baking soda uses

*To make your own baking powder, stir and sift together 2 parts of Cream of Tartar to 1 part baking soda and 1 part cornstarch.

Be sure to keep an extra box of baking soda by your stove in case of grease or electrical fire. Scatter the powder by the handful to safely put it out.

*Keep a container of baking soda in your garage as well as in your car to put out a fire. It won't damage anything it touches.

*Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.

*Clean vegetables and fruit with baking soda. Sprinkle in water, soak and rise the produce.

*Wash garbage cans with baking soda.


*Soak and wash diapers with baking soda.

*Oil and grease - stained clothing washes out better with soda added to the washing water.

*Clean your fridge and freezer with dry soda sprinkled on a damp cloth - rinse with clear water.

*Deodorize your fridge and freezer by putting in an open container of baking soda to absorb odors. Stir and turn over the soda from time to time. Replace every 2 months.

*Soda absorbs kitty litter odors. Cover the bottom of the kitty box with 1 part soda; then add a layer of 3 parts kitty litter on top.

*Always add 1/2 cup soda to your washing machine load.

*Clean combs and brushes in a soda solution.

*Wash food and drink containers with soda and water.

*Wash marble-topped furniture with a solution of 3 tablespoons of soda in 1 quart of warm water. Let stand awhile, then rinse.

*Clean formica counter tops with baking soda on a damp sponge.

*Wash out thermos bottles and cooling containers with soda and water to get rid of stale smells.

*Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots (but not aluminum) in a soda solution ( 3 tbsp. soda to 1 quart water).

*Run you coffee maker through its cycle with a soda solution. Rinse.

*Give baby bottles a good cleaning with soda and hot water.

*Sprinkle soda on barbecue grills, let soak, then rinse off.

*Sprinkle soda on greasy garage floor. Let stand, scrub and rinse.

*Polish silverware with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rub, rinse and dry. 

*Reduce odor build-up in your dishwasher by sprinkling some soda on the bottom.

*Run your dishwasher through its cycle with soda in it instead of soap to give it a good cleaning.

*To remove burned-on food from a pan: let the pan soak in soda and water for 10 minutes before washing. Or scrub the pot with dry soda and a moist scouring pad.
For a badly-burned pan with a thick layer of burned-on food: pour a thick layer of soda directly onto the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle on just enough water so as to moisten the soda. Leave the pot overnight, then scrub it clean next day.

*Rub stainless steel and chrome with a moist cloth and dry baking soda to shine it up. Rinse and dry. On stainless steel, scrub in the direction of the grain.

*Clean plastic, porcelain and glass with dry soda on a damp cloth. Rinse and dry.

*Clean your bathroom with dry soda on a moist sponge - sink, tub, tiles, shower stall, etc.

*Keep your drains clean and free-flowing by putting 4 tablespoons of soda in them each week. Flush the soda down with hot water.

*Soak your shower curtains in water and soda to clean them.

*To remove strong odors from your hands, wet your hands and rub them hard with soda, then rinse.

*Sprinkle baking soda on your wet toothbrush and brush your teeth and dentures with it.

*Sprinkle soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.

*Add 1/2 cups or more of baking soda to your bath water to soften your skin.

*Putting 2 tbsp. of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.

*Apply soda directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort. Make a paste with water.

*Take a soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.

*Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water to relieve acid indigestion or heartburn.

*Gargle with 1/2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. Freshens and cleans your mouth.

*Used as a mouthwash, baking soda will also relieve canker sore pain.

*To relieve sunburn: use a paste of baking soda and water.

*Bug bites: use a poultice of baking soda and vinegar.

*Bee sting: use a poultice of baking soda and water.

*Windburns: moisten some baking soda and apply directly.

*Making Play Clay with baking soda: combine 1 1/4 cups water, 2 cups soda, 1 cup cornstarch.

*Use soda as an underarm deodorant.

*If your baby spits up on his shirt after feeding, moisten a cloth, dip it in baking soda and dab at the dribbled shirt. Tho odor will go away. 

*Add to water to soak dried beans to make them more digestible.

*Use to sweeten sour dishcloths.

*Use dry with a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.

