Say Goodbye to Smelly Shoes!

One of my favorite uses beyond the washing machine, for peppermint laundry soap, is to refresh stinky shoes.  I was speaking to a friend the other day about how surprised she was to have her sons baseball cleats in her laundry room, with no odiferous evidence.  She was musing over how many failed attempts she had at ridding her son's shoes of odor.  She actually said, and I quote, "I wish I could do a commercial about your laundry soap."
I had to smile, only because we have some smelly feet at our house also.  It brought back an experience from several years ago.  We were on a road trip, traveling by RV to Canada.  We had stopped at the Mall of America and one of our sons had purchased a new pair of tennis shoes.  The old pair was stashed in a shopping bag and thrown in the back of the "Big Car".  After much searching for the animal that must have stowed away and died under the RV...we realized the source of the putrid odor...the old shoes.  I wish I knew then what I know now!!
Sprinkle peppermint laundry soap in the bottom of the offending shoe, cleat, hockey skate etc. and be rid of the odor.  That simple!!  Give it a try!

Welcome Winter!!

We had our first snow last week!
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to have school cancelled.
Snow days are amazing!!
With the cold weather come some challenges;
chapped lips and cold sores to name a few.

For cold sores, dab the area a few times a day with a
wet, warm black tea bag for 5 minutes.  The tannins found in black tea
have an anti inflammatory effect on cold sores.

For chapped lips, go to bed with honey on your lips.  Honey's
antibacterial properties can help moisturize cracked lips and prevent infection.
These ideas come from the 2013 edition of the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Honey is also great to treat mild burns, for the same reasons I listed above.
It s one of those super foods!  Especially if you can find honey local to your area.

Messes in the Microwave

As I ponder all the chemicals we use, not to mention inhale....as we attempt to keep things clean and orderly, I am especially bothered by the thought of the chemicals we clean the microwave with.  Do they linger and attach themselves to our food?  Most likely.  I have always been a big believer that basic dishwashing liquid is awesome for sinks, countertops etc.  I would also say it is my top choice for cleaning the microwave glass tray etc.
Although, there are those random times when you open the microwave to find it completely splattered with who knows what, and it has been there who knows how long... for these times, combine 2 T lemon juice and 1 cup water in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat to a boil for 2-3 minutes.  Let it stand for a few more minutes to continue to moisten the mystery debris.  Wipe down walls with a damp paper  towel.
Another of my favorite microwave tips is to place your damp (never dry, as it could catch fire) sponge in the microwave for 2 min.  It helps keep it germ free.

Magic Eraser

As I was vacuuming up dead moths... again ..., I was thinking that this may be the worst year ever regarding moths.  There are so many things that are better living in the country, the sunsets,  the quiet,  racing snowmobiles around the dormant fields when fresh snow has fallen to name a few.
There are also some things that are not so great... thousands of moths for starters.
 With the moths come the unpleasant rusty colored spots on the white woodwork.
 
I love the product Bar Keepers Friend.  It is amazing at getting scuff marks left behind by pots and pans from your white porcelain sinks.  Awesome at keeping copper cookware looking pristine (I know who buys copper cookware?)  It was a gift:).  Also at removing the nasty moth residue.  It is one of my favorite go to cleaning aids.

Add a minimal amount of the Bar Keepers Friend to a damp sponge (soft or abrasive side depending on the job) and it is magical.

Green Weed Barriers

To keep your garden weed free, spread newspaper over existing weeds or bare ground(preferably no colored ink) and get wet.  Cover with grass clippings!  Voila!!
The paper will smother whatever is underneath and eventually decompose  Works like a charm!

Beautiful People

I can't imagine a world without music!  One sweet friend, made me an entire cd of "happy songs" as she called it!  I have been enjoying it immensely.  She is a good example of what I am musing about here today.  Having grown up in the South,  Country music is a part of me.  As I was driving this morning, I was listening to Tim McGraw's "Beautiful People".  What an inspiring song, the message is so pure.  It is one of those songs that helps me keep perspective.  The "list" that is sometimes so daunting, was created by me... maybe I should add things to it like: " make someone's day" or "be truly present for my loved ones, giving them my full attention".  I know that time spent with family and friends is far more important  and more rewarding than completing my list.  I have also noticed that the dirty dishes will wait for me, no worries!!  I realize I am a bit late to be making resolutions, but I am going to try to live a fuller life.  Full with things of true value.  I am the first to admit that we are all happier when things are neat and clean,  I am not going to give up on that,  just not stress about it as much!
Wish me luck!

Has Spring Sprung?

I am starting to see the heads of the tulips and daffodils poking through the ground.  I love Colorado!
I love the seasons.   Just when I have had enough of one season... the next one arrives.
To discourage rabbits from nibbling on flower buds, occasionally, very lightly, sprinkle baking soda
around flower beds.

Good As New!

I hate those brown stains that randomly show up on the bottom of the iron.
It is even worse when they stay behind on white collars.
An easy trick to remove that nasty brown residue is to just wipe the bottom of your cold
iron with a rag soaked in white vinegar.  (full strength).
Going forward, only use distilled water for steam in your iron.  

Nothing Like a Bright White Smile

This is a recipe for a natural teeth whitener:

1 part toothpaste
1 part baking soda
1 part hydrogen peroxide

DO NOT SWALLOW!  Brush as usual.  You could do this weekly!

Ring Around the Collar

I am sure we have all seen and dealt with ring around the collar at some point.

This is an easy solution to an annoying issue:
Make a paste using vinegar and baking soda.  Apply to the collar, then launder as usual.

Detoxifying Juice

I have very fond childhood memories of my grandmother juicing carrots with various other vegetables.
I discovered a mix the other day that is delicious.
It is:
4 carrots
1 grapefruit (peeled)
ginger - to taste
This is very refreshing and the color is most amazing.
Please share your favorite blends as well.

Almost summer...

It won't be long and we'll be packing our bag for summer afternoons by the pool.  I must admit I love those lazy days with family, friends and sunshine!
On that rare occasion that we don't unpack as quickly as we packed, there is nothing worse than finding one of our favorite pieces of clothing stained with mildew.
A green solution for this is:
Make a paste of salt and lemon juice and apply it to the stain.  Dry the clothes in the sun.  You can repeat the process as needed.  Wash the garment as usual when the mildew is fully removed.

Thoughts on Whole Living

I love the "Whole Living" magazine. These are some of the "10 thoughts on whole living" from the Feb 2012 issue; Nourish your mind as carefully as you nourish your body. Brisk, crisp invigorating- remember all the positive sides of winter. Finding balance in your relationship requires all your senses. If you feel the need to be critical, be sure the urge is coming from a place of kindness. When you break a small bad habit, you teach yourself that you can change anything. Prosperity begins with the assumption that there's more than enough for everyone. Speak your mind. Unmet needs create resentment when they go unexpressed. The new year isn't a do-over; it's an opportunity to take your next big step. I might add also that today is the first day of the rest of your life! Make it count!

"These Socks Smell Like Butt"

I have noticed lately that some of the major detergent companies are promoting what we have known all along, exercise and athletic clothing need special attention. Two things stand out: 1. Exercise clothes are expensive. Our handmade soaps have NO added fillers, such as salt. These additives are destructive to athletic gear. 2. They also can smell really bad!!! Having four sons of my own... three of whom are currently involved in athletics at a college level, I am thrilled by the results achieved with our peppermint laundry soap. No more stinky socks! Peppermint has been used anciently by many cultures, because of its extremely useful health promoting properties. It helps the respiratory system and is an antiseptic, to name a few.