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8 reasons to eat eggs for breakfast
1. Keep you feeling
full longer than cereal or toast. Help sustain your energy levels and reduce the need for mid morning snack.
2. Assist weight loss.
3. A most complete
sources of protein. Contain all essential amino acids we need. 4. Inexpensive. 5. Don't increase risk for heart disease.
6. Help brain development
and memory.
Choline stimulates brain development and function and is linked with increasing memory retention, recall,,
and improving alertness. 7. Help protect eyes from damage related to UV exposure. Reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts
in old age. 8. Your hair and nails grow faster and stronger.
Inexpensive Superfoods Sweet potatoes - The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes helps every cell in the body stay healthy. It neutralizes wrinkle
and sun damage and helps generate new, healthy glowing skin cells. They are packed with energizing B-vitamins.
Kale - is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Kale's filling fiber, bone-building calcium and heart-healthy
omega-3 fatty acids support the body's natural detox system. Dried cranberries – The high antioxidant content means
they may help reduce cancer and heart disease risk. They have compounds that help prevent urinary tract infections.
Milk - One eight-ounce glass is full of nine essential nutrients, (many of us fall short) including calcium, potassium,
and vitamin D. Pinto beans - Loaded with protein, fiber, energizing B vitamins and antioxidants
with one of the highest antioxidant counts of all beans and cost the least. Eggs - Protein packed and a top dietary source of choline, known to promote brain health.
Loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, potent antioxidants shown to enhance eye health. Most of the vitamin and minerals
in are stored in the yolk. No more than seven eggs a week to keep cholesterol in check. Black tea - Packed with flavanoids (compounds that neutralize free-radicals) that help the health of every cell in our bodies.
Studies show tea sippers have less skin wrinkling as they age. Decaf and herbal varieties don't offer the same benefits.
Oatmeal - Packed with essential minerals like zinc, magnesium and iron and flavanoids that reduce disease-causing inflammation
in the body. A top source of soluble-fiber that helps sweep cholesterol out of the body and keep blood sugar from rising too
quickly. Wild salmon - Four-ounces has a day's worth of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation
in the body and the risk of heart disease and cancer. It has the daily value for vitamin D and other important minerals. Wild
salmon is lowest in contaminants. Mango – High in immune-boosting vitamin
C, potassium, fiber, and the healing power from its phenols, plant compounds with potent antioxidant activity.
The Wonders of Honey
Richard Schiffman “I like honey for the taste,
sure, but I also love the fact that, unlike refined sugar, honey -- provided it hasn't been subjected to high temperatures
during processing -- is infused with all sorts of good things like vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and living enzymes.”
Honey has a more gradual and healthier release into the bloodstream than sugar. It has antimicrobial properties, and has been
used to diabetic ulcers and certain antibiotic resistant infections. Better stick with certified organic and raw honey, which is likely
to be closer to what the bees have so generously provided us with! In an study published by Food Safety News, the group's
food scientists say over three quarters of the honey sold in American supermarkets and drug stores may not be what the bees
created, but a watered down, reconstituted hodge-podge of the real deal mixed with other cheaper, less savory, and often less
safe, ingredients. The problem is: there is no way to tell if honey is really honey except by looking through a microscope
for pollen grains imbedded in it. These highly nutritious grains are often filtered out leaving no way to determine if it
is really honey, or highly processed syrup. U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules state that any product that contains no
pollen can’t be called honey, but the understaffed FDA isn't checking. The Food Safety News sent 60 jars, jugs
and plastic bears of store-bought honey to Vaughn Bryant, a professor at Texas A&M University, the director of the schools
Paleontology Research Laboratory. The results were astonishing: all drug store honey and small individually packaged
honey served in fast food outlets does not contain pollen, and 76 percent of the honey sold in America's leading supermarket
chains is devoid of this telltale evidence of its origins, and therefore does not qualify as honey by the FDA's own standards.
All of the samples bought at farmers markets, coops and health food stores were infused with traces of pollen that proved
it was real. Commercial honey manufactures say they ultra-filter it because people want honey that is crystal clear
and devoid of impurities. There are other reasons the pollen gets removed that include the desire to conceal where it comes
from, and lace it with cheap additives. Since pollen's source is local blossoms, the type of pollens found in honey tells
botanists where the honey originated, and whether it is authentic. "It's no secret to anyone in the business that the
only reason all the pollen is filtered out is to hide where it initially came from and the fact is that in almost all cases,
that is China," says Richard Adee, the Washington Legislative Chairman of the American Honey Producers Association, and
one of America's largest independent honey producers. Not only is low cost Chinese honey forcing many American bee-keepers
out of business, but the unregulated liquid is often heavily adulterated with high fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners
and tainted with chloramphenicol, heavy-metal toxins and a witches brew of agro-chemicals, including illegal animal antibiotics,
which are fatal to a small percentage of people. In 2001, the U.S. imposed high tariffs on Chinese honey to prevent it from
flooding our market. Chinese producers responded by illegally transshipping honey to other countries, such as India, where
the laundered "honey" is sent to the U.S. Few American distributors put their product through costly lab tests to
determine if it is contaminated. In 2010 the European Union effectively banned much of the transshipped Chinese honey from
their market. But U.S. official have not yet followed suit. More than half of the honey consumed in the U.S. is from unknown
foreign sources. In an effort unveiled at the 2011 North American Beekeeping Conference in Galveston in January, a group called
True Source Honey announced a voluntary certification program for producers and distributors who are able to prove that their
honey comes from legal and legitimate sources. They are lobbying the FDA to take more effective measures in strictly defining
honey and regulating its sale.
Detoxifying Your Body - The rate at which your detoxification pathways function depends on your genes, your age, lifestyle
and a supply of nutrients involved in the detox process. Beets have vitamins B3, B6, C and beta-carotene
a high amount of fibre and are a valuable source of iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, necessary to promote optimal detoxification
and elimination. They support gallbladder and liver health, the organs important in breaking down and removing toxins.
