10 tips to help you survive the holidays

Article courtesy of Aetna Health Care

So here are 10 tips to help you survive the holidays. Tape them on the refrigerator. You know, next to the list of 27 toys your 11-year-old is asking for this year?

1. Throw away the word "perfect." We are all human beings trying to do our best. There is no such thing as "perfect" when it comes to this time of year.
2. Try to do less this year, not more. What is one task you can remove from your "to do" list?
3. Do a "small" good deed. It's amazing what it can do to lift your mood. Call that elderly aunt in California. Baby sit for the young mother across the street.
4. Say "no." That's a tough one. Start with a list. Decide what events are important to you. And let the rest go.
5. Try not to worry about things out of your control. Uncle Dave always talks too much. Those mail-order gifts might not arrive in time. The world will go on.
6. Shake a leg! Hit the gym. Take a walk. Ride your bike. Exercise helps relieve stress and chase away the blues.
7. Get more zzzzzz's. Sleep? Did someone say sleep? Yes, it's extra important this time of year. Burning that (festive green and red) candle at both ends is a guaranteed way to let stress and the blues win.
8. Laugh off mini-disasters. OK, so the dog just ate the shrimp dip. Think how many calories he's just saved you from!
9. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. It's not the time of year to settle old scores. No matter how much you want to tell off your brother.
10. Hugs help!

Warm regards and love,
Erin

Remedies for Stinky Feet and Shoes:

OK we all have that one person in the house who takes off their shoes and the rest of the family withers from the stench. Not to fear – here is some sound advice and natural remedies for getting rid of the smell.

You must first start with clean feet. Wash daily with soap and warm water and be sure to get in between your toes. You can always use a pumice stone or exfoliating scrub to get those feet sparkly clean.

Your feet must then be dried well. This includes in between toes. Don’t be lazy – bend over and dry off well.

Don’t wear the same shoes every day. You have to give your shoes a chance to dry out before wearing them again. This moist environment breeds bacteria and hence bad odors.

Try these all natural remedies:

·         White Vinegar: It is very helpful in treating your smelly feet as it disinfects the feet by deodorizing it. Take about 1/2 cup of white vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar and dilute in a warm water solution. Now place your feet in this solution for few minutes. Make sure that you properly check your feet before soaking it in the solution of white vinegar as it stings any abrasions or cuts present on the skin.

·         Lemons: These carry an acidic property which makes them antibacterial as well. In order to soak your feet in a lemon solution, dilute some drops of lemon or lemon essential oil in a water bath or bucket and soak your feet in the solution for few minutes. Take proper care of any cuts and abrasions present at it might cause burning sensation on your feet.

·         Tea Tree Oil: Just rub a few drops of tea tree oil on your foot and it will kill all the bacteria and funguses present on the foot. As it smells good so it will provide a soothing effect to your feet as well.

·         Baking Soda: Sprinkle in dry shoes and on feet daily to absorb moisture.

·         Dust feet with Corn Starch. This will help absorb the moisture.

·         Salt: Salt is a great bacterial fighter. Dissolve about 1/8 cup of salt into warm water and soak your feet for about ½ hour. Not only does this feel great but will help kill any bacteria.

·         Newspapers: Stuff your shoes with newspapers to dry them out and absorb odors.

Warm regards and love –

Erin

10 Things I am Thankful For:

Thanksgiving is now upon us and it is time we all take stock of what is truly important to us and what we are thankful for. We should remember this not only at Thanksgiving but at all times during the year. With our fast paced lives and life passing us by at faster and faster speeds every day it is important to reflect on what we do have in our lives instead of what we don’t have. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

1)      My family – I just don’t know what I would do without them. From my wonderful kids whom I adore, to my rock, my mother who is always there for me no matter what. It is a blessing to have so many of them live near me and our get-to-gethers and emails and calls are my life line. Love to all of you.

2)      My Husband – I had to list him separately from family because he is more than that; he is also my best friend and my love. Here’s to another 20 years my dear!

3)      Friends – I have a few dear friends whom I have known for many years. Even though I may not see them too often they are always in my heart and mind.

4)      Health – I am so thankful that my family and I have been relatively healthy so far in our lives. My kids get sick maybe once a year and Joe I don’t think ever gets sick. I am truly thankful!

5)      Job – Yes I am even thankful for my job. It drives me crazy and at times I want to run out the door screaming but I do have a job and a pretty good one at that.

