Colored Chalkboard Paint

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I have always loved the idea of chalkboard paint.  I remember being very excited when I found a can of  Chalkboard Spray.  I once made Maggie a magnetic chalkboard but was very disappointed how it turned out.  Sigh.  This left me still wanting to make her a board, but I never tried again because of the first failed attempt and I didn't want a big black wall in her room.  Over the years I have thought about how great it would be to make colored chalkboard paint.  Well, guess what you can!  And I did!  And so can you!  It is so unbelievably EASY!

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Here is what you do:

Start with a flat finish latex paint in any color (make sure you start with a clean, primed surface).  I used Pale Sea Mist by Benjamin Moore.  It's a nice soft green color.  I only bought a quart since I was (a) trying out a new idea and (b) I was only painting the door panels on the inside of her bedroom door.  Which, by the way only took 1 cup of paint to do, so I still have left over for future projects!

Pour 1 cup of paint into a container.  I just used my paint pan so I wouldn't have a lot of extra things to clean up.  I then added 2 Tablespoons of unsanded tiled grout (make sure you use unsanded so it will smooth when you finish).  Mix carefully making sure to break up any clumps. 

I then took a small sponge brush and painted the corners of the panels and then used a small roller to paint the rest of the surface with.  Using a roller made the surface smoother.  A brush would have left stroke marks, didn't want that!  I painted 3 coats mainly so I could achieve the color on the paint chip sample.  I am pretty sure two coats would have been just fine.  I let each coat dry in between painting.

After my paint dried I then took some 150-grit sandpaper and gently smoothed the area.  Then wiped off the dust.  

Before turning Maggie loose with her new chalk, I rubbed a side of piece of chalk all over the entire area and then wiped away the residue with a very lightly wet cloth.  

It turned out so awesome that I am now planning to make a bigger board (in another color) for her room and possibly a chalkboard magnetic wall for our kitchen.

I wish I had taken a true "before" picture.  The door was actually painted yellow with pink panels.  It hadn't been painted in some time and really needed some love.  It's getting lots of love now!  Maggie is having an absolute great time with it! 

Now off to find the perfect door knob!

 

What's Growin'?

One thing I absolutely love about gardening is, everyday is new.  Something sprouts, something grows inches overnight, something blooms.  I was walking around the yard yesterday alone, enjoying the sound of the water running down the creek, butterflies fluttering by.  I realised I had a smile on my face.  I felt at peace.  I felt good.  I felt accomplished.  I am growing nourishing food and medicine for my family.  I feel like am doing what I am suppose to be doing.  This is where I am suppose to be!

Here are a couple of pictures from around the yard of things that caught my eye and made my heart flutter!

Taters!  Can't wait!  Mashed, fried, hashed, twice baked, scalloped.......

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Onions....not in a perfect row, but who cares!

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Bea-u-tiful Camilia's.  I absolutely love them, Chris has never let me have them. He mumbles something about them being messy.  ??  Love that they are already here and established.  I always win, somehow!!

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Look at how big and beautiful this Comfrey is!  It just started getting pretty purple flowers on it.  Looking forward to using it to heal some owies that I know will occur this summer.

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And last, but definitely not least, gorgeous iris'.  These are one of my favorite flowers

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Ms. Rosa and Gingersnap heading out of the coop to snack on some mint!

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Dishwasher Soap Recipe

I don't know about you guys but I really, really, really do not like doing dishes. I'm sure it all stems from having to do it as I was growing up. The dreaded chore. I would rather clean my toilet than have to wash a load of dishes by hand. In fact, more often than not I will load the dishes in the dishwasher and leave any pots or pans for Chris to do. And, he does them. Willingly, without complaint. Kind of like having to fold his own socks, but that's a different story for a different post!

I have read so many homesteading blogs lately about people going back to hand washing their dishes. I put some thought into it, but there is just no way I can do it. This is the one thing I will draw a line! I love my dishwasher. It treats me well. I will use it! We are friends, forever.

I haven't ever taken note on how much dishwasher soap we use. I do about a load a day, so it can't be too much. But I do hate buying it. I knew in the back of my mind that there had to be a "homemade" way to supply my dishwasher with what it needs to clean my dishes for me. I searched the internet and found this recipe. I gave it a whirl last night and it worked perfectly. No water spots, no left over food. Clean, shiny dishes! So I thought I would pass it on to those of you who don't already make your own. Its way simpler to make your own than run to the market and buy a bottle of it when you run out! I made a small container of it to see how it worked. I plan on making a bigger amount so I don't have to worry about it for a long time!

So are you ready for the secret recipe? It's about as easy as they come!

Equal parts of Baking Soda and Borax. 2 Tablespoons per load.

Told ya! Easy, peasy! Seriously! Who needs to buy store bought soap when this is not only good to clean your dishes but cheap too! If you are like me you probably already had these things in your house.

Now, there is one more thing to add to this recipe. White Vinegar. This is what helps with the spots. Either put it in your little reservoir if you have one, or add it during your rinse cycle. I even read where someone just added it to the bottom of her dishwasher before starting it.

Do you make your own dishwasher soap? What is your favorite homemade, cleaning-house, can't live without recipe?