Thursday, July 7, 2011

USES FOR ELASTIC HAIR BANDS


Here is a unique idea from my sweetie Lady Hawk.

USES FOR ELASTIC HAIR BANDS:
I have this ginormous collection of cloth covered elastic hair bands; so I thought what else could I use these for. Being as I have very long thick hair this is something that I always have lying around me; by the bedside, in the car, in my purse, and even hanging in the shower. So I thought what a perfect time to write the uses I currently use & just made up. I have put a package of about 30 in my 72 hour bag ones that were muted colors as to blend in with nature. I also keep a small zipper bag from Clinique slam full of these. I prefer the ones with no metal connectors. These pinch and bind hair and are somewhat painful when removing. Whenever I find them on sale or on the clearance rack I stock up. I do prefer the Goody’s brand of hair products but I have found many cheaper versions of the same bands at my local dollar stores. Feel free to comment and add more that you thought of. I’d love to see 100 uses for such an under used essential item I could never live without. 

USES FOR ELASTIC HAIR BANDS: 
1.        THE OBVIOUS ONE PULL BACK HAIR FROM FACE.  USE 1 FOR A PONY TAIL OR USE 2 FOR PIGGY TAILS, OR EVEN USE 3 FOR A BUN. 
2.        INCORPORATE IT USING POSSIBLE MORE THAN 1 OR 2 IN TO A SLING SHOT.
3.        TURN IT INTO A HIGH-END RUBBER BAND:  BUNDLE PENS, PENCILS, BAND-AIDS, ETC…
4.        SEPARATE STRING FROM ELASTIC AND USE A FUEL FOR FIRE.
5.        USE BRIGHTLY COLORED BANDS AS TRAIL MARKERS.  OTHERS WILL SEE THEM TO HELP LOCATE YOU IN A LOST SITUATION. YOU CAN USE THEM TO FIND YOU WAY BACK FROM YOUR INITIAL LOCATION.
6.        USE TO HELP MAKE YOUR SNARE.
7.        USE TO LASH SMALL ITEMS TO YOUR BAGS OR LUGGAGE, (KEYS & FLASHLIGHTS).
8.        A GARDEN USE IS SIMPLY TO TIE BACK PLANTS WHERE NEEDED.  YOU CAN CUT OR USE WHOLE.
9.        USE TO HOLD SOCKS UP HIGH.
10.     USE TO HOLD TROUSERS TIGHTLY AROUND ANKLES
11.     IN EMERGENCY SITUATION:  BIND IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS IN COLOR COORDINATED BUNDLES.  FOR EXAMPLE:  CAR DOCS IN RED, HOUSE DOCS IN BLUE, INSURANCE IN YELLOW, BANKING IN GREEN.
12.     USE FOR A PULL TAB ON ZIPPERS ON COATS OR BAGS.
13.     USE DIFFERENT COLOR TO DESIGNATE BAGS IN FAMILY.  MOM/PINK, DAD/BLUE, DAUGHTER/PURPLE, SON/GREEN, PET/ORANGE.
14.     TO CLEAN PET EARS THOSE THAT ARE SUPER HAIRY OR LONG PULL BACK EARS AND TIE & CLEAN AWAY. 
