We want to go solar. The problem is we are on a very limited budget. I’ve been doing some research and I believe we can build the panels ourselves. There is a lot of information floating around. I don’t even know where to begin. Who do you trust? Who much are you willing to spend on the information? Will it suit our needs? There are all kinds of tips and tricks and what not out there. Click here for information of how to lower your energy bill by 78%. Click here to learn how to build your own panels. See, so much info. I guess I have to lay it all out and start at the bottom and build my way up. Let’s just say I have a lot of reading to do.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent

Camping season is in full swing. This means campfires, toasted marshmallows, and mosquitoes.  There are alternatives to conventional bug sprays. I’ve heard old New England women say to rub a dryer sheet on you to keep bugs away. This works pretty well as I have tried it. Another alternative is the following recipe:

In a spray bottle mix all of the following ingredients. Shake well and spray away.

5 drops lavender oil

5 drops citronella oil
3 – Tbsp vanilla extract
4 – 5 Tbsp lemon juice or 5 drops of lemon oil
Fill the remainder of the bottle with water or a mix of half water and half vodka.

Soil Test

True confessions

I have to confess. It’s killing me. I haven’t started my garden this year. Its plot is densely overgrown with weeds. It needs to be weed whacked and roto-tilled. I don’t know how much of a season I have left. It is really hot and humid here. I wonder what I should grow. But, first the task at hand; killing the weeds. I mixed up some of the weed killer that I posted before and sprayed the whole garden down. I know it will work slowly. I don’t know if I have enough patience. I’m going to cut it down tonight with weed whacker; hoping it’s not as bad as it looks. Wish me luck and send me suggestions on what to grow down here in Florida.

Organic Gardening

It’s the height of garden season. For you organic gardeners out there, there are many alternatives to commercial herbicides and pesticides. Below are a couple of organic recipes for what ails your garden.

Homemade Weed Killer

½ gallon of apple cider vinegar

¼ cup of table salt
½ tsp Dawn dish soap

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well

Wet weeds thoroughly with solution

All Natural Pest Deterrent

½ tsp Dawn dish soap

2 tbsp liquid hot pepper sauce
2 cups of water

Pour ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well

Spray tops and bottoms of vegetable leaves with solution

These are just two ways to keep your garden organic. Google organic herbicides and pesticides for more ideas. Organic gardening keeps your family and the Earth healthy.

There are a plethora of cleaners on the market. There are cleaners made specifically for everything imaginable. Most of these cleaners are highly toxic. Why not go green and make your own eco-friendly and healthy cleaning agents? Below are some solutions of the mostly organic nature. These cleaners will also save you money.

All Purpose Green Cleaner

2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp Dawn dish soap
4 tbsp white vinegar
4 cups warm water

In a squirt bottle mix all ingredients well.
Spray onto any surface and wipe with a damp sponge.

Dusting Spray

2 tsp olive oil
¼ cup white vinegar
1 cup warm water

Mix all ingredients in a squirt bottle
Spray on wood surfaces
Wipe with a dry cloth

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

¼ cup baking soda
¼ cup Borax
1 cup white vinegar

Mix ingredients in any container and pour directly into toilet bowl.
Let mixture sit for at least 30 minutes
Scrub using a sponge or cloth.

Glass Cleaner

¼ cup rubbing alcohol
¼ cup white vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups warm water

Mix all ingredients in a squirt bottle
Spray on glass
Wipe with paper towel or dry cloth

Tub Cleaner

½ cut grapefruit
¼ cup kosher salt
Pour salt directly on grapefruit half
Scrub the tub with the grapefruit

Grout Cleaner

½ cup baking soda
¼ cup white vinegar

Mix in a small bowl to a paste like consistency
Apply directly to grout using an old toothbrush
Allow solution to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing

These are just a few examples of cleaners that you can make at home. They are both economical and eco-friendly. They are also very gentle on the hands. You won’t even have to wear rubber gloves.