Algae have powerful antioxidants that
help alkalize the blood and strengthen the digestive tract. Toxins are absorbed from the digestive tract. Sea vegetables have
the most minerals of any food, containing all the minerals in the ocean and found in human blood.
Dandelions are rich in minerals and phytonutrients.
They support cleansing of the digestive tract and offer great liver support. Broccoli is a powerhouse and releases phytochemicals.
Broccoli sprouts can provide more benefit than regular broccoli. They contain 20 times more sulfurophane.
Ground flaxseeds provide fibre that helps bind and
flush toxins from the intestinal tract. They're a great source of omega 3 oils. lemon
stimulates
enzymes and helps convert toxins to a water-soluble form easily excreted from the body. Drinking lemon water in the morning
helps balance out the acidity of foods. Garlic is a powerful antiviral, antiseptic and antibiotic. Ridding
your body of these pathogenic microbes can reduce endogenous (made by your body) toxins. The vital sulphuric compounds garlic
contains makes it an essential detoxifier. Artichokes increase bile production and purify/protect the liver.
They have a mild diuretic effect on the kidneys, ensuring proper removal of toxins. Curcumin
is
the active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin is used a lot in Ayurvedic Medicine to treat liver and digestive disorders.
Apples are wonderful and give us fibre,
vitamins, minerals and many beneficial phytochemicals used in the detox process. One flavonoid is thought to stimulate bile
production, as the liver gets rid of toxins through the bile. Apples are a good source of pectin, which helps detox metals
and food additives from the body. It's best to eat organic apples. The non-organic varieties are among the top 12 foods containing
the most pesticide residues.
BRAIN
HEALTH 1)
Eat beets. Researchers from Wake Forest University had 14 seniors (70 years old and up) drink either 16 oz. of
beet juice or eat a control diet in the morning for two days. They used MRI machines to measure blood flow to the brain. The
groups switched diets for another two days, then were tested again. The result: The beet-juice drinkers enjoyed 21 percent
increased blood flow to the frontal lobes -- sensitive areas of the brain vulnerable to the degeneration that leads to dementia.
2) Eat more spinach, kale, broccoli and cauliflower. Harvard Medical School researchers
found that middle-aged women who ate the most leafy greens and/or cruciferous veggies boosted their odds of maintaining mental
sharpness in later years. Those who ate eight or more servings of vegetables, like spinach and broccoli, scored higher on
cognitive tests than subjects who consumed just three servings a week. 3) Eat more berries. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and other varieties have anthocyanins that can help reverse
some loss of balance and memory associated with aging. Researchers at the Neuroscience Laboratory at Tufts University found
blueberry-supplemented animal subjects had improved brain and motor function coordination.
4) Don't forget fish.
A study found that older people who eat fish at least once a week might reduce their risk of Alzheimer's by more than half.
Other research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish may support the function of brain cell receptors. Fish keeps
you trim: it has half the calories and less than a tenth the saturated fat as the same size serving of beef, yet fish protein
may help you feel fuller longer. 5)Drink more fruit and vegetable juice. A Vanderbilt University study found
that those who drank fruit or vegetable juice more than three times per week were an astounding 75 percent less likely to
develop Alzheimer's than once-a-week or non-juice drinkers. Researchers believe that the antioxidant polyphenols contained
in the juice guard against the oxidation (or rust, if you will) of brain tissue. You'll get more healthy nutrients if you
squeeze (or juice) your own fruit and vegetables. Why is diet so important to brain health?
The North Carolina Research Campus is the only campus in the world encompassing eight universities working together for the
benefit of health and longevity. These include Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State University, UNC Charlotte, North
Carolina Central University, NC A&T State University, UNC Greensboro and Appalachian State University. According to Steven
Zeisel, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Nutrition Research Institute at the North Carolina Research Institute, "The same
factors that affect the health of your arteries also impact the 100,000 miles of blood vessels that support your brain. Though
most brains account for less than 2 percent of body weight, the brain uses 20 percent of the body's blood supply and 25 percent
of its oxygen supply." Be smart, and you'll stay smart -- for
as long as possible. Exercise your brain and body, keep engaged with work and friends, and feed your brain with a healthy,
plant-based diet and knowledge. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development and are associated with lower risk of depression and better
mood and the expression of emotion and concentration. ALA, another type of omega-3 is found in plants like flaxseed, walnuts,
canola oil and soy. Some easy foods to help you get more omega-3 fats are Wild Salmon, Chunk Light Tuna and Walnuts.
Healthy
Carbohydrates Fueling the
brain with breakfast is important for thinking, acting and learning. Children who are undernourished perform poorly on cognitive
tasks. Research shows that fueling your kids with slower-burning carbohydrates like oatmeal, instead of breakfast foods like
sugary cereals helps them maintain their concentration and attention throughout the morning. Eat healthy carbohydrates to
fuel your brain such as oats or oatmeal, bran cereals, and whole wheat bagels. Iron-Rich Foods Being even mildly
iron-deficient affects learning, memory and attention. About 10 percent of young women are anemic because of their monthly
loss of iron-rich blood. Restoring iron levels to normal also restores cognitive function. Good sources of iron are
beans, dark leafy greens, poultry, fish, and soy. Water and Water-Filled Foods Stay hydrated.
Daily water needs for adults range from about 13 cups for men to about 9 cups for women (pregnant women and nursing mothers
need slightly more), accounting for an additional 2 1/2 cups of fluids from foods. Daily water needs for kids range by age:
kids 1-3 years need 44 ounces a day, 4-8 years need about 57 ounces, boys 9-13 years need 81 ounces, girls 9-13 years need
71 ounces, boys 14-18 need 111 ounces and girls 14-18 need 77 ounces of fluid a day. In addition to offering water with meals,
remember that about 20 percent of our fluid intake comes from foods like cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries and salad greens.
Women who eat fatty fish, such as salmon, during their third trimester of pregnancy have babies who tend to
perform better on cognitive tasks. Researchers think the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is needed during this time to build neurons
and their connections. Salmon and other fatty fish, DHA-fortified eggs and yogurt are recommended.