6)      Home – We are so fortunate to have a safe and humble home to call our own.

7)      Neighbors – I have some petty wonderful neighbors. We all seem to look out for one another and even the neighbors we don’t really know all that well are good people. They take care of each other and the neighborhood.

8)      Thanksgiving – I am thankful for Thanksgiving. One of my favorite holidays. I look forward to this meal all year long. I really should eat turkey more often. Or maybe it is just the atmosphere of the whole day and that it is the prelude to Christmas. I don’t quite know but there is just something about it I love.

9)      My blog – Ok yeah, It is kinda of funny to say but I am thankful for it. This blog has helped stimulate many ideas rattling around in my head and is a creative way for me to express myself. I am entirely enjoying this experience.

10)   Spirituality – Even though I do not attend church or any structured religion, I do consider myself religious. I pray every day and feel spiritually connected to a higher power. I have faith in whatever you want to call it - I call it God. I try to live my life in a way that I can be proud of and do the right thing for myself and for others. It is a simple thing – do unto others. Hard to remember sometimes but it works.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Relax and enjoy the pictures:

Let’s just take a moment to relax, breath, and enjoy the pictures…… Enjoy!

Warm regards and love -

Erin

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe

Orzo is very versatile - it is easy to make as a side dish or a main course and there are so many things you can do with it. Enjoy this simple recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet, sauté garlic in butter until tender. Add the orzo, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until heated through.

Warm regards and love -

Erin

Aveda

Aveda is a manufacturer of botanical based hair and skin care products. They have been around since 1979 and only available in salons or on their on-line store ( as far as I am aware ).  I have worked at three Aveda Total Concept Salons in the past. This is where I was first introduced to their line of all natural products and have used them ever since.  This is probably how my interest in all natural products began come to think of it.

Personally, I have used their hair care and makeup. I love the cherry almond bark conditioner and sassafras lipstick. Two of my favorites! Aveda is one of the very first companies to use all natural ingredients, responsible packaging, renewable energy, and show a true passion for staying true to their roots. They are committed to using sustainable ingredients and using the latest technology and science to create innovative plant based products.

Not only do they lead the pack in ingenuity but they also give back in projects like Earth Fund, which helps address the following threats to global biodiversity.

1.     Global Climate Change

2.     Loss of species and habitat destruction

3.     Toxins in the environment

4.     Waste generation

5.     Air pollution

They also support breast cancer awareness and recycling programs in many communities.

Check out their products at a local salon or visit their website if you can. Aveda is truly an inspiring company.

http://www.aveda.com/aboutaveda/mission.tmpl

Warm regards and love –

Erin

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

 

There are two kinds of truth: the truth that lights the way and the truth that warms the heart. The first of these is science, and the second is art. Neither is independent of the other or more important than the other. Without art science would be as useless as a pair of high forceps in the hands of a plumber. Without science art would become a crude mess of folklore and emotional quackery. The truth of art keeps science from becoming inhuman, and the truth of science keeps art from becoming ridiculous. -Raymond Thornton Chandler, writer (1888-1959)

Clary Sage Essential Oil:

I love this essential oil but it gives me really weird dreams. You can enjoy by diffusing into the air or diluting and applying to skin, bath, or perfume.

Clary Sage is well known for its balancing properties. Used in PMS blends, it is thought to help with menopause and menstrual cramps due to its naturally occurring phytoestrogens.  It is a warming, sedative, and an excellent nerve tonic that can induce a feeling of mild euphoria in some individuals. Clary Sage is an oil for overall well-being and is ideal for use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes.   The herb derives its name from the Latin word clarus meaning “clear”, and was nicknamed “clear eye” during the Middle Ages for its famous ability to clear tired or strained eyes. Used in witch craft as a clairvoyant herb to help “see” and inducing vivid dreams and is known as a moon herb.

Clary Sage has also been used to treat bronchitis, cholesterol, hemorrhoids, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, intestinal cramps, and weak digestion – as well as depression, headaches, dandruff, insect bites, insomnia, kidney disorders, dry skin, ulcers and circulatory problems.

Just smelling it before bed is calming and stress-relieving, and can enhance your ability to dream.

As Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt notes in Advanced Aromatherapy, "Clary Sage impresses with its aroma. When applied to the wrists or temples, it is relaxing in a gentle, effective manner."

