Archive for the 'Articles Off Subject' Category

Pamper yourself and try my foot scrub ideas

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 31, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

There are different ways to make foot scrubs. Use your imagination and various products and items you have at home discover different foot scrub recipes. To soothe tired feet, get rid of odor or just pamper them try the following:

SANDY BEACH FOOT SCRUB

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons beach sand
3-5 drops rosemary oil

Combine and mix into a paste using a fork. Massage scrub onto feet, concentrating especially on problem areas. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

COOL AND SOFTEN FOOT SCRUB

Ingredients:
Cool Whip
Water

Coat your feet with Cool Whip, let it set for fifteen minutes, then wash your feet clean. The nondairy dessert topping cools achy feet and the oils soften the feet.

TEA & CORN STARCH REMEDY

Ingredients:
Water
tea bags
corn starch

Boil three or four tea bags in one quart water for ten minutes, add enough cold water to make a comfortable soak. Soak your feet for twenty to thirty minutes, then dry them and apply corn starch.

The tannin in the tea is a drying agent, giving you a measure of control over foot perspiration.

SOAKING SHEA BUTTER TREAT

Ingredients:
Water
Epsom Salt
Tea Tree Oil
Pumice
Shea Butter
Lavender or Aloe spray mixture

First soak your feet in warm water, adding Epsom Salt, mix Tea Tree Oil and use a Pumice to polish away rough skin. Then massage your feet with Shea Butter and spray them with Lavender or Aloe to keep them refreshed.

OATS AND ALOE TREATMENT

Ingredients:
uncooked oatmeal
wheat bran
Aloe Vera gel

Mix together three parts uncooked oatmeal, two part wheat bran and 1/4 Aloe Vera gel. Spoon into a fine mesh cheesecloth or a knee-high nylon sock. Add to your bath. After soaking, use bag to cleanse skin.

The most important thing to remember is the miracle of using home products; Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, Cool Whip, Epsom Salt, Miracle Whip, all kinds of Oats and even cooking sprays! Here is a strange fact…..feet are ticklish because of the high concentration of nerve endings. Enjoy
Fibro Viv

Making puddings: A simple family favorite

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 29, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

Here is another article I wrote on Helium dot com.

Who doesn’t like Bread Pudding? It is simple, you can use coarse country loaf or left over baguette to make and a family favorite. Since these breads have about the same texture and they both have bland flavors when stale, they make a great custard. Try the following recipe:

1).  Cut the bread into 3/4-inch slices, then cut again into 3/4-inch cubes. These bite-size pieces soak up all and hold together to give the dessert some texture.

2).  Use the following ingredients:

* 12 slices day-old baguette, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* 4 eggs, at room temperature
* 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
* 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
* a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
* a small pinch of salt
* 4 cups milk
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
* confectioners’ sugar for dusting

3).  Mixing directions:

Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread the bread cubes in it.

Whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until well blended in your favorite mixing bowl. Pour in the milk and whisk until combined. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. The next thing is to let it stand, pressing down on the bread occasionally, until it is evenly soaked. It takes about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cranberries should be scattered evenly over the surface of the soaked bread and press to submerge the fruit. Use a large shallow roasting pan to set the baking dish in. Pour very hot tap water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

It takes about 45 to 55 minutes to bake, check it with a knife inserted near the center comes out almost clean. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust the top of each slice with confectioners’ sugar. This recipe serves 6 to 8 people depending on serving size.

Enjoy!

Fibro Viv


Read this article on Freezing Strawberries

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 25, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

HOW TO FREEZE STRAWBERRIES

There are a variety of ways to freeze strawberries. To freeze fresh strawberries you start by rinsing the strawberries in cold water, hull and remove stems, place them in your colander to drain.  Before placing them in your container (about one half inch apart), pat them dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.  Some people like to add water or berry juice.

To sugar pack them, slice them in halves lengthwise and mix about five to six parts of strawberries with one part sugar. Wait about ten minutes for the sugar to dissolve and spoon them into your containers to freeze.

Strawberries syrup packed: Start by spooning your berries into your container(s), depending on the amount of strawberries you have to freeze. The next step is creating your mix. Mix 50 percent syrup and water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about one minute then pour the syrup over the strawberries.

Seal and label prior to freezing.

Useful Tips:

*  washing berries in ice water helps firm them up,
*  when packing, allow some room for expansion,
*  cover crushed berries with their own juice,
*  to help prevent strawberries from darkening, add ascorbic acid (vitamin C),
*  make sure you date your labels and freeze promptly.

Enjoy freezing your strawberries for later use!

If anyone has any suggestions or additions to my articles, please post your comments.

Have a pain free day!

