Let’s dive into this cleaning conundrum and explore whether it’s a hack or a hazard for your favorite kicks.

Discovering innovative ways to streamline our daily tasks is a common quest for those leading busy lives. One intriguing suggestion that frequently circulates is using the dishwasher to clean dirty sneakers. However, before tossing your beloved kicks into the dishwasher, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks to ensure both the cleanliness of your sneakers and the longevity of your household appliance.

The Temptation of Dishwasher Efficiency:

Washing sneakers in the dishwasher can seem like a shortcut to pristine footwear. After all, the dishwasher is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning, right? Before you hit that start button, let’s consider a few crucial factors.

• Time-Saving: The dishwasher can offer a quick and hands-free way to clean sneakers, saving you time and effort.
• Efficient for Certain Materials: Sneakers made of durable materials may withstand the dishwasher’s gentle cycle, effectively removing dirt and grime.

The Potential Risks:

The dishwasher’s intense water pressure and heat could damage certain shoe materials, adhesives, or embellishments. While the dishwasher can handle dishes like a champ, sneakers pose a different challenge. The high water pressure, temperature, and detergent may be too harsh for delicate shoe materials. From rubber soles to glued seams, there’s a risk of damage that could leave your sneakers worse for wear.

Effect on Shoe Structure: The dishwasher’s cycle may alter the shape or structure of some sneakers, especially those with delicate components

Material Matters:
Not all sneakers are created equal. Different materials require different care. Leather, mesh, or suede sneakers might react differently to the dishwasher environment. It’s essential to know the materials of your shoes and their tolerance to water and heat.

Sole Searching for Alternatives:
Instead of relying solely on the dishwasher, consider alternative cleaning methods. A gentle hand wash with a mild detergent, a soft brush, and some elbow grease can often be a safer bet. This approach allows you to target specific areas without subjecting your entire pair to a dishwasher’s intensity.

Preserving Sneaker Longevity:
Sneakers are an investment in both comfort and style. Preserving their longevity means adopting cleaning practices that enhance rather than compromise. Regular maintenance, spot cleaning, and storing them properly contribute to a healthier shoe life.In the dishwasher dilemma, the verdict isn’t one-size-fits-all. While some may have successfully cleaned their sneakers this way, the risks involved make it a less-than-ideal solution for many. Knowing your sneakers, their materials, and opting for gentler cleaning methods can ensure your footwear stays as fabulous as you are.

Guidelines for Safe Sneaker When Washing in Dishwasher:

In the quest for efficiency, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. Your sneakers deserve the best care to keep striding alongside you through every adventure. Whether you choose the dishwasher or a more tailored approach, here’s to stepping out with confidence and clean kick.

If you decide to proceed with washing your sneakers in the dishwasher, here are some guidelines to minimize risks:

• Remove Insoles and Laces: Take out any removable parts to prevent damage or distortion during the wash.
• Use a Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle to minimize the impact on your sneakers.
• Avoid Harsh Detergents: Stick to mild detergents or shoe-cleaning solutions to protect both your sneakers and the dishwasher.
• Air Dry Thoroughly: After the wash, let your sneakers air dry completely to prevent issues like shrinkage or warping.

In the quest for a better and easier life, experimenting with time-saving hacks is natural. Washing dirty sneakers in the dishwasher can be a convenient solution if approached with caution and consideration. Ultimately, the key lies in understanding the materials of your sneakers, using the right settings, and embracing this hack as an occasional quick fix rather than a routine cleaning method.

As with any life hack, discretion and awareness are paramount. So, is it safe to wash dirty sneakers in the dishwasher? With the right precautions, it can be, but always tread carefully to keep both your sneakers and your dishwasher in top-notch condition.

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, inflammation, or detoxification, cabbage can be a game-changer for your well-being. Let’s dive into the surprising world of cabbage and its remarkable results for your feet.

1. The Healing Power of Cabbage:

Cabbage, a humble vegetable found in kitchens around the world, has a rich history of being used in natural remedies. This section delves into the incredible healing properties of cabbage and its role in traditional and modern wellness:

Cabbage’s use in natural remedies dates back centuries, with records of its medicinal applications in ancient civilizations.
Explore how different cultures have employed cabbage for various health concerns, from ancient Europe to Asia.

