Tuesday, March 20, 2012

NO BAKE ENERGY BALLS

Oh my goodness!  My sweet sister in law told me about these, and I found the recipe online and made them yesterday.  They are almost gone already and I made a double batch!!  Everyone in my family LOVES these.  Wesley took them as the main dish for his lunch today, and as soon as he got home, asked for more!  These are about as healthy as you can get and still taste amazing.  I'm going to make up a triple batch this time and put some in the freezer.

No Bake Energy Balls
1 cup oats
½-3/4 cup peanut butter ( I used all natural with no sugar)
⅓ cup honey
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (you can substitute any dry ingredients for this, wheat bran or germ, oat bran)
½ cup ground flaxseed
1 tsp vanilla (i used my homemade)
½ cup mini chocolate chips (I chopped up a bar of 85% dark chocolate from Aldi)
1/4 cup nut/seed add in's...I used chopped almonds and pecans

In a medium sized bowl mix together all of the ingredients until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Roll into small balls (I used my Pampered Chef small scoop for better portion control). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week (yeah, like they are going to last that long!!!).

Saturday, March 17, 2012

LIQUID DISH SOAP

UPDATED RECIPE

Ingredients:
-1 tablespoon Shredded Bar Soap (castile bar soap, ivory, etc)
-1 tablespoon of white vinegar
-1 tablespoon of Arm&Hammer’s Super Washing Soda
-1/8 teaspoon of tea tree oil (optional)
-1 ½ cup of super hot water

Directions:.
1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl, then add the water.  Be sure to mix/whisk well until bar soap is melted
2. Allow Mixture to cool on the counter for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Store in any dish soap dispensing bottle and use as you would the commercial brands.
Note: You may choose to naturally increase the anti-bacterial qualities of the soap by adding 1/4 tsp. of lavender or eucalyptus essential oils.

The switch to making your own household cleaning products may seem overwhelming at first, but once you establish a routine it will become second nature. From the following items, 100% of my basic cleaning needs are met:
  • Borax
  • Baking Soda
  • Super Washing Soda
  • White Vinegar
  • Castile Soap

DAILY SHOWER SPRAY

I love that I haven't had to actually "clean" my shower since I started using this!!  It's wonderful:)

Daily Shower Spray


1/2C Hydrogen Peroxide
1/2C Rubbing Alcohol
1/4 tsp (6-8 drops) Dish Soap
2 tsp Jet Dry
1 1/2C Water

Mix together and spray daily.  Don’t mix up more than this at a time-the Hydrogen Peroxide will dissipate over time.  *anything labeled “grease cutting” works best.  I like Dawn or Seventh Generation.