Happymomblogger

If there was a miracle pill that eliminated or even reduced the amounts of flu and colds we get every year, I wish they’d invent it quick. But reality points us to the fact that it’s human nature to get ill, even with a few sniffles and coughs here and there.

As a mom, it’s disheartening to see my son get sick, even when it’s just the sneezes and coughs. I doubt there’s anyone who enjoys getting a cold but I for one try to prevent the sneaky cold from turning into full on flu whenever possible.

Cold and flu season is already upon us and some of us may already have tried these remedies and prevention methods. Below, I’ve put together some tips as well as tried and tested products that we have been using throughout the years.

• Ginger Root. One of the oldest and true remedies used for centuries, ginger root is known for prevention and cure of certain ailments. When using fresh ginger roots, ginger can alleviate stomach problems, fight off colds, prevent certain colds from starting, and help with digestion. It is a natural antioxidant and tastes great mixed with honey and brown sugar. Try to use fresh ginger roots as they are most natural and potent. Mix sliced or shredded ginger root in hot water with some honey. If possible, drink ginger root tonic without any sweetener but using honey can also include the health benefits of honey.
• Water. Drink plenty of water every day to clean out your system and during colds and flu. Water is a natural way of clearing out toxins in our body as well as giving our blood a boost in fighting off the bad stuff. If you don’t like the taste of normal water, drink hot green tea or add some lemon and honey into your hot water.
• Citrus tonic. We all know by now that Vitamin C is great for practically everything in our lives. However, because Vitamin C is processed within our body rather quickly, it’s important to have lots of it throughout the cold and flu season. Just be sure to mix citrus fruits (such as lemon and oranges) with warm or hot water as warm water also soothes the throat, loosens phlegm, and calms the achy muscles.
• Natural herbs including thyme, olive leaf, and anise. Certain herbs prevent illnesses from acting up as well as reducing the effects. Many times these herbs can be used on a daily basis and natural medicinal products blended by professionals are safe to take on a regular basis. Certain companies who we have used for many years are: Boiron Children’s Chestal Cold & Cough (http://www.boironusa.com/products/childrens-chestal-cold-cough/).  Boiron Chestal Cough. Barlean’s Olive Leaf Complex (http://www.barleans.com/olive-leaf-complex). And Nordic Naturals (http://www.nordicnaturals.com/).
• Vitamins. I have found that taking just multi-vitamins don’t really target specific areas of needs we are looking for. I have come to rely mostly on single types of vitamins and minerals as they have stronger amounts of dosages and also your body isn’t trying to assimilate a great assortment of vitamins and minerals found in multi-vitamins. Mulit’s are great for all-around health and immunity, but I believe when you’re looking to target certain treatments, it’s best to  find the right single vitamin or supplement for your body.
• Rest and meditation. I can’t say enough about how important rest is. Even I, who don’t get enough of it, suffer from shortage of much needed rest. The recommended amount of sleep for adults is around 6 hours. For kids the amounts can range between 9-13 hours depending on the age and need. When you’re sick, take little naps throughout the day. Meditation helps relieve the stress and problems we deal with on a daily basis. Even if you meditate for 20 minutes a couple times a week, you can feel a significant difference in your mood and sleep patterns.
• Exercise. Perhaps one of the best mood lifters ever invented. Exercising, including walking and any type of cardiovascular movements can help pump your heart and muscles. Don’t do anything strenuous and exercise as often as possible. Try calming and healing exercises such as Taichi and Yoga as they incorporate breathing and relaxation in their forms.

Try out these tips and methods suggested above. When you’ve found something healthy that works for you, don’t be afraid to learn a bit more about how to improve your health and life. Most importantly, if you’re trying something new to treat an illness or prevent one, take it slowly and do your own research. Every body works differently but if you’re diligent in protecting yours, then you’ll have less problems later in life.

Wishing you a healthy winter season!

 

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

Why does it seem like every year the holiday decorations are coming out earlier and earlier? At my local Target, holiday and Christmas decorations and sweets were out by Halloween time. And yet, I was barely even thinking about how to decorate my house for Halloween. I hardly wanted to think about Christmas and the holidays leading up to and after that. But think about it I must for my son had started his Christmas wish list long before.

