Simple DIY Dryer Sheet Sponges

I love the smell of freshly cleaned laundry.  Whether dried on the line, or in my machine - there is the scent of one particular type of fabric softener which I can't get enough of.  (Oddly, it's the brand which actually advertises that people will become addicted to the scent.  Score one for truth in advertising.) 

I have to admit though - there is also a part of me that cringes at the cost of dryer sheets when it's a use it once and throw it away item.  (That would be the cheapskate side of me.

But no more!  I have finally figured out a way to DIY my own dryer sheets!  OK... they're not exactly sheets.  They're sponges.  But it works the same way as a sheet. 

It uses liquid fabric softener, and stretches it out with water.  Saving me money. And if (unlike myself) you are happy with an inexpensive brand of liquid fabric softener, rather than being picky about using one particular name brand - even better! 

You will need:

    

• Liquid fabric softener of your choice
• Water
• A plastic container with a lid (I used an old one which was headed for the donate pile as part of my recent decluttering)
• Ordinary cleaning sponges

To Prepare Fabric Softener Sheet Sponges:

1.  Mix equal parts liquid fabric softener and water.  The amount you use will depend on the size of your plastic container and the number of sponges you have.  I used 2 cups of each, which might have been a tad bit much.

2.  Place sponges into plastic container.

3.  Pour fabric softener/water mixture over sponges.

4.  Cover plastic container with lid.  Allow sponges to absorb as much liquid as they will hold.

Store until ready to use

To Use Dryer Sheet Sponges:  Remove one sponge.  Squeeze out excess liquid into plastic container.  Toss sponge into dryer with wet laundry.   When you remove the clothes from the dryer, the sponge will be dry also.  Just pop it back into the plastic container to absorb more liquid for the next use!

After trying these on every type of laundry, except delicates - I have been very happy so far. 

And my wastebasket is no longer overflowing with used dryer sheets!  Yah! 

Now, if I could just find a solution for all that lint...

The Reality of Housekeeping (and a challenge)

I have a confession to make.  I hope you won't judge me too much.  And maybe you'll even be able to relate.  Anyway, here goes:

 I am a terrible housekeeper.

It's true.  Just ask my poor husband.  I am not great about keeping things super tidy around the house.  We're no where near being featured in an episode of Hoarders or anything of that sort.  It's not that bad.  (Which is often how I justify and excuse my laziness)  It's just more that I seem to have a special talent for ignoring the clutter and dust bunnies until it gets to a critical peak where I just can't take it any more.  Then I go on a mad frenzy of cleaning and organizing.

To help improve (and hopefully correct) this reality, I have created a challenge for myself during the month of October. And I am hoping some of you will join me!

During October I am challenging myself - and you! - to do 15 to 30 minutes of cleaning.
Every.  Single.  Day.

That's it.  No cleaning schedule or assigned tasks.  Just clean SOMETHING in your home each day.  There is only one "rule":  your 15 to 30 minutes has to be something other than washing dishes or laundry.  Those need done regardless.  And in my case, if anything is getting done its typically going to be one of these two things.  So, I have to pick something I would normally be more likely to avoid.

Each week I will be posting a list of suggested chores to get done based on what I am going to try to accomplish that week.  You are welcome to follow the list, or just follow your heart based on the needs in your own home.  This post will also be a chance to comment and let us know how you are doing and what you accomplished over the past week.   Yep  - Accountability!

I'm also including two bonus challenges for those of us who are really feeling up to it.

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference just ten minutes can make!

So, what do you say?  Are you in?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

When Things Get Messy

My house is a mess, y'all.   Not "kind of messy".  A big ol' embarrassing mess.  Pretty much a disaster area.

Ok - no, it's not that bad!!

Nothing much is getting done around here.  I am neglecting the housework while I try to push through to complete a few big orders facing deadlines.  (And not making the kind of progress I would like to see).  Meanwhile,  things are piling up around me.

I keep nagging at the offspring to help with keeping the kitchen clean.  They do the bare minimum to be able to say they did what was asked.

I'm dangerously close to running out of clean laundry.  And the Man of the House may or may not be rewearing socks.

Something is going to have to give soon.  I feel stretched too thin and on the edge of that place where I just might snap soon.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Three Things: I Should Do This Week

I have been mostly off the grid for the past 2 weeks.  First I flew out to Oklahoma to visit my youngest sister and her family (had a great time! more on that later!) Then we did a 2 day road trip back here (more good times. Again.. more on that later)  where she stayed with me for a few days.  Things are finally back to "normal" routine, but there's lots of catching up to be done!  Here are three things I need to do this week:

1) Catch up on blog posts!  So much to write... so little time! Especially with what all else I need to get done this week.

2) Catch up on laundry:  After almost 2 weeks it really starts piling up.  This should take most of the week to get things caught up.

