A Healthy Crafty Mom

Got Belly Fat?

2012-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

I have been collecting articles on belly fat for such a long time. I wanted to put all the information, finally, in one place where I could find it easily, but also share it with others. I have clicked on those stupid ads to find out what 5 foods you should never eat or SHOULD eat. I sat there for minutes on end only to find out I have to spend $29.95 or some ridiculous price. Here I will continue adding whatever SCIENTIFIC research studies I find on how to lose belly fat. I'm on a journey now to get in shape and I hope it helps you too.

1. Low stress = flatter tummy.
A top culprit behind belly fat is too many stress hormones. Shrink your stress levels and lose the stomach.
    Health experts: Kellis Calabrese, M.S., and Deborah King
        Slash stress hormones with C!
This powerouse antioxidant lowers your levels of the stress homrones cortisol, norepinephrine and
adrenaline, says Calabrese. One study showed that folks taking 1,000mg of vitamin C daily slashed their
    cortisol levels 25% in just 2 weeks. For maximum benefit, experts recommend a 1000mg to 3000mg
    daily dose. ( I like the chewable or my company now has a drinkable Vit.C!)

2. Burn belly fat in the sunshine!
Get a total of 20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen daily to fire up your levels of fat-burning vitamin D.
The nutrient spurs your metabolism to break down sutbborn fat cells that collect in the midsection, boost
the liver's ability to process and eliminate fats, and even decreases your appetite say the 2 researchers at
the Boston University School of Medicine. No Sun? Take between 5,000 IU and 10,000 IU of D daily.
( I again take the chewable D3. It also helps with mild depression! )

3. Shrink fat cells with cinnamon!

For a treat that won't add inches to your waist, try sprinkling cinnamon on toast and in coffee. This spice
    has long been a proven metabolism-booster, thanks to a compound called MHCP. Scientists now say this
    compound also stimulates fat cells in your abdomen, causing them to
    shrink! Aim for a 1/4 tsp per day. ( I just sprinkle it on my cereal or gluten-free toast.)

4. Eat blueberries to shrink your waist.

Eating 1 cup of blueberries-fresh or frozen daily, helps you trim 30% more weight from around your midsection. The fruit's antioxidants switch on genes that burn belly fat, according to University of Michigan research. ( I have a cup of blueberries a few times a week with my goat yogurt. My kids and I are allergic to cows milk.)
Here's more good news on blueberries: James Joseph, Ph.D., and his team at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in Boston report that a diet of blueberries may improve motor skills and reverse the short-term memory loss that comes with aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. USDA animal trials showed improved navigational skills after a two-month diet of blueberry extract. Although other fruits and vegetables were studied, only blueberries were effective in improving motor skills.
Blueberries may reduce the build up of so called "bad" cholesterol that contributes to cardiovascular disease and stroke, according to scientists at the University of California at Davis. Antioxidants are believed to be the active component.

5. Sip GREEN TEA to REV your metabolism

Drinking 4 or 5 8 oz. cups of green tea daily can reduce abdominal fat by 76% in 4 months!
Journal of In Vivo states the brew's polyphenols block the absorption of sugar and boost metabolism for up to 2 hours. ( I've heard it doesn't make any difference if its caffeinated or not. I drink the decaf in a large 2 cup mug. I'll have at least 3 of those mugs full while working. I also add a little Truvia to sweeten. I'm trying to cut down on calories and carbs too.)

I'll be adding more but I really wanted to get a start on this!

Make it a great day!

Are you listening?

2012-01-18T03:08:00.000-08:00

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist.

Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the top musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written,with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station

was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty?

Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Just Ask..

2012-01-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz tells the story of the fellow who was driving on a slippery country road when he slid into a ditch. He walked to a farm house a short distance away and approached the old farmer who received him warmly. When the motorist described his problem, the farmer stated that he did not know if he could help him or not, but he would do what he could. He explained that his old mule, Dusty, was blind and somewhat hard of hearing. The farmer hitched up the old mule and hooked him to the frame of the car. Next, he got behind old Dusty and in a loud voice said, “Pull, Charlie, pull!” No response. Once again, in a loud voice he said, “Pull, Billy, pull!” Nothing. Then, in a still louder voice, “Pull, Sally, pull!” Not a move. Finally he said, “Pull, Dusty, pull!” and Dusty proceeded to pull the car out of the ditch.

The grateful motorist, somewhat puzzled, asked the farmer, “You had only one mule and yet you called on ‘Charlie,’ ‘Billy,’ and ‘Sally,’ with no response. But the minute you called on Dusty he pulled the car out of the ditch. Why did you do it that way?” The old farmer smiled and said, “Well, Dusty’s getting a little old and doesn’t believe he’s as strong as he used to be. As a matter of fact, he’s gotten downright negative and if he’d thought he had to do it by himself, he probably couldn’t have. But, when he thought he had three other mules helping, he gave it his best shot and did it all himself.”

The message is two-fold. Number one, you probably can do a great deal more than you realize you can and, number two, in most cases in our world today there are people who are willing to help if we’ll just ask.

I work with an incredible team that helps others work from home.
Just ask for more details. http://www.homefreemoms.com/

Take Control

2012-01-06T03:40:00.000-08:00

Thomas Sikking said: “You’re not the product of a broken home, a devastated economy, a world in the upheaval of war, a minority group, a family of drunkards or a poverty-ridden neighborhood. You are the product of your own thinking processes and whatever you’re thinking about today is the cornerstone of your tomorrow.”

If someone else has abused you in the past, it’s o.k. to give them credit for fouling up your past, but do not give them permission to ruin your present and your future. Take control of your thoughts and your future.

Make them marvelous!

Pass it on!

4 Keys to Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

2012-01-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

I found this article at this great site!
http://www.melaleucablog.com/4-keys-to-staying-healthy-during-cold-and-flu-season/

YES, IT’S HERE.

Cold and flu season is fast upon us. You’ve probably heard plenty of coughs, sniffles, sneezing, and throat clearing going on already. And if you haven’t succumbed yet, you’re wondering when it’s your turn to catch it. Up to 20% of the U.S. population catches the flu every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Colds and flus spread quickly, and if you’re not careful, you stand a good chance of catching one. But you don’t have to. By adopting the following preventive habits, you’ll be more ready to get through this season in fine health.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
When you’re making an effort to get in shape, it’s nice to get twice the payoff. You’ll be happy to know that the following healthy habits not only help you lose weight, stay energized, and decrease your stress level, but they also help your immune system stay in top fighting form.
EATING: Go big on fruits, veggies, and fish, and downsize the red meat and junk food. This healthier diet won’t just help you lose weight—it will provide more of the daily nutrition your immune system needs to do its job.
MULTIVITAMINS: The Journal of the American Medical Association urges all adults to take a multivitamin supplement.¹ Even if you’re eating a healthy diet, taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement every day can make up for deficiencies your diet just won’t address, and ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs for optimum health.
EXERCISE: Getting moderate, consistent exercise—walking, jogging, or bicycling four or five times a week—boosts your immune system’s readiness level and results in better immune system health.² Studies found that people who exercised consistently reported fewer sick days due to colds and sore throats.³
NO SMOKING: Cigarette smoke dries out your nasal passages and paralyzes cilia—the delicate hairs that sweep out cold and flu viruses from your nose and lungs.

DISINFECT YOUR HOME
With all the germs you bring in and the surfaces you contact every day, your home is a perfect place to pick up a cold or flu. That’s why regularly disinfecting throughout your home makes such a difference to your health.
START IN YOUR KITCHEN. Germs congregate on counters, tables, cutting boards, sinks, stoves, microwaves, and floors. Use a disinfectant to eliminate germs on hard surfaces like these. And take special care with your dishcloth or sponge. It’s got more germs on it than anything else in your kitchen. You can disinfect it daily by simply throwing it in the dishwasher with the dishes.
IN YOUR BATHROOMS: Disinfect toilet seats, toilet handles, faucet knobs, tubs, counters, shower curtains, and floors. Also, pay attention to toothbrushes—another common breeding ground for germs. Replace them every two months or so, and keep them from touching—especially if a family member is ill.

