Natural Air and Fabric Freshening Spray

Looking for a natural spray to clear the musty smell out of your carpets or fabrics after a long winter?  How about making your own Natural Spray Freshener with natural essential oils and natural antibacterial properties.  Here's a great recipe you can make in minutes:

1 cup water
2 tsp unflavored vodka (or you can use witch hazel)
1 tsp cornstarch
5 drops of essential oil of lemon or lavender (buy in natural food stores)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until cornstarch is dissolved. Then pour into a clean dry spray bottle.

To use your new fresh spray simply spray 6-8 inches from the surface of upholstery or carpeting to freshen and eliminate odors.

The lemon scent has been shown to lift spirits and improve mood.  Also, this plant oil has natural antibacterial properties.  Vodka or witch hazel are two other germ fighters and help the mist evaporate faster.

Enjoy!

See you on YouTube,
-YouTips4U

Protect Your Neck from Aging

A sunscreen reminder!  Summer is here and that means more time spent enjoying the sunshine. Be sure to use sunscreen liberally when going out in the sun between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm when the sun's rays can be most harmful to your skin.

Don't forget your neck! The skin there is thinner and we often forget to apply sunscreen there. Creases and lines form naturally on your neck as you age due to repetitive motions such as nodding, but sun exposure can greatly speed up the process, so it's important to keep that area protected.

If you have wrinkles in your neck and would like to help minimize them, using a cream with hyaluronic  acid can help as it traps water in the skin and helps to plump it up.

See you on YouTube,
-YouTips4U

Question:

Hi YouTips4U, 

I have an embarrassing question but I watch you all the time and know I can ask because you are kind and compassionate and knowledgeable.

I have been watching your Motivation Monday videos regularly and they are helping so much with my diet. I started an exercise and healthy eating plan of more fruits and vegetables this Spring. I'm doing really well and have lost weight. The problem I'm having is gas and bloating.  I never had this before and I'm wondering if you think it's due to my healthy diet and what can I do about it.

Thanks!


YouTips4U Answer:  

Hi, I'm so glad you wrote. Your gas and bloating can definitely be due your diet. Very often eating fibrous foods can result in gassiness as it is digested.  A little gas is normal, but if it's very excessive, you may want to consider adding more healthy bacteria to your diet in the form of yogurt and kefir.  These foods have active cultures and can help break down bacteria in the colon.  Eating bitter foods along with your meals can help as well. Things like chard and kale can stimulate the production of enzymes that help your body digest more efficiently.  Pineapple and papaya are also excellent enzyme-rich food to have with your meals and help aid digestion.

If you are bothered by cramping and bloating, try having some herbal tea to sooth it.  Herbs such as fennel, anise, ginger and peppermint can be very soothing and help stop the cramping. My personal favorite is fennel tea.

The good news is your body will adjust to your new healthy fiber-filled diet and eventually gasiness may dissipate so give it time. It's worth the adjustment!

See you on YouTube,
- YouTips4U

Quickie Workouts for Lowering Blood Pressure

If finding time to fit in the recommended 30 minutes a day of exercise is a challenge for you, here's a tip:

Quick little workouts throughout your day may be just as beneficial.  Taking just a 10-minute walk  three times a day is excellent for lowering blood pressure, and stress levels. This also helps curtail appetite and cravings.  Feel like snacking, but know you're not hungry, go for a quick walk.

Aim for one before school or work, one at lunch and one after dinner.   It's a wonderful way to relax at night instead of sitting in front of the TV.

See you on YouTube,
-YouTips4U