Many Uses For Christmas Cards:

Greeting Card Trivet Instructions:

Create a Christmas trivet from an inexpensive tile and a recycled Christmas card or wrapping paper. It can be displayed on an easel when not in use. Makes a great Christmas gift along with an inexpensive easel!

Supplies:

• white 6-inch glass tile
• Christmas card or wrapping paper
• Mod Podge
• foam brush
• scissors
• clear acrylic sealer
• felt or cork
• craft glue

1.  CUT OUT YOUR DESIGN SO THAT IT IS SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE GLASS TILE. 

  2.  COVER THE TILE WITH A LAYER OF MODGE PODGE. 

 3.  PLACE THE IMAGE OVER THE MODGE PODGE. 

  

1. Apply Mod Podge over top of image.
2. Allow Mod Podge to dry completely.
3. Spray the tile with acrylic sealer and allow to dry.
4. Apply a second coat if necessary and allow to dry.
5. Cut cork or felt into squares to fit back of tile.
6. Use hot glue or craft glue to adhere the backing to the tile.

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Courtesy of:  By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

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MORE USES:  

Don't throw away all the pretty Christmas cards you get away. There are so many things you can do with them. Everyone knows you can make postcards and name tags for gifts with them, but you can also cut out the design you might want to use when you scrapbook. Scrapbooking is a fun thing to do with them. You can also decoupage with them. You can use cards from birthdays, Valentine's Day, Easter, etc. to do your crafts with and not have to buy the pretty designs. I also decoupage my soap with the designs I have cut from the cards. There are so many things you can do with the pretty cards you have received. Have fun!
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Courtesy of: dwedenoja from New Creek, WV

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GREETING CARD CD CASES COASTERS:

I use old greeting cards and scratched cds to make beautiful coasters. You make a template from a piece of acetate and place this so the part of the card you want to use is central. Cut out using scissors or craft knife then glue the picture to the cd. Cover in contact film and then glue felt circles on back.

You can also use family pictures or a themed topic such as animals/cars, etc., depending on who the gift is for. Make into sets for 4, 6 or 8 and give as a present.

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Courtesy of: wildflower16

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DECORATE GIFTS WITH RECYCLED GREETING CARDS

I am often without wrapping paper for a special occasion. I also keep a box full of cards that I have received, rather than pitch them. When a holiday comes around, it is fun to take a paper bag or white construction paper and use pictures from old cards, pasting them on, in any design needed. An animal here, a child there, tree, etc. You can tie it with string and add any item, like a piece of jewelry, a domino, or a paper clip to brighten it up.

For cards, you can do the same thing, and if creative, write your own personal verse or sketch. You can also use parts of photographs to make them more personal, especially if you have duplicates.

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Courtesy of:  Christine from Dayton, OH

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25 WAYS TO USE PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL – 

1. Stay alert while driving:  Place peppermint on temples and under nose or just put the bottle under nose, and inhale several times to wake up.

2. Cool a fever:  Place a few drops of oil on a wet washcloth and wipe down fevered body to cool down.  You can also apply the peppermint to bottoms of feet to bring down the fever.

3.  Herbal tea: Add a drop of peppermint oil to a cup of herbal tea to clear sinuses, and enjoy a brisk cup or warmth to soothe you.

4. Relieve nausea: Rub a drop of peppermint oil on the tummy, and place a drop in a cup of hot water and sip it.

5. Repel spiders: Place peppermint oil on a cotton ball or cotton pad and place in areas where you find spiders.  You can also make a spider spray repellent.  Add 4-5 drops of the oil to water in a spray bottle. Make sure it has a strong peppermint scent, and spray in areas you want to repel spiders. Check out Momasuarus for more about repelling spiders naturally–be sure to watch her great video too!

