Decluttering

We've been trying to clear out all the crap we have in order to prepare for moving into the barn. Since space is limited, we both want to come into a new home with as little junk as possible. It's been a cleansing experience for us. When you get rid of all the crap you've accumulated over the years, it brings a sense of simplicity that's so calming. I definitely recommend decluttering your home. You might be surprised how much it affects your mood.

P.s. When decluttering, a good rule of thumb to use is, "If I threw this item out, would I miss it?"
Go declutter!! I command you!

Laundry and Dishwashing Detergent Recipes

I found these recipes on youtube, and they've worked really well for me. It's a good way to save money, and it's better for the environment than using store bought detergents. These recipes are very simple, quick, and effective.

Laundry Detergent

1/2 cup Borax (found in the laundry aisle at target or grocery store. This is a natural cleansing mineral found in a green/white box).
1/2 cup Washing Soda (also found in laundry aisle; note: this is different from baking soda)
1 grated bar of soap (I recommend Dove)

Grate the bar of soap with a cheese grater (this won't mess your grater up) into crumbles. Don't worry if they're not very fine, they'll desolve in the washing machine. Add your borax and washing soda and mix it. Use 1 tablespoon of the mixture for small loads, and 2 tablespoons for large loads.

This averages out to be about 6 cents per load.

Dishwashing Detergent

1 1/2 cups of Borax
1 1/2 cups of Baking Soda.
1 cup salt (optional)

Use 1 tablespoon per load.

~Kelly

If you can't make it out...

You can see the pictures of the construction at www.ryanandkellybarn.shutterfly.com

Most of the pictures were taken to help us decide where the urinal should go.

- Ryan

Raising the barn

Well...the construction on the barn has officially begun. Everything has been cleared out, the siding and roof are gone, and we are left with a shell of what will be our first home.  This blog will document the progress from beginning to end and probably many rants and raves in between.  Our vanity will most Likely cause a few posts about non related things along the way...so please don't judge us.