The Art of Zen.......Crochet is finally on Facebook!

Please come and join us on Facebook! 
Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/The-Art-of-Zen-Crochet/150876738267126

Get more info on Local and online happenings.  Plus receive exclusive Facebook Fan's only Discounts!

Back in the Game!!!

Just an update to let you all know that I have reopened my Etsy shop, and I will be more listed items very soon.  I am in the process of setting up wholesale so that I can make my handmade items available locally, as well as online. 

An important new aspect of The Art of Zen........Crochet is that I have decided to go all hats.  I will be selling off other stock I have.  But that doesn't mean that patterns for free or for sale will not be available.  I will be working on releasing those soon.  I may reintroduce select items down the road, but I don't want to bite more than I can chew.

I am hoping to reintroduce product giveaways in October, so stay tuned for that.

A big thank you for sticking with me in this tough period of transition.  It will all be worthwhile,

Chriss 

My Etsy shop will be closed.....for the time being.

Life hands us twists and turns and sometimes due to those we have to lighten our load.  So, I will closing my Etsy shop for the time being.  I want to thank all my followers for their support.  As much as I love to create items, I have to keep it manageable.  I like to think of myself as a "locavore".  So selling my items locally makes the most sense and is less taxing on my time and energy, therefore allowing me to put the energy into what matters the most, Family and our health and well being.  

I will still be selling my patterns on Ravelry.  I am hoping to add more patterns thru the fall and winter both for free and for sale.  I will be posting my free patterns here on the blog.

I will also still being posting on my other blog:  The Zen Veggie, here:  http://thezenveggie.blogspot.com/

I will still be selling the items I make Locally thru Radway in Cowichan Bay,  Prudence Organics in Duncan and The Community Farm Store. 

Thank you again for all of your support and I hope you will continue to follow along with me on my journey.

Chriss

What I have been doing......

I have had my Etsy shop on vacation mode for a few weeks now.  I have had a very busy Spring and Early Summer that a break was in order to regroup and recharge my batteries.  Even more importantly I wanted to spend some quality time with my family over that summer.

I have also been making some major changes in my personal life that really required most of my focus and energy.  I have started a new Blog, it's called the http://thezenveggie.blogspot.com/
It's a written testimony of my experience of trying a lacto ovo vegetarian diet for 30 days. I will be posting my experiences daily, sharing recipes, and giving my honest opinion about vegetarianism.
Please check it out and follow along if you are interested.

I have also been educating myself on "living greener",  there really are so many things we can do.  But the key to making lasting changes in life is to do it steps.
I found this incredible video called "HOME".  Its about climate change.  If watch nothing else this year on climate change, watch this video.  http://www.youtube.com/homeproject


Happy Summer Days,


Chriss

"The Art of Mindfull Living", Did you ever wonder if those Felted Wool Dryer balls Work?

I seem to be a bit fixated on laundry and shopping the past few months with my personal life and small business  "go greener" makeover, but the more info I find the more I realized as green as I thought I was being, I still have work to do.  I know, your thinking what does this have to with Felted wool dryer balls?

A lot really,  I think a lot of the time when we are trying to make positive changes in any area of our life we can get stuck in these little ruts that give us the illusion that we have reached our destination.  There is no destination.  Its all a journey and we need to grow, expand and revise our goals, repeatedly.  I think its ok to take time to master a skill or develop healthy habits, but not be limited by them once we have reached that goal.  You can always be and do better.  This is not say we shouldn't be satisfied or have a sense of accomplishment and appreciate what we have accomplished, only that we really never are able to fathom what we are really capable of until we are pushed and motivated. 

I had been using Biodegradable Laundry Detergent for about 5 years, over time this naturally progressed into making my own laundry soap with handmade soap http://www.etsy.com/listing/49748245/house-bd-biodegradable-eco-friendly and storing it in repurposed containers.  Its been a lot of fun experimenting with making my own cleaners and soaps, something my Great Grandmother and other ancestors must have done.  Admittedly, most of what they used would have been washing soda, borax, vinegar and bar soap that was purchased.

I honestly believe when we have this creative process to make what we need, it gives us a much deeper connection to the universe, as opposed to stopping by the grocery store a buying it.  This is part of living in the present moment.  My sense of appreciation for what I have is much deeper, because "I made it".  This applies to a lot of aspects of my life; Growing my own food and preserving it, making laundry soap and my own cleaners, crocheting, sewing, practicing Dru Yoga,  playing with my kids, sharing my skills with my kids, etc.
 
