25+ Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

December 27, 2023 2 Comments

25 natural cold and flu remedies

If you are like most people, one or more colds has hit your home by about now into the cold & flu season. There are lots of things out there on the market to treat cold and flu, but what if you are trying to relieve symptoms in a more natural way*? Here are 25+ natural cold and flu remedies.

 

25+ Natural Cold and Flu Remedies*

 

1. Homemade Cough Syrup by Coffee with Us 3

2. Make your own “Vapor Rub” by Premeditated Leftovers

3. DIY Hand Sanitizer by Saved By Grace

4. Winter Miracle Tea by Somerset Lane

5. Homemade Elderberry Syrup by Mommypotamus

6. How to Stock your Natural Medicine Cabinet by Saved By Grace

7. Fire Cider by The Sprouting Seed

8. Homemade Citrus Electrolyte Drink by Don’t Mess With Mama

9. DIY Saline Nasal Spray by Whole New Mom

10. Flu-fighter Cookies by The Food Network

11. Sore Throat Popcicles by Tasty Homemade Popcicles

12. Natural Cough Drops by Coconut Mama

13. How to do a Detox Bath by Saved By Grace

14. Homemade Cough Lollipops by The Pistachio Project

15. Tried and Tried Homemade Ear Ache Remedy by Baby Boomer Rants

16. Natural Congestion Relief Sinus Bombs by Saved By Grace

17. Elderberry Cough Syrup by DIY Confessions

18. Homemade Garlic Salve by The Elliott Homestead

19. Bourbon Cough Syrup (for grown-ups) by The Kitchn

20. How to make Herbal Steams for Colds and Flu by The Prairie Homestead

21. Immune Boosting Apple Cider by Fit Bottomed Girls

22. Homemade Disinfecting Wipes by Delicious Obsessions

23. DIY Soothing Throat Spray by Oh Lardy

24. Cold and Flu Fighting Capsules by Joybilee Farm

25. Homemade Nose Wipes for Little Noses by One Good Thing by Jillee

 

 

* Please note that the information contained in this post and others is for education purposes only and not meant to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent and illness. I am not a medical professional, so please don’t take this information as medical advice but for it’s intended purpose, to educate. Please check with your Doctor before trying any of the remedies or soothers contained here.

Filed Under: Green Living, Health

9 Easy New Year’s Resolutions for your Mind, Body and Home

December 19, 2023 Leave a Comment

9 easy new years resolutions for your mind body and home

The new year is almost here and for many people that means making a new year’s resolution or two. The problem with new year’s resolutions is, they are often hard to keep and not practical. A new year’s resolution doesn’t have tp be something elaborate or hard to be life-changing. You can simply make easy lifestyle choices and changes that make your life better in the end. Here are some new year’s resolutions for your mind, body and home that not only will help you find your center, but may even save you a bit of money and/or sanity.

 

9 Easy New Year’s Resolutions for your Mind, Body and Home

 

For Your Mind:

1. Pinpoint ONE thing that you need to get organized to have your life running smoothly. While “get more organized” is a great resolution, it can easily become more daunting that expected and leave you folding in the end. Instead, pick a simple action you can take now to organize. For example, maybe for you, it’s a matter of being better at remembering appointments or important dates. Find a way to do this that works for you and see your stress level go down.

2. Take 10 minutes a day to free your mind and just breathe. This can be an amazing resolution and one that most people find it easy to keep.

3. Take on a simple hobby. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, though. Remember, you have a whole year to try. It can be “learn to crochet” for example. Hobbies help our minds relax and can bring lots of joy.

 

For Your Body:

4. Change one thing in your diet. If that is something as simple as eating out less, then do that. You don’t have to do a lot to reap the benefits.

5. Devote 1 hour a week to getting active. This doesn’t have to be 1 hour at one sitting, either. If your day is so busy, try doing 15 minute sessions of yoga. (If you are a big girl like me, you might like my tips for doing yoga when you are plus sized post)

6. Be kind to your body by switching to natural remedies for your beauty and health. Making some of your own stuff like body butter, deodorant, lip balm, body wash and sugar scrub is low cost and luxurious! (Make sure you also check out my post on 50 things you can make with coconut oil!)

 

For Your Home:

7. Make a promise to skip chemicals when cleaning. I have several recipes for cleaners like “soft scrub“, soap scum remover, oven cleaner, dishwasher tabs, and of course my list of 10 uses for Dr. Bronner’s soap. You really can clean most things in your home with just baking soda, vinegar, and Dr Bronner’s.

