Suicide and Women

....Some shocking facts:

A woman commits suicide every 90 minutes in the U.S., but it is estimated that one woman attempts suicide every 78 seconds.

Women attempt suicide twice as much as men.

The higher rate of attempted suicide in women is attributed to the elevated rate of mood disorders among females, such as major depression, dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder.

In the U.S. in 1995, the suicide rate among women was 4.4 per 100,000, while for men it was 19.8 per 100,000.

Although women attempt suicide more often, men complete suicide at a rate four times that of women.

The suicide rates for women peak between the ages of 40-54 years old, and do so again after age 75.

The suicide rate for women ages 15-24 has doubled since 1950, while the rate for younger girls ages 10-14 has nearly tripled since 1980.

The rate for young African American females ages 10-14 has quadrupled from from .1 /100,000 in 1980 to .42 /100,000 in 1995.

Firearms are now the leading method of suicide in women, as well as men.

Suicide is more common among women who are single, recently separated, divorced, or widowed.

The precipitating life events for women who attempt suicide tend to be interpersonal losses or crises in significant social or family relationships.

Many women who suffer from depressive illness experience their first episode in the postpartum period. 60-80% of women experience transient depression, and 10-15% of women develop clinical depression during the postpartum period.

Women are more likely than men to have stronger social supports, to feel that their relationships are deterrents to committing suicide, and to seek psychiatric and medical intervention.

Although many effective treatments exist, suicide in women remains a much underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated problem.


*by Women's Health

A Victim of Domestic Violence

I'm a survior of Domestic Violence.

My last LTR [Long Term Relationship] was good and bad. He and I owned our own business. We traveled around the SE USA. We took trips to Mexico and Costa Rica for business and pleasure. We'd stay for a month or two at each place we lived. We sold Bromeliads and ended up moving down to Florida. We even was able to do Epcot's Flower and Garden Show, Silver Dollar City's Craftsman Fest, Dollywood's Craft Fest, and sold our product to Bush Gardens in Tampa Bay. Was a very exciting life. I loved every minute of it. Our professional relationship was beautiful. We were the greatest team.

At home, things were different. Verbal, spiritual, physical, mental and emotional abuse was frequent by him. One of our disagreements turned more physical than ever - He hit me so hard, I fell down the steps and broke my elbow. Now I'm still carrying that wound. I have limited movement in my right elbow. I can barely move it. It's in a "locked" position. The doctors tried, but no luck.

I still stayed with him after this. I was very afraid. I didn't know where to turn or what to do. 6 years of this. 6 years of his abuse. There are many things that happened during this time. I won't bore you with all the details but I'll tell you I finally got the courage to leave him. I turned to my family for help and support.


The moral of the story is simple. If you are a victim of abuse of any type - please find your inner strength and courage - and make it stop. I know how scary it is to do. Please - females and males - don't allow yourself to be abused in any shape, form or fashion! Find a friend, neighbor, shelter, or family member and PLEASE GET OUT! You are worth so much more!

If you have children - then its more critical to leave - with the kids! The last thing they need is watching one parent abuse another. Sadly, the abusive will usually turn on their own children or step-children. Studies also show that the abusier will abuse any animal that is in the home as well - take them too!

You are loved more than you know. You are braver than you realize. Your life is precious. You hold the keys to power over the abusier.

I am 5 years free of him... 5 years of a new and interesting life. The road is still bumpy and long.... but worth every bit of it!


Love, Peace and Light
Terrah Dawn

Mind-Body-Spirit

Today's Inspiration: 10 Shamanic Meditations
Adapted from Shamanic Spirit, by Kenneth Meadows (Inner Traditions, 2004).

"Quite simply, Spirit is a state of being" goes one Shamanic meditation. Another: "Let the patterns of energy expressed by the way you live your life be ones of beauty, for then others would be touched by beauty." Read these 10 shamanic meditations for their simple, clear guidance. They can help you to live in a natural way so that you resonate in harmony with your being, your Spirit.


“Quite simply, Spirit is a state of being” goes one Shamanic meditation. Another: “Let the patterns of energy expressed by the way you live your life be ones of beauty, for then others would be touched by beauty.” Read these 10 shamanic meditations for their simple, clear guidance. They can help you to live in a natural way so that you resonate in harmony with your being, your Spirit:

* Creativity is not the making of something through a quality of the mind. It is a spontaneous movement of Spirit energy within the Soul, like the revolving of the Earth round the Sun which creates light and day.

* Determination is the power that gives momentum to desire.

* Everything that can be understood is already within us.

* Follow your heart, for what you feel is nearer the truth than what you think.

* Happiness is unattainable alone for it can only be shared.

* Innocence is not that which is separate from moral wrong, for innocence is not divisive. An innocent child lives for the moment. The past is forgotten and the future does not exist. Only the moment has important. That is innocence.

* Look to a Way, that is not a route to a destination bur rather the journey itself, for you cannot become what it is you aspire to unless you can be it where you are now.

* To love Nature is to love your Real Self, for Nature itself is an expression of the essence of what you are.

* Spirit is obscured when the Ego is allowed to get in the way.

* You alone have the power to make something of yourself simply by choosing to do so.

Dark & New Moon: Combined Ritual

This ritual is meant to be done on the crux between the Dark and New Moons (see any farmers or witches almanac to find out when. I suggest the "Witches Calendar"). Many people would never think to put the two together. They have been combined here because we can both rid ourselves of negatives (the dark moon) and bring in the new (the new moon) all at one time. Some people like to keep them separate, but you may find time where this is very useful.Please remember that this is only a sample ritual, and that each one really needs to be personalized in order to develop your spirituality and further yourself down your own chosen path! It is also a solitary ritual and would have to be altered for coven use.


Create the magick circle. Quietly and sombrely trace the circle widdershins (counter clockwise, as opposed to deosil, this is a time of banishing) sprinkling some salt throughout the boundaries of your sacred space. Some like to circle this three times.

Stand directly in the center of the ritual space. Calm yourself and do a little deep breathing. When you are ready, proceed to the North and begin calling the elements to join you.

Facing the North, hold your arms straight down to the earth and say,

"Great Guardians of the North, holder of the element of earth, join me here in this circle for the observance of the crux of the dark to the new moon. Be the keeper of this, the first quarter of my circle on this night! I welcome you with open arms, and open mind, and an open heart. I thank you! Welcome and Blessed Be."

Slowly make your way to the West. Facing West, embrace yourself with your arms warmly and say,

"Great Guardians of the West, holder of the element of water, join me here in this circle for the observance of the crux of the dark to the new moon. Be the keeper of this, the second quarter of my circle on this night! I welcome you with open arms, and open mind, and an open heart. I thank you! Welcome and Blessed Be."

Again slowly make your way to the South. Facing South, raise your arms straight out to either side of you and say,

"Great Guardians of the South, holder of the element of fire, join me here in this circle for the observance of the crux of the dark to the new moon. Be the keeper of this, the third quarter of my circle on this night! I welcome you with open arms, and open mind, and an open heart. I thank you! Welcome and Blessed Be."

Finally, slowly make your way to the East. Facing East, raise your arms straight above you and say,

"Great Guardians of the East, holder of the element of air, join me here in this circle for the observance of the crux of the dark to the new moon. Be the keeper of this, the final quarter of my circle on this night! I welcome you with open arms, and open mind, and an open heart. I thank you! Welcome and Blessed Be."

Stand directly in the center of the circle, arms raised high above your head, and say,

"Holy Keepers of Balance, holders of spirit, the point between all elements, join me here in this circle for the observance of the crux of the dark to the new moon. This is very much your time, where the lunar month is perfectly balanced between cycles. Teach me your mystical ways on this very holy night, and help me to further know my own spirituality, and the mysticism which surrounds me. Welcome and Blessed Be."

