Simple, simple, simple! Takes about an hour to make and is a gentle alternative for washing your back in the shower.  Get rid of those awkward, rough, moldy brushes and give this 100% cotton, washable back scrubber a try!

Supplies Needed:

• 1 Skein (2.5 oz.) 100% Cotton Yarn (Lily Sugar'n Cream)
• Size 7 Crochet Hook (4.5 mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Directions:
This pattern uses the Front Loop Single Crochet Stitch.

• Row 1: Chain 20, sc (single crochet) in 2nd stitch from hook and in each stitch thereafter (total 19).
• Row 2: Turn work, chain one, and sc in front loop of each stitch accross (total 19 stitches).
• Rows 3 - 60: Repeat row 2.

Make handles:

• Side one: at the end of row 60, turn, chain one,  and sc in front loop of first five stitches.  Turn work, chain one, sc 5 stitches. Repeat for a total of 35 rows of 5 sc each being sure to do the front loop only each time. Use yarn needle to connect to last 5 stitches on final row at the other side of the 60th row in order to create the handle (see picture).
• Side two: Go to the other side, connect and sc in front loop of first 5 stitches.  Do the same as what it states for side one above by completing 35 rows and connecting to the other side when done.
• Be sure to weave in all loose ends using the yarn needle at the end!

Simple to make and cleans the dishes surprisingly well!  They are also reusable because they can be washed over and over again!  No more nasty, smelly, scrubby sponges!  Pair it up with our 100% Cotton Reusable Dishcloth Pattern!

They are made with a special yarn by Red Heart called Scrubby Yarn (affiliate link).  The yarn was $3.99 on Amazon, but the shipping was $3.95!  I consider that outrageous so went in search of it all over the internet and locally.   I could not find it anywhere.  If a store sold it, it was out of stock.  If I found it online, the shipping was just as bad.  After all the searching, I ended up just paying the ridiculous shipping charges on Amazon because I couldn't find what I wanted anywhere else for a better price.  NOTE:  Mary Maxim makes a 'scrub it' yarn, however it is $6.19 with free shipping and, in my opinion, NOT as good as the scrubby yarn by Red Heart which actually states on the label that it is great for dishcloths!  

Bottom line, price was ridiculous, but the yarn works wonderfully!  

HOWEVER - note that I found the yarn difficult and annoying to work with at first...after a little practice I learned to crochet a little looser so that working with it was easier.  Hope that hint helps you!

Make the Center:
​Chain 3 and create loop by connecting with slip stitch.  Chain 1 and do 10 single crochets into center of loop and continue around in a spiral increasing the stitches every time around so that it lays flat (example: do two sc in one stitch every 1 stitch around, then do 2 sc every two stitches, etc.).  Continue around in a spiral until it is approximately the size that you want (3-4 inches across).  When it is big enough, connect to the last stitch using a slip stitch instead of a sc and then end with a slip knot.

Don't know how to crochet a flat circle? Check out instructions on How to Make a Flat Circe at Pink Mambo. 

Plain Single Crochet:
Simply attach the color of your choice and do 1 or 2 rows of single crochet stitches around (adding stitches as needed to keep it flat).

Scalloped Flower Look:
Row 1: Do one single crochet in each stitch around keeping it loose.  Slip stitch to connect.
Row 2: Chain 1 and do one sc.  Skip one stitch and do 5 double crochets in the next stitch.   Skip a stitch and do a single crochet, skip a stitch and do 5 double crochets in the next, skip a stitch, and do a sc.  Repeat all the way around and slip stitch connect and knot it at the end.  ​If the numbers don't work out perfectly, just supplement as needed (skip two instead of one) etc.  REMEMBER,  it is just a dish scrubby and will be scrubbing old food off your dishes soon!  It doesn't need to be a work of art!

Reverse Single Crochet:
This is really a cool look!  This is also the first time I had ever tried it.  All you do is crochet from left to right instead of right to left.  Practice a little before you do it on the piece you are trying to finish!  Here is the video I used to learn the stitch....

