Some Tips!

kat2220

kat2220

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New Tips - These are good.... Bed Sheets

After drying my sheets, put both sheets and one pillowcase in the other pillow case. Fold neatly in a square. Next time you change sheets, you just take the one pillow case and all the sheets and pillow case are inside. No need to look for matches.

Clean your glass shower

To clean the glass in your shower easily, apply lemon juice to the glass with a sponge. Then, take newspaper and wipe the lemon juice off the glass. It will be clean and sparkle with no scrubbing!

Reheat Pizza

Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy 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

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

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.

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 wet newspapers.

Broken Glass

Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken pieces of glass - the fibers catch ones you can't see!

No More Mosquitoes

Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!

To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Easier thank you's

When you throw a bridal/baby shower, buy a pack of thank you cards for the guest of honor. During the party, pass out the envelopes and have everyone put their address on one. When the bride/new mother sends the thank you's, they're all addressed!

MINE!!!!!

If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.

Flexible vacuum

To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

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 slacks and -- voila -- static is gone.

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.

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 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. Voila! It unseals easily.

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...

Good-bye Fruit Flies

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!

Get Rid of Ants

Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, ESP. If it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Take baby powder to the beach

Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When you're ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin .
 
I have also heard that a dryer sheet will keep ants away, as well as putting 20 Mule Team Borax in a small cup where you find the ants.

If you have overstuffed pillows and have a hard time getting your pillowcases on..grab the end of the pillowcase and fold it inside out. Then grab the pillow at the end and pull the pillowcase over it.

I do the warm water thing on my measuring cups and spoons all the time and it works great, even with marshmallow fluff.

Great suggestion. I am going to try the safety pin one and see if it works. Static drives me nuts.
 
Please make sure to remove the lint filter from your dryer on a regular basis and wash it with Dawn and a toothbrush as the buildup of softener will clog the filter and you can't even see it!
 
To keep your whites their whitest throw an Electrasol tab in the wash. It works great.


Oh and it's the classic Electrasol tabs, not the ones with Jet Dry. :P
 
I tried OxyClean, but it doesn't work for me. I live in the country and get my water by a private well. Unfortunately I have extremely hard water. :mad:
 
Very Interesting...

Peroxide,,,,,who knew? (Safer and Healthier than Bleach)

This was written by Becky Ransey o niana (a doctor's wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and countertops. This is what she told me...

I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost? My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better! Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine, Folks! And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Please think about this.

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 and 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, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot 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 it 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. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

14. Got Dentures? Soak overnight in peroxide...bright and clean when you wake up.

15. Pour peroxide directly on a blood stained anything, let it foam, scrub with a dry cloth after foaning stops and voila...stain's gone! It can be repeated if needed and won't hurt fabrics.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner! This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too!
 
I've tried OxyClean and my dirty socks remain dirty so now I wear black socks, makes my life so much easier. As for the ants and cornmeal trick, I'll have to try that...ants are the devils's children! They always end up somewhere in or near my food.
 
Lampshades actually attract dust as the air around them is
dry and charged with static from the electricity. Wipe them
off with a fabric softener sheet, not a plain old cloth. The
fabric softener sheet gets rid of the dust but also prevents
static electricity, which will mean it will be longer before
you have to do this job again.
 
kat2220 said:
Lampshades actually attract dust as the air around them is
dry and charged with static from the electricity. Wipe them
off with a fabric softener sheet, not a plain old cloth. The
fabric softener sheet gets rid of the dust but also prevents
static electricity, which will mean it will be longer before
you have to do this job again.
Click to expand...

Thanks Kat, I'm trying this today. :)
 
More uses for dryer sheets.

Dryer Sheet uses:
- Air out those stinky gym shoes by stuffing dryer sheets in
them and leaving over night.
- Use them to shine shoes to a high gloss
- Save sheets and use them to remove dust and static from TV
screens
- Put in infrequently used suitcases or dresser drawers to
prevent a musty smell.
 
"15 Spectacular tricks to teach your body"

1.) If you've got an itch in your throat, scratch your ear. When the nerves in the ear get stimulated, they create a reflex in the throat that causes a muscle spasm, which cures the itch.

2.) Having trouble hearing someone at a party or on the phone? Use your right ear�it's better at picking up rapid speech. But, the left is better at picking up music tones.

3.) If you need to relieve yourself BADLY, but you're not anywhere near a bathroom, fantasize about RELATIONS. That preoccupies your brain and distracts it.

4.) Next time the doctor's going to give you an injection, COUGH as the needle is going in. The cough raises the level of pressure in your spinal canal, which limits the pain sensation as it tries to travel to your brain.

5.) Clear a stuffed nose or relieve sinus pressure by pushing your
tongue against the roof of your mouth�then pressing a finger between your eyebrows. Repeat that for 20 seconds�it causes the vomer bone to rock, which loosens your congestion and clears you up.

