Monday, January 21, 2008

Bunny rabbit deterents

Here are several methods to protect your young trees from bunny rabbits:

#1 Mix a teaspoon of asfoetida and a half pail of mud and brush on the branches and stem of your young trees.

#2 Aloe mixed in water and sprayed on your plants will keep bunnies from nibbling on them.

#3 An age old mixture of lime, water, and cow manure painted on trees with a brush will keep bunnies away.

Weeding on hot windy days

Weeding on a hot windy day is best because the the heat and the wind kill the root in a very short time.

Weeds will die more easily in hot weather when sprayed with weed killer.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Several various uses for natural things

wet leaves from burdock plants to sooth sunburns-
lemon juice to lighten hair-fresh twigs with shredded ends to brush teeth-
the piles of algae that wash up from the lake for mulch (it will stink fora bit though)-
dropped antlers for decoration or carving or powdered to rub on your handsand make chopping wood easier-
saponin plant for washing-
large amount of wood ashes to kill weedy areas or create lye-
open pine cones coated with peanut butter and rolled in grains for a birdfeeder

Skunk Scent Neutralizer for pets

2 quarts of hydrogen peroxide
1 cup baking sodasquirt of liquid dishwashing liquid (not automatic dishwasher)
Mix together just prior to use.
Wash sprayed area and rinse well.

This neutralizes the scent almost on contact.The peroxide might bleach furniture or carpet, so use with caution there.

From one of the friendly people at the yahoo group Forage ahead

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Bubble Recipe Secrets

1. Adding glycerin to your bubble mix makes bubbles stronger. Glycerin can be found in your local pharmacy.

2. Use distilled water instead of tap water. Tap water tends to be "hard" and is not good for making bubbles. If yours is "soft", you have the perfect water for good "bubbleology".

3. Prepare your bubble solution in advance and store it overnight in the refrigerator before using it.

4. Dry surfaces pop bubbles, so make sure your bubble wand, your hands, and anything your bubble may touch is wet.

5. Let the bubble maker soak in the bubble solution a few minutes prior to using.

6. Clear any suds or foam from surface of mixture before making bubbles. Don't slosh the wand around in the solution. Suds and foam are "bubble-busters".

7. Overcast, cool and humid days are the best weather conditions for blowing bubbles. Avoid hot, dry or windy days, or at least find a shady spot out of the wind.

8. "Throw" bubbles, don't blow bubbles. Move your wand in a slow fluid motion.
9. Many small bubbles instead of one big one means you are probably blowing too hard.

10. Finish your bubble with a quick twist of the wrist to seal it before if flies away.

Adults and kids alike can learn these simple techniques to become expert "bubbleologists".

Note: Exercise care when children are using bubble mix. It can be very slippery on the ground, and will sting if it gets in the eyes.
Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise. All Rights Reserved.

Natural Bath Recipes

Natural Bath Recipes
Bubble Bath, Bath Oil, and Bath Salts Recipes

Easy Sea Salt Bath
Combine 1 tablespoon of your favorite shower gel and 1 tablespoon natural coarse sea salt. Rub over your entire body, but not your face! Then wash it off in a warm bath or shower. Or you can add the mixture to a warm bath.
F
izzing Bath Oil Balls
1/4 c. baking soda 2 tbsp. citric acid or absorbic acid (powdered vit. C)1 tbsp. Borax powder (for softening)2 tbsp. powdered sugar (for binding)2 tbsp. sweet almond oil1 tsp. Vitamin E oil (preservative)1/4 tsp. fragrance or essential oil
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. Drizzle in almond oil and stir until mixture is moistened. Add Vit. E oil and fragrance and stir until well mixed. Take teaspoon size globs of mixture and form into ball shapes with fingers. (mixture will be VERY crumbly and fragile , so do the best you can. Add a little bit more of the vit. E. oil if necessary.) Place the balls on a sheet of wax paper and leave alone for 2-3 hours. After 2-3 hrs, reshape balls. Let the balls air-dry and harden for 10 days. Store balls in a closed container to protect from moisture. To use, plop a ball into your bathtub in warm water!

Fizzy Bath Crystals
8 oz. cornstarch8 oz. citric acid16 oz. baking soda1 tsp. fragrance oil
Mix cornstarch and citric acid together thoroughly. Add fragrance oil as desired. Blend in baking soda. Package and label. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup per bath. Enjoy!

