How to Clean Makeup Brushes DIY

Your makeup brushes are things you use almost everyday. So many things are applied on your face with these brushes, such as blush, powder, and eyeshadow. Toxins such as sweat and bacteria, along with this makeup residue get stuck within the bristles of your brush, causing breakouts on your skin when not cleaned.

Once you pay more attention to your brushes, cleaning them at least once or twice a week with a product like Botanical Brush Cleaner by Jane Iredale, or the other natural alternatives we’ve listed below, your brush bristles will be bacteria-free making your brushes last longer. Here are some easy to do DIY tricks you can use to get this done.

Lemon with Vinegar

Lemon and vinegar are considered to be natural cleaning agents in the household thereby making them the perfect combination to clean your makeup brushes. Get a cup of hot water and then mix two tablespoons into it. Dip your brushes into it, wash and rinse it off with lukewarm water. You may not like the vinegar smell your brushes are left with, so you can rub them against a lemon to get a better scent from it.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is already a trusted and well-used cleaning agent in the household used to get your kitchen wares clean so this DIY is a no-brainer. Use warm water to get your brushes wet, add a considerable amount of dish soap and then massage your brushes, removing any residue on them. Use a clean sponge to get this done easier. Rinse your brushes afterward and let them dry. Concentrate mainly on the bristles of the brushes

Baby Shampoo

Baby shampoo can also work efficiently as a cleaning agent for your makeup brushes. Use lukewarm water to wet your brushes, add a little bit of your baby shampoo then rub it in a circular motion in order to get rid of any makeup residue. Rinse and air dry properly.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used for several things such as detoxing, salad dressings, and so on. It also serves as a cleaning agent in the household which you can conveniently use to clean your makeup brushes as well. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a cup of warm water and then use this mixture to clean your brushes properly then rinse and dry.

Olive Oil

Olive Oil can be used for so many things in the household from conditioner to hair moisturizer. It can also serve as a cleaning agent for your makeup brushes. Put your brushes in a bowl of olive oil then use a sponge and gently rub it against it or you can also use your fingers. Let the water you use be running. Rinse and dry afterward.

When you have clean brushes, applying your makeup becomes much easier reducing patchy stains on your makeup. It also keeps your brush bristles soft and lasts longer removing the thought of you going out to buy new brushes within a short time. Application of makeup becomes smoother and better for you.

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How to Plant in the Fall

There are a lot of crops that can thrive when planted in the fall, regardless of the crisp weather. They may need more time to grow and mature due to the little source of light they receive because of the windy nature of fall. These crops are usually able to be harvested during September and October. In order for you to have a successful fall harvest, there are a few guidelines you need to follow.

Start Early

A lot of people make the mistake of not thinking about planting in the fall early enough for the crops to yield fruits on time. For you to have a successful harvest, you need to start planting at the peak of summer. August is a perfect time to start planting so that your plants will be able to get some of the warmth that comes with the sun at the time. During this period, your plants will start to mature in proper growing conditions.

Know How Long Fall Crops Take to Grow

Every crop has a lifespan, predictable in some cases meaning that you can calculate how long a plant will reach its size for harvest. This lifespan is often called “days to maturity” although this can be affected by environmental factors sometimes causing it to differ or fluctuate; the accuracy shouldn’t be far-fetched.

Harvest Your Fall Crops on Time

You should go out there and harvest your crops. managing your fall crops also entails you knowing the exact time to go harvest in order not to defeat the whole purpose of your planting. as soon as you’re able to harvest your crops, you’d now be able to start preparing for your next fall planting. This also gives space for the new fall plants. Crops that may be finishing up in your garden midsummer include:

·    Cabbage

·    Spinach

·    Broccoli

Crops Last Longer in the Fall

Crops like cabbage, broccoli can live for months even after maturity. A whole lot of other vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, and kale have a long lifespan when planted for fall harvest. This is possible due to the cool weather that comes with the fall which helps preserve these plants.

Best Plants for Fall

Beets: Beets are great plants to grow during the fall. Beets should be planted 10-12 weeks before fall is over. It is also advisable to get seedlings to assist with the whole timing. You do not have to wait for beets to get too large before you harvest.

Broccoli: Broccoli needs to be planted on time for it to mature at the right time. This vegetable should be planted in late summer or early September. When harvesting, leaving the remaining plant in the ground can cause further yield.

Cabbage: Cabbage is another vegetable that can be planted in the fall. It should be planted in early fall and germination will most likely start in about 6-7 days. You should also know that a smaller heading size yields way faster.

Take note that these plants thrive in cool temperatures not cold temperatures.

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Safety & Health Tips for Women in Agriculture

Women in agriculture need to remain safe and healthy too. Agriculture these days is not just for men. And because of this, this article is here to talk about safety and health tips for awesome women who are working hard in agriculture these days. 

