Spring is Just a Week Away!

It is probably no surprise to anyone that I eagerly await spring; starting at about the first snowfall we get during the fall or winter seasons.  As much as I love snow, I absolutely loathe having to shovel my driveway, can’t stand driving in it and I am not a fan of the cold temperatures.  In all actuality, springtime still brings snow and cooler temps, but the anticipation of warmer days makes it a much better season and the diminutive snowstorms we do get don’t last long, nor do they bring much snow.  I love spring for many reasons; warmer weather, sunnier days, stays lighter later, leaves begin to form on trees, flowers start to pop through the ground, and the barbeque comes out of hibernation.  Some of the littlest things in life are the biggest to me, such as opening up all your windows in your house on a warm spring afternoon.  Nothing beats the smell of a fresh air circulating through a house that has been closed up for the last 4-5 months.  This last weekend we had 60 degree temps and tons of sun so my husband and I (as in mostly my husband because I am sporting around an 8 month pregnant belly) put the swings back on the swing set, brought out the kids toys from the garage, got the bicycles down from overhead storage (to discover every tire needs to be fixed), made an appointment for someone to come aerate our lawns, washed off patio furniture and put the tiki torches back up along the fence among many other things.  To some, this might sound like “work” on a day off, but to me, this is a break.  Preparing for something I love like summer is never considered work in my book.

This time of year I also start to plan the layout of my vegetable garden.  Besides the many things mentioned above, I just love having a garden.  There is just something about having fresh produce all summer long and being able to share my bounty with my neighbors!  In the past I have tried starting my veggie plants from seeds but with no feat.  I am very successful in getting the seeds to sprout and growing the plants indoors but then when I go to plant them outside in the warm soil something goes awry.  It has been suggested to me that they weren’t acclimated to the outdoor temperatures or the plants were still too feeble.  Not to mention my little plants are nothing compared to the size of the plants you buy from your local nursery or garden center.  So after taking all that time growing my own seedlings, I end up buying much larger, healthier looking plants and go from there.  Well, this year I am determined to change that habit.  I have educated myself, and by educated I mean I have Google-d “planting seeds” and “starting your garden from scratch”.  I have found dozens upon dozens of great ideas, advice, tips, hints and suggestions for beginner gardeners. So this last weekend I ventured out to my local nursery and bought greenhouse trays and seeds.  After returning home my youngest son and I got busy right away planting those seeds. 



Seeds and Greenhouse Trays

My son loved helping me put the seeds in the soil pellets!

Now we wait and see...

Needless to say, my spring fever is almost unbearable this year. I guess I will sit back and try to enjoy the last week and a half of winter. *Sigh* 

What is your household doing to prepare for spring?      

Uses for Essential Oils~Lavender

I have been using lavender oil for about 8 ½ years now.  Since the day my oldest son was born I have used it in his bath water, on his pillow, and sometimes even on his clothing. Now 8 years later I am still learning the many uses for this well known scent.  My youngest son (now 2) has also had the fortune of growing up with me using Lavender essential oils on him.    

Lavender has long been known for its relaxing qualities.  Researchers are currently testing lavender oils additional benefits; like pain relief.  It has been found to diminish the throbbing pain of headaches/migraines, help ease the pain and stiffness of joints and even decrease the achiness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Lavender contains a compound called “linalool” which produces alpha waves.  “Alpha waves” is a scientific term for brain signals that control sensory information. Lavender has been used for decades to help people relax, lower heart rate, ease stress hormones and now shows that it has anti-inflammatory properties, can relax inflamed blood vessels and numb pain receptors.  Does it really work??   According to an article written by Shannon Hunt, in the Jan, 27, 2014 issue of “Woman’s World”, select patients undergoing surgery at NYU Medical Center who are exposed to the scent of lavender oil during the procedure required less morphine (or pain medication) after the surgical procedure. (p.21)

In your medicine cabinet, Lavender can replace:

·         Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments

·         Tylenol or acetaminophen products

·         Aleve or naproxen products

·         Motrin or ibuprofen products

·         Unisom or other sleeping aids

dōTERRA® Lavender Essential Oil~ $28.00 15ml
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Application Methods for Lavender:

• Applied neat (with no dillution)
• Diffuse or inhale aroma directly
• Place 1-2 drops under tongue or in a veggie capsule and take internally
• Use to flavor food or beverages

What’s even better? When using lavender oil there are no side effects, no drug interactions, it is all natural and proven to be effective.

Watch for future posts on “recipes” that use Lavender, including an all natural headache remedy, a way to heal eczema, fever reducer and relaxing bath oil.   

What do you use lavender for?     

