TLR Gun Show This Weekend

TLR Gun Show

WhenOct 26 – 27, 2013

Wherewest plains civic center (map)

Description

sat- 9am - 5pm

sun- 9am - 3pm

What's Happening In The Ozarks This Weekend!

Oct. 11 - The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Walmart in West Plains from 1-6 PM.

Oct. 11-12 - A Quilt Show sponsored by the Eminence Area Arts Council will be held at the Shannon County Museum & Art Gallery, Main St., in Eminence. For more information call 573-226-3531.

Oct. 11-12 - The Annual Fall Show and Tractor Pull will be held at the Ozarks Older Iron Club Grounds in Cabool starting at 9 AM. Admission is free.

Oct. 11 - The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a firearms qualification shoot for Retired Law Enforcement Officers on Friday, October 11, 2013 beginning at 9:00 AM. This will be held at the firing range on Baxter CR 782 off State Highway 201 North. The cost is $10, payable in advance. The retired officer must furnish his or her own firearm and ammunition. Certain restrictions apply, and firing range rules and other limitations will apply. Contact the Sheriff’s Office for further details at 870-425-7000.

Oct. 12 - The “Chopper Walkers” will be holding their 4th Annual Driving For A Cure Golf Tournament at 10 AM. Cost is $80 per team. All proceeds to benefit Relay For Life. You can call 417-274-1584 to register early or sign up day of tournament.

Oct. 12 - The Pride of the Ozarks Goat Breeding Club will meet at 1 PM at the Howell Oregon Electric Cooperative Building on Highway 63 in West Plains. For more information, call 417-764-3423.

Oct. 12 - Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1218 of Willow Springs will be hosting their Annual Open House and Fly-In, Saturday, October 12, 10AM – 2PM at the chapter hangar, 810 Bryan Street, Willow Springs.

Oct. 12 - Kids Ages 7 & older are invited to “Fun & Games” at the West Plains Public Library on Saturday, October 12 from 2-3 PM.

Oct. 12 - The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Walmart in West Plains from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Oct. 12-13 - The Timbo Volunteer Fire Department will hold their bi-annual Gun and Knife Show from 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday, October 12 and 9 AM to 4 PM Sunday, October 13 at the Stone County Fairgrounds in Mountain View, AR. Admission is $5 for people 12 and older. All proceeds from the event will go to buy equipment for the Timbo VFD. For more information call 870-746-4349.

Oct. 12 - End of Me Ministries will hold a Bible Study at the OMC Community Room, 403 Washington Avenue, West Plains at 7 PM October 12.

Oct. 12-13 - The Haunting in the Hills will take place October 12 and 13 at The City Park in Eminence from 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday, October 12 and 10 AM to 3 PM Sunday, October 13. A special program, called Tales from the Ozark’s Dark Side, will take place from 6-9 PM Saturday, October 12. All activities are free. For more information go towww.ozarkheritageproject.org or call 573-663-2269.

Oct. 12-13 - The Fall 2013 Go Green Self Reliance Festival in Thayer has been canceled.

Oct. 12 - The Howell County Right-For-Life 5K Run will be held Saturday, October 12 in West Plains. For more information call 417-252-1399.

Oct. 12 - The Avenue Theater in West Plains will screen “Fancy Pants,” the 1950 Western comedy that was one of the first movies ever shown at the theater. As a salute to that era, admission to the event will be a dime. Also included that evening is a contest for who dons the fanciest pants.

Oct. 13- Oktoberfest party Sunday, October 13.  At the 88.1 radio station parking lot at 1211 Ozark in Cabool. There will be home-made rootbeer in a Rootbeer Garden, the best wurst around, and other snacks as well. A traditional Oktoberfest rummage sale which will be taking place at the same time. It starts at noon and goes until 4 p.m. Cabool. 

Oct. 13 - Dr. Bryan Sharp will be speaking at Eagle Heights Independent Baptist Church, CR 8570 in West Plains, at 10 AM, 10:45 AM and 2 PM. For more directions or more information, call 417-293-9888

Oct. 14 - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold a blood drive at Lutie School, Highway 160 in Theodosia, from 1:30-5 PM.

Oct. 14 - The Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 12-6 p.m. at Willow Springs United Methodist Church, 311 N. Harris St. in Willow Springs.

Oct. 15 - The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold a blood drive at Ava High School from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

What's Happening in the Ozarks This Weekend - October 4th - 6th

Oct. 4-5 - Clint Black will perform at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson October 4 and 5.

Oct. 4-6 - The 4th Annual Turtle Island Pow Wow will be held October 4 from 9 AM to 6 PM, October 5 from 9 AM to 6 PM and October 6 from 9 AM to 4 PM. For more information call 870-972-6995.