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath
1 cup oil1/2 cup honey 1/2 cup liquid soap 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Mix together all the ingredients and pour into a clean bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. To use, shake before using. Pour 1/4 cup into the bath under running water. Yields 16 ounces - enough for 8 baths.
Fruity Bath Salts
3 qt. Epsom salt3 envelopes unflavored Kool-Aid *(without sugar, any flavor of choice)
* If layering the bath salts, use three different flavors/colors of drink mix, and mix 1 envelope of Kool-Aid to 1 quart Epsom salt in each of three bowls. Alternate colored layers in a nice container.
Otherwise use the same flavor Kool-Aid and mix into the Epsom salt. Pour into a nice container. Either seal with a cork or pour a layer of warm (not hot) paraffin on top of each. Add a raffia bow for a nice gift.

Hawaiian Bath Oil
1/8 cup canola oil 1/8 cup apricot oil 10 drops mango oil 10 drops coconut oil 10 drops gardenia oil
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Bottle until ready for use. To use: Add to warm running water as you fill your bath tub.

Herbal Bath Packets
Herbs have natural healing properties. When added to baths, they can soothe and relax and leave you feeling refreshed. This simple recipe will teach you how to prepare these beautiful packets for use in steeping your bath. These make wonderful, thoughtful gifts any time of year!
Ingredients:
Muslin (purchase at your local crafts store or fabric shop)TwineFresh herbs (Please see list below for recommended herbs and their effects.)Fresh or dried flower petals, optional (these add a lovely scent to the bath)
Chamomille - Excellent relaxing bed-time bath.Comfrey - Exhilirating bath for when you want to feel wide- awake.Black Tea - Great for skin irritations, especially burnt skin.Mint - Another excellent bed-time bath that will calm and relax you.Lavender - Soothing, relaxing and smells absolutely wonderful.
This recipe is very simple, but one you'll use over and over again. Cut muslin into squares about 6x6 inches. Add a large handful of herbs, or herbs and dried flowers, in the middle of square of fabric. Gather up edges of fabric and twist – tie very securely with a long length of twine, leaving two long pieces of twine.
Using the twine, tie the muslin bag of herbs directly under your bath's faucet. The herbs will actually steep as the warm water of your faucet hits it. If you prefer you can use these packets and add them directly to the bath water right away, allowing it to `steep' for some time before you slide into the bathtub. In either case, set the water a little warmer than you usually like it, for you should allow about ten-fifteen minutes of steeping time before you enter the tub, to get the full effects of the steeped herbs.
For a special effect, turn off the bathroom lights, light some beautiful candles and put on your favorite relaxing CD. These herbal packets can turn a regular bath into something truly extraordinary!
Herbal Bath Salts
2 cups sea salt 2 cups baking soda1 cup oatmeal ( finely ground)2 tsp. of your favorite dried finely ground herb mix
Place all together in your food processor and mix it up. Use a few tablespoons in warm running bath water and relax and enjoy.

Herbal Relaxation Bath
1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried lemon balm1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried German chamomile blossoms2 cups boiling water
Add the herbs to the boiling water. Cover and infuse for 20 minutes. Strain and add to your bathwater.
Lavender Milk Bath

1 c. powdered milk 2-3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix together and add to bath.

Lilac Bubble Bath Recipe
1 quart (4 cups) distilled water 1 (4oz) bar castille soap (grated or flaked), you can also use 1 cup unscented shampoo as an alternative to the castille soap. 3 ounces liquid glycerin 5 drops lilac fragrant oil
Mix all ingredients together. Store in a container. Pour in running water.

Milk Bath
2 cups non-fat powdered milk1 cup cornstarchFO or EO (fragrance oil or essential oil, a few drops until it's the right scent for you)
Mix well, add 1/2 cup to hot bath and oooh la la!

Milk and Honey bath
Cleopatra's favorite bath - and no wonder! The creaminess of the milk, and the sweet scent and skin-softening effects of the honey make this bath heavenly. You'll never want to leave the tub!
1/3 cup honey1/3 cup whole milk or cream
Add to hot running water in the bathtub. That's it!

Natural Beauty Grain Bath
One pound barley One pound branOne pound oatmealOne pound brown riceOne-half pound bay leaves One-half pound dried lavender flowers
Boil all of these ingredients in four quarts of rainwater for sixty minutes, then strain the mixture. Use 2 quarts of the liquid for each tub of bathwater. An extra rinse after this herbal bath is unnecessary and would deprive you of some of its benefits. Follow it with a vigorous towel drying.

