Have you tried to use Netflix: Preschool and Kindergarten? If you’re anything like me, you love Netflix. I’ve mentioned before how we like using videos for educational purposes in our home a lot. And as Netflix customers, we have access to wonderful educational videos. I’ve set up a profile for our homeschool and store all these great resources under that profile.

Here just a few of my favorite videos found on Netflix for Preschool and Kindergarten. All of these are available through the LiveStream membership.

Numbers Parade

My 2-year-old loves these! There are about 5 episodes and he can watch them over and over! Throughout the Numbers Parade episodes, your little one will be introduced to numbers and will meet lots of fun animal friends along the way!

Kindergarten Netflix: Art & Music

Art & Music is a series made by the same creators of Numbers Parade – BabyFirst. Throughout the several videos (26) your little one will learn about colors, shapes, and artwork.

Color Crew

Color Crew is a total of 4 episodes. Your little one will be introduced to colors through objects and animals they see every day.

Super Why!

One of the best Netflix preschool shows is Super Why! It is so much fun. It’s adventurous and engaging. In each episode the characters solve problems by consulting classic children stories like Little Miss Muffet, Hansel and Gretel, and so much more. There are two seasons on Netflix right now. Season one has 64 episodes and season 2 has 15. Loads of adventurous and educational videos to pick from!

Dinosaur Train

My 5-year-old loves Dinosaur Train! If you’re looking for some fun online games check out Dinosaur Train on PBS Kids.com.If your kids love adventurous cartoons, they’ll love this one. They’ll also love watching the characters explore and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs, while also learning fun facts them.

Netflix for Kindergarten: Sid the Science Kid

Sid the Science Kid teaches kids about… well, science! From how digestion works, to animals, plants and more. Here’s a clip on PBS Kids.com from the digestion episode. You can also find some fun Sid the Science Kid games on PBS Kids.com .

Leap Frog

We use Leap Frog videos on Netflix a LOT to supplement our Preschool (and Kindergarten) lessons. It’s such a fun and creative way to add that extra little touch for phonics, numbers, shapes, and letters.

Share your thoughts about Netflix: Preschool and Kindergarten.

What are some of your favorite or go-to videos on Netflix for your Preschooler or Kindergartener?

The post Learning with Netflix: Preschool and Kindergarten appeared first on A Diligent Heart

These are perfect if you want to add some twist to classic brownies. One thing is for sure, they are all delicious and will make you love this fudgy dessert even more.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies

Chocolate and strawberries are a flavor combination that comes straight from heaven itself.

You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to enjoy it.

You can make these rich chocolate-covered strawberry brownies any time of the year. You’ll surely enjoy making this brownie mix recipe.

Brookies

Are you having trouble deciding between making brownies or cookies? Well, now you don’t have to. Instead, you can make yourself a batch of brookies.

This recipe for cookie brownies will let you enjoy the best features of both desserts.

Death by Chocolate Brownies

These Death by Chocolate brownies contain two cups of melted chocolate chips as well as a quarter cup of cocoa powder for the ultimately chocolatey experience.

It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving something really decadent.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe: Brownie Lasagna

Have you ever wanted to shove eight brownies into your mouth simultaneously?

We won’t judge you if you have. Well, now you can do just that, along with some cream cheese frosting, with this brownie “lasagna.”

Salted Caramel Brownies

Talk about heaven. These salted caramel brownies are the perfect combo of sweet and salty, with layers of flavor between the chocolate and the caramel.

They might not be good for you, but we won’t judge if you eat two or five.

Rocky Road Brownies

If you like some (or, let’s be real, a lot) of marshmallows and nuts on top of your brownie, we’re not stopping you. In fact, we’re encouraging you to try these out-of-this-world rocky road brownies.

Tiramisu Brownies

As the meme goes: we heard you like dessert, so we gave you some dessert with your dessert, so you can have dessert while you have dessert. Tiramisu and brownies collide in this delicious recipe with Italian influences.

You can expect that this one is one of the tastiest brownie flavors that you can try because tiramisu and brownies is such a powerful duo.

Salted Caramel Pretzel-Topped Fudgy Brownies

If the name wasn’t enough to tempt you, you’ll have to try these over-the-top treats for yourself. They’re a crazy mix of flavors and textures that make them a popular dessert, especially late at night.

