Archive for the ‘make it’ Category

I just ran across the most wonderful tutorial and it couldn’t have been more timely.  I have been using a Swiffer duster (a large package bought from Costco) but was at the end of my stash.  I didn’t want to buy another package because well, using disposable dusters just isn’t “Make it Do” or earth-friendly.  I think I bought them out of desperation.  Living in a semi-rural community, near the mouth of a beautiful canyon has it’s perks, but dust isn’t one of them.  I need to dust all the time!  Anyway, I have liked the way the Swiffer works, easy to dust around things and such… but I didn’t want to spend the money to replace them.

But just when I was out of disposable dusters, I found a great tutorial on making a reusable, washable duster.  I whipped one up in no time.

I used a microfiber cloth purchased in a bundle of 4 for $5 from TJ Maxx.  One towel made one duster.  My only complaint was how messy it was to cut up the microfiber… be prepared for little pieces to be everywhere.  But once finished, I shook it out really well over my large garbage can and it stopped shedding.  I went through the house dusting everything and it works like a charm.

I use my Swiffer for quick dusting or for dusting my doo-dads, picture frames and blinds.  For more thorough dusting of my wood furniture, I fill a spray bottle with water, add a few drops of essential oil… (you know I love lavender) and give it a good shake.  Then I spray it onto a soft cloth (I use cloth baby diapers) and wipe down the furniture.  I launder the cloth after each use.

When my wood furniture needs a really good cleaning, polishing and conditioning, my mom introduced me to The Original Beeswax Furniture Polish.  It is a bit expensive, but you don’t need to use it often, maybe once every couple months, and so it lasts a really long time.  For those living in Utah, it can be purchased in Salt Lake City at the Silver Star Hardware.

One other quick tip, if you find that you need to dust more than usual, check your air conditioner/furnace filter, you might need to replace your filter.

Now I better get back to cleaning, because I think I can write my name in the dust on my dining table!

Summer is wonderful for lots of things… but it is hard on my feet.  The hot dry weather, sandals, and going barefoot around the house and yard all lead to feet in seriously bad shape!

A trip to the Spa for a pedicure isn’t exactly making it do.  So what’s a girl to do?

I called my Sister-in-Law to be, Jen.  She works for a high-end beauty company and is an expert on the best ways to care for your skin… She was a wealth of knowledge.

• First she recommended soaking your feet in in tub of warm water with 1/2 cup of Epsom salts.  For scent add a few drops of essential oil to the water.  I love lavender, especially at night, it really relaxes me.  Epsom salts are made up of a naturally occurring mineral called magnesium sulfate.
• Don’t forget to exfoliate your feet.  The Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File is a popular and widely available foot file, but I have never used one.  I was given a MICROPLANE Foot File and I love it.  I know it’s a lot more expensive than the Ped Egg, but its really nice.  You can also use a foot file from the grocery store.  Epsom salts can also be used to exfoliate.  Just mix a handful of Epsom salt with a little bath oil and rub it on your skin.
• If your feet get cracked on the heels (my problem, ouch!) you can use super glue on the wound.  For sanitation sake, I keep a separate container of super glue in my first aid box and I don’t use it to fix broken toys or china!  The super glue alleviates the pain almost as soon as it dries.  I think it helps it heal faster too.  (They sell a liquid Bandaid… but superglue works just as well and is a lot less expensive.
• Jen recommends applying a moisturizer just before bed.  She loves Egyptian Magic Healing Cream but its fairly expensive (though it lasts a really long time.)  For a “make it do” solution she recommended good old-fashioned Bag Balm – which is a lot less expensive and also lasts forever.  I just started using Bag Balm on my feet and it works wonderfully.  It doesn’t smell great and is a bit greasy, but I’m sold.
• She said after applying the moisturizer make sure to sleep with cotton socks on.  They will help hold the moisture in.
• Don’t forget to paint your nails- I like L’Oreal Paris and Opi brands because they are less toxic than some.

Oh wow, I’m feeling pampered already!

But what if your problem is stinky feet?  Try washing your feet with soap and water and dry thoroughly, then rub your feet with equal parts powdered sage and baking soda.  Sprinkle a little in your sock or shoe as well.

When my son’s Keen’s (with rubber soles) started to get unbearably stinky, I threw them in the washing machine and set them out to dry.  But the odor was still there.  So I used a cotton ball and rubbed the insides of the shoe with Tea Tree Oil.  They have stayed odor free for almost a month.  They have just started to smell a little and I am going to repeat the process.  But I am seriously impressed!

You don’t need to spend a fortune to take care of your feet.  And after all the hard work I did today… it sure feels good to take a few minutes for myself.