Odds & Ends

*I cleaned the house yesterday. I know, nothing special, but I cleaned the whole house with homemade cleaners. I've been running seriously low on cleaning supplies, and have been wanting to switch over to products that are a bit safer, and cheaper, to clean with. I had a few Clorox Green Works cleaners, but even then, I wasn't sure of all the ingredients. After a bit of research, I decided on these recipes, and after trying them yesterday, am quite pleased with the results.

• Hardwood Cleaner: 1/2 C vinegar, 1/2 herb tea (I used lemon), 2 gallons of warm water
• Soft Scrub: 1/2 C baking soda, add enough liquid detergent (I just used dish soap) to make a texture like frosting.
  
• All Purpose Cleaner: 1/2 tsp washing soda (found in the laundry aisle), a dab of liquid soap, 2 C hot tap water
• Furniture Polish: 1/2 tsp olive oil, 1/4 vinegar or lemon juice
• Mold Killer: 2 tsp tea tree oil, 2 C water
• Window Cleaner: 1/4- 1/2 tsp liquid detergent, 3 tbsp vinegar, 2 C water
• Tile Cleaner: 1/4 tbsp washing soda, 1 tbsp ammonia, 1 gallon of water
  

For the window and all purpose cleaners I used distilled water since we've got hard water.

*Part of what prompted the need to clean inexpensively was the need to clean our new coffee table so often. I really like it, and it was a great price at Costco, but Claire sure loves to leave her grubby little hand prints all over it!


*I think I'm ready to redecorate Claire's room. I had pretty much made up my mind that her room would be purple, but I wasn't totally sold on the quilt I'd picked out. Then I saw this. I LOVE IT! I think I'll paint her room blue and green. I think that these decals and butterflies would be totally cute too. Now I'm excited to get going on it!

*Here is my most recent favorite picture of Claire. I think it should be called "The Punk". Can't you just feel the attitude?