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.