Knowledge Weighs Nothing

15 Secrets to Dutch Oven Cooking

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There is something special about Dutch ovens, I can’t put my finger one what it is but there is just something very satisfying about cooking in a large, heavy cast iron pot with a lid, especially when that cooking is done outdoors on a campfire or over hot coals. Many people think Dutch ovens cost $100, this doesn’t have to be the case, the Lodge Pro Logic Cast Iron Dutch Oven costs $63 on Amazon and it is a nice Dutch oven that will likely outlast you…

For something so basic, there are some tips and techniques to learn, to get the most out of your Dutch oven and this is especially the case if you are cooking outdoors with your Dutch Oven… Below is a great post by ‘Design Mom’, which lists 15 secrets to Dutch oven cooking.  It’s a great read for newbies and seasoned Dutch oven cooks.

15 Secrets to Dutch Oven Cooking

(Photo from: Design With Mom)

Awesome Auto-Filling Water Bowl For Dogs & Cats

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We actually purchased an auto-filling bowl for our cat, which was very similar to this. Funny, it never occurred to me just how easy it would be to make one myself.

Anyway if there is anyone else out there who wants to make sure the water bowl stays topped up during the hot weather etc, save yourself $30 a make one of these dog/cat water bowls yourself.  To my mind the one in the photo looks more suitable for a cat, but that’s the beauty of DIY – you can make things to your own specification.

Awesome Auto-Filling Water Bowl For Dogs & Cats

(Photo from: JimTiffinJr via Instructables)

List Of 150 Herbs, Together With Their Uses & Benefits

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You’re either a person who embraces the use of plants and herbs, or you a person who would rather purchase the chemical/pharmaceutical alternative. Either way there is no disputing that certain herbs have very clear and proven medicinal uses and other wide ranging properties.

For example, St John’s Wort is a herb/plant, but it is also one of the most common prescription anti-depressants in many countries, with trials showing it can be as effective as low dose pharmaceutical alternatives, for treating mild to moderate depression. Cacao has many medicinal benefits, with its most popular benefit being that it can dramatically lower high blood pressure when consumed daily, which is an excellent reason to have a daily cup of high cacao chocolate (at least 80% cocoa)… There are 150+ herbs listed below, have a look and find out about the uses of benefits of each.

List Of 150 Herbs, Together With Their Uses & Benefits

 

(Photo from:  Herbs Info)

Awesome Campfire Swings (Includes Build Photos & Materials List)

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Firstly, before we get onto anything to do with building the campfire swing set-up, I have to say, this is beautiful and awesome in equal measures. It must be great, sitting out there together with friends, with the fire roaring and a cold beer in the hand.

Now I have finished drooling, let’s get on to building… Whilst this set-up looks amazing, it is actually surprisingly simple and straightforward to build and it should last for years. There isn’t a full build tutorial, but there are build photos and materials list, so it shouldn’t be too hard to fill in the blanks.

Awesome Campfire Swings (Includes Build Photos & Materials List)

(Photo from: Chenango Dave)

Top 16 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

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I think it is fairly safe to say that if you have a problem with ants, this post has you covered, especially if you want to get rid of the ants naturally and avoid having to use nasty insecticides, which can be dangerous to use if you have kids or pets…

This post includes tips and advice on preventing and deterring ants in the first place, and there’s advice on getting rid of ants if it is already too late.

Top 16 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

(Photo from: Wikipedia)

Make An Automatic Plant Watering System With A Plastic Bag Some Thread

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I think the title pretty much sums this one up… If you either go away a lot, or you simply forget to water your plants, below is a simple tutorial showing how to make a very effective automatic plant watering system, using just a resealable plastic bag and some cotton thread.

This is such a simple thing to do and for most houseplants it works really well. The string acts as a wick and as the soil dries out, the wick pulls more water from the plastic bag.  Seriously, check out the tutorial, it couldn’t be easier.