15.     PRETTY COLORS FOR BRACELETS TO ENTERTAIN LITTLE GIRLS (NOT A GREAT USE BUT I PROMISE IF YOU GIVE SOME BRIGHTLY COLORED BANDS TO A 3-6 YR OLD GIRL SHE WILL NOT REFUSE THEM!)
16.     USE AS A HOLDER AROUND WRAPPING ON SODA, FOOD, OR CUPS.  COVER CAN DRINKS WITH CLING OR FOIL AND SURROUNDS WITH BAND TO SECURE WRAP TIGHTER. 
17.     A WHITE TRASH MONEY CLIP:  HOLD YOUR LICENSE, MONEY, INSURANCE CARDS, ETC….
18.     WRAP AROUND RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES.  RED FOR NEEDS CHARGING OR GREEN FOR CHARGED.
19.     OF COURSE THESE SHOOT TOO JUST AS WELL AS NORMAL RUBBER BANDS TOO. 
20.     USE AS A BOOKMARK.
21.     NORMAL EVERYDAY STUFF WRAP AROUND A COORDINATING COLOR ON A CANDLE TO KEEP WAX FROM DRIPPING DOWN.
22.     AND THERE IS ALWAYS A USE FOR TIE DYING WITH THESE TOO JUST LIKE A REGULAR RUBBER BAND.
23.     IN A PINCH REMOVE FABRIC AND MELT ELASTIC DOWN FOR GLUE.
24.     ART PROJECT MAKE PEG BOARD WITH NAILS AND WRAP BANDS AROUND FOR A DESIGN.  NOT REALLY USEFUL IDEA IN A SHTF SITUATION BUT I’M GIRL SO SHUT UP.
25.     USE A SPLINT FOR A BROKEN FINGER.
26.     USE A MARKER ON WATER, SOAP, ALCOHOL, OR ETC.  IN A SITUATION WHERE YOU MAY NEED TO RATION OFF CERTAIN ITEMS.
27.     WRAP AROUND YOURSELF OR DAY PLANNER TO HELP YOU IN REMEMBERING SPECIAL EVENTS OR THINGS TO DO.
28.     USE A FEW TO MAKE A SAFETY STRAP FOR YOUR GLASSES.
29.     USE A FINGER EXERCISE GAME…AGAIN NOT TO USEFUL.
30.     WRAP A FEW AROUND A POLE/STICK FOR A COMFORT GRIP FOR WALKING.
31.     THE OLD RUBBER BAND BALL TOO WILL ALSO WORK WITH THESE.  A STRESS RELEIVER.  NOT A BAD STORAGE FOR THESE TOO AS THEY WILL TAKE UP LESS SPACE IN A BAG.
32.     WRAP AROUND EGGS TO MAKE PATTERNS BEFORE YOU DYE THEM.  THIS WILL PROBABLY WORK BETTER WITH REAL RUBBER BANDS BUT COVER COLORS MAY BLEED TOO THINK I MIGHT TRY THIS ONE NEXT EASTER. 
33.     LOCK CABINETS FROM YOUNG CHILDREN.
34.     SORT OUT WIRES AND ELECTRICAL CORDS.
35.     WRAP AROUND BOTTLES OF SHAMPOO & SOAPS IN THE SHOWER NO GRIP SLIPS.
36.     SPOON SAVER, WRAP AROUND SPOON HANDLE AT WHERE IT WOULD MEET THE RIM OF BOWL.
37.     ALSO A PENCIL GRIPPER.
38.     WRAP AROUND FINGERS TO USE A THIMBLE.
39.     USE WITH SOME TOYS AS A POWER SOURCE.
40.     USE TO ABSORB KINETIC ENERGY.
41.     USE A COMPASS TO DRAW CIRCLES.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Sixty Uses Of Vinegar