Botanical Name: Salvia sclarea
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Flowering tops and leaves
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Dry, musky, bittersweet floral
Largest Producing Countries: USA, France, and Bulgaria

Few Words of Caution: It can enhance the intoxicating effects of alcohol and other narcotics, as it is a relaxant and sedative in nature. Heavy dosage can cause headache. Pregnant ladies should avoid. Yes, there is one more thing! It is a bit costly.


Blending: Clary Sage Oil blends fine with oils of lemon, lime, orange and other citrus fruits as well as lavender, pine, juniper, geranium, sandalwood and jasmine.

Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.

As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children

Warm regards and love,

Erin

No Kid Hungry Campaign

Just on the news the other night was an eye opening story on the prevalence of poverty right in our own country. I know you have seen stories like this one and also probably know someone who is in need right next door to you.  The statistic that stuck in my mind the most and brought tears to my eyes was the fact that 1 in every 4 children go hungry every day in the United States.

There is no excuse for hunger in this country. Please visit Share Our Strength or No Kid Hungry .org below to take the pledge and offer help in some way if you can.


http://nokidhungry.org/



About No Kid Hungry:
No Kid Hungry™, an unprecedented, five-year effort designed to end childhood hunger in America. Our nation has the food and programs in place to end childhood hunger, but consider what we are up against: The stigmas and embarrassment that surround hunger, the challenges presented by access to healthy food, and the struggle to connect children with the resources they need to thrive. For 25 years, Share Our Strength has been confronting hunger head-on to break down these barriers. Together, with your support, we can put an end to childhood hunger. Will you join us in the No Kid Hungry campaign?

Warm regards and love -

Erin

No Mess Pumpkin Decorating:

No power for days, a foot of snow - hope all are safe and warm; sorry this is delayed getting out and Happy Halloween everyone!!!!


Oh my goodness – this is such a cute project and a really good way to recycle. Love this! Enjoy -


Pumpkin Decorating:  (by Deborah Way, Photograph by Andrew Greto  )

Use found objects to create a no-mess pumpkin decoration this year.

Materials

• pumpkins
• doodads from your junk drawer, such as a pot scrubber, coat hooks, plastic hang tags, a zipper, buttons, rubber band, and measuring spoon
• tacks, pins, brads, and screws for fastening

Instructions

1.     For a no-mess alternative to carving, create a face on your pumpkin with doodads from your junk drawer, held on with tacks, pins, brads, and screws. For features, we used a pot scrubber, coat hooks, plastic hang tags, a zipper, buttons, a rubber band, a measuring spoon, and more.

Happy Halloween!
Warm regards and love -

Erin

Hubbard Lodge Trail Hike:

This past weekend the family and I all went on a hike to Hubbard Lodge Trail. Joe and the kids had been there before and they have been dying to show me the sites.

It starts out at a beautiful lodge owned by Clarence Fahnestock State Park with a butterfly garden attached out back. Once you go through the butterfly garden it brings you to the main trails. You can follow the white or blue markers. The white trail is very easy while meandering by gorgeous flowing streams with magnificent foliage. The trees were still full of yellow, orange, and red leaves which created a wonderful backdrop for our hike.

There are many ruins along the way such as an old stone farm foundation with milk drums and an old plow left in what was once a field now overgrown. To some old pillars which marked the beginning of the farm house I imagine. We did not venture up that path as the grass was a bit tall and we feared ticks so we stayed on the trail and continued on our way.

As you hike up the trails you can see the enormous amount of stonework that was done to build the walls to keep animals in grazing lots. They are really a site to see. At the time of our hike that we decided to turn around and head back down we saw an old farm house very far up on the trail that was quite old and dilapidated. We poked around and saw that the stone basement was dug out and an old style metal bed frame lying around the yard and determined the house was from early 19^th century. Probably built after the farm was started as we gathered but of course we are only guessing on the appearance of the house.

We followed the same trail back down to the Hubbard Lodge and used their outdoor patio complete with picnic tables to have our lunch by the butterfly garden. The weather was cool but sunny and we had a great time together spending the day.

The hike up to the farm house took us about 2 hours and then back down so a total of 3-1/2 to 4 hours complete. Not a hard hike at all but very enjoyable. Can’t wait to go back.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park
2920 Rt 9
Cold Spring, NY 10516

http://www.fofhh.org/

Hubbard Lodge is just north of the intersection of Rt 301 and US 9.