Felted wool dryer balls do work!  They cut drying time because they retain heat and help your clothing move and open up in the dryer more.  I noticed a significant difference in the drying time.  (Not that I use my dryer much this time of year as the weather outside has been incredible for drying clothes.  I agree, using a dryer is not very "green", but the truth of the matter is most people use the dryer.  Not to mention, "going green" is usually done in steps by most people, and not everyone is able or willing to go as "green" as others are. )  My clothes were soft as normal, I also did not notice an increase in lint.  As for static, I felt there was less, but we don't own much synthetic clothing so static has never been a huge issue.  This was a fun recycling project for me.  I had this super coarse wool from one of the first sweaters I took apart.  I was having a hard time finding something to use it on it was so scratchy.  Needless to say, I found a use for some of that wool.  I was thinking of using the rest of that wool to make more, but then what to do with them?  I end up with a lot of little scraps that are perfect for making these as it doesn't matter if you have a bunch of knots throughout the ball.  They are a fun little project.   Here is the link:  http://goodmama.typepad.com/goodmama/2008/05/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls.html  The tutorial suggests washing the balls to felt them.  I just threw them in the washer whenever I was doing  a load.

Namaste,

Chriss

June Giveaway Winner!

The Winner of my June Giveaway is.......

Kelli Robinson.  Her favorite item was  

A Bit of Lace Refined Hemp Summer Scarf in Slate and Lilac and she won a $10.00 Gift Certificate toward any item in my Esty Shop!
The Lacey body is done in a Smokey Slate Gray hemp yarn, the Blossom edging is in Lovely Lilac lace weight hemp yarn. 


Thank you to all who entered!  I will be announcing July's Giveaway Soon!

New: smaller Hemp Produce Sacs, and a Spiel on our plastic/petroleum consumption

Hemp Produce Sac in Smaller sizes are now available in my Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22?section_id=6059673
Its the same Great Hemp I use on the Larger Bags

Saying to "No" Plastic has become a newer mission.  Why?
 Well,  our demand for plastic drives up the demand for oil, as does our demand for any and all petroleum products.

Reduce.  Reuse. Recycle.
Reduce.  If I reduce my plastic consumption considerably by no longer using plastic in the produce section, how does this effect my dependence on Petroleum?  How about if I can considerably cut my plastic usage for all my food and household needs?  Maybe one person doing this isn't such a big deal.

So now, I dedicate myself to making an available alternative to plastic in the produce section that is all natural reuseable, light weight, stashable, washable, easy to use, handmade and made from an earth friendly product.  Don't get me wrong there are some other wonderful alternatives out there.

Are these bags perfect? Or are they a solve all?
No,  you are going to have to remember to bring them with you shopping, ask the cashier to subtract the "tare weight" (Tare weight is the weight of the bag or container when empty. It's usually a legal requirement for stores to subtract the weight of the empty container when weighing your produce or bulk purchase.) at the check out, wash them, and then remember to have them ready again for next time.

Frankly, it sounds like a pain, right?

Not any more painful than our increasing dependence on Petroleum products, and we are all pretty aware what effect that is having on the Planet, wildlife, our economies, politics (WAR), and the future as a whole.  What are we leaving our children and our children's children?  What is happening to the health of our wildlife,  including many fragile eco systems and that of our Food?  

Truth is, we can all learn to make small changes everyday that add up to a big change in the end.  I think we are worth it.  
  "Nothing in life worth doing is easy."                                       

I am not asking you to purchase my bags, or even other alternative bags available.   I am only asking you to consider the effects  your dependence on plastic and petroleum products has on our World.
Let's start reducing our Plastic/Petroleum dependence today, to make for a healthier tomorrow.

June Giveaway!!!

This Months Giveaway is Pretty Simple:  The Winner will receive a $10.00 Gift Certificate for my Etsy Shop!  (Gift Certificate can e redeemed toward any item in my shop)

Here's the Instructions, (you need to follow all of the instructions in order to be entered, those who don't will not be entered.  This happens way too often and make me sad....) 

1.  Become a Follower on my Blog. 
2.  Go to my Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22  Find an item you would like to use the gift certificate on.
3.  Email me at theartofzencrochet@live.ca telling me what item you chose.