 

52 Acts of Compassion Campaign~Week One

This week we are going to make homemade Valentine’s for the residents at a local nursing home.  This is an easy and fun way to bring tons of a joy to some folks that may not otherwise have a lot of delight in their life. This project is costing us nothing because I have all the supplies we need in my scrapbooking stuff.

Some of the items we are going to use are:

·         Construction Paper

·         Heart Shaped Doilies

·         Crayons, Markers and Colored Pencils

·         Stickers

·         Finger Paints

·         Glitter Glue

What is your Act of Compassion going to be this week? 

8 Surprising Uses for Breast Milk

National breast feeding month is finally upon us! I love this month because it raises so much awareness and allows those who chose to breastfeed the opportunity to be recognized.  Many of you know that I am working on becoming a board certified lactation consultant because I truly believe in the benefits of breast milk and I want to educate moms on the benefits of it to their babies and to themselves as well.  Many people call breast milk “liquid gold”, I call it a precious commodity, and after nursing my oldest son for a year my mom dubbed it “mama moo!”    Not only does breast milk provide your child with nourishment but provides countless other uses.  So, in honor of this monthI am going to offer some non-traditional ways to use breast milk.

1) Conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye)- Dip a cotton ball into some breast milk and rub on the affected eye, 2-4 times daily.  To prevent it from spreading to the other eye it can also be used on the non-affected eye.

2) Cuts (minor cuts only)- Pour a small amount of the breast milk on small cuts or wounds and then cover with a band aid or gauze.  Use in lieu of antibiotic ointments or washes.

3) Burns (minor burns only)- Pour a small amount on the burn, several times a day.  Great for sunburns!

4) Psoriasis- This may sound weird but it has been said that breast milk can help tame psoriasis.  I can confirm that this is true.  My mother-in-law has severe psoriasis and uses left over breast milk that I have frozen.  Her body is 90% covered in psoriasis, and so she just uses it on the more severe and inflamed parts.  She dips a cotton ball in it and dabs it on several patches after her shower every morning.  It helps the itch and the redness to go away.

5) Eczema- Just like psoriasis breast milk can also help with eczema.  Both of my boys have eczema, my youngest sons is more severe (mainly on his legs) and so every night before bed I rub his legs down with a cotton ball that has been dipped in breast milk.

6) Colds/Illness- Breast milk contains antibodies from the mother and so I still give my youngest son breast milk when he is ill.  It helps them fight off colds, the flu, stomach bugs…you name it and it will help!  Dab a bit under their nose before bed and it helps ward of a cold as well.

7) Gastrointestinal Problems- Breast milk coats the stomach while also providing antibodies to fight viruses that might be interrupting the good flora in your gut. Even older children benefit from a drink of breast milk to help fight off stomach bugs and ward of problems that taking antibiotics can cause.

8) Diaper Rash or any other form of rash- Dab some on the affected area at each diaper change or several times a day.  Something to keep in mind- if the diaper rash does not seem to go away or get better it could be yeast.  Breast milk will only make the yeast infection worse. When using breast milk on a diaper rash be sure to watch for worsening rash and redness and discontinue use of the milk if it gets worse and then seek care from your pediatrician. 

Keep in mind that I am not a doctor and some cases are more brutal than others.  Please do not use breast milk in exchange for a doctor prescribed medication and also seek help for severe burns and cuts and scrapes. I hope that you find some of these uses helpful in your future!

What have you used extra breast milk for?    

Being a Good Neighbor

My family and I just had the exciting yet challenging task of moving to a new home.  As most of you know moving is emotionally, physically and mentally draining.  First you have feelings of melancholy because you are leaving your old “home” behind, and those feelings are mixed with exhilaration because you are moving to a new house that you will soon make your home.  After those mixed emotions pass you have the feelings of weariness varied with vigor trying to get your belongings moved and unpacked.  Once you are officially moved and your house is now your humble abode, you face the pleasure of meeting your neighbors and finding your place on the block. Of course meeting your neighbors may be the last thing on your mind after such a draining task, but I find it very important. Did you know that eight times in the New Testament of the Bible we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves?  It might be seem difficult to even fathom the idea of “loving” someone we don’t even know, or someone we have nothing in common with other than living next door to each other.  But the truth of the matter is that God commands this of us.

When we finally got moved in I had tons of ideas running through my head, from baking mini loaves of banana bread to making one of those “jar recipes”.  I have all these ideas but can’t seem to settle on just one.  I want to make a jar recipe, bake bread, buy mini candles and bring a bouquet of flowers, but let’s face it, I don’t grow money on the tree in the backyard and all of my ideas could end up costing a ton.  Whatever happened to going next door, introducing myself and letting them know that I am always around if they need anything?  Most likely, they could care less whether I bring them a gift, but it is more reasonable to believe that my words and actions have a better chance of leaving a lasting impression.