6.) If you ate a big meal and you're feeling full as you go to sleep, lay on your left side. That'll keep you from suffering from acid reflux�it keeps your stomach lower than your esophagus, which will help keep stomach acid from sliding up your throat.

7.) You can stop a toothache by rubbing ice on the back of your hand, on the webbed area between your thumb and index finger. The nerve pathways there stimulate a part of the brain that blocks pain signals from your mouth.

8.) If you get all messed up on liquor, and the room starts spinning, put your hand on something stable. The reason: Alcohol dilutes the blood in the part of your ear called the cupula, which regulates balance. Putting your hand on something stable gives your brain another reference point, which will help make the world stop spinning.

9.) Stop a nose bleed by putting some cotton on your upper gums�right behind the small dent below your nose�and press against it hard. Most of the bleeding comes from the cartilage wall that divides the nose, so pressing there helps get it to stop.

10.) Nervous? Slow your heart rate down by blowing on your thumb. The vagus nerve controls your heart rate, and you can calm it down by breathing.

11.) Need to breathe underwater for a while??? Instead of taking a huge breath, HYPERVENTILATE before you go under, by taking a bunch of short breaths. That'll trick your brain into thinking it has more oxygen, and buy you about 10 extra seconds.

12.) You can prevent BRAIN FREEZE by pressing your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much surface area as possible. Brain freeze happens because the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, so your brain thinks your whole body is cold. It compensates by overheating�which causes your head to hurt. By warming up the roof of your mouth, you'll chill your brain and feel better.

13.) If your hand falls asleep, rock your head from side to side.
That'll wake your hand or arm up in less than a minute. Your hand falls asleep because of the nerves in your neck compressing�so loosening your neck is the cure. If your foot falls asleep, that's governed by nerves lower in the body, so you need to stand up and walk around.

14.) Finally, this one's totally USELESS, but a nice trick. Have
someone stick their arm out to the side, straight, palm down. Press down on his wrist with two fingers. He'll resist, and his arm will stay horizontal. Then, have him put his foot on a surface that's half an inch off the ground, like a stack of magazines, and do the trick again. Because his spine position is thrown off, his arm will fall right to his side, no matter how much he tries to resist.

15.) Got the hiccups? Press thumb and second finger over your eyebrows until the hiccups are over usually shortly.
 
All-Purpose Cleaner: You'll need a large spray bottle, a half cup of
baking soda, and enough water to dissolve. To this, slowly add a cup of
vinegar (it will fizz like mad for a bit), then top off with more water.
Let this mixture sit overnight, and theflip end over end to mix. Be
prepared for more fizzing. When fizzing ends, it's ready to use.

All-Purpose Cleaner that Cuts Grease: Use the same recipe as above, but
add a teaspoon of dish detergent. Organic detergent was my one splurge.
After all, you are spraying this into the air.

Window Cleaner: Mix warm water, one cup of vinegar, and two capfuls of
ammonia. Be careful and try not to inhale too much. This mixture should
be kept away from children.

Toilet Cleaner: Pour two cups of baking soda into toilet bowl, scrub the
inside, and flush. Now, pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl,
swish around the inside, and flush. Do not do this if you have a clog,
as you will quickly have a reenactment of Old Faithful in the toilet.
However, regular application will keep your drains sparklingly clean.

Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda over carpet and let
it sit. You'll get better results if you let it sit for an extended
perio f time. It's okay to walk on it and grind it into the carpet.
Then vacuum thoroughly.
Stainless Steel and Fixtures: To clean, use vinegar and cheesecloth.

Furniture Polish: In a small bottle, preferably foaming variety, add two
parts lemon juice to one part olive oil (plain). To scent your
furniture, add some essential oils to this. Keep the mixture in the
refrigerator and discard in under a month. This does not last long.

Tile Cleaner: Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water, scrub into
tiles, and then clean with all-purpose solution.
 
Sorry, no graphic for this one, and don't laugh, it
> works 100% of the
> time although the scientists at the Canada Research
> council (who
> discovered it) aren't sure why.
>
> To stop nighttime coughing in a child (or adult as
> we found out
> personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the
> bottom of the feet at
> bedtime, then cover with socks.
>
>
> Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in
> about 5 minutes and
> stay stopped for many, many hours of relief.
>
> Works 100% of the time and is more effective in
> children than even very
> strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it
> is extremely
> soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.
>
> I heard the head of the Canada Research Council
> describe these findings
> on the part of their scientists when they were
> investigating the
> effectiveness and usage of prescription cough
> medicines in children as
> compared to alternative therapies like accupressure.
> Just happened to
> tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking
> about why cough
> medicines in kids often do more harm than good due
> to the chemical
> makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened. It was
> a surprising finding
> and found to be more effective than prescribed
> medicines for children at
> bedtime, in addition to have a soothing and calming
> effect on sick
> children who then went on to sleep soundly.
>
>
> Lolly tried it on herself when she had a very deep
> constant and
> persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%!
> She said that it
> felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing
> stopped in a few
> minutes and believe me, this was a deep, (
> incredibly annoying!) every
> few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept
> cough-free for hours
> every night that she used it.
>
> So, if you have grandchildren, pass it on. If you
> end up sick, try it
> yourself and you will be absolutely amazed by the
> effect.
>
>
 
