Updates on my Facebook page "A Bite to Eat" and my website A Bite to Eat

First batch of homemade laundry detergent

3 bars Fels Naptha, 1 - 4# 12 oz. box Borax, 1-55 oz. box Super Washing Soda, 2 c. baking soda, 3# Sun brand Oxy Clean, 1-2 containers Purex crystals

Cut Fels Naptha into chunks to fit into food processor.

Grate Fels Naptha using food processor.

I took the extra step of mixing the grated Fels Naptha and a cup of the Oxy Clean in my VitaMix 5200 blender.

This extra step made it more like a powder.

Pour all ingredients into large container lined with garbage bags. I used 2 bags, one inside the other.

In goes the last ingredient! Have some kleenex ready...the dust particles smell wonderful but sure make you sneeze!

Gather up the first bag and snug it up with a twist tie. You don't want any escaping!

Tuck the secured bag inside, gather outside bag and secure tightly.

Mix in bags by shaking it around, kneading it, rolling it over and over...you get it!

Finished product sure smells good!

Find a 1-2 tablespoon scoop and get busy washing! Use 1-2 tablespoons per load. My first load is washing as I write this post!

Fingerprint key chain
1st Graders' Christmas gift to parents...

Needed (I got my supplies at JoAnn Fabrics):

...and a small holed plastic straw.

     Students take a small amount of Sculpey clay, soften it between their fingers, roll it into a ball and flatten it into a small pizza/cookie shape. Help each student press fingertip into soft surface. Punch hole into disk shape using plastic straw. Bake all on cookie sheet (I used parchment paper to line cookie sheet so I could print each child's name next to his/her fingerprint shape), 275 degrees for 15 min. (Sculpey III, 275 degrees per 1/4" thickness). Cool. Print names and date on backs. Thread split ring and Sculpey shape on jump ring. Pinch jump ring together.

I haven't been completely idle...just "blog idle!"

Here are some things I've done in the past few months...

I have been too busy I guess!

So sorry bloggers for the extended vacation from my blog! I've been working, quilting, camping, fishing but no blogging! :(  I've gotten interested in blogging again from a website called "Pinterest." I'm learning all about "pinning" and I'll add a link to the side of this site as I'm sure you'll want to check it out! What a great way to collect and catalog ALL those ideas you see on websites and blogs! Now I have to go set up my Pinterest boards (things I like and bloggers I want to follow)!

It'll soon be the start of another school year so I'm in the mode of looking for ideas for my classroom. This year I'll be teaching a 1st/3rd combo room - what was I thinking when I said I'd do it!! My brain is always "a-buzz" with new ideas in August!

I'm still here!

I need to do a better job with my blog...poor thing! Maybe that'll be one of my resolutions...among many! I'm still having fun crafting when I squeeze in the time (granddaughters come first!). I've been working on "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" quilt for my 3 yr. old granddaughter. Eric Carle is one of my favorite children's authors so I HAD to get this kit a couple years ago. It was a breeze putting it together and the quilting...well, my local quilt shop said, "Have fun with it! Do large colorful running stitch quilt stitches and have fun!" Well, I did. I'll post the finished product as soon as it's complete...it's getting close! :-)

Happy New Year everyone! May peace and plenty fill your households. May the Lord bless you with good fortune and good health and the moments to enjoy them all!

Brenda

Fall Blog Hop

Hop on over to "Cards by CG" to get in on her Fall Blog Hop (lots of give aways!!) and gather new ideas! There are also links there to other great sites for ideas!