Kainga, where Roses bloom, life is lived at a gentler pace.Living Simply, doing all those good things like stitching, gardening, cooking and reading.

Monday, February 10, 2014

"Cross Stitch,Mug Holder,Mug Rug,Cucumbers and the best Grout/Floor Cleaner ever."

Hello,

Happy Monday.

Lots to show today some that I should have shown in January. First the Weather vane cross stitch.


It is so hard to take a decent photo of this. I am so pleased with the framing once again.


I also needed a new mug bag. This only takes less than one fat quarter of fabric. I used the same fabric for the lining and had a matching teapot button which I purchased many years ago.


Last week I finished of this ornament pillow. This is another freebie from Lizzie Kate Designs. You guessed it, there is some Lavender in the pillow.I used the blue fabric for the backing as well.

I found a Betty Boop freebie on a embroidery site and I knew I had some scraps left over from a piece that Marina had sent me a while ago.


 I added the wording to the design. A rather long mug mat or a dieter's place mat!


 On Saturday I picked the first three Cucumbers from the other lot that I planted. I decided to pick them when they were not quite fully grown as the weather is heating up again this week.

I found a wonderful floor/tile grout cleaner on the net but it used Dawn Dish washing Liquid which is not available here in Australia so I have Australianised it with Morning Fresh Concentrate.


 All you need is two ingredients. Heat 1 cup of Vinegar in the microwave and add this to  1/2 cup of the Morning Fresh Concentrate and put in a spray bottle.. The original recipe used 1 cup of dish washing liquid but as this is a concentrate I decided to scale this back to 1/2 cup.I purchased a spray bottle from Coles but this was an absolute waste as it is called a Trigger Spray Bottle only problem it didn't trigger at all.The mixture is now in a old Shower Power bottle. You only need a small amount, it is very soapy. I squirt a little on the floor and use either a tile grout scrubbing brush or just a plain old scrubbing brush and get down on my knees and scrub away. I put the brush into a bucket of water every now and again and you soon have very clean grout and tiles.It  soaps up so I have my Enjo Mop on hand and a old towel to wipe the floor. After many years of trying different cleaning products I will be using this recipe from now on. It is also good to clean down benches/sink, you only need a small amount for this task as well.

Let me know if you try the cleaning recipe.

Hope you have a wonderful week.

Happy days.
Bev C





16 comments:

Terri said...

What a charming weather vane cross stitch - love it. Lots happening in Kainga. Fun to see your cukes.

Julie said...

Gosh all your new makes are just lovely Bev. I especially love the little pillow. Do you mind if I ask where you got the gorgeous little hanger on it that says "I love my garden"?? It is so perfect.
Your cucumbers look delicious & I shall definately give your tile cleaner recipe a try. Have a great week x0x

Fiona said...

lots of lovely home made items this time Bev... I do think those pillows are lovely.... must give that cleaner a try sometime... vinegar is #1 cleaner here...
Hugz

Dolores said...

Glad you found something that works for cleaning your grout. The projects are lovely. You have been busy.

Julia said...

Love the cross-stitch and mug bag Bev....been meaning to make a mug bag for ages.
I must try that grout cleaner...as for the trigger sprayer, I know what you mean, tried so many!
Have a great week.
Julia ♥

creations.1 said...

Vinegar, bi-carb, eucalyptus oil and good old elbow grease - I have been using them for years - so much cheaper than the commercially made cleaners also. I do like your mug rug and little pillow - both charming and great ideas for gifts!!

Lynda said...

The cross stitches are lovely Bev. I'll give the cleaner a go for sure.

Michelle Ridgway said...

Beautiful cross stitches Bev. It's nice to have a pretty mug bag. How cool are those cucumbers... no pun intended lol! Thanks for the tip xx

marina said...

your cross stitch looks gorgeous and your other crafty finishes are great too.
So lovely to see that Betty boop fabric living on lol well done on the embroidery!

Maria said...

Yes your new cross stitch does look fabulous all framed up...
Nice cuppa projects too and lots of yummy cuties..
Oh I will give your grout cleaning recipe a go... Thanks Bev.

Nat Palaskas said...

Love all your cross-stitch projects and this frame is beautiful! Thanks for the grout/floor cleaner recipe, sound great for less - Hugs
Nat

Bobbie Lynn said...

Hi Bev,
Wow! look at those cucumbers. Congratulations.
Lovely framing on your cross stitch. You have a lot nice wall hanging for your home.
What a sweet little bag. It would make a great gift with a cup inside it. I will have to make this idea for my "things to do" book. Love your pillow. So spring.
Thanks for the cleaning tip. I will be giving it a try.
Blessings,
Bobbie Lynn

Lin said...

Love your mug bag - what a great idea.

Anthea said...

I love seeing the weather vane cross stitch again Bev, it's just lovely!

Cath Ü said...

I made your mug bag as little hand bags for my two grad daughters a few years ago when they were little. They loved them.

Cath Ü

Nicky said...

You have been so busy Bev, as always! Your little Bloom pillow is a cutie, bet it smells divine with the lavender in it. Thanks for the cleaning recipe, I guess it would work well for lots of other applications too.