Google map link to the trail head:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=215720277486328110519.00046dc23439a8db6db0f&ll=41.444435,-73.914599&spn=0.001938,0.004823&t=h&z=18&iwloc=00046dc23ed5c0e80c7ee


Warm regards and love,

Erin

Kiwi Facial Cleanser:

An easy receipe you can make right in your own kitchen. Beficial for all skin types.





1 kiwi fruit
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon orange water ( or plain water )
1 tablespoon apricot or almond oil ( olive oil is a good substitute )
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon finley ground almonds
2 drops orange ( or your favorite citrus ) essential oil


Puree the kiwi fruit in a blender or food processor until liquid. During processing, add yogurt, orange water, almond or apricot oil, and ground almonds. Pocess until thick and creamy. Add essential oil and stir to mix. To apply, massage gently over neck, face and decollete to cleanse. Rinse well. Makes one application.


Warm regards and love,

Erin

Apples, Apples everywhere!!!

My family and I went apple picking this past weekend on a glorious fall day and had a blast in the fields and tired ourselves out picking apples. Needless to say we now have apples coming out the wazoo! ( this is a  technical terms for way too many apples ) So instead of posting an apple pie recipe,  I thought I would post some more obscure ways to use your apples if you have an over abundance of them..

Apples are full of fiber. Chop them up into small pieces and put into your blender with other green veggies for a “green smoothie”. Very nutritious!

If baked apples is what you crave without all of the refined sugar. Try slicing apples and adding nutmeg and cinnamon with a drizzle of real maple syrup. Bake at 375 for 20min.  This is a healthier alternative to a sugar laden desert.  ( add nuts and raisins for extra flavor if you want )

Add diced apples to your salad, add a few to your rice pilaf or simply add some to your oatmeal in the morning. What a great alternative. Yum!

Make a facial mask. Grate an apple and mix in 2 teaspoons of raw honey. Smooth over face and let sit for about 10-20 min. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.  The pectin and tannins in the apples will work as  a great moisturizer and give your skin a fresh glow.

How about them apples!!!

Warm regards and love,

Erin

Are Bacteria good for us?

We all should know by now that some bacteria are good for us. Without bacteria we would die and there are certain types of bacteria that would easily kill us from exposure. So, when do we keep the good bacteria and how do we get rid of the bad?

Here is what I have found in my research.

The good bacteria, ( resident flora ) the ones we need to survive are found in our intestines to help digest food. They live on our skin and mouth and actually help fight those bad bacteria.  ( I know, gross  -right? ) Certain bugs or pathogenic bacteria -bad bacteria - take their chances when you have a lowered immune system and fight the good bacteria to try and make you sick. For example by contaminated food….  ( of course this is all in terms so we can all understand it easily ) Those are usually the kind we need to get rid of with Anti-biotics.

The benefits of good bacteria are:

  Bacteria Convert Nitrogen

• All life on our planet depends on nitrogen. Bacteria are the only organisms that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable material for other life forms. Some plants share a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that infect their roots.

Bacteria Break Down Waste

• Bacteria are natural decomposers of dead plants and animals. This is important in order to free up nutrients that would otherwise be wasted when plants and animals die. This is best illustrated with natural waste-management systems we refer to as compost heaps.

Bacteria Are Essential for Food

• Bacteria are prevalent in the manufacturing of animal byproducts. We are able to drink milk, for instance, with the help of bacteria that converts lactose (milk sugar) to lactic acid (also known as "pasteurization"). The resulting acidic state prevents harmful bacteria from growing in the milk before we've had a chance to consume it. Other food products of fermentation include vinegar, cheese, yogurt, wine and beer. ( we have all heard of pro-biotics. )

Bacteria Are Essential for Ecology

• Bacteria such as blue green algae can harness solar energy in order to create organic compounds. As primary producers, they are essential to the aquatic food chains of both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. Because of this, many species of life can flourish.

Bacteria and the Human Body Work Together

• One of the biggest (and perhaps the most fascinating) benefits of bacteria is to help in human digestion. There are tens of trillions of bacteria living in the human gut at any one time, belonging to literally hundreds of different species of bacterium. The digestive system does not differentiate good bacteria ("gut flora") from normal cells in the digestive tract, most likely because they guard against infection from harmful bacteria. Also, these bacteria help us to utilize otherwise hard-to-digest nutrients, including fiber, starches and sugars like lactose (found in cow's milk). [1]

Here are some ways to keep the bad bacteria at bay:

Wash your hands properly:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) say that proper washing of hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as colds, diarrhea, and hepatitis.  ( However there is no need to use anti-bactierial soap every time you wash your hands. Simple soap and warm water will do -  and let’s not get carried away with germ-x either! )

Disinfect your kitchen:

The kitchen is considered a danger zone for bacteria because this is where we handle raw food, left overs and such. The CDC estimates that 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses are due to cross-contamination in the kitchen. So keep you cutting board clean and make sure you do not use the same knife on raw chicken that you use to cut up your fresh vegetables.