Have you ever accidentally grabbed the wrong cord and tried to shove it in the port only to realize it's the wrong one?  What about the kids or your spouse....have you or they ever argued over whose cord or charger it is? This is very annoying, especially when you know it is yours!I recently solved these problems by simply crocheting all the wires, cords and cables that go to all my personal electronic devices around the house.  Now nobody can tell me they're not mine!

How To Crochet Your Wires:
Most wires take between 5 and 10 minutes to crochet.  It is so quick and easy that  I covered two wires as stocking stuffers in the 13 minutes it took to hard boil my eggs for the week!

Simply start with a loop and single crochet from one end to the other.  Crochet right around the hanging end!  If you switch colors, use a square knot to connect and simply crochet around the hanging ends as you go (see pictures below).  When you are done just use a yarn needle to weave in the last remaining thread.  Snip off any extra thread pieces hanging out and you are done!  It's that simple!

Here is the FREE Pattern I promised!  Inspired by the famous Cookie Monster, this adorable 100% cotton lovey blanket is sure to please any little boy or girl!  

Many of you already know, but for anyone new, please note that I have poor pattern writing skills....for some reason it just never clicked with me.  For this reason I supplement with links to video tutorials  that can be watched on tube. However, note that the stitches are all pretty basic and if you have crochet skills you should be fine.  Please remember to feel free to contact me with any questions!

Make the Blanket:
This is a basic granny square blanket with16 rows and 3 rows of single crochet around the edge.  If my directions are confusing, check out this granny square video tutorial.  It is slightly different, but comes out exactly the same!

The final blanket is 20" x 20".

• Chain 5 and connect to create a loop.
• Row 1: chain 3 and double crochet 2 stitches, chain 3, double crochet 3 stitches, chain 3, double crochet 3 stitches, chain 3 and double crochet 3 stitches, chain 3 and connect into the loop created by the first (original) stitch around. 
• Row 2: chain 4 and skip the tops of the three dc (double crochet) to dc into the corner space created by the 3 single chain stitches.  Double crochet 3 total stitches into that space, chain 1, then double crochet 3 more stitches into the same corner space, chain 1 and dc 3 stitches into the next corner space, chain 3, and dc 3 more times into the same corner.  Continue around, but on the last corner, do 3 dc, 3 chains, and then only two dc (the original 4 chains will count as the last dc) and then slip stitch to connect to original 4 chains.  NOTE: every other row will begin and end this way.
• Row 3: chain 3 then dc two more times into space, chain 1, then do 3 dc in the corner, chain 3, then 3 dc into same corner, chain 1, 3 dc in space, chain 1, then 3 dc in corner, chain 3, then 3 more dc in same corner and continue around.  Chain one after last corner and use a slip stitch to connect to original 3 chains.  NOTE: every other row will begin and end this way.
• Continue for 16 rows repeating rows 2 and 3.  Remember, all corners get 3 dc, 3 c, and 3 dc.  Straight runs only get 1 c in between the 3 dc's.
• Row 17: single crochet in each stitch around.  For the corners do 2 sc in the center chain.
• Row 18: single crochet in each stitch around (I switched to white). At the corner, do 2 sc in each of the two corner stitches.
• Row 19: sc in each stitch around, but in the corner do 2 sc in between the two from row 18.
• Place the finished head in the center of the blanket and sew it on using the yarn needle and matching thread.

Finish the lovey blanket by weaving in all loose ends!

SOURCES:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/04/19/ed.mnn.recycle.plastic/
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/stories/recyclebank-rewards-recyclers
http://www.ziploc.com/en/sustainability-and-safety
http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org

A zero waste home means throwing NOTHING away....is this even remotely possible?  The answer is YES! By simply following these six simple steps, a zero waste household is closer to reality than you might think!  

1. REFUSE
Just say NO! This means that you SHOULD NOT accept anything onto your property or into your home that you know can not or will not be recycled, redistributed, repurposed, reused, etc.  

THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE MOST IMPORTANT CHOICE YOU CAN MAKE TOWARD HAVING A ZERO WASTE HOUSEHOLD!