Well here is another of my Uses post. I will try to keep posting these every so often. Give me some feed back on if I should keep posting them or not. 
Sixty Uses Of Vinegar1. Arthritis tonic and treatment; 2 spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water several times daily.
2. Thirst-quenching drink: apple cider vinegar mixed with cold water.
3. Sagging cane chairs: sponge them with a hot solution of half vinegar and half water. Place the chairs out in the hot sun to dry.
4. Skin burns: apply ice cold vinegar right away for fast relief. Will prevent burn blisters.
5. Add a spoonful of vinegar to cooking water to make cauliflower white and clean.
6. Storing cheese: keep it fresh longer by wrapping it in a vinegar-soaked cloth and keeping it in a sealed container.
7. Remove stains from stainless steel and chrome with a vinegar-dampened cloth.
8. Rinse glasses and dishes in water and vinegar to remove spots and film.
9. Prevent grease build-up in your oven by frequently wiping it with vinegar.
10. Wipe jars of preserves and canned food with vinegar to prevent mold-producing bacteria.
11. To eliminate mildew, dust and odors, wipe down walls with vinegar-soaked cloth.
12. Clean windows with vinegar and water.
13. Hardened paint brushes: simmer in boiling vinegar and wash in hot soapy water.
14. Clean breadbox and food containers with vinegar-dampened cloth to keep fresh-smelling and clean.
15. Pour boiling vinegar down drains to unclog and clean them.
16. Clean fireplace bricks with undiluted vinegar.
17. An excellent all-purpose cleaner: vinegar mixed with salt. Cleans copper, bronze, brass, dishes, pots, pans, skillets, glasses, windows. Rinse well.
18. Make your catsup and other condiments last long by adding vinegar.
19. To clear up respiratory congestion, inhale a vapor mist from steaming pot containing water and several spoonfuls of vinegar.
20. Apple cider vinegar and honey as a cure-all: use to prevent apathy, obesity, hay fever, asthma, rashes, food poisoning, heartburn, sore throat, bad eyesight, dandruff, brittle nails and bad breath.
21. When boiling eggs, add some vinegar to the water to prevent white from leaking out of a cracked egg.
22. When poaching eggs, add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water to prevent separation.
23. Weight loss: vinegar helps prevent fat from accumulating in the body.
24. Canned fish and shrimp: to give it a freshly caught taste, soak in a mixture of sherry and 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
25. Add a spoonful of vinegar when cooking fruit to improve the flavor.
26. Soak fish in vinegar and water before cooking for a tender, sweeter taste.
27. Add vinegar to boiling ham to improve flavor and cut salty taste.
28. Improve the flavor of desserts by adding a touch of vinegar.
29. Add vinegar to your deep fryer to eliminate a greasy taste.
30. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to fruit gelatin to hold it firm.
31. Steep your favorite herb in vinegar until you have a pleasing taste and aroma.
32. Use vinegar instead of lemon on fried and broiled foods.
33. To remove lime coating on your tea kettle; add vinegar to the water and let stand overnight.
34. To make a good liniment: beat 1 whole egg, add 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup turpentine. Blend.
35. Apply vinegar to chapped, cracked skin for quick healing.
36. Vinegar promotes skin health: rub on tired, sore or swollen areas.
37. Reduce mineral deposits in pipes, radiators, kettles and tanks by adding vinegar into the system.
38. Rub vinegar on the cut end of uncooked ham to prevent mold.
39. Clean jars with vinegar and water to remove odor.
40. Avoid cabbage odor by adding vinegar to the cooking water.
41. Skunk odor: remove from pets by rubbing fur with vinegar.
42. Paint adheres better to galvanized metal that has been wiped with vinegar.
43. Pets' drinking water: add vinegar to eliminate odor and encourage shiny fur.
44. For fluffy meringue: beat 3 egg whites with a teaspoon of vinegar.
45. Pie crust: add 1 tablespoon vinegar to your pastry recipe for an exceptional crust.
46. Half a teaspoon per quart of patching plaster allows you more time to work the plaster before it hardens.
47. Prevent discoloration of peeled potatoes by adding a few drops of vinegar to water. They will keep fresh for days in fridge.
48. Poultry water: add vinegar to increase egg production and to produce tender meat.
49. Preserve peppers: put freshly picked peppers in a sterilized jar and finish filling with boiling vinegar.
50. Olives and pimentos will keep indefinitely if covered with vinegar and refrigerated.
51. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar to cooking water for fluffier rice.
52. Add vinegar to laundry rinse water: removes all soap and prevents yellowing.
53. After shampoo hair rinse: 1 ounce apple cider vinegar in 1 quart of distilled water.
54. For a shiny crust on homemade bread and rolls: just before they have finished baking, take them out, brush crusts with vinegar, return to oven to finish baking.
55. Homemade sour cream: blend together 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup skim milk and 1 tsp. vinegar.
56. Boil vinegar and water in pots to remove stains.
57. Remove berry stains from hands with vinegar.
58. Prevent sugaring by mixing a drop of vinegar in the cake icing.
59. Cold vinegar relieves sunburn.
60.When boiling meat, add a spoonful of vinegar to the water to make it more tender.
Bonus:
61. Marinate tough meat in vinegar overnight to tenderize.
62. Douche: 2 to 4 ounces of vinegar in 2 quarts of warm water.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

