Bubble Gums a second life.

Picture by Lauri

Did you know bubble gums are harmful for the environment? Yep, they are. Let me explain. I was watching a show about eco-friendly ways to help our planet and they mentioned that bubble gums are NOT biodegradable. (and must people think it is) so I thought hmmm I'd share this info with my fellow readers. Fingers to the rescue!.

I started researching more info about Bubble Gums. When people throw bubble gums on the street on the ground, it makes a mess right? cleaning up that mess cost thousands of dollars each month to every city and not just that, also causes harm due to all the chemicals uses in the process. All those chemicals used to clean the streets full of bubble gums are contaminants, because those chemicals are going to the drain of water reaching lakes and then to the oceans causing the deterioration of the marine flora and fauna just by a simple bubble gum. This is a cycle that becomes harmful. Well not so simple, we do things that we do not know the fatal consequences.

There's a designer in London that upcycles Bubble Gums as medium. Her name is Anna Bullus. She invented a new product called Gumdropbin , it's a bin for collecting used bubble gums and give them a second chance in life, with them she reused them and makes more bins.

I'm not saying do not chew bubble gums, just be aware of where you dispose them. I suggest just to wrap it in a piece of paper and them throw it away in a trash can.

::Tips and Tricks:: for bruises, burns and more...

As you can see, I love to learn new tips and share them with you, someone told me the other day "you are the Queen of Tips", ...you know who you are ;D

I bring you more new tips for this week:

• Splinter remover - Just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue all over the splinter. Let dry and peel the glue off the skin in the direction of entry.
  
• Vinegar to heal bruises - Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speed up the healing.
• Get right of unsightly toenail fungus - by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. This powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
• Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for minor burns.
• Rainy day cure for dog odor. - Next time your dog/cat comes in from the rain, simply wipe them down with Bounce or any other dryer sheets.

If you want check more tips, click here

Crafting Tips and Tricks

1.- After painting, set your brushes in fabric softener for about 10 minutes (I have left mine even over night) and then clean as usual. This works for brushes used for all types of paint, even oil based paints.

Then I tried the same thing with hair conditioner after using acrylic paint and it worked too. I was in a hurry and just dropped the brushes into the conditioner until I went back to the craft room... my brushes cleaned up faster and it worked well even after using gesso."

2.- If you have small items to paint that are hard to hold onto, try this... Make a loop using a piece of masking or duct tape and stick it to the back of your project. Now, tape the item to the eraser end of a pencil. Hold onto the pencil to paint the item - to dry, simply place the pencil in a cup!

Tips, Tips, Tips

Things to consider when decorating a room:

*Everyday items hung in a unexpected place, brings fun to the room.
*If the room has dark walls, the elements of the center of the room has to be light colors.
*Dark walls equal light or contrast wall art or accessories.
*Choose one element that has all the palette of the rest of the room.

Green Tips :D

o Walk, bike or car pool.

o Unplug electronic when not in use.

o Switch to compact fluorescent bulb.

o Recycle, recycle, recycle.

o Use recycled paper products.

o Switch to a programmable thermostat.

o Wash and rinse in cold water.

o Buy locally-grown food and produce.

o Drink from reusable glassware.

o Maintain properly inflated tires.

o Set water heater to 130 F.

o Buy EnergyStar appliances and electronics.

“Karat or Carat?”

The word Carat should be reserved for gem’s weight like “three carat ruby” and karat reserved as a measure of purity of gold. Long time ago, carob beans were used as a unit of weight, both words karat and carat grew from that root word.

Jewelry Tips 4 of 12

• Although you may have a favorite designer, there's really no need to stick with just one. In fact, there's no need for the pieces to actually be designer. There are plenty of wonderful pieces on the market that are unsigned but certainly make a fashion statement. Mix and match your jewelry to give it character and a little pizzazz!
• Designer pieces tend to cost a little more, last a little longer, and they usually follow more traditional lines so you can wear them for more than one or two seasons.
• Sterling Silver is affordable and very versatile. If you don't want to spend the money for sterling, then purchase some silver plate pieces. Silver is a must have for any wardrobe! You can go from dainty and delicate to large and noticeable. It can be dressed up or down and is acceptable for any event or occasion.
• Have some gold plate or gold tone pieces in your wardrobe basics also. 14-18k gold may be a bit too pricey for many but gold plated jewelry is quite affordable and will give you good value for the cost. Gold, like silver, can be dressed up or dressed down and is perfect for a very classy look.

How to Choose Jewelry

Choosing your jewelry is no different than choosing your wardrobe. Most important is to stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. That said, it never hurts to step out of the box once in awhile.

What's most important is that your jewelry matches up with your outfit. Your jewelry is the finishing touch on your total look. Make your fashion statement count!

Steps:

1. Determine what you want your jewelry to do. Do you want it front and center stage? Do you want it to compliment? Do you want it subtle?
2. Make certain your jewelry is appropriate for the occasion or event you'll be wearing it to. A sexy over sized choker might be perfect for a night on the town but may not be fitting for the boardroom.
3. Determine how long you want it to last and how often you plan to wear it.
4. Know how much money you want to spend.
5. If you can, try on the jewelry or hold it up next to you to determine whether it suits you.