Article By: Mirna Cacic

Save your money and be environmentally-friendly at the same time by making these DIY dishwasher tablets! These tablets are much safer than store-bought tablets, and contain 0 harsh chemicals! They’re also Borax-free for those who are having a hard time finding Borax at the store! Each load of dishes will run you about $0.09! Make these today and make buying your own dishwasher tablets a thing of the past!

Supplies (makes enough for about 40 loads):

1) 1 cup baking soda

2) 2 cups washing soda – If you can’t find washing soda at the store, you can make your own! All you need to do is bake baking soda for about 1 hour at 450 F! That’s it! You can now make washing soda whenever you need it!

3) 1 cup citric acid

4) 1/2 cup salt

5) 1 tsp liquid castile soap

6) 1/2 cup white vinegar

7) 20 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

8) 2 ice cube trays

Step #1:

Place all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix them together.

Step #2:

Add in the vinegar a little at a time. You will see some fizz, but don’t worry! This is to be expected.

Step #3:

Add in the castile soap and mix. You can also add in the essential oil now if you like.

Step #4:

Press the mixture into the ice cube trays. Leave them to dry for 24 hours before taking them out of the ice cube trays. Store the dishwasher tabs in a container with a tight lid.

Photos: Mom 4 Real, Pins and Procrastination, Hello Natural.

This tart has a pesto base and is topped with sliced tomatoes and cheese. To cut down on time, use your favorite jarred pesto. This tart is great for a quick and light dinner, and works well as a Thanksgiving side, too! Take a look at the recipe below!

Tomato Pesto Tart Made from Puff Pastry Dough

Yields 9

This tart is great for a quick and easy light dinner or snack!

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough
• 1/4 cup pesto
• 3 large plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Quattro Formaggio Cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
• basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Prepare your work surface with flour. Unfold thawed puff pastry onto the surface. Roll it out, then place onto the baking sheet.
4. Poke a few holes in the pastry using a fork.
5. Spread pesto onto the pastry, avoiding the edges.
6. Arrange the tomato slices in rows.
7. Sprinkle tomatoes with cheese.
8. Bake for 12-13 minutes until pastry is golden brown.
9. Add basil leaves on top (optional).

Photos and recipe: Today’s Creative Blog.