Crock-pot Caramel

So I found this on Pintrest. I didn't know if it was for real or not, but I had cans of milk in my pantry, so I thought I'd give it a try. It works!! I was shocked, I thought it wouldn't. I was very terrified to try this for fear that this hot can would explode and burn me. So I took extra precautions and made sure the can was completely cooled before opening. A hot can, is a pressured can, and could turn into a old faithful. So just make sure you let the can cool.

First I pulled off the label on my can of sweetened condensed milk. (Do NOT use Evaporated Milk)

Then I completely submerged it in water, and set my timer for 8 hours on LOW. (I would suggest sitting it on a small plate or saucer, as this left a light rust ring on the bottom of my crock pot. Most of it scrubbed off, but just warning you.)

After 8 hours, I scooped it out with a slotted spoon and placed it in cold water in my sink for a minute. Then, when I was able to touch it, I placed it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.


After I opened it up, I found CARAMEL!!!

For me this was not a very good tasting caramel. It's not bad, but not that good either. Maybe it's because I used a fat free milk?? It also was more of a thick pudding consistency, although it is sticky, it's not a runny sauce like I was expecting. I will definitely try this again, with a regular can of milk. I will then update as far as flavor goes, but if I get this result again, I will not be making my caramel this way anymore. It works great in coffee though. Just use this, no milk or sugar, and it acts as your sugar, and cream! :)

iPhones!

So my husband and I got iPhones. Finally out of the stone ages! We had so much fun playing with Siri. My MIL, BIL, husband and myself, all got on a plan together to save money. We have unlimited everything and 1500 landline minutes for only $50 a person! Can't beat that! Here's the hubby with his iPhone. Siri doesn't like him! :)

This is what Siri told him when he asked it to take my picture haha.

Do you sign up for free samples? I LOVE getting free stuff in the mail. It makes it fun to get the mail, and like Christmas in August! :)

I know my son enjoyed the free box of honey nut cheerios on the way to my in laws. Then we also picked up the free bio true contact solution we had sent to my in laws and his grandmas.

Here's some Instagram Pictures of Aubrey for your enjoyment :) I love her Fluff Butt, don't you?

Dirty Diaper Laundry

I am a cloth diapering mom, and so with cloth diapers, comes dirty diaper laundry. But it's not as scary as it sounds! Here's my wash routine. Every cloth mama has a different routine that works for them, and this is what I found is working for us at the moment. It has taken some trial and error, but I have finally succeeded.

Here's the dirty diapers. I take them and dump them into the washer machine. My pail liner is also washable, so I wash it every other time I do diapers. I do diaper laundry every 2-3 days.

I then set my washer to HOT and LARGE load. I do a rinse cycle, a wash cycle and another rinse cycle. For my rinse cycles I set the washer to heavy express and add a Tablespoon of baking soda. (Before I added this small step, I had some stink issues. I have hard water, and this fixed it!)

 

Then for my wash cycle I set it to HOT and LARGE load. Then heavy regular wash. I add 1 Tablespoon of liquid Tide ORIGINAL, and let my washer do it's magic.

And then 1 last rinse cycle which is exactly the same as the first, but WITHOUT baking soda.

Now the diapers are all nice and clean, and ready to go in the dryer. Remember to dry them on LOW to protect the waterproofing.


ALL CLEAN!!

Now I go through and sort the inserts and diapers, and group them together by brand.

Let the stuffing begin!!!

ALL DONE!!!

Now as for the wipes situation. You can use cloth or disposable wipes. I made the wipe on the left out of cotton flannel and surged the edges together. The one on the right shows what happens when you wash a disposable wipe. And to think, I kept wasting my time throwing them away each time. 

Now that they are washed and clean, you can re-purpose them! Anyone with a 2 year old knows you are constantly wiping things off and cleaning up after them. I was going through 8-10 paper towels a day doing this. Now I use washed wipes for this! You can also throw them into a wipes container, wet them, and reuse them as wipes again! I wouldn't recommend re washing them as they will then start to leave lint on your diapers.

But yeah, that's it! That's all there is to it. This was about 4 days worth of diapers. I washed 2 days worth, but had 2 days waiting to be stuffed when I did this load. Took me a total of an hour's worth of work with a 2 year olds's (not so helpful) help, but when you are saving the planet and $.35 for ever diaper washed, it's totally worth it. Plus they are SO DARN CUTE!

Happy Anniversary to US :)

          Just a little introduction. My name is Jessica, and i've been a SAHM for about 3 years. I have a 2 year old son and a 7 month old daughter. I'm a semi crunchy mom, just trying to better myself and my family. I've been married to my wonderful husband Mike for 2 years today. Happy Anniversary! We have been together for 4 years, and couldn't be happier. We met through work. We both were EMT's and met on a cardiac arrest call. Just like his parents did! :)
           We just recently moved. Well still in the process actually, but we're getting there! We both have ADD so it's taking a while getting there! But I will blog about moving, making a house a home, my children, food, and organization. We are living on a tight budget and will show ways to cut cost.

          I have a youtube page and make lots of random videos and updates on my kids.

          While I go and wait for my hubby to get home from work so we can celebrate our Anniversary, enjoy a picture of my children getting along. :)