Add Iron. By 5 or 6 months, babies have used up the iron stores they’re born with and need to
get iron from food or supplements to support brain development. Give them iron-fortified cereals. Morning fuel.
School-aged children should start their day with low glycemic index breakfast foods such as bran cereals, oatmeal or whole-wheat bagels.
Got iron? 10 percent of women are anemic, and new studies show that being even mildly iron-deficient
affects learning, memory, and attention. Luckily, restoring iron levels to normal also restores cognitive function. Eat dark
leafy greens, beans, meat or soy. Your red blood cells must have iron in order to take oxygen from the air and carry oxygen
to the cells in your body so they can stay alive! Eat
your antioxidants. People who eat more brightly colored fruits
and leafy vegetables have less cognitive decline than those who don’t; antioxidants in produce may mop
up free radicals and protect neurons from damage. Eat berries and other fruits, greens and turmeric which contains curcumin.
Expand your Brain Power Challenging your
peripheral vision improves brain performance and helps you navigate the world safely. Developing better habits of careful listening helps your ability to understand, think and remember. Reconstructing
a song requires close attention and an active memory. When you focus you release brain chemicals like the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine that enable plasticity and vivifies memory. Playing an instrument helps you exercise many interrelated dimensions of brain function, including listening, control
of refined movements and translation of written notes (sight) to music (movement and sound).
Heavy crossword players show the same rate of cognitive decline as people who do few crossword
puzzles. You can't get rid of radio static by turning up the volume.
Many people raise the volume because their listening has become "detuned". Matching TV volume to a conversational
level can help you catch every word when talking with others. Practice throwing and catching a ball up in the air. People who master these kinds of sensory-guided movement activities can hone their brains' visual, tactile and hand-eye
coordination responses, with widespread positive impacts for the brain. This type of activity has been shown in MRI studies
to thicken parts of the brain's cortex. If you're right-handed,
use your left hand for daily activities (or vice-versa) like brushing your teeth and eating. Doing such activities can drive
your brain to make positive changes. Think of millions of neurons learning new tricks as you finally establish better control
of that other hand! Walking on bumpy surfaces, such as cobblestones,
improves the vestibular system of the inner ear, which plays a central role in balance and equilibrium. Cobblestone walking
challenges the vestibular system in ways that improve its function, which translates into better balance which is the key
to preventing serious injuries. Mentally rotating the shape of each piece
of a puzzle in your head helps brain fitness. Pay attention
to the physical world around you. Notice things and make an active effort to find new details in a familiar situation. When
you stop learning, your brain stops growing
10 REASONS TO DRINK MORE WATER:
We should drink more pure water every day. The absolute purist water
is distilled water. Drink water on an empty stomach. When you drink a lot of liquid with a meal it dilutes your digestive
enzymes and makes your digestion less effective. Get yourself a BPA free water bottle and carry it with you. . Our blood is over 80% water Our bones are over 50% water Drinking more water helps lessen pain in the body by getting the lymphatic system moving Water helps eliminate wastes and toxins from the body Water lubricates
joints and reduces joint pain Water regulates your metabolism Water balances body temperature Water helps ensure adequate electrical
functioning of the nervous system Water elleviates dehydration Every cell in the body requires adequate water to function properly Staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, your mood stable and your motivation intact. When you're well-hydrated,
you can also think through a problem more easily. Researchers hypothesize that not having enough water could reduce oxygen
flow to the brain or temporarily shrink neurons -- or being thirsty could simply distract you.
Water keeps
your throat and lips moist and prevents your mouth from feeling dry. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste,
and can even promote cavities. Dehydration
lowers your blood volume, so your heart must work harder to pump the reduced amount of blood and get enough oxygen to your
cells, which makes everyday activities like walking up stairs -- as well as exercise -- more difficult. When you're well hydrated, the water inside and outside the cells of contracting muscles provides
adequate nutrients and removes waste efficiently so you perform better. Water is also important for lubricating joints. Contrary
to popular belief, muscle cramps do not appear to be related to dehydration, but, instead, to muscle fatigue, according to
Sam Cheuvront, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist for the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. When a person is severely dehydrated, skin is less elastic. This is different than dry skin, which
is usually the result of soap, hot water and exposure to dry air. And, no, unfortunately, drinking lots of water won't prevent
wrinkles. Your kidneys need water to filter
waste from the blood and excrete it in urine. Keeping hydrated may also help prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
If you are severely dehydrated, your kidneys may stop working, causing toxins to build up in your body. The easiest thing that anybody could
do on a daily basis is monitor their urine color,” says Douglas Casa, Ph.D., A.T.C., who studies hydration at the University
of Connecticut. “Lighter urine color -- like lemonade -- means you're generally well-hydrated. If it's darker, like
apple juice, you are most likely dehydrated." Staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, your mood stable
and your motivation intact. When you're well hydrated, you can also think through a problem more easily. Researchers hypothesize
that not having enough water could reduce oxygen flow to the brain or temporarily shrink neurons -- or being thirsty could
simply distract you.
Poison Ivy
As anyone knows who has learned the old saying “Leaves of three, let it be” the hard way, poison ivy has
a nasty habit of rewarding those who touch it with two or three weeks of blistering misery. Poison Ivy's "leaves of three"
are glossy-green, but are tinged with pink in the spring, and take on a brilliant orange in the autumn. It has small, pearl-colored
berries that are a favorite treat of many birds, which spread poison ivy seeds around the countryside. The poison is an oily
resin called urushiol that occupies every part of the plant, including the roots. The leaves, especially young ones, contain
the most toxins. The oil can remain on tool handles and clothing for as long as a year. Dogs and cats can carry its potency
on their fur. This is why you can come down with a rash without having seen poison ivy in months. Fortunately, the oils don’t
always go to work immediately, especially on dirty or work-hardened hands. If you come in contact with poison ivy, wash at
once and launder your clothes using old yellow laundry soap or borax to cut the oil. (Soaps made with fat are ineffective.)