Bacon-Bourbon Brownies with Pecans

Do you consider yourself a foodie? Are you from the American South?

Do you love chocolate, whiskey, bacon, and pecans? All of these are great reasons to try these out-of-the-world brownies.

Fancy Brownies: Peppermint Patty Brownies

If you love the ultra-cool taste of peppermint patties, you’ll become a fan of these peppermint patty brownies.

They’re everything a peppermint dessert should be: fresh, cool, and combined with lots and lots of chocolate.

Don’t hesitate to try this yummy mint brownie recipe.

Takeaway

Brownies are definitely enjoyable to eat. The way it melts in the mouth is such an indulgence that many people always want to experience.

Thus, feel free to try all of these recipes for fancy brownies and satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings.

Source: Delish, The Brown-Eyed Baker, Brit+Co, Taste of Home, All Day I Dream About Food, Food and Wine, Wikipedia

The post 10 Delicious and Unique Fancy Brownies to Make appeared first on A Diligent Heart

We’re not saying that the ones with the classic maple syrup are out, they will always be our beloved recipe, but can you imagine pancakes with a twist?

Sounds awesome, right? Did you know that you can combine different ingredients and be able to make your own sweet pancake recipe?

In fact, we’re sharing 12 delicious sweet pancake recipes that will make you want to prepare them as soon as you can.

Sweet Pancake Recipe: Cinnamon roll pancakes

Let’s start off with pancakes for breakfast.

We can guarantee that breakfast will never be the same with this cinnamon roll pancake recipe that features swirling cinnamon and a delicious cream cheese glaze.

Oreo pancakes

Imagine tasting whipped cream, crushed Oreos, dark cocoa powder, and chocolate sauce in your pancake. Oh! This just might be your dream pancake.

Brownie Batter Pancakes

Brownies and pancakes? That’s right! It’s possible to combine these two.

You will love this decadent brownie batter pancake recipe has chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and rainbow sprinkles.

S’mores pancakes

Looking to prepare pancakes for one? No worries.

Red velvet pancakes

Imagine seeing a stack of these red velvet pancakes featuring a cream cheese glaze and powdered sugar.

You might even think you’re in a fancy breakfast buffet once you have tasted this.

Strawberry shortcake pancake towers

These strawberry cheesecake pancakes are at the next level! It’s an exquisite pancake recipe that puts a new spin on strawberry shortcake!

Tiramisu pancakes

Tiramisu pancakes are beyond heavenly. If you love tiramisu, then you’d definitely want to try this.

This tiramisu pancake recipe calls for mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, espresso or double-strength coffee, and cocoa powder.

Strawberry cheesecake pancakes

These scrumptious pancakes feature a cheesecake filling and strawberry syrup. It’s so good that you’d think there’s a celebration going on.

Vanilla cinnamon buttermilk pancakes

Love vanilla pancakes? Then try and make these delectable pancakes from scratch, quickly and easily. They feature vanilla, cinnamon, and buttermilk.

Tropical almond pancakes

How about a gluten-free recipe for pancakes?

Well, we have one for you. Try these gluten-free tropical almond pancakes. They call for bananas, cinnamon, allspice, almond flour, flaked coconut, and tropical fruit.

Maple bacon poppers

Bacon and pancakes in a single bite? Genius! Who would have thought that these two would be so good as a pancake?

Coconut pancakes

Add a little coconut to your pancakes, and you’ve got a tasty tropical treat.

These coconut pancakes have the right sweetness that will make you come back for more.

In a nutshell

Old fashion pancakes are delicious, no doubt about that, but sometimes, we want variation. This sweet pancake recipe guide will definitely help you create stunning pancakes with a twist.

What we love about it is that you can customize your own pancakes, and share them with your friends and loved ones.

The post 12 Great Sweet Pancake Recipe Ideas to Try Out appeared first on A Diligent Heart

Know your pressure points

Sometimes, pain from too much stress can come when you are in the middle of something and it might be difficult to massage it right away. In these kinds of moments, your immediate pain relief can come from self-massage.