Oct. 5 - The Shannon County Saddle Club is holding a fun show October 6 at 5 PM at the showgrounds off of Highway 60. Events include live music and horse entertainment.

Oct. 5 - A dance is held every Saturday from 7-10 PM at the Barn Event Center located south of West Plains on Highway 63. Musical selections include country, southern rock, two step line dance, and waltzes. Concessions are available, no alcohol allowed. $5 per person.

Oct. 5 - The fall City-Wide Yard Sale in Van Buren will be held October 5 from 8 AM to 4 PM. Booths will be set up at the Courthouse Square and throughout the city. For more information, call 573-300-6210.


Oct. 5 - Oz Fall Fest will take place in downtown Willow Springs October 5.

Oct. 5 - Heart of the Ozarks chapter of Quail Forever is having their annual banquet October 5th at Ridgecrest Plaza in West Plains at 6 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more info call 417-256-9158

Oct. 5 - The Faretheewells from Salem, MO will perform at Viandel Vineyard, 8385 Highway 60 in Mountain View at 7 PM.

Oct. 5 -The annual Black Gold Walnut festival will be held in and around the square in downtown Alton Saturday, October 5. Events include demonstrations, food, live music, and more. For more information call 417-270-1536 or 417-270-1879.

Oct. 5 - Dinosaurs is the theme for Story Time at the West Plains Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10:30-11:00 a.m. for ages 2-6. Snacks will be served. Also, kids ages 7 & older are invited to “Fun & Games” at the West Plains Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 2-3 PM. Refreshments will be served.

Oct. 6 - A toy show will be held from 1-5 PM at Dear Crossing, 7379 S. Highway 63 in Mammoth Spring. Admission and booth space is free. To become a vendor, call 870-856-3193 or 417-270-2211.

Pioneer Days In Mountain View, MO - September 28-29, 2012

Pioneer Days In Mountain View, MO

September 28-29, 2012

Friday, September 28th

Ham and Bean Supper at the Mountain View Community Center, sponsored by the Mountain View Betterment Committee. 

     The Harvest Queen and Princess candidates will be serving for tips. $4.00 per plate all-you-can-eat, open til 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, September 29th

6:30 a.m. - Flapjack breakfast until 11:00 a.m. at the Mountain View Community Center. $3.50 for advance tickets and $4.00 at the door. Serving pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, apple juice and milk, all-you-can-eat.

9:30 a.m. - The Little Darlin and Dumplin Contest, sponsored by West Plains Bank. registration at 8:30 a.m. by the Gazebo, ages 12 adn under, pioneedr dress recommended. Everyone is a winner! A drawing will be held for a Mr. & Miss Pioneer Day and they will get to ride in the parade.

9:45 a.m. - Billy Randolph will be performing at the stage.  

10:00 a.m. - Wood Competitions will begin on the grounds by the Mountain View Public Library, sponsored by Roberts Wood Products.

10:30 a.m. - "Hillybilly Idol Contest" on the stage. Participants are encouraged to dress in Hillbilly fashion. Prizes for first place.

3:00 p.m. - Lineup for the parade will begin at Wayside Park

4:00 p.m. The Annual Mountain View Piioneer Day Parade will stroll through Downtown Mountain View.

6:00 p.m. - Oak Street will be blocked off until 10:00 p.m. for a street dance

OCTOBER 5th - OZ FALL FEST - WILLOW SPRINGS, MO

Bingo in willow Springs, MO

 "BINGO!"

 Tuesday nights at the Fire Museum, 908 E Bus 60-63, Willow Springs, MO from 6-9pm 

Concessions & non-smoking available

Hotel Of Terror Haunted House Tour - Springfield, MO

• Hotel Of Terror Haunted House Tour

• Date: September 20-21, 2013
• Time: 7:00pm
• Venue: Hotel Of Terror
  Address:

  334 North Main Avenue

  Springfield, MO 65806
• Cost: $ 13.00

Upcoming Concert in West Plains, Missouri

Emerson Drive in Concert

• Date: October 19, 2013
• Time: 7:00pm
• Venue: West Plains Civic Center
  Address:

  110 Saint Louis Street

  West Plains, MO 65775
• Cost: From $25.00 to $35.00

Local Events in Salem, MO

Rose Holland Trout Derby

October 4-6, 2013 

Salem, MO

Montauk State Park, Salem, MO

An Old Time Cruise-In Car Show at the Searcy Building on Friday at 4 p.m. kicks off the weekend events for the 50th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby. Nature Bingo for prizes will be held on Friday at 6 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. "Hikes for Your Heart" will be held on Saturday. Derby participants will have the opportunity to fish for tagged trout while raising money for the American Heart Association during this popular fishing derby all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Anglers catching tagged trout will receive prizes awarded on Sunday just after the derby ends at noon. Other activities will fill the weekend with fun, entertainment and excitement for all.

