Monday, October 30, 2017

Tips on soil testing, how to use old newspapers, and a use for chalk.



Test Soil for Alkalinity:  Before Planting, dig up dry soil from your yard or garden to use as samples.  Divide the soil into 2 portions. On the first portion pour on vinegar, if it fizzes, the soil is alkaline (a pH of 7 or higher).  

To Test Soil for Acidity,  Pour baking soda on the second sample of wet soil.  If it fizzes, the soil is acidic, (a pH of less than 7). 

Different parts of your garden or yard may be one or the other.  The entire area may be both acidic and alkaline  It may be a good idea to do individual tests for different parts of the garden or yard according where you want to plant.

Some plants do well in acidic soil, others do well in alkaline soil.  You can also contact your Cooperative Extension Service in your  county and they will conduct a soil test for a fee.  In addition, some hardware stores sell soil testing kits.


Old Newspapers   Use old newspapers (black and white newsprint, not color) for mulch.  They are biodegradable, a by-product of trees. After planting annuals or perennials, place sheets of old newspaper as mulch around the plantings.  Shredded newspaper is ideal since it will not easily blow away before you complete your task.  Next, wet the paper well as if watering mulch.  This should keep the newspaper in place, and it will gradually decompose, amending the soil.  If the area is where you do not want the newspaper seen, you can cover it with a layer of mulch.  The newspaper will keep weeds down.

Glass tabletops  Use newspaper that is at least 2 weeks old (the ink will not rub off onto the glass)  Spray water or a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar onto the glass tabletop. Rub clean and dry with old newspaper, no streaks.  This also works on windows.


Chalk  Place one or two  pieces of chalk in the bread box.  The chalk will absorb moisture and help keep the bread from molding.

Thanks for reading my blog, I hope this was helpful,



Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Cordless Battery Operated Snowblower

The Ultimate Work horse

The cordless battery operated snowblower is probably one of my best investments.  I call it an investment because I plan to keep this work horse for a good long time. The last snowblower I owned worked until it could work no longer.

It was ages old had been repaired many times. Getting it started was the big job. Blowing the snow was the little job. So, it had to be replaced.  No one enjoys getting tired from trying to start the snowblower before you even begin blowing the snow.

That being said. The old snowblower was replaced by a more up-to-date and energy efficient model. Not gasoline and oil fueled, but cordless battery powered. Not a noisy air polluting snowblower that is extremely heavy, and if not self propelled, hard to push, but a quieter, battery operated self propelled breed of a work horse was the replacement.

If you live where there is a good amount of snow, and you are not looking forward to the back breaking job of shoveling snow, consider this type of cordless battery operated snowblower (work horse).  After all, shoveling snow is not a winter sport (it’s almost a necessity); nor is it a healthy endeavor.  As we get older we cannot always do what we could do before. Conserve your energy, add to the quality of your life. Put a work horse to work.

Hope this helped, goodtips

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

What Can You Do With Wax Paper, Wax, and Graphite?



Have you ever been in a situation where you needed something, anything to help you solve a problem?  A problem that seems so simple, but yet complex because it’s giving you fits.  

For example, you are in a hurry and you are hanging clothes on the rod in your closet, only the hangers will not slide across the rod like they should.  So you’ve got all these garments bunched up together  at the end of the rod.  Hangers won’t slide, you don’t have time for this static situation.  Know what to do?  Simple, get your wax paper, tear off a small sheet and rub that paper along that rod two or three times and the hangers will glide across that rod like skates on ice.  Some of you might know about this tip, but I am sharing this with those who never heard of doing this.

This works for me every time.  Candle wax, wax paper, and graphite are quite helpful in solving problems around the house. 


If you still do a lot of ironing, wax paper will clean the sole plate of the iron in nothing flat. Place a sheet of wax paper on the ironing board, then run the hot iron over the wax paper. Do this a couple of times, if necessary, and, if you need to, use another sheet of wax paper.  Do this until the iron is clean. 

The sole plate will be clean and whatever was on the bottom of the iron comes off on the wax paper.  Be sure to use a dry iron, no steam. 

Zipper acting up?  Take a small wax candle (birthday size candle should work) or a piece of wax paper and run it up and down the open zipper a few times.  (I tried this on a metal zipper.  I don’t know how this works on a plastic zipper.)  Then try zipping the zipper. This is for a zipper that is hard to zip, not for a zipper that is broken.  This has worked for me.

