1 Question to Avoid Unnecessary ER Visits

1 Question to Avoid Unnecessary ER Visits

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We hear a lot of talk about when the emergency room is necessary. When it is – it is. But it’s so expensive, and it’s such a hassle. No one wants to end up there if you don’t have to be there!

One simple question has made it much easier for us to determine when to go and when to stay home.

What can/will they do that we cannot do at home?

I know; it seems almost too obvious. But you’d be surprised how often people go in for things that the ER cannot do anything about. Seriously, if you have a run-of-the-mill stomach virus, they’re really not going to do anything except push fluids. Won’t you be more comfortable drinking fluids at home? (The last thing I want to do if I’m experiencing gastrointestinal distress is leave the house!)

If you have a headache, can they really do anything besides give you painkillers? (Sure, if this is an ongoing problem, they might want to run tests to rule out any serious cause. But those tests can probably wait for a regular doctor’s visit which will be less hassle and less expensive.)

But if you suspect a broken bone – well, they can set it, and I’m guessing you can’t. (At the very least, that’s not something any of us wants to DIY unless circumstances force us into it!)

Don’t get the wrong idea, though. I’m not suggesting there’s a “right answer” or a “wrong answer” to the question above. It will be different for every situation. And as far as I’m concerned, “provide peace of mind” is a perfectly valid answer. I’ve made a couple of those trips, myself. (I have a history of ectopic pregnancy, so if I’m panicked that something might be that, they can run tests that will reassure me that nothing is going to rupture. The reduced stress is worth it to me.)

The point is to ask yourself the question, and only go in if you are convinced there is something they can offer that you can’t get at home (or can’t reasonably wait until later). The “what” may be different, depending on our family situation and our choices. I would not take a child in for the flu, because they can’t do anything I can’t that I would let them do. (Flu complications might be a different story.) But if you are comfortable with Tamiflu (I’m not; for one thing it’s been tied to suicidal tendencies in children but not been proven effective), then it might be worth it to you to go in and get a prescription.

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Original article and pictures take titus2homemaker.com site

{DIY} Sinus and Immune Support Essential Oil Blend

{DIY} Sinus and Immune Support Essential Oil Blend

To say my family struggles with nasal reactions to seasonal changes would be an understatement. It was during a particularly bad bout of reactions to the weather coupled with other seasonal issues that just would not die that sent me on a trip to our local health food store.

DIY Sinus And Immune Support Essential Oil Blend

I essentially begged them for something that we could use in conjunction with our usual over the counter treatments that would bring us all some additional relief for our oh so snotty, sneezy, and headachy symptoms. The woman working there that day suggested I try a “homeopathic” sinus oil blend that contained both frankincense and myrrh.

When it comes to remedies labeled homeopathic I’m a huge skeptic, but I knew first hand how much essential oils can help with moderate ailments, so I was willing to try it.

This Blend Really Works!

Let me tell you, this stuff works! Really well in fact. But that’s not the half of it. The more I started researching essential oils and their properties, the more I realized how much this one little bottle labeled “sinus” could actually do.

In our home we’ve used this blend to: stave off seasonal attacks, help sinus head tension, massage sore muscles, treat skin blemishes, treat restless leg syndrome, and another family member has even used it to help with her major discomfort when she had issues with ovarian function.

This little bottle is amazing! I started buying it whenever I made my usual trip to the store. But a few months ago I went to the store and was informed they were out of the sinus blend. Then the next time I went in I was informed, to my absolute horror, that they can no longer order it at all.

Rather than panic that my miracle blend of oil was no longer being manufactured I decided to dabble in alchemy instead. So I purchased every essential oil listed in the ingredients that I didn’t currently have in my stash in an attempt to duplicate the blend.

DIY Sinus And Anti Inflammatory Essential Oil Blend

I started with an equal amounts of essential oils diluted in sunflower seed oil and started sniffing between my leftover blend and my new blend. Real scientific, I know. The result is an oil blend recipe, however, that is extremely close to the original that works (according to my husband and others I’ve made it for) just as well.

