More useful household tips

Any suggestion on how we can make our home life easy is welcome, right?  Lucky me, cool tips from my cyber pals always find their way to my mailbox.

Check these out.

Neat Household Tips

Sealed envelope:  Put in freezer for a few hours, then slide a knife under the flap.  The envelope can then be resealed.

Use empty toilet paper roll to store appliance cords.  It keeps them neat and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to.

For icy door steps in freezing temperatures:  Get warm water and put Dawn dishwashing liquid in it.  Pour it all over the steps.  They won’t refreeze.

Crayon marks on walls?  A damp rag, dipped in baking soda.  Comes off with little effort (elbow grease, that is!).

Permanent marker on appliances/counter tops (like store receipt BLUE!):  rubbing alcohol on paper towel.

Whenever you purchase a box of S.O.S. pads, immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad into halves.  This would be much more economical because a box of pads will last indefinitely.  In addition, the scissors get sharpened this way!

Blood stains on clothes?  Just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood.

Use vertical strokes when washing windows outside and horizontal for inside windows.  This way you can tell which side has the streaks.  Straight vinegar will get outside windows really clean.  Don’t wash windows on a sunny day.  They will dry too quickly and will probably streak.

Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create lovely light scent in each room when the light is turned on.  Be sure the bulb is off and cool to the touch before spraying.

Place fabric softener sheets in dresser drawers and your clothes will smell freshly washed for weeks to come.  You can also do this with towels and linen.  Also, place one in a closet for a fresh scent.  These sheets also do a great job of removing the lint from the dryer lint screen.

Candles will last a lot longer if placed in the freezer for at least 3 hours prior to burning.

To clean artificial flowers, pour some salt into a paper bag and add the flowers.  Shake vigorously as the salt will absorb all the dust and dirt and leave your artificial flowers looking like new!  Works like a charm!

To easily remove burnt food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan, and bring to a boil on the stovetop.

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains.

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn’s natural sweetness.

Cure for headaches:  Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on forehead.  The throbbing will go away.  (Then take two shots of Vodka and forget all your troubles.)

Don’t throw out all that leftover wine.  Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces. 

To get rid of an itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

Ants, ants, ants everywhere.  Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line.  So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march.  See for yourself.

Use air freshener to clean mirrors.  It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle.  Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off.  Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. 

- Clean a toilet!  Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush.  The citric acid and effervescent action clean vitreous china.

- Clean a vase.  To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

- Polish jewelry.  Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

- Clean a thermos bottle.  Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

- Unclog a drain.  Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar.  With a few minutes, then run the hot water.  Makes you wonder about ingesting Alka Seltzer, doesn’t it?

Do your friends a favor.  Pass this timely (and not-so-timely) information on to a friend!

Life on a Tree

In 2009 when I received a forwarded e-mail about amazing tree houses from Josie (my BFF), I kind of wondered what life was like in a living space much higher than the rest of the neighborhood. 

Was there a sense of peace and security, conscious of the fact that high winds and powerful storms might not respect even the most private of sanctuaries?  I thought that it took a great deal of guts to build a tree house… and actualy live there.  My hats off to all the adventurous folks who made tree homes their comfort zones.  Hopefully, it was a decision no one had reason to regret.

Make yourself welcome in their wonderful, amazing world…



WD-40 miracle worker

The forwarded e-mail below has been sitting in my cyber mailbox for ages.  It came from my BFF (Josie, thanks!) and it's time to share with you...

WD-40

Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40 is?

Don't lie and don't cheat.

WD-40. Who knew?

I had a neighbor who had bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news.  He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open.

Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck.  I'm impressed! WD-40 who knew? 'Water Displacement #40' The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.  Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.  When you read the 'shower door' part, try it .. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door.  If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle!  Then try it on your stove top .... Voila! It's now shinier than it's ever been... You'll be amazed.

Here are some other uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars..
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring.  It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide..
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers.
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open.
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans.
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove..
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida 's favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

P. S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

The awesome peroxide

Sometime ago, Josie (my BFF), passed this along.  It's interesting read.  May you benefit from its wealth of information.

Clorox vs Peroxide

This was written by Becky Ramsey of Indiana, a doctor’s wife, and I want to share it with you.  She was over recently and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and counter tops.  This is what she told me.

“I would like to tell you of the benefits of that little bottle iof 3% peroxide you get for under $1.00 at any drug store.  What does bleach cost?  My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don’t tell you about peroxide.  Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor’s office?  NO!!!  Why?  Because it smells, and it is not healthy!  Ask the nurses who work in the doctor’s offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home.  They are wiser and know better!

Did you know that bleach was invented in the late 40’s?  It’s chlorine!  And it was used to kill our troops.  Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20’s.  It was used to clean hospitals and help cleanse the wounds of our troops.

Please think about this:

1.     Take one capful of peroxide (the little whte cap that comes with the bottle) and hold it in your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out.  No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes.  Use it instead of mouthwash.

2.     Let your toothbrush soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3.     Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell.  Simply put a little on your washrag when you wipe, or spray it on directly.

4.     After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5.     If you have fungus on your feet, spray a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6.     Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day.  My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine healed by soaking in peroxide.

7.     Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.

8.     Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold and plugged sinuses.  It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria.  Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9.     If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day.  The pain will lessen greatly.

10.   And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through.  You will not have the burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde.  It also lightens gradually, so it’s not a drastic change.

11.   Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help get rid of boils, fungus, or other skin infections. 

12.   You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them.  If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot.  Let it sit for a minute, then rub it in and rinse with cold water.  Repeat if necessary. 

13.   I use peroxide to clean my mirrors.  There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this. 

14.   Another place it’s great is in the bathroom.  If someone has been careless and has peed on the floor around the toilet and it’s begun to smell of urine, just put some peroxide in a spray bottle and spray.  In the blink of an eye all the smell will be gone and the bacteria eliminated! 

I could go on and on.  It’s a little brown bottle no home should be without!  With prices of most necessities rising, I’m glad there’s a way to save money in such a simple, healthy manner!” 

This information really woke me up.  I hope you gain something from it, too.  Pass it on!

Amazing sisterhood

Today I’d like to pay tribute to the members of my “sisterhood.”  What better way to do so than to publish the message forwarded to me by my BFF, Josie, many e-mails ago.  (BFF, you ROCK!)

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Please pass this along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.

The next wonder "drugs"?

I feel so blessed to have a friend (Josie, my BFF) who is in the loop on all the interesting stuff that gets e-mailed around.  Promptly, my electronic mailbox receives the goods that have been forwarded to her.  Thank you, Josie!

Good things must be shared, so here you go...

The next wonder drugs

According to recent estimates, nearly 1-in-3 American adults has high blood pressure. But for the Kuna Indians living on a group of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama , hypertension doesn't even exist. In fact, after age 60, the average blood pressure for Kuna Indian islanders is a perfect 110/70.

Is it because they eat less salt? No. Kuna Indians eat as much, if not more salt, than people in the U.S. 

Is it due to their genes? No. Kuna Indians who move away from the islands are just as likely to suffer from high blood pressure as anyone else!

So what makes these folks practically "immune" to hypertension -- and lets them enjoy much lower death rates from heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer?

Harvard researchers were stunned to discover it's because they drink about 5 cups of cocoa each day. That's right, cocoa!

Studies show the flavonols in cocoa stimulate your body's production of nitric oxide -- boosting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other organs. In fact, one study found cocoa thins your blood just as well as low-dose aspirin!

But that's not all. A Harvard Medical School professor claims cocoa can also treat blocked arteries, congestive heart failure, stroke, dementia, even impotence!

Painless Cholesterol Cure
works in just 7 days -- and drives
the "food police" crazy!

Want to lower your cholesterol so fast it'll make your head spin? It's a breeze, just eat guacamole -- or any dish containing avocados!

Most health experts and nutritionists will tell you this rich, delicious Mexican dish is BANNED from any cholesterol-watcher's menu. But not Dr. Steven Pratt. That's because new research shows eating avocados can lower your cholesterol even faster than drugs.... without the side effects!

One study found after just 7 days on a diet including avocados, LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels dropped by 22 percent. Meanwhile, HDL ("good") cholesterol shot up 11 percent -- something most cholesterol-lowering drugs won't do!

The cinnamon cure for high blood sugar

Sprinkle a little cinnamon on your toast, cereal, oatmeal, or sliced apples. It not only tastes good, it lowers your blood sugar!

In a recent study, people reduced their blood sugar levels by as much as 29 percent in just 40 days. That's with NO drugs, NO diet changes -- just plain old cinnamon!

The fat that blasts away cancer

You've been told cancer runs in families. You've been told what to eat and what NOT to eat - including LESS fat.

Yet Dr. Steven Pratt says there's one fat you should eat MORE of. It's the monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, found in olive oil! It should come as no surprise. After all, olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. And people in Spain and Greece are far less likely to develop cancer than in the U.S.

But what's really interesting is how olive oil not only prevents cancer, it blasts away cancer cells that already exist! So if you're even the slightest bit worried about cancer, this is one SuperFood you don't want to be without!

NEW prostate-protecting champ trumps tomatoes!

Unless you've been asleep under a rock for the past decade, you've heard the news about tomatoes. They contain a potent antioxidant called lycopene that's been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers -- in particular, prostate cancer.

A famous Harvard study back in 1995 found that out of 48,000 men surveyed, those who ate 10 or more servings of tomatoes a week reduced their risk of prostate cancer by more than one-third. What's more, they lowered their risk of aggressive prostate tumors (the kind that are really tough to treat) by HALF!

But before you reach for that slice of pizza or bottle of ketchup, listen up. What if I told you about a sweet, refreshing food Dr. Steven Pratt recommends that's even better for your prostate than tomatoes?

This NEW prostate protecting champ is watermelon!  Ounce for ounce, watermelon is even richer in lycopene than tomatoes. And since you probably eat more watermelon in one sitting than you do tomatoes, you don't have to gorge on it 10 times a week in order to slash your cancer risk! Just a few times a week should do it.

Knock out an ulcer with broccoli?!

About 25 million Americans will suffer from a peptic ulcer at some point in their lives. To get rid of their ulcers, most will take an antibiotic like amoxicillin.  Pretty tame stuff, right? Wrong! Amoxicillin can bring with it unwanted side effects like fever, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, even a yucky condition called "hairy tongue"!

And if you think that's bad, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the cost of treating an ulcer with antibiotics over an average 17-day period can run upward of $1,000!

Fortunately, there's one unconventional treatment with NO side effects Dr. Pratt swears by. "Eat broccoli!" he says. Why?

Broccoli contains a remarkably potent compound called sulforaphane, that kills off the H. pylori bacteria that cause most ulcers. Not only can it knock out an ulcer, eating one serving a day for a month might run you 20 bucks... a fraction of the cost of drugs.

Are you a keeper?

One of my long-time friends (Mary) forwarded the following e-mail (which I’m sure had gone through so many cyber distribution lists) because she thinks I’m a “keeper.”  (Thanks, Mary!)  Feel free to forward to the keepers in your life!

THE LAST DAY

'BE KIND'