Don't Buy It: Carpet Spot Cleaner

The first thing I have to share with you is this cleaner. I'm sharing it because I've used it twice in the past week and it's floored me both times. I can't believe how well it works. I found this in the book Miserly Moms by Jonni McCoy:

1 cup warm water
1/4 cup Borax
1 Tbs. liquid dish soap

Mix together and apply to the spot in a gentle circular motion with a clean rag. Repeat until the spot disappears.

I first used this Tuesday when my son Jack decided to spit cheese on the carpet in our bedroom. I found it by stepping on it, which of course ground it into the carpet. I didn't think anything was going to work, but then I remembered this recipe and tried it. It worked so well! I then put a few paper towels on the spot and stepped on them to sop up the water and you can't even tell what happened. I used it again last night when Ben got a cut on his foot and bled on the carpet in the office. Took it right out! I've cleaned up blood and cheese from carpet before and nothing I used took it out like this mix. Who needs fancy carpet cleaners?

I haven't used it on dried stains yet, so I can't vouch for it's effectiveness there. If anyone tries it, let me know!

How It Begins

Welcome! This is a blog about my little corner of life. I have plans to fill it with cooking, cleaning, tips and tricks, grocery deals I find, and how we're making life work for us. For those that don't know me, I'm a stay at home mom with 3 crazy but adorable kids: two year old twin boys, and a baby boy that doesn't stop smiling. I have a wonderful, kind and patient husband who works hard so I can stay home with our babies. At the beginning of the year we bought a house that we are enjoying fixing up and making our own.

I am blessed in every way possible.

FO: Grandpa's Blanket

I did actually finish Grandpa's blanket, with 2 days to spare! It was getting a little iffy there because I was so, soooo tired of seaming. But I made it and delivered it to him at the family meet-up. He seemed to like it, but it's hard to tell because he's getting older and starting to lose it. Which makes me sad. It's hard to watch my grandparents go down hill so quickly.

Pattern: Garter Stitch Blanket by Elizabeth Zimmerman

Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun (100% acrylic) in "Pearls" and "Fawn" (I think, threw away the wrappers prematurely.)

Needles: US 10.5/ 6.5mm straight

Variations: The only variation that I did was using two different colors. Although I'm not sure it can be considered a variation because it was suggested in the book. I also did a 30 st pattern rather than 24. But again, it was suggested in the book to just change the number of stitches to obtain a different size blanket. EZ makes things so easy and I love how shes leaves the details up to you.

All in all it wasn't a bad project. I loved working the corners with short rows. But as you've all heard before, I HATE seaming. And there's a lot in this one. So I probably won't be making another unless I really want to, or I figure out how to join as I go. In the end though, I was happy with it and I'm glad I was able to give Grandpa something to keep him warm.

FO: Project Pink

I finished the hat for the niece of Rachel's boyfriend. I made it (I hope) a little large so it will last her a little while. She's just two months, and it just about fit duder -don't tell him - and all my kids have big heads. So it should be just fine.

Pattern: Basic Ribbed Beanie

Yarn: Ella Rae Baby Cotton in "Peony" and "White" - I have no idea how much of each. Not much pink and a smidge of white.

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm straight

I crocheted the flower from a pattern I found on the Lion Brand website, adding a button for the middle.

FO: Pumpkin!

This is the pumpkin I gave to Mom. I love it and think it's adorable, and if we had a mantle at the moment then I would make a whole family and put them on it. But we don't. However, our fireplace is now in (finally) so we will hopefully be getting one soon. 

Pattern: Viney Punkin by Meg

Needles: US 6/4mm 20" circulars and same size dpns

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver (100% Acrylic) in "Pumpkin" - small amount

Caron One Pound (100% Acrylic) in "Leaf Green" - smaller amount

I will (eventually) make a PDF pattern for this, for anyone who wants it. Stay tuned for the FO post on the squid...