Another tip for zippers. Since I'm on the subject, use graphite. Take a graphite pencil and run it along both sides of the open zipper, then zip the garment up and down a few times and it should operate very easily.  To go a step further, buy graphite in a small dispenser designed for use on locks and other things such as zippers. Use this on the zipper if the pencil does not do the job. You can find this dispenser in the hardware store in the section where they make keys. Try the pencil first, it is the cheapest way, and for me, it has been the reliable way.

Thanks for reading, hope this was helpful,  goodtips 


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH BAKING SODA


BAKING SODA OR BICARBONATE OF SODA is a staple ingredient found in most pantries or cupboards.  In baking it is a leavening agent, however it has many wide uses other than cooking.  The natural mineral form is nahcolite which has a slightly salty alkaline taste.

It can be quite useful in almost any situation involving personal care, household cleaning, and environmental safety uses.  This is an excellent alternative to using products that have harmful ingredients that can harm you and the environment. The properties of baking soda are natural.

Here are a few of the uses of this natural compound:

LAUNDRY DETERGENT BOOSTER  Add the usual amount of detergent and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash water.  This will boost the cleaning power of your detergent.

FIBERGLASS TUB AND SHOWER DOOR  Sprinkle the baking soda on a damp sponge (as much as needed) Scrub and rinse. Use the same method to clean the bathroom tile. Spritz with white vinegar for sparkle.

SLUGGISH DRAIN put a tablespoon of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar.  Wait until the solution stops fizzing before you pour hot water down the drain.  This is good for a sluggish drain. For a drain that is stopped up you may have to use another method or call a plumber.

UNCLOG A DRAIN  Mix 1 cup each of salt and baking soda, pour down the drain, then pour in 1/2 cup of vinegar, let it fizz. Wait until the fizzing stops (about 10 minutes), then pour in 2 quarts of hot water.

CLEAN A STAINLESS STEEL SINK  Sprinkle on enough soda to dampen the sponge, scrub, then rinse. Spritzing the sink with white vinegar will make it sparkle.

REFRESH THE REFRIGERATOR  Cut off the top of a box of baking soda and place it in the refrigerator in the back or anywhere out of the way.  Leave it for about 2 months. It will absorb the different odors.

TO CLEAN THE REFRIGERATOR  Wet the sponge and sprinkle on baking soda. Rinse by wiping with clean wet sponge. Make a paste for stuck on foods and stains, then scrub and wipe clean.

DIAPER PAIL  Soak diapers in a solution of baking soda and 2 quarts of water. You might want to sprinkle a little in every time you open the pail.

DEODORIZE FOOD CONTAINERS  Soak the food containers overnight in a solution of 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup of baking soda.

CLEAN MICROWAVE Wipe down the microwave with a solution of 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup of soda. For tough stains rub with the soda paste and wipe clean.

DEODORIZE YOUR SHOES  Instead of using foot powder, try using baking soda on your feet and in your shoes.  Sprinkle a small amount into the shoe.  It will absorb moisture and odor, and it is natural.

DEODORIZE THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL  Let one box of baking soda do double duty.  Take the box that was in the refrigerator for the last 2 months and pour it down the garbage disposal. Flush with water.

SEPTIC TANK  Pour one box down the toilet once a week. 

DEODORIZE THE DISHWASHER  Sprinkle soda on the bottom between loads. Run it through a cycle without the dishes.

CARPET DEODORIZER  Sprinkle on a dry carpet, then vacuum.

DEODORIZE THE KITCHEN GARBAGE CAN  Sprinkle on each time garbage is added.

BAKING SODA CAN BE USED IN PERSONAL HYGIENE After all, it is derived from a natural mineral. 

BODY DEODORANT   Dust the underarms as needed, it       absorbs moisture and odor.

BRUSH TEETH  Apply to a damp toothbrush and brush. Use enough to dampen toothbrush.

USE AS A MOUTHWASH  Mix a 1/2 glass of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda and swish through teeth.



FOOT SOAK  Mix 3 tablespoons in a basin of warm water and soak and soothe feet.

    There are many more uses for this amazing mineral, these are but a few.
 
Hope these tips were helpful   goodtips


Saturday, October 7, 2017

Cordless Battery Operated Lawnmower

                                                         

Another Workhorse


Battery operated lawn mowers are one of the best of the power equipment on the market today, at least I think so.

I came upon this “nifty” invention last summer when my lawn mower came to a screeching halt as far as performance goes. I used that lawn mower until it completely and totally broke down.  It was ages old and had been repaired countless times.