Here are some my personal favorite examples:

• Buy meat, fish etc.  from a butcher wrapped in paper and twine.  REFUSE products that come in a styrofoam dish, with plastic wrap and absorbent inserts.
• Do the same for fresh vegetables. REFUSE anything that comes in packaging that cannot be recycled.  Side note: are packaged 'fresh' vegetables really that fresh anyway???
• Only buy products such as butter, etc.  in containers that can be easily recycled.  If the product comes in a #5 plastic which is very difficult to recycle then REFUSE to buy it and find a brand that comes in a container you know you can recycle such as #1 or #2 plastics, metal, or glass.
• REFUSE disposable products that will only take up landfill space and waste your money over time.  Choose instead to use products that can be reused such as grocery bags, coffee filters, and diapers. More about this below!
• REFUSE your junk mail!  You have the right to refuse ANY AND ALL mail that comes to your home and is in your name SO LONG AS IT IS NOT OPENED and was not a special delivery that was physically accepted by someone in your household (then it is too late). Write "REFUSED" on it where your address is, and place it back in your mailbox for pick up just like if you were sending out mail.  You can also drop it off at your local post office, or put it in a blue USPS mail box.  Heres why you can do this as per the USPS Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/508.htm,
  Recipient options include: 
  • 1.1.2 Refusal At Delivery - The addressee may refuse to accept a mailpiece when it is offered for delivery. 
  • 1.1.3 Refusal After Delivery - ​After delivery, an addressee may mark a mailpiece "Refused" and return it within a reasonable time, if the piece or any attachment is not opened. 
  • Mail that may not be refused and returned unopened under this provision may be returned to the sender only if it is enclosed in a new envelope or wrapper with a correct address and new postage. The following may not be refused and returned postage-free after delivery: a. Pieces sent as Registered Mail, insured, Certified Mail, collect on delivery (COD), Adult Signature and return receipt for merchandise. b. Response mail to the addressee's sales promotion, solicitation, announcement, or other advertisement that was not refused when offered to the addressee. Note: if you are receiving mail like this then it is probably something important and not junk mail!
  • NOT SURE IF IT'S JUNK MAIL? Find out how to tell the difference here: https://sites.google.com/site/refuseyourmail/determining-junk
  • For more information on why you should REFUSE your junk mail go here: https://sites.google.com/site/refuseyourmail/faq

2. RECYCLE
Know what you are able to recycle at your local facility or through your local waste pick-up and make sure you recycle it properly! Most communities recycle #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum cans, glass jars, newspapers and magazines.  

Don't forget about recycling the strange things your local community does not:

• Plastic Grocery Bags - drop these in the drop box in the front of stores such as Rite Aide and Best Buy! And guess what...you can fill them with other food products bags to recycle as well!  Plastic bread bags, sandwich and storage baggies, packaging bags, etc. can all be recycled in the same bin as the grocery bags!  Just make sure they are clean and dry and you are good to go!
• Electronic Wires/Cables, CD's, DVD,s, etc.  - Many of these can be put in the Kiosk in the front of any Best Buy store.
• Motor Oil - take it to your local Pep Boys or anywhere it was purchased - same goes for vehicle batteries.

3. REDISTRIBUTE
This means to sell or donate items that can still be useful to someone else!  One mans junk is another mans treasure....I don't know who said that but it couldn't be more true!  Items such as furniture, clothes, household items, cell phones, toys, and more can be easily sold or donated.

4. REPURPOSE
If you can't do the first three, then maybe you can find a way to repurpose the product for something else.  You may be surprised at all the creative ways that exist to repurpose the strangest items!  Even some common every day items like tires!  

5. REUSE
Theres nothing better than buying or making products that can be reused over and over and over again.  Stop bringing disposables into your home!  They are a waste of money and they needlessly add to landfills.  

