Beauty on a Budget: Apple Cider Vinegar

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Beauty is both internal and external, and a natural result of vibrant health. A healthy body has a healthy glow that can be seen in sparkling eyes, smooth skin, healthy hair, and a nice complexion.

Apple cider vinegar is one food that is great for you both inside and out. It promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate the skin and regulates its PH balance. The high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids helps to dissolve fat and give the skin a nice smooth surface. It is also antiseptic in nature, and combats yeast, viruses and bacteria that can cause infection.

Here are some frugal, practical trips for you to try at home.

Are your teeth unattractive from tea, coffee or tobacco stains? Whiten them with apple cider vinegar! Simply rub a little directly on the teeth, wait a minute and rinse.

Do you have blemishes and a sallow complexion? Dab apple cider vinegar on your face at bedtime, and wash your face normally in the morning. You will see an overall improvement of your skin and not be bothered with pesky acne.

Sunburned? Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area to take out the sting and pain, and prevent blistering and peeling.

Is your hair lacking luster from the build up and residue of hair care products? Restore its natural shine by rinsing after shampooing with ½ cup apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 quart of warm water. Not only will your hair shine, but over time your it will grow more quickly and be stronger from the power packed nutrients it contains.

Do you have dandruff? Apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the scalp and let it soak in. Then shampoo your hair as normal.

You can also lighten age spots with apple cider vinegar. Simply dab the affected areas at bedtime and let it soak in while you sleep at night.

To soothe a sore throat, put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow.

To treat sinus infections and chest colds, add 1/4 cup or more apple cider vinegar to the vaporizer. You can also make a soothing mixture of ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and ¼ cup of honey, and eat 1 tablespoon 6-8 times a day. If you prefer to make your own cough syrup, mix ½ cup water, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 4 tablespoons of honey. Take 1 tablespoon each time your cough acts up, and a tablespoon at bedtime for a more restful sleep.

Drinking one cup of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can tame an upset tummy.

As part of a weight loss program, add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to your daily diet. You can add it to 16 ounces of water and sip it throughout the day, or add it to a big mug of black tea sweetened with honey. Better yet, eat a big healthy salad and use it for dressing along with a little olive oil. Apple cider vinegar revs the metabolism helping you to burn fat and lose excess pounds.

To detox your body, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1-2 quarts of water and sip on it during the day. It helps stimulate the kidneys and remove impurities from the body. If you don't like the taste, stir in some honey for an extra energy boost.


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Frugal First Aid: Treating Sunburn

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Note: Sunburn is a condition when the skin becomes red, swollen and painful from over exposure to the sun. A more severe form is sun poisoning, which includes blistering, rash, fever and chills. Sun poisoning can be a serious medical problem, especially if the skin becomes infected after being burned.
Always seek medical help for sun poisoning.

This article discusses only sunburn, and offers some simple remedies to alleviate the pain, itching and skin peeling that frequently occurs after over-exposure to the sun's rays.

Many doctors suggest over the counter pain relievers to alleviate the pain, itching and swelling of a sunburn. Dr. Rodney Basler, a dermatologist at the University of Nebraska recommends 2 regular aspirin tablets or Tylenol every 4 hours for quick relief. If you prefer ibuprofen, try 3 or 4 tablets every 8 hours.

To cool the skin, physicians recommend applying compresses to the skin. Dermatologist Dr. Michael Schreiber, at the University of Arizona College of Medicine suggests saturating a washcloth with ice water and laying it over the sunburned area, for 5-15 minutes, several times a day. A fan directed toward the skin may also bring some fast relief.

Nurses in emergency rooms often tell patients to rub Preparation H hemorrhoid cream on the affected area. It has an anesthetic to kill the pain and medication to shrink swollen tissues. It is inexpensive and easy to find at any drug store. Many people report this works well for them.

A widely used and highly effective remedy is to apply apple cider vinegar to the skin. Not only does it cool the skin and relieve that maddening itch, it also prevents blistering and peeling. You can find it at any grocery store for less than 2 dollars a bottle.

Soaking in a warm bath with ½ cup of baking soda relieves itching and pain. Air dry the skin instead of using a towel, or at least pat the skin dry very gently to avoid further irritation. Baking soda costs about a dollar a box, and you can find it almost anywhere you shop.

