Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

http://www.make-stuff.com/formulas/insects.html

Formulas to get rid of insects in your home
ANTS

To keep ants out of a house or a garden: sprinkle ground cinnamon around base of house. (I get the bulk cheap stuff works great no ants in 7 yrs!) You can also sprinkle it on ant beds, to kill the ants (or they will travel to your neighbors yards). For your garden: sprinkle concentrated lemon juice round the whole garden, keeps ants & insects out of garden. Both are ok to use if you have pets or little kids around, safe for all to use & you can get the kids to do it for you without worry! Contributed by Bunnewuv@aol.com

ANTS formula 2:
Ingredients:

* Boric Acid
* Sugar
* Cotton Balls

Mix Boric Acid and Sugar in a bowl. Then soak Cotton ball in Mixture and let dry. Place Cotton balls in path of Ants.Contributed by Michelle Potter

ANT TRAPS:
Ingredients:

* 1/3 cup molasses
* 6 tablespoons sugar
* 6 tablespoons active dry yeast

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl until they form a smooth past. Spread the mixture into plastic lid. Any old plastic container will do. Set the mixture near the mouth of ant hill. For kitchen areas, coat a strip of cardboard with the mixture and lay along floor or in crevices where ants travel. Works best with medium to large ants. Try substituting honey for the molasses.

FLY REPELLANT (Day Time)
Ingredients:

* Plastic Zip lock bags
* Water
* Paper clip

Fill plastic zip lock bage 1/2 full with water
punch smmall hole through Ziplock bag with paper clip and and thread it to the first loop
Hag bag using paper clip where Flies are.

MAKE YOUR OWN FLY PAPER

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour over strips of brown paper and let soak overnight. To hang, poke a hole in one end of a strip and tie a string to it.

MOSQUITO/INSECT REPELLENT

Formula 1: Ingrediance

* aloe vera gel
* essential oils of citronella
* tea tree oil
* lavender oil

Stir all ingrediance together
Mix becomes opaque. (make it as strong as y0u like)

contributed by Lucy

Formula 2: Ingredients

* 3 cups rubbing alcohol
* 1 1/2 cups red cedar wood shavings
* 1/2 cup eucalyptus leaves

Mix ingredients together in a large bowl or jar. Cover and let stand 5 days. Strain the solid ingredients out and save the remaining liquid. Store tightly sealed. Yield: 2 cups. To use, pour into a small spray bottle and spray lightly on skin.

Formula 3: Ingredients

* 1/4 cup denatured alcohol
* 1 1/2 teaspoons camphor
* 1 1/2 teaspoons calcium chloride

Mix ingredients together in a bowl and stir until dissolved. To use, rub on skin before going outside, or pour into a small spray bottle and spray lightly on skin. CAUTION: Do not use near eyes. Discontinue use if you notice a rash or other allergic reaction.

Formula 4: Ingredients Mix together:

* One ounce of either oil of citronella or pennyroyal
* Baby oil or vegetable oil, a few drops

Citronella and pennyroyal can be found at most health food stores. Apply to skin before going outside.
(Note: caution should be used with penny royal around or by pregnant women )

Formula 5: Ingredients

* Four parts glycerin
* 4 parts alcohol
* 1 part eucalyptus oil

Or make a solution of equal parts of isopropyl alcohol and methyl phthalate.

Avon’s Skin-So-Soft
Although some people swear by this product, I didn’t find it to be particularly effective.

The castor bean plant
Seeds available from any nursery. Plant in pots within the house; replant outdoors. Decorative and they grow like weeds! (Please read note 1)

Garlic Juice
My grandson is allergic to any type of repellent with chemicals in it. So we use a mixture of Garlic juice and water. Use at least 1 part garlic juice to 5 parts water in a small personal size spray bottle. Works every time, works great in the woods, hubby forgot one day and had a terrible case of chiggers. We originally started to use this in our garden instead of poisons and decided to use it on ourselves since it worked so well. Contributed by Becky Holcomb, LHolc55865@aol.com

ROACH EXTERMINATOR

Mix the following:

* Borax, one pound
* Powdered sugar, 60 oz.
* One oz. cocoa powder
* Two oz. sodium fluoride

Mix well and sprinkle around places pests are known to frequent. Keep out of reach of children!

MOTH PAPER

Melt together

* 4 parts naphthalene and
* 8 parts paraffin wax

Paint on paper while still warm.

Note1:the castor bean contain ricin which is harmfull if eaten. PLEASE keep seeds out of the reach of children and pets.

Caution should be use with all chemicals and plants.
Please read warnings labels before using.

http://www.make-stuff.com/gardening/garden_formulas.html

INSECTS IN THE GARDEN
APHIDS:
To keep aphids and other pests off your roses: Finely chop

* 1 onion
* 2 medium cloves of garlic

Put ingredients into a blender with 2 cups of water and blend on high. Strain out pulp. Pour liquid into spray bottle. Spray a fine mist on rose bushes, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves.

ALUMINUM FOIL “FOILS” APHIDS
Use an aluminum foil much around the base of plants such as tomatoes. The reflection confuses the insects and drives them away.

SPIDER MITES:
Combine 1/2 cup buttermilk, 4 cups wheat flour and 5 gallons water. Suffocates spider mites and other mites.

MEALYBUGS:
Apply rubbing alcohol to insect clusters with cotton swab. Wash with insecticidal soap and rinse. Isolate infected plant if possible.

CABBAGE WORMS:
Sprinkle flour on developing cabbage heads. The flour swells up inside the worms and bursts their intestines.

SLUGS:

* Sprinkle salt directly onto slug. They shrivel up and die.
* Place shallow bowl of beer on the ground near slug trails and leave overnight.
* Copper wire? That’s what Martha Stewart says. Coil a piece of wire around the base of your plants to give slugs a shocking experience. They won’t come back.

GENERAL INSECT REPELLENT:
To help protect fs, vegetables and shrubs from insects attacks.

Recipe 1:

* 1/2 cup dead insects
* 2 cups water

When insects infest fs, vegetables or shrubs, identify and gather the pests. Collect at least 1/2 cupful. Place in an old blender with the water. Blend on high, and then strain out the pulp using a cheesecloth or fine sieve. Dilute at a rate of 1/4 cup to 1 cup of water. Pour liquid into a spray bottle and apply to plants. Will keep up to a year, stored in a tightly sealed container.

Recipe 2:

* 3 hot green peppers (canned or fresh)
* 2 or 3 cloves garlic
* 3/4 tsp liquid soap
* 3 cups water

Puree the peppers and garlic cloves in a blender. Pour into a spray bottle and add the liquid soap and water. Let stand 24 hours. Strain out pulp and spray onto infested plants, making sure to coat both tops and bottoms of leaves.

CAUTION: Always test any new insecticide on a few small leaves before starting a full-scale application.
TIPS:

Helpful Plants:
Intersperse your roses and vegetables with other helpful plants, such as onions, garlic, and chives.

Helpful Bugs:
Ladybird beetles (ladybugs) and praying mantis are great assistants to gardeners. Ladybugs are sold in a “cold” state. The praying mantis egg sac is usually obtained from a garden supply store, or hardware store with a gardening center. Secure the sac to the stem of a plant in the center of an infested area. When the insects hatch, they will quickly devour aphids and other problem insects.

NOTE: Both of these helpful insects will stay in an area where there is plenty to eat. If you have only one or two lightly infested rose bushes, don’t expect your helpers to stick around.

http://www.make-stuff.com/formulas/cough_cold.html

Cough and Cold Remedies
Try some of these recipes for homemade cough and cold remedies:

Ginger Tea

* 1 inch or so fresh ginger root, sliced thin or grated
* 1/2 a fresh lemon, sliced (peel & all)
* 1 clove garlic, mashed
* ~2 c water
* Very generous spoonful honey

Place water, ginger, lemon, & garlic in saucepan; bring to boil, then turn down heat and simmer gently for 20 min. Strain into mugs and add lots of honey. The tea *will* get stronger if you let it sit! Most invigorating!

The garlic adds a bit of bitterness, but the honey masks that. This tea is very soothing to the throat and warms and opens the chest and nasal passages. Plus there are all those vitamins and other good things! I now make this tea at the first sign of a cold, which helps me fight it off. I find it more effective than the commercial hot lemon remedies, and of course cheaper!
Contributed by Kim Goddard,

Old Fashioned Mustard Plaster
Helps relieve chest congestion due to colds.

* 1 tbsp dry mustard
* 1/4 cup flour
* Lukewarm water

Sift together mustard and flour in a bowl. Slowly add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the plaster on a piece of muslin big enough to cover chest. Cover with another piece of muslin.

Make sure the skin is dry. Place the mustard plaster on the chest. Check frequently and discontinue if there is any kind of allergic reaction. Remove when skin begins to turn red, usually after 10-20 minutes, and don’t leave on any longer than 30 minutes at a time. Then rub the chest w/ petroleum jelly to keep the heat in. Treat twice daily until congestion clears up.

NOTE: For children, reduce amount of flour to 6 tbsp.

Simple Cough Syrup

* 3 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 cup honey
* 1/4 cup warm water

Combine lemon juice and honey in a bowl. Slowly stir in the water. Store in a covered jar in the refrigerator - take 1-2 tbsp as needed for cough.