A few of the worst offenders (in my opinion):

• Diapers: The amount of diapers thrown out in a single day alone would blow anyones mind!  Sure, I get it, who wants to wash disgusting dirty diapers? But remember, it's not for that long (Think about the incentive to get kids potty trained?).  If it's really that horrible, then look into the many companies out there that you can pay to do it for you!  Check out The National Diaper Service Directory to locate a a professional diaper cleaning service near you that will deliver fresh clean cloth diapers to your door!
• Styrofoam Coffee Cups: If you alone buy one cup of coffee in a styrofoam cup every day on your way to work, that totals 260 styrofoam cups a year that you are throwing away.  Multiply that by the number of people doing this at least 5 days a week, times the number of years we all work....and well I think you get the picture.  Ideally styrofoam will be outlawed some day...but for now it is here to stay.  But YOU can make a difference. Buy a reusable coffee  mug and bring that to the local store to buy your coffee in every day.  And guess what...most stores will give you a discount on the price of the coffee.  That's right, you will probably pay less!  My local store charges 25 cents less when I use my reusable mug.  That is a savings of more than $50  a year and I am not contributing needlessly to a landfill...
• Plastic Grocery Bags: With this being all over the news I know I don't have to say much here, however I will say that you have two alternative choices: Choose paper or bring your own reusable bags. Both are better than the plastic for several reasons.  The paper holds more than the plastic and it can be recycled.  The reusable bags hold more, are easier to carry, and they do not rip and drop your groceries all over the floor!  Enough said.

6. REDUCE
Not only does this mean reduce what you need and use overall,  but it also means to reduce what garbage still remains in your home after steps 1-5 above. Here are a few that still remain....

• FRESH Food Scraps - Fresh food scraps should be composted. You can compost any fresh, uncooked,  fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, and used coffee grinds.  You CANNOT compost cooked food scraps.  For more about what you can and cannot compost check out EPA Composting at Home.
• COOKED Food Leftovers - The goal here is to try NOT to have any leftovers!  If you do have leftovers, then do your best to save them to be reused.  For example: have a "leftover dinners night."  Maybe you didn't have enough left each night for your whole family to have dinner, but if you wait a few nights, suddenly it all adds up to more than enough for a leftover night!  Not enough left to use for another dinner?  Then here's a tip: If I have a tiny bit of vegetable, meat, rice or pasta left over, instead of throwing it out I put it into a small baggie, write the date on it, and put it into a large freezer bag in the freezer.  When I make my homemade soup I pull all those little baggies out and wallah!  Awesome homemade soup!
• PAPER THAT IS NOT RECYCLABLE:  Some paper is not recyclable.  For example: used tissues, q-tips, cotton balls, paper towels, toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes, etc.  You get the picture.  These are usually not permitted in the community paper recycling bin for obvious reasons.  So what can be done with them?  As long as it is pure paper (for example NOT coated milk cartons, etc), it may be possible to burn them in an outdoor fireplace pit.  Let me make this clear: YOU SHOULD NOT BURN GARBAGE.  WE DO NOT ADVOCATE, NOR IS IT LEGAL OR SAFE TO BURN HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE.  Burning garbage in fact can be very dangerous and very illegal depending upon where you live.  We are only saying that depending upon where you live, it may be possible to burn the very small amount of pure paper waste that cannot be recycled.  If you are considering doing this, you must check your local laws and it must be done safely.  The pit must have sides and a cover so floating ashes cannot get away and start a fire elsewhere.  ONE LAST TIME: CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS FIRST!

? WHATS LEFT ?
Hopefully nothing or a very small amount if you have done everything in the pyramid from the top down!

Remember, be creative and find a way!  Go to Google and see what other options there are for disposing of particular items before putting them in the garbage!

Simply throwing stuff out, as easy as it is to do, should be the absolute last resort!

Most importantly, remember to make it easy for yourself BY CHOOSING TO NOT LET IT ENTER YOUR HOME IN THE FIRST PLACE!

This 100% cotton laptop case is a quick and easy project that is not only useful, but makes a great gift as well!  It's also a great way to use up all those small leftover scrap lengths of yarn!

You need to measure your laptop case and determine how many base chain stitches you need.  Note that the case will, and should, fit tightly so that it is not easily able to slide or fall out!

