DIY – Page 2

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe

September 17, 2014 By MommyOctopus 4 Comments
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

It’s that time again for my family. Time to make more laundry detergent! With a family of 6, we have lots of clothing that needs to be washed. I’ve been able to save money by making my own laundry detergent the past couple years. Its super easy to do as well!

1- 4lb 12 oz box of 20 Mule Team Borax
1 – 4 lb box of Arm And Hammer Baking Soda
1 – 3 lb 7 oz box of Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 – 3lb container Oxy-Clean
4 – bars Fels Naptha Soap, grated
1 – large bottle of Purex Crystals in your favorite scent

Simply combine all ingredients in large rubbermaid container and combine together. Mix well to ensure that everything is combined. Use 2-3 tablespoons per wash for a non-HE washer or 1 tablespoon for HE!

How to Make Spaghetti From Spaghetti Squash

September 11, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

A couple years ago, I had never even heard about a spaghetti squash, but now it’s one of my favorite foods! During those years, I tried many ways to cook the squash including in the microwave and in the oven. Both seemed far too difficult. I’m all about ease, so I figured out how to cook a spaghetti squash right in my slow cooker!

Simply make a couple stabs in the squash with either a knife or a fork and gently place in your crockpot. Add in about an inch of water and cook on low for about 4-6 hours depending on the size of your spaghetti squash. Yes, it’s that simple! To check if it’s done, simply press on it and if it’s really soft, it’s done! Pull out your squash carefully and allow it to cool a few minutes. It may be really hot, so please be careful!

Cut the squash open from top to bottom and scoop out the seeds. The next part is pretty fun! Just take a fork and start scraping at the inside of the squash. It will start looking like strands of spaghetti, like this!

Next place on a plate, add your favorite spaghetti sauce on top, along with extra italian seasonings, parmesan, and of course meatballs, and you have a wonderful carb free dinner!

Spaghetti Squash

MMMmm…. what a wonderful dinner this was last night!

DIY Disney’s Frozen Birthday Party

May 15, 2014 By MommyOctopus 1 Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

Frozen is super popular right now. Even my almost 5 year old daughter is wanting a Frozen birthday party for her next birthday. If you’re like me, you prefer to “Do it Yourself” instead of buying a ton of commercial items. Below are 19 Frozen Birthday Party Ideas for you to use to make your party special. Have fun!

Police Officer Survival Kit – Appreciation Week Goodie Bags

May 5, 2014 By MommyOctopus 20 Comments
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. This year, the week is Sunday, May 11th through Saturday, May 17th. That’s next week! My husband works for the local Sheriff’s Department so I’ve been coming up with a Police Officer Appreciation goodie bag to pass out to his fellow deputies. My goal is to make 50 bags from our family, but I think it would be super awesome if some of y’all wanted to make some as well!

Materials needed:

Paper bags
Ribbon spools in a thicker blue and a thin black
Hole Punch
Individually Wrapped Candies of the following: Lifesavers, Starburst, Payday, Hershey Kisses, Gum, Tootsie Rolls, York Peppermint Patty, Snickers, and Mounds.

First up, the printables. I have uploaded them so they are easy to print. 2 print per page and then you cut them to glue to the white bags.

Free Printables:

Next, simply put together the candy needed for each bag.

Fold over the top of the bag and punch 2 holes. Using the same length of the black and blue ribbons, cut off enough to thread through the holes and tie in a nice bow. Ribbon can easily be found at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or even some Walmarts. Now all you have to do is drop off with your local department and make their day!

Thanks so much for helping to support our officers! What are you doing during police officer appreciation week?

Organize Children’s Art with Repurposed Curtain Rod

April 23, 2014 By MommyOctopus Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

A year or so ago, my husband let me get new curtain rods and curtains in our old house. When we moved, I was very sad because my large curtain rod that I loved didn’t have a home. We put it to the side until we came up with a use for it. I know eventually it would be put back to use!

In this house we have had a major problem with art projects. With four kids, that’s four times the art and it’s everywhere! We decided we’d use our old curtain rod to organize it! My husband installed it right on the wall in our dining room, which is also where we do school.

We bought these Drapery Clip Rings to hang on the rod and use to clip our art projects. I love the end result! We now have plenty of hanging space and I love seeing my children’s treasured art hanging up together.