*Use to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from toaster (or other device). Dampen cloth and make a mild abrasive with baking soda. 

pea soup

Easy Pea Soup

  
  1-1/2  tbsp unsalted butter 
  5  scallions, white and green parts chopped 
  3/4  tsp salt 
  1  14- to 16-oz fresh or frozen peas (thawed) 
  1  tsp fresh lemon juice


1. Heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add scallions and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 6 to 8 min. Add 2-1/2 cups water and bring to a boil.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the peas and add the rest to the soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook 5 to 6 min.
3. Puree soup in batches until smooth; stir in lemon juice. Garnish with reserved peas. 

alternative milk options

Soy milk:
Soy milk This milk is rich in proteins and comparatively a good source of fiber other than that of cow’s milk. The biggest benefit of soy milk is the presence of isoflavones - a chemical similar to estrogen- that protects our body from many serious illnesses such as, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and cancer.

Almond milk:
Almond milkThose kids who do not like the taste of milk can shift to almond milk. Almond milk differs a lot from cow’s milk as; it gives a crisp, light, and nutty flavor. Almond milk is very much nutritious as it is rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. This milk is also low in calories.  You do not need to store almond milk in refrigerator all the time. Add this milk to coffee or cream of wheat to have amazing flavor.

Oat milk:
Oat milk According to western herbalist and nutritionist oat milk is best tonic to improve the nervous system.  Oat milk is very light and sweet in taste. Thus, it is a great alternative to skimmed milk or low-fat milk. This milk is good source of fiber, vitamin E, and folic acid.  Oat milk does not contain lactose or fat, it is beneficial to control the level of cholesterol. Due to the presence of photochemical in this milk, it can guard our body from cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
 
Organic Hemp Milk:
Organic Hemp MilkHemp milk contains a good amount of Vitamin A, E, B12, D, iron, folic acid, Omega fatty acids, riboflavin, and calcium. Organic hemp milk is good for the people who dislike dairy products and milk. The intake of organic hemp milk can nourish your hair, skin, and nails.   It can also strengthen your immune system.
 
Rice milk:
Rice milk Rice milk is mostly made from brown rice and commonly unsweetened.  This milk has vitamin D and calcium.


muscle cramp help

  • Muscle Cramps
You could be missing – Magnesium

Dried fruits 
This mineral plays a role in transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles.  

Ways To Get It
Wholegrain foods, mushrooms, sweetcorn, dried fruits and nuts are good sources of this mineral. 

bad breath help

  • Bad Breath 
    Maybe You’re Missing – Vitamin C



Broccoli and tomatoVitamin C helps the body to rid itself of the excess toxins and mucus which tend to build up. These can lead to bad breath, if not combated with in time. This vitamin helps create an environment which is acidic, and this automatically becomes inhospitable for the bad-breath-creating bacteria.

Ways To Get It
Broccoli, citrus fruit, red vegetables like red cabbage and tomatoes.

apple cider vinegar

Can apple cider vinegar help you?  You decide.
Acne - Apple cider vinegar is said to possess both anti-bacterial properties and properties to restore the skin’s pH balance. This will make it an ideal cure when it comes to treating acne. Dilute the vinegar before you use it to treat acne. Use a 1:3 ratio, with one part of vinegar and three parts of water. Take a clean cotton ball and dip it in the solution and wipe the affected area. Let the vinegar remain on the face for about 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Perform this treatment about thrice in a day to see the best results.
Apple cider vinegar
Body Odor - The properties present in apple cider vinegar that make it capable of restoring pH balance of the skin can also make it capable of combating body odor.  If you suffer from foot odor, then indulge in a foot bath about once a week, where you use warm water and about 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar.


Cellulite -  Research claims that this vinegar can also be used to reduce the appearance of that unwanted cellulite. Consume about two tablespoons of vinegar that has been added to one cup of warm water once a day.
Intestinal Irritation - There is an element called pectin that is present in this vinegar. This pectin is said to be capable of helping the condition of intestinal irritation. Pectin will help to soothe the intestines and will end up giving relief from constipation and diarrhea. Drink a glass of water to which about two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar has been added. Do this once or twice in the day.


Bad Breath - If you suffer from bad breath, apple cider vinegar could help. Mix vinegar and water - 1 cup of water and ½ tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.  Gargle with the solution
Sore Throat - If you are suffering from a case of sore throat,  gargle with some apple vinegar cider infused water. The pectin in vinegar is said to be useful when it comes to coating the throat so that it can soothe the throat. 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water.
Weight Loss -  A lot of people speak about how apple cider vinegar could assist the process of weight loss. It could help the body in burning extra calories. It is also said to help when it comes to boosting metabolism. Just before each meal, drink about 8 ounces of water with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in it.

roasted cabbage

1 medium-sized head of green cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
lemon slices (optional garnish)

Preheat oven to 450℉. Spray a roasting or baking pan with non-stick spray or olive oil.