6. Relieve joint pain: Rub on joints to relieve tendinitis and arthritis pain.

7. Make your own peppermint coffee mocha:  add one drop of peppermint oil, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup, stir and enjoy

8. Freshen breath: Place one drop of peppermint essential oil on tongue for a freshness.

9. Ease seasonal allergies : combine lavender, peppermint and lemon essential oils together to relieve allergies. Add the three to a carrier oil, and rub on bottoms of feet, to the back of the neck and across the forehead. Then take hands and cup over nose and inhale with deep cleansing breaths to bring fast relief.

10. Remove ticks: Rub the tick with a peppermint essential oil soaked q-tip.  Look for the tick to withdraw its head and then remove it.

11. Bring focus and alertness: Rub peppermint on the back of neck to wake up and bring focus when you are tired.

12. Improve digestion: Add peppermint to a glass of water hot or cold and drink for a daily digestive aid.

13. Relieve headaches: Place drops of peppermint on temples and back of neck, even across the forehead to ease a headache.

14. Use in cooking: Add peppermint essential oil to cookies, brownies and sweet treats, oh yum!

15. Curb your appetite: Inhale peppermint oil right from the bottle to help suppress hunger.

16. Relaxing foot soak: Add peppermint oil to a warm foot soak, or add peppermint to an unscented lotion and do a foot massage with it to relieve the tension.

17. Make refreshing drinks: Peppermint is a wonderful addition to iced tea for those hot summer days

18. Kills Aphids: Add drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle of water and spray plants to kill aphids.

19. Clear congestion: Add peppermint oil to a hot cup of steaming water, and inhale.  Even make a tent over your head and bend over the peppermint steam and inhale to relief pressure in sinuses.

20. Relieves itching: Apply peppermint oil to bug bites to stop itching.  (don’t apply to open sores, it will burn!)

21. Relieve motion sickness: Rub peppermint essential oil to tummy, place some on your tongue, and even to your wrists to help with travel  and motion sickness.

22. Relieve chest congestion: Rub peppermint oil combined with a carrier oil to the chest to relieve congestion, and you can combine with #19 in this list.

23. Add drops of peppermint to a humidifier to freshen air and relieve breathing while sleeping.

24. Massage it in: Combine lavender  and peppermint essential oil to a massage oil to bring relief to feet, shoulders and back.

25. Air cleansing spray: Combine peppermint, lemon, and bergamot to distilled water to make an air freshener and cleaners for your rooms.  ( You will use less peppermint then the other oils, as it is stronger)

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Did you know vinegar could possibly be 

the last household cleaner you’ll ever 

need?

1. Make all purpose cleaners by pouring with equal parts into a spray bottle
2. Clean dirt off your computer and mouse with a little vinegar and a q tip
3. Clean your drains with vinegar and baking soda
4. Wipe away mildew
5. Clean and polish chrome and stainless steel
6. Use as a fruit wash-rinses away germs
7. Erase ballpoint-pen marks
8. Erase crayon marks from clothes
9. Remove stickers and price tags
10. Disinfect cutting boards
11. Restore wood paneling
12. Remove carpet stains
13. Keep car windows frost free
14. Remove candle wax
15. Conceal scratches in wood furniture
16. Get rid of water lines on furniture
17. Freshen your kitchen
18. Trap fruit flies by placing some in a small bowl
19. Wash out your washing machine and dishwasher with 1/2 cup
20. Wash away mildew from your shower curtain
21. Put the sparkle back in your china
22. Remove mineral deposits from shower heads
23. Whiten your grout
24. Clean a coffee maker
25. Remove stains from pots and pans
26. Help bruises heal faster by applying a little vinegar
27. Sooth a soar throat by gargling 1 Tb of apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp of salt
28. Soften your cuticles
29. Clean your toothbrushes
30. Erase scorch marks
31. Unset old stains
32. Soak out blood stains
33. Keep cut fresh flowers fresh
34. Revive your paintbrushes
35. Kill weeds in the yard
36. Peel off wallpaper
37. Clean cloths and sponges
38. Keep unwelcome guest out of the garden
39. Clean counter tops
40. Clean and freshen the smell of the refrigerator
41. Clean and disinfect baby toys
42. Get rid of stubborn bathtub residue
43. Spray vinegar along doorways to keep ants away
44. Treat stained Tupperware stains with vinegar
45. Shine porcelain sinks
46. Pamper your skin by blotting it on with a cotton ball
47. Treat a bee sting by pouring some undistilled vinegar on it
48. Relieve sunburn by lightly rubbing it with vinegar
49. Boil better eggs by adding 2 TB vinegar to the water – keeps them from cracking
50. Make fluffier pancakes by adding 2 TB of vinegar

