We Like Making Our Own Stuff

A quick and easy way to freshen your home is to deodorize and then vacuum your carpets.  There are many types of commercial carpet powders available for this purpose, by why spend the money when you can easily make your own for pennies? Carpet Powder Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda 1 cup borax 5-10 drops of a deodorizing essential oil (such as lavender or tea tree)      or 1 tablespoon powdered, dry herb (cinnamon and rosemary work well) 1.  Whisk baking soda and borax together to combine. 2.  Add essential oil or powdered herb.  Mix well. 3.  Pour mixture into a shaker (an old Parmesan cheese or spice container works well). 4.  Sprinkle the mixture over carpets and allow to sit for 20 minutes, keeping children and pets off carpet.   5.  Vacuum carpet thoroughly.

This is a Brussels sprout. I think they are a beautiful, tasty vegetable, but apparently, it has a bad reputation (especially with children). I hope you'll give up your preconceived notions regarding Brussels sprouts and just give the poor, little guys a try.  These oven roasted beauties are actually very tasty (especially served with venison steaks). Roasted Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts with Fingerling Potatoes 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes 1 pound Brussels sprouts 2 Tablespoons melted butter or olive oil salt and pepper to taste 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese 1.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil; preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2.  Wash potatoes and Brussels sprouts well.  Trim brown ends off of Brussels sprouts and remove any yellowed outer leaves. 3.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 4.  Once the water has begun to boil, add the potatoes.  Return to a boil, and boil for one minute.  ...