FINALLY: Disinfect all the other places germs hang out. Doorknobs, remote controls, chairs, toys, phones, and computer desks are all prime real estate for germs.

RENEW HEALTHY HYGIENE HABITS
COVERING COUGHS: According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu virus spreads mainly through the air—borne by coughs and sneezes. Instead of using your hand to cover a cough or sneeze, use a tissue, or cover with the crook of your elbow (an area less likely to come in contact with other surfaces and spread germs).
HAND WASHING: It’s one of the most effective measures you and your family can take. Washing your hands frequently can get rid of germs you might spread to others, and can protect you from germs your hands pick up from germ-ridden surfaces. Get your kids in the habit—especially before eating and after playing at friends’ houses. Keep an antibacterial liquid soap by every sink to make sanitary handwashing quick and easy.
SANITIZING: Often you’re on the go and nowhere near a sink. It’s a good idea to keep an antibacterial sanitizer gel or wipes, on hand to catch those germs before they make it into eyes, noses, and mouths.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

You don’t have to wait for a cold or flu to hit before you take action. Remember, a little conscious effort now could save lots of worry and illness later on. Think prevention, and when those viruses come around, you’ll be ready to send them packing.

Here's a great article on Toxins! Click here. Learn about natural alternatives for disinfectants.
Contact me for the password. HomeFreeMoms@iglide.net

Now when it comes to disinfecting, don't go hog wild with Lysol or any other commercial product!
They are neurotoxins and extremely dangerous especially children!
Watch this video on the dangers of Toxins in Your home and those disinfectants!

Dryer vents pump out toxic air

2011-12-27T03:20:00.000-08:00

Do your "due diligence" there are products without these chemicals that are just as effective if not more.

http://www.futurity.org/top-stories/dryer-vents-pump-out-toxic-air/

U. WASHINGTON-SEATTLE (US) — The fresh, clean scent flowing from household dryer vents likely contains hazardous chemicals, including two classified as carcinogens.

Analysis of gases captured from dryer vents found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven hazardous air pollutants. Of those, two chemicals—acetaldehyde and benzene—are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, for which the agency has established no safe exposure level. “These products can affect not only personal health, but also public and environmental health. The chemicals can go into the air, down the drain, and into water bodies,” Anne Steinemann says.

“This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated and unmonitored,” says lead author Anne Steinemann, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs at the University of Washington. “If they’re coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they’re regulated, but if they’re coming out of a dryer vent, they’re not.”

The research, published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, builds on earlier work that looked at what chemicals are released by laundry products, air fresheners, cleaners, lotions, and other fragranced consumer products. Manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients used in fragrances, or in laundry products.

Straight from the Source

Read the original study

DOI: 10.1007/s11869-011-0156-1

For the new study, which focuses on chemicals emitted through laundry vents, researchers first purchased and pre-rinsed new, organic cotton towels. They asked two homeowners to volunteer their washers and dryers, cleaned the inside of the machines with vinegar, and ran full cycles using only water to eliminate as much residue as possible.
At the first home, they ran a regular laundry cycle and analyzed the vent fumes for three cases: once with no products, once with the leading brand of scented liquid laundry detergent, and finally with both the detergent and a leading brand of scented dryer sheets.
A canister placed inside the dryer vent opening captured the exhaust 15 minutes into each drying cycle. Researchers then repeated the procedure with a different washer and dryer at a second home.
Analysis of the captured gases found more than 25 volatile organic compounds, including seven hazardous air pollutants, coming out of the vents. Of those, two chemicals—acetaldehyde and benzene—are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, for which the agency has established no safe exposure level.
“These products can affect not only personal health, but also public and environmental health. The chemicals can go into the air, down the drain, and into water bodies,” Steinemann says.
The researchers estimate that in the Seattle area, where the study was conducted, acetaldehyde emissions from this brand of laundry detergent would be equivalent to 3 percent of the total acetaldehyde emissions coming from automobiles. Emissions from the top five brands, they estimate, would constitute about 6 percent of automobiles’ acetaldehyde emissions.
“We focus a lot of attention on how to reduce emissions of pollutants from automobiles,” Steinemann says. “And here’s one source of pollutants that could be reduced.”
The project’s website also includes letters from the public reporting health effects from scented consumer products. Steinemann says that people’s reports of adverse reactions to fragranced air coming from laundry vents motivated her to conduct this study. Steinemann recommends using laundry products without any fragrance or scent.

Tell me what you think!
Pass it on!

Christmas Surprise Decoupage Plate

2011-12-14T07:36:00.000-08:00

I love making crafts.

I made this craft for Christmas a few years ago.

Right now I’m making Christmas ornaments for gifts.

I work from home so I’m able to have lots of fun spending time making the crafts with my kids!

Now this plate we still put Santa’s cookies on it. LOL

We had a great time as you can see!

Supplies are:

Scissors

X-acto Knife
Paper Towels
Rubbing Alcohol
Foam Brush

Glass plate - You can get the plates at garage sales, Salvation army, dollar store…anywhere!

Book of your choice – you’ll be putting your child’s face in a copy of an illustration from the book.

You’ll make a copy to fit the glass plate. I had a color paper copy made of the book at Staples since it was bigger than my printer.

Mod Podge Outdoor or Hard Coat
I originally used Aleene's Reverse Collage Glue but I can't find it anymore. I called Plaid and they recommended the Mod Podge Outdoor or Hard Coat. They don't remain tacky. They are water resistant.

This is the book I used from Mary Engelbreit.

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Engelbreits-Night-Before-Christmas/dp/B00022LJ6A

I chose an illustration where I felt I could cut out the faces and then put my children’s face BEHIND so they show through.

You are going to be applying your copies to the back of the plate so that they show through the front of the plate.

1. You will need to clean your plate first.

To clean, pour some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and rub it all over the back of the plate. Let it dry.

2. To Cut: Use small scissors or X-acto knife and cut the faces out.

3. Apply the Mod Podge finish to the front of your copy and then press it, face down, on the back of the glass plate. Smooth the edges of the copy with your fingers.

4. This is the tricky part: apply the Mod Podge to the front of the copy of your child’s face and position your child’s face into the cutout.

Take time to position your children as they would appear in the cutout in the illustration.

Then brush on the Mod Podge over the back of the plate.

I made my kids lie down!

We had so much fun.!

Seal with the Mod Podge Outdoors or Hard Coat. They will just be for decorative use of course.

If you want to put a polyeurothane on the back you have to let this dry for 4 weeks before applying it!

These make great gifts!

Your child is now immortalized in the illustration!

3 FOODS TO PREVENT THE COMMON COLD

2011-12-11T05:13:00.000-08:00

The common cold causes misery for millions of people every year, especially during the winter months. There is no known cure for the common cold - sufferers can only minimize their symptoms using topical treatments, while waiting for the cold to pass. However, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of catching a cold in the first place. Here are 3 foods to prevent the common cold.

Ginger

Ginger root can boost your immune system, which helps your body to fight infections and viruses before they take hold. Ginger root also helps to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, coughing, and sinus congestion. Try making a cup of ginger tea by grating two tablespoons of fresh ginger root and adding to a cup of boiling water. Leave the ginger to infuse for 5 minutes, before straining off the liquid to make ginger tea.

Garlic

Garlic has long been used as a preventative aid for many ailments and illnesses, including colds, chest infections, and even high blood pressure. Not only does garlic help to boost your immune system and ward off the common cold, it also acts as a powerful antioxidant that fights the damage caused by harmful free-radicals in your body. Garlic can be used as an ingredient when cooking, but is most effective when eaten raw. If you find the taste of garlic too strong, try taking odourless garlic capsules.