3)  Remember to return my library books: Which are already overdue.  Because they were due while I was gone.  And I forgot to return them before I left.  Oops!!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

Life of Meg: Monday Mingle
The Chicken Chick: Clever Chicks Blog Hop
Peacoats and Plaid: The Collective (1st Monday of each month)
A Proverbs 31 Wife: Living Proverbs 31
A Life in Balance: Motivation Monday
The WellSpring: Playdates with God 
Tell Me A Story: True Stories
The Beauty In His Grip: Sharing His Beauty

Laundry (and sanity) Saving Tip

One of life's (not so) little frustrations is when you are doing laundry, and you find your favorite "do not put in dryer!!" top in that load you just pulled out of the dryer.  Ruined! Yikes!

Today I am posting over at "A Wise Woman Once Said..." about how to avoid this mishap.

Be sure to check it out.  Saving your laundry - and your sanity!
 http://awisewomansaid.blogspot.com/2014/03/saving-your-laundry.html

Here's a hint: it involves a dry erase marker

 Find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

 

Where Your Treasure Is

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:21

Where does the heart lie?  In worldly things?  Or in God?

Is time that could be spent in God's word (or praying, or in worship) instead put to other things? 

Which is more important:

making money or spending time with God?

doing the laundry or spending time in God's Word?

checking the email or checking in with God?

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." ~ Matthew 6:33

But we run after the other things.  We chase them, trying to get them by ourselves rather than seeking Him first and trusting that the other will be given to us also. 

God is enough.   Let my treasure lie in that... God is enough. 

Everything else is just the extras.

A Brand New Week: Update

Ok, let's review.  Since I hardly even left the house this week, you would think I must have gotten a lot accomplished inside, right?   Yeh... you would think that. 

To Do List for October 15 - 19:

• Write everyday Check!!
• Work on Christmas presents Well, I started to work on a Christmas present.  And quickly realized that I needed a crochet hook size I didn't have (as impossible as that seems, it's true!)  I do have the hook now, and am ready to roll!  OH... I did pick up a Christmas present.  Does that count?
• List a few new items on Queen B's Busy Work CHECK!!  (please check them out at Queen B's Busy Work!)
• Start painting projects on dining room furniture I took some "before" pictures and took the hardward off one piece, so I am counting that as "starting".
• Catch up on laundry  Still working on that one.  The laundry pile seems to grow as fast as I can wash it (or faster)  I think it may be regenerating on its own.
• Walk at least 2 days  Nope.  Walked one day.
• Go to library  I didn't personally go to the library. But the female offspring took her brother and picked up my hold, so I'm calling it done.

 

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." ~ Philippians 4:8

A Brand New Week

After the last two weeks, I am determined to make this week a good one.  I'm no longer assuring myself that nothing else can possibly happen.  When I do that - something else seems to happen.   Instead, I am keeping the To Do list short, sweet, and do-able. 

To Do List for October 15 - 19:

• Write everyday
• Work on Christmas presents
• List a few new items on Queen B's Busy Work
• Start painting projects on dining room furniture
• Catch up on laundry
• Walk at least 2 days
• Go to library

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." ~ Philippians 4:8

No Time for That

I don't feel good.  (well?  whatever...) 

My head hurts.  I'm congested.  My sinuses burn.  My throat is scratchy.  I'm feeling a bit nauseous.  And I'm just generally achy and tired.  What I really want is to lie down and take a nice long nap.

Here's the thing - I don't have time for that.

I have family coming into town in the next 48 hours.  I need to finish getting the house cleaned up.  It is in no way, shape, or form "guest ready".  Carpets need cleaning.  Bathrooms need cleaning.  Towels (and other laundry) need washed.  Floors need swept.

I also have to get the male offspring to guitar lessons after school.  AND he has a violin concert tonight.  Somewhere in there I have to feed him and the rest of the family some dinner.

If I crawl up under the covers and hide, would all the to-do list somehow magically be done when I crawl back out? 

Yeh, I didn't think so.

Gonna Be A Busy Week!

To Do September 17 - 21:

• Get mani-pedi
• Go to The Man of the House's softball game
• Get Queen B's Busy Work order mailed
• Catch up on laundry
• Babysit grand baby on Monday
• Wednesday: help prep for The Gathering
• Attend The Gathering Thursday night
• Post new items for Queen B's Busy Work
• Purchase/order yarn for Queen B's Busy Work custom order
• Start work on Queen B's Busy Work custom order
• Write!
• Finish reading current book
• Make and freeze soup and pasta sauce for dinners this week and future meals

What's A Girl To Do?

It's a busy week around here.  A transitional week.  School starts tomorrow.  Guitar lessons and Bible studies are gearing up.  But all the rest of the things that need to be done won't just go away to accommodate all the new things added to the calendar.  Too bad. 

