Monday, December 5, 2011

100 Tips in !00 Days - Day 23

Most mornings I have a bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon, ground flax seed and raw, unprocessed honey in it. (sometimes a few walnuts too). It is so yummy! As a child I was not a breakfast eater and it took every trick in the book for my mother to get me to eat something, anything, before I left for school. Throughout the years I have come to enjoy breakfast more and more. It is probably my favorite meal of the day. Well, you might be wondering what my breakfast preference has to do with today's tip. Have you guessed it yet? If you said honey, you are right! There are many different ways to work this wonder food into your diet and life. Several years ago I was suffering from severe allergies and was at my wits end when a friend finally convinced me to use local, raw, unprocessed honey. So I started taking 2 tbs a day for about a week then went down to 1. Before I knew it, nature had done for me what modern science couldn't. I am thankful God provided us with this awesome ingredient! Every time I have a 'tickle cough' I can't get rid of,  I just swallow a teaspoon of honey and ....ahhh....relief. In the article below found on lifehackery.com are some interesting, sweet uses for one of my favorite things...honey.

15 Unconventional Uses for Honey


sweet honeyThe bee, feared for its nasty sting, comes as an unwelcome visitor in our gardens. People often scamper away when they see the buzzing insect approach their direction. Scary as the bee is, it brings a product enjoyed for its sweet natural taste and its number of alternative uses - honey. As a practical soul, you can make your domestic life a bit more convenient with such a useful item. Purchase a jar of honey and discover all of its benefits.
Honey, aside from being a tasty snack, can be used for a variety of home and health-related applications. With its natural formulation, it is used as a treatment for some illnesses and a vitamin supplement. It is also known to moisturize and disinfect the skin, making it an unconventional moisturizer, antiseptic and antibacterial solution. For years, vegans have used honey to promote good health. Now it’s your turn to reap the rewards in using the bee’s healthy byproduct. Here are 15 unconventional uses for honey.

  1. Skin Moisturizer - Honey, when mixed with eggs and some flour, is an effective skin moisturizer. Best of all, it is gently formulated, so it can be used by people with sensitive skin. Mix four tablespoons of honey with a couple of egg whites and a few tablespoons of flour, depending on your desired consistency. Stir the mixture until it thickens. When the mixture is ready, you can use it as a hand and body lotion or a moisturizing face mask, eliminating the effects of dry skin.
  2. Antiseptic - Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly. Honey happens to contain a good amount of the chemical. It only needs to be released by diluting the substance in water or body fluids. When applied on an open wound, the glucose, contained by honey, is diluted and gradually releases hydrogen peroxide. The substance facilitates your wound’s faster healing. Due to its viscous consistency, it also prevents wounds from sticking to the dressing and the appearance of scars.
  3. Acne Remover - Honey might be a gentle skin moisturizer but it is certainly tough on acne. With constant exposure to the bee fluid, pimples eventually wither and fade. Apply a small amount of honey on the pimply regions of your face. Cover them with adhesive bandages. Soon, your zit attack will be nothing more than a distant memory.
  4. Energy Booster - Why buy palpitation-inducing energy drinks when you already have honey? Mix honey with some water then drink the solution. Honey’s glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and in the bloodstream, reducing fatigue in the process. You’ll be healthy and quite happy just by consuming the simple solution.
  5. Immune System Booster - Health buffs are known to drink a teaspoon of honey daily, along with their morning vitamins. Though still not scientifically proven, the daily consumption of honey is said to strengthen your immune system. You can give it a shot, you’ve got nothing to lose anyway.
  6. Enhances Vitamin A - Vitamin A is the nutrient that fosters better eyesight, especially when consumed in significant quantities. If you mix items that are rich in Vitamin A with honey, the effects are slightly increased.
  7. Improves Blood Flow - Honey, being rich in glucose, is known to improve the blood flow through the fortification of blood’s formation. Glucose provides energy in the bloodstream, which is distributed throughout the body. As a result, the blood produced has the proper consistency, flowing smoothly through the blood vessels. Glucose is believed to prevent capillary damage due to its ability to improve your blood flow.
  8. Treatment for Sore Throat - Some people believe that honey is an even better treatment for coughs and colds than over-the-counter medicine. To create the sore throat-relieving serum, squeeze the juice from a lemon and mix it with some honey. Stir the mixture until both ingredients blend. Drink the solution. After a few moments, you will realize that your sore throat has been cured, or at least reduced. Just continue to make more rounds until you are finally free from colds.
  9. Colon Damage Prevention - Colitis, a disease that damages the colon, induces much discomfort for the afflicted. You can minimize the effects of the disease if you drink some honey daily. The antioxidants found in honey is said to strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. In addition, it is used in folk medicine as a means for curing colon-related conditions.
  10. Parasite Remover - Honey, when mixed with vinegar and water, can remove worms and other parasites in your body. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and honey’s therapeutic components is more than enough to kill or expel bodily intruders. When you suspect that you have worms in your body, drink ample amounts of the solution regularly. The parasites might build a resistance if you don’t manage to get rid of them all as soon as possible. (More tips on how to get rid of parasites)
  11. Remedy for Burns - A burn is not only painful, the marks also last for a good number of days before healing up. By applying honey on your burn, the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation. As a result, the burn marks will heal in a few days with less pain. Use honey as a dressing for maximum results.
  12. Antibacterial Solution - Bacteria and germs won’t survive when covered in honey, given its acidic pH balance and viscous base. The microorganisms will be trapped in the sticky acidic base, which is too abrasive for their exteriors, killing them off eventually. Apply honey on a wound, scratches or an inflamed region, in conjunction with an antiseptic. You’ll be astounded at how fast your injury heals after.
  13. Relaxant for Anxiety and Nervousness - Anxiety and nervousness are the enemies of a healthy mind. Once both conditions swarm your thoughts, your actions are tantamount to produce negative results. Free yourself from any of the two states of mind by eating porridge mixed with honey. Honey’s nutrients produce a calming effect, especially when taken in significant amounts. No wonder some consider it a part of the breakfast of champions. Honey can also be mixed with a suitable beverage for a good night’s sleep.
  14. Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention - Heart disease and cancer are diseases that have claimed the lives of millions of people. Both conditions have a multitude of causes, some of which are hard to identify. You must have some sort of protection from these diseases and that protection comes in the form of honey. Honey’s antioxidants prevent the formation of cancer cells and preserve the quality of the produced blood, preventing heart disease in the process. Though, engaging in acts that promote cancer, such as smoking and excessive drinking, will still trigger the diseases, so be watchful.
  15. Diabetic Ulcer Remedy - Curing ulcer entirely is largely done by modern medical techniques. Though, you can speed up the healing process if you use honey as a topical solution. It’s ability to heal wounds will certainly come in handy when other ointments are not advised to use.
Honey is a medical resource used before modern medicine became established. It may not replace many of the technological methods currently practiced in hospitals, but it can certainly match some of the medicine prescribed by physicians. The bee fluid, as it turns out, is a miracle drug that cures quite a number of ailments and diseases. Use it and get good health for a fairly low price. After learning the many benefits you can get from honey, you should culture bees to get honey from it for free, learn how to keep bees.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 22