Opportunity rapped on the door. I needed a new lawn mower and a cordless battery operated lawn mowers were the latest rage, although they were new to me. I did not know such a thing existed. Now, I was aware that smaller hand tools were cordless and had their own batteries, but a battery operated lawn mower took me by surprise. Push button start sure beats yanking on a cord to get the motor to turn over.  After seeing all the work saving features, I seriously considered buying this latest workhorse.  I like conserving physical energy as well as doing my part in contributing to a eco friendly environment by not using a gasoline powered lawnmower. Anyway they are too heavy.

Anyhow, I thought about it a lot and I finally bought the battery operated lawnmower.  Did I mention it was cordless?  Guess it’s obvious that it’s cordless since it runs on a battery.

Bought the lawnmower, charged the battery, cut the grass. No going to the gas station for gasoline, no spilling gasoline while trying to fill the lawnmower was an added advantage, plus, no stinky smell of gasoline that permeates the air at will.  All these things not only made preparing to cut the grass tolerable, but  purchasing that lawnmower saved time, money and work in the long run.

Saved time by shortening the time it usually takes to cut the grass: the mower is self propelled.  I didn’t  have to push it along, it glided along on its own. 

Saved money by not having to buy gasoline for this cordless battery operated lawn mower.

Saved work because it did not have to be pushed around, it is self propelled. This helps conserve my energy.

This particular cordless battery operated lawn mower model that I bought has handles that can be folded down.  For me, this an important space saving feature. I can store this workhorse in my garage, easily.  If grass grows and snow falls in your area, you may want to consider this type of lawn mower.
                                                                                                                      Hope this was helpful, goodtips



Thursday, October 5, 2017

ROBOTICS for the home



Work Horses For Your Home - ROBOTS


So! How are you spending your time? Is it in a productive or time saving way, and are you getting your share of fun time?
 Not enough leisure time?  Maybe you should consider conserving your time so that you can do the things you like to do and the things you really want to do.

There are robots on the market that will allow you to do just that, save time and save money.  Whatever you prefer to do instead of cleaning house, washing clothes, lawn work, or spending unnecessary time in the kitchen, robotics will provide that time saving appliance or gadget.  After all, your time is worth something to you. Your time could be worth fun at the beach, golfing, watching sports, a day at the spa, or just time sleeping or putting your feet up and relaxing.  

Since you are not a workhorse, don’t try to be one by getting all the chores completed around your house by yourself. Instead, get a real workhorse.  Get a robot. That’s right. You don’t have to pay it by the hour or job.  You don’t have to feed it, and, best of all, you don’t have to do the work.  It won’t argue or talk back.  It just works.

Robotics have become a very visible part of contemporary life.  They can make everyday living easier and even improve the quality of life. The value is saving time and money, while getting the job done.  

ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANERS:  To begin, consider the power of the vacuum cleaner (no pun intended). 

Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpeted floors, you are going to keep them clean.

To free up your spa time, beach time or just plain sleeping and relaxing time, get a robotic vacuum to keep the floors and carpet clean and dirt free. You might want to consider a robotic partner for the vacuum cleaner, namely the robotic floor mopper.  Sound good?  I am all for anything reasonable to save time and work around my house. One of the perks of these floor cleaning robots is that they can maneuver under furniture where the conventional vacuum cannot due to it’s size. Depending on the make and model, it has intelligence that allows it to know when it cannot pick up anymore dirt or dust, and it will park itself at a designated spot.
It also recharges at own docking station automatically. These robot vacuum cleaners have definitely caught my eye.  I’m still looking into this type of vacuum cleaner.

More and more of these robotic vacuums can be used with a smart phone. This means that you  can program and schedule cleaning and you don’t have to be at home.  And if you do this, your floors will be clean when you get home. Frees up your time. Nice feature. To me, this is a good thing. If you have a job, you don’t have to mop or vacuum when you get home.

FLOOR MOPPING ROBOT:  I am looking into the robot that mops the floor. Yes, it mops the floor. Now, this robot supposedly sweeps and mops the floor.  Love that. Works on hardwood floors, tile, and stone that you find in kitchens and bathrooms. I am particularly interested to know if it can get into small spaces like in the bathroom around the toilet. I do know that the robot can be recharged and, for mopping, it uses disposable cloths, one type for sweeping and the other type for mopping.  Right now, there are at least 3 brands on the market that sweep and mop floors. 

PET HAIR ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANER:  A labor
saving robot for pet owners
There is at least one robotic vacuum cleaner that I have run across, there are probably others, that is designed, exclusively to pick up pet hair and fur.  This vacuum supposedly, sweeps, vacuums, mops, and sterilizes and uses a HEPA filtration simultaneously. It will return to the charging station automatically when the battery gets low. Pet owners, you were not left out when this vacuum was designed. Getting rid of pet hair on the carpet and on furniture can be a real challenge.  If its on your furniture, it definitely will come off on your clothes.  So, a robotic pet hair vacuum cleaner that allows you to customize your cleaning schedule up to 7 days is certainly worth considering, don’t you think?

