Thursday 28 March 2013

Best Shade-Tolerant Vegetables


Even in shady conditions, you can bask in great garden harvests if you choose the right crops and make a few easy adjustments.

By Colleen Vanderlinden 

When considering which crops to grow in shady areas, think of them in terms of leaves and roots. Crops we grow for their leaves (kale, lettuce, spinach) and those we grow for their roots (beets, carrots, turnips) will do fairly well in partially shady conditions. (The crops we grow for their fruits — such as eggplants, peppers and tomatoes — really do need at least six hours of full sun per day.)

                                           CROP:
  • Arugula: at least three to four hours of sun per day.Arugula welcomes shade, as this crop is prone to bolting as soon as the weather turns warm if in full sun.
  • Asian greens:  at least two hours of sun per day.Asian greens such as bok choi (also spelled “pac choi” and “pak choi”), komatsuna and tatsoi will grow wonderfully with a couple hours of sun plus some bright shade or ambient light.
  • Chard: If you grow chard mainly for its crisp stalks, you will need at least five hours of sun per day; if you grow it mainly for the tender baby leaves, three to four hours of sun per day will be enough.Expect chard grown in partial shade to be quite a bit smaller than that grown in full sun. Baby chard leaves are excellent cooked or served raw in salads.
  • Culinary herbs: at least three hours of sun per day.While many culinary herbs need full sun, chives, cilantro, garlic chives, golden marjoram, lemon balm, mint, oregano and parsley will usually perform well in shadier gardens
  • Kale: at least three to four hours of sun per day.You'll notice only a small reduction in growth if comparing kale grown in partial shade with kale grown in full sun
  • Lettuce: at least three to four hours of sun per day.Lettuce is perfect for shadier gardens because the shade protects it from the sun’s heat, preventing it from bolting as quickly. Often, the shade can buy a few more weeks of harvesting time that you’d get from lettuce grown in full sun.
  • Mesclun: One of the best crops for shady gardens. Grows in as little as two hours of sun per day and handles dappled shade well.The delicate leaves of this salad mix can be harvested in about four weeks, and as long as you leave the roots intact, you should be able to get at least three good harvests before you have to replant.
  • Mustard greens: at least three hours of sun per day for baby mustard greens.Mustard grown for baby greens is best-suited for shady gardens.
  • Peas and beans: at least four to five hours of sun.If growing these crops in partial shade, getting a good harvest wil take longer. Try bush and dwarf varieties rather than pole varieties.
  • Root vegetables: at least four to five hours of sun per day for decent production.Beets, carrots, potatoes, radishes and turnips will do OK in partial shade, but you'll have to wait longer for a full crop. The more light you have, the faster they'll mature. Alternatively, you can harvest baby carrots or small new potatoes for a gourment treat that would cost an arm and a leg at a grocery store.
  • Scallions: at least three hours of sun per day.This crop does well in partial shade throughout the growing season
  • Spinach: at least three to four hours of sun per day.Spinach welcomes shade, as it bolts easliy if in full sun. If you grow it specifically to harvest as baby spinach, you'll be able to harvest for quite a while as long as you continue to harvest the outmost leaves of each plant.
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PINTEREST:  http://pinterest.com/hummingbirdjewe/

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/shade-tolerant-vegetables-zm0z11zsto.aspx#ixzz2Oty7O8EU




 DIY Coffee Scrubs Help Get Rid Of Cellulite? 


Directions:

  • Make a homemade mix of olive oil and warm coffee grounds. They don’t need to be used as soon as they are brewed, refrigerate until needed and then microwave for about 30 seconds or so until they’re toasty warm (not hot).
  • Mix them with enough olive oil to make a thick paste then rub into problem areas to stimulate the blood flow.
  • Massage vigorously for a few minutes then shower to wash it all away. Treatment can also be intensified by wrapping the applied mixture with plastic wrap and leaving it on for up to 15 minutes before showering.
  • Repeat procedure 2 to 3 times a week. May take several months of consistent treatments for significant results to appear.
  • Another recipe: 1 cup fresh grounds with a 1/2 cup each of brown sugar, sea salt and almond oil. Seal in a jar and store in a cool, dry place (shelf life is about 4 weeks). Massage in for at least 5 minutes each time.
Is it O.K.  if it’s decaffeinated? Apparently it’s not as effective, the caffeine is an important ingredient that can’t be skipped.
Here Are A Few More Remedies:
  • Rub spot with a loofah sponge and slightly warm olive oil for a few minutes before showering.
  • Massage problem areas regularly to work on the fatty bumps and lumps and increase circulation.
  • Bathe twice a week with 2 cups of coarse sea salt added to the water.
  • Drinking lots of water helps skin stay hydrated and fights off trouble from developing in the first place.
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Tuesday 19 March 2013

