Thursday, January 31, 2013

save money.



Take your favorite liquid fabric softener and soak an old hand towel or flour cloth completely with it. Wring it out and let it dry completely, then throw it in with your next load. This mega-fabric softener sheet should be good for at least 40 loads of laundry, stretching out softener use and lessening waste. In other words, save money.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Homemade Mouse Repellents & Baits: {DIY Recipes & Tips}


If you’ve spotted mice or their droppings inside and around your home, you’ll need to get rid of them asap before they multiply and do damage to your house.
They can also carry disease or be infested with fleas and mites that will eventually find their way to your pets, magnifying the problem even more.
Here are a couple recipes I’ve collected for natural repellents that can be used around the yard as well as tips for baiting and using mousetraps indoors.

For Outdoors

For Moles & Mice:
2 TBS Castor oil
6 TBS liquid dish washing soap
1 tsp Tabasco
1 minced garlic clove
1 quart water
  • Directions: Mix a fresh batch before use, pour around the rodent hole. Reapply after each rain. Source: Natural Alternatives for You and Your Home by Casey Kellar.
#2
1/2 cup liquid detergent
1 TBS Tabasco sauce
1 gallon of water
  • Directions: Mix and spray around rodent holes and in areas where they’ve been spotted. Apply after each rain.
Plant repellents: Peppermint, sage. Plant these in your garden and in flower beds along the house if you routinely have a problem.

For Indoors

Instead of using repellents indoors to encourage the critters to move along, you’ll want to trap them with inexpensive commercial mousetraps (otherwise they’ll just set up shop somewhere else inside the house).
First remove any food sources they have found (look for bags or cardboard boxes chewed open somewhere along the bottom), scrub clean all food storage areas and make sure there are no other food sources for them (other than what you’ve set out for them).
Effectively contain food and pantry items in sealed plastic containers, metal bins and glass jars. Do not leave any pet food sitting out and make sure pet feeding dishes are washed thoroughly after the last feeding of the day. Wash up any dirty dishes and wipe down food prep surfaces before going to bed at night.
Bait Suggestions:
  • Peanut butter
  • Pieces of banana
  • Raisins
  • Small pieces of bacon or pork fat
Poison:
Dry cement powder
Cornflour
  • Directions: Mix 50/50 and place in a shallow dish or station in the path used by rodents (can be used for inside control). After feeding the mouse will seek water outside which causes the cement powder to react, quickly killing it. Sourceahc.sa.gov.au.
Tips from a vintage homemaking book:
Position traps close to floor boards in areas where mice or feces have been spotted. If children or pets are in the home, choose locations where they won’t have access to the poison. Keep setting a fresh batch out each night for at least a week to ensure they all have been snagged.
They are inexpensive and if enough are set, often a dozen or more, an entire colony may be wiped out in one night. Mice are creatures of habit and, as a rule, travel over the same routes night after night. If their paths can be discovered, set traps along them. Sometimes they may be fooled by making a runway of boxes and putting the trap at the end. Set traps around any secluded areas, under sinks and around possible food sources, such as garbage cans and cupboards. Set them in the kitchen, pantry, larder and cellar, or wherever signs of their presence have been noticed. Place the trap with the bait next to the wall (or pail, etc.).
For bait, use other foods in addition to cheese. They really prefer fresh bread, cake or doughnuts. They are also fond of peanut butter, chocolate, freshly fried bacon, sardines, nuts, bananas or apple parings. Another option said to be excellent is a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats and chopped-up raisins, seasoned with a dash of aniseed oil.
To set the trap, press or tie the bait firmly onto the trigger. Set it so the trigger is released at the slightest disturbance.
Source: Woman’s Home Companion Household Notebook (1948)
Title
  • Remove any nesting hot spots such as piles of newspapers, cardboard, wood, weeds and debris.
  • Keep trees trimmed away from the house (at least three feet).
  • Did you know: pet feces can attract rodents? Keep your yard clean.
  • Tracking them: they typically move around similar paths, if they’re inside try spreading talcum powder along the floor boards where you think they may be, you’ll see their footprints and may find their hiding spot.
  • Seal any holes, cracks or openings to the home with tightly packed steel wool and make sure all window screens fit snugly and have no rips or tears.
source: http://tipnut.com/mouse-repellents/

List of Fruits and Vegetables for Amazing Energy and Health


In this list of fruits and vegetables, you can see how many health benefits of fruits and vegetables exist, and why you should eat as many as you can everyday. They are low in fat, calories, and sodium, have no cholesterol, and are high in fiber.
Fiber from fruits and vegetables helps fill you up so don't feel like eating more, and it also helps move the digestive process along. Of course, these foods are also full of vitamins and minerals that provide your body with energy.
Most people eat too few on this list of fruits and vegetables, both in quantity a day and in variety. The most consumed vegetables in America are potatoes, lettuce, and tomatoes. The people who eat the most vegetables and fruits in the USA have the lowest risk for chronic diseases.

