Poor Posture? Achy Back or Legs?

When I was reading about women’s health this summer, I came across some information about posture. Like so many women, I can sit for long hours at a desk in front of a computer – doing office work, blogging (a little lax lately :)), researching family. But these activities can lead to a poor posture. Posture is something I wish to keep in good order. Here are two things I’m now using and really seeing the benefits of.

The roll I use on the chair at my personal computer. It provides excellent support for the curvature of my lower back  – to keep my frame straight. It  just feels good. The foot rest I use at my office computer as my legs don’t reach the floor. It supports my feet and  prevents back and leg discomfort! I find it far more comfortable than putting my feet on a box. Since using the footrest my legs don’t ache sitting at my desk.

Maybe one of these will bring you comfort and keep your posture healthy.

I’ve attached this link to an article about posture. Have a comfortable day.

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Christmas Fabric Wrap

This year, my daughter Erin suggested we wrap gifts in fabric – not paper. I think it’s a great idea as we can re use the fabric year after year. I picked up fabric scraps at the thrift store. I also came across some lightweight cotton place mats that will be a nice size to wrap a small gift.  I have a few older table clothes that my mom sewed for me many years ago. I think I’ll re purpose them into wrap also. I hope you give green gift wrapping a try.

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Christmas Parcels

I’m getting into the Christmas spirit now. I wrapped up a few gifts that will be mailed in early December. If I get a jump start on things like wrapping and card writing in November, I’ll have time for other things that bring joy during this season.

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Pen and Paper

” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”

Every year my husband and I take two days to do business planning and set goals. Before we set our goals we read a few of our favorite articles that we’ve saved over the years. Today, as I was reading one of the articles by Brian Tracy, I read this quote ” The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory.”  It’s a Chinese quote.  It made me think how important it is to write things down and not rely on my memory. You know, I have note books scattered around my house & in my office. I keep one in my purse also. I like to use a notebook when I want to remember a bit of information like: a book title; an upcoming event; my family history; a blog idea; a phone call I need to make; etc. I’ve referred to my notebooks/pads over and over.  I also keep them once they are full. I’ve referred to something long afterward I’ve recorded it and the books been put on a shelf. Pen and paper can last forever.  Note taking sure helps me to recall things and stay organized, especially when life is busy and hectic. Maybe this quote will inspire you and you’ll find note taking a benefit. Have a wonderful day.

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Tea Bag as Bug Bite Soother

When I was in the North, I sure got alot of bug bites. The bugs up there take out a portion on the skin so the bites are sometimes very bloody and always uncomfortable. I brought bug repellant but nothing for when the sneaky things bit the spots I missed with ‘bug dope’. I had plenty of tea bags though. Sure wish I read this on Real Simple before I went to the North. I would have tried it. Maybe you can try it if you get a bug bite.

A smart way to soothe itchy mosquito bites: Place a cold, used tea bag on the sting and let it sit for five minutes. Tea will help ease sunburn, too: Brew a pot and pour it into a bath of lukewarm water. Soak until you feel relief.

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Coffee or Tea Ring

Today, I noticed a tea ring stain on my natural wood coffee table -reddish in color.  I gather  it’s been there for about a week. After doing a bit of research online, I mixed 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 tsp. ammonia in a cup.  I poured a little of the mix on the stain and blotted it. I did this on and off for about an hour. The stain is still faintly visible, but the table is distressed, so I am okay with it as it is.  If I worked a little longer,  it would have most likely faded completely.  Give this a try for coffee or tea stains. I think you will be pleased.

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Uses for Lemon Juice

‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” ― Hippocrates

I like this list of uses for lemon juice. Thought you might too. Have a wonderful day. Linda

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Freecycle

I decided to post again about Freecyle after I put a  computer monitor on the site for giveway. I had to replace my monitor as I have a smaller space and needed a flat screen. Instead of taking the larger monitor to the recycling depot, I decided to post it on Freecycle first.  The site has changed a bit since I last posted about it. What I like now is that one can upload a photo. Freecycle is all about reuse, recycle, and keeping good stuff out of landfills. The site is very well organized and monitored.  I have gifted items such as: an office chair; books; a chest of drawers; DVD s; a rain barrel; clothing; hunting gear; moving boxes; and computer hardware. I have kept many things out of the land fill. I have also acquired a few things. This is how it works in a nutshell: you post an “Offer” with a brief description of what you are offering; Freecycle members who are interested reply and you receive an email; you choose who to gift the item to; the person drives to your home and picks the item up (I put the item on my porch with a name on it). If you are looking for something in particular you create a ‘Wanted’ post.  Please think about Freecycle the next time you are sending something to the landfill.

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Time Saving Ideas

I really like these time saving ideas that I came across this morning on Real Simple. Maybe you will too.

1. Send gift certificates for presents. Order online—no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges.

2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens, two cornerstones of quick, healthy dinners. Add shredded chicken to casseroles, salads, soups, and pastas.

