Natural Remedy for Spring Allergies: WaterPik SinuSense Water Pulsator Review

Ahh, spring!  A lovely season of blossoms, sunshine, green grass, baby chickens... and allergies up the ying-yang!

Seasonal allergies play havoc with my sinuses and damper any chance of truly enjoying the scents and sights of spring. It’s tough when everything irritates your nose, you constantly view the world over the top of a tissue, and you are worried about the inevitable spring sinus infection that generally follows the first round of allergies.

I’ve seen sinus wash products before and found intrigue in their potential to help alleviate the symptoms of sinus infections, but I didn’t know they could help prevent issues before they start. I recently learned that the WaterPik SinuSense Water Pulsator helps reduce nasal allergy dryness and irritation, aiding in reducing the risk of allergy and sinus systems.

So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to try out this promising device. I cannot attest the ultimate long-term results of the WaterPik SinuSense Water Pulsator as I’ve only been testing for a few days, but I can say with 100 percent confidence that as a result of using, I am breathing easier.

Setting up the unit is a breeze. Using it is simple. The entire process is automatically controlled with the press of a button, which allows you to adjust for your comfort level. And it’s not a messy process as I initially thought it might be.

It took a little bit to adjust to the initial sensation of using a sinus massage device, but I quickly found using the WaterPik SinuSense Water Pulsator to be soothing an definitely a nasal passage-opening experience.

Features I found to be particularly beneficial are:

1) FlowControl, which allows you to control water flow for comfort and less mess
2) the unit is Dishwasher Safe, which makes clean-up and maintenance super simple
3) and the SoftSeal Nozzle, which automatically adjusts to nose contour, providing a terrific seal

Stonyfield Kids Greek Yogurt, The Lorax, and You

We are more movie renters than movie-theater goers, mainly due to location, but had to make a night out at the movies for a showing of The Lorax. Dr. Suess is one of our favorites and the eco-centered message of the film also held strong appeal.  Not to mention it's 3D, which of course was a terrific pull for the kids!

I won't give any plot points away, but I will say that The Lorax is a terrific movie with a great sense of humor and a whole lot of heart. My children came away from the movie with a greater sense of why it is so vital to care for our environment.

Caring for our children is, naturally, of great importance, too. Stonyfield, the world’s leading organic yogurt maker, recently launched called YoKids Greek yogurt which provides families a quality product produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, genetically engineered ingredients, or artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. 

With 6 grams of protein and an excellent source of calcium made with low-fat organic milk, YoKids Greek is perfect for meal or snack time.  Excellent fuel to keep young bodies nurtured while nurturing our environment.  Or simply plain having fun at home or in the great outdoors.

Stonyfield has also announced its collaboration with Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and are providing a Lorax-themed game, coupons, and a sweepstakes featured on the new YoKids website at www.yokidsyogurt.com.

Outside the Rural Mom Window: Blankets of Snow

Hard to believe these pictures were taken a little over a week ago, as we are now full into spring weather with highs in the 70's... but then again, not so surprising, this is Kentucky after all.

Sadly this storm came directly after the tornado devastation, aggravating the damage further.  Also broke a limb off my Rose of Sharon tree (as pictured)...

...but, still there's simply something about a carpet of snow on the trees that inspires me to craft something bold, woodsy, and glittery!

Skinny Green Cocktails for St. Patrick's Day

The Ferguson

Thanks to our friends at Voli Light Vodka for sharing these waist-friendly cocktail choices for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.  Enjoy!

The Ferguson (Fergie’s special St. Patrick’s Day cocktail) 
1 1/2 oz Voli lemon
3/4 oz apple pucker
2 fresh lemon squeezes
Top with soda Apple slice for garnish 
Glass: Rocks
Approximate Calories: 118 Calories

Luck of the Irish 
1 1/2 oz Voli Raspberry Cocoa
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
In a mixing tin, add ice, Voli Raspberry Cocoa, lime juice, agave and shake. Strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with mint sprig.
Glass: Highball

Seven Simple Steps to Organize Your Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is quick, easy and virtually painless when you have a plan. Without a plan your spring cleaning may end up taking twice as long as you’d like. And while cleaning can be fun, no one wants to spend more time than they have to. Organization is key.

Here are seven steps to organize your spring cleaning.

1. Organize your cleaners by room. Toilet cleaners don’t need to be in the kitchen cleaner box and vice versa. One of the easiest ways to clean quickly is to make sure your cleaners are all present and accounted for. Consider purchasing plastic organizing crates or boxes.

Keep a box in each room. Fill the box with the necessary supplies. For example, the bathroom cleaning box will contain toilet cleaner, shower and tub cleaner, mirror cleaner and so on. You can keep your cleaning supplies in the box too.

2. Gather your supplies. What do you need to clean the room? For example, in a bathroom you might need a toothbrush to clean the grout. You may also need a toilet brush. In the kitchen you might want a bucket for the oven cleaning task.

3. Set the mood. Music is a great way to help you get in a focused and motivated mood. Additionally, if the weather is right, open the windows. Fresh air and sunshine really help set the spring cleaning mood.