Alternative Health/Holistic Living

Stained Glass for Kids

2009-11-23T13:14:00.002-04:00

A fun project for little ones is that of making "stained glass."

Young ones can experiment with color while being taught the value of recycling unused materials.

Most kids have a collection of crayon stubs. These can to be put to good use to make pretty-looking stained glass window art.

Read more about How to Make Stained Glass Window Art

Article excerpt:

Stained Glass Window Art

* Each picture your child makes will be different. This is part of what makes faux stained glass making such an interesting undertaking.

*For best effect, hang the stained glass in a window so that the sunlight illuminates the colors.

The Truth About Abortion

2009-11-18T01:47:00.003-04:00

If Hitler had taken premature children and burned them alive in a salt solution that suffocated them, people would cry that this was an outrage, yet the same thing was done with saline abortions and it was called "pro-choice."

If Hitler had experimented on partially born children by plunging scissors into their heads and sucking out their brains, while they kicked and flailed, people would have called this barbarism, yet when implemented in modern clinics it's called "partial birth abortion."

When will society see through all the propaganda and word sanitization to what abortion really is?

An Inspiring Video About Breathing

2009-11-03T13:11:00.003-04:00

The act of breathing is often overlooked, relegated to a function that runs in the background but one that doesn't get much attention-- yet, it is so very important to so many areas of life.

Today, I'm including a video for readers to watch and enjoy. Let's celebrate life by . . . breathing!

Autumn Table Decorations

2009-10-22T13:01:00.006-03:00

Autumn gives us a wealth of colors and natural materials that make a perfect medium for fall projects. Brightly hued seasonal materials can be used to make attractive decorations for the home.

Creating an autumn table decoration is a neat way to mark the autumn season.

An autumn table centerpiece adds an especially nice touch when entertaining. If you are planning a family gathering, why not dress up the table with a pretty, budget-friendly autumn table centerpiece?

Learn more about autumn table decorations: what materials to gather to make a stunning centerpiece.

Preparing Plants for Winter

2009-10-15T14:13:00.007-03:00

A friend of mine has written an excellent article Getting Plants Ready for Seasonal Changes--Autumn and Winter.

I thought I had a good idea of yard and plant preparation but this article provided some fresh insights.

If you regularly prepare your flower beds for winter and rake your yard so the leaves offer added winter protection, you may find this article on how to protect plants and helpful.

Autumn Offerings

*Fall Gardening--Protecting Potted Mums Over the Winter
*Mulch is a Must for a Healthy, Work-Free Garden
*How to Build an Manure Hotbed and Plant Early Vegetable Garden

Naalbinding: One-Needle Knitting Style

2009-10-08T01:54:00.005-03:00

Do you enjoy knitting? There's pleasure in making homemade items. It can give you such a good feeling to produce something you've fashioned with your own hands.

On a trip to Newfoundland, I had the good fortune to visit the Viking village and we were introduced to the Norse knitting style called naalbinding. This form of knitting was passed down from the Vikings and employs the use of a single eyed needle.

Naalbinds, as they are called, are challenging to make and result in sturdy, stretchy material. It has been said that naalbinding is a cross between sewing, darning and crocheting. Naalbinded items are truly unique . . .

Learn more about The Ancient Art of Naalbinding

Health Benefits of Pistachios

2009-10-01T14:23:00.006-03:00

Many of us enjoy tasty pistachios. They make a great little snack. The nuts are soft and creamy and have a distinctive taste. Better yet, pistachios are good for you.

Pistachios have gotten the thumbs up (U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans), and are considered an excellent, nutrient dense food. Nutrient dense foods offer distinct benefits. They contain important vitamins, minerals and other substances supportive of human health.

My article, The Health Benefits of Eating Pistachios has proved popular with readers. If you are looking for a tasty and healthful snack that offers phytonutrients, protein and fiber, pistachios fit the bill.

Pistachios and Antioxidants

Did you know?
Pistachios contain phenolic compounds, which are believed to account for the antioxidant capability of certain foods. The pistachio nut is placed in the highest group for antioxidants.

Red more about the health benefits of eating pistachios

Nuts About Nuts
Nut Butter Nutrition Facts
Eating Tree Nuts for Health
Walnuts and Omega-3s

What is Falafel?

2009-09-28T15:54:00.005-03:00

Ground chick peas can be used to make tasty and nutritious menu items, balls and patties that can be eaten in place of meat.

Falafel is popular with vegetarians but is being adopted by others who have sampled it. It has been standard fare in Middle Eastern countries but is showing up in the West in restaurants and food bars.

Learn more about falafel, what goes into it, how it's cooked, and how it's served.

Vegetarian Fare
How to Use Bean Flour in Cooking
Kamut: Ancient Grain in Modern Times
Lavender Pancakes

Press Flowers for Winter Craft Projects

2009-09-22T19:56:00.006-03:00

As we enjoy beautiful fall days, this is a good time to gather blooms, petals, leaves and vines from the garden. Each year I do this starting with the first flowers in spring and continuing well into fall and until the first frost.

