Tip of the Day

Save on Valentine Flowers - February 10, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Save on Valentine Flowers

Reflect on that flower purchase. If you’re sure your special someone will be devastated without the gift of flowers, then you probably should get some. But once again, you don’t have to follow the herd. Everyone opts for roses at this time of year, but there are plenty of other gorgeous and neglected (i.e., less expensive) flower varieties to choose from. And red isn’t your only option, either. You also could choose peach, pink or yellow. What’s more, if you place your flower order early, you stand to save as much as 15 percent on your purchase. And here’s another detail to consider: Does your partner love to garden and work in the yard? If so, a beautiful outdoor plant that will keep on living might be more appropriate than cut flowers that will quickly fade.

Low Cost Valentine's Food - February 9, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Low Cost Valentine's Food

Have low-cost fun with food on Feb. 14. You can pull out the cookie cutters and make heart-shaped cookies and even cut your lunch sandwiches into hearts. You also can make heart-shaped cupcakes by placing a marble inside each muffin tin on the outside of the paper cupcake cup.

Organize Your Jewelry - February 8,2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

A New Way to Organize Jewelry

A thin wooden dowel mounted inside a closet or cabinet door using cup hooks is the foundation of a simply chic jewelry hanger.

courtesy of marthastewart.com

Valentine Music on a Budget - February 7, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Valentine Music on a Budget

See some live music. Check to see whether a university or college in your area is offering any potentially enjoyable concerts on Feb. 14. Performances by the college music department would likely be free or cost a fraction of the price charged by professional orchestras and opera houses.

Take a Long Valentine Weekend - February 6, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Take a Long Valentine Weekend

Play hooky. OK, do NOT follow this tip if your job or your partner’s job is hanging in the balance. But if you’ve racked up some vacation time, or if your employer allows you to take personal days from time to time, why not see if you can take Friday, Feb. 10 or Monday, Feb. 13 off and turn Valentine's Day weekend into a three-day weekend for the two of you? Depending on where you live, the two of you could stroll through a park, walk on a beach, go snow-shoeing, take a rowboat or paddleboat out on a lake, or catch a matinee movie. You also could drive to a small town near your home or through neighborhoods you’ve never visited before and search for small, out-of-the-way places to eat or find public parks and open spaces for walks. You could do this at home, of course, or you could plan a short getaway that isn’t prohibitively expensive.

Valentine Ambiance on a Budget - February 3, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Valentine Ambiance on a Budget

Enjoy a little ambiance. If you both really want to go out on the town together, you could have coffee or a drink and dessert at an expensive café, restaurant or romantic bistro. This is a way to savor the atmosphere — and your date — without emptying your wallet.

Frugal Valentine's Dinner - February 2, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Frugal Valentine's Dinner

1. Get creative when it comes to dinner. You really don’t have to spend $85 to $250 on a romantic dinner at a restaurant. Why not have a nice candlelit dinner at home? You could even get all dressed up for it. If you know you’re going to be too tired to cook after work on Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Thursday this year, order a special meal ahead of time and pick it up on your way home.

A Kitchen Made for Kids - February 1,2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

A Kitchen Made for Kids

Teach your kids where everything goes by designating a low drawer in the kitchen for your children's plastic dishes. To remind them of what goes where, paint and label a silhouette of each dish.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Warming Winter Tea Recipe - January 31, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Warming Winter Tea Recipe

Ingredients:
• 4 cups spring or bottled water
• 1/2 teaspoon dried gingerroot
• 2 teaspoons roasted dandelion root
•1/2 teaspoon star anise
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon bark
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Milk to taste
• Nutmeg to taste
• Cardamom pods (bark removed)

1. Slowly heat the water in a noncorrodible saucepan.

2. Put the herbs into a mortar and crush slightly (or put them in a blender and run it briefly—just enough to release some of the aromas from the herbs).

3. Add the herbs to the warming water.

4. Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes.

5. Strain the liquid into two large mugs.

6. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and a splash of milk to each mug.

7. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and offer a toast to a great winter!

Courtesy of herbcompanion.com

Frostbite - January 30, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Frostbite

To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. If no warm wrappings are available, place frostbitten hands under the armpits or use your body to cover the affected area. Seek medical attention immediately.

Do not rub frostbitten areas; the friction can damage the tissue. Do not apply snow to frostbitten areas. Because its temperature is below freezing, snow will aggravate the condition.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Healthy Egg Nog Recipe - January 27, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Healthy Egg Nog Recipe

Ingredients:

6 cups of coconut milk (about 3 cans)

6 egg yolks

1/4 cup (or more) spiced rum or brandy (optional)

1 tablespoon of vanilla

1/4 cup honey or cane sugar or a few drops of stevia extract (optional)

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

How To Make (Easy Version)

Put all ingredients except alcohol in Vitamix or high powered blender and blend until smooth.

SLOWLY bring up to low heat in a medium saucepan, being careful not to let it boil. When it is warmed and barely starting to thicken, it is ready.

Chill in fridge for a few hours or overnight and whisk alcohol in just before serving.

How To Make (Traditional Way)

Heat coconut milk and vanilla until warm in medium saucepan.

Whisk or blend the egg yolks, sugar and spices in a blender.

Slowly add in about half of the coconut mixture to the egg yolks to warm it and then add the whole mixture back into the saucepan.

Bring up to low heat and whisk until barely starting to thicken.

Stir in rum or brandy and serve hot or cold.

Enjoy!

Courtesy of Wellness Mama

Loosen a Jar Lid - January 26, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Loosen a Jar Lid

Try breaking the seal by running the jar under hot water for up to a minute (tilt jar down so the water can reach the underside of the lid). Giving the lid a few wacks with a butter knife while doing this can also help speed up the process. You can also put the jar upside down in a bowl of hot water (just an inch or so deep to cover the lid edge) and leaving for up to a minute before trying again.

