I am going to recap some of things from my tab titled “Do It Yourself“. I have talked about being self-reliant and I am a BIG believer in being self-reliant (well, God-reliant first and then self-reliant). There are several things that I have not done yet, like make my own pasta. I also haven’t made my own sandwich wraps. I do make my own laundry detergent and I have for several months now. People, this is so easy to do. I am just imploring you to try it for a month. It really does work and it really does get your clothes clean.
Regarding using paper towels, I do still use paper towels, but not as much as I use to. I have said before that I used this system to lessen my use of them.
If you have read my blog very much, you know I make my own yogurt and cream cheese. I haven’t been doing it for a long time, but again, it is so easy. The only thing I do differently is that I heat my milk to 180 degrees because that is what several other websites say to do. I then let it cool to 110 degrees before I mix it. I also add 1/4 cup of dry milk powder to thicken it because homemade yogurt is thinner than store bought yogurt.
I also made my own Swiffer duster refill and, yes, I do use it to dust. When I make another one, I will shorten it just a bit.
I have not yet ran out of my Swiffer Floor Clean wet cloths, but when I do I am going to do this.
My next thing to try is homeade Fabric Softener. I am almost out so I am waiting until I am out to make it.
Those are a few of things that I do to be frugal, to be “green”, to be self-reliant!
Please, leave me a comment and tell me what things that you do. I am always looking for new ideas. Have a great weekend!
And for more frugal ideas, please visit Biblical Womanhood.
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September 12, 2008 at 10:57 am
Teresa
We have tried making out own pasta, and it is not worth your time! It took us forever to make our own pasta and it didn’t save us much money. We had fun with it, but it is not something we will be doing every week!
We have made our own bisquick batter to store in the fridge. It turned out to be very easy and useful – it was great to make cinnamon rolls, biscuits or waffles! Here is a link to the recipe
http://blueyonder.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/08/julys-first-monday-contest-winner.html
September 12, 2008 at 11:16 am
jennifer
What great ideas you have!! I always wanted to try the homemade laundry!!
Thanks for sharing:)
September 12, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Lynn
Good ideas. I have tried to make my own detergent but my daughter couldn’t use it because of her asthma. The borax sent her into attacks. But it is a great idea for those who can. Thanks for sharing.
September 12, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Sherry
I haven’t tried the homemade pasta yet either. I do make my own homemade bread and tortillas. I also make my own mixes – chili powder, taco seasoning, bisquick, etc. I make my own cream of whatever soups.
I haven’t tried the homemade laundry or dish detergent, yogurt or cream cheese, but I can definitely see trying it soon as you and many others do.
I also have a Swiffer that I have used a cloth and also have been able to open and put in my own cleaner instead of buying my own. I use cloth napkins and rags with occasional paper towels now. I also use my own cleaners for kitchen, windows, etc.
September 12, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Amanda
Gretchen my grandmother makes every now and then will make her own noodles and they are out of this world. If you would like the recipe I will try to find it for you. You can’t beat others homemade foods!
September 12, 2008 at 4:47 pm
klutzymama
I’m making my own laundry detergent too. And I use 1/2 C. of vinegar in my fabric softener dispenser. It softens our clothes and they do not have a vinegary smell at all. Very cheap alternative to store bought fabric softener.
I also make all of my own cleaning supplies. I’ve been doing that for a while. I haven’t had to spend money on that kind of thing in a long time.
September 13, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Lee
Thanks for the laundry tip. I’ll have to try this next time.