Fibro Viv


How to keep working hands soft

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 25, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

We all use our hands to perform various tasks at home and work. Water tends to remove oils from hands, try soaking them in clear water for a few moments, then pat them dry after you have completed your task. Use brushes and cotton gloves while cleaning your home. If you do not use these tools the moisture and water content of the skin is dry and hands are not soft. You can make your own products with items you might already have handy.

Here are some tips to keep your hands soft and smooth:

* Take shorter lukewarm baths or showers, not hot and use moisturizing body and hand soap.

* Apply moisturizer after washing your hands and during the winter use heavier ointments and creams on hands.

* Try to keep from exposing hands to sunlight or at least use sunblock on your hands, not just your body.

* Soothe hands by rubbing them using baby powder.

* Try exfoliating your hands in this mixture: Use a blender to grind up one cup of Cheerios’s into fine powder then pour it into a bowl. Rub the oak cereal over your hands, then wash them in cool water followed with a cream moisturizer. You can also use Quaker Oaks.

* To keep hands exfoliated and moisturized rub extra crunchy peanut butter into hands, then wipe them clean with a paper towel. The oil moisturizes, while the peanuts exfoliate hands, elbows and knees.

* Keep Cort-aid handy in your kitchen or bathroom sink and each time you wash your hands, rub a small dab of this cream into your hands.

* Soften your hands by applying corn starch just like lotion.

* Aloe is an excellent moisturizer, take advantage of this plant.

* Coat your hands with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, slip them inside two zip lock bags, wait about 10-15 minutes, then wash hands with warm water.

* Before going to bed, apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly into your hands and wear cotton gloves.

* Fill your sink with warm water, add a couple of drops of lemon juice, a bit of olive oil and liquid hand soap. Rub your hands together in the water and let them soak for a few minutes. This little recipe makes them nice and smooth.

Do you want to make your own soft skin lotion? You will need the following ingredients; one cup dried chamomile, four tablespoons honey, one cup milk and eight teaspoons wheat germ. Steep chamomile in milk for a few hours. Strain it, keeping the liquid, add honey and wheat germ to the mixture and blend well. Place in a bottle or container and refrigerate any unused portions. This particular mixture keeps for about a week and can be used for your body and hands.

To keep your hands soft, you must keep them moisturized and use other tools to clean your home. Take advantage of the tips I noted above and enjoy. You can also find many fine hand products in the retail market.

Enjoy my articles on Helium.com. Check them out.

Have a pain free day!

Fibro Viv

I am still writing….Ways to Save Water at Home

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 25, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

WAYS TO SAVE WATER AT HOME

Start by inspecting your toilet for leaks. A leaky flapper or not utilizing a low flush toilet increases water use. Older toilets can also leak near the pipes. You can easily tell if your toilet continues to sound like water is flowing, there is a problem. Check your shower heads, if necessary replace them with water saving shower heads. Do you have family members that shower too long? Inform your family how long showers can increase the cost of your bill. Brushing your teeth or shaving does not require water running during the whole process.

Check all faucets for drips. Sometimes bathtub faucets continue to drip if not turned off completely. Check under the cabinet sinks in the kitchen, bathroom and anywhere outside your home faucets are located. Also check your washing machine, ice maker, anywhere water is used. Do you wash dishes manually? Limit the amount of time you rinse the dishes, some people leave the water running while washing and rinses dishes. This is wasteful, use your spray device to rinse. If your sink does not have one, consider buying one. Also washing vegetables while the water is running can increase your water consumption. Try using a bowl filled with clean water or fill your kitchen sink with the least amount of water necessary to wash vegetables. While you are at it, limit the use of your garbage disposal which requires rinsing.

Swimming pools, water sprinkler systems also affect your water consumption. Swimming pools have an automatic fill valve that can get stuck in an open position and if the pool has cracks, you are using more water. If you have a water sprinkler, review when and how often it is used. Is it necessary to water that often?

Do you wash your own car? Consider using a car wash instead of your water hose. You end up using running water for long periods of time while cleaning your car. I have seen people actually wash their sidewalks with their garden hose. Sweep it, don’t run water down the driveway.

Many individuals do not realize how much water is wasted on a daily basis while just completing everyday tasks. Reviewing your monthly water bill can help you understand where there might be ways to control the cost. You must also educate your family and establish guidelines.

I hope and pray this helps someone today.

Fibro Viv

How about making your own pudding

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 25, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

Who doesn’t like Bread Pudding? It is simple, you can use coarse country loaf or left over baguette to make this family favorite. Since these breads have about the same texture and they both have bland flavors when stale, they make a great custard. Try the following recipe:

1). Cut the bread into 3/4-inch slices, then cut again into 3/4-inch cubes. These bite-size pieces soak up all other ingredients and hold together to give the dessert some texture.

2). Use the following ingredients:

* 12 slices day-old baguette, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
* 4 eggs, at room temperature
* 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
* 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
* a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
* a small pinch of salt
* 4 cups milk
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
* confectioners’ sugar for dusting

3). Mixing directions:

Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish. Spread the bread cubes in it.

Whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until well blended in your favorite mixing bowl. Pour in the milk and whisk until combined. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes. The next thing is to let it stand, pressing down on the bread occasionally, until it is evenly soaked. It takes about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Cranberries should be scattered evenly over the surface of the soaked bread and press to submerge the fruit. Use a large shallow roasting pan to set the baking dish in. Pour very hot tap water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.

It takes about 45 to 55 minutes to bake, check it by inserting a knife near the center, if it comes out almost clean, it is ready. Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust the top of each slice with confectioners’ sugar. This recipe serves 6 to 8 people depending on serving size.

Enjoy!

Fibro Viv

Try focusing on different things……..Best Beauty Tips

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 25, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

My skin type happens to be combination skin type. I recommend using a Sea Mineral Cleanser. It is gentle, oil-free lotion that dissolves make-up. You get great hydration and skin protection from sea mineral cleansers. You should always use a toner because it improves moisture absorption and make sure you use an alcohol-free toner. Try utilizing a light-diffusing SPF lotion with no less than SPF 15. It helps firm, tone and reinforce facial contours.

My solutions are based on research and trying out different sample products. Set-up a daily regime to enhance your results for achieving your ideal skin. Results vary from occasional to daily or weekly use of products and your priorities. Here are some tips:

* Cleanse your skin daily,
* Use toner daily,
* Moisturize your skin daily,
* Use antioxidant serum as required,
* Use a mist daily and take one with you for use during your day,
* Use a Sea Mineral Mud Mask twice a week to deep cleanse your skin,
* Once a month microdermabrasion,
* If you have dark spots and discoloration, use a brightening spot corrector daily,
* Try minimal use of make-up or use mineral based make-up products,
* If you use make-up, cleanse with a water-activated make-up remover.

Taking the time to take at least 5-10 minutes on your skin will result in pores appearing visibly smaller and less likely to clog. The microdermabrasion will improve skin clarity and texture. The use of antioxidant serums help halt premature aging by repairing and protecting skin from environmental aggressions. Using a daily mist instantly hydrates your skin and you can find small bottles to carry in your purse. Unfortunately, I had a few dark spots and discoloration, hence the skin lightening treatment spot corrector helped my skin.

By treating your skin with hydrating ingredients from your cleanser to your moisturizer, it is possible to help guard against the signs of aging. Water is important to keep the skin at an optimal level and prevents dehydration. Taking care of your skin will help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and restore its natural balance.

I pray and hope this article and opinion helps someone today

Fibro Viv

Child Safety Tips

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 15, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

These tips are for people that have children in their lives.

*  Talk to your child about safety without making them too scared of people and how to handle themselves. Just try to teach them to be aware of their surroundings.

*  Encourage your child to talk to you about anything that might be bothering them and let them know any subject is open to communication.

*  Your child should know their full name, phone number and address. They should know your full name, not just Mommy or Daddy. Teach them how to dial 911, how to use a pay phone and make collect calls.

*  Tell them never to go anywhere with an adult they do not know. How they should act or react towards strangers.

*  Tell them not to approach or enter an unknown vehicle.

*  Decide what to do if you and your child are separated in a public place and make sure they understand what they should do.

As a parent you should know where your child is at all times and remember to keep your child’s records updated. We all have a tendency to label their clothing, backpacks, and personal items. This is not good because a stranger might use that information to their benefit.

I hope and pray that these tips help someone today.

Fibro Viv


Different uses of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 13, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda is one of those multi-tasking products.  It is not only used for cooking, but it can be used to save you time and tackle multiple cleaning projects.  Set yourself up to use it as a multi-task product, keep plenty around different areas of your home.  You can save significant time and keep your home and pets fresher, cleaner and even for medicinal and therapeutic reasons.  You can even make gifts with it!

Leave some baking soda in open containers in refrigerator, closets, and bathrooms to clean and deodorize.

Lets start with the carpet, remove odors in carpets by sprinkling baking soda all over carpet, let it sit for several hours or overnight then vacuum.  Also try mixing baking soda with cornmeal and then sprinkle the mix into your carpet.  Remember to let it sit a few hours or overnight.  The odors caused by traffic and pets will disappear.

Try moving on to the kitchen.  Always have an open box in the refrigerator to absorb odors.  Pouring boiling water down the kitchen drain once a week helps keep it fresh and grease free.  If the drain clogs up, try tossing a handful of baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar down the drain.  Allow the mixture to foam by covering it for several minutes, pour boiling hot water down the drain to rinse and follow with plunger.

Periodically clean the oven with baking soda and water.  As a non-chlorinated scouring powder use baking soda, salt, and water paste.  Never try to use any abrasive cleaning materials on self-cleaning ovens.

