Friday, December 20, 2013

Vinegar Friday and a case of cracked, dry skin

TGIVF!

Image by George Hodan
I've mentioned it before, but I absolutely love to take hot baths... and to stay in them for hours at a time. Seriously. The problem is, however, that since my last birthday, my skin has started changing, along with the rest of me, it seems. Yeah. This year has not been kind to my body. First it was pneumonia in June followed by a severe, antibiotic-resistant kidney infection in September, coupled with some of the worst fibromyalgia pain I've ever had. Now, add to the mix, for the first time ever, dry skin. Really dry skin. Some mornings, my jawline feels like sandpaper. Yuck.

But I've found a solution, at least for the dry skin. And you already know part of what I'm going to say, right? Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar, to be precise. I've been using it as a toner after I wash my face, and it really helps to soften it. After toning, I slather on some organic coconut oil and presto!, my skin transforms into something touchable! 

Not only is my face softer, but so are my knees, heels, and elbows, provided I use the coconut oil after bathing. It's making quite a difference. 

When looking for ACV to use on your skin, you don't have to spring for the costlier raw vinegar. Just make sure you aren't duped into buying the fake stuff. The stores are selling carefully disguised ACV that is actually only apple cider vinegar flavored distilled white vinegar. 

Also, as I've mentioned here on the blog, as well as in my book, adding a cup or two of ACV to the bath water will also help to soften skin, as well as detoxify your body and aid in healing certain conditions, like gout.

So my advice? Skip the expensive, and often toxic, toners and moisturizers and make the switch to vinegar and oil... ACV and coconut, of course.

Winter's not looking quite so bad after all now, is it?

Keeping it green and soft with vinegar (and a generous amount of coconut oil),



Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Wine, cheese, a little bit of tech, and a little bit of nostalgia



One of the best parts about being involved with the Verizon Voices Boomer program is hosting house parties. My first party was in my late mother's home in Lancaster County in October. Thanks to Verizon, I gave away some pretty awesome prizes! 




Jess and Erin talk tech


This past Sunday, I hosted my second party in my home here in Pittsburgh. The get-together was scheduled for Saturday, but the weather became a factor, especially since I had guests traveling from as far away as Slippery Rock and Washington, PA. None of the guests would have made it up my hill on Saturday, but we had a nice crowd on Sunday. 






Adding to the spread

I had a variety of cheese-related snacks, including my really-not-good-for-you-but-really-delicious beer and cheese dip (always a hit), and a variety of red and white wines. For me, nothing beats a wine and cheese party, especially if the dessert is cheesecake. Cheese very well may be the reason I will never be thin again.





Megan, Carisa, and Will


My guests filled out pre-party surveys as they conversed and got to know each other. Then we talked products, including my Motorola Android Razr Maxx HD and my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phones, both on loan from Verizon. Some people didn't like the larger size of the Samsung, but I must say it is by far my favorite of the two.

We also discussed the three featured products:  


The Verizon Wireless Ellipsis™ 7, a portable full-feature tablet available exclusively by Verizon and its fast 4G LTE network.

vzellipse_table 

The Ellipsis features a 7-inch HD display, ample battery life, and a 1.2GHz quad core processor that lets you easily switch from e-books to games to email. Here are some qualities that make the Ellipsis a perfect gift for yourself or someone you love (or simply want to impress!):
  • The Ellipsis 7 allows you to seamlessly balance your personal and professional life. Read emails, download documents and files, manage calendars, and sync your contacts easily so you can stay productive on your next adventure.It enables you to share photos, videos, contacts.
  • It helps you stay connected with the enriched features of Verizon Messages.
  • It provides an array of preloaded apps that bring you custom radio and the latest games and movies on demand, including the Amazon Kindle app and Redbox Instant by Verizon. (Redbox Instant allows you to stream your favorite movies or find the closest Redbox kiosk, where you can pick up new releases on DVD.)