At your altar, facing any direction and using a comfortable position, call upon the gods to join you.

"Holy God, father of our existence, I call upon you this night. This is the time you are making the very important transition from Sage, to Sun King! A transition needed to guide the world through each cylce of life. Show me your gifts so that I may fully learn from them. Teach me more about myself, by teaching me more about you. I thank you for your prescence this holy night, and I ask you to stay as I observe this holy lunar festival. I greet you with open arms, an open mind, and an open heart. Welcome and Blessed be."

Take a minute to calm/think before you go on. Take a second to feel the prescence of the God. When you are ready, call the Goddess, saying,

"Great Goddess, mother of all, I call upon you this night. This is the time you are making the very important transition from Crone to Maiden! A transition needed to guide the world through each cylce of life. Teach me more about myself, by teaching me more about you. I thank you for your prescence on this very holy night and I ask you to stay, so that we may celebrate this, your holy festival. I greet you with open arms, an open mind, and an open heart. Welcome and Blessed Be."

When you are ready (take a minute) sit in the center of the circle. Contempate the things in your life you wish to rid yourself of. Really concentrate about whether you should rid yourself of those things, and if perhaps there are other, more pressing concerns to rid yourself of. Focus on this deeply and draw a mental image of it. From this point you can either draw this image, and burn it, offering it to the gods to use and disperse among the universe, or some other action to help yourself be rid of this. Often a physical action, representing a wanted result, makes the result that much easier to achieve. It is called sympathetic Magick.



This is the time of introspection, and of learning from both the Crone and the Maiden. Gather your thoughts, calm yourself into a near meditative state. Standing in front of your altar, slowly light a black and a white candle and say,

"Great Hecate, holy Innana be here with me now. Grant me your wisdom, and teach me your holiest of secrets, saved only for the dedicated. Show me your true will, and reveal to me your many faces. Show me the time of balance between dark and light, life and death. Please teach to me the secrets of the great balance between the cycles, and grant me the wisdom of your very being"

Extinguish all other candles from the circle, let alone the two candles. Holding your arms above you, first allow Hecate's prescence to enter into your body slowly. DON'T rush this in any way! Feel her wisdom, feel the experience of death for renewal. Live the end of the cycle through her. Slowly, and quietly at first begin to chant,

"Great Hecate, show me your being, grant me the way"

until it builds up.

Next allow Innana's prescence to enter into your body slowly. Feel her playfulness and the life she brings. Feel through her the transition into life.Slowly, and quietly at first begin to chant,

"Great Innana, show me your being, grant me the way"

until it builds up. Build it up until you are ready (by this point you should feel dazed!) but remember not to over do it. When you are done, fall to the ground, place your hands there and allow the excess energy to run freely into the ground. Take some time, this is very important!

Take some time to focus on what you would like to begin in your life. Visualize it, work spellcrafting for it, etc. Be sure that what you want is also what you need. Be sure to thank the Gods when asking for anything. This is also a great time to dedicate yourself to some new path, or new venture.

Use this time to dance, sing, chant, and most of all play! This is a youthful exuberant time, use it to remind yourself of who and what you are. Learn to see the world around you as a child does. This is a great time for clay and crafts, instruments and drumming (and alone it can really be a blast). There is a story of one women, who every new moon, threw off her clothes and danced the circle skyclad, nearly in a frenzy. This was an important time, she said, to get in touch with her youthful, maiden, innocent side. To learn to love her body again. (She was 73! If we could all learn like that!)

Remember to celebrate and take some time to commune with the Gods. When you are done, meditate on what you have experienced and learned. Allow the Crone and Maiden to guide you through this meditation.

When you are ready, come out of the meditative state (take as long as you need). Slowly raise yourself (you will be tired!), and light a few illuminating candles. Extinguish the black and white candles, saying,

"Hecate and Innana, I thank you for the wisdom you have bestowed, and am forever grateful for your teachings. I hope to walk down this path with you again! Blessed Be."

Place your focus on your cakes and ale (substitutes are almost always required here, bread and juice or mild (for the moon) are excellent replacements). Taking the cakes in your right hand, say aloud,

"I bless this food, fruit of the earth, body of the goddess. Great God and Goddess, holy Guardians of the quarters, I ask you to partake in this feasting with me, on this night. Blessed be."

Eat some of the food, eat what you need. Leave some to later put outside for the animals (what we take from the earth, we must try to give back again). Take up the ale/wine in your right hand an say,

"I bless this drink, holy nectar of the earth, life blood of existence. Great God and Goddess, holy Guardians of the quarters, I ask you to partake in this feasting with me, on this night. Blessed be."

Drink some of the liquid, saving some for later. While you drink it, imagine the pure cleansing energy of it flowing into you. Take some time to truly appreciate your experience on this night. When you are ready take some time to personally thank and bid farewell to the elements, starting with North and ending with East. If you notice we begin by using acts of the dark moon, and end with acts of the new, and it can be quite confusing to close and open the circle in the same direction! After this is finished, thank and bid farewell to the God and Goddess, remembering that without them, you would not be here.

Slowly open the circle again. You have finished the ritual, and might want to take some "down time" recording what you can remember of the meditation, as well as any other feelings or teachings you gained from this night. Above all, RELAX!

*Author Unknown

Conjuring Spirits

One Method:

The "Triangle of Solomon" also known as the "Triangle of the Art"






First let me tell you that this information is not teaching you how to Conjure up a Spirit.... it is simply shedding some light on one of the tools used in the Art. So do not write me and try to correct me as to what crap you have read or believe. My knowledge comes from Experience and from a different plane of existence unlike that of yours.




Ah yes... the Triangle of Solomon.... the second most important tool for the Conjuring Magician next to the Magical Circle. The Triangle of Solomon is used in conjunction with the Magic Circle. It is to sit outside the Magic Circle just a few feet away.
What is it and what does it do, you ask?
It is used in the Conjuring of the Demonic or Celestial/Angelic spirits. It is in this Triangle that they will appear and are forced to obey. Why will it make them obey? Because it has 3 Sacred names of God - Tetragrammaton, Primeumaton, and Anaphaxeton one on each side and it has the name Michael (Archangel Michael) which is split into 3 sections MI - CHA - EL. This contains the spirit from escaping and compels them to obey. This does not mean in every case they are going to obey you... but it helps the process. Some Magicians such as the Great Crowley would use Fresh Blood of a Sacrificed animal in the Triangle to attract the Demon. For Blood is the Life force and Demons thrive on it. Crowley would Sacrifice three white doves and pour the Blood into each corner of the Triangle... the Demon would stay until the life force was exhausted, then Demon would leave. This is not something for you to be going out and trying. Those of you whom are reading this are not the experienced and you would only end up possessed or Dead. This is just for your interest and thirst for knowledge.

The Triangle can be found in the Manuscript "The Goetia" also known as "The Lesser Key of Solomon the King". Once again it is one of the most important tools in the Conjuring of Spirits. There are several ways of setting up this Triangle of the Art...
1. You can trace it on the ground in dirt or sand. This is not the greatest way to do it.
2. You can make one out of wood and and paint it. The Triangle and the letters should be black along with the black circle in the middle of it. The interior should be white. You can do it differently if you so choose just as I have in the above picture. The choice is yours. With this method you can set it on the ground and take it with you when you are done with your Magical operation.

These two methods are good for if you are trying to Conjure the Spirit into the Physical.
How big should it be? The best dimensions would be 36"x36"x36".

3.

Anyway... now you have a little more knowledge to save for a day when you are ready to use it.
Now... the other method is for Conjuring the Spirit into a Crystal Ball that is placed in the middle of the Triangle or using a Black Mirror in the middle of the Triangle. With this method... one Conjures the Spirit.... but one must Skry or see onto the Astral Plane where then Spirit is. The Mirror or Crystal Ball only acts as a focal point.
You can set up the Triangle on a small round table and place a Crystal Ball in the middle or you can prop up the Triangle so that it is standing up and Gaze into the Black mirror... just as you see in the picture above. Once again... you must be able to Skry or should I say, have Astral Vision... that is... to see onto the Astral Plane. Those whom have not developed this ability will have no success. This takes much practice of Crystal Gazing or Skrying with the Black mirror which is something you can do without conjuring any Spirit and develop your Astral Vision and Psychic Senses.

Mystery of the Sanctum Regnum

....or the Government of Evil Spirits; being the Rite of Conjuration according to the Grimorium Verum









THE preparations of the operator prescribed by the Grimorium Verum are fully represented in the earlier chapters, but they may be summed here as follows: 1. An austere fast of three days; 2. Retreat or isolation from human society; 3. Abstinence from sexual intercourse; 4. The recitation of certain prayers and the performance of certain ablutions; 5. The composition of the required instruments. He must further devote himself to the invocations, lest memory fail him at the moment set apart for the work, and to insure mastery of the practice. He should also recite the following prayer daily --at Prime once, at Tierce twice, at Sext three times, at Nones four times, at Vespers five times, and six times before going to rest. It is explained that these hours are planetary and unequal. Prime is reckoned at the rising of the sun, Tierce at three hours after, Sext at mid-day, Nones at three in the afternoon and Vespers at sunset.


PRAYER

ASTRACHIOS, ASACH, ASARCA, ABEDUMABAL, SILAT, ANABOTAS, JESUBILIN, SCIGIN, GENEON, DOMOL, Lord God, Who dwellest above the heavens, Whose glance searchest the abyss,. grant me, I pray Thee, the power to conceive in my mind and to execute that which I desire to do, the end of which I would attain by Thy help, O God Almighty, Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

These things being done, says the Grimoire, it remains only to follow the invocations and to compose the characters, to which end the operator shall proceed as follows:--On the day and in the hour of Mars, the Moon waxing, and at the first hour of the day, which begins automatically fifteen minutes before the rising of the Sun, a piece of virgin parchment must be prepared, containing all the characters and invocations of the spirits on whom it is desired to call. On the day and in the hour aforesaid let the operator bind the little finger of the (left) hand, which is the finger of Mercury, with a thread woven by a virgin girl; let him pierce that finger with the lancet of the Art, so as to draw blood, and form therewith the character of Scirlin, from whom all other spirits depend, since he is their messenger and can compel them to appear despite themselves, because he has the power of the Emperor to him deputed. His invocation, which must be written, is as follows:--

THE INVOCATION OF SCIRLIN

HELON ✠, TAUL ✠, VARF ✠, PAN ✠, HEON ✠, HOMONOREUM ✠, CLEMIALH ✠, SERUGEATH ✠, AGLA ✠, TETRAGRAMMATON ✠, CASOLY ✠.

With the confusion so common in the Grimoires, the character of Scirlin is not given, whence the operator who followed the instructions of this Ritual must have had recourse to one of the superior spirits. The instructions, however, are not described ad clerum, and it is scarcely possible to extract from them an intelligible method of procedure. The name and surname of the operator must apparently be written below the character of the spirit, following a prescribed manner, which is also omitted; the conjuration of the spirit must be added and incense burnt in his honour.

CONJURATION TO LUCIFER

LUCIFER ✠, OUYAR ✠, CHAMERON ✠, ALISEON ✠, MANDOUSIN ✠, PREMY ✠, ORIET ✠, NAYDRUS ✠, ESMONY ✠, EPARINESONT ✠, ESTIOT ✠, DUMOSSON ✠, DANOCHAR ✠, CASMIEL ✠, HAYRAS ✠, FABELLERONTHON ✠, SODIRNO ✠, PEATHAM ✠, Come ✠, LUCIFER ✠. AMEN.

CONJURATION FOR BEELZEBUTH

BEELZEBUTH ✠, LUCIFER ✠, MADILON ✠, SOLYMO ✠, SAROY ✠, THEU ✠, AMECLO ✠, SEGRAEL ✠, PRAREDUN ✠, ADRICANOROM ✠, MARTIRO ✠, TIMO ✠, CAMERON ✠, PHORSY ✠, METOSITE ✠, PRUMOSY ✠, DUMASO ✠, ELIVISA ✠, ALPHROIS ✠, FUBENTRONTY ✠, Come, BEELZEBUTH ✠. AMEN.



CONJURATION FOR ASTAROTH

ASTAROTH ✠, ADOR ✠, CAMESO ✠, VALUERITUF ✠, MARESO ✠, LODIR ✠, CADOMIR ✠, ALUIEL ✠, CALNISO ✠, TELY ✠, PLEORIM ✠, VIORDY ✠, CUREVIORBAS ✠, CAMERON ✠, VESTURIEL ✠, VULNAVII ✠, BENEZ ✠, MEUS CALMIRON ✠, NOARD ✠, NISA CHENIBRANBO CALEVODIUM ✠, BRAZO ✠, TABRASOL ✠, Come ✠, ASTAROTH ✠. AMEN.

Having repeated seven times the conjuration addressed to one of these superior spirits, the same will forthwith manifest to perform whatsoever shall be desired. NOTE.--Such conjuration must have been written on virgin paper or parchment before invoking the spirits. These, having been satisfied, may be dismissed by using the following

DISCHARGE

Go in peace unto your places; may peace be with you, and be ye ready to come whensoever I shall call upon you, In the Name of the Father ✠ and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Ghost ✠. Amen.

CONJURATION FOR INFERIOR SPIRITS

O SURMY ✠, DELMUSAN ✠, ATALSLOYM ✠, CHARUSIHOA ✠, MELANY ✠, LIAMINTHO ✠, COLEHON ✠, PARON ✠, MADOIN ✠, MERLOY ✠, BULERATOR ✠, DONMEO ✠, HONE ✠, PELOYM ✠, IBASIL ✠, MEON ✠, ALYMDRICTELS ✠, PERSON ✠, CRISOLSAY ✠, LEMON SEFLE NIDAR HORIEL PEUNT ✠, HALMON ✠, ASOPHIEL ✠, ILNOSTREON ✠, BANIEL ✠, VERMIAS ✠, ESLEVOR ✠, NOELMA ✠, DORSAMOT ✠, LHAVALA ✠, OMOT ✠, FRANGAM ✠, BELDOR ✠, DRAGIN ✠, Come ✠.

The name of the required spirit must here be added on the parchment, when he will duly appear-the ordinary accidents excepted--and will grant what is desired of him--that is to say, if it so happen--after which he may be dismissed by the previous Discharge.

The characters should be burnt in each case, as they avail once only.



ANOTHER CONJURATION

I conjure thee, N., by the great living God, the Sovereign Creator of all things, to appear under a comely human form, without noise and without terror, to answer truly unto all questions that I shall ask thee. Hereunto I conjure thee by the virtue of these Holy and Sacred Names.

The Triskelion Rite Of Tea

Purpose: The purpose of this working is to pay homage to the Gods
and to reflect on Their blessings upon this your life.

Tools:

Herb(s) for tea
Container for herb(s)
Cup(s) and Tea Pot
Decanter of Pure Spring Water
Brewing dish with candle
Scrying Candle
Prepare By: Placing a small table or platform in the center of your
working space and arranging the Brewing dish, herbs, cup(s), Tea Pot
and spoon on the table. Also place the cauldron with scrying candle
within for use during the meditation. (Use the diagram, which
follows, as a guide for arranging of the tools.) Prior to casting
the Circle, light candle and fill the Brewing dish with Spring Water
from a decanter. Keep the Brewing Dish covered during the Casting,
as I have found this helps the water to heat faster and hotter.



