DIY Life http://www.diylife.com DIY Life http://www.diylife.com/media/feedlogo.gif DIY Life http://www.diylife.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How To Make Your Own Dish Soaphttp://www.diylife.com/2009/08/03/how-to-make-your-own-dish-soap/http://www.diylife.com/2009/08/03/how-to-make-your-own-dish-soap/http://www.diylife.com/2009/08/03/how-to-make-your-own-dish-soap/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Make your own dish soap at home! Photo: sea turtle, Flickrdish soap

Making your own dish soap is a great for so many reasons. Homemade soaps tend to not dry out your skin and they work well for people who are allergic to commercial cleaners. But, my favorite perk is that you save money by eliminating dish soap from your shopping list. Dish soap can be made using liquid castile soap, soap flakes, or soap scraps -- so pick your preferred ingredient and those plates will be clean in no time!

Recipe #1: Liquid Castile Soap
This method is by far the easiest because the base is pre-made within the castile soap.

1. Grab some liquid castile soap from your local health food store. Castile soap refers to any soap that is made entirely from vegetable oil.
2. Mix 2 cups of castile soap with 1/2 cup of warm water in a recycled dish soap squeeze bottle.
3. For scented dish soap, add a few drops of essential oils.
4. Shake well before using
Recipe #2: Soap Flakes
Buy soap flakes where you usually purchase laundry detergent.

1. Combine 2 cups of soap flakes with one gallon of warm water.
2. Place the mixture in a large, non-reactive pan and warm over medium heat until the soap is completely dissolved.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of glycerin and remove from heat.
4. After letting the soap cool, add a 1/2 cup of lemon juice or 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Either of these 2 ingredients will help the soap to fight grease.
5. For a scented soap, add a few drops of essential oils. Mix well.

Recipe #3: Solid Soap Shavings
You can save even more money by making dish soap from leftover pieces of bar soap! Just be sure to chop them into very fine pieces first.

1. Place 2 cups of soap shavings into a large bowl.
2. Add 2-3 cups of hot water and let it sit overnight to soften.
3. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth. Add more water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice or white vinegar to help fight grease.
5. Shake well before using.

For more products you can make yourself, watch this video:



 

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]]>Handmadeliquid castile soapLiquidCastileSoapsoap-flakessoap-scrapsKelly Laffey2009-08-03T13:00:00 00:00How To Get Rid of Grass Stainshttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/30/how-to-get-rid-of-grass-stains/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/30/how-to-get-rid-of-grass-stains/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/30/how-to-get-rid-of-grass-stains/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Banish grass stains! Photo: Flickr, wili_hybrid

Summer means light-colored clothing and plenty of time spent outdoors. It also means a resurgence of one of the most difficult stains to remove -- grass stains. Whether you're diving to catch a Frisbee or simply kneeling down to retrieve a dropped object, grass stains are inevitable. But, they don't have to be a death sentence for your favorite outfit.

Grass stains are caused by the chlorophyll in the plant combined with proteins and other organic matter. Follow the steps below and your clothes will be clean in no time.

1. Be sure to treat the stain as soon as possible. If you allow the stain to dry into the clothing, it will be much more difficult to remove.

2. Determine the type of fabric that you'll be cleaning. If the material is dry-clean only, your best bet is to take the garment to the cleaners as soon as possible and identify the stains.

3. If the fabric is washable, apply a pretreatment product. Spray 'n Wash or OxiClean work well. For a DIY pre-wash, try mixing one part white vinegar with two parts water. Let the the mixture sit and soak into the fabric, then scrub it lightly with an old toothbrush. If you need to remove the stain from a dry-clean only garment yourself, you can use the white vinegar and water mixture but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area.

4. As an alternative pre-wash, break open two or three digestive enzyme capsules or tablets and mix them with cold water until a paste the consistency of toothpaste forms. Let the paste sit on the stain for at least an hour.

5. Launder the clothing with like colors (or by itself, if possible). You do not need to remove the pre-wash. If you did not use the enzyme capsules, be sure to use an enzyme-based detergent like Wisk or Tide because they'll break up the proteins in the grass stains, making them easier to remove.

6. If the stain still remains, do not put it in the dryer because that will set the stain. For colored clothing, try washing again with oxygen bleach (like OxyClean). For white clothing, use a chlorine bleach (like Clorox).

Check out Real Simple for a quick and easy do-it-yourself stain removal video. Now, get outside and fear those grass stains no more!