Also, those people are less likely to need vitamins and supplements to have a healthy diet since the vegetables and fruits provide all the nutrition they need.

The list of fruits and vegetables shows thephytochemicals, which are chemicals that come from plants and provide color to the food. There are more than12,000 phytochemicals in nature, and eating fruits and vegetables, rather than using supplements, is the best way to make sure you are getting enough of them in your diet. Each color food has a different type of phytochemical that helps your immune system function properly.

Red Fruits and Vegetables

The phytochemicals in red foods are carotenoids and anthocyanins. One of the most abundant carotenoids is lycopene. Lycopene helps reduce damage from free radicals in your body and it also prevents heart disease, cancer, prostrate problems, and reduces the skin damage from the sun. These red foods help memory function, urinary tract health, and makes your heart healthy.
Red fruits and vegetables are also often very high in vitamin C, which helps encourage cellular renewal in your body.
Learn more about the health benefits of tomatoes, the benefits of apples, and the benefits of strawberries, and even the benefits of vinegar, a byproduct of red fruits. My favorite is raw apple cider vinegar.
Red Fruits and Vegetables


Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Carotenoids are the powerful phytochemical in orange foods, and they are what give the foods their color. Carotenoids repair DNA and help prevent cancer and heart disease, as well as strengthening our vision.
These orange foods also give us the right amount of potassium and vitamin A, which keeps our eyes and skin healthy, and protects against infections. They are also known to boost the immune system because of the vitamin C content in many of them. Some of these also cross over with the health benefits of the yellow foods below.
Learn more about the amazing, packed with nutrients pumpkin nutritionand the health benefits of carrots.
Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Yellow Fruits and Vegetables

Yellow foods are high in antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C keeps our teeth and gums healthy, helps to heal cuts, improves the mucus membranes (like when we have colds), helps to absorb iron, prevents inflammation, improves circulation, and therefore prevents heart disease. Some of the darker ones also cross over with the health benefits of orange foods.
Learn more about the health benefits of bananas.
Yellow Fruits and Vegetables

Green Fruits and Vegetables

These foods have the phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles, which both prevent cancer. They are also good for the circulatory system and have good vitamin B and minerals.
On this list of fruits and vegetables, the vitamin K in green foods also helps with vision, and with maintaining strong bones and teeth. Some of the yellower green vegetables have carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin that help to prevent cataracts and eye disease, as well as osteoporosis.
You can also learn about:
Green Fruits and Vegetables


Greenish/White Fruits and Vegetables

The strong phytochemical in these whitish/greenish vegetables is called allicin and allium, which create an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral chemical environment in your body.
Some white foods prevent cancer and heart disease, and lower cholesterol levels. Celery is often dubbed as a useless vegetable because it has no calories, but it does have minerals like good sodium that help keep the joints healthy. The selenium in mushrooms helps prevent cancer and keeps your body in balance.
Everything on this greenish/white list of fruits and vegetables helps maintain low cholesterol levels in your body as well as a healthy heart.
Learn about the greenish-white foods here:
Greenish White Fruits and Vegetables

Blue/Indigo/Violet Fruits and Vegetables

The blue, indigo, and violet list of fruits and vegetables are great for their anti-aging properties. These foods have tons of antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins and phenolics. Some blue and purple fruits and vegetables are also really high in vitamin C.
Anything in this category will help improve circulation and prevent blood clots, so they are great for the heart and can help prevent heart disease. They are also known to help memory function and urinary tract health and to reduce free radical damage.
Blue and Purple Fruits and Vegetables
An especially healthful fruit in the blue group is the blueberry; learn about the health benefits of blueberries.
I hope you've enjoyed our list of fruits and vegetables.