Courtesy of TipNut

Stranded While Driving in Winter - January 25, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Stranded While Driving in Winter

Call 911. Do not hang up until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.

Stay in your vehicle.

Avoid overexertion.

Calm down and think.

Keep fresh air in your vehicle.

Don't run the engine-unless you are certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects.

Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

Keep your blood circulating freely by loosening tight clothing, changing positions frequently and moving your arms and legs.

Don't expect to be comfortable.

Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle.

Read more at: http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/default.asp?pgid=snowandice/winterTips&sid=about

Violet Wellness Tonic - January 24, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Violet Wellness Tonic

Violet's action as a bronchial remedy stands out. The flowers, leaves, and root of the plant contain saponin, known to encourage expectoration. Violet works internally as a treatment for respiratory-tract troubles such as excess mucus, coughs, cold symptoms, and inflammation, making it a valuable companion as we head into the cold and flu season.

1. Fill a quart-size mason jar with clean, freshly picked violet leaves or 6 teaspoons dried violet (available at herb stores or online).

2. Add boiling water and cover.

3. Let sit overnight.

4. Strain and discard leaves.

5. Drink at room temperature throughout the following day.

Receipe by Rosemary Gladstar; courtesy of marthastewart.com

Hypothermia - January 23, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Hypothermia

Signs of hypothermia include forgetfulness, drowsiness, slurred speech, change in appearance (e.g., puffy face), weak pulse, slow heartbeat, and very slow and shallow breathing. If the body temperature drops to or below 86 degrees, a person may slip into a coma or have a death-like appearance.

If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance or take the victim directly to a hospital. To prevent further heat loss, wrap the patient in a warm blanket. A hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) can by applied to the person's stomach. If the victim is alert, give small quantities of warm food or drink.

There are several things you should not do to a hypothermia victim. Do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give a hot shower or bath, since it could cause shock. Generally, do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be treated in a hospital.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Natural Moth Repellant - January 20, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Natural Moth Repellant

Mothballs are made from paradichlorobenzene and can cause all kinds of health problems including damage to liver and kidneys. They’re especially hazardous to children if swallowed–and they don’t smell all that good either.

You can make sachets to stash in drawers, trunks or hang in closets out of pretty cotton fabrics, plain cheesecloth, muslin, linen or clean nylons (knee highs or cut pantyhose).

Sachet Recipes

50/50 rosemary and mint

1 part dried lavender, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part dried lemon peel, 1 TBS cloves

1 part whole cloves, 1 part whole peppercorns, 2 – 4 cinnamon sticks broken in pieces

1 part dried lavender, 1 part dried lemon peel, 1 broken cinnamon stick

1 part cedar shavings, 1 part thyme

1 part peppermint, 1 part spearmint, 1 part rosemary, 1/2 part thyme

You can mix and match your own recipes, or just use 100% one ingredient if you like.

Courtesy of TipNut

Mole & Mice Repellant - January 19, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Mole & Mice Repellant

2 TBS Castor oil
6 TBS liquid dish washing soap
1 tsp Tabasco
1 minced garlic clove
1 quart water

Directions: Mix a fresh batch before use, pour around the rodent hole.

Reapply after each rain.

Source: Natural Alternatives for You and Your Home by Casey Kellar.

4x4 Vehicles - January 18, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

4x4 Vehicles

Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction.

Courtesy of Massachussetts Dept. of Transportation

Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate- January 17, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Spiced Hot Dark Chocolate

According to Ayurvedic medicine, warming spices such as cinnamon and cardamom can help boost energy. And by swapping soy milk for regular, you ensure that dark chocolate's antioxidants will be more fully absorbed.

Ingredients

1 quart soy milk

6 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk over medium-low heat until the chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is steaming hot, about 5 minutes. Serve.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

How to Treat a Cold - January 16, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

How to Treat a Cold

The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible and drink plenty of fluids, especially fruit juices. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve some of the symptoms, but they will not prevent, cure or even shorten the course of the illness.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health

Improve Traction - January 13, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Improve Traction

During winter keep two bags of sand or kitty litter in your car's trunk, one over each of the back wheels. The extra weight will help your vehicle keep traction in wintry driving conditions. If your car gets stuck in the snow, you can pour the sand or kitty litter behind the wheels to gain traction.

NO Aspirin for Chickenpox Relief - January 12, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

NO Aspirin for Chickenpox Relief

What not to do: Do not give aspirin to a child with chickenpox since this can increase the risk of Reye’s Syndrome.

Courtesy of TipNut

"Cruising" through Winter - January 11, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

"Cruising Through Winter"

Don't use the "cruise control" option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Courtesy of Massachussetts Dept. of Transportation

Natural Cough-Control Tea - January 10, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Natural Cough-Control Tea

For natural, reliable cough relief, try a tea recipe featuring thyme, which alleviates chest congestion and supports respiratory function, along with throat-soothing honey, sage, and vitamin-C-rich lemon.

1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.)

2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.

4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief.

Courtesy of marthastewart.com

Avoid Catching a Cold - January 9, 2012 - Daily Family Friendly Tips

Jenny Wanderscheid — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Avoid Catching a Cold

While there is no vaccine to protect you from catching a cold, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep up your natural resistance through good nutrition and getting enough sleep and exercise. Turn your thermostat down and keep the humidity up in your home. Dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Avoid direct contact with those who have colds and wash your hands frequently.

Courtesy of Illinois Dept. of Public Health