11/28/08

Left Over Turkey

Does anyone have any left overs????? LOL If you don't then you didn't do Thanksgiving like most families did. I found this great recipe to use your left over turkey and wanted to share it with you.

Roasted Garlic-Turkey Crescent Braid


INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup reduced-fat roasted garlic cream cheese (from 8-oz container)
1/4 cup chive-and-onion sour cream potato topper (from 12-oz container)
1 2/3 cups (about 1/2 lb) cooked turkey breast strips (1x1/4x1/8-inch)
2/3 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (2 1/2 oz)
1/3 cup julienne-cut oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and 1 tablespoon oil reserved
1 jar (4.5 oz) Green Giant® sliced mushrooms, well drained
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet
1 to 2 tablespoons beaten egg
2 to 3 tablespoons pine nuts


DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. In medium bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add turkey, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms; mix well.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 2 long rectangles. Place on cookie sheet. Overlap long sides to form 14x9-inch rectangle. Firmly press edges and perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough. Place on cookie sheet. Press to form 14x9-inch rectangle.
3. Spread turkey mixture in 3-inch lengthwise strip down center of dough. With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of dough to within 1/2 inch of filling. Alternately cross strips over filling.
4. In small bowl, stir egg and reserved 1 tablespoon tomato oil until well mixed. Brush over dough; sprinkle with pine nuts.
5. Bake 28 to 35 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Cut into crosswise slices.

Prep Time: 15 Min
Total Time: 55 Min
Makes: 6 servings

YUM! I'm hungry again...like I need it....Enjoy!

O...BTW... this recipe calls for Pillsbury® Crescent Rolls so go to their site and get other great recipes and coupons too.

11/27/08

Lighter Side of Thanksgiving


When you think about Thanksgiving Day what comes to your mind? Family, Food and Football! Am I right?

From the invention of TV Thanksgiving Day took on new meaning, especially for the men in the house. And this new ritual was passed down and ingrained into all the male offspring as a passage of life. Every Thanksgiving Day all the male species of the tribe would go into the "man cave" and gather around this electronic wonder we call TV. There they would have thought-provoking conversations and watch this educational program called "Football". LOL Not even the youngest male in the house was immune to this ritual.

My fondest memories are of being at my grandmothers house with the WHOLE family there. All the aunts, uncles and cousins with a few others thrown in just for good measure. All of the women were in the kitchen cooking and fixing while all the men were in the living room gathered around the TV watching a football game. The children were scattered throughout the house and the yard playing and giving no thought to the issues of the day except to run into the kitchen from time to time asking "when do we eat". Those were the days!

(Let me give you a little history right here - I am 16 years older than my baby brother {mother had a built-in babysitter} and the oldest grandchild. The picture is of my family about that time.)

One particular Thanksgiving day we were all at grandmothers house going through the usual "ritual". My brother was about 2 years old and was being a "PAIN" (as baby brothers usually are), so mother told me to amuse him, so we went outside.

Now grandmother had chickens and it was amusing, especially to a 2 year old, to throw things in the fence and see the chickens run to see what it was. So needless to say I was letting him amuse himself. LOL

One of the hens had a brood of chicks that couldn't have been more than a few days old. Just cute little yellow puff balls and of course she was trying to teach them how to find food. So here I am out in the yard trying to keep my little brother out of trouble. Grandfather comes along and pulls up this big clump of weeds with a bunch of dirt still attached to the bottom of this clump. He gives it a toss into the chicken lot and, boy howdy, chickens everywhere!!!!!

My brother is just amazed with this frenzy of chickens trying to get at this clump of dirt and is all excited about it when, all at once, this one little chick comes running out from under all this mess of chickens with a bug he had found. Right behind him came all his brothers and sisters, and a few others, all trying to get his new found prize. Well the race in on! The one chick trying to keep away from the others, and the others trying to chase him down to share in the prize.

By this time my brother is so excited he can hardly contain himself. He's jumping up and down and flapping his arms when suddenly he screams...."He's gonna get a touch down, he's gonna get a touch down"!!!!!!!!! OMG ROFL

Hey dad...don't think they aren't watching and listening!