Uses For Tea


Deodorize Your Feet:
Boil three or four flo thru tea bags in one quart of water for ten minutes. Add enough cold water to make a comfortable soak. Soak your feet for twenty to thirty minutes, then dry and apply food powder. Do this twice a day until odor is under control. Then continue twice a week to keep odor under control. Tannin, which can be found in tea, is a drying agent.

Dye Graying White Fabrics:
If bleach won't whiten a graying white garment, soak the item in hot, strong brewed tea until it is a shade darker than you desire. Then rinse in cold water and let dry.

Highlight Brown Hair:
Rinse red or brown hair with brewed tea for golden highlights.

Relieve Sunburn Pain:
Pat your sunburn with wet flo thru tea bags.

Accelerate The Germination of Grass Seeds:
Mix two tablespoons of cold, strong brewed tea into each pound of seed, cover, and set in the refrigerator for five days. Before sowing, spread the seed to dry for a day or two on newspapers on the garage or basement floor.

Deodorize Stuffy Rooms:
Mix one quart brewed tea and four tablespoons lemon juice, strain through a coffee filter, and store in empty spray bottles.

Soothe a Sore Throat or Laryngitis:
Drink brewed tea with lemon juice or honey.

Invigorate House Plants:
Water ferns and other houseplants once a week with a weak, tepid brewed tea.

Polish Black Lacquer:
Wash black lacquer pieces with strong brewed tea, then wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Help Relieve Diarrhea:
Drink plenty of tea and eat toast. The tannin in tea is reported to be helpful in cases of diarrhea, while its liquid replaces fluids lost by the body.

Soothe Tired Eyes:
Place flo thru tea bags soaked in cool water or lukewarm water over your eyes for at least fifteen minutes.

Soothe a Burn:
Apply wet flo thru tea bags directly to the burn, or secure in place with gauze.

Stop Gums From Bleeding After Having a Tooth Pulled:
Press a cool, moist flo thru tea bag against the cavity with your finger.

Fix a Broken Fingernail:
Cut a piece of gauze paper from a flo thru tea bag to fit the nail, coat with crystal clear nail polish, and press gently against the break. Then cover with colored nail polish.

Clean Varnished Woodwork:
Cold tea is a good cleaning agent for any kind of woodwork.

Tenderize Meat:
Add equal parts strong brewed tea and double strength beef stock to a tough pot roast or stew. The tannin in tea is a natural meat tenderizer
 
HOW TO CLEAN A BARBECUE
Courtesy of www.outdoor-heating-guide.com/
==========================================

Cooking on a barbeque is a fun and easy way to create a great meal. There’s only
one big drawback – cleaning the sticky, messy, burned-on gunk that collects on
your grill each time you use it. That chore is enough to put a lot of people off
barbequing for good!

Luckily, keeping your grill clean doesn’t have to be a miserable job. Here are
some simple and effective tips for cleaning a barbeque that will help you enjoy
this outdoor cooking method all summer long.

Coat Your Grill with Oil
-------------------------
A good way to reduce the pain of cleaning a barbeque is to prevent the nastiest of the gunk from sticking to the grill in the first place. To do this,
coat your rack with a good layer of oil before you start to cook. This will help
you to keep your food from burning and sticking to the grill, while making
cleanup much easier.

The Wire Brush Method
----------------------
A stiff wire brush is a huge help in cleaning your grill. Simply give your rack
a thorough scrubbing before and after each use. If you have used oil to coat
your rack, getting the grill clean should be easy with a brush alone.

The Grill Stone Method
----------------------
Grill stones are specially designed to help get grease and stuck-on food off of
your grill. They look similar to a large pumice stone with a handle to help make
scrubbing easier.

The Baking Method
-----------------
Grills can sometimes be cleaned in a similar manner as self-cleaning ovens:
close the hood, turn up the heat, and let the baked-on food burn off. Once
grease and grime is transformed into ashes, it’s easy to remove with a brush or grill stone. However, you should be careful that this method is
not prohibited by the grill manufacturer in order that you don’t void the
warranty.

The Soaking Method
------------------
If all else fails, letting your grill racks soak in warm water will help loosen
stubborn dirt and food remains. This can be good for getting the edges of your
racks, which are often difficult to scrub properly, really clean.

You can add vinegar or dishwashing lotion to the water for additional cleaning
power.

