S.K. Derban's Blog, page 12
August 3, 2015
Getting rid of Gnats! Home Gnat Trap
Here is another great solution to a pesky problem! Some might consider them “extra protein,” but I really do not like gnats going for a swim in my glass of red wine! Before inventing our own solution, we tried several found online. This one works better! In addition, you can enjoy a banana before you set up your trap.
First eat a banana and save the peel. Place the banana peel in a gallon sized zip close storage bag and roll the top so the bag stays open. Place the bag on your kitchen counter in an area that attracts the gnats. When the gnats congregate on the banana, quickly press the bag together in order to seal the opening.
Some may wish to take the closed bag outside to free the little pests, while others may decide to squish or squash them. The choice is yours, and I promise not to judge!
Be sure and follow me on Pinterest. I have created a board for most of the products mentioned in this blog. There are also boards for organizing, cleaning, home repair, gardening and more. I am also on Twitter and Goodreads. Remember, that it is all about the #books!
July 22, 2015
“FOR NO APPARENT REASON” BOOK BLITZ
YA Bound Book Tours are blitzing For No Apparent Reason for one week only. Enter to win one of two $25.00 Amazon gift cards! Blitz begins July 20, 2015 and ends July 27, 2015. If you would like to enter, there is a direct link on S.K. Derban’s Facebook page. Good luck!
July 15, 2015
“FOR NO APPARENT REASON” BLOG TOUR
Tour promotion by Promo Stars begins July 13, 2015 and ends July 26, 2015. Tour includes a Rafflecopter giveaway for 5 signed books! If you would like to enter, there is a direct link on S.K. Derban’s Facebook page.
July 2, 2015
“FOR NO APPARENT REASON” BOOK CLUB CONTEST
For the entire month of July 2015, TLC Book Tours is featuring S.K. Derban’s debut book “For No Apparent Reason.” Book Clubs who enter this contest have a chance to win enough copies for their entire group! Good luck!
July 1, 2015
“UNEVEN EXCHANGE” COVER REVEAL
S.K. Derban’s second book is scheduled for release on September 1, 2015.
Like fire and ice, Alexandra Callet’s life runs hot and cold.
At the age of thirty-three, Alexandra owns a stunning home and a successful interior design company. But she is in love with her business partner, Jake Taylor, and he doesn’t even seem to realize she’s a woman. She should be on top of the world, but instead she feels dragged down by the void in her heart. Hoping for answers, she decides a trip to Mexico might soothe her soul.
Jake Taylor only pretends to be a confirmed bachelor.
Jake has been entranced by Alexandra’s determination and exotic beauty since the moment they met, but she has no idea how he feels. He considers confessing his love, but fears jeopardizing their friendship and business. He’s caught in a web of pretending he doesn’t care, and doesn’t see a way out of it.
Alexandra is recruited for a dangerous mission.
Following her trip to Mexico,her resemblance to a member of an assassin’s family leads Alexandra to be recruited by the DEA. Her training leaves her distracted, and her business begins to suffer. Jake notices her sudden change, and feels her slipping both personally and professionally beyond his reach. Should he finally take the chance…before it’s too late? After all, he has nothing to lose.
However, when Alexandra returns to Mexico for her mission, things go terribly wrong.Will she be able find the strength to fight and escape the peaceful haven that has now become her prison? Or will Jake lose Alexandra forever…
June 18, 2015
The Natural Way to Stop Mosquitos from BUGGING You!
It’s mosquito season and grilling season all in one. But who wants to grill while being attacked? After numerous attempts, I finally perfected a natural insect repellent that WORKS! It was first tested in a mosquito infested yard on a very sweet (and brave) young lady! Since the first testing, this repellent has been used time and again with the same great success. Try it!
1/8th cup Witch Hazel
1 cup Distilled Water
1 teaspoon Organic Lemon Essential Oil
1 teaspoon Organic Citronella Essential Oil
1 teaspoon Organic Rosemary Essential Oil
We even bring this repellent when traveling. In order to stay within the 3 ounce TSA guidelines, I mix the witch hazel and all three essential oils in a small container. In addition, I pack a larger empty spray bottle. When we arrive at our destination, I pour the witch hazel and essential oil mixture into the spray bottle, and add a cup of tap water if distilled is not readily available.