*Dedicated to my baby brother TO (he's the one in dads' lap)*

The History of the Apron

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears and hands, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for shooing them out of the way, carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that ' old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool and now we put them on the counter (or leave them in the refrigerator) to thaw.

Now be honest...how many of you, while you were reading this, were trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron? LOL I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron...except love, warmth and memories!

And consider this...wouldn't the apron be the first eco-friendly product? Wonder how many plastic bags would have been used to do all the stuff my grandmother did with her apron????? Just a thought!

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! This is a special day that we observe once a year in November. But why once a year? Shouldn't we have Thanksgiving everyday?! With our busy lives we sometimes fail to stop and count our blessings and thank God for his abundant mercy and grace...every day.

From my house to your house, have a wonderful day and may God bless you richly!

11/26/08

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Happy Shopping,

Wordless Wednesday

11/25/08

Thanksgiving Goodies

I found this great recipe and wanted to share it. We sometimes get tired of the same ole fixings for Thanksgiving so here is a new idea to try. Hope you enjoy!

Pumpkin Trifle

Serves 8

Ingredients
1/2 pint heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 loaf pumpkin bread, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 (10-ounce) jar pumpkin butter
1 cup caramel sauce
2 cups prepared vanilla pudding
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Preparation
1. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the cream with the sugar until stiff.

2. Arrange the remaining ingredients (except nuts) in layers in a serving dish or small individual cups: Start with whipped cream, add some pumpkin bread (cut into even smaller pieces if too large for individual dishes), spoon on some pumpkin butter, drizzle with caramel sauce, and spoon on some vanilla pudding.

3. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

4. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for flourish.

5. Sprinkle serving dish or individual dishes with the nuts.

6. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.

Simplify: If you can’t find pumpkin bread, substitute cranberry-nut bread, pound cake or gingerbread.

"A Moment On The Lips....Forever On The Hips" LOL

Make Something Monday!


Finally...Here is my "Make Something Monday" picture.

11/24/08

Scrubbing Bubbles!?


As you already know…I don’t like cleaning…but I do it. Another apparatus I’ve found that helps me not have to clean as hard or as often is the Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner by SC Johnson. This is a breakthrough cleaning system that automatically sprays cleaner to eliminate the build up of tough soap scum and mold & mildew stains. The cleaning formula combines with the water on your shower walls to begin working immediately. With daily use, your shower will be visibly cleaner and stay that way! It also makes the bathroom smell clean and fresh. Just hang it in the shower, push the button and it does its magic.

It doesn’t eliminate having to clean the tub and shower occasionally but it sure cuts down on doing a complete cleaning to about once a month and when you do clean you don’t have to break your back and arm scrubbing!

I often have people stop me when I’m getting refills for mine and ask me about them. I could have some serious spending money if I got commission for selling these things in the store. O well, guess I’ll just have to stick to getting rich from my blog!!!! LOL

Seriously…try it…you’ll like it. It really does work. I gave my old one to my daughter just so I could buy the new one with the 2 spray nozzles.

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OK...I did make something but my camera has decided to die so I can't show you what I made. I'll post a picture as soon as I get the camera to work. Until then...I made a Christmas Ornament using my (limited) skill for crocheting and embellishing it with buttons and any thing you want to use. Later!

11/22/08

Cholesterol and Heart Disease Final

Myth #3: I’m a Type A personality, so a heart attack is inevitable.

Reality: Although a lot of attention has been paid to the negative health effects of the hard-driving, high-stress Type A lifestyle, many studies have found having this personality type alone does not correlate with a higher incidence of heart disease. However, some factors associated with a Type A personality – high blood pressure, smoking and lack of exercise – are risk factors for heart disease.

Feelings that have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease are depression, a negative outlook, and anger and hostility. This is not referring to an occasional episode of feeling down or angry, but to longstanding feelings of this nature.

Therefore, it is so important to make mental and spiritual health a priority in our lives and those of our loved ones. We should get help for depression and feelings of constant anger and hostility. Connecting with others can improve our sense of well being. Of course, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are extremely important for both physical and mental health.

