Healthy Cookware and Healthy Food Storage – Plastic vs Glass

Glass food storage with lids Through all of the reading and research I’ve been doing over the last few years about healthy living, two topics that are continuously brought up in the books and articles I’ve read, is that we need to take a serious look at what kind of cookware and food storage containers we’re using in our homes.

Junk the plastic food storage containers and switch to glass food storage; junk the non-stick Teflon cookware and switch to much healthier options like cast iron cookware, my personal favorite. Junk the microwave, or at least stop using the microwave, etc.
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Why Dentists Don’t Know The Truth About Fluoride

Fluoride Water If you think the fluoride controversy is nothing but a “conspiracy theory” being promoted by a bunch of crazy, loony bin type people needing their head examined, then you may want to take it up with Harvard University, the EPA, and a former head of the National Cancer Institute. In fact, you’ll even want to take it up with the United States government as a whole, which has recommended the lowering of fluoride levels following a variety of studies that have linked fluoride to decreased IQ and neurological development.

If you’re one of those who routinely says things like, “You can’t believe anything you read on the internet”, or “take anything found online with a grain of salt”, then you might be surprised to learn that the Harvard University scientists published their conclusion ONLINE in the July 20, 2012 edition of the prominent journal Environmental Health Perspectives, a federal government medical journal stemming from the United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
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McKinney Texas City Council Debates Water Fluoridation – Councilman Ricchi Wants Fluoride in Water Stopped

Fluoride in Water McKinney Texas Councilman Ray Ricchi, and many local North Texas residents, want water fluoridation stopped. As readers might imagine, I’ve been paying very close attention to the increasing awareness about “fluoride” in water, and I was very happy to hear that the McKinney City Council is currently reviewing this very important issue.

Local news reporters attended the recent City Council meeting in McKinney, where water fluoridation was on the agenda, and public comment was allowed. Of course, several local dentists were in attendance and spoke about the purported “benefits” of water fluoridation, while many informed residents spoke about the dangers of “fluoride” in water. I use quotes around “fluoride” on purpose, as naturally occurring calcium fluoride is not the issue being discussed locally. But, some news reporters who have covered the fluoridation story, just don’t seem to be able to “get it” quite yet.
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Pinterest Crafts! Wedding DIY Crafts and Ideas, Make Your Own Stuff with Pinterest

Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract I Made MyselfThe last few months have been a whirlwind of activity, where I’ve spent virtually every free moment making crafts, homemade Christmas gifts, and gathering ideas for wedding do-it-yourself projects for some upcoming weddings and receptions I’m helping plan.

Thank goodness for Pinterest, and their many categories of DIY crafts of every kind imaginable, links to how-to tutorials with step-by-step instructions, pictures and videos on making homemade stuff I hadn’t ever thought of making myself before.

While Pinterest has been my go-to place for ideas and make-it-yourself projects, I also follow quite a few craft/DIY blogs and websites that provide detailed instructions, craft “recipes” for stuff to make as gifts for holidays or other special occasions that have been a tremendous help.
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Stocking Stuffer Ideas: 103 Christmas Stocking Stuffers For Kids and Teens

Stocking Stuffer Ideas Do you ever have trouble coming up with new ideas for filling Christmas stockings? Christmas stocking stuffers for kids and teens are often one of the last things parents or grandparents shop for during the Christmas holiday season, and by the time you decide to buy kids candy stocking stuffers in the cheap dime store aisles, all the good stuff is gone.

If you think kids stocking stuffers are a challenge, just wait until your kids become teenagers and you find the typical stocking fillers of candy or small toys just doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s usually when parents start feeling like there is no such thing as cheap stocking stuffers anymore, often finding themselves spending a small fortune on filling stockings when the money may be better spent elsewhere.

Watching kids and teens discover the unique little goodies in their Christmas stockings is always a fun thing for families come Christmas morning, that’s for sure. Parents are either finding cheap and creative ways to fill xmas stockings during this Christmas recession we’re in, including sticking to traditional ideas of filling stockings with fruits and nuts, while other parents have decided not to fill stockings at all or at least use very small Christmas stockings this year.

If you are looking for some new stocking stuffer ideas that won’t break the bank, here is a list of 103 stocking stuffers for kids and teens that are inexpensive, but will also light up those cute little faces Christmas morning.
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Hallmark Ornaments, Hallmark Maxine, Dolly Mamas, Department 56 Dickens Village, Snowbabies Figurines

Hallmark is one my favorite stores to buy decorative figurines and collectibles, and my appreciation for all things Hallmark began with hysterically funny, crabby old lady Maxine and her funny quotes full of sarcastic humor. My Amazon wishlist wouldn’t be complete without a couple inexpensive Hallmark Maxine products like the collectible Maxine dolls, next year’s calendar, Maxine’s bunny slippers and pink terry cloth robe etc, but I became very excited when I discovered there is trademark Hallmark Maxine fabric for making pillows, curtains, valances etc to decorate a room or two Maxine-style.

I foresee a bathroom and perhaps another room decorated in Maxine coming soon, especially since I was able to find a Maxine soap dish and toothbrush holder in my beloved Maxine theme. My Maxine “obsession” has rubbed off on friends too, so I now have more competition in my search for low cost new, discontinued or retired Hallmark gifts and treasured collectibles, including my precious Maxine and Dolly Mamas.
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