The downside of this miracle blend is it contains some pricey oils. If you aren’t 100% convinced on the effectiveness of essential oils this blend will definitely convince you (it did my husband). There is a reason why oils like frankincense and myrrh are more expensive, the main one being they’re effective.

You could make this blend without the frankinsence and myrrh but you would lose some of the therapeutic properties. It’s worth a shot though especially if you already have the other oils in your stash.

Sinus and Immune Essential Oil Blend

Ingredients:

4 Tsps Sunflower Seed Oil

15 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil

15 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

15 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

15 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil

15 Drops Myrrh Essential Oil

8 Drops Geranium Essential Oil

Directions:

Combine all oils and store in a dark glass container.

Oil can be rubbed below nose, to help with seasonal or environmental threats, or on temples to help with head tension associated with sinus pressure.

The blend can also be used on other areas of the body to help with health inflammatory response.

Use Essential Oils Safely and Confidently with Your Family

Would you like a resource to help you learn to use essential oils with your family? Download this free 3-page printable:

• Basic guidelines for using essential oils around kids
• A list of safe, kid-friendly oils essential oils
• Helpful essential oil recipes

Click the link or image below to download the 3-page Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet. I’ll follow it up with more resources and free printables to help you on your essential oil journey. Grab your copy now!

Download Now

*FDA disclaimer: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”

Original article and pictures take www.intoxicatedonlife.com site

{DIY} Non-Toxic Sunburn Care

{DIY} Non-Toxic Sunburn Care

Preventing sunburn and sun damage is very important. Excessive sun exposure causes long-lasting skin damage and can lead to cancer. There are many ways we can prevent harmful rays from harming our skin and our children’s skin, from using a non-toxic DIY sunscreen, to wearing sun-blocking clothing, and more.

Diy Non Toxic Sunburn Care

However, most of us will eventually get a sunburn, and so will our kids. What should you do when the deed has been done and it’s time to take care of a sunburn? Your primary goals will be relieving red and inflamed skin while also reducing pain. There may be ways to help speed up the natural healing process as well.

Natural Remedies for Sunburn

Here are some of the best tried and true natural remedies for sunburned skin:

Water. Take a lukewarm or slightly cool bath to help cool down the sunburn. Alternatively, apply cold, damp towels. This also helps add moisture to the skin, which has been severely dried out by sunburning. Drinking extra water is also essential to rehydrating.

Aloe Vera. The liquid from this plant contains amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals such as A, C, E, folic acid and choline that are all known to aid healing and reduce discomfort. It cools the skin and adds moisture, helping to prevent peeling. If you look for lotions to use, remember to avoid those that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine, which can trap heat and increase burning, or cause irritation.

Coconut Oil. Coconut oil contains wonderful fatty acids that help moisturize and speed up the healing process of the skin. It is another great option for cooling the skin and helping to prevent peeling.

Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV has natural anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins and minerals that help heal and nourish your skin. Try adding some to an after-sun spray (see below for a recipe) or add a cup of it to your lukewarm bath. The smell is strong but doesn’t last long!

Essential Oils. Several essential oils have amazing soothing, cooling, and healing properties that can help your skin recover quickly from a sunburn. Using high-quality oils is important. Here are a few of the best oils for sunburn care: Lavender, Peppermint, Melaleuca, Chamomile, Frankincense, Blue Yarrow, and Helichrysum.

How We Treat Sunburn Naturally

Our favorite way to treat sunburn is to use one of the simple DIY Sunburn Care recipes below. You can mix them up and use them right away or keep them in the refrigerator for extra cooling effect.

DIY Non-Toxic Sunburn Lotion

• 10 drops Lavender
• 10 drops Frankincense, Chamomile, or Peppermint
• 1/2 cup coconut oil

Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. The coconut oil will melt as you mix it, but you can warm it slightly if needed before adding the essential oils. This is the recipe I prefer most because it’s easy and quick.. If we run into trouble, I keep a pint jelly jar full of it in the refrigerator and use until it’s gone. We don’t often get sunburned (we use our sunscreen recipe!) so sometimes just using this after a long day outside is really nice.