I am very lucky in the fact that I have always have fantastic neighbors and I encourage you to reach out to yours and hopefully find that camaraderie that I have always found with my next door neighbors.   

How are you “neighborly”?

Practicing Hospitality

In many of my previous blogs I have mentioned that I love to have people over; for family dinners, game nights, coffee and dessert, you name it I love to have people over for it.  Entertaining is one of my favorite things to do and over the years I have learned how to be a proper and prim hostess.  As hard as it is to admit this, I have not always been a genteel host.  When I was younger, after buying my first home, I had to have it perfect.  I didn’t invite anyone over because I was always worried about how my house would look.  You must remember this is previous to having children, so having a house in perfect and flawless condition was actually attainable.  At this point in my life I was able to get up and have a regular cleaning regime every morning and my house was as squeaky clean as it could possibly get, yet I was still fearful of having people over.  I wanted perfection but I never felt like I could achieve that perfectly clean and spotless house.  Now almost 10 years later, I feel like I have achieved my goal of being a refined hostess.  Of course having children may have been the turning point.  I have come to the realization that my house will never be spotless.  I will always have toys strewn about, a sink with dishes in it, stains on the carpet and crumbs on the kitchen floor.  It has taken me a while to be okay with such things but I am finally there.  I will invite people over now regardless of the condition of my house, and I don’t worry about what they are thinking when it comes to my house, now I am worried about whether I was a hostess as God’s own heart .

If you are like me, you may have or currently view hospitality as a succeed/not succeed accomplishment.  Viewing hospitality is not a way to show off our most precious treasures and elaborate food, but rather true hospitality is just merely sharing our true selves with other people.  When someone visits your house make sure they feel at home.  It is better that you have a guest who feels comfortable while noticing a few toys on the floor than a guest who feels completely uncomfortable but praises you for your housekeeping skills.   

The Bible talks a lot about hospitality; in fact, it is stated very clearly in I Peter 4:9, “Offer hospitality to one another...”  Just like we are told to love one another and to pray continuously, we are also told to be hospitable. When you dig deeper into the meaning of “hospitality” you discover that it comes from the root term “hospital”.  People visit hospitals when they are sick, when they need healing and when they are hurt.  It is possible that God wants us to provide hospitality to those who are sick, who need healing and are hurt?  I am not talking about someone who needs stitches, or who needs their gallbladder out, I am talking about the single parent next door who is tired and worn, or the lady who just lost her husband a few weeks back.

If you are ready to become the hostess that God intends for you to be a good place to start is following the directions that God laid out before us.  “Then Jesus said to His host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed.  Although, they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteousness~ Luke 14:12-14 I think this scripture is trying to say, don’t be hospitable because you want the favor returned, but do it because it is asked of you. This scripture isn’t saying that we can’t invite family and friends over for family dinner, because I truly believe God loves it when families get together, but more specifically, look around you and see where your hospitality is needed.   

How do you practice hospitality?

10 Ways to Feel Healthier Now

Like most of the population I am always trying to do little things on a daily basis to make myself healthier.  While actually getting into shape and losing weight or whatever needs to be done can take a few months there are several things that can be done daily to help you feel your best. 

1.       Eat as if you are in the Garden of Eden.  Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. It is best that you consume these foods in their most natural state as possible.

2.       Start walking at least 30 minutes a day.  If you only have 10 minutes, then walk 10 minutes.  Any amount of time spent walking is better than no time spent walking.  A moderate walk is the most effective and cheapest form of exercise.  If you have a friend to walk with, even better.  You can both hold each other accountable while enjoying your friendship!   

3.       Drink more water.  Avoid soft drinks and too much coffee.  Most people are chronically dehydrated and it is slowly killing them.  Experts suggest that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day.

4.       Get enough sunlight, but not too much.  We need sunlight for vitamin D production, better rest and sunlight is a major mood booster. Please remember to wear sunscreen any and every time you are out in the sun. 

5.       Avoid caffeine, nicotine, sugars and other drugs.  These ingredients can destroy immune function and age your prematurely.  If you are like me and love your cup of coffee and sugary snack every day, just be sure to use in moderation. 

6.       Find time to breath in clean air.  Oxygen is the most important substance for life and health; go to where it is purest and breath deep. 

7.       Honor the Sabbath Day.  Fellowship and worship at church and place your worries with God.  You will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the week ahead.

8.       Get enough sleep.  Maintain a regular bedtime and be sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night.

9.       Slow down! Keep stresses at a minimum. Avoid debts and spend within your means. You will be a lot happier with less stuff to worry about.

10.   TRUST IN GOD!!!  Pray and read your Bible daily. Remember that you have a friend in Jesus and can claim His promises.     

What do you do on a daily basis to stay healthy?