My Newest Light

Well I am truely a flashlight whore. I love lights. I have been carrying a ASP flashlight that has approximately 100 lumens of power and it is really nice as it is a small light, but there is one big drawback. It uses the expensive CR123 batteries. This is a common battery but still expensive comapared to the "AA" or "AAA" style.














Well the other day my supervisor showed me his new flashlight. After we all stood around and grunted our best Tim the Toolman Taylor GRUNTS I got the chance to check it out. It is a NEBO tools model #5557 Redline.

This is a super light. It has 3 different setting for power level 220 lumens, 110 lummens, and 22 lumens. It also has a S.O.S. mode and a defensive strobe. But my favorite part is the adjustable focus beam. It will through a peircing narrow spot a very long distance or will spread out to a very wide area. My second favorite part is it use common "AAA" batteries to operate it making it easy and cheap to keep lots of extra batteries handy with you.
I had to have one. I went to the Russel-Do-It Center in our local area and picked one of these up. It is a lot cheaper there the I can even order it from the internet. It was $19.99 plus tax. Now here is what I found with one of my own in hand. For starters, the Redline specs out at 4-1/2L x 1-1/2D and 6.85 ounces. The body is well-machined from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum that Nebo says is weather-proof. The main body features smooth knurling and a machined pattern for secure gripping. The body fits well in my extra large hands. There is also a chart on the side of the light that gives you the power levels and approximate run times. The push button end cap is made from glow it the dark rubber but I do not see much purpose in it as you have to charge it with another light. Kind of useless in my opinion.
 
It also has a tactical front end that can cause serious damage to someone if struck with it in a jabbing strike. Well last night I got a call while at work from my fiance Kelly saying that she had to call the Fire Department due to the next door neighbor's houses main power feed from the street was shooting sparks and flames from the side of their house and she was scared it was going to start a fire. I am a Paramedic with a local ambulance company and my station is only 2 miles from the house. My partner and I came over to the house and the fire department was already there. I know most of these guys as we see them on a very regular basis.  As soon as I stepped out I reached back and got the light out. As I walked down the neighbor's driveway I turned it on and focused the beam a bit and made my way to where the firemen were standing. I was surprised by the fact that the fireman standing there was using a very dim light that barely put any light on the spot less then 15 feet away. They were standing there and when they saw that they knew me they told me all was ok and were waiting on the power company to come out and disconnect the power. The guys also stated that the light was unbelievable in how bright it was and when I told them it was only $20.00 they were impressed.

Now before anyone comments that this light is not NFPA approved, I already know this. I would not in anyway recommend this for a fireman that fights fires, but a lot of our fire personal are also EMT's and Paramedics. This is a perfect light for this reason.





Conclusion

I give this light a 5 star rating.



The Nebo Redline is well-made and projects a tremendous amount of light. Would I recommend this light to others? Most certainly. This is the cheapest in price of the over 200 lumen light on the market that I know of. I will be buying several more for my bags and vehicles.

NEBO tools website link for the Redline light

Here are the specs direct from the NEBO TOOLS site.