I ALWAYS use the 10 drops lavender, but you can feel free to change up the second set of drops with one or a combination of chamomile, peppermint, frankincense, or other good oils for sunburns. Most people LOVE peppermint for it’s cooling qualities, but I generally have a hard time with the scent and strength of peppermint (my kids do as well), so I prefer 10 drips frankincense to go with my lavender.

DIY Non-Toxic Sunburn Spray

• 10 drops Lavender
• 10 drops Frankincense, Chamomile, or Peppermint
• 2 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
• Water

Combine ingredients in a 4 oz spray bottle (dark glass preferred) and fill the rest with water. Shake well before using. You can keep it in your bag or purse for an outing, but I prefer storing it in the fridge when not in use.

Again, preventing sunburn is better than treating it, but it sometimes is necessary anyway. Taking a lukewarm bath, drinking a lot of water, keeping the skin protected and covered, and then using our homemade lotion or spray does the trick to heal sunburn quickly and reduce discomfort. We hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do!

* Note: While we love using natural remedies for things, do be aware of symptoms that might indicate more attention. If there is a fever involved, heatstroke may be a concern. Burns over large areas of the body or bad burns on small children might need extra medical attention.

Sources:

Free Download: Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet

Would you like a resource to help you learn to use essential oils with your family? Download this free 3-page printable:

• Basic guidelines for using essential oils around kids
• A list of safe, kid-friendly oils essential oils
• Helpful essential oil recipes

Click the link or image below to download the 3-page Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet. I’ll follow it up with more resources and free printables to help you on your essential oil journey. Grab your copy now!

Download Now

*FDA disclaimer: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”

Original article and pictures take www.intoxicatedonlife.com site

{DIY} Non-Toxic Bug Repellent Spray

{DIY} Non-Toxic Bug Repellent Spray

Our family loves to go camping and spend as much time outside as we can during the summer months! With the weather warming up, we’re looking forward to hikes and days in the water.

Do you know what we’re not looking forward to? Bug bites! While we’re out enjoying nature, we want to make sure our family doesn’t get eaten up by mosquitos! On the other hand, we also don’t want to use all those harsh chemicals.

What we put on our skin matters.

DIY None Toxic Bug Spray

Skin is a very important organ that can have a huge impact on our overall health. It is highly absorbent, and toxic ingredients can wreak havoc on our systems. You may not be eating bug spray, but it is still ending up in your body. We don’t want that for our family! It’s worth the time and effort to try more natural solutions.

Natural Bug Repellents

There are several ways to repel bugs naturally. Some of them work better than others, and it is worth trying different ones out to see which ones work for you.

• Using citronella candles or natural barriers like long clothing can be helpful.
• Some swear by remedies such as spraying a garlic solution over the yard and foliage, or rubbing lemon verbena leaves on your skin.
• Essential oils and homemade bug sprays are also a great solution because so many have insecticidal properties.

There are several oils that provide bug protection. Here are a few popular choices. Combine 3 or more of these to find the scent and repellent strength you are looking for. Do be sure to check each oil for safety with children and pregnant or nursing mothers.

• Rosemary
• Eucalyptus
• Clove
• Patchouli
• Cinnamon
• Thyme
• Peppermint
• Lemongrass
• Geranium
• Tea Tree
• Citronella
• Orange
• Lavender

You can also check with essential oil companies for bug repellant blends specifically designed to keep mosquitos, fleas, lice, ticks and other insects away. most are comprised of citronella, cedar wood, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, and lemongrass.

Bug Spray

Use a bug repellant blend to make a basic bug spray that will keep the bugs off for hours.

• 50 drops your favorite bug blend
• 10 drops Tea Tree
• 1/2 cup Witch Hazel or a light carrier (or water for a room spray)

A few notes:

• This blend has a very strong scent, so be prepared for that!
• You can also apply by adding 8 drops to 1/2 tsp carrier oil and applying to ankles, elbows, etc. and even applying to windowsills to help keep mosquitos out.
• Different oils can vary in effect on different people. Due to this, you may have to apply every two hours or every 8. Just try it out and see how it goes.
• Due to the hot oils eucalyptus and peppermint, do not use Bug Off on children 3 and under, and even then be sure to test for reaction.

Kid-Safe Bug Spray

Just to be sure that I am using oils that I won’t have to worry my kids will have reactions to, I whipped up this recipe. It smells great and can be a summer life saver!

• 8 drops lavender
• 8 drops geranium
• 8 drops lemongrass
• 1/2 cup Witch Hazel or a light carrier (or water for a room spray)

I personally use these oils on my kids around 1.5 years and up, but they are generally accepted for ages 2 and up. Options for younger kids may include highly diluted versions of recipes or hydrosols, which are solutions made form steam-distilling plant materials with properties similar to essential oils but with a much lower concentration.

Enjoy your all of your summer excursions this year!

Free Download: Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet

Would you like a resource to help you learn to use essential oils with your family? Download this free 3-page printable:

• Basic guidelines for using essential oils around kids
• A list of safe, kid-friendly oils essential oils
• Helpful essential oil recipes

Click the link or image below to download the 3-page Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet. I’ll follow it up with more resources and free printables to help you on your essential oil journey. Grab your copy now!

Download Now

*FDA disclaimer: “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.”

Original article and pictures take www.intoxicatedonlife.com site

{DIY} Homemade Essential Oil Blemish Treatment

{DIY} Homemade Essential Oil Blemish Treatment

I haven’t struggled with blemishes for quite a while. It was definitely something that reared it’s ugly head when I was a teenager. Eating too much sugar—and using too much Rave hairspray (resulting in lots of ugly zits around the hairline)—did not help things.

Sometimes, I still have some zits that pop up, and I’ve found this treatment works like a charm for me. I’ve talked to others who have tried it out and had great success as well.

DIY Homemade Essential Oil Acne Treatment

How this Essential Oil Blemish Treatment Works

Each of the 4 ingredients in this mixture are there for a very specific purpose.

• Coconut Oil penetrates your skin and is absorbed quickly. It also immediately begins to reduce the inflammation from acne. Coconut oil helps clear up scars and protects open wounds from blemishes present. While you might be concerned it causes more acne because it’s an oil, I assure you it does not. In fact, it helps you avoid blemishes before it even begins due to its antimicrobial properties.*
• Lemon Essential Oil works to balance overactive sebaceous glands, helps clear blemishes, and encourages the exfoliation of dead skin cells.*
• Lavender Essential Oil is very calming and soothes the skin. It balances oil production, soothes skin irritations, and stimulates the circulation of the skin.*
• Melaleuca Essential Oil is well known for it’s cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the skin, making it a top essential oil to help combat mild blemishes.

In Process 3

Homemade Acne Treatment

Ingredients:

Coconut oil

Lemon essential oil

Lavender essential oil

Tea Tree oil

4 oz Mason jars

Directions:

Choose an airtight container—preferably a glass jar. These 4 oz Mason jars work perfect.

Soften ¼ cup of coconut oil for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave until it turns into a liquid form.

Stir in 10 drops each of Lemon, Lavender and Tea Tree essential oils (do not use a metal spoon as it will react with the oils reducing the strength).

Place your mixture in the refrigerator to it to set until firm.

Use by simply dabbing a small amount on acne in the morning and evening after washing and drying your face well.

What have you found that helps keep your skin clear?

DIY Homemade Essential Oil Acne Treatment

Free Download: Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet

Would you like a resource to help you learn to use essential oils with your family? Download this free 3-page printable:

• Basic guidelines for using essential oils around kids
• A list of safe, kid-friendly oils essential oils
• Helpful essential oil recipes

Click the link or image below to download the 3-page Mom’s Essential Oil Cheat Sheet. I’ll follow it up with more resources and free printables to help you on your essential oil journey. Grab your copy now!

Download Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Original article and pictures take www.intoxicatedonlife.com site

{Allergy Friendly} Nut Free, Gluten Free, & More

{Allergy Friendly} Nut Free, Gluten Free, & More

This week we had a variety of fun themed school lunches - From Easter to Leftovers and even a Half Birthday!

