Reenita's Wisdom

Pushpalata Vij (1922-2010)

The Indic culture believes that each of us is named for a reason. Names are not a reflection of your parent’s whim but a symbolic reference of your life purpose. Rarely though in our frenzied existence, do we stop to think about the reason behind why we were named.

Last week, when my grandmother passed, I reflected on her name, Pushpalata.

Pushpa translates from Sanskrit as flower, and lata, a creeping vine. The former is easier to make sense of -  through the seasons of life, my grandmother’s garden embodied the florescence of beauty, purity and simplicity. More subtle however is the creeping vine; it grows out along the ground, rooting every so often to enhance the striking presence of other plants with its own understated yet beautiful border. This  was my grandmother, Pushpalata Vij. [...]

At the outset of every new year, one begins to speculate on how the days will unfold and how one’s dreams and desires will play out. In Hong Kong, people look not only at the fact that we are in January of 2010 but also that we are on the eve of a new Chinese Year of the Tiger.

2010 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger (Src: Flick.com/Digitalart)

Associated with passion, power and explosive personality, one can only begin to imagine what the Year of Tiger means for China. [...]

Clean Surfaces With A Natural All Purpose Surface Cleaner

There are plenty of natural cleaning ingredients that you probably already stock in your pantry. Vinegar (acetic acid) removes grease, stains and is an excellent water softener. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) cleans clothes, softens water, cuts grease and increases the cleaning power of soap. Lemon juice, my personal favorite, cuts through grease, removes stains from clothing and is a bleach alternative. Organic vegetable oils condition and create a protective coating over wood. Here is a wonderful all purpose cleaner that can be prepared from these ingredients.

What You Need

• 3 Tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 tsp washing soda
• 1/2 tsp vegetable oil based liquid soap
• 2 Cups hot water
• juice of 1 lemon

What To Do

• Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket
• Apply and wipe clean

Give Your Tiles & Counter-tops A Scrub Down With Ammonia

Ammonia is good for almost everything. Even though its aroma is quite strong, it can be allayed when mixed with other ingredites. Here is a recipe for a terrific, nontoxic, all-purpose cleaner that is almost odorless. Suggested by Greenpeace, the environmental organization, it is perfect for scrubbing linoleum, walls, bathroom and kitchen tiles and even rugs.

What You Need

• 1/2 Cup ammonia
• 1/4 Cup vinegar
• a handful of baking soda
• 1 bucketful of warm water

What To Do

• Mix ingredients in a bucket
• Apply to tiles or counter-tops and wipe clean

Polish Your Wood Floors With Neem Oil To Keep Termites Away

The neem plant has been used for generations to prevent the buildup of fungus, bacteria and pests both inside and outside the body. In addition to or instead of waxing your wood furniture and floors, consider polishing them with a light coat of neem oil.  Alternatively, you can simply add a cupful of neem oil into the mix the next time you wax your floors. You will achieve wonderful results in terms of keeping termites away.

Keep Wood Surfaces Clean With Vinegar and Water

For floors and other wood surfaces there’s no need to use commercial all-purpose cleaners, which may contain phenol compounds, solvents and surfactants. Oil soap was originally intended for and works beautifully on wood. If you do not want to purchase a specially formulated oil soap then vinegar and water works just as well on wood finishes. Whatever you do, avoid the use ammonia on wood. Many make the mistake of using it but the reality is that over time it can ruin the finish of your furniture or floors.