Therapeutic Properties: Cabbage contains compounds such as glucosinolates, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Discover how the high sulfur content in cabbage leaves can promote detoxification and alleviate common health issues.

Versatility in Health Remedies: Cabbage leaves are known for their versatility in addressing a wide range of health concerns.
Learn how cabbage wraps have been employed for conditions like joint pain, arthritis, swelling, and even detoxification.

The surprising results of wrapping your feet in cabbage are within your reach, offering a natural and cost-effective approach to various health concerns. The wonders of this time-tested remedy have amazed countless individuals throughout history, and it’s now your turn to experience the benefits.

2. How to Prepare and Apply a Cabbage Foot Wrap:

Using cabbage leaves as a foot wrap requires careful preparation and application to ensure the best results. Follow this step-by-step guide to select, clean, and prepare cabbage leaves, wrap your feet effectively, and secure the wrap for comfort and effectiveness:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials:

Gather fresh, green cabbage leaves. Look for leaves that are free from blemishes and damage.
You’ll also need a cutting board, a knife, and a rolling pin or a similar tool.

Step 2: Select and Clean the Cabbage Leaves:

Choose a few cabbage leaves and carefully remove them from the head of cabbage. Then, Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage Leaves:

To make the cabbage leaves more pliable and comfortable for wrapping, use a rolling pin or a similar tool to gently flatten and soften them.
Be careful not to tear the leaves but ensure they are flexible.

Step 4: Trim and Cut the Leaves:

Place the cabbage leaves on a cutting board, and trim the thick stem from each leaf to make them easier to work with.
Cut the leaves into sizes that will comfortably wrap around your feet.

Step 5: Warm the Cabbage Leaves (Optional):

If desired, you can briefly warm the cabbage leaves in a microwave or with hot water. Warming the leaves can enhance their soothing effect.

Step 6: Wrap Your Feet:

Sit in a comfortable position and place the softened cabbage leaves on the soles of your feet. After that,
Wrap the leaves around your feet, ensuring they cover the areas you want to address. You can overlap the leaves slightly for better coverage.

Step 7: Secure the Wrap:

To secure the cabbage leaves, you can use medical tape or elastic bandages. But Ensure the wrap is snug but not too tight, allowing for comfortable circulation.

Step 8: Relax and Wait:

Once your feet are wrapped, it’s time to relax. Leave the cabbage wrap on for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the healing properties of the cabbage to work.

Tips for Securing the Cabbage Wrap:

• If you use elastic bandages, make sure they are not too tight, as overly tight wrapping can impede blood flow.
• While the wrap is on, you can elevate your feet to enhance the effects.
  Keep an eye on your skin during the process. If you notice any irritation or discomfort, remove the wrap immediately.

By following these steps and tips, you can properly prepare and apply a cabbage foot wrap, ensuring comfort and effectiveness.

The process allows you to harness the healing properties of cabbage to address various health concerns with this natural and time-tested remedy.

Explore our website for more fascinating home remedies and wellness tips that can help you enhance your health and well-being in the most unexpected ways. It’s time to try the extraordinary benefits of cabbage foot wraps for yourself!

No matter how neglected or greasy you think your range might be, there’s hope. With a small investment in time and a little bit of persistence, you can get your stove back in peak condition and looking as good as new.

Step 1: Before You Start, Make It Safe

The first thing you should always do before cleaning a gas appliance is to make sure that the surfaces are completely cool and the control knobs are switched to the off position. If your model is equipped with a control lock, you should definitely take advantage of it before you start cleaning. You’re going to be removing the burner guards and scrubbing your stovetop pretty vigorously, and it’s essential that the gas doesn’t come on while you’re working.

If you have an older style range with removable knobs, just make sure everything is switched to the off position and remove the knobs so you don’t accidentally bump them while you clean.

Step 2: Let the Disassembly Begin!

Your gas stove has a few basic parts that pop right off for easy cleaning: the stove grates on top, the burner caps and the burners themselves. Start by removing the stove grates, and then take a moment to wipe up any loose food particles that are hanging around. Next, pull off all of the small caps that are protecting your burners, followed by each of the burners themselves. Set all of those items to the side on a couple of dish towels close to your sink; we’re going to deal with those later on.

