Natural Remedies In Your Own Home

Over the past few years I have been seeking ways to lead a greener, healthier life. I would like to rely on natural cures as opposed to over the counter medications and drugs and chemicals. With the number of recalls that happen daily, there is no better time than the present to rely on homeopathic solutions for what ails you. Here are a few to keep in mind, including cleaning solutions for your home.

• Use baking soda and vinegar to treat a clogged drain,
• Baking soda is wonderful for controlling blemishes and oil on your skin, take a bit, wet with water and rub over the face and neck, wash away and pat dry,
• Use an over ripe avocado to restore moisture in your skin. Smash it up and smooth it over your face and hands then rinse and pat dry. You'll be amazed at how soft and hydrated your skin feels,
• Use olive oil for a hot oil treatment to restore balance and to your hair,
• Suffering from congestion, eat onion and garlic. They are both great to open the airways,
• Drink 1-2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar at the first signs of food poisoning to settle the acids in the stomach and neutralize the toxins,
• Use ice cubes to deoderize your garbage disposal. Toss a few in and grind away!,
• Experiencing muscle cramps, grab the tonic water and drink away, the quinine in the water will soothe away muscle cramps,
• Cranberries do fight urinary tract infections, as does baking soda. Toss 1/4 tsp in 8 oz water and drink up,
• Have a toothache, swish with a bit of peroxide as needed to control the pain until you can see a dentist,
• Got an earache? Chop up a clove of garlic, soak in olive oil over night. The next day strain the oil and place a few drops in your ear. This will neutralize bacteria in the ear,
• Drop your cell phone in water, place it in an air tight container of rice to absorb the water,
• and as always if you have a cough, sip tea with honey and lemon
  

Stay happy and thrive!

Never Too Young to Learn

My back was against the wall this weekend. I faced eight loads of clean, unfolded laundry. My husband and I chatted over a few loads on Friday night (I guess you could call it date night -in) and we left 3 sorted piles for our three, five and six- year- old children to tackle the next morning. When Saturday came, it was clear and sunny. I knew that I could not spend hours sorting and folding the other 5 baskets of laundry by myself. My husband had some lame excuse about going to work. So I called the kids to come put their clothes in their dressers and then began to dread the task ahead. While handing the kids their clothes, the light bulb came on.

After they had finished with the already folded clothes, I grabbed a full basket of unfolded, unsorted clothing and dumped the whole thing onto our queen size bed. Next I told the kids to come pick out their own clothes and then fold them up and put them away. Each one made a pile of their things while helping me pull out mine and their dad's. They thought it was fun and it took all of 5 minutes to do one basket. At their ages the clothes were not folded well. But that's okay because we always iron. Together, we did the next 4 baskets in record time; including putting the clothes away. I praised those kids all day long and they beamed with pride. Since they are already familiar with sorting and loading the washer, I think I'm ready to make this a routine.

How old were you when you learned to do laundry? At what age will you teach your children this skill?

Peace and blessings,

Polly

Family Activities

We often talk about the importance of "me" time, but did you know that family time is just as important? Here's a list of great ways to spend time with the ones you love. Let the bonding began!

1. Take a long stroll around the neighborhood. Walking is good for heart and soul!

2. Pick a game night. Choose fun favorites like Hungry-hungry Hippos, Monopoly, Operation or Scrabble. Anything goes when you play together.

3. As the autumn leaves began to fall, go outside and tidy the yard together. Everyone gets fresh air and the job gets done faster!

4. Attend worship together. If you don't attend regularly, start with once a month. Make a family committment to go to church, praise and/or pray as a unit.

5. Borrow a funny family movie from the library or rent one. Laugh together.

6. Eat dinner together then let each person tell something good and bad about their day. Support each other.

7. Put on some music and everybody dance. Act silly and get the blood flowing. Relax and let loose, you're at home!

Got something to add? Please share your comments with us.

Blessings,

Polly