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Home Remedies: Fact vs. Fiction

by Jennifer | 1 Comment Tuesday, March 26, 2013

For every ailment, there is a claim out there on how to fix it on your own without a doctor’s care. Some home remedies are very effective and can save you a great deal of money, but some are either old wive’s tales or just plain bonkers. If you prefer to use a home remedy, make sure it is always for something small. For major illnesses and injuries, please seek professional help. Here are some of the most popular home remedies, and lets find out if they really will help, or if you should turn a cold shoulder.

1. Duct Tape For Warts – True

Studies have shown that keeping duct tape on a wart for 2 months, and exfoliating with a pumice stone weekly is more effective than freezing. So if you don’t mind wearing duct tape all day, every day for two months, it might actually be better for you to try that first.

2. Gargling With Warm Salt Water For A Sore Throat – True

We all had to do it as a kid, and remember how it worked? Well, it still does! Salt draws out excess fluid from your throat, reducing inflammation which relieves some of the pain. It won’t heal you, but it will offer some much time off from your pain. And the best part? You can do it as often as you want! (Just don’t swallow too much salt!)

Putting Butter On A Burn – False

My grandmother did this to me every she witnessed me get a burn of any kind, and it hurt like crazy! Truth is, the butter actually works like a seal, trapping the heat from the burn in, which can actually make it worse. It can also lead to a bacterial infection. If you get a minor burn, rinse it off with cold water and use aloe vera. For a more serious burn, go to the hospital.

4. Taking Apple Cider Vinegar For Heartburn – False

There is no research to support that apple cider vinegar has any effect on heartburn. And besides, who wants to drink that stuff by itself? Blech!

5. Yogurt For Bad Breath – True

The live bacteria in yogurt suppresses bad breath. Just one more reason to eat this yummy and super-beneficial food!

 

For more great home remedies, check out This Article in Women’s Day!

Also, check out WebMD’s article on home remedies that do not work.

Make The Most Out Of Family Time

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, March 12, 2013


Your family is what drives you to do well, it is your motivation to succeed. Whether you are a stay at home parent who runs your home and strives to make things smoother and easier for everyone, or if you are out there working to provide, staying connected is what keeps you and your family happy and healthy.

But with so much to do every day, how do you find the time (and energy) to give your undivided attention daily? There will always be dishes and laundry, and work will always need to be done.

Put Down Your Technology

Unless it is a family activity, such as movie night or a video game you can all play together, put it down for a while. Your phone, tablet, etc. are big distractions from what is right in front of you. Once you put everything away, it won’t be long until your other responsibilities seem less important to the fun you are having!

Set A Time For Chores

Chores around the house are ongoing with no end. The to-do list is always going to be long, but it is important to remind yourself that sometimes it’s ok to wait a little bit. Have some fun, you deserve it!

Eat Dinner Together

As simple as it sounds, it can be very difficult for everyone to gather together for dinner. There are many reasons to eat while you work, but if you can set aside everything for a while to gather for dinner, you may find your home to be a little more peaceful. Studies have shown that gathering for a meal daily improves your children’s self esteem, and helps you stay connected to their lives in a positive way.

Make A Plan-And Stick To It!

Family time doesn’t mean much if nobody can decide on what to do. However you and your family want to decide what to do is completely up to you. Maybe everyone gets a vote? Or you take turns deciding on a plan. Whatever option works best for you, stick with it and there will be less stress in finding something to do.

Above All, ENJOY!

Children grow up so fast, so enjoy yourself! Soak up your time together, and let them surprise you with what they can do and show you about themselves.

Is Your Olive Oil The Real Thing?

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Olive oil is a staple product in virtually every home. It has numerous culinary uses, and is even great for your beauty regimen (we talk about some of its uses in another one of our blogs Here.)

The problem is most brands are not the genuine thing. The oil is either cut with less expensive refined oils such as canola, or lesser grade olive oils to reduce the cost of production, therefore skyrocketing the profit margin. When the product is bottled, it is very difficult to tell if it is real or fake by taste or texture. In 2010, researchers at UC Davis tested 124 samples of oil from major brands, and found that over 70% were adulterated! Click Here To See Their Report.

For more information on this subject, check out these links to The Food Renegade, or Mama Natural’s Blog.

All in all, the general consensus on this subject is that your best bet is to buy local (or as close to local as you can, depending on where you live.) It may be a little pricier, but you know you will be getting exactly what you pay for, and not lining the pockets of those who find it appropriate to trick the consumer for a higher profit.

How To Remove Paint Splatters From Your Mirror

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, February 14, 2013

Remodeling your bathroom can be a stressful and tedious job, whether you have hired someone to do it or you are going at it alone. But through that effort, you find yourself with a bathroom that you can be proud of. One common issue post-remodel is paint splatters on the mirror. Regardless of whether or not you have it covered, unless the mirror is taken out of the room altogether, there will likely be spots. Sometimes it is just a few, and sometimes it looks like someone filled a spray bottle with paint and went at the sides of your mirror. But there are some easy fixes to get your mirror back to its pristine appearance in no time.

There are three approaches to this, and it all depends on how long the paint has had to set. You always want to start with the most simple approach, and if that doesn’t work move on to the next method. One thing is for sure though: do not try to remove the splatters with your fingernail or any tools, you are more likely to scratch the mirror.

Approach #1: Clean It Off!

If the paint on your walls is freshly dried, often you can remove the splotches with the glass cleaner of your choice and a soft cloth (NOTE: Do not ever use an abrasive cloth or sponge to clean your mirror, it will etch it)

Approach #2: Nail Polish Remover

Make sure the area is well ventilated. Apply a generous amount of nail polish remover (acetone is preferred, but not necessary) to a soft cloth and gently work it into the spots in a circular motion. Once all the paint is removed, Use a new cloth with water to remove the polish remover, then use the glass cleaner of your choice to finish the job.

Approach #3: When All Else Fails

If you still can’t get the paint off, for instance you just moved into a house and it has likely been there for years, you will need paint stripper from your local hardware store. Make sure the area is well ventilated, and do a spot test in a small corner first to be sure it won’t damage the mirror in any way. If you are good to go, use a little at a time with a soft cloth (don’t forget to wear gloves!) and go in small, circular  motions. Once all the paint is removed, use a clean cloth with water to remove the paint stripper, then clean with your glass cleaner to finish.

How To Clean Your Wooden Floor: By Bona

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, January 22, 2013

We somewhat recently talked about how to care for your hardwood floors, but Bona has a great how-to and video on their website that we wanted to share. Bona is the product we use to clean all our client’s hardwoods, and we couldn’t be happier with it!

Go here – How To Clean Your Wooden Floor – Bona

On a side note: be sure and read about all the products and their recommendations, using them correctly is the key to great floors, and if used improperly can result in damage that only a professional can repair.