Happy Guru 029 - Babaganoosh

February 28th, 2008

 
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Baba Ghanoush or Baba-Ganouj is one of my all time favourite foods at BBQ time. There’s nothing better than a big spoonful of Baba ghanoush, some salad (usually fresh home-made Tabbouleh) and a fresh piece of Lebanese Bread. Yummo. On today’s show, Duncan calls up Mary on the telephone to get her gorgeous Baba Ghanoush recipe - an authentic and simple traditional Lebanese recipe that tastes absolutely divine. I hope you make some the next time you have a BBQ. And be sure to let me know how it goes. Today’s Global Good Soul Vibration Podcast was proudly brought to you by the wonderful folk at www.happyguru.com - Have a beaut day. Duncan.

Happy Guru 028 - Courtesy

February 27th, 2008

 
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When you dine with friends at a restaurant or when you go on a date, who pays the bill? What is the common courtesy? Sometimes the payment of a bill at the end of a meal can be slightly uncomfortable, so in today’s show - let’s discuss some quick ideas that might give you food for thought the next time you go out to eat or drink with friends. Today’s Global Good Soul Vibration Podcast was proudly brought to you by Duncan and www.happyguru.com. Thanks for listening and Have a beaut day.

Happy Guru 027 - Visualisation

February 26th, 2008

 
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G’day Gurus and Thanks for joining me today for a special Happy Guru auditory stimulation where I’ll be taking you through a visualisation exercise. This podcast episode is designed so that you can refer back to this audio when you need some time-out for a moment of meditational solitude. This audio is a peaceful visualisation exercise that will assist and guide you through a meditation. I’ll be taking you to a peaceful place in the tropical sun where you can take back control of your breathing and bring calm to your mood. This meditation is designed to be used wherever you need a mood balance rescue - be it at home on the floor or even waiting at the airport in the departure lounge. You can effectively participate in the visualisation by sitting in a relaxing chair or lying flat on the floor or on a bed.

Before we get started - it’s important that you find yourself somewhere comfortable and quiet, somewhere where you won’t be distracted for duration of the exercise. Whether you’re doing this exercise in a chair, lying on a bed or better still, lying flat on a floor - it’s essential that you loosen your clothing and remove any accessories such as watches, necklaces or belts - and it’s a good idea to remove your shoes. Remember that our body temperature starts to lower as we retire into a relaxed state of consciousness - it’s a good idea to have a blanket on standby in case you start to feel a too cool throughout the exercise. Lastly, I recommend you have yourself a big drink of a glass of water before the exercise - preferably water at room temperature.

Ok - Let’s start to move into our peaceful space through this relaxing visualisation. If you are sitting in a chair - make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your legs and knees are relaxed and supported. You can rest your arms on the arm rests or rest your hands in your lap. If you are laying down for the exercise, spread your legs apart at an even and comfortable distance, with your toes pointing up. Have you arms rest by your side with your hands sitting in the most natural position or pose. Make sure your head is supported with a pilliow.

Let’s now start with our meditation. Close your eyes. In your own time, take at least three or four deep breaths of air and as you exhale - allowing your body to feel the release of air. Big deep breaths in through the nose and out again through your mouth. Be aware of the breath and making the breathing cycle slightly slower. Your breath will fall into it’s own relaxed rate as your now start to wind down and relax. You might like to imitate a yawn or perhaps you will naturally yawn anyway, now that you are concentrating on slowing down your breathing and your bringing your conscious state into a relax moment.

We’re going to start out the exercise by imagining that we’re standing in a beautiful patch of rain-forest - this lush rain-forest runs along a beautiful stretch of tropical sandy beach. We’ve been walking through the rain-forest in the direction of the beach - the last bit of forest track that will eventually lead us out onto the sandy shores of the beach. But before we leave the rain-forest, we stop and stand to look above us and take in the lush greens and immense canopies of the tall and old rain-forest trees. We can see the strong sunlight beams streaming through breaks in the trees foliage - like rays of glistening energy and life-force. We can hear exotic birds and sounds that soothe our soul with a reassurance that nature is abounding. The smell of the air is crisp, clean, fresh and alive with wonderful exotic smells. The birds are singing so happily and chattering to the other birds in the forest. You take in a few deep breaths to smell the abundant rain-forest aromas. Satisfied that you have taken a moment to stop and sense the last bit of the rain-forest before you walk out onto the beach - you start to walk slowly again, coming towards the end of the track that leads you out of the rain-forest and onto the white sand of the beach. You can see the sand of the beach appearing in your view and you start to notice the pristine foreshore and the incredible whiteness of the sand. You’re quietly hoping that no-one will be on the beach today - so you can
be alone on this patch of paradise for this personal moment of reflection in your day. As you emerge from the last bit of rain-forest foliage where the track now meets the sand, you stop and stand still on the slightly higher patch of sand dune to marvel at the incredible view - the brilliant mixes of jade green and iridescent blue waters of the ocean foreshore - where the water level is met at various points by long, winding & odd shaped flat sand bars - a few of the sand bars have some sea gulls and pelicans on them, just enjoying the sun. You look up and down the beach and see that no-one is in sight - your so pleased because the beach is all yours to enjoy. There’s not a soul to be found. You feel blessed that this magnificent patch of paradise is all yours to enjoy for this very special day.