• For the 15 inch laptop above (the beige case), I used 50 base chains.
• For the 13 inch laptop above (the multi-colored case), I used 40 base chains.  This fits my macbook pro perfectly!

To Make the 13 x 9 Inch Laptop Case:

• Bottom: Chain 41.  Do one single crochet (sc) in the second stitch from hook and in the next 38 stitches.  In the 40th stitch, do 4 single crochets and then work your way around the other side by doing one sc inch of the next 39 stitches.  In the 40th stitch, do 3 single crochets.  Connect with slip stitch. You should have created an oval base with 84 total stitches.  See the pictures below.

Create The Handle:

• ​Row 37: Chain 1 and single crochet in each of the next 14 stitches, then chain 18, skip 14 stitches and single crochet into the 15th stitch.  Do one sc in each of the next 27 stitches.  Chain 18, skip 14 stitches, and single crochet into the 15th stitch from hook.  Single crochet into the next 13 stitches and connect with slip stitch.
• Row 38: Chain 1 and single crochet in each of the next 14 stitches, then single crochet 20 stitches into the handle loop you created in row 37, then single crochet into each of the next 28 stitches, sc 20 times into the second hand loop, and then single crochet into each of the next 14 stitches. Slip stitch to connect (should be a total of 96 sc).
• Row 39: Chain 1 and sc into each of the 96 stitches around. Slip stitch to connect.
• Rows 40 - 41: Repeat row 39.  Knot off at the end.

​
Finish by using the yarn needle to weave all loose ends into the work.

Create the Strap/Button Closure (If desired):

• Row 1:  Create a loop and use a slip stitch to connect to the 5th stitch from the right side of the handle along the back of the case (You have 14 stitches in the handle loop, count 5 stitches in from either side).  Single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches (total of 6).
• Row 2: Chain 1, do six single crochets.
• Rows 3 - 6: Repeat row 2 (you may need more rows depending upon the size of the laptop).
• Row 4: Create the button hole by sc into the first stitch, then make 4 chains, then sc in the last stitch.
• Row 5: Single crochet in the first stitch, then do 4 sc into the loop for the button hole, then sc in the last stitch.  Finish off with a knot.

Finish by weaving all loose ends into your work.

It's the time of year for both apples and stuffing, so why not combine them into one awesome side dish for dinner?

And for an added bonus, why not cook up a little orzo and create this simple yummy mediterranean salad?

You can click on the recipes or use the button below to download the pdf file  and print one sheet of  8 1/2 x 11 cardstock paper.  Then cut out each of the 4 x 6 inch recipe cards.  They always come two recipes per sheet in an effort to not waste paper! 

Visit my Recipes Page to print out previous recipes (pdf files) or to download a FREE 4 x 6 Recipe Card Template (.dox file) for your own recipes! You can also check out my past Recipe Blog Posts here!

Enjoy!

What child wouldn't fall in love with this adorable 100% cotton Little Lamb Lovey Blanket?  Whether it becomes their favorite sleepy time toy, or their security blanket, it is sure to be loved by whoever the special child is!

Supplies Needed:

• Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn, approximately 14 oz. in white or off white
• Lily Sugar'n Cream 100% Cotton Yarn, about 48" in black
• Crochet Hook Size 7
• Yarn Needle
• Cotton or Polly Stuffing for the head and arms

Make the Head:
(I strongly suggest reading all the directions first and then watching the video tutorial below if this is your first time making a ball shape).

Round 1: Start with a magic circle with 5 single crochets. 
Round 2: Single crochet two stitches around in each of the 5 original single crochet stitches. (at this point you should basically have a circle).  Place a marker at your last stitch.
Round 3: Do one single crochet in the first stitch, then two in the next, then one in the next, and then 2.  Complete the pattern around.
Round 4: Do one single crochet in the next two stitches, then two single crochets in the third, then one sc in each of the next two, then 2 sc in the next one. Repeat pattern around until you come to the marker.
Round 5: 3 sc, then two sc in one, 3 sc, then two sc in one (repeat around to marker)
Rounds 6 - 8: Basically with each round, you will increase the the number of single crochets in each stitch by one, then do two in one stitch, then repeat the same number of sc again.  You can continue the pattern by adding rounds and increasing the sc by one each time until the bottom of the head is the size that you want.
Rows 9 & 10: single crochet in each stitch around without increasing.
Rows 11 - 18:  Start decreasing by one for each round. Before you finish be sure to fill it with stuffing.

