Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial -- Cobbler baked in jars -- Um, um, good!

I found this on a blog called Not Martha.  I know I usually post a craft tutorial here, but this looked too good to miss out on.  These are actually little individual fruit cobblers baked in half-pint jars with lids.  Who would ever have thought of this?  The recipe looks easy and quick, the pictures are great and I only wish I could have smelled the aroma of the results!  This is a great tutorial for school and church bazaars, for quick little presents to give friends, for a wonderful picnic luch, to pack in lunch boxes, etc.  I want to try this with apple (my favorite) or maybe with peaches.  I'm not much of a berry girl, but who knows, with this recipes I may have to convert.

Not Martha

to make: cobbler baked in jars


I made these for the Seattle Bake Sale for Share Our Strength organized by Frantic Foodie (thanks Keren!). I had so much fun making pies in jars that I figured this was the perfect opportunity to bake something else in jars. This time I used half-pint wide mouth jars, a nice size for a bake sale.

(Half pint jars washed and drying.)
I used the blueberry cobbler recipe from Baking Illustrated. I was making 24 portions so the first time I tried to divide each recipe [...read more...]

Please go here to see the post on these wonderful cobblers.  Leave her a message to tell her how yours turn out.  I know I will be doing so.  She also has a link to Pies in Jars you might try.
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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial -- Toilet Paper Roll Wall Hanging

This is almost the same way I made my Christmas tree decorations, only I saw the procedure on the Carol Duval Show a long time ago.  I had a blast making these and they are really cute on my tree.  Here is a pic of how my snowflakes turned out.  Mine are white and dipped in glitter.




Recycled Toilet-Paper-Roll Wall Decor!

Toilet Paper Tube Wall Art On Blue2
I hope you've been saving those toilet paper rolls because this project is fantastic! But I can't take credit for the brilliant idea, that goes to my friend Tali the architect here. I've had this one on my agenda for ages and I've been diligently saving those rolls, and now I've got something special hanging in my kitchen. Yippee!
And I'm slowly chipping away at the list of recycled materials that I suggested you save. And toilet paper rolls can be stored collapsed and bound together with a rubber band if you're short on space!
This is a great project for all ages, and for those of you who'd like to get a head start on Succah decorations this would be perfect!
Toilet Paper Tube Wall Art On blue

My project is still in it's "natural" state, but I'm considering spray painting it gold. Then I have a feeling no one will guess it's humble origins!
You'll Need:
  • recycled toilet paper tubes, or paper towel tubes, lots of them!
  • white glue or a hot glue gun
  • lots of paper clips, if you're using white glue
Toilet Paper Tube Art How To
How To:
  1. Cut tubes into evenly sized rings. You do want the rings to be the same depth, so do take the extra time to measure! If you want to be a perfectionist, cut with a craft knife and a metal ruler.
  2. Start gluing tubes together. I used hot glue since it's quicker, but I'd recommend using the white glue and paper clips method for kids. Use the paper clips to hold the pieces together as they dry flat on a table.
  3. I really didn't have a plan so I decided to assemble flowers, and figure out what to do with them afterwards! You might want to actually design something first for more certain results. You could even plan your design on the computer!
  4. Run to the neighbors to see if they have some extra tubes, when you run out!
  5. Finish assembling your entire design and paint if desired. Hang and enjoy!
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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thursday--Spa Day

Clark Sandal Skin Graft 6-28-09 1Image by stevendepolo via Flickr
Everyone has them, everyone uses them; but how many really take care of them?  Feet, I mean.
I think if more people took proper care of their feet, they would in turn become healthier and happier.
Nothing can ruin your day like feet that hurt.  No one likes to have dry, cracked skin on their feet.  Here are some Natural Foot Care Products for you to try:

The skin on your feet needs to be taken care of in the same manner as the skin of your face. You need to clean it, exfoliate it and moisturize it like you would any other part of your body. There are a number of foot care products available in the market. But you can make your own natural foot care products at home. These products are simple and easy to make and use naturally available material. Given below are a few simple recipes of natural foot care products.

Lime Cleanser

Ingredients:
  • Paper towels
  • Lemon juice
Take a bowl and mix half water and half lemon juice. Then dip paper towels into the mixture and apply on to your feet. This will soften, smooth and remove odors from your feet. This recipe does not contain preservatives and requires refrigeration. The shelf life of this product is approximately one week.

