;; ;;;; ; ;;;;, you’ll need a length of standard lamp wire, wire cutters, a lamp kit (with sock-
et, harp and switch) and whatever you plan to use for the lamp’s body. You can build a lamp from
found materials (driftwood, repurposed glass) or industrial parts (piping, copper wire). You’ll
need to devise a way to attach the socket to the top of the lamp’s body, and to pass the wire through
or around the body and out to the wall. When wiring the lamp, it’s essential that you follow the
basic principles laid out by Underwriters Laboratories ( UL.com), a global, independent safety-sci-
ence company. Visit the UL website to learn how to tie an underwriters knot inside the fixture.
This takes the strain o; connections if someone yanks the cord. Once you’ve wired your lamp, all
that’s needed is a shade for the right ambience.—LY
;;;;; ;;;;;; ;;;;;; ;;;;; and wick tabs (the metal circle that
holds them in place). Or you can use twine as the wick: Tie it around
a flat metal washer, and superglue it to the bottom of your candle con-
tainer. Candle containers can be anything that’s ceramic, tin or glass,
including old jars, teacups, mugs or even seashells.
Soy wax burns longer and is less toxic than para;n, so it’s ideal
for home projects. Put wax shavings (sold at most craft stores) or
chopped up old tapered candles in a microwave-safe container with a
spout (like a two-cup Pyrex measuring glass) and melt on high for five
minutes or until completely liquified. Using an oven mitt, remove the
container from the microwave and let cool. While cooling, immerse
your candle container in hot water for a few minutes to prevent
cracking from the drastic temperature change.
Once the wax has cooled, add essential oils of choice for scent.
Other fun add-ins include lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus sprigs,
citrus zest and slices, co;ee beans, cinnamon sticks, flower petals,
sprinkles, coconut shavings, crayons, birch-bark shavings, pine nee-
dles, mint leaves, branches and leaves such as holly and fern. Slowly
pour the scented wax into your candle container. Trim your wick to
the desired length once the wax has completely solidified.—JB
FACE CREAM
This face cream o;ers intense
hydration, so it’s best to use it at
night, when your skin can absorb
the oils without leaving a greasy
feeling. This natural product has
a long shelf life and makes a great
gift. Double the recipe and make
some for a friend.
INGREDIENTS
; cup shea butter
; cup cocoa butter
; cup extra virgin olive oil
; cup unrefined virgin
coconut oil
½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
10 drops of essential oil
(optional)
Combine the shea butter,
cocoa butter and coconut oil
in a double boiler and stir until
melted. Remove from heat and
let cool for 30 minutes. Stir in
the olive oil and vitamin E oil
(plus essential oil if you choose).
Refrigerate for about 20 minutes
or until partially solidified. Whip
with a hand mixer on low speed
until the mixture reaches a
creamy consistency.
Store the finished cream in
the container of your choice,
preferably a glass jar. Apply at
night after cleansing and toning.
A little goes a long way.
LIP BALM
You can produce natural
lip balm with a few simple
ingredients. Create di;erent
lip-smacking flavors by
adding a few drops of your
favorite essential oil. Pep-
permint and lavender are
particularly soothing.
INGREDIEN TS
1 ½ tablespoons beeswax
1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1 tablespoon unrefined
virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon sweet
almond oil
½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
A few drops of essen-
tial oil of your choice
(optional)
Melt the beeswax, cocoa
butter and coconut oil in a
double boiler. Remove from
heat. Before the mixture
cools, stir in sweet almond
oil, vitamin E oil and essential oil. Immediately pour
the mixture into a clean
balm jar or stick (available
online).
Let the balm cool for
about 30 minutes before
putting on the lid.
—Francesca Sgambati
;;;;;;
FRESH GINGER
OR GINGER TEA
WITH HONEY
;;;;;;;;;;;;
GROUND FLAX;
SEED WITH WATER
;;;;;;;;
TURMERIC TEA
WITH HONEY
;;;; ;;;;;;
;;; ;;;;;
SAGE TEA WITH
HONEY
;;;;;;;;
LAVENDER;IN;
FUSED COMPRESS
;;;;;;;
FRESH ALOE
;;; ;;;;
COCONUT OIL
;;;;; ;;;;
OATMEAL BATH
OR PASTE
;;;;
TEA TREE OIL
—JB
u
;;;;;;;
;; ;;;; ;;;;-;;;;; ;;;;, the engine air filter
and cabin air filter can be easily replaced without
the specialized tools and equipment required
for other repairs. Start by watching the You Tube
video for your make and model. Now check your
car. The air filter is under the hood, typically in a
large, plastic housing on either side of the engine.
It can usually be opened by releasing four or five
clips. The cabin filter is likely in a compartment
hidden behind the glove box; it’s easy to access
once you’ve watched a video for the correct
steps. Pop out the old filters and slide in the new.
Fram makes economical filters for almost any
car; they typically sell for $15 to $25. According
to repairpal.com, a mechanic or dealer would
charge about $50 to $80 to install each filter.
Save your money—and save your receipts as
proof that you completed this part of your car’s
maintenance. —Ken Schlager
