Dishwasher Rinse Aid

If you’ve been wanting a way to cut costs on dishwasher rinse aid… here’s a great frugal alternative:
 White Vinegar!
That’s it!  Rather than using expensive rinse agents, simply fill your rinse aid dispenser with white vinegar. Vinegar does a great job at removing spots and disinfecting, too!

Herbs for cold and flu season

Herbs for cold and flu season

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) – Echinacea has the ability to prevent or help the body fight colds and the flu. Echinacea is one of the most researched herbs for its effectiveness in shortening the duration and reducing the severity of cold and flu symptoms. This herb contains active substances that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis) – Elderberry is a powerful flu fighter. This herb has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune stimulating effects. It has been shown to greatly reduce healing time when taken at the first signs of flu symptoms. Elderberry works to prevent viral infection by blocking the virus from penetrating our cells. Many symptoms of the typical cold and flu virus can be treated with this berry. Elder flowers can also be used in herbal tea blends to help reduce fevers. (Never eat the leaves, stems, or raw berries of this plant, which contain toxic components.)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)- This member of the mint family works against a variety of viruses and bacteria, including the virus that causes the common cold. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it perfect for soothing headaches. It has a fresh lemony-mint flavor when added to tea.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – This herb’s active component, menthol, can improve nasal congestion and relax airways. Peppermint can also help soothe a sore, irritated throat.

Make your own Cold and Flu Tea

Make your own Cold and Flu Tea

The herbs in this cold and flu blend were chosen for their ability to stimulate the immune system, fight viruses and bacteria, and ease the uncomfortable symptoms of a cold or flu.
Ingredients for tea blend:

• ¼ cup dried echinacea leaves
• ¼ cup dried peppermint leaves
• ¼ cup dried lemon balm leaves
• 3 Tbsp dried elder berries or ¼ cup dried elder flowers

Add all ingredients to a glass jar and shake gently to combine. Seal jar tightly. Label well and store your Cold and Flu Tea away from heat and light for up to a year. This blend will make approximately 24 cups of tea.
For one cup of tea:

• 1 cup of filtered water
• 2 tsp Cold and Flu Tea blend
• raw, unfiltered honey  to taste (optional)

Add tea blend to tea infuser or tea ball. Bring water to a boil, remove from heat. Pour water into mug and add tea. Steep for 5-10 minutes. Add honey (if using) and stir until dissolved. Drink up to 3 cups of tea per day as needed.

Liquid Laundry Soap

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value

4  Cups - hot tap water
1  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax
- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.
-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.
-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)