I started making my own laundry soap about eight years ago.  The kids were little, and I was a SAHM, so I wanted to save some money.  My husband had some serious doubts as he was working as a mechanic and got quite dirty at work.  I'm happy to report that my soap removed just as much, if not more, grease than commercial detergents.  I used to make it the old way, which was making 5 gallons of liquid.  Although it only took 20 minutes to make, I had a 5 gallon bucket sitting on my kitchen counter for a day, and then I had to find a place to store it in my laundry room.  I knew there had to be a better way.  I started experimenting, and this is my new and improved laundry detergent recipe with no grating! Links in this post may be affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission from sales. I prefer to use Fels Naptha for my soap, and I've been using it for years with great success.  I've also used Castile soap, but I didn't like it as much.  In fact, I

Valentine's Day is coming!  My husband and I aren't big on Valentine's Day for each other.  We used to go out and have a nice dinner and date, but stopped that when we had kids.  Sometimes he will surprise me with roses, but usually we just tell each other Happy Valentine's Day and be done with it.  The kids, however, do love Valentine's Day.  We don't get them gifts except maybe a piece of candy, but we have fun dressing in red or pink clothes--the boys usually wear a shirt of something they love instead.  Since we homeschool now, there are no class parties.  Instead, we will celebrate by reading books about Valentine's Day and making fun crafts.  Here's my top picks for Valentine's Day books for kids. Links in this post may be affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission from sales. Llama Llama I Love You Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day Is Cool My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street) Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart Day It Rain