Saturday, December 18, 2010
Wow...What a Week!
Well, I wanted to come on and say hello to everyone and write a brief blog posting. I have been ill since Monday and suffered some sort of allergic reaction on Thursday evening...which turned me into a giant strawberry...ahhhhh! Luckily, it wasn't severe and able to be taken care of with medicine. Only downside, I have to try and retrace anything new added into my life within the last couple of weeks...food, lotion, etc. So as I begin my investigation, I hope you all are enjoying your last week before Christmas! Be safe and stay warm :)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Keep Yourself Healthy
As I woke up this morning, feeling pretty icky, I decided that I would share some home remedies that have been given to me over the years to help prevent sickness during the winter months. Well, they will work anytime, but they seem most appropriate since sickness is creeping up all over this season. Of course, these never take the place of a Doctor, and should be used with your best judgement. They simply may relieve symptoms, but again, do not replace your health care regimen.
If you have an ear ache, especially if you feel that there is excess moisture in your ear, fill a clean tube sock with one cup of dry rice and heat in microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until it feels warm to the touch. Place your affected ear on the warm, rice filled sock (place it on a pillow and take a snooze) for about one hour (or longer if you can). The dry rice will attract moisture out of the ear and the warmth will help to soothe the ear ache.
Think you are starting to get a cold? Rub a thin layer of vapor rub on the bottom of your feet and cover with socks. Wear it all night and wash off in the morning.
Stuffy nose? Add 2 cups of hot water to a medium-sized container (best if you use something that will only be utilized for non-food related purposes), something like a dishpan. Position your head over the container and place a bath towel over your head and the container. The steam will help to break-down the mucus. You can also eat something slightly spicy, like salsa, it will help to open up those passages!
Well those are just a few of my home tips and tricks...hopefully they will help me to feel better this evening. Have a great and healthy day!
If you have an ear ache, especially if you feel that there is excess moisture in your ear, fill a clean tube sock with one cup of dry rice and heat in microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until it feels warm to the touch. Place your affected ear on the warm, rice filled sock (place it on a pillow and take a snooze) for about one hour (or longer if you can). The dry rice will attract moisture out of the ear and the warmth will help to soothe the ear ache.
Think you are starting to get a cold? Rub a thin layer of vapor rub on the bottom of your feet and cover with socks. Wear it all night and wash off in the morning.
Stuffy nose? Add 2 cups of hot water to a medium-sized container (best if you use something that will only be utilized for non-food related purposes), something like a dishpan. Position your head over the container and place a bath towel over your head and the container. The steam will help to break-down the mucus. You can also eat something slightly spicy, like salsa, it will help to open up those passages!
Well those are just a few of my home tips and tricks...hopefully they will help me to feel better this evening. Have a great and healthy day!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Outside the snow is falling...
The snow will soon be falling and I am just getting myself in the mood for a chilly weekend! Tomorrow is the Home for the Holidays event in downtown Winchester and the square will be filled hustle and bustle during "A Dickens' Christmas"! I will be at The Cashmere Cat from 3-5pm, so come in and say hello! We'll have refreshments and lots of items for you to browse. So, in honor of the Christmas spirit, I wanted to take the time to share with you some homemade gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on ones face and not break the bank!
Homemade Candle
Do you have leftover wax from a burnt-out candle or some broken crayons? Don't throw it out! Melt left over wax, crayons, etc. in a double boiler and pour into a cardboard or heavy card stock container (half-n-half cartons work well) in your desired shape and add wick! Let cool and remove (typically cut) container. Voila! You may add scented oils or such to make them smell extra good. Don't want a candle? Use broken crayons and follow the same steps, but pour them into lined-muffin tins. When cool, you have large, new colored crayons! This beats the new $30 crayon maker!
Recipe Collection
Take a few of your favorite recipes and write them out by hand or make copies on festive paper. Add them to a recipe box, recipe scrapbook, etc. and gift them to the ones you love.
Creative Floral Arrangements
Floral pieces during the Christmas season can be so expensive and limited! Look at your local grocery or super-store for a bouquet of fresh flowers or potted plant. Dress the plant up with ribbons, tinsel or small ornaments within or on the planter. Opted for loose flowers...choose a clear container and cut flowers to size (don't forget to cut on an angle) and add to vase. Now you can add that extra special touch...float cranberries in the container with the flowers, color the water with gel food coloring (if you have white flowers, they will turn colors) or add slices of fruit! Keep your flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of bleach to the water!
Enjoy and make something special this season :)
Homemade Candle
Do you have leftover wax from a burnt-out candle or some broken crayons? Don't throw it out! Melt left over wax, crayons, etc. in a double boiler and pour into a cardboard or heavy card stock container (half-n-half cartons work well) in your desired shape and add wick! Let cool and remove (typically cut) container. Voila! You may add scented oils or such to make them smell extra good. Don't want a candle? Use broken crayons and follow the same steps, but pour them into lined-muffin tins. When cool, you have large, new colored crayons! This beats the new $30 crayon maker!
Recipe Collection
Take a few of your favorite recipes and write them out by hand or make copies on festive paper. Add them to a recipe box, recipe scrapbook, etc. and gift them to the ones you love.
Creative Floral Arrangements
Floral pieces during the Christmas season can be so expensive and limited! Look at your local grocery or super-store for a bouquet of fresh flowers or potted plant. Dress the plant up with ribbons, tinsel or small ornaments within or on the planter. Opted for loose flowers...choose a clear container and cut flowers to size (don't forget to cut on an angle) and add to vase. Now you can add that extra special touch...float cranberries in the container with the flowers, color the water with gel food coloring (if you have white flowers, they will turn colors) or add slices of fruit! Keep your flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon of bleach to the water!
Enjoy and make something special this season :)
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