Tip of the Day #285: Duct Tape on Warts

Home cure: Duct tape for Warts

Yes, this really does work! Covering warts with duct tape eliminates them better than freezing them off, according to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. In the study, the duct tape eliminated 85% of the warts after 2 months, compared with 60% with the freezing method.

To use duct tape safely, clean the skin area. Then cut a piece of duct tape to a size slightly bigger than the wart. Apply the duct tape to the site and rub into place. Every 3 days, remove the tape and file down dead skin with a pumice stone or nail file. Repeat until the wart disappears. Chemicals in the tape suffocate and kill the wart.

Tip of the Day #284: Paint Calculator

So you've picked your color, but how many gallons will you need for your room? Calculate the wall area of the room; you'll need ONE GALLON FOR EVERY 450 SQUARE FEET.To determine the wall area, multiply the height of each wall by its width (don't subtract for doors and windows unless they take up more than half the wall); total the figures for the walls.

Height x Width = Wall Area

Add 10 percent for future touch-ups. For two coats, double the number.

Tip of the Day #283: Cake Tips

--If you dust a little flour or cornstarch on a cake before icing it you'll find that the frosting won't run as much. --When frosting a cake , dip the spatula in warm water as well to smooth the icing.
--Also, put a piece of apple in the cake tin to keep your confection's freshness longer!

Tip of the Day #282: A 'Green' Cleaner/Disinfectant--Orange Peels & Vinegar

Some people are deterred from using vinegar as an everyday cleaner because of its initial strong smell. There is a WONDERFUL solution to this problem that will keep you wanting to use it again and again!

Recipe:

-1 Large Jar or Tub with Lid

-2-3 Oranges (depending on the size of your container)--Peels ONLY!

- White Vinegar

**Curl the peels around the inside of the jar. If your oranges are small and you could fit another peel, feel free to add one more.  Pour vinegar into the jar to cover the peels and close tightly.  Store in the cupboard for TWO WEEKS, then transfer the vinegar to a spray bottle and use for all your cleaning purposes!

You could also try lemon, lime, clementine or mandarin orange peels as alternatives! Yummy! :)

Tip of the Day #281: All Purpose Cleaner

I love my multi purpose cleaner because it combines all of my favourite natural products in one bottle!
*Note that this IS safe on all surfaces*

Ingredients:

2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Dawn Dish Soap
4 tbsp White Vinegar
1 3/4 cups (400mL) Warm Water

Combine in a spray bottle and shake well before use!

Tip of the Day #280: DIY Foam Soap Refills

I will only use foaming hand soap in my home--mainly because I love the way it feels and it causes much less of mess as it doesnt ever leak. However, it can be costly every time you run out!
That is until I found a solution to making your own at home.

All you need to do is fill the empty bottle 1/4 full with either other handsoap OR dishsoap, then the remaining 3/4s with water. VOILA!

Sometimes you will find that it is difficult to get the last few pumps out if some soap is left at the bottom of a foam soap bottle--simply add a little water and you can use it right up! :)

Tip of the Day #279: DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Dishwasher tablets or discs seem to be all the rage right now--the only thing is, they are very pricey!

So why not make your own at home quickly and easily!

Here is what you will need:
1 Cup Washing Soda
1 Cup Borax
1/4 Cup Epsom Salt
Lemon Juice
Ice Cube or Mold Trays

This will make about 60-70 tabs--you can cut the recipe in half if needed.

Directions:
-Mix all of your dry ingredients together -Slowly add your lemon juice a tablespoon at a time (around 7-8 tablespoons in total)You don't want it to be too wet or too dry
-Fill your ice cube trays
-Let them dry until they are hard and fairly easy to remove.