Fall Allergies, 12 worst cities

Okay, some interesting news for all of us who suffer from Fall allergies. The top 12 cities are: 1.) McAllen, Tx. 2.) Wichita, kansas 3.) Louisville, Ky. 4.) Oklahoma City, Ok. 5.) Jackson, Miss. 6.) Dayton, Ohio 7.) Augusta, Ga. 8.) Tulsa, Ok 9.) Knoxville, Tenn. 10.) Little Rock, Ark. 11.) Madison, Wis. 12.) San Antonio, Tx. Guess what? Seattle is 98th out of 100, and Portland, Oregon is 100! Good news for all of us in the Northwest! The major causes are: Ragweed, mold, and dust mites, chances are if you are allergic to the nasty spring pollens, you are also allergic in the Fall. A great website explaining all of this is WebMD.com/allergies. Those falling leaves are very beautiful, but also can make us sneeze! Enjoy the beauty of the Fall season, just have a tissue ready.... Live Simple....

Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder

Over the years I have tried many new products. Sometimes good and not so good. My latest adventure in product testing produced a winner. It is " Seventh Generation Dishwashing Powder" One of the best scent free, eco friendly, great cleaning and all around good product. Not bad on the price either. The dishes are free from that awful strong oder and shine fabulously. You can see all of their products @ seventhgeneration.com Have a great and simple day...

Gale's Goodies

Looking for that very special and unique gift for the holidays? These original natural products are of the best quality and value. Felted Olive Oil soaps are infused with certified organic essential oils of the finest quality. The body butters are simply lovely. The handbags are timeless fashion at its best. They will last a lifetime and never go out of style. You can look at the items @galesfeltedsoap.com, FB: Gales Goodies and Etsy.com/people.galesgoodies See the beauty at one of these sites... you will be delighted! As always enjoy life...

Olive Oil for your skin

With winter soon upon us, dry skin will be with us again. It doesn't have to make us worry! I like Olive Oil for those dry areas, such as elbows, backs of the hands, knees, and heels. Just use a dab, as a little goes far. (Just be careful with delicate clothing, such as silk) In no time at all your skin will be soft and smooth. At www.sharecare.com, check out Dr. Oz. Click on " Is Olive Oil good for my skin" he answers this question well. This is a great site with many good ideas, and simple too. Easy to navigate. Live simple! ( A good comment from my Aunt Helene, she said many oils need to be in glass containers as they can have chemicals leach into the oil from a plastic bottle. Olive Oil is a pure product, so lets protect it. Thanks Helene for the info!)

The Dirty Dozen

The Environmental Testing Group has released their top twelve worst fruits and vegetables for pesticide contamination for 2010. They are as follows: 1. Celery 2.Peaches 3.Strawberries 4.Apples 5.Blueberries (domestic) 6. Nectarines 7. Bell Peppers 8.Spinach 9. Kale and Collard Greens 10. Cherries 11. Potatoes 12. Grapes (imported) They have too much pesticide residue. Harmful, well maybe, only time will tell with these statistics. I prefer to purchase organic products when and where they are available. The cost is also an issue these days too. But, sometimes the organic fruits and veggies are about the same price. Found this out recently at Trader Joes. Just have to be a savvy shopper every time you enter the grocery store. Toxic chemicals are not on my list! I'm hoping that taking a stand on eating organic foods, will lead to safer and pesticide free products on the store shelves. We have a choice and a voice when it comes to the food we consume everyday. Eat organic and eat better. Simple life rules...

Hydration for Health

We all need to stay hydrated every minute of the day. Drinking water is the best way to do this. Staying hydrated leads to a healthier you. Water heals our bodies, gives us energy and revitalizes our life. In the winter, it really helps our immune system. It is essential to fight illness. Dehydration itself can lead to moderate and severe health problems. So try to drink several glasses of pure, clean, chemical free water everyday. You will feel better, even maintain a healthier weight. Water contains not a single calorie, no cholesterol either. What a bonus! Makes your skin glow radiantly also. As we get older we have to remember to drink water to help prevent those pesky kidney stones, ease constipation, help our alertness, mental clairity, digestion and circulation. Just be sure that the water you consume is pure, fresh and without excess chemicals, filtered water, bottled water, or my favorite "Well pumped water". Keep drinking water to have a good life... Enjoy your day!

Organic Food and Eating

Research now tells us that pesticide exposure from our food during critical developmental periods leads to such disorders as asthma, allergies, autism, ADD, cancer and obesity. Organic fruits and vegetables are about 25% higher in essential nutrients than their chemically produced counterparts. And some believe they even taste better.( I believe that!) Who wants to eat pesticide residue! Organic production of food can help us enjoy better health, better natural ecosystems, more sustainable agricultural environments. A good, healthy soil is the key ingredient to an organic farming system. Eating a diet high in organic vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of pesticide exposure, especially in children. When I make my grocery purchases I always look or ask for organic products. Sometimes they are available, sometimes not. I try! and try I will to eat a product free from those nasty pesticides. I long for a more nutritious and healthier diet for myself and my family. Like I always say,"take care of mother earth and she will take care of us." Eating better is a priority these days, eat organic and enjoy good health... Live simple!

Water, Water, Water.

Water, Water, Water. We need it, we like it, and now we have to pay a tax on it, if we purchase it in plastic bottles here in the state of Washington. Don't know exactly how this happened, but it did. Water being a basic necessity of life, sure seems strange that this is what they ( the folks in Oly land) have chosen to add the extra tax on. Making sure that everyone has to pay their fair share. Okay, I get it, I do understand why they did it, but come on...Where we live our tap water is treated with several chemicals to make it safe. It tastes awful! Pure yes, tastes really bad. So we transport water from a chemical free water well in the country. A clear choice for us, but not for all. Some choose to purchase spring water in plastic containers. Maybe wasteful, maybe not. But to add more tax is just plain and simply unfair. So when I vote on this issue, I will make a careful and informed decision that is right for my family. And I urge you to do the same. Water, Water,Water. Live simple always!

Rosehill Community Center

Our dear old Rosie is being laid to rest on October 16th, 2010 at 2:00pm. She has been a fixture in the community since 1928. Used for a school, library, office space, thrift store, day care, city of Mukilteo offices, ballet schools, basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields, Christmas tree lightings, theater groups, summer festivals, even a polling place. Yes, she has seen so many faces of persons, young and old. She stood through earthquakes, wind storms and shelter from the heat and cold all of the years. She is a winner! A story of how a building should live its life. Oh, if she could only speak! The stories that would be told! My mother and aunt both attended school there, walked those halls and learned in her classrooms. She taught them the value of life, community and service to others. A firm foundation for life started in the building we fondly remember as "Rosehill" a true gem in a growing community. She will be held in hearts with a smile. Dignified and Graceful in appearance for all that knew and cherished the time and memory of her special wisdom. Yes, Rosie will move into another new building, but she will never be quite the same. So here is to you, thank you for all your years of service! May your new life be good also....