The Blessing of the Herbs
With the tip of your Athame touching the Herbs, intone this blessing:

Thou has grown by favor of the Sun,
The Moon, and of the dew.
I make this intercession, ye herb:
I beseech thee to be of benefit to me and my rite,
For thy virtues are unfailing.
Thou art the Dew of all the Gods,
The Eye of the Sun,
The Light of the Moon,
The Beauty and Glory of the Sky,
The Mystery of Terra.
I purify thee so that
Whatever is wrought by me with thee may,
In all its powers,
Have a good and speedy effect with good success.
Be purified by my prayer and be powerful!

So mote it be!




When water is hot enough, place the herbs in the Tea Pot and add
water from the brewing dish, give it a couple of stirs.

While the tea is steeping, intone this Prayer.

Earth Mother
Giver of life
Strengthen me during my life-long strife.
Teach me Your ways of perfect love,
Peace, and wisdom true.
Spawn from my purest heart
These words to You
May this prayer help me to better
Myself in word and deed,
To a higher plane I shall succeed.
Beautiful Light of Goodness Fair
Lore of old we both do share
A Witch's brew, I drink to You
My love for You, by day, by night
In thought and in sight
Will my soul learn
The meaning of this life again.



Pour out a cup for all present, including one for the Gods, and
enjoy.

Sit before the table and meditate on the blessings that the Gods
have bestowed upon your life. You may use the scrying candle here to
focus upon for your meditation. If the Gods so choose They may give
you a Message or Vision through the blessings of the Sight.

You may relax now and finish off the pot. (Note: this rite is not to
take the place of The Feast, but is to be used as a time of blessing
and communing with the Goddess).

Tea Time

TEA TRAVELS (TM)
A SPRINGTIME TEA Menu
By Ellen Easton Reva Paul C. 2004 All Rights Reserved A springtime tea is the perfect time of year to embrace the luxuries of fashion. Whether your party is an indoor formal affair or outdoor garden celebration, it is a great excuse to put on your favorite dress, pearls and gloves with the added indulgence of a fabulous new hat. Invite your friends and loved for a festive gathering.

SANDWICHES and SAVORIES
Honey Ham & Sliced Asparagus with Watercress Butter in rolled White bread
Cheddar Cheese and Chopped Chive spread on Brioche slices
Crab, Avocado & Bacon with Dill Butter in Whole grain Bread cones
Chicken, Granny Smith Apple and Golden Raisin salad in Cucumber Cups
Chopped Egg, Tomato and Fresh Mint in Celery Boats
Lavender Scones with Rose Petal Jam and Devon Cream

SWEETS
Mini Meringue Cups with Whipped Cream, Currant Jelly & Raspberries
Pastel Iced Vanilla Petit Fours
Orange Blossom infused Chocolate Truffles
Lemon -Lime Curd Mini Tarts
Caramel Glazed dipped Jumbo Strawberry

TEAS*
SHANGHAI ROSE- Rose Petals & White Tea
LADY GREY-Bergamot, Lavender Flowers & Black Tea
CITY HARVEST GREEN- Jasmine, Apple & Green Tea (20% to City Harvest)

ROSE PETAL JAM
yield: one pound

1/2 pound pink or red edible rose petals
2 cups sugar
4 1/2 cups water
juice of 2 lemons

Cut white bottom off of each petal. Place rose petals in a bowl and sprinkle sugar to coat each petal. Save overnight. In a saucepan place remaining sugar, water & lemon juice. Dissolve contents over a low heat. Stir in rose petals, simmer 20 minutes. Bring to a boil, continue boiling for 5 minutes until mixture thickens. Pour into a clean, warmed jar, cover & label. Store in a cool place.

LAVENDER SCONES
YIELD: 12 Scones

2 cups all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
4 Tablespoons (1/2) stick) sweet, unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lavender or 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender, coarsely chopped
2/3 cup milk, plus extra for glaze

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease & flour a large baking sheet. Sift flour and baking powder together in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the butter until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs. Stir in the sugar and lavender (save a small amount to sprinkle on top of scones before baking). Add enough milk to make a soft, sticky dough. Turn dough out onto a well floured surface. Cut dough into 1 inch thick rounds with a cookie cutter. Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of each scone with a dash of milk and sprinkle with the reserved lavender and sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown. Serve with rose petal jam and Devon cream.

ORANGE BLOSSOM infused CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE
YIELD: 40 Truffles

1/4 cup sweet, unsalted butter,chopped
1/3 cup heavy cream
7 oz. semi sweet chocolate, chopped
1 egg yolk*
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons zest of mixed citrus peel (orange, lime, lemon)
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (or substitute 1 teaspoon Orange extract or to taste)
unsweetened cocoa powder

In a small saucepan, combine butter and cream. Over a low flame, heat until the butter melts and the cream bubbles around the edge. Remove from heat, add chocolate. Cover and let stand until chocolate melts. Stir until smooth. Stir in egg yolk*. Mix in orange peel, citrus peel and Grand Marnier. Chill until firm. Roll into balls. Roll balls in cocoa. Refrigerate in airtight container. Will hold for two weeks. * If eggs are a problem in your area, omit egg yolk from recipe.



A Summer Rose Tea
By Ellen Easton C. 2003 All Rights Reserved According to the folklore of tea, once upon a time a lady was not allowed to socialize unescorted except in her rose garden. It was here women met, unrestricted by social rules of etiquette, to speak freely amongst the roses.

Throughout Europe, during the 1800s, the theme of the rose continued to weave a thread, as afternoon tea flourished in both the public gardens and tearooms.

Fashionable women's tea gowns embraced the delicate pastel palate of a summer bouquet. Their elaborate bonnets were adorned with floral displays of roses embellished in silk, ribbon and natural petals.

The decoration of tearooms included accoutrements,fabrics, vances and trellises of roses to insure that their patrons would once again feel free to gossip under the roses.

There are unlimited was to incorporate the theme of the rose into your own tea. Whether you are simply enjoying a single cup of tea or entertaining, be adventurous and creative in exploring the possibilities.
ROSE INSPIRATIONSATTIRE: Hat, parasol, gloves, fans, print dress, skirt or top; fresh, silk or jeweled rose pin.

INVITATIONS, PLACE CARDS & MENU CARDS: Purchased or self made.

TABLE DECORATIONS: Center pieces, linens, napkin rings, china, crystal, silver, baskets.

MENU: Rose petal tea*, rose tea jelly, rose petal drop scones, edible rose adorned savories, hand decorated rose sugar cubes*, handmade embossed oval rose white chocolate mints*. Rose shaped cookie cutters to prepare sandwiches and sweets.
ROSE PETAL TEA JELLY8 oz. ROSE PETAL TEA*
8 oz. BOILING WATER
4 oz. SUPERFINE SUGAR
1 TBS. ORANGE JUICE, strained
1 oz. (1 envelope) GELATIN

Make a pot of very strong rose petal tea. In another pot add water, sugar and orange juice. Heat until sugar is dissolved. In a cup, add a little boiling water to the gelatin. When dissolved, ad to water, pour in strained tea. heat slightly, pour through strainer into jars, seal and refrigerate. Serves 24.
ROSE PETAL DROP SCONES
The Wildflower Inn on Cape Cod2 1/4 Cups UNBLEACHED, ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
2 tsp. SUGAR
2 tsp. BAKING POWDER
1/2 tsp. BAKING SODA
3/4 tsp. SALT
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 Cup (1/2 stick) UNSALTED BUTTER
1/3 Cup Coarsely ground PISTACHIOS NUTS (shelled, unsalted)
1 Cup HEAVY CREAM
1 TBS. ROSE WATER
2 TBS. ROSE PETALS, cleaned and finely shredded. NO PESTICIDES.

