Homemade glass cleaner

While researching for alternative, homemade cleaning solutions; I came across this one, using corn starch. It is worth trying, as no streaks on my windows; is always a good thing.

No-Streak Glass Cleaner
For sparkling mirrors and windows, combine 1/4 cup undiluted white vinegar, 1 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 quart warm water. Divide into spray bottles...

Store bought no more

I have been cleaning everything for a while with my homemade, Windex type cleaner. This past week I have done a lot of cleaning. Everyday cleaning to the windows and the window blinds. I usually clean my window blinds, once a year. Typically I would use Simple Green. I did not have any so I decided to give it a try with the homemade. I was pleasantly surprised.

I am so pleased with the results, that I am ready to try a different homemade cleaning product.

Yesterday cloth bags...

and as soon as I finish the last of the Windex; the journey into homemade window cleaner.

5 ounces of wintergreen rubbing alcohol

5 ounces of vinegar

Fill the rest of the bottle with water

I use Windex to clean just about everything. What I like about the homemade, is that vinegar is a natural disinfectant; something Windex isn't. I might just phase out all store bought cleaning products as I run out. The only item I don't think, that I will be changing is laundry detergent; fabric softener, maybe.

I have been washing more dishes by hand. I am sort of defeating the purpose of hand washing; as my dish drain sits in the sink. Thus I have to run the water while rinsing. Simple solution, is to buy a plug for the drain or a plastic tub.

I have just run out of the paper napkins. I do have one unopened package, but I think I shall save those, for messy meals. It is rather exciting, when all the things that months before, were just endless possibilities; now are woven into my daily life.

And the journey continues...

I've got 30 points

I had to pick up a few things at the market. So I took my cloth bags, for the first time. I even used the cloth produce ones. My daughter did not wither, nor was she as mortified; as she exclaimed she would be, when I used them.

Ralphs apparently gives you points, for bringing your own bags. Not quite sure what the points are for.

Back on path

The journey to cloth was put on the back burner, as my motivation for most anything has been; due to this stick with me like glue, fog of depression, that has been with me. Its rough at times; though only a little bump in the road.

The cloth grocery bags are on top of the refrigerator and they haven't made it into the store, quite yet. I think moving them to the back of the car, they will have a better chance, to get used.
The original cloth napkins, I had my eye on, were no longer available, so I bought some other ones. I soon sent them back, as the feel of material (not cotton), was not pleasing to the touch. I haven't found any others that, I thought were lovely until today. I can always count on finding just about anything I am looking for at Amazon.com and usually do. I was searching and found these 100% cotton ones, for a reasonable price, 12 for $15.99. I ordered 2 sets.
I don't know if I will ever completely go cloth for cleaning. I still use cloth dish cloths for washing dishes and flour sack towels for dusting. I recently found some very nice vintage looking dish cloths; at of all places, the 99 Cents Only Store. Paper towels are used for any other cleaning.

Journal of purchase and waste

Sadly, I had to throw out 13 eggs the other day. There is also a whole bunch of salad vegetables, that just didn't get eaten. When I go to Costco and see all the lovely vegetables, visions of salads dance in my head. I must make a more conscious effort, to find the time to make salads or just don't buy the vegetables.

Journal of purchase and waste

This is the first time I have had to report food waste. I have been working really hard to eradicate it, in my home. I had 2 1/2 containers of cereal, that has been there forever. It was very stale and unappetizing. Hopefully, very soon in the future; I will learn creative ways to make use of it.

Today I took some two week old oranges, squeezed the juice, to freeze for smoothies. I have a pint of half and half and 18 eggs, that are near their expiration date. Tonight is my first try at making a quiche.

Fresh tomatos, watermelon and ziplock bags

I had seven Roma tomato's in my refrigerator. I knew I would not use them before they went bad. The wheels in my mind started to turn, as I did not want to waste them. I decided to chop them in the food processor and then freeze them. I guess I got a little carried away with the food processor, as they are more on the pureed side. Still okay, as I can add them to any number of things.

I bought a lovely seedless watermelon yesterday. Hmm, I thought what is better than fresh watermelon; but watermelon, peach and strawberry smoothies. Peaches and strawberries are in the freezer. I knew this smoothie maker would come in handy. Someone on another site suggested, using a melon ball utensil to scoop the melon, then freeze. She said they are delicious frozen. One melon, so many options.

Today I reused a Ziploc bag for the first time. Before I would have never even wanted, to take the time to rinse it out. Living more simply is agreeing with me.

Journal of purchase and waste

January 16th - February 13th
Purchase - $222.00

This amount is a combination of purchases from Costco and Ralphs.

Homemade cleaners

I have been really skeptical, about even trying homemade cleaners, as I am left wondering if it will do a comparable job. After making my mind up to consume less paper and plastic, the thought of homemade cleaners; is now leaving my mind open, to at least give it a try. Homemade window cleaner will be the one I experiment with; as in my home, it is used for many things. I know it will be economically a better choice. I can buy vinegar at Costco, I can buy by the gallon and wintergreen rubbing alcohol, is sold at the 99 Cents Only Store.

Journal of purchase and waste

The process, of this part of the journey for me; is gong to focus on what food is bought and what is thrown out. I took inventory on what is in my freezer. I was taken back for a minute. There is food that has been in there for years. To get a grasp on this issue, in a attempt to waste as little as possible; I will start to journal, of what food is brought in and what is wasted.

The snowball affect...

of flowing ideas and things, I never would have considered possibilities.

Now...
I will turn off lights when not in the room.
I will only use the dishwasher when it is full.
I will leave a sink of soapy water, to wash the dishes during the day.

Soon...
I will make a schedule, for the upkeep of my home.
I will compile a list of all that I have in my pantry and freezer, to make meals of.

Eventually...
I want to cut down the use of paper products.
I want to cut down the amount of food that is wasted.
I want to cook.

My dream is...
to start my container garden.
to take time each day to sit on my patio and enjoy the moment.
to dust off the sewing machine and put it to good use.

I am a work in progress and the possibilities are endless.

Gentle spending

I have decided that every two weeks, on payday; I will put aside $20. I have a tea canister that sits on top of the kitchen cabinets, that is not in use. I will no longer make purchases on a whim. If I want to buy something, only when I have enough saved money including shipping costs; will I then decide if I still want it.