You now start to leave the forest edge & walk towards to the water’s edge - where you start to hear the soft rolling sounds of the ocean waves. The sand is hot here because you’re not at the water just yet. You walk as far as the small waves where you kick off your sandals and let your feet feel the cool washes of the water on your ankles. The waves are so small. They roll in like delicate brushes of energy. You can smell the ocean’s salty breezes and the smells of the sea life that carries with it. You can smell dried cuttlefish shells and sweet smelling ocean aromas that remind you of holidays with your family and friends - happy days are remembered, from your childhood. For a moment you even hear memories in your head - memories of laughter and children playing - but these are only memories - there’s no-one in sight. The memories give you a feeling of happiness and peace about how life is so wonderful by the sea. You leave your towel next to your sandals on the dry sand so you can walk freely - you start to walk along the beach with the rain-forest on your right hand side. The ocean is on your left. You walk on the water’s edge so as to catch the small waves of water on your feet. The sandy shore is flat and even and the sand is nice and firmly packed - allowing you to walk with ease and not sinking into the wet sand. You can even hear your footsteps making a sharp & wet squelching sound as you walk. You can see tiny beach crabs scatter from their sand holes - from one hole to another - and to the water. You now notice the sun is directly in front of you - high in the sky - you tilt your head slightly upwards to feel the warm energy and light all over your face. It feels like the sun is there for you - and for no one else. The feeling brings a small smile to your face and you suddenly feel so happy and content in your heart. Nothing in the world is bothering you now - you have the blessing of the most gorgeous day from mother nature on your side. For a moment as you walk, you start to swing your arms together, back and forth - as if to make a conscious decision to swing out any tense energies or heavy thoughts - swinging bad or heavy or negative energies out of you - and releasing them to the air to leave them behind. You shake your hands and your fingers. You notice how wonderful it feels to shake the tension and stress out of your body so you stop walking and decide to face the water and do some stretches. You bend at the hips to whoosh your arms from front to back and you stretch up as high as you can to stretch out your whole body. As you stretch out nice and tall - your make funny faces by making stretching expressions and crunches with the skin on your face. The skin tingles and feels good. You stretch your body more and feel the sun’s energy move into every pore of your body’s muscles and you let out a big stress releasing yawn. You swing at the hips and let you arms swing around your body freely - flapping against your body as you reach each swinging turn of the hips. You tilt your head from one side to another and back again - you even hear some small cracks in your neck and although the sound startles you slightly - you feel so much more relaxed in your head & neck area having done the neck tilts. Your neck feels looser and less tense. You are feeling so relaxed and more loose in your whole body. The sea breeze carries to the palm trees behind you where you hear the sounds of their big leaves swaying with the energy that blows onshore - the breeze keeps your face cool and the sun continues to energise your whole body.

You notice the sand bars again and one in particular comes right to the shore just before where you are standing. The water level is just shy of the sand and the sand bar meets the shore - as if it’s an invitation for you to walk out onto the sand bar. The water either side is shallow and green - glistening with sparkles of silver shimmers. You decide to walk out onto the sand bar and stop in the middle of your new found sandy island patch - where you’re now surrounded by water in nearly all directions. The sand is clean and firm so you decide to lie down and stretch out your arms and legs into a star shape. Your arms and legs are stretched out as much as possible in an effort to capture all the energy from the sun. You see some clouds and make some shapes out of their form. You see a dog or a cat shaped cloud and you see other objects that are strangely familiar to you. It reminds you of when you were young and you took the time to look at the clouds and how you would see so many things in the formation of the cloud. The small patch of clouds move so slowly across the sky above you - and their shapes alter into new objects as the glide across the bright blue sky. Some edges of the clouds cast a shadow over your face for just a couple of seconds at a time. You turn your attention to your sandy palms and the sand under your finger nails and you close your eyes as you flick the tips of your fingers as if to try and remove the sand from beneath the nails. Your close your eyes because the sun is bright - your body is calm - you feel safe, warm and so incredibly relaxed. You have thoughts about feeling blessed to be the person who you are and how wonderful life really is. You think that despite the troubles you had in your mind before you started your walk today - you now feel like you’re one of the luckiest people alive. You’re in a patch of paradise that for this moment in time - you own and can enjoy - all to yourself. You feel safe, warm, loved & happy - all is at peace in your world. As you lie there on the warm sand with the sea breezes brushing over your face - you notice your breathing has slowed down and that your breaths are now shallow and less frequent. Your whole body is safe, warm, loved & happy. Your mind is calm. You’re at peace.