Myth #4: Only middle-aged people have heart attacks.

Reality: Women are relatively protected from heart disease until they go through menopause. However, there are instances where this is not the case. Premenopausal women with diabetes, a genetic form of high cholesterol (known as familial hyperlipidemia), untreated high blood pressure, and those who smoke or are overweight, lose that protection.

These women are especially at risk for heart disease, no matter their age.

Not only can younger women have heart attacks in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, but they do. And they are often diagnosed incorrectly because no one expects a young woman to have a heart attack, especially since she may not have the typical symptoms (see Myth #1). If you think you are having a heart attack, even if you are young, follow the recommendations in Myth #1.

Myth # 5: My weight and cholesterol are normal, so I am not at risk for heart disease.

Reality: Although being at a healthy weight and having your total cholesterol within normal range are important for the health of your arteries, these factors aren’t enough to guarantee heart health. There are other risk factors that increase your chances of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Some can be changed; others can’t.

Those risk factors that cannot be changed include getting older, gender, heredity, and having had a prior heart attack or stroke. The older you become, the more at risk you are.

Men are more at risk than pre-menopausal women; after menopause, women are equally at risk. Having a family member who has heart disease or who has had a heart attack at an early age is a major risk factor.

Those risk factors that can be changed are high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, a sedentary lifestyle (being physically inactive on a routine basis), stress and depression, hormone replacement therapy in older women, high total cholesterol and being overweight.

Even if your weight and cholesterol are normal, if you have even one other risk factor, such as high blood pressure or a family history of CAD, then you are still at risk. In other words, you need to take into account all of these risk factors to get an accurate picture of your risk for CAD.

What can you do to make sure the chances of developing CAD are as small as possible? Have your blood pressure checked regularly, and ask your doctor to test your blood glucose and total cholesterol levels. Stop smoking now! Start exercising regularly. Talk to your doctor about stress reduction and options to control depression. Also, discuss your need for hormone replacement therapy after menopause; it should be taken for a limited amount of time, and some women should not take it at all.

Just as important, find out if anyone in your family has had a heart attack, or has CAD, and let your provider know. Even though you may have several risk factors that cannot be changed (and we all will have one of them eventually as we grow older!), it is important to be informed, so you can get regular heart check-ups well as the appropriate tests.

This is a case in which knowledge is truly power. If you know your risk factors for heart disease, then you have the power to make changes to keep yourself heart healthy.

Are You on the Road to a Heart Attack? Every 20 seconds a heart attack is occurring somewhere in the United States. Coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death in this country, contributes to the 1.5 million heart attacks that occur each year. Will you become a part of this statistic? Find out if your ticker is going to keep ticking with this heart attack quiz.

Janet Horn, M.D. and Robin H. Miller, M.D., authors of The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife and Beyond

11/20/08

Cholesterol and Heart Disease Continued

Myth #2: I have to stay away from all fats.

Reality: For years, the emphasis was on the importance of a low-fat diet, especially for the health of our hearts. It’s no wonder that when many people hear the word “fats,” they immediately think “unhealthy.”

But what wasn’t considered in the recommendation was the different types of fat. Some are actually good for us. The new dietary recommendations take both “good” and “bad” fat into account, which, thankfully, leads to a much tastier way of eating.

What exactly are “fats”? First, you need to know that there are three types of nutrients in foods: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. These provide the necessary building blocks for our bodies to function. Some fats are good for our health, and others are bad.

Unsaturated fats are the “good” fats, coming mostly from plant or vegetable sources, and not from red meat. Examples of these are olive oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil (such as from salmon).

Saturated fats and trans fats are bad for our hearts. Saturated fats are mostly from animal sources, such as meat and full-fat dairy products. Trans fats are man-made; manufacturers add hydrogen to vegetable oil in order to increase the flavor and the shelf life. Trans fats are found in many snack foods (potato chips, cookies, cakes), margarine, vegetable shortenings and some fried foods. “Good” fats should definitely be incorporated into our daily diets. Cooking with olive oil, sprinkling ground flaxseed on yogurt or cereal, and eating wild salmon are easy ways to do this.