GREAT MONEY SAVING TIPS


Dish Washer Soap
1 cup of Borax
1 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
2 packets of no sugar added Koolaid Lemon Aide


Mix together well and add 1 tablespoon to each load!
(If you are making your laundry soap you already own everything except for the kool aid)


Cost to make this is $0.78 a batch and does 32 loads of dishes!

Rinse Aid
Never Buy Rinse aid again use White Vinegar (Works perfect with no smell)


Rinse aid runs $3.99 you use about $.04 of Vinegar

Daily Shower Cleaner

1 cup of White Vinegar
2 cups of Water
2 teaspoons of Dawn dish soap


Mix together and spray down shower (Watch how clean it stays it is AMAZING)


Hard to find the cost exactly but I come up with $.11 and the bottle lasted me about 7 weeks

 Fabreeze

1/8 Cup of Your Favorite Fabric Softener


2 Tablespoons Baking Soda

Hot Tap Water - To Fill the Bottle to the Top 32oz bottle

Shake it up in your Spray Bottle and you're ready to go and fight those Stinky Dog smells.



Fabreeze anywhere from $5.69 Our cost $.15 cents for 32 oz.

Windex

1 empty Windex Spray Bottle

1/8 Cup (1 oz) white Ammonia

¼ Cup (4 oz) Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
1 Drop of Laundry Detergent
Water- to fill the bottle
Shake it up in your Spray Bottle and you are ready to go.

I used a 64 oz bottle of Ammonia and a 16 oz bottle of Rubbing Alcohol that I picked up for $1.00 each at the Dollar Tree.

Windex $3.69  Our cost (Ammonia $.02 & Alcohol $.25) = $.027

 Clorox Cleanup
1 Empty and Rinsed-Out Bottle of Clorox Cleanup/Empty Plastic Spray Bottle

1/4 Cup Bleach
1 Teaspoon Laundry Detergent

Fill the rest of the bottle with Water and Shake

Clorox Cleanup $4.99  Our cost $0.02 (The little bit of bleach you use from the gallon that cost 1.00)

 Carpet Fresh

Instead of buying carpet fresh use baking soda, you will use less and save over half the cost.
For an extra touch mix 15-20 drops of essential oil to the baking soda before you sprinkle it on the carpet. The essential oil is a natural anti-bacterial and you have the bonus of the pure essential oil scent for hours afterwards. 

Courtesy of www. buildingitonpennies.com
Posted by: http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com



Saturday 16 March 2013

Here is a wonderful make at home jewelry cleaning recipe that works well on gold, brass, german silver and sterling silver from food.com.

Jewelry Cleaner. Photo by jonesiesQUICK & EASY JEWELRY CLEANER

1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon dish detergent
1 cup water
1 piece aluminum foil
Directions:

1
Heat water in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes.
2
Cut a piece of aluminum foil that roughly covers the bottom of a small bowl (like a cereal bowl).
3
Pour hot water into bowl. Place salt, soda, and dishwashing liquid into bowl. Place jewelry on top of foil and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse jewelry in cool water and dry jewelry completely with soft cloth. Discard solution after use and make a new batch next time.
4
According to wire-sculpture.com, "this works well for gold-filled, brass, german (nickel) silver, and sterling silver. I have even cleaned jewelry with freshwater pearls, shell cameos and mother of pearl with no problem.".