This giveaway will close on June 29 2010 and the Winner will be announced on June 30 2010.

Thank you to all who enter and support us!!

DIY: Repurposed Brown Paper Bag Envelopes

It's Environmental Week here in Canada, and what better way to celebrate than to share a recycling Project!

I have had Great success with these envelopes.  I find them easy to make, I am recycling (Imagine that?) and boy do they  save me some $$. 
 Please read the instructions thoroghly before beginning.

Supplies:

Ruler         white glue
scissors     old craft paint brush
Brown paper bags (use good quality)
Rotary cutter and cutting board optional

You should be able to get 1 Larger envelope and at least 2 small envelopes from a standard Brown Paper Bag from the Grocery Store.









Take your Brown Paper Bag and Unfold it.  Rather than marking with a pen you will be using the folds in the bag as your cutting lines.

Lay your bag on one of its sides and carefully following     
the fold lines on the side cut out the side only, leaving the
bottom intact.  Repeat for the opposite side.








You will have something that looks like this.

Now lay the Long piece flat, and keeping what was the bottom of the bag against your work surface,  i will be referring to this as the "back" throughout this Tutorial.  (I had to use a smaller piece in order to fit it into the picture, but the theory is the same).......

 ................fold up the front as shown,leaving a 2.5 cm (1") flap on the top of the back piece. 
Fold the back piece at the top over the front, making the fold line up with the top front piece.........

..................Open up your piece of paper, working along the sides 
and fold a 2.5 cm (1") Flap on each side.                                              

With the piece facing you vertically.  Following the folds you made earlier

............you will now need to carefully cut along the sides only up the the first fold, ( this fold separates the front from the back of the envelope.  Trim 2.5 cm (1") strip on each side of the bag as shown.

Open up you piece and turn your bag so the  Top flap is facing you.  You will now need to cut the corner off  on each side as shown.                




                      

       

Now is a great time to apply some white glue
to what was the bottom of the bag to reinforce
the folds there.

Fold the top flap up over the back piece.

 
IT"S GLUING TIME!!!
Put a nice line of glue on each side flap.  Spread the glue carefully with your brush.

  Now fold up the side flaps and press firmly into place.

  
TTTAAADDDDDAAA!!!!                                                                                              
 Let your envelopes dry over night!  I prefer to seal the tops with some packing tape as I pack my with envelopes with materials such as fabrics or crocheted items.

Decorate with stamps, markers or however you see fit.  :)

Just some notes:  I don't often like to use Bubble envelopes, but I think you could easily glue in some pieces of bubble wrap before gluing the sides down.  I also thought you could buy some Craft Paper that I have seen in the Post office and use this to make envelopes, should you prefer to.   I hope that you enjoyed my Tutorial, this is my first.  If you  have any questions or comments please post them here and I will gladly answer them.                             

The Winner of My Giveaway for May!!!

Drum roll please..............

The Winner is Elsie Brockett.  Her special selection was for a pair of "Angies Fingerless Mitts in Sicilian Olive.

Thank you to all who entered and please stay tuned because my Giveaway for June will be announced shortly!

May Giveaway!

So for my May Giveaway I would like to hear what you want to win from my Etsy shop!  Simply visit my Shop here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/chrisssmith22

Instructions:  Find an item you would like to win from my Etsy shop and email me at theartofzencrochet@live.ca , with May Giveaway in the subject line, telling me what item you chose and why you want to win it!

(: please follow the directions above to be entered, those who don't will not be entered for the giveaway. :)

Have fun!  This Giveaway closes on May 30 2010 and the winner will be announced on May 31 2010.

April Giveaway Winner!!

Well,  we drew a winner for the April Giveaway.......drum rolls please!

The Winner is Joanniel!

Thank you to all who entered.  Please stay tuned as I will be announcing May's Giveaway shortly!