Try to avoid or limit your intake of saturated and trans fats. Using low fat dairy products (or those labeled as “no fat”), limiting the amount of red meat, and avoiding margarine, fried foods and snack foods are ways to do this. Not only will you help your heart by eating, but you’ll stay at a healthy weight and feel better!

By Janet Horn, M.D. and Robin H. Miller, M.D., Special to LifeScript

Heart Smart

Cholesterol and Heart Disease

What’s the nation’s No. 1 killer? Heart disease. It causes one death every 35 seconds. Don’t be one of the statistics. My father and his mother were but you don't have to be.

What’s cholesterol? It’s a type of lipid or fat. In our bodies, it travels through our blood stream in particles called lipoproteins.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered bad cholesterol because they can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries.

A mass of plaque can narrow your arteries and restrict blood flow – much like trying to sip juice through a clogged straw. Eventually, the plaque ruptures and a blood clot forms, cutting off the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

Hello, heart attack and stroke!

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), on the other hand, are good cholesterol because they pick up the LDL clogging your arteries and take it to the liver, where it’s processed and eventually excreted.

Heart disease is not necessarily the first issue that comes to mind when women think about their health. Yet approximately 450,000 women suffer heart attacks each year. Understanding the facts is the first step to protecting your health. Separate myth from reality.

Myth #1: The pain is in my arm, not my chest, so I shouldn’t worry.

Reality: Heart disease is the #1 killer of men… and women. Women die from heart attacks because they often don’t recognize the symptoms until it’s too late. Until recently, many health care providers also missed heart attacks in women (and still do occasionally) because women don’t always have the same symptoms as men do.

Men usually have heaviness in the left side of their chest, a feeling that’s often described as having an elephant sitting atop them. This symptom can be accompanied by pain going down the left arm or up the neck, sweating and shortness of breath.

Many women having a heart attack don’t have chest pain at all. They may have jaw, arm, back or stomach pain or an overwhelming feeling of fatigue along with shortness of breath. Or they may feel as if they have a bad flu and may experience nausea and vomiting. Some women do have the same symptoms as men, and these classic symptoms should not be ignored.

One study done by the National Institutes of Health found that most women experience symptoms about a month before the actual heart attack. The most common warning signs were unusual fatigue, sleep problems, shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety.

Women have great instincts, particularly about their own bodies. If you know that you are more tired than usual or simply are not feeling like yourself, especially if you have one or more risk factors for heart disease, see your practitioner as soon as possible.

If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. While you are waiting for the ambulance, chew an aspirin (an adult 325 mg dose or two baby aspirins). Do not take aspirin if you are allergic to it. Once the ambulance arrives, the paramedics will begin treatment immediately. Going to the emergency room on your own will delay treatment. Time is crucial: the earlier you are treated, the better your chances of maintaining healthy heart muscle and of having a quick recovery.

Check back tomorrow as we look at Myth #2.

Janet Horn, M.D. and Robin H. Miller, M.D., authors of The Smart Woman's Guide to Midlife and Beyond

11/19/08

Remember Those Who Served

GREAT IDEA!!

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to the address below. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington , D.C. 20307-5001

Wordless Wednesday

For thoes who have asked, this is an awesome sand sculptures by Randy Hofman, Ocean City, Maryland.

Doesn't It Make You Sick?

Cold and Flu season is here again and no matter how you try to protect yourself seem like you just can't escape it. The last thing I want is to go to the doctor and hear: "It's just a virus and it has to run it's course". NO...I want to hear: "Oh you poor baby, let me give you some drugs to make it all better". LOL

Well...I've gathered a few tips they may help alleviate some of your symptoms. REMEMBER...if your symptoms persist, or get worse, PLEASE go to the doctor.

Sore Throat
*Gargle Salt Water - Not only can gargling salt water soothe and moisturize your throat, but it also can kill harmful bacteria. Just be careful not to swallow.

