Casual Elegance

Once considered as something reserved for special occasions, cloth napkins actually have numerous benefits. By using them, you can support the environment and cut back on those paper products, which will save you money at the weekly grocery shopping trip. Whether it is for everyday dining or an occasion to celebrate, cloth napkins will bring an elegance to your table setting.

Making decisions that are beneficial to our planet can include using table linens that are natural and organic as well. I have found a couple of sites that offer beautiful pieces: Nubius Organics and Rawganique which sell all natural fabrics with cotton and hemp. The perfect time to purchase table linens is during home sale events at your local department stores. After season sales are also a great time to stock up on cloth napkins. Using cloth napkins on a daily basis can offer you a great way to add color to your table and help the environment. Dark colored napkins may work better for your household if you have children, as they will not show food stains. The lighter colored fabrics may serve you well for those special times.

Being green is easy and elegant. Choosing cloth napkins for your dining experience is just one small way you can help the planet, save the trees and spoil yourself with linens. Let's enjoy the trees in their natural habitat!

Green never felt so good!

ClearSkies

Photo courtesy of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php

Java Junkie

From the word in Arabic meaning "excitement", coffee is a beverage of choice for many people and it crosses over numerous cultural lines. It is enjoyed all over the world and can be ordered any place you visit. It is common knowledge that coffee keeps you alert and many claim that their day does not begin until they have had their "cup of Joe".

But did you know that coffee contains antioxidants? Yes, those little guys that help protect you from free radicals (and I don't mean a band of politically crazy men hiding in the woods in camouflage waiting to ambush you). Whether you drink decaf or regular, antioxidants are there in that cup preventing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, stroke and gallstones. Antioxidants also decrease the effects of aging. Spacing out your coffee drinking throughout the day will give you the benefits longer, all you need is a couple of cups per day.

So, go ahead, pick up that Mocha at Starbucks or brew a fresh pot of organic, fair trade coffee, then sit back and allow your body to receive the full benefits of that wonderful, tasty elixir of life.

Here's to your health!

ClearSkies

Flowers are a Girl's Best Friend!

We all love the beauty of flowers, whether they are expensive and wrapped in pretty tissue paper from our significant other or picked up on a walk and handed to us in a dirty chubby hand from our offspring. Flowers bring us beauty and joy, even the ones that are considered weeds! The best part is that many flowers are healing as well as beautiful. Chamomile is one of these flowers. Looking a bit like a daisy, it packs a medicinal punch and it definite calms what ails you. It is strong yet mild and can be used for comforting the newborns, as well as, the elders in your life.

Most people know about it's digestive properties and use it to calm tummy ailments. It can be used for nausea, indigestion, acid, heartburn and wind. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. I have successfully treated my child's conjunctivitis with a chamomile tea bag compress on the eye three times per day. It is especially helpful to calm children and babies down right before bed or anytime you or they are in need of some peaceful time. For children and babies, chamomile is especially helpful, as it can aid in teething, colic and fever. Infants do exceptionally well with chamomile. You can put a little brewed chamomile tea in an eye dropper and give to baby orally or put some in their bottle to calm and soothe. I use chamomile tea whenever my children are ill and they take it well and recover quickly from colds and earaches.

I like floating chamomile tea bags in my bath to promote relaxation or for itchy skin. I have heard that it can treat bruises and sprains when mixed with vinegar. It has even been used to prevent or remove gangrene, not that we have this issue anymore in our modern world, but it is interesting to note. It benefits the liver and spleen, and it is also useful for nursing mothers who experience uterine pains when feeding baby.

Chamomile is a beautiful and wonderful flower in it's own right and everyone would do well to have a little Chamomile tea tucked away in the pantry for whatever ails the family. Make it organic and the earth and your body will thank you. Add a little raw honey, even better!

Here's to your health!

ClearSkies

Sources: A Handbook of Native American Healing Herbs by Alma R. Hutchens and The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies by C. Norman Shealy

Good Day, Sunshine!