 

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]]>HomeEcKelly Laffey2009-07-30T15:00:00 00:00DIY Skin Care: Timely Tips to Ban Those Rayshttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/28/sun-exposure-tips/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/28/sun-exposure-tips/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/28/sun-exposure-tips/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sun Exposure

*tlc, Flickr

It's summertime, the rain has finally stopped pounding the Northeast, and the sun is shining! Everyone's favorite summer activities involve being outdoors. Yet whether you prefer partaking in high-intensity water sports or a more leisurely walk around the block, you will expose yourself to the sun's harmful rays. And while you may be willing to endure a small sunburn because you know that it will turn into that prized tan, be aware of the more negative effects the sun can have on your skin.

Sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. People are primarily exposed to UV radiation from the sun but it can also be found in man-made sources such as tanning beds. It's important to avoid sunburns all together. You may be regretting that perfect tan if your skin starts to prematurely wrinkle!

More importantly, prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase your chance for developing skin cancer. According to the The American Cancer Society, over one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. They've put together a Sun Safety 101 information site as well as tips for protecting yourself from UV rays. While it's impossible and unrealistic to completely limit your sun exposure, there are a few basic tips you can follow to curtail the damaging effects.

Cover Up! Wear as much clothing as possible when outside. Be aware that your skin can still get burnt through clothing. Dark colored and tightly woven clothing is best. As a general rule-of-thumb, if you can see light through the fabric, UV rays can penetrate it. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat will protect your head, face, neck, and ears. Also, be sure to invest in a pair of sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyes.

Use Sunscreen! SPF measures of sun protection. The larger the SPF, the more the protection. However, note that SPF is not related to the amount of time you can spend in the sun before you will get burnt. The SPF scale is also not linear. An SPF of 45 does not provide three times the protection as an SPF of 15. In general, sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher are ideal but no sunscreen provides 100% protection. You should reapply at lease once every two hours and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.

Limit Mid-Day Sun Exposure! Solar intensity is highest in the afternoon and therefore it takes less time to be exposed to a great amount of solar energy. Solar intensity also increases at lower latitudes and on clear days. Clouds absorb solar energy, but you can still be exposed to the sun on a cloudy day.

Unfortunately, sunburns do happen. While time is the only 'cure' for sunburn, there are a few home treatments for soothing the symptoms.

Use Aloe. It can soothe the pain and calm the burn. I keep mine in the fridge and the cool liquid feels great on the burn! It's like I'm giving my skin a huge drink of water.

Be aware that sun-burned people are prone to headaches and fevers. Try to lie in a cool, quiet area to help the headache.

Drink a lot of fluids Sunburned people tend to get very dehydrated

Use an anti-inflammatory (such as ibuprofen) for the burn's redness and pain.

Avoid more sun exposure. It's best to cover up with clothing because applying sunscreen may irritate the burn.

Do not break blisters. They are a part of the healing process. However, be on the lookout for signs of skin infection while the blister is healing.

If you feel that the symptoms are more severe or more frequent, seek medical attention.

Don't let fear of sun exposure keep you inside! Cover-up as much as possible and enjoy your summer days.

 

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]]>Kelly Laffey2009-07-28T15:00:00 00:00How To Make Kettle Corn in 3 Easy Stepshttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/27/how-to-make-kettle-corn/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/27/how-to-make-kettle-corn/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/27/how-to-make-kettle-corn/#comments

Kettle Corn

DawnVGilmorePhotography, Flickr

Kettle corn is a great summer snack and it's quick and easy to make at home! I love kettle corn for its sweet-and-salty taste. But, better yet, it tends to have less fat and sodium than other flavored popcorns. So, grab some vegetable oil, white sugar, and unpopped popcorn kernels and you're well on your way to enjoying this delicious treat.

1. Cover the bottom of a high-sided pot or kettle with vegetable oil and place on medium heat. Put 3 kernels in the pot. When they pop, the vegetable oil is hot enough for the rest of the batch.

2. Remove the 3 pieces of popcorn and add the sugar (about 1/4 cup for evey 1/2 cup of unpopped kernels) to the pot. Stir the pot and when the sugar melts, add the rest of the popcorn. Don't forget to put on the lid!

3. Shake the pot constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. When the popping slows to almost nothing, remove the pot from the heat and pour into a large bowl.

4. If you like, add salt, making sure that it mixes with all of the popcorn.

5. Let cool and enjoy!

For more popcorn recipes, check out this amazing list.

