In my new way of living simple and trying to live with a much smaller income, I am open to using natural products, not the expensive chemical filled ones found in the grocery stores.  I've been reading this blog:  http://www.diynatural.com/ and decided to follow their directions for homemade dishwasher soap and homemade clothes soap.  I'll let you know how it goes.

I know the homemade clothes soap will work well because I have used it before but I'm anxious to try the dishwasher soap.  I smells clean and fresh, so much better than the chemical laden store-bought products.

Also, I bought marrow bones and am making beef broth.  I included an onion, carrot, and celery as well as fresh basil, rosemary and oregano from my little deck garden.  I've been cooking it for a day and a half in my slow cooker and I'll give it until tomorrow morning.  It smells delicious.  Gelatin is very healthy for you and you obtain it from the marrow of the bones.  I had some leftover from a previous batch in the freezer and mixed it with a potato and broccoli and ate that last night.  A little salt and pepper and very satisfying.  Delicious.  I'll take batches of this broth and put in Ziploc bags and freeze flat in my freezer for future meals.  It will go great with added vegetables, meat and if wanted, grains, as a very delicious, nutritious meal.

I wish anyone reading this blog a very Happy, healthy, and wonderful new year.