Dillo Talk

Country Kitchen Beauty Secrets

Winter can be hard on the skin, as everyone knows. The low humidity of winter makes everything from the skin on your body to the leaves on the trees dry and brittle. However, in my own country kitchen I've found some remedies that help ease dry, itchy skin. One such remedy uses EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). My thought was, if an engine uses oil to lube its inner working parts, why can’t oil do the same for me? So, I changed the way I cooked. I substituted EVOO everywhere I previously used butter, margarine, or other animal fat products. I even started adding it to the water in which I boil my pasta. After about four weeks I felt my skin had a healthier glow. Serendipity - it worked! So, I took it a step further.

I made a solution of avocado and EVOO in the food processor and used it as a facial mask. I applied the mixture for 5-10 minutes, then rinsed it off with warm water, and WOW, again I felt my skin was smoother than before the treatment!

Since that worked so well, I looked in my pantry and experimented with sesame oil. I diluted it with some bottled water, put it in a spray bottle, and started misting myself after showering, then toweled dry. Terrific!

And what about your hair? It too can become dry and brittle in the winter. Protein-infused shampoos and conditioners can add to the dryness of hair, so forget about buying a bunch of new hair products. To add luster to your hair, simply use what's in your kitchen. Here's a simple, old fashioned remedy: mix some mayonnaise, one egg yoke, and some EVOO in the food processor. Then apply the concoction to the ends of your hair and work your way up to your scalp (use very sparingly on your scalp). For extra conditioning place a shower cap over your hair and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and let your hair air dry. Use a pick to get the tangles out - it is easier on your hair than a comb.

P.S. I suggest that you do this on a day when you are not going out in public because you might smell and feel like a salad!

Keep in mind, all of these wonderful beauty aids have no “shelf life” so they must be used on the day that you make them. Now back to the kitchen for more experimenting.

“Bon Appetit!”

Honey where’s the toothpaste?

Hello from the kitchen! Ever run out of toothpaste and have to rush to the store? Well not anymore. Next time, go to your pantry and I bet you have all the fixings right at your finger tips. All you need is 2 Tbsp dried peppermint or cinnamon, ¼ cup baking soda, and 1 tsp of canning/pickling salt, 100% natural. Put all ingredients in the food processor for a few seconds or until you have a fine powder. To use, place small amount of mixture in the palm of your hand, then moisten your toothbrush and place into mixture, and brush as usual. Make sure you store the mixture in an airtight container.

Ladies (and gentleman), do you ever suffer from dark circles and sagging skin under your eyes? Well, here is a simple fix. Take a cool cucumber and grate it in your food processor. Take the grated cucumber and place under your eyes for 10–15 minutes. Then remove with cool water and cleanse face as usual. For a refreshing finishing touch, splash face with cold water.

Now back to the kitchen for more experimenting.

“Bon Appetit!”

Cleaning Jacuzzi Bathtubs - For Your Health!

This is one of many great acticles from a Home Inspector who is a member, as am I, of the Sustainable Building Coalition. Everyone with a Jacuzzi tub, sit up and take notes!

Ask Brett
Question: How do you prevent bacteria buildup in Jacuzzi bathtubs? Is this a serious concern?

Answer: The main source of bacterial growth in whirlpool tubs is the residue that accumulates in the piping. These substances include soap film, body secretions, skin, hair, bath oils, and dirt. When these organic substances combine with minerals in the water, they congeal, forming a jelly-like matter that coats the linings of the water piping and other components of the whirlpool system. The warm, dark environment where this coating accumulates is an ideal location for the growth of infectious micro-organisms.

To eliminate this bacterial culture from your tub, it is recommended that the system be cleaned regularly. Be aware, however, that normal household disinfectants and cleaners - such as bleach, detergents, vinegar, or baking soda - are not completely effective in removing whirlpool contaminants. Instead, whirlpool manufacturers recommend operating the system for approximately 15 minutes with hot water and a solution of common dishwasher detergent. This has been found to be effective in dislodging contaminants. After draining, the system should be rinsed by operating the system with clear, cool water.

There are also various companies that provide professional cleaning of whirlpool systems, using specially formulated cleaners. The bottom line, however, is to be aware of possible health hazards and to clean your whirlpool system or have it cleaned on a regular basis. For further details regarding the proper cleaning and maintenance of your unit, contact the manufacturer.

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Coffee Anyone?

Well, I am back in the kitchen. However, this time I am enjoying a great cup of coffee. Have you ever wondered why your mother put coffee grounds around her rose bushes? The reason may surprise you. Coffee grounds are high in acidity and contain nitrogen. Roses really enjoy a sporadic shot of coffee grounds - remember, after it rains they'll need another shot.

How about another outdoor tip for recycling your coffee grounds. Ants, those pesky little bugs - here's a way to exterminate them naturally. Just sprinkle coffee grounds on the anthill and around the lawn. In fact, you can put coffee grounds anywhere you don’t want to be bothered by the little bugs. Bugs be gone!

Recycled coffee grounds can also be used as a skin exfoliator and firmer. The reason that coffee grounds work so well on the skin is that they have a pH balance of 4.5, which is the same as our skin. Here is a simple recipe: 2 cups of coffee grounds, ½ cup of sea salt, and 3 teaspoons of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). This recipe works better if you first take a warm shower to open your pores. With your hands, rub mixture onto skin, rinse with warm water first, then end with a cool- to cold-water blast to close your pores. After patting dry, you may want to follow up with a lotion - one with EVOO may be beneficial.

Now back to the kitchen for more experimenting.

“Bon Appetit!”