 

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]]>Kelly Laffey2009-07-27T15:00:00 00:0014 Tips for Staying Cool Without AChttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/24/staying-cool-without-ac/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/24/staying-cool-without-ac/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/24/staying-cool-without-ac/#commentsFiled under: ,

Staying Cool without AC

Leo Reynolds, Flickr

You don't have to suffer in a home without air conditioning any longer! Even if you have central air, turning it off is great for the environment -- and your energy bill. It is possible to be comfortable in summer's soaring temperatures. Below are a few quick and easy tips on how to be cool.

1) Most importantly, think water. Water in any medium, for example a drink or shower, will bring immediate relief from the heat. (Read on for more water tips.)

2) Remember to stay hydrated. Drinking water is best because it replenishes fluids lost to perspiration. Try drinking beverages high in electrolytes too. They'll help to make sure that you don't lose vital minerals through sweating.

3) Sweat! I know it's kind of gross and smelly, but sweating helps to cool your body. Heat is released and evaporated into the air.

Try wetting wrists and other pulse points with cold water. This will help to cool off the entire body.

4) Get in the water. Don't have a pool? Jump in a friend's. Or, invest in a plastic wading pool and place it under a tree. Grab some sunglasses, suntan lotion, and a great book and you're in business! Check out the U.S. National Park Service's website for a list of National Parks in your area. Many of them have beaches and lakes and they're generally very cheap (about $5 per car).

5) Take a cold shower. Consider decreasing the temperature of the water as you get used to it. If you repeat this until you are sufficiently cool, your body will remain cool for a while after you get out. For people who fear wasting water, plug the drain and recycle the collected water -- wash your dog, water the plants, or clean your car.

6) Hold a cold object to your neck. Even a soda can will work! This helps to cool the blood that is traveling to your brain.

As a great alternative to AC, fill a glass with ice. Hold the glass close to your face and gently blow on it. The air will cool drastically when it reaches the ice cubes, leave the glass, and hit your face. You can try this method on a larger scale too. Try filling one (or multiple) large bottles with ice and place them in front of a fan. In the same way, the air from the fan will cool when it hits the ice bottles. Be sure to put them in a bucket to catch the water as they melt.

7) Eat spicy food. Who'd have thought that hot food can cool you off? But, the food increases your perspiration which cools the body as it evaporates.

8) Dress for the heat. Be sure to wear loose clothing made from natural fabrics (such as cotton, silk, and linen). A lot of the body's heat escapes through the feet, palms, and scalp so by keeping these areas cool (take your hat and shoes off while inside), you'll keep your whole body cool. Lighter colored clothing helps to reflect sunlight and heat.

9) Use mint-flavored lotion or body scrub. It refreshes the skin and gives you a nice cooling sensation.

10) Avoid direct sunlight and try to avoid going outdoors at midday.

If you choose to spend the hotter parts of the day inside, know that warmer air is less dense than cooler air so higher floors of the house get increasingly hotter. The best place to be is in the basement.

11) Keep the air flowing. If you have ceiling or box fans, keep them on. Open the windows in the evening to create a nice cross breeze that circulates the outside air with the inside air. Think about whether or not you want to open the windows during the day. If you shut them early in the morning and pull the shades, you may be able to keep the cool night air inside the house. At the very least, you'll help to block out the relentless midday sun.

12) Turn off electrical heat sources. Stoves, ovens, lamps, and computers can all be sources of heat. Definitely avoid cooking on a hot day. For more ideas on how to avoid heat build-up, check out the U.S. Department of Energy.

13) Remember to think cool. It won't physically make you cooler, but concentrating on polar bears and Alaska may make the heat less overbearing. You can also try taking a vacation or making time for a staycation. Having fun with friends and family may help to keep your mind off of the heat. Check out DIYLife's ideas for a fantastic staycation.

14) Indulge in a frozen treat. Who knew that beating the heat could be so delicious? For quick and easy popsicles, pour your favorite drink into a paper cup and insert a popsicle stick. Place the drinks into the freezer until frozen. Then, rip away the cups and enjoy!

For more great at-home tips, check out WikiHow. But, sometimes you just really need air conditioning. (Trust me, I've lived in North Carolina!) Turn unbearably hot days into shopping trips to the local mall. Most large stores are all air-conditioned and there's nothing wrong with indulging in some free AC now and then. If you need to work from home, why not bring your computer to an air-conditined coffee shop with free wi-fi? Lastly, if you'd like to have AC in your home and are on a tight budget, check out these tips for paying for it.

No air conditioning? No problem. Stay cool, readers!

