So, my resolutions this year are really a series of small goals. I always overwhelm myself with a million vague-ish ambitions for the year that I forget about quickly (amid a sea of guilt). So this year, I am focusing mainly on being healthy and getting out of debt. I know, that sounds vague-ish, right? Well, it's actually not, because I plan on breaking my year up into little segments where I will focus on one thing at a time, while trying to forget all the other goal-like pressures I tend to impress upon myself.
So, first off, I am reading Dave Ramsey's book The Total Money Makeover. His first step in achieving debt-free financial freedom is to save $1,000.00 for a small emergency fund. So, that is what I am working on first. I feel a little ashamed to say that we do not have that already, but oh well. Part of achieving freedom from debt is setting aside the expectations others (and society) have on us. So, that is number one.
As for being healthy, I am going to focus first on squeezing in some time to work out, and also try to regularly drink enough water every single day. So, although even those few things somewhat overwhelm me, I feel like keeping focused on a few small goals will help me become closer to my bigger goals. Wish me luck!
I thought I would also share another of my new recipes I have been using. This one is my homemade laundry soap.
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 bar of soap, grated finely
I mix these ingredients together, store them in a mason jar, and use one tablespoon of the mix per load of laundry. I add a few drops of essential oil to the detergent once I have put it into my washing machine (I use lavender, because I love the smell and it helps remove bacteria, also) and the I add a capful of white vinegar for fabric softener. I thought this all sounded crazy when I first tried it out, but I now LOVE it. It gets my clothes every bit as clean as the old laundry detergent, but is SO CHEAP and all natural.
So, again, don't be afraid by having to mix it up on your own, because it is way too easy for that!
6 comments:
so... what is washing soda?
Hey Kell -
We LOVE Dave Ramsey!!!
We've read his books and are strong believers in his plan.
We are currently using the envelope system, did the emergency account, etc.
It is amazing how much you can save when you're using a "program". I'm REALLY bad at saving, but breaking it down month by month into categories really helps.
Jonathan and I are actually thinking of doing a Dave Ramsey program here in Bozeman.
Give us a call when you want to come down and visit! :)
And good luck on the Dave Ramsey plan - let me know if you want the CD's 'cause we have them.
~Em
A- Washing soda is similar to baking soda, washing soda being sodium carbonate and baking soda being sodium bicarbonate. Washing soda will consume two equivalents of acid, while baking soda will only consume one equivalent. Basically, that means that washing soda is stronger than baking soda and is caustic, which is why it isn't used for baking.
Some people use baking soda for laundry, because they like that it is a little more gentle. However, I didn't feel like it got our clothes clean enough, so I went with the more traditional washing soda.
Em- That's so cool! I am loving him so far. He has such basic, common sense, sound principles, yet they seem to earth shaking to me (being the poor saver that I am)! What are the CD's?
I'm going to check that book out now!
Thanks for the laundry soap recipe. Where do you get washing soda?
I just buy it at the grocery store. You may have to check around to find one that carries it, but I found it at one in Kalispell. It is kept near the borax, which is with the powdered laundry detergent. :)
I'm going to try the lavender oil because I'm not loving the way my clothes smell w/out it. Are you still loving it?
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