Read more at: http://www.food.com/recipe/jewelry-cleaner-180133?oc=linkback

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http://www.food.com/recipe/jewelry-cleaner-18

Tuesday 12 March 2013


Don't throw out those old sweaters...make a throw.

Recycle five or six of your worn or outgrown sweaters into a stylish patchwork lap warmer you'll reach for all winter long. No sweaters? Head for a thrift shop and take your pick.

SIZE: 42" x 47" or desired size

MATERIALS:
5 or 6 large wool and wool-blend thrift shop sweaters
Medium-weight decorator fabric for backing/border 47" x 52", or at least 6" longer and wider than assembled knits
Sewing machine and sewing thread, or  tapestry yarn and needle
Graph paper
Large straight pins; sewing needle
Steam iron; pressing cloth


PREWASH sweaters if necessary in mild soap and warm water. Rinse; roll in towels to blot; lay on sweater dryer or towels to dry. Dry-clean if required.

CUT sweaters apart at seams to see available pieces flat, including sleeves. Cut rectangles as large as possible to work with, following a row of knit stitches as cutting line. Ribbing and narrow cable sections can be cut as strips.

MEASURE available pieces and plan design on graph paper, or plot with paper rectangles. Small pieces can be joined to make larger rectangles. Be sure to add 1⁄2" seam allowance on all sides. 

CUT pieces to desired sizes including 1⁄2" seam allowance on all 4 sides, then join blocks to form throw. To sew seams: Pin 2 pieces right sides together. Baste with thread if desired. Stitch with 1⁄2" seam allowance using a wide, close zigzag stitch by machine or backstitch with tapestry yarn by hand. Take care not to stretch edges. From right side, steam-press seam lightly under pressing cloth, letting allowances fall to one side (do not slide iron; place, lift, reposition). 

BACKING AND BORDER: Right sides out, pin knit carefully centered over fabric. Stitch from knit side, 1⁄2" from knit edge, with long straight stitch by machine or backstitch with thread by hand. Press 1⁄2" edges of fabric to wrong side. Fold and pin the 2 long fabric sides over knit about 1⁄4" beyond seam for border about 11⁄4" wide. Slipstitch in place with thread. Repeat to bind top and bottom edges. Sew sides of corners closed.

CARE: Launder as for the most delicate fabric on the throw. Dry-clean if required.

Posted by: http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com
Courtesy of:  Make a Cozy Throw - Woman's Day 

Monday 11 March 2013

APPLE PIE JAM RECIPE
Tastes just like Apple Pie.

Besides using it as jam on toast, Try it as a sauce for pancakes, waffles or a topping on ice cream. Use it as a glaze on pork chops. 

4 cups chopped tart apples. 
1-1/2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice. 
1/4 tsp. nutmeg. 
1/4 tsp. ginger.
4 cups sugar. 
1 cup brown sugar - packed
1 box dry pectin (1-3/4 oz.)
1 tsp butter. 

Measure 4 cups apples in a measuring cup and then add in the same measuring cup water to fill up to the 4 cup line (with the apples in it).  Put into a heavy saucepan.  Add pectin, butter, spices and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. 

Add sugars and bring back to a full rolling boil, and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.   Remove from heat and skim off any foam. 

Ladle into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4" headspace.  Put on lids and process in water bath 10 minutes.

http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com

Sunday 10 March 2013

HOW TO MAKE COLD PROCESSED SOAP

EQUIPMENT 
  • Stainless steel saucepan 
  • Wooden or plastic spoon 
  • Scales - most soap ingredients are measured by weight, not volume 
  • Jug - for holding oils 
  • Measuring jug - for measuring water. It's ok to measure the water by volume 
  • Thermometer - you can use either a milk or candy thermometer 
  • Stick blender (optional) 
  • Newspaper to cover your work area 

DON'T use any aluminium pots or spoons. You may use stainless steel or cast iron and your spoon may be of steel, wood or plastic.


