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- Has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, making it good for fighting infections and acne
- Helps support the immune system
- Reduces cholesterol
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Helps to prevent hardening of the arteries
- Fights against inflammation, which is great for people who suffer from auto immune diseases
- It has potent anti-inflammatory substances.
- It’s a natural pain-killer.
- It improves absorption of nutrients.
- It aids in digestion.
- It aids in fighting respiratory problems like a common cold.
- It strengthens the immune system.
- It inhibits fatty deposits in the arteries to aid in stroke prevention.
- I want it to taste decent (decent for me may mean great to other people, because I’m not too picky).
- I want it to act as an antiseptic.
- I want it to freshen my breath.
- I want it to help keep my teeth and gums healthy.
- Distilled water – You definitely need distilled or filtered water. Why put any more bacteria or contaminants into your mouth, right? I prefer distilled because it will have a lower risk of bacteria or other contaminants.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – I’ve been using hydrogen peroxide to rinse with to help whiten my teeth. My dental hygienist gave me that tip. However, after researching, I found out it should always be diluted, because it is only safe in lower concentrations. Otherwise, it could possibly lead to the breakdown of the enamel. I still want to keep using it for its antiseptic value and whitening potential, so I decided to include it in the mouthwash.
- Clove essential oil – Cloves have been used for centuries for their antiseptic and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. I did see several warnings for pregnant women and the use of cloves. Apparently it is used to hasten birth during a long labor, so it could possibly lead to premature labor. I’m not a doctor or expert, but just wanted to make sure if you’re pregnant, you do your research and consult your doctor before using it. I did not research it any further, since I am not pregnant, nor plan to be. Cloves are also a natural anti-inflammatory, so I thought this could be beneficial for inflamed gums and to help with the inflammation my auto-immune disease causes. It might not help, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to try it, right?
- Tea tree essential oil – Tea tree oil is known for its natural antiseptic properties but not meant to be ingested or used in high concentrations.
- Finely Ground Sea Salt – Dentists have been recommending for centuries to rinse with warm water and salt, after any type of dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction. This is because salt inhibits the growth of bacteria. I chose sea salt because I already had the finely ground variety on hand and sea salt is less salty than table salt.
- Peppermint Extract – I wanted to stay away from the extracts because of their alcohol content, but could not find the peppermint oil at my local stores. I wanted peppermint for the taste.
- Liquid stevia – Stevia is a natural zero calorie sweetener I use all the time. It’s hard to find the liquid variety on store shelves, so you may have to order this online. Obviously, I wanted my mouth wash to have a sweet flavor.
- You must get plenty of sleep at night. My doctor is so right about this one. I feel I do best with 7-8 hours. Any more than that and I’m too groggy in the mornings. Any less than that and it takes me too long to get going in the mornings.
- Try to strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week. Admittedly, I’ve been way off on my exercise routine because of the holidays and hectic life, but I am trying to get back on track. I know it helps my energy level when I do exercise. It also has many other benefits as I pointed out in my article about The Benefits of Exercise.
- Do not skip breakfast. Eat something that has a variety of nutrients such as protein, whole grains, and vitamins. Avoid eating foods that have no nutritional value. When you do this, you are just temporarily filling your empty stomach, but not really fueling your body for the day.
- Any time you get the chance to add more nutrition to a meal, do this. For example, rather than just having a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of store-bought orange juice with preservatives and added sugar, opt for the oatmeal with blueberries or strawberries and a glass of low-fat or almond milk, instead. This way you avoid the sugary juice which is setting you up to crash later, but instead you are adding more protein and antioxidants. Another thing you could do is have Greek yogurt with the oatmeal and drink water. Not all store-bought juices are bad, but make sure they are 100% juice with no added sugar; and not “juice cocktail” or “juice blends.” Simply Orange is a good brand that is pure orange juice.
- Limit or cut out foods and drinks which are bad for you, such as soft drinks and donuts. They give you no nutritional value and cause your body to have to work harder to eliminate the extra toxins, depleting your energy reserves. Also, the extra caffeine or sugar will surely cause a crash later.
