Natural Remedies || pt 1

So, as I said in a recent post, I am slowly starting to go more natural every year. Slowly but surely. In a previous post, I blogged about natural cleaning ingredients to use. This time? Remedies! Because, honestly, we all get sick sometimes. So, instead of calling the doc, explaining your symptoms, and coming home with a handful of pills, I say - go natural. It's healthier for us, that's for sure. So, enjoy part 1.

Colds and Allergies


* Congestion: Red pepper, jalapenos and hot salsa will temporarily open up your nasal passages and break up congestion.

* Bronchitis: For mild bronchitis symptoms, use a vaporizer or take a steamy shower to ease your discomfort and open up your chest.

* Make your own nose drops: Make your own nose drops out of saltwater to break up congestion and help you breathe.

* Gargle salt water: To help a sore throat, gargle salt water several times daily. WebMD recommends using an astringent gargle made of tea with tannin to help an itchy "tickle" throat.

* Put a dab of Vick's on your nose: Just a dab of Vick's Vapor Rub or another menthol salve can break up congestion and help you breathe more easily.

* Take lots of Vitamin C: Taking Vitamin C even when you do get sick can prevent the cold from going full cycle.

* Take Vitamin C to prevent allergies: Taking Vitamin C also helps allergies, especially symptoms from hay fever and asthma, because of "its ability to counteract the inflammation responses that are part of such conditions."

* Drink green tea: Green tea is a natural antihistamine, which helps both allergies and colds.

* Eat or drink thyme: Make a tea with thyme or add a little to your recipes when you cook to break up congestion and relieve stuffy noses.


Fever and the Flu

* Take a bath: Take a bath in lukewarm water to bring down escalating body temperatures.

* Eat artichokes: Try eating artichokes to reduce fever.

* Drink lots of water: Drinking water is a good habit to have anyway, but it's especially crucial when you have a fever. You'll need to stay hydrated and bring your overall body temperature down.

* Make a ginger steam: Create your own steam room by turning on the hot water in the sink and adding a couple of teaspoons of ginger. Get up close to the mixture and breathe in the steam for relief.

* Sleep: You probably won't feel like doing much else anyway.

* Drink liquids instead of eating solid foods: An old tradition recommends drinking liquids and refraining from eating solid foods until you're over a fever.


Aches and Pains

* Headache: If you've got a bad headache try applying ice to your head.
* Backache: Before you reach for painkillers, check out your posture. If you're constantly humped over the keyboard or hunching your shoulders forward, you could be sabotaging yourself. Sit up straight and push your shoulders back.

* Toothache: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with water and then swishing it around in your mouth to create a soothing mouthwash.

* Headache: Turn out the lights if you're at home or have your own office. Reducing the amount of light helps ease eye strain and can calm your throbbing head.

* Arthritis: Soak a teaspoon of black sesame seeds in a quart of water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, eat the seeds and drink the water that's left.

* Eat bananas: Instantly up your potassium levels by eating a banana. This helps everything from growing pains to charlie horses.

* Toothache: Another quick fix for a painful toothache is to chew oregano leaves.

* Arthritis: Staying warm helps ease the pain of arthritis. Loosely wrap yourself up in a blanket or adjust the thermostat to create the optimum environment.

The Pregnancy Files

So this morning, my husband's alarm goes off and we plunge into our morning-at-home routine:

He presses snooze. I drift back to sleep. Alarm goes off again and he presses snooze. Again, I happily snuggle with my pillow. Minutes later, the most "absolutely annoying alarm ever" goes off again and he gets up. I stay in bed and enjoy the fact that I don't have to worry about the stupid alarm anymore. He comes back in the bedroom. I wake up. We chat as he gets ready for work. He kisses me goodbye. I yawn and stretch, then decide to get up since I'm awake anyway.

That has become our routine and today was no different....except for the WHAM! moment I had as we chatted. I suddenly sat up in bed and said, "Grant.....I just realized I'm having this baby next month!" -- Cue "extremely-excited-yet-overwhelmingly-shocked feeling."

Next month. Finally. After 8 months of pregnancy, I am almost there.

