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Green Homemaking

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Natural & Homemade. Multi-Level Cedar Chicken Coop Design. There are so many ways to house chickens, and with the multitude of DIY and store purchased options out there– we thought that this one was a unique little space for your hens to call home.

Multi-Level Cedar Chicken Coop Design

Brought to you by Williams Sonoma, this chicken coop is crafted from cedar wood and a galvanized metal roof. Beyond the basics, this coop has some sweet features to help your chickens feel at ease. The lower corral gives 25 square feet of space to roam and the ladder reaches up to the nest boxes that comfortably sleeps anywhere from 4 to 6. The boxes are outfitted with an interior perch and galvanized mesh provides a clean environment and breathable space for chickens. This WS exclusive offers up a built in planter box that allows you to plant the perfect cocktail garden or bed of flowers to beautify the coop and its scenery.

12 Things You Should Know About (and Do With) Your Eggs. A long time ago, in a land far, far away I had a friend who hated chickens.

12 Things You Should Know About (and Do With) Your Eggs

She loathed them. Every time we’d go out to eat, she’d say to the waitress, “Don’t bring me anything with chicken. Chickens are disgusting, vile animals.” And then she’d tell a story about her uncle, who was a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation – so, a factory farm) chicken “farmer,” and how when he was upset with her, he’d send her into the chicken “camps” and make her touch them. They would peck at her and squawk, and they were generally miserable poor things. So, for a very long time, I believed chickens were disgusting, vile animals, based on her story. Except I can’t eat anything that comes out of my cat. The way they express their individual personalities is mesmerizing. And, most of all, I love the creamy, fluffy, bright yellow-orange yolked eggs they give us. As I’ve mentioned, I spent some time recently at my friend Diana’s farm (Lil’ Bit Farms) and goofed around with her chickens and goats.

45 Uses For Lemons That Will Blow Your Socks Off. Most people are familiar with the traditional uses for lemons to soothe sore throats and add some citrus flavor to our foods.

45 Uses For Lemons That Will Blow Your Socks Off

However the diversity of applications for lemons far exceeds general knowledge and once you read the following list, you'll likely want to stock at least a few lemons in your kitchen 24-7. 1. Freshen the Fridge Remove refrigerator odors with ease. Dab lemon juice on a cotton ball or sponge and leave it in the fridge for several hours. Make sure to toss out any malodorous items that might be causing the bad smell. 2. 3. 4. Non-toxic Home Cleaning & Care: Natural, Green, Eco-Friendly Solutions. Make sure to keep all home-made formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children.

Non-toxic Home Cleaning & Care: Natural, Green, Eco-Friendly Solutions

All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors, etc. Or use a citrus-based natural all-purpose cleaner.

Another alternative are microfiber cloths which lift off dirt, grease and dust without the need for cleaning chemicals, because they are formulated to penetrate and trap dirt. Air Freshener: Commercial air fresheners mask smells and coat nasal passages to diminish the sense of smell Bathroom mold: Mold in bathroom tile grout is a common problem and can be a health concern. Carpet stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Chopping block cleaner: Rub a slice of lemon across a chopping block to disinfect the surface. Goodbye to Yellow Armpit Stains. Make A Year’s Worth of Laundry Soap for $30.00. Regular readers of this blog will know that I am completely sold on the No-Grate Laundry Detergent that I posted back in February of this year.

Make A Year’s Worth of Laundry Soap for $30.00

But, like I’ve said many times on this website, I am always open to new ideas! And I really liked this idea that someone posted as a comment awhile back. A YEARS worth of Laundry Soap!?!? That’s an idea that is hard NOT to get behind! Plus, I’ve been curious about the “dry” version of homemade laundry detergent that so many people are fond of. Here is the recipe that Anonymous posted (the text in red are my notes): Anonymous said… I make a dry version which works better for my family. To grate the bars of soap I decided to make it easier on myself and use my ancient Hamilton Beach food processor. My only other tip for this recipe has to do with the “mixing”.