Photo Credit: Wojtek Kryczka/iStock DCL

The earliest record of the use of aloe vera goes all the way back to Cleopatra and ancient Egypt. The plant has some pretty potent properties: it kills mold, bacteria, viruses and fungus.

Jessica has collected 40 different uses for this amazing plant. She includes both topical and internal uses. (Please note her recommendations on consulting a doctor before use and also the type of aloe vera to use if you take it orally.) Some of the uses also include short recipes.

Click the 40 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera! link below to read the entire article.

40 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera!

abeautifulmess.com

I saw this DIY coffee table and really loved it. It has a nice rustic look. It’s made out of cut-to-size 2×4 boards that you can get cut to size when you buy the wood.

This is a well-organized tutorial. There’s a Supplies and Tools list. The tutorial assumed you’re cutting the 2x4s yourself and gives you 3 different lengths. (But you can also use this as your cut list when you buy the wood).

The tutorial explains how to build each layer of the table, use cross beams and notches for horizontal support, insert the legs, sand and seal the wood.

I also like the alternative build method of cutting all of the boards to one size and assembling the table using wood glue.

Click the Super Neat DIY Wooden Coffee Table link below to see this terrific tutorial.

Super Neat DIY Wooden Coffee Table

dukesandduchesses.com

This is Randi’s recipe for homemade bacon dog biscuits. It’s like making a cookie for your dog. The ingredients are all-natural and the recipe is very simple. Randi also includes a link to a bone-shapes cookie cutter.

These biscuits are great for your dog or can be made as presents for your friends who have dogs. You can store the biscuits in an airtight container for up to a month. Even better, you can freeze them.

After reading the recipe, my thought was that they’d be tasty for humans too!

Click on the How to Make Bacon Dog Treats link below to see the recipe.

How to Make Bacon Dog Biscuits

NatureHacks.com

Many people experience symptoms of anxiety due to increased stress in their daily lives. Just a few of those symptoms include insomnia, nervousness, and tension headaches.  Insomnia is a particular problem because if an anxious person doesn’t get adequate rest, their anxiety increases.

In this post, NatureHacks discusses 5 herbs that relieve anxiety.

• One herb increases blood flow to the brain and is a natural antidepressant.
• The second herb contains a natural ingredient  that helps you to deal with stressful situations.
• The third herb improves your spirits.  It also works well as a mild tranquilizer.
• The fourth herb is a natural sedative that relieves stress and anxiety.
• The fifth herb improves concentration and memory.

Visit the 5 Herbs that Naturally Relieve Anxiety link below for the complete article.

5 Herbs That Naturally Relieve Anxiety

17apart.com

I thought this was a really original recipe. It stands to reason if you’re more conscious about the food and products that you and your family use and consume, you’d also be concerned about the treats that you give your dog. These are homemade, natural treat bones that Mary and Tom made for their dog, Boris.

The recipe uses a fruit and veggie, flour, cornmeal and other ingredients. It’s really like making a cookie. You make a batter, roll it out and cut the doggie treats with a bone-shaped cookie cutter. Mary and Tom tell you where you can get the cutter. They provide a helpful tip about what to do after baking is complete.  Based on the photographs, Boris enjoyed the treats!

Click on the How to Make a Carrot & Banana Natural Dog Treat Recipe link below to see the recipe.

How to Make a Carrot & Banana Natural Dog Treat Recipe

humblebeeandme.com

This facial scrub is a total skin experience.  When it gets wet it fizzes.  It’s both warming and cooling.  And it exfoliates so your face is super soft after a scrubbing.!  Marie of Humblebee & Me developed the recipe.  As always, her directions are very clear.

Click on the Hot & Cold Brightening Facial Scrub link below to see the complete post.

Hot & Cold Brightening Facial Scrub

acultivatednest.com

The last time I was in a pet store, I was amazed at the high cost of dog toys.  In this post, Savanna shares 10 quick and easy, homemade dog toys. If you see a toy that looks good, just click on the link below the photo of the toy.You’ll find tutorials for:

• Homemade Chew Ring Rope Dog Toy
• DIY Water Bottle Dog Toy
• Interactive Dog Treat Toy
• Crocheted Duck Dog Toy
• Homemade Tennis Ball Buddy Toy
• Homemade Braided Scraps Dog Toy
• Rope Ball Surprise Dog Toy
• Edible Filled Apple Dog Toy
• Squeaky Dog Bone Toy
• Fabric Stuffed Puzzle Dog Toy

Click on the 10 Homemade Dog Toys link below to see all ten dog toy tutorial.

 10 Homemade Dog Toys

Claire has developed 3 DIY natural drinks to help you to sleep better.  One of the nice things about all of these natural sleep aids is that they all taste really good.

• The first drink contains a particular fruit that’s rich in melatonin, one of the hormones that controls our sleep cycle.  The second ingredient contains a soothing scent.
• The second drink contains two relaxing herbs that encourage rest and a sense of calm.  One of the herbs has a sedative effect and helps us to relax and sleep.  The second herb has a relaxing scent that promotes drowsiness.
• The third drink combines honey with a drink that contains sleep-inducing tryptophan.

If you have problems sleeping, click the 3 Natural Drink Recipes to Help You Sleep Better link below for some natural sleep solutions.

3 Natural Drink Recipes to Help You Sleep Better

off-grid.info/blog

The unexpected can strike when you’re at home or hiking out in the woods. The key is to be as prepared as you can be for these unexpected events. This article contains 7 great hacks or tips that can really help in emergency situations.

There’s a short, informative video that demonstrates each survival or safety idea. It’s hard to pick a favorite but I do like the compass hack and the cereal box microwave.

Click on the 7 Survival Life Hacks That Could Save Your Life link below for some hacks or tips that really could save your life.

7 Survival Life Hacks That Could Save Your Life

commonsensehome.com

The power grid is is an linked network that delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers. The network is made up of power stations that create electrical power, electrical transmission lines that carry the electricity and lines that connect customers to the grid. There are concerns that our power grid is aging, over-stressed and vulnerable.

In this eye-opening post, Laurie discusses 10 things you need to prepare in case the power grid fails. It could be a short-term blackout or a longer blackout. If you prepare in advance, it will be easier to manage any type of outage.

There are a LOT of useful product links. She explores:

• Lighting
• Batteries
• Water
• Backup Power
• Cooking Supplies
• Garbage Disposal
• Food
• Heating and Cooling
• Communications
• First Aid Supplies

She also looks at many other things you should consider in preparing for a power outage.

When the Power Grid Fails – 10 Things You Need to Prepare