Monday, October 31, 2011

One of the most nutritious and easily digested foods on the earth is the hemp seed. Hemp seeds contain all of the following: protein, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Hemp is truly a food that can sustain all of man's dietary needs. Hemp seed has many health benefits, which can be easily obtained by adding hemp seed to the diet.

Benefits

One of the most important features of hemp seed is that it is a superior source of protein. It also contains a wide variety of minerals and vitamins, but its most distinctive property is that it provides both omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids, or EFAs. These acids are known as linoleic and alpha-linolenic, respectively. What makes these essential oils crucial is that they are not manufactured in the human body, and must be consumed as food. Hemp has an optimal ratio of these two fats at 3:1. According to a Greek research study, a health-promoting ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is no higher than 4:1.
Function

Essential fatty acids are critical for keeping the heart healthy. Substituting healthy fats which are polyunsaturated like hemp oil for fats that are saturated can dramatically reduce the chance of having a sudden heart attack or even fatal cardiac arrhythmia. These healthful fats also help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and remove cellular buildup in the arteries that is often paired with atherosclerosis.

Hemp seed also contains something called phytosterols, which can help to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Types

Hemp seeds can be pressed into a high quality polyunsaturated oil, and are also made into a seed cake. Hemp seed oil can be eaten plain or mixed into other food items such as salads and breads. Hemp seed cakes can be ground and made into hemp flour to be used for baking.

Hulled hemp seeds, or nuts, can be widely used in recipes.
Hemp Oil

Hemp seed oil is highly emollient and can be used directly on the skin to nourish and regenerate. Hemp seed oil is capable of deeply penetrating the skin, rather than just sitting on top of the skin. This action works to prevent the aging of the skin, by allowing the essential fatty acids to fully penetrate the outer layer of skin, and encouraging a healthy moisture balance.
Effects

Hemp contains more of the beneficial amino acids than proteins such as milk, eggs or meat.

Hemp is a complete source of protein and is easily digestible.

Hemp seed contains almost seven times more omega-3 fatty acids than fish. It also provides an option for those unable to eat gluten, meat, sugar and milk. It is a good addition to a diet for those concerned about avoiding carbohydrates.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Type of Glass Used In Sun Ornaments

Type of Glass Used In Sun Ornaments

Soap Recipes-Easy Steps for Homemade Soap

Soap-making using the cold processed method is the most basic method of making homemade soap from scratch. Cold process refers to the fact that there is no cooking of ingredients involved, merely the melting of oils. Palm and coconut oil are traditionally used in the cold process to create luscious, gentle, superb lathering soaps that are a pleasure to bathe with.

Beginner 4.5 Pound Soap Recipe

This recipe will make just under 4.5 pounds of soap.

16oz Canola Oil
16 oz. Coconut Oil
16 oz. Palm Oil
6.9 oz. Lye (5% superfatted)
15.8 oz. Water

You may also add fragrance oils of your choosing and coloring.
Beginner 6.5 Pound Soap Recipe

This cold process recipe make just over 6.5 pounds of soap.

5 oz. Canola Oil
5 oz. Castor Oil
32 oz. Coconut Oil
32 oz. Palm Oil
11 oz. Lye (5% superfatted)
24.4 oz. Water

It is optional to add fragrance to your soap mixture as well as coloring.
General Instructions for Making Cold Process Soap

To begin the soap-making process you will need a special work area that is well ventilated. Make sure you have safety goggles, gloves, and that you are wearing long sleeves.

First Step: You will need to put on safety goggles, gloves and long sleeves.

Second Step: Add the lye to the water. Stir very well, making sure you don't breathe in the fumes. Put the mixture to the side and let cool until each reaches a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. If your work area is not well ventilated, it is recommended to put the lye mixture outside to cool.

Third Step: Mix the oils together, and melt. Cool the oil mixture to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, or to within five degrees of the lye mixture.