I know I went on and on about the benefits of the sun, which are many, but now we have some hard data to support what we already know. Here is an article on a scientific study that supports that Vitamin D from the sun's rays are of utmost importance to your health. I just received this link, thanks to my sister--thanks, Jess! It confirms what we already know, the sun plays a part in our healthy immune system and naturally living.


Here are some highlights from the article:

*Women deficient in Vitamin D and that have breast cancer are more likely to die or have the cancer spread

*Women deficient in Vitamin D were more likely to develop breast cancer before menopause, be overweight and have more aggressive cancers

*Other studies have shown a link between cardiovascular disease and prostate and colon cancers

*Chief source of Vitamin D is sun exposure

*Vitamin D is not common in foods, although it is added to some foods

It is important to note that the Vitamin D in foods is not immediately available to the body and must be converted by the liver and kidneys to become active. The gallbladder plays an important part in this as well. So for those who have liver or kidney problems or have had a gallbladder removed, you need the sun's magical rays even more.

Idol worship? I think not! The sun, like all of creation, has its place in our beautiful world. So, feel it's warmth on your skin and bask in the healing rays for body, mind and soul. The sun, it's natural, it's organic and it feels wonderful!

Here's to your health!
ClearSkies
Photo courtesy of: http://www.pdphoto.org/index.php

Here Comes the Sun...

With the summer quickly approaching and us Floridians already heading for the beach, I thought I would talk about the benefits of sunbathing. The sun truly is a beautiful creation and it has a purpose both for us and the earth. There is a vitamin that we receive from being in the sun that we need to absorb calcium and phosphorus. I am speaking of Vitamin D and more specifically Vitamin D3, which you can only receive from the sun's rays being absorbed into your body through the skin. It is the natural form of Vitamin D and is the most active. When you receive Vitamin D from food or supplements, it is not active, your body has to convert it through the liver and then the kidneys before it becomes active.

If you go out in the sun 3 times per week for 15 minutes, that will be all the body needs to have adequate Vitamin D. The best times to go out are before 10 AM and after 3 PM, when the rays aren't as potent. That's it, and your body will be better equipped to have healthy bones, teeth and muscles. It also will enable you to prevent breast and colon cancer, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and hypocalcemia. Vitamin D also helps with the immune system and is needed for thyroid function and normal blood clotting. If you are suffering from liver, gallbladder or kidney problems, it is even more important for you to receive weekly sunlight, so you will not develop osteoporosis. Signs that you may not have enough Vitamin D in your body are as follows: loss of appetite, burning sensation in mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia, visual problems and weight loss.

Another benefit to sunbathing is that it feels wonderful. Give yourself 15 minutes per day to sit down and enjoy the fabulous gift of sunlight. You will feel energized and alive. Turn your face toward the sun, as the flowers do and know that all is well. Take your lunch break outside or sit in your backyard to open your mail. Incorporate the sun into your day, you need it.

If you do plan on staying out more than 15 minutes, Aubrey Organics offers a variety of wonderful sunscreens that are all natural. I use them and they work well especially on the children who are in and out of the water constantly. If you miss a spot and happen to get burned, use fresh aloe from your household aloe plant, and rub it generously all over the burn. For those who don't have an aloe plant, you must get one immediately, for the uses are many. Another way to help a burn is to mix up apple cider vinegar and water and put it on, you will smell like a salad, but it helps (my mother always insisted on this and we hated it as children, but as an adult, I like to smell--thanks mom!). Also, if you take a cold shower right away, it will stop the burning. Some people like to use a mixture of baking soda and cornstarch on a burn or bathe in it. But the best prevention to avoid a sunburn is to respect and honor the sun's power, and only go out for long periods of time in the morning or late afternoon.

Here's to a Naturally Beautiful Summer full of Sunny days,

ClearSkies

Sources: Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phullis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D.