For mild cases use calamine lotion, over-the-counter cortisone creams, and saltwater soaks, but severe cases require prescription
cortisone. A barrier cream, IvyBlock, containing quaternium-18 bentonite, which bonds with the urushiol, promises to be effective
68%of the time, if applied before any contact with poison ivy. Plants can be destroyed by covering them with black plastic
or spraying them with the appropriate herbicides. But beware—even dead plants are infectious.
REDUCE REUSE REPAIR AND
RECYCLE !!!! iT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. This is also the time of year to check the air quality
reports. They have been in the orange here.
Growing Blueberries: Packed with nutrients and cancer-fighting compounds, blueberries are tasty and so easy to grow. Blue Crop blueberries
take frigid winters and produce huge crops in July. The healthiest and one of the tastiest fruits, the blueberry, is simple
to grow. Chandler is the biggest berry you can grow. Most are as big as a nickel. You amend the soil, plant the bush, mulch and water. That’s it! No spraying, no endless
pruning or other maintenance. Most are self-pollinating, although two different varieties will insure heavy fruit
set. In return you get gorgeous bell-like flowers in the spring, tasty fruit and vivid fall foliage in tones of red,
rust and orange that accent your landscape.
Blueberry bushes require soil with low pH (about 4.5 to 5.5) that is porous; you don’t have to replace your alkaline
or clay soil. Just amend the planting area. Stake out a 3 by 9-foot bed for four bushes. Add a bale of peat and a cup of soil
sulfur to alkaline soil. Blueberries have shallow roots and they love moisture. The peat plus the soil sulfur will bring down
the pH of the bed from 7.3 to 5.2. Adding soil sulfur every spring keeps the pH in the desirable range. Test the pH before
adding sulfur to see if it’s needed.
Thick mulch is a must. It insures the roots stay healthy. Use pine needles and top them off with six inches of straw.
Very little pruning is needed, but it should be done in early spring while plants are dormant. The first two years,
the bush’s structure is formed, so specific cuts must be made to spur growth and form fruit buds. After that, spring
pruning is a matter of removing dead canes and cleaning up any problems. Disease problems are non-existent. Nothing seems to bother plants, except birds pecking the berries
as they ripen. Bird netting, a pet cat or dog in the yard or situating bushes near a house entrance takes care of birds.
Blue Crop, Chandler, Patriot and Pink Lemonade bushes are all high-bush blueberries
that thrive in cold-winter climates. Rabbit-eye varieties do best in the southern states.
SALT SAVERS *Rub salt on fruit stains while still wet, then put them
in the wash. *For mildew spots, rub in salt and some buttermilk, and then let dry in the sun.
*If you
spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth, pour salt on the spot immediately to absorb the stain.
*Apply
a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table. Let sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth.
*To improve
your iron, sprinkle salt on a piece of paper and run the sticky iron over it a few times while the iron is hot.
*To restore
some of the color to faded fabric, soak it in a strong solution of salt and water. *Mix a tablespoon of salt into
the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep them fresh longer. A mixture of salt and vinegar will
clean brass. *Salt on the fingers when cleaning meat or fish will prevent your hands from slipping.
*To kill
unwanted weeds growing in your driveway or between bricks and stones, pour boiling salt water over them.
*For perspiration
stains, add enough water to salt to make a paste, then rub into the cloth. Wait for an hour, and then launder as usual.
*Cover
spilled eggs with salt, then wipe clean with a paper towel. *To freshen smelly sneakers (or any canvas shoe)
sprinkle their insides with salt. Wait 24 hours for the salt to absorb the odor, and then shake them out.
*Pour
salt directly onto a grease spill and come back to it later. *A new broom will last longer if you soak the bristles
in hot salt water before using it for the first time. *Stainless steel can be cleaned by rubbing it with
a gritty paste of two tablespoons of salt mixed with lemon juice. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.
*Rub two
to three tablespoons of salt onto the stains inside your glass vases, and then scrub clean with a damp bristle brush.
*Gargle
with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt to one cup water) to relieve a sore throat. *Sprinkle salt on carpets to dry
out muddy footprints before vacuuming. *If silk flowers get dusty, put them in a paper bag with
several tablespoons of salt and shake gently for two minutes to clean them. *Refresh household sponges by soaking
them in cold salt water for ten minutes.
Beneficial Baking Soda 1. Quickie hair cleaner Remove
product buildup from all that stuff you slather on your hair (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) with baking soda. Simply
wash your hair with about ½ cup of baking soda and warm water once every two weeks. If your hair feels too dry after
using this method, add ½ cup vinegar to the concoction. It might not smell as good as your shampoo (okay... it's not
going to smell good at all), but this mixture's bubbling power will easily get rid of grimy buildup.
2. Natural dry shampoo On those days when you just don’t have time to shower (courtesy of hitting the snooze button one too many times),
baking soda can remove grime and oil from your hair in a snap. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of the powdery lifesaver into
your greasy roots. Scrunch it in, and then use a fine bristled brush to comb the powder out. Instant freshness.
3. Face wash and makeup remover Slough off the day’s griminess and what’s left of your morning makeup with baking soda.
Simply shake a small amount of the powder into your cupped palm. Add a few drops of water, and then scrub away. Be careful
around your eyes, as it will sting if you get any of the mixture in them. Rinse thoroughly when you’re done.
4. Baking soda bath Skip the bubbles and fancy bath salts—all you need is baking soda. Sprinkle ½ cup of
baking soda into a tub filled with warm bath water. Soak away the day’s stresses for 15-30 minutes. The baking soda
will leave your skin refreshed and silky smooth. 5. Pedicure No need to pay for
a fancy-schmancy pedicure. Pamper yourself with a homemade pedicure starring baking soda. Immerse your tired tootsies in 2-3
tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to make the mixture smell
nice. (Try lavender if you’re going for ultimate relaxation.) Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
Next, scrub trouble spots, such as the heels and balls of the feet, with
a mixture of baking soda and just enough water to form a paste. This paste will remove rough areas and dead skin.
6. Teeth whitener Get your pearly whites gleaming with a little help from baking soda. Mix together 6 teaspoons baking soda, 1/3 teaspoon
salt, 4 teaspoons glycerin and 15 drops of peppermint or other breath-freshening oil. Dip a toothbrush in the mixture and
scrub away at your choppers for a brightening boost to your smile. 7. Face mask Use a food processor
to grind together 1 part baking soda, 2 parts oatmeal and a few drops of honey. Add just enough water to make the mixture
thick and paste-like. Smooth the mixture over your mug and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse it off and enjoy your creamy skin. Household Helps
with Baking Soda *Add baking soda to your bath water to relieve sunburned or itchy skin. *Make a paste of baking soda and water,
and apply to a burn or an insect bite for relief. *Clean your refrigerator with a solution of one-teaspoon
baking soda to one quart of warm water. *Pour a cup of baking soda into the opening of your clogged
drain and then add a cup of hot vinegar. After a few minutes, flush the drain with a quart of boiling water.
*To remove
perspiration stains, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Rub paste into the stain, let it sit for an hour, and then
launder as usual. *If you crave sweets, rinse your mouth with one-teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a glass of warm
water. Don’t swallow the mixture; spit it out. Your craving should disappear instantly.
*Add a pinch
of baking soda to boiled syrup to prevent it from crystallizing. *To remove pesticides, dirt, and wax
from fresh fruits and vegetables, wash them in a large bowl of cool water to which you’ve added two to three tablespoons
of baking soda. *Soak toothbrushes in baking soda and warm water overnight to clean bristles. Brush teeth with
a little to whiten. *Gasoline and oil odors can be removed by putting clothes in a trash bag with baking soda for
a few days before washing them. *Lay down barrier of baking soda under sink-pipe openings and along basement windows to keep carpenter
ants, silverfish, and roaches from invading. Roaches eat the baking soda, dehydrate, and die.
*A light baking
soda paste on a damp cloth will remove bugs and tar from cars without damaging the paint. Let paste sit for a few minutes
before wiping and rinsing clean. *To remove stains from your coffee and tea cups, wipe them with a damp sponge dipped in baking
soda paste. *Keep your rubber gloves dry and smelling good by sprinkling baking soda inside them. They’ll slip on more easily
too! *Sprinkling baking soda on your front steps will provide traction and melt the ice. *Unlike rock salt, kitty litter,
or sand, it won’t damage outdoor or indoor surfaces or shoes. *Boil two inches of water in a pan with
a burned bottom, turn off the heat, then add half a cup of baking soda. Let it sit overnight. In the morning it will be easy
to clean. *Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda on the bottom of your toaster oven to eliminate the burned smell from drippings
and crumbs. *A paste of baking soda removes red sauce stains from plastic.
Homemade Cleaners Floor Cleaners and
Polishes Try polishing with baking soda to make them sparkle. Wash away grease spots and dull, greasy film
on no-wax linoleum floors with a solution of 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 gallon of water. The floor will look sparking
clean. Clean linoleum, with a damp-mop and a solution of a mild detergent and water for everyday cleaning. Keep water away
from seams and edges to prevent loosening of the tiles. To preserve the floor, add a capful of baby oil to the mop water.
For brick or stone floors, mix 1 cup of white vinegar in 1 gallon of water. Scrub floor with a brush and vinegar solution,
then rinse. For ceramic tile floors, mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar into 1 gallon of water. This solution removes most dirt
without scrubbing. Soap doesn't work well if you have hard water. Carpet Cleaners
Blood: Sponge the
stain immediately with cold water or club soda, and dry it with a towel. Repeat as necessary. Ink: Soak ink stains in lemon juice.
Muddy footprints:
Sprinkle salt on the mud and let it dry before vacuuming. Urine: Dab the area with a towel, wash it with suds of liquid
hand-dishwashing detergent, and rinse it with 1/2 cup of vinegar diluted in 1 quart of warm water. Lay towels over the spot
and weigh it down to absorb excess moisture. Let it sit for 6 to 8 hours; then remove the toweling, brush up the nap, and
let the carpet dry completely. Soot: Sprinkle the area generously with salt. Allow the salt to settle for 15 minutes or more before
vacuuming. Furniture Polish Mix 2 parts vegetable or olive oil and 1 part lemon juice. Apply and polish with a soft cloth. Leaves
furniture looking and smelling good. Glass and Window Cleaners
½ cup vinegar
to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart) ½ cup ammonia to 1 gallon of water (or 2 tablespoons per quart)
To clean cut glass,
sprinkle baking soda on a damp rag and clean the glass. Rinse and then polish with a soft cloth.
Remove stains on glass
by rubbing them with toothpaste. Polish with a soft cloth. Grease Removers
For grease on kitchen
floors, immediately pour salt on the spot to absorb the grease and prevent staining. If you spill grease on a wood floor,
place ice cubes or very cold water on the spot. Grease will harden and can be carefully scraped off. Finally, iron a piece
of cloth or folded paper towel over the grease spot to soak up any remaining grease. All-Purpose Cleaners Mix together
vinegar and salt for a good surface cleaning. Dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water for a general
cleaner or use baking soda on a damp sponge. Baking soda will clean and deodorize all kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Drain Cleaners and Openers To avoid clogged drains, use a drain strainer to trap food
particles and hair, and collect grease in cans rather than pouring it down the drain. Weekly, pour a kettle of boiling
water down the drain to melt fat that may be building up, or pour some vinegar and baking soda down the drain to break down
fat and keep your drain smelling fresh. To open a drain, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar and cover
the drain if possible. Let it sit for a few minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush it.
Another way to open
a drain is to pour 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow this with 6 cups of boiling water. Let
it sit overnight and then flush it with water. The hot water wil help dissolve the clog, and the baking soda and salt serve
as an abrasive to break through the clog.
Mosquitoes are not a garden
pest, but a pest of the gardener! Controlling mosquitoes starts with getting rid of standing water.
Regularly empty and clean bird baths, drain pot saucers, and clear clogged gutters. Stock ponds with larvae-gobbling fish
and set up a pump to provide constant circulation. Treat water barrels and smaller water features monthly with Mosquito Dunks,
floating donut-shaped cakes containing the organic larvicide BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis). Hang a bat house
(each adult can eat several hundred mosquitoes every night); put up birdhouses for chickadees, wrens, purple martins, and
other insectivorous species; and encourage frogs, toads, and dragonflies to take up residence by installing a buffer of tall
grasses and native plants around ponds and streams.
If necessary, protect your skin with repellents based on oil of lemon eucalyptus. Brands such as Repel and Cutter Lemon
Eucalyptus are derived from the native Australian lemon-scented gum tree, syn. Eucalyptus citriodora. It is the only plant-based
control recommended by the CDC, and it’s safe, effective, and 100 percent natural. The citronella-scented geraniums
you might find advertised as mosquito detractors are lovely plants, but there’s no proof they keep insects at bay.
West Nile virus, dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, encephalitus: quite a
list of reasons not to like the mosquito. Not to mention the itching and inflammation caused by their bites. Your chances
of contracting malaria in the United States are minimal, but other mosquito-borne diseases are indeed a threat. The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 4,000 confirmed cases of dengue fever in the country between 1995 and 2005.
Add to that 720 confirmed cases of West Nile virus (leading cause of arboviral encephalitis) in 2009 and it’s enough
to make you want to run for the spray can. But an adequate understanding of these little critters can lead to safer and more
effective methods of control. More
than 150 species of mosquito may call your back yard home. All are true flies and spend most of their time feeding on plant
nectar. Only the females supplement this diet with the blood of animals or birds, which provides the protein necessary for
egg maturation. Adult females lay eggs on the surface of stagnant water. Four to fourteen days later, the eggs hatch into
wriggling larvae that begin to feed on water-dwelling microorganisms including fungi, bacteria, and algae. The larvae pass
through several life stages, called instars, before pupating into adults. Depending on the species, adults can live from a
few weeks to several months. Insect Bites Bee Stings If
you have a history of severe reactions to insect stings, call emergency medical services. If the stinger is still present,
remove it immediately. Gently scrape the skin with a credit card, your thumbnail, or a blunt knife. Don't pinch the stringer
with your fingers or tweezers because this could squeeze more venom into the skin. Apply ice or cold packs to constrict the capillaries and reduce swelling. Mama took a little tobacco, wet it with
saliva and put it on the sting. Pain left immediately. Clean the area with soap and water and apply a mixture of baking soda
and water. If nothing is available, scoop up a handful of
mud and hold it on the sting until mud dries or apply a slice of onion to the spot and hold it for a minute or so.
Mosquito Bites
Male mosquitoes feed only on nectar. Female mosquitoes nourish their developing eggs with protein
rich blood. Mosquitoes prefer to bite ankles and wrists, where blood vessels are nearer to the skin's surface. They spit an
anticoagulant under our skin, leaving us with whatever disease they're carrying (encephalitis, malaria, West Nile virus, yellow
fever). Lemon Eucalyptus oil can be used to repel mosquitoes. Cool
area of bite to constrict capillaries near skin's surface and reduce swelling. To scratch the bite will make it worse.
Tick Bites
Ticks are leading carriers of diseases to humans in the U.S., and second to mosquitoes worldwide.
Toxins in the tick's saliva cause the disease. Hard ticks have a tough back plate and tend to feed for hours to days. With
hard ticks, disease transmission usually occurs near the end of a meal. Soft ticks have a more rounded body and lack the back
plate. They usually feed for less than an hour and disease transmission can occur in less than a minute. Lyme disease is caused
by hard ticks, including deer ticks. Sitting on a log in the woods, leaning up against a tree or gathering wood are risky
activities when trying to avoid ticks. Tick bites are generally painless and may go completely unnoticed. You may notice a
red, circular bump and some itching and burning once the tick is removed. To remove a tick, use tweezers to flip the tick
over on its back. Grasp tick firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Try to grasp the tick close to its head;
avoid squeezing the tick's abdomen. Pull gently until the tick comes free. Do not twist and turn the tick, as the head or
mouthparts may break off and stay in the skin, increasing the chances for infection. Do not use petroleum jelly or a match
to remove the tick. Crushing the tick may transmit diseases. Rinse it down a sink or flush it down a toilet. Clean the bite
area with soap and water or a mild disinfectant and observe the area for several days. Illnesses transmitted ticks often begin days or weeks after the tick is gone. Symptoms may include fever, numbness,
rash, confusion, weakness, pain and swelling in the joints, shortness of breath, nausea, and/or vomiting. Blood tests are
needed to diagnose illness. To avoid ticks completely, stay away from outdoor areas where ticks thrive during the months of
April through September. Tuck pants into boots or socks. Wear light colored clothes so ticks can be easily spotted and brushed
off. Wear a hat or tie head in a scarf. Apply repellent. Promptly check yourself, others, and pets if exposed to tick areas.
Mama always had a tick check before we went to bed. To eliminate itch of insect bites, rub on meat tenderizer or lemon juice. White vinegar
is another remedy for relieving the itch of insect bites. Apply it in full strength. Don't use vinegar if the area is raw.
To repel insects rub cider vinegar
on your skin to repel insects - if you take in enough cider vinegar by putting it on foods you eat, you'll develop a body
odor that will repel insects, including black flies. Rubbing the skin with baby oil or imitation vanilla extract repels biting
insects such as mosquitoes and black flies.
Garden Pests are listed in order of environmental friendliness. Botanical sprays can have detrimental effects
on beneficial insects and other animals. 1. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped; long antennae; two tubes projecting rearward from abdomen. They attack most fruits and vegetables,
flowers, ornamentals, shade trees and are found throughout North America. They suck plant sap, causing foliage to distort
and leaves to drop; honeydew excreted on leaves supports sooty mold growth; feeding spreads viral diseases. Apply hot
pepper or garlic repellent sprays; for severe problems, apply horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem.
2. Cabbage maggots tunnel in roots, killing plants and create entryways for
disease organisms. Set out transplants through slits in tar-paper squares; avoid first generation by delaying planting; apply
parasitic nematodes around roots; burn roots from harvested plants; mound wood ashes or red pepper dust around stems.
3. Caterpillars chew on leaves or along margins; droppings soil the produce; some tunnel
into fruits. Encourage native predators, parasites; handpick; apply floating row covers; spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
or spinosad. 4. Cutworms are active at night and chew through
stems at ground level; they may completely devour small plants; most damaging in May and June. Use cutworm collars on transplants;
delay planting; hand pick cutworms curled below soilsurface; scatter bran baits mixed with Btk (B.t. var. kurstaki) and molasses
before planting. 5. Colorado potato beetle
Adults:
yellow-orange beetles with 10 black stripes on wing covers. Larvae: orange, hump-backed grubs with black spots along sides.
They defoliate plants, reducing yields or killing young plants. Use deep straw mulches; handpick or spray with neem.
6. Mexican bean beetle Adults: oval, yellow-brown, 1⁄4-inch beetles with 16
black spots on wing covers. Larvae: fat, dark yellow grubs with long, branched spines. Adults and larvae chew on leaves from
beneath, leaving characteristic lacy appearance; plants defoliated and killed. Plant bush beans early; hand pick and plant
soybean trap crop. Spray insecticidal soap, or neem. 7. Flea beetles chew many small, round holes in leaves; damaging to young plants; larvae feed on plant roots. Repel by spraying plants
with garlic spray or kaolin clay; for a serious infestation, try repeated sprays of Beauveria bassiana or spinosad.
8. Tarnished
plant bugs suck plant juices, causing leaf and fruit distortion, wilting, stunting, and tip dieback. Keep garden weed free
in spring. Apply floating row covers; encourage native predatory insects; spray young nymphs with Beauveria bassiana or neem.
9. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves, chew flowers, may completely defoliate
plants; larvae feed on lawn and garden plant roots. Shake beetles from plants in early morning; apply floating row covers;
set out baited traps upwind of your garden on two sides and at least 30 feet away; apply milky disease spores or Herterorhabditis
nematodes to soil; spray beetles with insecticidal soap. 10. Scales suck plant sap, weakening plants. Plants become yellow, drop leaves, and
may die. Honeydew is excreted onto foliage and fruit. Prune out infested plant parts; encourage native predators; scrub scales
gently from twigs with soft brush and soapy water, rinse well; apply dormant or summer oil sprays; spray with neem oil.
Beneficial Garden
Insects 1. Ladybug adults and larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Adults are attracted to flower nectar
and pollen, which they must eat before they can reproduce. 2.
Lacewings
feed mainly on flower nectar. The larvae are voracious predators that feed on aphids, thrips, scales, moth eggs, small caterpillars
and mites. 3. Hover Flies or flower flies look like small
bees with striped abdomens; the grayish or greenish slug- like larvae have pointed heads. They feed on nectar and pollen.
The larvae feed on aphids in tight places where other good bugs can't go, and are helpful in early spring, before other beneficial
insects are active. Flower flies pollinate strawberries and raspberries, producing larger fruits and higher yields.
4. Pirate bugs, ambush bugs and assassin bugs prey on many insects, including tomato hornworms, thrips, spider mites, many insects' eggs, leafhopper
nymphs, corn earworms and other small caterpillars. They are attracted to willows, buckwheat, corn, and nectar and pollen
from many flowers. 5. Ground
beetles feed on slugs, snails, cutworms, root maggots, and Colorado
potato beetle larvae. Perennial ground covers, stones, or logs attract them. Rove beetles resemble earwigs without pincers,
and feed on many insect pests. 6. Hunting and parasitic wasps There are hundreds
of species of wasps, including many so tiny you can barely see them. Mini-wasps attack the eggs of pests, and are one
of the most important insect groups that provide control of garden pests. 7.
Spiders feed
on insects and are important in preventing pest outbreaks. Spiders in gardens do not move indoors, nor are they
poisonous. 8. Tachinid Flies look similar to house flies and
are enemies of cutworms, armyworms, tent caterpillars, cabbage loopers, gypsy moths, sawflies, Japanese beetles, squash bugs,
and sowbugs.
Vinegar? It's
great. It's green, it's safe, it's inexpensive, and it can clean your house! Vinegar makes a wonderful cleanser. Plain distilled
vinegar added to a cloth can clean: faucets, cutting boards, bathtub ring, shower doors, stainless steel, countertops, soap
residue, and the fridge. Once a month, add vinegar to your dishwasher to clean the inner workings of the appliance. Polish
kitchen supplies with vinegar.Make a scouring scrub. Neutralize pet odor. Clean kitchen appliances. Remove clogs from shower
heads.
From How Stuff Works. Equal parts vinegar and water will clean most carpets. Unclog Drains
by mixing equal parts baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar and baking soda can also unstink your garbage disposal if you pour
it in there. Remove price tags. Clean linoleum with baking soda and vinegar: Pour vinegar on stain. Let it soak for ten minutes.
Add baking soda. Scrub. This also works to remove urine stains and smells from a mattress. Remove paint from windows. Apply
vinegar to concrete. The paint will take better.
Soil
PH PH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is,
and soil acidity or alkalinity (soil pH) influences how plants take up nutrients. Most plants tolerate a fairly
wide range of soil pH. Plant roots absorb mineral nutrients such as nitrogen and iron when they are dissolved in water.
If the soil solution is too acid or alkaline, some nutrients won’t dissolve easily and won’t be available for
uptake by roots. Most nutrients dissolve easily when the pH of the soil ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Below pH 6.0 some nutrients
(nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are less available. When the pH exceeds 7.5 iron, manganese, and phosphorus are less
available. Many environmental factors
(amount of rainfall, vegetation type, and temperature) can affect soil pH. Generally areas with heavy rainfall and forest
cover have moderately acid soils. Soils in regions with light rainfall and prairie cover tend to be near neutral. Droughty
areas tend to have alkaline soils. The pH of cultivated and developed soils often differs from that of native soil, because
during the construction of homes and buildings, topsoil is removed and may be replaced by a different type of soil.