CLICK TO EXPAND AND READ MORE OF THIS POST

CLICK TO EXPAND AND READ MORE OF THIS POST

Here's the deal - you take the good with the bad. Some ideas are good, some are GREAT, and some... well, are sandwiches with marshmallows all over it.

Hey-yo! My bento blogger friends and I are having a Bunny Hop! Make sure you check out the bottom the post for more details! ;-)

The idea for these awesome bunny and carrot homemade tortilla chips came from Ludicrous Mama over at Biting My Hand. She made bunny ones for her daughter and I thought they were so clever!

So I knew I wanted to make some for little miss!!

Original article and pictures take www.keeleymcguire.com site

(Too Much) Fun I’m Having With Homemade Brownie Mix, Bread Mix, Pancake Mix, and More!

(Too Much) Fun I’m Having With Homemade Brownie Mix, Bread Mix, Pancake Mix, and More!

What is it about having this collection of homemade mixes in my pantry and freezer that has made me feel so organized and empowered? Yesterday I was just a regular person. Today I’m like, “I have created a huge amount of Brownie Mix and put it into an air tight container! Nothing can stop me now!!”

Baking Mixes: My New Super Power

In the past, I felt that mixes like this were silly. After all, is it really all that difficult to get out necessary pancake ingredients and mix up a batch? No. Will I actually turn into a complete disaster if I have to measure flour and baking powder into a bowl every time I need to bake a cake? C’mon now.

But days are full, life is short, and the truth is that sometimes I DON’T have time to measure salt and yeast, so there. Some days it’s all I can do to remember the location of our soccer game and get everyone fed and there on time. But never fear. Everything will be okay now because I HAVE MUFFIN MIX.

The book full of Simple Mixes recipes is FREE for Simple Meals members!

Details below. :)

As you can see, I have had the most fun playing with all my new Simple Mixes. I’m here to tell you that it actually does save time to make pancakes from a mix instead of getting out all ingredients and making them from ground zero. And it definitely saves brain energy. (This calls for high-fives all around.) When making pancakes from my homemade mix, I have our hot breakfast on the table within ten minutes.

God has given me many opportunities to feed housefuls of extra people lately, so even beyond feeding my family, I’m finding these Simple Mixes to be a HUGE help in spreading the yummy food love. I used the Muffin Mix to make Banana Bread one morning (even though the recipes included are actually for muffins). It worked! Though I dumped in too much milk and the bread sunk a little after I pulled it out of the oven. No worries. It all got eaten!

I used the Brownie Mix to make two pans of brownies to feed extra college students who came over for meals. They were a hit, and the mixes helped me get the brownies into the oven in less than five minutes!

As if the Stir-and-Pour Bread recipe isn’t easy enough, I found that having Stir-and-Pour Bread Mix made it that much easier. The picture turned out fuzzy, but the bread turned out beautiful – and it was perfect for a busy day recently when we needed bread to round out our lunch.

I’ve created this Simple Mixes that Save the Day eBook full of these awesome mix recipes, and I’m giving it away for FREE to all Simple Meals members this week!

Here’s a peek at the first page of the book, so you can see what you’ll be given:

Every week, Simple Meals members receive a full {simple} meal plan with recipes, time and money saving tips, a grocery list, and more. The Simple Meals plans are sent out to members every Thursday morning so you have plenty of time to prepare for the upcoming week. So current members! Watch for this fun new Simple Mixes eBook to hit your inbox this Thursday!

Not a Simple Meals member? Please join us! The price is right (only $1/week, and even less with the coupon mentioned below!), and the money and time you’ll save in the kitchen will be such a blessing to you! If you join Simple Meals before Thursday, you’ll gain access to this brand new Simple Mixes book too!!

Join now —>

Your yearly subscription equips you with a 52 week's worth of meal plans, grocery guide, recipes, and bonus tips, plus you get over $60 worth of bonus eBooks! Your Simple Meals plan will arrive in your inbox each Thursday morning.

Just want the Simple Mixes to Save the Day eBook? Get it here —>

Get our 7 amazing whole grain, low sugar mix recipe - from brownies to breads! Use them to make 22 varieties of delicious, simple baked goods for your family and guests!

Original article and pictures take heavenlyhomemakers.com site