Zen Cleaning: Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap

My recipe for Liquid Laundry Soap:
( I am putting some info at the end of this post about the ingredients)
All these ingredients can be found in the Laundry Section of your Grocery Store, when in doubt call first.
Ingredients:
1 Liter of Water
1 cup of bar soap grated  (I used an Organic bar that I like)
1 cup of Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Baking Soda
3 3/4 Liters of Water
Large Bucket with lid for Mixing
Some Clean Empty Laundry Soap Jugs, preferably reuse your old ones, or ask around

Directions:
In a Large pot on the Stove Boil 1 liter of water, grate your soap onto a plate.  Add Soap to boiling water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir.  Keep mixing and simmering until all the soap is dissolved, the liquid should become clear and you should not see any particles floating around.
Remove from heat.
Add hot soapy water to your Large Bucket.  When working with any powders, avoid breathing in the dust. Now carefully and slowly add Borax, washing soda and baking soda and mix until they are dissolved.
Now you will need to slowly add the 3 3/4 Liters of water, mix, mix, mix.
Put the Lid on and let cool over night.  Now you need to mix well and put into your containers for use.  I suggest you shake before using, as it will gel.  But the more you mix the less it has the tendency to take on the texture of snot.  This doesn't bother me, it is effective, environmentally friendly and inexpensive to make.

TAAAADDDDAAAAAAAAA!  You just made Liquid Laundry Soap!  This Soap is low sudsing and safe to use with Top and Front Loaders.  I use about 1/4 cup per load and I have a top Loader.  You may want to use a bit more for a heavily soiled load. All the ingredients are safe, septic safe (we are on a septic system), natural and biodegradable. 

Just in case you missed my last post about the Powdered Laundry Soap:

White Vinegar makes a great fabric softener and eliminates odors.  I use a "Downey Ball" filled with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup and let it do its thing. 

So are you ready for a recipe for dishwasher detergent?
Mix equal parts of Borax, Washing Soda and Baking Soda and store in an Air tight container.  Use 2 TBsp per load.
Oh and did I mention that you need not purchase "jet dry"!  Just put white vinegar in the jet dry rinse agent dispenser!!!  Super Shiny dishes and it deodorizes your dishwasher too!!

Now for some info on the ingredients we used:

"Baking Soda: is a naturally occurring substance, created from the evaporation of Lake water in the hot desert climates.  This stuff was used in Ancient Egypt.  Baking soda chemically destroys grease and fat."  It freshens, clean and makes things sparkle!!

Borax:  "is the fifth element on the periodic table of elements. Carried by streams flowing out from the runoff of Nearby mountains during wet seasons, the mineral rich overflow becomes concentrated in temporary lakes  that then evaporate  in the barren desert climates.  Ultimately the concentration accumulates to produce the crystals we know as borax.    It is a great cleaning agent, weed killer, and disinfectant. "

Washing Soda: is a sodium of carbonic acid and is domestically well known for its everyday use as a water softener for laundry.  It effectively removes oil, grease, and alcohol stains from clothing.  Also great fro descaling.

White Vinegar: "No matter the origin-a first fermentation of sugar to alcohol, and then alcohol a second fermentation to vinegar.  Acetic Acid is born!"
It has been around for over 10,000 years and used by the ancients for cooking, cleaning and healing.
Vinegar neutralizes Alkaline soaps.  So it makes a great rinse agent.

Soap:  "consists of sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids and is obtained by reacting common oils or fats with a strong alkaline solution in a process known as saponification." " Soaps are useful for cleaning because soap molecules which dissolve in water. Although grease will normally adhere to skin or clothing, the soap molecules can form micelles  which surround the grease particles and allow them to be dissolved in water. Applied to a soiled surface, soapy water effectively holds particles in colloidal suspension so it can be rinsed off with clean water."

A lot of science I know!!


My next installment will include a how to on Homemade Liquid Hand Soap!!

Winner's of my Earth Day Giveaway!

And the winner's are:

1st prize:  Katelyne Shuttleworth

2nd prize:  Margie of Hamsa Healing

3rd prize:  Jonah Wainberg

Thank you to all who entered!  I willing be doing more great giveaway's!

Chriss

Kreativ Blogger Award!!

I recently received this inspiring a Award from Junckshop.  You can check out her Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/junck  and her Blog Here:  http://junckshop.blogspot.com/ 
She makes Jewelry and such by repurposing what would otherwise be thrown away!  Thank you for making my day!

By accepting the award, I must now complete the following 7 steps to give this award its proper respects!! They are:

1. Post the award on my blogspot.
2. Thank the person who gave it to me.
3. Link to the person who gave this to me.  See above!
4. Share a list of 7 things that you probably don't know about me... 
5. Choose 7 great bloggers to give the award to.
6. Share a link to their blogs.
7. Leave a comment on their blog.

Seven things you wanted to know about me......

1.  I crochet with my left hand.....so yes, when I write patterns I have to literally reverse some components!!! (not as easy as one might think.)