Why gather flowers? These can be pressed and, when it's hard getting out-of-doors, you'll have a supply of natural materials for craft projects.

I like to make pressed flower cards and small pictures as gift items, which are perfect to give out around the holidays. I'm thinking of using pansies and then fixing them to trays and sealing them in for a lovely effect.

If you've seen those lovely pressed flower cards and have always wanted to try your hand at making your own items using pressed flowers, read on to learn how to press flowers for craft projects.

Other Crafting Ideas

The Ancient Art of Naalbinding
How to Create a Christmas Scrapbook
The Ancient Art of Tatting
Captivating Crocheting: Make Doilies, Crocheted Table Runners, Wall Hangings, Curtains and More
Pine Needle Baskets
12 Quick and Easy Crochet Projects for When Time is Short
Frugal Knitting: Knit on the Cheap With Money-Saving Resources

Creative Uses for Zucchini

2009-09-13T21:49:00.005-03:00

In my last post, I discussed how to stuff and bake zucchini flowers. In today's post, I'm including a link to my article: Carving Zucchinis for Fall Porch Decorations.

This is a kid-friendly project because zucchini skin is easy to cut into. This makes for a safe endeavor for young and old alike.

As gardeners bring in vegetables from the garden, many are looking at ways to either can, freeze, or dry the surplus. A fun way to use up extra zucchini is to carve them for porch decorations to kick off the Autumn season.

It's easy to get started. My article discusses creative how-to's to use up those extra zucchini.

Stuffed and Baked Zucchini Flowers

2009-09-07T19:05:00.006-03:00

As summer winds down, gardeners are often busy bringing in vegetables from the garden. Around this time, most people find they have an abundance of zucchini.

The great thing about zucchini is that most of the plant is edible. The skin, seeds, flesh, and even the flowers can be eaten.

Zucchini flowers can be dipped in a batter and fried, chopped and added to salads, or stuffed and baked in the oven.

Today's post will take a look at at the latter: how to stuff and bake zucchini flowers.

You can stuff zucchini flowers with a mixture of rice, combined with chopped cooked chicken, turkey or cooked hamburger. Vegetarians may prefer to use rice in combo with grated cheese to stuff their zucchini flowers.

I'm including a link to my article Stuffed and Baked Zucchini Flowers. If you are experimenting with using edible flowers in cooking, this will get you started, with a basic recipe for a stuffing mixture and how-to's for preparing zucchini flowers.

Edible Flowers Resources

How to Make Lavender Pancakes

Cooking with Lavender

How to Cook with Roses and Make Rosewater

New Look to Alternative Health

2009-09-02T23:13:00.005-03:00

Hello Everyone!

I hope you like the new look to Alternative Health/Holistic Living. I think this new look is cleaner, and should make for a functional blog format.

I will be tweaking over the coming weeks so please bear with me.

To kick off the new blog design, today's post is about a recipe I'll share.

Healthful Homemade Sesame Crackers

I just love these homemade sesame crackers. The actual cracker is soft but the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and because these are baked in the oven, the seeds adopt a lovely toasted flavor.

You control the amounts of sodium and use butter over hydrogenated fats, so these sesame crackers are a healthful alternative to packaged crackers, loaded with salt and who-knows-what other preservatives and chemicals.

A girlfriend and I went for a drive and we took a thermos of tea and packed a baggy with sesame crackers. They made such a good pick-me-up, when I pulled to the side of the road to rest. We wanted to take pictures of Cape Split, so traveled to Diligent River, Nova Scotia.

What a wonderful day we had! Such an inspiring view!

Click on the article link below for the recipe:
* Homemade Sesame Crackers: Nutritious and Crunchy Appetizers Fresh From the Oven

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

2009-09-02T03:03:00.009-03:00

Paul felt down and his blue mood eventually led him to consult with a practitioner. He received

treatment for his depression. Paul was fortunate. No so, Andy.

Andy had a sore spine and repeated chiropractic treatments did little to relieve his discomfort. Andy also suffered elimination difficulties. He was convinced he had a physical problem that doctors kept missing.

What did Paul and Andy have in common?

* Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
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History, Policies and Our School Lunch Program | HealthMad

2009-08-22T00:31:00.001-03:00

History, Policies and Our School Lunch Program | HealthMad

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Natural Treatments for Anxiety

2009-08-17T03:04:00.001-03:00

Natural Treatments for Anxiety

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Herbal Antidepressants: Hope or Hype?

2009-08-17T03:03:00.001-03:00

Herbal Antidepressants: Hope or Hype?

