How to Make a Memorial Day Patriotic Pinwheel

Pinwheels are fun to make, and just as much fun to play with! The good news is, they are easily made from basic household materials.

Here’s how to make a special Memorial Day pinwheel in patriotic colors.

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Do You Know What’s In Your Tap Water?

There is growing concern about the safety of tap water, and it is understandable when you consider the chemicals used to disinfect municipal water and the microbial organisms that can survive such sanitation measures.

Here is a partial list of some of the common chemicals and life forms that may be present in tap water and how to test for them. Bear in mind that government regulations are not designed to keep all harmful microbes or chemicals out of water, but to keep these elements at acceptable levels. For some people, any amount of certain chemicals, no matter how low, is too much.

* Nitrite and Nitrate – These inorganic chemicals can be fatal if ingested by infants under six months of age. Babies who drink tap water containing too much nitrite or nitrate have trouble breathing, turn blue, can will even die without immediate treatment. Pesticide run-off and sewage (usually from leaking septic tanks) are the sources of these chemicals.

* Arsenic – This well-known poison is a favorite among storytellers and movie-makers, but its presence in tap water is very real. Ingestion of small amounts causes skin and circulatory problems, and the American Cancer Society lists arsenic compounds as a known human carcinogen. It gets into the water supply via industrial run-off and erosion.

* Chlorine – You probably are familiar with the smell of this chemical. It is added to tap water as a disinfectant, and can cause anemia in young children and problems with the nervous system. Some sources suggest that chlorine exposure increases the risk of cancer.

* Fluoride – Important for the health of teeth and gums, but ingesting too much fluoride can cause bone weakness and, ironically, discolored or mottled teeth in children.

* Bacteria – Bacteria such as Giardia lamblia can be found in tap water. This particular bacteria is associated with digestive upset and illness. Legionella is the bacteria responsible for Legionnaire’s Disease, which is a kind of pneumonia. It occurs naturally in water, but tends to multiply in certain conditions, such as those found in heating systems.

* Viruses – These microscopic organisms can also make their way into tap water, namely viruses that cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.

This is a very small sample of the dozens of chemicals that may occur naturally, are due to industrial run-off or unsanitary practices, or are deliberately added to water for anti-microbial purposes. If you are concerned, you can test a sample of your own tap water. There are two main ways you can do this.

Kits – Hardware stores generally carry water testing kits that can cost less than $10. The more chemicals and substances the kit tests for, the more expensive the kit (generally). You can also order a kit online, or from your local health department or environmental protection agency.

Professional Laboratory – You can also send a sample of your tap water to a professional laboratory that will analyze the water for you. Check with your local health department to find out where to send your water sample. They will also let you know how much it costs. The prices range widely, from $35 to over $150.

Baking Soda for Beauty

This humble substance, sodium bicarbonate, has an amazing array of uses for beauty care. It is inexpensive and can be purchased just about anywhere. So it’s worthwhile to know some of its applications!

Shampoo

Did you know that baking soda and water alone make an excellent shampoo? It helps remove build-up caused by hard water or styling products.

Mix about 1 teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water. Add a drop of essential oil if you like. Pour over your head, work with your fingertips, and then rinse well.

There is no need for conditioner; the baking soda mixes with your hair oil to make a gentle, conditioning soap.

You can also add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per tablespoon of your regular shampoo.

If you don’t have time to wash, just sprinkle dry baking soda onto your hair and brush it through. Or, put it on your comb or brush and work it through your hair, taking care to get it down to your scalp.

It actually mixes with your hair oil to form a cleanser, which gives the impression that it is “absorbing” the oil.

Exfoliant

You don’t need expensive exfoliants to give your skin a healthy glow. If you have thick, dry skin on your heels, knees, or elbows, mix baking soda with water in a 3-to-1 ratio to make a thick paste. Rub this paste into the dry skin areas after your bath (when the skin is softened).

After rubbing it in thoroughly, rinse well and apply a moisturizing lotion. Baking soda helps slough off calluses and tough, dry skin.

Face Wash

Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda per one cup of warm water to make a facial wash. Swirl it around or shake it well; baking soda tends to sink to the bottom of such mixtures quickly. Y

ou might want to put the solution into a bowl and scoop it up with your hands. Gently rub it into your skin and rinse.

Tooth Powder

Nowadays, toothpastes boast the presence of baking soda because it is so well-known as a good tooth polish. Why not skip the commercial toothpaste and go right for the good stuff? Here are some suggestions for home-made tooth powder or paste using baking soda.

1. To a tablespoon of baking soda, add one drop each of neem oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil. Mix with water to make a paste-like consistency and use for several brushings (using a dime-sized portion each time).

2. Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of peppermint oil, stir or shake well to combine, and use as a tooth powder. To do this, pour about a teaspoon of the powder into your palm and dip your toothbrush into it. You can also use plain baking soda as a tooth powder.

3. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with 1/4 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 drop of peppermint oil to make a thin paste.

Bath

Baking soda can do wonders for the skin. Pour half a cup into your bath water to soften dry skin and soothe rashes and skin irritations, including sunburn.

Next time you want a beauty treatment, or run out of your usual toiletries, reach into your kitchen cabinet for some baking soda. It’s truly an all-around staple.

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