2.  I really detest Spiders in my house!  The kids will capture them (and any other insect!) and set them free outside.
3.  I am fanatical about my household recycling, I wash items that some people would throw out so that they can be recycled.  In my home, "If it can be recycled, it will be."
4.  I love Thrift Store jeans!  They are so comfortable and soft.  And I always find the style I need and want!
5.  I dream of world peace.  I dream of living beyond tolerance, I dream of humans accepting humans.
6.  I put as many vegetables in as many dishes as I can when I am cooking.  Sshhh!  Don't tell the kids or my husband!
7.  I love my life.  :D


Here are the Bloggers I have chosen to receive the award:
http://babazoobee.blogspot.com/
http://soapstarcanada.blogspot.com/
http://vaughnde.blogspot.com 
http://nuorganics.blogspot.com/ 
http://mckinleyscloset.blogspot.com/ 
http://tresbelleknits.blogspot.com/ 
http://adorebynat.blogspot.com/ 




I hope you all have some fun with this!!  :D

Zen Gardening: Reconnecting with your food!

I wish I could put into words how it feels to really provide for your family and no, I don't mean in a monetary sense.  This is probably one of the single most important things I do as a Mother, Wife, Woman and Human Being.   Not to mention, it seems in western society  this is becoming a forgotten way of life that is making a come back.  (Thank heavens!)

I am not a stay at home Mom. I am married to an awesome Husband., I work outside my home caring for our Elderly, I have my home based business "The Art of Zen.......Crochet",  I have 1 daughter aged 14, and Two boys ages 7 and 4.  I am busy, but being with my family, "providing" the best food I can grow and make for them is an absolute for me.  I am giving the gift of Nutrition and therefore "Health" to my children.  Not to mention,  I am passing these skills on to my children.

So how do I do it?  How do I make the best food a priority? We grow as much of our own food as we are capable, and every year we grow more.

 Are we Vegans or Vegetarians?  No, we eat meat.  We try to eat local meat and wild game.

The Truth is not everyone can or is even willing to grow a garden.  Understandably, not everyone  the has room or the time.  So what about community gardening?  One great program available in quite a few communities is a box program, where you have a "share" in a local farm.  Take your children blueberry or strawberry picking at a local farm.  Take the produce home, wash and can or freeze, or even better let the kids help you make freezer jam!  Its not hard.  Grow a Tomato plant on your patio, and enjoy going out to pick them and eat them right off the plant, still warm from the sun or make your own tomato sauce.  My children love being told to go into the garden and have snack.  We keep the hose handy to wash what they get, and they enjoy amazing food that they have helped us grow!

If you do plant a garden, don't do it alone, involve your family, ask them to help.
We could never get the garden planted without my children's help.  One of us will go along and make the holes for the seeds, another one will put the seeds in, then another will cover them up.  It gives my kids a wonderful sense of worth to be directly involved wit our well being as a family.  You don't need fancy equipment.  Just, the right soil for what you are planting, and an appropriate container or bed. 

Have you  ever been cooking a meal, and then decided to go get something out of your garden to add to that dish?  Bringing what you have grown or purchased locally to your table is such an amazing feeling!  It gives me true gratification, elation, satisfaction and zen to feed my family food we have produced our selves or has been grown locally.  I know it is "good food", that it will truly Nurture their bodies, and give them what they need.
Winter time?  Grow some sprouts in a jar, or lettuce on your window sill! 

Need more info on Gardening?  Our Elders our one of our best sources for tips on how to grow food.  Personally I have been lucky enough to learn from many Elders on how to grow my food.  Try contacting your local gardening center and see if they carry books written by Agriculturists in and for your area.  Your local library will have loads of books.  The Internet can also be a great source of information.  If you are new to gardening, pick only a few easy items to start with.  

Want to learn to cook and preserve your food?  Try searching for a "Community Kitchen"  Group or even check out the Health Food Stores in your area.  You can learn to make the most of a dollar, the art of bread making, baking, stews, soups, casseroles and so on.  Most often you can find groups will plan events such as canning, or learning to freeze your own produce for little to know cost.  You just bring your own supplies and food, and then get to learn how. 

Harvest time in the fall is when most of these groups get together.  But you could start your own.

So I am challenging you to try growing some of your own food and see what difference you can make.

Remember its about the journey, not the destination.

