Archive for September 2006
THRIFT STORE SAFETY CHECKLIST
THRIFT STORE SAFETY CHECKLIST
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In a recent national study of thrift stores conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 69 percent of the stores were selling at least one type of hazardous consumer product. Many of these were children’s products.
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THRIFT STORES: Check products carefully before you sell.
CONSUMERS: Check products carefully before you buy.
For Consumers and Thrift Stores
Make sure cribs meet current national safety standards and are in good condition. Look for a certification seal. Check that crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Crib mattresses should fit snugly.
If crib slats are too far apart, infants can slip between them and strangle. If the mattress doesn’t fit snugly, infants can become entrapped and suffocate.
Clothing Drawstrings
Be sure there are no drawstrings around the hood and neck of children’s upper outerwear clothing, such as sweatshirts. Other types of clothing fasteners, like snaps, zippers, or hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), should be used. Drawstrings at the waist should not extend more than 3 inches.
Drawstrings can catch on playground and other equipment, and can strangle young children.Hair Dryers
Look for hair dryers with large rectangular shaped safety plugs.
These immersion protection plugs prevent electrocution by shutting off the current if the hair dryer comes into contact with water.
Halogen Floor Lamps
Make sure that halogen torchiere floor lamps have glass or wire guards over the bulb shield and the bulb is 300 watts or less.
Glass or wire guards with lower wattage bulbs can prevent fires that occur when flammable materials like curtains get too close to the lamp. Wire guards are free. Call CPSC.
Playpens and Play yards
Check that playpens and play yards have not been recalled. Recalled products include play yards with protruding hardware or rotating top rails that don’t properly lock into place.
Children can strangle if pacifier strings or clothing become entangled on protruding hardware. Children can be entrapped by folding play yards that collapse.
Car Seat Carriers
Check to make sure the infant car seat carrier you are buying has not been recalled. Car seat carrier handle locks on recalled models can unexpectedly release when used as a carrier outside of a car.
Infants can fall forward and strike the ground if the handle disengages.
Bunk Beds
Make sure all spaces between the guardrail and bed frame and all spaces in the bed headboard and foot boards of the top bunk are less than 3 1/2 inches. Make sure there are guardrails on both sides of the top bunk.
Children can become entrapped and strangle in the bed’s structure or wedged between the bed and a wall and suffocate.
Toy Basketball Nets
CPSC has recalled millions of hazardous toy basketball nets. Check before you buy. Children can strangle on loops or openings in these basketball nets if the nets come unhooked from the rim or have knots that slide. If children put their heads into these openings, the nets can get tangled around their necks.
Toy basketball nets can present a strangulation hazard to children.
Accordion Style Safety Gates
Do not buy older accordion-style child safety gates. Make sure that newer style child safety gates are used to keep children away from potentially dangerous areas, especially stairs.
Older child safety gates that do not meet current safety standards can present strangulation and other hazards to young children.
Bean Bag Chairs
Do not buy bean bag chairs with zippers that can be opened. CPSC has recalled more than 12 million bean bag chairs.
Young children can unzip bean bag chairs and choke or suffocate on the small pellets of foam filling.
Washington, DC 20207Toll-free hotline: 1-800-638-2772
Website: www.cpsc.gov
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Frugality
Simplicity: Helpful Living Tips
1) Take care of shopping and errands all in one place or as close by to one another as possible. Save gas, time and money.
2) By having less stuff you’ll clean less and have less laundry to do.
3) You don’t have to change your sheets every week and try to wear clothing more than once.
4) A little dirt won’t hurt.
5) Stop dry cleaning. Wash and iron instead or simply don’t buy clothes that need to be dry-cleaned. Stick to natural fibers rather that man made. They’re easier to keep clean and healthier on your skin as well.
6) Don’t wear shoes in the house. You’ll have cleaner carpets and floors. Think of it as leaving the outside world where it belongs.
7) Scale down on the amount of plants you own and keep them outdoors where they belong. Less cleaning and watering responsibilities. That goes the same for pets. Avoid pets all together. I finally broke down and bought my eldest a fish.
If you rent rather than own you won’t have to worry about maintaining your lawn.
9) Recycle more and learn to be more self-sufficient.