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Abortion Survivors: Tiny Victims That Beat the Odds

2009-07-22T17:40:00.001-03:00

Abortion Survivors: Tiny Victims That Beat the Odds

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How You Can Reduce Wrinkles Without Resorting to Surgery or Expensive Skin Treatments

2009-06-28T13:03:00.001-03:00

How You Can Reduce Wrinkles Without Resorting to Surgery or Expensive Skin Treatments

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12 Quick and Easy Crochet Projects: Fabulous Crocheting Ideas for When Time is Short

2009-06-06T19:08:00.001-03:00

12 Quick and Easy Crochet Projects: Fabulous Crocheting Ideas for When Time is Short

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Adolescent Hens and Chick Flicks

2009-06-06T17:03:00.001-03:00

Adolescent Hens and Chick Flicks

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12 Quick and Easy Crochet Projects: Fabulous Crocheting Ideas for When Time is Short

2009-06-03T13:56:00.001-03:00

12 Quick and Easy Crochet Projects: Fabulous Crocheting Ideas for When Time is Short

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My Personal Wildlife Habitat

2009-05-29T18:00:00.001-03:00

My Personal Wildlife Habitat

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How to Open, Drain, and Crack a Coconut Safely: For Those Who Don't Want to Lose a Finger

2009-05-29T15:08:00.001-03:00

How to Open, Drain, and Crack a Coconut Safely: For Those Who Don't Want to Lose a Finger

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Geothermal Energy

2009-05-11T12:43:00.004-03:00

Increasingly, we are hearing of geothermal energy. In my area, I know of a fellow who has converted to geothermal to heat his home and he's found the savings are significant, over the cost of heating oil.

Today's post is a compilation of articles that discuss geothermal energy for those seeking information about geothermal.

Geothermal Energy

One Percent of Australia's Geothermal Energy can Produce 26000 Years of Electricity--untapped geothermal energy from underground could produce 26,000 years worth of clean electricity power. . .

Renewable Geothermal Energy--Geothermal energy is energy produced by or harvested from heat within the earth . . .

Renewable Energy--A Guide to 5 Common Sources of Sustainable Power--increased human activity is leading to larger volumes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and that therefore there is man-made global warming . . .

Geothermal Energy--According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control . . .

Geothermal Energy--Tapping the Earth's Underground Energy Treasures--We could generate power for decades . . .

Can Heating be Free?--cutting heating costs

Switching to Renewable Energy Sources--Many times one of the biggest desires of people who have the dream to homestead is to go off grid with their own renewable energy resources . . .

Can Geothermal Heat Your Home?--the low-grade heat near the earth’s surface, is an efficient, clean and cost-effective energy that can be used to heat, and cool, your home.

It's encourging to see the trend towards green, eco-friendly and sustainable living. Whether this be in reducing greenhouse gases or living off the grid.

Geothermal is an idea that's time has come.

How to Effectively Reduce Belly Fat

2009-03-29T13:25:00.004-03:00

How To Effectively Reduce Belly Fat

Author: Rebecca Welch

Jelly Belly. Love Handles. Dunlap Disease. Whatever you want to call it, the excess fat around your midsection that wiggles and jiggles in all the wrong places just isn't pretty. Not only is belly fat unattractive, it can be downright dangerous to your health. Extra fat carried around your abdomen can increase your risk of heart disease. With so many pills, potions and programs flooding the weight loss industry today, many people are left feeling just plain confused about how to effectively reduce belly fat.

The first thing you must know about how to effectively reduce belly fat is that there is no magic bullet when it comes to weight loss. Reducing body fat levels requires a three pronged approach that doesn't come from popping diet pills or gulping down foul tasting drinks. Belly fat also won't come off by trying to spot reduce only doing sit-ups or crunches. It's just not possible to spot reduce, so don't waste your time.

So, the question remains, how do you effectively reduce belly fat? Here is a safe, practical three pronged approach to get rid of belly fat.

1. Healthy Meals. Notice the word diet isn't part of the equation. That's because the word diet conjures up visions of carrots and celery and not much else. The word diet gives us nightmares of deprivation and hunger, and that's not the image we're looking for with permanent weight loss. Just because the word diet isn't used does not mean you're free to gorge on junk food at will. Healthy meals consist of lean protein, lots of vegetables, whole grains and some fruit. Your should consistantly choose foods that are as close as possible to their natural state.

2. Cardiovascular Exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise will reduce body fat levels. Where should you start? Wallking is great cardio! Put your shoes on and get moving for at least 30 minutes per day. It doesn't matter how fast or how far you walk in the beginning, the most important point is that you're moving your body aerobically on a regular basis. If you don't enjoy walking then ride a bike, rollerskate, jog, run. Participate in whatever aerobic activity you enjoy.

3. Lift Weights. Yes, you did read that correctly! If you're wondering what lifting weights has to do with effectively reducing belly fat, then read on. Regular weight lifting has several beneficial effects for those folks trying to reduce their body fat levels. Muscles burn extra calories. The more muscle you carry on your frame, the more calories you burn in a 24 hour period which translates into extra fat burning power. Muscles take up about one third less space than fat. Muscles give you the power to carry on your daily activities more effectively and with energy to spare.

Learning how to effectively reduce belly fat isn't a difficult task. The three principle keys to getting rid of your gut rely on diet, cardiovascular exercise and weight lifting on a regular basis. Remember, you didn't sprout belly fat overnight and you can't get rid of belly fat in a day, but you can reduce belly fat if you're willing to put forth a bit of effort.

About the Author:

Get your risk free trial of the best plan to effectively reduce belly fat. reshape your body regardless of age, gender, or metabolic type. See more tips about how to get fit and how to stay fit.

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