Most plants grow well in slightly acid to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).
Exceptions include blueberries, potatoes, azaleas, and rhododendrons, which prefer moderately acid soil. Adding organic material
to soil buffers the pH and brings soils closer to neutral. You can test soil pH with a home soil test kit or portable pH meter. A soil lab report contains
recommendations on types and quantities of amendments to use. Your best option is to add organic matter and grow plants that
do well in alkaline soils. Soils
with a pH higher than 7.0 are alkaline, or "sweet.” Most garden plants tolerate a pH up to about 7.5. Alkaline
soils are generally composed of basic (high pH) materials such as limestone. Soil pH affects nutrient availability for
plants, and in soils with a pH over 7.8, iron, zinc, and phosphorus deficiencies are common.
Lowering soil pH is a challenging process because limestone in the soil
continually dissolves. To lower soil pH apply pure sulfur or flowers of sulfur. Add organic matter, such as compost
or composted manure to your soil annually and mulch with acidic organic mulches, like pine needles. Adding organic matter
slowly lowers your pH while increasing microbial life and improving the structure of your soil.
GREEN CLEANING RECIPES: 1. Powdered Laundry Soap
1 bar castile soap, grated
2 cups Borax
2 cups washing soda
1 cup baking soda
Combine
all of the ingredients and store in a covered jar. Use ¼ cup per load. 2. Lavender Laundry Softener
1 cup dried lavender buds
1 quart white
vinegar
2-4 drops lavender essential oil
Combine the mixture and let it sit for a week. 3. All-purpose cleaner
1 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Castile soap
1 tbsp Borax
Combine all the ingredients and add to a spray bottle. 4. Tub Scrub
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup salt
10 drops citrus essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight
tub. 5. Carpet
Deodorizer
1
cup borax
1 cup baking soda
10 drops essential oils
Combine and store in an airtight tub. 6. Oven Cleaner
1 small box baking soda
1 cup liquid
Castile Soap
Combine ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply to a cloth and wipe clean. 7. Dusting Spray
1 cup distilled water
3 drops essential
oils
Combine in a spray bottle and use with a cotton cloth. 8. Citrus Degreaser
½ cup lemon juice
¼ cup baking soda 5 to 10 drops citrus essential
oils
Combine to make a paste and use a damp cloth to wipe off. 9. Carpet freshener: Sprinkle
on carpet and leave for a few hours, then vacuum up. The herbs add fragrance, deodorize the carpet, and deter moths, fleas,
and pet smells. I put the dries herbs in a blender and powder before mixing with soda. Mix: 3 cups lavender buds, 2 cups rosemary leaves, 2 cups baking soda.
10. Window Spray Mix: 1/2 cup fresh lemon peel, 1/2 cup fresh orange peel, 1 cup fresh mint leavesSteep in 1 cup vinegar and let stand
for 2 hours or until vinegar leaches out the color and fragrance of the botanicals. Decant and strain. Place in spray bottle
and clean windows to a sparkling shine.
REDUCE CANCER - Cancer causing pollutants like dioxins and PCB's accumulate
in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat. BPA is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles, canned
infant formula, and canned foods. Use Environmental Working Group's database to find cosmetic products free of chemicals known
to cause cancer. Don't buy products with "PEG" or "eth" in their name. Buy organic or chose from the list
of fruits and vegetables least contaminated with pesticides. Seal outdoor wooden playsets and decks built before 2005.since
they are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing. CRUSHED EGGSHELLS
add calcium to the compost pile. They also will deter slugs, snails, and cutworms. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants love the
calcium in eggshells and they nourish the soil.Blossom end rot can be caused by a calcium deficiency although it is usually
caused by improper watering.
Top 10 Benefits of Eating Organic
1. Waterways aren't contaminated by chemical run-off from farms.
2. Pesticide-related health risks to farm workers (and
anyone living in the area) are eliminated.
3. You will dramatically reduce the amount of pesticide residue you ingest on a daily basis. Pesticides ingested by pregnant
women may be linked to birth defects and health issues.
4. Biodiversity is increased with the use of buffer crops, and by avoiding killing
or harming insects and other wildlife that is not a threat to crops.
5. Pesticides are responsible for a staggering amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
6. You can avoid eating any
genetically modified foods.
7. Reduced reliance on chemical and agri-engineering corporations is good for farmers.
8. Organic farming is
healthier for the soil.
9.Organic dairy cows are not injected with milk-boosting hormones which may increase
insulin levels in humans.
10. Organics taste better. It's just my humble opinion, but I've noticed a difference in the taste of strawberries,
peaches, grapes and leafy greens, so if you're still skeptical, I dare you to put your faith in conventionally grown foods
to the test. Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle. 5 Pesticide Foods to Avoid and Why: 1. Peaches. Farmed peaches
are number one because so many pesticides are needed to grow them. Their skin absorbs much of it infecting the flesh with
carcinogenic chemicals that outweigh the peach’s natural
health benefits.2. Apples. Many apples are grown in
mid-western states where they are not native and haven’t developed natural defenses to predators. They are treated with
many harmful pesticides that seep into the peel. You can peel your apples but lose a third of the nutrients and some flavor.3. Sweet Bell Peppers. This vegetable has the highest likelihood
of containing multiple pesticides (64 found on a single sample)
4. Celery. This vegetable has no skin and the pesticides are absorbed
directly into the plant. It’s best to buy this fresh and organic.
5.
Strawberries. Their skin doesn’t absorb as much as a peach but they are small and we don’t often wash them
carefully. The Organic Trade Association stated that more than 371 pesticides are approved for use on U.S. strawberries and
because they grow close to the ground, they are subject to chemicals used on soils.
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