Some final tips -

Clean the barbeque as soon as you have used it. It will be easier to clean if it
is still warm as the food won’t have had time to adhere to the grill.

Clean the barbeque before you use it. Dust, dirt and bugs may have found their
way into your barbeque so a quick clean is vital for your health’s sake.

Cover your barbeque when not in use to protect it from the elements.

If you are finding it hard to remove baked on grease and food then heat up the
grill and scrape it off while still hot.
 
kat2220 said:
All-Purpose Cleaner: You'll need a large spray bottle, a half cup of
baking soda, and enough water to dissolve. To this, slowly add a cup of
vinegar (it will fizz like mad for a bit), then top off with more water.
Let this mixture sit overnight, and theflip end over end to mix. Be
prepared for more fizzing. When fizzing ends, it's ready to use.

All-Purpose Cleaner that Cuts Grease: Use the same recipe as above, but
add a teaspoon of dish detergent. Organic detergent was my one splurge.
After all, you are spraying this into the air.

Window Cleaner: Mix warm water, one cup of vinegar, and two capfuls of
ammonia. Be careful and try not to inhale too much. This mixture should
be kept away from children.

Toilet Cleaner: Pour two cups of baking soda into toilet bowl, scrub the
inside, and flush. Now, pour two cups of vinegar into the toilet bowl,
swish around the inside, and flush. Do not do this if you have a clog,
as you will quickly have a reenactment of Old Faithful in the toilet.
However, regular application will keep your drains sparklingly clean.

Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda over carpet and let
it sit. You'll get better results if you let it sit for an extended
perio f time. It's okay to walk on it and grind it into the carpet.
Then vacuum thoroughly.
Stainless Steel and Fixtures: To clean, use vinegar and cheesecloth.

Furniture Polish: In a small bottle, preferably foaming variety, add two
parts lemon juice to one part olive oil (plain). To scent your
furniture, add some essential oils to this. Keep the mixture in the
refrigerator and discard in under a month. This does not last long.

Tile Cleaner: Mix equal parts baking soda and warm water, scrub into
tiles, and then clean with all-purpose solution.
Click to expand...

I have used that mixture like alki-selser You drink it while it is fizzing.
 
kat2220 said:
Very Interesting...

Peroxide,,,,,who knew? (Safer and Healthier than Bleach)

This was written by Becky Ransey o niana (a doctor's wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and countertops. This is what she told me...

I would like to tell you of the benefits of that plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost? My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!! Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better! Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40's? It's chlorine, Folks! And it was used to kill our troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20's. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals. Please think about this.

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 and 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, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot 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 it 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. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

14. Got Dentures? Soak overnight in peroxide...bright and clean when you wake up.

15. Pour peroxide directly on a blood stained anything, let it foam, scrub with a dry cloth after foaning stops and voila...stain's gone! It can be repeated if needed and won't hurt fabrics.

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner! This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too!
Click to expand...

A link for more peroxide tips: http://www.landrights.com/Hydrogen_Peroxide.htm
 
Somebody get me a good copper cleaner?????
I have a LOT of copper cookware. And as you well know, it does discolor!!!!!

I love all these tips. Would you mind if I share?
 
I doubt anyone would mind if you share!

The best copper cleaners seem to be the commercial ones.
 
Alka-Seltzer Tip #1:
Try dropping 3-4 tablets into a clogged drain with a cup of
vinegar. Wait about 15 minutes and run the hot water. You'll
be amazed :)

Alka-Seltzer Tip #2:
Looking to make your vases sparkle again? Fill the vase with
warm water and drop 2 tablets in. Watch the stains fizz away.


Alka-Seltzer Tip #3:
This is probably one of the best hints for Alka-Seltzer....
If you're suffering from a insect bit cover a tablet with
1/2 inch of water and apply. The aspirin that's in the
Alka-Seltzer will soothe the sting and itchy-ness.
 
LEMON AIDS

MAKES JUICIER LEMONADE
Keep uncut lemons in a covered jar filled with water. They will be extremely juicy after a short time.

FOR JUST A SQUEEZE OF LEMON
Don’t slice the lemon and waste so much of it. Pierce it with a nail and squeeze out the drops you need. It will get old much more slowly with less lemon exposed to the air.

GETTING JUICE FROM A DRIED UP LEMON
When all you find is an old dried up lemon, and you need some lemon juice, boil it for a few minutes and you will get plenty.

MAKE SOME EXTRA STRONG LEMONADE WITH A PUNCH
Wash off the lemons and throw the entire fruit into the blender skin and all. The lemonade will be very strong.

USING THE LEFTOVER TEA
Put a lot of lemons into the leftover tea if you with to use it another day. The lemons will cause it not to become so cloudy.