To soothe a sore throat, add 1 tbsp of mixture to a cup of comfrey root, chamomile or rosemary tea.

Cranberry Soup

* 1 cup cranberries
* 2 cups water
* Honey to taste
* 1 tbsp potato starch

Heat cranberries and water together until cranberry skins open. Strain and add honey to taste. Bring mixture close to a boil, then remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix starch with 2 tbsp cold water. Slowly add this mixture to the cranberry juice - stir vigorously.

Return mixture to heat and bring to full boil, stirring until it thickens and becomes slightly transparent. Store in refrigerator in a covered container. Serve w/ warm cream. Soothes colds, and is a good source of vitamins C and B.

Hyssop Cough Syrup

Licorice flavored, soothes sore throats.

* 2 tbsp dried hyssop (f tops) or 1/3 cup fresh hyssop (chopped fs)
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 cup honey
* 1 tsp aniseed

In a saucepan combine honey and water. Stir until the mixture is consistency of pancake syrup. Bring slowly to a boil (over a medium heat). Skim off any scum that rises to the surface.

Use 1-2 tbsp water to moisten the dried hyssop. Crush the aniseed. Stir both into the honey. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and allow to cool. While the mixture is still a little warm, strain into a jar. When completely cooled, screw on the lid. Should keep for 1 week.

Glycerine Lemon Cough Syrup

* 1 lemon
* 2 tbsp glycerine
* 2 tbsp honey

Heat the lemon by boiling it in water for 10 minutes. Cut in half and squeeze out the juice. Add the glycerine and honey. Take 1 tsp as needed.

Marshmallow Cough Syrup

* 2 cups water
* 2 cups sugar
* 1/4 cup orange juice or juice of 1 lemon
* 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp chopped dried marshmallow root

In a small saucepan, bring the marshmallow root and water to a boil. Recuce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain liquid into another saucepan (should result in about 1 cup). Over a low heat, slowly stir in the sugar until it becomes thick and granules completely dissolve. (Stir in more water if the mixture becomes too thick.) Remove from heat and stir in the orange juice. Transfer to a container and allow to cool before covering tightly.

Wild Cherry Cough Syrup

* 2 cups water
* 2 cups sugar
* 1/2 tsp cream of tartar (scant)
* 1 tsp wild cherry bark
* 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 tsp chopped dried marshmallow root

Make a decoction of the cherry bark and marshmallow root. (Boil in water for about 4 minutes. Steep the mixture with the cover on the pot for a few minutes.) Slowly stir in the sugar and cream of tartar, simmer until the mixture becomes thick and sugar granules completely dissolve. Transfer to a container and allow to cool before covering tightly.

Lemon Cayenne Throat Soother

Mix 1 tsp honey with 1 tsp lemon juice and dash of cayenne pepper. Take like cough syrup. This does not prevent cough, but does relieve throat pain in two ways. First, the honey and lemon coat the throat. Second, the cayenne pepper brings blood cells needed to fight off infection to the throat area.
Contributed by Beth,

http://www.make-stuff.com/cooking/tea.html

HERBAL TEAS FROM PLANTS AROUND US AND THEIR BENEFITS
Persimmon Tea:The leaves when dried and crushed make a fine strong tea. Can be used all year round. Rich in vitamin C. Used as a healthful tonic.

Sassafras Tea:Boil fresh roots after washing, until water turns reddish brown. Can be sliced and dried for later use. Claimed by some to be a blood thinner, a blood purifier, to help bronchitis, a stimulating spring tonic. Mostly it is used for pure enjoyment.

Birch Tea (Wintergreen): Black, yellow and white birch. Dried leaves can be used year round. A large handful of fresh leaves steeped in hot water was drunk 1 to 2 cups a day for rheumatism and headaches. Said to reduce pain of passing kidney stones, and a fever reducer. Cold it was used as a mouthwash.

Blackberry/Raspberry Tea: The dried mature leaves of these brambles make a good tea. Used to help control diarrhea, as a blood purifier and tonic. Use all year round.

Blueberry Tea: The dried mature leaves are steeped until cool and drunk 1 to 2 cups per day as a blood purifier and tonic. Also used to help inflamed kidneys and increase the flow of urine. Somewhat bitter. Use all year round.

Alfalfa Tea: The dried and powdered leaves and f heads make a very nutritious tea, but it is somewhat bland. We suggest mixing them with normal teas to stretch them and add nutrition. Its vitamin content was the reason it was used. Used all year round.

Wild Strawberry Tea: >Use dried leaves normally. Pour several cups boiling water over a handful of fresh leaves in the evening. Cover and let steep overnight. Strain water and reheat in the morning. Believed to help with a multitude of things, from stomach troubles, eczema, diarrhea, etc. According to experts, it is much more healthful than purchased coffee or teas. Use all year round.

Wild Rose-Hip Tea: A handful of these steeped for 10 minutes, then strained, make a healthful tea. Can be used dried or fresh in season. Instead of boiling, place a handful in cool water overnight, then stain and reheat in the morning. Use all year round. Strong Vitamin C content. Helps with Colds and the flu. Also for sore throat.

Sweet Goldenrod Tea (Anise): Can use dried or fresh leaves or fs. Makes a very flavorful tea. Pure enjoyment only!! Used all year round.

Soldier’s Herb Tea: This common yard weed with green leaves and two seedie spikes was used by the colonials and Indians alike. One teaspoon of seeds per cup of boiling water steeped for 1/2 hour was used for dropsy and jaundice. A tea from fresh leaves (chopped fine), one heaping teaspoon per cup of boiling water steeped for 1/2 hour. For dried powdered leaves, use one level teaspoon and reduce time to 15 minutes. Drunk 4 to 5 times a day until relief was obtained. Used for gout, to help clean out nasal passages and to slow menstruation. Also used to expel worms. A tea cooled made from rainwater was used as an eyewash.

Ginger Tea: Good for nausea and motion sickness. Make a tea using ginger, or add some ginger to a cup of weak black tea.

Rosemary Tea: A handful of rosemary steeped for 10 minutes - this tea is good for headaches.

Herbal Cranberry Apple Tea

* 1 part dried cranberries (cut in small pieces)
* 1 part Dried Apples (cut in small pieces)
* 1 part hibiscus
* 1 part dried Chamomile

Blend together and add 1 tsp in a teaball to 1 cup of boiling water! This is so fruity and relaxing also! Contributed by Lisa Van den Boomen, freya@videotron.ca
TIPS:

All teas unless specified are brewed with 1 teaspoon dry material or 2 teaspoons fresh material to 1 cup of water. Always steep. This means pouring hot water over material and letting set for 5 - 15 minutes. Always dry leaves and roots out of the sun, in dark airy places. Then store in airtight containers.

See also How to Make and Use Herb Preparations.

Check out the Tea Discussion Board, the message board for tea lov

http://www.make-stuff.com/cooking/coffee.html

COFFEE SUBSTITUTES FROM PLANTS AROUND US
The American Beech Tree’s nuts when taken out of the husks, roasted until dark and brittle, then ground, will make a fine coffee. Store this in an airtight container. They are best collected after the first hard frost when they normally drop to the ground. Once stored, they can be used all year round. You might have to fight the squirrels for them. Prepare normally.

Chicory coffee- remember that blue f with almost leafless stalks that grow just about everywhere there’s a road? They look like daisies, but their petals are blue and are squared off at the ends. The white fleshy roots, roasted until dark brown and brittle, then ground, make an excellent coffee. Prepare like coffee. Use 1-1/2 tsp. per cup of water. Store in an airtight container. Use all year round.

Parsnip coffee - finely chop (or grate) a batch of fresh parsnip roots (skins and all), to the consistency of hash brown potatoes. Dehidrate the bits, then roast them at 400° for about 20 minutes, or until they’re a very dark brown. Allow to cool in the oven (turn the oven off). Then steep the parnip bits in scalding hot water - one rounded tablespoon per cup.

Wheat coffee - Grind 6 cups of wheat in a coffee grinder. (If you don’t have a grinder, buy the wheat alredy cracked.) Combine with 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of molasses, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well to a consistency of a paste, then spread on cookie sheets. Bake at 350° till brown (watch carefully so they don’t burn). When brown, reduce oven heat to low and allow to dry until mixture is crisp. When cool, break the mixture into pieces and grind in coffee grinder or food processor (or just crush with a rolling pin). Store in dry, airtight container. Prepare coffee as you would with regular coffee. If you want a bit more kick and flavor, add one cup of regular coffee to the mixture.

Garbanzo beans (chickpea) coffee- Roast ckickpeas at 300° until dark brown - the color of roasted cofee beans. Then grind the beans in a coffee grinder to the same consistency you desire in regular coffee grounds. These beans seems to do better in a percolator, or boiled and then strained, rather than the quick-drip-through coffee makers.

