Do it yo' self.
In Ann Arbor, there are lots of things that I have gotten attached to, that just don't exist in Batavia.
Thing 1: Good bread. I used to live on the same block as
Zingerman's so I could walk there and get a fresh loaf of bread whenever. Or a half loaf. They are always nice about such things.
Now, there's OK bread at the grocery store nearby, but I think I can do better. I bought myself a
bread stone for the oven, and I have a great
book about bread by Peter Reinhart.
I tried to make a sourdough starter when I first got to the lab, but it didn't go well. I need to give it another shot.
Thing 2: Uncomplicated laundry soap that makes clothes really soft... A company called (what else?)
MoonWorks sells laundry soap that I like at the co-op in Michigan. I bought an extra bag to bring with me, and the bags last a long time, but I realized that I could probably make it myself.
I found a laundry soap
recipe with the same ingredients that they use online, and I think I'll try that once I run out.
2 cups baking soda
1.5 cups borax
1 cups grated castile or glycerin soap flakes*
3/8 tablespoon lavender, lemon, or grapefruit essential oil
Combine baking soda, borax, and soap flakes, add essential oil, and mix with a wire whisk. Use 1/8 cup of powder per load = 2 Tablespoons
*You can buy bars of castile soap (e.g. Dr. Bronner's) and grate with a kitchen grater.
I'll let you know how it goes.
5/22/04 - a note from eileen! She says to use washing soda instead of baking soda. As long as you are
careful.