Every year I tell myself to start planning early. With all the crazy stuff that might happen during the busy holiday months, it’s vital to me that I plan ahead. But it’s also just as important to plan things with the environment in mind. Christmas is possibly the most beautiful and wasteful time of the year. It’s when most people spend more than they should or have to and sometimes guilt plays into the factor. It’s easy to just charge everything on your credit cards not really thinking ahead or planning on what to buy. Then inevitably, we end up spending more and wasting even more leading to empty wallets and harm to our precious planet.

So how can we save money, time, and our planet’s natural resources? I think most of us already do something eco-friendly on a daily basis but for the holiday season, let’s try and go beyond what we already instinctively do. Let’s make positive steps in ensuring a healthier and better future for our children and their children.

Here are some happy and healthy tips for the holiday season:

• Make a list of things you want to buy. Search for coupons online or in mailed advertisements.
• Try do-it-yourselves gifts. You can make them in bulk and with ingredients that you choose. Try this homemade soap recipe. It’s fairly easy and quite beneficial: http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-beauty/lavender-rosemary-soap-recipe.aspx.  I love wrapping them in pretty paper or large leaves and they make excellent and healthy gifts.
• Reuse wrapping paper. This saves you money and the environment.
• Stock up on natural cold and flu remedies. With the busy moments and the cold weather, we’re prone to getting ill during these months.
• Consider saving trees by giving digital gift cards that the recipient can save on their smartphones.
• Make batches of food ahead of time and freeze accordingly. This will save you much needed time when you’re too busy to cook lunch or dinner.
• Instead of wrapping gifts, consider placing gifts inside reusable shopping bags. Then every time your recipient uses their bag, they will be reminded of your kind and thoughtful gesture.
• When purchasing gifts, be on the lookout for products using local ingredients, fair trade, cruelty free, and of course organic when possible.
• Try buying products made from renewable resources so that we’re not helping to destroy our precious ecosystem.
• Instead of sending out paper greeting cards, consider sending e-cards instead. I know the paper cards are incredibly cute, but try skipping that this year and send digital instead.
• Shop online when possible to avoid crowds and driving in traffic. Oftentimes your favorite online stores offer free shipping during the holiday season.
• Shop locally (products made within your region). Not only does this help with reducing carbon footprint, but it also helps local businesses and the economy.

No matter what your plans are for this holiday season, remember to take deep breaths, be calm, and keep the environment in mind whenever possible. Happy Holidays!

 

There’s a special time of year when the holiday colors and festivities bring out the generosity in us. It’s the time where we spend a bit more, decorate a bit crazier, and spend time with our family and friends. But what’s also important is the power of giving and giving for a good cause.

NBC Green is Universal’s annual tree planting program comes back again this year in the form of the #GIFtATree program. The GiftATree campaign (http://www.greenisuniversal.com/) runs from December 2, 2015 to the end of the month and it’s incredibly easy to contribute in this campaign. In fact, it’s practically free! All you have to do is create a holiday GIF tree on their website and for every GIF shared and #GIFtATree generated before the end of December, the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF) will plant one real tree, up to 25,000, in a state part or national forest, funded by a $25,000 contribution from NBCUniversal. Now how easy is that? And while you’re having fun decorating a virtual tree, you’re also doing good by helping our precious planet.

Below is a image of my virtual tree that I also shared on Twitter and Facebook. Isn’t it adorable?

Research indicates that one tree can provide oxygen for up to four people in one day and that one tree can absorb more than a ton of carbon in its lifetime. With all the people in the world and all the resources we use on a daily basis, trees are a vital component in protecting our planet. And while protecting our precious planet, we are also ensuring a healthier and safer future for our loved ones.

So please join me and NBC Green Is Universal this December in planting a virtual tree and sharing it on their social media. I will be live tweeting today along with NBC Green Is Universal, the Arbor Day Foundation, and many other fellow bloggers and environmental enthusiasts. To kick off the campaign, NBC GreenIsUniversal is having a Twitter party during the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting event.We’ll be chatting about how to have a more eco-friendly holiday season, as well as asking people to #GIFtATree. So this year, let’s give a new meaning to the phrase “tree huggers” and help plant new trees for a healthier future!

