Feel Better Faster Tips

I found these tips in Real Simple magazine and some are really useful, so I decided to share. 

1) Cold sore - as much as we all hate them, most of us get them at least once in a while.  Real Simple suggests applying a petroleum jelly (likeVaseline) to keep the sore moist and to prevent cracking.  I also read somewhere that ear wax will heal it very fast.  The trouble with ear wax is that it's well...has an icky factor and since we clean our ears on a daily basis, we don't have much to keep applying on the cold sore.

2) Fever - Take acetaminophen (which is found in Tylenol) as directed to lower your fever temporarily until
the illness makes its way through your system.  Drink plenty of liquids. A fever can cause perspiration, and if -
you don't replenish those fluids, you could become dehydrated.  If you like more natural remedies, try Boiron Oscillococcinum Natural Flu Relief, it really does reduce the duration of fever like symptoms.  I use it as soon as I feel a little under the weather.

3) Minor burn - Immediately apply a cold compress or run very cold water over the area to decrease the temperature of your skin.  Apply an ointment with petrolatum (such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment) to keep the area moist, and cover it with a bandage.

4) Pulled or sore muscle - Follow the acronym RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.  Gently stretch after severe pain is gone, to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness.  Take ibuprofen to alleviate pain
and swelling for two to five days after the injury.  Try a topical analgesic cream (such as Tiger Balm), which can relieve pain.  Soak in a hot bath three or four days after the injury. Moist heat brings oxygen to the tissues and
helps loosen muscles.

5) Sore throat - Stir a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water, then gargle with the solution to reduce
swelling. Repeat every few hours.  Sip herbal tea. Suck on cough drops, lozenges, Popsicles, or even a spoonful of honey. These won't necessarily quicken healing, but they can soothe your throat, and honey has an antiviral effect. I found that warm milk with honey helps almost instantly and will soothe your throat for several hours.

6) Stomach bug - Sip ginger tea. (To make it, add a pinch of freshly chopped ginger to a cup of hot water.)
Stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids, like water, herbal tea, or a sports drink. Mmiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which affects the body's ability to deliver blood to vital organs.  Stick to bland foods. Try easy to digest crackers, toast, or dry cereal. As you feel better, introduce soft-boiled or scrambled eggs or plain yogurt.

7) Cuts and scrapes - clean with warm, soapy water to remove germs and debris.  Keep the cut moist; this is key to promoting the rapid growth of new skin cells. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment. If
the cut is in a place where the ointment can rub off or get dirty, cover it with a bandage.

DIY Map Coasters

Yet another fantastic idea from Martha Stewart. DIY map coasters are so easy to make yet will bring such a unique look to your space. These coasters will definitely be a conversation piece at your next party. Moreover, it's a great way to recycle old/vacation maps that will always bring up good memories when you use them. I'm planning on making these out of FL maps that I used when vacationing with mom last year and giving them to her as a gift. See how to instructions here.

Make a chick bottle carrier!

What a great idea from Martha Stewart! Make this carrier and forget about holding your water in your hand. Use it when you go hiking, flea market shopping, to the park with your kids, or when vacationing. Check out how to make it here

Perfect for every picnic!

This is one of my favorite ideas for a picnic. The tablecloth serves both as a tablecloth and wine carrier!

Check out how to roll it here