Fourth Step: Add the lye mixture to the oils you have melted. Stir together until the mixture looks like a thin pudding. This is called the trace stage. You may want to use a stick mixer to speed up the process. It may take up to an hour to reach the trace stage if you are stirring by hand.

Fifth Step: Pour the soap mixture into soap molds. You may pop out the soap after about three to five days. After popping out the soap, it will have to sit for an additional four to six weeks to cure completely, and complete the saponification process. After the soap is completely cured, you may cut into bars, and begin using.


Read more: Palm & Coconut Oil Cold Processed Soap Recipes | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5201750_palm-cold-processed-soap-recipes.html#ixzz1cIm2LxFj

Friday, October 21, 2011

Five Foods That Can Help Improve Your Memory

Five Foods That Can Help Improve Your Memory

Monday, September 19, 2011

Check out Scentsy!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scentsy/252464514774872

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Create Aged and Distressed Wood Finishes

Regardless of whether you are refinishing a piece of furniture or a wood floor, the antiquing and distressing process can transform the look and feel of wood. New furniture can be made to look old and newer wood floors can be aged to reflect years of wear and tear. The process of distressing wood is much the same, regardless of the surface, and takes a small amount of time. Most of the supplies needed for this project can be found in your local hardware or home improvement store.

Step 1

Place some miscellaneous nuts and bolts in a canvas bag that closes. Close the bag and hit the surface of the wood with the nuts and bolts. This will produce indentations in the surface of the wood. Do this in a random manner; you don't want to create a predictable pattern.

Step 2

Use a chisel and hammer to create more distress in the surface of the wood. In a random manner, hit the surface of the wood with the chisel and hammer; create gouges and marks throughout the surface. Concentrate on surfaces that tend to see the most wear, such as edges and legs of furniture, or in the middle of a floor.

Step 3

Apply a water-based stain to the wood with either a paintbrush for a small area or a paint roller for a large area such as a floor. Make sure to fill in the gouges and marks that have been added with the nuts, bolts, hammer and chisel. These marks will then stand out because they are slightly darker from the stain. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.

Step 4

Create rings on the surface of the wood. Fill tin cans of various sizes with hot water and place them randomly on the surface of the wood. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process will produce dark rings on the surface of the wood.

Step 5

Apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer with a paintbrush or a paint roller, depending on the size of the surface. Allow to dry completely.
Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Nuts and bolts
Canvas bag
Chisel and hammer
Water-based stain
Paintbrush or paint roller
Metal cans
Clear polyurethane sealer

How to Paint Over Formica Cabinets

If you are stuck with old, outdated Formica cabinets, you might be wondering just how to reinvigorate them. Replacing them may be expensive, but painting them might do the trick. A quick coat of paint can completely change the look and feel of your Formica cupboards and take them from drab and dingy to renewed and beautiful. Most of the supplies for this project are available at your local home improvement or hardware store.

Step 1

Remove the hardware from the cabinets, including hinges. Place cabinet doors and drawers in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2

Clean the surface of the Formica with clean water and a sponge. Dry completely. Put on your safety goggles.

Step 3

Sand the cabinets with fine-grade sandpaper to rough up the surface. Roughing up the surface of the cabinets allows the paint to adhere properly. Remove all dust with a soft cloth. Tape any areas you don't want painted with painter's tape.

Step 4

Apply one coat of primer paint with a paint roller to all of the cabinet surfaces. Allow to dry completely.

Step 5

Apply a coat of latex paint to the surface of the cabinets and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply one more coat if desired and allow to dry. Once dry, remove the painter's tape carefully.

Step 6

Reattach hardware and hinges to the cabinets. Reattach cabinet doors and drawers to the cabinets.
Skill

Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
Water
Sponge
Safety goggles
Fine-grade sandpaper
Soft cloth
Painter's tape
Primer paint
Latex paint
Paint rollers

Decorate Ball Canning Jars

The original Ball canning jar has become something of a legend in American folklore. Used originally for canning purposes, canning jars today holds all sorts of items--from sewing supplies to cookie mixes. Decorate canning jars to set them apart from each other. Decoupage, painting and covering with cloth are just some of the options used to decorate Ball canning jars today. Jars decorated in various ways make great gifts for a special person in your life, or even yourself.