Join me and fellow bloggers on Twitter today, December 2 from 8-10pm (ET)/5-7pm (PT) at:

• @GreenIsUni
• @ArborDay
• @HappyMomBlogger

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

Those who know me well know what a huge chocolate lover I am. And I’m not ashamed to admit that I can be quite choosy when it comes to chocolate. My best friend and I are sort of “chocolate snobs” in the sense that if we had to choose between gourmet chocolate and the conventional grocery store versions, well, we kind of have to turn away the conventional versions. But being chocolate-wise can be a good thing actually. It challenges manufactures who make high quality chocolates to perform better and to always keep up the demands. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with paying more for better chocolate or better sweets in general. And when you taste higher quality chocolates, you’ll probably notice the difference immediately. I always joke with my husband that he complains I only like gourmet chocolate and he’s fine with the $2.00 chocolates, and yet, it seems my gourmet chocolates always disappear rather quickly the moment I open the packages.

So when Tru Joy and Surf Sweets offered me to try and review their newest holiday line of sweets, how could I say no. My son and I already love their gummy candy and their gourmet jelly beans and every Valentine’s Day I’m inclined to buy a few packages of their Valentine’s candy to give out to my son’s friends. Not only are their sweets unique and flavorful, they are made with only natural and organic ingredients. If you’re going to buy sweets, it’s always nice to buy ones made with natural and if possible, organic ingredients. We already know the health hazards that conventional candies contain, so buying candy that’s made with better and non-toxic ingredients are always the better choice. They may be a tad more expensive, but it never hurts to indulge a bit now and then.

Tru Joy’s Organic Peppermint Choco-Chews are a perfect mix of organic peppermint candy pieces and TruJoy Sweets original Organic Chocolate Chews. The delightful combination creates a delicious blend of dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors that is moist in texture with a tingling sensation of fresh mint as you chew them. The peppermint choco-chews are individually wrapped so you can give them out in single pieces, or put them in a pretty and decorative holiday box as gifts. The peppermint chocolate chews themselves are not too sweet and is great after meals or just for fun. They’re perfect for kids because they’re not incredibly sweet and they’re soft enough for kids to chew on. Since they are individually wrapped it’s easy to just hand your kids a couple of pieces to satisfy their sweet tooth without indulging too much on the sweets.

 

I made holiday treat bags for the Garden Club at my son’s school and included some Tru Joy’s Choco-Chews. I really like that they’re not too sweet, incredibly moist and chewy, and has a very light and delicate peppermint flavor.

Tru Joy’s Organic Peppermint Choco-Chews are only available during the holiday season and you can find them at most natural grocery stores as well as online. They also have traditional candy canes made with natural and organic ingredients so if you’re in the holiday mood, pick some up early as they can run out quick. And if you’re interested in Tru Joy’s entire line of organic sweets, you can visit their website: http://www.trujoysweets.com/.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

 

When experts told us that global warming was happening I didn’t really understand the full meaning behind it. The ramifications of waste and misuse of products in our country is evidently leading us to drastic climate changes, pollution, and landfills inundated with waste.

The thing about not being wasteful is to use less. That’s pretty common sense but in a country raised on convenience, we’ve all fallen into the trap of getting something quick just because it’s convenient. One of these pitfalls is water bottles. They are easy and convenient and fairly inexpensive. But they do eventually add up in cost and plastic waste and becomes harder to break down.

As a People Towels (Peope4People) Ambassador, I was keenly asked, “why do you use reusables?” Simple answer is – to help reduce the waste of plastic production and use in the US. And I do this by using reusable beverage containers. I have a bottle for my water and a container for my hot tea. I even bought my husband and son their own reusable water bottles to take to work and school. When given nice-looking and highly functional ones, they both use them regularly.

It wasn’t always easy to use reusable beverage bottles because of constantly having to wash them but once I started using them it became second nature to me. Now I just wash them out the night before to get them ready for the next use. I may not always remember to use less plastic or conserve water or any of the environmentally sound actions, but I do try to have the best intentions when it comes to wanting to help improve out planet. All it takes is one step in helping combat global warming and for me it is using reusable beverage containers. It really is a win-win situation for the both of us.

For more info about People Towels and what they do please visit their website: http://www.peopletowels.com/.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm