8 INGREDIENTS TO KEEP IN YOUR KITCHEN (FOR BIZARRE REASONS)

There is always an “oopsie” in our home that usually occurs on a Sunday when you really, really do not feel like going to the shops to buy a remedy for the problem. I am forever “googling” a quick fix to a problem or even a home ingredient to use as a beauty product and throughout my clumsy years I have found a number of interesting kitchen ingredients that seem to work magic!

I always stock the following items for a number of reasons:

1. HONEY

• Can help minimize allergies • Can be used to relieve minor burns • Can be used as a healthier alternative to sugar

2. WINE • White wine removes red wine stains – dab white wine over the red wine stain! • Freeze leftover wine in ice trays to use for cooking • Can reduce the risk of homicide in your house after a looong day! Sip slowly and take deep breaths!

3. PEANUT BUTTER • Hide children or pet’s medication in a teaspoon of peanut butter (to save hours of trying to coax them into taking medication) • Use peanut butter in place of shaving foam • Can be used to remove gum from kid’s hair – definitely works!!

4. MUSTARD • Sprinkle mustard powder into a greasy pan & use a damp sponge to remove grease • Use 1 tablespoon of mustard & some Epsom salts in your bath to ease sore muscles • Use mustard as a face mask for acne

5. OLIVE OIL • Use 1 teaspoon of olive oil on a cloth to polish wooden furniture • Use an ear bud to apply olive oil to a stuck zipper – you’ll be free in no time! • Wipe olive oil on your baby’s bottom to help relieve nappy rash

6. PEPPER • Add 1 teaspoon black pepper to your load of coloured washing to keep clothes bright • Sprinkle black pepper on counter tops to keep ants away • Rub black pepper over your toothache to relieve pain (I have not tried this but I know when I have toothache I will literally try ANYTHING!!)

7. BUTTER • Remove a splinter by smearing butter over it and placing a plaster on top • To preserve hard cheeses rub butter over the area you have sliced before repacking it • If you have recently moved house, rub butter on your cats paws – kitty will stop and lick the butter off, giving it time to become aware of its new surroundings

8. COCONUT MILK • Smear a layer of coconut milk over your sunburn – the fats and oils will reduce redness and rehydrate your skin • Use coconut milk to untangle hair • Prevents Balding: mix 50ml of coconut milk, 100ml of water and a few tablespoons of camphor solution. Massage into your scalp and leave for a few hours to soak in

I have personally tried most of the above and can testify for them – there are a few that I have not tried but I guarantee one of these days I will be rushing to my cupboard to try them out!