This is the pic on my favorite coffee mug. Which is, of course, dirty. c.Anne Taintor

Today I woke up thinking a few things…

• THAT was a weird dream,
• Brr, it’s cold
• Son, stop screaming, I’m coming!

followed by…

• I totally need some coffee and a protein-dense breakfast smoothie to get me going, and
• This would be a great day to make a big pot of soup and use up a bunch of stuff from the fridge, freezer, and cupboard.  First soup-making day of the year!

THIS is how it really went down…

• Fell back to sleep on the couch, awoke to Son spilling cold water on me,
• Delay in making/drinking/feeling effects of coffee,
• Went into the bathroom to find the dog had pooped on the floor.
• Made up an AWESOME smoothie.  Son wanted some, so I poured some in a cup for him and made him sit at the table with it.  Turned around to pour myself a glass, and he spilled THE ENTIRE SMOOTHIE EVERYWHERE.  Everywhere.  On the floor, on the walls, on the table pedestal with all its ornate grooves, on the chair legs, even well across the room onto the oven… and then he started crying, because (a) he wanted that smoothie and (b) he thought I was going to yell at him.
• Took a big breath, then a big smoothie swig, and told him it was ok, then cleaned up smoothie from allovertheplace.  Stood up and was so lightheaded I nearly fainted.
• Proceeded to caffeinate and smoothiefy.
• Went into the bathroom and found that the dog had AGAIN pooped on the floor.

Mr. Penny Pincher just took Son out for a trip to the Air Force Base Museum (a half hour away, free, and a HUGE favorite of his) so I figure I’ve got a few hours now to do my thing, as long as I don’t fall into a Pinterest or Facebook trap.  Before I can even contemplate soup, I have to bust out the big guns (homemade cleansers plus tea tree oil) and mop the kitchen and bathroom.  Only THEN can I consider making a whole new mess in my kitchen.

I was hoping to cull some more today but it looks like I’m just going to be digging through the usual mess once again instead of getting deeper into it.  I also need to make up a new batch of fabric softener since I’ve been out for a few days (btw I did discover that in a pinch, some water and hair conditioner in a Downy ball does the job!)

What is everyone else up to this weekend?  PLEASE stop by and comment, even just to say hi, and make my day!  It’s a beautiful Autumn day and I’m stuck inside.

You asked for it, and you got it! This is my first post of a new “column” on Green Penny Pincher called…

Many of you are, like me, completely hooked on Pinterest, feverishly pinning this, that, and everything else, for future research… which may or may not ever happen, especially as your pin count jumps into the hundreds, then thousands!

Looking through Pinterest is like looking for gold nuggets in a bin full of fools’ gold, especially now that it has gotten huge, and, in my opinion, slightly abused and spammy.   It’s really the least I can do to test some of these pins out and share them with you, right?

PinterTest #1:  DIY Fabric Softener

I’ve been trying to cut back/out on fabric softener for years, ever since learning of the very dangerous ingredients store-bought softeners contain.  It hasn’t been easy, though, with very hard water and lots and lots of static cling in our house. For the most part I stuck with adding white vinegar to a Downy ball in my wash, but certain seasons and fabrics still required something more.  I did swear off dryer sheets many years ago, after slipping on one too many that had fallen on the floor and seeing my life flash before my eyes, but I always had the liquid on-hand.

This recipe adds a key ingredient to the vinegar idea:  hair conditioner.  And it makes all the difference! (more…)

LivingSocial has a great deal going right now:  Pay $15 for $30 to spend on non-toxic cleaning products from GrabGreen.   (Shipping is a flat rate of $6.50)

I’ve never tried these products but this is a good opportunity to do so, and they sound great!  Click here for more information on Grab Green company and their products, including what ingredients they do and do not use.

Or, if you’d rather DIY, check out these past Green Penny Pincher posts filled with lots of recipes and hints!

HOMEMADE CLEANING PRODUCTS from Green Penny Pincher
Part 1: The Kitchen
Part 2: Walls, Floors, & Other Surfaces

Note:  If you DIY these cleaners or any other items, be sure to first read Crunchy Betty’s very important information regarding the water you use!

 I’m intrigued by some of these combinations, though!

All Purpose Cleaner Thyme with Fig Leaf 16 oz Your Price:$5.00 On sale:$4.00	Dish Soap Tangerine with Lemongrass 16 oz Your Price:$5.00
Lavender with Vanilla Laundry Detergent Kit Your Price:$25.00	fragrance-free laundry kit Your Price:$25.00

If you grab this deal, please stop back to let me know what you think of these products!