Macadamia nuts for heart health

Recent studies showed that adding macadamia nuts to your diet have many positive affects for your health, especially your heart health and weight maintenance. They also provide the following:
*unique fatty acids
*beneficial serum lipids and lipoproteins which reduce heart disease
*low in saturated fats
*high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids
*significant protein
*essential amino acids and minerals to maintain weight
*improve omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids
*high in dietary fiber
*high in phytonutrients of phenolic compounds

To read more details on macadamia nuts and why they are so good for us, CLICK HERE.

A word of caution: While Macadamia nuts have many benefits for us, they are toxic to dogs, so don't be tempted to share them with your best friend. In dogs, they cause macadamia nut toxicosis with very serious affects such as inability to stand, vomiting, muscle tremors, hyperthermia, and elevated heart rate. Usually a dog can recover, but it can be deadly, especially if chocolate is fed with the macadamia nuts.

Do you need a Medicare Supplement Policy?

With the poor economy, loss of jobs and lowered wages and benefits, many of us will have to keep working past the normal retirement age of 65 in order to make ends meet. A major health scare could literally wipe out your savings very quickly if you're depending soley on Medicare to cover hospital and other medical expenses. That's where a Medicare Supplemental Insurance policy can come in very handy.

It won't be long until my husband and I will be reaching the traditional retirement age of 65, so we've had many discussions about how we'll be able to live comfortably on our pensions, accumulated assets and savings. Within the next few years, we'll be eligible for Medicare health coverage, and it's never too early to start checking Medicare info and looking into our options so we won't be blindsided with all the decisions we'll need to make at age 65. A Medicare Supplement Insurance policy is also an important consideration for people enrolling in Medicare to cover the gaps in health care expenses that Medicare won't cover. Thankfully , if you're getting close to retirement or already retired and on Medicare, there's plenty of information available out there to help you find any plan you need.

In addition to checking out Medicare Supplemental insurance plans, it's also a good time to review your life insurance, investment portfolio if you have one, and long term care insurance. A long term care policy will protect you in the event of a long stay in a nursing home or other long term care facility which could otherwise wipe out your savings and other assets. We've all worked many years to accumulate what we have, and it's time to look into ways to protect those assets for our golden years.

Are rabbits invading your vegetable garden?

Do you have a problem with rabbits chomping on your tender young vegetable plants? It's a problem I've had in the past, but I wasn't willing to get my gun out (like some gardeners I know who shall remain nameless), and I have had success with a few "natural" deterents for my little garden visitors.

One thing I've tried in past years is to plant marigolds around the outside of my vegetable garden. They have a strong smell, and possibly the bunnies and many bugs find them distasteful. Marigolds also attract beneficial insects such as lacewings, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps, and make the garden more attractive.

I also have a wildflower bed next to my vegetable garden. I've noticed in past years that the bunnies like to sit in amongst the wildflowers and nibble on them rather than my vegetable plants. My wildflower garden had become infested with those tall picker weeds so I mowed it all down this Spring. And now the bunnies are once again chewing off the tops of my green beans and corn plants as they come up, so I've decided to let the wildflowers grow back up and the heck with the pickers.

The third method has two purposes. Until my wildflowers grow back, I've been applying used cat litter around the outer edges of my vegetable garden, and low and behold the bunnies do not stop to munch on the tender young plants any longer. Secondly, I put a layer of used cat litter along the outside of my fenced in yard to keep the bunnies from squeezing under the fence and dropping their nuggets, which my dog then gladly gobbles up when I'm not watching. If you use a natural cat litter made from pine, wheat, corn, newspaper etc, it will decompose into the soil eventually. It's preferable to remove the "logs" from the litter first though. Apparently wild creatures can't tell the difference between a big wild cat and a domestic cat's urine so they stay away, and the odor is not noticeable to humans. You'll probably have to reapply more litter every month or so, but if you have cats, there's always a supply of it available.

I've found these methods work well to keep the bunnies out of my vegetable garden and backyard, and hope this information is useful to you as well.

Home Security systems

If you're concerned about your home's security but think it's too expensive for the average homeowner, you might want to check out Gaylord Security.com. They are currently offering a free ADT-monitored home alarm system, an $850 value. You pay a $99 installation fee and the monthly monitoring packages start at $1 per day. Keep in mind there is a money back guarantee, and in addition to your home being secure, you may also be able to get a discount on your home insurance policy because you have the alarm system installed.