Oatmeal Milk Bath
4 parts epsom salts 2 part Sea salt 1 part non fat powdered milk 1 part oatmeal ground to a very fine powder in a food processora few drops of sandlewood and patchouli oils to scent blend it all together, add about 1/3 cup to a tub of nice warm water

Ocean Bath Salts
1 cup epsom salt 1 cup baking soda 4 drops blue food coloring 3 drops Jasmine fragrant or essential oil 4 drops vanilla 2 tablespoons glycerin
Combine dry ingredients, mix well. Add color and scents one at a time. Keep stirring until mixed well. Break up any clumps. Keep mixing until you have a semi fine powder. Add glycerin & mix well.

Peachy Creme Bath
3 eggs 1/2 cup Yogurt 1/4 cup + 1 ts witch hazel 1/4 cup almond or olive oil 1 3/4 cup whole milk or cream 1 cup Peach or apricot juice
Add all ingredients (except the 3/4 cup milk or cream) and blend on low speed until well combined. Add the 3/4 cup milk or cream and stir in gently.
Keep in your refrigerator. Shake before use and add about 1/2 cup to your warm bath for a lovely treat.
Makes enough for 6 baths. Use within 2 weeks of preparing.

Raspberry Vanilla Bubble Bath
8 oz. unscented liquid soap 2 oz. distilled water 8 drops vanilla fragrance oil6 drops raspberry fragrance oil 2 drops red food coloring
Mix all and pour into a container. Pour a few tablespoons into running bath water for a wonderful bath.

Roman Bath Oil
1 cup of any fine quality natural oil (the Romans were said to use sesame or olive oil)1 cup of mild baby shampoo or castile liquid soap1/2 tsp. of your favorite fragrance oil
Here is a great recipe for a very elegant and luxurious bath oil good for dry skin. Find a clean bottle in which to put the ingredients. Shake vigorously each time before using. Add a couple of tablespoons to a nice warm bath. The shampoo helps break the oil into millions of droplets of oil that cling to the skin and does wonders for dry skin.

Simple Honey Bath
Add 1/4 cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath mixture that will really help soften skin.
Sore Muscles Bath Soak
1/2 cup baking soda1/2 cup dry milk1 cup epsom salt1 cup sea salt
Mix all ingredients together in a large ziploc bag

Sugar and Spice Bath
1/2 C baking soda2 TBSP sugar1 tsp ground cinnamon1/2 tsp ground ginger1/4 tsp ground cloves
Mix together all ingredients until well blended. To use: Add 2 TBSP of the abth mix to a warm tub of water. Store in clean dry container.

Surefire Bath Bombs Recipe
1 cup baking soda 1/2 cup citric acid (buy this at your pharmacy or grocery store)1/2 cup cornstarch
Sieve dry ingredients until you get a nice smooth blend.
Wet ingredients: 2 1/2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil 3/4 Tbsp. water 2 tsp. Fragrance oil or essential oil of your choicefood coloring, just a few drops 1/4 tsp Borax
Combine wet ingredients and borax in a jar, cover tightly and shake vigorously. Drizze onto drive ingredients and blend thoroughly. Pack tightly into molds and slide out. Dry overnight.

Vanilla Foam Bath Recipe
For vanilla fans, this bath is the ideal way to luxuriate in vanilla- scented bubbles! It's easy to make, and creates mounds of vanilla bubbles that smell good, and thanks to the oil in the mixture, it leaves your skin feeling soft.
1/4 cup sweet almond or sunflower oil1 c. liquid soap or unscented shampoo1 tablespoon vanilla extract1/4 cup dried milk powder, optional
This is a very simple recipe, making it perfect for any crafter! Use a large plastic container to blend the ingredients together thoroughly. (When you're making big batches of this, it's easy to use an old, empty, cleaned out ice cream container with a lid.) Mix well. Pour the combined mixture into a lidded glass jar. Shake very well before each use. To use, simply pour under running water to create bubbles.

Vanilla Rose Bubble Bath
1/4 cup distilled water2 tablespoons shampoo concentrate { or substitute 1/4 cup unscented shampoo and increase the salt, to 1/2 teaspoon}2 tablespoons rose water1 tablespoon liquid glycerin1/4 teaspoon table salt10 drops vanilla fragrance oil4 drops rose fragrance oil
Warm the water and pour into a ceramic or glass bowl. Add the shampoo concentrate and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Add the rose water, liquid glycerin, salt, and fragrance oils and stir until well mixed. Bottle. Liquid glycerin can be purchased at a drugstore in the first-aid section.... Most of the ingredients in the above recipes can be purchased in either health food stores or major craft stores or herbal shops.

More uses for baking soda than you ever thought possible

Using Baking Soda for BEAUTY, HAIR & BATH

1. Zit Buster! Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to any breakouts. Let it sit overnight and wash off in the morning - it really works.2. Facial Cleanser Sprinkle some baking soda into your hands and use a bit of water to make a paste to clean your face with. It's a gentle scrub that will leave your skin feeling fantastic! (I leave a box in the bathroom for just this reason.)3. Hair Build-Up Remover (Submitted by Carolyn) After a while you have build-up from shampoo. Next time you wash your hair, Use baking soda. the baking soda strips all build-up and leaves the hair soft and "really" clean.
Using Baking Soda for Household and CLEANING

1. Oven Cleaner Sprinkle baking soda on bottom of oven, and spray with just enough water to slightly dampen. Let sit overnight, and then scrub clean.

2. Carpet Freshener Sprinkle over entire carpet area, and then allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. Vaccuum all the baking soda up and the smells will go with it! Great way to replace commercial carpet fresheners.

3. Unclog Drains Pour a cup of baking soda down any drain and follow with a few cups of boiling water to keep drains running well. To unclog a tougher clog, try baking soda, followed by a cup of vinegar - let that sit and then flush out with boiling water.

4. Powder Cleanser Use baking soda instead of powder cleanser to scrub the tub, toilet, etc. Works great! And it's totally safe to use.

5. Scrub Pots Sprinkle into the bottom of pots and let sit and then give a good scrub. Can also make a paste of soda and water if you prefer.

6. Garbage Cans Use in garbage cans to reduce odor. Sprinkle generous amount in bottom before replacing garbage bags.

7. Add to laundry Helps get clothes REALLY clean, and you can reduce the amount of detergent you use. Great for sensitive skin too, or those with allergies.

8. Wash the fridge Use a generous handful of baking soda in a small pail of water and use this to wash out the fridge. Cheaper and more effective than other cleaners, and non-toxic too.

9. Add to dish water Add a small handful to your sinkful of soapy water when doing dishes. It makes both your hands and dishes really clean!

10. Add to dishwasher A generous handful in the dishwasher will get your dishes extra clean.

11. Clean out the dishwasher Run the dishwasher through with baking soda filling both detergent compartments. It will give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning and will help it clean better again.

12. Fabric Softener :I use baking soda in the rinse water of my "cold water washables". It gets all the soap out real good and softens the clothes. I do not use a fabric softener with them.

13. Scented Carpet Freshener :I use baking soda when I vacuum my carpets..but I add scent. I make candles as a hobby and have plenty of scent oil around. Anybody can go to the local craft store and purchase candle scent. Mix a couple of drops in with about a cup of baking soda..mix well (sometimes I sift) and sprinkle on carpets and vacuum. It scents the whole house!

14. Puts out Minor Kitchen Fires : Soda kept near a stove is good in case of a pot fire also, throw baking soda on it and it will snuff it out.

15. Scrub Chopping Boards Use baking soda to clean off chopping boards. It's great at removing garlicky and onion smells.

16. Clean Plastic Containers Use as a scrub to get out nasty stains from your Tupperware or other plastic storage containers.

17. Absorb Fridge Odors Everyone knows this one, but it's because it really works! Put an opened box of baking soda in the fridge and freezer to help absorb nasty fridge odors.

18. Shine Toasters (Submitted by Jude) Sprinkle baking soda on damp cloth (a mild abrasive) and shine the outside of that toaster, toaster oven, etc.

19. Clean Coated Pans (Submitted by Jude) Sprinkle baking soda on damp cloth (a mild abrasive) and use to remove brown grease spots from pots and pans - great for those coated pans.

20. Cleaning Tea Stains (Submitted by Mary Lou) Baking soda is the best for cleaning tea stains out of plastic pitchers.

21. Grease Remover (Submitted by Mary Lou) Baking soda is the best for cleaning grease off your stove top and out of greasy dishes.

22. Add to dishwasher AND good for pipes (Submitted by Mary Lou) When added to your dish water it makes more suds and good for cleaning the pipes out when it goes into septic or sewer system.

23. Cleans RV Exteriors: Sprinkle some baking soda onto a damp cloth and use to gently remove black streaks from the outside of RVs or cars.
Using Baking Soda for PETS

24. Kitty Litter Sprinkle generous amount of baking soda on litter once you've cleaned the litter out. This is the best way to help remove odors from this smelly area, and it won't bother your cats either.

25. Cleans aquariums (Submitted by Connie) Baking soda is a good cleaner for the fish tank removes the dirt, and doesn't scratch the glass.

26. Diaper Pail Sprinkle generously to remove odors and to clean out stinky diaper pails.

27. Natural Deodorant Sprinkle or pat on pure baking soda on your armpits for a natural deodorant.

28. Stinky Shoe Remedy Sprinkle generous amount into sneakers or other shoes to help absorb odors.

29. Cold Sore Remedy Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to cold sores at least two times a day.

30. Remove Splinters Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bottom of a bandage, and apply that overnight. In the morning, the splinter should be much easier to remove.