Duck eggs vs Chicken eggs

Duck Eggs Vs Chicken Eggs: easily distinguishable, a considerably longer shelf life

Duck eggs are quite large compared to chicken eggs, which makes them easily distinguishable. Another distinct difference is that the duck egg's shell is a lot tougher than a normal chicken egg's shell. Though that makes them a lot more difficult to crack, it is also supposed to provide them with a considerably longer shelf life. By long, I mean six weeks at maximum, if you keep them refrigerated.

The large size of the duck egg gives it a larger yoke to white ratio than a chicken egg. So if you want more yoke, duck eggs are what you should go for. With the larger size you definitely get more for your money, compared to a chicken egg!

Duck Eggs Vs Chicken Eggs: Nutrition

6x the Vitamin D, 2x the Vitamin A, and 2x the cholesterol in duck eggs vs chicken eggs. Duck contains about 75% of the Vitamin E in chicken eggs. Duck eggs reportedly also have more Vitamin K2, Duck eggs also are higher in calories for the same weight quantity, probably due to it's slightly higher fat concentration. Also, keep in mind that the eggs of free-range, pastured animals generally have higher levels of vitamins and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The yolks are darker, yellower, indicating a higher nutrient density.

A 100 gm of duck egg will provide about 185 KCal of energy, compared to 149 KCal of energy provided by a chicken egg. Both types of eggs, match each other in terms of carbohydrate content, while the protein content is slightly higher in the duck eggs compared to chicken eggs. The mineral content of duck eggs is very similar. Both contain selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium and iron. The duck eggs contain slightly higher amounts of all these minerals.

Same is the case with vitamin content in both of them. The vitamin content too is similar, but duck eggs have a higher amount of each one of them, which includes thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B12 and retinol.

100 gm of duck eggs will have about 3.68 gm of saturated fat, compared to 3.1 gm in chicken eggs. The mono unsaturated fat content is about 50% more in duck eggs as against chicken eggs. The amino acid content profile is also similar for both eggs, but again duck eggs contain more of them. The amino acids included are threonine, isoleucine, trytophan, leucine, methionine, lysine, cystine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, valine, serine, glycine, proline, aspartic acid, histidine, alanine, and arginine. The only minus point that duck eggs have is the considerably higher cholesterol content, compared to chicken eggs. 100 gm of duck eggs will contain 884 mg of cholesterol, compared to 425 mg in chicken eggs. That is why, people with history of heart disease should stay away from consuming duck eggs or moderate their intake.

http://www.localharvest.org/blog/16682/entry/duck_eggs_vs_chicken_eggs

How To Use Crayons As Candles

If you have kids, you likely have crayons! If you don’t have any candles in an emergency or when the power’s out, you can adapt and use some crayons as candles.

This couldn't be simpler really -

• Firstly you need some crayons; the non-toxic ones are best, although I am guessing that most are non-toxic these days. You then want a fireproof base to stand the crayon/candle on, a small plate works well.
• Use a match or lighter to melt some wax off the top of the crayon and drip it on the plate (see the photo), and stick the base of the crayon to the plate to hold it safe and secure in the upright position.
• Once the crayon is stuck to the plate (or whatever you are using for the base), simply light the top of the crayon. IMPORTANT – you have to wait until the paper sleeve catches, as it is the sleeve which acts as the wick and enables the crayon to burn like a candle.

The standard sized crayons burn for around half and hour; I haven’t tried the chunkier larger crayons, but I would assume they will burn much longer.

If you are a prepper or you take the kids camping/hiking etc, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep a pack of crayons in the pack.  They are great for keeping the kids entertained and they are a backup light source, AND they make great emergency fire-starters.

5 Herbs That Repel Flies

With warm weather in the air, we are all looking forward to grilling out, swimming pools, sun bathing, and just generally spending time outdoors. We’ve waited all winter for spring to get here. But those first few really warm days always greet us with an unpleasant, little problem.

Bugs! The warm weather brings out the bathing suits and suntan lotion, but it also brings out the pests! Mosquitos, ants, yellow jackets, and the grossest of all: flies! Flies are everywhere in the summer. Nothing ruins a good picnic quicker than flies covering the hotdogs! Most people will turn to harsh, chemical solutions this summer to try and solve this most annoying problem.