ICING

1 Cup CONFECTIONERS SUGAR
3 TBS. ROSE WATER
1 TBS. RED CURRENT JELLY

Pre - heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Cut in the butter and mix until coarse crumbs form. Stir in the pistachios.

In a separate bowl, combine the cream and the rose water. Stir in the shredded rose petals. Add the rose mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms. Drop dough by the teaspoonful onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Prepare the icing. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, rose water and the red current jelly. Whisk until smooth. Add another teaspoon of rose water if the mixture is too thick. Drizzle over the warm scones. Serves 24.




Happiness Tea

2 parts chamomile
2 parts lemon balm
2 parts rose petals and hips
1/4 part lavender blossoms

Mix herbs together. Use one tablespoon per cup of hot water, steep,
and enjoy an uplifting cup of herbal tea. (This is also good,
because it is relaxing as well) Store this tea in a glass container
away from sunlight and dampness.

How to Tell the Sex of a Fly

117K
A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a
fly swatter.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Hunting Flies" He responded.

"Oh. Killing any?" She asked.

"Yep, 3 males, 2 Females," he replied.

117K


Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell?"

He responded, "3 were on a beer can, 2 were on the phone."


117K


And you probably thought this would be dirty... shame on YOU!!!

Why Are M&M's Wiccan?

MM = Merry Meet
Round shape for wheel of the year, cycle of seasons
Skins are different colors, but the inside is the same chocolate,
because we are all related.
Associations with the colors:
Red = South
Green = West
Dark Brown = North
Yellow = East
Orange = For the Solar God
Light Brown = For the Earth Mother (Copper Woman)
Blue = Sky Father
Rotate the M & M:
M = 13th letter of alphabet, and there are 13 witches in a coven
3 = Triple Goddess, three phases of moon
W = Witchcraft, Wiccan
E = Enlightenment, Enchantment of chocolate
"Melt in your mouth, not in your hand"--God/dess's love must be
experienced directly to appreciate. Also, God/dess will take care of
you.
Sweetness to remind us of how sweet the love of the God and Goddess
is!

~author unknown

Create A Spiritual Temple in Your Home

How To Create A Spiritual Temple:

Sacred space is perhaps something that few of us actually feel we
have the area to accommodate. We think in terms of a room or corner
of a room that, once cleansed, would feel perfect for our spiritual
work. However, sacred space is a "must have" for any who consider
meditation or spiritual work a part of daily life.

Life is busy, home space is full or in short supply. So what do you
do? Here are a few unique types of temples, all workable and all
designed for efficient use of the space you have. Construct your
temple, cleanse it and use the power it will draw. Temples have a
psychological effect as well as energizing our soul. We let the
mundane world drift into the background as we reconnect with the
power within us. Feed your soul. Give your soul the space it needs
to grow within you. Compliment your spiritual self by setting up a
sacred spot.

- The Corner Temple - usually constructed in the corner of a room,
using a triangular shelf set up for efficient space. The main shelf
should be roomy enough to accommodate a bowl of some kind or
chalice, a small container of salt and perhaps an incense burner and
pair of candles. Make absolutely sure the candles have plenty of
room above them for fire safety. Use a smaller shelf, mounted much
further up, for storage of magical temple items that you don't need
to display on the main temple altar, such as a bell, censor or
herb/parchment/ink storage



The Kitchen Temple - often if we try, we can make space in a
kitchen, on shelves, cabinets, microwave stands or windowsills.
Placement of candles, little pots of herbs, a cheer water container
and perhaps a small bouquet of fresh flowers can help convert a
tired old spot into a vibrant area of light and peace. Kitchens
naturally lend themselves to cheery and nature-based design. Make
sure to incorporate herbs of your choice, wheat as an earth
representation and water or tea. I use the most wonderful sun/moon
tea pot for my water container. It lends itself to my kitchen
magical area.

- The Temple Bath - nothing is such a treat as a long hot bath with
all of the surrounding atmospheric enhancements. To sink into the
water element, immerse yourself in the heat, inhale the lavender
aromatherapy candle and let your mind and soul relax entirely. Work
out something with the space around the tub itself. With a little
ingenuity you can do wonders with odd places. Incorporate hanging
shelves and use the three-tiered wire basket to place your sacred
items. I use one that I hang from the shower rod that surrounds our
tub. In the small top basket, I've placed a mesh pouch of herbs I
like. The steam from the bath rises and releases the herbs' scents.
In the second, I have bath items such as aromatherapy packets, body
washes and such. In the largest basket, I have a stoppered bottle of
purified water to rinse with, an incense cone holder and cones and a
spare unlit candle. The candles I do light are well away from any
material or overhead obstruction.

- The Window Temple - one space often overlooked is the window sill.
Along with the sill, you get light, both sunlight and (usually at a
specific time of year) moonlight. If you are lucky enough to have
four inch sills or more, you can place an altar nicely there. Hang
packets of herbs or stones from the window frames, use a long narrow
container to do a crystal garden and grow a plant or two in that
window. These lend the earth element as well as fresh oxygen for
maximum space cleansing. If you really want to fancy it up, use
stained glass or other semi-transparent hanging decorations for your
window. Prisms are wonderful and draw light in through magical
angles, creating rainbows in your home.

As you can see, temple space is not hard to achieve once you put
your mind to it. Using oddly shaped shelves, crates, nooks and
crannies, you can create a place of tranquility and escape for your
head, your heart and your soul.

Herbal Cleaning Recipes

Today I have a VERY easy way to make an herb vinegar
that you can use in cleaning around the house, garage
or basement. Experiment with the herbs listed until you
come up with your favorite blend!

You'll need a large jar that has been cleaned and has a lid.
(I find plastic lids work best. If they have metal on, place a
double layer of plastic wrap over the jar opening before putting
on the lid. The vinegar corrodes it a little bit as it "brews". If
you have an old gallon sun tea jar you can make a lot of this
at once!

Fill the far with the leaves, stems or flowers of one or more of
the following herbs:

sage
mint
rosemary
lavender
wormwood

Pour white or cider vinegar over the herbs to fill the jar. Cover
and place on the lid. Put in a cupboard or somewhere else out
of the way and steep it for 6 weeks. Strain when finished. You
can then use it in recipes that call for vinegar to clean. Such
as this one:


Sink and Tub Cleaner

You'll need:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/8 cup herb vinegar

Mix together in a pail or bowl. Scrub your sinks for about
5 minutes (or the tub), rinse off with warm water. Wipe
dry with a soft rag.

Floor Cleaner

You'll need:
1/2 cup herb vinegar
1 gallon of water

Mix in a pail and mop as usual.

Glass Cleaner

You'll need:
1 quart water
1/2 cup herb vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 5 drops lemon essential oil

Mix in a spray bottle and use on windows.



Linoleum Cleaner

You'll need:
1 cup herb vinegar
2 gallons water

Mix in a pail and mop as usual.

To clean hair brushes and combs: Mix 2 tablespoons
borax with a quart of the herb vinegar and mix well.
Soak, clean and rinse brushes and combs. You can
also use on china and crystal.

Kitchen Omens and Superstitions

KITCHEN OMENS AND SUPERSTITIONS
The reading of omens is an art and practice dating back to antiquity. Omens reveal many things and are all around us, if we permit ourselves to be aware of them. They can be quite beneficial, especially in warning us of dangerous situations ahead of time. The trick is knowing how to correctly interpret the omen.

The kitchen is one place in which many omens manifest. For instance, a rainstorm is portended by the repeated boiling over of a coffeepot and also by the accidental spilling of water on a tablecloth. Other omens include the following:

* Money will soon come your way if any of the following things should occur: bubbles appear in a cup of coffee, you accidentally knock over a sugar bowl, rice forms a ring around the edge of a pot, or tea leaves float to the top of the cup.

