Did You Know? Frankincense for Stings

photo credit: google images

Frankincense is the oil that should kept in your first aid kit!  It is the only thing known to relieve scorpion stings and is also an immediate relief for wasp stings.  Western medicine does not teach about essential oil use and most doctor trips for scorpion stings will end up with the medical professional google searching 'scorpion sting relief' in front of you in the exam room {personal experience}.  I believe there is a place for both western medicine and for natural medicine and that they should be combined to live life in a safe and meaningful way.  Quickly said...if you need to go to a doctor or hospital, then GO!

Scorpions are a regular sight in my Texas home and have been through all my Texas moves.  My husband has been stung in the neck while sitting on the coach eating lunch (going for the jugular!) and I have had a scorpion scratch my neck in bed while it was tumbling down from the ceiling to my blankets.  Yuck! I know.  In Texas, that nastiness is normal so as you can see my experience can be vouched for.  This past August, I was outdoors sitting quietly in our drive hand painting large sandwich board signs when a wasp decided that it was completely okay to sit down on my ear and lay his stinger down without my permission.  Thank goodness I was sipping wine as the initial shock could have been way worse.  Oh and thank goodness my friend Jennifer was helping paint as she provided moral support and the "oh-crap" crazy eye warning.  Naturally, I took some benadryl as I tend to always break out in hives the second anything stings me but the pain was horrendous and would not lift.  That's when I remembered the great Frankincense hiding away in my bathroom medicine cabinet.  Oh the relief was instantaneous.   Throughout the following 24 hours I dabbed straight frankincense oil directly on the sting sight for continuous relief.

Some individuals may choose to dilute the substance with coconut oil when using essential oil on a young child as not to give too strong of a dose for a little body.  It is always good to do your research and ask for assistance from a qualified adviser.  Just remember, coconut oil is a great substance for itch relief as well but frankincense is the only thing that will relieve the pain of a sting.  Makes you think back to the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to Bethlehem.  😉

photo credit: google images

Now let's get to the nitty gritty.  Keeping a good frankincense in the house can be costly...upwards of $100.  I do believe in a good pure essential oil company like doTERRA who can back the quality of their products up.  To connect with a great doTerra essential oil rep, visit my friend Brandi's website at

http://www.mydoterra.com/brandichristian/#/

.  

I also understand that not all families can afford to stock a hundred dollar first aid item in their cabinets.  In this case, I would recommend picking up a $10 bottle of NOW brand frankincense at your local grocer.  This will get the job done well enough if the affordability is an prime concern for you.

Take Care Y'all!

xoxo, Angela O'

Get Rid of Fruit Flies the Classy Way

I've been doing this now for a couple years and realized I never shared this saavy tip.  I'd been plagued with fruit flies during the spring months in Austin and didn't know how to rid them.  Never had I experienced them before moving to Austin.  I'd read many stories about how fruit flies live in sinks, etc but never really cared as my only concern get rid of them.  A friend of mine told me that all I needed was to put apple cider vinegar in a bowl and cover it with aluminum foil poking holes through the top.  Well, the idea sounded doable but I liked things to look classy and I hated the idea of having a random bowl with sloppy aluminum foil sitting on my counter all the time.  So I went home and put together a plan of attack.  A couple of days later I had set up permanent fruit fly traps in my home.  Voila!

These classy little fruit fly traps make quite cute gifts during the spring and summer months, just gift them in pairs.  I set them up and leave them for an extended period of time but don't forget to check and refresh them regularly.

Materials Needed:

• Glass Mason Jars, 4 oz preferred
• Mason Jar Lids and Rings
• One nail, 1/4 inch width is good
• Hammer
• Apple Cider Vinegar

Instructions:

follow the pictures and enjoy the captions

Collect your supplies

Hold the nail steady above the jar sealed tightly with lid

Hammer the nail in to make a full hole and pull the nail out

Just like this!

