All posts filed under: Feel Good Home

Cast Iron- The one pan you NEED and how to take care of it.

Why Cast Iron Cast iron pans have been popular cookware since before The United States of America was a thing. They’ve been a favorite from colonial kitchens to cowboy campfires to the most modern kitchens. They’re durable, versatile, and best of all, affordable. It’s the ideal cookware for any sautéed food or scramble and can go straight from the stovetop into the oven, making it the best choice for frittatas. You can even use it for baking- cast iron corn bread is a classic. A simple cast iron pan also looks beautiful sitting on your stovetop in that retro-chic kind of way. Even though I have cupboards full of cookware, the pan I use the most by far is my trusty cast iron.  A 12-inch (30-cm) cast-iron pan, once seasoned, is naturally non-stick, and can add iron to your food unlike some non-sticks which have toxic chemicals in their coating. If you’re looking to buy one, Lodge has been making reasonably priced, nearly indestructible cast iron pans in Tennessee since the 1896.  “But what about the care?” you …

The Best Natural Cleaners to Keep Your Home Spic and Span and Save You Money!

 If you are the type of person who is careful with what you put in your body, then you would probably like to avoid using harsh chemicals around the house too. Here are some great recipes for DIY natural cleaners to try out at home. Some countertops and wood surfaces are delicate, so it’s a good idea to test it out any new cleaner in a hidden area first to be safe. Using natural cleaners is a great way to create a healthier environment in your home and can also save you quite a bit of money, so it’s a win-win! xJacq Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or a lint-free cloth. Countertops and bathroom tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scrub, and wipe away. Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. You can add a few drops of …

Recipe Ideas for Quick and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats | Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan

By Nicole Pajer Making your own homemade dog treats can be a fun reward for you dog. There are many benefits to making your own dog treats at home. • Control what goes into the recipe. You can ensure that your pet is getting a nutritious and wholesome snack. You can also tailor your dog treat recipes to your dog’s taste preferences as well as cater to any dietary restrictions. • Prevent unhealthy additives. Many brands of commercial dog treats are filled with preservatives, which help to extend their shelf life. In addition, store bought treats are often made from fillers and byproducts as opposed to natural and high quality ingredients. By creating your own treats at home, you will be able to provide your dog with a healthy snack that is not only nutritious but is also free of unhealthy additives. • Make it tasty! Making your own dog treats allows you to provide your pet with a tasty alternative to his usual doggie biscuit. Quick Dog Treat Recipe Ideas Here are a few …

Spice Cabinet Redo

If you’re like me you may have a few days off for the Easter/Passover  holiday and you have a spice cabinet that looks like this. (my before pic) Then it might be a good time to get a little crafty like I did the other day. With only printable labels from the craft store (Michael’s), 4oz. Ball Jam Jars and some wrapping paper, that mess turned into this beauty… Add a little dish and some cute measuring spoons and cooking just got a whole lot easier! xJacq

How to Murder Slugs and Other Organic Gardening Tips

The website Organicgardentips.com has so many organic gardening tips its almost overwhelming but its fun to read a few at a time. Here are my 25 favorites: #16. There is no need to work the soil deeply when adding compost or soil amendments. Eighty five percent of a plant’s roots are found in the top 6″ of soil. #22. Bare soil should not be visible around a new planting. Always cover with a layer of mulch, any coarse-textured, loose organic material. #25. Weeds? Spot-spray with common full-strength household vinegar, on a sunny day. It’s an organic weed killer that’s safe for you and the environment. #42. Use the least-disruptive and least-polluting protections against a pest. Try the following methods as applicable: first physical removal, barriers, and traps; next, biological controls; then, appropriate botanical and mineral pesticides. #47. Less than 2 percent of the insects in the world are harmful. Beneficial insects such as ground beetles, ladybugs, fireflies, green lacewings, praying mantids, spiders, and wasps keep harmful insects from devouring your plants. They also pollinate your plants and decompose organic matter. …

DIY Natural Room Sprays

Sure, natural room sprays make a room smell nice, but they also do much more! Studies have shown lightly scenting a room using essential oils can have a variety of beneficial effects ranging from invigorating to calming depending on the oil you choose. Below are some proven blends or experiment using your favorite oils to create your own personal scent. If you are drawn to a particular smell, chances are it will benefit you, so go ahead and trust your intuition. If you are not using your room spray frequently, you can use a mixture of half water and half vodka to avoid a musty scent. The vodka smell dissipates quickly after it’s sprayed and the delicate  fragrance from the essential oils is all that’s left behind. It’s best to store your room spray out of direct sunlight. Enjoy! xJacq Start with one cup of water in a spray bottle, add 20-30 drops of essential oils, and shake well. Or use half vodka and half water to prolong the shelf-life.  Office or Study Room: 15 drops Lemon, 10 drops …