>U Mom Knows Best: October 2018

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

4 Remodeling Jobs You Should Never DIY

Are you thinking about a remodeling project for your home?

 Before you consider tackling the project on your own, read this article as it has some great information that might make you think twice about doing all the work on your own. I remodeled my bathroom last year and I was glad that I hired professionals to do most of the work. My bathroom looks amazing as the professional guys knew what they were doing.


 Online resources and home improvement programs have made it easier than ever for Americans to tackle DIY projects around the home. However, there are certain tasks that can actually cost you more in the long run if you fail to hire professionals. When it comes to the following types of repairs and renovations around the home, leave it to the pros who have the training, tools, and experience to get the job done right the first time.

Plumbing

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Image via Flickr by Charles Haynes

 Your home's plumbing is more complicated than you might think. While you may be able to figure out some simple repairs, like fixing the toilet flapper or replacing a faucet, you should always hire a professional plumber for more serious issues. You don't want to risk potential damage from leaks or pipe backups that could result if you try to do it on your own. Plumbers charge a lot because it's skilled, technical work that requires lots of training, but the cost is worth it to have your plumbing repaired correctly. If you wanted to master this profession, or you already have experience, here you can view vacancies for plumbers.

Electrical Work 
When it comes to your home's electrical wiring, it's always best to call in the pros. In addition to requiring extensive training, electrical work involves adhering to local building codes. Most homeowners won't know the ins and outs of these requirements, which can put you and your family at risk for safety hazards like electrical shocks or even fires. You also can also end up with higher energy bills if your wiring isn't repaired correctly. Always use professional electricians to keep your home safe and more efficient.

Wall Demolition
 Today's home improvement shows make demo work seem incredibly easy. Homeowners in these shows are seen with big smiles on their faces as they take a whack at their walls. However, you won't be smiling if you accidentally hit the electrical wiring, plumbing, or gas pipes inside your walls. And if the wall is load bearing, you could even cause serious structural damage. While removing old cabinets and countertops may be feasible for a DIY project, you should always hire professionals to take down walls for your planned renovations.

Sanding Floors
 Over time, wood floors can become a bit worn down and rough-looking. Fortunately, sanding and refinishing the floors can leave them looking good as new. If you try to tackle this task on your own, however, you risk leaving behind a bumpy or uneven floor. Besides having an unattractive appearance, poorly finished wood floors can diminish your home's value. On the other hand, pros can leave behind smoother, fresher-looking floors that increase your home's value. 

 Most people sand and refinish their hardwood floors about once a decade. Since you're doing it so infrequently, it's definitely worth the extra expense to hire a professional to do the job.

 Don't let your enthusiasm for DIY projects lead to safety issues in your home or detract from your investment. Instead, know which projects require the help of a trained professional so you can be sure the work is done correctly, efficiently, and safely.


Miracle Tree Moringa Energy Tea Gives Me Superfood Energy

Start your day with a delicious superfood energy infusion tea!

          I received samples of tea to facilitate this post

    I am so not a morning person and my brain just does not function well until I have that first cup of coffee. It does not matter what time I go to bed, I dislike getting out of bed in the morning. Now that winter is on its way the dark mornings are making it even tougher to face the day. It also seems that my usual cup of coffee is not helping either with the dark dreary mornings. So I decided to switch things up and try an organic Superfood Energy Infusion Tea in place of my morning coffee. This delicious tea has more caffeine than a cup of coffee and I am really loving the different flavors that the infusion tea comes in. My favorite flavor is the Miracle Tree Moringa & Chai Infusion Tea as it has a nice spice blend.

Supercharged with nutrition!

 These delicious super-caffeinated energy teas also have ingredients in them like Moringa, vitalising amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants so I am getting so much more than energy. These purposeful ingredients give me the energy that I need to start my day without the crash that you can get from coffee. The warmth of the tea is so soothing on these cold mornings.

Goodbye coffee hello Moringa!


What is Moringa?

Moringa has been used worldwide to combat malnutrition. It is a nutritionally complex whole food naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Daily use of Moringa can help to restore your imbalances in your diet. Moringa leaves contain over 90 nutrients - including 47 antioxidants, 25 vitamins & minerals, and all 9 essential amino acids.


             Save 50% at Miracle Tree! Just enter this code during checkout:
                                             MOMKNOWSBEST15

Look at all these delicious flavors!


   This delicious Moringa Infusion tea comes in a lot of yummy flavors so my mornings are exciting. The teas are bursting with flavor and I discovered that I did not need to add any sweetener to my cup of tea. I could taste the delicious flavors of cherry, grape, vanilla, and many others with every sip of my tea. I like reading the back of the tea boxes and love that Moringa beats kale. I can say that the flavor of these organic teas tastes way better than kale too!


Delicious over ice!

