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!”

Can You Dig It? Texas Archeological Sites

More than 90% of Texas Archeological Sites are privately owned by virtue of being located on private lands. Texas farmers and ranchers know that many of their resources - soil, grasses, timber, water, and wildlife - can be renewed with time and good stewardship.

Artifacts and archeological sites are different. Once artifacts are disturbed or removed, they are gone forever, and so is the story they tell us about our history. Collectors, dealers and looters want only one thing from landowners - access to sites so they can remove scientifically important artifacts for personal gain, not historical study.

Our archeological legacy began at least 13,000 years ago in the campgrounds and hunting sites of some of the earliest Native American inhabitants of North America, and continued in missions, battlegrounds, forts, cattle trails, and early settlements of immigrants from all over the world.

Today, archeological sites are disappearing at an estimated rate of 5,000 a year - in Texas alone. The inevitable expansion of people and industry is in part responsible, but looters and vandals are particularly destructive to sites such as rock shelters and rock art in the Lower Pecos region, burned rock middens in Central Texas, and prehistoric cemeteries in the eastern part of the state.

So what can a landowner do to preserve these pieces of the past?

Initially, protect your property. You, as a landowner, own and control archeological sites on your land. Write into grazing and hunting leases specific clauses prohibiting collection and excavation of sites by those leasees. Keep trespassers from looting by working with local law enforcement to catch and prosecute offenders. Additionally, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) staff can help you assess the situation at no charge if you suspect looting.

Stay tuned for more info on laws that protect archeological sites, designations that can assist landowners in site preservation and most importantly, a few thoughts on Texans and " This is my land and you stay the #*?# off!"

Beware of Termites in Cheap Mulch

You know the old saying, if something is too good to be true, it probably is. If you use mulch around your house, be very careful about buying mulch this year. After the Hurricane in New Orleans many trees were blown over. These trees were then turned into mulch and the state is trying to get rid of tons and tons of this mulch to any state or company that will come and haul it away. So it will be showing up in Home Depot and Lowes at dirt-cheap prices with one huge problem; Formosan Termites will be the bonus in many of those bags. New Orleans is one of the few areas in the country were the Formosan Termites have gotten a strong hold, and most of the trees blown down were already badly infested with those termites. Now, we may have the worst case of transporting a problem to all parts of the country that we have ever had. These termites can eat a house in no time at all, and we have no good control against them. So, tell your friends who own homes to avoid cheap mulch and know were it came from.

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!”

They're Baaaaaack

The Natural Wonders of the Texas Hill Country
Beyrl Armstrong, Green Realtor and Nature Guy

It’s that time of year again. The spring migration is just about to begin. Birds and bats that have been wintering in warmer climates will soon be returning to nest, raise families, and provide those of us who enjoy nature-viewing with hours of fun. The Texas Hill Country is one of the best places on Earth to observe and enjoy this natural phenomenon. Dripping Springs, the “Gateway to the Hill Country”, is a great place to be right now. In the coming weeks I will try to share my observations of these natural events with you.

The first Mexican free-tailed bats are back, I saw some emerging from beneath an overpass at Lamar and Research in Austin last week. These remarkable animals winter in the forests of central Mexico. There they mate, then return to the southern U.S. (mostly Texas) to establish nursery colonies and give birth to their young. Austin hosts several of these colonies, the most famous of which is located in expansion joints under the Congress Street Bridge. The population of these colonies can number from s a few thousand to 17 million. The Congress Street colony numbers between 1 and 2 million.

The bat populations in these nursery caves and shelters are made up entirely of females when they first arrive. The males live in trees and on cliffsides throughout their range. The female bats return to existing nursery caves and shelters or find new ones as their population expands. These caves and shelters are selected for their stable temperature and humidity. As the bats “pup”, the population of young is made up of both male and female bats, so the strictly female nature of the population changes to include the young males.