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Courtesy of:  http://blogs.babycenter.com

USE BORAX TO KILL INSECTS

Known most commonly as Mule Team Borax, you can find this powder at most grocery stores, Wal-Mart and many online shops. It is relatively inexpensive which makes it a great choice for many household jobs. The great part is that it takes very little Borax to get the job done.

 It has awesome cleaning properties and you can use it in so many different DIY recipes. We have a great collection of some of these cleaning purposes for you that are easy to make and will really make your life a little easier.

Borax is very effective at keeping cockroaches, ants, water bugs and a few other household pests at bay. You just have to mix equal parts of borax with regular sugar. The sugar helps to draw the bugs in and the borax takes them away – permanently. Take care that you do not leave this out where pets or small children can reach it. Mule Team Borax actually recommends that you keep it away from your pets so keep the bug treatment somewhere that pets cannot reach.

Good places are under stoves, refrigerators or sinks. These are areas that are normally infested the most anyway so they are good places to begin treating your home for pests. Borax also works well onmice. You just have to sprinkle it in areas where you think mice may be hiding and it will work wonders to get rid of those bothersome pests. You can also sprinkle it on carpet and vacuum to remove fleas or sprinkle on your mattress to rid your bed of bed bugs.

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Courtesy of:  www.diycrafts.com

5 HEALING HONEY INFUSIONS FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

Formula for infusing your honey: Use 1 cup of honey (raw and organic is best), flavoring to your taste, a saucepan, strainer, and an 8 oz. glass jar with a tightly fitting lid.

1. Lemon-Honey:

Of course this was number one. Lemon + honey = amazing. When you come down with any sort of cold, putting lemon and honey together (in tea or otherwise) is a go-to for making you feel better.

You will need…

-1 cup of honey
-1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
-2 fresh slices of lemon, juice and tossed in (optional)

Directions

Pour 1 cup of honey into your pan and add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon peel. Toss in 2 slices for boosted flavor if you like. Heat these together for about 10 minutes, making sure to keep the heat relatively low. Burned honey does not taste as bad as some other things do burned, but you still want to avoid it. Around 115 degrees Fahrenheit releases the flavors nicely, but it will depend on your stove top. After you have heated the mixture, let it sit for 1-2 hours or up to 1-2 weeks. After its infused strain if you’d like, and place in a glass jar with a tightly fitting top. Know the longer it sits for the stronger it will taste

.Good to use: If you have a bad cough or cold, place a healthy dollop of your lemon infused honey at the bottom of a cup. Pour freshly boiled water over the top, drop in a teabag, and give it a good stir. The lemon can loosen phlegm, while the honey soothes irritation. You can also slowly heat the lemon infused honey while adding the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon. When it’s still hot and liquid, sip slowly.

2. Cinnamon-honey:

At the state fair one of my favorite things has always been in the horticulture building. It’s the exhibit on bees and honey, where you can purchase just about any flavor honey stick you can imagine (seriously.) My favorite, having a soft spot for cinnamon, was always…cinnamon. This flavorful spice complements honey well not only in taste but in function, being filled with all kinds of healthy benefits

You will need…

1 cup of honey

4-6 sticks of cinnamon

A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

I am crazy about cinnamon, so I tend to add it generously, but try starting with 4 sticks if you’re unsure. Pour 1 cup of honey into the saucepan, and drop in the cinnamon sticks. Push them down with a spoon to submerge them. For 10 minutes on low heat let the mixture heat up, and then let it sit for around 2 hours or up to 1-2 weeks. Strain if you’d like and store in glass jar.