LEMON WORKS WONDERS
When there are some mysterious odors coming out of you garbage disposal, throw a lemon down the disposal and let it be ground up. It usually cleans out the smells.
 
THE GOODS ON


GARLIC & ONION

KEEP GARLIC LONGER
Peel the garlic when you buy it and store it in oil. When you are finished with the garlic, the oil is perfect for flavoring food and salads.

GET OFF THE SKIN OF THE GARLIC
Soak the garlic in some hot water and the skin of the clove will slip off more easily.

EASIER TO SLICE ONIONS
Put them in the freezer and they’ll slice and grate easily. An added bonus is that the won’t make you cry.

QUICK ONION RINGS
Onions slice more easily and more quickly if you leave the skins on while slicing.

KEEP ONIONS LONGER
Put your onions in aluminum foil, and they are less likely to sprout.
REMOVE THE ONION SMELL FROM THE CUTTING BOARD
Rub a moist piece of paper towel containing salt over the onion juice and the smell will disappear.

PEEL ONIONS WITHOUT TEARS
Let water run over the onions while you are peeling them, and the fumes won’t bother you. Another trick is to put two matches in your mouth with the tips outside. The sulphur will absorb the vapors.
 
FISH FACTS

CLEAN FISH WITHOUT SLIPPING
To avoid the fish slipping all over the place when you clean it moisten your fingers and dip them into a bowl of salt.

GET RID OF FISH SMELLS
Rub your hands in some butter if you want to get rid of the smell of fish from your hands.

KEEP A FRESH TASTE TO YOUR FISH
Thaw your fish out in milk. Somehow it takes away the frozen taste and leaves the fish with a resh flavor.

TAKE THAT FISHY SMELL OUT OF SALMON
Cover the salmon in lemon at least an hour before you cook it and refrigerate it.

ONION AND FISH SMELLS
Will come off your hands if you dampen them and sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda over them.
 
Interesting Food "Fixes"

If you eat popcorn (which has over 1 & 1/2 times the salt that you need), counter-balance and flush that extra salt out of your system with potassium - eat a banana, figs, cantaloupe, watermelon, sweet potatoes, etc

Shaky from too much sugar? Eat protein and high-complex carbs, which will being insulin back down. Fruit, rice, chicken; fruits and nuts, etc. In combination it will bring your insulin back down.

Over do the grease? Fiber bonds with the bad LDL cholesterol and sweeps it out of your system. Fiber is veggies, fruit, beans, high grain bread, even hummice. Eat these within 24 hours of your high grease meal.

Too much caffeine before bed? Eat a high-carb snack before bed (100-200 calories), the serotonin response quiets down the high energy of the caffeine.


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Going towards green - in your office (or at home)

If everyone gave up using one staple a day (one staple!) we would save 120,000 tons of steel a year (the equivalent of 25 SUV's) from going into landfills - and the power used to make them.

Plants are great in the office, especially bamboo - it needs very little attention or water and it is basically natures air filter - it takes CO2 and carbon monoxide out of the air and produces oxygen - it generates 35% more oxygen than any other plant.
Note: Your computer puts out about 35 million tons of CO2 every year


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NOTE: A great way to save energy is to use the new cfl/incandescent bulbs - but note that they contain mercury. If you need to get rid of it, see about recycling through where you purchased such as Lowes. If they break - 1st open the windows and let the room air out before doing anything for about 15 minutes. Then use rubber gloves and hard paper or cardboard to scrape up the pieces. use tape to pick up the smallest pieces. (If on the carpet do not vacuum until you remove everything you can visibly see.)
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Shop Smart -

Chilled or chopped for you? It can cost you twice as much - i.e. at the grocery, a drink can cost over a dollar in the chilled case, where as if you buy if off their shelf (warm) about fifty cents.

Don't forget to check bottom shelves for the better deals - stores trust you wont look there as often.

Generic vs Name Brand - Yeah you've heard it before, but some food/product formulas are changing all the time; some are made by the same manufacturer; and some are just better! Give generic a try before you insist on the name brand.
(i.e. Ore-Ida fries - 9 cents an ounce, Wal-mart Great Value fries - 4 cents an ounce - most taste tests were the same or some preferred Wal-Mart for being crispier with the same good taste)
**Hint: Don't show the kids the package so they are not prejudice by the same thing!

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Changes in Protecting your Skin

The sunscreens have been revamped in their ratings from the government - since the only thing you are protected from is burning - not the exposure to the sun completely.
There is no longer a higher rating than 50 (it is called 50+ [50 plus]) and this is the coverage from UVB rays - which are the burn rays. The ratings range from 2 - 50+
The UVA protection proposed rating from the FDA is 1-4 stars with 1 being the least amount of protection, or will need to state that it has NO UVA A protection.

Note: The shorter your shadow - the more damaging are the rays of the sun. Water, being in the shade, and cloudy days are NOT protectants from the sun and it's cancer causing damage.