Things To Do This Week:

• Catch up on the laundry (have to make sure school clothes are clean and ready to wear!)
• Clean up living room
• Work on organizing craft area
• Work on projects for Queen B's Busy Work
• Finish at least one of the books I'm reading
• Do some writing
• Go to library
• Organize coupons
• edited to add:  Schedule yearly mammogram!!

A New Week, A New List

Weekly Goals for July 15 - 20:

• Write Everyday
• Catch Up On Laundry
• Finish Reading 2 Books Before Wednesday
• Go To Library
• Bake Cake for Princess's Birthday

Summertime, and The Livin' Is Easy

It seems like the rest of the country is being ravaged by extreme heat, wildfires, extreme storms, and torrential rain - which almost makes this feel like bragging.  As if I am pouring salt into their meteorological wounds.  But I have to say it anyway:  the weather here has been absolutely gorgeous the past few days.  Bright, sunny, a few afternoon showers, and temperatures in the 70's.

See?  Blue skies.  Puffy white clouds

Awesome day!  I couldn't wait to get my clothes out on the line for some fresh air.  And my new chair canvases came from World Market, so I am more than ready for a little reading on the porch time!

Anyone else see the Loch Ness Monster cloud?  Anyone?

I am so excited for summer to be here!  The Little Man's last day of school is tomorrow.  And I get a visit with my sister, nieces, and mother next week.

It's going to be a good summer!  I can already tell. 

I Got Lazy

I got lazy.

There, I said it.  It's out there now and there's no way to ignore it.  Not that I could before either.  The results of laziness are quite visible really.  Once you look.

I got lazy with my blogging.  Oh, sure - if you look at the numbers, it might look like I've done an admirable job at keeping up with the whole daily posting thing.  But the truth of the matter is that is only because I've had a few days of multiple posts.  Which covers over my lack of posting several days this week like a thin layer of under eye concealer. 

I wish I could tell you that I was so lazy about blogging because I was so terribly busy keeping my house clean.  I wish I could tell you that.  But the pile of laundry sitting in my bedroom floor waiting to be taken down to the washer, the piles of folded laundry in the living room waiting to be put away, the layer of dust in the living room, the dirty dishes in the sink, and the wet towels on the bathroom floor would quickly and eagerly call me a liar if I tried to say it.  Yes, I was lazy with the household duties also. 

So, you may now find yourself thinking that I must have been pre-occupied with some crochet project or another that I wanted to get completed.  Um... no. 

I just somehow managed to let an entire week slip away without getting much accomplished.  I suppose it happens.  (Someone please tell me it happens and make me feel better!)

Thoughts For Today

Today, I think I'll eat whatever I want for lunch - even if that's ice cream

Today, I think I will not stress over the laundry that didn't get done.

Today, I think I'll stand in the shower until the hot water runs out.

Today, I think I'll read a good book while I sip a cup of herbal tea.

Today, I think I will just take some time to watch the wind blow.

Today, I think I will allow "good enough" to be enough.

Today, I think I'll have a glass of wine.  Or two.

Today, I think I will sing if I feel like it.  No matter who may be listening.

Today, I think I shouldn't over think today!

Musical Interlude

As I sat folding the newest basket of seemingly endless laundry this afternoon, my world was filled with music. 

Softly it drifted down the hallway from where The Little Man was in his room practicing on his guitar. 

At times it was slow and tentative.  Single notes.  Awkwardly moving from chord to chord.  Practicing new skills

At others it was confident.  His fingers moving swiftly and surely.  Strong notes as entire lines of music filled the air.

As I paused to listen, I was impressed by how far his skills have come in just about 2 months of lessons.

Taking time from my busy day to enjoy the gift of music he didn't even realize he was sharing. 

One of Those Days

It's been one of those days.  And that's not a bad thing.  Today I feel pretty good about what I have accomplished.  Which isn't always the case.

It started this morning when I got up after only hitting the snooze button one time.  Not the usual 2 or 3 (or more) times I usually go through before finally dragging out of bed.  I got the boy off to school, started a beef stew in the crock pot, got ready for work, stopped on the way for gas, and managed to get to in on time. 

At work, for the first time in a long time I am pleased with the things I managed to complete today.  There is always still plenty to be done, as usual.  But I was able to mark several things off the constant "To Do" list today.  And it felt pretty great to see the list actually shrink today!

When I arrived home, the delicious smell of that stew filled the house.  It feels really good to know there is a nice, hearty meal ready for my family and I don't have to worry about it now; but can actually relax!  And relax I will, once I fold this basket of laundry I just took out of the dryer to make room for a new load. 

Was it a busy, stressful day?  Nope!  But it was fruitful.  And I don't feel exhausted and tense for once.  Yep.. today was a good day!