So, my last post was about unusual uses for salt and I 'm sure you have figured out what this post is regarding. You guessed it, pepper. I really wasn't sure what, if any, things I would find out about pepper but was I in for a surprise! It seemed as though everything I found included cayenne pepper with information about black pepper, so you will see a few tidbits about cayenne pepper as well in the following article on http://free.naplesplus.us/articles/view.php/51022/interesting-uses-for-black-pepper-and-cayenne-pepper.



image - bing images/
en.wikipedia.org

 Black Pepper: 1. If your old clunker is starting to get a slow leak in the radiator, pour some black pepper into it to plug up small holes. This will buy you time to get it fixed properly.

2. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals to kill ants. All you need is about a half cup of black or cayenne pepper poured down the hole and voila, no more ant problem.

3. This also holds true for hungry ants looking for something sweet in your kitchen. You can put white pepper in their path and they will disappear thinking there are no meals here.

4. Here is a recipe that not only keeps insects away but also animals from your garden. - 2 tbsp cayenne pepper - 2 large cloves of garlic - 4 medium sized onions - 4 cups water - In a blender or food processor, blend until completely smooth. Then add about a gallon of water and you are ready to spray your plants.

5. A tsp of pepper in your wash will keep your colors bright a lot longer. It can also keep your colors from bleeding. There are not many products that can do that.

6. Do you have problems with your sinuses? Do you have a cold? Cayenne pepper in your favorite food can unclog you and get you cleared up in no time. Or, mix liquid pepper with eucalyptus and put it in your steamer to sooth and unclog your sinuses . (Your health food store should carry these drops. If they don’t, ask them to.)

7. Help your liver detoxify with this early morning drink; - 1 lemon squeezed, - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, - 1 cup filtered water, - 1 tsp maple syrup When you drink this every morning you begin to look forward to it.

8. For arthritis pain you can make your own homemade warming massage to sooth where it hurts. Recipe: Mix together cayenne pepper with hand lotion or moisture cream. Massage on the affected area. Wash hands immediately.

9. If you feel the beginning of a migraine headache coming on, you can use about a ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a half glass of water. Repeat after a half hour.

10. According to Dr. Richard Schulze, M.H., N.D., if someone is having a heart attack, you can revive them by putting 4 to 5 drops of a mixture of a tsp. of cayenne pepper and some water and continue to give it every five minutes until the person has recovered. They may sputter and choke a bit but that’s Okay.

11. Squirrels eating the feed in your bird feeder? Sprinkling Cayenne pepper in the feed does not affect the birds. They apparently have a high tolerance for the pepper.

12. If you have problems with rodents chewing on cables then you can rub pepper tincture on them and they won’t go anywhere near it.

A mixture of a pinch of pepper powder and a quarter teaspoon of common salt is an excellent dentifrice. Their daily use prevents dental caries, foul breath, bleeding from the gums, painful gums and toothaches.

Medicinal Uses for Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper is a stimulating herb made from dried chili peppers. This popular spice is used widely as food enhancement, but it has been longer used for its medicinal properties. The capsaicin in the pepper is what gives it its potent flavor. This same capsaicin elevates it as a medicinal alternative. Cayenne pepper has been used effectively to treat and prevent a number of health ailments. Significance Cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, carotenoids and the whole of the B complexes. It is also a good source of organic calcium potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.


These do not take the place of a doctor's advice
Helps With Rheumatism and Arthritis The topical application of cayenne pepper creates an irritated effect on the applied area. This irritation is helpful to distract the nerves from joint pains due to arthritis. Its boost to the circulatory system helps relieve problems with rheumatism.

Relieves Stomach Pains Cayenne pepper operates as a local anesthetic to ulcerated tissue in the stomach and can even help to control bleeding. Cayenne pepper, in general is helpful in relieving stomach aches, gas and cramps.

Relieves Congestion The capsaicin in cayenne pepper gives the pepper its heating effect. This capsaicin helps with the elimination of mucus from the nose and lungs by clearing the sinuses and inducing sweating. Cayenne pepper added to tea is helpful in relieving the symptoms of cold and flu.

Clears Up Respiratory Problems The beta-carotene in cayenne pepper is helpful in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

Relieves Headaches As capsaicin can open the lungs and nasal passages, it can also (when inhaled or applied topically) clear the head, thus relieving headaches. Capsaicin can also deliver temporary relief from toothaches.

Lowers Blood Pressure and Stops Heart Attack Capsaicin stimulates circulation and blood flow. When combined with garlic & parsley, cayenne pepper will help lower blood pressure. Cayenne pepper

Thursday, September 1, 2011

100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 21

It seems as though these days our doctors tell us to avoid consuming too much salt, so if you're like me you just don't make it available to sprinkle on your food. My husband isn't too fond of this practice but doesn't seem to mind when the doctor gives him a clean bill of health. A small amount of sodium is imperative to good health but can also be too much of a good thing, so what else is there to do with this favorite pantry item? I found the following article on ivillage.com and was surprised at some of the uses for salt. Can you guess what my next post will be about?