Strawberry Foot Exfoliator

Ingredients:
  • 8 strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil or safflower oil
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped almonds
Mix all the ingredients together and make a paste of it. Do not blend too much as the strawberries have a lot of water and this will make the paste too watery. Massage it onto your feet, rinse off and dry your feet. This foot care product has no preservatives and has to be refrigerated. Shelf Life is about one week.

Relaxing Foot Lotion Recipe

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon almond oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
  • 12 drops eucalyptus essential oil or fragrance oil
Put all these ingredients into a dark colored bottle and shake it well. As and when you require rub into the feet and heels. Store in cool dry place. This recipe does not contain preservatives and requires refrigeration. Shelf life is approximately one week.

Make and use these simple natural foot care products at home and they will keep your feet healthy and beautiful.
These were found at this site along with many other recipes and tips for healthy, happy feet!
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Window Shopping Wednesday -- Noodle and Lou Studio

Here is an artist that I have been following for quite a while.  She does fantastic mixed media paintings and she loves vintage things.  Her blog is full of pictures of all types of vintage things.  She also makes the cutest little houses, called Lullettes.  I think the houses are what first caught my attention.  Anyway, here are some pictures of her work.  I invite you to visit here blog and go to her Etsy store to see her work.  I love it.  Her work is fun and happy.  You will find her at noodle and lou studio.
Aren't these just the cutest?


 She also makes really cute dolls:
Please visit her and leave her a message if you love her work as much as I do.
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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial -- Going Sew Crazy Clothespin Doll

Sometime last year, I found a really neat picture of sweet clothespin dolls that I really wanted to make but there was no tutorial.  I have kept looking since that time and I have finally found a tutorial that gives the same look and type of doll as the one I first saw. 

These look like lots of fun to make, seem simple enough, and probably won't cost you an arm and a leg.
I know I will be trying these out very soon.  When I do, I'll post my results here.

This tutorial is from Going Sew Crazy.
Please drop her a line and tell her how your dolls turned out.  I know I will.


 Mosaic7215424
I finally got this together! I am going to apologize first for the crappy photos. It has been horribly cloudy all day and I was working in my badly lit kitchen.
Supplies Needed:
-wooden clothespins
-wooden doll pin stands
-wooden dowel cap with 5/8" hole
-6 in. square of fabric
-small ribbon
-acrylic paint
-paintbrushes
-glue gun
-gloss varnish
-pencil
-small piece of flesh colored pipe cleaner
DSC_0001 copy
Steps:
-Draw face shape onto face with pencil.
-Paint face and top of pin in your choice of flesh color. Let dry. Repeat.
DSC_0004copy
-Paint pin stand and pin "legs". Let dry. Repeat.
-Paint hair onto dowel cap. Let dry. Repeat.
-Gloss varnish all parts. Let dry.
DSC_0009 copy
-Cut a 5" circle out of fabric. Cut a small hole in the middle and 2 small slits for the arms a bit down from the middle hole.
DSC_0014 copy
-Cut a small piece of flesh colored pipe cleaner and gluse to center back of clothespin.
DSC_0015copy
-Slip fabric over the "neck" of the pin. Slip "arms" into slits.
-Tie a small piece of ribbon around the waist and tie in a bow in the center back.
DSC_0024copy
-Glue head on doll and tilt to give it a sweet look.
-Glue doll pin into doll stand.
DSC_0037 copy
Some tips and tricks:
-Use tape or paper reinforcements on "legs" to make stripes or polka dots.
-You can leave the arms free or twist them together and glue something into the doll's hand. I used a mushroom in the pic above.
-You can also buy wooden spools and paint them and attach just the heads for fun trim and ribbon holders.
Let me know what you think! Have a great day ya'll!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Still working on the prayer dolls and other things

I have been in the middle of a terrible slump.  I don't want to finish anything.  I don't want to do anything.  I just sit and let the time pass me by. 

During this time of depression, I have managed to finish and give three of my prayer dolls away to my sister and my friends.  I have also managed to work on three more dolls, but they still need some work. 

I also started, but have not finished, an old friend.  Here are some pictures to show my progress, pitiful as it is.




Friday, June 4, 2010

My prayer dolls are leaving!

