13
Uses for Prefolds — Besides Diapering!
Prefold
diapers have been popular since before most of us were born, and
they've had a resurgence in the last few years. But prefolds are
great for all sorts of household uses.
The
Freecycle Network™? Is That A TV Thing?
The kids have outgrown another set of sizes
again, there’s more stuff we’ve
accumulated through some bizarre gifting ritual — and what about those
fast food toys? I have decided never to cross off “go through the kids’ stuff” from
my to-do list. It never seems to stay done.
Essential
Art Supplies for Creative Kids
Creativity
brings joy to life. Stimulate kids' imaginations by having these
inexpensive supplies on hand.
Breathe
Cleaner Air in Your Home
The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concludes that indoor air
quality is one of the top five environmental health risks in the
United States today. They say indoor levels of pollutants can
be two to five times as high as outdoor levels and sometimes more.
Some problems of indoor pollution can be traced to energy efficiency,
according to the Texas Institute for the Indoor Environment at
the University of Texas. A tighter home is good for conserving
energy but bad in terms of air pollution.
Natural
Bug Repellant
I absolutely dread all the chemicals involved in commercial bug
sprays, but I can’t seem to find any natural remedies that
work. Is there anything tried and true? Bugs! Do I respect them
as part of Nature’s miraculous design? Yes. Do I like them?
Not really.
Soapmaking
For Fun
You see these people at fairs of all sorts: smiling,
hopeful people with handcrafted wares to sell. I remember a Christmas
fair in Crockett, Texas. The whole downtown (don’t blink,
or you’ll miss it) was solid with crafters. Beautiful, stay-on-the-shelf
bears in moiré satin, toilet paper dispensers that took
the shape of wide-mouthed frogs, and the thing my husband shoved
money in my hand for and said, “Just keep walking straight
and you’ll know”: a cake stand in the shape of strawberry
shortcake. I didn’t make a buck that day, but I made my
mind up not to get discouraged.
A
Cure for What Oils You
Once you have an idea what you want to do with your soaps, you
can get even more creative. Make a batch of soap; divide it into
two or more sub-batches. Add complementary colors and/or scents
to each. Pour them in the same mold, then swirl! Or make some
opaque soap and some transparent soap. Cut the transparent soap
into small cubes and add them to the opaque soap. Once you get
the hang of soapmaking, you can have tremendous fun. If you get
to be like me (heaven forbid!), you’ll have a stash of soaps
on hand, ready to mix and match or toss in a gift basket. It’s
gratifying to know what is in the shampoo or body soap you’re
using, because you made it.
The
Nuts and Bolts of Soapmaking
All soapmaking starts out
the same: an alkali mixed with water and a base, which results
in a salt. But once the two are mixed, where you go after that
is up to you. See my previous article for an introduction to basic
ingredients and recipes.
Banish
Garden Pests Naturally
Everyone loves beautiful
plants, but most of us really don't care for the pests that sometimes
go along with them. If you love plants but hate bugs, you can
get rid of the naturally. Below are some great natural pest control
remedies for those unwanted creepy-crawlies.
The
Magic of Homemade Easter Eggs
Here's a list of some natural food items you can
use dye eggs. Boiling the egg with the natural materials produces
a dark color. Vinegar is added to act as a mordant (which helps
the dye set), except with onion skins. Lighter shades can be achieved
by boiling the plant materials in enough water to cover them for
20 to 30 minutes. Then strain out the materials, put dry, hard-boiled
eggs into the hot dye and add a teaspoon of vinegar.
Declutter
Your Home With Feng Shui
Most of us look at cleaning
our homes as a chore, but revitalizing and organizing your life
should be a joyous activity. When there is harmony in the home,
all feelings and emotions within the space are harmonious. The
Chinese view their lives as having chi energy, which is a "cosmic
breath." There is yang energy, or good energy, as well as
yin energy, which is negative energy.
Build
Your Own Summer Cabin
Of course, when the
job is all done, you'll find much hidden and real enjoyment
in telling your friends how you did it. If you have an office
job where you sit at your chair for eight hours, you'll probably
tell them that you ate like a horse all the time you were doing
the work and that you never felt better. The truth is, you
will probably have forgotten about the office for the first
time in ages and found yourself creating something that you
didn't know you could.
Pest
Control the Frugal, Natural Way
Whether in the garden, yard or in
the house, all of us have at one time or another had to deal with
pests. Here are some ways to get rid of insects and other pests
without spending a lot on expensive products.
Redecorate
Naturally!
Families who tread lightly on the earth can make substantial impact
by reducing consumption. Besides, reusing materials, buying second
hand and furnishing a home with loved pieces of art and sentimental
objects creates a more interesting and individual look.
Making
Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are more economical in the long run, but the initial
investment can be a real obstacle for some families. Here are
a few tips on getting started without breaking the bank.
Making
Cloth Wipes
So you'd like to use cloth wipes? You could buy them, but why not make them
yourself out of that stack of 425 receiving blankets you got at the baby shower?
Simple
Solutions: Cleaning
Burner Pans and Covered Casserole Dishes
If
your burner pans and covered casserole dishes look like mine did,
they've got baked-on spots that no amount of scrubbing will remove.
Usher
in Autumn With Wheat Weaving
It
represents the spirit of the grain and can be hung on
the wall as a blessing on the house or as a protection
charm. Sometimes it is plowed into the ground when the
first furrow is cut or sowed in early spring.
Make
your own Toothpaste
Make
Your Own White Glue
70
Uses for a Humble Jug of Vinegar
51
Easy Ways to Go Green
Sustainable living is essential to the welfare of our world. Try some of these
suggestions to leave your environmental footprint a little lighter and make
a difference.
10
Uses For Essential Oils In Your Home
When guests first enter
your home, the first thing that greets them is the aroma. Essential
oils may often be used to create a homely atmosphere within the
home.
How to Keep Greens
From Going to Waste
In
order to help reduce our waste, try these storage tips, recipes
and other ideas for getting the most out of our organic veggie
booty – and specifically, from greens and broccoli.
Keep
Insects and Pests Out Without Using Chemicals
Keeping
insects and other pests out of your home can sometimes be a chore.
In the warm months of the year, pests are so persistent. They
just keep coming back.