Specifications

Settings – 220 lumens / 110 lumens / 22 lumens / S.O.S. / Defensive Strobe
   
Runtime – 100% - 4 hours of continuous illumination
                  50% - 8 hours of continuous illumination
                  10% - 15 hours of continuous illumination
                  S.O.S. - 72 hours of continuous illumination
                  Strobe - 72 hours of continuous illumination
          
Length – 4.5”
Diameter – 1.5”
Weight – 0.428 lbs.
Batteries – 3 AAA batteries (included)

Description

The ability to bring high-end technology to a compact, fully-redesigned, extremely powerful light source is finally here. The REDLINE™ is our brightest flashlight to date, 220 lumens of pure white light to be exact. In automobiles, redlining is reaching the peak of its performance; whereas we, with NEBO REDLINE™ are harnessing the maximum power of this flashlight with 220 lumens of blinding bright light. (NOTE: Anything above 50 lumens within a 10 yard distance may cause temporary blindness when viewed directly.) The REDLINE™ has 5 lighting modes, 100% white light (220 lumens), 50% white light (110 lumens), 10% white light (22 lumens), S.O.S. mode (220 lumens), or emergency strobe mode (220 lumens). This flashlight has a 4x adjustable beam that works with any light setting to change the REDLINE™ from a flood light to illuminate everything within a 20 yard distance, or to a spot light to focus up to 150 yards. The bezel of the REDLINE™ controls the adjustable beam. The red ring of the NEBO REDLINE™ enhances all of the features of this flashlight.

Features
One high power LED bulb outputs 220 lumens of light (bulb rated for 110,000+ hours     of life)
Anodized aircraft grade aluminum weather-proof compact body design
Magnetic base for hands-free lighting
Aggressive self-defense face
Rear glow-in-the-dark button uses hard/soft touch technology
Hard Touch: Simply click through the functions. (Light will turn off in between settings.) NOTE: Light will     reset to first setting (100% ON after being off for 20 seconds.)
Soft Touch: Press button halfway with no click. This allows the user to cycle     through the settings quickly without the light turning off between settings.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

We really are in trouble! There is no gold at all

Fed Lawyer Alvarez: “The Federal Reserve Does NOT Own Any Gold at All”

Here is a quote from the actual article: "For those of you who did not watch yesterday’s monetary policy hearing in the house of representatives, you most likely missed this bombshell exchange between Federal Reserve lawyer Scott Alvarez and committee chairman Dr. Ron Paul. My jaw literally dropped when I heard the Fed’s general counsel declare that the Federal Reserve owns no gold. After 1934, Alvarez explains that the Fed handed its gold over to the Treasury in exchange for gold certificates. When pressed further, Alvarez noted that the gold certificates do not represent any interest whatsoever in the gold itself. He explained the gold certificate listings on the Fed balance sheet, not as a claim to gold, but at most a claim to dollars from the Treasury."

 So what does this mean to us? Out money is just paper and is only backed by debt. 


Here is the full article. http://goldnews.com/2011/06/02/fed-lawyer-alvarez-the-federal-reserve-does-not-own-any-gold-at-all/

Uses for Sugar

    *Wasp Trap
    Boil 2 ounces of sugar and a little water in a pan to make a sticky liquid. Pour this into empty jars, or a dish and leave in the open where wasps will be attracted to sweetness. They go into the liquid to feed and cant get out.

    *Start a Fire
    If you have trouble getting a coal, or wood fire to burn throw a handful of sugar onto it. The sugar will ignite and help get the fire going

    *Kill Cockroaches
    Mix equal parts of sugar and baking powder. Sugar attracts these horrible creatures and baking powder kills them

    *WOUND FIRST AID: Cuts and scraped skin benefit from sugar. Sugar is an antibiotic that naturally kills germs. Not only will that it speed the healing of the skin tissue. Clean wound and sprinkle a little over the cut or scrape.

    *PAIN: Studies show that sugar water intake can help INFANTS recovery from the pain of the needle during doctor visits. Simply give 1-4 servings of sugar water instead of plain water before the immunization appointment.