image from Bing Images/office-table.com



Mankind has been using salt for many centuries, in the course of which we've amassed many uses (some speculate thousands) for this amazing substance—uses that go far beyond mere seasoning. Here are a few of the more practical ones:
  • Pick up a dropped egg. If an egg breaks on the kitchen floor, sprinkle salt on the mess and leave it there for 20 minutes. You'll be able to wipe it right up.
  • Soothe a bee sting. Wet the sting right away, then cover it with salt.
  • Eliminate a grease fire. Pour salt on top to smother it. (Never use water on a grease fire.)
  • Clean up oven spills. If food boils over onto the oven floor, sprinkle salt on top to stop smoke and odor from forming. When the oven is cool, it'll be easy to brush away the spot.
  • Set color. If a dye may run, soak the garment for an hour in 1/2 gallon of water to which you've added 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup salt. If rinse water shows color, repeat. This is good for a single-colored fabric or madras. If the item is multicolored, dry-clean it. (American-made fabrics are unlikely to run, but fabrics from abroad are sometimes risky.)
  • Kill poison ivy. Add three pounds of salt to a gallon of soapy water. Spray it onto leaves and stems
  • Make cream whip more easily and egg whites whip faster and higher. Add a pinch of salt.
  • Test for rotten eggs. Put an egg in a cup of water to which you've added two teaspoons of salt. A fresh egg will sink, but one that's iffy will float.
  • Clean the brown spots (from starch) off a nonstick soleplate (the bottom of your iron). Sprinkle salt on a sheet of waxed paper, slide the iron across it, then rub lightly with silver polishh
  • Repel fleas. Wash the doghouse with it
  • Kill grass growing in cracks in the cement or between patio stones. Sprinkle salt on the grass and pour very hot water over it. Or sprinkle coarse salt on the grass, let stand all day or overnight, then pour hot tap water over it.
  • Clean a glass coffee pot. Fill it with 1/4 cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around, let it sit for half an hour, fill it with cold water and rinse.
  • Halt the mountain of suds from an overflowing washing machine. Sprinkle salt on the top.
  • Clean artificial flowers. Put them in a bag of salt and shake the bag. Take a look at the color of the salt and you'll see what you've accomplished.
  • Keep windows frost-free. Dip a sponge into salt water and rub it on windows, and they won't frost up even when the mercury dips below 32 degrees; for the same effect on your cars windshield, put salt in a little bag made of cheesecloth, moisten it slightly and rub it on.
  • Clean tarnished copper. Fill a 16-ounce spray bottle with hot white vinegar and three tablespoons of salt. Spray it onto the copper, let it sit briefly, then rub clean. (Don't do this to lacquered copper.)
  • Keep radishes safe in the garden. Salt worms (cutworms) will be repelled if you sprinkle seeds with table salt, then cover with dirt.
  • Clean coffee and tea stains from china cups. Rub them with salt.
  • Keep potatoes and apples from turning brown once they're sliced. Put them in salted cold water
  • Clean a cutting board. Cover it with bleach and salt, scrub it with a stiff brush, then rinse with very hot water and wipe with a clean cloth. Repeat with each use.

    Tuesday, August 23, 2011

    100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 20

    HAIRSPRAY! No, not the musical. Hairspray comes in at # 20 on the 100 tips list. Almost everybody has at least one can of hairspray in their home. This common hair styling product isn't just for maintaining a coiffure, it can be used for everything from removing glue to preserving recipe cards. Check out these great uses for hairspray posted by Anna Sattler on diylife.com.



    photo virginmedia.com/bing images

    Uncommon uses for hairspray

    • Preserve kiddies drawings and keep them from fading by coating with hairspray.
    • Use hairspray to remove ink marks from walls.
    • Use hairspray to remove ink stains from fabric by spraying the item before you wash it.
    • Stop pantyhose from a continuous run by spraying with hairspray; if that doesn't work, and the pantyhose can't be worn anymore, here are some tips on reusing those pantyhose.
    • The next time you have to wrap a present with newspaper, give the paper a nice sheen by spraying with hairspray.
    • Preserve leaves in your flower arrangements and the color in autumn leaves with a spritz of hairspray.
    • Spray over chalk artwork to keep the chalk from coming off.
    • Spray polished metals like brass and copper so they keep their shine longer and are more resistant to fingerprints.
    • Easily remove glue by spraying liberally with hairspray.
    • Spray a zipper that wants to fall down with hairspray. It will stay in place. When it comes time to get the zipper down, use baby oil to get it unstuck.
    • Pet hair removal is easily accomplished if you spray a tissue with hairspray and wipe the furniture. The pet hair sticks to the tissue.
    • Kill flying insects with a shot of hairspray. I like to do this if a bee or wasp gets into the house, as it is less toxic than using bug spray.
    • Save your recipe cards from food stains by spraying them with hairspray to keep them clean. Just wipe off when you are done using the recipe card.
    • Straighten ruffled curtains by holding the folds in the curtain and spraying with hairspray to keep the folds in place.
    • Remove lipstick stains by spraying the stain and letting sit for a few minutes before wiping away the lipstick.
    • After you are done polishing your shoes with a banana, spray them with hairspray to keep them shiny.
    • Maureen Carter has a great post about making rub-on transfers: one of the necessary items to make the transfers is hairspray.

    Friday, August 19, 2011

    100 Tips in 100 DAYS - Day 19

    Whew! The heat here is killer! How many of you like cooking in a hot kitchen? Me neither. Most of us  pull out and dust off our crock pots in the fall when the temperatures cool down but this little cooking tool can be a real time saver, even in the summer. Now you 're probably asking yourself why I would suggest using a crock pot in the middle of summer because, like an oven, crock pots do put off some heat. I have a friend who has the nickname "Suzy Homemaker" and it fits as her name really is Suzy. We were talking one hot afternoon and I was basically whining about doing dinner because it was just so warm that day. She kinda giggled and said, "Use your crock pot next time". Before I could say a word, she then stated,"I know it's warm but I have been known to put my crock pot on the porch or even in the garage." Can you say genius? This was probably one of the BEST tips I have ever received. I tried it and it worked beautifully. There are also tons of crock pot recipes available. I found the following article on momswhothink.com along with a ton of healthy and yummy crock pot recipes.

    Click on the link below. You will be glad you did!
    http://www.momswhothink.com/crock-pot-recipes/crock-pot-recipes-for-the-crockpot-and-slow-cooker.html

    Recipes for the Crockpot and Slow Cooker

    Over 1000 Crock Pot Recipes!
    Crock pot recipes are perfect for busy cooks. Cooking dinner after a long day is something a lot of people don't look forward to, so they end up eating unhealthy take out food or they throw something in the microwave just to get dinner over and done with. A great slow cooker recipes stash and a crock pot will solve the dinner dilemma.

    There are an incredible amount of recipes for tasty main dishes, side dishes and desserts that are easy to make. You can get everything ready in the crock pot in the morning, and then walk in the door in the evening to a wonderful home cooked meal.