Since bats are mammals, they give birth to live young and nurse these young. Mothers leave the shelter of the nursery colony to feed every night, returning up to three times a night to find their own young among the sometimes millions of hungry, whining babies and nurse them.

We, here in Dripping Springs, are fortunate to be located within an easy drive of three major nursery caves. The Old Tunnel State Natural Area, located between Fredericksburg and Comfort on Grapetown Road, hosts a colony of 3-7 million bats in an abandoned railroad tunnel. The Nature Conservancy and Bat Conservation International (BCI) protect a bat colony just south of Mason, Texas on the James River. This colony numbers up to 10 million bats. BCI owns Bracken Cave, just east of San Antonio, where the largest known population of non-human mammals in North America resides for 6 months out of the year. This single colony has an estimated population of between 16-17 million bats. Seeing this many bats (or any animal for that matter) issuing forth from a hole in the ground is truly a lifetime experience. The Texas Parks and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy of Texas, and BCI websites have details on how to visit these remarkable natural events.

Next week, the first of the birds start arriving! Get ready for Purple Martins, Hummingbirds, and the very rare and beautiful Golden-cheeked Warbler. More on how to house, feed and watch these visitors as the season goes on

.com Bomb & 9-11 vs. US 290

Something very interesting happened on US 290 after 9-11 (with stock market starting to teeter prior), a bellweather, as it were. The market stood still for some months from the shock of the Twin Towers going down, then that was followed by the further stock market downturn (led by technology). Austin real estate prices followed. Funny thing in Northern Hays County, however. While the market slowed, to be sure, and average property went down maybe 10%, high quality property did not go down much in value, if at all. Investment capital in quality land was largely preserved. Many of my clients lost 50% or more of their stock portfolio during this time, but their land investments held firm. HOWEVER, and here's the bellweather...during that downward correcting market in Austin for 2-3 years, coupled with the leveling off of non-US 290 property in Northern Hays, US 290 frontage did nothing but steadily move up during this whole time. With the arrival of HEB and Home Depot to downtown Dripping Springs, Katie may have to bar the door.

Good Building Science

If you are interested in lots of info on building, remodeling, and maintaining a home with good building science in mind, there is a wealth of information on the Austin Energy, Green Building Program website:

<a href="http://www.AustinEnergy.com">http://www.AustinEnergy.com</a>

Then go to the link on the right: Green Building Program

Enjoy!!

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.

Request any of the following overviews by emailing rbibrett@sbcglobal.net
Aluminum Wiring
GFCIs vs AFCIs
FPE Panels
General Electrical Defects
Knob & Tube Wiring
Water Heaters
HVAC Systems
Stairways
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Roof Flashing Defects
Fireplaces/Chimneys
Foundation

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!”

Silk Pants in the Country

AUSTIN GETS RITZY

AUSTIN (statesman.com) – The Domain lifestyle center is under construction at MoPac Blvd. and Braker Lane in North Austin. Developer Simon Property Group Inc. is targeting high-end retailers to occupy the 800,000-square-foot center anchored by Austin’s first Neiman Marcus.

According to those familiar with Simon’s leasing plan, the list of potential tenants includes Tiffany & Co., Polo Ralph Lauren, Barney’s Co-op, Williams-Sonoma Home, Borders, Tourneau, Baily, Banks & Biddle, Lilly Pulitzer, Hugo Boss and Emporio Armani. The completed center will include more than 50 retailers, six high-end restaurants, two hotels, a movie theater and nearly 400 apartment units. The Domain is slated to open in March 2007.

The Domain will serve as the focal point of a major retail complex that will include Domain Crossing and the Shops at Arbor Walk, a mixed-use project with restaurants and retail. All three projects will total 1.7 million square feet, making it the biggest single retail complex in the region.

The City of Austin has awarded the project $37 million in sales and property tax rebates over 20 years. Of that, $1 million is designated to help local retailers with rent and allowances for finishing the interiors of their stores.

(From The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.)

P.S. Hmmmm. Not sure what we think about this.