By massaging certain pressure or trigger points on your palm and the soles of your feet, your body will be able to send signals to the part where the pain is felt so that the ache will subside.

However, since there are various trigger points in our body, it is best to get a consultation with a specialist first before doing this method on your own.

Some pressure points for neck pain include the midway point between your neck and shoulders (much like how you give a shoulder massage), the base of your skull just behind your ears, and the best of your neck.

Whenever you want to try this one out, you must remember to always find the most comfortable position, relax your mind and body as much as you can and breathe deeply to help reduce your stress levels.

Try a hot stone massage

Ever wondered what does a knot in your back look like? If you can find the time, it is also a great option to get a massage therapist to help you with neck and back problems.

And one of the most popular methods around is by getting yourself a hot stone massage.

This technique makes use of smooth stones warmed just right. They’re placed on your back so that the therapist can reach deep tissues in the muscles of your back, especially those pesky knots, and relieve you of pain.

This method also encourages better blood flow because the heat helps in expanding blood vessels in your back.

Combined with other massage therapy techniques, hot stone massages can bring healing not only to your back but to your entire body.

Relieve pain in the upper back.

This part of the body is one of the first areas where you feel pain once you are stressed out. You can ease the tension by doing the following steps:

• Correct your posture and stand straight.
• Slowly and carefully massage your upper back using your left hand. Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure.
• Do this repeatedly until you feel the tension being released on the aching area.

Relieve tension with a Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu is another method used to relieve muscle pain, this time by applying pressure through the fingers. It is a combination of Chinese and Japanese techniques and the Japanese word “shiatsu” actually translates to “finger pressure”.

Therapists put pressure on your tired muscles using their palms and fingers, aimed to ease tension in the body. It also includes assisted stretching and joint mobilization and manipulation.

Try an ayurvedic potli massage.

A method that came from India, Ayurvedic Potli massage involves using herbs and oil in healing a patient’s muscle pain. By using “potli,” or poultice, which is actually heated pouches containing well-chosen herbs inside, therapists are able to rejuvenate and relax the affected part of the body.

The potlis are also used to apply pressure on strained areas of the back and body in order to give maximum relief.

There are various Ayurvedic herbs available for you. To get the best results, you will need to let the therapist know what you want to accomplish.

Improve blood circulation with a Swedish massage

This method is perfect for a beginner getting massage therapy because it is designed to help relax the entire body.

Before getting one, you can talk specifically with your therapist about the pain you are experiencing. Then, they will know how to make a massage routine that is customized to your needs.

You may be wondering how to give massages using the Swedish method.

Swedish massage is done by kneading, doing deep circular movements, and applying pressure through long gliding strokes that make blood circulation better, thus relieving pain not just in the back and neck area. It is a great way to start out when it comes to getting a massage because of its holistic nature.

Try a deep tissue back, head, and neck massage

If you are into sports and have a really active lifestyle, getting a deep tissue massage might be the perfect treatment for you.

This method is designed to address musculoskeletal issues normally caused by sports injuries or too much strain due to over-activity.

By focusing on certain muscle groups, the therapist will be able to help you release tension.

They can make the strained muscle free of pain and ready for activity again. To increase the amount of pressure applied, elbows, forearms, and palms are used by the therapist.

Takeaway

We hope that with this information, we have taught you how to give a back, neck, and shoulder massage to your loved ones. They’ll enjoy the head and neck massage, and they will forever cherish this simple act of service.

Source: Homespa Beauty

The post 7 Back, Head, and Neck Massage Ideas To Do At Home appeared first on A Diligent Heart

Frankincense is commonly used as a gift — best known from the Biblical stories in the New Testament. However, the oil is also a great type of herbal medicine. It can help aid in digestion and has benefits for skin, among many other uses. 

Read on to find out why you should keep frankincense in stock year-round and not just at Christmastime.

Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil for Hair

Add a few drops of frankincense oil to your favorite shampoo to help strengthen the roots of your hair.

Mixing a few drops of frankincense with castor oil and massaging it into the scalp before shampooing and conditioning will moisturize the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and fight hair loss.

What Does Frankincense Smell Like?

Frankincense has a woody base with a complex array of aromatic blends. It has a delicate smell. The smell is an earthy mix of citrus with a balsamic pine scent.

Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin

When diluted with a carrier oil, such as rose or almond oil, frankincense can have many skin-healing properties.

Frankincense helps with treating dry skin and lessening the appearance of scar tissue. The oil helps even out skin tone and treats minor scratches and abrasions.

Is Frankincense Edible?

Essential oils are not recommended for internal consumption; however, it is possible to take frankincense extract by mouth.

You should be careful not to exceed specific limits because you may experience uncomfortable side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset. 

5 More Frankincense Magical Properties

It takes nearly ten years for a boswellia tree to reach full maturity.

In addition, there is about a one-in-ten acceptability rate for a frankincense-producing tree that is capable of harvest.

But the time and patience necessary is more than worth the wait. In addition to its hair-strengthening and skin-rejuvenating benefits, frankincense has an array of magicallyhealing properties.

Organic Frankincense Oil is an Immune System Booster

Frankincense aids the respiratory system and helps you breathe easier, and it also helps rid your lungs of phlegm and reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Try the vapor bowl method the next time you come down with a cold, using a warm towel to trap the vapor. Breathe the diluted vapors in for at least one to three minutes.

Respiratory Relief Treatment

Add seven or eight drops of frankincense to your bath water to help calm and relax your breathing, temporarily ease asthma symptoms, or treat tough coughs and colds.

Alternatively, mix three to four drops with a warm bowl of water, and inhale the vapors from the bowl for one to three minutes.

Dental Care Assistant

Diluted frankincense oil has been used to treat toothaches, and it works as an antibacterial astringent on abscesses, cavities, and infections. You can also find frankincense as an ingredient in natural toothpaste and mouthwash. The oil is a natural antiseptic, which will draw out impurities and freshen your breath.

Calming and Relaxing Effects

Aromatherapists use frankincense for its calming, relaxing scent. Use the oils and incense during meditation or to combat anxiety and stress.

Try using diluted frankincense oil as an addition to massage oil or, like a perfume, rubbed into the neck or temples.

Conclusion

Organic frankincense oil is full of so many benefits, and it can revitalize hair and skin, help with a cold, or just help you relax after a stressful day. The next time you’re in a natural health food or supplement store, be sure to look out for this oil.

Sources: [Livestrong, Livestrong, Medicine News Today, Reader’s Digest, Web MD]

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Lint rolling is not just for your clothes. It has other uses in keeping every nook and cranny of your home (and more) cleaner than ever. Here are nine unique ways to use a lint roller other than removing fuzz from your clothes. 

Car

The cracks and crevices of your vehicle are the perfect places to use a lint roller. Just place it into these areas and roll it back and forth.

You can also use a lint floor roller for your car floor and carpet. Any dust or debris should stick to the roller, making it easy to remove.

Furniture

If you have some fuzz on a piece of furniture, break out a lint roller to easily clean it up. Best of all, it’s small enough that you can clean under your furniture.

This is a great way to remove dust bunnies and other debris from beneath your couch, chairs, and other furniture.

And if you have pets, you know how fur and all that pet hair could be such a headache! You can use lint roller for pet hair all over your furniture and everything will look good as new.

How to use a Lint Roller on your Drapes

If you have curtains in your home, then use a lint roller to help keep them dust free. Run it over the drapes to remove any dust.

Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are big collectors of dust, which is bad news if your kids have allergies. A lint roller easily keeps stuffed animals fuzz and dust free. Run the roller over the animal, and then toss the dust-filled sheet into the trash.

Inside of a Handbag

Handbags are notorious for collecting lint and other debris. An easy way to clean them is to empty out your handbag and then roll a portable lint roller around inside.

A roller also works great when cleaning out other types of bags, such as diaper and gym bags.

Lampshades

If you have a dirty lampshade, then use a lint roller to clean it.

Using a roller to remove the dust from a lampshade can save you the trouble of washing it or having to dig out the vacuum, and the special attachment that you might not even have, to clean it.

Glitter

Glitter is the single hardest substance to clean up in the world. Make short work of glitter by running a roller over the area.

The glitter should stick to the tape of the roller, making cleanup a snap.

