also on my to do list

make my own laundry detergent. a few of my army wife friends do this and they say it works really well, plus it saves a LOT of money.

1 whole ivory (or whatever soap you like) bar shredded
1/2 cup borax
1/2 cup super washing soda
It's powdered detergent. Just keep it in a tupperware and shake it up. Use about 1 tbsp per load of laundry.