The Darker the Better

The South American Indians, the Aztecs and the Mayans all partook in the benefits of "xocalatl" or the cacao plant. It is now called cocoa, which was a spelling mistake that stuck. The scientific name of cocoa is Theobrama Cacao, and Theobrama translates as the "food of the gods". The history of chocolate is fascinating and interesting, but the health benefits are amazing! Scientific studies have shown that, like green tea, raw and minimally processed cocoa contain flavonoids (no, these are not flavor crystals, they are antioxidants). The antioxidants in chocolate help increase circulation, decrease blood pressure, lower death from heart disease, improve function of the cells that line the blood vessels, defend against free radicals which lead to cancer, heart disease and stroke, stimulates kidneys and improves digestion, as well as, helping with anemia and kidney stones. It boosts the immune system and is a excellent source of copper, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Yes, all this from chocolate, but it needs to be dark and minimally processed!

One chocolate that is minimally processed is Yachana Jungle Chocolate, which is made from cocoa nibs. Cocoa nibs are cocoa beans that have been fermented, dried and slightly roasted. I have had them and they are delicious! The Yachana Jungle Chocolate company is also heavily involved in preserving the rainforest, you can even adopt a cocoa tree.

But by far, my favorite chocolate bar is Green and Black's Organic 85% dark chocolate. They offer many delicious varieties, but to receive the full health benefits of cocoa, I suggest you try the darkest. They also sell hot chocolate, ice cream and baking chocolate, and it is all organic. This is fabulous chocolate and can be found at the health food store, online or even Super Target.

Being healthy is decadent, so indulge in the darkest chocolate you can find, it is truly "the food of the gods".

Sweet and in the Raw

It is the only way to go when we are talking about Honey. Yes, that all natural, sweet, sticky yumminess is best served unprocessed, unfiltered and in the Raw with all the beeswax, pollen, propolis and enzymes. Raw is the only way to go if you want the full benefits from nature's sweet nectar and the benefits are numerous and plentiful. The properties of honey are many including soothing raw tissues, retaining calcium in the body, balancing acid in the body, sedative, anti fungal, aphrodisiac, nourishing, antibacterial and antibiotic.

Some uses for honey are for hangovers (take a tablespoon of it), arthritis (mix two teaspoons with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and drink before each meal), burns (put a thin layer on the burn and the healing enzymes will do the rest), bed-wetting for children (give a teaspoon at bedtime and have dry sheets in the morning), and for constipation (drink warm water in the morning mixed with honey).

Honey should always be raw when used for medicinal purposes and local is best, as it contains the pollen of the plants in your area, which will better meet your particular health needs. Also, do not give honey to babies under one year, as it can cause serious illness for them.

One of the most common uses for honey is for coughs. The preparations are numerous, but they all have one thing in common, HONEY! You can put it in tea, put it in the middle of an onion and roast it or make your own cough drops with it. When my son was little, he had pneumonia a few times and seemed to have colds that would always get into his chest. I started giving him raw honey daily with the honeycomb still in it. He has never suffered from the ailment again. He still loves to eat the raw honey right out of the jar with a spoon. It is extremely beneficial for the respiratory system.

Honey will also stop bleeding on a wound and will aid in healing and prevent scarring. You can also use honey to treat hemorrhoids. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a half teaspoon of mustard powder and put on a cotton ball and apply to the area. Honey is also useful for indigestion, just mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and put in a cup of warm water. Drink before you eat and you will be much happier after the meal.

As a aphrodisiac, honey has been used for centuries. Bee pollen is popular among some to increase their need for "the birds and the bees" (pun definitely intended!). You can also do like the Egyptians and mix your honey with sesame seeds (also known as Halvah), and then share this yummy confection with your lover.

Other uses for honey are for shingles, ringworm, athlete's foot, conjunctivitis, sores in the mouth or vagina, varicose veins and bruises. Apply the honey to the affected areas and cover if necessary. Another fabulous use of honey is for wrinkles. Spread the raw honey on your face and neck and leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. It will produce amazing results on your skin.