Step 3: Degrease the Stove Grates

Place your stove grates in the sink and give everything a thorough soaking with a non-toxic degreaser. You can also use a concentrated dish detergent if you prefer; you might just have to scrub a little more. Leave everything to soak in the degreaser for about 15-20 minutes while you turn your attention to the stove surface.

Step 4: Degrease the Stovetop

Give your stovetop a heavy spritzing of the same degreaser or liquid soap concentration and give it a few minutes to really penetrate the greasy buildup. Use your soft scouring pad to break up any bits that are burned or stuck to the surface. As you work, take a clean paper towel and routinely wipe down the stovetop and lift out all of the grease and grime. Depending on your stove’s level of buildup, you may have to repeat the process of applying degreaser and scrubbing until your paper towels start coming up clean and free of any oil or grit.

Step 5: Combat the Baked-On Stuff

You’re likely to encounter a few places where the food is cooked on to the point where a sponge just won’t cut it. Or, you might find that there are a few little gummed up corners that are difficult to reach with your hands. For the hard-to-reach stuff, try a medium-stiff nylon scrub brush or an old toothbrush. Before you really start scrubbing away, it’s a good idea to test your brush in a discreet spot on the stove to make sure it’s not going to scratch the surface. Work your brush along with some degreaser into all of the corners and around the igniters to loosen any grime.

For areas that seem like they’ve permanently bonded themselves to the surface forever, you can try using a fresh razor blade to peel up the grime. Be extremely careful if you go this route and make sure you don’t scrape the paint. You just want to break up the surface of the burned bits so the degreaser can penetrate and loosen them up. Take your time and work gently. You might not get it 100 percent perfect, so don’t fixate on the one burned spot that won’t come off; sometimes in life it’s just good to let the little things go. Besides, we’ve got a trick further down that might help you cover up some of those blemishes.

Step 6: Give Everything a Final Polish

Once you’ve degreased and scrubbed everything, you’ll want to use some fresh paper towels and wipe off any excess degreaser. Wipe everything down until it’s dry, then using some glass cleaner and a Magic Eraser, give everything a final wipe down. The Magic Eraser will lift off any small residual bits of grease and pick up any of the degreaser residue so it won’t leave a cloudy film on your stovetop. Once your Magic Eraser comes up clean, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 7: Now, About Those Parts You Removed

Now that your stove grates have had some time to marinate in the degreaser, you’ll want to give them a quick rinse with hot water to wash away the majority of the grease. After that, give the grates and your burner caps a good scrubbing with your nylon brush, and use a little soap or degreaser if you need to combat any difficult spots.

When it comes to the burners themselves, we recommend washing those in hot water while giving them a gentle scrubbing with your nylon brush. Don’t put any aggressive cleaners or solvents on your burners since they come in contact with your stove’s gas outlets. You don’t want any clogs or residual buildup that could cause ignition problems.

Once everything is clean, place your stove parts on a towel and let everything dry completely before you reassemble your stovetop.

Step 8: Reassemble and Add a Layer of Protection

Now that you’ve invested so much time getting your gas stove back into peak condition, it’s a good idea to consider adding a guard around the burners. When you’ve finished a marathon cooking session, it’ll be easier to wipe the guard down or simply replace it when the time comes. Additionally, if your stovetop is scorched beyond rescue, this is a great way to hide the unsightly surfaces.

Stove Guard Stovetop Protector

Make sure to put your stove guard in place (and remove any stickers) before you put your burners on . Then, reassemble your stove in the opposite order of disassembly. Start with replacing the burners. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten where they go; each one is unique to its particular location and will only fit its designated spot. Top your burners off with their caps and give every burner a quick test light. Once you’re satisfied that everything is in working order, put the stove grates back on , and you’re ready to cook!

This car clever backseat organizer holds your food packets, drinks, gadgets and a lot more. In a nutshell, it helps you declutter your backseat.

