Jul 4, 2012
Homemade Laundry Soap & Fabric Softener
I've been making my own laundry soap and my own fabric softener for a couple of months now, and it makes me feel SUPER that I'm saving money and eliminating additives that I don't need. I have an HE machine and everything I've read online confirms that this is completely safe for my "fancy" machine because it is a "low sudsing".
Fabric Softener I was a fabric softener addict, so I wasn't sure this would cut it (I really love my laundry to smell nice, and I have well water, which does not always smell SUPER). But this works amazingly well! The hair conditioner ingredient seems odd; perhaps it's in there just for the cheap scent. Regardless, this is SUPER! Fabric Softener recipe
- 4 Cups Hot Water
- 1 Cups Hair Conditioner (You can use any kind, I use Suave)
- 2 Cups White Vinegar
- (optional) Essential Oils
I suspect this isn't the healthiest/safest for our clothes/skin, but I use a few squirts of Scentsy room spray in place of essential oils. Scentsy has the most amazing fragrance choices, and it gets diluted enough that I don't think it's harmful, although the Scentsy sprays clearly state they aren't meant for clothing or skin.... (no one here has broken out into a rash, but use at your own peril)
I store the homemade softener in an old name brand bottle. I pour my homemade softener into the appropriate dispenser of my washer, but if you prefer dryer sheets, I've read you can pour a bit onto a washcloth and throw the cloth in your dryer with your other clothing.
Laundry Detergent: I like powder detergent - the liquid stuff ends up spilled all over my laundry room. Some day I'll purchase a beautiful glass container for my laundry soap, but for now, I mix it into an empty [name brand] laundry detergent box.
Super Tip: I wrote the recipe right on the box of Borax with a sharpy so it's handy when I need it.
Powder Laundry Detergent:
- 1 bar ivory soap (grated)
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 cup Borax
- 1 cup Washing Soda
Isn't this pretty?Cost savings: I haven't actually sat down with my receipts to calculate the cost savings, but other online sources claim that they are quite substantial! I have an Amazon Prime membership, so shipping of the ingredients was free (and easy), and I'm sure that helps add to the savings. (Plus with the Prime membership, I get it [and my latest vampire novel] quickly). Fabric Softener cost savings:
- Fabric softener name brands cost between 24¢ and 40¢ per load.
- The cost of the homemade version is 19¢ or a penny more if you use the fragrance oil.
- [NameBrand] with Bleach powder 267 ounce detergent – $20.32 – 95 loads = $0.21 per load
- Homemade powder 32 ounce detergent – $2.98 – 64 loads = $0.05 per load
- I don't need to hire a cleaning lady every month (savings of $100+)
- I don't need to hire a therapist (savings of $100+? not sure on the rate for a therapist these days, or how often I'd be on the couch without escaping into fantasy romance stories)
- Being an Audible member means I save 30% on the cost of audiobooks
Jul 1, 2012
Le Chic Cocoon - wish list book
This book looks like it would speak to my need for a new space - perhaps an office, perhaps a more personal space. I've been craving "my own room" for quite some time. I have a lovely home, but none of the spaces are truly mine. Does anyone owe me a gift?
Jun 26, 2012
Once Burned audiobook review - midway
Once Burned, Jeanine Frost
I'm on Chapter 19, Audible VersionHere's the editorial description
"She's a mortal with dark powers...
After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...
He's the Prince of Night...
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames."
My thoughts so far - -
* The narrator is dead-on as Cat in the Night Huntress series, so it took me a bit to accept her as the voice of Leila. However, she does an amazing job with Vlad! (I've always thought her portrayal of Vlad was much better than her portrayal of Bones).
* Leila is a younger (less mature?) character, but likable and interesting. I like the internal dialogue she has with herself and Vlad.
* It's odd to admit this, but I find the cause of her special powers to be rather hard to believe. Why is this hard to believe when I can be completely convinced of vampires, weres, faeries, pixies, ghouls and the like? Doesn't make sense does it.
* I've had a highly distracted day, so I'm sure that plays into it, but I'm not completely engrossed in this story as I have been with others. But I'm not even half way, so there's still lots of time to get completely sucked into the story.
Back to the story!