10) Rent rather than buy. Less responsibilities and more freedom.
11) Try to own your car outright. Monthly payments are just more unnecessary debt.
12) A simple car will cost less to fix than one of those expensive imports. Put your money where it really counts…although, I’ve always purchased used Volvos for safety and never purchased new ones. They’re the safest, most reliable and hardly break down.
13) Get rid if your boat unless you really need it for transportation! This is yet more money and responsibility.
14) Dress comfortable and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t carry a handbag if you don’t have to…that’s what pockets are for.
15) Try to have free fun such as…walking on the beach and collecting seashells, go to a park, a library etc…
16) Always have a potluck for family or holiday gatherings. This way you don’t have to buy it all.
17) Control your TV time and what you watch. I love television and if used properly can be very benefiting to the whole family; so I have to disagree with the simplicity books that have often said to get rid of yourTV sets. It’s a wonderful learning tool and cheap entertainment if you keep it scaled down to basic cable or none at all. I like the programs on public TV better than cable anyway. So get over it and enjoy your television!
18) Reduce your phone services.
19) Get rid of your cell phone if you can.
20) Make your own gifts and cards.
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists;
we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for
the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of oor suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Simplicity
Stay Healthy and Energetic
Stay Healthy and Energetic
You will want to begin this area of your simplification through what you eat and how you prepare your meals. Make more one-pot meals
ACAand don’t be fancy. Just stick to basic and healthy; this will not only cut your cooking time in half but reduce your grocery spending as well. Just keep in mind that you are eating to live, not living to eat. You don’t always have to cook hot meals. I keep homemade salads in the refrigerator and just toast some bread on the side. Another favorite is simply some steamed rice with vegetables and canned fish. Steamed rice and hard- boiled eggs with a splash of Olive Oil is one of my favorites. This will take some time but once you get the hang of it you’ll be saving tons of time and money.
Avoid eating out as much as possible and do keep in mind that a lot of restaurants will allow you to purchase kid’s sized meals or simply share an adult meal. What is the deal with these all you can eat places? We’re not going on a long journey nor are we preparing our bodies to hibernate…very unhealthy. Don’t stock up on prepared foods…they’re loaded with salt and preservatives and cost a lot more money. The only boxed food I know of that will save you time and money and is not all that unhealthy is macaroni and cheese. Canned fruits and vegetables are o.k. with canned or powdered milk in case of emergencies. By the way, organ meats (if you eat meat) and powdered milk are some of the most nutritious foods and really cheap. Avoid buying soda and candy.
Try fasting once a week if possible. You don’t have to go totally without food or drink. This will give your digestive system a rest. Try an all juice fast or a broth of your choice. My favorite is just water for an entire day. Eat an early dinner and don’t go to sleep on a full stomach. Your heart and digestive tract don’t have to work overtime.
Walk or ride your bike to work and always try and pack your own food.
Walking is the only exercise you really need.
Drink lots of fresh water daily. Seventy five percent of our body is water.
Practice good rest and sleep habits. Try going to bed earlier so you can wake up earlier and take your time preparing for your day.
Morning time will set the theme to your day. Think only positive thoughts and meditate on them. Your day will be less tiring and you’ll have the feeling of constant energy and motivation.
One thing that’s helpful to me in the morning is to write down my plans for the day and always expect that I might not get to them all or there’s always room for interruptions. You’ll only damage your day if you try to accomplish everything on your list when that interruption called LIFE comes your way.
In my younger years I definitely had the typical type A personality. Everything had to be just so and look just so. I soon found out that was not really living and so much of my time was taken up with petty details and meaningless tasks. Since your body is a machine, it can’t just run all the time.
Take time to just sit back and do absolutely nothing. We all need that every once in a while and it’s unhealthy not to. Once you’ve simplified you’ll soon learn how much of that
NOTHING time is simply handed over to you. Remove yourself from any social responsibilities that stress you and most importantly, don’t be afraid to say NO.
**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Money Matters
Once you put your life at your own need level, following these easy tips should be no problem. You will soon realize how much money you were actually wasting before.