2. Car Headrest Hook – Declutter the backseat of your car

Turn your car’s headrest into a storage space with this car headrest hook. You can hang groceries, handbags, water bottles, toys, baby supplies and a lot more. Why clutter your backseat when you can get these hooks installed in your car! Invest in these car headrest hooks and declutter your backseat quick and easy. Built of superior materials, one unit of headrest hook can easily hold up to 13 pounds.

3. Car Ioniser- Deodorises your car

Whether it is the smell of smoke or the stale odour produced by smelly feet, this car ionizer eliminates the peculiar smell. It purifies the air and reduces the chances of general ailments like coughing, sneezing, asthma and so on. This car not just keeps the odour out of the car but also fills the car with fresh air.

4. Car Boot Organizer

Utilize every inch of your car boot space with this car boot organizer. It has large compartments and side pockets to hold car repair tools, general essentials and more. You can even store grocery in this car boot organizer. The non-slip pads prevent any kind of damage to the things stored within. You can fold it when not in use. In addition, this car boot organizer comes with a removable insulated cooler which keeps food and drinks at the perfect temperature.

5 .Car Scratch Remover Pen- Get rid of those little scratches easily

Does your beloved car look a little old because of a few scratches? Don’t worry, we have a permanent solution for you. This car scratch remover pen is a scratch repair filler. It removes scratches from your vehicle easily. Using the car scratch remover is super easy. Apply the pen on scratched areas, buff it in and wipe it. This scratch repair pen is permanent and water-resistant.

6. Set of 2 Hose Pipe with Spray Gun- Why waste your money on car washing services!

Back from a road trip? Your car needs a good wash. This hose pipe with spray gun nozzle delivers a high volume spray which washes away the dust and dirt. Just turn on the nozzle and make your car sparkling clean in a few minutes.

7. Car Air Foot Pump- Maintains the air pressure of car tires

Did you know? Driving with inadequately inflated tires not just hampers the performance of your car but it is also not safe. No matter where you travel, this car air foot pump must be a part of your car emergency kit. With this air foot pump, you can check the air pressure of your car tire and fill it if inadequate. When the tires are properly inflated, they end up saving fuel for you.

8. Car Seat Lumbar Support- Corrects your posture while driving

This accessory can be used not just in the car but at your workplace as well. Simply attach this to your chair and it is ready to use. The mesh framework is flexibles and provides adequate support to the lumbar region. This seat support is meant to correct poor posture which can cause lower back pain. Even if you are already suffering from lower back pain, you can use this supporter to feel comfortable.

9. Car Vacuum Cleaner- Keeps your car dust-free

Keep your car interiors clean and tidy with this car vacuum cleaner. It has a handle like attachment which cleans the most difficult corners of your car with great ease. All you need to do is connect it to your car charger and start cleaning.

Sanitize your sink

It’s hard to believe, but your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. Miguel Taveras, a supervisor for Managed by Q cleaning service, said he recommends sanitizing your kitchen sink once a week. For stainless steel, he recommends using an eight-ounce box of baking soda and the juice of 10 limes to create a mildly abrasive paste. As he told Martha Stewart, he uses a sponge to scrub the inside of the sink with it, following the steel’s grain. If you have an enamel sink, he recommends using a gentle scrub, such as Bon Ami Powder Cleanser, and a microfiber cloth.

For garbage disposals, Taveras recommends soaking a loaf of bread with vinegar and stuffing it in the canister. Then, after letting it sit for 15 minutes, turn on the disposal and flush it with cold water. It may sound strange, but it works!

De-funk your dishwasher

Just like the other appliances in your home, dishwashers require regular cleaning, and it’s best to give your dishwasher a deep clean — including an alkaline wash and drain trap scrub — once a month. One way to do this is to fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with white vinegar and place it on the upper rack of your dishwasher. Afterward, run the (otherwise-empty) dishwasher on the hottest setting. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can also opt to sprinkle one cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse on a hot-water cycle instead.

To clean your drain trap, remove and disassemble it and — once it’s apart — use a sponge or toothbrush and dish soap to remove any stuck-on food bits or mold.

Show your oven some lovin’.

Make your glass stovetop shine.

Spruce up your sponge

Scrub your toilet

Note: If you have any bags that are particularly grimy or have held raw meat, you’re better off tossing them out of an abundance of caution. Better safe than sorry!