    *PAIN: If you are suffering from neck pain, studies show that injections of sugar water can help. If nothing else is helping ask your doctor about Prolotherapy. It helps many patients reduce their pain medications

    *SKIN REPAIR: - Healing skin and smoothing its appearance. Make a facial & neck scrub of ½ cup sugar and 1/3 C canola oil. You can add oil essences if you like. Use as a gentle face scrub, using gentle circular motions with fingers. Leave on for a few minutes to maximize effects. Rinse off in shower.

Uses for Cinnamon

    *Room spray. Combine a few drops of essential oil of cinnamon with water or vodka and spritz the mixture in any room to dispel germs and odors

    *Moth Repellent Sachets. Break 4 cinnamon sticks and combine with 1/2 cup of whole cloves and 1/2 cup whole black peppercorns. Fill small squares of fabric with a tablespoon of this mixture, tie shut, and hang in your closets.

    *Bay Rum and Cinnamon Aftershave. Not only does this have a delightful spicy scent, it also has antibacterial properties, and the cinnamon helps stop bleeding from little nicks and cuts.

    Fill a screw-top jar with dried bay leaves. Add 2 broken cinnamon sticks and 1 tablespoon of cloves. Pour in enough dark rum to cover the herbs, and let this mixture steep for 14 days or longer, shaking it daily. Stain through a sieve and coffee filter, bottle the liquid, and use a splash of it after shaving

    * Instead of your morning coffee or tea, a drink consisting of a teaspoon of fresh ground cinnamon and raw honey to taste and one before bed on a daily basis was found to restore hearing loss.

    * Increasing the cinnamon to two teaspoons and following the same regimen as above, patients claimed they were cured of common arthritis.

    Increasing the cinnamon to two tablespoons and mixing it in lukewarm water with one teaspoon of raw honey is said to relieve bladder infections in that this mixture will effectively destroy germs in the bladder.

    * A honey and cinnamon paste spread on your favorite breakfast bread, eaten regularly, reduces cholesterol. Your chances for a heart attack are diminished by clearing your arteries and increasing the blood flow in your veins.

    * With such a pleasant combination how could anyone complain of bad breath? Instead of your favorite mouthwash, try a combination of a teaspoon of honey mixed with cinnamon for fresh breath all day.

    * There are medical properties attributed to the sugar content in the honey that cause an increase in energy levels in senior citizens. An equal mix of raw honey and cinnamon, taken each afternoon increased their levels of energy and mental acuity.

    * A paste made of three parts honey, one part cinnamon, and applied to skin affected by pimples, or a paste, applied in equal parts, for skin infections such as ringworm, 8. eczema, and other types of infections were cured. Users claimed their skin was left completely clear and baby soft.

    * An unusual side effect of the users of the cinnamon and honey was weight loss. For those participating in the study, and consuming one cup of this mixture twice a day on an empty stomach before meals, weight loss was the end result.

    * The natural properties in raw honey that do not allow it to spoil arrest age and soften the skin; one teaspoon of cinnamon and four teaspoons of honey.

    * Raw honey may also be used to wash the face. A light amount should be distributed gently and rinsed thoroughly.

    *This remarkable drink has been used to aid in indigestion, relieve upset stomachs, relieve excess gas, clear sinuses, cure the common cold, and cure the flu. Honey contains large amounts of vitamins and iron. These properties also help strengthen the immune system

    *Tincture: Take 1/4 to 1 teaspoon at a time, usually combined with other herbs. Use the higher doses for a menstrual period that is much heavier than usual.

    *Essential oil: The volatile oil from cinnamon is distilled and used as a flavoring and aromatic agent. Use a single drop of cinnamon essential oil diluted in a sip of water as a mouth rinse to freshen your breath and for mouth and gum infections. Use eight to ten drops of cinnamon essential oil in a 2-ounce tincture bottle for flavor or medicinal effects. Keep essential oils out of your eyes.

    *Spiced Cider: You will need the following items.

    • 5 cinnamon sticks
    • 3 star anise
    • 5 whole allspice kernels
    • 5 whole cloves
    • 1 tsp nutmeg
    • 1 gallon apple cider
    • 1 or 2 oranges