[1] http://www.ehow.com/about_5315480_bacteria-good.html

I don’t know about you – but I am going out now for some yogurt : )

Warm regards and love –

Erin

What is "All Natural" :

When you hear the words “All Natural” you think in your mind; no preservatives, no fillers, all ingredients straight from Mother Nature, but is that what companies mean when they print “All Natural” on their products?  Is there a difference between “all natural” and " organic"?  The answers to these questions might make you think twice when purchasing products the next time you are in the grocery store.

Wikipedia states that “‘Natural foods’ and ‘all natural foods’ are widely used terms in food labeling and marketing with a variety of definitions, some of which are vague. The terms are often misused on labels and in advertisements.” “Natural” is also used to contrast the product to look or feel “organic”, but organic is a legal term used for certified products only that do not have fillers, never used pesticides while growing the product, no preservatives added, etc.

Last year the FDA received two petitions requesting it to clearly define the term “Natural”, in order to avoid such problems.  Although FDA has not formally responded to the petitions, FoodNavigator-USA.com has learned that the agency will not be considering the issue in the near future because “we’re not sure how high of an issue it is for consumers”.

So if this isn’t a big deal that consumers don’t know exactly what they are putting in their bodies, should we call everything NATURAL?  The FDA doesn’t think that defining “All Natural” an “issue”, should we just start trusting marketers that put “All Natural” on their products even if not a hint of the product came from anything natural?

The best thing to do is just look for organic products.  As mentioned before, products listed as organic have to be tested and receive certification stating that they can advertise as “Organic”.  The next best thing is to learn how to read Nutritional Labels.  Labels are helpful and every product sold must provide ingredients and other information that can help you choose the best product for you.

Just be smart and do your research.  Don’t believe everything you read on the front of the packaged products.

( article courtesy of  VitaDude )


Warm regards and love -

Erin

Natural Hair Conditioning Treatments:

If you swim or exercise regularly, the same damage you have noticed on your skin and even bathing suite is happening to your hair. Now that summer is over it is time to get your hair back in shape. Here is a few home treatments that can keep the damage down to a minimum. Use them once a month or when needed for extra shine and conditioning.


1 )  Cucumber Hair Conditioning Treatment
Ingredients:

1 egg
1 egg shell full of olive oil ( if you have oily hair; omit olive oil and substitute lemon juice )
1/4 of a peeled cucumber

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and smooth evenly onto hair - leave on for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. This treatment can be used once a month if required.


2) Rosemary/ Lavender Hair Oil
Ingredients:

1oz Rosemary essential oil
1/4oz Lavender essential oil

( enough for 6 months worth of treatments )
Mix oils together and store in a dark colored glass container and keep in a cool dark place.
Put one or two drops of oil mixture into palm of hand and work through hair ( mostly at scalp ). Brush hair well and style as normal. If you do not need extra oil in your hair in the morning do this routine at night.



Warm regards and love -

Erin

Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo Biloba has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese Medicine and the tree itself is one of the oldest trees in existence.  It is one of the most widely purchased herbs in the US today. It’s best known for its memory boosting capabilities.  The list of uses is very long probably because it has been around for so long.

On a personal note our neighbors behind us has a huge Ginkgo tree that hung over our yard. What a beautiful tree it was. Just truly an awe inspiring site. In the spring it would bloom and seed – my husband would call the seeds "Satan’s Spawn" because these little fuzzy looking seeds went everywhere. We could not open our pool until this tree was done seeding. In any event the neighbor built an addition onto their house and had to cut down this magnificent tree and still today I am sad about it. My husband on the other hand really has no love loss for this tree.

Now to get back to the effectiveness of Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including memory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and even macular degeneration. Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin products. Taken raw Ginkgo can be toxic.

Of course this herb is not approved by the FDA and has had some successful studies that do indicate that taking Ginkgo is beneficial to your health but some adverse studies that show no benefit at all. The true believers in Ginkgo will swear by it benefits and take it daily.

To research more about Ginkgo Biloba, try this site.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/333.html

Warm regards and love –

Erin