Drawers

A roller is also perfect for cleaning dirt and dust out of the drawers on your furniture or cabinets, especially in hard-to-reach areas near the back.

Simply roll the roller across the area, or even down into it if it is a crevice, to easily remove the dirt and other debris.

Christmas Tree Needles

If you have a live Christmas tree during the holidays, then you know how much the branches can shed those little pine needles.

An easy way to clean them up is to use a lint roller. Just run the roller across the area of fallen pine needles for easy cleanup.

Takeaway

If you’ve been wondering how to use a lint roller in many different places in your home, these tips can help you. And since a lint remover roller is so handy, you might easily run out of them, so the next step for you to do is to find an alternative to lint roller.

Source: One Good Thing by Jillee

The post How to Use a Lint Roller in 9 Unique Ways appeared first on A Diligent Heart

Regularly mulch your garden

Mulching helps break down nutrients and helps your plants take them in easier. You’ll want to mulch at least once per season to keep your garden healthy.

Don’t worry about it ruining your garden because there are plenty of mulch landscaping ideas that you will surely love.

Be aware of your planting zone

This is incredibly important for keeping your plants living and thriving longer. Make sure you know what kinds of plants are ideal of your region’s specific temperature and environment.

Once you are familiar with these plants, your garden will thrive.

Creating your own organic pesticide is one of the great garden ideas on a budget

Here are some very useful budget gardening ideas. Make sure that you’re keeping bugs and other critters out of your garden can be a pain – a really expensive pain.

Try making your own homemade pesticide to not only save yourself the money but also that extra trip out. It’s safer and inexpensive.

Hydrogen peroxide to your plants’ water

Turns out, adding a little hydrogen peroxide can really help your plants, especially when it comes to protecting them from harmful pesticides. Try using just 1 tsp. of hydrogen peroxide per 1 liter of water.

DIY drip irrigation system

This might sound complicated, but in reality, it’s very simple!

Don’t worry, you’ll find many tutorials online. It’s even recommended by experts and is one of the great ideas for landscaping around house.

All you need is a plastic water bottle and something to poke holes in it. Bury your water bottle halfway into your pot and fill the bottle as needed. Your plant will slowly pull water out as the soil dries, watering itself.

Mark your plants.

In order to avoid any confusion, mark your plants right away after planting. This is best for beginners. You can create cute hanging name tags online.

You wouldn’t want to mix up your basil for your mint – that would certainly make for very strange spaghetti.

Invest in plant covers

Plant covers, either hard or soft, are a great investment for every gardener. They help to protect your plants from the elements as well as keep nasty critters like slugs and caterpillars away.

Give each plant its own space

When planning your garden, you’ll want to devote a small area to each plant. Try to envision the space that your plant will take up, rather than what it currently does.

You can try sloped garden ideas on a budget and see how it works for you and your plants. In the end, your garden will thank you.

Trim your herbs and veggies

Did you know that when herbs begin to flower, they start to lose their flavor?

Yep, it’s absolutely true! Don’t waste your money on replacing another basil plant ever again – just trim off those little flowers sprouting up.

Don’t tolerate weeds in your garden

Even if you’re opting for low budget DIY garden designs, it doesn’t mean you have to let the weeds grow, right?

Some weeds can actually be harmful to the plants in your garden, and ultimately cause them to die. Make sure to prune your garden regularly and pull weeds out by their roots to discourage any further growth.

Use what you have

Don’t be afraid to try low-cost, cheap backyard makeover ideas. They absolutely work.

Leftover kitchen scraps, like eggshells, coffee grounds, and banana peels are all great items to toss into your garden. Each of these is loaded with nutrients that your garden will absolutely love. However, beware of any critters these items might attract!

Know when to water

It’s no secret that your water bill can get pretty expensive when you’re caring for a whole garden – but did you know that you can conserve water with a simple trick?

Try watering in the evening instead of the daytime. This will help your plants maintain water and stay hydrated longer.

Takeaway

Garden ideas on a budget are a great option, not just for those who want to save, but also for those who want to learn more about gardening.

Researching and trying out different low-cost techniques are a great way to start your garden.