But what if you have kids around, or pets? Maybe you just don’t want to be surrounded by chemicals all summer. If you are one of the every growing number of people that wish to find a safer, more natural answer, then maybe this article will let you in on a few all natural tricks to repel the flies this summer.

Don’t underestimate the power of these natural alternatives to chemical pest control. Many of these herbal remedies are just as effective, if not more effective, than their chemical rivals on the store shelves. You should, however, use caution if any member of your family has an allergy to any of these herbs or if someone who spends significant time at your home has an allergy to these items. A little commonsense and a little research should have you well on your way to naturally controlling the flies at your home this summer.

Most people don’t realize how many all natural remedies there are for everyday problems, so they just reach for whatever chemical product is being sold. Did you know that there are many herbs that just naturally repel flies?

1. Basil

Anyone that knows anything about herbs knows that basil is great for cooking. It’s easy to grow and smells heavenly! Humans love Basil. But guess who hates, Basil? House flies. House flies are absolutely repelled by Basil. The best way to use this all natural remedy is to plant Basil by you external doorways. If you have a large outdoor picnic area, try using small planters of Basil on your picnic tables. You are serving two purposes at once. While grilling out you can easily access your Basil for cooking, and the flies will stay far away during your lovely, summer meal.

2. Bay Leaves

This is another herb loved by cooks worldwide. Nothing puts the finishing touch on a big pot roast like a few bay leaves thrown in. But once again, as much as we love it, flies hate it. Other insects hate it as well like earwigs and weevils, to name a few. Keep these herbs growing nearby to discourage pesky pests.

3. Lavender

Lavender is the ultimate herb for relaxation. The calming, soothing smell can really make a bubble bath a true spa experience. People have been using lavender for centuries to make their homes and clothing smell sweet. It is also used in quite a bit of cooking as well. Flies aren’t impressed with lavender, though. Hang some dried lavender decoratively around your home to keep away those buzzing buggers!

4. Tansy

Tansy is not as well-known as some of the other herbs we’ve listed here. Tansy was used in ancient times as a strewing herb because it was believed to have cleansing properties. Tansy is a nice foundation plant for household landscaping as it looks very similar to marigolds. Tansy has the added benefit that it repels flies, though. Flies are not the only pests that find Tansy repellant. Ants, fleas and moths will also stay clear if this plant is around. An extra bonus is that this plant will even discourage mice from hanging around.

5. Pennyroyal

This may be one of the most versatile of herbs. This member of the mint family repels flies, mosquitoes and fleas. However, when planted on your property, and specifically around the foundation of your home, this interesting herb can help ward off mice and ants as well! Instead of killing two birds with one stone you’ll be repelling five pests with one herb! You should use caution if you choose to plant this herb around your home, however. Pennyroyal is dangerous when consumed, even in small amounts.

Clean and Green

When you choose a more natural path in your home, you can have more peace of mind that your family will be safe from harmful chemicals and strange side effects. People don’t realize that there is almost always a natural alternative to chemical solutions when it comes to pest control, cleaning supplies, and many other household items. A little research and attention can go a long way to preserving your families’ health this summer.

Raising Laying Hens From Chicks: A Step By Step Guide

STEP ONE: Things To Gather BEFORE your chicks arrive.  Yes.  BEFORE.

1) A brooding box/pen/cage.  You can start with a big plastic tub for 25 chicks, which they’ll outgrow in a week.  It can be used  to hold 40-50 pound bags of feed later.  If you have 3-6 you can keep them here for a 2-3 weeks.

2) Chick feed.  It is important to feed your chicks food intended for chicks and not adult birds.

3) Chick grit.  Chickens typically consume dirt and pebbles as they eat, and these are necessary to help break down their food.  Since chicks are not outside for the first 5 weeks (in our case more like 6-8 since we get them in December) they need grit as a supplement added to their food.  Adult birds that are not raised outside will continue to need a grit supplement.

4) Pine shavings or equivalent. Avoid hardwood shavings like oak, as they can be toxic to chicks.  Avoid shredded newspaper, too, though some people use it.  The ink will dirty your chicks, and it seems an unsatisfying bedding choice for new chicks.

5) Paper towels (non-bleached, plain) for the first 2 days.  If you use newspaper be sure to shred it or chicks will slip on the surface.  Slipping is problematic for proper foot development, so go with paper towels.

6) Water and food dispensers.  Those pictured are specifically for chicks.  They will need something bigger in about 5 weeks.  Though again, if you only have three or four birds, the watering can pictured could work if you swap out a quart jar, but even with a quart jar you’ll have to fill it frequently.

