Giveaway!

Visit this site for a free poster!  Enter to win, or don't enter and let ME win ;)

http://recoveringcrafthoarder.blogspot.com/2010/11/craft-fair-and-my-first-giveaway.html

Hello again!

Hey there!

It's been a while since I posted something on my wall... not to fear I haven't fallen off of the face of the earth, nor have I caught a cold to die in my sleep.

But I have had some major back pain (from my car accident) and wrist pain (from working as a sign language interpreter).  Both have, at their peaks, limited me to being practically bedridden and wrist-tied ridden.  In other words, I haven't been able to do much of anything due to the pain.

My back is doing much better, and I was able to do a 7 mile hike up the tallest mountain in Minnesota (granted it's only a little over 2,000 feet in elevation which is puny in comparison to the great Rockies that I grew up around).  My wrists are still on the mend, but hurt tremendously after typing this tiny blog.  Hence, I will once again leave this blogging world, uploading pictures from my camera, googling crazy facts to share with you, and all the other awesome things on here.

But not to fear, I WILL RETURN!

p.s. prayers are welcome :)

Herb benefits, and making lip balms and ointments naturally

There are three blogs that I would like to recommend to you, my readers. 

The first is about herbs and their benefits.  There are tips on how to use each of the listed herbs (a pretty extensive list), and I think it would be beneficial for all of us to learn how to use these instead of relying on store-bought remedies. 

The second link includes two reply's and additional advice is on this page. 

The third link was inspired by the first link and gives tips and recipes for making balms and ointments.  I think this would be helpful to know how to make, but they would also make great gifts for family and friends :)

http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/08/medicinal_herb_gardening_by_mr.html

http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/08/two_letters_re_medicinal_herb.html

http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/08/tter_re_medicinal_herb_gardeni.html

Alternatives to Pectin

For those of you who buy pectin, you know just how expensive it is!  Well, I found this blog that my aunt Cheryl wrote with some good alternatives to using pectin.  Her two suggestions were Clear Jel from Barry Farm, or Pomona Pectin.  Look at her blog for links and her advice:

http://knowandgrowfood.blogspot.com/2010/08/alternatives-to-purchased-pectin.html

Another thing I've heard of is using the apple peels, core and seeds (which have natural pectin in them) instead of purchasing pectin from the store.  Here is a link to a recipe with great instructions on what to do with the apples and how to make Apple Rosemary Jelly.

Cement making

I was curious about the options of mixing and making cement, so I was doing some research on it.  In the process I came across these websites that I thought were interesting.  The first one is an article talking about the option to start your own business making concrete blocks with very little investment; He says that the business is very profitable.  If I had a good back and strong arms and wrists, I might consider it :)

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/make-concrete-blocks-build-a-solid-business-360088.html


The other is an article that talks about all the different designs and options for stainging concrete.  I never thought about the possibilities, or even how it was done, before reading this site.  Maybe you'll find it interesting as well:

http://www.concretenetwork.com/staining-concrete/

Saving seeds from your garden

This is our first year growing a garden, and we were talking about the options of saving our seeds to plant next year (why buy them when you can get them from your own backyard?!). 

The other day I was looking at a website and wouldn't you know it but I stumbled across the below link.  It looks like a great resource for beginners to experts.  It's a must-read for those interested in saving seeds for future years!

http://www.seedsave.org/issi/issi_904.html

Homemade Deodorant

The woman of a blog I read is absolutely sure that her homemade deodorant is the best.  She even tried it on and didn't shower for three days just to see how well it worked!  Now that's what I call dedication!

Because of her enthusiasm and guarantee of such a great product, I will post her blog before I even try the deodorant.  If you try it first, let me know!  It is 100% natural without chemicals, aluminum, and propylene glycol (anti-freeze).  I'll be sure to try this soon and let you know what I think about it :)

Here's the recipe from her blog:

It's NO Secret:  Best Natural Deodorant Ever
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder
4 Tablespoons Beeswax
1/4 scant cup Shea Butter
1/4 heaping cup Coconut Oil
Favorite good smelling Essential Oils

I used Tee Tree, Lemon and/or Lemongrass, Grapefruit, Rosemary, Orange

5-20 drops of each according to "smell" I used more of the citrus ones and less of the others. You could use Lavender or other oils you like but I would for sure use some Tee Tree and a Citrus I think these are key to smelling good they not only have a good smell themselves they help fight potential bad smell from you.

Mix the Baking Soda and Arrowroot powder in a medium sized bowl. In a double boiler melt the Beeswax, Shea Butter and Coconut oil. When melted remove from heat and add the essential oils. Then pour onto soda mixture and mix. Quickly Pour (before it sets up) into empty roll on deodorant containers or other container of choice. Should make about 3 sticks. Enjoy being B.O. free!! Naturally!