DIY Swiffer Wet Wipes

Ok, so I was pretty tired of buying pricey wet cloths for my Swiffer mop and wanted to do something about it! Here is an extremely cheap way to make your own:

What you need:
- Swiffer Sweeper (or swiffer-like) mop (nothing fancy)
- all-purpose cleaner concentrate (I love the smell of Mrs. Meyer's Lavender)
- Dry cleaning wipes (Mine are from the dollar store, and it's a 6-pack)
- Paper towel
- Spray bottle (again, from the dollar store)

How to:
Create your cleaning solution by using the directions on the cleaner bottle. I doubled the concentration of mine since the recommended 1/64 dilution seemed a bit weak. **The reason I used a concentrate instead of a regular all-purpose cleaner is because by making your own solutions, your cleaner will last much longer and you will save more money. The concentrate may be a little bit more expensive (mine was $7.99), but it is definitely worth it since you hardly use any in the dilution!**

Each dry cleaning wipe from the package will make 3 mopping wipes; just cut it into thirds! (Mine were 11.8in x 23.6 in) Place the wipe on the floor with the folded paper towel on top. Fasten the wipe into the pockets of the Swiffer mop. Spray the floor with your cleaning solution in sections where you're going to mop, and go to town!

Here are some after shots of the dirty work:

The paper towel helps to absorb the dirty solution on the floor

The dry cleaning wipe collects the dirt and particles

All in all...this is a very cheap alternative to buying moist wipes or even a Swiffer Wet Jet! Each cleaning wipe costs around $0.06 ($1.00 for the 6-pack, each wipe cut into thirds), plus the cost of one paper towel, and the cleaning product (depending on which one and how much you use).

Here is a link for the Swiffer Sweeper on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Swiffer-Sweeper-Broom-Cleaner-Starter/dp/B0012H549W/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&srs=2601701011&ie=UTF8&qid=1350611256&sr=1-3

Sew crafty!

Today I made a pin cushion for my sewing machine. It actually took a lot more creative thinking that I would have expected. The inside consists of layers of felt on top of a thick strap. The fabric was then sewn around that and the ends were fastened with the ribbon. The difficult part was getting the fabric tight around the felt, but I sewed the fabric, then stuffed the felt inside. Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome and I think it makes a cute and useful addition to my machine!

fruity.

I had the most delicious papaya yesterday! Next time I buy one, I'm definitely making sorbet out of it!!

I also made Strawberry Jelly from the 3 lbs of strawberries that I bought from the store for only $3.00!!! What a deal! Also, egg slicers are not just for slicing eggs, check it out! (you can use it on mushrooms too)

Strawberry Jelly
2 lbs sliced strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Cook the ingredients in a sauce pan over medium low heat until it is a liquid consistency. Let it cool, then place in a container in the fridge to firm up.

Summer pops!

Here are some things I would like to try. I will definitely take pictures of and post the ones that I end up making!!

Nature is stronger.

"Nature is stronger than any of our designs, and nature resists our control." - Michael Pollan

Just finished watching an amazing documentary about the role of plants in our human world. It touches on the effects of trying to control crops, marijuana, and fruit, and how this can ultimately do more harm than good. If you have any interest in plants or how food from nature has evolved, you should definitely watch The Botany of Desire. It's on Netflix! :)

Very strange combo.

After seeing the combination of prosciutto and cantaloupe numerous times on the web and in food magazines, I decided to be brave and try it. I bought the melon from a farm stand down the street for $1, and the prosciutto was only $3.99 at Trader Joes. The salty flavors in the meat paired perfectly with the sweetness from the melon, without being too overpowering. Each has their own unique flavor, but when combined, they produce this explosion of taste that I cant really describe. It's flavorful, yet delicate. Definitely not what you would expect with two very different foods paired together. All in all, for $5.00 it was a very successful experiment, and I suggest you try it!

So excited!!! :D

He is coming to visit me tomorrow!! <3

 

(click on him!)