Barley coffee - Spread barley, husks and all, onto a cookie sheet and roast at 425°, stirring/turning occasionally, until completely dark brown. Grind and use 1 heaping tsp per cup of water.

http://www.make-stuff.com/gardening/potpourri.html

MAKE YOUR OWN POTPOURRI / SACHETS
You can use almost anything in your garden to make an aromatic potpourri mixture. Traditionally, potpourri is a mixture of dried fs and other ingredients, placed in open containers, like small bowls or cups and placed to allow their aroma to delicately scent the room. Sachets are usually small cloth “pillows” containing potpourri, which can be used almost anywhere. Sachets have the advantage of being portable, you can place them in drawers, pin them to pillows, or carry them in your purse wherever you go.

Generally, potpourri ingredients should not be finely ground, petals of fs should be lightly crushed. Ingredients such as cinnamon sticks or orange peels should be broken into small pieces or finely chopped.

Some fs that are especially good to use in potpourri are roses, carnations, hibiscus, violets, sunfs, and lavendar. Some herbs that work well in potpourri are chamomile, lavender, thyme, sage and rosemary. Eucalyptus leaves are a nice addition to any potpourri. You shouldn’t limit yourself to this list however. Experiment, use your imagination and whatever you have at hand.

For all the following recipes, start with bone dry fs, leaves, herbs and spices.

POTPOURRI RECIPES:

* Essence of Rose

Ingredients:

* 1 cup pink rose petals
* 1/2 cup red rose petals
* 1/2 cup white rose petals
* 1/4 cup chamomile fs
* 1/2 cup crushed statice (blue or white)
* 1/4 cup eucalyptus leaves
* 1/4 cup oakmoss
* 20 drops rose oil

Gently combine petals and leaves in a large bowl. Scatter drops of rose oil over the mixture using an eyedropper. Stir gently. Place mixture in a brown paper bag lined with wax paper. Fold and seal the bag with a paper clip and leave in a dry, dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Every other day, stir the contents gently to blend and disperse ingredients and scents. Place in glass bowls or candy dishes. Top with small white or pink rose buds.

* Floral 1

Combine 3/4 cup calamus root, 1/2 cup caraway seeds, 1/4 cup ground cloves, 2 cups lavender fs, 1 cup marjoram, 1 cup mint, 2 cups rose leaves, 1/2 cup rosemary and 1/4 cup thyme. Mix well.

* Floral 2

Combine

* 10 marigold blossoms
* 6 geranium leaves
* 5 rose blossoms
* 2 tsp dried lavender
* 2 tsp orrisroot
* 2 drops rose fixative

* Spice

Combine 1/4 cup orrisroot, 4 cups lavender fs, 3 cups patchouli, 1/4 cup ground cloves, 1 cup deerstongue leaves and 1/2 cup ground allspice. Add 10 drops oil of rose, 10 drops oil of lavender, 12 drops oil of neroli and 1/4 tsp. oil of sandalwood. Mix well.

* Cassie

Combine 4 cups cassie fs, 1/4 cup orrisroot powder and 1/2 cup starch. Mix well.

* Pine

Combine:

* 1/2 cup bayberry leaves
* 1/2 cup snipped balsam needles
* 1/2 cup miniature pine cones
* 1/2 cup rose hips
* 2 tsp orrisroot
* 2 drops pine-scented fixative

Mix the bayberry, balsam, pine cones and rose hips in a large bowl. Add the orrisroot and fixative and stir gently. This makes a great Christmas potpourri!

More stuff...

* Processed Corn Cob Additive - Put some ground corn cob material (sold as cellulose, or litter material at your Walmart or pet store) in a jar. Add several drops of essential oil, place lid on jar and shake. Shake jar about once every day or so for about 10 days. Add it to your potpourri to give body and help hold the scent.

Potpourri Filler - If you don’t have enough dried fs to make potpourri, or if you just need some filler, remember you can use almost anything in your mixture. Pine cones (whole or just the petals), bark, leaves, etc. Orris root is commonly used as a filler/fixative. Another alternative is to buy a “Filler”.

*Make Your Own Sachets
* TIPS!

Got bugs? Try these ideas:
Bag up your potpourri in freezer zip-locks and place in the freezer for a minimum of two weeks. This should also kill the adults and eggs. Afterwards use a collander to sift out the bugs. If you use large quantities of potpourri, dried fs, foliage or herbs in your crafts storing them in a deep freeze will eliminate this problem.

Try placing dried red chili peppers in the potpourri. It seems to drive the weavils away.

Have an eye for color
Potpourri ingredients should be chosen for visual appeal as well as smell. You might choose to include small pine cones in your potpourri, for instance, just because they add an interesting color and texture.

Try adding unusual seeds, seed pods, or pussywillows to your potpourri.

If your potpourri will be displayed in glass bowls or containers, think about using plants just for contrast. If your potpourri is looking a little bland, toss in some f petals or leaves of a dark or contrasting shade.

http://www.make-stuff.com/gardening/fertilizer.html

FERTILIZING YOUR GARDEN
“The Master’s” All Purpose Fertilizer

* 1 can of beer
* 1 can of cola (any kind, NOT diet)
* 1 box or cup of apple juice
* 1 cup lemon scented liquid soap
* 1 cup ammonia
* 1 cup liquid lawn fertilizer

Mix together all ingredients. If you buy liquid lawn fertilizer with a hose sprayer attachment, you can use the attachment with any 1 liter bottle to make a 50 gallon sprayer. Spray your lawn and garden with the above mixture every 3 weeks, early in the day.

For houseplants, mix 4 shot glasses of the above mixture to 1 gallon of water and add 1/4 tsp knox gelatin.

Non-Fing Houseplant Fertilizer:

* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tbsp Epsom salts
* 1/2 tsp saltpeter
* 1/4 tsp ammonia
* 1 gallon water
* Add 5 tbsp black coffee for acid loving plants

Water your plants with this mixture once a month.

Spring Lawn Feeding:

* 1 cup Epsom salts
* 1 cup ammonia

To use with a hose sprayer, mix with enough water to equal 1 quart total volume and pour into the sprayer container. Fertilizes 2,500 square feet of lawn.

Fall Lawn Feeding:

* 2 cups Epsom salts
* 3 tbsp baking powder

To use with a hose sprayer, mix with enough water to equal 1 quart total volume and pour into the sprayer container. Fertilizes 1,500 square feet of lawn.

Fertilizer for azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and hollies:

* 4 cups coffee grounds
* 1 cup bonemeal
* 1 cup wood ash

Mix well. Scatter evenly over ground shaded by the plant. Use 1 pound of fertilizer for each 1 foot of the diameter.

Garden vegetable and f fertilizer:

* 1 part dried poultry manure or 5 parts dried horse manure
* 1 part bonemeal
* 1 part wood ash

Mix well and spread over garden soil before planting.

TIPS!

Composting
Don’t send all your kitchen scraps to the landfill. Re-use food scraps by making your own compost. Compost containers can be purchased through a good garden catalog, or you can try your hand at making your own! Check out Making Your Own Compost Bin.

http://www.make-stuff.com/recycling/plastic_bottles.html

Things you can do with plastic pop bottles

Don’t throw away your old plastic pop bottles. Try some of these ideas to recycle or re-use them.

No-Bending-Required Door Stop -

I cut an old soda bottle in half. I put a hole in the middle of the cap and secured the “stick” from some old blinds in it (a dowel will work), this is the handle. I then weighted (not too heavy, you need to be able to lift it!)the bottom and glued the top back on. The bottle stands up with the “handle” sticking out the top. To decorate it I “wrapped” it in satin and lace and secured it with some decorative cording and roses. The “handle” sticks up to almost door knob level and my husband really likes the fact that he can stop the door open easily (I like the way it looks!) Contributed by Terri

Ice Packs -

I use a large pop bottle (2-litre) and fill it with water about 2/3 full then freeze it. That way I always have ice packs on hands. (Bonus: when the ice packs start to melt, I have clean and ice cold water to drink). Using small size pop bottles (250 mL, 300 mL, 350 mL, etc.), I fill them about 1/2 with water and freeze. The next day, I fill with fresh tap water or juice. That way, my son gets cold drinks for the day without having to bring bulky ice packs in his lunch box: one half for the morning recess and the other half for the afternonn recess. Contributed by Lynne

Potpourri Holder -

Cut the bottom from the bottle. Fill with pot pourri and cover the open part with curtain lace and glue to the outside of the bottle. Cover the raw edges of the curtain lace with either ribbon or lace. Contributed by Boston,

M&M lolly jar -

Cut the middle from the bottle and keep the top and bottom. Rejoin these (with hot glue). Glue lace or ribbon or both to cover the join. Paint the lid or decorate with lace or ribbon. Contributed by Boston,

Plastic Butterfly -

Make a stencil using a piece of cardboard in the shape of a butterfly, about 4x4inch or so. You trace the butterfly out onto the bottle and then you can cut it out. Down the center of the butterfly you can bend it, so it has its arches. You then can paint/design the butterfly in any colour of your choice. To stick them up, you can use putty. Contributed by hali_79

Ocean in a Bottle -

Take 1/2 bottle of oil, half water. Add food coloring and glitter. It is pretty cool, and works well with smaller bottles for babies to play with. Contributed by Starr,

Substitue Funnel -

Cut off the bottom of the plastic bottle. Turn the bottle upside down and voila! a handy funnel to use for putting oil in your car, or filling jugs, etc.

Substitute for Sand Bags -

If you’ve ever used sand bags for weight in the winter you know they can be very messy when they break or just a plain hassle to move around. Put the sand in 2 liter bottles (must be dry not frozen).These are easily moved and in extreme weather when stuck on a slick spot I just grab a bottle and sprinkle sand under the tires, I’m on my way in seconds. Contributed by Belinda C.,

Bathtup Submarine -

Cut three lines in a shape like this, |_| as a door and put your little action figures in a go for a swim. Contributed by MPicker356

Small thingee holder -

Cut the top off 2 litre bottles so they stand 6-8 inches tall. With a small screw and washer, screw them to a 1x4” board. Screw that board onto the wall in your workshop to hold a wide variety of tools. Contributed by Dave

Slalom Course -

Fill up partially with sand, and make a slalom course for your skateboarders, inliners, or for a bike rodeo. Contributed by Dave

Spray Pumps -

Some bottles can be fitted with a spray pump (ala windex) to spray a dilute latex paint mix. Good for small projects , clean nozzle with clear water and re-use. Contributed by Dave

Water balloon filler -
Contributed by Dave

Wind Socks -

Cut top and bottom off 2-liter bottle to have a perfect cylinder. Punch 4 holes (with a hole punch) spaced evenly on top. Tie a 12 inch piece of fishing line to each hole. Attach all four to a large swivel snap used in fishing. Sand the bottle and paint with paints any design you wish. When dry, punch holes every inch around the bottom. Tie a 3 foot piece of ribbon in each hole. Vary your colors or make them all the same. Hang up and enjoy. Contributed by Cathy

Pop Bottle Snowman - Instructions here. Kid Project!

Yarn Holder -

Keep yarn from getting tangled when knitting or crocheting. Cut off bottom of bottle and insert yarn, pulling strand through top opening then tape bottom back on. This will keep your yarn from rolling across the room on you and your cat from playing with it.

Plant / Seed starter -

Cut off bottom fill with soil, add seed and water. Reattach the top of the bottle (with the cap on) using tape. Keep in a warm place and wait for seeds to germinate. When your seedlings are tall enough, transplant in a larger pot or in your garden.

Decorative Containers -

Cut off the tops of two bottles (keep the bottoms). Paint, decoupage, or cover with fabric. Make a hinge out of ribbon or make a small holes and wire the bottoms of two bottles together. This will give you a container that will open. For a handle, glue on a bead, button, or a piece of ribbon. Fill will small gifts, jewelry, candy, etc.

Make a Bank -

Paint or cover with fabric. Cut a small slit in the top so you can drop the coins in. (You’ll have to cut the bottle open to remove the coins, unless you want to cut a three-sided doorway in the back or bottom.)

Make a Doorstop -

Paint and fill with sand or gravel. Glue strips of narrow wood to the sides so it won’t roll away.

Plant Waterer -

Remove the cap and the bottom of the bottle. Turn the bottle upside down, and set the spout into the ground or pot. Fill with water and this will allow your plants to be watered when you are going to be away for a few days.

Make plastic shapes -

Take a clear bottle and draw the shape of a butterfly or bird, or any small animal. Cut around the shape, sand and paint with acrylic paint.

Make a Mobile -

Cut out shapes (see above) and poke a small hole in the top. Poke a piece of string or yarn through the hole and tie a knot. Attach the other end of the string to a hanger and hang from the ceiling or ceiling fan.

Plant Decorations -

Cut out shapes (see above) and attach to a piece of dowel with glue. Poke into the soil of your potted plants or in the garden for yard decorations.

Pop Bottle Bird Feeder -

Sand and paint the bottle. Poke 4 holes in the top of the bottle, just below the lid. Insert two long pieces of wire - the wires will form a X. Attach the ends of the wire to a plastic lid by poking holes in the rim and twisting the wire through. Poke two more holes in the bottom of the bottle, on opposite sides. String another piece of wire or string through these holes to hang the feeder. Fill the bottle with the seed and hang it from a tree. (NOTE: You might be able to find a kit at K-Mart, Target, or your garden center that contains the adapter to convert bottle to bird feeders. Usually quite cheap!)

Make a Bird House -

Turn the bottle on its side. Cut little windows/doors high up on the sides. Paint or cover the bottle with fabric. Hang from tree branches for birds to nest in.

Make a Whirligig -

from the Science Museum of Minnesota’s Thinking Fountain

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Commending Cumin seeds

Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:01am
Cummin seed or jeera is seeds of flowering plant Cuminum Cyminum . This plant, native of east India and east Mediterranean, belongs to family Apeaceae. The herbaceous plant Cuminum Cyminum grows to a height of 20- 30 cms. Leaves of this plant are pinnate and bear thread like leaflets.

The seeds of Cuminum Cyminum have gained their place as main spice in Indian, African, Chinese, Cuban and Mexican cuisines, due to their distinctive popular aroma. It is mainly used to spice and season variety of dishes like curries, chutneys, masalas etc. It is extensively used in India to season dishes. Due to its numerous medicinal properties, jeera is used as an ingredient in many home remedies and ayurvedic preparations. The strong aroma of jeera or cumin seeds is due to the presence of compound cuminaldehyde

This spice has been praised as jeeraka , jarana and ajaaji for its medicinal qualities in ayurvedic texts. These names refer to its carminative and digestive properties. According ayurvedic principles these seeds balance vata and kapha.

Medicinal properties of Jeera or Cumin seeds:

According to ayurveda ( Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to Login Login or Register Register) jeera exhibits the following medicinal properties.

(Shubhrajeeram katu graahi paachanam deepanam laghu

Garbhashayashuddhikaram ruksham balyam sugandhikam

Tiktham vamikshayaadhmanam vaatam kushtam visham jwaram )

1. It reduces superficial inflammation and pain.
2. Apart from kindling appetite, it digests food and normalizes vata in digestive system.
3. Reduces pain experienced during indigestion, flatulence or heaviness of stomach .
4. It purifies blood
5. Cumin seeds act on female reproductive system by reducing inflammation of uterus.
6. It is eulogized for its galactogog properties. (Increases milk production in lactating mothers).
7. As it normalizes vata and kapha it acts as an aphrodesiac.
8. It is a skin friendly herb and reduces itching.

Home remedies using jeera
1. A fine paste of cumin seeds (cumin seeds ground with water), when applied on boils or aching body parts gives relief from pain.
2. Water boiled with ground jeera has to be given regularly to lactating mothers. This increases breast milk and reduces inflammation of uterus.
3. Boil ground jeera in water and allow it to cool down. Add a pinch of cardamom to filtered jeera water. Gargling with this flavored water helps to keep the mouth fresh, heals mouth ulcers and eliminates foul smell.
4. Roast jeera without oil till it warm. Grind this to a fine powder along with rock salt. Massage gums with this powder. This helps to prevent bleeding from gums and strengthens them.
5. Boil a tea spoon of jeera in a glass of water, allow it to cool. Consuming this water frequently relieves indigestion and flatulence.
6. Consuming powdered jeera with honey reduces colic pain and reduces diarrhea caused due to indigestion.
7. A tea prepared by boiling cumin seeds and a small piece of fresh ginger help to give relief in common cold.
8. Mix a spoon of ground roasted cumin seeds ,½ spoon of fresh ginger juice and a pinch of salt in a glass of butter milk. Frequent consumption of this butter milk helps to relieve piles and sooths inflamed intestine.
9. Patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can use pomegranate juice mixed with roasted and ground jeera powder. This helps to reduce frequency of stools and sooths colon.

Precaution has to be taken while roasting cumin seeds .Cumin seeds have to be roasted in low heat till it becomes warm and should be taken off from stove when it is sufficiently warm to touch. This precaution helps to prevent the escape of volatile compounds of jeera.
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Natural remedies and Home remedies for Dark Circle

Dark circles under eyes are a common beauty problem. These under eye dark circles give us an appearance of tiredness or illness. They make us to feel worse and are rather detrimental to our self esteem.

What are dark circles under eyes?

The skin below our eyes is very thin and is sparsely dotted with oil glands unlike the skin on rest of the body. Due to various reasons the skin under the eyes becomes thin and dry. Veins below eyes appear prominently when the under eye skin becomes dry and thin. This lends the area a dark appearance.

What causes dark circles under eyes?

There are various reasons which cause dark circles. Few of them have been listed below.

Heredity:

If others in your family have dark circles then there are fair chances of you getting dark circles under eyes.The thinness of under eye skin is a hereditary character. The thin under eye skin reveals dark veins underneath and appears as dark circles under eyes.

If you are more prone to allergies like itching of skin which is inherited then dark circles under eyes may be caused due to rubbing and inflammation of under eye skin.

Lack of Sleep and Fatigue:

Partying all night, lack of sleep, fatigue, sinus infections, pregnancy all these may cause paleness of skin. Pale skin makes blood vessels to appear prominently and give an appearance of dark circles.

Structure of Bone

Eyes set deep in skull bones may develop ark shadow under them.

Exposure to Sunlight

Exposure to sun light increases the level of pigmentation and cause tanning. Same thing applies well for the skin under eyes. When skin under eyes gets exposed to sun it tans and appears dark.