NOTE:  I did not close the ball at the bottom - I left an opening about 3/4" in diameter (you can see this in the picture below).

Watch this excellent video tutorial to see exactly how to make the ball for the head.  She shows how to increase and how to decrease.  But remember not to close it up completely when done!

Make the Face:
Cut two 24" lengths of black yarn.  
Using one 24 " piece, crochet 6 chains and end off.  Be sure to leave a long piece on each end of the chain. This is what you will use to attach it to the face and create the lashes and mouth.
Using the yarn needle and one of the long ends, sew the first chain on in a  curved eye shape.  Then do 4 stitches for lashes.  Do the same with the other eye and then using the remaining hanging yarn stitch the nose with two 'v' shape stitches, and the mouth with one vertical and two horizontal stitches. Knot off inside the head and tuck in all loose threads.

Crochet the Ears:
Row 1:chain 3 and connect into circle.  Crochet 5 single crochet around and connect with slip stitch.
Row 2: do two single crochets in each stitch around (you could place a marker here if necessary)
Rows 3 - 14: do one single crochet in each stitch around.
Finish with a slip knot but cut the remaining string at least 12 inches long.
Thread the hanging string onto a yarn needle, flatten out the ear and sew the bottom closed.  Pull in a little tight to create a small pucker.
Keep the remaining string hanging to use to sew it onto the head later.
NOTE: Ears get flattened.  They DO NOT get stuffed.
Create the second ear the same way!

Crochet the Arms:
Repeat the same pattern as the ears up to row 10.  Finish with a slip knot and cut the hanging string so there is approximately 12 inches attached to the arm.
At this point stuff the arm with stuffing.
Using a yarn needle, thread the hanging yarn and sew around the end of the arm. Pull it taught so that the end of the arm is closed.  keep the remaining string hanging.
​Make s second arm.

30" x 30" blanket:
Chain 100.
Row 1:  single crochet into second loop from hook.  Sc into each stitch to end (99 stitches). Turn work.
Row 2: chain 2, yarn over and double crochet in second stitch from hook (so skip first one).  Yarn over and double crochet backwards into the stitch you skipped. Yarn over, skip stitch and double crochet into next stitch.  Yarn over, and double crochet backwards into the stitch you missed. Continue this crossed double crochet to end of row.  You should end the row with one last double crochet with no backstitch. Turn work (99 stitches total).
Row 3 - 70: Repeat rows 1 and 2. After last row, turn work.
​
Border:
Row 1: Do one single crochet in each stitch across.  Do 3 single crochet in the corner stitch.  Turn and continue around the entire outside using single crochet stitches (always with three in the corners).  Slip to connect to first stitch. You should end in one of the corners.
Row 2: Do one single crochet into the center stitch of the corner.  chain 4, skip 2 stitches and single crochet into the 3rd.  Chain 4, skip 2, sc into the third stitch.  Do to end of row.  It should work out so that you are doing a single crochet in the center stitch of each corner group.  Complete this around the entire outside of the blanket. Slip stitch connect and knot off.

NOTE: To make the blanket smaller I will make it 80 chains by around 60 rows.

​Finishing: weave all hanging threads.

Connect the Head:
Use matching yarn to sew the head to the center of the blanket  using the yarn needle.  Be sure to go around several times so that it is secure.  Knot and weave in hanging threads.

​All done!

I was absolutely NOT being caught dead in spandex and I certainly don't have that female superhero curvy shape that seems to be a requirement for superhero status....

Total Cost for Mrs. Incredible: $24.57 as of 2015 (I already owned a black skirt and black boots)

Total Cost for Mr. Incredible: $30.73 as of 2015 (he already had black jeans and black boots - FYI - he WAS NOT wearing spandex either!)