- Multivitamin. I take a good multivitamin every day to supplement the nutrition I am getting from foods. I know there are varying opinions on whether you should or should not supplement your nutrition with pills; and if so, which ones to take. I recommend you talk to your doctor before starting any vitamin regimen.
- Read labels. The more natural or whole foods you consume, the less preservatives and additives you’ll be consuming. In the case of processed foods, usually the longer the list of ingredients, the more unhealthy the food is for you. Again, when your body has to process these chemicals, it will deplete your energy, and can lead to other diseases such as cancer.
- Choose natural high-energy snacks or drinks, and not chemically altered energy or sugary drinks and protein bars – again leading to a crash later. Choosing yogurt or a piece of fruit is better than a chocolate protein bar that you have no idea what is in it. I’m not saying they are all bad – just read the labels.
- Take healthy snacks with you for a quick energy boost, when you know you’re going to have a long, tiring day
- Choose nutritious foods that are known to help boost energy levels or provide help in maintaining blood sugar levels:
- Kiwi – Two a day only have 100 calories, yet offer hours of energy.
- Whole Grains – They are digested slower, keeping your blood sugar levels more stable, to avoid the energy slump.
- Bananas – They contain fiber to keep you full and B vitamins to boost energy.
- Almonds – They contain magnesium which helps you convert sugar into energy, plus are a good source of protein.
- Beans – They are a great source of energy-boosting complex carbohydrates.
- Stevia – Choose a zero calorie natural sweetener such as stevia, over artificial sweeteners or refined sugar. You not only save calories, but you avoid the possible side effects of artificial sweeteners and refined sugar.
- Antioxidants – Any food rich in antioxidants such as those found in berries will help boost your immune system, so that you can ward off any potential sickness.
- Oranges – A superfruit which contains thiamine, which supports the body’s immune system and is necessary to convert carbohydrates into energy.
- Blueberries – Another superfruit, which is a great fruit to add to your cereal, oatmeal, or smoothies. They contain manganese, which supports metabolism, helping your body to convert food into energy more efficiently.
- For Men: 3 liters or 13 cups a day
- For Women: 2.2 liters or 9 cups a day
- For Pregnant Women: 2.4 liters or 10 cups a day
- For Breast Feeding Women: 3.0 liters or 12.5 cups a day
- Exercise: get an extra 1 to 2 cups
- Environment: Hot /Humid weather or Heated air, extra water
- Higher Altitudes: Increase urination and breathing, so water intake should increase
- Sickness: Vomiting, diarrhea, bladder infections and urinary tract stones should also increase your water intake
- 2 Cups Whole Wheat Baking Mix
- 2 Cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 Lb. Jimmy Dean Sausage (Original or Hot)
- ¾ Cup Almond Milk (you may use any milk you prefer)
- Using your hands, mix all ingredients together until thoroughly blended.
- Spray a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Form 1” balls out of mixture and place on baking sheet leaving about an inch in between each ball.
- Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup of spinach
- 2 mandarin oranges
- 8 strawberries
- 2 kiwifruit
- 1½ Tablespoons stevia (or 3 packets)
- 1 cup ice
- Put all ingredients into blender, beginning with water and ending with ice.
- Start blender on slow and then increase to highest speed until all ingredients become a smooth consistency.
- Pour into glass and enjoy!
10 Herbs and Spices to Improve Your Health
April 11th, 2014Healthy living is not always easy. We have to eat the right foods, exercise regularly, get periodic health checks, reduce stress; etc. Over the past few years, I have been seeing a lot about the health benefits of herbs and spices. As a result, I have started using more of these herbs and spices when preparing food. Knowing our readers are health conscious, I decided to share a list of 10 of my favorite herbs and spices to use for health benefits:
1. Cinnamon – Known to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients, has antioxidant properties, and curbs cravings for sweets. I like to put it into my coffee.
2. Garlic – One of my personal favorites…this little spice has many health benefits:
3. Coriander – Reduces blood sugar, increases insulin release, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Although it comes from the herb, cilantro, it has a sweet taste. It is mostly used in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.