Are you a fan of aromatherapy? Add 20 drops of chamomile and 20 drops of lavender essential oils to a tub of cool water and soak for about 10 minutes. Or if you prefer, use 20 drops of bergamot or calendula oil. The pain and itching will be gone!

Epsom salts is another inexpensive and effective treatment. Dissolve them in warm water and make a compress using a clean, soft cloth.

A compress using water and witch hazel is another frugal and effective way to relieve sunburn.

Do you like the fresh smell of citrus? Mix the juice of 3 lemons into 2 cups of cold water and gently sponge your skin. This will cool the burn, disinfect the skin and promote healing.



Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Natural Beauty on a Budget: Baking Soda

Do you want clean hair, a bright smile, sweet breath, exfoliated and acne-free skin, odor-free feet, and soft, clean cuticles on your hands? Then you better move your box of baking soda from the kitchen into your bathroom.

It is inexpensive, chemical-free, doesn't spoil and is easy to store too. What an ideal, frugal beauty product!

Baking soda is great for your hair. Here are three ways to use it:

Out of shampoo, or can't get to a shower? Brush baking soda through your hair. It removes dirt and excess oil in a jiffy!

Has chlorine from the swimming pool made your hair dry, and maybe even a little green in tint? Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with a pint (2 cups) of warm water and work it through your hair. Leave it on your hair for a few minutes and then wash it as normal.

Do you have build up on your hair from conditioner and hair spray? You can make your own frugal clarifying shampoo. Put some baking soda in your palm, about the size of a quarter in area, a mix it with your own shampoo. Your hair will be squeaky clean and shine!

Baking soda also removes beauty product build up from your combs and brushes. Simply add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a basin of warm water and let your combs and brushes soak for a few minutes. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry.

Sprinkle baking soda on your toothbrush for cleaner, whiter teeth. Add a little to a glass of warm water and gargle, or add a bit to your mouthwash for fresh breath.

Baking soda is a great exfoliant to get rid of dry, rough skin.

For scaly elbows and heels, mix 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water and scrub.

Mix it with your normal facial cleaner to brighten your complexion. Put a small amount, about the size of a dime, in the palm of your hand, add your cleanser, and apply to your moist face with a gentle, circular motion. Rinse and pat your skin dry. It is a wonderful way to get rid of acne and keep your skin smooth and clear.

Men, do you have sensitive skin and hate to shave because of it? Mix a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of warm water. Use it to moisten your skin before you shave, and as a rinse after you are done. You will have far less irritation!

Use baking soda as a natural foot powder to absorb moisture and odor. Also sprinkle it in your sneakers and work boots to keep them smelling sweet.

For pretty hands and healthy nails, sprinkle baking soda on your cuticle brush before your manicure.

And last but not least, use baking soda to relax and unwind! Half a cup added to your bath water relieves stress and tension and keeps your skin smooth and healthy!


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Salt: Frugal Uses for Health and Hygiene

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Salt is a wonderful and inexpensive household item with dozens of uses. Most people know some cleaning tips that use salt, but not many know of its benefits for first aid or personal hygiene.

Here are some frugal uses you can try for yourself:

Have you come into contact with poison ivy? Soak the affected areas in salt water to relieve the pain and itch.

You can also use salt to relieve the pain of bee stings. Simply wet the area and cover it with salt.

Chigger or mosquito bites a problem? Soak the area in warm salt water, and follow up with a coating of lard and salt.

Are your eyes puffy? Mix one teaspoon of salt in a pint of hot water, then moisten some cosmetic pads with the mixture. Close your eyes and lay the pads across you eye lids. In a few minutes the swelling will be gone.

Do you want naturally sweet breath without using mouthwashes filled with alcohol, artificial colors and chemical sweeteners? Make your own mouthwash with equal parts of salt and baking soda dissolved in water. Rinse well after brushing your teeth.

If you are feeling miserable from a sore throat gargle several times a day with warm salt water. For extra effectiveness, follow up by eating a teaspoon of honey.

