Tending Roses

My in-laws gave me this book for
mothers day.
Giving me a book is almost always a sure thing. I love to read. I am a voracious reader. When I FIRST looked at the book I wasn’t so sure I was going to like it. I am not a romance reader, and this book looked like it was going to be a romance. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like a good
love story
as much as the next gal, but I cannot stand a cheesy romance novel. I have a hard time with the syrupy sweet love stories, I like my books to have some substance, to give me something to think about.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It isn’t a sappy love story. It is a book with depth and feeling. It really gives you something to think about on many, many levels. This book will be one of those I read over and over, it is going into my yearly line up, along with the “Little House” books and the “Narnia” books,

it is just that good.
(Someday I will post my list of “yearly books” there are quiet a few!)

I highly recommend this book:

“Tending Roses”

Favorite Things

One of my newest favorite things is homemade scouring powder.
I really, really love this stuff, and it is super easy and cheap to make.

Here goes the recipe, you ready?

1 part Borax
1 part washing soda
1-2 drops essential oil.

I know! Simple and oh so easy!


The Borax and Washing Soda cost me 4.00$ and this amount lasts me about 6 months, depending on what I use it for.


I only make small batches, I like to change the scent often.

(I am currently working on adding to my collection of essential oils, you can use them for so many things)



I will mix it in the container I am going to keep it in (well labeled) and after I have added everything I just shake it really well. I smells wonderful, the oils mix in easily.

This mixture can also be used as laundry soap. I find that it creates too many suds in my HE front loader so I don’t use it for laundry anymore. Some ladies also use it for detergent in their dishwashers, I found that it left a film and I didn’t like it so well for that. Speaking of dish washers, instead of buying the expensive rinse aids, put white vinegar and a drop of essential oil in your rinse aid dispenser. It is a lot cheaper and your dishes still come out sparkling.

I use this scouring powder in my sinks (kitchen sink too, it is stainless steal and it makes it shine) bathtubs and toilets. They come out so clean and sparkling. One of the nice things about adding oil (it isn’t necessary, I only do it for the smell) is that is creates a thin film so the water beads up on the shower and sinks and they seem to stay cleaner longer. Also my hands are softer when I use this formula instead of dry and icky, like they are when you use other stuff that had a lot of harsh chemicals.

So there you go, one of my favortie things!