Tips and Tidbits

Cherished Valentines <3 ~ This year why not start a little early and make handmade cards for your husband, children, parents, or special friends.  Simply list what you see as being special about that person and why you love him or her.  The power of these written words about themselves will be very meaningful and saved, you can be sure of that!   Use the times you have to sit and wait to write your lists! 

Be Kind and Considerate in Your Home as well as with friends and strangers.  There is no room to be sarcastic which is usually hurtful to someone.  Being kind and considerate sounds easy, but sometimes we get into the bad habit of not being so nice to those we love the most.  Be intentional in using words like "please, thank you, I appreciate that, that was so thoughtful of you, and what can I do for you today?"  Speak in a kind voice - and smile! 

How to Grow Basil in Your Kitchen All Winter Long ~ My son, James, showed me the tall basil plant and several smaller ones growing on their windowsill when we visited recently.  The tall plant was brought inside from their garden last summer.  James said he's been cutting off sprigs from the plant and rooting them in water, then planting them in soil in smaller pots.  There's nothing like fresh herbs to add to your meals! 

Effective Grease Removers ~ I've read and even shared many remedies for removing grease from clothing, but I've recently found several that work the best for me.  Citrasolv is a natural cleaner and degreaser concentrate with valencia orange essential oil.  It comes as a concentrate in an 8 oz. bottle as well as a spray in a 22 oz. bottle.  I bought these both at a health food store.  Grandma's Secret Spot Remover is effective, but it would be wise to test it first on an inconspicuous place to be sure it won't remove color.  It comes in a 2 oz. bottle and is about $4 at A.C. Moore.

Free Wallpaper Samples for Pretty Wrapping Paper ~ January is the time of the year when wallpaper sample books are discontinued and moved out of stores to make room for the new ones.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  Some wallpaper samples make wonderful, elegant wrapping paper for smaller gifts.  Tie it with a ribbon and you've got a beautiful gift wrap!

Raise the Humidity in Your Home to Make it Feel Warmer during the Colder Months ~ If you find there is static in your home from cold temperatures and dry air, keep a pot of water simmering on the stove (low heat), but make sure it doesn't go dry.  Humidity in the air will make your home feel much more comfortable in the winter. 

 

Be Prepared for Mosquito Bites with this Tip ~ I know it's early, but it's 72 degrees in Virginia as I write this!  Be prepared!  This is a good tip to know!  Rub the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite to ease the itch and prevent redness and infection.  Read more at this site: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/fast-and-effective-mosquito-bite-remedy-thats-proba bly-already-in-your-kitchen/