The MiniJambox by Jawbone brings beautiful, wireless sound to any experience via Bluetooth or a 3.5 millimeter stereo cable. Completely portable, it’s small enough to fit into a pocket or a clutch purse. 

mini_jambox Here are the features that make the MINI JAMBOX one of the hottest items on many Christmas lists this year:
  • Small enough to fit in a pocket or clutch
  • The best looking sound ever – brand new designs and colors
  • Up to 10 hours of battery life
  • Connects via Bluetooth 4.0 or 3.5mm stereo cable
  • Customization and personalization with Jawbone app
  • Built in speakerphone lets you take calls on the go
  • Extruded aluminum body for incredible style and sound at a super light weight

vz_power_stationFinally, we discussed the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation. Designed for rapid charging, the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation has a 4,000 mAh external battery and can switch between 500 mA, 1 amp, or 2.1 amps. Quite honestly, I don't understand anything I just wrote about this product. All I know is that it has enough power for nearly any USB-charged device, including your cellphone, tablet, or portable gaming system. It's small enough to slip in your pocket or purse and will help avoid those embarrassing, "Oh no, my battery just died" moments.

The best part for my guests, who were busy eating, drinking, and tweeting, was that they were all eligible to win these products. I felt like Santa Claus!


Ralph, Will, and Erin -- three happy winners!




Even my grandbabies had fun, with the youngest enjoying some cuddle-time with Carisa.



Carisa and the marvelous little Miss Marley Grace

To top off a night of 21st century technology, we headed into the basement where our 1950s bomb shelter offered a nostalgic look into the past, via my husband's Christmas train display. (Click here to view a video of the trains running)






All-in-all, it was a fun night. Thanks, Verizon! This has been the highlight of my participation in the Verizon Voices Boomer program. After all, I'm always up for a good party!

Which of the above products would you like to add to your Christmas wish list?




Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Boomer Voices program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Flashback Vinegar Friday -- some tips for the holidays

This was previously posted in December 2011.

Today, I thought I'd give you a couple seasonal tips (not in the book):

If your artificial Christmas tree looks a bit worn and dusty, revive it with a good spritzing of distilled white vinegar (DWV) and water (50/50) mix. Of course, you want to do this before you hang the lights (unless they're indoor/outdoor and are made to withstand moisture). 

While our cats never bothered with our trees, other people seem to have problems keeping them away from the dangling ornaments and sparkling tinsel. Here's where you want to grab your apple cider vinegar (ACV) and give a generous spray around the base of the tree. Cats hate the smell of vinegar and will tend to stay away. Of course, as I wrote about in Chapter 14 of the book, I bathe my cats in ACV, so they might be immune to its repellant qualities. And keep in mind, this will only work for cats and not toddlers! You'll have to come up with a different solution for your rugrats.

Expecting an overnight frost? Keep it off your windshield by spraying it with a 50/50 mix of DWV and water. It should be frostfree when you head out in the morning. This is also a good solution for cars in the parking lot at work or at the mall. Keep a spray bottle in your car and spritz the windshield before you head into the office or shopper's paradise. If you're concerned about the paint or wax on your car, simply place a towel or rag along the bottom of the windshield as you spray. Problem solved.

Okay, that's it for today. Just 3 tips to ease a little holiday/winter stress. If they don't help with that, a Christmas cookie (without artificial dyes) just might do the job! Have a fabulous Friday!

Keeping it green with vinegar,


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Artificial food coloring... YUCK!



Earlier today, I promised you a post about living a healthier life by eliminating artificial dyes this holiday season. It's tough to do, considering all the festive green and red icing, sugars, and sprinkles tempting your taste buds. While you can't dictate what anyone else uses, you can make wiser choices with your own baking and purchases.

Why avoid artificial food coloring? 

The main issue seems to be ADHD -- researchers have found a link between artificial food dyes and attention problems and hyperactivity in children. Often, when dealing with these issues, parents will go out of their way to avoid sugar, but little thought is given to the dyes in the foods. While the UK does still allow the dyes, they demand labeling that states, “May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” 

Unfortunately, most of us are unaware of the multitude of products that have artificial food coloring in them. Things like pickles and yogurt. The FDA is not protecting us, so it's our responsibility to read every label. 

Whole Foods is one place where I can shop, confident there will be no synthetic dyes lurking in the food. They prohibit it. I served a cake on Thanksgiving from Whole Foods and loved the muted colors that could only come from natural sources. No fluorescent icing here! 


Cake from Whole Foods. Isn't it lovely?

While some people make their own food coloring, there are others who prefer the bottled kind. The good news is that it's available!

