No Shampoo? A Thrifty Thursday Post...

My hair has its challenges.  Most recently... I'm just trying to keep it!   

I've been thinking that the parabens in regular shampoos are not 

doing me any favors.  And hypoallergenic or natural shampoo is

 pricier than I'd like.  So I've searched for recipes to make my own

 and have come across the 'no shampoo' method of washing hair.

Essentially it's just baking soda & water for the 'shampoo' 

and apple cider vinegar and water to rinse.  Here's what you do...

Measure 2 T baking soda into a pint jar and fill with water.  Shake.

Pour it over your wet head and 'shampoo' like normal.  Rinse out.  

Put 2 T apple cider vinegar into same jar and fill with water.  

Pour over head as a 'conditioner' and then rinse out again.

That's it!  

(2 T : 2 C water for long hair - or 1 T :1 C water for short hair)

My hair was easy to comb out and is quite silky today (my first day using this). 

I'll try to keep you posted on how it like it over time.

I figure it can't hurt.  And it sure is affordable! 

And I'll be really excited if my hair loss lessens. 
And in case you're wondering - I do not smell like vinegar! :)

Here's to accepting the changes that the years bring...

and growing with them.  ~Joyce

Homemade Orange Household Cleaner...

I finally got around to making some of that 'almost free' 

orange cleaner that shows up here and there around the 'net.

orange peels steeping in vinegar 2 weeks

 Essentially I used this recipe - except I didn't boil the 

vinegar first.  Next time I'll try that just for fun.

strained vinegar - with added 1/2 water

 So far I've cleaned my bathroom sink and my kitchen floors.  

Worked great!

Delivering A Meal...

My brother is having a difficult health time 

right now.  This morning I quickly made a bit of 

food to help out (less cooking for his wife).  

Since they love antiques and live in an authentic 

log house - I packaged the items accordingly.  

Freshly made Hearty Pork Rice Soup (because 

my bro. doesn't like chicken) went into some 

blue Mason jars...

Made a double batch so we can have some too.

 Freshly made potato salad (his special request) 

went into a vintage blue enamel dish...

Those are donut holes and chocolate candy on top.

 

 With a vintage towel lining a old market basket - 

it was a cute, if quick, delivery for today.   

I added an inspirational post card and will try

to take them more goodies from time to time. 

It doesn't take much to show a little

love and care.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just Listed in my Etsy Shop

W. Haskell Coffin Pin Keeper

Bingo Card Art...

Have you seen altered art projects from vintage Bingo cards?  

Source

I just listed a whole grouping of bingo cards and more 

in my Etsy shop...

Just look at some of the fun creations that are popping up 

from these old cards..

Source

Source

Source

Source

Pretty nifty huh?  Are you inspired?

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk...

Sometimes I get excessively  hungry for chocolate.  

(OK, a lot of times.)  One day last week - I made myself some 

fudge topped cookie bars.  They were absolutely delicious - 

even my gluten free version!

Almond  Fudge Topped Shortbread

I'm not a big fan of sweetened condensed milk.  It's rarely in my cupboards.  Since this recipe calls for it - I made it from scratch.  Yummy and much cheaper!

Sweetened Condensed Milk

1 c. dry milk solids

2/3 c. sugar

3 T. melted butter or marg.

1/3 c. boiling water

Blend together.  Makes 1 can full.  

Keep in refrigerator.

Hopefully you can read the recipe.  If not - just view my profile to contact me.

Homemade...

I have a recipe for you - but it's not the eating kind!  

I made my first batch of homemade laundry detergent.  It is so cheap - I just have to share it with you.  Several of my friends have tried this and love it - so I'm sure it will be a good thing.  

Here's what I started with... (Yep, it's all on your grocery shelf!)

1/3 bar Fels Naptha Soap - grated

3 pt. water

Mix and heat on low till dissolved...

Love the smell of this soap!

Add 1/2 c. Washing Soda and

1/2 c. Borax.  

Put 1 qt. warm water in 2 gal. or more bucket.  Add soap solution.  Add enough water to make 2 gallon.  Set aside 24 hours till thick.  Use 1/2 c. per load.

Isn't it beautiful?  It is very thick.  Here is a website with more recipes and tips for making your own detergent.  

I'll let you know when I try it.
For more Frugal Ideals - visit The Shabby Nest today and
Funky Junk Interiors.