Step 1

Clear out the jars and make sure they are clean and dry.

Step 2

Create decoupage on the canning jar. Tear up decorative papers, such as gift wrap, tissue paper or magazine paper, into small pieces of between 2 to 5 inches. Apply a layer of white glue with a small paintbrush to the exterior part of a canning jar. Lay the papers one at a time onto the glued jar, smoothing down as you go. Overlap areas and continue to smooth to prevent bubbles. Cover the entire jar, except for where the lid fits on. Apply another layer of white glue over the paper pieces on the jar. Let dry completely. Apply one coat of clear sealer to protect the decoupage.

Step 3

Paint decorative designs on the canning jars with decorative glass paints. These may be applied with a very small paintbrush, or alternatively, they may be applied by using a squeeze tube of glass paint. This type of paint will provide a three-dimensional effect. Make a checkerboard pattern, paint daisies or ivy. Paint hearts in different colors for a romantic gift.

Step 4

Cut out a fabric round. Place the jar lid on some fabric and cut out a round shape. Add 2 inches all around. Glue this fabric round on top of the canning jar lid and secure with twine, yarn or ribbon. Make fabric labels to identify the contents of the jar. Make rectangle shaped labels and write on them with fabric paint. Glue to the side of the jar. This is great for cookie and soup mixes.

Step 5

Glue buttons on top of the jar lid. Use the jar as a sewing kit. Create a pin cushion on top of the jar by adding some quilt batting to the lid and gluing fabric over it. Trim with ribbon and place on top of the jar.

Farmhouse Style in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Whether you are updating an old farmhouse kitchen to coordinate with a contemporary lifestyle, or adding old farmhouse style to a modern kitchen, the casual and comfortable farmhouse style makes any kitchen warm and welcoming. Add earthy colors, soothing textures, and aged or antique furniture to bring the farmhouse style into your kitchen.

Colors

Various colors work well in farmhouse-style kitchens. Paint walls a natural, buttery yellow for a serene backdrop. Saffron yellow walls add a sense of vibrancy and energy to a farmhouse kitchen. Pair yellow walls with white cabinetry and dark hardwood floors for a sense of balance and visual interest. Accent pieces in aqua or blue provide a nice counterpoint to yellow or warmer hues. Barn red tones are often used in farmhouse kitchens, adorning the walls and even old, roughly textured furniture. When paired with black accents and teal accessories, red makes a stunning statement.

Antiques

Antiques are a welcome addition to a farmhouse kitchen. Opt for a whitewashed antique sideboard that can be used for storage. Vintage ranges, while not always operational, provide an unusual option for storage with plenty of nooks and crannies to hold kitchen supplies. Repurpose antique jelly cupboards to store pottery and glassware. Hoosier cabinets that date from the 1930s that are painted and restored give plenty of storage and structure to a modern farmhouse kitchen. Many antique furnishings can be found at flea markets and garage sales as well as traditional antique stores.

Accessories

Infuse country character into your farmhouse kitchen with the addition of colorful, old accessories. Now is the time to showcase the items that have been collecting dust in your closet. Display milk glass pieces, carnival glass and other treasured, breakable items in cabinets with glass doors. Keep like colors together for a cohesive look and more impact. Enamelware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from pitchers to bowls, and looks lovely when displayed. Fresh flowers add color and a sense of nature and life to a farmhouse kitchen. Groupings of baskets not only provide textural interest but provide storage as well.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Author: Juliet Cohen

Perimenopause, or pre-menopause is a transitional stage of two to ten years before complete cessation of the menstrual period. Its average duration is six years, and can appear in women from 35 to 50 years of age. Perimenopause marks the interval in which your body begins its transition into menopause. Perimenopause lasts up until menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, this decline in estrogen accelerates. Perimenopause lasts from six to 10 years for most women. This stage begins gradually during regular cycles and ends when a year has passed since the final menstrual period. Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause anywhere from two to eight years plus the first year after your final period. It's a natural part of aging that signals the ending of your reproductive years. Many women experience relief from hot flashes after taking low-dose birth control pills for a short period of time. Approximately 25% will begin to have night sweats. About 20-30% will have abnormally heavy flow for one or more cycles.





Most premenopausal women experience changes in their menstrual cycle. Most women experience some middle of the night sleep disturbances, mood swings and less ability to predict flow. Some women will experience nausea, new or recurrent and severe migraine headaches, weight gain and palpitations. Sleep disturbances may increase and rapid bone loss begins with the onset of irregular cycles. The final year of perimenopause is from the final menstrual period for one year. Additionally, this declining/fluctuating estrogen level can produce a host of disturbing symptoms: hot flashes, increasing dryness, sleep problems, mood swings, breast tenderness and many other complications. Additional symptoms of perimenopause or menopause may include, breast pain, irregular periods, urinary tract changes, problems as well as change in the complexion and hair. Some women find that these hot flashes disrupt their sleep, causing constant tiredness, and others respond with mood changes.





Main Symptoms of Perimenopause





1. Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes, clammy feeling.





2. Changes in fingernails: softer, crack or break easier.





3. Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, 'whooshing,' buzzing etc.





4. Anxiety, feeling ill at ease.





5. Feelings of dread, apprehension, doom.





6. Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion.





7. Trouble sleeping through the night.





8. Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair.





9. Dizziness, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance.





10. Gastrointestinal distress, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea.





11. Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor.





12. Tingling in the extremities.





13. Itchy, crawly skin.





14. Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons.





15. Gum problems, increased bleeding





Treatment for Perimenopause Tips





1. Exercise.





2. Stop smoking .





3. Get more sleep and try going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.





4. Decrease the amount of alcohol you drink.





5. Get to a healthy weight and stay there.





6. Take a multivitamin supplement and ingest enough calcium.





7. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/symptoms-of-perimenopause-203383.html

About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.healthatoz.info.

Top Five Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Menopause

Author: Evelyn Lim

Thinking of going through hormone replacement therapy to help ease your menopausal symptoms? Have you considered trying some herbal remedies first to see if they help? Rather than go for a drastic option, the use of herbal remedies may be worth a try as they are natural and comparatively safer.



In fact, there are many herbal remedies that can help deal with the various menopausal symptoms that you are having. These include herbal remedies to alleviate your existing condition of night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, loss of sex drive, memory loss, depression and sudden mood swings.



Menopause is often referred to as the change. It is often a difficult period for the sufferer as well as those around. Also, it can get depressing as weight gain is a possible outcome during menopause.



Here is a guide to the top 5 herbal remedies for menopause:



1. Gingko Biloba. Gingko Biloba is effective for those going through hormonal changes. Herbalists and naturopathic doctors say that this herb can increase and improve blood flow to virtually all parts of the body. Herbalists recommend that a dosage of 40 to 80 milligram capsule 3 times a day. This will also help in cases of memory loss.



2. Chasteberry. Chasteberry is one of the herbal remedies often overlooked when treating menopause's difficult symptoms. However, this is a secret known to herbalists that this herb can have a profound effect on the body's hormones. Herbalists recommend this herb because it can actually help reverse the vaginal changes, lowered libido, and other symptoms of menopause.



3. St. Johns Wort. St Johns wort, on the other hand, is a herb known to help with anxiety, irritability and mood swings. In fact, this is one of the herbal remedies that can be more more effective in treating depression than traditional antidepressants. In general, herbalists and naturopathic doctors recommend 100 and 300 milligrams of St. John's wort 3 times a day. You should be sure that this is standardized for 0.3 percent hypercin.