Lemons

Lemons contain more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is important for ensuring a healthy immune system and reducing the risk of contracting infections, viruses, and other illnesses. Smokers are especially prone to depleted levels of vitamin C, making it more likely that they will catch a cold. Try drinking a refreshing lemon tonic each morning to help boost your vitamin C levels. To make a lemon tonic, add the juice of half a lemon to a cup of warm water. Add honey or sugar to taste.

How To Export Your Friends Email Addresses from Facebook

2011-11-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

What would happen if we woke up tomorrow and our Facebook account had been shut down or worse Facebook is completely shut down. How would we contact all of the friends and our sphere we have nurtured on Facebook?
Have you been looking for a quick, easy and legal way to easily download all your friends email addresses from Facebook? Many social media speakers claim there is not a way to do this therefore passing up on gathering awesome information and building your list from your connections online. All you need is a Yahoo account which is FREE and easy to set up.
The easiest way if you don’t already have a Yahoo account is head on over to address.yahoo.com and click the Facebook icon. A login dialog should pop-up, just sign-in with your Facebook credentials and within seconds, you entire Facebook address book will be available inside your Yahoo Mail Account.

Once the import is done, click here to download a CSV file with the email addresses of all your Facebook contacts to your desktop. Or in your account go to Contacts>Tools>Export
Once you have exported your Facebook contacts you can then import the CSV file into Gmail Contacts, Outlook, Top Producer, Wise Agents, your phone address book or anywhere you can upload a CSV file to connect with your existing Facebook friends. If you have difficulty with importing your Facebook Address Book through Yahoo! you may need to open your Facebook page and choose “Application Settings” under Account. Next remove the “Yahoo! Contact Importer” application from your Facebook profile and try the export again.

That was easy!!
Share the Wealth!

If Toxins found in polar bears organs immune systems & reproductive systems...WHAT are they doing to US?

2011-11-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Danish Study Finds Environmental Toxins in Polar Bears

http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/news/danish-study-finds-environmental-toxins-polar-bears

A study of polar bears in Greenland has revealed a disturbing "cocktail of environmental toxins" in their bones and tissues, according to a story posted this week by University of Copenhagen and reported by the Alaska Dispatch.
The pollutants arrive in the Arctic on air and ocean currents and travel up the food chain, with the greatest accumulation in top predators like polar bears and orcas.
Senior Scientist Christian Sonne of Aarhus University found evidence that the toxins make the bears more prone to disease, but don't kill them outright. "The accumulated industrial chemicals cause diseases in the polar bears which do not lead to their immediate deaths," Sonne said. "On the other hand, the toxins damage the bones and organs of the polar bears, their immune systems and not least their reproductive systems. However, the harm suffered by the population of polar bears in eastern Greenland is not yet fully understood."

Johnson & Johnson's "no more tears" baby shampoos still contain cancer-causing chemicals = dioxane & quaternium-15

2011-11-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

I just found this article! More reason to switch!

Groups push J&J on toxins in baby shampoos

November 3, 2011 09:56 am EDT
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/90064026?Groups%20push%20J%26J%20on%20toxins%20in%20baby%20shampoos#ixzz1dxljfdIz

Several health campaigners are crying foul over Johnson & Johnson's famous "no more tears" baby shampoos.
According to a coalition of health and environmental groups, two chemicals deemed harmful to babies remain in Johnson & Johnson's baby shampoos even though the company already makes versions without them.
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been trying for 2 1/2 years to get the world's largest health care company to remove trace amounts of potentially cancer-causing chemicals, dioxane and quaternium-15, a substance that releases formaldehyde, from Johnson's Baby Shampoo, one of the company's signatures products.
J&J has maintained that it is reducing or gradually phasing out the chemicals, but has not directly responded to the campaign's demands.

The group, in a new campaign released Tuesday called "Baby's Tub is Still Toxic," is now urging consumers to boycott Johnson & Johnson baby products until the company agrees to remove the chemicals from its baby products sold worldwide.

J& J responded in a statement that formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe and approved by regulators in the United States and other countries, but also acknowledged that the company is phasing them out of its baby products. The company also said that it is reformulating baby products to reduce the level of dioxane below detectable levels.

Researchers have found evidence that formaldehyde is associated with nose, lung and blood cancers. Health experts say that exposing children to such chemicals at a very vulnerable period of development may be dangerous and harmful.

What are your thoughts?
Let me know!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse... that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition!

Encouragement, Inspiration & Empowerment

2011-10-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

All of us at one time or another have experienced a difficult situation, had setbacks, or dealt with our share of disappointment.

Most things that happen to us on a daily basis we can't control and I can honestly say (with conviction) that it is not what happens to us that matters but rather, how we choose to respond.

I want to share this movie today with you because I really love it's message and I think you will too ... so I invite you to Share it with the world and join me on my mission to empower and inspire millions of people around the globe.

Watch Here

Together we can spread words of Encouragement, Inspiration & Empowerment one movie at a time ... and wouldn't you agree our world could use a little more "Positivity" these days!

100 Productivity Tips for Working From Home

2011-10-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Keep these productivity tips in mind when settling into your office while working at home.

As a mom to four kids, you know how I love sharing ways to be productive! There are lots of great ‘nuggets’ in here, so I hope you can implement some of these productivity tips to help you organize your work load throughout the day!
Office space

Set aside a space: Create a designated space, preferably a room to be your workspace.
Physically separate yourself: Train your mind to set yourself apart from your home life when working: close your door, and separate yourself from the rest of the house.
Invest in a good chair: Get a mesh backed or leather chair to support your back.
Pick a quiet spot: It’s obvious, but important. Set your home office up in an area that will be away from the distractions of home.
Highlight your accomplishments: Surround yourself with the things you’ve done — diplomas, important photographs, and other reminders of your success.
Create a bright and cheerful environment: Make your home office cheerful to avoid stress and stay happy throughout the day.
Use a laptop: With a laptop, you have the freedom to work anywhere you’d like to.
Have a separate computer: Use a separate computer for work and leisure.
Get out: Go to a coffee shop, the beach, anywhere you can get good work done for a change of pace.
Put plants in your office: Soak up stagnant air by keeping plants in your office.
Use caller ID: See who is calling and avoid answering for telemarketers or others who will waste your time.
Keep a dry erase board: Use a dry erase board to keep your tasks and reminders in easy view.
Keep things clean: A tidy desk will help control stress and keep you more productive.
Consider a standing desk: With a standing desk, you can stay more alert and active in your work day.
Stay away from your couch: Sit at a desk rather than working from your couch or bed.
Set boundaries: Make sure that those in your home know when you’re working and that you’re not to be bothered.
Clear your desk of non-essentials: Put away everything you don’t really need.
Get a great coffee maker: Many people love using coffee to boost productivity, so invest in a high quality coffee maker.
Use noise canceling headphones: Keep noise and distraction out by using headphones that keep things quiet.
Use a separate phone: With a separate phone line, you can keep personal calls to a minimum during your working hours.

Habits
Practice these good habits to stay productive and happy in your home office.

Get dressed: Every day, bathe and make yourself presentable enough for a surprise visitor or trip out of your home so you’ll be ready for anything.
Stay logged out: Avoid logging into IM, social media sites, and other distractions.
Carefully separate work and personal life: Don’t get sucked into working around the clock when you’re at home.
Create rituals: Give yourself a daily signal that it’s time to start working.
Eat first: Don’t fall victim to low blood sugar — eat before you start working.
Get ready for the day: Practice good grooming — change out of your pajamas, have a shower, and breakfast before you get down to work.
Commit to tasks: Don’t let yourself slack off if you’re having a rough day, or you may find that you just can’t get anything done.
Give yourself a weekly review: Every week, take time to think about what you’ve gotten done.
Use distraction reducing tools: Make use of tools that will clear your digital desktop of everything that’s not important.
Turn your phone off: Turn off your phone when you need to minimize distractions.
Simplify everything: Focus only on what really matters.