While cleaning and in need of a scouring powder, apply baking soda to a sponge then rinse it with water.  Try mixing about 1 1/2 cups of baking soda, 1/2 cup of liquid soap, two tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water.  To clean pans with burnt food, remove the food, add baking soda and water and bring it to a boil.  Let it sit for few minutes and pans will be easier to clean.

Cleaning silver? Start by boiling silver three minutes in a quart of water containing 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and a piece of aluminum foil.  Also, try rubbing silver with a baking soda and water paste and a soft cloth, use a toothbrush to clean raised surfaces then rinse and polish dry.  Prevent scratching surfaces by gently scrubbing clean.

As you continue to clean house, it is time for the bathroom…so use it as a toilet bowl cleaner.  Sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, add vinegar, and clean with toilet brush. Also, anytime you go shower or bathe, sprinkle some baking soda in the toilet, let it sit while freshening up and then scour with your toilet brush.  This keeps the bathroom cleaner and fresher each day.  Clean frequently with a solution of baking soda and water; sprinkle baking soda around the rim.

Time to do laundry? Use simple laundry soap and add baking soda, it cleans better and helps prevent soap scum residue.  Try using 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda per load, it deodorizes and softens clothes.  Or, cover spot with baking soda or cornmeal and let it absorb the grease and brush it off.  Baking soda can be used safely without polluting the ground water.

Did your dog or cat get near a skunk? De-skunk pets by mixing 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of dawn dish soap, and one pint of peroxide.  Bathing pets in this mixture will get the skunk odor out.  When setting up a kitty litter box sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of cat box prior to adding kitty litter.

Medicinal uses include using baking soda to relieve canker sores, upset stomachs and gas. Mix it with four ounces of water and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to reduce upset stomachs and relieve canker sores. Rinse mouth or for gas, use 1/2 teaspoon with as much water as you feel you can swallow to reduce gas. Cool off skin surfaces suffering from sunburn, a bee-sting, a rash, poison ivy or oak. Pat gently, feel better and please share this tip with friends.

It can also be used as a breathe freshener, toothpaste and deodorant. Lets not forget the therapeutic, decor and gift way to use it. Here is a recipe for making a great bath relaxer and a decorative gift. Take 2 cups of sea salt finely grounded, add 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, two tablespoons light oil, one teaspoon vitamin E oil, two eggs and six drops your choice of essential oil. Different oils offer all types of healing properties. Mix all together and cut out in different shapes. You can try using a favorite cookie cutter shape and size. The next step is baking, bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, try not to over-bake. Allow them to cool completely. Store your decor decorative containers with a tag that notes instructions. The instructions can be how to use and make them or just how to use them. Their use: Use one per bath depending on size.

Use this great multi-task product as an air freshener, drain opener, laundry product, removing grease and try using my tips for medicinal and therapeutic use. The general use is dissolving baking soda in hot water for cleaning. That is my take on Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

Fibro Viv

Cooking uses and healing properties of sage

Published by
Fibro Viv
at May 9, 2007 in Articles Off Subject. 0 Comments

Here is another article I wrote on Helium dot com.

Here it is:

Sage, also known as Salvia Pratensis is an important herb that should be included in your kitchen garden of herbs. In tea it is a natural HRT treatment and eases colds and painful periods. If you mix the tea with cider vinegar as a gargle for sore throats and laryngitis. The juice can improve the shine of dark hair. Sage contains powerful antioxidants and is a good remedy for digestive problems.

The part of the sage that is used is leaves, as a whole herb. It can be taken as tea, infusion and the shelf life is 1-3 years. Try freezing leftover sage in an airtight bag.

As for cooking with sage, it has a strong distinctive bitter flavor and aroma, so not everyone likes using it.  Dried sage should be used in moderation.  The fresh sage leaves can be fried whole or used as a topping on hot charcoal for barbeque’s.  It can be chopped up into pieces or finely grounded.  I suggest combining it with other herbs. Try cooking chicken or pork with a mixture of herbs like sage, basil, oregano, thyme and perhaps a mint or rosemary.  Mix any combination of these herbs you normally use or like.  Use it with thyme and beans in soups or add to vegetable and potato dishes.  I use sage in stuffing and if you buy the stuffing, read the ingredients, it is part of the packaged stuffing. The grocery stores sell sage leaves packaged loosely.  Some people like making Sage Pesto which includes sage leaves, lemon juice, almonds, and extra virgin oil. Tomato based sauces, cheese and salad dishes usually have sage in them.  The key is not to overuse dry sage and to mix other herbs with it for cooking.  The fresh sage leaves can be fried whole or eaten with potatoes and meat dishes.  There are many recipes on the Internet and cookbooks that offer information on using sage.

* Please note that pregnant women must avoid sage and thyme.

I hope and pray this helps someone today.
Fibro Viv