The post Garden Ideas on a Budget: Tips to Try Out appeared first on A Diligent Heart

Planting bay leaves in your own garden is simple if you keep these tips into consideration:

What Bay Tree to Plant

First thing’s first, which bay tree should you plant?

There are different varieties of bay trees. The Laurus nobilis ‘Aurea’ is the ornamental variety that is great for growing bay hedges or trees for topiaries.

If you’d like the edible varieties, look for Laurus nobilis ‘Undulata’ or Laurus nobilis f. Angustifolia.

Bay Tree Growing Conditions

The next thing you should consider is its growing conditions. A bay tree requires full or partial sunlight. It also thrives in well-drained soil and hardiness zones 5-9.

You can add light mulch to your soil to allow proper water drainage and regulate soil moisture and temperature.

Also consider extreme weather conditions, especially during winter.

Check the coldest temperature in your area. It should not go below 23 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re planning to grow a bay tree.

If it does and you really want to grow one, make sure to plant it in a sheltered position that protects it from winter winds and frost.

Things To Consider When Growing Bay Trees

When all those are taken care of, it’s time to plant your bay tree.

Look for a spot to plant your tree.

Dig a deep hole to fit the root ball of your bay sapling and twice as wide. If you’re planning to plant it in a pot, consider that this tree will grow as big as 10 feet, so you will have to pot it up as it grows.

If you’re planning to keep them in a container for much longer, prune them up to six feet tall.

Prepare your chosen spot to plant the bay tree.

Incorporate some organic matter like compost or animal manure into the soil. Place the bay sapling upright and in the middle of the area. Fill the hole with soil and tamp around it evenly.

Tips for Growing Bay Leaves

Water around the planted area.

When growing bay leaves, remember not to put too much water, or the soil will get waterlogged and lead to root rot. Once your bay tree has established a good root system, it’s generally okay to only water once every one to two weeks. Add some light mulch, and you’re good to go.

If you’re planting in a container, go for free-draining ones.

Add grit in the soil and water moderately to not “drown” your sapling; thus, hindering it from thriving. Tease the ground every once in a while, and replenish the compost. Repot every two years.

Keep in mind that it’s best to plant bay trees during spring.

How to Dry Bay Leaves After Harvesting

Continue caring for your bay plant until it grows mature and ready for harvesting. It takes two years before your bay tree is ready to become your kitchen staple. Midsummer is the best time for harvesting bay leaves to get more of its flavor.

Pick out the large and smooth leaves and dry them.

You can lay the leaves on a baking sheet and make sure they don’t overlap—sundry them for 72 hours or up to 2 weeks.

By then, they’re ready to be stored in your pantry. Now you have ready-to-use bay leaves for cooking any time.

Takeaway

Now that you already have an idea of how to grow bay leaves, feel free to give it a try. Your pantry will no longer run out of these mighty leaves. And oh, don’t forget to check these yummy bay leaf recipes for your future reference.

You may also be wondering, are bay leaves edible? They are technically edible, but it’s still best to remove them from your dish before eating them. Since they’re so stiff and pointed, they can be a choking hazard.

Additionally, learn how this gardener grows bay trees from cuttings in USDA zone 8b in the video below!

Source: The Spruce, Gardening Know How, Easy to Grow Bulbs

The post Helpful Tips for Growing Bay Leaves at Home appeared first on A Diligent Heart

Uses for coffee filters: Clean Your Electronics

Coffee filters are great for wiping down your computer, TV, and cell phone screens since they don’t leave any lint behind.

Clean Windows and Glass

Try using a coffee filter to wipe down your windows and glass. It will leave a lint-free, streak-free shine.

Soak Up Grease

You can place a coffee filter underneath bacon, fries, fried chicken, or other greasy foods to soak up the grease.

Serve Popcorn or Other Snacks

One of the smart coffee filter uses is as little disposable bowls.

You can get one filter to serve popcorn and other snacks at a party.

Mess-Free Popsicle Eating

Push the stick of your popsicle stick through a coffee filter to prevent the pop from melting onto your hands.

Strain Wine to Separate Cork From Wine

If you’ve broken a wine cork inside a bottle, you can place a coffee filter over the bottle and strain the wine out into a new container without broken cork bits.

