Knitting Ocean Waves!

Hello Everyone!! Well I have begun a new shawl-this is the most beautiful shades of blue, purple and green. It reminds me of Ocean Waves. I found this wonderful Knit Shop in Ames, IA., called Rose Tree Fiber Shop . Oh my goodness you would not believe the Fab Fiber in Stock! Some of the Extraordinary Yarn in this store comes from locals in this area. I can't tell you how beautiful these yarns are!! The proprietor is the Most Adorable Lady, Rosemary Heideman, and what a story she has to tell about how she came to be in the Fiber business! She really is such a Darling Lady. Follow my link to her store and read about Rosemary in the about me section on the web page. What a Hoot! She was in our local paper not long ago which lead me to her store. You really must meet this Queen of Roses! Anyway, back to the story....Rosemary had this yarn spun, dyed by a local woman and it is Beautiful! It's chunky, then thinner, then thin, oh my! A Rainbow it even has PINK TINSEL spun into it! Wow! So...here's my new shawl with some of that yarn. I will post the finish product soon...Knit one...purl two...knit one..............Hugs!

~ It's DeTox for Me!~

For years I have been trying to find a non toxic multi purpose cleaner that I can use daily inside my home without the worry that I am poisoning my hubby, myself and Freeway. Honestly, I have used some cleaning products that would curl your toes! Stuff that catches in your throat and makes you cough. Shower cleaners that made me dizzy! And cleaners that corroded the bathroom fixtures. How toxic is that? My poor old dog would sneeze and run into another room when I cleaned. My hubby & I would wake up with stuffy noses and headaches. We're talking TOXIC! Several months ago I happened to catch a "Dr. OZ" when he was speaking about the health dangers of toxic cleaning fluids. He said not to buy any product that doesn't have the ingredients listed. I went to my cupboard, and noticed that several of the products didn't have the chemicals listed! He gave a recipe for an easy to make, non toxic cleanser and I began to use it. I only wish that I had found it sooner! I wanted to share it with you in case you missed OZ. Bonus!!! It turns out that in the last several months (4 or 5) I have saved a substantial amount of money on cleaning goods.

I like that! But most of all we can breathe better in this home of ours and we haven't had headaches on a regular basis like before. And... it smells good and clean.

Here is the recipe, so easy to make:

1 tbl. Borax (remember the 20 mule team?)

3 tbl. vinegar

2 cups water

1 tbl. liquid dish soap (not dishwasher soap)(not shown in picture)

1 drop essential oil (optional) I use lavender because it is tolerated by all, and I happen to love it!

Mix all ingredients together and shake it up. Get yourself a 360 squirt bottle (great for high places and toilet bowls) and spray!

I use this on counter tops, my pergo floor, all appliances, even windows and mirrors.

As I said I've been testing it out for a few months, and like it more and more with each use. So if you have been wanting to eliminate some of the toxic chemicals that you use in your homes, try this, it's great!

Blessings~Sharon

Music for this post: "Irish Washerwoman"