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.

How To Best Clean My Apple??

I am sure I am not the only one who has wondered lately if they are properly cleaning their fruits and veggies. I am hesitant to admit this, but I have actually washed my apples with dish soap.

I would rather risk soap, than some bacteria. (I just rinsed extremely well). I have also wondered about the veggie rinses available at the local markets. After a bit of research, I have found that vinegar diluted with water is a great home made solution for smooth skinned fruits and vegetables.

Mix:

1 c vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle.

An apple or pear would require about 6 squirts, and a final rinse of cold water.

In a study conducted by Cook's Illustrated and broadcasted by NPR, @ http:/www.npr.org, in a piece titled "What Does It Take to Clean Fresh Food", they found the vinegar rinse to be the most effective of the 4 techniques they tried:

1. Anti bac soap- not recommended. (I never used anti-bac)

2. Vinegar rinse (above recipe) & cold water rinse to follow. Removed 98% of the bacteria, in about 30 seconds.

3. Scrubbing fruit with a scrub brush. Removed 85% of the bacteria.

4. Cold water rinse. Water can remove 98% of bacteria if used to rinse and soak the produce.

This can be an effective solution for not so smooth produce. You could even add vinegar to the soak. Can we ever be to careful?

Smells Like Home!

I love this time of year!

It's all I can do to not start decorating for Christmas! Don't worry, the Christmas music has surfaced!

One of my favorite friends introduced me to this stovetop potpourri, it is amazing!

1 orange- cut up

3-4 cinnamon sticks

2-3 bay leaves

1/4-1/2 cup whole cloves

Add above ingredients to a saucepan, with plenty of water. Bring to a boil.

Reduce to simmer. Add water as needed! You can mix it up depending on the season. A citrus variety is great for Spring/ Summer. This is also a great gift. I put everything in to a cellophane bag, (just leave the orange whole). be sure to include the instructions.

Enjoy!