With trained and licensed security systems installers, Gaylord Security Systems specializes in designing, installing, servicing and monitoring your home against break-ins, fire, flood and medical emergencies. They are a top ADT home security authorized dealer, with ADT's Security Services awarding Gaylord as one of their 10 best security dealers in America. Your ADT security system will monitor your home while you're home or away and contact your local police department if any unusual activity is detected.

ADT Home Security systems monitoring is consistently voted America's number 1 home security system, known for their quality and dependability with 24/7 customer monitoring and support. With the special being offered, now may be just the right time to look into home security systems for your home.

Herb - Chives

Chives are one of my favorite herbs. They're trouble-free, easy to grow, have beautiful flowers, and it's oniony flavor taste so good in soups, baked potatoes, and cottage cheese to name a few. They do well in full sun with a well-drained and rich organic soil. The tops die down in winter, so there's no maintenance involved.

Chives are the smallest member of the onion family and are found growing in clumps in Asia, Europe and North America. The plant naturally repels insects in the garden, and the juice from the leaves can also be useful against fungal infections, mildew and scab. It's also been useful to lower blood pressure to a lesser extent than garlic.

Chives' culinary uses are with fish, potatoes and soups and are usually found in grocery stores year round. Gardeners can also dry-freeze the chive leaves with good success for winter use.

Eco-friendly fireplaces

You're probably not thinking about the beauty, warmth and charm a fireplace can bring to your home right now, with Summer just beginning and temperatures soaring. But whether we like it or not, Winter will eventually return and the off season is the best time to buy items for both availability and savings.

One particular fireplace that interests me is a ventless gel fuel fireplace because it uses green bio fuel also called denatured alcohol, ethanol or gel fuel. It burns very clean without smoke, ash or soot and environmentally has a carbon neutral footprint because it's derived from plant life. You can get all the benefits of a real fire wherever and whenever you want without the need for gas connections, brick surrounding the firebox or exterior venting. They can even be easily moved from room to room which makes them a perfect fit for people with apartments or condos where a fireplace may otherwise not be permitted.

Gel fireplaces are available at the Gel Fuel Ventless Fireplace Company through their online store or a growing network of dealers. A downloadable brochure is available from their website as well. They specialize in unique bio fuel fireplaces with a design that will compliment your home's interior design. Some of the fireplace finishes available are wood, iron, brushed steel, polished steel, travertin and glass. They are a division of the Eden Home and Plumbing Group, Inc who specialize in high-end home products and are Better Business Bureau accredited so you can shop with peace of mind.

Plan ahead and do your shopping now for those long, dark and cold Winter days that will return all too soon for us.

Health benefits of the herb Ginger

In addition to enhancing the flavor of foods particularly Indian and Chinese cuisine, Ginger has long been used for medicinal purposes, classified as a stimulant and carminative (preventing gas formation in the intestinal tract). It is generally considered safe according to the FDA but it can interact with some medications such as warfarin.

The herb Ginger promotes the release of bile from the gallbladder, may decrease arthritis joint pain, and has blood thinning and cholesterol lowering abilities, thus making it helpful in treating heart disease. It also helps diarrhea and nausea from seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy, which explains why Ginger Ale is so effective at calming an upset stomach.

Some people have reported allergic reactions to Ginger in the form of a rash. In a small percentage of people, the powdered form of Ginger can cause heartburn, bloating, gas, and belching. And people suffering from ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease or blocked intestines should be leery of ingesting large quantities of fresh Ginger.

Benefits of Acai for your health

Today I'd like to pass along a great article written by our guest poster Jocelyn Anne.  Jocelyn is an advocate of eating well and sustainable living practices.  I hope you'll find her article helpful in your pursuit of healthy living.

Acai, I Can’t Pronounce it, but I Can Eat It

I have to say, I’ve been a little slow in jumping on the Acai bandwagon.  Or, rather, really slow.  With the plethora of phases that seem to hit the market like a whirlwind and then burn out in a year or two, I’m typically pretty leery of stocking up on some new “super-food” or swearing by any magical berry destined to make me skinnier and younger overnight. So, not only had I not signed the pledge as a die-hard Acai fan club member, I hadn’t even tried it until this last weekend.