Do you want plaque free teeth and healthy gums? Brush your teeth with a mixture of one part salt and two parts baking sods. If you prefer a little flavor, add a tiny drop of peppermint or wintergreen oil.

Is dry skin a problem for you? After bathing and before drying yourself with a towel, rub seal salt into your wet skin. It sloughs off dead, dry skin cells and increases blood circulation With this as a regular routine, your skin will stay soft and have a healthy glow.

For a great, stimulating facial, mix equal parts of salt and olive oil and massage your neck and face with gentle, upward strokes. Leave the mixture on your skin for five minutes, then wash your face with a warm, moist washcloth. Your face will have a beautiful, natural glow!


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Creative Uses for Orange Peels

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Use dried orange peels as kindling for your fireplace. There is a large amount of flammable oil in the peel called limonene which makes them a great fire starter!

Limolene oil is also a very effective, natural pesticide. A puree of orange peel and water spread around an outdoor barrier will prevent ants from crossing over. Flies and mosquitos will flee from an area with small piles of orange zest, so finely grate the rind and place it around your blanket at your next picnic.

Do you want kitty to stop digging in your plants? Place dried peel around them. Cats hate the smell!

Orange peels are a great deodorizer. Grind some up in your garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh. Put dried peels in a cloth bag or pillow case and place it in a cupboard or closet. The musty odor will leave.

A piece of orange peel placed in a box of brown sugar will keep it from drying out.

Pamper your skin with orange peels! Simply drop clean peels in your tub while the water is running. Vitamin C is absorbed through the skin, so soaking in an orange peel bath is a healthy way to strengthen your immune system. And the aroma is heavenly!

Dehydrated peels can be ground in a coffee grinder and used as a spice for cooking or added to a batch of potpourri.

Make little bird feeders with orange rinds. After an orange is cut in half and the fruit is removed, the little "bowls" can be filled with sunflower seeds, suet, or peanut butter mixed with bird seed. Place the feeders in the crook of a tree branch to give a nice treat to your feathered friends!

Make delicious candied orange rind for your family. Simply scrape away the white part of the rind with a sharp knife. Slice the peels into strips and cook them in a simple syrup (1 part water and 1 part sugar) on low until strips start to look translucent. Remove them, roll in sugar, and place on a plate to dry. Chop them up to add to recipes or to use as an aromatic decoration on top of baked goods.


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Rubbing Alcohol:Frugal First Aid in a Bottle

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Rubbing alcohol is an inexpensive and easy to use remedy for simple injuries and skin problems. Here are a few ideas for you to try.

To lessen the duration of a cold sore, dab the area several times a day with a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol. It quickly dries up the sore and makes it fall off.

Do you have itchy skin from mosquito bites, poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac? Apply alcohol to the affected area for fast relief!

To clobber acne outbreaks, use alcohol instead of those pricey store astringents. Simply add alcohol to a damp washcloth and clean your face.

Do you have minor scrapes and cuts? Clean them with an alcohol wipe to prevent infection.

Do you have achy muscles from exercise? Try an alcohol massage. At first the alcohol cools the skin, then a deep heat feeling sets in and relaxes tense muscles.

Make a homemade ice pack for emergency sprains and burns using rubbing alcohol. Simply add one part alcohol and two parts distilled water to a small plastic ziploc bag, and chill it in your freezer.

Finally, wash your hands with rubbing alcohol to get rid of strong smells on your hands. It is great for eliminating the odor of onions and stinky pet fur!

Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Frugal Tips for Gardens and Houseplants

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Did you know that the average family can save over $500.00 a year by putting in a vegetable garden?

Are you aware that certain houseplants actually clean the air, and help reduce allergens that cause breathing difficulties?

If you want a healthier body and a fatter wallet, you should consider having a green thumb!

Here are some very inexpensive, natural, non-toxic ways to have healthier houseplants and a lusher, bug-free garden.

To make seeds sprout more quickly and plants grow faster, add Jello gelatin to the soil. The sugar produces beneficial microbes that act as a natural fertilizer. The nitrogen content of gelatin stimulates growth.