source  : http://www.vegan-nutritionista.com/list-of-fruits-and-vegetables.html


10 Medicinal Herbs You Should Know


ONE hundred years ago, the kitchen garden was also the medicine garden, and plants which produced medicinal benefit were part of the working knowledge of the common people. Those plants which were difficult to cultivate were sought in the surrounding fields and meadows, then preserved and added to the harvest storehouse to soothe and heal the illnesses of winter.
Medicinal herbs
With the advent of the chemically synthesized drugs, the home pharmacy has all but disappeared, and with it the knowledge of simple herbal remedies for common ailments. This knowledge is now resurfacing: researched and regenerated by people who want to take an active and independent role in their own health care.
A very necessary part of this renaissance is self-education. Starting is easy. Just familiarize yourself with a few key herbs and begin to use them in your daily life. As you see how effective they are it will spark your desire to learn more, and you're on your way!
Following is a list of 10 commonly available herbs and simple ways to use them in personal health maintenance. These herbs are easily available and fulfill a wide range of benefits with a minimum amount of effort.

VALERIAN ROOT (Valeriana officinalis) - Valerian is classed as a nervine and sedative with mild pain relieving properties, which makes it a good candidate for stress, anxiety and restless insom¬ nia. It has also been used for intestinal colic, menstrual cramps, migraine headache, and rheumatic pain. Although it smells like well used socks, the extract and tea are both recommended.
ALOE LEAF (Aloe Vera) - This plant has hundreds of uses, the most popular being its ability to alleviate the pain of burns and to speed their healing. It is very easily cultivated as a house plant, and should be in every kitchen. It is the best remedy for sunburn, often preventing later peeling. Immediately immerse the burn in cold water or apply ice until the heat subsides, then generously apply the aloe. It is best to trim the prickly sides off the succulent leaf, then split the leaf in half and gently rub the exposed gel onto the affected area. Aloe may also be ap¬ plied to any cut or skin abrasion, and onto skin eruptions, re¬ markably speeding healing. To relieve the pain and itching of hemorrhoids, carve out a suppository sized chunk of the inner leaf gel and insert into the rectum.

COMFREY LEAF/ROOT (Symphytum officinalis) - Comfrey should be grown as a house plant in every home. Like Aloe, it is a natural herbal bandaid, useful for cuts, scrapes and burns. It is styp¬ tic, which means that it will stop bleeding. Commonly known as "knit-bone," it stimulates tissue regeneration. Used externally as a poultice, it helps heal bone fractures and deep wounds. Recovery rate is accelerated with use of this fresh plant poul¬ tice on muscle, tendon and ligamentous injuries. Thoroughly cleanse the wound with an antiseptic first,because Comfrey is so quick to regenerate the tissue that it will seal over the wound with the bacteria still inside.
DANDELION ROOT (Taraxacum officinalis) - Dandelion is naturally high in potassium, making it a safe diuretic, increasing the ability to eliminate waste products through the urinary channels. It helps restore kidney function and relieves liver and spleen congestion. It is extremely beneficial as a spring tonic which stimulates sluggish liver function. The root should be made into a strong decoction, which means that it should be cut into small pieces and simmered in a glass or enamel vessel for at least 10 minutes before straining and drinking. The fresh plant fluid extract can also be used. set 20-30 drops into a cup of hot water and drink as a tea.

KELP (Nereocystis leutkeana) -The kelp family, which includes kombu, wakame, arame and hijiki, is known for its ability to combat the effects of radiation in the body. Radioactive stron¬ tium-90, one of the more prevalent sources of radiation, is stored in our bones, and contributes to long term diseases such as leukemia, bone cancer, Hodgkins disease, anemia, and decreased production of red and white blood cells. The sodium alginate found in the kelp family binds with the radioactive isotope in the gastrointestinal tract and forms an insoluble gel like salt called strontium alginate, which is safely excreted in the feces. (For more information on radiation detoxification, see Fighting Radiation with Foods, Herbs and Vitamins, by Steven Schechter, ND. Kelp is recommended as a daily addition to the diet)

