Simple Living, Happy Animals, Effective Training, and Farm-Fresh Goods in Central California.
1 cup of ice
1 cup of ice cold goat milk
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Blend together until smooth and serve immediately.
This tastes like homemade ice cream in a cup. So delicious and creamy!
In today's world, finding ways to save money while maintaining control over the ingredients we use is becoming increasingly important. One area where this is particularly true is laundry detergent. By making your own laundry detergent at home, you not only save money but also gain the ability to tailor the ingredients to your preferences. Here's how DIY laundry detergent can help you save money, control ingredients, and simplify your life.
Cost Savings:
One of the most significant benefits of making your own laundry detergent is the cost savings. Commercial laundry detergents can be expensive, especially if you have a large family or do a lot of laundry. By making your own detergent using simple ingredients like washing soda and epsom salts, you can significantly reduce your laundry expenses without sacrificing cleanliness.
Ingredient Control:
Store-bought laundry detergents often contain a long list of ingredients, including artificial fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. By making your own detergent, you have complete control over what goes into it. You can choose natural ingredients that are gentle on your clothes and skin, making it especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, you can customize the scent using essential oils, allowing you to enjoy the natural fragrance of your choice without any synthetic additives.
Simplicity and Convenience:
DIY laundry detergent is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. Once you have your recipe down, you can whip up a batch in no time, saving you the hassle of frequent trips to the store. Additionally, homemade detergent typically comes in powdered form, which means you don't have to worry about storing bulky containers or dealing with messy spills. Simply mix up a batch, store it in a sealed container, and use as needed—it's that easy!
DIY laundry detergent offers a multitude of benefits, from saving money to controlling ingredients and simplifying your life. By making your own detergent at home, you can enjoy clean, fresh-smelling laundry while knowing exactly what's in your cleaning products. So why not give it a try? Your wallet and your health will thank you!
As a starting point, I have included my favorite laundry detergent recipe. My neighbor Carol shared it with me. We have both been making it for quite a while now and just love it. It's simple, quick, and inexpensive. I'd encourage you to try it out!
Homemade and Non-toxic Laundry Detergent
• 2 cups washing soda (bake baking soda at 400 degrees for 1-2 hours until grainy)
• 2 cups baking soda
• 2/3 cup Epsom salt
• 3 Tablespoons salt
Mix it all together thoroughly. I use 1 tablespoon per load, or 2 tablespoons for a bigger or greasier load. I sometimes like to use 1/2 cup white vinegar in the fabric softener slot of the washer.
Welcome to Gracie Acres — our small, family-run homestead where animals, hard work, and a slower pace of life come together. This space is where I share life on our farm, updates on our animals, and the rhythms of raising goats and other livestock with care, intention, and a lot of joy.
Here at Gracie Acres, we raise ADGA-registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, along with other farm animals that are very much part of our daily life. Our animals are handled regularly, well cared for, and raised with an emphasis on good temperament, health, and fit for family and homestead settings. This blog is where you’ll find updates on kids, herd news, and the little moments that make farm life so special.
If you’re new here, I invite you to take a look through the tabs above to learn more about our goats, available animals, and what we offer here at Gracie Acres. Whether you’re here to follow along, learn, or find the right addition for your own farm, I’m so glad you’re here.
1/2 cup lye
1 1/2 cups ice-cold goat milk
4 cups oil of choice (coconut, olive oil, vegetable oil, etc or equal mix of your preference)
4-8 teaspoons essential oil (optional)
Instructions
In a well-ventilated area pour icy cold goat milk into a large non-reactive bowl (glass or stainless steel). Sprinkle lye granules on top of the milk. Stir with a non-reactive spoon until fully dissolved.
Let the lye/milk mixture cool to about 100°F. Melt your oils (if needed), then allow them to cool to about 100°F as well. When both mixtures are the same temperature (~100°F), slowly pour the lye/milk into the oils.
Use an immersion blender for 5–15 minutes. Stop when the soap mixture thickens to “trace” (like pudding consistency). At this point, stir in essential oil.
Pour the soap mixture into your prepared mold. Cover with a box or cedar plank, then insulate with a towel or blanket. Let sit for 24-48 hours.
After 24–48 hours, remove the soap from the mold. Cut into bars if you used a loaf mold. Place bars somewhere cool and dry. Let cure at least 3 weeks before using (this hardens the soap and finishes the process).
If you're looking for a quick, comforting dessert that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, this simple 1-1-1-1 cobbler recipe is one you'll want to bookmark. It's a go-to at our house — especially when the peaches are ripe or the freezer needs clearing. The magic touch? Baking it in a cast iron skillet for that perfect golden crisp on the edges. 😍
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 large can of peaches (or about 1 cup of your favorite fruit – fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
Optional: A splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Place the stick of butter in your cast iron skillet and put it in the oven to melt.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla (if using).
Once the butter is fully melted and the skillet is piping hot, pour the batter right into the butter — don’t stir!
Gently spoon the fruit on top, including a little of the syrup or juice if using canned.
Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