Time management
Use these productivity tips to stay on top of deadlines and coursework.

Set time boundaries for online use: Limit your online use by setting specific times when you’ll be available to chat and check websites.
Keep regular hours: Carefully schedule which hours you’ll work, and which hours are personal time.
Work when you’re most productive: If you’re most productive around 1AM, schedule your most important work for that time.
Give yourself limits: Always have a finish line for when you have to stop working.
Do important tasks early: Take care of important tasks before you get hit by the lunchtime slump.
Take sprints: When your timer is ticking, focus and work in a sprinting mode.
Schedule fun time: Take time to do the things you enjoy on a set schedule.
Unplug and work on battery power: Create a sense of urgency to get things done by working on battery power, where time is limited.
Use timers: Give yourself short times to do a frenzy of work by setting a timer.
Group your errands: Keep your out-of-office time to a minimum by doing as many errands as you can at one time.
Keep emails short and sweet: Master the art of the five-sentence email.
Just do it: Practice willpower and keep yourself on track to just getting things done.
Be a good boss to yourself: Don’t let yourself become a slacker, but don’t make yourself a slave to work either.
Give yourself deadlines: Make yourself accountable by setting hard deadlines for getting things done.
Check email on a schedule: Check email just twice a day to keep it from taking over your online life.
Get up early: If you start working at noon, you’ll feel cheated and sluggish when 5:00 comes around and you want to stop working.
Use short bursts of productivity: Give yourself just a small time of focused work activity to get things done.
Ignore distractions: Stay away from your inbox, Twitter, TV, and other things that demand your time.
Track your time: Use a time tracking tool to stay on top of what you’re getting done and when you’re doing it.
Take breaks: Don’t let yourself get sucked into work. Remember to refresh yourself with breaks every hour or so.

Organization
Follow these productivity tips to help with your organization.

Keep lists: Keep lists that detail daily tasks, hopeful tasks, and anytime tasks.
Write things down: Write everything down right as you think of it.
Keep a calendar: Stay on top of what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it.
Get your to-do list out of your email: Stay organized by keeping all of your tasks in one place.
Create a tickler system: Use a tickler system to make sure you stay on top of important tasks and events coming up.
Designate days for tasks: Do certain things on specific days to stay on track.
Carefully process tasks and information: Have a place for items in your notes and inboxes.
Keep notes handy: You never know when inspiration will strike, so keep a notepad at the ready.
Keep files: Minimize clutter by creating simple files you’ll actually use.

Happiness
A happy work environment is a productive one, so follow these tips to make sure you’re happy with your work at home.

Go out for lunch every once in a while: Even if you mostly eat at home for lunch, it’s good to get out and visit with a friend or colleague occasionally.
Remember what it’s like to work in an office: Be grateful that you get to work at home!
Listen to music: Keep your creativity flowing with upbeat music throughout the day.
Stop working: When your work is done, leave it and don’t come back until the next day. Make notes for yourself if you need to remember something.
Work in a group: Study or work with a group of people to support each other.
Just say no: If you don’t have the time or resources to do a task, just don’t do it.
Get out and enjoy the weather: Take advantage of your flexible schedule and carve out some time to enjoy the weather or special events that you otherwise wouldn’t get if you were working in an office.
Do what you love: Do what you love, and you won’t mind working.
Reward yourself: When you’ve finished an important task, reward yourself with something quick but enjoyable, like a walk around the block or a check on social media sites.
Watch TV: Take advantage of the fact that you can work when you choose, and do what you like at certain times during the day.
Develop relationships: Nurture connections and network.
Make time for others: Respond to emails, and keep in touch with people.
Remember to be grateful: Say thank you to your clients, coworkers, employers, and other people you may work with regularly.

Workflow
Follow these workflow tips to keep everything running smoothly.

Outsource: Whenever possible, get someone else to do work for you, like a bookkeeper or delivery service.
Stop multitasking: Multitasking is inefficient — focus on one thing at a time.
Do your hardest work first: Tackle the work that you’d most like to put off early on, so you won’t be dreading it all day.
Set priorities: Keep in mind the tasks that are most important in order to prioritize your day.
Take small steps: Don’t try to tackle a huge task all at once: break it down into small, manageable tasks.
Make your online life simpler: Reduce the amount of time you spend online by simplifying.
Learn to let go: You don’t have to be a perfectionist — just get things done.
Make it easy to get started: Give yourself a small way to start up a task.
Eliminate unnecessary tasks: Just say no to things you don’t really need to do.
Use technology: Fully utilize web meetings, email, and voicemail to communicate effectively.
Give yourself daily goals: Have specific goals in mind for every work day.
Create an action plan every evening: Before you stop working every day, plan out what you’re going to do the next day.

Parents
Working or studying from home is a special challenge to parents of young children. Follow these tips to stay productive.

Hire a babysitter: Consider child care, even if it’s just for limited hours.
Make naptime work time: Use your child’s nap times to get work done.
Keep your children occupied: Set up an area for your child to play with lots of toys, or even a mini office for them to imitate you working.
Take turns: If you and your spouse both work or study at home, switch off times when one works while the other watches over children.
Work late at night: If your schedule can handle it, get your work done when the house is asleep.
Manage your interruptions: If your baby starts crying, instead of immediately running to tend to it, take a few seconds to write down the task you were on or the thought you were forming, so you can get right back on track.

Health
Follow these tips to keep yourself healthy and productive while working or learning at home.

Stay active: Make sure you take time to be active throughout the day, whether it’s a morning walk with your dog, or a trip to the gym.
Give your eyes a break: About ten minutes of every hour, your eyes need to be away from your computer.
Keep water at your desk: Stay hydrated and healthy by always keeping water to drink at your desk.
Fidget: Don’t stay perfectly still when working at your desk.
Stretch: Sitting at your desk all day or all night can take a toll on your body, so be sure to get up and stretch every now and then.
Eat a full lunch: Don’t just snack throughout the day; take the time to sit down and have a healthy lunch.
Stand up for phone calls: Whenever you get a phone call, get up and walk around the house.
Take a micronap: Doze off for a few minutes and wake up refreshed, ready to tackle your work.
Be careful not to munch all day: Avoid eating all day while you’re distracted with work: stop to eat instead of multitasking.

The 4 Best, and 3 Worst, Sweeteners to Have in Your Kitchen

2011-09-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

I saw this on MSN and thought EVERYONE should read it!

It's all about keeping our families SAFE and HEALTHY!

Some sweeteners aren't good for our bodies or the environment, but there are a few that actually boost vitamin and mineral intake while satisfying your sweet tooth.

By Leah Zerbe

At this point, it's common knowledge that high-fructose corn syrup and refined sugar are bad for us. But given all the marketing hype behind different "natural" alternatives, it's hard to know which ones really are the best sweeteners. Complicating matters, new studies, like one just published in the journal Cancer Research, are finding that fructose, a sugar found in high-fructose corn syrup, agave, honey, and, in small amounts, even in fruit, actually feeds some cancers. But don't give up apples and oranges, or even honey, based on a single study. "Natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables—things like berries, green apples, grapefruit, kiwi—are needed to feed beneficial microflora in the gut for a healthy immune system," explains Donna Gates, who led the movement to bring stevia, a natural sweetener, into this country more than a decade ago. "That's why nature put a little bit of sugar in fruits and vegetables. It keeps the ecosystem alive in us," she says, adding that the small amounts of fructose in fruits and vegetables are balanced with minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients. "Our body reads it differently," she notes.