These days, the difference between urban and rural women is that there is a different shift of labor when they are on the farm. This provides labor used in farms. There are a variety of operations that take place on the farm. You need to look at the type of available help, the season/weather, and the specific operation the women are doing. 

These are all referred to as the phenomenon of the third shift. These have been recognized as what contributes to the stress that many women in agriculture feel. 

Every farm has its values set, which influences the labor division on farms—the potential of women that exposes them to different roles. Women try to handle a lot, and they need to fill out several roles. 

Risks which are Specific to Women in Agriculture 

Women can handle things just like men in any part of agricultural operations. Some simple health and safety risks are specific to just women. These are particular for only female farmers. 

The National Occupational Safety Institute for Health lists a lot of issues which women suffer from in agriculture. These include depression, risks from cancer, fatigue, work-related injuries, risks related to pregnancy, exposures to pesticides, and chronic bronchitis. 

Combining all these risks and being in a location that isn't urban means these women suffer from health disparities when one compares them with the entire population. Generally, women who live and grow in these rural health areas have inferior health outcomes. They also have reduced access to health care than women that live in urban areas. 

List of Safety and Health Tips for Women in Agriculture 

As a woman, you need to comply and read the safety manual as assigned for the farm. 

You need to keep up and follow the state and federal laws.

You need to properly mount your vehicles and keep your tools and vehicles clean and visible. This way, everyone knows you're driving the vehicle, and you can keep everyone around you safe. 

You need to make sure you dress correctly. Dress like someone that's working on the farm. Don't wear clothes meant for parties or dinners to the farm. If you do that, you will get hurt. 

Make sure you rest properly. Make sure you don't stay on the farm for too long. When you are tired, please rest. You are not Wonder Woman, and even she needs rest too. 

Don't drink alcohol while working. You could end up in a horrible fatal accident if you take alcohol as you work. Please avoid that and be careful.

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How to Keep Squirrels (and Other Animals) Out of Your Garden

Some people have gardens where annoying little squirrels can cause some damage. This article discusses safe ways you could keep squirrels and a variety of other animals from disturbing your beautiful plants. Here we go!

How You Can Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

You could get a dog: Lots of dogs enjoy chasing squirrels around. You could put your dogs to patrol for squirrels and scare them away.

Attack their sense of smell: Squirrels are consistently offended by the things that deer find offensive. Make use of repellents like deer repellent. This works very well. You could try out little coffee grounds layers. You might tuck in a bit of dog hair and keep this under some of your plants.

Surprise them: Squirrels are very active and fast, but no one likes to be surprised. You could shop at them or startle them away. You could spray them with water using a motion-activated sprinkler or use a motion-activated air that can blast them with some air.

Employ natural predators: You could make use of attracting owls or hawks, which are the natural predators of squirrels. If you have small animals in your yard that you like, then this method isn't recommended.

You could create a barrier: You do this by shielding ground crops using row covers. This creates an enclosure using chicken wire. You could even create your greenhouse, which would protect the plants in your garden from these squirrels. You should create any fence form and place it afoot through the ground. This would reduce the rate squirrels would try to dig underneath to get into your garden.

Try making use of companion plants: Plant mustard, nasturtiums, marigolds, and mint. This discourages squirrels.

You could make use of crowned imperial bulbs, also known as Fritillaria. These are recommended that you always plant them away from areas that are inhibited. These areas include porches or patios as a result of their strong smell of skunk.

How do you safely deter squirrels from destroying your garden?

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DIY Cleaning Hacks for Baking Soda

It's DIY time, everybody. I'm sure you're here because you want to learn all the cleaning hacks using baking soda to clean different spots in your home. 

Whenever it comes to a cleaner that's natural that gets rid of grime and grease, you should make use of baking soda. So here are some DIY cleaning hacks for baking soda.

List of Cleaning Hacks for Baking Soda 

Use Baking Soda to Unclog Slow Drains

Before you use household chemicals to clean drains that aren't moving quickly, try vinegar and baking soda? To do this, you should pour a cup of baking soda on the slow drain. Heat your vinegar and then pour everything on the baking soda. After around ten minutes, flush your entire pot using boiling water. Don't try this technique on fully clogged drains, though.

Use Baking Soda as an Oven Scrub 

You could make use of baking soda to clean filthy ovens. These ovens could have horrible odors, which could have chemicals that might end up being corrosive. You could get some salt paste and baking soda and mix with some vinegar and water. Then spread your paste all over the walls, floor, and the door of your oven using a brush. 

You need to wear some gloves. It would be best if you allowed the mixture to sit appropriately for a day. Keep everything moist using vinegar or water over time. Your paste would reduce the oven parts that have burnt food and help you scrub things easier. 

You could wipe your paste away using a cloth or sponge. Then turn your oven to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You should keep everything on for about an hour to reduce any residue that decides to linger. You should turn your oven off, and when it is cool again, spray all stubborn dirty areas using your mixture and wipe everything clean.

