful.  Dad took them, I was nervous.  I like my kids hair a certain way.  I was extremely happy when I saw him once I got home from work.  My youngest, unfortunately, who has never had a "professional" hair cut, would not even get in the seat.  He exclaimed "My mommy cut my hair!"  What can I say the kid's got taste!