Face Oil Blotter

This is one of the hacks for coffee filters that may seem surprising to you. You can use a coffee filter as an oil blotter sheet for your face.

Protect Your Fine China

Flatten out a coffee filter and place it in between your china when stacking your dishes.

Keep Soil in Your Pot

Put a filter at the bottom of a flower pot over the drainage hole, then pour your soil on top. This will prevent your soil from leaking out the drainage hole.

Smart Parts Keeper

Here’s one of the smart coffee filter storage ideas you can do.

If you’re working on something that has small parts like screws, you can keep them in a coffee filter, so they don’t get lost.

Sandwich On-the-Go

If you’re eating your sandwich on-the-go, you can place it in a coffee filter to prevent yourself or your kids from making a mess.

Coffee filters also work well for serving pita sandwiches.

Odor Eater/Sachet

Place baking soda or potpourri in a coffee filter and tie it off to create an odor eater or scented sachet.

Tea Bags

You can cut a piece of a coffee filter, pour in dried tea leaves, and tie it with a string or staple it to make a homemade tea bag.

Yogurt Dip

Place a coffee filter over a deep cup or jar and pour 8 ounces of yogurt onto your filter. Let it drain for one hour.

Mix your drained yogurt with 1 small minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste and eat with crackers.

Takeaway

Surprise, surprise! Maybe these uses for coffee filters weren’t the first things that came to your mind when you were thinking of other ways to use them. But come to think of it – these coffee filter hacks actually make a lot of sense!

The post 14 Clever Uses for Coffee Filters to Try appeared first on A Diligent Heart

What Every Medicine Cabinet Needs: Healing Herbs to Include

Herbs with medicinal value are a great place to start in your natural medicine cabinet. The following are your medicine cabinet must-haves: 

Echinacea: This can greatly shorten your time during colds and manage symptoms.

Basil: Basil will both calm the stomach and alleviate stress.

Parsley: Parsley is rich in antioxidants, and is anti-inflammatory. It can help reduce gas and is a diuretic.

Marigold: This herb can treat a variety of fungal infections. It is associated with boosting the immune system and helping control candida. 

Vitamins, Minerals, and Probiotics

These three substances are essential medicines to have at home. Therefore, the following vitamins, minerals, and probiotics listed below are what every medicine cabinet needs.

Vitamin C and Echinacea: Aids with immune system function.

Zinc: Helps with immune system function.

Magnesium with calcium: Great for the prevention of muscle cramps.

Vitamin B: Excellent for maintaining stamina, keeps energy level higher throughout the day.

Probiotics: These are very important for maintaining a healthy level of gut flora. Acidophilus, for example, aids in digestion and immunity.

Cod Liver Oil: This oil is a great source of vitamin D.

Colloidal Silver: A flavorless antibacterial and antiviral liquid 

Essential Oils

Essential Oils have always been beneficial to everyone.

What’s even better is that you have a wide range of options. Take a look at the benefits of each essential oil listed below and see which one best fits your needs.

Eucalyptus: Excellent for use in mixtures aimed at alleviating respiratory irritation.

Peppermint: Can help with tension headaches, and helps calm indigestion.

Lavender: Great for burns and is a powerful anti-bacterial. It is also known to aid in fighting anxiety.

Chamomile: This herb has a relaxing effect, is used often in aromatherapy, and has been known to help with menstrual problems.

Rosemary: Aids in alertness, treats some issues with the nervous system, boosts memory function, and treats varicose veins.

Activated Charcoal: This marvelous powder can help you prevent hangovers, control gas in the digestive tract, filter water, and can be used to draw toxins away from the skin. You can use it in your own toothpaste to whiten teeth.

Supplies to Add to Your Cabinet Inventory List

Having medical essentials at home isn’t complete unless you have the necessary supplies to help you store and use them properly.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of basic medicine cabinet supplies you should consider adding to your inventory.

Cheesecloth or mesh strainers: These help you extract the properties from your herbs. They also work in a poultice.

Droppers: For better control in the quantity of use, and adding drops of essential oils to mixtures. 

Jars: For keeping unused mixtures.

Linen bags: Great for making your own soothing teas, and for applying solutions to areas of the body.

Cloth Bandages: For wrapping wounds after applying healing solutions. 

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