Are spray bottles filled with various cleaning solutions stealing your valuable cabinet space? Consider streamlining your cleaning routine by using borax, a naturally occurring white mineral more aptly known as sodium tetraborate. This eco-friendly powder can be used in many applications throughout the home, from cleaning and deodorizing to DIY bouncy balls for the kids. Here are a few uses for borax:

1. Laundry Booster
Add one-half cup of borax to your washing machine to help boost the effectiveness of your regular detergent.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons borax and two of cups hot water. Use the solution to clean countertops, kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware.

3. Bathroom Cleaner
Remove soap scum and hard water deposits by combining one cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your sink and tub using a damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. To apply borax in dry form, you can store it in an empty parmesan cheese shaker for easy sprinkling.

4. DIY Dish Detergent
Save money by making your own powder dishwasher detergent. Simply combine one tablespoon borax and one tablespoon baking soda.

5. Make Your Own Bouncy Balls
Here's a fun, educational activity for the kids: Combine borax, glue, cornstarch, food coloring, and water to make your own bouncy balls. (Find the complete instructions here.) While borax is an all-natural product, you still need to remind your kids that it's not for eating. Be sure to keep your box of borax out of the reach of children.

Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]
25 Household Uses For Borax [Homesessive]
Uses of 20 Mule Team® Borax [Mule Team Borax]
30 Little Known Uses for Borax [One Good Thing]
How to Make a Borax Bouncy Ball [Creative Bug]
Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]

CC-BY-SA-3.0/Flickr/wwarby

There are few community resources better than a public library, and Universal City’s is beloved by the area’s residents. The library may be quaint, but it’s filled to the brim with books for adults and children, a passionate and knowledgeable staff, and a number of after-school activities to get kids interested in reading. The library also offers a large selection of audio books, VHS tapes, and DVDs in addition to its book collection.

The Universal City Public Library is home to many more events, classes, and community activities than your typical public library, and it seems that there’s always something going on for residents of all ages. From craft hours for senior citizens and family movie nights to science lessons for the little ones, the library is dedicated to providing safe, fun activities that help to bring the community closer together.

The Universal City Public Library is open different hours every day, so be sure to check the website before planning a visit.

The Universal City Public Library
100 Northview Drive
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 659-7048
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-public-library-universal-city
www.facebook.com/UniversalCityPublicLibrary/timeline www.universalcitytexas.com/index.aspx?nid=396

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/CCAC North Library

Taza’s Cafe has secured a place in the Universal City food community because of its well-made coffee, and, most of all, its incredibly popular cinnamon rolls. The stylish cafe features a modern coffee bar, comfortable wooden tables, and fireplaces that add to the interior’s ambiance.

The eclectic menu's most popular items are its personal pizzas, salads, and croissant sandwiches for both breakfast and lunch, and the expansive bakery options include brownies, cookies, and those famous cinnamon rolls. For those who enjoy working on their computers or finishing some homework, there’s also free Wi-Fi for customers. Whether you come early in the morning for breakfast and coffee or pop by after dinner, Tazas Cafe is a quirky alternative to the chain coffee shops in the area.

Tazas Cafe is open 6:30 a.m. to midnight daily.

Tazas Cafe
3126 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-2927
www.tazalicious.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tazas-cafe-universal-city

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/risastla