Try out these fifteen tricks with a white, non-gel toothpaste (unless otherwise noted), and watch that cavity-fighting, breath-freshening tube of wonder work its magic.

Relieve irritation from bug bites, sores and blisters

1. These skin irritations all tend to weep and, in the case of bug bites, often itch. Apply a drop of toothpaste to a bug bite or insect sting to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. When applied to sores or blisters, it dries them up, thus allowing the wound to heal faster. It’s best when used overnight.

Toothpaste can sooth a stinging burn

2. For minor burns that don’t involve an open wound, toothpaste can deliver temporary cooling relief. Apply it delicately to the affected area immediately after a burn develops; it temporarily relieves the sting and prevents the wound from weeping or opening.

Decrease the size of a facial blemish

3. Want to speed up the healing of a zit? Apply a tiny dot of toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed. Wash it off in the morning.

Clean up your finger nails

4. Our teeth are made of enamel, and toothpaste is good for them, so it stands to reason that toothpaste would also be good for our fingernails. For cleaner, shinier, and stronger nails, simply scrub the underneath and tops of fingernails with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Toothpaste can keep hair in place

5. Gel toothpastes contain the same water-soluble polymers that many hair gels are made of. If you’re looking to style and hold an extreme hair creation, try gel toothpaste as your go-to product if you’re out of regular hair gel. (This is also a great trick for making baby barrettes stay in place.)

Scrub away stinging smells

6. Garlic, fish, onion, and other pungent foods can permeate the skin cells on our hands. Scrubbing hands and fingertips briefly with toothpaste removes all traces of smelly odors.

Toothpaste can remove stains

7. Toothpaste can make tough stains on both clothing and carpets disappear. For clothes, apply toothpaste directly to the stain and rub briskly until the spot is gone, then wash as usual. (Note that using a whitening toothpaste on colors can sometimes bleach the fabric.) For carpet stains, apply toothpaste to the stain and scrub it with an abrasive brush, then rinse immediately.

Spruce up dirty shoes

8. This tactic works great on running shoes or scuffed-up leather shoes. As with carpet stains, apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean.

Remove crayon stains on painted walls

9. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the Crayola marks disappear.

Toothpaste can make jewelry sparkle

10. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. Make diamonds shine by giving them a gentle scrub using a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a little water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of toothpaste. Do not use this method on pearls, as it will damage their finish.

Toothpaste can remove scratch on DVDs

11. This remedy has been used with mixed success rates, but it seems to work fairly well on shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc and rub gently, then rinse clean.

Toothpaste used to tidy up piano keys

12. Piano keys retain oil from the skin, which then attracts dust and dirt. Clean away grime gently with a damp, lint-free cloth and toothpaste; after rubbing in the toothpaste, wipe the keys clean with a second lint-free cloth.

Use toothpaste to deodorize baby bottles

13. If baby bottles develop a sour-milk smell, a good cleaning with some toothpaste and a bottle scrubber will clean away residue and deodorize. Always make sure to rinse well.

Toothpaste can remove burned crust on irons

14. For those of you who still use an iron, you may find that after time, the plate of the iron develops a burned crust. The silica in toothpaste gently grinds away this rusty-looking layer.

Toothpaste used to defog goggles

15. Scuba divers, swimmers, and triathletes may already know about this handy little trick: Rub a small spot of toothpaste into each lens of your goggles, then rinse thoroughly, and voila! There ’ll be no need to ever buy expensive defogger gels again. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, though, as the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste could scratch the lenses.

I can see how using toothpaste could save me time and money over the course of a year, not to mention help me reduce my shopping time and cleaning-supply collection. I’d like to see my toothpaste work harder anyway. After all, if I’ve got to suffer through itchy bug bites, they might as well smell fresh.

Shared by Mel, selected from DivineCaroline

Thank you Mel, I love this article. I remember better when I have this article here.