Fruits and vegetables provide a perfect sugar fix, but when you're in need of a sweetener to add to iced tea, baked goods, or anything else, make sure you know the difference between the good guys and bad guys of the sweetener world. (Some of the not-so-sweet details could leave you gagging.)

Bad Guy #1: Aspartame

There's conflicting evidence regarding the safety of aspartame, a common chemical sweetener used in diet soda and other low-cal or low-sugar goods, but some people report headaches or generally feeling unwell after ingesting anything containing the chemical. To make life easier for everyone, this is one instance where you may want to follow the "better safe than sorry" principle. That's because a University of Liverpool test-tube study found that when mixed with a common food color ingredient, aspartame actually became toxic to brain cells. Making matters worse, aspartame is used in many diet sodas, and studies have found drinking diet soda may increase your risk of developing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also of concern with aspartame, researchers have found that one harmful breakdown product is formaldehyde. Sweet? We don't think so.

Bad Guy #2: Agave

While your health food store likely stocks agave sweeteners, it may be best to keep them out of your cart. Many agave nectars consist of 70 to 80 percent fructose—that's more than what's found in high-fructose corn syrup! If you don't want to give up agave, look for types that contain no more than 30 to 40 percent fructose, recommends Christine Gerbstadt, MD, PhD, RD, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Agave is also very heavily processed in an extremely energy-intensive manner that's similar to the way corn is converted into high-fructose corn syrup.

Bad Guy #3: Sucralose

While sucralose, better known by its brand name, Splenda, may originate with sugar, the end product is anything but natural. It's processed using chlorine, and researchers are finding that the artificial sweetener is passing through our bodies and winding up in wastewater treatment plants, where it can't be broken down. Tests in Norway and Sweden found sucralose in surface water released downstream from treatment discharge sites. Scientists worry it could change organisms' feeding habits and interfere with photosynthesis, putting the entire food chain at risk. The chemically derived artificial sweetener acesulfame K (sold under the brand name Sunett) was also detected in treated wastewater and tap water.

Good Guy #1: Stevia

"We need to be off of sugar, but we need good alternatives, and stevia is the safest sweetener there is, period," says Gates, who coauthored The Stevia Cookbook: Cooking with Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetener (Avery Trade, 2004). All types of stevia are extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, but some forms taste better than others, says Gates. People tend to overuse powders, in which the sweetness is really concentrated, so if you've tried powders in the past and didn't like them, try liquid forms, explains Gates, who helped develop a liquid stevia sweetener product. Stevia contains zero calories, but its one downfall is that it doesn't work well for baking. Expect to see more stevia on store shelves, as Coke and Pepsi got the green light to use Truvia (a sweetener made in part from stevia) starting later this year.

Good Guy #2: Sugar alcohols

Popular sugar alcohol sweeteners include xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, natural sweeteners made through a fermentation process of corn or sugar cane. They contain fewer calories than sweeteners like pure sugar and honey, but more than stevia. They also leave a cooling sensation in the mouth, and have been found to prevent cavities, explains Dr. Gerbstadt. Just don't overdo it—too much can cause GI distress.

Good Guy #3: Organic, raw local honey

While honey does boast higher fructose levels, it also contains a bounty of cancer-defending antioxidants, and local honey has been said to help alleviate allergy symptoms. Don't limit raw honey's use to your tea, either. Use it to speed healing on burns, and as a natural antiseptic on cuts and scrapes. Honey also has a low glycemic index, so adding it to your tea or yogurt won't lead to energy-busting blood sugar drops later in the day.

Good Guy #4: Blackstrap molasses

Although heavy on the calorie content, blackstrap is rich in iron, potassium, and calcium, making it a healthier choice than nutritionally defunct artificial sweeteners or even regular refined sugar, despite the fact that blackstrap and refined sugar both come from sugar cane. (Dr. Gerbstadt says calorie-containing sweeteners are not recommended for people with diabetes.) We like the organic, Fair Trade Certified version of blackstrap molasses from Wholesome Sweeteners.

http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/the-4-best-and-3-worst-sweeteners-to-have-in-your-kitchen?imageindex=1

Make it a great day!

Top 3 Things People Worry About

2011-09-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

What do you think the top 3 things people worry about would be?

Looks, money, love, success, family, politics, death?
In my opinion, the top 3 things people worry about would be (in no particular order):
Money,
Health,
and Family Happiness.

Worry creates stress. Stress can cause our immune system to break down which creates illness. I would suggest that excessive worry can create a life of depression, sadness and sickness.

I also would suggest that most people do NOT do anything about their worries which creates a downward spiral. They worry, yet don’t get a plan in place to move towards alleviating their concerns.
When you have a plan and begin taking steps towards what you can do now, it will lessen your worry and create a feeling of capability. With feeling capable, you can continue moving towards your goals. Each small accomplishment adds to the next creating daily successes.

Daily successes, will ease your worry and you can enjoy creating a great life!

I’m sure that you would agree that “Money” is definitely in the top 3. Now, I’m not saying money creates happiness, however I would say that NOT having financial peace does create worry in many areas. Here’s a great book recommendation that has and continues to help people to have financial peace. “The Total Money Makeover“.

I am also a big believer in owning your own business in order to be in complete control of your income. If you're interested in what I do visit: www.YouCanWorkHome.com

There will always be some worry in our lives, however, I recommend that when you have a worry, be solution focused. Get a plan and begin taking action immediately.

I would love to hear your thoughts about what you think the top 3 things that people worry about are. Please make a comment below and feel free to share on FaceBook and Twitter using the buttons below..:)
To Your Success,

Bleach...Chlorox...An Education

2011-09-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

WHO of us hasn't used Bleach / Clorox to
clean in our home?!?I mean it MUST be SAFE, RIGHT?
And we HAVE to have it for our WHITES
in the laundry .... don't we?? OR DO WE?

Naturally Speaking

Speaking About the Dangers of Chlorine Bleach

Most of us have grown up with the idea that whiter whites (and brighter colors) mean cleaner clothes. We continue to use chlorine products with abandon to whiten and to disinfect. We write on white paper and bathe in and drink chlorinated water.
After all, who wants bacteria-infested water? In our society, chlorine is ubiquitous-and so are its side effects. In fact, the long-term residual effects from chlorine are becoming such a health hazard that the American Public Health Association is urging the American paper industry to stop using chlorine.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found dioxin (a toxic byproduct of chlorine) to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen than DDT!

Healthy & Natural speaks with Stephen Ashkin, director of product development and environmental affairs at Seventh Generation, a manufacturer of green, non-toxic cleaning products. Although he has a degree in chemistry, Ashkin gained most of his practical knowledge and experience through direct contact in the chemical industry. He literally grew up in the laboratory of his parent's cleaning products manufacturing company.

Ashkin chaired the American Society for Testing and Materials' task force that wrote the national cleaning standard for commercial and institutional buildings. He has also chaired President Clinton's Green Chemistry Challenge Task Force. Ashkin is acting advisor for a number of EPA programs including the Indoor Environment Division. He has published numerous articles on environmentally preferable products and is a very popular conference speaker.
Q: Does chlorine occur naturally?Typically chlorine does not normally occur in the environment except as a yellow gas on rare occasions. It's a manufactured substance produced through an industrial process. An electrical current is passed through salt water producing chlorine and caustic soda.
Q: Is chlorine very toxic?
This is where this topic gets very interesting. Many people argue that chlorine is basically safe-that it breaks down into harmless salt and water. Well, that's true-in a laboratory test tube under very controlled conditions. The real issue is not just how toxic chlorine itself is but how the unintended byproducts of chlorine (organochlorines and dioxins) remain in the environment. They are persistent in the environment; they do not break down readily and therefore bio-accumulate.
Q: Is there a chlorine pollution problem?
One of the largest uses of chlorine is in the paper industry. Chlorine is first used to break down the lignan that holds the wood fibers together. Then chlorine is used to bleach the paper to make it white. The effluent or wastewater containing dioxins and other organochlorines are then dumped into streams and waterways. These ingredients are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Once in the waste stream, they come into contact with other organic materials and surfactants and combine to form a host of extremely toxic organic chemicals.

