I love eBay.... but Listia is more fun!

Who doesn't like freebies? I have discovered Listia.com. Listia starts you off with a set number of credits which you use to bid on a wide array of products from hair bows, to photographs to clothing and jewelry and, yes, even electronics! The only thing you pay for is shipping and sometimes, that is free! You earn more credits in a variety of ways, but the best way is to offer your products or unwanted items for auction. You can also buy credits if you want to, but so far, I haven't seen that it is necessary and I have already won 2 auctions. Though no money changes hands (except for the occasional s/h), it doesn't mean you aren't getting anything for your items. Think of this as a bartering clearinghouse. I am thrilled with Listia so far. Give it a try! It doesn't cost a thing!

It's a Dog's Life!

Let me start this out by saying that we own the most spoiled dogs on the planet! They only are served homemade food and are picky at that! I have learned their likes and dislikes. (For example, "No cinnamon!" sounds like "Sniff, whine".)


A recent meal was chicken breast cooked in broth with green beans, cauliflower seasoned with a few tablespoons of chopped bell pepper. I then added rice, a couple of beaten eggs and cheese sauce. Not too shabby, eh?


Enter Hill's® Science Diet® Ideal Balance™ dog food. I was skeptical, let me tell you! These spoiled critters aren't fond of the crunchy stuff (unless it is popcorn, potato chips or tortillas!). As a member of BzzAgent, though, I received a 4# bag FREE to evaluate and report on. (NOTE: If you are not aware of BzzAgent, check it out! It was a no lose opportunity!


I measured out a serving and put it in front of the pickiest of the two dogs. Lacey walked over to her bowl and sniffed. She pulled back and I thought it was over, but NO! She got closer, sniffed again and tentatively took a bite. Her tail started wagging. She took another bite. She finished her serving! She likes it!


Morgan also ate hers without any protest at all. I see my days as a dog cook dwindling. I think I could like this!

Morgan

A Pharmacy in Your Kitchen

Did you know you have a pharmacy in your kitchen? Most pharmaceuticals began as a plant and with a little knowledge, we can treat out own families with differing success at home.

Unlike many herbalists, I do not exclude or diminish the importance of modern medicine. I believe that traditional and modern medicine work synergistically to improve and maximize health benefits. At the first sign of illness, we treat herbally and we use herbs for maintaining and long term health improvements. With an illness that increases in severity rapidly or one that doesn't start improving in 4 days we call a physician. Serious and urgent health emergencies always require a doctor's evaluation and treatment.

If you want to start experimenting and trying some herbal medicine and are not sure where to start, I suggest you start in your kitchen. Here are a few suggestions:


Garlic-

Antibiotic

Lowers blood pressure

Blood thinner (stop taking 5-7 days prior to planned surgery)


Ginger-

Fights nausea

Anti-inflammatory (good for arthritis)

Pain relief

Fights flu and colds

Antibiotic

Oregano-

Antibiotic

Anti-spasmodic

Pain reliever

Basil-

Digestive Aid

Anti-gas

Cloves-

Tooth ache

Nausea

Burns and wounds (stops bleeding and pain)

Respiratory problems (an inhalation of steam)

Cinnamon-

Sore throats

Stabilizes Blood sugars

Lowers blood pressure

Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth

Reduces Cholestrol

Cayenne (or any hot peppers)-

Stops bleeding in cuts

Improves circulation

Stimulates digestion

Stops heart attacks in progress (CPR should be done if a person has stopped breathing. After resuscitation, a teaspoon of capsaicin or cayenne pepper mixed with warm water can be administered every fifteen minutes. This will stimulate the central nervous system, improving heart function by calling for increased blood flow. Cayenne pepper and its derivative, capsaicin extract, also strengthen the heart over time and keeps the blood thin, reducing the possibility of blood clots forming.) Always call 911 in a medical emergency!!

Treats colds/fevers

Alleviates muscle and joint pain

Thyme-

Expectorant

Boosts immune system

Anti-parisitical (internal or external)

Pain relief (externally)

Sage-

Mosquito repellant

Improves & enhances memory

Anti-inflammatory

Regulates menstruation

Mouth and throat soreness

Rosemary-

Anti-depressant

Headaches

Flea & Tick repellant

The Truly Awesome homestyle chocolate cookie

I will admit from the onset that I love chocolate. I also love cookies. It should be an easy to assume, then, that chocolate chip cookies would be my favorite. You and you would be right.... kind of. You see, I love a great home made chocolate chip cookie, but store bought cookies leave me cold.


First, a little about me. I am a member of BzzAgent which lets me try lots of new items and then report to you the worthiness of the expenditure. I am cheap, so I make companies prove to me why they are more deserving of my money than another company. It's called a free market system. 


Introducing  this new cookie from the Kroger/Fred Meyer family. This store bought (hard to believe) cookie is worthy of our money! You can taste the creamy butter they use in these cookies. They melt in your mouth! Nuke them in the microwave for a few seconds and ---- well, I think I need to go pop in a few more. 


These cookies retail at our local Fred Meyer store for $2.50/box containing 15 cookies and I would not be ashamed to serve these at a party. You can bet that I will be buying these and telling everybody I know about them! 


Remember the name, it describes them well. Truly Awesome homestyle chocolate chip cookie. Buy some today!