DIY Dishwasher Detergent

I have been playing with the idea of making my own dishwashing detergent.  As prices get higher and money getting tighter I decided to do my research and figure out how to make my own using ingredients that are easy to find in my local supermarket.
Recently, I have become a huge fan of the Live Well Network but more specifically the show Deals.  The host just happened to be discussing with the Coupon Contessa how to make your own cleaners using 5 ingredients.
ONLY 5?!?!?!
Everything from laundry detergent to cleaning your counters.
This week I was specifically looking for DIY dishwasher detergent.  I was down to my last four tablets and decided to hit Smart and Final.  I found everything I needed except the washing soda.  Washing soda is apparently the most sought after product that is difficult to find.  I called Ralphs Supermarket and hoped I can just pick up a box on the way home from the gym.  The "manager" didn't know what I was talking about and after giving him the UPC number from the Arm and Hammer website, he said it was invalid and was a bit rude when he hung up.  I decided to go myself because how can they not have it, right?  After calling Arm and Hammer, turns out they did indeed have it.
Being a little pissed off for being treated with rudeness, I went to the store and found it as soon as I walked into the laundry aisle I found it right away next to the borax.  I did bring it to the attention of another manager and let her know the situation.
Last night I did stop in to Costco and although they had a larger container of baking soda but they did not have Borax, washing soda or bar a of laundry soap.
Last night I used the last tab of dishwasher detergent.  I am reusing the plastic container it came in and mixed 3 cups each of borax and baking soda.  Since I run the dishwasher about twice a day, it should last me a month.
YAY ME!

Not so Spicy Black Bean Chili

Publishing this again since it is "what's for dinner".  
You can make this chili stretch by having it with steamed brown rice.
It's not 80 degrees today (right now in the mid 60s) so we still have autumn feel although it's winter. 





GO GIANTS!!


I remember growing up in New York, autumn was a time for new clothes, excitement of school, leaves on the ground, cool weather and lots of hot meals like chili.

Here in California, autumn is still a time of new clothes, excitement of school, leaves on the ground.  Very hard to be excited about the weather since it hardly changes.  For example, this morning when walked up the road to Smart and Final (a little bit like Costco except no membership fees and only items for the kitchen) it was 80 degrees.  Definitely not sweater weather or a hot meal for some.  I had on my attire for a quick trip to the store. NY Yankee shirt, yoga pants and flip flops.  Last year I was able to wear flip flops until November when it started getting 'nippy'.  

But chili.

Chili I can have all year round.  Yummy with a side of cornbread.  I found at my local Big Lots a package of Marie Calender's Southwestern Cornbread.  

Today's meal cost me under $15 for a family of 4.

Nutritious and delicious and totally vegan.

(Not So) Spicy Black Bean Chili

from the Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker by Robin Robertson

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 medium-size red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder (more or less for taste)

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

2 15-oz cans black beans

1 cup water

1 4-oz can diced green chiles, drained

salt and pepper 

Heat the oil in a large skilled over medium heat.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cover and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the chili powder and cook about 30 seconds more.

Transfer the mixture to the crock pot (4 quart is good but if you want to double it make it a 6 quart).  

Add the tomatoes, beans, water and chiles.

Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serves 4.

You can definitely double this and save in the freezer for a weekend meal.  Yummy with brown rice, cornbread or whatever you fancy.

A great meal for Meatless Monday.  Honestly, you won't miss the meat and great to serve to those who think meat makes a meal.

I'm Just Sayin'.......

It isn't easy preparing meals and cooking meals daily. Whether you are a SAHM or work outside of your home or have no kids at home or too many kids you can do it. It takes a bit of planning and shopping ahead of time to make it all come together. A really good idea is planning your meals one week at a time. I bought this really cute magnetic pad that has one side the days of the week where you write each dish per day and on the other side the shopping list. I picked one up at Michaels and there are 30 sheets per pad. That's 30 weeks! Take that shopping list and buy everything you need. I like to buy in bulk so diced tomatoes, tomato paste, commonly used seasonings, etc. I buy at Smart and Final. It is just like Costco except it is smaller, no membership fees, and they only sell things you use in your kitchen and cleaning supplies. So you are not tempted by all the extra stuff you don't REALLY need. The rest of my shopping list I go to Whole Foods. It isn't really all that expensive. I do not buy name brands unless I have no choice. Sticking to their brand is the way to go. They also sell some veggies already diced and minced for you which, let's be honest, when you are busy and don't want to spend alot of time in the kitchen, saves alot of time. For example, I picked up chunks of butternut squash for dinner to be used today. Easy and convenient and although it is cheating, you are still saving money in the long run because you are not eating out. Lots of the veggies you can prepare on the weekends and keep refrigerated and when you are ready to begin dinner you just take out of the refrigerator and are almost done! You can also make sauces over the weekend and refrigerate or freeze until you need it.

At the end, you will have yummy meals for you and your family. It doesn't have to be difficult. Just delicious.