I just gave this one to my friend, Elizabeth.  She put it by her bed.  I am happy that she liked it.

I gave this one to my sister and she set it on her bookcase in her bedroom.  She likes hers, too.

On Sunday, I will be sending this one to another friend.  She is actually the reason I tried making these dolls.  She was in a crisis and I felt sending her a prayer doll might help.  Anyway, she will get hers Sunday.  I'll see if she likes it then.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Thursday--Spa Day


I received an email a day ago from a trusted source (actually a work at home mom source) that talked about a mother who had discovered that she was taking such good care of her baby girl that she was actually poisoning her!  Here is a list of items found in most personal care items that are toxic and are absorbed directly by your skin and what damage they actually do:

Here's a "top-ten" list of the most toxic types of substances in skin care products Dr. Sears' Wellness Research team identified - and the dangers they pose to your health:
 
Chemicals
Commonly Found
In Commercial Sunscreens
Dangerous Side Effects
1. Parabens "Endocrine disruptors," these gender-bending chemicals mimic estrogen, upset your hormonal balance, and can cause various reproductive cancers in men and women
2. PABA (may be listed as octyl-dimethyl or padimate-O) Attacks DNA and causes genetic mutation when exposed to sunlight
3. Mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum Coats skin like plastic and clogs pores, trapping toxins in, slows skin cell growth, disrupts normal hormone function, suspected of causing cancer
4. Sodium laurel, lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (sometimes listed as "from coconut" or "coconut derived" Combined with other chemicals, it becomes nitrosamine, a powerful cancer-causing agent; penetrates your skin's moisture barrier, allowing other dangerous chemicals to enter your bloodstream
5. Phenol carbolic acid Circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma, death from respiratory failure
6. Acrylamide Breast cancer
7. Octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC) Kills skin cells
8. Toluene (may be listed as benzoic, benzyl, or butylated hydroxtoluene) Anemia, low blood cell count, liver and kidney damage, birth defects
9. Propylene glycol Dermatitis, kidney and liver abnormalities, prevents skin growth, causes irritation
10. PEG, polysorbates, laureth, ethoxylated alcohol Potent carcinogens containing dioxane
You probably use them on your body every single day of your life. And since your skin is the largest organ of your body, these nasty chemicals go straight into your bloodstream.
Once they get inside of you, they mimic estrogen, disrupt your endocrine system, and throw your hormones out of whack.

So, that said, it makes even more sense to look into the possibility of making some of these products yourself--you have control over the ingredients and the method of manufacture.

Here is a link to a site that has numerous recipes for all types of personal care items.  Check out some of these at The Spa Index.  Another site that has many recipes to make your own personal care items is Craft Bits.  I know I will be looking these recipes over and seeing which product I want to make for myself as a way to "get my toe in the water" so to speak.  If it is as easy as they say, then I may go whole hog and make everything I use--actually I won't have to because my oldest daughter is now making me lip balm and soap.

Try some of these out and then let me know your results, won't you?  I would love to hear what worked and what flopped and what you think went well.  Talk to me, please!
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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Window Shopping Wednesday -- Megan Hoover

Here is an artist I found that I simply love.  Her work is fresh, funky, and funny.  All things that make for great art in my mind.  Please visit her blog at WANNA PAINT!  Below are a few of her paintings for you to get a little taste of her work.  Enjoy!






I especially love the little girl floating away with her heart! Such a great talent and a very nice lady, too.
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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thursday--Spa Day

I love when I find a recipe for a skin care product I use frequently, but find very expensive.  One of these things is the Biore pour strips -- very expensive but necessary!  Imagine my excitement when I found this recipe and tried it, only to discover that this works just as good if not better and only costs pennies!  That to me is a miracle in the making.  So, here is the recipe.  Try it, you'll like it!