Keep Your Hands Clean

Pull a plastic bag over each hand to use them as a pair of makeshift gloves! It’s a great way to keep your hands clean when handling messy foods, or when cleaning up messes like vomit, sticky crafts, etc.

Clean Your Shower Head

Use a plastic bag and some distilled white vinegar to clean your shower head! Fill the bag with vinegar and use a rubber band to secure it around your shower head. Let it soak for an hour or so to allow the vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits and cut through soap scum.

Cover Your Plunger

Don’t have a stand or cover for your toilet plunger? Cover the rubber end with a plastic bag to contain germs and grime!

Line A Wastebasket

Grocery store bags are just the right size to use as liners in small wastebaskets. Put a few extra bags in the bottom of the empty wastebasket before lining it with another bag, and that way you’ll have a replacement ready to go the next time you empty it!

Keep The Shape Of Purses & Shoes

Before you put shoes or handbags into storage, stuff a few plastic bags inside them. The bags will help your shoes or purses retain their shape while they’re in storage so they don’t wind up misshapen or lumpy.

Contain Trash In The Car

Tie an empty grocery sack to the back of your headrest on long car rides or road trips. It’s the perfect makeshift trash can for empty wrappers and drinks bottles since you can throw the whole thing away at the next rest stop!

 Use As “Barf Bags” For Carsick Passengers

Some people may feel a little nauseous in the car, while others may get truly carsick! Prepare for the worst by keeping a few empty plastic bags in your car. That way, you’ll always have a “barf bag” handy should you ever find yourself with a vomiting passenger.

Keep Mirrors & Wipers Ice-Free

For those who park their cars on the street or in uncovered spots, it’s all too common to wake up to frozen side mirrors and windshield wipers during the winter. So when the forecast calls for overnight snow, cover your wipers and side mirrors with plastic bags. The bags will keep them free of ice and snow and make the next morning’s commute a little easier!

Cover Muddy Shoes

To avoid tracking mud or slush into your car when the weather’s bad, keep a stash of plastic bags in the car. Slip one bag over each shoe before stepping into the car to keep your floor mats clean!

Wrap Plant & Plant Starts

With as much plant shopping as I did this past summer, I know just how much dirt winds up in your trunk after unloading a good plant haul! So that’s why I’ve started keeping a stash of plastic bags in my car, so I can wrap the bottoms of any plants and plant starts to keep dirt out of my car.

• Cans are convenient: stock up on some basic canned goods like tuna, sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and chickpeas. You can even make a quick salad just by combining some of these and adding a dressing.
• Your own fast burger: on a day when you have some extra time, try to prepare burgers (or veggie burgers) in large quantities. Then you can cook them or not and wrap each burger individually using cling film and store them in the freezer. When you want to have a burger all you need to do is defrost it in the microwave if it you already cooked it or pop it in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

• Herbs in a jiffy: again trade-off time today to save even more time in the future! Wash, dry and chop your fresh herbs (basil, dill, mint, parsley, etc) and put them in zip-lock bags or jars in your freezer. Next time you want to add them to your food it will be as easy as sprinkling salt. You can also add them to ice cube trays with water, lemon juice, or olive oil.
• Fill up your freezer: apart from frozen veggies (which in some cases have more nutrients than fresh ones since they are frozen right after harvesting), you can also freeze bread and grated cheese.
• Lemon juice in no time: just make ice cubes out of pure lemon juice (you could even add in herbs!) then just leave it out for a few minutes if you are adding it to a salad or throw it right into your pot for soups and other meals.

• Go (for) nuts: walnuts, almonds, cashews, and other nuts, as well as seeds (pumpkin, sesame, poppy), are fantastic in salads and noodle dishes. There’s no excuse not to have a jar of nuts always in your kitchen to sprinkle over your plate, just make sure you store them in a dark, dry cupboard.
• Veggie bath: fill up your sink with water, add a bit of vinegar and bathe all the vegetables you are going to use. Leave them for 3-10 minutes while you prepare something else. Drain the water and give them a quick rinse with running water.