31. Toothpaste Again, make a thick paste and apply to your toothbrush and use as you would any other toothpaste. It's a great non-fluoride option.

32. In the Bath Great for sensitive skin - sprinkle about a half cup of baking soda into lukewarm water while your bath water is running.

33. Antacid Use about a teaspoon in a small cup of water and drink to help reduce acid.

34. Mosquito Bites: Heres something I tried out this summer that worked really well. We had been outside alot and I had gotten a lot of misquito bites on my legs that were itching reallly badly. Mix a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to the bites (helps if you haven't scratched them yet. In about 1 minute the itching stops and in about one hour the redness and swelling have gone away!! It was wonderful, and I used this remedy the rest of the summer with great results.

35. Once a Month Plaque Remover: I also use a baking soda tooth scrub once a month. It really cleans the plaque off your teeth.

36. Treats Burns: On your list of baking soda tips, you didn't put that it is good for burns.. For example: I had a neighbour come over with a bad deep frying grease burn to his whole hand. I told him to put his hand over the sink. I had made up a liquid paste of baking soda and water, fairly thick and poured it over the hand. I said this will hurt just for the initial time I put it on, then will be ok. I then wrapped it in gauze to protect it and to keep the soda from going all over. He went to Hospital emergency and they checked it saying, who ever did this did the right thing. They just regauzed it. He came and showed me that there was no blistering and no scar later.

Homemade Cosmetics Recipes

Aloe Vera Lip Gloss
1 tsp. aloe vera gel1/2 tsp. coconut oil1 tsp. petroleum jelly
Mix together in glass bowl and heat for 1 to 2 minutes on high in the microwave will yield about 1/2 ounce.

Apricot Citrus Lip Balm
1 t Beeswax (5 ml) 1 t Apricot kernel oil (5 ml)1 t Calendula oil (5 ml)Few drops essential oil of Lemon or orange
1. Melt the beeswax. Add the apricot and calendula oils, stirring constantly.2. Remove from the heat while stirring and when partly cooled, add the essential oils.3. Store in a small glass pot or jar.

Fairy Dust Glitter Gel
1/4 cup aloe vera gel1 teaspoon glycerin1/4 teaspoon fine polyester glitter (any color, available at most craft stores)5 drops any fragrance oil (optional)
Mix aloe and the glycerin in a small bowl. Stir in the polyester glitter, optional fragrance and optional color.

Honey Lime Lip Gloss
7-8 tsp. sweet almond oil2 tsp. beeswaxVitamin E capsule1 tsp. honey5 drops lime flavoring or essential oilSmall container with lidMiscellaneous items: microwave- safe bowl, microwave, straight pin, wire whisk, spoon
1 Melt the oil and beeswax in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.2 Remove the mixture from the microwave. Pierce the vitamin E capsule with the straight pin and whisk the contents of the capsule, honey, and flavoring into the mixture until it is set.3 Spoon the finished lip gloss into the small container.
Nail Whitener1 denture tablet1 cup warm water
Soak fingers (and even toes, if you want!) in mix for 10 minutes. Throw mixture away after use

Undereye Circle Lightener
To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off residue and apply an eye cream.

Vanilla Lip Gloss
1 1/2 Tablespoon Petroleum Jelly (or UN-petroleum jelly at health food stores) 1 Tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel 1 teaspoons sweet almond oil 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla double boiler or microwave
Heat this gently over a double boiler for a few minutes, until well combined and warmed through. Or, put in a microwave-safe plastic or glass dish and heat on low heat for a minute, stir, and heat for another 20 seconds and stir again. If you're just doing a single recipe, this is all you'll need to heat the mixture before bottling. If you're making large quantities, microwave for a little longer.
Spoon or pour the vanilla lip gloss mixture into tiny glass or plastic containers and store in the fridge to harden slightly.