8. Simplify. Living a minimalist lifestyle really will make it easy to clean, entertain and live in your home and it saves money as well.

9. Stop stressing about ever detail at home. Make a pact with yourself to not worry if your home is perfect or spotless all the time. You create a whole boatload of unnecessary stress for yourself when you do.

 

What is your New Year’s resolution this year? What do you plan on changing? Let me know in the comments!

 

Filed Under: Frugal Living, Green Living, Health, Homekeeping

Black Bean and Chicken Enchilada Cups with Chobani® Greek Yogurt Sauce

December 15, 2023 1 Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayWithChobani #CollectiveBias

Black Bean and Chicken Enchilada Cups

The holidays are in full swing and that means you probably spend more time in the kitchen than at any other time of the year. The recipes are complicated, the food is indulgent and you have no time to waste on figuring out what’s for dinner. I know when this time hits my house, I feel like I need more hours in the day and when it comes to meal planning, well, let’s just say that it kind of falls to the wayside for about 2 months.

When we have company coming for the big celebration, they often stay overnight with us and that means an extra dose of meal planning for lunches and appetizers that must go into my already hectic schedule. I like to make simple no-frills recipes and when I make a stop at my local Walmart, I try to get creative while in the aisles as I pick up the food for the big day. This year, I came across 32-ounce container of Chobani® Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt while picking up some eggnog in the diary section and a light went off. I love making “cup” meals that are easy to grab and fill you up and I thought that Chobani® Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt would make a perfect simple sauce for a new recipe. We often use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream in our recipes because it is a great lifestyle choice, it’s low in fat and it has lots of protein (44% of your daily value per serving!), so why not use it as a main sauce component since it’s so easy to use? Bingo! I had come up with a way to make appetizers and lunch all in one!

Chobani at Walmart

On top of it being a great way to add zip and zing to recipes, Chobani® Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt is non-GMO, has less sugar than regular yogurt and since I need them, I know it contains 3 types of probiotics.

The Black Bean and Chicken Enchilada Cups were a huge hit when we made them here at home, so I am looking forward to sharing them with my guests on Christmas as we wait for the big meal to cook. They will be great conversation starters, don’t you think? I think we may do a Chobani® Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt bar (with fresh fruit, granolas and other toppings) in the morning for a quick breakfast before my guests head out.

Black Bean and Chicken Enchilada Cups with Chobani® Greek Yogurt Sauce

cho19-1

Key Ingredients:

1 Package Wonton Wrappers
1 1/2 Lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Cup Chobani® Greek Plain Non-Fat Yogurt
1 Can Black Beans, drained.
1 Cup Mexican Mix Cheese

Optional Ingredients for Garnish/Seasoning:

2 Tomatoes, finely diced
1/2 Cup Green Onions
1/4 C. Taco Seasoning
Juice from One Lime
Cilantro

Instructions:

Poach chicken in water and shred. I like to do this ahead of time to save myself the trouble. I actually keep some chicken poached and shredded and ready to go for recipes like this in my freezer! Want to know a great tip for quickly shredding chicken? Use a mixer or beater on the chicken as soon as it comes out of the pan. It shreds perfectly in about 5 minutes or less!

Don’t forget to Pre-heat your oven to 350 Degrees F.

quick way to shred chicken
Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and line each section with 2 wonton wrappers. (Hint: These are found in the produce section at Walmart).

wonton cups
Mix Chobani® Greek yogurt with lime juice and taco seasoning.

Chobani yogurt
Place chicken in a pan to brown and add in black beans. Add Chobani® Greek yogurt sauce and stir well over medium low heat.

chicken enchiladagreek yogurt sauce
Fill each section of your muffin tin with enough chicken/black bean mix to make it 2/3 full. Top with a bit of cheese.

easy greek yogurt recipe
Bake for 7-10 minutes and check. The wonton wrappers should be brown and crispy and cheese should be melted.

enchilada cups
Pull out of oven and pop out each section, Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!