Jun 25, 2012
The Night Huntress Series
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
It's definitely in my top 5 of all time. I adore the characters, the story, the witty humor, the well written love scenes - all of it!There are 6 books in the Night Huntress Series + a spin off series (Night Huntress World) with 2 books AND AND AND Once Burned, the first book in the new spin off series (Night Prince) comes out June 26, which is TOMORROW!! I can NOT wait!!! I'm so excited (can you tell from all the exclamation points?)
Once Burned's male vampire lead is Vlad. Vlad is a side character in the Night Huntress series who I could love for his humor alone, but of course, he's hot hot hot (literally, he controls fire!)
"Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula." -editorial description of Vlad
Here is my favorite Vlad quote. It makes me laugh out loud every time I think of it!
“Much slower, I turned around to see Vlad examining his fingernails, as if his hands weren't still ablaze in the flames that had blasted the ghoul's head off moments before.
'what the hell was that?' I gasped.
'Premature inflammation,' He replied. 'Happens sometimes. Very embarrassing, I don't like to talk about it.' ”
― Jeaniene Frost, This Side of the Grave
Ah, but you can't start with Once Burned to fully enjoy what the brilliant author, Jeaniene Frost, has created for us. Well you can, but why? Why would you deny yourself the full pleasure of starting from the beginning and savoring every moment of this outstanding 9-book story?
So start with Halfway to the Grave, and start it soon! Cat will intrigue you and Bones will sweep you off your feet....
----- SuperMomx3 original review, May 2010 ------
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Audiobook Finished 5/26/10
Just
what I wanted: Laugh out loud funny, steamy sex, a good vs. evil
battle, a sarcastic-heroic-kickass leading lady, and a super-sexy male
lead. Perfect. The only criticism I have is for the narrator's portrayal
of Bones (the male lead). She did not pull off sexy Englishman at all.
But I was able to look past it and I'm head over heals for Bones! He
might just be the hottest male vampire ever! (My apologies to Edward,
Eric, Bill, Jasper......)
*update - the narrator's portrayal of Bones gets better, or my imagination over rode what originally bothered me about it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The order of how the series and its spin offs should be enjoyed are as follows:
|
Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 1)
by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress 2)
by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
At Grave's End (Night Huntress, Book 3)
by Jeaniene Frost 4 stars |
|
|
Destined for an Early Grave (Night Huntress, Book 4) by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World, Book 1) by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 5)
by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, Book 2) by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
|
|
One Grave at a Time: A Night Huntress Novel #6)
by Jeaniene Frost 5 stars |
And this brings us to Once Burned. Look at the cover! Hot. I look forward to reviewing it for you soon!
________________________________________________Podcast Spotlight: Chaos Chronicles
What I learned in Middle School, Panini Generation update, Sandusky Trial: Chaos Chronicles 517
Welcome To The Chaos!
Editorial Description: Chaos Chronicles
I’m Lian Dolan. I’m a mother, wife, writer, talk show host and chronicler of everything that goes on in a house with two boys, one man & one big dog. I live in Pasadena, California. The Chaos Chronicles is my podcast and blog that celebrates Modern Motherhood and all its madness. I'm also the parenting expert for oprah.com, a Satellite Sister and my first novel Helen of Pasadena is an LA Times Bestseller. Whew! Good thing my motto is: Embrace Your Chaos!SuperMomx3 Review - 5 stars!
Category: parenting, news editorials, entertainment, sisterhood/girlfriendsHow/Where I listened: on my ancient ipod while folding laundry, vacuuming, walking and driving the kids to and fro.
Lian is completely relatable, funny and real. She talks about motherhood, sisterhood, being self employed as a writer/blogger/podcaster and the recent declining health of her parents. She covers magazine stories and current events injected with her point of view. She over-commits to community service projects and shares the ups and downs of those commitments.
Her show is a spin off of The Satellite Sisters which is another great podcast that started out as a syndicated radio show, and is produced with her and her 4 sisters.
My sister also listens to this show, and it is a frequent topic in our phone chats.
The Show linked above centers on the graduation of her youngest son from Middle School. Since my oldest is going into this stage of life (and dragging me with him) I found it especially timely.
I highly recommend to all my supermom friends!
Podcast Review: The Goals Coach
The Goals Coach Daily Online Radio by Andrew Morgan | Blog Talk Radio
How/Where I listened: on my ancient ipod while folding laundry, vacuuming, walking and driving the kids to and fro.