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Mosquito Bites

Women have thinner skin and wear scents and therefore attract them more. Susceptibility to mosquitoes is mostly genetic.
The best thing to use on them is a topical cream such as hydrocortisone (Cortaid, etc) or aloe gel, even toothpaste, baking soda (w/water) or preparation h will take the sting out. You would only need to take an oral antihistamine if you are covered in bites. Do NOT scratch them as you can easily infect them with staph and things under your own nails.
Of course you can use bug spray to help keep them away in the first place. Again, products w/Deet is most effective but best not to be used on children as it is a chemical. Note: Bug spray decreases the effectiveness of sunscreen by 50%!
Special homeopathic tips: If you rinse your hair in beer - it can help keep mosquitoes away. Eating garlic-to make your skin more bitter.

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Snoring - a Heath Issue for Children...

In case you weren't aware - snoring is more than annoying - it can be a sign of serious problems.
For children, this can be the beginning of life long problems. About 4% of children in America can have Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Nighttime symptoms: Snoring, Labored Breathing and Gasping or Snorting, also restless sleep and excessive sweating.
Daytime symptoms: Sleepiness (excessive), Inability to Concentrate and Hyperactivity, also difficulty waking up, being irritable or agitated.
OSA can have serious ramifications, leading to lower IQ scores and learning impairments and has been linked with cardiac problems and diabetes later in life.
If you think your child could have a problem, see about having a sleep study done.

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Check this out - an interesting way to help 'go Green' as well - they now have backpacks with solar chargers for your cell phone, pda, camera, and ipod. (Voltaic is one brand)


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Gambling - and the Elderly, Watch Your Parents...

More people are gambling for fun and turn to it as a way to cope with problems they are having; many people use coping skills in eating, shopping, etc. and gambling is becoming a bigger issue. Including coping with loneliness and depression. More women and more elderly women are getting into gambling and becoming addicted. To the detriment of them, their finances and their family.
3-4% admit to having a problem with gambling. Seniors are said to be the bread and butter of casinos - as they gamble away their retirement funds and use the casino as a social network.
For all gamblers-usually when it starts to become a problem, they will start lie to families and friends-and themselves. And most gamblers gamble even more when they are losing to try to 'get it back', which of course creates even more of a problem and addiction.
If you know anyone affected by this, please help them get help. One of the easiest things to do is just to divert the behavior to another "addiction", but make it a good one, like reading books!

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Better or Worse - Good Trades for Eating at a Cook out or the like

Instead of veggies and dip - eat chips and guacamole, really! Ranch dressing is so fatty and the vegetables are just a delivery vehicle. Guac has lots of healthy fats, mono-unsaturated so they are heart healthy, and will keep you full. (Make your own guac as some at the grocery have replaced the good fats w/the bad ones)

Eat a steak (preferably any loin steak such as sirloin which is leaner) instead of a burger (that you will add a bun, cheese, mayo, etc.)

Baked beans are better than corn (on the cob) as they are high in antioxidants, protein and fiber and will keep you full. The corn is empty calories especially when you add all that butter and salt!

Have coleslaw instead of potato salad. Coleslaw has lots of cabbage which is full of antioxidants. Potatoes are again more empty calories.

Watermelon is much better than a peach. Peach has more sugar and watermelon has lycopene which is a cancer fighting compound and is lower in carbs.
 
Make your own cleaners



Things happen in the kitchen....terrible things, messy things, gross
things. What to do? How to unyuck the yucky mess. We all need a helping
hand.

Non-Stick Pans:
Cleaning To remove cooked on residue from a nonstick
skillet, cover with 1/2-inch of water. Heat until the water boils; the
cooked food will loosen and can be wiped away.

Eggs:
Cleaning up spills If you drop an egg on the floor, cover it with
salt and leave it alone for a couple of minutes. When you come back,
you´ll be able to easily clean the mess with a paper towel.

Cleaning Up Grease Spills on the Kitchen Floor:
Clean up grease or oil
spills by sprinkling flour over the spill. The flour soaks up the spill
and can then be easily scraped up and disposed of. This prevents the
grease or oil from being spread around while trying to wipe it up with a
paper towel or rag.

Grease Spills In The Oven:
If grease or oil spills in your oven, quickly
toss some salt on the stain. Once the oven has cooled off and the salt
has dried, brush it out of your oven. Most of the stain should be gone.

Clean the microwave:
If the spills in the microwave are fossilized, mix
together 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice or vinegar and 2 cups of water in a 4
cup glass microwave safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for two to three mins.
Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the microwave with paper towels.
Repeat as necessary.

Don't mix ammonia and bleach because it will create toxic fumes.
Burned on food in a pan:
To quickly clean burned food on a pan, add some dish soap and 1/2" of
water. Bring to a boil, then let the liquid cool in the pan. The burned
food will be easy to remove.

