Homemade Bird Suet

 

I have been really enjoying my new bird watching hobby! I am getting so many varieties of birds at my feeders, its so neat to see the array of colors out there. I have been using store bought suet cakes and they have needless to say devoured them! Today is a particular cold day in Western NY, especially where I am in the Southern Tier, and I noticed all of there suet cakes were gone, and although there is a feeder out there they prefer the cakes, knowing that is so cold and my birds need there food, I stumbled on a recipe for homemade suet with most things already in

your cupboard! Less cost and less trips to buy more! After making the mix and putting

it out my birds are going crazy over it! Here is the recipe I used:

 

1 cup of vegetable shortening or lard

 1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups of dry ingredients such as cornmeal,

oatmeal, birdseed mix, dried fruit or sunflower seeds.

You can add more than one of those ingredients.

 

Mix the vegetable shortening and peanut butter into a large, microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave the mixture on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shortening is liquefied. Stir the all-purpose flour into the melted vegetable shortening and peanut butter. Continue stirring until the mixture is one uniform color. Stir in up to 4 cups of dry ingredients such as cornmeal, oatmeal, birdseed mix, dried fruit or sunflower seeds.
Knead the mixture together by hand until it forms a dough the approximate consistency of cookie dough. ( I didnt knead mine I just stirred it by hand.)

Press the homemade suet into an 8-inch square pan. You dont need to grease the pan because the vegetable shortening will prevent the suet from sticking.

Place the pan in a cool, dry spot and wait for the suet to cool completely. I put mine in the freezer.

Cut the cool homemade bird food suet into chunks and hang them from trees in mesh bags or place them in suet bird feeders.

My birds are going crazy for this! I hope you have as much success as I am! Leave me a comment!
I will post pics soon!
 

 

Vintage Button Rings

So my newest obsession are these awesome old vintage metal, brass, bronze, copper, etc. buttons - I just love the patina and the story behind some of them. And repurposing them into jewelry is my latest hobby and obsession! They are truly unique and if your looking for one of a kind, look no further! Stunning detail in each and every piece. An Example of some of my recent work.

Not Vintage, But Pretty Flower
Cabachon Rings.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/farmchicsophisticate?ref=si_shop&view_type=list

Detox

So I have decided to do an all natural detox. Its made with apples and cinnamon. It cleanses your system and is supposed to help you lose weight and gain energy! Who wouldnt love that? Today Is day number 1, I will post photos and the recipe soon, I wanna see how this goes before I reccomend it! If you have any ideas or suggestions for natural detoxes leave me a comment!
Thanks

HomeMade Laundry Detergent

So I finally got an opportunity to sit down and photo blog my attempt at making my own detergent. I was getting sick of buying expensive laundry soap and then being worried about my skin being sensitive to the dyes and perfumes used. After hearing of friends making there own varieties of detergent I went on the hunt looking for a recipe that would accomodate our needs: Cost, Allergen Sensitivity, and Cleaning ability. This stuff is great because it is way stronger then the store bought laundry soap. You only have to use 1-2 Tablespoons per load. I have been using it for a few weeks and so far my skin is fine! It was very easy and makes enough for my husband and I to use literally for months! Our initial cost was less than $20.00 !!  Best of all it smells Fantastic! The whole house smells amazing when I wash and dry laudry and the fresh scent last so much longer than ordinary store bought detergents with all of there additives. Below are my photos and the recipe!

 

1- 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz)
 

1- 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (1.81 kg)

1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz)

 3 bars of Fels-Naptha soap
 

All Items can be found in the detergent aisle.

 

*Optional Ingredients

2 small containers of Oxy Clean or store brand Oxy Clean (try to get about 3.5 lbs total)
They do Sell an Oxy Clean at your Local Dollar tree!

I have a pretty messy husband so the cleaner the better with the Oxy Clean!

If you love a scent you can add laundry crystals to the mix. You can find laundry crystals in the detergent isle. I used Purex Lavendar Crystals. They are 87% Natural!

All Items can be found at WalMart or Wegmans.

                                     

  I forgot to add the Bars of Fels-Naptha to this photo!!

Start out by grating your Fels-Naptha soap like cheese. You can use a food processor or use your hand grater. I used a very fine grate for my HE Machine.

 

** Fels-Naptha will dissolve in your washer even if you only use cold water.

 

Toss all ingredients in a 5 gallon bucket. This part makes your whole house smell amazing!
 

 

 

 

Final Product!

 

 

 So far I am keeping my detergent in My 5 Gallon Bucket, Still on the look

out for a cool container for it! Smells amazing every time I open the lid!

 

I also got a little scoop that is about 1 tablespoon to keep inside,

 it was the scoop from the Oxy Clean actually!

 

Safe for HE washers

Safe for Sensitive Skin

I have a friend who uses this recipe and she has 2 small children

 and it causes no problem for there skin.

 

Have Fun! Send me a comment on how its working out for you!

 

 

 

 

Bug Free Me!

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Ok, so I know that Winter is just starting to begin, but we CAN dream about summer and plan for summer now!! I just started this spring making an all natural chemical free bug repellant. I have named it Bug Free Me! Its all natural, chemical and Deet free formula. Its made with lemon grass, and Eucalyptus so it has a Lovely Fragrance. Best of all it WORKS!! I used it on myself and husband, my inlaws and small nieces. I am selling it on my Etsy Website: https://www.etsy.com/listing/98174797/bug-free-me-all-natural-non-toxic-deet

Bug Free Me And Chemical Free Me too!
All Natural, Non toxic, Deet Free Repellent.
4 oz.
The only thing worse than Annoying Pests is the chemical laden insect repellants. Enjoy a bug free summer everyday when you use “Bug Free Me”
Bug Free Me is a totally natural and chemical free bug repellent! Safe for young and old. Smells great, and is perfect for those of us who don't want harsh chemicals on our skin. Contains a wonderful blend of Pure Essential oils and ingredients. It has herbal extracts to keep those nagging pests off your skin, and stay away.

Spray on skin, hair and clothing, (you may want to spot check before you completely cover your fabrics to check colorfastness.) Always keep away from eyes and mouth. Apply every 2-3 hours for effectiveness.

Comes in 4 oz PET dark green plastic bottles ( PET does not leach into product) with a spray

Homemade Exfoliant

Like Most women I love to have my skin feel soft and smooth,
but I hate paying high prices for store bought exfoliants, with chemicals and scents. 
What can a girl do? Easy! Check your cupboard for 3
  simple ingredients: Brown sugar, Raw Oatmeal, and Olive Oil.
 

1/2 C ground oatmeal
1/4 C packed brown sugar
1/2 C olive oil
 

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with a spatula until well blended and store in a sealed jar. Repurposed baby food jars work great! You can add a few drops of vanilla for a natural scent if you want!

 Scrub scrub scrub away!

 

Cinnamon and Honey

I wanted to share these great remedies made with Honey and Cinnamon. Not only do they work but they taste good too!

Drug companies won't like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mix of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus. Honey is also the only food that will not spoil or rot. What it will do is what some call 'turning to sugar'. In reality, honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will "crystallize". When this happens loosen the lid, boil some water and sit the honey container in the hot water, but turn off the heat and let it liquefy naturally. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. This will kill the enzymes in the honeyToday's science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain -- and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterolcould be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it's delicious too!

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural 'Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:Daily in the morning one half hour before
breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.

BAD BREATH: Gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so your breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.