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