7) Light with a 100 watt bulb if chicks will start in your home somewhere (a laundry room works well), or some heated area.  Otherwise, get a heat lamp as well as a white light.  If you plan to put them in your garage in early spring, you will still want a heat lamp.

8) Thermometer (not essential, but handy).

STEP TWO: Set up before the chicks arrive

1) Place about 1/2 inch of shavings in the bottom of your brood space and cover with one layer of paper towels. If you have a cage, lay a plastic bag or old shower curtain down to protect the floor.  With our tub we put an old towel down.  Partly it marks off chick space from other space.  Consider “chick space” dirty. That is, hands should be washed well after entering “chick space”….

2) Put the filled feeder and water directly on the bottom of your brood area for a day.  Once the chicks are actively eating and drinking, put a block of wood under the feed and water to raise them a bit.  This will keep them cleaner. Separating the water and feed will also help keep both cleaner.

3) If chicks are brand new–that is, they have not had anything to eat or drink yet (most likely if they have been mailed to you), then mix 1/4 c. sugar with a 1 quart of warm water to dissolve.  Use this water the first couple of days.  The sugar will give the hungry and thirsty chicks an energy boost, and they’ll be inclined to drink because–well, sugar water is just SO tasty!  After the second day use tap water.  If chicks come from a farm and feed type store and are at least a few days old you can omit the sugar water.

STEP THREE: When Chicks Come Home

1) If the chicks have come in the mail they will be stressed, thirsty, and cold.  So take them out of the box one at a time, dip their beak in your sugar water and set them down by the water.  I keep the feed next to the water the first couple of days to be sure they find them both.  You may need to dunk their beaks in the food too, if they aren’t finding it.  Check them periodically to be sure they are eating and drinking.  Occasionally you’ll need to double dip (I think of this as a baptizing of sorts–calling these chicks to life…) a chick who only wants to sleep.  BUT sleeping is what they will do a lot the first couple of days.

If the chicks are coming from Wilco (or equivalent), they will be excited to explore their new area, and all you need to do is show them the water and feed.  They will likely find them on their own, but set them down in front of it regardless, especially if your feeder looks different from the one in the store.

2) Hang your white light over the brood box. We put a screen on top of our tub and set the light on the screen–you can figure out another system, but you will want to cover the brood box by week 3.  Follow these guidelines for temperature:

The first week keep the area beneath the light between 90-95.  Every week decrease that 5 degrees by raising the light about 3 inches.  By week five you’ll be at about 75 degrees, and depending on time of year, may not need a light anymore.  If it is winter, keep their space above 60 at night for another few weeks until their chick fluff is fully replaced by feathers.

Chicks will communicate whether they are too hot or too cold by how they cluster.  They will be inclined to collapse into a pile to sleep, but if they spend nearly all the time heaped up under the light they are too cold. If they are spread out away from the light they are too hot.  If they are panting, they are too hot. In those cases, raise the light, or if you are using a heat lamp, switch to a 100 watt white bulb. This is why a thermometer is optional.  Chicks communicate very well.  Especially at this stage.

STEP FOUR: Things to Check in the First Week:

1) Observe to see that they are all drinking and eating. Feel free to hold them, but not overly much the first week.  But handle them after that if you want hens that will tolerate petting!  Certain breeds are also more amenable to petting than others.

2) When you pick them up, check their vent to be sure it is not plugged with poop.  (Anatomy lesson: the vent is used for everything: pee-poop–urine and feces are mixed for chickens, and egg.  Maybe disgusting, but true.)  We only had this happen with one shipment–which arrived in bad shape.  We lost five of the chicks in the first 24 hours, and about 5 of them had plugged vents over the first week.  To clear, soak their bum in a small bowl/container of warm (not hot) water.  Try not to get any more of the chick wet than is necessary.  The poop plug will soften so that you can scrap it away gently.  Dry chick and immediately put back in warm brood box.  I used a yogurt container which I then recycled.  THIS BEARS REPEATING: ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS AFTER HANDLING YOUR CHICKS. Not only when you’ve been cleaning pasty butts!

3) Turn off the white light every day 2-4 times for about 20 minutes at a time so they are not constantly under white lights.  Imagine if you had to live and sleep under a bright white light 24/7…!

4) Add chick grit to the feed after the first few days. Mix your feed and grit together at this point.  The ratio of feed to grit is 20:1.  So 20 pounds of feed mixed with 1 pound of grit will keep you from having to make the calculation every time you feed them.

5) You’ll change the paper towels a couple of times a day the first day or two on account of the poop.  Once you stop using paper towels, add new shavings on top of the old ones every few days as needed. If you are using a heat lamp you’ll notice the lamp dries the poop and reduces the smell.  If you are using a white lamp, you will likely want to replace the shavings every few days.  When the smell is strong–it’s time to replace them.  For your sake, but also for the chick’s health.

STEP FIVE: Things to Do in Week Two or Three:

Mostly Continue what you’ve been doing, but you will notice they will muck up their water (so change it frequently–and depending on how many chicks you have, you might want to graduate to a quart jar for water), and you’ll be surprised how quickly they will go through feed.

Clean their water jar at least once a week with a vinegar/water solution.  You’ll notice it gets to feeling slimy, and vinegar will keep it clean.

By the end of week two move  birds to a bigger space.  So add a heat lamp at that point, and leave both a heat lamp and a white light on during the day, and then turn off the white light at night. If you just have 3-4 chicks you’ll likely be able to keep them in your original space for the full 5-6 weeks unless the smell drives them or you out of the house!  Better them than you!  Since it takes five to six weeks for them to get their warmer set of feathers, heat continues to be an issue even after they appear  to be awkward gawky teenagers.

Add clean shavings every few days on top of the old ones.  As they get older (and more feathered) Open up a space for them to see into the garage, and eventually open the front up most of the way during the days before we move them from here to the hen house.

http://www.survivalistdaily.com/raising-laying-hens/

10 Uses for Aloe Vera Gel or Juice

10 Uses for Aloe Vera Gel or Juice

1. Itch relief: Apply directly to the site of insect bites or stings for relief.

2. Burn relief: Slather pure aloe vera gel on a sunburn, or use to treat minor burns in the kitchen. It can also be effectively used as a gentle aftershave.

3. Leave in conditioner/scalp soother: I mix aloe vera gel with a little rosemary essential oil and a few drops of Vitamin E oil, squirt tiny bits on my scalp and ends of hair. I do not rinse, and this mixture soothes an itchy scalp and softens hair.

4. Hair styling: Aloe vera gel fights frizz in my hair and has been a great replacement for expensive styling products.

5. Mouthwash: If drinking aloe vera juice, you can simply swish it around in your mouth for a while to benefit gums. You can also make a homemade aloe mouthwash by mixing 1 cup aloe vera juice, ½ cup distilled water, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil.

6. Hand sanitizer: I make an aloe-based natural hand sanitizer  that travels with me almost everywhere. The aloe vera gel in it moisturizes my hands instead of drying like most commercial hand sanitizers.

7. Moisturizer: Skin absorbs it quickly and it’s non-greasy. I find it to be the perfect summer facial moisturizer when other moisturizers just seem too heavy and oily.

8. Drink for digestion: Aloe vera juice can be effective in aiding digestion, soothing an upset stomach, and providing relief for heartburn.

9. Vitamin absorption: A recent study from the University of California, Davis, showed that aloe vera may help your body absorb vitamins more effectively. Drinking 2 ounces of aloe vera juice along with your daily vitamins can increase absorption rates.

10. Drink to lower cholesterol: I’m not suggesting anyone ignore the advice of their medical professional, or stop taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. However, this one is definitely worth a look. Studies have shown that drinking aloe vera juice can safely lower cholesterol over time.

Disclaimer: I am not a health professional. Keep in mind this information is based on my personal opinion and research. Use these recommendations at your own risk. I recommend consulting with your health practitioner prior to taking aloe vera internally.

http://www.diynatural.com/10-uses-for-aloe-vera/

Stylish way to get rid of mosquitoes

GREAT IDEA!! FOR BACKYARD FUN, NO BUGS!!

All you need is a package of Mason jars, some cotton string and some liquid citronella (find it in big jugs at any home-improvement store and even some grocery stores). Use a hammer and nail to poke a hole in the top of the lid, then pour in the citronella, put the top on and drop in the wick. Allow the string about 10 minutes to soak up some oil, then place them around your backyard and light them! 

Composting

10 Uses For Wood Ash

Before you dispose of those wood ashes sitting in your fireplace or your wood burning stove, try using your wood ash these 10 different ways:

1.   Use wood ash to add nutrients to your compost. Contains potash and calcium carbonate.

2.   Use wood ash to deter snails from plants. Spread around the perimeter of the plant.

3.  Use wood ash to add nutrients to planting holes for tomatoes  by adding about half a cup to each hole.

4.   Use wood ash to clean stove glass doors. Add to a damp sponge to wipe away sooty deposits.

5.   Use wood ash for soap making. Soak ashes in water to make lye which is used in the soap making process.

6.   Use wood ash to clean metal by making a paste with the ash.

7.   Use wood ash as a dust bath for chickens, it kills lice and mites.

8.   Use wood ash to remove sticky labels from glass jars by making a paste with a little water.

9.   Use wood ash as a top dressing around onions, leeks and garlic.

10. Use wood ash to raise the Ph of soil if required, as an alternative to lime.

These 10 uses for wood ash was originally published on The Cyprus Garden Blog

Tip for Rose Bushes

Quick tip: 

Flatten a banana peel and bury it under one inch of soil at the base of a rosebush. The peel’s potassium feeds the plant and helps it resist disease. Consider it a nutritional boost for you and your buds.

Sun Pickles

Gallon glass jar
Cucumbers
3 1/4 cups white vinegar
6 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt
Dill to taste
1 teaspoon alum
I also added onion , garlic and 1 chili pepper
Combine all in glass jar set in sun for three days

Ozark Blackberry Cobbler

ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
3 tablespoons cold water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 16 - ounce package frozen unsweetened blackberries or 3 cups fresh blackberries
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon sugar

directions

For pastry: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup flour and salt; add shortening. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until pieces are the size of small peas. Add the cold water; beat on low speed just until dough begins to form (about 15 to 20 seconds). Form pastry into a ball with hands; gently flatten. On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry into an 8-1/2x8-1/2-inch square. Cut several slits in pastry. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Place blackberries and almond extract in a 2-quart square baking dish. Sprinkle sugar mixture over blackberries; toss to coat. Dot butter pieces over blackberries. Place pastry on blackberries. Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon sugar over pastry.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until blackberry filling is bubbly and pastry is golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm. Makes 6 servings.

Cordwood Buildings

From far away, it looks like stone masonry – but get up close and you’ll see that cordwood buildings are actually made from wood stacked firewood-style, and mortar. Debarked logs ranging from 12 to 36 inches can be arranged into walls either in load-bearing round structures or in combination with post-and-beam framing. Soft woods like cedar and pine are used because they are more stable, with less expansion and contraction. These walls offer both insulation and thermal mass. As with any natural building technique, it’s labor-intensive, but easy enough that practically anyone can do it.

While the mortar typically used for cordwood construction is made from Portland cement, lime and water, some people are beginning to combine cordwood building with cob in place of mortar, as in the owner-built cordwood home above.

To see more: http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2010/03/15/eco-homes-from-the-earth-7-ways-to-diy/

Oven Smoked Brisket

Oven Smoked Brisket 

Ingredients:

7-11 lb. brisket, untrimmed
1-2 bottles liquid smoke
1 tablespoon salt
4-6 tablespoons McCormick Montreal Grill Mate Steak Seasoning

Directions:

Trim brisket of excessive fat, but leave a nice layer for a wonderful flavor. Place brisket in a large roasting pan or in a ex large Ziploc bag. Pour liquid smoke over brisket and seal tightly. Place in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Remove brisket from the refrigerator and let set for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Season brisket with salt and sprinkle Grill Mate Steak Seasoning on top of the fat side covering all the way to the edges. Place brisket fat side up on a rack inside of a roaster pan and cover with foil. Bake in the oven for 3 1/2 to 8 hours depending on the size. Remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve with barbecue sauce.



Note: Cook brisket 30-45 minutes times per the pound of the brisket. 7 lb. brisket will cook for 3 1/2 hours to 5 1/2 hours. At the end of the resting time, you can slice the brisket and put it back in a baking dish and pour barbecue sauce over it and bake an additional 30-40 minutes.

How To Kill Poison Ivy & Other Weeds

Here's What You'll Need...

* Combine 1 gallon white vinegar with 1 cup salt and 2 TBSP blue dawn dish soap.

* Once all the ingredients have been mixed well pour mixture into a spray bottle.

* Spray poison ivy.  Be careful not to get it on your other plants because this mixture will kill anything you spray it on! 

Amish Macaroni Salad

Amish Macaroni Salad 

Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
2 cups creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
3 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
¾ cup white sugar
2¼ teaspoons white vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon celery seed

Directions
1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain, and set aside to cool. 2. In a large bowl, stir together the eggs, onion, celery, red pepper, and relish. In a small bowl, stir together the salad dressing, mustard, white sugar, vinegar, salt and celery seed. Pour over the vegetables, and stir in macaroni until well blended. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Living Fences: How-To, Advantages and Tips

Living Fences: How-To, Advantages and Tips

Sustainable living fences can hold animals, protect soil, provide livestock fodder, offer food or compost, and will last generations.

A living fence is a permanent hedge tight enough and tough enough to serve almost any of the functions of a manufactured fence, but it offers agricultural and biological services a manufactured fence cannot. For instance, it provides “edge habitat” that supports ecological diversity. As more species (insects, spiders, toads, snakes, birds and mammals) find food and refuge in this habitat, natural balances emerge, yielding, for example, a reduction of rodents and crop-damaging insect populations.

Read more: http://goo.gl/K4TK7

Best of Mother Earth News: Build It Yourself: http://amzn.to/150XZmz

How to Store Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

You've just returned from the farmer's market with two canvas bags full of gorgeous fresh fruits and veggies. You sit down at the kitchen table to plan out the delicious dishes you'll cook up for the week. But after one look at your calendar, you know deep in your heart you can't possibly eat and cook all of this produce in one week. And sadly there's a high probability that some of it will go to waste. 

You are not alone. The typical American family throws out almost 500 pounds of food a year. That is a lot wasted of money! Here are some tips on how to store fresh fruits and veggies so you don't become a statistic.

Know Which Fruits and Veggies Produce Gas

Fruits and veggies naturally emit an odorless, harmless, and tasteless gas called ethylene, and some produce it in greater quantities than others. When ethylene-producing foods are stored next to ethylene-sensitive foods, the gas will speed up the ripening process of the other produce. This is great if you need to ripen a piece of produce, for example, pair an apple with an unripe avocado. However, if you don't want to speed up the ripening (or decay) process, store or keep the following fruits and veggies separate.

Produce That Creates Ethylene Gas: Apples, apricots, avocados, ripening bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, citrus fruit (not grapefruit), figs, grapes, green onions, honeydew, ripe kiwi fruit, mangoes, melons, mushrooms, nectarines, papayas, passion fruit, peaches, pears, peppers, pineapple, plums, prunes, tomatoes and watermelon.

Produce That Is Damaged by Ethylene Gas: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, kale, kiwi fruit, leafy greens, lettuce, parsley, peas, peppers, potatoes, romaine lettuce, spinach, squash,sweet potatoes, watercress and yams.

Take the Time to Plan Your Meals

• Plan your meals for the week before you go shopping and create a shopping list
• Only buy what's on your shopping list
• Eat and or cook the produce with the shortest shelf life first
• If you still can't manage to eat all of your fruits and veggies, throw them in yourcompost pile (along with your food prep scraps)

Follow These Food Storage Guidelines

Produce	Storage	Life Expectancy
Apples	refrigerator (loose, not in bag)	up to 1 month
Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums	counter until ripe, then refrigerate in a bag	2-4 days
Artichokes	refrigerator, in a bag	1-2 weeks
Asparagus	refrigerator, trim stems, upright in a jar of water	3-4 days
Avocados	counter, store uneaten portion with the pit intact in a bag in the fridge	3-4 days
Bananas	counter	2 days
Berries & Cherries	covered in the fridge. Don’t wash until you use them (too much moisture in the package speeds spoilage).	1-2 days
Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower	refrigerator, bag in the crisper	4-7 days
Carrots	refrigerator, take tops off	2 weeks
Celery	refrigerator, wrapped in aluminum foil	1-2 weeks
Citrus	room temperature of 60-70 degrees	1-2 weeks
Cucumber	refrigerator, bag in the crisper	4-5 days
Eggplant	cool, dry, dark place (counter, cupboard, basket)	3-4 days
Garlic	unpeeled - cool, dry, dark place; peeled - sealed container in refrigerator or freezer	unpeeled - several months; peeled - several weeks in refrigerator, months in freezer
Ginger	store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, then freeze remainder	if refrigerated - 2-3 weeks; if frozen - 2 months
Grapes	refrigerator, in a bag	1 week
Green Beans & Peas	refrigerator, in bag or container	3-5 days
Greens (lettuce,kale, spinach, cabbage)	refrigerator, bag in the crisper	1-2 weeks
Herbs (fresh)	refrigerator, trim stems, upright in a jar of water	1 week
Kiwis	counter until ripe, then refrigerate in a bag	3-4 days
Mangoes, Melons	counter until ripe, then refrigerate in a bag	4 - 7 days
Mushrooms	cool, dry dark place (counter, cupboard, basket) in a bag	2-3 days
Onions	cool, dry dark place (counter, cupboard, basket)	2 months
Pears	counter until ripe, then refrigerate in a bag	3-4 days
Peppers	refrigerator, bag in the crisper	4-5 days
Potatoes	cool, dry dark place (counter, cupboard, basket)	1-2 weeks
Root vegetables (radishes, beets,turnips)	refrigerator, leave greens on	1-2 weeks
Squash	cool, dry dark place (counter, cupboard, basket)	4-5 days
Tomatoes	counter, uncovered; refrigerate if very ripe	2-3 days

Written by Whitney Lauritsen  

http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/how-to-store-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables.html