                                                                        Hope this was helpful, goodtips

Monday, October 2, 2017


WHAT’S IN THE PANTRY ?

One of the most common ingredients in the kitchen is vinegar, whether it be apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar.  While cooking with vinegar is the main purpose to have this in the pantry or the cupboard, there are many other uses for this acidic ingredient: a household cleaner and disinfectant is one.
Most of us are aware that the chemicals used to manufacture household cleaners are detrimental to anyone’s health, and they can be expensive. Here is where the vinegar takes center stage.  
  • White vinegar, which has been distilled with water to 5% acidity, can be used to clean the toilet. Used full strength, the acidic action will clean away all traces of residue in that toilet bowl. Let it sit in the bowl for a few minutes as it mixes with the toilet bowl water to let the acidic action work. You can then use the toilet bowl brush.  The vinegar does the real work, and it is a natural disinfectant. Also, it is safe for the mechanisms in the tank.  Buy vinegar by the gallon to save money.  Watch for sales in the grocery stores that offer buy one get one free. I have taken advantage of these sales to add extras for the sole purpose of using vinegar as an ingredient in my household cleaning solutions.
  • Drains, Clogged drains.  Drain pains, everyone has had a run-in with clogged drains at one time or another and know the aggravation.  Now, if the situation involves an object getting caught in the drain, then you may need to call a plumber, or do-it-yourself, open up the pipes below. If the drain seem to be slow running or just clogged, try this and see if the drain opens up. Put a tablespoon of baking soda down the drain, then pour a cup of white vinegar in after the baking soda.  It will fizz down in the drain. Wait until you do not hear any more fizzing. This may take 5 minutes or more.  Then, pour lots of boiling water or run the hot water down the drain. Let the water run for a few minutes.  Depending on what caused the clog ( soap scum, hair,) this solution may clear the drain.  You may need to do it again, but wait a few minutes in case there is backup. Using this method and a plugger may do the job.  Try it.
  • Stain remover, especially pet stains and odors.  Use white vinegar directly on the stain and dab it with a damp paper towel. The vinegar will eliminate the odor, disinfect, and help remove the stain until a thorough cleaning can be done. This is a good solution for treating a carpet stain before you vacuum.
  • Mirror, Mirror on the Wall…  to get streak free, clean mirrors, mix 50% white vinegar and 50% water in a spray bottle.  Use a soft cloth or squeegee to remove excess solution.  Mirrors seem to sparkle.  
  • Windows, This very same solution can be used to wash windows on the inside. They will be streak free.  Use 50-50 vinegar and water solution to wash the windows, then use a squeegee or old newspapers to wipe them dry.  Newspapers must be at least 2 weeks old so that the ink will not rub off onto the windows. Streak free.
  • Glass table tops, Use the same vinegar and water solution and the old newspapers to clean glass table tops so they are streak free.  Spray it on, wipe it off.
  • Counter Tops.  Because the kitchen is where food is prepared, it is important that the counter tops and cutting boards be free of bacteria as much as possible.  The same vinegar and water solution, 50% to 50%, can be used to wipe down the counter and cutting boards.
Warning:  Do not use vinegar in any way on granite counter tops because the acid in vinegar will damage the finish of the granite. This is fact. I was told this by my kitchen counter installer.
  • That being said, wooden cutting boards, and ceramics can be disinfected with a solution of vinegar and water.  Spray on the solution and wipe it down.  
  • Hard water stains or residue, This battle is constantly fought by those who live in areas where the water is hard. Mineral deposits on shower heads and on faucets can be removed by using a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water. Consult the care and maintenance instructions for your faucets and shower head to see if this cleaning solution is ok to use.  There are many finishes available for bath  fixtures, so you want to be careful with the  solutions used for cleaning. Cleaning the aerator in vinegar and water is usually ok. 
  • Coffee Pots,  Vinegar can remove the oily build up inside a coffee pot or percolator.
Pour 1/4 cup of vinegar into the pot and add water to the highest level indicator You can let the solution sit for about 30 minutes and pour out the mixture and wash the inside of the pot with soapy water.  Because I like to save time, I do not let it sit for 30 minutes. I add the vinegar and water solution and let it percolate.  I then rinse the pot out. This saves time and cleans the pot. Washing with soapy water afterwards is optional.
                                                                                                    
                                                                         Hope this was helpful, goodtips 

Bay Leaves

Robotics for The Home