Beauty products and tips

BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND TIPS

1.When your favorite bath powder gets low, add cornstarch to the box and mix it up. The cornstarch takes on the scent of the powder and is soft, silky, and economical.
2.Use Witch Hazel in place of your regular toner. It doesn’t dry out the skin like an alcohol based toner does, and it’s inexpensive.
3.Not only does drinking milk help provide calcium and help your body burn fat and calories, but it is also a natural moisturizer. Adding it to a bath can help keep dry skin smooth and soft. Pour about ½ cup regular milk or powdered milk into a bubble bath. Whole milk works better in a bath as it contains more moisturizing fat, but don’t rely on whole milk for your drinking. Less fat is more heart friendly.
4.Kiwi and other fruits rich in vitamin C help produce collagen, the protein that keeps skin elastic.
5.A soothing treatment for your skin: Steep ½ cup unflavored green tea leaves with 2 cups spring water. Strain the leaves, and refrigerate the tea in a spray bottle. Use it as a mouthwash, an antiseptic for minor cuts, or a treatment for blemishes.
6. Apply saltwater to a blemish overnight to help it clear up quickly.
Add peanut oil or olive oil to melted beeswax and apply it to calluses and other rough, dry areas to smooth cracked skin.
7. Mix olive oil with sugar and an aromatic spice, such as cinnamon, for a soothing hand-and-foot scrub. For dry, brittle hair, add a small amount of oil to your shampoo in the palm of your hand to create a moisturizing lather

Mole remover

To remove moles from your yard take some human hair soaked in mineral oil and put down their holes. The moles can't stand the itching caused by the hair and they won't reproduce because of the smell of the mineral oil.

Watering your plants

When watering your plants always water them before 11am. If you water later than that then the roots will not have time to absorb the moisture and the growth of fungus will increase.

Super powered plant growth spray

Every 2 weeks during the growing season spray you plants with the following mixture:
In a 20 gallon hose end sprayer mix the following:
1 cup Lemon soap (bugs won't eat lemon and soap breaks down surface tension)
1 cup Lemon ammonia (bugs won't eat lemon and plants need ammonia)
1 cup Beer (beer has enzymes that plants need.)
1 cup Karo syrup (the syrup provides a base for bacteria to grow that the chlorine in the water kills).
1 cup Miracle Grow (plants need the fertilizer)
1 golf ball (it acts as an agitator)

Spray plants and yard with this and stand back as every green will grow faster with this stuff.

Campers cure for constipation

If you are out camping or otherwise away from civilization and get a bad case of constipation crush a tablespoon of black ashes from your camp fire in a glass of water and drink. Repeat as needed.

Campers cure for diarrhea

If you are out camping or otherwise away from civilization and you get a bad case of diarrhea mix a tablespoon of grey ashes from your camp fire into a glass of water and drink. Repeat as needed.

Party Pleasers

1. You won't need sugar with your tea if you drink Jasmine tea or the lighter-bodied varieties like Formosa Oolong, which have their own natural sweetness. They are fine for sugarless iced tea, too.

2. Calorie-free club soda adds sparkle to iced fruit juices, makes them go further, and reduces calories per portion.

3. A differen flavoring for tea: Instead of sugar, dissolve old-fashioned lemon drops or hard mint candy in your tea. They melt quickly and keep the tea clean and brisk.

4. Most diets call for 8 ounces of milk and 4 ounces of fruit juice. Check your glassware. Having the exact size glass prevents overpouring.

5.Surprise! If you sweeten breakfast cereal with sugar, you may want to switch it to a pre-sweetened variety. Ounce for ounce, plain and pre-sweetened have about the same calories, so you save by not having to add sugar.

6. Seeds and nuts, both shelled and unshelled, keep best and longest when stored in the freezer. Nuts in the shell crack more easily when frozen. Nuts and seeds can be used directly from the freezer.

Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs:
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they
are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep
mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy,
squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy
clean up.

Expanding frosting

Expanding Frosting:
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store,
whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in
size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount.
You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.
>

Reheating refrigerated bread

Reheating refrigerated bread:
> To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were
refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The
increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat
faster.

A wet paper towel will also work. I use it for everything I reheat in a microwave.
Really good for pizza.

Newspaper as a weed blocker

Newspaper weeds away
> Start putting in your plants; work the nutrients in your
soil. Wet newspapers put layers around the plants overlapping as
you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get
through some gardening plastic they will not get through wetnewspapers.

This works well around all of your plants and you can also use it in the garden to keep weeds down. The newspaper will also hold in moisture that it gives up to your plants.

Static cling reducer

Reducing Static Cling:
> Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will
not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks
that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacksand - voila -static is gone.

Easy removal of sticky substances

Measuring Cups:
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill
it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the
cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch
how easily it comes right out.

No more foggy windshields

Foggy Windshield:
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it
in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the
eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelopes

Reopening envelope:
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to
include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the
freezer for an hour or two.

Hair conditioner as a shaving cream

Hair Conditioner:
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot
cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth.
It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but
didn't like when you tried it in your hair...
>

Pesky fly trap

Dishwashing Liquid:
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it
1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid,
mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone
forever!

Baby powder to remove sand

Take baby powder to the beach:
> Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When
your ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with
the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin.