I use Color Garden dyes, which come in lovely shades of yellow, orange, blue, and red and are 100% plant based. But there are other choices available. Click the links below to find the right natural food coloring and colored sugars/sprinkles for your healthier lifestyle:

  •  India Tree -- created with vegetable colorants (red, pink, yellow, blue)
  • Maggie's Naturals -- fantastic selection of colors (green, red, orange, yellow, pink, blue, purple)
  • Colors from Nature by Wild -- they even have this nifty chart to show you which colors to use to substitute for Red #40, Yellow #5, etc.
  • Seelect -- a wide array of choices when it comes to certified organic colors
Getting away from artificial food dyes is just one of the many ways to live healthier lives during the holidays when we are often tempted beyond our tolerance level to indulge in foods that are not-so-good-for-us. 

To read more about artificial food coloring, click here to check out this excellent blog post over at 100 Days of Real Food.

What other things are you planning on implementing for your own personal well being? Why not consider joining the Hyland's Holiday Wellness Challenge?





Finish this sentence: This holiday season, I challenge myself to... 

For me, it's to stick to natural food coloring. What about you? Check out the Challenge on Hyland's Facebook page to participate. There are going to be some great giveaways and exclusive offers for those who sign up for the challenge. 

Why wait for the new year to start focusing on healthier living. Now's the time! Join Hyland's Holiday Challenge and let me know what you're going to do to help meet your wellness goals. I'd love to hear all about it!

Here's to our health,








Join Hyland's Holiday Challenge




It's that time of year once again. The time we all seem to overeat and overstress. And the time when we promise we'll do better in the new year. Right? Well, Hyland's has kicked off a Holiday Wellness Challenge and they want people just like you to participate. 

It's easy, too. Just head over to their Facebook page and click on the Holiday Wellness Challenge tab. All you have to do is invent your own healthy challenge and sign up to receive encouraging tips and coupons. Plus, you'll be eligible to win a gift basket of healthy Hyland's products, including the NEW Hyland's DEFEND Severe Cold and Flu Powder (and you know this is the time of the year to have that on hand). Don't forget to share the challenge with your friends on FB. After all, don't you want them to be healthier, too? Get ready for special product giveaway opportunities and discounts featuring Hyland's most popular products that you'll only be able to receive if you are partaking in a challenge. Also, Hyland's will be giving away two gift baskets per week featuring the following products:
  • Calms Forte, 100ct -- $9.59
  • Nerve Tonic, 100ct -- $9.59
  • Arnica 30x, 50ct -- $7.49
  • Muscle Therapy Gel, 3oz -- $8.59
  • Bioplasma, 500ct -- $12.79
  • Bioplasma Sport, 12pack -- $11.99
  • Leg Cramps, 50ct -- $9.19
  • Restful Legs, 50ct -- $8.99
  • NEW Hyland's DEFEND Severe Cold and Flu -- $12.99
  • Hyland's DEFEND Cough and Cold 4 Adults -- $12.99
TOTAL VALUE -- $104.20!

Let's all set some goals to stay healthy this holiday season. I'm up for the challenge. How about you?

Check out my post later today about staying healthy by eliminating artificial food coloring in your icings, sugars, and cookies. If you didn't know artificial food coloring was bad for you, you'll want to stop back later to learn more and to discover some safe alternatives. 

Let me know what your wellness challenge is. Let's do it! Just click here to get started.




Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Fair trade gifts with a bow on top! Novica giveaway!

What's better than giving a gift that is handmade by someone in another country where you know they are being paid a fair wage for their handiwork? How about an already wrapped gift that is handmade by someone in another country where you know they are being paid a fair wage for their handiwork? 



Novica supports the fair trade marketplace by selling handmade goods, so far sending over $46 million to artisans around the world. Associated with National Geographic, Novica has a reputation for selling the finest fair trade goods available. 

And now, if you order gifts from artisans in Bali, Thailand, or India, you can choose to have them gift wrapped. But this isn't your ordinary gift wrap -- this is the kind of gift wrap that will wow your recipients! Because each hand wrapped gift used handmade elements, carefully crafted ribbons, brass plates, etc. See for yourself here.

I have to admit, there is something gratifying about spending money supporting these artisans. It sure beats running over to Walmart and feeding that hungry giant!