One weight control remedy is to mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of grapefruit juice (no added sugar), and drink it before each meal. It melts away the fat and regulates the thyroid.

If you can't find local, raw honey, Raw Bakery is a great source. They sell the Wee Bee Brand of Super Raw Honey.

So, there you have it, to really enjoy honey, you must do it in the Raw and utilize all the benefits that nature intended.

Sources: Folk Remedies that Work by Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen and The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies by C. Norman Shealy, M.D. Ph. D.

Naturally yours,

Clearskies

Isn't she lovely...

Lavender, that is. Lavender is a versatile and multi-purpose essential oil and flower, and it smells wonderful too! Lavender oil kills bacteria and viruses, which makes it perfect for adding to room sprays and cleaners. It has calming properties and can be used to treat heart and mind ailments, as well relieving tension, relaxing muscles and aiding in sleep.

Some of the ailments that Lavender may assist you with are as follows: abscesses, acne, boils, bruises, athlete's foot, dandruff, burns, earache, insect bites, eczema, insect repellent, lice, ringworm, spots, wounds, rheumatism, sprains, muscle aches, asthma, bronchitis, throat infections, whooping cough, nausea, colic, flu, cramps, depression, headache, insomnia, PMS, sciatica, vertigo and shock. Of course, Lavender has many uses in cosmetics for its fragrance, but it is also used in foods for its flavor and in beverages.

I use Lavender oil mixed with a little almond oil or other massage oil on my little one's tummies when they are sick and it works wonders to comfort them and calm their rumbling stomach. I also use it "neat" (without a carrier oil) on acne spots and on my temples when I have a headache or tension. A couple of drops of Lavender oil on the pillow at night calms everyone into a peaceful sleep. It can be massage into your stomach and low back when experiencing pain during your monthly cycle. I additionally add it to the bath water for myself and the children.

Another great use is to add a few drops to your hairbrush or to your hair after washing, as it prevents dandruff. Add it to some aloe vera and rub on sunburn for comfort and quick recovery. There are so many uses, it is amazing. I use it all the time and it is a "must have" in my household. I even put it in my vacuum when it is running to scent the air as I clean or I will add it to the mop water while cleaning the floors.

I also add the flowers to sachets, dolls and pillows that I make for my loved ones. The scent lasts and lasts and the fragrance is enjoyed and brings a sense of peace and serenity to the gift.

Lavender...isn't she lovely...

PS I found a wonderful organic Lavender site for fresh plants, cosmetics and dried flowers. Check it out: http://www.purplehazelavender.com/index.html

Enjoy!

Natural Insect Repellent

It seems to be that time of year in Florida, where the mosquitoes are coming out and feasting on us. Here are some natural ideas for you to utilize instead of using those harmful sprays that are full of chemicals:

Make your own spray to spritz on exposed parts...

30 drops of essential oils
1/4 cup of water or apple cider vinegar

Put into a small spray bottle, shake and spray. Use the following essential oils for repelling those critters: citronella (lemon balm), eucalyptus, rosemary, basil, cloves, geranium, and peppermint. Add a little lemon grass or citrus oil for a nice scent.

Other ideas are to eat lots of onions and garlic, and brewer's yeast. Environmentally, you can plant repelling plants around your property like peppermint, basil, rosemary, geranium, citronella, tansy, fennel, bay, and even onions and garlic. This is where the window box idea comes in handy. Wherever these herbs and plants are growing the flying insects will fly away.

If you happen to be on the receiving end of one of those mosquitoes bites, quickly put some baking soda mixed with a little water on it and that will take care of the itch. You must put the paste on within a few minutes or you miss the window of opportunity.

If you don't wish to make your own repellent, there are some great sprays out there. I have used Burt's Bees, as well as Neem Oil products, which also has many uses besides insect repellents.

So, get out there and enjoy the beautiful day, just remember the spray!

Clearskies

Sources: Folk Remedies that Work, by Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen and Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond