Nevada FCU's Blog

Fall Fun Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:37:00 +0000

Trees take water from the ground through their roots & take carbon dioxide from the air. They also use the energy from sunlight to produce sugar which together is called photosynthesis.

Because of its wide verity of trees, the Eastern United States, especially the North Eastern U.S., is one of the best places in the world for viewing fall colors.

Bright red & purple colors come from anthocyanin (an-thuh-’si-uh-nuhn) pigments, like in maple leaves, are formed from trapped glucose.

Brown colors come from a waste product called tannin, orange colors comes from carotene (‘kar-uh-teen) & the yellows from xanthophyll (‘zan-thuh-fil)

The leave colors red, yellow & brown are in the leaves all year long & only become exposed when the green chlorophyll disappears in the fall.

Mulching fall leaves where they fall lets them decompose so that they can release their minerals back to the underlying soil.

Maples, Oaks, Elms, Birch & Ash trees are just a few of the trees that give spectacular colors during the Autumn season.

Fall colors are best when late summer is dry & autumn has bright sunny days & cool nights below 40 °F.

Fall days become shorter & many plants stop making food. That is when the green chlorophyll starts to disappear from the leaves.

Most leaves fall from trees because the ends of the branch are sealed off near the leaf stem to protect the tree through the long winter months.

Composting fall leaves is an excellent way to improve yard & garden soils. Mixing green & brown materials together is the basic rule.

An acre of trees can grow 4,000 pounds of wood in a year, using 5,880 pounds of carbon dioxide & giving off 4,280 pounds of oxygen in the process.

Source: www.lookingforadventure.com

Northern Nevada Annual Candy Dance

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:11:00 +0000

You may not know about Genoa Nevada so I thought today might be a good day to share some of Northern Nevada's history. South of Carson City near highway 395, Genoa is the oldest trading post community in the State of Nevada. In 1850 a trading post was built in what is now Genoa and the first settlement. One of the many events held in Genoa is their annual event called the Candy Dance. Originally the Candy Dance was held to generate funds to purchase street lights. At the event, the folks in town made homemade candy to draw the surrounding community in hopes they would participate in the fund raising activities. Well truth be told, the evening of the Candy Dance consisted of a dance and a dinner which I am sure drew many participants.

As the story goes, the funds for the lights were raised, but now how to pay the annual light costs. Hence the Candy Dance has a long history of 91 years and still going strong. Over 300 vendors participate in the event as well as the towns people, yes, still make homemade candy.

The dates for this years event are September 24-25, 2011 with the hours of 9 am to 5 pm and the Candy Dinner Dance on Saturday night from 5 pm to 10 pm. The tickets for the dance are going quick for only $27.50 per person. Don't miss out and call the Town Office at 775-782-8696 for your tickets today.

Going on Vacation? The one thing you can't leave home without.

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Always bring duct tape and/or clear packing tape. They both have numerous uses. I use the clear packing tape to wrap around shampoo and lotion tops. This prevents spills and possibly ruining your clothes. Now that you can’t carry-on fluids in your bag, I found wrapping these items can be very helpful!

Duct tape can be used as a waterproof patch for a tent, an inflatable raft, a backpack, a shoe—you name it—or for repairing any number of cracked or broken items.

Next time you travel don’t leave home with them!

Debit Card Crazy 2 Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen, The Coupon Queen) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:33:00 +0000

We're giving you another shot to win! From September 1 – September 30, you'll be entered in our second debit card swipe and sign contest and one of five great prizes could be yours! To enter, simply use your debit card for your everyday purchases. The more times you use your card and choose "credit" (not your PIN), the more chances you have to win. Fast food, groceries, gas, clothes or coffee – it all counts!

You're already entered, so start shopping today and use your Nevada Federal debit card for every purchase! Don't forget to choose "credit" and sign for your transaction.

Good Luck and go debit card crazy today!
1st Place — most eligible transactions in September - win an iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G
2nd Place — second eligible transactions in September - win $500 Cash
3rd Place — third eligible transactions in September - win an Amazon Kindle
4th Place — fourth eligible transactions in September - win an iPod Touch
5th Place —fifth eligible transactions in September - win a $50 Gift Card

Clicke here for complete details and contest rules.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Supplies:

Buy paper products that use 100% recycled content. This includes lined, construction/art and printer paper, notebooks, folders, sketchbooks, sticky notes, etc.