* Trouble is indicted by the accidental omission of spices from a recipe or by the spilling of salt. Be prepared for an argument with someone if you should happen to spill pepper on the kitchen table or floor. (According to occult tradition, these bad omens can be remedied by simply adding the spices, and by tossing a pinch of salt or pepper over your left shoulder, respectively.) It is also said that if two persons stir the same boiling pot or sit together on a table, they will soon find themselves involved in a quarrel.

* If your apron comes untied by itself and falls off while you are working in the kitchen, this is generally seen as a sign that someone is thinking about you. Some say that it means your sweetheart is having romantic thoughts about you at that moment.

* It is believed by many to be an omen of good news when baked apples burst while in the oven, or when the salt and sugar are accidentally mixed up.

* If a fork accidentally falls onto the floor, a woman will soon knock on your door; a spoon indicates the arrival of a gentleman. (In some parts of the world, the fork means a man, and the spoon a woman.) Unexpected or unwelcome visitors are also presaged by the dropping of a knife that sticks in the ground and by cracks that form on the shells of eggs boiling in a pot of water.

* If you are engaged or wish to get married, according to an old belief once common in England, you should take care to never sit on a kitchen table, for this will break the engagement and also prevent you from ever being wed.

* There are also numerous kitchen omens concerning bread. It is considered unlucky in certain countries to wash a bread-knife on a Sunday, cut both ends of a loaf of bread, leave a knife stuck in the loaf, or take the last slice of bread. Accidentally dropping a slice of bread with the buttered side down is also said to be a bad omen; however, it is a good sign if the dropped bread lands with the buttered side up. If you and another person reach for the same slice of bread at the same time, an unexpected visitor will soon appear.


Apple Peel Divination:

The next time you are peeling apples, try to remove the peel in
one long single strand. Using your right hand, toss the strand over
your left shoulder. The letter of the alphabet that it forms will
be the initial of (a) in old folklore, your future husband or (b)
for teenage girls, your next boyfriend.

*Kitchen Folklore found from different sources

Natural Cleaning Solutions: The Laundry & Stains

*Note: Any of the Carpet and Upholstery solutions can be used on clothing too. Just be careful of very delicate items!


Laundering Blankets, Woolen

Check that wools can be washed and dried, some labels may specify dry cleaning. Measure a woolen blanket before washing. It should be blocked or stretched to original size after laundering.

Pretreat spots and stains. If the binding is heavily soiled, brush it prior to laundering with a liquid detergent or a paste made of detergent granules or soap and water. Or use a prewash soil and stain remover. Wash only one large blanket at a time.

Fill the washer with warm or cold water depending on the degree of soil, and a cold water rinse. Add detergent or soap. Agitate briefly to dissolve the product completely. Stop the washer; add the blanket. Distribute it loosely and evenly around the agitator. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of soil. Start the washer and advance the control until agitation stops and wash water has been pumped out of the tub. After about 1 minutes spin, slowly advance the timer to the deep rinse cycle. Allow washer to finish the wash cycle automatically.

Dry a woolen blanket on the high temperature setting. To absorb moisture and dry a blanket more quickly, place 3 or 4 dry towels in dryer. Preheat towels for 3 to 5 minutes. This helps absorb moisture, dry blankets rapidly and avoid pilling caused by long tumbling. Place the blanket in the dryer with the warm towels. Set dryer control for about 20 minutes. Check the blanket after 10 minutes. Remove wile still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.

Place blanket on flat surface or over two lines to finish drying. Stretch it to its original shape. When the blanket is completely dry, brush gently to raise nap. Press binding with a cool iron, if needed.


Removing Mildew in Fabrics

Remove mildew spots as soon as you discover them. Do not give the mold growth a chance to weaken or rot the material. Brush off any surface growth outdoors to prevent scattering the mildew spores in the house. Sun and air fabrics thoroughly. If any mildew spots remain, treat washable articles as described below. Dry-clean non-washable articles.

Wash mildew-stained articles at once with detergent and water. Rinse well and dry in the sun. If any stain remains, use lemon juice and salt or another bleach. If you use a bleach, be sure to first test colored fabrics for colorfastness.



Lemon juice and salt

Moisten stain with a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Spread in the sun to bleach. Rinse thoroughly.


Peroxygen bleach

Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of sodium perborate or a powdered bleach containing sodium perborate or potassium monopersulfate with 1 pint of water. Use hot water if it is safe for the fabric; otherwise use lukewarm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution, or sprinkle the dry powder directly on the dampened stain. Let solution or powder remain on the stain 30 minutes or longer, then rinse thoroughly.

If mildew stains have been on the fabric for some time, it may be necessary to soak the fabric in the bleach solution overnight. Applying sodium perborate solution at or near the boiling point may remove stubborn stains. First be sure this treatment is safe for the fabric.




Chlorine bleach

Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 quart of warm water. Sponge the stain or soak the stained area in the solution from 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse. An additional soaking in weak vinegar (2 tablespoons to a cup of water) will stop further bleach action. Never use a chlorine bleach on silk, wool, or Spandex fabrics. Some fabrics with wash-and-wear or other special finishes may be damaged by chlorine bleaches. Articles with such finishes usually have a warning on the label attached to the garment when it is sold.



Stain Remover Guide

Ballpoint Ink .... Use rubbing alcohol.

Beer - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. Blood - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery (CLEANING INGREDIENTS MUST BE COLD) 1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) to a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Butter - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.



Candle Wax - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Remove with heated iron into absorbent paper towel or napkin. 2. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 3. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.



Candy (sugar) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Cheese - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half- cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Chewing Gum - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.


Chocolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Coffee - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Cola drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.


Cosmetics (mascara) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Crayon - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Catsup - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Earth (dirt)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one with the detergent. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Egg (raw)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Excrement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Fruit and Juices - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Rinse with white household vinegar. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Furniture polish- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.



Glue (school, white) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Gravy- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.



Hand lotion - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Ice cream - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4.Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Ink (ballpoint) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backing or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Iodine, Merthiolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 4. Repeat step one. Blot. 5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Marble Stain Removal - Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it damp; otherwise it will have to be redampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; mix a second batch if another application is needed.


Marking Ink Pen - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Milk - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. Blot. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Nail Polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Apply nail polish remover (acetone). Blot. 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.




Oil Stains

Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours.

To remove: Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.



Organic Stains
Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drop of ammonia.



Paint, Latex - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.


Paint, Oil-Base Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. 4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.




Removing Blue Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Blue, green or other unusual colored stains, can be caused in old, badly worn bathtubs andsinks, from cleansers not rinsed off thoroughly. When harsh abrasives (such as most scouring powders) are used regularly on these porcelain enamel surfaces, over several years they wear down the smooth surface, leaving it rough.

Dyes used to encapsulate the cleaning particles in scouring powders or other colored cleansers can get into the crevices of such worn surfaces, and if not rinsed off, and allowed to stay and harden for days, can be almost impossible to remove. A strong chlorine bleach solution may lighten the stain, but will also further dull or discolor the porcelain surface. So one may have to live with the stain.




Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently remove through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri-chloro-melanine compound such as Barkeepers Friend. Follow directions carefully.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish.Use with care-it is poisonous.



Rubber Cement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Rust- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

Use Whink or Zud or other Rust Remover. Follow directions on package.





Shoe polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot. 4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.



Soft Drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clear water. Blot.





Soy Sauce - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Tar (asphalt) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Tea - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.





Terrazzo Floors - Stain Removal
Caution: Follow directions carefully when you use chemicals to remove stains. Always "remove the stain remover" as soon as its job has been done. Remember many of these substances are on the "Not recommended list" for general floor care, but must be used if the stain is to be removed. Try the following methods for these common stains. Try the first method listed first, and go to the second only if this doesn't work. For unknown stains or heavy staining, consult a professional.