4. Valerian. You may also find it hard to get to sleep at night during menopause. Many herbal remedies help to induce relaxation and sleep. One of them includes valerian. Valerian is both safe and nonaddictive. It is suggested that women should take between 300 to 500 milligrams of this one hour before bed.



5. Lavender. The last of the herbal remedies that is recommended is lavender. You can achieve a peaceful night of rest with lavender. This herb can be easily integrated into aromatherapy. Simply sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil onto your pillow before going to bed.



Before you try any of these herbal remedies, do check with your doctor. You have to make sure that the herbal remedies for menopause do not interact negatively with the other medications that you may be on. Also, you would need to ask your doctor or herbalist for the recommended dosages of herbal remedies for your specific case. What is useful is to know that hormone replacement therapy is not the one and only solution if you want to ease your menopausal symptoms. There are many herbal remedies out there that can help you alleviate your suffering!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/top-5-herbal-remedies-for-menopause-127934.html

About the Author

Evelyn Lim is the writer and publisher of a free newsletter on herbal home remedies. In her newsletter, she shares amazing tips on using non-drug remedies to cure and treat common health ailments. For more information, please visit http://www.herbalremedytips.com.

How to View Private MySpace Profiles

Tips How to View Private Myspace Profiles

Author: PJ

We all notice that if you are a MySpace user, you've come across some profiles that you're dying taboo to view but only to catch out that they're set to private. You realize that the simply way to view their profile is to add them as a friend and hope they accept. Unfortunately, nearly of the time they don't know you and they wont accept your friend request. However, I can show you how to view private profiles on MySpace.

I know personally, I've stumbled upon a profile of someone I thought I recognized. All I need to do is look into some more pictures on their profile to be sure. But when I try to view their MySpace profile, I find it's set to private. Now I see the only way I can view their pictures is to send a friend request to them. But we all know that this can be tiresome and most of the time not work at all. If their profile is set to private, they'll most potentially not add you as a friend.

Private profiles is a great feature on MySpace, however they can be a real annoying when it comes to finding friends that you haven't seen in a long time, or becoming friends with someone that you think look cool.

Fortunately, I came across a site recently in some dark corner of the internet. On this site, you can enter the MySpace user ID and it will return with every picture that user uploaded on their profile, without having to send a friend request or gain access to their private MySpace profile. This is the greatest tool i've found in a long time. Now for all of that have wondered, here is a new way to view Private MySpace profiles. There, you'll find how to view private MySpace profiles.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/tips-how-to-view-private-myspace-profiles-186819.html

About the Author

Check out the View Private Myspace Profiles Toolbar!

Add up to 500 MySpace friends per day, leave tons of comments and messages, and gain traffic to your MySpace profile by checking out Friend Blaster Try it out for free!

Get millions of song plays, profile views, and even get your song to #1 automatically on MySpace Music with MP3 Song Plays. You can even try it out for FREE!