RECIPE The recipe may change every time you make soap but the method of making it remains the same. This is the recipe I use now: 
  1. 450 mls rain water, spring water or distilled water 
  2. 172 grams caustic soda/lye 
  3. 1000 grams olive oil 
  4. 250 grams copha or coconut oil
Many soap makers wear latex gloves, goggles and a mask. I don't as I know what I'm doing and I'm very careful. Please use these safeguards while you're learning to make soap. When you're experienced, you might be able to dispense with them. Are you still with me after that warning? Soap making is a simple process that is made difficult by using lye (caustic soda). There is absolutely NO WAY to make soap from scratch without using lye. If you make sure you're alone when making soap, if you have all your ingredients measured out and have a clean and clear work area, you shouldn't have any problems. The entire process should take about 30 minutes. BTW, the process of soapmaking - saponification - neutralises the lye and by the time the soap is cured, no lye remains in the soap. 

METHOD
Lay out the newspaper over your work area.
Grease your moulds.
Put on your safety gear.Measure and weigh all your ingredients.
Weigh all your oils and place them in a saucepan.
Measure out the water and leave it in your measuring jug.
Measure out the lye into a small bowl.
Clip the thermometer onto the side of the saucepan and place on low heat on the stove. Slowly heat the oils to 50 degrees Celsius (122 F).
With the water already in the jug, carefully pour in the lye and stir gently until fully dissolved. Stand back a bit as there will be fumes coming up from this mix and it will heat up.
Now you need to have the oil at 50C and the lye at 50C (122F). When they're the same temperature, carefully pour the lye water into the oils and avoid splashing it.
Start mixing. You can either use a spoon and stir for about 20 minutes or use a stick blender and mix for about 5 - 10 minutes, making sure your blender doesn't overheat. I use an old Mixmaster (KitchenAid) as it has a very low setting that doesn't splatter. It gently stirs and reaches trace within 5 or 6 minutes. Don't use a hand beater and it splashes too much and the soap is still caustic at this stage.
TRACE
Trace is the sign you look for that the soap has become stable and is ready to be poured into a mould. Before you reach trace, the surface of the mixture will be smooth. When you reach trace, slight ripples will form on the surface and remain there. The mix should be thick, but pourable.
If you're going to add fragrance, add it when you reach trace and give it a good mix. Then pour the mixture into the greased mould. I use a resin cake form that I bought for $2 at the dollar shop. You can also use plastic ice block trays, milk cartons or any plastic shape. Make sure you grease it - I use cooking spray, and if you're using a milk carton, make sure it's absolutely clean.
If you want to colour your soap you should research this yourself as I've never coloured my soap. Food colouring is unstable and not considered suitable, you'll need to buy soap dye or use natural powders like turmeric, cinnamon or cocoa.

Once the soap is in the mould, cover it with a towel so it cools down slowly. 
The next morning, or about 15 hours later, release the soap from the mould and cut it into whatever shape you desire. 
 I just cut them into blocks with a sharp knife. I like my soap to look handmade, but many soap makers fashion their soaps to look very professional and store bought. You do what you want to do.
Place the cakes of soap on a drying rack in an area they can stay in for a couple of weeks. Turn the soap over every day to allow it to dry out evenly. I cure my soaps for about six weeks before using them. The drier they are when you use them, the longer they last. You could use your soap after a week or so, but when it gets wet it will go soft and won't last long. It's better to cure them for a few weeks. This batch made 12 hefty blocks of soap.
Courtesy:  downtoearth.ca
Posted by:  http://www.hummingbirdjewelry.etsy.com

Saturday 9 March 2013

St. Patrick's Day 
Hat Cookies
from The Betty Crocker Kitchens

Prep Time: 1:15 Makes 24 cookies


  • 1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookies mix. 
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened. 
  • 1 egg
  • 1 container Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting.
  • 1/2 teaspoon green gel food color. 
  • 24 large marshmallows
  • 24 small (1 inch) chewy chocolate candies. 
  • 12 small green gumdrops. 
  1. Preheat oven to 375 F.  In a medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.  Roll dough into 24 (1 inch) balls.  On an ungreased cookie sheets, place 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.  Immediately place a marshmallow on each cookie. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks.  Cool completely about 15 minutes. 
  3. In microwavable bowl, microwave frosting on High 30 seconds.  Stir, frosting should be a thick spoonable glaze.  Stir food color into frosting, adding more if needed to achieve desired green color.  Spoon warm frosting over each cookie, coating completely and allowing excess to drip off.  Let stand 20 minutes to set. 
  4. Roll chocolate candies into ropes.  Flatten with rolling pin into 1/8 inch thick ribbons.  Cut into strips with scissors to resemble hat bands; arrange around base of marshmallow on each cookie.  Cut gumdrops crosswise in half (reshaping as needed).  Press cut side into hat.  Lift cookies onto serving platter with pancake turner, leaving excess frosting behind.  Store in airtight container. 

