Household Hints.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 April 1909, Page 4

Household Hints.

Soothing Sewing.

Few "nervy" women realise what a soothing effect sewing has on the nerves. When things go wrong in the home, and numerous irritations gather in the mind, an hour's sewing is a wonderful comfort. George Sand, one of the most neurotic women, was always loud in praise of the soothing effect of sewing a long seam.and every woman who has tried this simple remedy will contribute a similar testimony.

Butter and Eggs with Vegetables.— Vegetables left from the previous day's dinner may be utilised for breakfast, and served with buttered eggs. Mince the vegetables, or break them up neatly, season with salt and pepper. Heat them by tossing tbem over the fire with a little butter. Spread the vegetables on buttered toast, and pile buttered eggs upon them. To prepare buttered eggs take two eggs, one oz. of butter, half a gill of cream, and some chopped parsley; melt a slice of butter in a saucepan, break two eggs, beat them slightly with half a gill of cream, and add to the butter. Keep stirring over a gentle fire for about two minutes until the eggs begin to thicken ; then draw the pan back, and continue stiring off the fire until the mixture is slightly set. Add chopped parsley and seasoning of salt and pepper; then pour over the vegetables. If left too long on the fire the eggs will become hard and leathery.

The Rain Barrel.—Where the ordinary water is hard, every woman values the possession of any receptacle which will contain rain water. Many builders supply a tank for the purpose, but, where this is not the case, there is no reason why a large barrel should not be erected on bricks at the back of the house, and fitted with a tap. It may also be provided with a lid or cover. Where the rhonc, or gutter, has not been prepared for such a thing —the pipe being continued under the ground —a plumber will cut it, and adjust an elbow or pipe to carry the water from the roof to the barrel, the cost being a matter of a few shillings.

An Excellent Mouth Wash. — Dissolve about two oz. of borax in a quart of hot water, and when nearly cold add one teasponful tincture of myrrh, and one teaspoonful spirits of camphor. Bottle for use, and add a wineglassful to a tumbler of warm water when required. Dry Soap.—lt is an old-fashioned idea to use very dry soap. When it comes into the house it is right to cut up the soap while soft, because it is easier, but those who can wash know it is more laborious to *rub the soap on the garments than all the rubbing they require to be ma le clean. It is a good plan to make a soapy water not only for flannels but for white clothes also. The soapy water helps to loosen the dirt, and so save? labour. Dry Children's Ears. Carefully rub in the folds behind, using a very soft towel or handkerchief. Careless drying of this delicate organ will frequently produce deafness.

Sending Cut Flowers by Post. —They will travel beautifully if the stalks are inserted in a raw potato. When taking a basket of flowers on a journey put one or two potatoes in the bottom of the basket, bore holes in them and stick in'the stalks. At your journey's end you will sec that the flowers are not drooping and spoilt for the want of moisture. Useful Gifts.—A revolving bookcase makes a capital present for an invalid; it is turns at the slightest touch, and brings the favourite book or magazine within reach. A reading lamp is another useful article; in the place of a dark green shade, one of a turquoise bfoe tint may be chosen,which is quite as restful to the eyes and looks prettier. Lemon Pudding. —-Mix 6 oz. fine bread crumbs with Jib. castor sugar, the grated rind of a lemon, Jib chopped suet, one well beaten egg, a little of the lemon-juice; put into a well buttered dish, and steam for two hours

Bread Pudding. Cut the stale bread into pieces, after having removed all the hard crusts, put into a basin and cover well with boiling milk; cover it and let it stand till cold, then beat it up with a fork- and remove any lumps, add two well beaten eggs, with a little milk and some sugar; in the bottom of the pie-dish put a layer of any kind of jam, pour in the pudding mixture, grate some nutmeg on the top tfaeo bake in a brisk oven for about one hour. Peas Pudding.—Soak a pint of split peaa in cold water for about twelve boars. Drain them and tie them up in a cloth, leaving plenty of room for swelling. Three parts fill a saucepan with cold water.and half a teappoonful of carbonate of soda, and then boil the peas in it until they are soft enough to be passed through a colander. This will be in about two hours. Put the pulp into a basin, add one or two wellbeaten eggs, one oz butter, and pepper and salt to taste. Beat thoroughly well. Then turn the mixture into a floured cloth,tie up tightly,and boil for another boor.