Novica was gracious enough to send me a gift code so I could order a gift or two and see for myself the fabulous gift wrapping. I chose a product from Thailand and received this lovely note with my gift:






And here is a picture of the simply, yet beautifully wrapped gift someone on my Christmas list will be receiving this year:




Right now, Novica is having a major holiday sale, which makes this post even sweeter, because they are going to award one of you with a $40 gift code so you can experience some Novica goodness for yourself. Just enter below on the Rafflecopter. But hurry! I'll be announcing a winner after 9:00 p.m. ET on 12/15/16. Worldwide. Must be 18 or over to enter. Note: There is just one chance on this Rafflecopter. No liking this page or that or following someone on Twitter. Just one simple entry. How's that for simplifying your busy holiday season?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, December 9, 2013

From coal to diamonds... saying goodbye



Oak Street
For those of you who have been following me for awhile now, you know that my mother died in January. Grief, as many of you have experienced, is a bit like swimming in the ocean. At times, we float along peacefully, rising and falling with the motions of the waves. At other times, unexpected waves catch us unaware and toss us about like ragdolls, pulling us under the water and along the bottom of the ocean, dragging us across broken bits of shells that cut into our skin and make us bleed. Those waves usually occur just when we think we're doing okay; that we're over the worst of it.

During the past eleven months, I've made frequent trips to my childhood home, which remained vacant since Mom's death. Sometimes the trips were vacations of sorts. The home was my sanctuary where I could go and spend time by myself to write, reflect, and visit friends and family. At 240 miles away, it wasn't always easy or convenient for me to do this. 

Last week, I made my final trip home. My sisters and I sold the house and the time came for me to gather my belongings and say goodbye. Closing is this coming Friday.

The pain of parting was ridiculous. It was like losing my mom all over again. It was like losing a part of me. For over 50 years, it was home. Home in every sense of the word. It was a constant in my life, a comfort, a haven. I feel a little bit like my arm or leg or something has been severed. Something's missing. 

But amidst the pain and the stress and the grief, another emotion has swelled in my heart. Gratitude. As I journeyed through this last eleven months, I've discovered how much some people care and how willing they are to lend a hand, an ear, a meal...

My heart is full because of people like Melissa and Darryl -- neighbors here who took care of things for us when we had to drop everything to go home to be with Mom in her last days, and to stay there through the funeral. 

And Linda, Bill, and Jonathan -- neighbors of my mother's who made this past year so.much.easier. They took care of the yard and the house and relieved so much stress as my sisters and I could not be in our hometown as often as needed. They also helped when it was time for us to load the truck last week. But aside from the physical assistance, their caring and loving attitudes blessed us beyond measure. When they moved in across the backyard oh so many years ago, we never realized what a treasure they really were. 

Dawn, my best friend since childhood who, along with her husband, Scott, opened their home to us and made us feel more than welcome during times when Mom's house was full and we needed a place to stay. They ministered to us during the week of the funeral in ways they can't imagine. Now, they've taken a roomful of furniture from Mom's and created a bedroom for my husband and I so we always have a place to stay in my hometown. 

My cousin, Kelly, blessed me time and time again as I came to stay at the house. She was there to share a meal, a bottle of wine, a laugh or two, and some tears. And, she was there to help with the seemingly dauntless task of cleaning out the house. She worked tirelessly and for that, I am eternally grateful.

My girls, Bethany and Jessica, and their husbands, Tom and RT, did their best to ease our burdens as well, despite the fact that they, too, were heartbroken at the loss of their grandmother and the home in Manheim that they loved.

My granddaughter, Laura, and grandson, Lincoln, offered super tight hugs again and again. They, too, miss Grandma Gene.

And, of course, my husband, who possibly shed as many tears as I have. His tears touched my heart. Bill loved my mom, and the house on Oak Street. 

There were others, of course, like Lynne, who I'd met at a writing conference and offered her assistance when she found out what I was going through. Her offer of help meant so much to me. My church family and my writing buddies offered support as well. And there were so many of you, in the GG community, who let me know they were praying for me and reached out with virtual hugs. How often your words of encouragement helped me through the day! 

I am sad. I am a bit off kilter. And I am grateful beyond anything I could imagine.

May gratitude fill your hearts to overflowing as well. Even in the midst of great pain, there is always something to be thankful for.

Hana

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Christmas through the eyes of a Grinch



“Then the Grinch thought of something 
he hadn't before! 
What if Christmas, he thought, 
doesn't come from a store. 
What if Christmas
...perhaps...
means a little bit more!”

~ Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Friday, December 6, 2013

Fired up on Vinegar Friday!

Okay, now I'm fired up. I know it's Vinegar Friday, but I'm too angry to write about vinegar today. Why? Because I just heard about the Fisher-Price Newborn-to-Toddler Apptivity Seat. Now you can plop your newborn into a seat with a built in iPad holder so you can entertain your newborn for hours without any human interaction. NEWBORN!!!! Excuse my language, but what the hell is wrong with people?! Seriously. In addition to the fact that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for kids under 2, has anyone even considered the risk of exposure to radiation so close to a baby's brain??

This is even worse than the iPotty. I already went off about this inane creation, but this has me even more upset. Seriously! Is anyone reading this who has a differing opinion? Let me know. I'd love to hear some rationale behind this. Or maybe not. Still, I'd like to know your opinion, either way.


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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

We Love Mei Tais Giveaway Event

 
Didytai Giveaway Event
Sponsored by Adriane Stare of Caribou Baby
 
Hosted by:
 
Co-hosted by:
Our Piece of Earth According to Jenny Zephyr Hill Blog
The Median Mommy Life as a Wife, Mummy and Nurse I Thought I Knew Mama
Mommy's Favorite Things Kerrific online Living Peacefully with Children
Hobo Mama Momma Lew
 
This giveaway is unique. The Didymos Didy Tai is a wonderful marriage between a woven wrap and a Buckle carrier. It's Super fast (and easy to learn) like the buckle carrier and snugly like a wrap. The DidyTai (or wrap-tai) has a criss-cross back for weight support. This is the only Mei Tai style carrier that Caribou Baby recommends for newborns because of the tremendous back support - and the ability to carry the baby legs out in a deep squat - from day one.
The DidyTai is versatile. Its toggle base allows for a great newborn hold and for the mobility of an older baby.
 
Other features of the Didy Tai include:
  • Reversible two-color carrier
  • Anatomically correct squat-spread-position
  • Special, diagonally stretchable cloth
  • Lightweight and handy
  • Free from any toxic materials
  • Pure organic cotton
  • Non-toxic dyes
  • Made in Germany
  • Machine washable
  • Long-lasting and resistant

Please enter the Giveaway below for your chance to win a Didymos Didy Tai From Caribou Baby RV $190. US and CAN residents only.     

       
Green Grandma is only hosting this giveaway 
and is not responsible for prize distribution.
   

Review it Wednesday -- Oh, Little Rabbit


I was browsing through the site at MightyNest a few weeks ago and came across the Oh, Little Rabbit line of organic cotton screen-printed linens featuring hand drawn designs. I loved what I saw, so I contacted the kind folks at MightyNest and they agreed to send me some to review.

She kindly let me choose the items I wanted, so I emailed her the codes for the following:
 


Organic Cotton Napkins, Birds

Organic Cotton Tea Towel, Bird Cage


Organic Cotton Tea Towel, Trees


I was surprised when I opened the box to find these instead:


Items received


I really wanted the bird cage towel, but later found out it was no longer available. I was also surprised by the colors. Even though I didn't order the bird tea towel, when I looked at it on the website, it looks bluer than the green one I received.



Picture on website


And the birds on the napkins look red on the website, but are actually bright orange. However, to their defense, since these are all hand printed with non-toxic water-based inks, they do indicate on the website that the colors and placement of the prints could vary.

But to be honest, there are things I love about the Oh, Little Rabbit linens I received... and some things I'm not particularly fond of, like the variation in colors. 


These are the things I love:
  • Organic cotton
  • Non-toxic water-based inks
  • Durability
  • Design (I mean, aren't they lovely?)
  • Practicality
  • Handmade in Oregon
  • Eco-friendly
Oh, Little Rabbit was founded in 2010 by Jason and Cara Hibbs, an Oregon couple who specialize in illustration and printmaking. They have a passion, not only for their art, but also for the environment, which makes this line of linens a winner in my eyes, even though I don't love everything about them.

If you like wrinkle-free linens in your kitchen, these organic cotton napkins and towels might not fit the bill for you, unless you enjoy ironing. They are not pristine... they are authentic. I guess, for me, I'd prefer a middle ground -- not quite so wrinkly. They're also not especially soft to the touch. However, the tea towels are wonderful and lint-free when it comes to drying glasses.