  In the afternoon when I need some extra energy before I hit the gym, I enjoy the Moringa Cherry Chamomile tea over ice for a refreshing treat. These delicious teas will be great over ice next year when summer returns. Oh, how I miss the warm summer days.

              Save 50% at Miracle Tree! Just enter this code during checkout:
                                              MOMKNOWSBEST15


           Save 50% at Miracle Tree! Just enter this code during checkout:
                       MOMKNOWSBEST15

Which flavor of Miracle Tree Organic SuperFood Energy Infusion tea would you like to enjoy?



Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Preventing Painful Eczema With Botanical Skin Care Products

This year will be the year that my son will not suffer from eczema!

        I received several Botanical Skin Care Products to facilitate this post.

  I remember having severe eczema as a kid so I feel for my son and buy products that will prevent flare-ups. My eczema was so bad as a kid that I kept my hands in my pockets all winter. My hands were a source of embarrassment for me as no one wanted to sit near me after they saw my dry cracked bleeding hands. I remember countless doctor trips and the doctor telling my mom to try another over the counter cream that was supposed to help my painful skin. The problem was that the ingredients in the so-called eczema creams were just making my skin worse as my skin was ultra sensitive. I hated having sensitive skin as a kid and it did not get better until I was an adult and I moved out of my parent's house. A doctor also prescribed a steroid cream that cleared my skin. I later learned that I was allergic to mold and had other chemical sensitivities.

My knowledge of eczema helps my son 

  So when my son did not outgrow his eczema as a baby, (all my kids had eczema as babies), I had plenty of experience to help him or so I thought so. My son's eczema got worse as he got older and most all lotions left him screaming in pain. So it was hard to treat his chapped hands in the winter when the lotions that were supposed to help burned his skin. So I eliminated all chemical bath products and bought my son products that had natural ingredients. I found that 100% shea butter was the only cream that did not irritate my son's skin. The only problem is it can be very greasy so my son forgets to use it until winter comes and his hands are red and sore. So this year I am trying Botanical Skin Care Products to see if we can prevent the painful chapped skin this winter.

 I am trying Botanical Skin Care Products

  My son's hands already feel like tough leather and have that dirty look to them. My son is a typical boy and gets dirty. He still needs to be reminded about hand washing too. He recently sprained a finger so he is not washing his hands as often as he should as taking off the finger brace is a pain for him. The weather is getting colder so I know that his hands will start to get very chapped and red. So I told my son that he needs to start applying the Calm Eczema Therapy Cream every night before bed. Maybe this will be the year his skin feels good.


Botanical ingredients do not burn the skin

  My son was hesitant to try the Eczema Therapy Cream as he is always afraid that they will hurt. So with a bit of coaxing, he allowed me to rub the cream on his dry skin. My son did not complain and the eczema cream made his hands feel softer. I loved that it was not greasy and was free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfates. My son has sensitivities to SLS, a common ingredient in toothpaste and other body care products. So I am an ingredient reader when it comes to his personal care products.


Safe for babies

  I believe that prevention is always the best when it comes to my son's eczema. We avoid the things that cause my son's skin to flare up rather than treating it with prescription creams. I know that salt, citrus fruits, and pineapple aggravate his skin along with most all chemicals so my son stays away from those things. I think that may be a reason he avoids washing his hands at school as their soap is chemical based. Doctors always ask me if my son has eczema, as it is in his medical chart, as they don't believe it by looking at his skin. I would rather pay more for natural skin care products that keep my son's sensitive skin eczema free than see him suffer from the painful skin.


Proven Botanicals for clear skin

 My teen son has been suffering from bad acne ever since he joined the Merchant Marine Academy. I think the change in climate and his diet may have something to do with it. My son has been trying different products from the store at the academy and none of them are helping to clear up his skin. My son even got a prescription from the doctor but the acne still remains on his face. When I see pictures of him, I just think of how painful his skin is. I sent my son probiotics to see if they could help his acne. but I am not sure if he remembers to take them every day. My son is even cutting back on milk to see if they will help clear his skin.

Will the Clear Acne Kit help my son?

  I like that the Clear Acne Kit has proven botanical ingredients in it that are clinically proven to clear the skin up. My teenager still needs convincing that chemicals may be aggravating his skin so when he comes home for fall break, I will have him try the Clear Acne Kit on his face to see if it can clear up all those blemishes on his face. Maybe him having the time away from all the busy stress of school for six days will also help his acne breakouts.


 I love the natural ingredients

  The natural botanicals in the acne face products sound so soothing to me. I love that they have no dyes or benzoyl peroxide in them. I am allergic to benzoyl peroxide and I think my son may have some sensitivities to it also as it leaves his skin way to dry. My teen son had an episode this past summer from red dye that left his skin in hives for two days. So I am excited to have him try these non-toxic skin care products. The box says that they work in 12 hours. If they work, the sizes are perfect for him to take back in his carry-on bag on the airplane.