 

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]]>no-air-conditioningstay-cool-tipsKelly Laffey2009-07-24T17:00:00 00:00ShelterPop Swap: Make My Closet an Officehttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/23/shelterpop-swap-make-my-closet-an-office/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/23/shelterpop-swap-make-my-closet-an-office/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/23/shelterpop-swap-make-my-closet-an-office/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Office Closet

supershoppertoo, Flickr

Short on space but dying for a place to get some work done? Tired of clearing the kitchen table of paperwork when you want to eat? Converting an unused closet into a home office can be both practical and comfortable. And you thought you swore off small spaces when you left your college dorm!

The key is to find pieces that fit the space and accommodate your needs. Measure the space before you purchase products. Many closets don't have outlets, so also be sure to consider electrical requirements -- computer chargers, lighting, etc. Most importantly, be creative! Christmas tree lights can brighten up the space and be plugged into outlets outside the closet.

ShelterPop has some more great ideas. Check out Make My Closet an Office and you'll be well on your way to having your own personal work space!

 

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]]>closet-officediywarrioroffice-in-closetshelterpopKelly Laffey2009-07-23T17:00:00 00:00ShelterPop Swap: Paint a Rug on Your Floorhttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/22/shelterpop-swap-paint-a-rug-on-your-floor/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/22/shelterpop-swap-paint-a-rug-on-your-floor/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/22/shelterpop-swap-paint-a-rug-on-your-floor/#commentsFiled under:

Faux Rug

Rebecca Watkins

Having trouble finding the perfect rug for your room? Why not try painting a custom one on the floor! Faux area rugs are a great way to showcase your creativity and bring a room together. And, they're not only for the artistically-inclined. Using painter's tape as a guide, it's easy to create beautiful and simple geometric shapes.

Plan ahead before you start painting. Make sure that you are aware of the type of floor you have as your 'canvas' and that you have a detailed sketch of the design that you want to create. For more great tips on how to paint an area rug and easy step-by-step instructions, check out ShelterPop's How to Paint a Rug on Your Floor and get creative!

 

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]]>Handmadepainted-rugShelterPopKelly Laffey2009-07-22T17:00:00 00:00(Don't) Scratch That: Banish and Baby Those Mosquito Biteshttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/17/how-to-deal-with-mosquito-bites/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/17/how-to-deal-with-mosquito-bites/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/17/how-to-deal-with-mosquito-bites/#commentsFiled under:

mosquito

It's summertime and many of us have gotten slaphappy ... literally. Lovely July evenings are all too often interrupted by the ominous buzz of the mosquito, forcing us to spend the night swatting and scratching.

Mosquitoes don't actually bite; they draw out a small amount of blood. 'Bites' itch because our immune system releases histamine, which irritates our nerve endings, in order to combat the foreign substances that subsequently enter our body. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent mosquito bites and even more remedies for soothing the resulting irritations.

Wouldn't it be great if we didn't get bug bites at all? Surprisingly, there are many quick and easy ways to prevent being bitten. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has an extensive list on how to best ward off pesky insects and on how to treat bites.

Follow the below guidelines and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bug-free barbecue!

1. Apply insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. DEET is very effective in repelling insects but does not kill them. Although there has been some speculation as to the potential health risks of DEET, the The Environmental Protection Agency (which regulates insect repellents) has determined that DEET does not present a health concern when used properly.

2. Limit your outdoor exposure dusk to dawn -- peak mosquito time. Also try to avoid heavily wooded areas. Be aware that mosquitoes breed in standing water, and this includes flower pots and outdoor pet dishes. For a more complete forecast on mosquito activity in your area, check out Weather.com's Mosquito Activity Forecast.

3. Cover yourself as much as possible but be aware that mosquitoes can still bite through flimsy clothing. Wearing light-colored clothing can also deter mosquitoes but bees are attracted to bright-colored clothing.

4. Avoid wearing perfumes or using scented bath products.

5. Light citronella candles to help de-bug outdoor parties.

If you're 'sweet-skinned' like me and inevitably get bitten, there are a number of ways soothe your skin. While most mosquito bites are merely an annoyance, be on the lookout for symptoms of a serious reaction including a rash, swelling, and wheezing or difficulty breathing. If you suspect a health problem, seek medical attention immediately.

Otherwise, the below tips should help to alleviate itching.

1. Put a cool compress or ice pack on the bitten area.

2. Take an oral antihistamine. Be advised, however, that oral antihistamines can have some, albeit minor, side-effects such as drowsiness.