GARLIC BULB (Allium sativum) - Best known for its antibiotic effect, garlic bulbs or the milder garlic greens can be eaten raw at the onset of a cold or flu. A small piece of bread may be necessary to make the spicyness more palatable. You can grow garlic greens by planting the bulbs in a 4-inch-deep pot, and trimming them to use in salads or stir fry dishes. Garlic oil is effectively used for ear infections. It is easily made by finely chopping enough fresh organic garlic bulbs to fill a jelly jar, and covering them with organic olive oil. Cover the jar with cheesecloth held on with a rubber band. Let the mixture sit in a warm room for a week or a sunny window for several hours (if you need it right away).
Strain the oil and store it in an amber glass jar. The warmed oil is then placed in the ear and plugged with a cotton ball. Leave in overnight and treat nightly until the infection is gone. This therapy is not to be used in cases of eardrum perforation. A wonderful garlic cough syrup can be made by simmering freshly chopped garlic in apple cider vinegar for 10 minutes. Strain the resulting liquid, add honey and simmer down until the mixture is thick and syrupy. The vinegar neutralizes the garlic taste, making it much more tolerable, yet preserving the antibiotic effect.
GINGER ROOT (Zinziber officiale) - Ginger has a carminative ef¬ fect, which means that it will help relieve digestive problems which result in gas formation. It is also a diaphoretic, used both as a tea and added to a soaking bath to stimulate sweating and reduce fevers. In cases of abdominal menstrual cramping, a ginger fomentation can be made. A fomentation is prepared by slicing 1-3 large roots into a half gallon of water and simmering in a covered pan for at least 30 minutes. A cotton cloth is then dipped in the mixture, wrung out (wear rubber gloves, it's hot!) and applied to the abdomen as hot as can be withstood. Two folded bath towels are placed on top to help maintain the heat of the fomentation as the therapy progresses. Internally, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger or one dropperful of the fluid extract can be added to 1 cup of warm water to alleviate nausea/morning sickness/motion sickness and to aid digestion.

ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) - The extract and oil are used externally for bruises, strains, sprains, contusions and wounds. The extract is used internally as an immune system stimu¬ lant, for retro-viral infections, as an expectorant and antibac¬ terial. It speeds the healing of wounds and burns and aids the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue. It is used as an anti-de¬ pressant and to treat bed wetting and children's nightmares. It is also known as Klamath weed, a common pasture plant, and is found throughout the U.S.

ECHINACEA ROOT (Echinacea angustifolia) - A powerful immune stimulant, Echinacea has become increasingly popular in recent years. Its antiseptic and anti-viral properties are used for sore throats, flu, colds, infections and allergies. It also has tumor inhibiting properties. The most potent form is a fresh plant fluid extract,however, medicinal benefit can also] be derived by mixing a decoction, as explained under Dandelion.
BURDOCK ROOT (Arcticum lappa) - Well know as a blood detoxifica¬ tion agent and eaten as a vegetable known as Gobo in oriental cuisine, Burdock root is available throughout the U.S. It is used for skin eruptions and dry scaly skin conditions. Burdock is also used as a digestive stimulant and to lower blood sugar. Its seed is used as a diuretic and kidney tonic. The root is now found in supermarkets and can be cooked as a vegetable or made into a decoction. Fresh plant fluid extracts of the root and seed are also available in health food stores.
It is vitally important to properly identify the plant you are harvesting before you use it. Forest Service visitor centers carry plant identification books for their region, and the Petersen Field Guide series plus a range of medicinal plant hand¬ books are also sources of botanical identification. Most of these books can be found in local bookstores. It is wise to take classes or go with an experienced guide when you are in the early learning stages. Herbs are precious natural resources, and should be ecologically harvested. The following guidelines for harvest¬ ing help insure herb potency and purity and help preserve the species for further enjoyment.

source :http://www.ultimatesurvivalskills.com/medical/herbs/ten-medicinal-herbs-you-should-know.html

Monday, January 28, 2013

Refrigerator Dill Pickles


Ingredients:
1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
3/4 teaspoon dill seeds
2 cups hot water
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
2 pounds kirby cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick


Directions:
1) Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dill seeds in a heatproof bowl. Add hot water and stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear. Cool to room temperature.
2) Place cucumbers, garlic and dill in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Pour brine over all and turn to coat cucumbers. Cover them with a plate to weigh them down and keep them covered in brine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, stirring once or twice. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks. Yield: 1 quart.


Raising chickens with goats



I have seen from my next-door neighbor how raising chickens and cows together are a perfect match. The chickens learn to stay away from the cows so they don't get trampled, but they pick through the feed that the cows drop, eating what would otherwise get wasted. Chickens will even pick through the cow manure looking for fly larvae, supplementing their diet with extra protein. With enough chickens, your fly problem will be reduced significantly. However, they can't dig deep through the stuff, so chickens aren't going to solve a growing manure problem for you.