Clear skin is always a good thing 

 My son has not had clear skin for quite some time so this mom will have him try the Clear Acne products as I want his skin to feel better. He will be able to focus on school better as he will be spending less time focusing on his zit filled face. These three products will be easy for him to use.


Do you have sensitive skin?

Monday, October 29, 2018

Buying Cold-Weather Clothes on a Budget

Buying Cold-Weather Clothes on a Budget

 Being cold is one of the most unpleasant sensations we can experience. It tends to push us to make extreme decisions, like running to the nearest store and blowing next month’s rent in cash on a coat. Let’s hope it’s the best coat in the world, or you’ll wake up the next day wishing you hadn’t ripped off the tags. Bottom line, staying warm doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Here are some tips to staying financially healthy, and warm while you’re at it. 



Plan Ahead
 Hunt down sale items. The best time to buy winter clothes is at the end of the cold season when stores are preparing for the warmer months. Conversely, the worst time to shop for cold-weather clothes is when you feel that first Fall wind creeps down your spine. That’s when most people sprint to the mall to buy a heavy coat with a heavier price tag.

 You don’t have to be one of those people. Sure, it can feel strange thinking about fleece when you’re wrapped up in summer chores. But you’ll save so much by planning your shopping when you are levelheaded and unfazed by the chill, so pencil in in your calendar.

Get Thrifty
 Planning ahead is trickier when you have children outgrowing their clothes every few months. If your kids are close enough in age where hand-me-downs make sense, great. Otherwise, get to know your local secondhand stores. You’d be amazed at the quality that thrift stores carry these days. Plus, a lot of places have full sections dedicated to children and teens. Another tip to keep your little ones warm is to remember to feed them regular snacks and hearty foods, as being hungry makes their body temperature drop.

Repair and Reuse
 If it’s broke, fix it! This is especially true for shoes and boots. The practice of preserving shoes by resolving them seems to have fallen out of the collective consciousness, yet it’s one of the best ways to save money. I’ve had the same pair of boots for over 10 years! They are the most comfortable shoes in the world and I wouldn’t give them up for any new pair. The leather has quite literally molded to my feet. I don’t have to go through the breaking-in process. That means zero blisters in a decade. I really can’t speak more highly about finding a cobbler and fixing up your shoes for the season. I look forward to it every year.

Insulate
 The secret to beating the cold is insulation. Coats are getting lighter and thinner because technologies and designs are getting better at trapping heat. You know the puffy ones I’m talking about. You’ve been watching as your whole block buys one in every color of the rainbow. This Patagonia Canada promo code may get you one this year.


 As you probably know, the rules of insulation also apply to your house or your car. Half the battle with keeping warm is trapping warm air and keeping it there. You need to make sure you are covering your extremities to keep in the heat you are naturally generating from your body. That’s where hats, scarves, gloves, and socks come into play.

Layer up
 In the same way that double-glazed windows trap heat inside a home, layers provide great insulation for your body. However, that’s as far as the analogy goes. While fixing windows costs a fortune, layering is one of the cheapest activities there is. As long as you have a top layer that is made of a material that can break the wind and keep you dry, you could wear virtually anything underneath. This means you could even wear summer clothes, as long as you wore enough of them.

 When it comes down to it, you want to create as many layers between you and the outside cold as possible. If that means throwing on your wardrobe from another season, so be it. Layers are also great for when you get back inside, where it can get absurdly hot and uncomfortable very quickly.

Conclusion
 Don’t let the cold make you lose your cool, pun intended. Plan ahead for the cold to come, or take some time to look online for deals. There are plenty of ways to be smart about how you buy winter clothes. That being said, know that spending on a coat is a great investment. When it comes down to it, what other items of clothing can you say you’ll get as much use out of? You’ll wear your coat every day, all winter-long.


Sunday, October 28, 2018

Easy Stovetop Pumpkin Seeds

Save the seeds from your Halloween pumpkin and toast them 


    I love carving pumpkins with my boys as it means I get lots of yummy pumpkin seeds to eat. I have a simple recipe to toast those seeds.  I toast my pumpkin seeds on the stovetop instead of the oven. The seeds only take 5 minutes to toast and are so crispy and easy to chew. So carve your pumpkin and save those seeds.  After scooping out the goop and seeds from the pumpkin, all you have to do is remove the big pieces of goop from the seeds. Then wash the seeds and drain them. There is no need to soak the seeds or thoroughly dry them like the oven method requires. Don't worry if a little orange goop remains on the seeds, it will cook-off.


I love carving pumpkins so I can toast the seeds!


 Pumpkins are plentiful in the fall and the prices of these orange pumpkins are good. Most people select their pumpkin based on how they are going to carve their jack o lantern for Halloween. I know my kids think the big pumpkins make the best decorations for Halloween night. All pumpkins have seeds in them so let your child select their favorite shape and size of pumpkin. 

 If you are selecting a pumpkin to enjoy the pumpkin flesh for baking pies, make sure to select the smaller pumpkins that are labeled for pies. While the big pumpkins may have more orange flesh inside they are not suitable for baking pies as they are lacking flavor. I love using pumpkin for baking pumpkin pie and making Dairy-Free Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies. I once cooked a pumpkin for making a pie and it was a lot of work. It really is not that difficult to cook a pumpkin but it is time-consuming. Read about how to cook a pumpkin here. If you don't have the time to cook a pumpkin, no worries as the stuff in the can is just as good. I always buy several cans of pumpkin in the fall so I can use it in all my pumpkin recipes.


 
 
Cooking the seeds in a pan is so easy


  Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons oil. Place the washed pumpkin seeds into the pan and add some salt. Salt makes the pumpkin seeds taste so delicious! Stir the seeds with a spatula for about 5 minutes or until toasted. The pumpkin seeds will start to pop and that is ok. They are toasted when they are lightly brown. Taste one to see if they are crunchy. If the pumpkin seed is hard to chew, cook it some more.

                             Toast until light brown


   I love the pan-toasted method as it is so easy and quick. I love not having to turn on the oven either. If you want a sweeter pumpkin seed, add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon instead of the salt while you are toasting them in the pan. You can add the salt also to make a sweet and salty seed version of pumpkin seeds. So don't toss those pumpkin seeds and enjoy eating them. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, fiber, and magnesium.

Stovetop Pumpkin Seeds

2 tablespoons oil
Pumpkin seeds
salt

Instructions
Scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin. Then remove large pieces of the orange goop. Wash the seeds and remove any large stringy pumpkin pieces. Place the pumpkin seeds in a strainer to remove excess water. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the seeds and salt to taste. Stir the seeds in the pan for about 5 minutes until lightly toasted. Taste one to see if they are to your desired crunch. Remove from heat and enjoy.

The best part of carving is eating the pumpkin seeds.


Friday, October 26, 2018

How to Make Kitchen Walls Livelier Than Ever Before?

 Is the kitchen your favorite room?


 The first place where you set eyes on when you enter a house or a room is the walls. The walls are not only the support system of the building as such but the life of the home as well. This holds true for each and every room of the house whether it is the living room, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, or the kitchen.

 The kitchen is often left out due to various reasons. It is the domain of the homemaker, yet she has to decorate it only with the pots and pans she uses to give you delicious and nourishing meals. You can make it a special place for her and show your gratitude by decorating the kitchen as well. Make the kitchen wall lively and energetic by using some of the tips given below.

1. Wall Hangings
 Go in for wall hangings which are colorful and pretty. Just one or two will also suffice as most kitchens will have lots of storage cabinets using up the walls. Hang a favorite photo frame with a happy family and other good memories. The walls automatically come alive. You could also hang a butterfly, a bird, a duckling, a puppy, a ship or any other picture of your choice. Create a contemporary look with wall art like 3d bamboo wall panels, 3d wall art designs, or 3d modular wall panels. 

2. Lighting
 Lights always add to the look of the place. A dark and dingy kitchen is no good for cooking food and eating to live. Fix some pretty lights in the kitchen. Put them behind decorative ceiling panels. You could even just fix led wall panels.  Whatever you choose, the kitchen walls will bring to life the dull and boring kitchen walls. Fix some lights on the back walls of the open shelves as well. This too brightens up the room.

3. Drapes and Tapestry
 Every kitchen must have a window and of course, a door leading to it. You can brighten up the walls by hanging pretty and colorful drapes or blinds on the windows. The drapes will brighten up the walls around them. Use nice floral, dotted, striped, or other bold patterns for the drapes. Similarly, hang pretty curtains on the door. Take care to tie up the drapes as you don’t want fire accidents happening in the kitchen. Take care of the materials too. Nylon and other artificial materials are a strict no-no for the kitchen. Use cotton or linen.

4. Colors
 Life is dull and gray without colors in it. And so is your kitchen. Bring in color to the kitchen through towels, window sills, knobs, handles, and kitchen storage cabinets.  Further, of course, go in for wall panels in numerous hues and patterns like weaves, pops, perforated, warps, and weathered looks.

You can choose various colors according to the results or changes that you want in your life. Shades of
blues will reduce stress and make you happier
greens will give you balance and stability
yellows will bring in energy and brightness
light blues, whites, and greens will give spaciousness to the kitchen

5. Themes
 If you have space and the budget, go in for a theme look for your kitchen.  Choose whether you want your kitchen to look at High Tech or Urban; like a farmhouse or a Mediterranean home. There are panels to give you every look or theme that you want. Brighten up the kitchen walls with these panels.

 Add geometric finish by simply adding a border to the cabinets, shelves, and corners. These go well in contrast to the walls and add life to them.

6. Wall Finishes
 Paints and emulsions are harmful to the kitchen and should be avoided as much as possible. Wallpapers are also a bit dangerous. Try using the versatile wall panels like wainscoting panels, shell mosaic wall tiles or 3d tiles for kitchen. These suit all budgets and are very easy to maintain. Just touch them up once in a while. There is no need for painting them with expensive paints and emulsions.


7. Other hanging Items
 Add brightness and life to the kitchen with hanging baskets in various colors and useful for storage as well. You could have a hangar for hanging your pots, pans, and ladles as well. Fix some bright hooks on the walls and hang a bright towel or ladles from them. Pull out odd pieces of pottery and crockery whose sets have broken. Hang these cups, mugs, glasses, vases or plates on the walls for that pretty look. Use wall magnets to hang baskets, napkins, ladles, and small pots and pans.

8. Nature
  Bring in some nature into the kitchen. Hang a few pretty flowers or vines. Place a pot with some plants.

9. Storage Spaces
 Use the walls of the kitchen to the best of their utility. Keep them looking pretty too. How do you do that? Well, you could have storage shelves or cabinets either from wall to ceiling or those with a gap for a kitchen top counter too. In any case, have a combination of open and closed shelves. This breaks the monotony of the room and also gives you the option to place some colorful decorative items on the shelves. You can display your pottery and bring in some color.

10. Collages
 Make a focal point on any wall of the kitchen. Paint a mural on it or create a beautiful collage of photos, flowers, wall panels, curios, pottery etc. Make this stand out in the room and see how alive you and your kitchen will feel.

 A lively kitchen will lift up the mood and morale of the homemaker who spends a large part of the day in it. She sweats and toils for you. But you can put in simple, yet effective efforts and ideas to liven up this room.

FREE Cacique Chorizo


FREE Cacique Chorizo  Receive ONE (1) FREE Cacique Chorizo, any variety (9 oz). Available in most stores.

Exp 11/11/2018


This Friday, October 26th, 2018– ONLY, you can load a coupon to your Kroger (or Affiliate) Plus Card for FREE Cacique Chorizo  
Although 10/26/2018 is the only day that you can load the coupon, the coupon offer is redeemable through 11/11/2018

           https://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/kroger/freefri/

What is the Free Friday Download?
Every Friday, you can download a digital coupon for a FREE item! This offer is available exclusively to Customers with a Smiths Food and Drug or other Kroger store reward card.

How does it work?
Visit this page on Fridays.
Download the digital coupon for the product between 12am-11:59pm PT. You can view your coupon under the "My Coupons" section of your digital account or the Mobile App.

Redeem your coupon in-store within 2 weeks.
Your coupon will automatically be applied at checkout when you use your Shopper's Card.
Remember to check back the next Friday for a new offer!

Don't forget to save even more money with other great coupons under the Savings & Rewards Tab!

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Sweating Is Healthy & Should Be Done Often

Time to rethink about sweat


          I received a sample of Win detergent to facilitate this post.

  Most people think of sweat as not normal and do everything in the power to stop it. Sweating is a healthy function of our body. It is very healthy to have your body sweat on a daily basis and the best way to sweat is through fitness. Sure sweating can be embarrassing if you are at work or school but sweating at the gym is beneficial for your body. I think sweat is sexy and it means that I gave my body the healthy workout that it needed. Yes sweat can stink but that is why I use a natural deodorant to cover up the scent, what you’re really smelling is gas produced by bacteria that feed on the oils from your skin. When you wear an antiperspirant at the gym you are preventing your body from sweating. So either ditch the antiperspirant all together for deodorant or save the antiperspirant for after the workout. Don't worry about sweating at the gym as it is a safe place to sweat as many others are sweating. Worried about stinky workout clothes? Keep reading to discover a great fitness Detergent that is made for activewear.




Why is sweating good?

Take a look at some information that I found while researching sweat. These are things that sweat may be good for.

1. Detoxifies Body


Sweat is a great way to get toxins out of our bodies. Sweating can flush the body of substances like alcohol, cholesterol, and salt. The body releases toxins by using sweat as the conduit. Sweat also purges the body of toxins that can clog pores and plague the skin with pimples and blemishes.

2. Detox Heavy Metals

One study found that those with mercury toxicity had their levels return to a safe amount after sweating sessions, as it also excretes arsenic, cadmium, and lead. A study of Chinese residents found that those who exercised more had fewer toxins in their body and that the elimination of heavy metals was more concentrated in sweat than urine. This seems to indicate that those who exercised had fewer toxins because they perspired moreThe detoxing of heavy metals from the body also promotes relaxation, improves focus, and strengthen the blood flow to the brain, all of which have benefits for Alzheimer’s prevention.

3. Help the Body Remove BPA, PCBs, and other Endocrine Disruptors

The endocrine disruptor BPA, commonly found in plastics more effectively removed from the body through sweat than other detox routes. So do all that you can to reduce the plastics and sweat out the ones that you can not control, like the BPA's found in water.