A chain of events occurs: The water becomes polluted; the fish become contaminated; animals eat the fish and people eat the contaminated animals and fish. This can create a very serious health problem; the dioxins and other toxic chemicals, when consumed, accumulate in the fatty tissues.

These contaminants are also hormone disrupters because they mimic estrogen. The EPA has observed and documented hormonal imbalance, suppressed immune systems, reproductive infertility and alterations in fetal development of animals. In viewing the big picture, these factors are perhaps the most frightening results from the widespread use of chlorine.

Q: How widespread is chlorine contamination?
It is so widespread that it would be difficult to find any human being who does not have detectable levels of dioxin in his/her blood.
While we know that chlorine is a substantial environmental problem caused by the paper industry, household bleach and cleaners containing chlorine also pose a serious health risk.

For instance, in 1997, 217,989 calls to the Poison Control Center concerned household cleaners. Of those calls, 54,453 were about chlorine bleach and 7,570 were for chlorine disinfectants. So, that means that 28.4 percent of all calls were related to poisonings by chlorine products. What's even more important, most of those calls were about children under 6 years old.

Q: What can happen if these chemicals get into our bodies?
Our bodies are very good at metabolizing many things. Through special enzymes, our bodies are able to rid themselves of many environmental toxic substances that we come into contact with daily. However, dioxins (and other organochlorine compounds) aren't included. Even if we are exposed to very low levels, dioxins remain in the body and accumulate.

The EPA is now saying that this is soon to become a major health risk problem. The cumulative effects of dioxin in humans have been linked to birth defects, cancer, reproductive disorders and immune system breakdown.

Q: Should chlorine be used in our public water supply?
The alternative question would be, should we drink contaminated water? The answer, of course, would be no. It's very important that our water is sanitized. Years ago, there were very few alternatives. However, today, while chlorine is a very effective (and cheap) sanitizer, many scientists are recognizing some serious side effects from chlorine. Today, our technology is getting to the point where, I hope, we will look into a better means of sanitizing our drinking water. This will not be easy because one of the biggest advantages (and ultimately the biggest disadvantage) of using chlorine is the fact that chlorine doesn't break down. Water can be treated with chlorine at the filtration plant and 10 miles away the chlorine is persistent enough to remain in the water and pipes when it reaches the home. There exist many other ingredients that are good sanitizers, but they break down quickly, and the water would become contaminated by the time it reaches someone's home.
We may have a problem if we need to sanitize via a chemical additive. It becomes a sort of oxymoron: chemicals that are persistent also tend to be toxic. The ultimate solution may be to have home-based water filtration/sanitizing systems. This would eliminate the problem of trying to prevent hundreds of miles of pipes, installed a hundred years ago, from contaminating the water.
Q: Are there safe, effective alternatives to chlorine as a bleaching agent and disinfectant?
Absolutely! Primarily, hydrogen peroxide is available to the paper industry and to the soap industry as a bleaching agent. Another new technology uses ozone. Other non-chlorinated household cleaning products, readily available to the consumer, achieve the same bleaching and disinfecting results as chlorine but are nontoxic.

I don't understand why anyone would want to use chlorine products anyway. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant and when mixed with other common household products, it gives off a toxic gas.
Q: What can we do to make a difference?
We could request and purchase processed chlorine-free paper, not just in writing paper but in paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper. It's a vote for our environment and our health. It may seem to be a small thing, but collectively it really can make a substantial difference.

We need to realize that the technology in the chemical industry has changed as dramatically as in the computer industry. We no longer need to use harmful substances simply because they worked for our grandparents. The technology in the chemical industry is allowing us to replace many of these toxic ingredients with others that are not only nontoxic but have renewable resources and many environmental benefits.

It's a major educational process for consumers to understand that they, through their buying choices, can make a difference. Did you know that only about 20 percent of shoppers buy their household products in natural food stores? What that says to me is that while consumers recognize the importance of buying supplements and organic foods, they don't recognize the same environmental and health benefits associated with buying chlorine-free paper and other non-toxic cleaners.

Chlorine FactsDioxin, a chemical byproduct of the manufacturing of chlorine bleached paper, is believed to be the single most carcinogenic chemical known to science.When you open the door of your dishwasher after washing, toxic volatized chlorine from dish detergent and tap water is released into the air.Thanks to chlorine pollution, Americans ingest a daily amount of dioxin that is already 300 to 600 times greater than the EPA's so-called "safe" dose.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found dioxin to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen than DDT.Dioxin has been linked to endometriosis, immune system impairment, diabetes, neurotoxicity, birth defects, decreased fertility, and reproductive dysfunction in both women and men.Studies show that 40-70 percent of the dioxin in bleached coffee filters can leach into your coffee; dioxin found in paper milk cartons also leaches into the milk you drink.Cancer-causing chemicals like chlorine found in many household products such as coffee filters, disposable diapers, paper towels, and bathroom tissue are readily absorbed through the skin.

SCARY ISN'T IT? SO.... LET'S LOOK AT AN ACTUAL MSDS ON BLEACH....
Material Safety Data Sheet
Bleach

ACC# 91020

Section 1 - Chemical Product and Company Identification
MSDS Name: Bleach
Catalog Numbers: S72823
Synonyms:
Company Identification:
Fisher Scientific
1 Reagent Lane
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
For information, call: 201-796-7100
Emergency Number: 201-796-7100
For CHEMTREC assistance, call: 800-424-9300
For International CHEMTREC assistance, call: 703-527-3887
Section 2 - Composition, Information on Ingredients

CAS# Chemical Name Percent EINECS/ELINCS
7681-52-9 Sodium hypochlorite 5.0 231-668-3
497-19-8 Sodium carbonate anhydrous <1.0 207-838-8
7732-18-5 Water Balance 231-791-2

Section 3 - Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Appearance: clear pale yellow liquid.Danger! Corrosive. Causes eye and skin burns. Causes digestive tract burns. Harmful if inhaled. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause methemoglobinemia.
Target Organs: Blood.

Potential Health Effects
Eye: May cause irreversible eye injury. Contact with liquid is corrosive to the eyes and causes severe burns.
Skin: Causes skin burns.
Ingestion: May cause methemoglobinemia, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), convulsions, and death. Causes severe digestive tract burns with abdominal pain, vomiting, and possible death. Methemoglobinemia is characterized by dizziness, drowsiness, headache, shortness of breath, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin due to deficient oxygenation of the blood), rapid heart rate and chocolate-brown colored blood.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. Causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma. May cause pulmonary edema and severe respiratory disturbances.
Chronic: Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation and ingestion.
Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Eyes: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub eyes or keep eyes closed.
Skin: Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Discard contaminated clothing in a manner which limits further exposure.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
Notes to Physician: Treat symptomatically and supportively.
Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures

General Information: As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Extinguishing Media: Do NOT get water inside containers. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. For large fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
Flash Point: Not available.
Autoignition Temperature: Not available.
Explosion Limits, Lower:Not available.
Upper: Not available.
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 3; Flammability: 0; Instability: 0

Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures

General Information: Use proper personal protective equipment as indicated in Section 8.
Spills/Leaks: Absorb spill using an absorbent, non-combustible material such as earth, sand, or vermiculite. Do not use combustible materials such as sawdust. Provide ventilation.
Section 7 - Handling and Storage