Sluggish Drains:
To clean sluggish drains, pour 1/2 cup baking soda down
the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar and cover the drain. Let this
mixture foam for a few minutes, then pour 8 cups of boiling water down
the drain. to flush it. Do not use this combination after using any
commercial drain opener or cleaner.

Dirty Coffee Makers:
Clean your coffee maker every few weeks by filling
the water reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water and putting
it through the brew cycle. Then use clean fresh water and repeat the
brew cycle to rinse the machine. Repeat with fresh water two more times.

Blender Fiascos :
To clean a blender, squirt a few drops of liquid soap
into it, fill halfway with warm water, cover and blend away the mess.
Rinse and repeat if necessary.
----------------------------------------------
MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANERS :
For your own window washing solution, mix 1/3 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup
rubbing alcohol in a 1 quart spray bottle. Fill up with water.
=
Dry baking soda cleans chrome perfectly.
=
Cream of tartar and water mixed to a paste will clean porcelain.
=
A paste of baking soda and water will clean coffee stains.
=
Plain liquid Ivory soap mixed with water is one of the best all-purpose
cleaners. You can keep this solution in a spray bottle, but only use a
bit of soap or the mixture may become too foamy to spray.
=
Half a lemon dipped in table salt to clean copper pots.
=
Cleaning Sponges :
For yrs, it has been said that people looking for an
easy way to disinfect their soiled sponges, which can become remarkable
germ magnets, can pop them in the microwave. The practice has become
common. But is it effective? In recent yrs, at least two studies have
put the claim to the test, and both have confirmed it. The most recent,
published in the Dec 2006 issue of The Journal of Environmental Health,
found that microwaving kitchen sponges and other scrubbing pads for one
to two mins at full power could reduce levels of bacteria, including E.
coli and other common causes of food-borne illness, by more than 99
percent. A previous study in 1999 found that many bacteria are
eliminated within the first 15 secs of being heated by microwave, and
that only E. coli survive longer than 30 secs.To avoid fires or
overheating, the authors of the 2006 study recommended that only damp
sponges and those without metal be zapped. But some experts say the
practice poses a safety hazard and should be discouraged. Some news
accounts have described cases in which kitchen sponges caught fire while
being cooked by microwave.Other studies have found a safer alternative:
soaking soiled sponges in diluted solutions of bleach, which is just as
effective as heating.I use dishwasher liquid the one for the machine and
wash the sponge with the bleachy liquid.Then again, there is an even
simpler option: tossing the sponge out and getting a new one.Although
effective as a sterilizer, microwaving kitchen sponges can pose a safety
hazard.

Okay...now you're ready to tackle those inevitable spills and thrills in
the kitchen.
 
WD-40

WD-40 Well, Who Knew..?> > I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one> Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the> sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke> him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to> figure out what to do probably nothing until Monday morning, since> nothing was open. Another neighbor came out and told him to get his> WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and> did not h arm hi s paint job that was on the truck. I'm impressed! WD-40> who knew?> > Water Displacement #40 . The product began from a search for a rust> preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts . WD-40 was> created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical> Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water> displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth> formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to> protect their atlas missile parts. > > Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40> that would hurt you.> < BR>When you read the "shower door" part, try it. It's the first thing> that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it> works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your> stovetop... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be> amazed.> > > Here are some of the uses> > 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 kit chen 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) Ke eps ba throom 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) W D-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE 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 state s.> 40) Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and> stops the itch.> 41) W D-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.> P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL. > > P. P. S. I keep a can of WD-40 in my kitchen cabinet over the stove.> It is good for oven burns or any other type of burn. It takes the> burned feeling away and heals with NO scarring.
 
Petroleum Jelly in it's raw form was a curse to U.S. oil drillers in the late 1800's. It had a paraffin like consistency that stuck to the shaft of their rigs and caused them to seize up. The chemist, Robert Cheseborough created a gel by distilling thin oil rendered from the raw material the drillers liked to call "rod wax."


In 1870 Cheseborough opened his first factory in Brooklyn, New York, under the brand name "Vaseline" as an ointment for skin injuries.
Below are but a few of the many uses people have found for the wonder ointment, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly:

Water Rings on Wood Furniture:

Rub petroleum into damaged area with your fingers and let stand for a few hours or if possible overnight. In the morning remove excess jelly with a paper towel and buff with a soft cloth.

Super Glue Cap:

Often after it's first use, the super glue cap ends up stuck fast to the tube and can't be used again. Put a thick coating of jelly inside the cap threads to keep it from gluing itself shut. This will work on any cap or lid that may stick.

To Shine Shoes:

A thin coating of jelly on shoes, boots and purses will keep them looking great and repel water and road salt. Wipe on a thin layer and wipe off excess with a soft cloth.

