Healthy Dry Cleaning Tips

The term "dry cleaning" is actually a little misleading. This technique coats clothes in a chemical -- usually perchloroethylene (PERC) -- that tends to be better for cleaning delicate fabrics, such as silk and cashmere, than regular soap and water.


Unfortunately, PERC has been linked to cancer and a number of other health problems. Many cleaners actually send their clothes to dry-cleaning plants, which can release huge amounts of PERC into the earth, air, and water. Workers in these buildings are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. PERC can also affect customers who regularly dry-clean clothes and bring the toxic chemical into their homes, where it lingers and they breathe it in -- even while not wearing the clothing.

If you must dry clean please remember to remove the plastic bag and hang any dry-cleaned clothes outside (or in a garage) to air out before wearing or hanging in your closet.

Source: MarthaStewart.com

Freeze Dried Herbs

I am not sure if you are like me but I every time I buy fresh herbs they go bad. Between my husband and I, we just can't eat them quick enough or we end up having cilantro in very dish for the next few nights.

A friend of mine recommend LiteHouse freeze dried herbs, so I had to check them out. LiteHouse Freeze-Dried Herbs offer the taste, aroma and vitamins of fresh herbs. And since they instantly rehydrate its just like having fresh herbs in your kitchen at all times. I am sure these will become a staple in our home, and what a perfect hostess gift!


The prices are very reasonable too.... about $3.99 each, click here to order

Healthy Addiction on Facebook!

If you haven't already make sure to check out Healthy Addiction's facebook page. Each day I provide inspiration, recipes, tips and tricks for living a heathy life.

Visit this link and click "like" next to the profile photo to recieve these updates in your news feed.

Grow Bottles

I love these!!!! These tiny planters from http://www.pottingshedcreations.com/  are made from recycles wine bottles. You can grow fresh culinary herbs  like mint, basil and oregano indoors year-round. Once the herbs are ready to harvest in 4-8 weeks, simply wash your bottle, rinse the clay pebbels and replant with another variety of herb.

Whole Buffalo

My new addiction: www.wholebuffalo.com

This website provides reviews, recommendations and incentive information in more than 60  Eco- friendly home and gardening product categories. This includes solar lighting tubes radiant barriers, efficient appliances, zero emissions lawn mores and so much more. I can't wait to use this site when we move into our new house!

source: natural home & garden July/August 2011

Happy 4th of July!!!

Start your day off right with a red white and blue oatmeal parfait.

All natural summer remedies!

Here are some great natural home remedies to deal with whatever the season may bring.

Sunburn- to treat make a cold compress by soaking a washcloth in whole milk. "The fatty acids in milk are calming and it contains lactic acid, a natural anti- inflammatory".

Razor Bumps- to minimize bumps and redness, dab skin with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel, an anti- inflammatory, immediately after shaving The same treatment will soothe post waxing redness too.

Acne Breakouts- dab a drop of Brazil nut oil on the blemish. It might sound counter intuitive to use oil on a pimple but this one is rich in the minerals selenium and zinc. Together their antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties can help heal existing zits, prevent new ones and reduce any irritation or redness.

Scrapes and Scratches- pull a leaf off an aloe plant, dab gel directly on the wound and over with a gauze bandage. Repeat 2x a day. "Aloe reduces inflammation and swelling and it activates immune cells that fight bacterial infections".

Frizz- fill a spray bottle with distilled water and a few drops each of hair calming grape seed and lavender oils. Spritz mixture on your palms, then run hands over your hair smoothing it and calming frizz instantly.

Sun damaged hair- olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair. Mix a tablespoon of olive oil and one drop of jasmine oil. Work the mixture thoroughly through hair, leave for one hour and wash out.

Source: July/August 2011 Whole Living