Bottom line, I was just browsing through their website and I cannot say how much I love their designs. Seriously. And they're not just about kitchen linens, either. These darling prints are on infant onesies, aprons, reusable totes, and more! 

So, here's the good news -- MightyNest is giving away 2 organic cotton tea towels and a set of 4 organic cotton napkins from the Oh, Little Rabbit line of linens. Just enter below on the Rafflecopter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Green Grandma received products for this review. However, I was under no obligation to write a review, whether positive or negative. The opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by the receipt of free products.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The power of one plus one... how we make a difference

Photo by Lucy Toner

Did you ever wonder if anything we do even matters? We sign petitions, we talk to our friends and family, we boycott products/businesses. But do we make a dent? 

While it's easy to get discouraged, it's important that we don't give up. That's why I wanted to share a story of success... of how our voices were heard.

For months, there was a push for Hershey to stop using child labor and to achieve Fair Trade certification. This involved individuals, like you and me, bombarding Hershey with petitions, emails, phone calls, social media messages, etc. demanding that the company cut ties with child labor.

Several protests took place in front of Hershey headquarters, which attracted quite a bit of media attention. The Green Business Network managed to get over 40 food co-ops involved by having them pledge not to carry Hershey products.But when it came to Whole Foods, there was resistance. As a matter of fact, they refused to pull the products from their shelves.

Thousands of emails to Whole Foods managers from members of the Green Business Network finally tipped the scale and after only 8 days, Whole Foods removed Hershey's Scharffen Berger line from their stores.

Within a week of the announcement from Whole Foods, Hershey buckled and pledged to certify 100% of its cocoa by the year 2020. That's a bit slow for my liking, but hey, it's success. And that, my friends, is something to be thankful for.

Thankful for all of you who put action behind their words,



Friday, November 22, 2013

A kitchen remodeling disaster and how vinegar saved the day (well, kind of)

TGIVF!

Lincoln's face looks like how I feel! 



I have to admit, I'm not feeling very thankful today. We decided to hire someone we knew to do a "soft" kitchen remodel. The work started on Tuesday and he and his helper were supposed to be done by noon yesterday. 

To say this has been a nightmare is putting it mildly, although in light of what's going on in the Philippines, or in some of your lives, for that matter, it's just an inconvenience. But I must say my stress level has not been this high in a long time.

Our soft remodel included painting, ceiling repair, crown molding, a bead board backsplash, cove base, new counters, and a new floor. One of our two counters (we have a small kitchen) has a weird angle to it. It's not your typical 40 degree angle that comes standard with in stock countertops. Well, let's just say the contractors measured wrong and now we have a counter with the wrong angle which is 2" short (thus exposing the top of the dishwasher), and our sink is no longer centered. Yikes. The whole thing has to be scrapped and we have to cut our losses. And this is only one of the many things we're upset about. I'd take pictures and post them, but they'd just upset me for years to come.
Allure vinyl plank flooring

We followed our contractor's recommendation and bought an Allure floor. So far, we're pretty happy with it, with the exception of how easily it shows scratches and scuff marks. At first, my husband was having a fit. So, of course, I went online to look up reviews of the flooring (shouldn't I have done that first?!). For the most part, the Allure vinyl plank flooring gets high marks. But there are also a fair amount of complaints about the scratches/scuff marks, as well as the separation of the planks with changes in weather. What?! The key is making sure the flooring has acclimated to the room temperature for at least 24 hours and that you use heat to seal it when it's laid. Uh oh. Neither was done. Time will tell if we will pay for that mistake, too.


Anyway, I turned to Google to find out what to do about the floor. And guess what? Washing it with vinegar and water was the first solution I found! As with many flooring types, mixing one cup of distilled white vinegar with a gallon of warm water is recommended.

Who knew? Even with this new-type flooring, vinegar comes to the rescue. So that's my tip for this particular Vinegar Friday. Wish vinegar could solve all the other problems!

By the way, the picture at the top of the page is my grandson standing on my new kitchen floor. He's holding my ragdoll cat, Vincent Van Gogh.

Keeping it green and clean with vinegar,










For more great vinegar tips, check out my book VINEGAR FRIDAYS, on sale for just $8.99 on Amazon.com.

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