7/1/2012 - Decided to try a 'green' weed killer...distilled white vinegar. If this trial test works I will do another area and post photos so you can see how it worked.

 

Sprayed on an application of undiluted white vinegar at 5:40pm. Temperature was in the upper 80's. Sprayed weeds in cracks of driveway apron and also a small area in the gravel parking spot. Will see what it looks like tomorrow.

7/2/2012 Yeah...no noticeable change in the health of the weeds that got sprayed. Might try it one more time tonight.

It is 7:00pm (92F) and one more time I sprayed all areas that got the treatment last night.

I don't know if the sun and heat  baked the weeds or if the vinegar is working. Several places I found dry, brittle weeds. Unfortunately, there were just as many that still looked green and supple.

Maybe we just have super tough weeds. So I am giving this treatment more time.

I really want this to work...I despise using chemicals and we have far too much property for me to use the dig and pull method.

7/3 - I noticed the weeds were definitely withering and drying up. So now I need to experiment on another section to see if the vinegar is really working as a 'green' weed killer.
The question still in my mind "Is it the vinegar alone, the hot weather (it has been in the 90's for several days now), or a combination of both?"
More to come...

Pulled Chicken

I pinned this idea for pulled chicken to my food board on Pinterest. 

Sometimes I wonder if these 'ideas' really work.

I can tell you positively this one does.

Step1: 2.5lbs frozen chicken breast go into my electric pressure cooker. Add liquid (I used homemade chicken stock I made a couple days ago) to the fill line. Add any spices you prefer.

Step2: Set pressure to 15lb and timer for 13 minutes. When  finished, allow pressure to release naturally (about 15 minutes); remove lid.

Step3:  Remove chicken breasts from liquid. Attach flat blade to mixer and then add chicken breasts to the bowl. Process on medium speed (mine is 4-6) until chicken is completely shredded.

I portioned this out into freezer bags and popped them into the freezer. 

I did keep out enough for some BBQ sandwiches for dinner.

Memory Calendar from index cards

Step 1: Cut 183 index cards (3” x 5”) in half. You can use all white, primary colors, or have fun and use neon colors!

Step 2: Write month/day on upper right corner of each card; complete one full year. Also write current year on the first line (left side of card).

Step3: Choose a fun container (about 5” x 4” x 2.5”) and stiff print cardboard for dividers (I used a dollar store package of gift card envelopes and cut them to size – 2 per envelope).

  

Step 4: The project is complete. Now you can add one small snippet per day of something you want to remember. As you start the second year, these tidbits pop up each day and remind you of little things from yesteryear! (I decided to use the back of the card to record some historical event – i.e.: Whitney Houston’s death.)

Citrus (for cleaning)

1. Get into the habit of zesting your citrus (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit) fruits. 

2. Put the zest in a small jar or zip bag container and store in the freezer until needed.

3. Using one tablespoon of zest (one kind, or mix to your preference) and a 1/4 teaspoon of course salt, mash mixture to release the citrus oils.

4. In a pint jar, add citrus mixture and white vinegar. Shake vigorously to blend. Allow this mixture to marinate one to two weeks.

5. Pour mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. 

Pulp may be discarded or saved and mixed with baking soda for a 'scrub' cleaner.

Dilute with water, place in a spray bottle and you are ready to clean.
Dilute 3:1 for tougher cleaning jobs. Dilute 1 cup to 2 gallons of water for mopping wood floors.

Try boiling rinds in water with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Your home will be fresher and healthier.

Awaiting just the right project...

This batch of off white yarn cost $3.50.

Happy 30th to my little girl

Shannon