Happy Zen Gardening!

April Giveaway!

Here it is, my Giveaway for the month of April:

Lovely Lilac Triangle Scarf in Bamboo Yarn.
Bamboo is super soft and an amazing fiber to wear!
What you need to do to get a chance at winning this?

1.)  Become a follower of my blog, believe me it'll be worth while as there will be MONTHLY giveaways!)
2.) Email me @ theartofzencrochet@live.ca with your name and please put April giveaway in the subject line. 
That's it!  I will announce the winner at the end of April! 

Oh Canada Team Sale on Etsy!!

We are having an Easter sale on Etsy!  Simply search "ohcanadateam" on Etsy to find team members, search
 their shops for the Easter eggs in the listing photos, and you will get a sweet deal!  Sale Starts Sunday March 28 and ends April 5!  Each Store will have a different sale, so be sure to look for details.

Have Fun and Happy Easter
 from the Oh Canada Team!

Zen Cleaning: Homemade Laundry Detergent Powder

This Post is a recipe, review and why about Homemade Laundry Soap.  Its something I have been wanting  to try for a long time, for Multiple reasons.  Which I will take the time to list here:

- To Save $$, who honestly doesn't need to do this?
- To learn to be more self-sufficient,  I think we all take way too much advantage of "Modern Conveniences"
- To use natural products, that are tried, tested and true
- To know what I am exposing my family to
- To lessen my/our carbon footprint aka live greener
- To have another skill to pass on to my children
- To ease the stress on our septic system
- To not poison the water of those around me that also have wells
- To restore my "Zen Cleaning" (ie, getting rid of the negatives, and enjoying the mindfulness of cleaning, YES THIS IS POSSIBLE!!) 

I am sure there are more reasons.  So I started researching recipes online, most were basically the same: Bar soap, Borax, and Washing Soda.  I started delving more and more into the homemade laundry detergent I found more recipes for Fabric Softener, cleaners, and even dishwasher detergent!  The best part was most of the ingredients were the same!

I decided to try the powdered laundry soap first, because it seemed easiest and if it failed I wasn't at a major loss.  So here goes:

Grate 1/2 Bar of Fels Naptha Bar Soap ( I didn't use it because I couldn't find it) or Ivory, Sunlight, or whatever you like, I personally chose an Organic Lemongrass Soap that smelled pretty and doesn't irritate my skin
1 cup Of Borax 
1 cup of Washing Soda
1/2 cup of Baking Soda (maybe you want to use a whole cup if you have greasy clothes)

Add all of the above ingredients to your Food Processor and process until combined!  Easy huh?
Now you only need about 2 Tablespoons( if you have a "scoop" from protein powder, these work great) for a full load.

My review:
The soap dissolved easily, we use only cold water to wash our clothes, so this was a major plus!
My socks were definitely whiter.  My Clothes were clean, no grease stains on my shirts, everything looked clean.  My clothes were soft, not coarse or stiff.  I was not itchy, and I have sensitive skin.   This was very cost effective!

Homemade Fabric Softener!!!
I have never been a user of fabric softener, just seemed like a waste of $$ and I always found the scents over-powering.  But on my journey to find more recipes for Laundry Soap I found a great one for Fabric Softener.
Frankly, I fell in love with the idea, immediately.  Only problem was that I don't have a new washing machine with a fancy dispenser, and who ever remembers the rinse cycle?  Not, me!!!  So, I caved in a bought a "Downey ball" for $1.99 at the Grocery Store.

Recipe:
Vinegar 1/3-1/2 cup
Downey ball

Fill your Downey ball with vinegar, pull the top, toss it in the washer and walk away, it does the rest!

Review:
My towels were fluffier and softer. No Static cling.  Nothing smelt like vinegar either.  Very Cost effective!!!

Next:  Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap.  I will review it and then compare it to the powdered.

Enjoy your "Zen Cleaning"!

Sunshine Award

Here are the rules of this award...

1. Place the logo within your blog or post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within the post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.
Thank you to http://redrubyonfire.blogspot.com/ for awarding this reward to me!!








My 12 nominees are:

babazoobee
eco friendly freckles
Twilight Earth
tresbelleknits
Musings of the Mod Menagerie
Peacock Tres Chic
SoapStar
Stampout Cancer
ilutegijaDesig
HappyBabyBunz
Jac-Ber Creations
Prairie Peasant