Make An Automatic Plant Watering System With A Plastic Bag Some Thread

(Photo from: jjdebenedictis)

28 Alternative Uses For Toothpaste

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I think it is probably fair to say that everyone reading this has some toothpaste in the bathroom (unless you have just run out!). I think it is also fair to say that you only use toothpaste for brushing your teeth. The thing is, toothpaste isn’t just great for oral hygiene, clean teeth and fresh breathe. Toothpaste also has many other household, medical and DIY uses…

Toothpaste works well as a treatment for minor burns and insect stings, it can be used to repair scratched CDs/DVDs, it removes stains and it’s great for cleaning vehicle headlights. Apparently many toothpastes contain  diatomaceous earth as the abrasive ingredient. This should also mean that toothpaste can be utilized in some way to control insects.

28 Alternative Uses For Toothpaste

(Photo from:  neilsonspencer)

The Ultimate Wilderness / Primitive Hotel: The Kolarbyn Eco-lodge

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Look at the photos! Seriously, how great is this hotel in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden? It is called the Kolarbyn Eco-lodge and it  consists of 12 primitive forest huts located in the woods by lake Skärsjön.

There is no electricity and no running water.  Just two beds; some sheep skin rugs/sleeping bags; candles and a fireplace, how awesome is that? In addition to the primitive accommodation, you cook your own food, collect/cut your own wood and fetch your own water… A true ‘getting away from it all’ experience. You even have moose and beaver, and great fishing on your doorstep!

I don’t know about you, but I would love to spend some time here.  My wife has been to Sweden and I have always wanted to go, so who knows?

The Kolarbyn Eco-lodge do not appear to have an official website, they have a Facebook page with contact information on it.  There is a website link, but it links to this: Svenska Turistforeningen page for bookings, which also has a load more great photos.

(Photos from: Svenska Turistforeningen)

Zigloo Domestique – A House Built From Shipping Containers!

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I have just found this company called Zigloo and they design and build homes using old shipping containers.  The house above is just one of many they have designed and built.

Zigloo also sell house plans for people to self-build their own houses from containers. I am guessing that if you are brave enough or you happen to have the right skills, you could build a house from old containers very cheaply, and also very quickly…

If you check out their website below, there are another 16 photos of the interior and exterior of this house.  The interior is amazing, you would never know the house was built from containers!

Zigloo Domestique – A House Built From Shipping Containers! (includes 16 additional photos)

(Photo from Zigloo)

The Health And Loneliness Of The Elderly This Winter – A Call To Action!

Winter can be great for the young, fit and healthy. Nothing says Christmas like some snow over the holiday period.

But for many old folks, winter can be a cause of misery, potentially avoidable illness and injury, and even death. Plummeting temperatures, snow and icy conditions, cold homes and shorter days can leave old people feeling isolated, lonely and helpless, with many hardly leaving their home. It’s not just old folks living in isolated areas who feel lonely, people living in towns and cities can feel just as isolated and alone…

During the winter months there is also a dramatic increase in illness (respiratory problems, pneumonia, depression) and injury from trips and falls for the over 65s. Things are made worse for people with low income (so can’t afford heating), have no family, or have a long-term health condition or are disabled.

I know you are busy, I know you have your own problems, but do a good thing this Christmas – if you know an old person (perhaps even a relative) who might appreciate a little company, help or support, go do it.  You have the power right now to make a difference to someone else’s life. You don’t have to do much to make a big difference, BUT, what you do do might just be the nicest thing that happens to them this Christmas.

Here are some examples of things you can do:

  • Just call round and say hello and show an interest in them.
  • Call round and ask them if there is anything they need.
  • Make an extra warm meal and take it around to them, this could be a huge gesture to someone on Christmas day1
  • Invite them to have dinner with your family.
  • Offer to walk/groom their dog.
  • Help clear snow and ice from around their home.
  • Help with the grocery shopping. Either do their shopping for them or offer to take them with you.
  • Ensure that their refrigerator and pantry is stocked with the basic essentials.
  • Encourage them to go outdoors for a short walk or a trip to the playground with the kids.
  • Help with house chores
  • Help them keep their home warm.  Make sure their heating is set correctly, check for drafty doors/windows. Chop some wood for their fire.
  • Help them keep themselves warm.  Check they have appropriate warm clothing and additional blankets for the cold weather.
  • If they appear to be in ill health, recommend they visit, or offer to take them, to the doctor.
  • Offer to pick up prescriptions.

Most importantly, just show some compassion and respect their dignity.