Medications:

Medications which cause dilation of blood vessels cause dark circles under eyes. Dilated blood vessels allow more blood to flow through them and these blood vessels look prominent through under eye skin which is very thin.

Nutrition

Poor nutrition leads to paleness of skin under eyes. Lack of essential nutrients in diet or poor diet causes discoloration of under eye skin.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal Imbalance during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause etc cause paleness of skin and this leads to appearance of dark circles under eyes.

Age:

As we grow old the skin under eyes become more dry and wrinkled. The wrinkled skin below eyes appears as dark circles around eyes.

Tips for Dark eye Circles
How to get rid of dark circle under eyes is the question that arises in your mind when you are suffering from under eye dark circles. Here are solutions for under eye dark circles

1.Concealing the dark circles around eyes through make up techniques.

2.Avoiding use of bleach or peels to make the dark circles around eyes light.

3.Treat the cause of illness mentioned above.

4.Sleep for sufficiently long hours to prevent formation of dark circles under eyes.

5.Do not scratch the under eye skin.

6.Diet, which is rich in nutrients helps to remove dark circles around eyes.

7.Lightly tap the under eye skin with one or two fingers to

8.Increase the blood circulation.

Ayurveda treatment for dark circles under eyes
Accumulation of toxins in body cause dark circles.The ayurveda (Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to Login Login or Register Register) treatment for dark circle consists of two steps.

1.Body detoxification.

2.Skin rejuvenation .

Top Ten Home remedies for Dark circles under eye
1.Grate cucumber and squeeze fresh juice out of gratings. Dip two cotton balls in it and keep these cotton balls on eyes.This relaxes eyes and relieves tiredness of eyes. Considered as the best remedy for under eye dark circles.

2.The above process has been found to be effective when done using potato.

3.Apply a paste of lemon juice, tomato puree, orange lentil flour (masoor dal ) and turmeric powder (if you are not allergic to it) on under eye dark circles. Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off.

4.Drink plenty of water (more than 15 glasses)

5.Eat fresh fruits, green vegetables which are rich in fiber.

6.Sleep well at least for 7-8 hrs daily.

7.Reduce stress levels by practicing yoga and meditation. Pranayama reduces dark circles and increases glow of skin.

8.Avoid sweets and chocolates.

9.Dip two cotton balls in rose water and place them on your eyes, covering dark circles.

10.Keep thin cold cucumber slices on eyes when your eyes are too tiered.
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Internal Medicine - Home Remedies (I)
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 9:19pm

1. The beginning of a cold

Several green onion white bulbs (with root), 15 grams of sliced ginger. Boil them with a bowl of water (about 250 ml), and add some brown sugar (depends on your taste). Drink the soup without cooling down (do not swallow ginger slices and green onion). Go to bed immediately. You will recover right after sweating.

2. Bad cold

During daytime you can still follow #1 to sweat. At night, apply garlic paste to the centers of the soles of both of your feet, then wrap the application with cloth before going to bed. In the next morning, remove the cloth and application. Repeat the same steps every day. Recover after 2 - 3 days.

3. Headache (All kinds of headache)

Put 2 drops of fresh white turnip juice into each nostril (apply to both of the nostrils), twice a day. Recover after 4 - 5 consecutive days. During this period, do not eat pepper.

4. Dizziness

One duck egg, 20 Adzuki (Azuki) beans . Stir thoroughly, and then steam the mixture. Take it when your stomach is empty in the morning, once per day. Repeat for 7 consecutive days to see special positive effect. Avoid spicy food and alcohol.

5. Insomnia, excessive dreams

Before going to bed, add 30 grams of vinegar into a washbasin of hot water, and soak feet in the hot water for 20 minutes, then eat 1 - 2 fresh green onion white bulbs.

7. Dry cough (caused by cold or other reasons)

10 grams of fresh black sesame seeds (about 1 tablespoon), some rock sugar (yellow or clear lump). Grind sesame seeds and rock sugar together. Dissolve the powder in boiled water. Serve the paste when stomach is empty in the morning. Recover right after repeating for 3 days. Avoid fish.

8. Cough with sputum (including Acute bronchitis, Bronchitis, and Children tracheitis)

60 grams of white radish, 60 grams of pear. Cut and cook with a bowl of water. Serve with some rock sugar, twice per day. Repeat for 3 days. (Can be used together with #9 .)

9. Chronic bronchitis

30 grams of post-frost Luffa vine, 3 grams of Liquorices, a bowl of water. Cook a bowl of soup using the recipe. Take the soup twice per day, repeating for 15 - 20 consecutive days. This can be a root-cure. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy food. (Using with #9 together to get better result.)

10. Long-term cough

30 grams of alum. Grind the alum crystal. Blend it with vinegar to get paste. Before going to bed, apply some of the paste (with size similar to a soybean ) to the centers of the soles of both of your feet, and cover the paste with cloth. In the next morning, remove the cloth and paste. Repeat for 7 consecutive days for special effect.

11. Asthma

250 grams of dried earthworm . Stir fry until it turns brown and grind it. Serve 6 grams of the powder (about a half tablespoon) with sugar and water, twice per day. Recover after finishing off. Avoid spicy food.

12. Stomachache, gastralgia, hyperchlorhydria, gastroptosis

30 grams of roasted garlic (with peel), boiled with water. Serve together with some sugar when your stomach is empty, twice per day. Root cure after repeating for 7 consecutive days.

13. Gastroduodenal ulcer

30 eggshells, stir fry to brown and grind into powder. 500 grams of flour, stir fry to brown. Mix the powder with flour thoroughly. Before breakfast and dinner, serve 6 grams (about a half tablespoon) of the mixture with hot water, twice per day. Usually recover when finishing. If necessary, repeat the whole therapy again.

14. Hypertension (high blood pressure, HTN, HPN), Hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol)

30 grams of celery seeds wrapped with gauze . Cook soup using the celery seeds and 5 KG of water. Drink 1 cup of the soup in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, respectively. It is even better if you eat 2 fresh garlics for 3 times per day.

15. Heart disease (Cardiopathy)

30 grams of peanut shell, 15 grams of mung beans. Cook a bowl of soup together with water. Serve the soup twice per day. Repeat for 15 days.

16. Enterogastritis, Diarrhea

Stir fry 16 grams of flour to brown. Blend the flour with sugar and water. Serve before food, twice per day. Special effect will be shown after repeating 2 - 3 days. Avoid tomato, banana, and greasy food.

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Internal Medicine - Home Remedies (II)
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 9:26pm
17. Indigestion, Dyspepsia (also applicable to kids)

120 grams of the membrane of chicken gizzards. Stir fry to brown and grind it. Stir 6 grams (about a half tablespoon) into water with sugar. Serve before food, twice per day until finishing off. Avoid snails. (Half dose for kids.)

18. Neurasthenia

30 grams of a pig’s brain. Add one tablespoon of honey into it. Steam it and serve once per day. Repeat for 5 - 10 days.

19. Gall stone, Kidney stone

50 grams of the membrane of chicken gizzards, ear of maize (corn). Simmer in water to get one bowl of soup. Take the soup for 2 - 3 times per day. Repeat for 10 days. Avoid liver, greasy meat, yolk, during this period.

20. Cholecystis

Cook a soup using 16 grams of seeds of wax gourd (also called white gourd, or winter melon), and 16 grams of mung beans. Take the soup for 3 times per day. Repeat for 10 days.

21. Diabetes

A pig’s pancreas , 30 grams of wax gourd (white gourd, or winter melon) skin. Cook them with water. Add a little bit vegetable oil, salt, and seasoning (avoid alcohol, sugar). Take one per day. Repeat for 20 days.

22. Poor Memory

One goose egg. Mix the egg with sugar very well. Steam it. Take it before food in the morning. Repeat for 5 days. Avoid pepper, kelp, blood, alcohol, mung beans.

23. Urinary Difficulty

30 grams of Weeping Willow leaves. Simmer the leaves in water to get a bowl of soup. Take the soup for two times per day. Recover after repeating for 2 - 3 days.

24. Uncontrollable Urination

One dried chicken intestine. Stir fry it until it turns brown. Grind it. Take 3 grams of the powder with yellow rice wine for three times per day. Recover after finishing all the powder. Avoid ginger and spicy food.

25. Constipation

One bowl of cooked pumpkin. Add 16 grams of lard and some salt in it. Take it once per day. Positive effect is shown after one day. Recover after repeating for 3 days.

26. Dysentery

Two garlics. Char the whole garlics with skin. Cook a soup using the charred garlics. Take the soup, twice per day. Repeat for 3 days.

27. Snore

10 Sichuan peppers . Soak the peppers with a cup of boiled water. After cooling down, drink the water (remove the peppers) before going to bed. Repeat for 5 days to root cure the illness.

28. Burp, Hiccup

Burn a piece of fingernail. Smell it.

29. Carsickness

Treatment #1: Keep a piece of ginger in the mouth when taking a ride.

Treatment #2: Stick a piece of plaster to the belly button (Pregnant women avoid this method). Get better effects if using the two treatments together at the same time.

30. Apoplexy

Drink 30 grams of fresh celery juice daily. Repeat for 15 days to 1 month. Avoid mutton and blood.

31. Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stir fry 500 grams of table salt. Add 10 grams of green onion root, and 10 grams of ginger into the fried salt. Wrap the mixture with a piece of thin cloth. Apply the wrapped hot mixture on the affected part (of a patient’s body) until the mixture cooling down once per day. Repeat for 7 days.

32. Numb limb

30 grams of natural Loofah sponge (can be found in Bath section in stores such as Wal-Mart , ...). Simmer it in water to get a bowl of soup. Take the soup for twice per day. Repeat for 7 days.
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Re: Honey
Reply #16 - Jul 29th, 2007 at 9:31am
sorry! I forgot about this post. So yeah, I use honey and I have seen great improvement in my skin!

All you do is:
wet your face.
Squirt a small dab of honey(prefferably organic) in your hand(about a nickel to a quarter size).
gently smooth on to your face.
you can either rinse off immediately or leave on a while then rinse off.
Follow with a light moisturizer if needed(ask me about some natural alternatives)

No toner is needed. Honey has a high PH due to it’s acidity which is good for skin. It brings skin back to it’s natural PH level which is what Toner is used for.

You may need to use a makeup remover first. I use natural ones like plain organic yoghurt, almond oil, or even Apple cider vinegar and water.

That’s it! Use in morning and night and you’ll have amazing skin!!! Let me know what you think!

A lot of people love shea butter and almond oil for thier faces but I swear they make ME break out! Angry

I much prefer to use jojoba oil. It’s very light and works very well on your skin

Virgin oilive oil (I use this on the rest of my body, it seems to work and doesn’t make me break out), sesame oil, peanut oil, and avacado oil are also supposed to be good skin moisturizers.

FYI I like to add a little lavender oil to my moisturizers. This is great for just about any skin problem and it’s an excellent added moisturizer. Not to mention it smells good!

I’m not sure about lavendar and psoriasis but I’ve recently researched the subject for someone I know and found that shea butter has been reccomended to soothe psoriasis. I would use it as long as it’s not on your face.

Also for psoriasis try applying a castor oil pack to your liver area everyday for as long as needed. To make a pack, soak some flannel in castor oil then apply it to the area and place a heat source on it like a hot water bottle. You can also do this to the affected area.

When you have psoriasis, it has also been recomennded to ingest these oils daily: Flax seed oil, primrose oil, and fish oil.

For more information read the book “Healing psoriasis: The natural alternative” by Dr Pagano.

The shea butter is really only to soothe. I don’t think it will cure your psoriasis, it will just make it feel better.

Psoriasis is thought to be caused by a build up of toxins in your intestines and to seap out (leaky gut syndrome)and be released through your sweat glands causing the psoriasis.

That is why the castor oil packs are helpful. Castor oil is known to pull toxins from the body through the skin. That is also why the toxins need to be treated internally.

Quote:
so I have known for a while that ancient egyptians used honey on wounds to prevent infection. But have never tried it. Untill reciently. I got a cut that got infected. so I put honey on it and covered it with a bandaid. did that for a few days... worked better than neosporin or peroxide... next time you get a cut...grab honey...great and powerful honey.

As a veterinarian surgeon and a specialist in the diseases of the Honey bees, I am interested in the subject. The subject of bees and its products is an ancient one which is as old as the appearance of man in this globe. The word “HONEY” is used in all the religious books and the use of honey as a medicine is mentioned in the most ancient written records.

The treatment with honey has been used by many different cultures throughout history and the name given to it is “APITHERAPY”

The most efficient honey for treatment of diseases is Manuka honey of New Zealand. Manuka bush which is indigenous only to New Zealand grows in wild uncultivted areas in that land. We use this plant as a hedge in Ireland but it has never had flowers.

Honey is one of the less important products of the honey bees. They produce POLEN ROYAL GELLY BEE VENOM and “WAX” as well.

Honey bee venom therapy has been anecdotally used for treatment of a variety of conditions, including rheumatism and osteoarthritis.

Mixture of Manuka Honey with Bee Venom is used as a natural remedy for migraine and other kinds of pain as well as Bee Venom Balm and pomades etc.

Wild flower honey with added bee venom can help the body fight naturally against many auto-immune diseases without the harmful side-effects of drugs.

The mixture of honey (especially Manuka honey) with vinegar (especially cider vinegar) addition to what our friend Tn_Gal has experienced for arthritis, is good for a variety of diseases.
About thirty years before I bought a two volume book from USA by this title which had named the treatment of many diseases with this mixture.

Regarding the religion and honey, Islam has mentioned that God revealed to honey bees to produce Honey to be the food and medicine for mankind:

“And thy Lord inspired the bee, saying: Choose thou habitations in the hills and in the trees and in that which they thatch; 69 Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth (for thee). There cometh forth from their bellies a drink divers of hues, wherein is healing for mankind. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect”. (The Qur’an 16-68)

Following I present some texts from the scriptures of other religions where the word “honey” is used:

(Buddhism) A fool thinks it like honey so long as the bad deed does not bear fruit, but when it does bear fruit he experiences suffering. (Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 1 (tr. J. Richards)) As long as the wrong action does not bear fruit,
the fool thinks it is like honey; but when it bears fruit, then the fool suffers grief.
(Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))

(Judaism) 6:3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. (King James Bible, Deuteronomy)

(Christianity) 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (King James Bible, Matthew)

(Hinduism) 2. This herb, born of honey, dripping honey, sweet as honey, honied, is the remedy for injuries; moreover it crushes insects. (Vedas, Atharva Veda)
6. The plants givalâ (’quickening’), na-ghâ-rishâ (’forsooth-no-harm’), gîvanti (’living’), and the arundhatî, which removes (disease), is full of blossoms, and rich in honey, do I call to exempt him from injury. (Vedas, Atharva Veda)

(Sikh) “O Lord, I seek to live in the Company of the Saints, like the bee with its honey”. (Shri Guru Granth Sahib, Section 8 - Raag Aasaa)
Like the bee which collects honey, the fool eagerly gathers and collects wealth.
(Shri Guru Granth Sahib, Section 13 - Raag Sorat’h)

(Zoroastrianism)b Aliments of waters, wine, sugar, and honey! (The Zend-Avesta, Avesta Fragments)

(Islam) “A similitude of the Garden which those who keep their duty (to Allah) are promised: Therein are rivers of water unpolluted, and rivers of milk whereof the flavour changeth not, and rivers of wine delicious to the drinkers, and rivers of clear- run honey; therein for them is every kind of fruit, with pardon from their Lord. (Are those who enjoy all this) like those who are immortal in the Fire and are given boiling water to drink so that it teareth their bowels ? (The Qur’an 47:15)

(The Baha’i Faith) “O Shaykh! We have learned that thou hast turned away from Us, and protested against Us, in such wise that thou hast bidden the people to curse Me, and decreed that the blood of the servants of God be shed. God requite him who said: “Willingly will I obey the judge who hath so strangely decreed that my blood be spilt at Hill and at Haram!” Verily I say: Whatever befalleth in the path of God is the beloved of the soul and the desire of the heart. Deadly poison in His path is pure honey, and every tribulation a draught of crystal water. In the Tablet to His Majesty the Shah it is written: “By Him Who is the Truth! I fear no tribulation in His path, nor any affliction in My love for Him. Verily God hath made adversity as a morning dew upon His green pasture, and a wick for His lamp which lighteth earth and heaven.” (Baha’u’llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 17) God bless you

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Studies indicate that when castor oil is absorbed by the skin it leads to extraordinary improvement in all body activities thus boosting the immune system functioning. It is also has anti-inflammatory properties, helps treat eczema, psoriasis, chapped skin and burns. It moisturises skin and assists pain relief. It also acts as an anti-bacterial agent and aids conditions such as sciatica, rheumatism and shingles [herpes zoster].

[When I was a kid, castor oil was a daily used item.
granny]

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1.
50 home remedies that work: these safe, fast, and effective fixes ...
No other natural remedy freshens bad breath as well as parsley, ... Soften this thick, callused skin with a little castor oil, recommends Bongiovanni. ...
Page 6 - Page 5 - Cover Story - page 2 | Natural ...
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2.
Castor Oil: Uses
CASTOR OIL: MODERN USES FOR AN OLD FOLK REMEDY “by Simone Gabbay.” My first encounter with the amazing healing powers of castor oil took place during a ...
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3.
Warts and Mole Remedies - Health 911
Another castor oil remedy is to apply a half drop of oil to the wart twice daily and cover the wart with some form of first aid tape or bandage. ...
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why castoroil | treeoflife.nu
Castor oil packs are one of those rare remedies that cannot be used too much. Many people continue to use castor oil packs periodically throughout their ...
www.treeoflife.nu/the-tree-of-life-experience/.../why-castoroil/ - Cached
5.
Uses and Applications for Castor Oil - Benefits of Castor Oil for ...
Apr 14, 2009 ... The use of castor oil is widely popular for its therapeutic effect and it is used against different ailments as an effective remedial ...
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Castor Oil uses and Castor oil packs
Edgar Cayce endorsed abdominal castor oil packs as a home remedy for all types of problems involving lymph flow, such as: ...
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7.
Castor Oil Cures - Medical Uses of Castor Oil Packs.
26 posts - 1 author - Last post: Jan 16
Though we mainly know it as one of Edgar Cayce’s most famous remedies, castor oil has a long history of traditional medical use dating back ...
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8.
Castor Oil: Palma Christi or “Palm of Christ” Ancient Remedy for ...
Castor oil used in packs or applied topically is said to be a remedy for pain and soreness, joints, warts, skin, lymph nodes, digestion, insomnia, ...
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Does Grandma’s Castor Oil Cure Really Work?
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Castor Oil Pack - How to Make a Castor Oil Pack
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Searches related to Castor Oil Remedies
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palma christi castor oil edgar cayce castor oil cures castor oil gall bladder castor oil packs

http://www.pioneerthinking.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1262187198