Keep it up until you have a sufficient amount of holes

It should look like this

Pour in the apple cider vinegar to about half full; don't fill up!

Like this!

Look at those nasty buggers!

Rust will happen on the inside.  That's okay.  You can reuse the rusty holed lid as many times as you wish when refilling the vinegar because it will evaporate and be full of bugs.  Just throw the lid away when you are ready to make a new lid.  You won't need to redo everything.

Purchase the 4 ounce mason jars and apple cider vinegar here!

~With Angela O'

Not Gun Shy at Christmas

When it comes to wrapping gifts for Christmas, I am certainly not gun shy.  Each year I wrap hundreds of gifts (personal and professional) and it requires some creativity.  I certainly want each gift to look their best and be individualized.  However, when using the full glitter wrapping paper no matter how beautiful it may be it is complete pain in the next to work with.  Because of the layers of glitter and adhesive used in the manufacturing process of that wrapping paper roll it does not want to stay folded and even worse no tape will hold it in place.  That is when I pull out the big guns!  A hot glue gun, glue sticks, extension cord and poster board save the season.  I may come out with a few burns but I gotta do what is necessary!

Well, another trick to add to the list.  Check.

Check out those perfect glitter folds!

Pajama Secrets

Do you love those very adorable and flashy pajamas from Victoria Secret?  I sure do.  But I always have two problems when going for them.  

1.  Sizing in sets is always a problem.

2.  The expense adds up quick, leaving you to only purchase one pair. 

Well I've got the solution for you.  Shop the Victoria's Secret outlet and get the pajamas you want for around $12.99 per piece.  Since it is per piece you are able to choose the size of each item you want to wear.  No more baggy tops to fit your too slender bottoms!  

A full price set at the retail store will run you about $50.00 so by utilizing the outlet you gain two assets.  Perfect sizing and a 50% discount!  What a score!

My favorite outlet is in Orlando, Florida on International Drive.  I do venture to the San Marcos, Texas outlet every now and then.  But if you stock up on PJ's in one visit you are probably set for awhile.

~Angela O'

Topics of Disgust: Neosporin Usage

Photo Credit courtesy of Neosporin.com

On several occasions I have come face to face with someone who thinks that it is okay to treat a wound by directly squeezing ointment from the tube onto the bloody, puss-ey, or whatever germy area that has been affected.  DISGUST.  I shutter and completely freak out whenever I see this.  I honestly cannot understand why this happens or why someone thinks it's okay for it to happen.  An excuse that has surfaced several times (pardon the pun) is that the tube doesn't actually touch the wound surface so it should be okay.  Hmmmm, well the ointment that is connected to the tube (and the remaining unused ointment) is being touched and not all of the ointment comes off on your nasty surface.  Hence, it either goes back in the tube or slimes up the cap.  

Please for the love of all humans, next time apply the Neosporin to the bandage first and then put the bandage on your wound.  Or if that freaks you out...use a freshly-cleaned finger or a glove.  Do not contaminate the Neosporin tube!

I cannot express to you how angry this makes me feel whenever I see it happen.  It will make me throw away your $5.00 tube of Neosporin each time I see you do it.  I'm already cursing in my mind just thinking about someone doing it.  WTF!

With Angela O'

Do Not Be Fooled by Bad Almond Milk

Almond Milk is great right?  Errr, right? Well, not all is exactly as you hear from the press and public.  Yes, almond milk is perfect for those who are suffering from lactose intolerance or a casein allergy.  It is great for those that are currently dieting or are suffering from other factors such as heart disease. And yes it is good for someone who is seeking an easy way to intake a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.  In fact, there are so many antioxidants found in almond milk that it has shown to reduce the risk of cancer and give off anti-aging properties.  So what exactly is the problem?

The problem is that most people have been sucked into the trap of believing what they hear from peers, the media, and other society figures.  Especially the big trap of .... advertising.  Yet you are still wondering why you are getting the vibe that almond milk is bad from reading this blog.  Well that is not exactly the point I am making. 

