Week Of Tips I Love: Tip #3- How to Keep a Sparkling Kitchen Sink

I should have called this: How To Fake Having a Live-In Housekeeper. Because with tips like this, we could so pull that off!

Okay. So last year, I did something I've never done in my life: I hired a housekeeper. A lady from our church- a lady who owns a housekeeping business- was going through a lot, and a mutual friend suggested she could really use a few additional houses to clean. So I hired her. Instantly, we were friends. She taught me so much about keeping house... things that my southern housekeeping extraordinaire mother didn't even teach me! Clearly, my new friend knows how to keep a house.

One of my favorite things about coming home to a professionally cleaned house was the sparkling sinks. How did she get everything so beautifully... perfect? Before our time together ended (sigh), I asked her. Oh...that?, she said, shrugging. It's just baby oil.

Low and behold, ladies. It truly is the secret to shiny stainless steel sinks and the silencing of every southern wagging dirty-sink tongue out there: Baby oil your sink.

 Here's how:

•  First, empty and clean that sink. I like using baking soda. Just sprinkle in a little baking soda, scrub it around, and rinse the sink well. If your sink was gross... or if you're really going for it... splash some vinegar on a towel and rub the sink down and rinse well again. That will really clean her up.

• Now, get your baby oil. Just regular old baby oil. I picked some up on clearance at Target; brand doesn't matter. Saturate a soft cloth or towel with a good glug of the baby oil and begin wiping down your sink: bowls, faucets, drain holes, everything.

• Finally, using another clean cloth (or paper towels), quickly wipe down the sink again, being sure to buff it and remove any streaks or water marks. There. You did it. That's all there is to it!

The best part of going to the trouble of doing this, besides walking into your kitchen and having that The housekeeper just left feeling, is the fact that your sink will stay looking this shiny-gorgeous for a few days. (Depending on what kind of life your sink lives.) Be sure to repeat the process for a perpetually sparkling sink.

Because apparently, having clean sinks, faucets, and floors is the secret to faking a clean house. That's according to my housekeeping genius friend. Next time you're expecting company, give the ole baby oil tip a try on your sink and faucets. Just have something ready for when folks ask for the name of your housekeeper. *wink*  -Brin

How To Make Your Own Deodorant

Really.

In about five minutes.

With five ingredients.

All natural.  No aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, or aluminum compounds.  :)

For way cheaper than you can buy it.

Same consistency as the deodorant you're used to.

And it works.

Okay, I won't bore those who aren't interested with the details. If you're into this and would like my recipe, all the information's over at the My Messy, Thrilling Life Community page here. Scroll down and there you are!

Bring on summer, eh?  :)   -Brin

Wild Honeysuckle Throat and Cough Syrup

The wild honeysuckle is blooming. We were standing in the garden over Easter weekend, my Dad and I, when the wind picked up. You can sure smell the honeysuckle today, he said.

I'm not sure why, but that moment was so comforting to me, somehow.

It turns out, honeysuckle in itself is very comforting. Its sweetly-scented blossoms are antibacterial weapons in disguise. One herb reference I read said they're useful for treating bacterial infections and dysentery, as well as urinary tract disorders. They also go to work on freeing your body of toxins and do a number on colds, flu, asthma, coughs, sore throat, congestion (chest) and laryngitis. Externally, honeysuckle can be applied to infected wounds, boils, swellings and rheumatism.

Point is, honeysuckle is herbal remedy gold. I spent part of the weekend gathering a bucket full of blooms and leaves. (All part of the plant is useful except for the berries. They're toxic. Don't pick those. You don't want those.)

 The first blend I concocted was a Wild Honeysuckle Throat and Cough Syrup.  I can't believe how simple and quick it was, and how soothing it's been. I've tried it for three days now, not because I'm sick, but because I figured with allergy season upon me it wouldn't hurt. And you know what? I think there's something to this syrup. I think I'll keep it around always.

If you don't have honeysuckle growing wild around your little house, you can always use dried honeysuckle. I'm sure it can be found at herb shops online. The first step is just taking the plunge, trying an herbal remedy, and finding what works for you. And I'm not sure about you, but I'd rather put all-natural medicinal cures in my body anyday than lab-manufactured drugs with a book of side effects.

For more on my Wild Honeysuckle Syrup, including the recipe, click here and scroll down.

(Please know that I'm not a health professional or certified herbalist and my recommendations should not be taken as medical advice and obviously have not been approved by the FDA. You should consult your doctor and carefully study any herbal remedy before taking a swig. There. Had to put my law education to work. ;)

Pet Preparedness

Millie is in the doorway of the house in Kansas and, despite my pleadings, won't come out to play in the 8 inches of snow. I didn't want to get out either, but we ran out of dog food. Here I am, careful in my preparations, and run out of dog food in the first 3 days of a winter storm.

Oops. I have to do better.

For those of us with pets, let's be prepared. As we ready our families, homes and pantries for tough times, let's not neglect our precious pets. Here, then, is a quick guideline of what I'm trying to keep on hand for the animal in my life:

Food. Keep at least 2 weeks of food in a clean, airtight container.
Water. Store at least 1/2 gallon of water per pet, per day. (More or less depending on animal's needs and time of year.)
Pet Medicine and Medical Records. My vet had no trouble advancing me extra of Millie's medicine. In some instances, this may not be practical or possible. Do what you can. Also, keep a copy of your pet's current vaccination records on hand.
First Aid Kit. For a pet? Absolutely. Bandage rolls, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, latex gloves, flea and tick medicine, etc., are good to have on hand. Keep one at home and one in the car if you can.
Current Picture. A large, printed photo of your pet will be invaluable should he/she go missing or be separated from your family during a disaster.
Carrier, Crate or Harness. Depending on your animal, you'll need something suitable for transporting your pet and keeping them safe. A favorite blanket, toy, or treat inside wouldn't hurt, either.

Undoubtedly there are other things you can add to this list depending on your pet, your location, and your lifestyle. Think it over and stock up for your pet as your time and budget allows.

For a complete list and more information on pet preparedness, check out the ASPCA approved cheat sheet on ready.gov listed here. (See, even the government recommends this preparation.) And as always, if you have suggestions or tips, please leave them in the comments so we can all learn. Thank you!