    We gathered over a thousand crock pot recipes with a great selection of different ingredients and meal types. There are main dishes with beef, ground beef, pork, chicken and turkey; plus desserts, and vegetables. You're sure to find the perfect crock pot recipe to help you create a great tasting meal that is easy to make.

    Thursday, August 18, 2011

    100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 18

    When the local weather forecast shows excessive heat with no rain over an extended period of time it can make a lawn lover a little nervous. My husband and I both love to work in our yard. This is a favorite way for us to spend time together especially in the spring and fall. This summer has proved to be just the opposite due to a heat wave we have experienced here in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.Temperatures have consistently stayed well over 100 degrees during the day and hovered between 79 - 82 for a low with almost no rain during this entire summer.  Frustrating. When I was sharing with my husband how concerned I was over the whole situation while looking out at an entire neighborhood that is beginning to resemble a hay field one evening, he had a great point. He said, " Yeah, this is bad , but you can bet one thing is for sure, the yards and plants that do make it through this rough year will be stronger than ever." Way to keep the glass half full!  I want to this opportunity to strongly encourage each of you to conserve water as much as possible by watering late in the evening or early in the morning no more than three times a week. I found the following article on about.com by Colleen Vanderlinden which has some helpful tips how to relieve some stress from your garden and lawn during these dry, hot days.


    photo rueters.com/bing images


    Heat stress in garden plants is a real problem during July and August in much of the country. Extended periods of high heat (particularly when the heat index roars over the 100 degree mark) can take a real toll on your garden.
    Here are a few tips for helping different plants in your garden through a hot, dry spell and keep them healthy and productive.
    Vegetable Gardens
    Vegetables need a reliable, steady water supply to stay productive. However, even with careful watering, your veggies may suffer from heat stress. The most common signs of heat stress in vegetables are sunburned foliage and fruits (usually yellow and crisp to the touch), blossom and fruit drop, and wilting. There are a few things you can do to help your vegetable garden through a prolonged hot spell:
    • Water regularly and deeply.
    • Mulch the soil with at least three inches of organic mulch to reduce moisture loss and help regulate soil temperature.
    • Shade certain crops, such as leafy greens and lettuces, to slow bolting. They will bolt, no matter what, during periods of intense heat. However, giving them some shade may buy you a couple of days before plant quality is diminished.
    Lawns
    Many lawns, including bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass, naturally go dormant (turn brown and stop growing) during periods of high heat and drought. The easiest thing to do is just let nature take its course. Once temperatures return to normal, and the lawn starts getting adequate moisture, it will green up again.
    However, if this is not an option (due to homeowner association bylaws or other issues) you can keep your lawn green by providing at least an inch (up to two inches during high heat) of water, delivered slowly and steadily, per week. Don't just throw the sprinkler out there for an hour -- if the soil is very dry, chances are likely that most of the water you apply will simply run off. Give the lawn a slow, short watering first to let the moisture soak into the soil. Then, later on or the next day, give it a long, deep watering. If you start seeing water running off onto your sidewalks, STOP -- you're just wasting water at that point.
    It would also help to avoid cutting the lawn (it's not growing much in the heat anyway) so that you don't stress it further.
    Trees and Shrubs
    Newly-planted trees and shrubs (less than two years since planting) can be hit particularly hard by heat and drought. To keep them alive and healthy:
    • Give them between two and four inches of water per week during very high temperatures (heat index above 100 degrees) and drought.
    • To water, a long, slow trickle is best. This will allow the water to soak deep into the soil without running off, ensuring that the water is going to the root zone where it is needed.
    • Shrubs can be misted several times per day to increase the ambient moisture -- this will prevent the foliage from drying out too much.

    Wednesday, August 17, 2011

    100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 17

    I just LOVE the smell of fabric softener. My husband once heard a joke how fabric softener is the way we gals 'mark our territory'. Funny how this might be true for many of us. Smell is probably our most powerful sense linked to emotion and memory so why not make it a good one? Along with enhancing your life with great aroma, fabric softener has some other clever uses as I discovered in the following article by T. Barber on www.rd.com.

     photo from bing images

    I will add my own tip this time. If you have a difficult time getting your clothes to dry due to humidity, use softener every other time you wash. This will speed up your drying time and save you some money.

    Fabulous Uses for Fabric Softener

    Remove old wallpaperRemoving old wallpaper is a snap with fabric softener. Just stir 1 cap-full liquid softener into 1 quart (1 liter) water and sponge the solution onto the wallpaper. Let it soak in for 20 minutes, then scrape the paper from the wall. If the wallpaper has a water-resistant coating, score it with a wire-bristle brush before treating with the fabric softener solution.

    Abolish carpet shockTo eliminate static shock when you walk across your carpet, spray the carpet with a fabric softener solution. Dilute 1 cup softener with 2 1/2 quarts (2.5 liters) water; fill a spray bottle and lightly spritz the carpet. Take care not to saturate it and damage the carpet backing. Spray in the evening and let the carpet dry overnight before walking on it. The effect should last for several weeks.
    Remove hair-spray residueDried-on overspray from hair spray can be tough to remove from walls and vanities, but even a buildup of residue is no match for a solution of 1 part liquid fabric softener to 2 parts water. Stir to blend, pour into a spray bottle, spritz the surface, and polish it with a dry cloth.
    Clean now, not laterClean glass tables, shower doors, and other hard surfaces, and repel dust with liquid fabric softener. Mix 1 part softener into 4 parts water and store in a squirt bottle, such as an empty dishwashing liquid bottle. Apply a little solution to a clean cloth, wipe the surface, and then polish with a dry cloth.
    Float away baked-on grimeForget scrubbing. Instead, soak burned-on foods from casseroles with liquid fabric softener. Fill the casserole with water, add a squirt of liquid fabric softener, and soak for an hour, or until residue wipes easily away.
    Keep paintbrushes pliableAfter using a paintbrush, clean the bristles thoroughly and rinse them in a coffee can full of water with a drop of liquid fabric softener mixed in. After rinsing, wipe the bristles dry and store the brush as usual.
    Remove hard-water stainsHard-water stains on windows can be difficult to remove. To speed up the process, dab full-strength liquid fabric softener onto the stains and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then wipe the softener and stain off the glass with a damp cloth and rinse.
    Make your own fabric softener sheetsFabric softener sheets are convenient to use, but they’re no bargain when compared to the price of liquid softeners. You can make your own dryer sheets and save money. Just moisten an old wash-cloth with 1 teaspoon liquid softener and toss it into the dryer with your next load.