I was served a smoothie made from Acai berries, bananas and apple juice, although, at the time, I had no idea what was in it and I’m ashamed to say that I assumed it was stuffed full of sugars and frozen yogurts and all such manner of what I consider “cheater” foods because it was insanely, ridiculously, addictively good.  Granted, I am a fruit girl all the way (personally, I would be willing to live on it), and an even bigger smoothie lover, that Acai smoothie may have topped any frozen fruit treat I’ve had yet to date. 

Now, obviously, considering I had found a new intense craving fascination that I didn’t foresee disappearing anytime in the near future, I needed to know if there really was a way to rationalize making it a part of my regular diet.  So, I came home, and like any normal foodie, did my homework.  And, I can tell you I’ve already decided stretching the vastness of its inclusion to Vodka might be a little intense, and I’m not about to go spouting that it’s the new cure-all food, but there are some unarguable “good things” to it. If you’re on the fence about trying it, here are a couple ways to look at its toted health benefits.

Weight Loss

I think we all know that fruits are part of a healthy diet and that we often recommend them for filling up when trying to lose weight.  The water helps us feel fuller, and any with fiber are even better.  Acai berries are branded as a weight loss tool because of their fiber and essential fatty acid levels, which are claimed to “burn fat more efficiently, process food more quickly, cut down on cravings, and boost metabolism.” (WebMD) While the research I did mainly backed up the idea that such a claim is rather unfounded and unmerited, it is one of the very few fruits available to us that contains monounsaturated fats (good fats).  These can help you feel full longer.  But, can you find better fruits/vegetables that have higher levels of these fats with less calories and less expense?  Sure.  Is it going to hurt you?  Certainly not. Although, as a fruit with more fat than others, it is one you’ll want to eat in more moderation than you typically give to fruits.

Antioxidant Rich and Cancer Fighting

The first claim is pretty unarguable anywhere you look. Acai is proven to be dense with antioxidants.  And, depending upon your stance, you may or may not believe that antioxidants do protect your cells form damage by free radicals, which lays claim to helping prevent heart disease and cancer.

Aging Prevention

When anything boasts age prevention, I tend to shy away.  What does that even mean?  We aren’t going to age?  Because, to be honest, eating well is one of my biggest priorities in life, but if you tell me something is going to keep me from aging… chances are good I’m not going to touch it.  From what I’ve discovered with this claim and Acai, the “looking younger boast” is also attached to the antioxidants and their ability to promote good skin.  With added antioxidants, skin does become more supple.  The majority of this assumption, however, I think comes from the stuff typically added to the type of Acai you buy, whether it’s a powder, juice, smoothie mix, etc..  You will likely rarely just drink Acai juice, as it’s quite bitter on its own.  It’s when you buy detox Acai, weight loss Acai and vitamin-mineral pumped up Acai that you’re getting additional supplements that can help improve things like hair and skin.

Benefit Facts

For the concrete, “this is what it can offer you,” these are the facts you don’t have to doubt in terms of benefits:

• Contains high levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E
• Has a low glycemic index
• Contains high levels of essential amino acids
• High levels of plant sterols
• Contains fatty acid ratios similar to olive oil
• Boasts a low sugar content
• Has high levels of antioxidants

Benefit Maybes

While not proven, these are few more of the little berry’s claims to fame:

 

• Strengthens immune system
• Improves digestion
• Improves sleep
• Improves blood circulation
• Alleviates diabetes
• Improves skin complexion
• Lowers blood pressure
• Fights heart disease

Whether or not it does anything at all, I will tell you, that with some bananas and some juice, it is a treat that you won’t want to miss out on.  Include it in your diet as a dessert, drink it when you’re craving a fruit with more than just water. It does have fiber and it does have good fat, so it can be the perfect mid-afternoon snack to power you through your day in a healthy way to help you live and eat well.

Freelance writer Jocelyn Anne is dedicated to eating well and sharing what she finds with others.  She also promotes living sustainably whenever possible and is currently researching eco-friendly portable air conditioners for safe home use this summer.