What about goats? You are going to have a few more challenges mixing chickens and goats, but you will have many of the same benefits that you do with cattle when they share the same yard. Here are a few issues that you will want to think about when considering combining your flock and herd:
  1. Goats are high-energy, curious, and adventurous eaters. While it may be OK for the chickens to pick through the alfalfa that you feed the goats, you don't want the goats to get into the chicken feed. Goats will abandon their own feed in favor of the higher grain content from chicken feed. If you feed the chickens where the goats can't get access, this should solve the problem. In addition, I doubt that the goats would bother the hen's eggs, but it is probably safest if the goats don't have access to these either.
  2. Both goats and chickens can spread coccidiosis to each other, a parasite that comes from picking through their manure. It can be devastating to both kids and chicks. This is the biggest reason why chicks are often fed medicated feed as a precaution while they are under the biggest danger (3 to 7 weeks). From the Goat Handbook, M. C. Smith; Cornell U., Ithaca, NY, "...although most goats carry coccidia and will have positive fecal exams, normally only the young kids become sick with coccidiosis. Deaths and stunted kids result. Raising kids separately from adults, keeping pens clean and dry, preventing fecal contamination of water or feed, and, in some herds, continuous preventative medication are necessary to prevent the disease. It is neither possible nor desirable to completely eradicate coccidia from the adult goats. A low level infection with the parasite serves to keep these goats immune to the disease."

Source : http://goatcommune.blogspot.com/2010/04/raising-chickens-with-goats.html

magical carpet cleaner


Several weeks ago I was heading out the door to a dinner party. In one arm I held a big salad bowl. In the other was a glass jar of salad dressing I had just made. As I tried to manuever open our heavy front door, the jar slipped out of my hand. In slow motion I yelled "Noooooo!" as the glass shattered on the wood floor and the contents splattered all over the wall and our cheap apartment carpet.



You guys, I was so upset. I was already late to this party and all I wanted to do was sit down in the middle of this puddle of oil and vinegar and cry. Instead I picked up the glass pieces, did a quick wipe up with paper towels and left the big clean up until later. Over the next few weeks I tried every carpet cleaner at my local grocery stores (yes, plural). Nothing was working. And my front entry way continued to look like this.
I didn't want visitors because it was so embarrassing. No, this condo is not our own but I like to live in cleanliness so I continued to try to clean it with no luck. Then my mom came to visit and suggested I try white vinegar. I didn't really give it much thought because it seemed either too easy or too smelly.

Well, this weekend I had enough. I searched for a remedy and found it! Of course, it contains white vinegar because my mother is always right. So I'm going to share with you my wisdom because I'm sure I'm not the first person to spill oil-based something on their carpet (right?).
1. Scrape up the liquid (I had already done this weeks ago).
2. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on stain to let absorb for 10 minutes and then vacuum.
3. Mix one tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid and one tablespoon white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
4. Using a white cloth (I strongly believe in microfiber washcloths), sponge the stain with the detergent/vinegar solution and blot until all the liquid is absorbed.
5. Sponge off with cold water and blot dry.

source : http://elizabethbryant.blogspot.com/2011/02/magical-carpet-cleaner.html

Sunday, January 27, 2013

How to Make a Simple Solar Water Heater





Energy conservation is the greatest need of today’s world where man is consuming natural resources in great quantity without discovering

new ones. However, if you want to reduce your heating bills and save up the fossil fuels and nonrenewable energy sources, then use the sun

energy. The best possible way to take advantage of the solar energy and to reduce your energy cost is to make a simple solar water heater.

You can make it with a few disposable things easily available in your home. This unique invention is a great gift for those who have little

space or money. You can make this magical solar water heater within a few minutes and get a number of benefits in long term.

Read the simple steps given below and use the Solar Energy (Sun) to heat water and save energy for your upcoming generation:

Things you will need to make Solar Water Heater
 - Plastic Soda Bottle
- Black Paint or Black Paint Spray
- Sunlight
- Water
- Foil
- Mirror
 - Radiator
- Black Fabric
- Elastic Band

5 Steps For How to Make a Simple Solar Water Heater


1-Take a large empty plastic soda bottle. A bottle with 2 to 3 liter capacity would be enough to make a Solar Water Heater.