4. Boosts Endorphins

Think about how you feel after an intense workout at the gym or an outdoor run. I bet you produced lots of sweat. Exercising increases the level of the “feel-good” endorphin hormones that are naturally released during physical activity. So sweating is good for depression.

5. Lowers Kidney Stone Risk

Sweating can be an effective way to sweat out excess salt. This limits the accumulation of salt in the kidneys and urine, which is where the stones come from. Also sweating will make you want to drink more water which helps prevent kidney stones.

6. Protects the Heart

Sweating through exercise or in the sauna increases circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Saunas are also known to promote relaxation and stress relief, which are also good for the heart.

7. Reduce Menopause Symptoms

Too much estrogen is thought to be the culprit behind menopausal hot flashes in women, but sweating may be the answer. Researchers found that women who got their heart rate up and sweated during menopause had fewer episodes of hot flashes. I do believe this one as I am 53 and I have never had a hot flash.

8. Boost The Drive and Attraction

When sweat is excreted, it carries pheromones with it. These pheromones are what increases the attraction between the people. Maybe that is why people tend to hook up at the gym. I do know that after my husband exercises he tends to be more frisky with me. 

These are just some reasons why sweating is healthy. Some may say the sweating helps you lose weight but that is not all that true. You lose weight because you are burning calories from the exercise. Sure the scale shows weight lost but once you drink a glass of water it comes right back. So make sure to replenish your fluids after sweating as drinking water is also great for your body.

Your Clothes Need a Detergent As Active As You Are


 So now that you have some reasons to sweat. Head on outside for a run or to the gym for a sweat session. Don't worry about the stinky clothes as I discovered a detergent that is made for active clothing. WIN Detergent removes sweat, oils, bacteria, and salts from active clothing so it feels and smells fresh as new. Most people wear synthetic clothes when working out as cotton absorbs sweat while the synthetic wisks away the sweat. The problem is the synthetic clothes traps the odor. When your clothes smell “sweaty”, what you’re really smelling is gas produced by bacteria that feed on the oils from your skin. Regular detergents are made for stains, not stinky sweat oils. WIN contains ingredients that separate the oils from the synthetic fibers to leave you with fresh smelling workout clothes.  



Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Dairy Free Sun Dried Tomato & Artichoke Pizza

Artisan Oils add great flavor to dairy-free pizza!

       I received several Artisan Oils from Latourangelle to facilitate this post.

  The one thing that I miss the most after having to eliminate dairy from my diet is cheese. I have been craving pizza and while dairy-free "cheese" makes a great substitute for cheese on my pizza, it tends to lack the flavor of real cheese. The secret to the great flavor on my pizza is the right toppings and Artisan Oil. It is amazing how using quality oil in cooking can make a difference in flavor. Since my allergy blood test also revealed that I have soy allergies as well as dairy allergies, I have been paying attention to the cooking oils that I am purchasing. Did you know that vegetable oil could contain soy? Even if you are not avoiding soy like me, many vegetable oils also have corn or canola oil in them and those are often loaded with GMO's. So to me, it just makes sense to use quality oil for health reasons and amazing flavor.


The flavor is in the oil

  I discovered LaTourangelle oils and I am loving all the flavors that they carry. It is like having an art studio of oils in my kitchen. I use these oils for more than cooking. The other day I made popcorn in my air popper and drizzled the Avocado oil over the popcorn. The flavor was amazing, even my husband loved it and said: "it does not taste like avocados." This is the guy who hates when I use coconut oil on my popcorn as he says it tastes like coconut flakes, so he was happy that I was out of coconut oil.


French Infused Oils are amazing on pizza

  It was hard to decide which oil to use on my dairy-free pizza so I combined two oils into a bowl. I used a mixture of the French Infused Basil Oil and French Infused Garlic Oil. These two Artisan oils had delicious flavors of garlic and basil, both are great pizza flavors. I spread the oil on my dough instead of using a tomato sauce as I wanted to have the flavor of my sun-dried tomatoes to stand out, I also did not want the soggy crust from using tomato sauce. Did you know that you can make sun-dried tomatoes at home? This Recipe makes it so easy. Make sure to spread some French Infused Garlic Oil on the tomatoes before roasted for great flavor.  I also use sunflower seeds on this pizza as it is a great low-cost alternative for pine nuts.


Homemade pizza crust makes all the difference



 When I make pizza, I also make my own pizza dough. Making pizza dough is so easy and I make it in my bread machine. Check out the recipe for Sweet Potato and Corn Pizza that has my easy recipe for pizza dough. Once you make your own pizza dough you will never buy store bought pizza dough again.


