Non-toxic Drain Cleaner Review

Sinks that won't drain. We've all experienced this phenomenon. Water just sitting in the sink. I have been tempted to use harsh chemicals to get rid of the clog. I've even learned how to take apart the bits of plumbing beneath the sink to clear the pipes. I found a terrific tool. It's called "Zip-it" and it's distributed by Cobra in New Jersey.

What's different about this tool is you don't have to unfasten any pipes. You push the tool down the sink hole or tub drain and remove the tool. Do this a couple of times and you remove the cause of the clog. (Sometimes disgusting). Zip-it is non-toxic, fast, less messy than draining water from the pipe underneath the sink, and affordable - I purchased mine for under three dollars.

I don't work for this company. I am not getting any compensation what so ever. I do believe in the product and have given it as a gift to several people. I've included a link to the site.Click here to go to the ZIP-IT website.

This one's for me

You can't always find jewelry that goes with an outfit you want to wear. That was my dilemma today. I bought a cute top that had purple, red and yellow dots on a beige background. None of the earrings I had worked with the top. Out came my beads and tools and voila! The Hattie Fox earrings were born.

I call them Hattie Fox after one of my favorite shops that sells lace and linens and all sorts of unusual gifts. Looks like something the store would carry.

Sugar Tragedy

How can there be a sugar tragedy? When you buy sugar when it's on sale and put the extra bags in your freezer. A couple of months later, you take out the sugar only to learn that the glue used to seal the bag releases under extreme cold. And you have five pounds of sugar at the bottom of the freezer. I spent the morning scooping frozen sugar out of a chest freezer. Brrrrrrrrr. I won't need air conditioning for a while.

Megan's Bracelet

So delicate. Yet stronger than it looks. Some of the pink stones are transparent and some are opaque. Large and small sparkling and subdued. That's describes a Megan that I know and also this bracelet. A sterling silver clasp completes the look.

Heart Song

I remember a song that used the words, "Heart Song". It always sounded like a happy thing. This necklace makes me happy. It's aluminum and black cord with a sterling silver clasp. And it makes any outfit look polished and complete.

Any Place is Home

I saw these ducks on my neighbor's pool the other day. Looks like the are thinking of moving in.

Neighbors are nice. Good schools, plenty of water. Quiet area. Oh yeah, there are dogs and cats around. But, the pool is a nice buffer for the cats and the dogs can't jump in after the ducks. The ducks look like they've made a commitment.

Wonder who their real estate agent was?

Pink Looks Good on Every Woman

It's true. Pink looks good on every woman. It just depends on the intensity of pink. These earrings are delicate and very lady like. Something for a mom or a sister or friend.

Simplicity

Everyone I know is trying to simplify their lives, including my mother. So, what to get a woman who has everything she needs? A necklace. One with understated elegance and versatility. That's how the Geneva necklace was devised. I used colors that look good on Mom including an amber glass bead, some gray/gold resin beads, purple glass beads along with vintage amethyst beads with silver findings. To make the necklace easier for Mom to wear; a magnetic clasp. So simple. And amethysts are believed to hold powers over dreams, peace, healing, love, courage, spiritual uplifting, psychism, protection against thieves, and a general overall happiness.

Rest assured, she won't know about her gift until I present it to her. Mom only checks the weather and her e-mails on-line.

Summer Bean Salad

I had a request to place my Bean Salad recipe on this site. This is a spicy concoction that's packed with protein. Great for the summer since it's made with vinegar and oil.

1 can garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 can kidney beans (light or dark)
1 can black beans
marinated artichokes
mild or hot pepper rings
garlic powder
dill weed
hot pepper flakes (optional)
White vinegar (optional)
Cannola or extra light olive oil (optional)

Open the cans of beans. After draining the liquid from the cans, rinse the beans and place in large bowl. Slice artichokes and pepper rings into bite-size pieces and place in bowl. (I like lots of artichokes and peppers) Since I don't measure I am guessing that I put in about a cup of artichokes and a half cup of peppers. Sprinkle a half teaspoon of garlic powder over the mixture. Add about a tablespoon of dill weed. Stir together. (Add hot pepper flakes for a spicier version).

refrigerate for a half hour. Taste the mixture. Add some oil for a richer flavor or vinegar if you prefer food with a bite.

There's no science to this recipe and you can't mess it up. Enjoy!!

Hurray! It's May

Even though we are getting socked with rain this weekend, I am happy. Happy that it's May. Spring has finally arrived in Michigan. With the arrival of spring, I created a multi-strand choker with an aluminum dangle. I used random glass, resin and turquoise beads and here's what's different...you can detach each strand and wear it separately. I like that idea. Some days you might want more beads and other days, less. And I made the dangle myself. (so proud) Punched the hole, rounded and filed the material. This item is not for sale since I have no idea what to charge. If you truly love this necklace, make me an offer :) It is one of a kind.