My guided voice instructions to your visualisation will stop in a moment to allow you to enjoy your moment in the sun. But before so, please take a moment to give yourself permission to be free of any troubling thoughts that have been bothering you. If there is something in particular in your life that you need to find a solution for and up until now no solution has been found - rest for now in the belief that time takes care of everything and that you will soon know all the answers to these questions. If you have been feeling pain in relation to a troubling life circumstance - allow yourself to feel the pain and sorrow by giving permission to yourself to know that it’s ok to feel such a way and that you will soon be with a much better understanding of the matter. Allow yourself now to not have to worry about life and your problems - allow yourself to relax & think about nothing but the nature that surrounds you in your beautiful patch of tropical beach paradise.

You will be welcomed back to your normal day from this visualisation exercise when you will start to hear a ritual drumming beat from the distance from behind the trees. The drum beat will be your awakening. For now - enjoy the sea breezes and sun - you feel safe, warm, loved & happy. Your mind is calm - You feel safe, warm, loved & happy.

We now start to think about sitting up to see where the drum beats are coming from. So we lift our body with one elbow and support ourselves with our hands behind us holding us upright. We stretch and yawn into the sunlight and adjust our eyes and view of the horizon. We turn slightly to look back up the beach from where we came and we can see our partner or our best friend walking down the beach waving with your towels and they have a big smile. They’re so happy to see you - although they’re a fair way down the beach - they’re slowing walking towards you. You can now stand and walk to the water and lie in the cool shallows to cool down. By the time you have finished enjoying the shallow water next to your sand bar - your friend appears standing by your side. You’re so relaxed now and happy to see them - so you get to your feet and you embrace each other in a big warm and embracing hug. No words are spoken, you simply hug and enjoy the moment.

That brings us to the end of the visualisation exercise. Hopefully you are more relaxed and peaceful and with a renewed outlook in your day. Thanks for taking part in this visualisation with me and I hope you with refer back to this audio session when you are in need of a moment of meditation or solitude. Bye for now.

Wow … Queen Victoria’s A Big Girl

February 25th, 2008

Gday Guru Friends - I thought it might be nice today to add some pics taken yesterday from our day out and about around Sydney Harbour. It was the most spectacular gorgeous day and the harbour was buzzing with thousands & thousands of people, who came down to see 2 visiting cruise ships - the brand new Queen Victoria and The QEII. The QEII is going into retirement and this is here last voyage, before going off to retire in Dubai where she’ll be a novel floating hotel. How so very Dubai. We didn’t see her, only her chimney stack - she was around the harbour further at Garden Island - it was too far to walk in the heat. I’m sure she’s gorgeous. The Queen Victoria is enormous - I think it’s the length of three football fields. The Day was such a buzz and I even found a new music sensation. They’re called “The Web” - Simon bought me an Ice Cream and their CD! Yay. The music is electronic dance beats with a fusion of Aboriginal Indigenous flavours - the didgeridoo features throughout - the house beats mixed with the outback sounds and rhythms is just delicious. I was kicking myself for deciding to not take my podcasting mike down the Circular Quay as I had a chat with one of the performers after that did a spot of entertaining. The music is great and I’ll be sure to make a trip back down there in the next couple of weeks to do a podcast show with the boys from “The Web”. Their web site is in the process of construction, but you can hear a sample of their sounds by Clicking here. You can bookmark their site as www.thewebonline.net - Ok I’ll grab some scenic pics and attach them in. Have a beaut start to the week. Love to you, Duncan :-)

Not a cloud in the sky.

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Simon and Duncan enjoying the sun.

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Queen Victoria’s A Big Girl

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A Little Austrian Town Named .. What!