Posted by:  http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com




Friday 8 March 2013

NICE ST. PADDY'S DAY RECIPE

Grasshopper Brownie Bars


Makes 16 large brownies or 32 small brownies (halve recipe for an 8x8 pan).
Recipe from Baked Explorations, via Serious Eats.

ingredients:

For the brownie base:
3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dark unsweetened cocoa powder (like Valrhona)
5 ounces good quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cut into 1 inch cubes
3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the buttercream:
3/4 cups sugar
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) butter, softened but still cool, cut into small cubes
3 tablespoons creme de menthe
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the chocolate glaze:
6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate (60 to 72%), coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, cut into cubes

Directions:

To make the brownie base: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Butter the sides and bottom of a glass or light-colored metal 9-by-13-inch pan. Line the bottom with a sheet of parchment paper, and butter the parchment. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, the salt, and cocoa powder.
Configure a large size double boiler. Place the chocolate and the butter in the bowl of the double boiler and stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. Turn off the heat, but keep the bowl over the water of the double boiler and add both sugars. Whisk the sugars until completely combined. Remove the bowl from the pan. The mixture should be at room temperature.
Add three eggs to the chocolate/butter mixture and whisk until just combined. Add the vanilla and stir until combined. Do not over beat the batter at this stage or your brownies will be cakey.
Sprinkle the flour/cocoa/salt mix over the chocolate. Using a spatula (do not use a whisk) fold the dry ingredients into the wet until there is just a trace amount of the flour/cocoa mix visible.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with an offset spatula, and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, rotating halfway through the baking time. The brownies should be just a tad underdone (not too gooey, but ideally, just 1 minute from being cooked through completely). A toothpick inserted into the brownies at an angle should contain a few loose crumbs. Remove the brownies from the oven and let cool completely while you make the creme de menthe filling.

To make the buttercream: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally until mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, 5 to 7 minutes.

Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until filling is light and fluffy.
Add the creme de menthe and peppermint extract and mix until combined. If the filling is too soft, chill slightly in the refrigerator and then mix again until it is the proper consistency.
If the filling is too firm, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and re-mix to proper consistency. Spread the filling evenly across the top of the brownie layer and place the pan in the refrigerator, for a minimum of 45 minutes, while you make the chocolate glaze.
To make the chocolate glaze: In a large non-reactive metal bowl, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and stir vigorously for 1 minute to release excess heat.
Pour the mixture over the chilled creme de menthe layer and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer. Place the pan back in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until the glaze hardens.
Remove the pan from the refrigerator, wait about 15 minutes for the glaze to soften slightly, and cut the bars with a warm knife. Cut into squares and serve immediately. ?Note: The bars can be stored in the refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
http://www.hummingbirdjewelry.etsy.com


EGGSHELL CANDLES:


Eggshells make perfect candle holders, with a little glue, melted wax, and a wick. Dye the hard-cooked eggs before you start, and be sure to place the wick so it will stick out above the shell.

Complete Instructions:

  • Candle eggs: Hard-boil, dye, and dry the eggs.
  •  Break the shell crown of an egg by gently tapping with a spoon.
  •  Remove and discard the egg's contents with a small spoon. Pour colored dye inside the eggshell, drain, and place the shell upside down on a paper towel to dry. 
  • To make the candle, first melt candle wax (from a crafts store) in a double boiler.
  •  Next, using a glue gun, place a small drop of glue inside the egg, on the bottom. Put a wick in the glue spot; it should reach above the eggshell.
  •  Wind the wick around a toothpick three times and gently place the toothpick across the egg opening. Using a small ladle, spoon, or funnel, pour enough wax to fill 7/8 of the egg, making sure to evenly surround the wick. 
  • Allow the wax to harden, remove the toothpick, and cut the wick to size. Place the candles in eggcups. 
  • Remember to never leave burning candles unattended.

http://www.hummingbirdjewelry1.etsy.com

 Easter Egg Decorations - How to Decorate Easter Eggs - Good Housekeeping 

Thursday 7 March 2013

Here is a great recipe for Borax Free Home Made Dishwasher Soap from myhealthygreenfamily.com.  