Eyesight Weakness Herbal Home Remedies and Treatment Tips

Eyesight Weakness is a common problem of the day. Even tender aged school going children may also be seen using spectacles due to weak eyes. Heat and Weakness of brain is a main cause of weak eyesight. Longover and closely watching of TV., continuous reading in a powerful light, digestive disorder, unbalanced eating and living habits and deficiency of vitamin A in food are also responsible for weak eyesight. In maturity, excessive worry and consumption of alcohol also produce weakness of eyes. For averting weakness of eyes caused due to suppressed Common Cold or surplus heat in brain practice of Jala Neti is highly beneficial. Many cases of weak eyesight especially in children and young persons have responded well to Magnetotherapy. Palming and Jala Neti etc. gives considerable benefit. Pure honey if available may be used as part of the diet and also as eye drop.

Prevention of Eyesight Weakness

It is important to avoid quickly oxidizing foods like starches and sugars and to treat for the predisposing factors as a strong preventive measure.

People suffering from this disorder should avoid the above factors that unnecessarily strain the eyes and should perform eye exercises to improve their eyesight.

Home Remedies for Eyesight Weakness

Mix equal quantities of fenugreek seeds (methi dana) powder along with Shikakai powder for washing hair. Wash frequently.

Mix seeds of cardamom along with 1 tablespoon honey. Eat every day.

Drink carrot juice twice daily.

Boil 2 tablespoons fenugreek leaves along with ½ cup moong dal and 10 small onions and eat regularly.

Using drops of eyebright herb are also beneficial for the eye conditions.

Eating spinach will help in preventing various eye problems as it contains carotenoid.

Washing the eyes with cold water will give relief from strain and will soothe the eyes.

http://www.pioneerthinking.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1262186810

Preparing Herbel Medicines Using Almond

Almond milk is the most useful health tonic. It should be prepared by grinding the blanched almonds with milk, adding some more milk and little sugar to it. Almond fat is in an unsaturated form. Besides, it has also 11 gms of a fatty acid (linolenic acid) in 100 gms of almonds. Thus, almonds help to lower serum cholesterol level.

Almonds help to raise haemoglobin, form new blood cells, enable liver, heart, brain and nerves to perform their respective functions normally. It prolongs life, tones up and energises muscle function, energises brain power and strengthens health. Take equal quantities of raisins, almonds and roasted black grams. If 50- 100 gms of this recipe is taken with milk, it will meet all food requirements of body and brain.

Almond is laxative, removes skin disorders, respiratory problems, rejuvenates sexual power and system, does away with constipation but, for all such or any other disorder or to derive tonic effect, only sweet almond should be used, but not the bitter variety.

For healthy skin - Mix equal quantity rose petal’s paste, almond paste (of blanched almonds) and milk cream. If applied daily over face, it will beautify the face, by nourishing the skin, It will also provide glow, softness and lustrous look to skin, remove wrinkles, black-heads, pimples, dryness of skin and retard pre-mature aging effects on face.

To remove constipation - Mix half teaspoonful of almond oil to hot milk but, those who have sensitive stomachs, should not use the oil, in stead they can chew the almonds (blanchcd) to be followed by hot milk drink. Almond oil with rose water can be applied to face for facial tenderness.

For reliefin asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough - Mix ten to fifteen drops each of ginger and lemon juices to a spoonful of almond oil and take for 10-15 days at a stretch once or twice a day, depending on severity of the symptoms.

http://www.pioneerthinking.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1213988907/all

SUMMER SQUASH CASSEROLE
Hands-on time: 30 minutes
Time to table: 60 minutes
Serves 8

2 pounds yellow squash, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, sliced into half moons

SAUCE
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 egg yolks, beaten slightly with a fork
2 tablespoons chopped chives

TOPPING
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup panko or dried bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Chopped chives for garnish

Preheat oven to 350F.

SQUASH Place squash pieces in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of water and cover with plastic wrap. Cook on high until squash reaches the desired tenderness. (It won’t soften much more in the oven, so do watch the tenderness. I cooked the squash until it was cooked but still had some slight bit of bite.) Drain if needed.

SAUCE In a saucepan, melt the butter, sour cream, cheese, salt and paprika until smooth. A tablespoon at a time, whisk the hot sauce into the eggs, then return to the saucepan. Stir in the cooked and drained squash. Arrange in a greased shallow casserole dish.

TOPPING Mix the topping ingredients. (Next time I’ll brown these a bit in a skillet.) Arrange evenly across the squash.

BAKE Bake for 25 - 30 minutes until hot and bubbly clear through. If the topping isn’t browned, slip under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully so not to burn. Sprinkle with the chopped chives. Serve immediately.

NUTRITION ESTIMATE
Per Serving: 190Cal; 7g Protein; 14g Tot Fat; 9g Sat Fat; 8g Carb; 2g Fiber; 6NetCarb; 281mg Sodium; 89mg Cholesterol; Weight Watchers 4 points

Roasted (Bell) Peppers with Garlic and Lime

5-6 large red and yellow red bell peppers
4 TBS fresh lime juice ( I buy 5-6 fresh limes and hand squeeze them)
4 TBS Olive Oil
1-2 cloves of garlic well minced
1 tsp of sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place whole peppers on baking sheet sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Bake them from 30-45 minutes ( depending on your altitude), turning them every 8-10 minutes so they will blister fairly evenly. When they are quite soft and the skins appear to have pulled away from the peppers, remove them and place in paper bags for 5-10 minutes. Remove from bag, cut out and discard seeds and stems, and peel peppers with a sharp paring knife. The skins should come off fairly easily; but not always so be prepared for some resistance. Wink

Cut the peppers into small strips and place them in a medium size bowl. Add all other ingredients and mix gently. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 12 (and preferably 24) hours before serving.

This dish keeps beautifully for up to a week.

Enjoy..I love them and the aroma of roasted peppers wafting through the house is also mouth watering.

Sounds like a good time to start the Green Smoothies again.
Choose the fruit you like, cut it up and put it in freezer bags. Use the frozen fruit instead of ice.
If you want, add some vanilla or fruit flavored protein powder and you can have Protein Smoothie.

Another way I like fruit is to make a simple salad of the fruits you like and mix it with a little cool whip and cinnamon. If you can eat dairy, use yogurt, honey and cinnamon.

For veggies, I like to bake them on a cookie sheet with a light coating of olive oil and fresh sliced garlic(or chopped)
Bake for 20 minutes or until tender at 400.
I especially like Asparagus this way. Cauliflower is good too.(Rachel Ray cooks it that way) Wink

Summer is a good time for salads. I like making them with assorted greens or romaine , asparagus, Frozen peas(defrosted), peppers, avocado, tomato(whatever you like) then add some kind of protein like cooked chicken breast or salmon.
Taco salad is good too...or I like to make Fajita salad with chicken or steak, peppers and onions, black olives, and salsa.
Cook the meat with taco or fajita seasoning. Yummy. Smiley
Just be creative. I hardly ever use recipes.

there’s probably enough with the sauce!
You know about the roasted veggies under this.
You can also do “rainbow Thai” which I deconstructed at Main Circle at the 96 national gathering:

cooked whole grain pasta
steamed veggies
peanut sauce
mix
enjoy.

How about fruit salads?
I dice up whatever is in season, mix it with some chopped almonds, dried coconut, some raisins and a squirt of lime juice.

I went to Souper Salad (yeah, yeah, I have the same stuff at home, but I don’t make desserts) last week and the current special is a romaine and spinach salad with orange sections and strawberries and some type of fruity-tasting vinegarette.

I often call a baked potato dinner. I top with broccoli and salsa and a tiny bit of extra sharp cheese or a dusting of nutritional yeast.

I keep crudites (the fancy version of chopped raw veggies) in my fridge.
Lots of hummus for dipping.

cold bean salads keep me going when the temp hits the totally unreasonable 101 F.
garbanzos or kidney beans with a pinch of salt (unless you use canned), a dusting of cayenne a few slivers of garlic and some oil/vinegar based dressing.
My kid does the same thing but with ranch. (ick to me, but some people like ranch)
black beans with lime juice and white wine or apple cider vinegar work.

Funny, the satay is about the only way I intentionally eat soy, aside from veggie burgers.