2-Now, take a black paint or black spray and coat the soda bottle completely. Wait for a few minutes until the paint or spray dries well. It

helps in preventing the heat from escaping. However, if you do not have paint then you can use a black fabric as well. Make sure to secure

the black fabric with a thread or an elastic band so that it collects heat properly.






3-Gently pour water into the bottle until filled completely.









4-Now, place the soda bottle in the sunlight where it can receive the rays of sun. Put it in a closed car because it is a great idea, working

effectively. Other than that, you can place it behind glass on a window. You can use a shinny equipment like a mirror or foil to grab extra

power and to attract the rays of the sunlight. Leave the bottle in sunlight for a few hours until the water warms properly. Wow! You have

enough of warm water without using even a single unit of electricity.


5-You might be thinking of the winter when sunny days rarely happen. Do not worry at all and place the same painted bottle near a radiator

to get warm water.




source : http://www.stepbystep.com/how-to-make-a-simple-solar-water-heater-9242/

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Homemade Hand Cream


Homemade Hand Cream:
16 oz. baby lotion
8 oz. Vaseline
8 oz. Vitamin E Cream
Mix with electric mixer til  it resembles icing.
Put in containers.
So easy to make, inexpensive and wonderful!

Friday, January 11, 2013

the easiest way to cook corn on the cob


 Never boil corn again! Want to know the easiest way to cook corn on the cob? Throw it in the oven at 350° for 25-30 minutes. That’s it. Leave the husk on, it will trap in the moisture, leaving you with juicy, tender corn. The husk and silk will peel away easily once it’s cooked. Cut off the large end and it slides right out with no silk. We do this all the time.....good on the grill too!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Camping Knots for Wilderness Survival


Knowing how to tie good camping knots is an invaluable skill in wilderness survival situations. Its also a great asset when having fun in the outdoors. There are a wealth of different knots out there that you can learn to tie. With so many different knots, you might find it hard to choose which to learn first. Here are 3 of the most useful knots for camping and wilderness survival.
Square Knot
Also called a reef knot, this knot is useful for tying bandages, packages and joining shorter pieces of rope together. It is excellent for joining sections of survival cordage.
camping knots square knot 1
To begin, lay the ends of the ropes parallel and then pick up a rope in each hand.
camping knots square knot 2
Now tie an overhand knot as you would for tying your shoe laces by putting the right end under and over the left rope end.
camping knots square knot 3
Then tie another overhand knot, this time putting the left end under and over the right rope.
camping knots square knot 4

Completed Square Knot



Clove Hitch
Like all hitches, this camping knot ties a rope to an object. The word “clove” comes from the word “cleave” which means to hold fast. This knot is used to start and finish all types of lashings, including lashings for survival shelters.
camping knots clove hitch 1
To begin, bring the rope end over and under the post. Next, take the rope around a second time, crossing it over the first wrap to form an X on the post.
camping knots clove hitch 2
Now, bring the rope end around a third time, and tuck it under the center of the X.
camping knots clove hitch 3
Tighten by pulling the end and the main line apart.


Bowline
One of the most important camping knots to learn is the bowline knot. Because it does not slip, it is a great knot for all sorts of uses including securing tarps, lifesaving operations, and mountain climbing.
camping knots bowline 1
To start the bowline, first make a small loop on the rope.
camping knots bowline 2
Take the rope end through the loop, around the main line of the rope and back down into the loop.
camping knots bowline 3
Try to remember “the rabbit comes out of the hole, goes around the tree and then back down into the hole.”
camping knots bowline 4
To tighten, pull the main line of the rope away from the loop.


Knots are often an essential skill for wilderness survival situations. They are also excellent tools to help you have a fun and safe time in the outdoors. Practice these knots, and you will soon find many more uses for them!

source: http://www.wildernesscollege.com/camping-knots.html

Pill Bottle Survival Kit


DSC09378.JPG

Pill Bottle Survival Kit

This is a very simple and mini survival kit that covers the essentials of survival Enjoy!!!

DSC09386.JPG


DSC09387.JPG




















Step 1


Contents

-Empty pill bottle
- 3 mini straw fire starters ( have an instructable on that)
-3 matches
-1 bandage
-1 striker
-1 hook
-1 weight
- tinfoil
-some fishing line
- razor blade
-2 safety pins
- 3 feet of duct tape
- 2 advils
- 1 birthday candle
- whistle made from straw
-Neosporin in a straw
-salt in a straw

source: http://www.instructables.com/id/Pill-Bottle-Survival-Kit/

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

IS YOUR SHOWER MAKING YOU SICK?