• Chop everything chunky: chunkier vegetables for your salad means more vitamins and faster chopping. However, if you want to cook them go for smaller pieces and save on cooking time.
• Don’t peel: you are wasting nutrients and time since a lot of vegetables, contrary to popular belief, don’t need to be peeled e.g. potatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, carrots and beets.
• Have a basis: the base of a meal is usually starch or protein, so make sure you have noodles, rice, pasta, avocado, canned fish, or beans, which can be prepared in no time and can easily be enriched or not, with more ingredients.

• Traditionally preserved: if something has a long life it’s more likely you will have it at hand in your kitchen. Traditionally preserved foods like sun-dried tomatoes, pickles, olives, chutneys, and jams are ideal additions for a quick meal.
• Have a recipe arsenal: the perplexing issue of “what to eat” uses up valuable brainpower and time. Always have a few go-to recipes that you can easily make by using your stock of long-life ingredients, and that require little to no cooking time.

source: onegoodthing

Coconut oil is fantastic for cooking, but it may be even better for beauty! Many natural beauty products on the market today include coconut oil as the main ingredient, and for good reason! It’s naturally antibacterial, an excellent moisturizer for both hair and skin, and it smells fantastic! But, rather than spending money on expensive natural beauty products, it’s much cheaper to learn how to use coconut oil in your beauty routine at home!

In fact, there are so many amazing ways to use coconut oil in your beauty routine that it would take me days to list them all here. So instead, I decided that I would put together a list of the very best coconut oil beauty hacks, and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you in today’s post

A Crash Course In Coconut Oil

Using sunflower oil, studies have shown that topical application of EFAs to the skin is just as effective, if not more so, in reducing chronic dry skin and other skin-related EFA deficiencies. Ingesting EFAs involves the digestive system, which means you may end up losing much of the value for your skin once your other organs (especially your liver) have absorbed what they need.

When applied topically, EFAs do make it into your bloodstream after approximately two weeks of daily use. Even after such a short amount of time, the test subjects had increased levels of EFAs in both their red blood cell membranes and plasma.

Wait… Huh?

To put it simply: you can also benefit from using essential fatty acids ON your skin, and not just by ingesting them into your body. This is one reason why liquid coconut oil is a fantastic choice to use as a massage oil or an essential oil carrier.

Not only are omega-6 fatty acids present in coconut oil, but so are large amounts of lauric acid. Also found in breast milk, lauric acid is a medium-chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil) that can help protect against harmful pathogens and increase levels of good cholesterol. It also has antibacterial properties and is excellent at combatting acne, psoriasis, and eczema

Of The Best Coconut Oil Beauty Hacks

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the process of swishing with specific oils that have antibacterial and antiseptic qualities for an extended period of time. Studies have shown this is an effective way to maintain and improve oral health (and give you whiter teeth).

As for the taste, using extra virgin coconut oil can make the experience a bit more pleasant for novices. Raw coconut oil is far tastier on its own than other olive oil and vegetable oil choices!

Just put a tablespoon of solid coconut oil in your mouth, wait for it to melt, then swish it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Spit the oil out (in the trash, not the sink), then rinse and brush your teeth.

Moisturizing Body Scrub

Why waste your money on store-bought body scrubs when you can whip one up at home in seconds? Just mix 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 1 cup of sugar or coarse salt, and mix well. If you want, you can also add 5-6 drops of your favorite essential oil for fragrance.

Use your homemade coconut oil body scrub once or twice per week to keep your skin super smooth and moisturized! Get more details at the link below.

Shaving Cream

Out of shaving cream? You can use coconut oil instead! Just rub some coconut oil between your hands to melt it a bit, then spread it over your skin and shave as usual.

While you can use coconut oil alone as a shaving cream, combining it with other moisturizing ingredients can make it even better! Check out the link below to learn how to make your own luxurious skin-nourishing shaving cream.

Treatment For Rough Heels

Has winter dryness left you with rough, cracked skin on your heels? Use coconut oil to help heal and soften heels overnight! Just slather it onto your feet before bed, then pull on a pair of socks. In the morning, your skin will be much softer and smoother.

For the same heel-softening benefits of coconut oil, plus the benefits of more restful sleep, check out the link below to learn how to make my favorite homemade Sleep Salve.