[Granny wants the taste of summer, had enough winter...LOL]

http://www.pioneerthinking.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1213925375

The 8 Healthiest Drinks
Jun 19th, 2008 at 6:29pm

When you think of good-for-you beverages, water immediately comes to mind, but there are others worth adding to your diet. “Some drinks have tremendous health benefits, from relieving minor ailments like indigestion to protecting against serious ones like osteoporosis,” says Dan Nadeau, M.D., medical director of Exeter Hospital’s HealthReach Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition Center in Exeter, New Hampshire. Here, eight choices that are packed with disease-fighting nutrients. Now that’s easy to swallow.

Green Tea

The Benefit: Helps reduce risk of osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease and cavities. Green tea contains a rich concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, natural antioxidants that may protect cells from carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and inhibit tumor growth by helping to neutralize free radicals in the body. The tea’s antioxidants may also guard against heart disease by relaxing blood vessels, inhibiting the formation of blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes. Green tea also contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth; the flavonoids may build up bones as well, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and tooth decay.
Calories: 0

Mint Tea

The Benefit: Eases cramps and helps ward off indigestion. “Mint is an antispasmodic, so it can relax muscles, which combats stiffness and aches,” says Susan Lark, M.D., author of The Chemistry of Success (Bay Books, 1999). It also aids in digestion by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Calories: 0
One Percent Reduced-Fat Milk

The Benefit: Curbs cravings and helps protect against osteoporosis. Because it has the components of a healthy meal-carbohydrates, protein and a little fat-you absorb it slowly and stay full longer, says Molly Pelzer, R.D., a nutrition educator in Tipton, Iowa. It also stabilizes blood sugar, so you’re less susceptible to cravings. Milk is the ideal source of calcium, because it contains vitamin D, which is needed for maximum calcium absorption. It may also help your body stop storing fat. In a recent study, women who consumed three to four servings of low-fat dairy foods (milk being one) lost nearly twice as much weight as those who took in lower amounts. ‘The calcium causes your body’s cells to burn the fat instead of holding on to it,” says Pelzer. “This makes it easier to reach and maintain your goal weight.”
Calories: 120 for eight ounces

Soy Milk

The Benefit: Lowers risk of heart disease. Soy milk contains soluble fiber and soy protein, which lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you’re drinking it instead of cow’s milk, buy soy milk fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D. One caveat: Soy contains phytoestrogens, which may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about drinking soy milk if you have a family history of the disease or have had it yourself.
Calories: 81 for eight ounces

Hot Chocolate

The Benefit: Improves mood and may help protect against heart disease. Chocolate increases the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood. (Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression.) Cocoa is also rich in polyphenols, plant-derived antioxidants that may protect cells against oxidative damage that can lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels, possibly putting you at higher risk for a heart attack.
Calories: 195 for eight ounces homemade cocoa; 115 for a powdered mix

Low-Sodium Tomato Juice

The Benefit: May protect against numerous cancers. Processed tomato products are the richest source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been associated with a reduced risk of lung and stomach cancer, as well as pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, oral, breast and cervical cancers. Lycopene also appears to protect the lungs and heart against oxidative damage, helping to ward off cardiovascular disease.
Calories: 31 for six ounces

Cranberry Juice

The Benefit: Helps prevent gum disease. Research suggests that the same anti-bacterial properties present in cranberry juice that fight off urinary tract infections may also protect against periodontal disease. Experts theorize that a component of the juice called nondialysable material (NDM) inhibits bacteria from sticking to the gums. Many nutritionists are wary of fruit juices because of their sugar content, so limit your intake to no more than one glass (six to eight ounces) daily. “Make sure the label says 100 percent juice, not ‘juice drink’ or ‘cocktail,’” suggests Heidi Reichenberger, R.D., a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. You can find this type of juice in health-food stores and some supermarkets.
Calories: 140 for eight ounces

Orange Juice

The Benefit: May ward off cataracts, cancers and birth defects and boost immunity. An excellent source of vitamin C, orange juice is also a potent antioxidant that may protect against a variety of diseases including cataracts (a clouding of the eye’s lens that can lead to blindness) and lung cancer. Vitamin C may prevent oxidative damage that can cause cells to become cancerous, and it improves immune-cell functioning, enabling your body to fight off infections more efficiently. And it’s a good source of folate, which protects against neural-tube defects in fetuses. To get the extra benefit of bone protection, try some calcium-fortified orange juice.
Calories: 115 for eight ounces

http://www.pioneerthinking.net/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1201283400

One recipe I have tried and we love it BBQ’ed.

Lemon and Oregano Chicken

Makes 6 servings

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each breast)

To make Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil (I use corn oil myself)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tbsp crushed oregano

Marinate the chicken breast for 2 to 6 hours, covered in fridge (or overnight)

After marinating, discard the marinade and BBQ the chicken over medium-high for 6 minutes each side, or until no trace of pink show, OR briol chicken in the oven on a brioler rack, 6” (15 mm) from heat.

After roasting is done, remove chicken to warm serving dish.

Lemon, oregano & Garlic seasoning:
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil (or corn oil)
1 tbsp oregano
1 garlic clove, crushed and minced
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
freshly ground pepper to taste (I use lemon pepper for better results because my hubby loves it!)

Sprinkle over the chicken and toss to coat before serving.

I like to serve these with garlic buttery mashed potatoes and vegetables or choice of pasta and side salad. My BIL loves what I make (because his wife/hubby’s SIL is pretty clueless about cooking and buys tasteless prepared diet foods

wholemeal dough wrapped around chopped up cheese and onion. yum

I just put them in the oven until the dough is cooked and the cheese is all melted

Grilled Chicken and Green Bean Salad

1 can (16oz) whole green beans, drained
1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans, drained
1 can (15oz) kidney beans, drained
2 grilled chicken breast, chopped
1 can (12oz) whole-kernel corn, drained
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 cup fat-free French dressing

Cook and chop the chicken and then mix the beans, corn, onion, and
chicken together. Pour in the 1 cup of fat-free French Dressing
and you are finished. You now have an excellent meal that is
portable and can be eaten cold or hot. It tastes great both ways.

Lip Balms:

http://www.thesage.com/recipes/recipes.php?.State=ListRecipes&cat=Lip_Balms

http://www.thesage.com/recipes/recipes.php?.State=Display&id=170

Lip Balms
Firm and Glossy Lip Balm

Date : 2003-03-24

Introduction
We have added several new butters, waxes and oils to our catalog. With these new additions we wanted to put together a recipe for a new lip balm! We think this is a smooth, buttery lip balm with no grainy feel or odd texture.

Ingredients
9 grams Candelilla Wax
8 grams Carnauba Wax
5 grams Tamanu Oil
10 grams Avocado Butter
10 grams Mango Butter
14 grams White Cocoa Butter
10 grams Emu Oil
10 grams Castor Oil
12 grams Shea Oil
12 grams Apricot Kernel Oil
1 gram Vitamin E Acetate
6 grams Grape Flavor Oil

Equipment
Scale with at least 1 gram readability
Glass Beaker or Pyrex container
Spoon
Transfer pipettes (droppers)
Microwave
1/3 oz Lip Tins or
Lip Balm Tubes or
Lip Balm Jars

Instructions
Using the scale, weigh all ingredients except flavor oil into a glass beaker or Pyrex container. Melt ingredients in microwave on high for 30 second intervals. Once the mixture is completely melted add the flavor oil. Stir using the pipette. Using the transfer pipettes (droppers), fill your choice of container. Allow to firm before capping. The mixture will completely firm in about 10 minutes, if you have normal room temperatures. If mixture starts to set up inside the beaker, melt it in the microwave again.

Comments
This is a firm yet smooth lip balm with no graininess. If you want to add a different flavor, be sure to check the Flavor Oil section of our catalog for recommendations.

Yield
approximately 18 Lip Balm Tubes, or 9 Lip Balm Jars, or 7 1/3 oz Lip Tins

http://www.thesage.com/recipes/recipes.php?.State=Display&id=19

Lip Balms
Make Your Own Lip Balm

Date : 1998-01-30

Ingredients:
An easy guide for creating your own lip balm recipes is this:
o 20% Beeswax
o 25% solid at room temperature oil (Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Lanolin, etc.)
o 15% brittle at room temperature oil (Regular Cocoa Butter, Palm Kernel Oil, etc.)
o 40% liquid oil at room temperature (Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, etc.)

The tubes will hold about .15 ounces of product.
The pots will hold about .25 ounces of product.

All terms of measurement are weights. You can do it in ounces, grams or pounds.
Good luck!
Tina

Instructions:
Weigh all ingredients. Melt in a double boiler (bain marie) until all items are melted. Beeswax is the item that will take the longest to melt. Use caution and never heat over direct heat. Once the oils are melted use a transfer pipette to dispense the solution into lip balm tubes. Be careful not to burn yourself. Oils and wax get hot very quickly and the temperature can climb higher than you suspect. Fill tubes until the inside screw is barely covered. Allow to firm for a few minutes. Once the lower tube is firm then top off the tube with more oil/wax solution. The dropper can be used to make a dome of solution on the lip balm tube. Once the solution cools there will be a slight indentation from shrinkage. Cap when all tubes are filled.

Notes & Comments:
Always use a plastic transfer pipette. Glass droppers are cooler than the oil mixture and it will quickly solidify inside the dropper.

[This is an old and much used site for Soapmakers, information and supplies.
granny]

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