Do you want your garden to be lush and bug free? Try bananas. Dry the peels on a screen and chop them up in a blender. Work the ground up pieces into the soil. Bananas are rich in both potassium and phosphorous which is excellent for plant growth. Banana peels placed around the base of plants act as a natural repellent against those pesky little aphids that invade your garden.

Coffee is very useful as well. In the garden use the cans, both ends removed, as a way to protect newly sprouting tomato plants. Simply sink the cans into the soil, and remove them later when the plants are larger.

Sprinkle grounds around the perimeter of your garden to repel ants and cutworms. Also use the grounds as a natural composting material. They enrich the soil.

Coffee is also good for houseplants. Top off the potting soil with old coffee grounds. Occasionally water your plants with room-temperature coffee.

Eggshells are a wonderful way to add calcium to your garden. Don't sprout seeds in pots, put them in clean dried eggshells instead. When it is time to plant the seedlings in your garden, simply crush the shells and mix them into the soil. Crushed eggshells around the perimeter of the garden act as a deterrent against slugs and snails as well.

Coca Cola spayed on your lawn makes the grass greener. It can also be used as an effective pesticide. Mix a 12 oz. can of cola with 1 cup of ammonia and 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap, and spray it on your lawn or plants.

Club soda that has gone flat is great for watering houseplants. The mineral content gives your potted friends new vitality and health.

Peroxide can be used to keep the leaves of your houseplants healthy. Put one ounce of peroxide in one ounce of water, and use it to mist your plants.

Finally, don't use expensive black plastic bags between the rows of your garden to cut down on weeds. Use old newspapers instead. You can also shred them to make an inexpensive mulch and use them to cover plants if frost weather is in the forecast.


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Natural Ways to Fight and Avoid Depression

I sent this to someone I dearly love a while back. I think it is a good fit for this blog. When asked how I managed to survive so much in life, and handle current problems with a smile, this was my reply:

First, I practice GRATITUDE. When my eyes first open in the morning, I than God for a new day. Then I focus my thoughts on my blessings---I have a job, sweet ferrets, friends, nice weather, food for breakfast etc. As I encounter each thing, I silently say thank you to God for it. Switch on the heat? Thank you God I have a warm home. Ferrets kiss me? Thank you god for the unconditional love and companionship of my furry angels!

It is hard to feel depressed when you are richly blessed, and live in that awareness.

Second, I want for others what I want for myself, and I send those thoughts to everyone, including and especially strangers. If someone sneezes,or is riding around in a wheelchair, I think, "God please heal them." If someone is sad, I ask God to comfort them. When I would spend so many hours (5 a day!)commuting to and from my job, I would often silently greet each person boarding the train or bus with, "God loves you" or "Bless you" or "I wish you peace" etc. I found myself feeling full of peace and love all day. ;-O

When you acknowledge others are like you---have the same needs, face the same struggles etc. then you start to feel connected. People respond to you in very nice ways. The world feels like a friendly place, not a sad one!

I also say as much as possible things like, "I love you," "I appreciate you," "thank you," or even "I'm sorry."and I try to keep things light. I laugh and joke every day!

We all need to feel loved, appreciated and respected. A few kind words benefit both the giver and receiver. Be generous with your thoughts, words and good will.

Most important of all, I constantly choose to forgive others AND MYSELF.

Sweetie, therapists say that depression is "anger turned inwards." When we nurse hurts, real or imagined, dwell on painful experiences, and feel upset at how life or others have treated us, anger rears its ugly head!

But remember this:

Sometimes people hurt you out of stupidity, thoughtlessness or some other common human failing. Nobody is perfect (ourselves included!) so we should overlook those injuries, even if they stung us. We all need grace and  understanding, and should extend it to others.

Sometimes people hurt you deliberately, which hurts even more! Even then, it isn't necessary to react in anger. Remember, God sees and knows everything. He collects your tears in a bottle and writes them down in His book. He knows when to mete out justice when needed. Forgive like God commands us to, and let Him settle the score!

Sometimes we are mad at OURSELVES. We rehearse our failures, stupid mistakes, bad behavior and hurtful words, and we judge ourselves very harshly! (Been there, done that, bought the tee shirt for a souvenir!)But really, it all boils down to two things. We acted out of human weakness-in which case we are entitled to grace-or we did something because we consciously made a bad choice or decision. In that case, resolve to become a better person. We all are a work in progress, so don't beat yourself up over anything!