    Monday, August 15, 2011

    RELAUNCH!

                    A set back is an opportunity for a come back.-(Bishop T.D. Jakes)

    The above statement was recently posted on a friend's facebook page and I had to display it as I am relaunching my site. After a few 'set backs' I was able to re- group and line up an array of wonderful ideas to pass along. I cannot wait to share share more tips, photos, stories, recipes and links to remarkable products and deals with you, along with a peek at some truly incredible homes. I sincerely appreciate all of you and your interest in my site. Please continue to follow 'My Southern Haven'. I know you will enjoy it.


    -Melissa Tennery

    100 Tips in 100 Days - Day 16

    I love to ustilize natural cleaning producets. Harsh fumes can really be irritating.  I found the following article on http://lifehackery.com/2008/07/22/home-4/. As usual, they had lots of great tips for working baking soda into everyday cleaning along with other household and personal uses. I can't wait to fluff my omlette!


    Baking soda is a chemical compound that appears as a fine powder. It releases bubbles of carbon dioxide when it interacts with an acid and a liquid. It’s most commonly used in baking, where it acts as a leavening agent. The following are 75 other uses for baking soda aside from making muffins soft and fluffy.
    Health Uses
    1. Use it as an antacid.
    2. Use it as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.

    deodorant
    3. Mix half a teaspoon with peroxide paste and use it as toothpaste.
    4. Use it as a face and body scrub.
    5. Add a cup to bathwater to soften your skin.
    6. Relieve skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.
    7. Remove strong odors from your hands by rubbing them with baking soda and water.
    8. Put two tablespoons in your baby’s bathwater to help relieve diaper rash.
    9. Apply it on rashes, insect bites, and poison ivy irritations.
    10. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.
    11. Heartburn? Take a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one-half glass of water.
    12. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.
    gargling
    13. Relieve canker sore pain by using it as mouthwash.
    14. Use it to relieve bee stings.
    15. Use it to relieve windburns.
    16. Apply it on jellyfish sting to draw out the venom.
    17. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.
    In the Home
    flower vase
    18. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.
    19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.
    20. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.
    21. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.
    22. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.
    23. Turn baking soda into modeling clay by combining it with one and 1/4 cups of water and one cup of cornstarch.
    24. After feeding your baby, wipe his shirt with a moist cloth sprinkled with baking soda to remove the odor.
    25. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.
    26. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.
    27. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.
    28. Freshen the air by mixing baking soda with your favorite perfumed bath salts. Put the mixture in small sachet bags.
    29. Restore stiff brushes by boiling them in a solution of 1/2 gallon of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a cup of baking soda.
    30. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.
    31. Scatter baking soda around flowerbeds to prevent rabbits from eating your veggies.
    32. Sweeten your tomatoes by sprinkling baking soda on the soil around your tomato plants.
    33. Sprinkle it onto your cat’s litter box to absorb the bad odor.
    34. Sprinkle it on your pet’s comb or brush to deodorize their fur and skin.
    In Cooking
    35. Use it as a substitute for baking powder by mixing with it with cream of tartar or vinegar.
    36. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.
    washing vegetables
    37. When boiling a chicken, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. Feathers will come off easier, and the flesh will be clean and white.
    38. Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible.
    39. Remove the distinctive taste of wild game by soaking it in a baking soda solution.
    40. Make a sports drink by mixing it with boiled water, salt, and Kool-Aid.
    41. Remove the fishy smell from your fillets by soaking the raw fish in a baking soda solution for an hour inside the fridge.
    42. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs used.
    omelet
    43. Reduce the acid content of your tomato-based recipes by sprinkling them with a pinch of baking soda.
    Cleaning Purposes
    44. Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.
    flushing toilet
    45. Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs
    46. Spray it on walls, mirrors, and countertops.
    47. Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.
    48. Remove grease from pots and pans.
    49. Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then vacuum.
    50. Boost your laundry detergent’s cleaning power by sprinkling a handful on dirty clothes.
    51. Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.
    52. Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.
    53. Clean your shoes with it.
    cleaning shoes
    54. Clean garbage cans with it.
    55. Use it to wash diapers.
    56. Clean the fridge with it.
    57. Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.
    58. Mix it with water to wash food and drink containers.
    59. Put three tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water, then use the mixture to wash marble-topped furniture.
    60. Absorb it with a damp sponge, then clean Formica countertops with the sponge.
    61. Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.
    62. Run your coffee maker with a baking soda solution, then rinse.
    63. Combine with hot water to clean baby bottles.
    64. Sprinkle it on barbecue grills, then rinse it off.
    65. Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.
    66. Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.
    67. Clean your ashtrays with a baking soda solution.
    68. Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in them each week. Flush it down with hot water.
    69. Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.
    70. Put it on a small brush to rub canvas handbags clean.
    71. Use it to remove melted plastic bread wrapper from a toaster. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp rug, then use the rug to clean the toaster.
    72. Use it to clean your retainers and dentures.
    cleaning dentures
    73. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water, and used it to scrub enameled cast iron and stainless steel.
    74. Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of warm water, and use it to clean the inside part of an oven.
    75. Use it to unclog gas stoves.
    The most amazing thing about baking soda is that it’s very cheap. You can do all these things for a very small cost. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.

    Monday, July 18, 2011

    100 TIPS IN 100 DAYS - DAY 15

    Last Friday night I was about to begin dinner and, like millions of other Americans, I pulled out the olive oil to use in my dish. I'm sure you know by now what comes next.......I wanted to know other uses for this incredible product. I found the following article by Chris McAndrew on hubpages.com. This guy really did his homework.