Be sure and follow me on Pinterest. I have created a board for most of the products mentioned in this blog. There are also boards for organizing, cleaning, home repair, gardening and more. Also, follow me on Twitter for updates and #fornoapparentreasonbook fun facts. Remember, it is all about the #books!
May 11, 2015
Homemade Natural Cleaning – How to Organize your Products!
The best way to organize your cleaning products is to keep them in each room. Under the kitchen sink we keep:
G.L.R. – Grapefruit, Lemon and Rosemary Essential Oil Disinfecting Spray as posted on September 12, 2014
Four Thieves Oil Disinfecting Spray as posted on January 13, 2015
Glass Cleaner as posted on October 15, 2014
Homemade Dishwashing Machine Detergent as posted on April 8, 2015
Under each bathroom sink we keep:
G.L.R. – Grapefruit, Lemon and Rosemary Essential Oil Disinfecting Spray
Four Thieves Oil Disinfecting Spray
Glass Cleaner
Mason Jar filled with Baking Soda as posted on November 17, 2014
Glass Spray Bottled filled with Distilled White Vinegar as posted on November 17, 2014
Another great recipe will be featured in the next posting. Be sure and follow me on Pinterest. I have created a board for most of the products mentioned in this blog. There are also boards for organizing, cleaning, home repair, gardening and more. Also, follow me on Twitter for updates and #fornoapparentreasonbook fun facts. Remember, it is all about the #books #happyreading
April 11, 2015
S.K. Derban Author Signing of For No Apparent Reason
Sunday, April 19, 2015
5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
ROCKPILE BOOKSTORE
THE ROCK CHURCH
2277 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106
#fornoapparentbook #books
April 8, 2015
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe – Rinse Aid Too!
Now you can save money by making your own dishwasher detergent. This recipe works great for our family:
1/2 cup citric acid – We purchase in the bulk spice section of our local Sprouts grocery store.
3 cups 20 Mule Team Borax
20 Drops Organic Grapefruit Essential Oil
Mix all ingredients well, and store in a quart sized glass Mason jar. Just one tablespoon of detergent works best for us. Remember to shake well before each use. (The product will most likely remain moist due to the essential oil.)
Save even more if your dishwasher has a refillable dispenser for a rinse aid. We fill the compartment with distilled white vinegar, and our glasses are spot free! Check out the savings! A one gallon bottle of distilled white vinegar sells for approximately $3.50, while a 16 ounce bottle of a popular rinse aid sells for $6.50. That is almost twice the price for a fraction as much! Plus, you can save even more if you purchase the distilled white vinegar from one of the big box stores.
In the next posting I will provide tips on organizing all of your newly homemade products. Be sure and follow me on Pinterest. I have created a board for most of the products mentioned in this blog. There are also boards for organizing, cleaning, home repair, gardening and more. Also, follow me on Twitter for updates and #fornoapparentreasonbook fun facts. Remember, it is all about the #books!
February 14, 2015
Cold Buster Cocktail – Another Cold and Flu Season Must!
Here’s hoping that the Four Thieves Oil recipes are working for you. Since so many are battling colds, I asked a very special lady to share her Cold Buster Cocktail recipe:
· 1 Cup Warm Water
· 1 Tablespoon Honey – Preferably Local and Raw
· 1 Tablespoon Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
· 1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
· Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
· Pinch of Turmeric
Mix together and enjoy at the first sign of respiratory discomfort. This wonderful recipe is compliments of Sharon from The Herb Factory in North Carolina.
Readers of For No Apparent Reason know that North Carolina is the main setting for the story. Is it a coincidence that The Herb Factory is also located in North Carolina? If you just happen to be at the Pitt County Farmer’s Market, and have the pleasure of meeting Sharon, owner of The Herb Factory, you can ask her!
Be sure and follow me on Pinterest. I have created a board for most of the products mentioned in this blog. There are also boards for organizing, cleaning, home repair and gardening. Also, follow me on Twitter for updates and #fornoapparentreasonbook fun facts.