February 21st, 2008

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The newspaper article below is even funnier than the sign! The article explains it all.

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But, I wanted to know, “Are the residents called F*ckers?” And what about the little children in the town. What are the Children called? Little F*uckers? What would you be learning at The F*cking High School? Does the F*cking Hospital help you with anything else? If your friend came from another town, he wouldn’t be your F*cking friend. Now you can tell all your friends about this very interesting little F*cking town. Duncan ;-)

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But Mum … Tina’s Going

February 21st, 2008

Daughter:
My friends and I want to go out tonight.

Mother:
Where are ya’ll going?

Daughter:
To the cowboy bar on the edge of town.

Mother:
I don’t think you should. There’s been a lot of trouble at that
place. I heard there was a fight there last weekend, and several people got hurt.

Daughter:
But mom!! Please!! It’ll be okay.

Mother:
No, your life is more important than going out.

Daughter:
But Tina is going with us …

Mother:
Well, in that case, it should be okay … Ya’ll have fun!

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Happy Guru 026 - Vinegar

February 21st, 2008

 
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White Distilled Vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mould, bacteria and germs - this is due to the acidity level of vinegar. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be pleased to know that it’s environmentally friendly and very economical. So you can save some cash and prevent harming the environment when you next clean your house. Following here today are loads of cleaning tips that you can use in and around your home. Also in today’s show I mention http://reef.beachwalks.tv/ and their Vlogcast where Happy Guru gets a mention. Please check out the show - it’s episode 591. To reference more great “Quick Trick Tips” on cleaning with vinegar, please visit www.vinegartips.com - Today’s Global Good Soul Vibration Podcast was proudly brought to you by www.happyguru.com and your host is Duncan. Thanks for tuning in and tuning out to the show. Ok - here’s some tips to keep you busy cleaning with vinegar.

Shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy shower head, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).

To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.

Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.

Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.

Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.

Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.

Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.

Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.

Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.

Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

shlumpadinkas

February 21st, 2008

Do you run errands in your pajamas?
Are your husband’s sweats a staple in your wardrobe?
If the answer is yes, you may be a shlumpadinka.

Oprah’s been using this word for years, but many people are still in the dark about shlumpadinkas. One audience member guessed they were the distant cousins of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Oompa Loompas, while another said shlumpadinka is what you call something when you’ve forgotten its name.

Though this word isn’t in Webster’s Dictionary—yet—Oprah says she knows a shlumpadinka when she sees one. “I made this word up a long time ago,” she says. “It represents, for me, a woman who dresses like she has completely given up…and it shows.”

Nutty Chocolate Fudge

February 21st, 2008

Recipe for Nutty Chocolate Fudge:

60 grams butter
4 tablespoon cocoa
200 grams condensed milk
2 cups brown sugar
4 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup nuts

Place all ingredients except nuts and vanilla in saucepan, stir using a wooden spoon over low heat until sugar dissolves, bring mixture to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove, beat until smooth and thick. Add vanilla and nuts. Set in greased pan.

Then all you have left to do is “Get It Into Your Belly” - Love Duncan :-)

Beach Walk Episode 591 - Aborigine Apology

February 20th, 2008

Gday Gurus - I am such a big fan of this Video Podcast - Beach Walks With Rox. The shows are presented by Roxanne Darling and the camera footage is captured by The Secret Cameraman, Shane. They’re both gorgeous souls who live a wonderful life in Hawaii. They have a daily Vlog - that I highly recommend you start watching. You can subscribe through iTunes or watch the shows directly from Their Site. Today’s Show #591 - Aborigine Apology makes mention of our very own podcast - The Global Good Soul Vibration Podcast and a show I did last week about the Stolen Generation Apology from Parliament House, by Kevin Rudd. In today’s show, Roxanne talks about the effect of an apology and the process of forgiveness. Rox and I have been talking for a few weeks now and hope to have a chat very soon on The Global Good Soul Vibration Podcast. Rox is a wonderful person with great wisdom and thoughtfulness - she articulates things in such a heart felt and well thought-out way. Please go and watch some of their shows or subscribe to their Vlog through iTunes. It’s a touch of Hawaii sunset, surf and soul - all wrapped up in one of the best shows you’ll find in the podcast community. I’ll attach today’s Vlog where we get a mention. Yay! Thanks Rox. Love to you and Shane and of course a big hug for Lexi-Dog. Love to you all, Duncan. :-)


Beach Walk 591 - Aborigine Apologylt;/a>