Homemade Biore Pore Strips



Make your own homemade pore strips, similar to Biore
After a week of wearing makeup,  washing your face, moisturizing your face, and slathering all sorts of things all of it, a homemade pore cleanser can be the perfect remedy for big, clogged pores and lackluster skin.  The homemade pore strip is a quick homemade beauty remedy that is easy to make and will yield wonderful results.
  • 1 Tbsp Knox Unflavored Gelatin
  • 11/2 T Milk
  • Makeup brush (preferably large eye shadow bristle brush)
  • Water
  • Witch Hazel or Toner
  1. Mix milk and gelatin in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 10 seconds.
  2. Using a clean make-up brush, apply thin layer of water and Gelatin mask to problematic areas, staying clear of the eye area. 
  3. Let mask dry for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Gently tear off film once it's hardened.
  5. Rinse off skin areas, making sure to remove any excess film.
  6. Follow by applying a toner or witch hazel

Here is the link to the original article for this recipe. There are many more homemade and Budget Beauty Articles posted there for your enjoyment, too.
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tuesday Tutorial -- PolyDollys

Here's a really cute tutorial for making these little polymer clay doll pins.  This looks like the perfect craft to learn how to use polymer clay.
 
 
Materials:
* Your choice of several bright colors of Premo! polymer clay- 1 ounce (1/2 block) each color.
* clay blade
* craft or Xacto knife
* pasta machine set to widest setting
* brayer or acrylic rod
* *small "kid shaped" cookie cutter. NOTE: if you do not have a kid shaped cookie cutter, you will need paper, pencil and scissors
* super glue
* your choice of magnet or pin back.
* oven,
* oven-tested metal or glass pan to bake items on NOTE: a ceramic tile works well, too.
* timer
Directions:
1. To make a striped cane, condition your clay by running two colors through the pasta machine on the thickest setting.
2. Lay one color on top of the other, and trim using the clay blade.
3. The beginning of the loaf should look like this once it is trimmed.
4. Cut the pieces in half and re-stack on top of each other being careful not to put two of the same color together.
5. Keep cutting and re-stacking until you have a cube of clay stripes. If you have a clay roller or brayer, it helps to adhere the clay to itself if you press it down.
6. Choose two more bright colors and cut each into long thin strips.
7. Stack as you did in step 2, trim evenly.
8. Begin the cane by tightly rolling one of the short ends up upon the striped stack.
9. Continue rolling until you have formed a tightly integrated spiral.
10. Create several different sizes and color combinations of stripes and spirals.
11. Slice a thin slice off your choice of one of the striped canes.
12. The slice should not be too thin-it should be approximately 1/8 to 1/16 inch thick
13. If you have a small "kid shaped" cookie cutter, use that to cut a piece of backing clay in your choice of colors.
NOTE: If you do not have a kid shaped cutter, use the provided pattern to cut out the shape from white paper and adhere it to the top of the clay sheet, and use a craft knife to cut around the outside of the pattern.
14. Arrange several thin slices of canes on the kid shape, being sure to wrap them around the edges if needed. Use the craft knife or clay blade to cut canes to fit if necessary.
15. Roll small triangles for hands out of beige or brown clay, and press them to the hand area. Roll a small flat ball of clay for the head and adhere it as well.
16. If you have the cookie cutter, press it to the edge of a cane as shown to create a hat.
17. Press it to the top of the kid's head, and cut a small striped strip for the hat brim, and press it to the edge of the hat.
18. Press two small seed beads in for eyes.
19. Create many different kids using your imagination and have a wonderful time dressing them! Bake in pan for 30 minutes on the center rack of an oven that's been tested and set to bake reliably at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooled, add pin backs or magnets using super glue.
If you do not have cookie cutter: trace image onto white paper, clip with scissors and place on top of clay, cut around image using craft knife. (Note: image is 2 inches tall by 1/3/4 inches wide).

Here's the link to the original post
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Friday, May 21, 2010

I'm having a block and can't seem to get going again!

I have been procrastinating, or just plain avoiding, working on my art work.  I don't know what the problem is except that my life has become so chaotic and unstable and I never seem to have any time to do what I want instead of what others want.  I need therapy it seems.

Anyway, here are pictures of the latest work I have done on my prayer dolls.  Most of them simply need to be antiqued and varnished to be finished, and others still need some serious work.  Oh well.  At least I have something to work toward!



Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thursday--Spa Day

CreativeTools.se - PackshotCreator - Epsom saltImage by Creative Tools via Flickr
I have always had an interest in "alternative" methods of providing good health.  Epsom Salt has been a staple in my home for most of my life.  I was surprised that everyone did not know about the benefits to be had just by using this wonderful substance.  So, I found this article at ArticleSnatch that gives you many uses for this humble salt.  I highly recommend the use of Epsom salt in the bath before bedtime for a calming and relaxing soak that will ensure a superb sleep.  You do not wake in the morning with the usual stiffness, either.

