Friday, September 27, 2013

A Refreshing Change

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I don't know about you, but I am enjoying this change in the weather. Don't get me wrong, every season has something to love, but I'm kind of glad to be moving on to cooler days & nights. The changing leaves and the fresh snap to the air make Fall one of my four favorite seasons. How about you?

Monday, September 23, 2013

Febreze vs. Smoke

Well, today I put my Febreze with Gain freshening spray to the test! I bought a trial size bottle for my vehicle, but it ended up in my house. I was tending the fire in my garden -- you know burning up old sunflower stems and dried grass.

Image The Blueberry Bee 2013

The smoke kept following me around. So I drenched my clothes with Febreze when I came inside. It helped, but did not remove the entire smell. =(  

Image The Blueberry Bee 2013

I was really hoping it would, but I still have a faint smoke smell to my clothes. My hair -- well, that's another story. =)


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Heart Pincushion

Make up a few of these as Christmas gifts, Valentine's gifts, or even for Charity. They make great basket fillers, too! The best part is that they are quick & easy to make -- great for beginning sewers!


Friday, September 20, 2013

Lotion Quick Tip

Out of conditioner? Hair got the frizzies? Grab your favorite lotion, squirt some into your hands, rub together, and spread onto your hair. It will add luster & tame that mane in a hurry! This is my go-to for a day when I've slept late & I'm practically flying out the door. I hope it works for you, too!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Harvesting Marigold Seeds

   Harvest those flower seeds & save money on planting next year's garden!


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Quick Tip - Vacuum Maintenance




 

Do some quick maintenance on your vacuum & save on costly repair bills!


Tuesday, September 10, 2013

New Pattern & Video Tutorial - Part 2

Here's the second part of the video tutorial I promised you. I'm very sorry it has taken me so long to get it posted. I hope you enjoy it!


All-Purpose Citrus Spray Cleaner

Want a refreshing way to clean up? 
Tired of using chemical-laden cleaning supplies?
Here's one honey of a recipe to go natural with.
This environmentally, family, and pet-friendly, 
inexpensive cleaner will have you wanting to clean up!

All-Purpose Citrus Spray Cleaner
by The Blueberry Bee 2013

12 oz. White Vinegar
4 oz. Rubbing Alcohol (any %)
1/4 tsp. Lemongrass E.O., Orange E.O., Lemon E.O., or Grapefruit E.O.
1/8 tsp. Tea Tree E.O.
5 or 6 drops Liquid Dish Soap (any brand)

1. Pour all ingredients into a trigger spray bottle and then fill the bottle the rest of the way with distilled water (or tap water, if you prefer).

2. Shake it up well & spray your way to a clean, healthy home. 

*You may want to wear gloves while using this cleaner, as the essential oils may irritate sensitive skin and make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are not using gloves, be sure to wash your hands well after cleaning with this spray to avoid contact with the eyes. Also, use of essential oils during pregnancy, especially the first trimester is not advisable. 

*As with any cleaner, be sure the container is clearly labeled and kept out of the reach of children. Exercise caution & be safe! 

* Lemon E.O. is said to be astringent, antiseptic, and uplifting.

* Orange E.O. is said to boost and balance mood.

*Tea Tree E.O. is said to be antiseptic, fugicidal, and anti-inflammatory.

* Grapefruit E.O. is said to be uplifting, stress-reducing, and able to help rid the body of excess water.

Feel free to change up this recipe. Use your favorite E.O.'s and have fun with it! Use of gloves during handling of E.O.'s is advisable. If you want to learn more about essential oils & their uses, there are many good sites on the web, as well as in print. Here are two of my favorites: The Essential Oils Book by Colleen K. Dodt & Bramble Berry

The Blueberry Bee will not be held responsible for any ill effects or accidents associated with use or mishandling of product. Use at your own risk. 


Friday, September 6, 2013

Quick Tip - Air Freshener in a Pinch!

Company coming? Smelly bathroom? Laundry hamper? Shoe cabinet? Here's a quick fix in a pinch -- dryer sheets! No kidding. All you need is clothes pins & dryer sheets. I spent way too much time in the store, sniffing boxes of dryer sheets, trying to find the best-smelling ones. My nose finally landed on a winner! The downside is they don't last long. The upside is they will last through your visit with Auntie Maude!



Tip 1: Place an unopened box of your favorite dryer sheets in your linen closet. Those linens will smell lovely close to forever!


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Tip 2: Use a clothes pin to secure a dryer sheet (still folded) to your vent register(s). Your bathroom, hallway, bedroom will smell very nice & fresh for a few days.

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Tip 3: Place a dryer sheet inside your smelly shoes. Ahhhhhhhhhh. . .

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Tip 4: Place a dryer sheet inside the lid of your smelly clothes hamper. (Like I said, this is a quick fix -- you will still have to launder them eventually!


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Tip 5: Dust your furniture with a dryer sheet that has already been through the dryer. The dust will be gone, gone, gone, and you may actually enjoy dusting because it smells so good!


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Tip 6: Place a dryer sheet inside your pillow case for sweet-smelling dreams.

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Now, step back, take a deep breath, and enjoy your day! I'm pulling for you -- right after I finish the laundry.  =)

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Quick Tip - Removing Crayon from Clothes

Crayons in the dryer? That's OK -- here's a quick tip for removing crayon from your clothes!




Tuesday, September 3, 2013

New PDF Pattern & Video Tutorial - Part 1

I have posted a link to my brand new pattern on my Patterns page. 
You will find the written pattern there as well.  
As you know, the PDF is much more printer friendly. 
Just click the link I have provided and I will be happy to send you the pattern!
 Here is the video tutorial for it. 
I hope will enjoy the video and have as much fun making these as I have.


Monday, September 2, 2013

Make A Long Skirt In An Afternoon!


Make a simple long skirt in one afternoon. It just takes a little fabric & a little time.