  • 1 cup washing soda (old recipe used  baking soda)
  • 1/4 c. citric acid (old recipe said 1/3 c.)
  • 1/4 c. coarse salt (old recipe said 1/3 c.)
  • 10-15 drops of citrus essential oil (Optional.  Orange, grapefruit, or lemon essential oils have great cleaning as well as antibacterial properties.)


Saturday 2 March 2013

WHY GOAT'S MILK COLD PROCESSED SOAP?

Goat's milk soap is a natural healthy alternative to harsh commercial soaps, which are made with detergents and artificial hardeners.  Not great for your skin.

Most people with problem skin, eczema, acne or sensitive skin find they can use goat's milk cold process soap with good results.  

It is always better if real goat's milk is used as opposed to dry or powdered milk.  Goat's milk soap is wonderful for all skin types and highly recommended for people with dry skin, psoriasis and acne. 

Milk soap is nothing new.  It has been used for centuries as a skin conditioner and cleanser.  Recently scientists believe that goat milk soap has a pH level that is closest to the skins own pH level. 

Goat milk soap is absorbed easily into the skin bringing with it moisture, restorative proteins, minerals and vitamins. 

There are 50 nutrients including A, C, B1, B6, B12 andE, minerals, citric acid, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, enzymes and a variety of other nutrients that revitalize and nourish the skin.  

Vitamin A is believed to slow down the effects of aging, prevent brown spots and thickening of the skin. 

Zinc contributes to the reconstruction of collagen fibers, encouraging moisture retention and assisting in maintaining the skin's elasticity.

Friday 1 March 2013


ALL NATURAL DISINFECTANT SPRAY RECIPE:

You will need a small spray bottle for this recipe. 
Lavender Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil and 2 oz. distilled water. 

Add 2 oz of distilled water into the spray bottle. 
Add:  15 drops of Lavender E.O, 2 drops Eucalyptus E.O. and 8 drops Lemon E.O.

Shake well before each use.  This is a wonderful disinfectant for bread boards, tables, doorknobs, counters and laminate cupboards etc.,

Free Sugar Scrub and Natural Disinfectant Recipes

Here are two all natural recipes.  The Sugar Scrub works wonders on your skin, be it your face, legs, elbows or feet. The other recipe is an All natural Disinfectant Spray that is so safe it can actually be used on your face as a toner. 

EASY SUGAR SCRUB RECIPE:  

Mix together:

1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/2 teaspoon teaspoon lavender essential oil

Add one teaspoon vegetable oil of your choice or whatever you have on hand, (olive oil, canola, any vegetable oil - no animal fats though :-)

Mix together well.  If you like the consistency of this mixture your done.  If you would like a thinner consistency add 1/4 tsp. of oil at a time, mixing well after each addition.    Let sit in a covered jar overnight.  

To use:  Scoop some into the palm of your hand and rub where needed. I let it sit a few minutes and then rinse well with cool water.  Do not get mixture into your eyes as the essential oil will burn.  Wash hands well with soap after use.  

I can honestly say this made my feet feel heavenly during application and after rinsing.  

Here is a list of some Essential Oils to choose from if your would rather not use Lavender:  

Dry Skin:     Rose E.O.- Rosemary - Chamomile - Sandalwood - Lavender. 

Normal Skin:  Lemon - Ylang-Ylang - Rosehip - Jasmine - Chamomile. 

Oily Skin:  Carrot - Lemon- Orange - Grapefruit - Lavender.

Acne Prone Skin: Peppermint - Eucalyptus - Patchouli - Tea Tree - Any Citrus Essential Oil.