taco cups


Black Bean and Chicken Enchilada Cups with Chobani® Greek Yogurt Sauce
 
Print
Ingredients
  • Key Ingredients:
  • 1 Package Wonton Wrappers
  • 1½ Lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 Cup Chobani® Greek Plain Non-Fat Yogurt
  • 1 Can Black Beans, drained.
  • 1 Cup Mexican Mix Cheese
  • Optional Ingredients for Garnish/Seasoning:
  • 2 Tomatoes, finely diced
  • ½ Cup Green Onions
  • ¼ Cup.Taco Seasoning
  • Juice from One Lime
  • Cilantro
Instructions
  1. Poach chicken in water and shred. Set aside. Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees F.
  2. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and line each section with 2 Wonton wrappers.
  3. Mix Chobani® Greek yogurt with lime juice and taco seasoning.
  4. Place chicken in a pan to brown and add in black beans. Add Chobani® Greek yogurt sauce and stir well over medium low heat.
  5. Fill each section of your muffin tin with enough chicken/black bean mix to make it ⅔ full. Top with a bit of cheese.
  6. Bake for 7-10 minutes and check. The wonton wrappers should be brown and crispy and cheese should be melted.
  7. Pull out of oven and pop out each section, Top with your favorite garnishes and enjoy!
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Chicken enchilada cups

Make sure you check out more holiday recipes and information about Chobani® Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt on their Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Filed Under: Dinner Recipes, Food, Lunch Recipes, Money Saving Meals, Recipes

DIY Peppermint Hot Chocolate Whipped Sugar Scrub Recipe

December 10, 2023 Leave a Comment

DIY Peppermint Hot Chocolate Whipped Sugar Scrub Recipe- this delicious smelling whipped sugar scrub recipe is perfect for gift giving and is easy to make!

From the time I was little, hot cocoa has always been one of my favorite winter treats. I remember going ice skating at this rink that was just down the street from us when I lived in Montana that was a favorite winter spot for my family. There are many pictures of both my brother and I skating there. Afterwards, we would have hot cocoa most of the time and I loved to dip my candy cane in when Christmas time rolled around because the sweet taste of the peppermint mixed with the delicious chocolate was so amazing.

Now, my husband loves to drink his nightly cup of hot chocolate when winter hits and the smell of him making it brings back memories. I made a couple of face scrubs in the past for my blog, but I just had to make a chocolate one because the scent just takes me back to my days spent at the ice skating rink and it makes me smile.

This peppermint hot chocolate whipped sugar scrub is the perfect solution for your dry winter skin. I have found that the cocoa powder used in it must be of better quality and I like to get dutch cocoa when I can. Cocoa has antioxidants in it and it helps me with preventing winter acne due to the wind and lots of time spent bundled up.

whipped sugar scrub recipe

Because this contains peppermint essential oil, you don’t need as much as you would think to make it smell amazing. In fact, I recommend that you don’t get too carried away, especially if you have sensitive skin and you plan on using it on your face.

I decided to whip it because I love the way you glides on smoother and while it does exfoliate due to the sugar in it, it’s not over-drying or harsh either.

You just need 4 ingredients to make this delicious smelling skin treat and it makes a perfect gift for a chocolate loving friend on your gift list.

DIY Peppermint Hot Chocolate Whipped Sugar Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 C Firm Coconut Oil
1 Cup White Sugar
3/4 Cup Raw Dutch Cocoa Powder
20 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

Add firm coconut oil to a mixer and attach whip.
Add sugar and whip for approximately 2 Minutes.
Add drops of peppermint essential oil and cocoa powder and whip for an additional 2 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Store in an airtight container. It will firm up a bit, but this is good. You will be able to handle it better in this state. Use just a little bit on your face about the size of a quarter. Wash off when done and pat dry.


DIY Peppermint Hot Chocolate Whipped Sugar Scrub
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1½ C Firm Coconut Oil
  • 1 Cup White Sugar
  • ¾ Cup Raw Dutch Cocoa Powder
  • 20 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
  1. Add firm coconut oil to a mixer and attach whip.
  2. Add sugar and whip for approximately 2 Minutes.
  3. Add drops of peppermint essential oil and cocoa powder and whip for an additional 2 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
  4. Store in an airtight container. It will firm up a bit, but this is good. You will be able to handle it better in this state. Use just a little bit on your face about the size of a quarter. Wash off when done and pat dry.
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Filed Under: Beauty, Crafts & DIY, DIY Beauty Tagged With: , , ,

Uses for Juicing Pulp

December 7, 2023 Leave a Comment

Uses for Juicing Pulp- ways to use juicing pulp, juicing pulp snack ideas, ways to use the pulp from juicing without throwing it away.

I recently bought a juicer and being the frugal, Eco person that I am, I hate to throw anything away. So, imagine my dismay when I say all that pulp in the catcher of my juicer and had no idea what to do with it. I just couldn’t stand the idea of tossing it and I figured it had to be useful for something. This led me to try several different ways to try to use it and some were a success. (We won’t talk about the ones that weren’t)

If you juice a lot like my husband and I do, you may be feeling that throw away guilt as well and if that’s you, here are some great ways to use juicing pulp.