Choose plastic products made from recycled content, i.e., pens, scissor handles, binders, protractors, etc. Also, think about buying just one refillable pen for your child. If everyone did this, we could save tons of waste heading into landfills and the air.

Purchase pencils that are FSC certified. These are manufactured from reforested wood.

Look for items that are produced from alternative energies, such as wind or solar.

Buy used or reusable items when possible. All those old school supplies have to end up somewhere, and that somewhere should not be landfills.

Lastly, if it’s really time for a new book bag, check out the eco-options at inhabitat.com.

You can find all of the above, and more, at the following websites: earthbinder.com, redapplesupply.com, and thegreenoffice.com. Staples.com also provides greener alternatives.

Desk/Homework Area:

If your child needs a new desk for homework this year, try finding one at your local flea market or antique store and refinishing it with a fresh coat of low - or no - VOC paint. Unlike that $50 desk from a big box store that will likely start wobbling by next school year, you’ll actually have a quality piece of furniture your child can use up through his or her college days.

Use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in desk lamps. If you need to purchase a new lamp, check out your neighborhood Goodwill store first. You can always spray paint it to match your décor.

Clothes:

A new school year doesn’t always have to mean new clothes. If you’re child is still young and growing fast, you should probably look into used clothing from friends, family and consignment or thrift stores. You know, before they start caring about what label they’re wearing. This is especially helpful if you’re on a tight budget.

If you’re opposed to used clothes and want new, new, new, at least look for clothes made from organic cotton, hemp or bamboo from retailers like hannasdream.com, thegreenloop.com, greenedgekids.com and kidbean.com. If those don’t satisfy you, at the very least shop at stores with an environmental/social commitment like llbean.com or gap.com. And don’t forget to bring your canvas shopping bags with you.

Source: www.rd.com

The Great Reno Balloon Race

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:02:00 +0000

This year is the 30th anniversary of The Great Reno Balloon Race. Starting on Friday, September 9th through Sunday September 11th.

The festivities start as early as 6:45 am on Friday with a mass ascension launch and 5 am on Saturday with the Glow Show.

A new balloon this year is Darth Vader, one of the most photographed of the balloons.

More information can be retrieved by visiting http://www.renoballoon.com/. Parking is a premium so go to the site listed here and you may still have the opportunity to purchase a parking pass to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Afternoon slump?

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:35:00 +0000

If the afternoon seems to be dragging on and you do not have any energy try some of theses remedies:

Head outside and sit in the daylight for 10 minutes.

Better still, have your lunch outside and divide your break between eating and a walk. It will help reset your chronological clock, keep down the amount of melatonin (the sleep hormone) your body produces during this circadian dip.

Choose activating protein not energy-sapping carbs.

So a tuna salad without the bread is a better choice than a tuna sandwich. A green salad sprinkled with low-fat cheese, a hardboiled egg and some sliced turkey wins over a pasta salad. The change can really make a difference.

Enjoy teatime.

Get into the routine of a mid-afternoon cup. It’s a good step towards beating the afternoon doldrums thanks to that little bit of a caffeine burst and the few quiet minutes it entails. Keep a selection of exotic flavored teas (preferably caffeinated) in your office and an aesthetically pleasing cup just for tea.

Clean your desk and clear out your email inbox.

Both are relatively mindless tasks that don’t require great amounts of concentration or clear thinking, and both will leave you feeling more energized because you’ll have accomplished something visible as well as having reduced energy-sapping clutter.

Make an “I was thinking of you” phone call.

To your wife, child, siblings, parents, a friend or a retired colleague. A 5 minute keep-in-touch call will lift your spirits for hours and reinvigorate you to get your work done.

Put a drop of peppermint oil in your hand

Briskly rub your hands together, then rub them over your face (avoid your eyes). Peppermint is a known energy-enhancing scent.

Stretch.

Roll your shoulders forwards, then backwards, timing each roll with a deep breath in and out. Repeat for 2 minutes.

Consider a morsel of dark chocolate.

This is not a license to overindulge, but dark chocolate does have some unique advantages. Unlike milk chocolate, it is truly a healthy food, closer to the category of nuts than sweets, given the high levels of healthy fat and antioxidants it contains. Plus, it has abundant fiber and magnesium. Additionally, it provides a little caffeine, as well as a satisfyingly decadent feeling. But don’t eat more than one square.

Chew some “spicy” gum.

Chewing gums with strong minty flavors are stimulating, and the mere act of chewing is something of a tonic to a brain succumbing to lethargy. Plus, chewing stimulates saliva, which helps to clear out bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease from lunch. Just be sure to choose sugar-free gum.

Source: RD.com

Attention NFCU Members with Medicare

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:20:00 +0000

If you didn’t know already, Medicare has changed its open enrollment dates.

In the past, open enrollment was in November or December. Please contact Medicare to make sure that you do not miss your open enrollment date.

Don’t wait! Need help? Consider using an expert.

Medicare: You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance to find out more about coverage options; TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Area aging agencies: Medicare has been working with senior centers and other local organizations to provide Medicare Part D education and assistance in your community. To find help, contact your local aging agency. Call 800-677-1116 to get your local number.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP): Every state offers one-on-one help from trained advisors. Find contact information at medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.aspx

Source: Readers Digest

Friendship Day this Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Friendship Day is celebrated every year, on the first Sunday of August. In 2011, it will be celebrated on August 7th. The day for the occasion was declared by the US congress in 1935. The occasion began as a small event, to commemorate the relation shared by friends. Today, it has taken the shape of a grand festival. Gone are the days, when holidays such as Friendship Day were confined to the westerners. Today, since the world has turned into a global village, people in the rest of the world have adopted Friendship Day wholeheartedly and celebrate it with great enthusiasm, just like any other occasion. I don't think any of us can survive without having at least a true friend in his/her life. And for me that includes my dogs!

Source: festivals.iloveindia.com

Coupon Clipping

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 +0000

During a recent internet search I came across an amazing website for coupon clipping. They have a wide variety of stores and products.

So if you are on the lookout to make a purchase check this site out first and see if they have a coupon worth your while.

Check it out at: CouponSherpa.com.

2011 Annual Reno Nevada Humane Society Duck Race

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:11:00 +0000

Mark you calendars now, you don't want to miss this fun and supportive event. The Nevada Humane Society Duck Race & Festival is swimming back to Reno for a second year. Join the fun on Sunday, August 28 at Wingfield Park. Bring the family to this heart warming event for music and dance, games, clowns, face painting and refreshments. Watch 20,000 bright yellow rubber ducks race to the finish line to raise money and awareness for the cause of homeless pets in our region—and awesome prizes for adopters of the fastest quackers (yellow rubber duck). I hope to see you there because they cannot operate without all of us supporting if we can. Thank you for helping to make a difference!

For more information:• E-mail duckraceinfo@nevadahumanesociety.org• Call 775-856-2000, ext. 324

Parents Day this Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:11:00 +0000

You must be asking yourself, Parents Day what is that? Well National Parents Day is a special day to honor your mother and father. It is a time to celebrate the family structure and family values. The family unit is an important structure for the health of children, and the nation. That structure, and those values, are established and nurtured by your parents.

Today is not a day of gift giving. That’s for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The best way to mark this day is by spending time with your parents doing something fun. Its also important that you let them how how much they are loved and appreciated.

Okay, kids everywhere young and old....... its National Parents Day. Go out and honor mom and dad!

Source: Holidayinsights.com

Some Nevada FUN Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:30:00 +0000

In Death Valley, the Kangaroo Rat can live its entire life without drinking a drop of liquid.

The Reno Ice Pavilion is a 16,000-square-foot rink once dismantled and moved to Reno from Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In Tonopah the young Jack Dempsey was once the bartender and the bouncer at the still popular Mispah Hotel and Casino. Famous lawman and folk hero Wyatt Earp once kept the peace in the town.

Nevada takes its name from a Spanish word meaning snow-clad.

Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the nation. It is second in the world behind South Africa.

To drive from Los Angeles, California to Reno, Nevada the direction traveled is to the west.

Source: 50states.com/facts/nevada.htm

It's Summer time - Let's enjoy it!

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Nothing says summer like salads. I especially enjoy making salads with fresh "in season" ingredients. When the temperature starts to climb I am always looking for new stove or oven free fare to make and enjoy. Here is a recipe that I found online that look light and refreshing.

Summer Hawaiian Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

3-1/2 cups cubed fresh pineapple

3 cups honeydew balls

1-1/2 cups cantaloupe balls

1 medium mango, peeled and cubed

1 cup green grapes

1 cup halved fresh strawberries

1 kiwifruit, peeled, quartered and sliced

Banana Dressing:

2 small bananas, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup (8 ounces) reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a food processor, combine the bananas, sour cream, brown sugar and lemon juice. Cover and process until smooth. Serve with fruit. Yield: 14 servings.

Source: tasteofhome.com

Did You Know?

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:33:00 +0000

John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826--the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July 2011!

Source: Historychannel.com

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua: A 20th Anniversary Celebration

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Nevada Humanities presents the 2011 Nevada Humanities Chautauqua festival, June 26-30, at the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno. Explore the lives and times of legendary characters including Henry VIII, CoCo Chanel, painter Thomas Hart Benton, Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King Jr., and Thomas Jefferson, during the evening programs. Each night begins with a musical performance featuring a local band. Music starts at 6:00 pm., and Chautauqua performances begin at 7:00 pm. There are plenty of comfortable chairs as well as a lawn area for those who prefer to sit on a blanket.

Nevada Humanities Chautauqua blends the insightful depth of historical research with the fun of theatrical entertainment. The Chautauqua format is simple: a performer, in the guise of a historical figure, such as Mark Twain or Thomas Jefferson, tells "first-hand" stories about important episodes in the character's life.

Chautauqua turns 20 on Thursday night. Join the celebration and cast of characters for birthday cake and a few commemorative toasts to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nevada Humanities Chautauqua in front of the stage just before the evening show. More information about these events and the Nevada Humanities can be found at www.nevadahumanities.org

Wedding Season is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Here are some wedding gift ideas if you are on a budget:

Go to your local wine store and ask for some ideas on special occasion wines. Just make sure you mention that in the card - example “first weekend home alone after the festivities are over celebration.”

Some plants, herbs or seeds for the happy couple to plant and grow along with.

Buy a movie gift card so they can go out and have their first official “date night” as a married couple.

Some couples post their honeymoon info on a site and you could just add a donation to their honeymoon.

If you have any ideas that I have not mentioned please be sure to leave a comment.

Are you ready for Father’s Day this weekend?

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Luckily for me and my brothers we are. My Dad decided a few years back that he wanted us to donate some money to a charity instead of buying him a present. I think his decision stems from us getting him many ridiculous gifts over the years that he really doesn’t need (a samurai garden sword comes to mind).

So for me, instead of searching for ideas and things that my Dad probably doesn’t want or need. I just pick a local charity (usually a women’s shelter) and donate around $25.00 or whatever I can afford at the time. And again I just didn’t waste $25.00 on another needless shirt that he will probably never wear.

This has really been great - I think the idea is so helpful, and it makes everyone feel good; my Dad, me and the charity.

Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s out there!

Egyptian Exhibit at Nevada Museum of Art in Reno

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:31:00 +0000

Take a local trip back in time by visiting about 100 Egyptian artifacts on display at the Nevada Museum of Art. The "To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum" will be on display between now and September 4th, 2011. Go and see how wealthy Egyptians were prepared for the afterlife. A 2,000 year-old mummy named Demetrios lies in a case at the Nevada Museum which is just one of the examples of how the afterlife was prepared for. For more information visit http://www.nevadaart.org/ or by calling 775-329-3333. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday. Refer to site for entrance fees. The museum is located at 160 West Liberty Street downtown Reno.

Ghost Town, Fossil and Nevada Pioneer Heritage

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:39:00 +0000

With winter nearly behind us in Northern Nevada we can all be excited about spending a little time outdoors exploring. One place to explore is the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park which is 23 miles east of Gabbs on state route 844. The desert park is home to the ghost town of Berlin and an ichthyosaur fossil that's one of the world's largest-known specimens.