How to Choose Forgiveness

How to Choose Forgiveness

Natural Relief for PMS

Natural Relief for PMS

Foods for Cholesterol Control

Foods for Cholesterol Control

Thursday, June 23, 2011

What to Line Dresser or Bureau Drawers With

Dresser or bureau drawers are often those long forgotten spaces in decorating, left to vanquish under piles of rumpled clothing. The bottom and even sides of dresser or bureau drawers can be made to look beautiful and can even complement the design theme of your bedroom. Not only does lining dresser drawers beautify them, the lining helps to prevent damage to your clothing such as snagging, discoloration and even nasty smells. Consider the following options when it comes time to line your dresser or bureau drawers.
Line them with fabric. Fabric is an easy option for lining dresser drawers. Use fabric that already has a place in your bedroom such as pillows or the bedspread or curtains. Take any excess fabric or remnants you may have and cut to fit the bottom portion of your dresser drawer. Apply some fabric glue to the bottom of the drawer and smooth the fabric to the bottom, smoothing away any wrinkles you encounter. Allow to dry before placing clothing back in the drawer. You may also line the sides of the drawer if you like by cutting out smaller sections of fabric.
Wallpaper makes an ideal dresser drawer liner. Many times, wallpaper is pre-pasted with wallpaper paste. Just wet the back of the wallpaper with a small amount of water on a sponge and apply the paper to the bottom and sides of the drawer if desired. This is a great way to use up any leftover wallpaper you may have. Do each drawer with different wallpaper for a unique look. If you don't have any leftover wallpaper, check with decorating studios or home stores, and ask if you can purchase old wallpaper sample books; the sample pages in the book are the perfect size for all different kinds of craft projects.
Old maps or pages from an old atlas make great dresser drawer liners. Cut to size and apply a good quality glue to the back of the map, and adhere to the bottom of the drawer. Smooth away any wrinkles, and allow to dry completely before placing clothing back in the drawer.
Good old contact paper has come a long way from it's origins. Today, contact paper comes in a variety of designs that blend in well with contemporary living. Most contact paper has a built in adhesive, and a paper backing that pulls away. Measure and cut the contact paper to suit your needs, peel off the paper backing and apply to the drawer. The advantage to contact paper is that you don't have to wait for the adhesive to dry, once you apply it, your are ready to go.

Artwork for Small Spaces

While your wall space may be limited, a little creativity can go a long way to creating walls that are colorful and visually exciting. Proportion and balance are key when it comes to decorating a small space with artwork.
Take into consideration who will be using and viewing the space. Will your guests or yourself be seated when viewing a particular work of art? Placement of art on a wall should take this into account, especially in a small space where there is less room to maneuver.
Small spaces generally require small artwork. Large paintings can sometimes overwhelm a small space and back people into a corner. However, a large painting can make a significant visual impact and may be all that is needed in a small space to add color and depth. One, single large painting often looks visually more appealing than many small paintings in a jumble. Experiment to see which looks best in your small space.
If you are hanging an assortment of images, start with the smaller pieces on the lower portion of the wall and work your way up to the larger pieces. This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of space.
For a small room with a low ceiling, stack pictures in vertical arrangements that add height to a room. Avoid completely covering a wall with paintings however, balance is key.
A pair or trio of smaller pictures have more visual impact when hung over a doorframe or small window, rather than left to float aimlessly on a large wall.
Artful arrangements of beautiful framed pictures add warmth and personality to a room, especially a small space.

Learn About Massage Therapy

Learn About Massage Therapy

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Simple Solutions for Tough Pet Odor

Here are some easy and simple solutions for clearing up pet odor.

Fabrics

  • Step 1:Urine odors are certainly the most prevalent and some of the most difficult odors to remove from the home. Even after you think you have removed the odor, it often reappears to offend you and guests as well. For offensive urine odors on fabrics, such as pillows or clothing, try pre-treating the item with an enzyme laundry product. Soak in some water water, and add in the enzymes. These are widely available in pet supply stores. After soaking the item, launder using bleach or color safe bleach as needed.

Upholstery

  • Step 1:Treating urine odors in upholstery can be particularly challenging. Attempt to blot up as much of the urine as possible. Place some old towels between the upholstery and the cushion if possible. Press down on these towels with a heavy weighted object to help with absorption. Once you have removed the bulk of the urine stain and wetness, tackle the odor. Use a small amount of liquid hand dishwashing liquid with two cups of cold water. Sponge the stain with this mixture, then blot until all of the liquid is completely absorbed. Repeat as necessary to remove the odor. Use some cool water on a sponge, apply to the area and blot dry.

Carpet

  • Step 1:Carpet is another challenge when it comes to removing the smell of urine. Often the urine penetrates the backing on the carpet, and may even get to the carpet padding, causing an almost impossible situation. Blot up the moisture as well as you can with a clean cloth, repeating until the area is as dry as possible. Again, you will want to mix some dishwashing liquid with water, but this time add in one tablespoon of white vinegar. This helps to neutralize the urine smell. Apply generously to the urine area and blot until absorbed. Repeat as needed, until the odor is eliminated. Sponge with some cold water and blot dry.