Cuticle Oil

Treat dry, flaky, or peeling cuticles by rubbing coconut oil over them. It will help moisturize the skin around your fingernails and help protect your manicure at the same time.

Under-Eye Cream

Eye creams are often among the most expensive beauty items you can buy. Why waste all that money when you can use coconut oil instead? Spread a small amount over the delicate skin under your eyes to minimize dark circles and fine lines.

Or better yet, check out the link below to learn about my multi-purpose “beauty wash” containing coconut oil!

Hydrating Face Mask

Whip up a quick and easy face mask that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and rejuvenated! In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, and the flesh of half an avocado. Apply the mixture to your face and let sit for 45 minutes. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Skin Brightener

Use coconut oil to help lighten age spots and other areas of discoloration on your skin. In a small bowl, mix the juice of one lemon with 1 tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil. Rub the mixture onto affected areas to naturally brighten and moisturize your skin.

A finished basement increases the square footage of a home by adding living space that can be used as a TV room, home office, home gym, or children’s play area. The issue is that basements are often cold in the winter, especially for those who live in colder climates. Fortunately, there are several non-major renovation methods for warming up a cold basement. If you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your basement, consider the products listed below.

Cozy Area Rug

If your basement floors are always cold, a high-pile area rug in the main living area is a quick fix. TWINNIS’ plush rug is available in a variety of colors and four sizes, and its nonslip base eliminates the need for a rug pad. The fluffy microfiber material is soft enough to be used as a play surface for children.

Electric Fireplace

A sleek built-in electric fireplace, such as this one from Antarctic Star, can add warmth and elegance to a basement. It can be recessed, semi-recessed, or wall-mounted, giving you a variety of installation options based on your needs. It is available in six widths ranging from 30 inches to 68 inches to accommodate a variety of spaces. The fireplace is controlled by the device’s touch-screen buttons or the included remote control.

 Portable Baseboard Heater

Some basements come equipped with baseboard heaters, but if yours didn’t, it’s feasible to add one without undertaking a major renovation. This Fahrenheat portable baseboard heater simply plugs into a wall outlet and features nearly silent operation. For added safety, the unit will shut off automatically if its air intake is blocked. Its simple, unobtrusive design helps it to blend into any space.

Radiant Wall Heater

While portable space heaters are a good choice for heating areas of a basement as needed, a wall-mounted panel heater is a more permanent solution. This flat panel heater from Amaze Heaters heats spaces of up to 150 square feet using convection. The 24-inch by 24-inch electric wall heater measures only half an inch deep, making it subtle and unobtrusive on white walls.

Warm Throw Blanket

If your basement doubles as a den or TV room, it’s prudent to equip your couch with cozy throw blankets to stay warm while binge-watching the latest Netflix series. This throw blanket from The Connecticut Home Company—which topped our best throw blankets guide—comes in five sizes and a rainbow of colors to suit any décor style. The outer layer features faux fur, while the lining is made from a plush sherpa material.

Reverse Ceiling Fan

One reason basements are often colder than the rest of a home is that heat rises. Installing a ceiling fan can help address that airflow issue. Although it may seem counterintuitive, there’s a simple trick that allows ceiling fans to keep a space warm. Ceiling fans are generally set to spin counterclockwise and push cool air downward, but reversing their direction has the opposite effect, circulating warm air in a room instead. Choose a reversible model like this fan from Hunter Fan Company, which we rated as the best option for small rooms in our best ceiling fan guide. As a bonus, it serves as an additional light source.

 Radiant Floor Heating System

In new construction, it’s popular to install radiant floor heating systems, which are an efficient way to heat a home in winter. However, it’s also possible to add radiant floor heating to space during the renovation. Electric heated mats from Warming Systems come in a variety of sizes, and they even include a temperature-sensing thermostat. While this is one of our more expensive suggestions for basement heating, it’s also one of the most effective.

New Furnace Filter

If your basement furnace is underperforming, it’s likely time to change the air filter. In fact, dirty filters are one of the most common reasons HVAC systems falter. This pack of six Nordic Pure filters boasts a MERV rating of 12, which is considered ideal for home use. To stay on top of replacing your furnace filters, also consider signing up for an air filter subscription to ensure new ones are delivered at regular intervals.

Here’s a list of 10 ordinary things that can cause damage to your health. Take care!

1. Crossing your legs

The first to speak about the harm caused by crossing your legs in was a food complement manufacturing company in 1999. They even launched a large-scale campaign in the US called The Great Cross-Out, which wasn’t just an ad trick: numerous studies confirm that sitting with your legs crossed (on a chair or on the floor) results in hypertension, varicose veins, and nerve damage.

2. Feeding birds

Feeding pigeons is one of the favorite outdoor activities parents like to do with their kids. Unfortunately, it’s not only fun, but also dangerous. The chances of a city bird carrying a contagious disease are more than 50%. Pigeons carry ornithosis, colibacillosis, histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, tuberculosis, listeriosis, rabbit fever, Newcastle disease, toxoplasmosis… Are you sure you want to know the full list?

3. Wearing poor quality sunglasses

In their striving to save money, manufacturers use cheap plastic that doesn’t protect your eyes from UV, which, in bright sunlight, can lead to retinal burn. The shading makes your pupils dilate and receive a double dose of ultraviolet, which is even more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all. Excess UV may cause cataracts, damage your eyes, or even result in cancer.

4. Drinking lots of water

Yes, you read that right: drinking a lot of water isn’t always healthy, although so is drinking too little. Researchers insist that the body’s water needs are individual. If you move a lot and do sports, drink more; if you have kidney or cardiovascular issues, better drink less. In either case, the best way to find your daily requirement is thirst – if you don’t feel it, then don’t push it.

5. Treating yourself with a hot water bottle

Applying cold or heat to a painful spot is our favorite way to relieve pain, but there is a whole list of ailments that specifically do not require use of hot water bottles. These include bleeding, acute inflammation in the abdomen (appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis), and in the first few hours and few days after a sprain or injury. Thermal procedures are also harmful as cancer treatment.

6. Preparing popcorn in a microwave

It’s not about the way you cook it – it’s about the contents of the corn for home use. The danger here is in a chemical called diacetyl. It’s a synthetic oil and a flavoring 2-in-1. Vaporizing when heated, it gets into your lungs and damages them. You can reduce the risk to your lungs by letting the popcorn cool down before eating it.

7. Eating at your work desk

There are various different kinds of work place, yet most of them aren’t suited to eating and, more dangerous still, accumulate tons of bacteria that aren’t exactly good for your digestion. If that’s not enough for you, remember that the smell of your food may bother your colleagues, your brain needs rest, your legs need a workout, and your stomach can’t digest food because your brain isn’t concentrating on consuming it.

8. Wearing open footwear in cities

Wearing open everything is a must in summer, including footwear, as many think. What are the risks, though? There is a good chance that you’ll get your feet cut in open shoes, and any small wound, be it an insect bite or a blister, is easily infected. And that infection may spread to your whole body eventually.

9. Drinking fat-free milk

It may seem to be same as milk just without the fat, but it actually isn’t. Zero-fat milk is not even close to regular milk in terms of usefulness. When fats are extracted from milk, vitamins go with them, replaced by synthetic substances that aren’t quite good for you. Many manufacturers “strengthen” fat-free milk by adding milk powder, which may oxidize the cholesterol in milk. There isn’t any clinical evidence yet, but animals consuming oxidized cholesterol have been known to have experienced a build up of arterial plaque that could increase the risk of heart attack.

10. Not minding your posture

Correct posture means the symmetrical position of all the organs. Take care of your spine – adjust your office chair and monitor it correctly. Here’s the checklist:

• The height of your chair should correspond with the length of your thigh, and its seat should be firm.
• Your buttocks should fill no less than 2/3 of the chair.
• The back of your chair should fit your spine.
• Lean on the chair with your back so that your spine is placed firmly against it.
• Make sure your shoulder blades are brought together, your shoulders are on the same level, and your stomach is relaxed.
• Don’t cross your legs – this will hinder your blood circulation.
• Move smoothly so that your spine doesn’t hit the back of the chair.
• Don’t hurry to change your pose when you start feeling uncomfortable. Let your muscles get used to the correct position. Part of them will gradually relax, making this pose a habit, but that won’t happen at once.