Berlins silver-mining heyday was from 1898-1911. Although a ghost town today, many of the town's original buildings and a cemetery remain and are part of a self-guided tour.
The main ichthyosaur fossil (one of about 40 discovered in the park) is housed in a shelter, built over the excavation site that began in 1954. This prehistoric marine reptile ranged from 2 to 50 feet long and lived near Berlin when an ancient sea covered the area. They resemble whales and dolphins. Tours of the fossil house are given from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hours of the fossil tours are 10 am and 2 pm and a noon tour added on Saturday and Sunday. Admission fees are charged.

More details can be obtained by telephoning 775-964-2440 or http://www.parks.nv.gov/.

Ending the Great Condiment Debate

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

You like to keep your peanut butter in the fridge. Your spouse says it’s fine on the shelf. Who’s right? Actually, you both are, as long as you plan to finish the jar within a few months. Put an end to the “Great Condiment Debate” with this handy list of storage and shelf life tips for your favorite dressings and spreads:

Ketchup Like many condiments, ketchup can be stored either in the refrigerator or on the shelf even after it’s been opened. If you don’t use it regularly, however, opt for the fridge. Unopened ketchup will last at least a year. Once opened, it should be used within a month if stored in the cabinet or within six months if stored in the refrigerator.

Mayonnaise Unopened mayonnaise stored in the pantry should ideally be used by the “Best By” date on the package (but in most cases will still be good for up to four months after that date). Mayo is made from eggs, so it must be refrigerated once it’s been opened. A jar will last up to three months in the refrigerator and should never be left on the counter for more than an hour or two.

Mustard One of the heartier condiments, unopened mustard can still be used after two years on the shelf. Once opened, a jar can be stored for up to two months in the cabinet and a full year in the fridge.

Peanut butter Unopened jars can be stored in the cabinet for up to nine months. Opened jars are fine for at least a month on the shelf, and considerably longer in the refrigerator.

Jams, jellies, and preserves Unless they’re homemade or the label instructs otherwise, unopened jars can be stored for at least a year on the shelf, though they will last longer and taste better if refrigerated. Once opened, they’ll last another year in the fridge.

Soy sauce When it comes to condiments, soy sauce goes the distance. An unopened bottle will last up to three years on the shelf, while an opened bottle can remain in the fridge for up to two years. (Opened soy sauce can be stored on the shelf for a short time, but it lasts far longer when refrigerated.)

Barbeque sauce BBQ sauce can remain in the cabinet for a year unopened. Once opened, bottles can be stored up to a month on the shelf and up to four months in the refrigerator.

Capers Unopened jars of capers packed in brine can be stored on the shelf for up to three years before opening, and up to a year in the refrigerator after opening.

Cocktail sauce Store unopened cocktail sauce in the pantry for up to a year and a half. Opened jars can remain on the shelf for up to a month, but will last four months or more in the refrigerator. (Note: Never dip seafood directly into the jar or pour sauce that has come in contact with seafood back into the jar.)

Vegetable oil sprays Handy spray cans of most varieties of oil will last up to two years in the pantry.

Salsa Bottled salsa will last up to 18 months on the shelf and up to a month in the refrigerator. If transferred to a freezer bag or air-tight container, it can be frozen for another two months. Fresh salsa should be opened within two weeks or frozen for up to two months. Once opened, eat it or freeze it within a week (ditto for homemade).

Sources: StillTasty.com, WebMD.com, Reader’s Digest Editors

Northern Nevada Humane Society Event

wanidab@nevadafederal.org (Wanida - The Listener) — Tue, 31 May 2011 23:17:00 +0000

The Nevada Humane Society Walk For Animals fundraiser takes place this Saturday, June 4th at the Sparks Marina. This event includes a 2-mile fun walk, vendors, demonstrations, entertainment, food and more.

Further details can be gathered by calling 775-856-2000 ext 335 or at www.nevadahumanesociety.org Visit the site listed for the details regarding the many prizes participants have the opportunity to earn. According to the latest weather reports Sparks will be sunny with a high of 70 degrees on Saturday. Plan a fun family outing at the Sparks Marina supporting the Nevada Humane Society and the animals in their care.

How to get started on stretching your dollar

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Here are some ideas I have done and that I found on the web to help maximize your dollars.

Did you know if separated, bananas take longer to ripen? Bananas emit an ethylene gas that makes the others in the bunch ripen faster.

To make lettuce last longer, just rinse it off and place in a zip lock bag wrapped in some damp paper towels. It should keep a few days longer and be ready to use. That works better than buying the expensive pre-washed ready to use lettuce.

Have you contacted your local cable company? I just did, and I am saving about $75.00 a month just from asking them every question I could. I didn’t realize I was paying for services that I didn’t even use. It is worth the time to check it out.

Did you know that some hair salons add water to the shampoo that they use on your hair? Next time try saving your old bottle of shampoo and pour half into the old and add water. See if you can tell the difference?

Most laundry detergents work the same as well if you only use half the amount. Especially if you have a HE (high efficiency) appliances.

Good luck and happy saving to you!

Source: www.rd.com

8 Ways to Alleviate Allergies Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (Ione C) — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:30:00 +0000

1. Stop the sneezing

To stop the sniffles try to eliminate the following foods from your diet: wheat, dairy, shellfish, chocolate, cold and raw foods, fried foods, white sugar, bleached flours, and sweetened beverages. If you suffer from ragweed or other weed pollen allergies you will definitely want to avoid the following foods and herbs: melons, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, bananas, chamomile, and echinacea.

2. Spice up your resistance

If you enjoy some fire in your dishes, then you are in for a happy surprise: spices can thin the mucous secretions that are so often a byproduct of allergies. Use more cayenne pepper, hot ginger, fenugreek, onion, and garlic in your cooking so that you are free to smell the roses without the symptoms!

3. Fight allergies with healthy fats

Make sure to include fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds in your diet daily for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

4. Vaporize your allergies

To breathe more clearly, try this stovetop remedy. Put one drop of menthol or wintergreen into a pot of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel, lean over the pot and inhale the vapors. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot steam.

5. Another one bites the dust

If the choice is up to you, opt for solid wood or stone floors--carpets tend to breed dust mites and fungal colonies. Vacuum twice a week and limit throw rugs to reduce dust and mold.

6. Say no to Fido and flowers

To get your beauty rest, keep pets away from the bedroom, beds, and couches. Leave the plants and flowers to the florist, as they sometimes harbor mold that exacerbate your allergies.

7. Cultivate allergy-free air

Toss the chemical cleaners, perfumes, and hair sprays if you want to breathe better. Try to minimize cooking fumes and do not smoke. Keep car windows closed and set the air conditioner to use re-circulated air.

8. Avoid pesky pollen

To minimize pollen and allergen exposure, wash your clothes and shower as soon as you come in from the great outdoors. Outside pollen counts are usually highest between 5 and 10 a.m. so spend as little time as possible out doors during this time of day.

Source: Yahoohealth.com

This blog is meant to educate, but it should not be used as a substitute for personal medical advice. The reader should consult his or her physician or clinician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.

Helldorado Days May 12-15

noreply@blogger.com (Jen, The Coupon Queen) — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:20:00 +0000

I've been living in Las Vegas since 2004 and I have never heard of Helldorado Days until just the other day in my office, so I was extremely surprised to hear that it's the longest running civic event in the history of Las Vegas.

Helldorado Days this May 12-15, 2011, is an outdoor community event celebrating Las Vegas’ tribute to the wild west and produced by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge No.1468. Helldorado Days which began in 1935, originally created as a means to encourage tourism to the city upon completion of the Boulder Dam.

With a growing audience of over 15,000 people in attendance, Helldorado Days offers a 4 day pro rodeo, a parade, carnival, treasure hunt for gold, whiskerino contest, golf tournament, poker tournament, art show and auction, trail ride, exhibits and food. For 4 days Downtown Las Vegas is transformed into Helldorado Days as the event takes over several vacant downtown blocks and builds a rodeo arena and carnival from the ground up.

Visit the website for more info.