          Dairy Free Sun-Dried Tomato & Artichoke Pizza 

     one batch pizza dough (get the recipe HERE )
1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
1 tablespoon fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
1/2 cup (about a half can) sliced artichoke hearts
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
4 ounces dairy-free "cheese", I like this brand 
sea salt

1. Place your dough on an oiled stone on a pizza pan and form it with your hands into a circle. Then poke the dough with a fork all over the dough. This is so your dough will not be puffy when it bakes. 
2. Drizzle the two French Infused oils on the pizza dough and spread around with a pastry brush. Start with a small amount so the oil lightly coats the dough, you can always add more if needed. 
3. Place the sun-dried tomatoes evenly all over the pizza dough. Then sprinkle the Rosemary over the tomatoes. 
4. Add the artichoke hearts and sunflower seeds. Then lightly sprinkle salt all over the pizza. 
5. Sprinkle the dairy-free "cheese" over the toppings.
6. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden brown.

For those that can enjoy dairy, this pizza tastes amazing with mozzarella cheese.  So you can add about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the ingredients before baking.

My next recipe to use these amazing Artisan oils in is Vegetarian Egg Foo Young. I know that the Toasted Sesame Oil will give this dish amazing flavor. I have never cooked with Walnut oil so if you have any recipes using this oil, feel free to leave the link in the comments.



The One Item That You Need To Be Prepared For A Disaster

Be prepared for a power outage after a disaster.


  After witnessing the damage caused by hurricane Florence and now hurricane Michael many people are thinking about what they need to be prepared for a natural disaster. Most people think of supplies like food, water, flashlights, and other basic items. You see on the news that people are stocking up on bread, water, and batteries, leaving the store shelves bare. Most people think about how they are going to survive with no electricity and if they can afford an expensive generator they buy one. Generators are good if you have the gas to run one and sometimes that can be hard to find before a disaster like a hurricane. The one thing most people don't think about is changing their phone. How can you call for help when your phone has no power? Sure you may have several phones to rely on but after a day they will be out of power.

The myCharge Portable Power Outlet is like a handheld generator, you can charge a smartphone 10 times and the unit also has an AC plugin for running other small electronic devices during outages. 



How can you call for help when your phone has no power? 

  Every household needs a MyCharge PortableOutlet. This portable charging device will charge your phone more than 10 times! If one is wise and only uses their cell phone for emergency purposes, they can have the peace of mind that comes with having a way to call for help. One never knows how long they will be without power after a disaster strikes. This portable charger can also power many other items like lanterns, tablets, laptops, fans, and even TVs. This portable charger charges fast from an electrical outlet and once charged it can power items using a USB port or an AC power output. You can even power/charge several items at the same time. I love that the MyCharge PortableOutlet holds a full charge, when fully charged, for 3 months! So you will have power when you need it most.


Have power when you need it most




  This portable charging device is for all types of emergencies. You may not live in an area that experiences hurricanes or other major disasters but emergencies can strike anywhere. I can remember plenty of times that my house has lost power for several hours. This device would have been great for powering a fan in the hot summer or powering lights so we did not have to go to bed when the sun went down. Power is at times a necessity and it is hard to live without. So why do without power?



The MyCharge PortableOutlet is like taking the wall outlet with you

 My family loves camping but when you camp for several days your phone loses its charge. Packing the MyCharge in your camping box gives you the peace of mind that your phone will work when you need it. You could also power your camping lanterns with this portable charger. It is a charging hub and inverter that makes your life easier. This portable battery pack would also be great for traveling. The device is less than 2 pounds so it is easy to pack for car or air travel. No more searching for an outlet in the airport when you want to work on your computer. You can keep the kids happy while traveling as this will keep their devices running.

The Portable Power Outlet is our largest charging hub and inverter with the highest power output. Designed to replace the heavy and bulky generators used when tailgating or camping, the Portable Power Outlet is a streamlined power source that can run a 34-inch LED television for up to four hours. The Portable Power Outlet has a maximum power output of 65 watts, enough to power a laptop.

What will you charge with the MyCharge PortableOutlet?

https://mycharge.com/products/portable-power-outlet



Check out another must-have emergency device



The Defense Alert Device is a multi-tool that includes a powerful flashlight for signaling or lighting your way and pepper spray, in case of looters. This multi-tool that includes a powerful flashlight for signaling or lighting your way and has pepper spray in case of an attack. The unique device also has an SOS button on the device that can send a message to emergency contacts so they know your location and can send help. This handheld safety device is very easy to carry run running and allows one to feel safe while running. The Defense Alert Device is there when you need it and gives you a piece of mind. I love that you connect the safety device to your phone so you can send an "I'm in danger" alert to people with a touch of a button. This discreet, sleek design fits in your purse, bag or pocket also and sprays a D.A.D.® Military Strength Sabre Red Pepper Spray at the attacker. It is also water resistant.



Give The Best Gift Of Healthy Home Air Quality

Over 24 million people in the US suffer from asthma.


         I received several air purifiers from EdenPure to facilitate this post.