    30 Unusual Uses for Olive Oil

    By Chris McAndrew

    So, you have bought your bottle of Olive Oil to drizzle over your salad or maybe to cook with but did you know that this wonderfully versatile product has a few other uses?
    1. Substitute for shaving cream. Olive oil can provide a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave. Rub in an extra teaspoon after washing your body or face once finished.
    2. Make your own furniture polish. Restore the lost lustre of your wooden furniture by whipping up some serious homemade furniture polish that's just as good as any of the commercial stuff. Combine 2 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice or white vinegar in a clean spray bottle, shake it up, and spray on. Leave on the mixture for a minute or two, and then wipe off with a clean cloth or paper towel.
    3. Fingernails. Use a bit of olive oil to moisturize cuticles, or mix oil and water and soak your hands before a manicure.
    4. Lubricate Measuring Cups and Spoons. Rub or spray olive oil on your measuring tools for easy clean-up of sticky substances like honey, grain mustards, and sugar syrups,
    5. Control hair frizz. Comb a bit of olive oil through dry hair to tame the frizz and flyaway's on humid days or in the winter.
    6. Free a stuck zipper. Use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the teeth of a zipper, then gently ease the tab down.
    7. Care for your cat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat's food to help prevent hairballs, and provide a shiny coat.
    8. DIY Lip balm. Mix olive oil and melted beeswax in a 1:1 ratio, with an essential oil for fragrance, and say goodbye to dry and chapped lips.
    9. As hair conditioner. Is your hair as dry and brittle? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 cup olive oil (don't boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, and then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse.
    10. Shine stainless steel and brass. Rub a bit of olive oil on a clean rag to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish.
    11. Exfoliate your face and hands. Rub your skin with olive oil, and then scrub with sugar or coarse salt, and rinse.
    12. As you bathe. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your running bath water. You'll be amazed when you towel off.
    13. Remove makeup. Dab a bit under your eyes, on your cheeks and forehead, then wipe with a damp cloth.
    14. Cure an earache. Very carefully, use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the outside ear cavity to help with earaches and excess wax.
    15. Remove paint from your skin. Rub on olive oil onto messy hand and arms (or faces) and allow the oil to soak into the skin for five minutes, and then rinse with soap and water.
    16. Treat lice. Apply olive oil to your youngster's hair, and leave on for at least 40 minutes. Shampoo twice, and then apply a preventative.
    17. Stop a throat tickle. Take a sip of olive oil to stop the itchy flicker that is making you cough.
    18. Fix a squeaky door. Use a rag or cotton swab to apply olive oil to the top of a problematic hinge in your home or automobile
    19. Shoe polish. Rub down your shoes with just a spray of olive oil to maintain their shine.
    20. Clear up acne. So, the idea of applying oil to your face to treat acne does sound a bit strange but many people swear this works: Make a paste by mixing 4 tablespoons salt with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Pour the mixture onto your hands and fingers and work it around your face. Leave it on for a minute or two, and then rinse it off with warm, soapy water. Apply daily for one week, then cut back to two or three times weekly. You should see a noticeable improvement in your condition. (The principle is that the salt cleanses the pores by exfoliation, while the olive oil restores the skin's natural moisture.)
    21. Soften your skin. Rub olive oil daily on notoriously dry areas, such as your feet or elbows, especially after a shower, shaving, or waxing.
    22. Easy clean up of garden tools. Spray some olive oil on your tools to cut down on dirt build-up.
    23. Condition leather. Rub olive oil into worn leather, such as a baseball glove, and let set for 30 minutes, and then wipe away any excess.
    24. Clean your greasy hands. To remove car grease or paint from your hands, pour 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt or sugar into your palms. Vigorously rub the mixture into your hands and between your fingers for several minutes; then wash it off with soap and water. Not only will your hands be cleaner, they'll be softer as well.
    25. Cure nappy rash. Gently wipe on olive oil to your baby's bottom to help with the irritation of diaper rash.
    26. Remove paint from hair. Did you get almost as much paint in your hair as you did on the walls in your last paint job? You can easily remove that undesirable tint by moistening a cotton ball with some olive oil and gently rubbing it into your hair.
    27. Floor polish - Mix three parts lemon and one part vinegar for well working wood polish.
    28. A mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup water used as a night cream will make your skin glow. The olive oil softens and moisturizes and the vinegar lightens discolorations, kills bacteria and loosens dead skin cells. Splash water on your face before applying.
    29. To prevent your pasta from overflowing, try pouring a tablespoon of olive oil into the water before boiling.
    30. Replace butter - When cooking, try adding a little bit of olive oil instead of butter for a healthier and better tasting meal.
    All of this from the 'stuff' you just bought as a salad dressing! (Don't try any of this with Mayo!!)

    Sunday, July 17, 2011

    100 TIPS IN DAYS - DAY 14

    APOLOGIES, APOLOGIES....I apologize that I haven't posted in awhile. Summer break and life seemed to take over for a stretch of time but I am back in full swing now so here I go!
    Every girl knows that with warmer temps come one thing....shaving all the time! Electrolysis seems more desirable every time I shave. I also have two teenage boys who (thank goodness) shave regularly . This made me wonder what else shaving cream could be used for. I found the following article by Persophone Rose on
    http://gomestic.com . I never knew about the whole gun thing!


    10 Outstanding Uses for Shaving Cream

    This guide details how shaving cream can save you time and money around the house.

    We all know that shaving cream can be very useful for aiding in unwanted hair maintenance. However, it also has many excellent uses for cleaning many things around the house as well. Just check out some of these helpful uses!
    1. Cleans Dirty Hands

      Next time you are out camping, don’t use your drinking water to wash off those dirty hands, use a small dollop of shaving cream and wipe your hands off with a towel!
    2. Clean Your Bathroom Mirror

      When toothpaste is speckled all over the mirror, don’t grab glass cleaner; the ammonia in it can be harmful to some mirrors. Instead, put some shaving cream on a paper towel and rub it in. wet the paper towel and rub it off. This will leave you with a streak free shiny mirror.
    3. Cleans and Shines Water Faucets

      If you are having guests over, you may want to clean and shine the faucets in your kitchen, bathroom and shower with shaving cream. Scrub shaving cream in with a sponge and wipe off with a damp cloth. Leaves you with faucets that look like new!
    4. Removes Carpet Stains

      Having children in the home can be a messy business. But you can quickly and easily get that chocolate stain off your white carpeting with a dollop of shaving cream on the stained area and an old toothbrush to scrub it in. Afterwards, a damp towel will wipe up any excess shaving cream.
    5. Breaks In Baseball Gloves!

      If the kids want to break in their new baseball mitts with a game of catch it the yard, have them rub some shaving cream into the palm, squeezing mitt together and let sit for about four hours.
    6. Safe and Fun Paint for the Little Ones

      If you are caring for young children and need a fun project that is easy to clean up, consider making many colors of finger paint by placing a palm sized dollop of shaving cream into a bowl with some colored drink mix as the coloring. It’s a fun texture to paint with, its not harmful if accidentally swallowed and it cleans up nicely if it gets on clothing. (Side note: this project can also be done with whipped cream)
    7. That Old Door Shall Squeak No More!