This works wonderfully! Keeps the sand out of the car.

Arthritis relief from Quaker oats

Quaker oats: It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Wesson corn oil for ear mites

Wesson oil: All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.

Bounce for smelly dogs

Bounce dryer sheets: Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises

Heinz vinegar to heal bruises: Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.

Hunt's tomato paste boil remover

Hunt's tomato paste boil cure: Cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.

Muscle aches from the flu

Achy muscles from about of the flu: Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.

Honey/Vinegar cure for sore throat

Sore Throat: Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six t times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.

Of course if irritation persists please see your family doctor.

Alka-seltzer for Urinary tract infections

Alka-Seltzer: Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

Preperation H for puffy eyes

Preperation H: All you need is a dab of preparation H, carefully rubbed into the skin, avoiding the eyes. The hemorrhoid ointment acts as a vasoconstrictor, relieving the swelling instantly.

Honey for skin blemishes

Honey: Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a band-aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin, sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.

Eye glass protection

Maybelline Clear Nail Polish: To make sure that the screws to eye glasses stay in place apply a small drop of nail polish to the thread of the screws before you tighten them.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola: Coca-cola makes a great rust remover. Saturate and abrasive sponge with coca-cola and then scrub the rust stain. The acid in the coke removes the rust.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Getting organized

1. Hangers with bars meant for hanging several pairs of pants are great for keeping your winter scarves and shawls visible and wrinkle-free in your coat closet. Use the multiple-skirt hangers with clips to hang your silk scarves. Or loop scarves over the crossbar of a wooden hanger?the result may be attractive enough to display!
2. Tiered hanging wire baskets (intended for storing fruits and vegetables) have another use in your kids' rooms. Use them to organize toys or stuffed animals or in the closet for socks, belts and underwear.
3. Styrofoam egg cartons work great for storing extra golf balls. Just don't get confused and put them in the refrigerator!)
4. Cassette tapes may be practically obsolete but their plastic cases are still good. In fact, they're ideal for keeping headphone cords for your cell phone or MP3 players safe and tangle-free.
5. Old album covers are perfect for storing 8-by-10 photos (like class photos), certificates or your children's artwork?items you want to
keep, just not keep on display. Slip your more valuable documents and photos between two sheets of archival quality acid-free paper first.
6. Lucite recipe boxes are just the right size for storing and displaying photographs. You can even open the box and choose to spotlight a favorite photo in the recipe holder.
7. Cardboard wine boxes from your local liquor store or grocery have compartments that are great for storing fragile holiday ornaments. Place small and extremely delicate ones in Ziploc® Brand Sandwich Bags first to keep them from scratching each other.
8. Canvas shoe bags designed to hang on the back of a closet door are ideal for storing mittens and knit hats in the front hall or mudroom.
9. Plastic hanging shoe bags are also great organizers for your kitchen. Hang one inside your pantry door for all those small kitchen items?from corkscrews and tea strainers to corn-on-the-cob holders and measuring spoons. They're just the right size for cake decorating tools too!
10. An acrylic makeup organizer is a great way for the junior Picassos in your household to organize their art supplies. Damp paintbrushes stay neat in dividers meant for lipsticks, and the other small compartments can keep crayons, chalk and watercolor sets nice and neat.
11.Foldout fishing tackle boxes make great jewelry boxes or storage boxes for crafts projects. Art students and makeup artists have relied on them for years for easy accessibility to their brushes and supplies.
12. Silver flatware chests lined with tarnish-resistant fabric are great for organizing and storing your silver jewelry. They're usually attractive enough to display and most have dividers that can be used for necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Look for these handsome boxes at garage sales and online auctions.
13. Who doesn't love to get those perfume and beauty-product samples? But the tiny bottles and containers can create some serious clutter. Minimize the mess by storing them in Ziploc® Brand Containers with Snap 'n Seal Lids in a bathroom closet or drawer. Next time you have guests, pull out some samples to put in a pretty dish in your spare bathroom.
14. Empty suitcases are a missed opportunity! Remember, there are some things you just don't need to unpack, like your travel hairdryer, electric adapters, sleep mask, neck pillow, earplugs and your restocked travel makeup kit.
15. Little metal candy tins make terrific emergency mini-sewing kits. Fill them with needles, spare buttons, hooks-and-eyes, snaps and a few yards of white and black thread wrapped around a small piece of
cardboard. Toss one in your handbag and another in your office desk drawer.
16. The plastic containers for mints can be reused to store straight pins. Just be sure to store the pins point-side down.
17. Empty Saran? Premium Wrap paper rolls are stronger than paper-towel rolls and can take on a second life as portable storage. Ball up empty plastic grocery bags and stuff them into a roll. Then toss a full roll of bags into your glove compartment, beach bag or gym bag so you'll have a supply of bags whenever you need them.
18. Everyone's heard of storing shoes in clear plastic boxes with a photo affixed to the outside. But who has time to take and print those photos? Instead, use adhesive nametags and write a description for each box; for example, "brown suede loafers" or "black patent slingbacks." Label larger plastic storage boxes as well and be sure to put stickers on two or three sides so you can read what's in them no matter where or how they're stored.