Uses for Juicing Pulp

Compost it. Juicing pulp usually contains great nutrients still, so it is an excellent additive to any compost pile. just toss it in the way you do with any scraps and do your turning when nessisary.

Drink it in a smoothie. Save your pulp to be added later to smoothies for the kids to give them a little bit of a fiber boost. This is perfect because it will be so disguised they won’t even know it’s in there!

If your pulp is mostly vegetable, such as with a spinach, kale or carrot juice, add it to your spaghetti sauce. With a homemade version, (or even store bought!) this is a perfect way to add in some texture as well as a little bit of extra nutrients. You can also mix it into casseroles, burger and even baked goods.

Add it to a face mask and use the pulp to exfoliate. Just pulverize it in a food processor and it works perfectly when mixed with honey, milk and a little bit of green tea powder (matcha) for a nice facial treatment.

If you keep chickens (I am super jealous by the way!), they will often love to eat your pulp. Add it to their feed for a special treat.

Mix it into cream cheese for a great dip for vegetables. I like to add in some herbs, too, to give it some zip!

If your pulp is spinach or kale only, it will make a great pesto sauce. Simply add in some olive oil and pine nuts into a food processor until it forms a smooth paste. Pine nuts can be somewhat expensive depending on where you buy them, so I sometimes like to use walnuts or even sunflower seeds.

Sprinkle it over your dog or cat’s food. They won’t even notice (at least my cat wouldn’t!) and it will give them an extra vitamin boost. You could also try adding a little bit to my Easy Peasy Cat Crackers recipe.

Make excellent omelets. If I have some kale/spinach pulp, I like to add it to some scrambled eggs or an omelet for a quick and healthy breakfast.

Sprinkle it on your salad. You are eating vegetables anyway, so why not just add a fun twist to your salad by adding a sprinkling of pulp? You could also try making some juicing pulp vinaigrette.

More Ways to Eat Healthy:

5 Awesome Post Workout Meals and Snacks

How to Eat Clean for Cheap

The Truth About Free-Range Eggs

50 Low Carb Game Day Snacks

8 Foods to Indulge in as a Diabetic

Filed Under: Food, Frugal Living, Health Tagged With: , , ,

Vanilla Coconut Mint Lip Scrub

December 3, 2023 3 Comments

Vanilla Coconut Mint Lip Scrub - This lip scrub diy recipe is perfect for keeping away the chapped and dry lips of the season and it tastes great, too!

One thing that really gets to me about winter (besides the cold, I am not a fan!) is how dry my lips get during this season. My poor daughter gets them so dry that she actually has them cracking! The combination between the wind, the cold and licking them to keep them moist leads to so many issues and although I use lots of lip balm, I sometimes still find them in a not so smooth condition.

There are lots of lip scrubs on the market, but I thought to myself that these couldn’t be that hard to make and I was right! They only require 4 simple ingredients and you can make them in just 5 minutes. What is also great about these is they harden over time so they are pretty shelf stable for at least the winter season.

This Vanilla Coconut Mint Lip Scrub is perfect for stocking stuffers, too. What are you waiting for? Let’s make some lip scrub!

vanilla lip scrub

Vanilla Coconut Mint Lip Scrub

You will need:

1/4 C. Coconut Oil

1/4 Cup White Sugar

1 1/2 tsp Real Vanilla Extract (my recipe for making your own can be found here)

10 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

lip scrub

1. Melt the coconut oil for 15-20 seconds in the microwave.

2. Add sugar to a bowl and pour over the coconut oil. Mix well with your hands.

3. add vanilla extract and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well. Place in small tins like the ones I have. I got them from my local co-op or you can buy small metal tins from Amazon, too.

Use your lip scrub by just taking a little bit on an old toothbrush and gently scrubbing your lips in a circular motion. Pop on some lip balm afterwards and your lips will be silky smooth!

5.0 from 1 reviews
Vanilla Coconut Mint Lip Scrub
 
Print
Ingredients
  • ¼ C. Coconut Oil
  • ¼ Cup White Sugar
  • 1½ tsp Real Vanilla Extract
  • 10 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
  1. Melt the coconut oil for 15-20 seconds in the microwave.
  2. Add sugar to a bowl and pour over the coconut oil. Mix well with your hands.
  3. add vanilla extract and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well. Place in small tins like the ones I have. I got them from my local co-op or you can buy small metal tins from Amazon, too.
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coconut lip scrub diy

Filed Under: Beauty, Crafts & DIY, DIY Beauty Tagged With: , , ,

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