I'm addicted to Pinterest!

I really, really am! I could spend HOURS pinning. If you don't know what pinning is, I'll tell you. Pinterest is an online pin board. I personally have so many websites bookmarked so that I can later do/cook/ refer back to them, but I always forget about them. Out of sight, out of mind! BUT with pinterest you can take any photo on a website and pin it into one of your 'folders'. For example, on my pinterest board (you can follow my boards by clicking the pinterest sign on the right hand column) I have 26 boards, all different categories. I have my photos that I pin from this blog, called Cupcake Apothecary, I have foods I want to cook and bake, Awesome ideas and tips, Christmas ideas, etc, etc, etc.
So do I sit around and just pin? Hell no! I actually do the things I see on pinterest; here are some things I have done:

Beach-y Salt  Hair Spray

Where I live the water is SO HARD! As I have naturally curly hair (Yes, thats me in the photo) and the water here was deteriorating it! But with a few tips, I brought my hair back to life, including the salt spray.

1. Lanza Sun and Swim Shampoo and Conditioner.

It is for people who swim a lot or have hard water. 

 2. Vinegar rinse. 

After I shampoo my hair, I rinse it out with half a glass of water and half a glass of vinegar mixed in. It helps to take out all the crap in your hair, previous hair spray and junk and it helps with the hard water.

 3. Lanza Noni Fruit Detangler and Leave in Conditioner

Once my hair is lightly damp I spray this in my hair, mostly where I have highlights and parts I've bleached.

4. Salt Spray

1 tsp Epsom salt, Few drops olive oil (or Jojoba oil), and 1/4 water (I use distilled water) in a spritzer bottle.

Afterwords my hair comes out nice and curly, as if I was washing my hair in regular water. I know it seems like a lot of work, but this is actually a lot easier than my usual routine of putting 14 different products in it! And if you have curly hair, you know that it takes a lot to keep it nice!

Source: All Natural Annie

Grow Green Onions

Don't throw those away!

I always have 1 or 2 recipes that call for like 2 tbsp at most and then I have to throw the rest away.

Well, place your green onion ends into a glass with water and in a sunny window and they will keep growing! It's amazing! I've already have had to cut them down and freeze some. Every few days I empty out the water and place new water. 

Source: Home Made Serenity 

Memory Jar

I know I don't have many memories in it yet, but it's only the beginning of the year! And there's nothing around to do, but we're trying. Anyways, after the year is up, on New Years Eve, You read them out loud! 

Source: Inchmark

Homemade Dish Washer Detergent

This one I am most proud of! I've recently gotten into a saving money/coupon clipping kick and I noticed how expensive dishwasher detergent can be especially when that detergent doesn't last that long!

So, I tried this and you can compare how amazing it is on my silverware. Like I said, I have hard water and nothing makes them clean-clean. Until now!

I swear I did not tamper with the left knife. I pulled it right out of my silverware drawer. I didn't even know there was some kind of writing on them because they'd come out so foggy! Ok, here is the 'recipe'

1 cup Borax

1 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup Kosher Salt (I used regular table salt and so did the original resource, and it still worked great)

1/2 cup Citric Acid (double this if you have hard water, which I did, I also used Lemishine)

Basically, mix it all together in a bucket or container. 

Use 1 tbsp each load. 

I use 2, 1 in the open compartment in the dishwasher and 1 in the one that locks and releases during the cycle.

You can find all of these in the detergent aisle.

I also like to use Vinegar in the rinse aid compartment, it works so much better with the hard water and its so much more inexpensive!

Source: Lady with the Red Rocker

Organizing

Sorry, I have no clue what those things are called... Filing racks perhaps? Anyway, if you don't have a lot of room in your kitchen like me, then you'll love this!
Take some mounting tape and stick it to a cabinet, like so.

So amazing! I have another one on the other side holding sandwich baggies as well.

I don't know where I got this idea from, but I know it was on pinterest. 

165 Uses for Vinegar

IN THE GARDEN:

1. Grow beautiful azaleas: Occasionally water plants with a mixture of two tablespoons vinegar to one quart water. Azaleas love acidic soil.
2. Kill grass on walks and driveways. Pour full strength on unwanted grass.
3.  Kill weeds. Spray full strength on growth until plants have starved.
4. Increase soil acidity. In hard water areas, add a cup of vinegar to a gallon of tap water for watering acid loving plants like rhododendrons, gardenias, or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use.
5.  Freshen cut flowers.  Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.
6.  Prolong the life of flowers in a vase. Add two tablespoons of vinegar plus three tablespoons of sugar per quart of warm water. Stems should be in three to four inches of water.
7.  Neutralize garden lime. Rinse your hands liberally with vinegar after working with garden lime to avoid rough and flaking skin. Clean pots before repotting, rinse with vinegar to remove excess lime.
8. Spray ripening melons and pumpkins to prevent mold from growing on the skin
9. Clean your lawn mower blades. Spray the blades with vinegar and scrub off. 

BUGS & ANIMALS:

1. Fish bowl cleaner Eliminate that ugly deposit in the gold fish tank by rubbing it with a cloth dipped in vinegar and rinsing well.
2.  Eliminate animal urine stains from carpet. Blot up urine with a soft cloth, flush several times with lukewarm water, and then apply a mixture of equal parts vinegar and cool water. Blot up, rinse, and let dry.
3. Cleaning up vomit. Clean up big chunks from area. Then, in a mixing bowl, add 2 cups warm water and a tablespoon of salt. Once the salt is dissolved, mix in 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp clear dish or laundry soup and 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol. Grab a sponge and mix it into your vomit stain. Blot it over the stain so the mix is soaked in everywhere. Grab an old towel and blot up the mixture. And sprinkle with baking soda for odor control.
4. Deter ants. Spray vinegar around door and window frames, under appliances, and along other known ant trails.
5.  Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur full strength vinegar; rinse.
6. Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on an area to discourage cats from walking, sleeping, or scratching on it.
7.  Keep dogs from scratching ears. Clean the inside of the ears with a soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.
8. Keep away fleas and mange. Add a little vinegar to your pet's drinking water.
9. Keep chickens from pecking each other. Add cider vinegar to their drinking water.
10. Clean milking equipment. Rinse with vinegar to leave system clean, odorless, and bacteria free without harmful chemical residue.
11. Clean up bird poop by spraying area with vinegar and wiping away with sponge or cloth. This will also disinfect the area.
12. Keep bugs away. Have a shallow dish with cider vinegar away from your food. By the end of the night you will have a bowl full of bugs. 

CARS & TOOLS:

1.  Polish car chrome. Apply full strength.
2.  Clean rust from tools, bolts, and spigots. Soak the rusted tool, bolt, or spigot in undiluted vinegar overnight.
3. Keep car windows frost free. Coat the windows the night before with a solution of three parts vinegar to one part water.
4. Clean your windshield wipers with vinegar to keep them functioning properly

HEALTH & BEAUTY:

1.   Dampen your appetite. Sprinkle a little vinegar on prepared food to take the edge off your appetite.
2.  Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Dot the irritated area with vinegar and relieve itching.
3.  Relieve itching by using a cotton ball to dab mosquito and other bug bites with Vinegar straight from the bottle.
4.  Relieve sunburn by lightly rubbing it with vinegar. You may have to reapply.
5.  Take 1 cup of vinegar and warm water into a large glass and use to rinse your hair after you shampoo. Vinegar adds highlights to brunette hair, restores the acid mantel, and removes  soap film and sebum oil.
6. You take 1 tablespoon full and swallow when you have the hiccups. It stops them instantly.
7. Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons to bath water.
8. Fight dandruff, by rinsing with vinegar and 2 cups of warm water, after shampooing.
9. Soothe a sore throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, and then swallow.
10. Cure for colds. Mix one-quarter cup Apple Cider Vinegar with one-quarter cup honey. Take one tablespoon six to eight times daily.
11. Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.
12.  Feel good recipe. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.
13.  Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.
14. Remove warts by applying a lotion of half cider vinegar and half glycerin. Apply daily to warts until they dissolve.
15. Relieve arthritis. Before each meal, drink a glass of water containing two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar. Give it at least three weeks to start working.
16.  Remove corns by making a poultice of one crumbled piece of bread soaked in one-quarter cup Vinegar. Let poultice sit for one-half hour, then apply to the corn and tape in place overnight. If corn does not peel off by morning, reapply the poultice for several consecutive nights.
17.  Cure an upset stomach by drinking two teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar in one cup water.
18. Prevent yeast infections. Douche with one tablespoon vinegar to one quart warm water, to adjust the pH balance in the vagina.
19.  Clean dentures by soaking them overnight in vinegar, then brush away tartar with a toothbrush.
20. Relieve cough by mixing one-half cup Apple Cider Vinegar, one-half cup water, one teaspoon cayenne pepper, and four teaspoons honey. Take one tablespoon when cough acts up. Take another tablespoon at bedtime.
21. Wipe away hair spray residue off your flat or curling iron with a rag dipped in full strength vinegar.
22. clean brushes or combs by letting them sit in a gallon of water with 1 cup vinegar
23. Whiten your teeth. Dip your toothbrush in vinegar and brush your teeth. Do once a week and rinse afterwards. 
24. Removing warts. Drip some cider vinegar onto a bandage pad and place on wart. Replace the bandage nightly and the wart should be gone in a week. 
25. Get rid of blemishes by mixing 1 part vinegar and 10 parts water and dabbing the solution on a freshly cleaned face.
26. Soften your cuticles by soaking your fingers in vinegar for 5 minutes. 
27. Strengthen nails by dipping them in vinegar
28. Dry up a cold sore by dabbing it with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar
29. Prevent infections from spreading by spraying cuts with vinegar
30. Disinfect retainers and invisalign braces in vinegar for a few minutes. 

LAUNDRY & OTHER CLOTHES CARE:

1. Use in laundry to cut soap.
2.  Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
3.  Prevent lint from clinging to clothes: Add one cup vinegar to each wash load.
4.  Keep bright colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength vinegar for 10 minutes before washing.
5.   Freshen up the washing machine. Clean the hoses and unclog soap scum. Once a month pour one cup of vinegar into the washing machine and run the machine through a normal cycle, without clothes.
6. Brighten fabric colors. Add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.
7. Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.
8. Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea. Then wash as usual.
9.  Get smoke smell out of clothes by adding a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.
10.    Remove perspiration stains from clothes by applying one part vinegar to four parts water, then rinse.
11.  Deodorant and antiperspirants stains may be removed from clothing by lightly rubbing with distilled vinegar and laundering as usual.
12. Cotton and wool blankets become soft, fluffy and free of soap odor if 2 cups of distilled vinegar are added to the rinse cycle of the wash.
13.  Clothes will rinse better if a cup of vinegar is added to the last rinse water. The acid in vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics but strong enough to dissolve the alkalis in soaps and detergents.
14.  When dyeing fabric, add a cup full of distilled vinegar to the last rinse to set the color.
15. Nylon hose will look better and last longer if 1 tablespoon of vinegar is added to the rinse water when washing.
16.  To obtain a sharper crease in your knit fabrics, dampen them with a cloth wrung out from a solution of 1/3 distilled vinegar and 2/3 water. Place a brown paper bag over the crease and iron.
17.   Excess laundry suds that develop during hand laundry may be eliminated by splashing a little vinegar into the second rinse. Follow this with another rinse in plain water.
18.  Deodorize a wool sweater: Wash sweater, then rinse in equal parts vinegar and water to remove odor.
19.  After a hem or seam is removed, there are often unsightly holes left in the fabric. These holes can be removed by placing a cloth, moistened with distilled vinegar, under the fabric and ironing.
20.   Unclog steam iron by pouring equal amounts of vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow cooling. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.
21.  Clean a scorched iron plate by heating equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan. Then rub the solution on the cooled iron surface to remove dark or burned stains.
22. Tame stinky shoes by spraying the inside with vinegar, putting them in a bag and freezing them overnight. 
23. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to reduce static cling in your clothes. 

CLEANING IN THE KITCHEN:

1. A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean coffee and tea stains from chinaware.
2.  Put vinegar on a cloth and let sit on the back of your kitchen faucet and it removes hard water stains.
3. Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished. (Be sure to check the owner’s manual for specific instructions).
4.  Brass, copper and pewter will shine if cleaned with the following mixture. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of distilled vinegar.
5.  Clean the dishwasher by running a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.
6.  Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a week. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.
7. Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.
8.  Eliminate onion odor by rubbing vinegar on your fingers before and after slicing.
9. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards by wiping with full strength vinegar.
10. Cut grease and odor on dishes by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy water.
11.  Clean a teapot by boiling a mixture of water and vinegar in it. Wipe away the grime.
12. Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal by making vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding, run cold water through.
13.  Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise, peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.
14.  Get rid of cooking smells by letting a small pot of vinegar and water simmer on the stove.
15.  Freshen a lunchbox by soaking a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.
16.  Clean the refrigerator by washing with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
17. Clean stainless steel by wiping with vinegar dampened cloth.
18.  Clean china and fine glassware by adding a cup of vinegar to a sink of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and let dry. Get stains out of pots by filling the pots with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.
19.  Clean food-stained pots and pans by filling the pots and pans with vinegar and let stand for thirty minutes. Then rinse in hot, soapy water.
20.  Clean the microwave by boiling a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.
21.  Prevent soapy film on glassware by placing a cup of vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, run for five minutes, then run though the full cycle.
22. The minerals found in foods and water will often leave a dark stain on aluminum utensils. This stain can be easily removed by boiling a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar per cup of water in the utensil. Utensils may also be boiled in the solution.
23. Unsightly film in small-necked bottles and other containers can be cleaned by pouring vinegar into the bottle and shaking. For tougher stains, add a few tablespoons of rice or sand and shake vigorously. Rinse thoroughly and repeat until clean or determined hopeless.
24.  After cleaning the bread box, keep it smelling sweet by wiping it down with a cloth moistened in distilled vinegar.
25.   To eliminate fruit stains from your hands, rub your hands with a little distilled vinegar and wipe them with a cloth.
26.  Grease buildup in an oven can be prevented by wiping with a cleaning rag that has been moistened in distilled vinegar and water.
27.  Formica tops and counters will shine if cleaned with a cloth soaked in distilled vinegar.
28.    No-wax linoleum will shine better if wiped with a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar in 1/2 gallon of water.
29.   Stains on hard-to-clean glass, aluminum, or porcelain utensils may be loosened by boiling in a solution of one part vinegar to eight parts water. The utensils should then be washed in hot soapy water.
30. Do have stubborn stains on those aluminum or stainless steel pots and pans? Even if you just have burnt stains that won't come off, try this: boil 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons baking powder and 1 cup water. Take a scouring pad and gently remove stains!
31. Make Vinegar and lemon wedge ice cubes to deodorize your garbage disposal. 

COOKING IN THE KITCHEN:

1.  Prepare fluffier rice by adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the water when it boils.
2.  Make wine vinegar by mixing 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 teaspoon of dry red wine.
3.  Make buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand 5 minutes to thicken.
4. Replace a lemon by substituting 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar for 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
5.  Firm up gelatin by adding a teaspoon of vinegar for every box of gelatin used. To keep those molded desserts from sagging in the summer heat.
6. Debug fresh vegetables by washing them in water with vinegar and salt. Bugs float off.
7. Scale fish more easily by rubbing with vinegar 5 minutes before scaling.
8.  Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar.
9.  Boil better eggs by adding 2 tablespoons water before boiling. This keeps them from cracking.
10.  Marinating meat in vinegar kills bacteria and tenderizes the meat. Use one-quarter cup vinegar for a two to three pound roast, marinate overnight, and then cook without draining or rinsing the meat. Add herbs to the vinegar when marinating as desired.
11. Make a delicious salad dressing by mixing 1 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 2 tablespoon oil. Add more of each by taste. Mix and serve. 
12. Pickle anything!
13. Tenderize tough meats by adding some vinegar in your marinade. 
14. Use Vinegar and baking soda as a rising agent in vegan cake. (Someone has to try this for me!)

IN THE BATHROOM:

1. Kill germs on bathroom fixtures by using one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the bathroom fixtures and floor, then wipe clean.
2. Sprinkle some baking soda around your faucets, tubs and toilets and pour some vinegar into each. Let it have its chemical reaction and clean away with a sponge. 
3. Soap and stain build up can be removed from chrome and plastic fixtures if they are cleaned with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of distilled vinegar.
4. Clean soap scum, mildew, and grime from bathtub, tile, and shower curtains. Simply wipe the surface with Vinegar and rinse with water.
5. Stubborn stains can be removed from the toilet by spraying them with vinegar and brushing vigorously. The bowl may be deodorized by adding 3 cups of distilled vinegar. Allow it to remain for a half hour, then flush. Baking soda can also be added as an extra boost for tough stains. 
6. Unclog a shower head by unscrewing it, remove the rubber washer, place the head in a pot filled with equal parts Vinegar and water, bring to a boil, then simmer for five minutes.
7.   Corrosion may be removed from shower heads or faucets by soaking them in diluted distilled vinegar overnight. This may be easily accomplished by saturating a terry cloth towel in vinegar and wrapping it around the shower head or faucet.
8.   Bath tub film can be removed by wiping with vinegar and then with baking soda. Rinse clean with water.
9. Any stubborn stain (Hard water, mildew, the works) will come off when you heat up a cup of vinegar add in a tsp of Dawn dish soap (The blue kind) and put in a spray bottle. Spray the tub let it sit for 30 minutes or so and rinse it off. No scrubbing. Just clean. 

CLEANING THE HOUSE:

1. Cleaning windows by using undiluted Vinegar in a spray bottle. Dry off with newspaper.
2. Deodorize a room filled with cigarette smoke or paint fumes. Place a small bowl of vinegar in the room.
3. Deodorize the air. Vinegar is a natural air freshener when sprayed in a room.
4. Clean eyeglasses by wiping each lens with a drop of vinegar.
5. Mix vinegar with linseed oil and use it to clean your wood
6. Plastic can be cleaned and made anti-static by wiping down with a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water. This will cut down on the plastics' tendency to attract dust.
7. The colors in carpets and rugs will often look like they have taken a new lease on life if they are brushed with a mixture of 1 cup of vinegar in a gallon of water.
8. A mixture of one teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 teaspoon of distilled vinegar in a pint of lukewarm water will remove non-oily stains from carpets. Apply it to the stain with a soft brush or towel and rub gently. Rinse with a towel moistened with clean water and blot dry. Repeat this procedure until the stain is gone. Then dry quickly, using a fan or hair dryer. This should be done as soon as the stain is discovered.
9.  Spots caused by cola-based soft drinks can be removed from 100 percent cotton, cotton polyester and permanent press fabrics if done so within 24 hours. To do it, sponge distilled vinegar directly onto the stain and rub away the spots. Then clean according to the directions on the manufacturer's care tag.
10. Sponging away grease and dirt with a sponge dipped in distilled vinegar will keep exhaust fan grills, air-conditioner blades and grills dust free.
11.   Leather articles can be cleaned with a mixture of distilled vinegar and linseed oil. Rub the mixture into the leather and then polish with a soft cloth.
12. Varnished wood often takes on a cloudy appearance. If the cloudiness hasn't gone through to the wood, the cloudiness can be removed by rubbing the wood with soft lint less cloth wrung out from a solution of 1 tablespoon of distilled vinegar in a quart of lukewarm water. Complete the job by wiping the surface with a soft dry cloth.
13.   Dirt and grime can be easily removed from woodwork with a solution of 1 cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of distilled vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a cup of warm water. This solution will not dull the finish or leave streaks.
14.  Stubborn rings resulting from wet glasses being placed on wood furniture may be removed by rubbing with a mixture of equal parts of distilled vinegar and olive oil. Rub with the grain and polish for the best results.
15. Wood paneling may be cleaned with a mixture of 1 ounce of olive oil and 2 ounces of distilled vinegar in 1 quart of warm water. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the paneling. The yellowing is then removed by wiping with a soft, dry cloth.
16. You can re-use Swiffer's WetJet Solution bottle with 1 part vinegar 2 parts water and a few drops of scented herbal oils.
17. Cleaning rugs. Clean dingy rugs by pouring some vinegar onto the ends of a clean push broom. Sweep life back into those rugs. You don't even have to rinse the solution away!
18. Before you start painting a room, wipe the walls with a cloth dipped in vinegar and let dry. This will assure that dirt and grime are removed and the paint will adhere properly.

 IN THE OFFICE:

1. Clean your mouse. If you have a mouse with a removable tracking ball still, use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to clean it. Use a damp cloth from the solution to wipe down the ball, then use a cotton ball to clean out the debris from the inside of the mouse. Wait an hour or so before putting it back in to dry. 
2. Clean dirt off of PC's, laptops, tablets. Make sure everything is turned off. Use a 50/50 vinegar and water solution with a damp microfiber cloth and wipe everything down. 
3. Burnish your scissors. Use a dampened paper towel or towel in full strength vinegar and wipe down the blades. Dry them off with a towel. 

MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Use vinegar in the steam cleaner to reduce soap bubbles.
2. Soak new propane lantern wicks in vinegar for several hours. Let dry before using. Will burn longer and brighter
3. Turn a chicken bone into rubber by soaking it in a glass of vinegar for three days. It will bend like rubber.
4.  Remove decals or bumper stickers by soaking a cloth in Vinegar and cover the decal or bumper sticker for several minutes until the vinegar soaks in. The decals and bumper stickers should peel off easily.
5.   Prevent patching plaster from drying by adding one tablespoon vinegar to the water when mixing to slow the drying time.
6.   To loosen old glue around rungs and joints of tables and chairs under repair, apply distilled vinegar with a small oil can.
7.  Soak a paint brush in hot vinegar, then wash out with warm, sudsy water to soften it up.
8.  Patent leather will shine better if wiped with a soft cloth which has been moistening with distilled vinegar.
9.  To add a pleasant scent to a room while at the same time removing an unpleasant odor, add cardamom or other fragrant spice to a bowl of distilled vinegar and place in the warmest corner of the room.
10. Clean your Piano Keys. Use a solution with 1/2 cup vinegar and 2 cups water. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and wipe away all the grime and prints. Use a second cloth to dry them off. Leave untouched for 24 hours. 
11. Brighten up brickwork. Pour 1 cup of vinegar into a gallon of water. And go over them with a damp mop. You can also use this for your fireplace.
12. Keep flies away from your pool by pouring vinegar around the edges. 

Source:
Angel Fire
Vinegar Tips
How to Clean Things
Apartment Therapy
Turn Style Vogue
Simply Organized Living
RD

43 Uses for Baking Soda

I've come to realize that there are a lot of uses for baking soda. So I did some research!

Personal Care

1. Make toothpaste

A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes.  I personally just dip my toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.

2. Freshen your mouth

Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.

3. Soak oral appliance

Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.

4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant

Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.

5. Skip harsh deodorant

My husband is actually allergic to metals and the active ingredient in deodorant is aluminum. So what he does is just pats some baking soda onto his underarms to neutralize body odor.

6. Use as an antacid

Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
I have actually used this countless of times. I have had food poisoning, harsh heartburn/ acid reflux, etc and it has lessened symptoms if not get rid of them completely!

7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin

Make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.

8. Make a hand cleanser and softener

Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.

9. Help your hair

Baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly.

10. Clean brushes and combs

Did you know that if you keep your brushes and combs clean, your hair can be more lustrous and have more shine? Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.

11. Make a bath soak

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on s

12. Pamper those feet

Want to save a bit of cash? Stop getting pedi's! Soothe and clean your feet by dissolving 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water or foot soaker and soak feet. Gently scrub.

Cleaning

13. Make a surface soft scrub

For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.

14. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans

Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans.

For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder.

15. Freshen sponges

Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.

16. Clean the microwave

Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.

17. Polish silver flatware

Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.

18. Cleaning/Polishing Silver Jewelry

Place jewelry in dish with aluminum foil shinny side up. Put 2 tbsp baking soda & 1 tsp. salt. Pour hot water over and let soak 30 min. Then wipe clean.

19. Clean coffee and tea pots

Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. 

For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.

20. Clean the oven

Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

21. Clean stove top and burners

Before I do the dishes, I sprinkle baking soda on my stove top and spray with warm water then let sit as I do the dishes about 30 minutes. This will lift up the grease, spots, gunked on food, etc. then wipe!

22. Clean floors

Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.

23. Clean furniture

Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.

24. Clean shower curtains

Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.

25. Boost your liquid laundry detergent

Give your laundry a boost by adding 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.

26. Clean and freshen sports gear

Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.

27. Remove oil and grease stains

Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.

28. Clean batteries

Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.

29. Clean cars

Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

Deodorizing

30. Deodorize your refrigerator

Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.

31. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables

Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.

32. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals

To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)

33.. Deodorize and clean dishwashers

Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.

34. Deodorize lunch boxes

Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.

35. Remove odor from carpets

Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

36. Freshen closets

Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.

37. Deodorize pet items

Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.

38. Deodorize sneakers

Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.

39. Freshen stuffed animals

Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

Miscellaneous

40. Cure all camping needs

Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.

41. Extinguish fires

Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe.

42. Care for the septic system

Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.

43. Scrub fruits and vegetables

Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here’s another way to clean your vegetables as well.

Sources:

Care2

Arm & Hammer

New Year - New Way of Life

Hello everyone!

It is, of course, a new year (crazy... we're over half way through the month already!) and everyone's number one resolution is losing weight. Well, mine isn't so much losing weight as it is changing my life style. 

I want to incorporate new and healthy things into my life! 

Here are a few things that are good for your face, body, and weight loss!

GREEN TEA

• Green Tea
• Green Tea is full of antioxidants. It's also helpful for reducing redness. Rinse your face in cool green tea; It's is a great way to gently soothe skin.
• Also, Green tea contains theanine, which calms you and helps you maintain clear concentration and focus

AVOCADO

• Avocado -Avocado is a bit spendy but if you get it at a great season and price it's great for all sorts of things
• Excellent moisturizer
• Great as a face mask
• Mashed up in hair for some extra hydration
• Avocado supports reproductive health as well. Avocados are a good source of folic acid. Folate  has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition.

CHERRIES

• Cherries
• TONS of antioxidants. Great for evening out skin tone.

OATMEAL

• Oatmeal 
• For a fast-acting soother, has major anti-inflammatory properties. 
• You can drop it in the bath, slather it on your face, or even use it as a gentle scrub.
• Oatmeal can soothe Eczema, as oats have anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it as a paste or poured into a bath. Soaking the affected area for at least 15 minutes. 
• Oats are also thought to have an antihistamine effect by lowering levels of histamine, which triggers inflammation as part of the immune system’s recovery response.
• Great for priming your muscles for a workout. They provide glucose, the fuel your muscles run on
• It’s rich in beta-glucan, a fiber that slows digestion and keeps blood sugar on an even keel. For maximum results, choose whole oats. They’re digested more slowly than quick cooking or instant oatmeal.
  
  
  
  
  PAPAYA
  
  
  

• Papaya
• makes the best enzyme masks for decongesting your skin.
  
  
  LEMONS
  
  
  
• Lemon
• The acid can whiten nails 
• gives your hair natural-looking highlights
• help slough off dry, flaky skin.

EGG WHITES

• Egg White
• Egg white masks is a nice way to improve tone and texture.
• Egg whites pack a protein-rich punch for your hair
• Including egg whites in your diet can help boost your hair's shine and body, egg whites can also play a starring role in your next homemade protein hair mask. 

OLIVE OIL

• Olive Oil
• I personally use olive oil as a make up remover at the end of the day before I do my nightly regime.
• Great for hydrating hair and smooth dry spots on skin
• This healthy fat contains essential fatty acids that help skin resist UV damage.
•  EFAs are also part of the cell membranes that help hold in moisture. The body can't synthesize EFAs, so consume about 1 tablespoon of olive oil daily to keep skin supple.

HONEY

• Honey
• This natural antimicrobial also soothes and draws moisture into skin. Use it in masks or as a spot treatment.
• I also hear that if you put a dab of honey on your fingertip and apply it to a pimple with a band aid to cover, that it will remove it!

References:
Women's Day
BellaSugar
Cooking Light
Live Strong