DIY Monday: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Since I am getting a little "salsa-ed" out...80 jars will do that to you, I needed a recipe for all of my tomatoes.  Thankfully, my mom had a recipe for, Big Batch Tomato Sauce.  I thought, why not, and took the morning with my momma and made some spaghetti sauce!

Big Batch Tomato Sauce

3 Medium Onions-Sliced
3 Large Carrots-Grated
2 Medium Green Peppers-Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic-Minced
1/4 Cup Oil (olive or vegetable)

Cook until tender in a stock pot.

1 1/2 tsp Fresh Basil-Chopped
2 T Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
12 Pounds Tomatoes-Peeled and Chopped
1-12 Ounce Can Tomato Paste
1/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

Add to vegetable mix.  Mix well.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Loosely cover pot and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Pour into sterile jars and can in a water bath for 15 minutes or you can freeze.

Makes roughly 9 pints.

All labels on the jars can be found at CindyBlue Designs! 

Another note...I am making the switch to Word Press!  My goal is to be up and running some time this week.  My new blog address will be:  www.stayinggroundedinfaith.com.  Bookmark it!  Follow it!  I cannot wait to continue this journey with you!!

Marianne

DIY Monday: Bathtub Cleaner

I am the type of housewife who has a tidy house, but if you look a little bit closer, there are areas that do not get as much attention.  Number one...the bathroom.  I HATE to clean the bathroom.  I clean the toilet the most, for obvious reasons, but the bathtub is....forget it...I just don't clean it.  Once a month?  Maybe?

There are times when my in-laws are coming over to watch the kids and I think "Good Lord! I hope they don't give the kids a bath!"  Disgusting?  Yes!  Am I ashamed?  Heck no.  I have better things to do than clean my tub.  Until....my cousin Sara was over this weekend and told me that before her kids take a bath EVERY time, she sprays the tub with Tilex and wipes it out.  Cue the eye rolling.  Are you serious?  Every time?  I need to step up my game!  Between my thick hair, leg hair, Natalie's hair and whatever my husband has, plus the daily dirt of a three year old, I need to do better!

That is where this post is originating from.  I spent my weekend in search of the BEST DIY bathtub cleaner!  I found it!  I love it!  I will never go back!  It is so stinkin' simple and so stinkin' effective.  Are you ready for the ingredients?

Amazing Bathtub Cleaner

1.White Vinegar
2.Blue Dawn Dish Soap (I used the Target brand)

That's it!!!!  Totally Wicked!!  (We love The Incredibles in our house :)

Take 1/2 cup white vinegar and heat for 30 seconds in microwave.
Pour in spray bottle.
Add 1/2 cup Blue Dawn Dishsoap.
Gently mix together.
Spray, scrub, rinse clean!

My tub has not looked so clean in.....FOREVER!  Since we installed the tub and it was brand new!!

I don't have a "before" picture but just imagine soap scum and grime!

What do you love about DIY cleaners?  I think they are fantastic!  Enjoy your Monday!

Marianne

DIY Monday: Fruit and Veggie Wash

Do you really want to eat food that has a bunch of pesticides and crap on it?  I didn't think so!  Why not get into the habit of ALWAYS washing your fruits and veggies as soon as the groceries are put away.

It takes 10 minutes, costs next to nothing, and is much safer than just using water!!!

I know I love having that extra peace of mind, knowing that I have pre-washed everything before it goes in the crisper drawers, so when Natalie and Eli ask for an apple...no big deal!  It is clean and ready to eat!

All it takes is a sink full of water, a cup of white vinegar, and 10 minutes.



 

Do you have 10 minutes?   I typically let Natalie put all the fruit in the water mixture so she feels as if she is a real part of the process.  It is something we can all do.  Let your fruits (or veggies) soak for 10 minutes, air dry and then put them in the fridge.  That's it!









You will be amazed at how much longer your fruit will last!

So simple.  So worth it.  Have a great Monday!

Marianne