Handling: Wash thoroughly after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. Use with adequate ventilation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale. Discard contaminated shoes.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances.
Section 8 - Exposure Controls, Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Use adequate ventilation to keep airborne concentrations low.
Exposure Limits Chemical Name ACGIH NIOSH OSHA - Final PELs
Sodium hypochlorite none listed none listed none listed
Sodium carbonate anhydrous none listed none listed none listed
Water none listed none listed none listed

OSHA Vacated PELs: Sodium hypochlorite: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical. Sodium carbonate anhydrous: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical. Water: No OSHA Vacated PELs are listed for this chemical.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eyes: Wear chemical splash goggles.
Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure.
Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators: A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant respirator use.
Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State: Liquid
Appearance: clear pale yellow
Odor: odor of hypochlorites
pH: Not available.
Vapor Pressure: 14 mm Hg
Vapor Density: 2.58
Evaporation Rate:>1.0
Viscosity: Not available.
Boiling Point: 100 deg C
Freezing/Melting Point:0 deg C
Decomposition Temperature:Not available.
Solubility: Soluble.
Specific Gravity/Density:1.07
Molecular Formula:Not available.
Molecular Weight:Not available.
Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
Conditions to Avoid: Incompatible materials, combustible materials.
Incompatibilities with Other Materials: Sodium hypochlorite is incompatible with amines, ammonia, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium oxalate, ammonium phosphate, cellulose, and ethyleneimine, strong acids, reducing agents, amines, and ammonia salts.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, chlorine, sodium oxide.
Hazardous Polymerization: Has not been reported.

Choose to "GO GREEN" and move AWAY from toxic household chemicals like bleach and others listed in these newsletters ...
Ask me how...

You must Eliminate Worry to achieve your goals!

2011-07-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt unable to do any thing because your thoughts are overcome with worry? I have and through my experience I realized that the only time worrying is good is if it inspires you to take action to make a change to move forward.

Here are 5 tips to help you Eliminate Worry to Achieve Your Goals.

Focus on the Roots instead of the Fruits: We have all spent too much time thinking and worrying about the end result instead of putting in an effort to actually achieve the result. That result could be called the “Fruit” and has many names: wealth or time freedom, knowledge or talent, dream or goal being accomplished, peace etc. When you look at a tree and see luscious fruits, the fact is it’s because the roots of that tree are nourished. The roots are: hard work, daily action, belief overcoming fear and doubt, persistence and never quitting, etc.
Live in the Now: Living in the present moment allows you to accomplish far more than worrying about this problem, that problem, this failure or that failure. We must stop waiting for the perfect moment or future events to heal our current problems. Stop worrying about what happened or what could be and begin living in the “now” and begin taking action to accomplish your goals.
Say NO: There are just certain things in life that are simply “not your department”. The negative news, useless information, situations that are out of your control or even what others think about you. You must become a fan of “NO”. Just say “no” to things that don’t matter or are out of your control. Your success depends on it.
Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Everyone has problems but instead of being a person with problems, be a person with problems and solutions. Achieving success depends upon developing the ability to worry less and focus on solutions, not problems.
You Don’t Have Time to Worry: Dreams and goals are not achieved by procrastinating. Success eludes those who spend their time worrying about problems or saying yes to things they shouldn’t. The more you worry, the more time you spend on things or issues that are out of your control, the less you act – the less you act, the more you fail. Focus on solutions instead of worrying about the problems. You simply don’t have the time to waste.

Understand that the only problems and stresses in life are the ones we nourish within our own minds. Always remember that the only time that worrying is actually good is when it initiates action to change and achieve!

Your full potential comes when you eliminate worry to achieve your goals.
Please share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you and any experience you had where you’ve implemented one of those tips to achieve your goals.
To Your Success,

Where Have All The Minerals Gone?

2011-06-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

Minerals: vanishing without a trace.

Trace minerals are minerals critical to both plant and animal health but are found in only very small amounts, even in virgin, uncultivated soil. Though in small quantities, their importance is essential to life.

A Worldwide Problem
In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development made public a report that had evaluated the average mineral content of the world's farm and rangeland soil. Over the course of just 100 years, the mineral content had decreased dramatically on every continent.

Mineral Depletion from Soil During 1892-1992:
North America............. 85%
South America..............76%
Asia..............................76%
Africa...........................74%
Europe.........................72%
Australia.......................55%

The especially startling number associated with North America can be largely attributed to long-term reliance on synthetic fertilizers and emphasis on industrialized "maximum yield" mass farming methods.

A Devastating Impact on the Food We Eat...
1940 vs. 1991
Reduction in average mineral content of fruits and vegetables between 1940 and 1991.

Mineral                   Vegetables                     Fruits

Sodium                          -49%                             -29%
Potassium                      -16%                             -19%
Magnesium                    -24%                             -16%
Calcium                         -46%                             -16%
Iron                               -27%                             -24%
Copper                         -76%                             -20%
Zinc                              -59%                             -27%

Fruits and vegetables pull minerals directly from the soil, so if there are fewer minerals in the food. As a result, many of the fruits and vegetables we eat today have lower levels of key micronutrients than those enjoyed by our parents and grandparents. The table above summarizes the reductions in the average mineral content of 27 vegetables and 17 fruits between 1940 and 1991 in the U.S. and U.K., as originally published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine.

Sure, we all have the option of taking a daily supplement to make up for the minerals we no longer get from our foods. But, there is also a problem with this solution. What exactly is in your vitamin and mineral supplements? Is your body absorbing them? How is your body absorbing them? Could your vitamin and mineral supplement actually be harming your health?

We are such a trusting society when it comes to manufacturers. Why is that? We are so skeptical with most things... so why do we put all our faith in a company that produces a tablet that says, "take this to feel healthier"?? Think about it. Do your research.

I have information that may just shock you.

Email me... homefreemoms@optonline.net or go to www.AchildsHealth.com

Air Fresheners May Pose Health Risks When Used Indoors

2011-04-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

Do you use air fresheners to keep your home or office smelling fresh and clean?

You know that while these products are great at covering up odors, but did you know they also could be putting your health at risk!

What these companies fail to tell you is that there are dangerous chemicals in them. Air fresheners could be a trigger that may cause people to go into a severe and in some cases, deadly asthma attack!

According to a European Consumers Union study, many air fresheners contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are known to cause cancer in humans. Some, such as formaldehyde, can cause cancer of the upper respiratory tract.

In the article, "Chemical in Many Air Fresheners May Reduce Lung Function" published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) on July 27, 2006, NIEHS studies show that 1,4 dichlorobenzene, a specific type of VOC, causes decreased lung function. Lead researcher Stephanie London, M.D. suggests protecting yourself and your family by reducing your use of air fresheners.

Most products tested in the European Consumers Union study also contained various allergens. Rashes or respiratory distress develop in reaction to these substances in susceptible individuals.

Most people will probably use air fresheners from time to time and should follow a few guidelines. Don't use these products around children, pregnant women or pets. Avoid use around individuals with medical conditions such as asthma or other respiratory illnesses as well. Use in moderation and only occasionally to lower the risks associated with long-term exposure to such chemicals.

New research shows that a chemical compound found in many air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaners, mothballs and other deodorizing products, may be harmful to the lungs.

"Even a small reduction in lung function may indicate some harm to the lungs," said NIEHS researcher Stephanie London, M.D., lead investigator on the study. "The best way to protect yourself, especially children who may have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, is to reduce the use of products and materials that contain these compounds."

University of Washington professor Anne Steinemann found in a study that over a third (37 percent) of people with asthma said they suffered adverse health effects after being exposed to an air freshener. Those that suffer from asthma or lung diseases will have lungs that are sensitive to anything that isn't natural in the air. Even 20 percent of people who didn't have asthma reported ill health effects after coming into contact with air fresheners. If there isn't enough ventilation in the room, you have a much greater chance of inhaling hazardous chemicals.

Some fresheners are designed to directly restrict your sense of smell. One of the chemicals is formaldehyde, which can cause long-term damage to your nasal passages. It is also known to be a cause of cancer.

Chemicals are released into the atmosphere every time an air freshener is used, a number of which are damaging to the environment. They can even react with ozone and produce toxic compounds. One of those compounds is smog.

SO - let me ask you a question?

Are you going to keep using these products in your home?

If you’ve ever had a problem with air fresheners, drop us a note and let us know the effect they had on you. We’ll share your story with our friends.

All the best

HOW TO HAVE A WINNING ATTITUDE

2011-03-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

By Kurt Kilpatrick, JD,CSP,CPAE

Who among us wants to work with others who have a bad Attitude? People with a sour and down countenance appear as if they were weaned on a dill pickle during childhood. They take joy in spreading doom, gloom, and always looking for and point out the negatives in life. Realize that the person who always looks down their own nose gets the wrong slant on life. I once read in Changing Times Magazine that if you go around with a chip on your shoulder all the time everyone else just might think it came off your own head.

A good attitude at work and at home can help you disarm stress and create new opportunities for you. When we get up in the morning we have two choices with regard to our attitude and what sort of attitude we will have all day. You can choose to have a bad attitude and spew forth negatives all day, or you can choose to have a good attitude and say and do things that others will take in a positive light and in a good natured way. You can literally WILL yourself into projecting a good attitude at home, on the job, and in your community. Some people make others happy and feel good when they show up and other do the same when they leave. You can choose which sort of person and personality you want to be; positive with a good attitude or negative with a bad attitude. Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. A good attitude, a positive attitude is an inside job.

These tips that might help YOU improve your Attitude:

· 1. Seize the Moment: Make the most of your time every day. Prioritize your tasks. Adjust your work by importance and not just by what is urgent. When you do this you will find that you have more time for relaxation and fun. It will help your attitude.

· 2. Solve your problems: Identify your problems on paper in a couple of sentences. This will help you bring the problem down to size, instead of letting it grow into some huge and mysterious pressure looming over you in the background. Do your Work, Solve your problems, and apply your creativity and expertise. It will give you a better attitude when you get things done.

· 3. Take Breaks: if you sit at a desk, get up and move around and stretch every 30-to-45 minutes. You can reward yourself for your hard work by taking frequent breaks. You will be more relaxed, more creative and more productive after each break and eager to get back to the work at hand.

It will also help you to maintain a more positive outlook on life if you will work hard at being grateful for the good things in your life. It is important to have an "Attitude of Gratitude" for the positive, helpful, beneficial and good things in your life. Practice smiling at yourself when you look in the mirror. A long face and a broad mind are rarely found under the same hat. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at the first five people you see each day whether family, friends, co-workers or strangers. Listen to positive and uplifting music or audio and do your best to catch an attitude of gratitude. Such positive self-talk will help you improve your own attitude. Remember that the choice is yours when you get up in the morning. A good attitude is that little thing in life that can make a BIG difference.

To Your Success!

Weekly Wisdom – Bigger than You – What you Give you Get!

2011-03-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been a part of something bigger than you?

I’ve been a part of an amazing organization, that has been helping families achieve their goals since 1999.

It has been such a growing experience and I must say that by helping others you will achieve more than you ever expected.

What you give you get, ten fold.

With any goals, I suggest asking this question: “When I achieve my goals, who else will benefit?”

Your answer should be “many”.

My belief with that concept is so strong, that it makes me want to scream it from the roof tops. Rather than scream however, *wink*, I will just share my thoughts and hope it inspires people to consider who will benefit when they accomplish their goals.

Here are a few quotes that I just love and though you may enjoy them as well.
~~

The purpose of life is not to be happy – but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist. ~Laurence Leamer, King of the Night We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ~Winston Churchill

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. – Henry Ford

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal. ~Albert Pike ~~

PLEASE share your comments down below!

I’d love to hear from you! And feel free to share this post on twitter or fb if you liked it! Thanks so much for spending time with me here today!

To Your Success,

Julie Gregson

2011-03-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

"You don't have to be great to get started,
but you have to get started to be great."

How To Make It A Great Day

2011-03-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

Have a great day. I say it all the time.
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?

“Make it a great day.” This shows others they have power over their circumstances.

The following are 10 simple steps that will make every day a great day.

1. Give of yourself. Help others, go the extra mile and share your gifts and talents. Each day we have limitless opportunities to put others first. Out do yourself today. Commit to helping 5 people. Everyone needs an extra hand. Be the first to offer yours.

2. Tell others you love them. Is there a person in your life that is difficult to love? Yes, that’s the person. Tell them first. Then text your friends, children or parents, “I heart U.” Surprise someone with a handwritten note expressing your appreciation and love. When you think of someone silently whisper, “I love you.” We all need love and many don’t get enough.

3. Be thankful.Finish the sentence, “I want and need to thank __________ for ____________. Now do it. Thank the earth, the flowers, the trees and the air. Thank the trees, the server, the cab driver. Thank the cashier, the co-worker and web designer. Thank everyone who is making the world a better place. Especially thank the most difficult people in your life.

4. Welcome your lessons. Today you’ll face difficult and unpleasant situations, welcome them all. They give you the opportunity to learn and grow. You’ll also have plesant and easy situations. These will teach you joy and appreciation. Welcome them and they’ll increases tenfold.

5. Forgive and let go.Everyone hurts someone. Be the first to apologize. Be quick to forgive and the last to judge. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes. We feel better about ourselves when we go to bed without enemies and regrets.

7. Ask for quidance. Ask to see the truth. Ask for a different perspective. Ask for the wisdom to do the right thing. Ask to see the higher road. Listen to and take action on the guidance you receive.

8. Own your greatness. Know that you are a unique spiritual being born to do great things. Make a difference. Believe in yourself. Take action no matter how small the step. You have a reason for being. The world needs you to do your part.

9. Lighten up and laugh. Grab a happy attitude. Speak happy words, think happy thoughts and do happy things. Look for opportunities to laugh. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Instead choose to have fun.

10. Make a difference in someone’s life today. Give a hug, a hand, a wink or a smile. Small thinks don’t go unnoticed. Everyone is carrying their own set of problems. What we all really want is to love, be loved and know that we matter.

When you’re feeling stressed, grumbling over your finances or complaining life isn’t going as it should remember how easy it is to make each day great.

Make each moment count!

Julie

Fear of Failure?

2011-02-25T09:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard the term, “The Fear of Failure“?
Fear and Failure. The “F” words.
Sadly so many people go through their lives without achieving what they really want because they allow this “Fear of Failure” to stand in their way.
This is kind of ironic since failing is almost always a requirement to enjoying success.
Here are 3 reasons why “Failure” is a GREAT thing!
Inspiration:
If you tried to achieve something a 2nd, 3rd, 10th or 100th time without success, this can be a strong motivator to continue on and say “I am going to accomplish it This Time”
Humility:
We all have times when we have achieved some successes and our ego can get in our way. A failure can sometimes bring us back to reality and back on track to moving forward.
Learning:
When you were a child, how did you learn to walk and talk? Did you just wake up one day and were walking and talking? Of course not. It took day after day of trying, failing, learning from mistakes, and trying again. As adults we sometimes need to remember the lessons of our childhood. As children, we don’t take failure personally, and just continue learning and adapting until “mission accomplished“.
If you are not failing, you are not growing and will miss out on great opportunities to succeed!
I suggest going to bed each night and asking yourself: “Did I fail today?” If so, CONGRATULATIONS! Analyze why, think about what you could do differently and try again with a new plan!
Do not “Fear Failure”! Expect it, be excited for it and be willing to learn from it. Failure is the way to achieving success in all areas of your life.
I would love to hear YOUR stories of how you failed in some area and how you were able to learn from that to succeed.
Please share you comments below.
To YOUR Success,

Julie Gregson