3. Use an anti-itching cream like calamine lotion (the same lotion used to soothe the effects of poison ivy and chicken pox).

4. Try a home remedy (after all, we are a DIY site!). A number of home remedies for treating mosquito bites also exist. If you have a lot of sores, you can try bathing in colloidal oatmeal. You can also try making a paste out of baking soda and water or rubbing a slightly wet bar of ivory soap over the area. For more DIY remedies, check out TipNut's list of 40 mosquito bite itch relief ideas.

5. Most importantly, avoid scratching the area! We know this is so much easier said than done, but scratching only causes more histamine to be released and thus increases the itching. Scratching the area can also lead to an infection if you break the skin.

Enjoy your outdoor summer activities, but if you feel like you're being 'eaten alive,' there's no harm in heading indoors for the latter part of the evenings!

 

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]]>avoid-mosquito-bitescolloidal-oatmealDEETmosquito-bitestreat-mosquito-bitesKelly Laffey2009-07-17T17:00:00 00:00Happy Traveling How-To: 6 Tips to Prevent Lost Luggagehttp://www.diylife.com/2009/07/15/happy-traveling-how-to-6-tips-to-prevent-lost-luggage/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/15/happy-traveling-how-to-6-tips-to-prevent-lost-luggage/http://www.diylife.com/2009/07/15/happy-traveling-how-to-6-tips-to-prevent-lost-luggage/#commentsFiled under:

A few years ago, I made my glamorous entrance into Italy with chapped lips, stained sweatpants, twisted glasses, disheveled greasy hair and an army of facial acne -- a true survivor of the stale cabin air. Yet, general excitement about being in Italy superseded any qualms about my appearance ... initially.

After being told that my luggage had not made my connecting flight in London, I made the connection that my carry-on contained nothing useful. My lost-luggage debacle tainted my first few vacation days as I strolled around one of the most fashionable countries in the world wearing the same sweatpants for three days straight.

My first piece of advice? Always keep essentials and valuables -- including medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes -- in a carry-on bag.

Despite learning from my Italy mistake, I experienced another instance of lost luggage a few months later that had me questioning the merits of checking a bag at all. Of course, the only way to completely avoid losing luggage is to carry it on. It eliminates the wait at baggage claim, and it's more economical since almost all airlines now charge a checked bag fee to offset high fuel costs. But for every pro, there's a con, so remember the 3-1-1 rule, which limits the amount of liquids and gels that you can bring. And don't forget to investigate your airline carrier's baggage size and weight restrictions.

Luggage-forwarding services like Luggage Forward are another alternative to avoiding the hassle of checked bags. Your suitcase is picked up and delivered to its destination. While the cost tends to run a little high, it may make sense depending upon the items you're tying to transport.

If you need to check a bag, there are unfortunately no guarantees that it will arrive with you to your destination. The reasons why luggage gets lost are infuriating, but taking a few precautionary measures can minimize the chances of it happening.

Keep these six tips in mind when you're planning your next trip to ensure your bags arrive on board:

1. If you have to connect, make sure that you leave ample time for both you and your bag to make it to your next flight. Having spent a ridiculous amount of time in Atlanta's airport, I am a huge proponent of direct flights!

2. Additionally, make sure that you leave time to properly check-in for your flight. Some bags don't make it on board because the luggage crew was simply too pressed for time to load it onto the plane.

3. Before checking a bag, remove any luggage tags from previous flights. In the luggage abyss that exists behind the check-in counter, some tags are misread and it's best to minimize any confusion as much as possible.

4. Save your baggage stubs! In the event that your luggage is lost, those stubs are invaluable in finding your bags.

5. Make sure to clearly distinguish and identify your bag. While airlines do lose luggage, it is also not uncommon for people to accidently or purposely take each other's bags. I was lucky enough to snag a bright orange luggage set a few years ago, but I definitely recommend marking more generic suitcases with colored tape or a bright ribbon. Don't forget to attach your name, phone number, and address.

6. Don't meander around the airport while waiting for the luggage carousel to start. Make sure that you are there to claim your bag or to stop someone else from doing so. Additionally, putting a TSA-approved lock on your suitcase may deter potential thieves from taking it.

If your bag really is lost, be sure to file a claims form before you leave the airport. And remember, you do have rights if your bags are lost. Most bags are found within 24 hours and can be delivered to an address that you provide. Only 2% of all baggage is truly 'lost forever. Happy traveling!


 

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]]>3-1-1-ruleavoid-lost-luggageluggage-forwardKelly Laffey2009-07-15T17:00:00 00:00