Cut the head of cabbage into 8 same-size wedges, cutting through the core and stem end. Then carefully trim the core and stem from each wedge.  Arrange wedges in a single layer in the roasting pan leaving a little space around each of piece if possible.

Whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.  Then use a pastry brush to brush the top sides of each cabbage wedge with the mixture and season with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Turn cabbage wedges carefully, then brush the second side with the olive oil/lemon juice mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Roast cabbage for about 15 minutes, or until the side touching the pan is nicely browned. Then turn each wedge carefully and roast 10-15 minutes more, until the cabbage is nicely browned and cooked through. Serve hot and garnish with lemon to be used if additional lemon is desired.

bruschetta

 3 firm roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
 ¼ teaspoon salt
 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
 2 teaspoons minced garlic
 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
 2 teaspoons diced marinated sun-dried tomatoes
 pinch dried parsley flakes
 
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
 8-10 slices ciabatta bread or Italian bread


1. Toss diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and salt in a medium bowl. Cover and chill 1 hour.
2. When you are ready to serve the dish, preheat oven to 450 degrees.
3. Combine Parmesan cheese with dried parsley in a small bowl. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle a couple of pinches of the Parmesan cheese mixture over each bread slice. Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread starts to crisp.
5. Put tomato mixture into a serving dish (strain off the liquid), and serve it with the toasted bread slices. 

video game trade

Whether you’re partial to Xbox, Wii, Nintendo or other gaming platforms, the Goozex online trading community has got you covered with thousands of games to choose from. Instead of spending big money on new games, Goozex charges you just $1 each time you receive a game from another community member.

style swap

Swapstyle.com lets you swap accessories, cosmetics and shoes with others all over the globe.   All this for free, you only pay for shipping. You can also combine barter with cash to trade up while avoiding the full cost, both monetary and environmental, of consuming a new product.

digital magazines

Zinio.com offers digital versions of hundreds of magazine titles like GreenSource, Vegetarian Times,  Cosmopolitan, Car & Driver, Men’s Journal, Woman's Day, Dwell, Outside and Yoga Journal. Download the Zinio Reader and read the magazines on your personal computer or access your subscriptions online from any computer at Zinio.com. Owners of iPhones can even access entire magazines through their iphones.

remote control power strip!

The Belkin Conserve is a power strip that comes with a remote control device to help you easily turn off electronics. This will completely kill the power  with no vampire power drain. It does this without having to bend over or reach behind your desk to unplug them from the wall. Save energy, save money, save your back.

swap - CDs, DVDs and books

Now you can avoid buying new products (good for your wallet, great for the environment) without sacrificing your need for entertainment. Check out the following swapping sites for access to thousands of CDs, books and DVDs:
  • Swapacd.com — Fans can access thousands of  available titles. Load in your own CD titles and join the community to starting earning credits. It costs 49 cents plus one credit and shipping to score a CD from another member.
  • Swapadvd.com — Movie collectors can trade both new and classic DVD titles. Thousands of titles are available, and the number is growing as more people discover the cost benefits of swapping DVDs.
  • Paperbackswap.com — Bookworms can browse millions of titles available for trade. Upload your own titles and send them to community members to earn credits. Use the credits to obtain books that you want. And it’s not just paperbacks; hardcover books are being swapped as well.

get paid to recycle your electronics

Instead of tossing your gadgets in a landfill when you’re finished with them, get paid to recycle them. Services like www.buymytronics.com, www.myboneyard.com and www.greenphone.com will recycle or refurbish your electronics, which keeps them out of landfills. Simply mail them in and wait for your check.

for pennies a year - LED nightlights

Take advantage of ultra-efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs) to add a little light to hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and other spaces.


The technology behind laptop computer screens, LEDs are greener than standard incandescent, and even fluorescent, lightbulbs because they generate less waste heat. Most of the electricity used is output as light. LEDs remain cool to the touch, so they don't add excess heat into living spaces, which means less cooling is needed. They last for tens of thousands of hours, meaning they can go years before they need to be changed, thereby cutting down on landfill waste.


Many companies now sell LED nightlights, which are competitively priced with standard nightlights, and can be found at most home improvement, value and even drugstores. They cost only pennies a year in energy, and result in much lower carbon emissions over traditional lighting.