      If the hinges on your doors are starting to squeak when you open and close them, it’s time to put a little shaving cream on it and scrub into tiny cracks with an old toothbrush.
    8. Shines That Engagement Ring Right Up

      If your jewelry is starting to look tarnished, grab that old toothbrush again! Scrub shaving cream in, leaving your jewelry shiny and your gems sparkling!
    9. Cleans Guns Nicely

      If you are having trouble getting the carbon buildup to come off your bolt or barrel, consider shaving cream, that well used toothbrush and wipe off excess with a very slightly damp rag. Dry completely with dry rag to prevent possibility of rust.
    10. Cleans Dirt From Under Your Nails

      If you’ve been working hard, it shows… as dirt underneath your fingernails. Use shaving cream and a toothpick to get those nails looking freshly manicured!


    Read more: http://gomestic.com/homemaking/10-outstanding-uses-for-shaving-cream/#ixzz1SPXYezpi

    Wednesday, June 22, 2011

    100 TIPS IN DAYS - DAY 13

    Last night I made one of our favorite dishes, chicken alfredo. It was yummy! Many people eat pasta at least once a week I did some research and  found out the average American consumes 4 1/2 - 5 pounds of pasta per year. That doesn't sound like a lot but when you consider how light uncooked pasta is it makes more sense. If you are like me, you are always willing to try a new recipe with pasta. With so many options, it can be a little frustrating and overwhelming putting the correct ingredients with this staple. I found the following information on http://www.ilovepasta.org and it breaks down the right combination of  pasta, sauces and meats. I plan on printing it out and keeping it with my recipes.  I hope you find it as useful as I did.


    Pasta Shapes

    When making delicious pasta dishes, be sure to choose a pasta shape and sauce that complement each other. Thin, delicate pastas like angel hair or thin spaghetti, should be served with light, thin sauces. Thicker pasta shapes, like fettuccine, work well with heavier sauces. Pasta shapes with holes or ridges like mostaccioli or radiatore, are perfect for chunkier sauces.
    Acini di Pepe
    Acini di Pepe  (“Peppercorn”) – Acini di Pepe is perfect to use in soup recipes. These shapes are ideal to include in broths.
    Alphabet Pasta
    Alphabet Pasta:
    This favorite kids’ shape is usually used in soups for a fun meal anytime.
    Anellini
    Anellini - Tiny rings of pasta. Anellini is a smaller version of Anelli pasta. It is used in various soups and is also a compliment to a number of salads.
    Angel Hair, Capellini
    Angel Hair, Capellini (“Fine Hairs”) – These thin, delicate pasta strands are best if used with thinner, delicate sauces. Other uses: break in half and put in soup; use in salads or stir-fry meals.
    Bow Ties, Farfalle
    Bow Ties, Farfalle (“Butterflies”) – Bow Ties brighten any meal with their interesting shape. Thick enough for a variety of sauces, or a perfect addition to a number of  salad or soup recipes.
    Buctani
    Buctani - Thick Spaghetti shaped pasta that is hollow in the center, similar to a thin straw. Bucatini is the perfect choice for nearly any sauce, or it can be used to make casseroles or stir-fry dishes. Go beyond tomato sauce and see what your favorite becomes.
    Campanelle
    Campanelle (“Bells”) – Campanelle pasta resembles a small cone with a ruffled edge. Pair Campanelle pasta with meat, cream, vegetable or oil based sauces. Also, these shapes are great when used in pasta salads.
    Cappelletti
    Cappelletti – Cappelletti pasta is folded and then twisted to form the shape of a small hat. On occasion, this pasta is sometimes referred to as an alpine hat.
    Casarecce
    Casarecce - Casarecce pasta is shaped like a very narrow, twisted and rolled tube. This pasta is best used when serving a meat sauce and can be used in a variety of casserole dishes.
    Cavatappi
    Cavatappi  (“Corkscrew”) - The tight spiral locks-in the flavor allowing the shape to pair with both simple and sophisticated sauces. Pair Cavatappi with meat, cream, vegetable or oil based sauces. Also, these shapes are great when used in pasta salads.
    Cavatelli
    Cavatelli – Cavatelli resemble tiny hot dog buns. These shapes are commonly served with thick, chunky sauces or in pasta salads. Cavatelli pairs nicely with meat, cream, seafood or vegetable sauces.
    Ditalini
    Ditalini (“Little Thimbles”) – This versatile shape can be used as the base of any dish. Bake it, stir it into soups, or create great salads and stir-fry dishes.
    Egg Noodles (Medium)
    Egg Noodles (Medium) -  (From “Nudel,” German meaning paste with egg) – This size of Egg Noodle can be baked, tossed in soups or salads, or topped with cream, tomato, cheese or meat sauces.
    Egg Noodles (Wide
    Egg Noodles (Wide) – (From “Nudel,” German meaning paste with egg) – Go beyond the traditional Stroganoff and use, Wide Egg Noodles to create soups, salads and casseroles. Or, top with a variety of sauces.
    Farfalline
    Elbow Macaroni – A highly versatile shape that can be topped with any sauce, baked, or put in soups, salads and stir-fry dishes. Elbow Macaroni is traditionally used to make Macaroni and Cheese. 
    Farfalline
    Farfalline – Farfalline is s small version of the bow tie or butterfly shaped pasta. This versatile shape can be used as the base of any dish. Bake it, stir it into soups, or create great salads and stir-fry dishes.
    Fideo
    Fideo – Short thin strands of pasta that are slightly curved. Fideo pasta is commonly used in various soup recipes.
    Fusilli
    Fusilli (“Twisted Spaghetti”) – This long, spiraled shape can be topped with any sauce, broken in half and added to soups, or turned into a beautiful salad. Fusilli also bakes well in casseroles.
    Gemili
    Gemili (“Twins”) - Add a touch of style to any dish with this distinctive shape. Gemeilli pairs nicely with meat, cream, seafood and vegetable sauces.
    Gigli
    Gigli (“Lilies”)– Gigli is a fluted edge piece of pasta that has been rolled into a cone shaped flower. Gigli is perfect for heavier sauces, like cheese, meat and tomato or it is a perfect addition to a number of casseroles.
    Jumbo Shells
    Jumbo Shells – Best when stuffed with your favorite mixtures of cheese, meat and vegetables. Stuff with meat flavored with taco seasoning, top with salsa and bake for a delicious Mexican dish, or create your own stuffed treat.
    Lasagna
    Lasagna (From “lasanum,” Latin for pot) – Create original Lasagna casseroles by using chopped vegetables, cheeses and any kind of sauce. You can also assemble your casserole and freeze it for later meal.
    Linguine
    Linguine   (“Little Tongues”) - A great shape to compliment a variety of sauces. Also a good choice for salads and stir-fry dishes.
    Macaroni
    Macaroni  (“Dumpling”) – A highly versatile shape that can be topped with any sauce, baked, or put in soups, salads and stir-fry dishes.
    Manicotti
    Manicotti (“Small Muffs”) – Stuff Manicotti with a mixture of meat, cheese and vegetables, top with your favorite sauce, and bake.
    Medium Shells, Conchiglie
    Medium Shells, Conchiglie – (“Shells”) Shells make a great addition to soups or as the base of a wonderful salad. Try remaking your favorite Macaroni and Cheese using Shells, for a fun twist on a time-honored tradition.
    Orecchiette
    Orecchiette (“Little Ears”) – These “little ears” are commonly served with thick, chunky sauces or in pasta salads.
    Orzo
    Orzo (“Barley”) – This small, grain shaped pasta can be topped with any sauce, added to soups, or baked as a casserole. Perfect as a side dish as well as a main course.
    Penne, Mostaccioli
    Penne, Mostaccioli (“Quills” and “Small Mustaches”) – This tubular pasta compliments a variety of sauces, is frequently used in salads, baked in casseroles, or made into stir fry dishes.
    Penne
    Penne  (“Quills” or “Feathers”) – Penne compliment virtually every sauce and are exceptional when paired with a chunky sauce. Penne pairs nicely with chunky meat, chunky vegetable, cream, or oil based sauces. Also, these shapes are great for baking dishes.
    Penne Rigate
    Penne Rigate (“Quills” or “Feathers”)- Penne compliment virtually every sauce and are exceptional when paired with a chunky sauce. Penne Rigate are ridged and ideal to lock-in flavor. Penne Rigate pairs nicely with chunky meat, chunky vegetable, cream, or oil based sauces. Also, these shapes are great for baking dishes.
    Pipe Rigate
    Pipe Rigate - A hollow curved pasta that resembles a snail shell. This shape has a wide opening at one end and the other end is flattened. Pipe Rigate pairs nicely with chunky meat, chunky vegetable, cream, or oil based sauces.
    Pipette Rigate
    Pipette Rigate – This shape is a smaller version of Pipe Rigate. Pipette Rigate pairs nicely with chunky meat, chunky vegetable, cream, or oil based sauces. Also, these shapes are great for baking dishes.
    Radiatori
    Radiatori  (“Radiators”) – This ruffled, ridged shape adds elegance to any sauce. It also works well baked in casseroles, or used in salads and soups.
    Ravioli
    Ravioli - Ravioli are square round pillows of pasta that have a filling consisting of ingredients such as cheese, meats, vegetables and seasonings. Ravioli can be served with a red sauce or it can be served with butter, oil or cream.
    Reginette
    Reginette – Reginette is wide, flat ribbon pasta that has rippled edges on both sides. This shape is similar to Lasagna.
    Riccioli
    Riccioli (“Curl”) -Riccioli’s twisted shape holds bits of meat, vegetables and cheese, so it works well with a variety of sauces, or you can use it to create fun salads, baked casseroles, or stir-fry meals.
    Rigatoni
    Rigatoni  (“Large Grooved”)  - Rigatoni’s ridges and holes are perfect with any sauce, from cream or cheese to the chunkiest meat sauces.
    Rocchetti
    Rocchetti (“Spool”)  – This short pasta is perfect for preparing casseroles and salads.