Good if used: In tea, just like the lemon-honey, or eaten straight off the spoon. It’s also delicious spread on a plain piece of toast. Cinnamon is chock full of anti-oxidants, possesses anti fungal properties, and helps break up congestion and clear the sinuses. Even just a half a teaspoon a day has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

3. Ginger-honey:

Tasty, but more importantly, good for your health. From colds to sore stomachs, ginger-honey comes with a variety of ways to enjoy its unique composition.

You will need…

-1 cup of honey
-1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger root
-A pinch of ground ginger (optional)

Directions

Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan and add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped gingerroot. You can add a small pinch of ground ginger if you’d like as well, but it does have a strong flavor. On low heat let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. When it’s done let it infuse for 2 hours or up to 2 weeks in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid. Strain when it’s finished if you’d like.

Best used: In your tea when you’re feeling ill-especially with an upset tummy, since both ginger and honey are known to soothe your stomach and chase off “bugs.” The added ginger helps circulation, flushing toxins through your systems and helping get rid of aches and chills. If you’re in a pinch and have wound up with a minor abrasion, applying this cooled and then covering with gauze can help it heal , and the ginger fights inflammation.

4. Clove-honey:

Not to be confused with clover honey, clove honey is made by infusing whole cloves with honey, whereas clover honey is made from the nectar of clover flowers. Cloves are great at numbing pain (sore throats, toothaches, etc.) and the honey makes a happy, healthy, medium to ingest it with.

You will need…

-1 cup of honey
-5-10 whole cloves

Directions

Pour 1 cup of honey into a saucepan, and then add 5-10 whole cloves. On low, heat for 10 minutes before letting it infuse for 2 hours or up to 2 weeks,  putting it in a jar with a tightly fitting lid. Strain when it’s finished if you’d like.

Best used: In tea when you have a sore throat or a toothache, or dabbed directly on the gum by a sore tooth. The eugenol in the clove is a powerful numbing agent that was used by dentists before modern painkillers were created, and is so effective it is still used in modern dentistry in an extracted form. If you have a little cut or sore in your mouth, the honey may help it heal faster and keep bad bacteria out while the cloves take care of the discomfort.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar honey:

If you’re worried about taste, this may not be the honey to put on a sandwich and give to the kids (although personally, I think the ACV cuts through the sweet honey nicely.) Apple cider vinegar is a substance that seems to help just about every ailment out there- add this wondrous liquid to the super-hero that is honey, and you have a flavorful spread that’s brimming with healthy benefits.

You will need…

-1 cup of honey
-2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Directions

Add 1 cup of honey to a saucepan, and then pour in 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Let it heat over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring well about halfway through. Place in a jar and let it sit for as long as you like-its taste and benefits are all there pretty quickly, and it does not need to sit as long as something like cinnamon sticks or cloves would.

Best:If you make the Braggs apple cider vinegar health drink you can try adding this for an extra kick. While this is subject to opinion, I think it tastes good stirred in to tea or a glass of lemon water in the morning. Apple cider vinegar can help neutralize and correct excess acidity in our bodies (counterintuitive, but often times true) and helps a number of issues from an upset stomach to easing sore throats to showing promise in treating diabetes.

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TOP 10 HOME REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS:

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. Areas like the jaw, elbows, knees and hips are most vulnerable. In the early stages, you may complain of pain from time to time. But being physically active gradually becomes more challenging as arthritis progresses – and as the condition worsens some find themselves home bound. In America, Arthritis is the number 1 cause of disability. ^[1]

There are over 100 different forms of Arthritis. It could be the primary disorder or a consequence of another disease. There is no official known direct cause of Arthritis. Genetics are regarded to play a huge role in the development of this disease. Doctors prescribe over-the-counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory for people suffering from arthritis. However as we know, these prescribed drugs may create side effects. As a result, people have begun looking for natural alternative treatments for Arthritis.

