One Minute Unsweetened Chocolate Substitute

If a recipe calls for 1 square (1 ounce) unsweetened chocolate and you don't have any on hand, combine 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder with 1 tablespoon butter, margarine, or vegetable shortening.

Healing Oil Bath

Dry, irritated skin is the greatest culprit with either eczema or dermatitis. Store shelves are stocked with dozens of creams and lotions, but the natural way is less expensive.

6-8 drops pine, geranium, or lavender essential oils

1. Add essential oil to a hot bath. Swirl to disperse the oil, then get in and soak for about 10 minutes.

2. Carefully get out of the bath (it will be slippery) and massage any oil still left on the skin. Don't take this bath more than once every 24 hours.

One Minute Substitute: A Quick Decongestant to Carry with You

The good news about the decongestant is that it doesn't come with a list of warnings! Just put 1 drop of tea tree, peppermint, or rosemary essential oil on a clean handkerchief and carry the handkerchief with you. Inhale as needed.

How To Overwinter Herbs Indoors

To preserve culinary herbs for use in winter, dig the plants from the garden in August and transfer them to pots. Place the pots on a sunny windowsill indoors. For best results, select vigorous but compact plants and use 6-inch clay pots.

One Minute Brown Sugar Substitute

If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup brown sugar and you don't have any on hand, stir 1 tablespoon molasses into 1/2 cup regular granulated sugar.

Removing Common Stains

Tomato Sauce Remover

1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
3 cups water

Mix ingredients in a dishpan or bucket. Soak garment in the solution for 30 minutes before laundering.

Whitening Yellowed Whites

1/2 Cup white vinegar
6 cups warm water

Mix ingredients in a dishpan or bucket. Soak clothes overnight and launder next morning.

One-Minute Substitute: Baking Soda Paste for Itches

Here is an incredibly easy itch reliever that costs just pennies. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 tsp. baking soda (or meat tenderizer) with a little ice water to make a paste. Then spread the paste over the bite area. Repeat as necessary.