Vaseline - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Wax (paste) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Sponge a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride). 2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.



Wine - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery
1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot. 2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot. 3. Repeat step one. 4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Natural Cleaning Solutions: Floor Care

Alcoholic Beverage Stains on Hard Surface Floors

Rub with a cloth dampened in a solution of detergent and warm water. If the stain remains, rub it with a different cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.

Asphalt Tile - Care and Cleaning

Care

Very hard, brittle tile, installed mostly in older buildings. Softened by grease so wipe up spills promptly. Also softened/dissolved by solvents, so do not use solvents, or solvent-based polishing waxes on it.

Cleaning

Asphalt tile is not damaged by alkali, so can you use alkaline cleaners on it. Damp mop as recommended for vinyl. When soil is not removed by damp-mopping, wash with detergent and water, or mild ammonia and water solution, and rinse well. Wax only with water-based wax.

Blood Stains on Hard Surface Floors

Mop or sponge with clear, cold water. If the stain remains, mop or sponge it with a solution of ammonia and cold water.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame or spark in area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade. Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor.

If you decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much. Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions, or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.


Candle Wax or Chewing Gum on Hard Surface Floors

Freeze the material to brittleness by using ice cubes. Then scrape the material off the floor with a plastic spatula.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame or spark in area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade.

Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much.

Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions, or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.


Candy Stains on Hard Surface Floors

Rub with a cloth dampened in detergent and warm water. For abrasive action, use steel wool instead of a cloth except on "no wax", or hard-surface floors. On them use powdered detergent and a plastic scrubbing pad dampened with warm water.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame or spark in area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade.

Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much.

Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions, or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.


Concrete, Cement - Grease Stains

In a garage, it is advisable to place a shallow metal pan under the car to catch dripping oil. Spreading the area under the car with sand or sawdust will help absorb dripping oil. Periodically saturated sand or sawdust should be scraped away and fresh, clean material put in place. This will prevent tracking oil to other areas of cement or into the house.

If oil or grease is spilled on porch or patio cement, apply an absorbent powder such as fuller's earth, cornmeal, or sawdust to absorb as much oil as possible immediately. Leave it on stain for a few hours and sweep up.



To remove the grease stain:

1. Using a stiff long handled brush, scrub stain with concentrated detergent suds. Rinse well with hose. Dry and repeat if necessary.

2. Sprinkle "dishwasher" detergent (dry) on wet concrete. Let it stand a few minutes; pour boiling water on area. Scrub and rinse. Use rubber gloves on hands.

3. Commercial Product: One brand is Garage and Driveway Cleaner by Red Devil Co. available in paint or/and hardware stores. It can also be used on blacktop surfaces. Other similar brands may be available in your area.

4. On wet oily surface of concrete, sprinkle with trisodium phosphate. Allow to stand 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub with stiff brush and hot water. Rinse with clean water. Do not use on asphalt.

OR: Dissolve a cup trisodium of phosphate in 1 gallon of hot water. Pour over stained cement surface generously and allow to soak 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub vigorously with stiff brush or broom. Rinse off with hose. Repeat if necessary. Do not use on asphalt.
5. Scrub the concrete with a grease solvent to remove as much as possible of the grease stain. Have good ventilation and avoid spark or flame as solvents are flammable. Benzine, often recommended, can ignite, just from a spark from friction or rubbing.

6. Mix 1 part sodium citrate to 6 parts water and 6 parts glycerine and add enough whiting or fuller's earth to make a thick paste. Spread paste on oil or grease stain. Let stand 1 week. Add new paste when it dries. Flush with water after brushing dry paste away. Repeat if necessary.


Vinyl Floors - Removing Old Wax

If too many layers of wax build up, especially in non-traffic areas, floor may discolor or look yellowed. Removing all the wax requires harsher cleaning than ordinary cleaning, and should be done no oftener than once a year, and not that often when not necessary.

You can buy commercial wax removers, some made to remove certain types of waxes, or use a homemade solution. If you know the brand of wax on the floor, follow directions on its label for removal.

If you want to make a cleaner:

1. Mix from 1/2 cup to 1 cup of ammonia (start with less and add more if needed) and one cup laundry detergent in 1 gallon warm water.

2. Test in an inconspicuous area to see if it softens the wax film. After several minutes, the area where the solution has been applied with a sponge mop should turn cloudy and soften.

3. Then scrub that area with a stiff brush, electric scrubber or very fine steel wool pads to loosen old wax.

4. Repeat process in another area until entire floor is stripped of wax.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.

6. After drying thoroughly, apply one or two coats of wax depending on conditions of floor, drying between coats according to wax instructions.



Rushes, Grass Rugs - Care and Cleaning

Care

Natural fiber rugs are made of rushes and grasses. Fiber rugs should only be used in dry areas. They should not be put on patios, open porches or damp basements since moisture can cause deterioration. Coarsely woven natural rugs serve as durable floor rugs, but lacily woven types made of delicate fibers should be used as wall hangings.

Cleaning

Natural fibers do not attract much dirt because they are antistatic. Any dirt trapped in the fibers can be removed with the floor brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. A fiber rug can be cleaned with detergent and water. To do this, take the rug outdoors. Dip a brush in a detergent solution to clean the entire surface; rinse with a hose. Hang the rug over a clothesline in the sun. Be sure it dries quickly and completely. Damp, natural fiber rugs will mildew and eventually disintegrate.

Tar on Hard Surface Floors

To remove tar, freeze it to brittleness with ice cubes and then scrape it off with a plastic spatula. To remove the tar stain, wipe with a cloth dampened with either a dry cleaning solvent or a formulated safety solvent.

Cautions: When working with any chemicals, carefully read and follow the label directions for using that chemical, especially any cautions on safe use! With solvents, be very careful to have ventilation, and no flame or spark in area!

The first time you use any procedure on any floor, test it first on an out-of-the-way part of the floor to be sure it does not damage the flooring or finish.

Notes: If steel wool is suggested, use fine grade, 000 grade.

Scouring powder will help remove many stains, but can also permanently scratch the floor. If you decide to use it, use only a mild type, and be very careful about rubbing too much.

Concentrated liquid commercial household cleaners, rubbed onto a stubborn spot, may remove it as well as scouring powders without the danger of scratching. Rinse off well. Do not use on wood floors.

Do not use water solutions, or cleaners which have to be rinsed off with water, on wood floors. Use a solvent or solvent-based cleaning wax.

After removing a stain, rinse the area thoroughly, dry completely, and, if floor finish has been removed in that area, recoat with appropriate finish or wax.



Carpets Cleaning - General Information

Eventually carpets need some type of cleaning to remove soil that sticks to the fibers. How often depends on amount of use and soil carpet gets; some areas will need cleaning before other. Basic methods are: dry absorbent powder, foam, shampooing, and hot water extraction (sometimes called steam cleaning or extraction). Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Costs in dollars, time, and energy vary, as do skill needed to do a good job. Always vacuum thoroughly before starting cleaning method.

Here are some general precautions for all methods:

* Pretest before using (see "Carpets-Pretesting Cleaning Products")
* Protect the carpet from rust stains by putting aluminum foil, wax paper, or plastic wrap under furniture legs, until carpet is dry.
* Follow the cleaner and equipment instructions as directed.
* Do not overwet the carpet. Excess moisture can cause shrinkage, streaks, or mildew.
* Keep mechanical action to a minimum to avoid carpet damage or streaks.

Home Shampoo Formula

Lightly soiled carpets can also be shampooed using a home formula of 1 tablespoon light-duty detergent (such as liquid dish detergent) whipped with 1 cup warm water to form heavy suds. Never use soap, ammonia (a dilute solution is sometimes necessary for removing certain stains), washing soda, or strong household cleaning agents on carpeting. Soap leaves a sticky residue that encourages resoiling. Harsh cleansers are not necessary and may have an adverse effect on carpet fibers and dyes.