The real deal is that the majority of individuals do not do their own simple research.  When I am saying simple research, I mean SIMPLE RESEARCH.  Not internet digging or library going.  Simple Research means that the individual is doing something as simple as looking at the ingredients of the item that they just picked up and tossed into their shopping cart.  The ingredients that are clearly printed on each carton.  Where am I going with this??????

The fact is that majority of us have been tricked into drinking BAD Almond Milk because we did not do our own simple research.  We instead heard that almond milk was good and then went to the store and picked up whichever carton had the most appealing presentation or perhaps the better taste or well... was just on sale.  UH OH!  I am guilty....I fell for it too.  I instantly chose Almond Breeze a few months ago when I introduced almond milk and smoothies into my breakfast plan.  Why was I attracted to Almond Breeze for my first choice?  The nice blue box, the young and fun font that seemed new and not like the corporate and stiff-structured Sillk brand font, and one more thing...the stamp of Blue Diamond Almonds.  All of these are supposed to be valid shopping criteria, right? 

After a few months of purchasing the same almond milk brand I had made the sudden realizaton that I never looked at the ingredient list.  Which is something that I do regularly when shopping.  I looked closely and what to my eyes appear????? Carrageenan.  Yup CARRAGEENAN.  WHAT THE F**K was my exact expression in the grocery store.  I hadn't used my in-brainnly voice until I slapped my hand on my mouth as the looming shadows of several customers where on me.  How could this be?  I had heard over that one of the greatest benefits of switching from cow's milk to an alternative such as almond milk was that you were freeing your body from this exact ingredient.  So freaking annoying.

Carrageenan has been linked to severe inflammation in the body, in addition to ulcers and gastrointesinal cancer.  Urgh.  Of course there is a lot of controversy about this ingredient, people and organizations are split by a 50/50 fence.  But here is the dea.  When you are trying to make healthly choices for your body such as cutting cow's milk from your diet voluntarily in order to avoid carrageenan then you don't want to be let down to find that your alternative milk also suffers from having carrageenan in it.  Especially since there is no nutritional reason for it. If you don't understand just imagine how an autoimmune disease affects your body.  A lot of people suffer from inflammation as a result of their autoimmune issues.  Like me (joints, etc)!  So why would I want to add carragenan which activates the immune response when I already suffer?

So now what?!  Don't worry your pretty head.  You can still find GOOD Almond Milk.  For instance, Silk brand does have almond milk varieties that do not have the additive carrageenan.  Thankfully.  

Just remember to read your ingredient list everytime.  If it looks sketchy then check it out.  Everytime.

 Here is a helpful, though not fully up-to-date guide for selecting items that do and do not have carrageenan in them.  http://www.cornucopia.org/shopping-guide-to-avoiding-organic-foods-with-carrageenan/

With Angela O'

Lysol Stinks Unless...

... it is the ORIGINAL scent.  Yup the original, no fluff, flower or fuss most basic scent.  The yellow can.  For years I have been frustrated when I shop for Lysol because the stores only offer me disgusting stinky versions that I cannot stand.  Crisp Linen, Spring Waterfall and Summer Breeze are just a few of the new-age scents that cut my air off.  

Well, the day has come when we can get back to the basics.  The only store that carries the Lysol Original scent on a daily basis is .... HOME DEPOT!  Woo Woo!  Yes.  The Lysol Original scent is considered part of the "professional" series in this modern day and that is why it is carried at the awesome depot.   It is approximately $4.75 to $5.00 for a 19 ounce can.

So for all of you that have a very sensitive nose...the problem has been solved.  Now I can actually enjoy the air I have sprayed.  Ahhhh

With Angela O'

photo credit:  www.homedepot.com

Unfortunately, there are times when you need it right away and there is no trusty home depot around.  I get it, I've been there.  Here is a quick link you can use to order it through my affiliate program.  Using this link will give a portion of these proceeds to support my blog.

