Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Sunday, April 29, 2012
I love lilacs and the heady smell of lilacs blooming. There’s nothing quite like the scent of this lovely flowers; it's almost magical... and that's the scent wafting from almost every room in my house lately... If you’re a lilac lover like me, then you no doubt feel the lilac blooming season is far too short. I am saving these lovely memories....
















For those of you not familiar with our "linky parties” they are basically a chance for us home and garden lovers to show off… well, just that—our homes and gardens! And all in all whatever is going on in our life that’s worth sharing! Got anything you’d like to share? Then link up! But remember:

Etiquette for linky parties


1) Link to a recent project post, and not a link to the front page of your blog, your Etsy store or a giveaway.


2) Link back to the host’s blog via a button or text link. This is a common courtesy, and it is usually appreciated if you link back in the same blog post that you are linking up.





Natural Allergy and Sinus Relief Program with Shaklee

Most people who suffer with allergy and sinus problems feel they must resort to using medications that have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.  For those who may be interested in safer, more natural alternatives, some of the following premium products by Shaklee may be of interest.


 TO STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM START HERE



Scientists now believe 70% of the immune system is located in the gut … a good place to start to strengthen our immune system against allergic reactions.  There appears to be a surprising correlation between symptoms of upper respiratory congestion and sinus discomfort to poor elimination in the lower intestines.  This is often associated with an overgrowth of the Candida yeast organisms.  An increasing number of Americans suffer from Candida when the essential friendly microbes Nature intended to reside in our intestines get destroyed by medications such as antibiotics,  steroid-based drugs (e.g. asthma medications), oral contraceptives, and more.  Couple this with a diet culture so entrenched in sweets, breads, baked goods, chips, and snacks that are the favorite foods of the Candida organisms. 


A patented technology that allows the very fragile probiotics to pass through the highly acidic stomach protected by a triple encapsulation so they arrive exactly at the right location in the lower intestines. 

 
        
Developed and extensively tested by immunologists in Japan, this proprietary blend of natural plant extracts is derived from pumpkin seeds, safflower flowers, plantago seeds, and Japanese honeysuckle flower buds.  Nutriferon supports and stimulates the immune system by increasing the activity of macrophages (white blood cells) and inducing natural interferon production.  It optimizes the body’s immune response against environmental irritants and airborne substances (as with allergies and asthma).  Completely safe – no adverse reactions to these plant extracts recorded.



For continuous antioxidant protection against environmental assaults, this unique all-natural sustained formula slowly releases Vitamin C into your blood stream over a 5-hour period and provides nutrients from the entire vitamin C complex including bioflavonoids. Thus, it is very economical.  It has been found to protect against smog, chronic infection, allergies, asthma, colds, flu, swollen glands, anemia, smoke, poor diet, stress, bruising, varicose and spider veins, colon polyps, and slow healing.

 


Supported by 7 clinical studies, patented bio-activated absorption system.  Exceptional quality, over 340 quality tests on every batch produced.  Contains 23 essential vitamins and critical minerals, including 800 IU of Vitamin D3.  Kosher and gluten-free.


Also helpful to relieve symptoms:


With deep roots extending10 to 20 feet into the soil, this amazing plant is rich in trace minerals and protein plus contains 8 digestive enzymes. Recognized as a natural anti-histamine, allergy sufferers report good results from taking 3 or 4 of the little compressed sun-dried leaf tablets … containing no pesticides, fungicides, growth regulators, or synthetic hormones.  Other popular uses for alfalfa are swelling, pain and stiff joints, ulcers, stomach ailments, hiatal hernia, water retention, gout, body odor, and bad breath.


Retains all the potency of one clove of fresh raw garlic without the odor. Garlic is traditionally used for its  anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and
anti-inflammatory properties. People often take it to reduce symptoms of
allergy, asthma, colds, flu, sinus infections, yeast infections, diarrhea &flatulence. It also has heart protective properties of lowering elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Diet
Emphasize fresh vegetables and avoid sugar, breads,
and baked goods.




REDUCE EXPOSURE TO TOXINS

In addressing allergy and sinus problems, a two-fold approach is usually recommended:  

1) Strengthen the immune system (as discussed above), and 

2) Avoid products that could aggravate allergy and sinus conditions such as certain foods and cleaning products.  Many cleaning products not only irritate the skin, but their odors can aggravate upper respiratory problems. 


Step one in reducing toxins in and around our living space is to remove all toxic cleaning products from the home ..and replace them with the non-toxic, earth-friendly Get Clean Product line. Oprah Winfrey named these remarkable, effective, and yet inexpensive cleaners among her “favorite things”. They can be purchased individually or in the most popular Get Clean Starter Kit.  The kit includes products for the kitchen, the bathroom, and the laundry ... in particular fragrance-free dryer sheets (made from vegetables and biodegradable), a pint of Basic H2 (that makes 48 gallons of all purpose cleaner for about $10), and Scour Off cleanser for pots, pans, and stove tops in the kitchen and for tile cleaning in the bathroom.  Kosher certified.



Disinfectant made without cresol.  Cresol is easily absorbed by the skin and causes digestive disturbances, nervous disorders, mental changes, skin eruptions, and jaundice.  Basic G kills parvovirus, feline leukemia, distemper virus, and the AIDS virus on surfaces.  Note:  for allergy and sinus relief in the winter when it’s dry, remember to use a humidifier with a few drops of Basic-G to inhibit bacterial growth.