A few people have asked me how pregnancy is going, how I'm feeling, what I'm experiencing, and the like, so here are a few info-facts on how things are going as of late:

* I...am....tired. I have moments when I can literally clean everything and move stuff and work from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. easily. THEN there are those days, which are becoming more and more frequent, when a single trip from one room to the other makes me want to lie down.

* My skin itches. Of course, it never itches when I'm at home or really up to nothing important. No. My skin decides to drive me crazy with an inch when I'm in public or when I am alllllllmost to dreamland. I have come to the conclusion that my skin hates people and sleep. :p

* I cannot bend over. Period. I have to bend my legs sideways and ease down into a squat. Not lady-like AT ALL.

* My belly button....is.....gross.

* I have recently been forced to say "Hello" to swelling. Oh joy.... To combat this, I have been trying to drown myself in water since, oddly enough, the more water you drink, the less you swell. Go figure.

* Headaches. Enough said.

* My appetite has shrunk. This makes Kristen very happy. It feels good to eat a meal and not be hungry again an hour later. I am beginning to have to remind myself to grab an apple or nibble on something every couple of hours because I could easily go all day on just one meal. So since I don't want to starve the 4 1/2 pound bundle inside me, I eat.

* Sleeping through the night, with no wake-up calls, hasn't happened in....five months?....six months? I can't remember.

* I am already completely in love with my baby boy.....but there are moments when the little squirt wiggles his way into my rib cage like he's playing hide-and-seek (though he has NO ONE to play that game with in my womb). Funny? Oh very. Comfortable? Not one bit.

* Nathan has finally reached the appropriate weight and length to make my tummy roll. I can't decide if this is more funny than gross.....or more gross than funny.

* As each day goes by and I get closer and closer to my due date, I become more and more aware of the great responsibility and honor that God has given me. Am I nervous? Y.E.S.  Do I get scared? Sometimes. Am I excited, anxious, and ready to hold this baby and teach him about his Creator? YOU BETCHA!

Shooting for a Naturally Clean Home

So I checked out a very helpful book from our library. The name? The Naturally Clean Home. I love it! I am slowly beginning to go more natural each year. I have tried the "baking soda and apple cider vinegar mixture" instead of shampoo and I loved the result (I just didn't like the smell and neither did Grant, so I will soon TRY to modify the ingredients so I can use it again). I have used various natural mixtures to combat little pests, like ants and it worked! So....natural has been good thus far. Little by little, I am getting better and better! *happy smile*

I used to HATE veggies. Now? I juice them.

Introduce more veggies into diet? Check.

I used to turn my nose at things like cottage cheese (which is proven to help cancer patients). Now? I add it to things like smoothies, yogurt, eggs, etc.

Ingest things you don't like? Check.

I used to think nothing of popping a Tylenol when I had a small ache or pain. Now? I drink more water, use a cold (or hot) cloth, rub olive oil on the area, give myself (or sweetly ask Grant for) a massage, etc.

Make consumption of chemicals way less frequent? Check.

I'm getting there. One step at a time. One interesting thing I am enjoying is learning how to clean using all-natural, every-day-and-around-the-house items. Most of the time, it is much cheaper and ALL of the time, it is better for you, health wise (i.e. inhaling, skin contact, etc). So I thought I would pass along some of the tips I have learned so far. Enjoy!


KITCHEN:

* For very greasy dishes: add 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice to the dishwater.

* To reduce spots on flatware or glasses: add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the rinse compartment of your dishwasher or into your dishwater.

* For a basic sink cleaner: mix 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 3 drops of lavender, rosemary, lemon, lime, or orange essential oil and pour into sink. Wipe with a sponge or cloth. Not only will it clean the sink, it will also keep drains and garbage disposal fresh-smelling and free of clogs. Note: A vinegar rinse can be used before the final hot water rinse to prevent residue from the baking soda.


BATHROOM:

* For a soap scum remover: combine 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 drops of essential oil of choice and vinegar (just enough to make a paste). Apply to the surface and scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. Rinse well.

* For tough toilet stains or rings: mix together 1 cup of borax, 1 cup of vinegar, 10 drops of pine or lavender essential oil and 5 drops of lemon or lime essential oil. Combine in a bowl or bottle and pour all at once into the toilet bowl. Allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, just flush!


LAUNDRY:

* Chocolate stains: Make a paste of borax and water and spread over the stain. Allow to dry and then launder as usual.

* Blood stains: Immediately rinse the garment in cool water. If necessary, let the garment soak in a solution of laundry soap and water for several hours. For light-colored fabrics, try wiping with a soft cloth moistened with hydrogen peroxide. Launder and dry as usual.

* Grass stains: Soak garment in vinegar, then spread a paste of baking soda and water over the stain. Wash in hot water.


CARPET:

* For mud stains: sprinkle salt or baking soda over stain. Wait 30 minutes, then vacuum.

* For ink stains: first, cover with cream or tarter. Then take a fresh lemon wedge and squeeze a few drops of juice over the cream of tarter. Using the flesh of the lemon, gently go over the spot a few times. Brush away the power and blot with a damp cloth.


Awesome stuff, hm?

They Are Precious in His Sight

Yesterday, I had the joy of my life as I saw my baby boy - in color! Wow! Talk about an amazing experience! We watched for about 15 minutes as Nathan, (who was trying to sleep, poor thing), kicked and jerked and hid his face from us. After rolling MYSELF around and poking my own stomach, he finally moved his hands and we saw his little face - a mirror of Grant, in my opinion. We spent 45 minutes in awe of what God has done. To think that He took a portion of me and a portion of my husband and created a new life, and then placed that life inside my womb. How can anyone not believe in such a BIG, awesome, mighty, and powerful God?!

Nathan is currently 4 lbs and 11 ounces and 17 inches long. In the words of the sweet lady who did our ultrasound, "He is perfect." Not a hint of any problem. He will most likely be born weighing 7-8 lbs and around 19-20 inches long.

What to see our little man?  *big smile*

Psalm 71:6
"By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee."

Psalm 127:3
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 139:13
"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb."

Isaiah 44:24
"Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself."

Monday Meanderings - 02/21/2011

Bible Study... Proverbs 31

Memory Verse... Proverb 31:16
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard."

Husband Encouragement...
♥ Make the home relaxing
♥ Try to never criticize
♥ Respect him more
♥ Read our Bible and pray together more this week than last week.

Train Them Up...
* Read and talk to him more
* Continue reading/studying pregnancy and delivery books.
* Get nursery closet ready!

Personal Goals...
* Eat healthier this week than last week
* Excersise more this week
* Journal more

New Habit of the Month...
* Practice violin every day

MUST Do...
* Rest up today
* Clean out the closets
* Pack for this weekend

Zone...  all the closets

Menu

M - No clue. Probably something light
T - TBD
W - Itallian
Th - TBD
F - Mexican? Itallian?
S - Deer steak?
Su - TBD

FUN THINGS!
* Resting up today
* Feeling Nathan tumble around
* Celebrating my birthday this weekend!
* Going to Pittsburg with my hubby!
* Getting a 4D ultrasound tomorrow!!!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. A good night's sleep
2. My baby boy!!
3. Water :)

32 Weeks!!

Here I am, at 32 weeks. That means I am officially in my 8th month. It means I have 8 weeks left until my due date. That's 56 days....but who's counting? (hehehe)

When I became pregnant, I signed up to every baby/pregnancy website I could find! The Bump, Planning Family, Pregnancy Weekly, What To Expect, Our365, Fit Pregnancy - you name it! Each week, I get updates from these sites telling me what's going on with my baby and with my body. Suffice it to say, I feel I have learned more in the past 7 1/2 months than I did in science class! Anyway, since I am bombarded with updates, I felt I would pass them along to share with you! The more I read about the growth of a baby in my womb, the more in awe I am of my God.


Your baby continues to grow and develop inside of you. Measuring roughly 16.5 inches long, he now weighs about 4 1/2 pounds! And from this week, until 2 weeks before birth, he will gain about a half pound every week.He is sleeping approximately 90 to 95 percent of the day. Most of his wrinkles are disappearing, especially on his face, as more fat is deposited under his skin. His hair is becoming thicker with each passing week and you may even be able to see it on an ultrasound! He will also begin to settle in the head-down position, as his birth is fast approaching.

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Your baby weighs about 4 pounds and is about fifteen to seventeen inches long. Photographs of babies in utero at this stage show their skin becoming less translucent and pinker, as layers of fat are deposited under the skin. His skeleton is rapidly ossifying (turning from cartilage into solid bone), which means that kicks will become visible through your shirt as the trimester progresses. Well-placed kicks under your ribs can take your breath away!

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Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. He's probably in the head-down position by now, with his bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for his body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make his eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If he's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

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Can I say again how BIG God is? He took nothing and made everything. He took me and my husband and created a life; a soul. What a mighty God we serve!

Psalm 139:14
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. It is known as the day for lovers.

Chocolates. Flowers. Love letters. Cards. Hearts. Teddy Bears. Candy. Balloons. Pink, red, and white colors....

It all goes into the bucket of what "makes" Valentine's Day.

There are many holidays that we celebrate in America, most of which we know nothing about. The origins of Halloween traditions are dark, evil, and should be avoided entirely! As children of the light, we should have no part in the "works of darkness." There are many origins and traditions of Valentine's Day, most of which are pagan and filled with perversion. The Romans took February 14th and began honoring their goddess of love and marriage, Juno. On February 15th, they would celebrate their male god, Faunus, god of fertility. It's no surprise that now, over a thousand years later, we celebrate "love" and all that it implies on February 14th, sometimes participating in reenactments of the same rituals used by the Romans. Of course, in 469 A.D. the Pope Gelasius and the Catholic church declared February 14th a holy day in honor of Valentinus, a martyr, instead of the pagan gods that were commonly worshipped.

So, what is a Christian to do? Personally, my husband and I do go the extra mile in telling each other that we love each other. We try to make extra, special time to be together. He will give me flowers and I will give him a love letter or small gift. Keeping in mind the origin, we try to take back each day and use it to glorify God. As Christians, we need to do away with the pagan traditions and take each day back from the devil. We should be rid of his works of darkness (not ignore them, mind you, but do away with them) and begin making every day a day that is consecrated to Christ. Personally, we will raise our kids to avoid the Valentine card give-a-ways that are pushed upon today's children. Why? The origin. We will teach our children not to dwell on love and romance before its time. Why? Because it awakens desires prematurely, it cuts their innocence short, and it will cause them to be discontent. (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4). Instead, we will train them to demonstrate God's love; to be patient, kind, giving, and selfless, refusing proud and envious attitudes. We will train them to wait for romance until God sees fit. We will lead them to the cross and we will train them to flee from worldly customs and to live and rejoice in the truth.

Jeremiah 10:2-3a
"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain...."

Matthew 15:9
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

On this day, I challenge every Christian to be aware, be mindful, and be pure! Be firm, be separate, and be holy. If you are married, rejoice in your spouse, not just this day, but EVERY day! Make each day another beautiful chapter God writes in your love story. If you are single and surrounded by couples, remember your King, Jesus, and find comfort and contentment in His love.

Today, instead of getting caught up in chocolates and teddy bears and roses, I want to draw nearer to my Savior who demonstrated true love 2,000 years ago when He came to this earth. I want to rejoice in my earthly husband that He gave me and rejoice in HIM (Christ) who is everything I need. I challenge you to do the same. Trust in Him, rest in Him, rejoice in Him, and remember that He is who He said He was....

The Great Shepherd. I Am. Our Rock. Redeemer. Savior. Friend. Lord. Companion. Father. Creator. Messiah. The Bread of Life. The Door. The Way. The Truth. Giver of Good Things. Provider. Life. Peace. Wonderful. Counselor. Mighty God. Refuge. Strength. Hope. Joy. Salvation. Comforter. Healer. Just. Righteous.

The Author of Love....and the Lover of my soul.

 

John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."

1 John 3:1
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

1 John 4:10
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."