I hope you enjoy this article and try some of these uses for your own good health.  Enjoy!  If you happen to visit the site mentioned below for the source, you will find that the lowly Epsom Salt is also very useful in your garden or for your lawn.  Try that out and see if you don't have the greenest lawn on the block!

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The Many Uses Of Epsom Salts - By: Dee Braun
 
I remember as a kid when my Great Aunt Grace would put some Epsom Salts in a dish pan, add really warm water and soak her feet because they hurt.

So, to me, that's what Epsom Salts was all about - a remedy for painful joints in old folks. Little did I know!

Times have changed - or have they?

All the talk about 'Natural Remedies' and 'getting back to basics' always floors me because my great aunt and my grandmothers were all doing this stuff when I was a little girl. So did my mom...and so have I. So, for me, there's been no 'getting back to' anything.

However, I'm not too old to learn and since learning is one thing I LOVE to do, I decided to learn more about Epsom Salts after reading a snippet on detoxification. Here's what I've found.

Studies show these benefits from the major components of Epsom Salt may:

Magnesium:

* Ease stress and improves sleep and Concentration

* Help muscles and nerves function properly

* Regulate activity of 325%2B enzymes

* Help prevent artery hardening and blood clots

* Make Insulin more effective

* Reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps

* Improve oxygen use

Sulfates:

* Flush Toxins

* Improve absorption of nutrients

* Help form joint Proteins, brain tissue and mucin Proteins

* Help prevent or ease Migraine Headaches

The Many Uses of Epsom Salts...

1) Wash your face before going to bed

According to recent studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, deposits of nicotine and carbon monoxide (from secondhand smoke and pollution) can wreck havoc on the skin..

To cleanse your face - Mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

2) Troubleshoot with the right homemade mask

Apply this mask in the shower, to your damp face, to lock in the moisture. 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.

3) Smoother Softer Skin

Pour two cups into a bath of warm water. Lean back and relax. As you soak, the natural action of Epsom Salt helps soften the rough, dry patches of your skin. You can also rub Epsom salts all over the body, while wet, then rinse and towel off. Rubbing Epsom salts directly on the body exfoliates skin and leaves it smooth and silky. They make a great gift to give someone when you put them in a nice glass jar with lid and tie on a pretty ribbon. You can add scent to them by sprinkling them with essential oil. Or mix Epsom salts with baby oil and keep by the sink if you wash your hands a lot.

4) Add Body to Your Hair

Combine 3 tablespoons of deep conditioner with 3 tablespoons of Epsom Salt. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds. Work the warm mixture through your hair from scalp to ends and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Promotes body and life in your hair and restores curl to permed hair.

5) Remove Hairspray and Gel Buildup

Combine a gallon of distilled water, a cup of Lemon juice (fresh or bottled), and 1 cup of Epsom Salt. Cap the mixture and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.

5) Soak tired, aching feet (this one sounds familiar!)

Soak aching, tired feet in a pan of water with half a cup of Epsom salts and not only will your feet feel better, but they'll smell better too. Epsom salts work to neutralize odor and soften skin. Soak feet until they feel better then rinse and dry well. A full bath should contain 2 cups of Epsom salts for relief of tired feet, back muscles, legs or just as a way to have softer skin.

6) Combat oily hair

The salts do wonders for the hair, absorbing oil from problem hair by adding 8 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a half a cup of shampoo that's formulated for oily hair. Put a tablespoon of the shampoo mixture on dry hair and work it in and around the scalp area, rinsing it out with cold water. To rinse it well, and further treat oily hair, pour a cup of apple cider vinegar over the hair, leave on for 5 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

7) Soak out splinters

Did you know, for instance, that soaking a splinter in Epsom salts can release the splinter and help the area to heal?

8) Make a poultice pack for strains or sprains

If you have any strained muscles or sprains, you can take 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salts and make a "pack" with it to place on the affected area, wrap with hot towel and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. TIP: This can be a lot less messy and more relaxing if done in the bath.

9) Helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots

Epsom Salt is also believed to help prevent Heart Disease and strokes by lowering blood pressure, protecting the elasticity of arteries, preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of sudden Heart Attack deaths.