Lysol Professional Disinfectant Spray, Original Scent, 19 Ounce

Breadcrumbs Are No Longer a Pain In The Ass

That's right home cooks.  Making homemade breadcrumbs have never been so simple and quick till now! I don't even know why I never thought of it till now. Just grab a few slightly stale (just not so fresh) slices a bread and drop them into your food processor.  Blend from a few seconds to 20 seconds depending on how fine you want the crumbs.  TaDa!  No more crumbing by hand.  Good riddance to that.

~With Angela O'

Oh You Would Be Surprised That These Get Overlooked

The holidays are upon us!  Here are a few things that you would be surprised that get overlooked from hosts and hostesses.  It happens.  I've done the research and here are some of the situations.  Don't get caught for one of them this holiday season.

• If you are offering bottled water then either have them in the fridge or offer ice as well.  Don't act like it is a burden when someone asks for a way to make their water cold.
• If you are offering a beer with a glass, then make sure the glasses in your cabinet are clean.
• Clean up that nasty facial hair and any other hair from the sink where other people have to get close enough to wash there hands. UGH! BARF!
• Put out a hand drying towel.  Nothing is worse than being the guest who can't decide what to dry their hands on.  No one wants to get stuck using someone else's bath towel.  ICK!

Has anyone else had any experiences that they would like to share??

~ With Angela O'

Opt-Out!

Tired of those pesky calls and stupid amounts of junk mail in your inbox??

Tell those companies to stick it up their tutu !

To Opt Out of pre-screening and credit offers for 5 years:

Call 1-888-567-8688

I'm Tired of Crap, how about you?  

This information was provided to me on my online banking site, so why not share the wealth!

~Angela O'

Damn, Toilet Seat Cover!

It is true that one would say they have a love-hate relationship with toilet seat covers.  You are angry when you go into a retail establishment that does not provide them for their customer.  You are exasperated with establishments that have a container in the stall pretending that they do provide them are out. You are relieved when you can grab one, as you rush in trying not to pee your pants. BUT, then you RIP it!  Dang.  Grab another, trying to not to rip it again.  OH NO! Again.  Oh gosh, you are squeezing your legs now. Yikes! 

Well, ladies I am here to tell you there is a very specific way to get that cover out, un-ripped.  In fact, it is written right on the toilet seat cover cardboard boxes but 99% of the time the instruction is covered up by the holding equipment in the stall.  I have only seen it exposed two times.  EVER!  And this is how I learned not to rip my seat cover.  

Step 1:  Gently, Pull Up

Step 2:  Gently, Pull Down

The trick is to pull up till the crease is exposed, then pull down.  Gently, of course.

Bank Deposits On-The-Go

In a hurry and hate sitting in the motor bank drive-thru?? Have these handy-dandy deposit slips made up ahead of time and they will save on your patience.   Store them in your vehicle console or glove box and they will be ready to grab before you pull up in the drive-thru.  

Need another reason??  The reality is that you never have enough of your bank pre-printed deposit slips in the back of your checkbook.  Usually there are three to five in the back of the check book.  Thirdly, you rarely carry your checkbook in the car or on your body.  So go for it and take or ask for a handful of deposit slips from the bank.  Grab your address labels and slap them on.  And please spare me the ridiculous worry about your physical home address being left in your car for thieves.  Your address is plastered on your insurance card which you are required to leave with your vehicle and in many states you are required to leave the registration in your vehicle. 

~Angela O'

Garbage Problems?

Do you have problems with the garbage bag always falling down into the can?  Is the cherry on top the fresh mess in the bottom?  Well my Aunt Shirley has solved the problem.  I found this dandy little trick when I borrowed her kitchen to make a feast one day.  She has no idea that I am sharing it.

Just get the adhesive hooks made by companies like 3M Command and place them upside down on the sides of the garbage can.

Voila!!