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