May 22, 2007 by sdelia.

Greener Home Cleaning
How to clean your house, without jeopardizing your family’s health 

By Rachel Rabkin Pechman When cleaning, the last thing you want to do is fill the air with toxins that are hazardous to the environment — and even to your family’s health. Yet that’s what you might be doing if you use certain traditional cleaners, many of which contain synthetic chemicals that haven’t been safety-tested. Experts are divided as to whether these cleaners can harm you, but if you’re concerned, here’s how to limit exposure, from Linda Mason Hunter, co-author of Green Clean: 

Air it out. Leave windows open during and after cleaning so that the chemicals don’t linger in the air. Buy “green” alternatives, like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer’s. Or look for products with these terms: biodegradable; plant-based; hypoallergenic; formulated without dye or synthetic fragrance; non-flammable; does not contain chlorine, phosphate, petroleum, ammonia, acids, alkalized solvents, nitrates, or borates. 

Make your own. Try: • A mix of baking soda and distilled white vinegar to scrub the toilet 

•Distilled white vinegar mixed with warm water to clean hardwood floors •Vegetable-based soap with a few drops of lavender essential oil to make an antiseptic cleaning spray 

Do what you can. Using green cleaners even some of the time is better than never. To learn more, visit householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov. 

Parenting, June 2007

 http://www.abundantlivinglegacy.org/mypage.php

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May 12, 2007 by sdelia.

To all the wonderful mom’s out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

If you or your mom like to use massage oil, you’ll love this recipe. It can also be used in the bath.

Herbs are perfect for making scented massage oils because of their strong scent.

1/2 cup of your favorite light oil, (almond, canola, olive, etc.)                                    1 tablespoon fresh herb or a combination of herb.

Mix together the oil and the herb or herbs. Heat gently in the microwave or on the stove top, but do not boil. ( I usually microwave on high for 2-minutes.  Cool the oil mixtue completely, about 30-minutes. Filter out all of the solids in the oil by pouring through a funnel with a coffee filter into a clean glass jar or bottle. Use and enjoy.

Stimulating herbs

• Rosemary: Cures apathy and is good for the memory.
• Oregano: Boosts circulation.
• Mint: energizing, raises your metabolism

Relaxing herbs

• Chamomile: Relaxing; cures insomnia.
• Lavender: Soothing, calming; cures headaches.
• Basil:  Calms the nerves, cures stress; good for decision making, helps concentration.  

With fresh herbs, I like to save a sprig or two to place inside the bottle.  

Sharon                            

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