If you find yourself thinking about something painful, that causes you regret or anger, or any other unhappy feeling, STOP, FORGIVE YOURSELF OR THE OTHER PARTY, AND CHOOSE A HAPPY THOUGHT TO OCCUPY YOUR MIND.

Moment by moment we choose our thoughts and actions. Choose good ones!


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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MY MEDICINAL PASTA REMEDY

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I sent this to my daughter-in-love a while ago, and thought it was worth posting here

I have been cooking for over 40 years, so a lot of things I do automatically, and without precise measurements.

The basic concept is to dice a medium onion and chop about 6 big cloves of garlic and to sautee them over medium heat, until the onions are clear. Don't chop the garlic too tiny, as it may burn a bit if you do.

Add a can of chicken broth, or make your own with bullion. You want about two cups of broth.

Add some crushed red pepper--David likes it spicy, so use about 1/4 tsp or a little more--and some basil. If you are using leaves, put in two, if you are using the ground up spice in a jar, 1/4 -1/2 tsp is fine.

Add some pasta that you have cooked on the side to the sauce and cook a few more minutes until everything is coated and the sauce has thickened a bit. Elbow macaroni or tiny shells work just as well as long spaghetti. Just choose what you like.

The pasta provides carbs and energy, basil cleans the blood, red pepper opens the sinuses, onions open the lungs and the garlic kills all kinds of germs. chicken broth has antibiotic properties.

Hope you don't have to use it too often!


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com

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Acupressure: A Frugal and Natural Healing Therapy

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We live in a tense, high-pressure world, causing stress that can wreak havoc with our health and well-being. We suffer insomnia, tension headaches, eye strain, back and neck pain, allergies and a host of other discomforts, sometimes on a daily basis.

It is impractical and costly to constantly run to the doctor for tension-related ailments. Medicines meant to alleviate the symptoms can have side-effects that leave you feeling worse! Constant reliance on these substances can even cause drug-dependency.

In my opinion, it is far better to seek drug-free ways to restore health and maintain your body's natural state of emotional and physical wellness. Acupressure is one method that is really helpful in this area.It is easy to do, requires no special equipment and has no serious side-effects. You can use it on people of all ages, and even your pets!

Following you will find some general information, obligatory common-sense “warnings” and a few resources to help you understand, apply and benefit from this natural therapy.

What is acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses pressure on key trigger points on the surface of the skin to relax muscles, increase blood flow and to free up “chi,” the body's natural energy. Stimulation of key points on the body can relieve the symptoms of many ailments, and restore physical and emotional balance.

How is it done?

In acupressure, a brief, probing pressure is applied to a trigger point using a fingertip, knuckle, or eraser at the end of a pencil. The point is stimulated or massaged for 15 to 30 seconds. When the right point is located, you may feel a brief twinge of pain or soreness, which quickly turns to a numbing sensation or tingling radiating from the area. Some people perspire, belch, feel their sinuses drain, or experience a release of tension. Sometimes different effects are felt on opposite sides of the body. Some points seem to give quicker relief than others. Experiment and use the points you feel are the most helpful to you.

What are possible areas I need to be warned about?

Acupressure is not intended to replace medical help. It is best used as a complimentary treatment.

It shouldn't be done right before, or within 20 minutes of eating a large meal, bathing or engaging in heavy exercise.

It should be avoided by pregnant women, and those with heart trouble.

Of course, you shouldn't apply pressure to, nor massage a point where there is a varicose vein, break in the skin, mole, wart, or any kind of bruising or injury.

For more information and basic instructions, visit these helpful websites:

http://www.acupressure.com

http://med.stanford.edu/personal/pointfinder/


youtube videos

back pain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exxVsJm9WEE&feature=channel

depression
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqbG84Zat_U&feature=related

migraine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nG0DTtL2jc&feature=PlayList&p=3F9384A4F10E1A29&playnext_from=PL

neck pain
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q3E-b7JJgE&feature=related

sinus pain and congestion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glpQlCU2LDI

stress
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g58pcNCC34&NR=1


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com