10) Makes Insulin more effective

This salt also increases the effectiveness of Insulin, helping to lower the risk or severity of Diabetes.

11) Essential to plant health

Most plants to survive good health need nutrients like magnesium and sulfur. Magnesium Sulfate Crystals when added to the soil, provides vital nutrients to help prevent loss of green color (magnesium is an essential element in the chlorophyll molecule), yellowing leaves. Epsom Salt makes the primary nutrients in most plant foods (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) more effective.

12) Get rid of raccoons

Are the masked night marauders poking around your trash can, creating a mess and raising a din? A few tablespoons of Epsom salt spread around your garbage cans will deter the raccoons, who don't like the taste of the stuff. Don't forget to reapply after it rains.

13) Deter slugs

Are you tired of visiting your yard at night only to find the place crawling with slimy slugs? Sprinkle Epsom salt where they glide and say good-bye to the slugs.

14) Fertilize tomatoes and other plants

Want those Big Boys to be big? Add Epsom salt as a foolproof fertilizer. Every week, for every foot of height of your tomato plant, add one tablespoon. Your tomatoes will be the envy of the neighbor-hood. Epsom salt is also a good fertilizer for houseplants, roses and other flowers, and trees.

15) Make your grass greener

How green is your valley? Not green enough, you say? Epsom salt, which adds needed magnesium and iron to your soil, may be the answer. Add 2 tablespoons to 1 gallon (3.7 liters) of water. Spread on your lawn and then water it with plain water to make sure it soaks into the grass.

16) Clean bathroom tiles

Is the tile in your bathroom getting that grungy look? Time to bring in the Epsom salt. Mix it in equal parts with liquid dish detergent, then dab it onto the offending area and start scrubbing. The Epsom salt works with the detergent to scrub and dissolve the grime.

17) Regenerate a car battery

Is your car battery starting to sound as if it won't turn over? Worried that you'll be stuck the next time you try to start your car? Give your battery a little more life with this potion. Dissolve about an ounce of Epsom salt in warm water and add it to each battery cell.

18) Get rid of blackheads

Here's a surefire way to dislodge blackheads: Mix 1 teaspoon Epsom salt and 3 drops iodine in 1/2 cup boiling water. When the mixture cools enough to stick your finger in it, apply it to the blackhead with a cotton ball. Repeat this three or four times, reheating the solution if necessary. Gently remove the blackhead and then dab the area with an alcohol-based astringent.

19) Frost your windows for Christmas

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, but the weather won't cooperate, at least you can make your windows look frosty. Mix Epsom salt with stale beer until the salt stops dissolving. Apply the mixture to your windows with a sponge -- for a realistic look, sweep the sponge in an arc at the bottom corners. When the mixture dries, the windows will look frosted.

20) Relieves Constipation

Numerous studies have revealed that Epsom Salt can also be used to treat Constipation. The salt acts like a Laxative. It increases the water in the intestines and can bring about temporary relief from Constipation. However, it is strictly warned that Epsom Salts should not be used to relieve Constipation without the consultation of a physician as it may prove to be harmful in some cases. For occasional Constipation or irregularity, adults can mix 2 to 4 teaspoons into water until dissolved and drink. Kids 6 to 12 take half of that. This can be used twice a day by taking the first treatment, waiting 4 hours and taking the second dosage if necessary.

Sources:

epsomsaltcouncil.org/

I remember as a kid when my Great Aunt Grace would put some Epsom Salts in a dish pan, add really warm water and soak her feet because they hurt. So, to me, that's what Epsom Salts was all about - a remedy for painful joints in old folks. Little did I know! So, I decided to learn more.

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6 kids, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Mom's Blog at http://www.moms-blog.com/ - a blog just for moms (and dads!) which offers more information on green living, children's health, child natural remedies and parenting advice and insight.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Window Shopping Wednesday -- LoopyBoopy

Today I will showcase another of my favortie doll makers here on the net.  I hope you love her work as much as I do.  Her dolls have such character and New Orleans Style!  So, here are some pictures of her dolls and here is a link to visit her site and to visit her Etsy store.  Enjoy!



Why Are Orcas Attacking Boats?

Recently I have been reading articles and news about Orcas attacking boats and causing quite a bit of anxiety.  Since these whales hunt in p...