*Drink Licorice Tea - You might be able to soothe your throat and make coughs more productive with licorice-root tea. Traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine, licorice root can make it easier to cough up mucus and clear your chest.

*Humidify the Air Indoors - Humidifiers increase moisture in the air which helps to provide overall comfort, can clear secretions, soothe airways and reduce coughs. Moist air also can assist in minimizing the feeling of having a dry, scratchy throat and aids cilia movement which helps the immune system fight infection.

Runny Nose/Sneezing
*Sneeze Your Way to Health - A good sneeze can kick irritants, and even some infections, out of your nasal passageways at speeds of 100mph or more. Never try to stop a sneeze! Your nose and your body will thank you.

*Blow Your Nose Correctly - A University of Virginia study found that improper nose blowing can damage your hearing. So be sure to blow both nostrils at the same time. Blowing hard, especially through one nostril, is an absolute no-no.

*There's No Need to Over clean - When kids are sniffling, it's smart to keep common areas clean, but don't work too hard. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease found that rhinoviruses (cold germs) can only survive a maximum of three hours on inanimate objects and human skin.

Head Congestion
*Spice It Up to Clear Your Head - Bring on the cayenne! Eating spicy foods can make your nose run, and that's good. A runny nose helps break up congestion and remove irritants.

*Elevate Your Head to Ease Congestion - To ease head congestion while you sleep, slightly elevate your head by using additional pillows. The increased angle will help drain your head and relieve sinus pressure.

*Drink Water; Ease Sinus Pressure - Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go and take sips throughout the day. The extra hydration will keep your nose moist and help you breathe and rest easier.

*Love That Shower Steam - Sometimes the best way to care for a stuffed-up, achy child is to simply run a hot bath or shower for him. The warm vapors can loosen mucus, clear his head, and make it easier for him to breathe.

*Relieve Infant Sinus Pressure - Next time your child is all clogged up, sit him/her in an upright position for 10 to 15 minutes to promote positive drainage (out the nose, instead of down the throat). Sometimes, especially when the cold's not too bad, this can be a simple and effective way to clear sinuses.

Cough
*Know When to See a Doctor - Rule of thumb: If your phlegm is yellow or green, you should go to the doctor because you probably have an infection.

*Know Your Cough - An acute cough lasts less than three weeks and is usually a symptom of the common cold. Only acute coughs should be self-treated. If you've been coughing longer than seven days, ask your doctor for advice.

*Honey Soothes - For temporary relief of a minor cough, sometimes honey does the trick. A 2007 study by Pennsylvania State University found that buckwheat honey works as a natural cough suppressant. However, honey is not recommended for children younger than 2.

*Avoid All Cigarette Smoke - A 2007 Yale School of Medicine study found that the combination of cigarette smoke (even secondhand) and the flu virus can cause significant, even permanent, lung damage.

*Cough Effectively - A common cold symptom is excessive mucus in the chest and lungs. To remove this mucus effectively, National Jewish Health™ recommends a deep coughing technique. Start by taking a deep breath and holding it for two to three seconds. Then use your stomach muscles to breathe out aggressively. Try to avoid short coughs or throat clearing. If done correctly, it's possible to make your coughs more productive.

*Vicks™ – Grandmother always rubbed Vicks™ on my chest but did you know to calm coughing at night you should rub Vicks™ on the bottoms of your feet. You can put socks on or not. I don’t but my daughter-in-law does. I was surprised to find that really did work!

Chest Congestion
*Replace Your Toothbrush - If your chest feels congested or if your throat is sore, your toothbrush might be the culprit. Bacteria can form on the bristles and make you sick. So replace your toothbrush at the beginning, middle, and end of an illness.

*Take Your Cold to the Sauna - If it feels like you're coming down with a cold, sit in a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes. Studies have found that the act of sweating helps remove toxins from your body, which could include cold and flu germs.

Fever
*Fluids Fight Fever - When you're fighting a fever, try drinking at least 2 to 3 additional ounces of fluid every hour. Water or non-carbonated sports drinks work best. And remember, even if you're not sweating, you still can get dehydrated, which will weaken your immune system and prolong a fever.