Use Baking Soda to Clean Ceramic Stovetop. 

There is food residue that gathers at the top of the stove. You could use baking soda and a paste of warm water to clean your ceramic stovetop. Spoon your mixture and put it on the dirty surface. This would help you reduce the strength of the dirty residue. Allow it all to sit for 20 minutes. Scrub it and get rid of the dirty gunk. After scrubbing, you could spray glass cleaners and then wipe everything dry after you’re done. 

Use Baking Soda to Clean Stainless Steel

No one enjoys making use of dirty stainless-steel products. They are not attractive or beautiful to the eye. They end up looking dull too. You could spray some baking soda and bring your stainless-steel back to the land of the living. 

What DIY cleaning hacks for baking soda will you use?

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The Healing Power of Flower Essences

There has been scientific research on the healing power of flower essences. This research explains these potential benefits of flowers, and they include the following.

Potential Healing Powers of Flower Essences

Flower essences are used for anxiety.

Flower essences such as lavender and eucalyptus essential oils have several benefits for people that suffer from anxiety. Some studies have shown that flower essence therapy (or aromatherapy) may help reduce anxiety for adults and kids.

Flower essences are used for pain.

Various studies report that flower essence therapy (when used topically) helps to ease pain, such as the minor chronic pain found in people that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. These participants applied flower essence cream (or diluted essential oil drops into a carrier oil such as jojoba oil) onto external parts of their body suffering from this pain and ended up feeling better. (Note: Keep oil away from the eyes and open wounds.)

From this study, these essences could have properties biologically that aid in making that part of the body feel better. However, further research is needed.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Because flower essences are solutions that are diluted, they are relatively safe when used properly. Just like every type of remedy, these essences could still have unwanted side effects.

List of Possible Side Effects

Practitioners say that these could cause:

1. Headache

2. Skin rashes

3. Fatigue

Different practitioners state that these are pretty safe, but you should be careful, especially when you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Always check in with your doctor or medical health care professional before using flower essences to reduce anxiety, pain, or stress.

So, there we have it, flower essences may have a lot of healing powers and may have some disadvantages too.

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How to Make a DIY Fire Pit

There are several ways to make a DIY fire pit. One way is to use a fire brick. This can be combined with a natural fieldstone or landscape pavers to create your unique look. Below is a list of tools and materials that you will need to get started.

Tools

1. Tape measure.

2. Stake.

3. Trowel.

4. Wheelbarrow.

5. Hand tamper.

6. Shovel.

Materials 

1. Strings.

2. Gravel.

3. Spray paint.

4. Ready-mix concrete.

5. Capstones.

6. 6” x 12” x 2-3/8” paver stones.

7. 9” x 4” x 2-1/2” firebrick. 

8. 2x4 screed board.

Plan your fire pit design

A backyard fire pit is a common landscape feature. They are not only attractive but provide an outdoor gathering place. 

A firepit is normally constructed from fireproof material on a flat, level area at least 25 meters from the house or any tree. They are also governed by strict local building codes, so therefore, before you start construction of your fireplace, know the codes of your area.

Step 1: Build the foundation

You first pound the rebar stake into the ground at the center of the fire pit and mark the circumference. Attach a string to the stake, measure half of the circumference then tie the other end of the string to a spray paint can. Pull on the string lightly and walk around the stake, using spray paint to paint the boundaries of the circumference. 

Then dig the space out to a depth of 6” and using the same method as above, mark an inner circle. This will be the inner edge of the fire pit wall.

Make a foundation by mixing concrete and water and then laying the wet concrete between the two circles so that it is level with the ground. Press rebar towards the concrete for reinforcement and then allow the wet concrete to dry.

Step 2: Build outer wall

This is the time to lay the stones. First, mix the mortar and then shovel about 2" into the concrete base. Lay the stones in the mortar. If you decide to use natural stone it better for you to mix the sizes and colors. You should also choose stone faces that are attractive and match your outline. A chipping hammer can also be used to shape individual stones.

As the first wall takes shape along the outside edge of the fire pit, lay down the fire brick from the inner wall of the structure.

Step 3: Build the inner fire brick wall

It is important that as you fill in the gaps in between the mortar you also scrape away the excess and periodically measure its edges. This is to ensure that the inside and the outside of the wall maintain thickness and its circular shape.

Continue to raise both the fire bricks on the inside and the stones on the outside and filling gaps between them with mortar. Finish the structure by laying a cap of vetted flat fieldstones on the top wall. Make sure that the top is flat by added mortar to make an even surface.

Step 4: Finish the fire pit

The finishing touches will include painting using a standard paintbrush, brushing the exterior of the stone to remove debris. You can spray-paint the inside brick with black to have a uniform finish.

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