Combine advanced technology with herbal and botanical extracts
and antioxidants …especially formulated for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic, pH balanced, no artificial col
orants or heavy mineral oils, noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores).   Plus a comprehensive highly derma-available complex designed to actually break each link in the chain of free radical damage.  Literally reverses the
accelerated aging the sun of the skin caused by computer screens, fluorescent lights, and the sun.

OTHER HELPFUL PRODUCTS
Contains Echinacea ... which activates the immune system, promotes
production of white blood cells, enhances resistance to infection (viral and bacterial), anti-inflammatory, promotes wound healing, reduces mucous, relieves boils, gangrene, ulcerations, bites, abscesses, and fights candida.  Also contains larchtree extract and elderberry to surround viruses and help prevent their reproduction. Best taken at onset of avirus.  Can also be used as a zinc lozenge or made into a tea. Very soothing to sore throats.

Because the brain is the most sensitive organ in the body, many experts recommend eliminating foods and environmental irritants that could create brain allergies.  (Source: Doris Rapp, M.D.  “Is This Your Child’s World?”)   Using Shaklee cleaning and personal care products may be helpful as they are based on a philosophy of “Living in Harmony with Nature.”

Information courtesy of Lagoni Health Associates.

Get your FREE SHAKLEE MEMBERSHIP TODAY!!! Only 2 days left!


 Have a great day,

Bonnie :)


Just thinking out loud

Friday, April 27, 2012



Daylight is an old man sitting outside the jagged shack...


Hand on cane chin on hand.


And his old soul is a butterfly sitting in the brink of time.


A moment decisive. And me too--tested has been the day.


Empty handed I befall lips sealed windswept


I am the old man.



(Cielo Noriega)


-------------------


Have you ever felt this way before?... And I was struck all at once how life was out there going through its regular courses, and I was caught in its whirlpool; suspended, waiting, caught in a cell within a cell; between living my life and not living it the way I want to live it... I know... there will be better days...




In the garden

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
It felt like summer this past weekend; high temperatures as we haven’t seen around here for this time of year since 1934—surely a record on these chilly mountains of ours. And gardening was truly a delight. Although I’d have to say, we worked like mastodon work horses from early morning to late evening cleaning, repainting the porch’s floors, planting and taking out old bushes that were originally planted in the wrong spot, dividing, mending and replacing all the sprinklers that had broke down over the winter—mud in my face and hair, mud in my hands and feet.




Are you like that too? Oh, I choose to do my gardening devoid of garden gloves and rather do so too barefooted—old garden boots forgotten… unless, of course, I’d really need to wear them.


And thus, I was right in my habitat; delightfully enjoying all the hard work. I never see working in the garden as ‘work’. You? To me it is more a deed of love rather that a task.





Hard work is the rule, though delightfulness is often discovered in the midst of it. And I had an epiphany while working—more like a reverie: A cottage set amongst tranquil, rolling hills; stillness enfolding the cottage garden; soul attuned to the silent hum in the heart of all life.



...that was, of course, until my dreams and the sanctity of silence and stillness were shattered into thousands of tiny pieces by all the annoying barking that goes on in our neighbourhood. Argh Arrrggghhh smackalack-pooey-poeey!!


Can you imagine Buddha finally reaching enlightenment through contemplation while sitting with his dogs beneath a tree? So much for the silence of the mystics!


So everything is looking marvelous over here; with the freshly painted floors and new pastel linen on furnishings…





And the birds… oh the birds! It’s bird season for sure. The heavens are filled with songs and perfume. If you can sit down for just a moment and take a long, loving, look at your surroundings, you’ll be able to see the world in such different way. It is amazing to be able to observe our world with the senses rather than the intellect…. It is a passionate, emotional, even intuitive endeavor.



I’m so enjoying this time of year… I love spring. My soul rejoices in this new life that’s coming forth from the ground with such an unconquerable force and promises. All around me speaks to my heart of a powerful Creator—God of all heavens and earth. I am humbled by the deeds of His hand.










My Family Trip to Florida

Hello all! :)  I just wanted to share some photos from our trip to Florida with you.  We go to Florida every year and have family there so we always have a place to stay!  You can see my Mother-in-Law's newly renovated condo here!  It is AWESOME! :)

We spent a lot of time by the pool! 


The kids had a blast and love the water!!


They have no fear!


We spent a lot of family time together which was my favorite part!




We also were able to sneak away on some date nights! :)  Yes, I am growing by the day!!  I am 8 months pregnant here!




This was our view!


We also spent time at my husband's Grandparent's condo!  We played cards and other games there with them.


We still tried to eat pretty healthy when on vacation!  We visited a local farmer's market to get food for the week.


The kids love getting fresh fruit and veggies!


They loved seeing these owls.



We celebrated Easter in Florida too!  The kids were worried the Easter bunny might miss them, but he came through this year and hid a bunch of eggs outside!








They are getting so big!


Here is our family! :)



We went mini-golfing!




The kids were able to feed the baby gators which they look foreword to every year.






We also took them on a pirate cruise which was a blast!!!














We took some professional shots on Sanibel Island.  I can't wait to get them on the wall!

Here are some photos I took after our photographer left.

















We had to go to a park!





We also spent time by the ocean.












I love family trips and this will be the last one until the baby comes!  I treasure every moment we spend together!

How about you?  What do you like to do on vacation?  Do you have a favorite place to go?  Do you have a family tradition?

Have a great day!

Bonnie :)