Apply the dry suds to a small area at a time with a damp sponge. Remove soiled suds with a spatula and rinse with clear, cool water. Repeat process until entire carpet is cleaned; overlap areas as you work. Be careful not to over-wet the carpet. When carpet is thoroughly dry, vacuum to remove any residue or suspended soil.

Whipping up your own shampoo may cost less in dollars, but takes much more time and energy to do. In most cases it's much more practical to use a commercial rug shampoo, which is formulated to give you better results.

Natural Cleaning Solutions: Around the House

Painted Walls and Woodwork

Use one of the following to wash painted surfaces: 1/4 cup ammonia and 1 gal warm water, OR 1 tbsp trisodium phosphate and 1 gal warm water, OR 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent and 1 gal water. To prevent streaking, begin washing at the bottom of the wall and work toward the top; wash ceiling last. Rinse thoroughly and change rinse water frequently.

Windows and Glass

Use one of the following mixtures to clean glass and windows: to remove soil and grease, use 1/4 cup ammonia diluted in 2 qts warm water; to remove hard water deposits and soil, use 1/4 cup vinegar diluted in 2 qts warm water; to remove extra heavy soil and grease build-up, combine 1/2 cup ammonia, 2 cups rubbing alcohol and 1 gal water.

Tips- When washing windows, wash sills and cross- pieces first wipe windows with lintless cloth, paper towels or crumpled newspapers to prevent streaking, wash windows out of direct sunlight for touch-ups, keep any one of the above preparations in a spray bottle, spray on dirty area and wipe.

Upholstery

(Note: Commercial upholstery shampoos do a good job and are easy to use. However, if you wish you can use the following homemade preparation.)

Combine 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent or laundry detergent and 1 cup warm water. With a hand mixer, whip until dry suds form (the suds will look like whipped cream). Test upholstery in an unnoticeable area by applying dry suds with a cloth or soft brush and lightly scrubbing. Allow to dry. If the area looks the same but cleaner, the entire piece of upholstery may be cleaned in this manner. Shampoo only a small area at a time and use a spatula or rubber scraper to lift off dirty suds. Repeat if necessary, then wipe area with a clean cloth dipped in clear water and wrung nearly dry. Dry completely.

Tips-Keep upholstery as dry as possible while shampooing to prevent damage. For quick drying, open windows or turn on an electric fan, a dehumidifier, or an air conditioner in the same room.

Candles, Telephones

Sponge with a piece of cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Carpet Freshener

Combine 3/4 cup baking soda, 2 tbsp corn starch, and 1/4 cup perfumed talcum powder. Sprinkle on dry carpet, let stand 5 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.

Cobwebs

For hard to reach spots, slip a sock over the end of a yardstick and secure with a rubber band, then sweep the area. This method works well for cleaning under radiators and refrigerators also.

Pet Urine

Dab area with toweling, wash with suds of liquid dish detergent, and rinse with 1/2 cup vinegar diluted in 1 qt warm water. Lay towels or paper towels over the spot and weight down to absorb excess moisture. Let stand 4 to 6 hours, then remove toweling, brush up nap and allow to dry completely. To speed drying, use an electric fan.

Ovens
Fill a small glass bowl with 1/2 cup full-strength ammonia, place in oven and close. Let stand overnight, then wipe loosened dirt with paper towels or newspapers. If necessary, rub surfaces with a suitable abrasive, such as fine steel wool, then wash with warm soapy water and rinse. Repeat process if necessary. Homemade Window Glass Cleaner 1/2 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) OR 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia to 1 gallon water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) OR 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia 2 cups rubbing alcohol 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent 1 gallon water (This one is less likely to freeze in cold weather.)

Pots and Pans - Burned, and Crusted,on Foods

Soak or boil a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda per qt of water in each pan. Let stand until particles are loosened, then wash as usual. Use a mild or moderate abrasive if necessary.
Discolored Aluminum Heat a solution of 1 tbsp vinegar per qt of water or 2 tsp cream of tartar per qt of water in each pan until discoloration disappears. Grease Rub greasy spots with a mild or moderate abrasive, such as fine steel wool, and a dish detergent until they disappear. Stained No-Stick Cookware To remove stains from no-stick surfaces, pour a solution of 1 cup water, 2 tbsp baking soda and 1/2 cup chlorine bleach into the pan and simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Do not allow mixture to boil or to boil over the side of the pan. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse and dry. Apply a light coating of cooking oil. (Note: This formula may fade dark-colored surfaces.)

Drains

To keep drains clear, flush daily with scalding water. For grease buildup, dissolve 1 lb washing soda in 3 gal boiling water and pour down drain. To avoid burns from boiling water, hold water container close to drain and pour slowly and directly into drain. For heavy grease buildup, use a commercial drain opener. Exercise extreme caution when using and follow label instructions exactly. (Commercial drain openers can be used to clear hair buildup from bathroom drains, also.)

Disinfectant/Mildew Remover

Dilute 3/4 cup chlorine bleach in 1 gal of water. Apply to tile and grout and scrub; wipe shower stall and curtain; rinse thoroughly.

Fixtures

To clean stainless steel, chrome, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain or enamel fixtures, dissolve 2 tbsp baking soda in 1 qt of water.

Rust Stain and Hard Water Deposit Remover

Apply full-strength vinegar or lemon juice and let stand until spot disappears, then rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Soap Scum

Apply baking soda dry or as a thick paste, rub vigorously with a wet sponge, then rinse.

Toilet Bowl

Pour 1/4 cup full strength chlorine bleach OR 1/2 cup full strength ammonia into bowl. DO NOT USE BOTH. Swish with a bowl brush and flush.

Combs and Brushes

Fill a basin with hot water, and add either 2 tbsp ammonia OR 1 tsp liquid dish detergent. Drop in combs and brushes and soak 10 minutes, then use combs to clean brushes. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Hermetic Laws

1. The Law of Mentalism: The Universe is mental or thinking. We exist in the mind of the All. We are the All. We are the Universe.
*Some call it deity, others call it God and a few of us call it the Great Spirit. Another terms used: the All, Goddess or the Grand Illusion.

2. The Law of Correspondence: We exist in all planes, astral, physical, casual, akashic, mental, buddhaic, messianic and so-on. Another way to say this is: We live in other planes/realms not just the physical.

3. The Law of Vibration: Everything is in motion and vibrates with its own rate of the vibration. All vibrates nothing is left out.

4. The Law of Polarity: Polarity = Power. All things are dual, everything contains its opposite. Male-Female, Day-Night, Good-Bad, Left-Right, Black-White, Sun-Moon, Yin-Yang = All follows this law.

5. The Law of Rhythm: All things are in some way circular, spiral, cyclic, and oval. We have to learn to 'dance' with the rhythm of nature; of life. Pagans are very familiar with the spiral while Christians are more apt to understand the circular... It is all the same - something we all need to understand.

6. The Law of Gender: The law of polarity, applied. Everything has both masculine and feminine components and energies. Get in touch with your opposite or opposing side to balance the inner being.

7. The Law of Cause and Effect: There are no coincidences, nothing happens by chance. Everything is a cycle. For every effect, there is a cause, and every cause is an effect in something else.

Save the Rainforests

This is just a very small handful of great places to get involved to help save our ever dying Rainforests. This is just a little reminder that a little bit can go along way. I've post some of my favorites:





http://www.savetherainforest.org/


http://rainforest.care2.com/

http://www.ran.org/

http://www.rainforest.org/

http://www.rainforestweb.org/

http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/vacation/save-the-rainforest.htm