*Feed a Fever - Flu symptoms often include a high fever, which can raise your metabolism by 7 percent for every degree greater than 98.6° F. Your body needs food to fuel your immune system, so if you have a fever, try to eat slightly more to stay on the road to recovery.

*Slight Fever? Don't Panic - A Washington University study found that within a 24-hour cycle, it's normal for your core body temperature to lower or rise from the average 98.6° F. So if the thermometer reads a little high (or low), it doesn't necessarily mean you have a cold or flu virus.

*Exercise with a Cold, but Not the Flu - The National Institutes of Health say that, for the most part, it's OK to exercise even if you have a cold. The simple act of sweating helps expel harmful germs. But don't push yourself too hard, especially if you have a fever.

Aches and Pains
*Relieve Aches and Pains with Olive Oil - Based on research published in Nature magazine, olive oil might be a natural treatment for aches and pains. Researchers found that adding 1.75 ounces of olive oil to your daily diet has anti-inflammatory properties equal to about 10 percent of a normal adult dose of ibuprofen. While this might seem small, over time, the medicinal properties could build up to measurably reduce inflammatory pain.

*Use the Right Pain Reliever - There are two primary pain relievers on the market today—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, relieve pain by reducing inflammation, making them well-suited for muscle aches, while acetaminophen blocks pain signals, which is ideal for general headaches and fever pain.

General
*Practice Proper Thermometer Care - Cleaning a glass thermometer with hot or even just warm water can cause an inaccurate reading. It's always best to use cool water.

*Mom Was Right About Chicken Soup - When you have a cold or flu, chicken soup actually can help you get better. A study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians®1 shows that chicken soup reduces respiratory inflammation caused by colds and the flu.

*Feeling Sick? Don't Spread It - As a general rule, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a flu virus is contagious from one day prior to showing symptoms to five days after the first symptoms have developed. If you have a weakened immune system or are older than 65, you could be contagious for more than seven days.

*Drink Chamomile Tea - According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, chamomile tea contains plant-based compounds that might fight infections due to colds. So the next time you get a cold, drink a few cups to aid your recovery.

*Decrease Stress - Studies show that elevated levels of stress reduce the number of T cells in your body. You need T cells to keep your immune system strong. So if you're feeling under the weather, take it easy. Doctor's orders!

*The Power of Zinc - A study in The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy2 suggests that taking zinc when you have a cold could reduce symptoms by up to half a day.

*Colds Versus the Flu - Colds normally come on slowly and start with a sore throat and sneezing. The flu comes on quickly, and causes muscle soreness, fever, chills, and fatigue.

1 American College of Chest Physicians. New Study Supports Chicken Soup As a Cold Remedy. ScienceDaily. 19 Oct 2000.
2 Al-Nakib W., Higgins P.G., Barrow I., et al. Prophylaxis and treatment of rhinovirus colds with zinc gluconate lozenges. J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 20:893-901. 1987.

11/17/08

Lemons are our friends

From cooking to cleaning to fighting off a cold, lemons really can do a lot for such a small fruit. Here are a few ways you can use a lemon and (just for Sonya) it’s eco-friendly as well.

*Highlight your hair - much better for you and the environment than commercial bleaches. Mix the juice of one lemon with one teaspoon of salt and apply to your hair with a comb. Get out into the sun for a couple of hours. Do some vegetable gardening, tend your lemon tree, go for a walk, you get the picture. Don't do this too often; it will dry your hair out.

*Exfoliate and clean your feet - mix up some lemon pulp and brown sugar and get rubbing. Rinse and moisturize.

*Combat bad breath - gargle with lemon juice to get rid of bad breath.

*Fight off a cold - mix lemon juice with honey and hot water to sooth coughs and sore throats and give you a dose of vitamin C.

*Sooth a sting - mix the juice of half a lemon with water and bathe a sting to lessen the pain.

*Make homemade lemonade - and avoid all the chemical/preservative laden stuff in the shops. The basic recipe is 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup organic sugar, 1 cup water. That will give you syrup to dilute as you like. Add ice.