Squeaky Doors:

Quiet a squeaky door hinge with a coating of petroleum jelly on the hinge pin. Your door will be quiet and you don't have to worry about messy drips.


Keep Your Hands Clean:

No matter what the chore, if it is messy rub on Petroleum Jelly before you begin. It will keep paint, stain, car grease, and garden dirt from embedding in your skin. It will soften your hands while protecting your skin. Just wipe off with paper towel or an old rag for clean up.

Hair Coloring:

To keep hair color from staining your skin, apply Petroleum Jelly along hairline and ears before you begin.
Cuts and Sores:

When Petroleum Jelly first hit the market, it's purpose was for protecting cuts and scrapes by acting as a barrier to keep out moisture and bacteria.

Moisturizer:

If you have sensitive skin Petroleum Jelly can be used as an all over body moisturizer. It contains no chemicals or perfumes.


Car Battery Posts:

Stop battery post corrosion by applying Petroleum Jelly on the terminals.

Outdoor Lights:

A thin coating of Petroleum Jelly on light bulb threads will prevent them from sticking when they need to be replaced.
Nail Polish:

Rub Petroleum Jelly on the skin around your nails before polishing. If you make a mistake it can be wiped off when your nails are dry and it softens cuticles at the same time.

Paint Cans:

Petroleum Jelly forms an air tight seal when applied around the inside edge of the can.

Frozen Locks:

To keep your locks from freezing, smear Petroleum Jelly on the shaft of the key and insert it into the lock. Work the key and lock 4 or 5 times to lubricate the tumblers. This is also a good remedy for keys and locks that just don't seem to work smoothly together.


Sticky Drawers:

Apply petroleum Jelly along the runner on a sticky drawer to make it slide more freely.

Rough Feet:

If you are like so many people, your feet are hard, calloused and dry. Apply petroleum Jelly to your feet after bathing or showering. Apply within the first three minutes of bathing before the moisture on your skin evaporates. It will make your feet softer, and act as a moisture barrier to keep your feet from drying out.

Garbage Can Lids:

In the winter rubber garbage can lids can freeze to the can. A thin coat of Petroleum Jelly will keep it from sticking.

Chapped Lips:

Apply as needed.

Makeup Remover:

Use as you would any makeup remover. It removes makeup safely while softening your skin.
Diaper Rash:

Use in place of expensive ointments and creams to prevent rash.
Tight Finger Rings:

Apply to your finger and the ring will slide off.


Grandpa's Bald Head:

Gives a glistening shine for those special occasions. Just apply and polish.

Nuts and Bolts:

Keep nuts, bolts and screws from rusting by coating with Petroleum before using.

Why spend unnecessary money on countless bottles, cans and jars of chemical products when one inexpensive jar of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly can do it all?
 
7) Removes lipstick stains.> 8) Loosens stubborn zippers.
Click to expand...

So you're saying that if you are stepping out to make sure you have WD40 in the glove compartment. That way the wife won't get suspicious.
Good to know...
 
Here's a strange tip: For you ladies who have oily skin apply a thin layer of Milk of Magnesia (yeah the laxative) as a primer coat before you apply the rest of your makeup. It will keep your face from being oily and actually your makeup will last longer.
 
13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salts

13 Wonderful Ways to Use Epsom Salts
by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com Producer, Green Living Channels

Simple Solution
I always knew that soaking in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom Salts was good for relaxing
muscles and drawing toxins from the body, but I could never find out why. And it wasn't until I spent some
time at the Epsom Salt Industry Council website that I learned that Epsom Salts -- made of the mineral
magnesium sulfate--are also a sedative for the nervous system.

When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body,
sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much
more.

EPSOM SALT TIPS
Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council
Epsom Salt Council
Note: Check with a doctor before using if you have any health concerns.

* Relaxing and Sedative Bath: Soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom Salt.

* Face Cleaner: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt with your regular cleansing
cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

* Homemade Skin Mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1
egg, 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt. For normal to dry skin
mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt.

* Foot Soak: Soothe aches, remove odors, and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt
to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry.

* Skin Exfoliator: Massage handfuls of Epsom Salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing
up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse.

* Remove Excess Oil from Hair: Epsom Salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to
1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold
water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then
rinse.

* Hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom Salt. Combine, cover, and let
set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo
as normal.

* Hair Volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom Salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm
mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.

* Soak Sprains and Bruises: Epsom Salt will reduce the swelling of sprains and bruises. Add 2 cups Epsom
Salt to a warm bath, and soak.

* Splinter Remover: Soak in Epsom Salt, it will draw out the splinter.

Epsom Salt Industry Council
 
BANANAS

BANANAS
A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression 'going bananas' is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try e ating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at wor k leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar le vels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New En gland Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit
 
That post is golden tk. Thank you for posting it.

I'm actually printing it and showing it to my mom when I go there next time.
 
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