I’m frugal. I’m cheap. I do not like to part company with money that I work hard for. I especially don’t like to spend money on things that I can make for free or purchase second-hand.
Today’s blog post that I wrote over at Sow True Seed is about how to make or procure materials to start your yearly seed stash without spending much, or any money.
Here it is! http://sowtrueseed.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-seed-starting-pots/
Do you have a favorite way to start seeds?
Happy Seeding! ~Angie
Today I wrote another blog post for SowTrue Seed.
In keeping with things to do to prepare for the coming garden season, this post is about good seed storage techniques to get the longest life out of your seeds. Read it here!
Happy Seeding!
Over the weekend, a group of artists stitched a giant phrase onto the fence of the Craft & Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles: Black Lives Matter.
Read more here.
Last week I wrote my first of what will be a bi-weekly series on garden goodness at Sow True Seed. Here is the link to my article which is about organizing your seed inventory for accurate new seed ordering and garden planning.
I hope you like it!
Happy Seeding! ~Angie
When I fell in love with my dog Usha, I was fostering her because she had a doggie cold. Even though she was under the weather, it never affected her cheerful personality and exuberant energy. This girl loves to play. And play, and play. To Usha’s great pleasure, there’s an amazing dog park near us, and right next to the French Broad River to boot. Nothing like a great romp with friends, followed by a swim!
It’s dirty and fun, and watching dogs play is better than any t.v. show I’ve ever seen. Swimming all the time gave Usha some itchy skin though, which only got worse when I’d wash her with regular shampoo.
In my desire to make as much of my own products as possible, I came up with this recipe for her, which has been amazing. It’s mild, soothing, easy to make, and works great.
DIY Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
1 cup Oatmeal Water (directions below)
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup Castile Soap (I used Dr. Bronners lavender scent because I love the smell, and fleas don’t)
To make oatmeal water, put 1 cup rolled oats (old fashioned or quick cook) in a bowl and add about a cup and a third water. Let this sit at least 8 hours, overnight is what I did. Strain the water from the oatmeal, you can use a coffee filter, tea strainer, cheese cloth,whatever you have that’ll get the job done.
I strained directly into my storage container, which is a 33 oz. seltzer water bottle. Add your cup of vinegar and soap to the water, cap it and shake well, and you’re good to go!
It really does work wonderfully. Just a few tips: It’s not a high suds soap, but a little does go a long way. I also choose to store mine in the fridge, I don’t know if this is exactly necessary, but I know it can’t hurt. And give it a good shake before use, the ingredients will separate over time.
Bath time on the porch. 🙂
If you use it, or have a recipe that you prefer, I want to hear about it!
Happy bubbles,
Angie
(Originally published 10/23/12)
Today’s modern home is loaded with toxic and polluting substances designed to make domestic life easier. In the US, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis (US National Center for Health Statistics). Treatment for these conditions should include reducing synthetic chemicals in the home environment.
This cleaner is ridiculously easy to make, and works gently and effectively in every way you’d need it too, except maybe windows. It’ll clean them, but the citrus oil will leave streaks.
I know this recipe isn’t a new one, but in my opinion, if your only going to make one cleaner from scratch to replace something store bought and full of chemicals, this one should be it.
Happy Scrubbing!
(Originally published 2/20/13)