10 Home Made Remedies That Offer Arthritis Sufferers Relief

1. Ginger – The Chinese and Indian have used ginger extensively for 25,000 years against nausea and pain. Today, ginger remains one of the most widespread natural pain relievers, and this has been supported by some scientific studies. A study conducted in University of Miami School of Medicine headed by renowned rheumatologist Professor Ray Altman has discovered that ginger does provide relief from pain. ^[2] The proponents of the research studied the reaction of 250 subjects with osteoarthritis. Some were given placebo while the rest received ginger pills. The group noted that 67% of those taking ginger tablets reported significant relief from pain. So you could make it a habit of drinking a cup or two of ginger tea, and if you prefer a slightly sweeter taste- add honey.

2. Celery – Obviously a perfect choice for garnishes dishes, Celery has another use for medical purposes. Clinical studies show that Celery – surprisingly – contains more than 20 anti-inflammatory agents! One compound is polycetylene that provides relief for inflammation involved in rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis and osteoarthritis. Another recent study conducted in America discovered the phytonutrient called luteolin, which is held responsible for the prevention of activation of a neuro pathway that allows inflammation. The same phytonutrient curbs down the excess production of TNF-alpha, which is known as the direct cause of inflammation. ^[3] If you are suffering from arthritis, drink as many celery juices as your lifestyle can afford.

3. Warm Water Bath or Hot Compress – Hot compress does a good job in providing relief from pain, and it has probably been mentioned in every health-related book. In the case of arthritis where joints are painful, you can get relief from pain by using a hot compress if the condition is still on its early stage or the joint pain is isolated. However, if the pain location is multiple, get on a tub filled with warm water and immerse for about 30 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour.

4. Peppermint – You may not know this, but peppermint contains significant anti-inflammatory agents and is extensively endorsed as an alternative medicine for mild headaches and toothaches. To get the same benefits for relieving arthritic pain, you can use the extracts of peppermint as a hot compress or as a juice. To make a hot compress out of peppermint, just pound some pieces of fresh leaves heated over the fire and apply it directly over the affected joints. To keep the leaves in place, wrap a bandage around it. To make a drinking juice, boil at least 4 sundried or air dried leaves in 2 cups of water for at least 15 minutes. Drink half or one full glass, depending on the severity of pain every four hours.

5. Epsom Salts – According the US National Academy of Sciences, deficiency in magnesium accounts for higher rates of stroke, stress-related disorders, osteoporosis, heart disease, chronic fatigue, and arthritis. Therefore, a little help from Epsom salts to soothe arthritic and joint pain could go a long way. Epsom salts are also known as hydrated magnesium sulfate. The high content of magnesium and sulfates Epsom salts is the reason why we will forever need help from this kitchen staple. Since magnesium is easily absorbed by the skin, enjoying a bath with a dash of Epsom salts is enough to soothe our joints from pain. The sulfates are not without part as they are responsible for the formation for joint proteins. ^[4] Here’s what you must do if your joints feel vulnerable and sore: immerse yourself in a tub of lukewarm water diluted with a cup of Epsom salts.

6. Fish Oil – In any illness that involves inflammation, one should pay attention to the hormones that control it and they are called prostaglandins, which are made from the omega-3 fatty acid. Do you know an item found in your kitchen that has a high content of omega-3? Yes, fish oil it is. The prostaglandins from omega-3 fatty acids are very relevant in arthritis because they are capable reducing inflammation. ^[5] Also, fish oil encourages the production of sulphate, which is mentioned in the previous item that is responsible for joint protein formation. So from now on, you might want to eat some fish that has high concentrations of fish oil but low in mercury concentrations i.e. Salmon.

7. Cinnamon and Honey – The combination of cinnamon and honey is considered a haven from several ailments including arthritis. A study at Copenhagen University indicated that a cup of honey and cinnamon before breakfast is a powerful beverage for providing relief of arthritic pain. ^[6] Simply mix 1 teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of hot water. Starting with a smaller amount is always good until you know “how much is too much” – however if you prefer a stronger taste, some make it 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

8. Eucalyptus Oil – The oil from this medicinal plant has discovered to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. A study conducted in India suggests the potential action of eucalyptus oil as anti-inflammatory and ant-arthritic agent. Although it was tested via the in-vitro method, this breakthrough sets a platform for therapeutic use in the future, and encourages further studies. ^[7] For now, dab a drop or two of eucalyptus oil directly over the affected joint and massage it tenderly.

9. Cherries – This red fruit can lower the incidence of gouty arthritis attacks, and an interesting study performed in Boston can help point out the truth behind this claim. The proponents studied 633 subjects with gout, and results showed that those who had cherry intake for over a 2-day period has a significant 35% decrease of gouty arthritis attacks. ^[8] If you are suffering from gouty arthritis, try eating some fresh cherries or treat yourself to a refreshing glass of cherry juice. Simply put several pieces of cherries in a blender and add water for a delicious, natural juice treat.

10. Turmeric – This is a common kitchen spice found in almost all households in India and some parts of Asia. Some studies show the probability of turmeric as an alternative treatment for arthritis because of it anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Compounds present in turmeric suggest that it has a capability to ease symptoms of arthritis such as inflammation and pain, ^[9] although further studies are encouraged by experts.

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ALL NATURAL GARDEN BUG SPRAY: 

Mix 1 gallon of water with 2 tablespoons of neem, and ½ teaspoon each rosemary and lavender essential oils (I used organic version of all the oils). You can also add a couple of tablespoons of phosphate-free liquid dishwashing soap. Mix thoroughly and pour into a spray bottle. Spray over every part of your plants, mixing frequently to keep the oils and water from separating.

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Courtesy of: http://herbanlifestyle.wordpress.com

Pain Relief Lotion Bars

They are a simple way to moisturize and nourish the skin and they can be easily customized for a variety of uses. This variation is one of my favorites, especially for after athletic training or on sore muscles. I don’t use it during pregnancy, but it is great at other times. I also make a diluted version by using half as much Menthol and Essential Oil and omitting the Arnica oil for use on the kids when they get growing pains.

These natural pain relief lotion bars smell excellent and work wonders on sore or tired muscles!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup  coconut oil
• 1/3 cup shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter
• 1/3 cup  beeswax (can add an extra ounce or two if you want a thicker consistency, which leaves less lotion on the skin when used)
• 1 tablespoon of Menthol Crystals
• 10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 1/2 tsp Arnica Oil (optional)

This recipe can be adjusted to make any quantity that you’d like. I made with 1/3 cup of each main ingredients, but this can adjusted up for down for bigger or smaller batches.

How to Make:

Combine all ingredients in a quart size glass mason jar and carefully place this jar in a small saucepan of water on the stove.

Turn the burner on and bring water to a low simmer. Stir ingredients constantly until they are melted and smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in the menthol crystals and stir until dissolved.

Add essential oils and arnica oil (optional) and stir until mixed.

Carefully pour into molds or whatever you will be allowing the lotion bars to harden in. I used these silicon loaf molds, though any mold would work.

Allow the lotion bars to cool completely before attempting to pop out of molds. These could be made in different shaped molds or made in a square baking pan and then cut into actual bars.

How to Use:

Store in a cool or dry place for up to six months (I’ve even had some last as long as a year).

To apply to skin: hold bar in hand and carefully rub on dry skin. The heat of the skin will transfer some of the lotion bar to the skin. I store my lotion bars on a small plate on my dresser and bathroom counter. Add more or less menthol for a more or less potent bar.

Courtesy of:  wellnessmama.com

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NATURAL COMFORTS & COSMETICS

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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE MAGIC

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE MAGIC!

This post is brought to you by Amazon where you can get deals on health & personal care products!

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Ever since I started using Hydrogen Peroxide to get rid of armpit stains, to clean cookie sheets, as a miracle cleaner in my kitchen and bathroom, and to make my own “oxi clean”…I ALWAYS have at least one bottle of the stuff under my kitchen sink, under my bathroom sink, AND in the laundry room. This stuff is amazingly versatile!

But it wasn’t until recently, after doing some IN DEPTH research on the subject, that I came to realize what a “miracle substance” hydrogen peroxide really is! It’s safe, it’s readily available, it’s cheap, and best of all, it WORKS! It works for a LOT of stuff!

Hydrogen peroxide should really be called oxygen water, since it is basically the same chemical make up as water but with an extra oxygen atom (H2O2). Because of this it breaks down quickly and harmlessly into oxygen and water.

Some other interesting facts about hydrogen peroxide:

• It is found in all living material.h
• Your white blood cells naturally produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to fight bacteria and infections.
• Fruit and vegetables naturally produce hydrogen peroxide. This is one of the reasons why it is so healthy to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
• It is found in massive dosages in the mother’s first milk, called colostrum, and is transferred to the baby to boost their immune system.
• It is found in rain water because some of the H20 in the atmosphere receives an additional oxygen atom from the ozone (O3) and this H2O2 makes plants grow faster.

Next to Apple Cider Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide ranks up there as one of the best household remedies.

Besides the obvious (cleansing wounds), did you know that it is probably the best remedy to dissolve ear wax? Brighten dingy floors? Add natural highlights to your hair? Improve your plants root systems? The list goes on and on!

There are SO many uses for this stuff that I have started replacing the cap on the hydrogen peroxide bottle with a sprayer because it’s easier and faster to use that way.

I have compiled a rather impressive list of uses for 3% hydrogen peroxide that I hope will have you as thrilled and bewildered as I was!

In no particular order…….I present…….

JILLEE’S BIG LIST OF USES FOR H2O2:

 Wash vegetables and fruits with hydrogen peroxide to remove dirt and pesticides. Add 1/4 cup of H2O2 to a sink of cold water. After washing, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

In the dishwasher, add 2 oz. to your regular detergent for a sanitizing boost. Also, beef up your regular dish soap by adding roughly 2 ounces of 3% H2O2 to the bottle.

Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to freshen breath. It kills the bacteria that causes halitosis. Use a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.

  Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste for brushing teeth. Helps with early stages of gingivitis as it kills bacteria. Mixed with salt and baking soda, hydrogen peroxide works as a whitening toothpaste.

Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide between uses to keep it clean and prevent the transfer of germs. This is particularly helpful when you or someone in your family has a cold or the flu.

Clean your cutting board and countertop. Let everything bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse clean. (I’ve been using it for this a LOT lately!)

         Wipe out your refrigerator and dishwasher. Because it’s non-toxic, it’s great for cleaning places that store food and dishes.

  Clean the toilet bowl. Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl, let stand for 20 minutes, then scrub clean.

Clean kids’ toys and play areas. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe cleaner to use around kids, or anyone with respiratory problems, because it’s not a lung irritant. Spray toys, toy boxes, doorknobs, and anything else your kids touch on a regular basis.

  Help out your plants. To ward off fungus, add a little hydrogen peroxide to your spray bottle the next time you’re spritzing plants.

  Dab hydrogen peroxide on pimples or acne to help clear skin.

  Hydrogen peroxide helps to sprout seeds for new plantings. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution once a day and spritz the seed every time you re-moisten. You can also use a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 32 parts water to improve your plants’ root system.

  Helps with foot fungus. Spray a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry. Or try soaking your feet in a peroxide solution to help soften calluses and corns, and disinfect minor cuts.