4. Oregano – Great for spicing up Italian dishes but has 4 times more antioxidants than blueberries.
5. Thyme – This little herb is great to use in soups, stews and sauces. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties.
6. Chili Powder – This hot little number is known to rev up your metabolism. In addition to chili, it’s a great spice for many foods. I like to use it in soups and stews, all Mexican dishes, and sprinkled on home-baked fries.
7. Ginger – Like Garlic, ginger has many benefits. I like to sprinkle it in my hot tea. It has a unique, sweet taste and, like garlic, has many benefits:
8. Rosemary – This fragrant herb is known to improve memory, increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and act as an anti-histamine for allergy and asthma sufferers. It works great on beef, pork and chicken. For a healthy chicken recipe, check out Krista’s Lemon and Herbs Roasted Chicken.
9. Cloves – Eugenol, the primary component found in cloves is known for its anti inflammatory effects. This makes cloves a perfect spice for people who suffer from auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, cloves are also used for their antiseptic and analgesic qualities. Try a little fresh ground cinnamon and cloves on a baked sweet potato. Yummy!
10. Sage – It pairs well with rosemary and thyme. It has been known to improve memory, aid in digestion, and believed to improve the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Conclusion
When preparing your food, don’t just think of the health benefits of the food, but think about which herbs and spices you can use to improve your overall health. Try using fresh, whole herbs and spices when possible to chop or grind. If you choose to use pre-packaged herbs and spices, just make sure they are fresh. I hope this list helps you in making healthy food choices for you and your family. What are some herbs and spices you like to use? In what foods do you like to use these 10 herbs and spices? I would love to hear from you with your opinion or comments. Happy Cooking!
References
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/10/spices-health_n_1085099.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/25/benefits-of-garlic_n_3990616.html
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-ginger-that-you-didnt-know-about.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=69
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail51.php?gc=51&gclid=CIukhsKQ170CF Wdk7Aodo0AArQ
http://www.eatingwell.com/nutrition_health/nutrition_news_information/8_of_the_ worlds_healthiest_spices?page=2
Previous Healthy Tip: My Sarcoidosis Diagnosis and My Search to Get My Life and My Energy Back
Homemade Antiseptic Mouthwash
April 9th, 2014If you would’ve told me two years ago I would’ve been making homemade mouthwash, I would have said you were crazy. As I went on this journey of cleaning out the clutter in my life, I didn’t dream I would become more and more aware of the waste we put into our landfills, as well as the wasted money I spend every day on products, in an almost robotic or mindless way. As I kept gargling with my pricey, store-bought, mouthwash, I kept thinking about why I am putting chemicals in my mouth, when I don’t even know what they are, or if they really work. I knew as my thoughts kept running wild in my head, there was no going back; I would have to be bold and brave and try it one day. Why not? If I didn’t like it, I could always go back to throwing away my hard- earned money and putting unknown chemicals in my mouth, right?
My History
Before going further, I wanted to share a little bit about my dental history. All my life I have suffered with severe dental problems. As a child, I had tons of cavities (but I also ate tons of candy…go figure).
All my adult life I have suffered with periodontal disease (soft and bleeding gums, constant infections). I use a high-end electric toothbrush, a water pik, and floss. In addition, I have to go for cleanings 4 times a year, because if I don’t, my small issues, become major issues. I also grind my teeth at night so I have to wear a night guard, or else my periodontal disease is exacerbated.
As if my dental problems aren’t enough, I also have an auto immune disease and am on a regimen of immune suppressant drugs, making me more susceptible to infections
What I Want in a Mouthwash
Once I made up my mind to make a homemade mouth wash, the next step was to figure out what I wanted in a mouthwash.
Research
This led me to quite a bit of research. There are tons of recipes on the Internet for homemade mouthwash. I’m not going to provide them all here because it’s easy enough for you to “google” them for yourself. I found variations containing water, baking soda, essential tea tree oil, clove oil, hydrogen peroxide, flavored extracts, apple cider vinegar, and other essential oils.