I'm sure you have plenty more. Please feel free to share them.

Peroxide

Peroxide: This is another product that has many many uses and I'm always looking for more. I believe that Becky Ransey wrote of these originally.

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle)
and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe ) No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters, table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years - until I sprayed a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine, but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes then blow your nose into tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and can not get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages, but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, faddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually so it's not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils,
fungus, or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors with, there is no smearing,
which is why I love it so much for this.

WD-40

WD-40: This product truly has many uses. I picked this up from an email that circulated the web a few times. If you know of some more please send them to me.

1) Protects silver from tarnishing.
2) Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3) Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4) Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery.
5) Keeps flies off cows.
6) Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7) Removes lipstick stains.
8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
9) Untangles jewelry chains.
10) Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11) Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12) Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13) Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14) Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15) Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16) Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17) Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18) It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19) Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20) Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21) Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22) Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23) Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24) Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25) Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26) Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27) Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28) Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29) Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30) Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31) Removes splattered grease on stove.
32) Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33) Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34) Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35) Removes all traces of duct tape.
36) Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37) Florida's favorite use is: "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers."
38) The favorite use in the state of New York WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39) WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LI TTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41) WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42) Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and re-wash. Presto! Lipstick is gone!
43) If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Dawn Flea Treatment

Dawn: In order to kill fleas on your dog the next time you give him a bath add a few drops to his shampoo and lather well. Rinse very well to avoid skin irrations and bye bye fleas.

Vacuum Cleaner extender

Vacuum Cleaner extender: To extend the reach of your vacuum cleaner to reach those hard to get at places like under your washer/dryer and refrigerator simply
take an empty paper towel roll and slide it over the vacuum hose and mash the end that will be picking up the dirt in those hard to reach places.

Elmer's glue splinter remover

Elmer's Glue: To remove small splinters cover them with Elmer's glue and let it dry. When it is dry simply peel it off and it will remover the nasty little splinter.

Listerine as a balm and a toe fungus remover

Listerine: To disinfect a broken blister dab on a little Listerine. It is a powerful antiseptic that works wonders.

To remove unsightly toe fungus soak your toes in Listerine. Do this daily for a week and the antiseptic in the Listerine will leave your toenails looking healthy again.

Altoids to clear a stuffy nose

Altoids: To clear up a stuffy head and before you buy an over the counter inhaler try a Peppermint Altoid. These curiosly strong mints do wonders for opening up nasal passages.

Bounce Dryer Sheets

Bounce Dryer Sheets: To keep mosquitoes away put a dryer sheet in your belt loop.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Fantastic pesticide

Formula 409: If some flying insects invade your home you can immediately shoot them out of the air with Formula 409. Once sprayed they immediately hit the ground.

Safe Hairball eliminator

Vasoline: To help your cat to get rid of those troublesome hairballs put just a small amount of vasoline on it's nose. The cat will lick off the vasoline and then
the vasoline will lubricate the cats stomach helping the hair to pass right on through.

Fire Ant Killer (Corn Meal)

Corn meal: To rid your house or lawn of these pesky insects sprinkle corn meal on their mounds at night. The ants will take the corn meal into their nest for the queen to eat and it will kill her.

Squirrel Be gone (Cayenne Pepper)

Cayenne Pepper: To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle the plants with cayenne pepper. The pepper doesn't hurt the plant and keeps the squirrels away.

Cotton Balls

Cotton Balls: Use cotton balls to pick up the tiny pieces of glass that you can barely see when you drop and break glass. The cotton fibers catch the real tiny hard to see pieces.

Colgate Toothpaste

Colgate Toothpaste: Colgate Toothpaste can be used as a salve for 1st degree burns.

Gatorade

Gatorade: Drinking 2 glasses of Gatorade can almost instantly relieve a headache without the side effects you get from over the counter medicines.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Introductory Post

Hello All and Welcome to 2008. Over the years we have collected a variety of information on practical and unique uses for a variety of products. We have created this blog to help us organize our information and to share that information with you. Feel free to subscribe to this blog and email us with questions and comments on practical and unique purpose for almost anything.