*Freshen up your dishwasher - use half a lemon and jam it onto an upright in your dishwasher. Smells fresh, helps cut grease and has got to be more eco-friendly that those plastic lemon shaped things you can buy to do the same job.

*Remove limescale from draining boards and taps - use half a lemon to rub over stainless steel draining boards and taps. Leave a minute, rinse and shine with a dry cloth.

*Squeeze some lemon juice on fish, the only accompaniment that fresh fish needs.

*Freeze the juice in ice cube trays for later use. The juice can also be used to make lemon cordial and home-made lemonade.

*Make a room deodorizer: Mix the juice of one lemon with 1L strong tea. Strain and store in an old spray bottle. Spray into rooms to make them smell fresh.

*For a sore throat, make up a mixture of lemon juice, sage tea and honey and gargle before going to bed.

*Use half a lemon dipped in salt to clean brassware. A lemon can also be used to clean silver.

*A few drops of lemon juice will shine shoes.

*Stains: Dab a little lemon juice on stains, leave to work for a few moments, and then wash as usual. Hang the clothes outdoors to dry on a sunny day to allow the sun to add its bleaching effect too.

*If the stains are well soaked in, make a paste from fresh lemon juice and crème of tartar. Apply the paste to the fabric and leave in the sun for an hour. Then wash as usual. Keep an eye on the clothing, as lemon juice can be very powerful!

*Pre-Soak: You can pre-soak white clothing in lemon juice if it needs to be brightened. Slice up a lemon and place in a large container. Pour boiling water over the lemon, cover and leave to reach the desired temperature. When cool enough, add your clothes and soak them for an hour before washing as usual.

*Alternatively, put 1/2 cup lemon juice in the rinse cycle of your washing machine and hang your clothes in the sunshine to dry.

*If your kitchen work surfaces have marks on them, put a few drops of fresh lemon juice on, leave for a few minutes, and then rinse and dry.


*The antibacterial affect of lemons make them perfect for disinfecting chopping boards. Apply fresh lemon juice to the board, allow it to soak overnight and rinse off in the morning. This will remove any odors from chopping garlic and onions as well as removing bacteria.


*To clean bathroom and kitchen sinks, make a paste from fresh lemon juice and salt. Dip a sponge into the paste and rub around the sink to remove stains. Porcelain sinks in particular will love this treatment and sparkle beautifully!

*Lemons can help dissolve hard water deposits and soap scum. Rub a cut lemon around your taps or around your sink, leave to work for a few minutes, and then rinse.

*Keep a plant mister in the shower room with a mixture of the juice of two fresh lemons and water in it. Wipe around the shower panel and tiles with this mix after showering to prevent limescale building up.

*To prevent limescale in your kettle, put some fresh lemon peel in the bottom, top up with water, bring to a boil and then leave overnight. Rinse well in the morning and your kettle will be limescale-free.

*Combine 1 part lemon juice with 2 parts olive oil for a nourishing wooden furniture polish. This will add shine and bring out the natural beauty of your furniture.


*Make a paste from fresh lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Apply this paste to any brass fixtures or fittings in your home, such as door handles and light switches. Rub gently with a soft cloth and buff until it shines.


*Give your copper pans a brilliant shine with lemon. Cut a fresh lemon in half, dip it in some salt and use it like a scouring pad. If you have copper pipes in your bathroom or other copper materials in your home, these will benefit from the same treatment.

*Lemon leaves a fresh, uplifting scent in your home. Either chop up some fresh lemons and boil them in a saucepan of water with the lid off for half an hour, or put half a fresh lemon in the oven after you have finished using it. The residual heat from the oven will release the aroma into your kitchen and get rid of stale cooking smells.

*Fireplace: Place lemon peel in a burning fire to help freshen the room.

These are just a few of the uses I have come across. If you have some that aren’t here please let me know and I will add them to the list. Also, since using a lemon for all this stuff is considered eco-friendly why not check out this site to discover other eco-friendly products - Best Eco Stuff.

So...“When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade”

 
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