IS YOUR SHOWER MAKING YOU SICK? | The skin absorbs all chemicals it is exposed to, which then make their way to the blood stream. Chlorine, among other harmful chemicals, is prevalent in many municipal water supplies and although it may kill bacteria / microbes effectively, it itself holds problematic and harmful properties to the body. Children, teens, adults, and elders all can benefit and avoid immune system break down from chlorine simply by switching over to using a shower filter. The body has been shown to absorb anywhere from 5-8 cups of chlorinated water from an average 15 minute shower. That's a lot of chlorine! - Now, the body is remarkable at filtering toxins as best as it can and has many organs and processes in play to help achieve this. However, not only is the body absorbing the chlorine via the skin, it is also being inhaled directly in the lungs (even more with people who take steaming hot showers). These two avenues intensify the negative properties of ingesting industrial / municipal chlorine. The way to solve this problem is to simply purchase a shower filter. Anyone with skin conditions, scalp conditions, hair conditions, lung conditions, or low immunity can benefit immensely by bypassing this harmful / agitating chemical with a shower filter! It takes about 3-5 minutes to switch out the old head with the new filter! This is an inexpensive solution to this very common problem!

* WHERE TO BUY A NEW SHOWER FILTER / BROWSE OPTIONS:
http://amzn.to/VORVKq

LET'S LOOK AT SOME COMMENTS / TESTIMONIALS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE PURCHASED AND NOW USE A SHOWER FILTER:

"I have battled eczema and extremely dry skin for a lifetime with countless moisturizers, creams, special body washes, etc. Who know my biggest enemy was my shower?! Now, for the first time ever, I can use regular BAR soap--if you have eczema, you know that this is a major coup! I can see a real difference now when I showered elsewhere on a holiday visit--I'm back to feeling like my skin was a flaky mess. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone with dry skin and/or eczema. Oh, and as a bonus, it's also improved the quality of my curly hair! Win win!"

"After taking about 3 showers, there is an immediate improvement on my hair and skin - - soooo soft."

"We've been using this filter for three months now, and it works wonderfully. Simply screw it on the pipe, and you're ready to go. The head is not too big, not too small, and the different settings are useful. There has been no noticeable change in water pressure. Other things I noticed when we started using the filter:

1. My eyes don't turn itchy and red when I take a shower anymore.
2. Gradually, my hair has stopped falling. ( I was having trouble with hairloss and the doctor could not find any reason for it. Now I think it was the chlorine.)"

"Less afternoon energy drain... wondering if the chlorine from showers each morning take it out of you. I love my filter! After taking chlorinated showers for most of my life, I got used to the smell. Now, after using this for 2 years, you can smell the chlorine in tap water from a mile away. Love it!"

* WHERE TO BUY A NEW SHOWER FILTER / BROWSE OPTIONS:
http://amzn.to/VORVKq

10 New Uses for Newspaper

Use Newspaper to:

1. Deodorize food containers. Stuff a balled-up piece of newspaper into a lunch box or thermos, seal it, and let sit overnight.
2. Ripen tomatoes. Wrap them individually and leave them out at room temperature.
3. Pack delicate items.Wrap frames and figurines with several pieces of newspaper, then crumple the remaining sections to fill extra space in the box.
4. Wipe away tough streaks on glass.Use newspaper with cleaning fluid to clean mirrors and windows.
5. Preserve antique glass. Some older frames have finishes on the glass that can be damaged by cleaning solutions. Remove smudges by rubbing with newspaper dipped in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Let air-dry.
6. Dry shoes. Place crumpled paper in them overnight.
7. Wrap gifts. Use the comics to wrap a child’s birthday gift, or try the wedding announcements for an engagement gift.
8. Create a home for slushy snow boots. During the winter, keep a pile of newspaper near the entryway. When your little snowmen and -women come home, they can toss their winter wear onto the newspaper instead of creating puddles on the floor.
9. Prepare a garden. In the fall, mow a patch of lawn to make room for a dedicated bed. Cover it with four layers of newspaper, then a four-inch layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch. Hose it down. Come spring, the compost blanket will have smothered the grass roots, and the bed will be primed for planting.
10. Keep the refrigerator vegetable drawer dry and free of smells. Line the bottom with newspaper.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Skip the million plastic bags with reusable cart bags.

