Multiple Uses for Lemons

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart

I like to buy a large bag of lemons when they go on sale, and enjoy this fruit with its multiple uses.  After washing organic lemons very well, they can be grated for zest, which can be frozen for later use in recipes.  

Next peel the lemons, removing as much of the white pith as possible, without cutting into the fruit.  Also remove the seeds and the thickest part of the membrane.  If you hold the lemon over your blender, as it sets in your sink (easier on your shoulders as you work), you won't lose any juice.  It's fine to have some of the white pith remaining on the fruit of the lemon. The lemon and juice are put into a blender (I use a VitaMix).   After blending the lemon and juice very well, pour juice into ice cube trays.  The bag of lemons I bought filled three trays. 

After freezing, these cubes of frozen juice will keep best if transferred to freezer bags, for use when a recipe calls for a small amount of lemon juice (salad dressings, when cooking fish, or to make lemonade.  

Don't throw away the lemon peel though.  After you are done with the juice, blend the peels in your blender as well - with some water.  This can be used to freshen up your garbage disposal from time to time, but will need to be kept in the refrigerator.  It also works to clean brass!  

Or let your children sit at the kitchen table and polish pennies for something fun to do.  I remember my children's fascination while doing this many years ago.  I can still see their big eyes as they made the pennies shine!  Of course, just be sure your little ones don't swallow the coins.

Spring Cleaning the Natural Way

by Cyndi Roberts - http://www.cynroberts.com - Used by permission

Remember the days when spring meant cleaning the house from top to bottom? Well, actually, I don't either, but I have read about it and seen it done in old movies!

Still, there comes a time when we all must do at least a little cleaning. Maybe you prefer to start in one room and work your way through the house a little at a time. Some people might like to clean all the walls at one sitting and the next time wash all the window coverings.

Whatever routine you use when you clean, using these hints for natural cleaning products can save you money. Other advantages are: no extra packaging to dispose of and fewer toxic chemicals in your home.

1. To clean windows and mirrors, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on windows and wipe off with crumpled up newspapers.

2. To remove stains from carpet and upholstered furniture, mix equal parts of white vinegar, liquid dish detergent and water. Spray on stains and scrub with a brush and rinse with water. Another trick is to use shaving cream to clean carpet stains. Just scrub it in and rinse and let dry. 

3. For a natural carpet deodorizer, sprinkle carpet with baking soda. Let sit for a few minutes; then vacuum as usual.

4. Mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice for a natural furniture polish. Just apply with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. You can also use this on wood paneling.

5. When you have cleaned out your kitchen drawers, a bay leaf placed in the bottom will discourage bugs.

6. For a general all-purpose cleaner (instead of cleaners like Fantastik, etc.) mix 2 teaspoons each of borax and baking soda in 1 quart water. Put in a spray bottle.

7. Put an old sock on your hand, dampen it a little, and dust the leaves of your houseplants. Add a dab of mayonnaise and your plants' leaves will shine!

8. To clean the toilet, sprinkle in baking soda and scrub with a brush.

9. If you have rust stains in your bathtub or sink, pour on hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle on a little cream of tartar. Let it sit for a half hour or so, then wipe clean.

10. For cleaning bathroom tile and fixtures, mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 2 cups rubbing alcohol and about 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Add this to a gallon of water.

11. Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down your drain followed by a quart of boiling water, to deodorize it and keep it flowing freely.

By using ordinary household products to clean, you can save money and at the same time do something positive for our environment!

Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill."

Natural Housecleaning Recipes

Recipes were found at www.tipnut.com Freshen Your Home With Eucalyptus Essential Oil ~ Eucalyptus is one of mother nature's most powerful disinfectants.  For an air freshener, mix 2 cups distilled water with 20 drops of eucalyptus essential oil from a health food store.  Use this mixture in a spray bottle as a natural air freshener without harmful chemicals.  Lemon or lavender essential oil are other wonderful, refreshing fragrances.  This can be used as an air freshener, a carpet or upholstery spray. Test a small area first for fabric discoloration and do not spray on wood surfaces.  Read on for more recipes from this website! Floor Cleaner ~ Add 1 tablespoon of liquid Castile soap to 1 gallon of hot water and 1/3 cup Borax. Mix in 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. of Eucalyptus oil. All Purpose Cleaner ~ Mix 1/2 cup vinegar with 1 cup hot water, add 1/8 tsp. liquid dish detergent (nothing with bleach), 6 drops Eucalyptus oil. Pour into a spray bottle and shake before each use. Soft Scrub Cleaner ~ Mix baking soda and liquid Castile soap until you have a smooth paste (some water can be added).  Stir in a few drops of the Eucalyptus oil. Take a damp sponge, dab into the paste and use to scrub over stained areas. Wipe off with a damp, clean cloth. Kitchen Spray Freshener ~ Fill a small spray bottle with lukewarm water and add 3 drops Eucalyptus oil (ratio is about 1 drop oil to 4 ounces water). Shake. Use on freshly washed surfaces as a fragrant rinse. Store away from sunlight. Garbage Pail Deodorizer ~ Mix 4 teaspoons Eucalyptus oil with 4 cups of baking soda. Store in an airtight plastic container. After cleaning garbage can, sprinkle a handful of baking soda mixture on the bottom (once dry). Tub and Sink Cleaner ~ Mix 1 cup baking soda and 15 drops Eucalyptus oil well then scrub onto bathroom tub and sink with a damp sponge. Allow to set for a bit before rinsing off with clear warm water.