Resources

How to Use Garlic to Control Fleas on Cats

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Process

  • Step 1:Chop up a clove of garlic and put about 1/4 of the chopped clove into your cat's food.
  • Step 2:Dust your cat with garlic powder. Avoid getting the powder near the cat's eyes, nose or mouth. Use the smallest amount of powder necessary to cover the cat.
  • Step 3:Wash your cat as your normally would in warm soapy water, but add a couple drops of garlic juice to the water first.
  • Step 4:Massage your cat with some garlic salt. The salt along with the smell of garlic helps to repel fleas.

Tips & Warnings

  • Brewer's yeast is often combined with garlic in commercial flea prevention products. This mixture can be added to the cat's food or given as a treat for flea prevention. You can also rub brewers yeast and garlic directly on your cat's fur. Look for various preparations of this type at most pet supply stores.
  • Consult your cat's veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about giving garlic to your cat in any form.
  • Do not rub garlic powder, salt, or juice onto your cat if there are any open sores as this could irritate the wound further.

Aromatherapy Flea Treatment for Dogs

You can make simple aromatherapy sprays and rinses for your dog using essential oils. Simply spray the formula on your pet, dip or use as a rinse.

Yellow dock is an herb that provides itch relief for dogs. Simply add 1 tablespoon of dried yellow dock to 2 cups of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes, then cool completely. Strain, and rinse your dog with this mixture to provide cooling itch relief. This rinse can be used after a bath or without a bath.

Green tea makes an effective treatment for your dog's itchy skin. Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 to 3 cups of water, depending on the size of your dog, for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags, and let the tea cool off. Once cool, pour the mixture over your pet for relief. Let your pet drip-dry.

If your dog is experiencing itchy, red skin, use a rinse of chamomile or calendula tea. The same procedure as above applies: Steep a couple of teabags or 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water, cool, then pour the rinse on your dog. These herbs help to cool off hot, irritated areas of the dog's skin. Let the rinse dry on your pet.

To make an itch-relief spray, combine 10 to 15 drops of calendula tincture with 4 ounces of distilled water in a small spray bottle. Shake the mixture well, and spray on your dog's skin as often as needed.

Doggy Shampoo for Itchy Skin

  • Step 1:You can easily make a custom aromatherapy shampoo for your dog using a pre-made shampoo base that is organic, with no added dyes or perfumes. These are available at most health food stores or pet supply stores. To a standard 16-ounce bottle of shampoo base, add 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 6 drops of rosewood essential oil, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 drop of Roman chamomile, 2 drops of carrot seed oil and 1 tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal. Shake ingredients together well. Bathe your dog as you normally would, rinse and dry.

Flea and Tick Relief

  • Step 1:Another way to relieve itchy skin on your dog is to prevent infestations of fleas and ticks. Make a flea and insect repellent shampoo by adding the following to a standard 16-ounce bottle of dog shampoo base: 4 drops of clary sage essential oil, 2 drops of citronella oil, 8 drops of peppermint essential oil and 4 drops of lemon essential oil. Combine ingredients well in the bottle, and shampoo your dog as you normally would.

    Make an aromatherapy shampoo that specifically targets ticks. Combine the following with 16 ounces of dog shampoo base: 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 drops of rosewood essential oil, 3 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of myrrh essential oil and 1 drop of bay leaf essential oil. Mix together well in shampoo base, and apply to your dog as you normally would.

