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2010 – What is ahead?

Posted on 29. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

2009 – the year of the Ox – was a hard working year. I think the one word that can be linked to it most strongly would be ‘recession.’
Like many, I didn’t know what this recession would mean for my family, or our business. Assets had to be reevaluated, along with finances and values. Everyone [...]

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5 Heart-Healthy Meals

Posted on 29. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

Pumpkin Ravioli
The meat and cheese in traditional ravioli can send calorie counts (and saturated fat) through the roof. However, using pumpkin keeps this dish at less than 200 calories per serving. And pumpkin is rich in fiber, which also helps in maintaining a healthy heart.

1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 [...]

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Natural Remedies of a Glass of Wine

Posted on 28. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

 It’s not grapes have ever lacked purpose. Just about every form they take – fresh, squeezed, squished and fermented, or dried on the vine – offers delectation. Over the past decade, the grape, especially in its red or black variety, has become more than food or libation, more than a source of nutrition and pleasure. [...]

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How Rudolph the Reindeer Came About

Posted on 26. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

A guy named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter, Barbara, sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bobs wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer. Little Barbara couldn’t understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dads eyes and [...]

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What Are Volatile Organic Compounds and How to Avoid Them?

Posted on 14. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.  VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering [...]

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DIY Christmas Decorating

Posted on 11. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

 This sweet Christmas tree was made with a styrofoam cone, onto which peppermints were glued. Displayed on pillar candlesticks, they would make great table or mantle decorations. Very cute, and very easy! Via BHG.

The eco-friendly housewares-and-clothing boutique’s current window candy is a clever and beautiful assemblage of crocheted snowflakes, yarn pom-poms, and dried oranges hung from [...]

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Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes

Posted on 09. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
Just as effective as popular antibacterial cleansers, this formula is perfect for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
 
2 cups hot water
¼ cup white vinegar
½ teaspoon washing soda (similar to, but more caustic than, baking soda)
15 drops tea tree essential oil
15 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a reusable spray bottle and shake well. To use, spray [...]

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Things You Should Know Before Taking Antibiotics

Posted on 08. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

True antibiotics can be lifesaving in case of serious infection, but they can also cause unpleasant, even harmful side effects, unless you take a few simple precautions. To get the most benefit, experts advise:
Boosting your immunity
People who take antibiotics are twice as likely to develop nasty colds over the next two months compared to these [...]

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How To Create a Wonderful Winter Foyer

Posted on 06. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

By Christine Hanlon; Photography by Lara Fishbein
Via Style at Home

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Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee

Posted on 06. Dec, 2009 by Oksana Irwin.

Coffee a health elixir? You bet! Downing a cup of joy is not just jump starting your energy anymore. New research proves that everyone’s favorite morning brew has nearly 1000 different antioxidants with significant disease-fighting power. Drink yours to get:
A healthier brain
Six large studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers have an 80% lower risk [...]

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