3. Ask for the earliest appointment. The later in the day you book a doctor’s visit, a haircut, or a meeting, the greater the chance it will be delayed.

4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home, and in the office.

5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or smartphone.

6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time (scissors, tape, reading glasses, cleaning supplies) in every corner of the house. This will prevent extra trips up and down the stairs for minor projects.

7. Get an electronic tag for your car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area.

8. Invest in a wireless handheld e-mail device (such as a BlackBerry). Keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime.

9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website.

10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil or wine so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts.

11. Buy movie tickets in advance using Moviefone or Fandango to avoid wasting time on lines.

12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal.

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Fall Clean Up

It is getting a little nippy here where I live, so one of the things I am thinking of is fall clean up.

As I have mentioned before, I keep a list of things to get done. It helps me stay organized. If things are in order, I don’t  feel so overwhelmed when life happens.  Decluttering is not overlooked and I give things away that we’re no longer using – like clothes that are still in style.  I put the list on the front of my fridge and work on it over a few weeks. I hope I’ve  inspired you to clean up a few things this fall.

Here’s my current list.

Inside

Put winter bedding on beds

Wash summer bedding and store

Sort all clothes (summer and winter) into ‘keep’ and ‘give away’

Sort all footwear (summer and winter) into ‘keep’ and ‘give away’

Sort linens into ‘keep’ and ‘give away’

Check vacuum filters and replace if necessary

Replace furnace filter

Declutter family room

Clean the windows

Outside

Wash out rain barrel

Wash outside of house

Put away lawn furniture

Clean eaves

Clean up yard – move spring flowering plants

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Spring Exchange

A few years ago, as I was spring cleaning and moving around a few décor pieces, I came upon the idea of a Spring Exchange.  I sent out an email and invited a few friends to the participate in the exchange. I asked them to bring things that they were not using anymore but had trouble donating to a thrift store. I set a limit of the number of items to bring, stipulated they needed to be in good condition, and I indicated ‘no books’. I suggested things like: pictures/artwork, cushions, linens, small appliances, and accent pieces. We then got together and had an exchange. For every item donated the person could take one item. The items that remained at the end of the evening went to the thrift store or were taken back home.  This is a really good way to pass on those things that you are not using anymore and a good way to pick up a few things that you could use. Go ahead and organize this fun time with your friends. Good Luck. Linda

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Furniture – Consignment & Second Hand Shopping

I really like to pay attention to how I spend money and I encourage you to do the same.  I could spend a lot on decorating the home, if I were not careful. Over the years, I’ve begun to acquire a few furniture pieces through  consignment or second hand. For me, furniture consignment/ second hand shopping keeps the cost of upgrading down and therefore savings up. Read on to learn about a few successful purchases I have made.

While browsing around a furniture consignment store a few years ago  my husband and I found a brand new  ‘Snuggler’.  It was the perfect replacement for our existing well used love seat.  We located the same piece in the manufacturers store for much more. We saved about 1600.00.

With fewer of us around the table,  I began looking for a something smaller.  I found the perfect glass top bistro type table online for $20.00.  Were I to purchase this new, I would have paid over 100.00.

 If you are not furniture consignment/second hand shopping, I urge you to consider this. You will be amazed at the quality you can find at a good price. If you’re successful you’ll be able to keep your hard earned money for something else like: retirement savings; child’s education; or a vacation. A word of caution – you need to plan and have patience.

P.S. Consignment stores are a good place to find art and accessories for the home.

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At Home Hair Care

No matter how we feel about our hair, we want it to be healthy, look good, and require little maintenance.  After reading a few books, and researching online, I have come up with a routine that works well. 

Cut hair every 3 months. Trim bangs at home in between cuts when needed – about every 3 weeks.  Use trimming scissors  – not household scissors.  They’re under 20.00 at your local pharmacy. (Search youtube for a bang cutting demonstration)

Color hair every 3 months – if need be.  If you’re not comfortable, use a professional. I use  a color close to my natural ash brown color for ease of maintenance.

Touch up your roots every 8 weeks at home. Using a semi – permanent works well.

Wash hair using Sunsilk Hydra TLC shampoo and conditioner – this contains amino acid and keratin. It is very gentle on the hair and the color stays in longer. I have being using it for 2 years now and it is very gentle. My hair color  fades very little.

Wrap wet hair in a turban and allow to dry almost completely before styling with a blow dryer or straightener.

 Consider giving one of more of these tips a try and you will not regret it. Have a nice day. Linda

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Ground Seeds

It’s so easy to add extra nutrients to your diet by using 1 – 2 TBSP of ground seeds daily. They’re high in protein; essential oils; vitamins; and minerals. I grind seeds like flax, pumpkin and sesame separately in my coffee grinder.  I like to keep a couple containers of ground seeds in the refrigerator for convenience.  I use them up within a few days. Add 1 – 2 TBSP of fresh ground flax, pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds to cereal, shakes, stir fries, soup, apple slices or whatever you like.  Give it a try. You’ll be healthier for it.

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Homemade Laundry Soap

I’ve been making and using my own laundry soap for two years now.  I thought it was a good time to give an update.  I am still very happy with the soap, it cleans very well; is quick to make; and my cost is under 15.00 per year.  Many of my friends have tried it and liked it.

If you are not making your own soap, I hope you give it a try.

Here is a link to my original post. https://flourishnow.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/homemade-laundry-soap/.

Ingredients

– 1 cup grated Sunlight bar soap – about 1/2 a bar (cost 2.00 for 2 bars)

– 2 cups boiling water

– 1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (cost for one box about 5.00)

– 1 cup Borax (cost for one box about 5.00)

– 1 gallon of warm water (16 cups or 4.55 litres)

Method

-grate 1 cup bar soap and melt in 2 cups boiling water, stir until melted

-once melted pour into big pot (I used a canning pot)

-add 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup Borax

-stir together – until dissolved

-add 1 gallon warm water (16 cups or 4.55 litres)

-stir until mixed well

-pour into empty laundry containers or a big pail

-use 1/4 cup per load – cold/warm/hot water

-shake or stir each time you use

One batch makes about 6 litres (roughly 1 1/2 US gallons) and costs about 2.00 per batch – maybe less.  You will have enough ingredients to make many batches. I filled a little more than 3 – 1.89 litre laundry jugs for less than a dollar per jug.  As you can see it is pennies per load. The batch may go gel like and clumpy, this is normal. Shake well with each use. Pre treat stains before washing.

–  sud less

– can be used in HE washer

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Please Respond

Do you know what RSVP means when you see it on an invitation?

Well, I’ve been thinking about this because through my own experience as a host, I ‘ve not received responses to an invitation.  I like to think that the current trend is that people   haven’t a clue what RSVP means.  It’s simply ‘please respond’. It appears on an invitation to help the host in planning the party/event.

Please, if you receive an invitation that includes RSVP, then be sure to reply quickly – and let the host know if you plan to attend or not.

Have a wonderful day, Linda

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Knowing What I Now Know (KWINK)

‘Knowing what I now know, would I get into this if I had to start over today?’ (Brian Tracy)

I like to ask myself this question now and then. It helps me be certain that my life is in line with the things that are important to me. You can apply this question to relationships; products you’re using; investments;  services  &/ expenses. If your answer is ‘no’, you need to plan how to get out.   Once I asked myself this question after volunteering in a position for awhile.  It just was not what I thought it was,  so I resigned.  I’ve questioned my investments and set up a plan to get out of a few.   I’ve suggested to my daughters that they ask themselves this question about friendships.  Sometimes people, investments, products etc. just aren’t what we thought they were and that’s okay. Just give yourself permission to get out.

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‘To Do’ Lists

I can’t say enough about ‘ to do’ lists or ‘lists’ in general. That’s because I’m simply better organized, at home and at work, when I use one. I transfer things from my mind to a list.  I save time (and money) because with a list,  I’m not being pokey. Otherwise, I go from this to that and I don’t really accomplish much.  Lists help me prioritize too. My recent lists have included: Thanksgiving dinner, fall gardening,  and clients to contact this week. I keep a daily list too.  It’s for things that  I dont want to fall through the cracks like: meditation, exercise,  call a friend, or pick up library books.   Today I came across this amazing online tool called Wunderlist, maybe you’ve heard of it.  It’s very easy to use and it’s FREE.  Starting today, I’m managing my tasks from my home computer, office computer and my iPod Touch.  If you’re like me, always looking for ways to stay organized, give this a try.  I think you’ll like it. Have a nice day. Linda

                                                                                (Wunderlink screen)

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Paper Photos

I just love my little digital camera. It fits nicely in my purse and I’ve always got it with me. There are many benefits of using a digital camera verses film – mainly cost and protection. A big disadvantage I’ve discovered is the time it takes to download; review; store; and retrieve photos.  I also miss having easy access to our photos in a photo box.  To overcome the obstacle of not having printed copies, after downloading, I transfer a few photos to a file folder on my computer that I call ‘Photos for Printing’. A few times a year, I send the ‘Photos for Printing’ file to a copy center to have prints made. I sure like this system. Once again, I’m enjoying paper copies of my photos. I hope my post has inspired you to print some of your photos. Have a nice day, Linda

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Hand Held Sanitizer

I am quite pleased with this small appliance, it sure comes in handy for things that are hard to clean.   I’ve found it very helpful for the following:

Sanitize my exercise mat and my car seat.

I keep my keyboard and phone germ free too.

Some people like to use it to steam clothing and draperies, although I haven’t tried that yet.

If you have some hard to clean areas, you might find the hand held sanitizer helpful. It is inexpensive too.  So give it a try.  Have a nice day. Linda

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