Andrew Morgan's podcast show is inspiring and actionable. You could apply his message to business, fitness, housework, or any other goal. The series of shows begin in February 2010 and go through February 2011. The fact that the series is a couple of years old, does not detract from the quality of the message or the content. Andrew is kind, energetic and clear. The quality of the shows are also top notch (with a couple of glitches in the first couple of shows).
This is a podcast I am saving to re-listen to while implementing his suggestions. Well done Mr. Morgan!
Editorial Description: The Goals Coach Daily
Your goals are most alive when they show up in your daily activities. This show moves you from wanting to being by doing. The fact is, random thoughts rarely produce deliberate results. A goal must be organized before it can be realized. Tune in daily for insights, advice, and instruction on how to move your dreams from your head and your heart to your hands.
SuperMomx3 Review - 5 stars!
Category: self help, business, goals, motivation, time management, purpose & passionHow/Where I listened: on my ancient ipod while folding laundry, vacuuming, walking and driving the kids to and fro.
Andrew Morgan's podcast show is inspiring and actionable. You could apply his message to business, fitness, housework, or any other goal. The series of shows begin in February 2010 and go through February 2011. The fact that the series is a couple of years old, does not detract from the quality of the message or the content. Andrew is kind, energetic and clear. The quality of the shows are also top notch (with a couple of glitches in the first couple of shows).
This is a podcast I am saving to re-listen to while implementing his suggestions. Well done Mr. Morgan!
Jun 24, 2012
Breaking the rules
I've decided to monetize my little blog. I'll be experimenting with the various ways to do that and sharing my experiences here. I've been told you first have to build your followers list and then selectively advertise. I'm not going to follow the rules - and I'm going to see what happens... stay tuned!
Audiobook Reviews
Recently listened to books
[aka: How I Enjoyed Doing Laundry]
Most of what I enjoy would fall under the classification of paranormal romance. But I'd like to believe (true or not) that I read a variety of things.Feel free to comment about your recommendations!
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The Help by Kathryn Stockett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A MUST READ. Simply Excellent. The audio version is superb as well.
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Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 1
4.5 stars - I like the characters; I was entertained and surprised at several of the twists and turns. I found the world and "Inderlanders" interesting and believable. What was missing was romance, but there are so many books in this series, that surely that will come.
Black Magic Sanction by Kim HarrisonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Perfect Blood by Kim HarrisonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 10
I'm so sad to come to the end of this story. How long will I have to wait for book 11? I will be seeking out all the novellas I've missed along the way. I also want the exact words for the anti-memory charm to paint on a wall of my home. And if I find her exact pack tattoo.... I might end up with some ink.
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Dark Lover by J.R. WardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Be warned - this series is what I have come to call "VamPorn" and it may take a couple of books to desensitize yourself to the explicit sexy details. I would however, highly recommend this series for it's captivating story and characters. I gave this book 4 stars originally, largely because the sex scenes were shocking. If I were to re-rate it now, after continuing the series, I'd give it a solid 5 stars. I laughed out loud, I huddled in fear under my covers and I have developed several major crushes on the brothers. I would, in fact, be hard-pressed to choose a favorite between them. The female characters are relatable as well, but I read this series for the hot men and the intense bonds between them.
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Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 1
Pure fun entertainment - a wonderful escape.
It was recommended by amazon because I loved the twilight series. There are obvious similarities but the style and voice are completely different. It reminded me of English Comp class when the instructor would give an assignment with assigned "elements" and each classmate wrote a completely different story but incorporated the assigned elements.
I really enjoyed this for what it is: funny, sexy, quirky, with a serial killer mystery, and I am now listening to audiobook 2. This seems like an excellent book to go the audio route with since it's entertaining - not deep and thought provoking. I recently learned that HBO has a show based on this series but I'm not much of a tv watcher.
I highly recommend the audiobook version of this series. The narration is perfect!
While I enjoy BDB for the men, I follow this series to hang out with Sookie, who I adore.
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The Night Circus by Erin MorgensternReview for the audio version:
I'll have to absorb it for a bit before determining my star rating...
I'm bouncing around between a 3 and a 5. Giving it a 4 star rating seems logical, but too simple a solution.
The descriptions are crisp and clear and amazing and detailed; the dreamlike elements are incredibly imaginative and memorable. The characters, on the other hand, seem to run together in my mind and the story takes a back seat (several rows back) to the world-building and illustrations. The deep love between the main characters was less than completely convincing. I am utterly captivated by the imagery, but not by the characters, their relationships or by the story itself.
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