1) Pay off your credit cards or all of your debts for that matter. You should only have but a few credit cards in case of an emergency, ordering by mail or on line. There actually are ways to live without credit cards or credit period for that matter. There are some really good books out there explaining the process.
2) Never live beyond your means. The worrying alone is not at all worth it. You’ll soon learn that material possessions do not equal happiness and no one really cares.
3) Think twice before you buy. Ask yourself if you can get by without a certain item or find ways to use other items in place of it, or even try and make it yourself. Most of the time you’ll find you never even really needed it.
4) Reduce the number of bank accounts.
5) Become more self-sufficient by using your creativity. Try recycling or making your own stuff; maybe even growing your own food and sewing your own simple clothes. Turn pants into tops or socks into mittens.
6) Pay off your home and then sell it…free yourself and put more money in the bank to then enjoy it the way you want.
7) Create your own family entertainment at home like dinner and a movie or game night.
Don’t spend your hard earned money on summer camps or activity camps for kids. If you work from your own home you won’t have a need for child-care facilities. Instead, create some activities yourself and maybe make out a schedule of educational trips over the summer for you and your children.
Play together, cook together, clean together, shop together, create stuff together or simply let them help you at work once in a while. Everyday basic chores teach your kids about real life and self-sufficiency as well as the importance of freedom and not wasting money. No other facility does this. Always remember that no one else will take care, love or teach your kids the way you do.
9) Learn to fix your own car or at least have the knowledge to change a tire, change your oil, check all your fluids and learn to become familiar with certain sounds a car makes. If you can tell what’s wrong by sound alone, a mechanic can’t take advantage of you.
10) Learn to trade for your goods and services. I once traded some piano lessons for homemade dresses and handbags.
THE MONEY MAKING GAME
1) Try developing your own home-based job.
2) Turn something you really love to do into your life’s work.
3) Think of ways you can generate some income by simply helping others or providing a very needed service.
4) Your job should always carry with it positive motives. Be honest and caring and your business will thrive and prosper. More and more people will want to do business with you. Don’t try to cheat others for a buck. Treat them the way you would want to be treated. You will really feel great about yourself!
Steps Toward Weight Loss
SIMPLE STEPS FOR WEIGHT REDUCTION:
1) Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day; moisturizes skin and releases stored fat as well as maintain healthy sugar levels and lower blood pressure.
2) No eating before bed. (your body slows down in sleep)
3) Ear your last meal no later than 6 if possible.
4) Do not go hungry or skip meals. (this will slow down your metabolic rate)
5) When eating out, choose sensible alternatives.
6) Prepare a list before food shopping and stick to it.
7) Keep active and positive.
***Choose meats and dairy products naturally lower in fat; buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
***Whole cheese and eggs are a healthier protein than that of red meats, but don’t over-do the cheese; avoid fat free processed cheese products; avoid any food product for that matter that contains chemicals in order to reduce their fat content.
***Avoid junk food, sodas, as well as pre made processed foods.
***Nuts, low fat meats and olive oil are considered healthy fats which your body metabolizes quicker and offer some energy.
***Avoid deli meats.
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Posted in Home Remedies
Home Remedies
Simple Home Remedies for the Body and Face
- You can use Milk of Magnesia as underarm deodorant anti-perspirant. Apply under arm pits and let dry completely. It will turn into a chalk-like substance. It will not stain clothing. I personally use only deodorants. Anti-perspirants tend to clog my pores and thus rashes occur…after all, your body prespires for a reason. Most anti-perspirants contain aluminum; deodorants do not.
ÂTo prevent nail-biting in both children as well as adults you can apply “Tinto de Violeta”…an old time remedy found in many mom and pop pharmacies. It can mostly be found in small Latin Pharmacies and or markets. The substance is not harmful to intake..but believe me; the very first taste of it and you’ll definitely not try it again. Keep in mind that at a certain age children may go through a stage of nail-biting. Oh and one more thing…the liquid dries a colour of deep purple on your nails which can be somewhat unpleasing to the eye.
A daily tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil restores healthier and easier body movement…serves as the body’s inner moisturizer; this along with vitamin E will help arthritic pain without affecting your stomach lining like aspirin does. Follow this routine no more than a month at a time…Vitamins E and A should not be used in strong dosages for long periods of time. Cod Liver Oil also helps relieve mild constipation.
I remember as a little girl a friend of mine would refresh her hair by shaking cornstarch powder on her hair and scalp and brushing vigorously.
To reduce bad breath…eat some celery daily…this will also help calm your nerves.
For insect bites, mash a garlic clove and rub on bite or cut. Garlic is a natural healer and antibiotic. My grandmother used the smashed garlic to heal skin wounds as well as take it internally to fight colds and infections.
When my mother was a child, she suffered from extremely high fevers and her mother would apply an apple cider vinegar compress on her forehead to reduce her fever.
Smashed bananas and your favorite cooking oil makes an excellent moisturizer for dry hair and scalp…for added protein and body just massage in 1 beaten egg; use only egg yolks for drier hair and egg whites for oilier.
Garlic in any form is great for the treatment of heart disease as well as lowers cholesterol.
Baking Soda is wonderful for whitening teeth as well as reducing mouth odors. Use in moderation.
If you suffer from mild stomach acids or indigestion, dilute equal parts soda and water then drink.
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- When beer has gone flat or you simply have some bottles to spare, try a rinse of fresh or flat beer for added body and bounce to your hair. Do not rinse off after application.
- For early sinus relief apply a warm wash cloth to affected sinus area. It will help your sinuses drain and release pressure thus interrupt formation of an infection. Repeat about three times a day or as needed.
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- You can also create your own cough syrup with a mixture of rock candy or sugar and whiskey l…make sure you heat till thickened.
- Warm honey, whiskey, and vinegar was another old-time remedy for arthritic bones. My mother suffers from degenerative bone disease as well as arthritis since the age if 15 and many years ago removed red meat intake from her diet and she has noticed an incredible difference. Studies now show a connection between red meat intake and osteo-arthritis!
- Milk of Magnesia as well as Mineral Oil can help with temporary constipation.
- Apple Cider Vinegar has been used in the reduction of body fat… use in moderation; has been said to irritate the liver.
- A new research has indicated fluoride helps to strengthen nails. Try rubbing fluoride toothpaste on nails…let sit about 10 min. then rinse off with tepid water; apply a vitamin E cream. Keep in mind creams are more emollient and concentrated than lotions.
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Apple Cider Vinegar has been used in the reduction of body fat by taking several tablespoons a day…use only in moderation for short periods of time.
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From Bill – Rub common table salt on hands to remove any strong odors.
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From Kitty – Rinse and brush with a touch of hydrogen peroxide to fight mouth infection as well as whiten teeth.
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From Sylvia – Apply malt vinegar to reduce pain and itching of wasp stings.
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From Rachel – Use vinegar and water as underarm deodorant.
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From Jeremiah and Sabrina – Use plastic bags to wrap breakables during a move; they work just as well as paper wrap.
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From Janelle from Illinois – Rub vitamin E oil on warts then cover with band-aid; they should be gone in less than a month
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For Ringworm – Make a poultice of sulphur and butter till fungus disappears.
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A poultice of apple cider vinegar and baking soda will heal skin infections.
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Cinnamon tea is a natural blood thinner.
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Pregnancy and Conditions Associated With It
Folk Remedies for Pregnancy and Conditions Associated With It…
Easier Childbirth:
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Drink Blueberry Root Tea at the first sign of strong contractions.
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Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is simply the most wonderful and has many uses before and after pregnancy. Drink this tea in the last stages of pregnancy to ease the pain of contractions. If your nipples are soar before and after breastfeeding, you can wash them regularly with this tea. It will also help with even milk production and regulate heavy bleeding after childbirth.
If you’re prone to miscarry…
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Star Root taken in small amounts several times a day will help prevent miscarriage.
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Drink Sage Tea once a day over ice to prevent simultaneous abortion.
Nausea during Pregnancy:
- Drink Lemon water, Lime water, or Apple Cider Vinegar water in small amounts throughout the day.
- Chamomile Tea or Mint Tea will help soothe and cool stomach lining and help to relax stiff stomach muscles.
- Apply a cloth that’s been dipped in Mint Tea and wrung on your stomach while resting.
***I am personally against taking any type of anti-nausea medications during pregnancy even if your doctor says it’s safe for the baby.***
Constipation during Pregnancy:
- Take a tablespoon of Olive Oil upon rising.
- Drink eight 8oz. Glasses of water per day.
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- KEEP ACTIVE!
Swollen Feet:
Eat healthy food and reduce your intake of salt. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. Remain cool and avoid standing for long periods of time especially if the weather is hot. Drink lots of fluids and rest; take small walks throughout the day.
At the end of your day, try soaking your feet in warm Epsom Salts and follow by raising your feet higher than your chest on comfortable pillows; have your mate give you a foot and ankle massage to get the blood flowing and ease tension out; and last but not least, wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Stretch Marks:
The way I did it was taking my mom’s advice to apply warm Olive Oil and pure Cocoa Butter all over; especially the stomach, buttocks, and breast area. Stretch Marks have a lot to do with skin type and genetics, but try this remedy either way…it may greatly reduce your percentage of marks.
If you still end up getting them approach this in a positive light. They are beautiful reminders of giving life; be proud of them and know that in some way, there is beauty in them as well.
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Problems With Menstruation
PROBLEMS WITH MENSTRUATION:
Irregular Menses:
1) Try soaking feet in hot water or take a warm bath.
2) Drink strong red wine throughout the day by tablespoon amounts.
3) Hot Chamomile and Cinnamon Teas
4) Apply heat on affected areas of pain; usually the lower back as well as lower abdominal. 5) Tablespoons of hot Whiskey and Sage Tea
Uncomfortable Menses:
1) Soak in hot baths
2) Drink Red Raspberry LEAF Tea 3 to 4 times a day. This tea is also very beneficial during the last month of pregnancy to lesson painful contractions.
3) Hot Chamomile Tea with a dash of Cinnamon
4) Women in the Cuban Countryside would drink warm beer. The Hops helps with the pain and also helps dismiss blood clots; which cause much of the pain in the first place.
5) Drink hot Thyme Tea
Heavy Bleeding During Menses:
We as women have to keep in mind our monthly period is a time to rest both physically and mentally. Clear yourself and your home of unwanted and bothersome responsibilities and stress. Avoid spicy foods and excessive alcohol. Stay quiet and drink warm Cinnamon Tea.
This should be a time to stop and redirect our thought patterns; a time to respect our bodies and allow it to go through this beautiful change with enjoyment as well as inner peace. It is because of stress and over exhaustion that our periods are sometimes irregular, painful, and heavy.
If you suffer mild night sweats before and after your cycle, drink some Sage Tea and eat highly nutritional foods; also, try a warm bath of Sea Salt. I say a new law should go into affect which allows women who work outside the home a monthly menses time off; what do you think? At least try and give yourself SOME rest time. It’s important!
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Douching Folk Remedies
Douching Folk Remedies:
Before offering you some of the remedies, let me honestly say I’ve never douched nor had the need to; unfortunately there are times when the vaginal track can become irritated and at those times it’s better to try a natural douche rather than an over the counter remedy.
The vaginal track is an amazing thing; it keeps itself perfectly balanced and self cleanses as well. Listed here are some relievers in case you should run into vaginal imbalance or discomfort. Too much douching can lead to vaginal imbalances and strips the track of many of the essential components which keep it healthy.
1) Warm water and White Vinegar
2) Witch Hazel and warm water
3) An infusion of Slippery Elm Bark(especially good after vaginal child birth)
4) Common Teas and warm water
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**The authors of this site are neither licensed physicians nor scientists; we simply provide a space where hard to find information is free for the gathering. Use common sense when implementing any of our suggestions or those of your fellow reader. **
Resources For Women
RESOURCES FOR WOMEN
1) Alternative Health Insurance Services, (800) 331-2713
2) American Association of Naturopathic Physicians - www.naturopathic.org
3) American Botanical Council – www.naturopathic.org
4) Boston Women’s Health Collective – www.ourbodiesourselves.org
5) Homeopathic Educational Services – www.homeopathic.com
6) Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services Foundation – http://www.ccon.com/hers%20
7) La Leche League International – www.laleche.org National Women’s Health Resource – www.healthywomen.org
Posted in Women