I began by researching each one of the ingredients I considered trying. When I started researching the apple cider vinegar, I found many warnings about the acidic properties of the vinegar, and the possibility of the breakdown of the tooth enamel. This was enough for me to not want to try it. I have enough problems without taking that risk.
Next, I decided to figure out a combination I wanted to try. I chose these ingredients according to their properties:
Recipe
So now you are asking, “how much of each?” Enough of the research mumbo jumbo, already! Here’s what I found worked best for me for those 7 ingredients:
2 cups of distilled water
¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide
4 drops of clove essential oil
6 drops of tea tree oil
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
1 teaspoon of liquid stevia
1 teaspoon of sea salt
Place all ingredients into a mason jar or other glass jar containing a lid. Shake before each use. Keep a small glass or other small container such a baby food jar near sink to pour mouth wash into for drinking. You don’t want your whole family drinking out of one jar. Otherwise, you can make mouthwash for each family member and choose a variety of flavors, so they can just take a swig straight from the jar. Swish mouth wash around in mouth for approximately 1 minute and spit out. DO NOT SWALLOW.
Warning
Do not swallow or ingest this mouthwash. Keep in a safe place, away from small children. As stated earlier, consult with your doctor if you are pregnant.
Conclusion
I like the results of this mouth wash. It does have a strong taste of cloves, but I’ve always liked the taste of cloves. This may not be to everyone’s liking, so please don’t write “hate” comments about the taste. It’s your mouthwash, so you can make it any way you want. I plan to try different varieties. For sure, I am going to use peppermint oil in the future to eliminate the alcohol, as it has a drying effect on the mouth. I can’t wait until my next visit to the dentist to see if this stuff works. I will keep you updated with any new recipes I try and with my dental check-up results. Remember, there are a variety of ways you can make homemade mouthwash. Do your own research and come up with the flavors for you and your family. Enjoy! Also, don’t forget to sign up for our free $50 Amazon gift card giveaway this week.
NOW Foods Tea Tree Oil 4 oz
NOW Foods Tea Tree Oil 4 oz.
NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, 1 ounce
NOW Foods Peppermint Oil, 1 oz.
NOW Foods Clove Oil, 2 ounce
NOW Foods Clove Oil, 2 oz.
NOW Foods Better Stevia Original Liquid Extract, 8 Ounce Bottle
NOW Foods Better Stevia Original Liquid Extract, 8oz.
References
http://naturallysavvy.com/care/dental-care-the-benefits-of-cloves
http://curezone.org/forums/am.asp?i=265634
http://voices.yahoo.com/how-cloves-as-natural-antiseptic-3267050.html
http://www.ilri.org/InfoServ/Webpub/fulldocs/ilca_manual4/Microbiology.htm
http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfoodfaqs/f/What-Is-Sea-Salt.htm
Previous Homemade Savings: Eco-Friendly, All Natural, Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent
Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
April 7th, 2014We are so excited to be offering our first giveaway on the blog. There are several ways for you to win and you can come back each day to increase your chances to win. The contest will run from April 7, 2014 to April 13, 2014 (midnight). The winner of the giveaway will be announced on the blog, Facebook and Twitter; plus, we will notify the winner via email (so please leave a valid email address). Your email address will only be used at this time to notify you if you are a winner, and to communicate with you as necessary to forward your gift to you. When you come back to enter again, you can either find this post on the blog, or click on the Rafflecopter link on the top of our right sidebar. Have fun and good luck to you all!
Enter to Win the $50 Amazon Gift Card Now!
Update 4/14/2014: Congratulations to Monica Young for winning this Giveaway! This giveaway is now CLOSED.
Back to Business as Usual
March 31st, 2014Hey friends, I just want to say I’m glad this month is coming to an end, or this quarter of the year, rather. It has been rough, to say the least.
I am sorry Krista and I have not been posting, but Krista has had two moves and moved her teenage sister in with her and her husband. She’s been adjusting and trying to get her sister on her feet. In the meantime, my step father (Krista’s grandfather) went in the hospital on Christmas Eve. He stayed there for 6 weeks. Then we were told his throat cancer had returned. After this, he was moved to a nursing home, and then to another one. He finally passed away on March 3 and we had his memorial on March 16.
During all this time, my mother was still getting over finishing her chemo for her lymphoma. I had to step in and help out a lot. When we had to make final arrangements, I had to be by her side as much as possible during this time.
Since so much of my time was spent taking care of both of them and their needs before and after his passing, I got far behind in my side work (website design), as well as my personal work. Frankly I have been emotionally and physically drained.
Yesterday was two weeks since the memorial and I’m beginning to see clear from the fog I’ve been in. Now I’m ready to get back focused on the blog.
Please don’t give up on us. Krista and I are still very enthusiastic about the blog and plan to keep going with it. As always, if there are any specific topics you’d like us to research, please leave a comment. We love research! God bless all of our followers and subscribers, and thank you for your continued support and patience during this difficult time for our family.
My Sarcoidosis Diagnosis and My Search to Get My Life and My Energy Back
January 12th, 2014Lack of energy seems to be a common complaint among many people who are overworked, stressed, or suffering from health problems. Unfortunately, I fall into at least two of these categories.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease known as Sarcoidosis. It is a disease which can attack almost any organ of the body, but is most common in the lungs and lymph nodes. More specifically, it causes clusters of inflamed cells, known as granulomas, in the organ’s tissue. As the disease progresses, it can cause permanent damage of the organ. The disease can go into remission, but sometimes the symptoms can come and go for a lifetime, and even cause death in the advanced stages of the disease. I have battled active symptoms in one eye and my lungs since 2007. Because of this, I have taken all kinds of steroid medications, eye drops, and immune suppressant. Fortunately, my disease is somewhat under control now, as long as I am on the medication, but it has left me with major fatigue on many days. I usually start off the day with all kinds of energy, and then by afternoon I am exhausted. Also, if I do anything out of the ordinary, like a day of shopping, or running errands, then the next day I pay for it – I am wiped out. Just doing normal household chores has become a challenge. If I sweep and mop my floors, or vacuüm, then I usually have to go lie down and rest.
Having a diagnosis of a critical illness that can even eventually cause death is heart breaking, to say the least. Once I got over the initial shock, I was determined to not let it change my life. I thought I would just have to pray, take my medicines and make my doctor appointments, and life would go on as normal. You might say I was in denial. I kept thinking they had misdiagnosed me. I still have days where I’m in denial; after all, I am supposed to be super woman. I am the caretaker and used to wearing many hats and multi-tasking. I was the type of woman who could take care of a family, go to college, and hold down a job. This disease was not going to get to me. I would have a set back and then life would return to normal, right? Wrong!
Each time I see my pulmonologist I complain about the fatigue. She sort of looks at me with a pitiful look and says, “I’m sorry, but unfortunately that is part of this disease.” I guess I keep complaining, hoping one day I’ll get a different answer. She tells me the normal things like to make sure I get plenty of rest at night and try to resist napping during the day when I can, so it doesn’t disturb my sleep at night. However, I find when I need a nap I have no choice about it. I can’t function until I go get a little rest and get re-energized.
Now that my pity party is out of the way, and I am having a day where I’m not in denial, let’s talk about what I am doing to increase my energy levels. Obviously, I have to try to live my best life, no matter what this disease wants to steal from me. After all, there are people who have far worse problems than I do, and they go on living and enjoying life.
Determined to regain some energy, I have started researching ways to increase energy levels. One thing is for sure, no matter whether you have a chronic disease or not, I believe everyone at some point or another can benefit from more energy, so this is why I wanted to share my findings with you:
11. Drink the recommended amount of water each day. If you don’t have enough water, you will become dehydrated. Dehydration causes fatigue.
The Institute of Medicine recommends the following:
In conclusion, there are many more foods and ways to increase energy, but I think this is a good list to get you started. Please share any ideas you might have to also help increase energy. If you are battling a chronic illness, remember that we are not our disease, and we can make changes to improve our quality of life. We must not give up the fight!
References:
http://justtoyia.hubpages.com/hub/What-is-the-recommended-amount-of-daily-water-for-an-adult
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/5-energy-boosters?gallery=true&page=5
http://www.activebeat.co/diet-nutrition/20-foods-proven-to-boost-energy/10/
http://cleaningouttheclutter.com/2013/04/what-are-superfruits/
Previous Health Tip: Practicing an Attitude of Gratitude
What’s Best For My Dog’s Nutritional Needs?
December 31st, 2013The picture you see is my little guy, Louie. He is a 3-year old Yorkie (as if you couldn’t tell). Louie is very cute and lovable, but he is hard to please when it comes to eating time. I have tried all sorts of dog foods. He likes the unhealthy ones more than the healthy, but I’m determined to try to get him to eat healthier. Like many dog owners, I’m guilty of giving him table scraps from time to time. He usually has no problem with them, as long as there’s meat of some kind. Louie is a huge fan of treats, but even these have to be a special kind. He hates anything crunchy like a dog biscuit. His favorite ones are the soft, meaty ones; okay, not just any kind of soft, meaty treats…specifically “Little Caesars.”
Wanting him to live a long, healthy life, I am now willing to make some of his meals and refrigerate or freeze them, in hopes of getting him on a regular eating schedule, and to make sure I am meeting his nutritional needs. I am just now beginning to research recipes and nutritional needs of small breed dogs, however, I need help. All the information and recipes out there can be a bit overwhelming.
Having said this, I would like to know of any recipes, links, or nutritional needs information you might be willing to share with me? I would appreciate any feedback I can get. When I get done researching and testing foods out on Louie, I will write an article about my findings. If any of you have blogs or other websites, I’ll be happy to link to them as part of my research. Thanks!
Holiday Sausage Balls With a Healthier Twist
November 22nd, 2013Sausage balls are a staple in the south during the holidays. They are so delicious and easy to make. I usually make mine ahead of time and freeze. This year I started thinking of healthier alternatives than using Bisquick. I had already bought a whole wheat baking mix, so I decided to try it. Also, being the clutter person I naturally am, I could not find my old recipe, so I just made it up. I was amazed at how great they turned out. Later I want to try substituting turkey sausage for pork sausage, but I want to try them out, before I make them for my guests for the holidays. However, substituting turkey for pork sausage would obviously be another way you could make them healthier.
Enjoy and if you decide to make these, please come back and let me know how your friends and family like them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Christmas on a Budget
October 13th, 2013Christmas is right around the corner. As usual, is seems everyone is struggling to make ends meet. Christmas time adds more stress to our already stressful lives. While thinking of what I wanted to do for Christmas this year, I came up with a few D-I-Y ideas that might help you save some money when giving gifts this holiday season:
1. Make a scrapbook. Find an inexpensive scrapbook at a dollar store, or a store like Big Lots. Find cute stickers and other scrapbook supplies at a hobby store like Hobby Lobby, or Michael’s. Decide who will get scrapbooks and gather pictures accordingly. Depending on the pictures, decorate your pages to go with the theme of the pictures. Remember, you don’t have to be an expert at scrapbooking. Your friends or family will just be happy over the pictures and the effort you put into their book. One idea is to do a scrapbook for the grandparents of all their grandkids. You can do a page for each child of their infant years, then toddler years, then grade school, and so on. It would really be extra special if you can get the kids to help you.
2. Find a special picture and frame it in an unusual frame. For example, if you have a picture of your Dad fishing with his grandson, you might want to find a cute frame with a fishing theme. I am sure your Dad would love a gift like this, more than any expensive gift you could buy for him in the stores.
3. Gift bags are a great way to give personalized gifts. For the young children on your list, go to a dollar store and gather lots of inexpensive children’s gifts and gadgets. Buy gift bags in bulk, from either a craft store or online. Put the bags together with decorative tissue paper and ribbon. You can even put children’s stickers on the outside of the bags to make them more decorative. One example of a child’s gift bag might contain a $5.00 Barbie, some stickers (all kids love stickers), lip gloss, hair accessories, and candy. You may also want to do gift bags for other people on your list, but they can get a little more expensive. For a woman, your bag might contain things such as makeup, perfume, shower gel, nail polish, or a manicure set.
4. Make customized T-Shirts. Find a favorite picture and make it into something special by adding borders and words via your favorite photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop. Then, print this on T-Shirt transfer paper. Iron it onto the T-shirt for a cute and customized gift. One idea would be to take a group photo of your children and then add the phrase, “World’s Best Grandpa!” Trust me, Grandpa will wear it proudly. These T-shirts can also be done without the use of photos. You can find all sorts of pictures online and get creative with any type of shirt you may want to make.
5. Create unusual and handmade Christmas ornaments. Honestly, I am not very creative, but there are 100’s of ideas available for making ornaments. Get the kids involved, too. These make great gifts for the special teachers in your children’s lives. Here is an ornament of cute hand painted snowmen I found at The Happy Housewife: http://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/hand-painted-ornaments/ .
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season this year; and please share any of your D-I-Y gift ideas.
For more ideas, check out: http://cleaningouttheclutter.com/2012/12/diy-christmas-gifts-under-15/
Next Homemade Savings: Eco-Friendly, All Natural, Homemade Laundry Detergent
Practicing an Attitude of Gratitude
September 22nd, 2013Gratitude is something most of us forget to embrace each day of our lives. I am definitely one of those people. A few years ago, I read the book, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrnes. That book changed my life in a major way. For those of you who have not read it, it’s about the law of attraction and how what we think and feel will attract those things into our lives. In a nutshell, it’s about how positive thinking attracts more positive things to come into your life. More specifically, it’s about the fact that we are the creators of our own lives. Later, I will write on more about this concept, but for now, just know that it really works that way. The law of attraction is real. It is one of God’s laws – the same as the law of gravity. We all emit energy at every moment. It can be positive energy, or it can be negative energy. When you’re emitting positive energy, then you’re on that positive frequency and you’re opening yourself up for the universe to respond by sending more positive things to you.
So what does gratitude have to do with attracting more positive things into your life? Well, believe it or not, if you learn to be grateful for what you have, then you will find that your whole attitude will become more positive. Is it easy? No, of course not. You have to make a conscious decision to practice more gratitude. You will find once you start doing this, then you will begin to look at the world differently. Also, more and more things will come into your life to be grateful for – hence, the law of attraction, or ‘the Secret,’ in full swing.
Now, for those who are more spiritual and less scientific, just try looking around and start seeing all the little things to be grateful for. I promise you, when you truly learn to be grateful from your heart, God will give you more things to be grateful for. In addition, when you seem like you’re down and out on your luck, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that your joy will not leave you, because you’ll still find things to be grateful for, and you’ll know that it’s a temporary situation and your blessings will soon follow.
If you are wondering how to get started practicing gratitude, simply start by writing down ten things you are grateful for each day. Try to just write whatever pops into your head. Do this each morning before starting your day. With practice, you will soon find that the list of ten things is not near long enough, and you’ll be disappointed that you had to stop at ten. Remember, it’s a personal journey; no one will make you stop at ten. Write as long as you feel like writing. What you will find is that as you go throughout the day, you will begin to look for things to be grateful for so you can remember to add them to your list. Guess what will be happening in the meantime? You got it – your whole attitude will become more positive and one of more gratitude. Let’s face it; couldn’t we all use more positivity and gratitude in our lives?
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Fruit and Spinach Smoothie Your Kids Will Love
August 11th, 2013Juicing has become a part of my life. I may not always do it everyday, but I try to make sure I do it several times a week. This morning I literally went to my refrigerator and pulled out fruits I had on hand to juice. Then I decided I still had to have my spinach. It is one of those leafy greens that is so healthy, I just try to put in most of my juices or smoothies when possible. The result was a wonderful smoothie I know your kids will love, in spite of how it looks (actually it had a little more red color to it, than this picture makes it seem).