Reisenthel EasyBags make shopping simple. Innovative design unfolds and attaches to shopping cart for easy packing / organizing. Sturdy material & structured shape replaces disposable shopping bags & cardboard boxes in bulk retailers. Zipper pocket holds wallet, Velcro close top keeps items secure.


Why It Gets Our Seal of Approval

    • Smart collapsible design folds into a pouch
    • Secure Velcro top closure
    • Zipper pocket for shopping list, wallet, or odds and ends
    • Sturdy side hooks hold it open in shopping cart
    • Elastic straps - fits most standard shopping carts
    • Durable, tear-resistant material will last for years to come
    • Handy alternative to cardboard boxes & paper bags
    • Fair wage/Fair labor

    Replace paper bags and cardboard boxes with the Reisenthel EasyBags shopping cart basket. Smart design clips into shopping carts for easy packing & unpacking. Following Reisenthel's reputation for long-lasting, high-quality baskets and bags, these Cart Baskets are very and durable. Made to last for years - each basket will replace thousands of disposable bags in its lifetime. Items stay secure with the Velcro closures on top, stash your wallet keys or grocery list in the zippered pocket. Why stop at groceries? We've found multiple uses for the Reisenthel Shopping Cart Baskets: storage, laundry, school & any shopping trips. Includes two plastic tokens for European shopping trolleys. 




Custom Bean Bags


Today I am going to share with you how to make your own custom bean bags.  These make a very inexpensive, personalized gift.
IMG_1648Did you know you don’t have to buy those fancy schmancy fabric printer sheets to have quality printed fabric?  Did you know you don’t have to buy that fancy schmancy solution to soak your own fabric in beforehand?  Here is a quick no-fail recipe to get the best results with the most vibrant colors when printing on fabric…
Mix 2 tablespoons of Alum (found in the spice section of your grocery store), 2 1/2 teaspoons of Washing Soda (found in the laundry section) and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid fabric softener.  Then add one cup of hot water.
Mix it in a bowl bigger than you think because it foams up when you add the water.  Stir. After a few minutes the foam will disappear.  Next soak your 100% white cotton fabric in your solution for 15 minutes.
IMG_1599After fifteen minutes is up wring out all the excess liquid.
IMG_1600Wait!!!  Can’t I just print it out on fabric since the bean bags won’t be washed?  The solution gives you more vibrant colors and if they should get wet they won’t bleed.  This recipe is perfect for quilters who want to add pictures to their work as well.
Store the remaining solution in a container and mark it well to use at a later date.
IMG_1601Next dry your fabric.  I hung mine to dry overnight.  But if you are an impatient crafter, you can put it in the dryer. 
Next grab some freezer paper (found near the tin foil and Ziploc bag section) and iron your fabric to the shiny side of the freezer paper with a hot, dry iron.IMG_1626
IMG_1627Once your fabric is stuck to the freezer paper cut it into 8 1/2” x 11” rectangles.  Iron one more time after cut just to ensure that the fabric is stuck well.
IMG_1628In whatever program you choose, size your pictures (I chose 4" x 4” images) and print them onto your fabric.  You can change your printer settings to the best print quality on fabric if you have that option.  Make sure you print on the fabric side and not on the back of the freezer paper.
IMG_1629
IMG_1632Cut out your printed fabric to size.  I chose to do both sides of the bean bags with a picture.  Of course, you can use just regular fabric on the backside.
IMG_1643With right sides together sew the two pieces together leaving a small opening.IMG_1636IMG_1637Turn your fabric right side out (iron if you must) and fill it with any type of beans.
IMG_1638
IMG_1639Tuck under the edges of the opening and sew shut.  I machine stitch it but you can certainly hand sew it if that suits your fancy.
IMG_1648Tie them in a bow and present your gift.  My son loves them he calls them his “Isaac Beans.”
IMG_1649
What do you do with the bean bags?
1.  Learn to juggle
2. Pair it up with some sand buckets and spread them out and have your child practice their aim by tossing them into the buckets.
3.  Pelt each other with them.
4.  Make up two sets of different bags and play tic, tac, toe with them.
5.  Have each child put a bean bag on their head and have them try to knock the bean bag off their opponent’s head.  The person left with a bean bag on their head wins!
6.  Play Simon Says with them…”Simon says balance the bean bag on your elbow.  Simon says, throw the bean bag under your legs”
 
Good, clean, fun!
 LOVES!
 
originally posted this on The Idea Room