Arklatex Odds & Ends: Homemade drain cleaner

Well, I confess I've been a bad blogger this week. Between traveling on Monday to see a friend whose dad was not doing well, keeping the baby a couple of days and being sick a couple of days, I just haven't made time for blogging. I hope to make up for missing by giving you several things today.

First of all:

Homemade Drain Cleaner

1/4 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white vinegar

Pour in the baking soda and then add the vinegar. Normal for it to fizz, so don't worry.

This recipe got rave reviews for both clearing a blocked drain and for maintenance cleaning of your drains(do about once a month).

It's all natural, no harsh chemicals, cheap and used with items you probably already have in your home. :-)

I'm planning on trying this today. We have a slow flowing drain right now. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Second item I want to share today is a recipe Micah's Aunt Gail gave me years ago. It is wonderful and so simple to make.

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken

3 lbs. chicken pieces
1 package Italian salad dressing mix
4 T. melted butter, divided
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth

Place chicken pieces in crockpot and sprinkle Italian salad dressing mix over the chicken. Drizzle 2T. melted butter over chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours. Melt 2T. butter in a saucepan and saute onion and garlic. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until smooth. Add this mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for an additional 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Serve over rice or noodles. (We like it over rice)

Enjoy!

Last thing to share today...

I read this article on one of the homesteading sites that I like to read each day. They have tons of ideas on all natural items you can try.

This one is for natural ways to helps clear up a pimple. Not something lots of folks like to talk about but nevertheless part of most of our lives. I break out worse now than when I was a teenager! Go figure! Anyway, the simplest one that struck me and I continue to find this recommended is toothpaste! I can't wait to give this a try.

I'm going to print the article here for you. I do suggest you check out their site though. I think you'll be hooked once you see it. :-)

Homesteading Self Sufficiency Survival

How to Get Rid of Acne Overnight

There are several easily available items found in our homes that can be used for getting rid of acne fast. Some of the home remedies are as follows:

1. Ice Pack: Application of ice will help to reduce the swelling and irritation associated with acne. For this, take some crushed ice and wrap it up in an aluminum foil so that the ice do not get melted quickly. The

n put it inside a plastic bag and cover it up with a towel. Now place the ice pack over the can for about 10-15 minutes. Thus the open pores will shrink and force the oil and dirt to come out of the pores. Take a break for few minutes and apply it once again.

2. Toothpaste: This is one of the most popular method to treat acne because it actually helps to get rid of acne overnight. Still, there are many people who do not know the exact method of how to get rid of acne overnight with toothpaste. Take a coin size of toothpaste on your fingertip and apply it on the acne. Allow it to stay on the acne overnight. It will absorb excess of oil from the acne and reduce its size to a great extent. Next morning, wash it off with lukewarm water and then with cold water and you will be surprised to see the difference! However, you should not gel toothpaste for this purpose. Find more on toothpaste on pimples - does it work.

3. Sandalwood Powder: The natural medicinal properties of sandalwood helps to heal up the acne at the same time prevent acne scars. Prepare a thick paste of sandalwood powder and black gram powder and some rosewater. You can replace rosewater with milk as well. Apply the paste all over your face and leave it overnight. Rinse it off with water on the next morning and you will notice that the size of the acne has gone down and the skin pores look smaller as well.

4. Egg Mask: Before applying this mask make sure your face is thoroughly cleaned. Take white portion of two eggs and add 2 tablespoons of lime juice into it. Beat the mixture well so that the two components blend well with each other. Dip a cotton swab into it and apply it on the acne generously. Wait for about 15 minutes and then wash off thoroughly with cold water.

5. Honey and Cinnamon: The antibacterial properties of honey and cinnamon helps to reduce acne very quickly. You have to prepare a face mask with the help of one tablespoon of raw honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply it liberally on the acne on your face. If you have acne scars then you can use this paste on them as well for acne scar removal. Leave it on the acne for about half an hour and wash off. You can see that the redness of the acne going down almost instantly.

Before you start any of the treatments given in this article on how to get rid of acne overnight, I would like to tell you that all the methods of treatment given here may not be suitable for you. Every skin type is unique and what suits your friend may not suit you at all. Therefore, try to find out which one is just right for you. You should clean your face with a mild cleanser before any treatment for best effect. Eat the right kind of foods that consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for acne prevention. Cut down on fried and processed foods. Drinking ample amounts of water will help to flush out the toxins from the system. Thus, your skin will stay healthy and acne will be in check.

Blessings to you all this coming week!

Carrie

Philippians 4:19--" But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."