Resources

Monday, June 6, 2011

Another Spoonerism for Ya

When referencing a new Bob Dylan book that is soon to be released: Blowin in the Wind, my husband said that Dylan is a great "songer singwriter".  Oh my, heavy sigh. Seriously.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

A Spoonersism A Day

My husband is famous for creating new words, mixing up letters, and really just saying non-sensical things. There are times when it seems only I can understand. Poor guy, and he works in sales where he has to talk constantly. The first and most notable of these is when he said  " I am nuck baked".  See if you can figure it out, and check out this website for more fun....

http://www.fun-with-words.com/spoonerisms.html

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Arnold and the Mistress

With all the news reporting on Arnold and his mistress, I thought it appropriate to comment ever so slightly. Seriously, have you seen a picture of this woman? Insert vomiting emoticon here, gee if only I knew how to make one. Talk about a step down. They always affair down, regardless of what anyone says. Bleh.

Anyway, what is with this whole scenario? Arnold who happened to have a lovely wife in Maria Shriver, decides to impregnate his live in help and keep it a secret for many years? What an upstanding guy. Or maybe the mistress got pregnant on purpose, you know to blackmail poor Arnie. Sheesh. Ya think? I don't know who is more pathetic, Arnold or the poor pig of a woman who let herself get used and at the same time get pregnant. Don't you realize honey, that you were just a poor subsitute for the real deal, the wife?

Hopefully the mistresses' fifteen minutes won't last too much longer, and Arnold will finally learn to keep his package in his pants.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Natural Solutions For PMS

Common symptoms of PMS include: irritability, anxiety, mood swings, depression, headaches, bloating and weight gain. Other symptoms may include: sugar cravings, cramps, acne, breast tenderness, and backache. No wonder women are grumpy during "that time". You can alleviate some of these symptoms with simple natural remedies.




For bloating: try using Pycnogenol. This food supplement is derived from pine bark or grape seeds and can reduce bloating and water retention. It may also help with breast tenderness. Try taking 50 milligrams once or twice daily.



For headaches: Try adding some bioflavonoids. Genistein and daidzein are bioflavonoids found in soy product, and are thought to help control excess estrogen. Take a biolflavonoid supplement of 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams daily.



For breast tenderness: Evening primrose oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can ease breast tenderness as well as reduce fluid retention. Take 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams daily for as long as needed.



For multiple symptoms: Try various herbs. St. John's Wort helps with depression and irritability. Cleavers may help with breast tenderness and dandelion leaf may help with bloating. Most of these herbs can be found at natural or health food stores, and are available in capsule, tincture or tea form.



Consult your physician before adding any of these supplements or herbs to your health regime. You may need more traditional treatment for your PMS symptoms.

How to Forgive

When you have experienced deep betrayal, one of the hardest things to do is to practice forgiveness toward the person who wronged you. After all, isn't forgiveness letting the person off the hook somehow? Forgiveness is an exercise that encompasses grace, compassion and a willingness to let go. It also is a chance for you the betrayed to focus on yourself, rather than the person who betrayed you. How does this work? The dictionary definition of forgiveness is to "excuse for a fault or an offense; to pardon", or to "renounce anger or resentment against.". If that doesn't sound like you are letting the perpetrator go, I don't know what does.



But upon further examination, forgiveness is an act that will ultimately benefit you; the person who was wronged, much more than the person who betrayed you. Strange to contemplate, but very true. For Christians, forgiveness is an expectation that restores your relationship with God, for Jews, forgiveness comes after repentance by the wrongdoer.



Repentance is an important component of forgiveness, and according to Dr. Laura, contains these 4 essentials: True remorse, taking responsibility, making efforts to repair and the avoidance of repeating the damaging behavior. When someone who has hurt you makes a concerted effort to achieve these four steps, forgiveness is not only possible, but highly desirable.



Making the effort to forgive someone not only benefits the relationship, but can have major health benefits. When you let go of anger and resentment, your high blood pressure may become lower and you may feel more relaxed and at ease. Letting go of the need for revenge and retaliation is more a gift to yourself, than letting someone off the hook. Try writing your feelings of anger, hurt, revenge and resentment on pieces of paper and then burning them one by one in a fireplace. This act will help you to let go.



Staying stuck in thoughts of unforgiveness not only keeps you tied to the betrayer, but delays the living of your life. You deserve more.