  One of the main triggers of asthma is from things in the air. Things like pollution, plants, smoke, mold, chemicals, and dust. I am sure there are other things in the air that affect asthma but these are the triggers that I have. I also experience asthma symptoms when I ingest dairy and soy. Up until this year, I never knew that food allergies could cause asthma. I wish that just eliminating dairy and soy from my diet could control my asthma. Sure I am able to eliminate some chemicals from the air like toxic fragrances but unless I want to live in a bubble, I can not avoid all the things that trigger my asthma. I can control the air quality in my house and limit the allergens that come into my home by not buying chemical cleaners or running the swamp cooler. Our swamp cooler is located on top of our house roof and when it operates it pulls in the outside air along with all the junk in the air that makes me cough up a lung. I can not control the smoke or weeds that are outside my house and during the summer I need to have the windows open to keep the house cool as I have no AC. Even if I had AC, I would not use it as I love the feeling of fresh air. So I use an Air Purifier year round so I can have healthy air in my home.



The gift of healthy home air quality couldn’t be more essential.

  I received the best gift ever the other day and I am amazed at how it has helped me control my asthma symptoms while at home. The gift that is making me so happy is an EdenPURE® Airdog®Air Purifier. This gift has changed my life dramatically. It has helped me get some much-needed sleep as I am no longer waking up several times a night with coughing attacks and having to get up to expel the mucus from my lungs. At night time I keep the Airdog® by my bedroom window so the outside junk that is in the air can pass through the 5 stages of purification. I like that the unit shows the number of pollutants that are being destroyed. I also love that it is whisper-quiet, unlike the last purifier that sounded like a loud fan and had cold air coming out of it. That old purifier was useless at bedtime and in the winter. The Airdog® even has a nighttime mode so there is no annoying light glowing to annoy my husband as he is trying to sleep.


I love that it is whisper-quiet

  During the day I bring this air purifier downstairs so I can have clean air while I work. The unit has side grips so it is easy to transport to another room. Even my skinny 11-year-old can carry it down the stairs. I now can enjoy my fresh air as I park the EdenPURE® Airdog® right by the open back door. So now I can laugh at the growing weeds in my backyard as they no longer bother me. Once the rain stops, I will have my husband burn those weeds, of course on a day that I am not home. The last time I pulled weeds, I broke out in a rash and my oxygen levels dropped so I will not be pulling them again. Got to love these allergies! Just don't get me started on smoke from fires. I think my asthma got worse after the forest fires that were near my home, making me ultra-sensitive to smoke. I wish I had an EdenPURE® Airdog® seven years ago. Now I am wiser and I check the Particulate Index on days that my city issues an air quality warning and I stay indoors if the color is not green.




The EdenPURE® Airdog® cleans and removes microscopic particles as small as 14.6 nanometers. Most allergens and bacteria are over 30 nanometers in size 

• Cleans 300 sq. ft. room in 20 minutes

• Kills & removes 99.9% of bacteria and other harmful elements

• No filters to replace, nor any dangerous air byproducts

• 360-degree airflow circulation


Now if I could just control the air when I am out of the house!

 I take two different allergy medicines and use Airborne Particle Blocker Gel to control my allergies when I am outside but that just alleviates my symptoms like sneezing and some coughing. I find that exercising, a warm drink like coffee or tea, and a warm shower helps bring up the mucus from my lungs after a day of being outside. I recently discovered that arm weight lifting that involves my chest is great for helping my lungs expel the gunk from my lungs.


If I could just avoid the lady with the strong perfume

  The other day at my church bible study a lady sat at my table and she was wearing strong chemical perfume. I did my best to take deep breaths so I would not cough from the perfume. That helped for a while but I was still feeling queasy from the smell. My lungs could not take it anymore and I had a coughing attack and I had to leave the table. How do you tell someone, without offending them that their perfume is making me cough? This was not a situation that I could avoid, like avoiding the gym when the cleaning crew comes. I now know the day and times when the gym gets cleaned.




A small Leaf-shaped box is my answer to clean air on the go

 The Oxileaf is a completely portable air purifier that takes up little space and it cleans the air and kills mold. This amazing air purifier can be plugged in an electric outlet or into my computer! So I can take the Oxileaf when I am traveling and use it in musty hotel rooms. I can even power it with my portable phone charger (this portable charger charges my 4 four times) for about 6 hours as this purifier does not use that much energy. I wonder how many hours the Oxileaf will operate if  I use MyCharge PortableOutlet charger( a charger that can even charge my laptop.) I am thinking that I can use this purifier on airplanes or at the coffee shop as I always have my computer with me. So as I am working, I have clean air and no asthmatic coughs.


 The EdenPURE® OxiLeaf™ removes pet, cigarette, urine and cooking odors. It also removes smoke, pollen, dust, pet dander, and carbon monoxide and kills dust mites. It removes virtually all organic and inorganic pollutants, including toxic gasses. It can also relieve allergies and sinus problems caused by air pollution. 


Give Yourself The Gift Of Healthy Home Air Quality


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