    Rotelle
    Rotelle (“Little Wheels”) -The cartwheel is not a classic Italian shape, but due to the variety of color and entertaining shape they are crowd favorite. Because the spokes of the wheels are good for capturing flavor, these shapes are easy to pair. Rotelle pasta pairs nicely with meat, cream, seafood or vegetable sauces.
    Small Shells
    Rotini (“Spirals” or “Twists”) – Rotini’s twisted shape holds bits of meat, vegetables and cheese, so it works well with any sauce, or you can use it to create fun salads, baked casseroles, or stir-fry meals.
    Small Shells
    Small Shells - Shells make a great addition to soups or as the base of a wonderful salad. Try remaking your favorite Macaroni and Cheese using Shells, for a fun twist on a time-honored tradition.
    Spaghetti
    Spaghetti – (“A length of Cord”) America’s favorite shape, Spaghetti is the perfect choice for nearly any sauce, or it can be used to make casseroles or stir-fry dishes. Go beyond tomato sauce and see what your favorite becomes.
    Thin Spaghetti
    Thin Spaghetti – Thin Spaghetti is very similar to Vermicelli. Each one is slightly thinner than Spaghetti.  Thin Spaghetti is perfect topped with any sauce, or as a salad or stir-fry ingredient.
    Tortellini
    Tortellini – Tortellini is a ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables. Tortellini is commonly served in a broth or cream sauce.
    Tortiglioni
    Tortiglioni – Tortiglioni is narrow, tubular pasta. This shape is commonly used to add decoration to salads or paired with a simple sauce. 
    Tripolini
    Tripolini – Tripolini is a tiny bow tie shaped pasta used in soups and salads or paired with a simple sauce.
    Tubini
    Tubini  - A medium-sized, tubular pasta shape, Tubini is perfect for chunky sauces and meat dishes. It also makes wonderful salads, baked dishes and stir-fry meals.
    Vermicelli
    Vermicelli – (“Little Worms”) Slightly thinner than Spaghetti, Vermicelli is good topped with any sauce, or as a salad or stir-fry ingredient.
    Wagon Wheels, Ruote
    Wagon Wheels, Ruote (“Wheels”) – Wagon Wheels make interesting salads, casseroles and stir-fry dishes. Add to soups, or simply top with sauce and enjoy.
    Ziti
    Ziti (“Bridegrooms”) – A medium-sized, tubular pasta shape, Ziti is perfect for chunky sauces and meat dishes. It also makes wonderful salads, baked dishes and stir-fry meals.