What is the Best Laundry Detergent?

Title

Well, it depends. There are a lot of variables! 

Recently, I was washing blankets and quilts at a laundry mat and I overheard a conversation that got me thinking about my experience with laundry detergent. The owner of the laundry mat saw someone using Sun Detergent and told him that it only contained 20% soap and the rest of it was fillers and water. Hmmm….I knew this was a detergent found at the dollar store and very inexpensive, but it sounds like you’re getting what you pay for with this one. The owner did say that he has been using Kirklands detergent found at Costco and was a great value for what you get.

I got busy doing some research and here’s what I’ve found from several onsite reviews. These are the most common in alphabetical order. These reviews are of each detergent brand as a whole. (See what I use and my thoughts below.)

[Read more…]

Swiss Steak

When the weather starts getting cooler in the Fall I start thinking about the comfort food and hot recipes I normally make during the cold months. Swiss Steak is one of those. This is a pretty quick and easy recipe that you can throw into the slow cooker. 

www.polkadotpoplars.com

[Read more…]

Fall Paper Leaf Garland

The leaves are starting to turn and I am thrilled! Fall is my favorite season! So, today I thought I would share this Fall paper leaf garland that is easy and very inexpensive to make. You should make one or more for yourself.

www.polkadotpoplars.com

[Read more…]

Giveaway – 5 Winners – Olivi Olive Oil

I’m so excited this morning to share a decadent new product with you! Let me introduce you to Olivi Extra Virgin Olive Oil and what’s even more fun is you have a chance to win some of your very own! Awesome.

(enter to win in the giveaway with the form located at the bottom of this post)

bruschetta-pasta-with-olivi 042

[Read more…]

Old Fashioned Game Roundup

I love games of all kinds. It’s the competition that’s so fun. I am a fan of many electronic games out there, board games, and have fond memories of the games I played as a child. I do worry about kids now days not getting the exercise they need because of TV and electronic games, so I gathered some of the old games that have been around forever that will give your family some alternatives and some great memories. Plus, I am always on the lookout for things to do with my grandkids and these posts helped me remember some I had totally forgotten about.

www.polkadotpoplars.com

[Read more…]

Uplift Families Conference (Discount and Giveaway)

Parenting can be so difficult and overwhelming some times, but comes with many rewarding and fulfilling gifts, as well. Utah’s First Lady, Jeanette Herbert, has developed an amazing initiative that we are thrilled to be a part of. Mrs. Herbert is the mother of six children and owned a child care and preschool for 23 years, so she is very knowledgeable in child development practices.

Uplifting Families is a program full of information to help parents raise loving and responsible children. The first way they do this is through their amazing website www.upliftfamilies.org including parenting tips, links to helpful programs, organizations, and agencies that help enhance parenting skills, and answers to parenting questions. 

I’ve also enjoyed their YouTube channel Uplift Families where there are several videos of speakers from the past conference. And speaking of conferences the annual Parenting Conference is just a few weeks away.

newhalf-flyer

[Read more…]

Recycled Leather Office Chair

Hello Everyone!  I recently recycled an older leather office chair into a more colorful and fun craft room chair using spray paint.

www.polkadotpoplars.com
I’ve had this chair for years and love how comfortable it is, but it just didn’t match the retro vibe I am going for in my craft room. I debated a long time about what to do with this chair. I wasn’t sure if I could recover it and I even wondered if I should just replace it, but then decided I would just paint it! The spray paint can says it will cover vinyl and plastic, so then I thought “why not leather”. Paint is one of my very good friends and I use spray paint all the time; I just knew that it would be worth a try and my gamble paid off. Leather can be spray painted! Yay!

[Read more…]

Pallet Wood USA

(previously posted on Cooking With Ruthie)

Hi Friends!  Today I have a pallet wood United States of America. I’ve been seeing different variations of the USA used in every day home décor, so I came up with this idea.

www.polkadotpoplars.com

[Read more…]

Lemon Cloud Dessert

Today I’m sharing a unique, but scrumptious dessert that is perfect for any summer event. It’s light, sweet, and crispy and we call them Lemon Clouds.

www.polkadotpoplars.com

I’m a big fan of lemon meringue pies. This dessert is like an upside down lemon meringue pie. The meringue is the base and simply melts in your mouth. If you are looking for a special touch to end a good dinner look no further. This would be perfect.

[Read more…]

Foamy Fun

This post contain affiliate links.

In our family our summers consist of a lot of outside time which includes swimming and anything to do with water. Summer and water simply go hand in hand. Bubbles are also a hit with the kids and this activity is always a popular one. I get asked all the time if we can do “Foamy Fun” and I love the fact that it’s quick and inexpensive to do.

www.polkadotpoplars.com

[Read more…]