Fwd: [thesimple_life] Summer Painting, Marinara, buying Organic!

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The Simple Life

by Sheryl Simons

 

Simply Paint like a Pro

 

1. If you've removed wallpaper, wash it down well before you paint,

because the paste can bubble through even primer, leaving splotchy

walls

 

2. Remove electrical faceplates and furnishings.

 

3. Using a moist finger, smooth the caulk such as ALEX PLUS by Dap

into the crack. Clean up while it's still wet. Let dry about two

hours before painting.

 

4. Use dropcloths – definitely saves on clean-up, especially if there

is a spill!

 

5. Quick drying primer allows you to do the actual painting the same

day. BIN by Zinnser is ready in 45 minutes. The smell isn't

unpleasant but is very strong, so ventilation is necessary. It's a

bit drippier than regular paint. Clean up immediately using ammonia.

You must use primer if you have any stains, or on new surfaces, such

as drywall.

 

6. A good quality sashing brush is more economical than a cheap $4

brush that leaves uneven brush marks. Cleaning well after each use

will extend the life of the brush for many uses. Dry thoroughly.

 

7. Ceiling white is chalky and non-reflective and makes a smooth

looking ceiling. Quality washable wall paint is a wise expenditure,

too. You'll get smoother color, and it's more durable. Pick one shade

lighter than you like, as it seems darker over larger surfaces. " Cut

in " the trim and corners and edges first before filling in with a

roller.

 

8. Tape can pull up some of the wall paint. Cut paint in against the

ceiling with a good angled paintbrush. That makes a clean line. If

you insist on tape, remove it immediately after painting, before it

has a chance to dry. Tape does work okay to protect flooring.

 

9. Dip the brush bristles less than an inch into the paint. Rollers

should be

evenly saturated, not dripping. Choose a nap appropriate for the

wall's texture.

 

10. All paint needs two coats unless the color's very similar. After

the caulk, primer and second coat, the walls will look seamless.

 

* * *

 

 

Simple Homemade Cold Packs

 

Make a cold pack by putting two cups of water and 1/2 cup of alcohol

in a zippered freezer bag. Keep in freezer for a time when you need

an ice pack due to injury or bug bites. It has a slushy gel like

texture and molds to the area it is applied. This can be refrozen and

used many times. Children love it for scrapes, bruises and bug bites.

* * *

SIMPLY BEST MARINARA SAUCE

If you are about to have lots of nice organic tomatoes ripening on

your vines, you will love this simple recipe. Add any favorite

ingredients or spices, and can for winter, or use right away for a

great sauce for spagetti, etc.

Tomatoes, parsley, garlic and oregano go for a spin in your

food processor before simmering with sauteed onion for a goodly dash

of white wine. The consistency is smooth and the taste is pleasing

indeed.

Ingredients:

6 T olive oil 32 oz. fresh peeled tomatoes

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste 4 T chopped fresh parsley

1 clove garlic, minced 1 t dried oregano

1 t salt 1/4 t ground black pepper

½ cup white wine (opt.) 1/3 c finely diced onion

Directions:

In a food processor place tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped

parsley, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.

In a large skillet over medium heat saute the chopped onion in olive

oil for 2 minutes. Add the blended tomato sauce and white wine.

Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Yields 8 servings.

 

* * *

 

10 Veggies you should pick yourself! (or buy organic!)

 

Even if you can't always buy organic, this will open your eyes to how

much we may be swallowing pesticides.

 

Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain

pesticides.

Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain

pesticides.

Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were

found to contain pesticides.

Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain

pesticides.

Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain

pesticides.

Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to

contain pesticides.

This report was published by the (USDA) and Consumer Reports.

 

Keeping it Simple,

Sheryl

 

Contact me with your favorite recipes, questions, comments and simple

living ideas that work for you. Email: thesimple_life

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