Safeguarding your identity

We can watch what we eat, take the necessary supplements and get plenty of exercise to safeguard our health, but if you don't safeguard your identity, your entire future is at risk. With the modern technology of computers and online banking just to name a couple of things, we are even more susceptible to identity theft.

The first line of defense is a good antivirus and antispyware software along with a good firewall. The firewall that comes with Windows may not be doing the best job of protecting you. After being invaded with a virus I did a lot of research on the subject and learned there are some top notch free firewalls that do a great job of making your computer invisible when you're online. If thieves can't see you're online in the first place, they can't try to hack their way into your computer. ZoneAlarm came highly recommended by many experts and we've been using it for several years now and have avoided any further infections.

Unauthorized credit activity is the first sign of identity theft. So periodically we should all check our credit score with the three major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. If you're worried about cost, it's no problem as you can use a free credit score program to check your score and catch any potential errors and discrepancies early.

Especially important if you bank online or shop using your credit and debit cards, make sure you use strong passwords and don't store them on your computer. Also, don't carry your social security card, PIN codes, or passwords in your wallet. If it gets stolen or lost, thieves have instant access to everything. Always shred your discarded mail that contains your name and address or any financial information on it. And finally, don't give out your social security number, bank account number, credit or debit card numbers over the phone or internet unless you initiated the call or you are certain the internet site is legitimate and secure.

Don't let yourself become a victim of identity theft - prevention is much easier than trying to fix it after it happens to you.

Find in-home professional services - free

With our jobs and families pulling us in all directions, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get it all done. I've recently come across a free site called Serve Me Here which helps you search for business services in your area who will come right to your home or place of business. It's the first service of its kind to provide a referral community with an online appointment feature. And if you register and refer friends, you can earn money - 20 referrals will earn you $15. This free service covers all 50 states. Appointments can be scheduled 24/7, and when done you can also rate the quality of the service you received. Any data entered is encrypted and stored in highly secure data bases protected by firewall technologies.

As a customer, you can use this free service to locate a service professional and make your appointment right from the website for all kinds of services that make your life easier. Here are just some of the services available to you: computer help, cleaning, handyman, mobile notary, baby sitter, pet grooming, dog walker, pet sitting, personal trainer, massage therapy, beauty salon treatment, in-home caregiver, cooking class, dance class, private tutor, interior design, travel and legal matters and much more.

And if you own your own business, you can also register with Service Me Here for free, complete your profile, and advertise your services on their network. Premium advertising professional accounts are also available for a fee which provide your business with premium ad space on their site, priority listing space under search results, target emailing in your area, along with many other advantages.

So the next time you're stressed out and don't see how you can possibly get everything done, you might want to consider the professional services at Serve Me Here.

(this review was sponsored by Serve Me Here)

Tips for healthy pepper plants

I love growing my own peppers, both sweet and hot varieties. And did you know that yellow and red bell peppers have a higher Vitamin C content than green peppers? If you're adding pepper plants to your vegetable garden, here are a few tips that can help you maintain healthy plants and get the best yield.

Put your pepper plants in when night time temperatures are no longer below 50 to 55 degrees, as they don't do well in cold wet soil, and cannot tolerate frost. Raised planting beds work well for peppers, as the soil warms sooner and keeps the soil well drained. Pepper plants love the heat, and black plastic mulch is helpful at keeping the plants and soil warm. My personal favorite is aluminum foil covering the soil around each plant. It not only keeps the soil warm, but bounces the sun's rays back up onto the plant, increasing the yield.

Start with good fertile soil, and keep the plants moist throughout the growing season. Hot and dry winds and dry soil can prevent the plants from setting fruit. Pepper plants also appreciate a side dressed fertilizer after the first peppers are set.

If your garden plants are set upon by pests, the following sight provides help for dealing with it naturally:
Natural & Organic Pest Control Solutions for the Garden

Do you grow your own peppers? If so what kind is your favorite and do you have any special tricks you use each year to increase your yield? I'd love to hear them, and thanks for visiting.

The Summertime fun of having your own pool

The heat of Summer has gotten a head start here in Northwest Ohio with temps in the high 90's last week. Several times last week I was wishing we had a swimming pool so I could take a dunk and cool off after working in the garden. We both had pools growing up and we've talked about getting a pool for our backyard, so I've been checking prices and learning all I can about what would be needed.