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Traditionally we offer prayers to ancestors spirits first that is first to 15th of the month. Chinese opera shows are arranged to allow the ancestors spirits to have some celebration. Usually for the ancestors, it is nothing elaborate. You can read how we offer to Ancestors here:

What is seen more important are the prayers to the lost souls. To the business people, these lost souls need to be appease for two reasons.

One, since they are lost souls and no one cares to feed them so it is very charitable to do so. It is a common sight near wet market in Penang and Butterworth. From the fifteen to the end of the month, food sellers and local businesses took turn nightly to offer the grandest they could afford.

Some arrange for Chinese operas, puppet shows or even had Karaoke or Ko Tai for the King of Hades. I caught this in Prai Megamall this weekend where auctions for the living are held.

Second reason, better feed this hungry ghost or spirit or they create havoc for your business.

But sometimes I wonder what next they will perform.

Beside having big feast daily for 1 month or 2 weeks, puppets shows, Chinese opera performances or young girls singing in the heat of the night clad in tiny clothings barely covering their bodies, now there is Auctions.

Auction Item

So called black gold, gold stuffs or precious artifacts are donated or sponsored for bidding. On a particular night towards the end of the month, the locals and committees member of this community will bid for the blessed items. The highest bidder will claim the item. These items are suppose to be lucky charm and have been blessed by the spirit mediums. The lucky winner can expect some kind of prosperity during the year.

In turn the following year, he will then pay back to sum or amount he had bid. How about this?

You have probably heard the popular wedding tradition saying before, but not every bride to be knows exactly where it originated from or what the meaning behind the saying is. It is a darling saying and is one of the only wedding traditions in today’s society which makes some sense. It is a cute tradition – one which is performed to bring good luck to the newlywed couple.

The traditional saying is: Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue. And a silver sixpence in her shoe.

So following the tradition of having something old, my daughter choose to wear a hundred years old Nyonya red gown for her mixed cultural wedding, kind of like a link to the mother who she loves.  There are many things you can use as theme to rekindle “something old for your wedding.

And for something new, which means optimism and hope for the future. It sends the message that both the newly weds are creating a new union that will endure the test of time. Many brides choose to use a red wedding sari or bridal gown, flowers or rings to symbolize the “something new” in this tradition.

Something Borrowed, for that if you borrow an item from your happily married grandmother or mother, you can fulfill both of these meanings. Uvaraani chooses an hundred’s years old Sapu tangan Nyonya (Nyonya handkerchief) to wrap around the coconut she took to her new house on her wedding day. Doing this lets your parents (or grandparents) know that you admire their marriage and the respect they have for each other and that you hope to have an equally happy marriage.

Something Blue: The color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries as a symbol of love, modesty, fidelity, good luck, purity and loyalty. Many brides incorporate this color into their clothing, by either wearing a blue stoned jewelry item or wearing a blue garter. However for a modern spin, you could use blue toe nail polish, blue eye shadow, a blue ribbon tied into your flowers, blue underwear, even wear light blue shoes! The possibilities are endless and limited only by your imagination.

A Lucky Sixpence: A sixpence in the bride’s shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be worn in the left shoe. What I did as her mother, without her knowing was places an old coin in her coconut she carries. An old wives tale mention that both couple wont hide their wealth from each other.

As for Jivan and Uvaraani, honoring the something old, new borrowed, blue tradition by having a Muhibbah Nyonya and Indian Wedding seems an unforgettable day. Although some items are supposed to bring good luck to the bride, they are

following this tradition to honor people close to them on their wedding day.

I enjoyed the boatride, the shorelines simply thrills me to no end. It is indeed heavenly to be there.

The beach aside, Teluk Bahang is also home to a recreational forest where visitors will have the chance to check out the many different and unique species of Penang’s flora and fauna. This 100ha stretch also has a Forestry Museum. Muka Head or Monkey beach as it is also known is historically important as the lighthouse is are one of the three beacon of light to sea faring man.

The turtle station or hatchery passionately looked after by the USM student is commendable. I was impressed by the replies they gave as I observed full dedication and loving hands as they helped in the hatchery. There is hope for this baby turtles.

There are a few interesting spots worth your time to check it out. The Teluk Bahang Butterfly Farm, where you will find yourself surrounded by more than 3,000 butterflies.

The waters from the Teluk Bahang Hills provide water for the Teluk Bahang Dam. The Kuala Sungai Pinang mangrove is impressive. Local resident, migratory birds, wildlife, crabs prawns are good reason to explore these lush green vegetation.

Sungai Tukun has good recreational ground for camping and fun. Pantai Keranchut with the meromictic lake looks meaningful if water lever is high enough to observe the Meromixts.

Mutiara Hotel or Resort is no longer in use. The seafood restaurant has shifted near to the roundabout. In its place is the Penang National Park.

Strong men shoulders her to a specially prepared, heavily decorated floating chariot for a sea ride around the sea of Teluk Bahang.

The usual festivals commences a week before the main festival day. Days before the locals communities of Teluk Bahang heads each day to offer prayers or free food to the devotees coming to pay homage to “Ammah”, known to us as Sri Singamuga Kaliamman. Rather long right, so we addressed her as “Ammah”. As she is their protector and many villages or fisherman there have tales to share with you.Some will tell you how they were guided to safety whenever big storm are about to come. Some remembers the Tsunami that were turned away miraculously. No ones lives were lost or in trouble in the Teluk Bahang sea.

Such were her powers that yearly thousands of devotees form all over Malaysia and Singapore never failed to make their journey home to offer homage for their success in life.

Beautiful styrofoam dishes of light floated in the dusk of the Teluk Bahang sea. But this year, she circles the sea early and return to land as before the total lunar eclipse starts to dazzle us.

When you want to get something, be sure you know which wing the particular shop is located. Example, the furthest south wing end where Baskin Robbins. That is not difficult as you would have to drive around the roundabout to park your vehicle in the car park.

There are 5 levels for you to shop till you drop (concourse, ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd level)

If you happen to be one that loves branded stuff, names like Harvey Norman, Liz Claiborne, Gap, Borders, La Senza, Nike, Hallmark and Tag Heuer.

Food, who misses food? Ahhh…patrons sitting down in reputable new fashionable tables and chairs in TGI Friday, House of Paddington and Bakerzin. Baskin Robbins and Starbuck as usual earned their place at strategic wing.

So if you are someone who loves shopping in these happening place, Queensbay is for you but me, Chinese folk art by Master Xu led me there.

Walking and shopping around the huge mall, it seem no end is in sight until Chandra and I saw a public display of paintings, paper cuttings, museum pieces of figurine and candy blowing.

I got fascinated when I saw a Chinese older man patiently and intricately brushing away little figurine. Gosh, he really had such patience. That probes me to move away from my shopping and watch him in action.

Read how this made me went back between Queensbay and Gurney to watch their exhibition and display.

January is an exciting month for us Penang people as the Thaipusam festival is here again. Last year was my first year as I went around four full days with Chandra, my Indian hubby. We met lots of people and foreigners and every one wanted to know what is going on. So our days were spent meeting new friends, having them together with us as they were so awe inspired and fascinated by this festival

Read our experience last year.

This year we are organising a tour to help those interested. From early morning before the real Thaipusam day till the second day evening. The pictures both taken day and night adds to your memory. It is defitenely as kick ass lifetime experience for many who were with us last year.

Some said it is amazing what people do to fulfill their wishes. As for me, I only know taking pictures without really watching cos I was scared and cannot bear seeing the big hooks. In some instance, our new found friends were in tears seeing them in spears, hooks hanging on their faces and back. Join our tour this year. And learn form Chandra an insider propsective of Thaipusam.

Chandra and I thought, it must a kind of thanksgiving dinner for the devotees, the committee members and the organizing members of the Nine Emperor Gods celebration. Since it was a saturday night and our legs were itching to get out off the house, we went.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Tow Boo Kong Temple

And off we went, dressed up for a dinner party in the Tow Boo Kong temple ground. We arrive to see a different scenario.

9 Emperor God Deputies Birthday Celebration

Curious, we walked to the temple ground after parking the car which I have made a dent when reversing. I was not in a happy mood after denting the car but still made myself presentable. Anyway, it looked like another big celebration going on. We saw devotees bringing food stuffs, sweets for children, birthday cakes and big bottles of sweets in a PACIFER bottles!

Goodies for the Baby Gods or Deputies of Nine Emperor Gods

Was I going to laugh or keep quiet. Being inquisitive, I asked around and was told. It was a double celebration. The dinner together with offering thanksgiving prayers for the deputies who worked so hard during the Nine Emperor Gods festivals. The deputies or Siam Tai Chu or baby gods entertained us with their mights in sword play, throwing of the spikey ball, firewalking, playing with oil and spear skewering.

Outside the temple, cooks were getting the course dinner ready for the diners.

Devotees at the Birthday celebration of Siam Tai Chu Tow Boo Kong Temple

In the compound, where we saw fire-walking, fort crossing, hot oil being played, now in place were tables lined with red cloth. No longer yellow cloth, no more vegetarian food in sight. On the ground now, were temporary shed for the Siam Tai Chu (Nine Emperor Gods Deputies) tables of food offering.

Puppets show for the Birthday celebration of Nine Emperor Gods Deputies, The Siam Tai Chus’

Puppets show was shown to the delights of the crowd. Gosh how long ago was this? Puppet show or “Char Kar Lay” after the Chinese opera all in one month. It really makes me miss my childhood. We used to bring our own stools to the market place during these types of festivals, like Hungry Ghost or Nine Emperor Gods. It was real fun, no worries and escape dad strict watch out. Girls cannot stay out till late at night, but for these kind of festivals, he relaxes his rules.

Girlie came and we got to the table. This lady LOR CHU was very popular after having performed all the roles and responsibility without any hinges. The devotees smiled and shook her hands. Standing beside her, Chandra and I felt very happy for her.

Her two assistant Lor Chu were supportive, her 36 managers crowded around the table where we sat. Fun, chats and jokes were cracked happily. Chandra and I were formerly introduced to the group but we have seen them during the Nine Emperor Gods festival.

The main temple committee Chairman and some important community leaders made speeches. For entertainment, karaoke was the common event to have during Chinese dinner. So who do you think was called to sing? Your guess is as good as mine. By popular request, the Presiding LOR CHU sang three numbers, an english old song and two mandarin oldies.

Girlie and her managers auctioning for the biggest yellow sack

Then there was an auction of the yellow Sack which were money or donation collected during the various events of the Nine Emperor Gods festivals. There were more then five auctions done that night.This yellow sack of price money are considered pure money from the devotees. And having being blessed by the Gods, every bussiness man wants to have this precious gift.

The highest bid was Rm12888 and equally shared by five people. The bid started off by one person but when it got higher, more friends joined in to contribute to make the bid higher. You should see the fun they had, shouting to raise the bid, some backing off. When it reaches over RM10,000, five people decided to make one last attempt to close it at RM11,999 but was toppled. And they bid again so they could get the highest. The highest finally went to Girlie and her managers at RM12888. Easily that night, they collected over RM60,000.

David, Girly’s brother (3rd from left) joined by his mates cheered after Girly won the auction. Any chance for drinking, they will drink, dance and merry making. While they challenged each other to drink, I cant helped but be amused by ladies challenging man to DRINK!

The drinking and merry making would not have stopped if the gongs and cymbals for the arrival of the Nine Emperor Gods is not sounded. No one would run to the other part of the temple.

I went over to witness, as one by one of the deputies getting into trance like state. Ooh aren’t they happy when they arrived. Pacifiers in their mouth, hair tied up in hill like style. Seeing all the food and goodies on the table, they started to get excited. Instead of eating, the devotees tease them to give the goodies to them.

Right in front of my eyes, they climbed up the table and started to distribute to the shouts of the crowds. It was so funny seeing the deputies teasing the devotees back. Some devotees were lucky to receive big packets of goodies, some just got a sweet. Within half an hour, all the food, fruit, cakes and sweets were thrown and distributed by the deputies.

On the same night, the following year teams of managers were drawn through lucky draw were chosen. About 200 over names were placed and volunteered by devotees or surrounding communities people. Those chosen will be next year deputies “manager”, the human guardian for the deputies.

Before midnight, all the yellow sack must be blessed by the Siam Tai Chu before taking home. So I followed them to the altar and observed the whole process of signing and blessing the yellow sack.

Contrary to what people think, this Tow Boo Kong is not a rich man’s temple. It is the ordinary community people or traders temple. Why, because to built this temple, the ordinary people donated freely towards the funds and present day maintenance. Each time, there is a festival, earnings through collection were auction off.

That is one method they collected the donation. The other obvious method is donation through buying joss stick or oil. The bigger method would be offering to build pillars or foundations in parts for the temple. In that, one has to approached the few man sitting outside the temple whenever you visit the temple.

Well, if you want to be remembered for your kind deeds, your chinese name will be engraved if you offer a certain amount, I can’t remember how much.

Cheers

Nestled on the Paya Terubong Hills, in some quiet little spot sits a very old 130 Taoist temple called Cheng Kon Sze.

Junnie reaching the 1002 Steps Temple

A simple untapped temple worshiped by the silent or quiet few Taoist devout devotees. During the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Catherine rang me to inquire whether I would be interested to go up to 1002 Steps Temple or locals called it, Cheng Ji Chan.

Peter (half body) and Junnie (half face) and Chandra looking down,wishing he gets permission to walk more as he waited for us. Sorry guys!

What do you think, I jumped with joy as I have not yet gone up to Cheng Jee Chan or Cheng Kon Sze in my life.With Peter (pulau-pangkor.com) as our guest as he wanted to learn more about Chinese custom and traditions, he gladly tagged along.

Beautiful Penang, view from 1002 Steps Temple (look how far Komtar seems to be)

For Chandra’s sake as he is recuperating from a recent heart attack, all of us took the super cool van up the temple. So Catherine, Catherine’s mum, Steffi, Chandra,Ben Khaw ( not in any pictures as he wanders off to take his own), my sister Junnie and me, the ever happy to go anywhere person and not forgetting the crazy white man from Holland ( the web master of pulau-pangkor.com) got up to Cheng Kon Sze. Just joking, he is actually funny guy!

Hill top view at the greenery and natural vegetation of Cheng Kon Sze Temple

How pleased and thrilled we were when the van driver stopped to let us take this awesome shot of Penang. It was a good drive up the Cheng Kon Sze Temple, horning loudly all the way up as if we were some important VIP. But more because the hikers were making their way up on foot.

Have you seen this fruit, apple custard or locals called them Nona?

On the way up by foot to 1002 steps temple, my dad used to tell us, never to complain. Never utter the word, “why so far” or “why still have not reached the temple”.

We see yellow, purple, red and green flower all over this cactus plan t in Cheng Kon Sze Temple, how awesome!

But two ladies have no one to tell them and as they complained, they got tired and waved our van driver for help.Seeing how tired and broken these two old ladies were, all of us squeezed tighter into the van to allow both of them in. Despite having a seat, both never stop talking about how far or how tired they were. No wonder..I thought.

Baba pukul Nyonya Plant in Cheng Kon Sze Temple

Baba pukul Nyonya plant is a delightful plant, did you know that? It blooms in the early morning in white. By mid afternoon, it turns pink. And in the evening, it is almost purplish. Such a refreshing plant, almost magical.

The Happy Trio taking a breath of FRESH AIR! Sitting on the granite slab, such bliss!

The natural vegetation, the multiple shades of green is a feast for our sore eyes. The fruits tree, flower plants, those I see when I was young makes me feel at home and child like. Huge galangal plant are everywhere. Galangal is still around in my neighborhood but I hardly see Baba pukul Nyonya Plant anymore.

Catherine praying in Cheng Kon Sze Temple Penang

Reaching the temple vicinity, we were surprised to see a fair amount of devotees praying, shaking the fortune stick for health or wealth.

Huge Joss Stick, a common sight in Taoist culture in Penang, Malaysia and Asia

Nice, and I look at the monk sitting on the tiger reminds me of my childhood. This priest or abbot must be Thai Siong Lok Kun, the healer or caretaker of many healer temples. There is even a road along Air Itam market place named after him.

The Bronze Urn and Huge Lantern are as old as the temple.

This is the town I grew up. My sister and me used to walk to the market from our home. I remember when we were young, we hated walking for 20 to 30 mins to the market. I do understand why there is a need for modern facilities. I only wish there will be some heritage buildings left to see. But it is going away too fast. This is the very reason I have now over 10,000 pictures. Amateur I may be, still they are my own hard work.Some locals having gone to China now understand that our own hometown Penang is far richer in heritage then China. Every street or town has a story to tell. And I have lots of story to tell as my dad and uncles told us lots when we were young.

Observed the statue just behind the joss stick, that is the God of Education, bowed down my humble devotees, says he

As we prayed and watched others, everyone seems so solemn and quietly talking to Nine Emperor God, Dao Mo the mother of Nine Emperor Gods . MMm..there is even the God of Education, so if you want your kids to be intellectuality inclined, come and offer prayer to this God. There are boxes of pencils. What they do is this. Take two pencils, make a prayer then next year come back to return 2 pencils too. But I saw devotees returning more, two boxes or placing cash or kind if they know they wont be returning.

What is my fate or fortune, Uncle?

After prayers, most will seek some spiritual guidance. Tai Siong Lok Kun, according to my late father, is revered for answering or granting wishes. This one thousand and two hundred steps, supposedly should be one thousand and two steps. Not two hundred but somehow along the way, pronunciation or translation got lost.Seeking spiritual guidanceOn the table near the ticket giver, one can find a round container with fortune or fate stick. No idea what it is called, ( I dont claim I know everything, ok?) Anyway, taking that round container with stick, the devotee will bowed in front of the gods and virtually mutter for guidance. Then shaking the stick and till it jumps out, that is your answer. Take the fortune stick that jumped out to the counter.

The all knowing one,Translation of the fortune sheet

Take it to the corner of the temple, claim your fate sheet and look for someone who knows how to read to you. It is written in mythological mandarin so one must understand some chinese legends or myth. With that, the all knowing one will share with you in story form what is in store for you. up to you to translate the result, how about that?

Por Oon Shrine,(Prays for better luck or fortune from this shrine), funny though i though, letter 5 in chinese character is missing). (But as was advised, it was done purposely long time ago), FENG SHUI I suppose

But sometimes, if they felt it is not a good fate, you will be guided to pray for better fate or luck.

Great fried Vermiceli, porridge and dessert. A real treat!

What a bliss, it is a small temple. We should be able to come down by half hour, right. But no we were there for a few hours, why. So much to see and while feasting our eyes of the greenery, we had a blessed meal then washed our own plates, chopstick and cups. Again Coffee is BEST!And Cheng Kon Sze Temple, we will come back and soon before someone decide to vacate you too!Remember besides Thaipusam in January or February, in October Nine Emperor Gods festival is celebrated vastly in Penang Butterworth, all of Malaysia and world wide. cheers