Pools come in a variety of sizes and shapes, in-ground and above-ground. We've decided on an above-ground model which we'll sink into the ground a foot or so and build decking around it for easy access. We already have a fenced in yard so that won't be an issue for safety. There is routine maintenance involved with owning a pool such as treating the water and removing debri, but to me the little bit of work is worth all the hours of enjoyment we'll have with our own pool.

And there have been many improvements since our childhood years, such as automatic pool cleaners. Other accessories that will come in handy are a pool heater or solar liner so we'll be able to enjoy the pool in less than optimal weather and thereby extending the months we can enjoy it. Other beneficial additions for pool owners are winter pool covers to keep the pool clean during the off-season so it's ready to go the following Spring. Pool liners last for many years, but it's good to know there is a wide array of choices when the time comes to replace the liner. And there's so many other accessories to customize a pool such as pool lights which will add to our fun and entertainment quality.

So another weather scorcher is here and it's time to get prepared for the long dog days of Summer ahead, poolside.

Garden and yard pet safety tips

According to the ASPCA, they take tens of thousands of calls each year from pet owners whose animals have come in contact with poisonous insecticides, weed killers and toxic plants. Here is a checklist to help you pet-proof your yard, garden and garage:


Poisonous plants - some of the most popular outdoor plants are poisonous to cats and dogs such as Sago palms and other members of the Cycad family. Mushrooms can cause liver failure; rhododendron, azalea, lily of the valley, oleander, rosebay, foxglove and kalanchoe all affect the heart. A full list of toxic plants is available at the ASPCA website.

Fertilizer - the chemical fertilizer that helps your plants grow can be dangerous for your pet. A large dose ingested can cause stomach upset, or worse result in life-threatening gastro-intestinal obstruction. Consider using safe natural fertilizer alternatives.

Cocoa Mulch - cocoa bean shells, a by-product of chocolate production, is a popular mulch which can attract your pet with it's sweet smell. If ingested, it can cause a range of health problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate, hyperactivity and seizures. Shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark are safe alternatives.

Insecticides - any herbicide, insecticide bait trap, spray or granule should be kept away from pets. The most dangerous are pesticides with metaldehyde used in snail bait, methomyl used in fly bait, disyston or disulfoton used in systemic insecticides, and zinc phosphide used in mole or gopher bait and most rat poisons. Consider using a safe natural alternative to control pests.

Compost - there may be some foods you place in the compost pile such as coffee, moldy food and some fruits and vegetables that can cause a problem if your pet eats it. See the ASPCA's list of foods to avoid.

Fleas and ticks - fleas and ticks thrive in tall brush and grass, so keep lawns mowed and trimmed.

Garden tools - rakes, tillers, hoes and trowels can cause injury to the paws, and nose if your pets start nosing around them. If they puncture the skin, rusty tools can pass tetanus, so keep tools off the ground and away from curious pets.

Allergy-causing flora - your pets can be allergic to certain plants and dust just like people can, and even suffer anaphylactic shock in severe reactions. Even though they don't show signs of allergies when in your yard, keep in mind they may react to something in a neighbor's yard, park, or some other outside area you take your pet. So watch them carefully.

Creating curb appeal for your home

I think we all want our home to look inviting to visitors, family and friends. The home improvement shows I love to watch always suggest that we not only make our home's interior look its best, but also the exterior should make guests feel welcome before they enter inside.

That's where curb appeal comes into play. Starting at the street, you want to have a mailbox that suites the style of your home and of course displaying your address numbers will help new visitors find easier. Many designers use house plaques with the house numbers right by the front door. On a larger lot, you can give your address a more stately appearance with free standing address plaques as a way to display your address.

Continuing on with your curb appeal, install a lamp post at the beginning of your sidewalk so that your visitors path is well lit to your front door. Add a decorative mat at your door with a potted plant or two on the sides to show your personal style and a welcoming touch. And don't forget the bling - a new porch light, door knocker and kick plate at the bottom of the door gives your front porch a little sparkle and finishes that first impression for visitors and it won't break your budget.

The Friday Funny...the senility prayer

God, grant me the senility

to forget the people I never liked anyway,

the good fortune to run into the ones I do,

and the eyesight to tell the difference.

(author unknown)