IOTUT -- Unplug and connect

Squirrel hanging out by the pond

 
Is it me or do Fridays roll around awfully fast these days? It seems like just a couple of days ago when I was advising you to ditch the tissue and embrace the greener option -- hankies.

It's Instead of This, Use This Friday. This week, I have a rather unusual tip. It involves disconnecting from electronics and connecting with nature.

Nuthatch enjoying the fresh seed

This past Saturday, I found myself sitting on my porch for hours, enthralled by the menagerie of birds and other wildlife in my backyard. I'd just filled the feeders with a new seed mix I'd purchased the day before and, for some reason, it drew the birds like magic. We counted 16 different species of birds in those few short hours. They were accompanied by a few squirrels and chipmunks, all eager for a free meal. We even had a couple of deer wander past us. Here are the species that graced our presence:

• American Robin
• Tufted Titmouse
• Carolina Chickadee
• Carolina Wren
• House Sparrow
• American Crow
• Northern Cardinal
• Blue Jay
• Downy Woodpecker
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• Mourning Dove
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Purple Finch
• American Goldfinch
• House Finch
• Northern Flicker

Female goldfinch on line

Male goldfinch on feeder by playhouse

I was thrilled to see a pair of yellow finches and the occasional visit from the Northern Flicker always pleases me. With this wide variety of birds flitting around so close by, I felt particularly blessed to be able to watch them from the comfort of my porch rather than with a group of folks at the Audubon Society. For me, the day was magical. 

Blue jay and cardinal sharing a meal

The menagerie included a dozen or so cardinals, including a handful of babies. It was interesting to watch both mama and papa feed them. I didn't realize the parents still fed the little ones when the little ones were big enough to fly.

Male cardinal in lilac bush

So what am I suggesting on this edition of IOTUT? I'm suggesting you put down your phone or tablet, turn off your laptop or TV, and spend some quiet time appreciating the brilliance of creation. Hunt for bees (it's hard to believe they're so hard to come by these days), discover new wildflowers, stare at a butterfly... We had the most magnificent black butterfly visit our potted flowers on the patio. It had beautiful blue markings and was a joy to watch.

Bee on coneflowers

It's a simple thing, really. But doable. If you live in the city, go to a park. If your yard is void of birds, take a walk in the woods. I challenge you to take some time over the next few days to unplug and unwind. Better yet, take your kids along on a nature walk and leave your electronic devices at home. Find some time to truly connect. 

That's it. Instead of TV, watch birds. Instead of staring at a screen, stare at the gift of nature, in whatever form it presents itself. 

 


Even my cat, Theo, enjoyed the time with us outside. And he never once went after any of the critters. Good kitty.







Offering you alternatives and encouraging a greener lifestyle,

Non-GMO vs Organic... cutting through the confusion

 

Labels can be confusing. One thing that really seems to confuse people is the difference between non-GMO and organic labeling, so I thought it would be helpful if I explained it to you.



When a product has the Non-GMO Project Verified label, that means the product contains no genetically modified organisms. There are strict guidelines that have to be met before a product receives this certification. And I imagine nothing makes Monsanto angrier than to see this label appearing on more and more foods. But it makes us happy, right? 

Now the question is... if it's labeled GMO-free, does that mean it's organic? And the answer is no. 

Here's an example: I called a local farm recently and asked if their corn was non-GMO. The farmer confirmed that it was. He said, "We don't use no GMOs here." Of course, I won't comment on his grammar as that's beside the point. I reworded the question, just to make sure: "So none of your corn is from Monsanto's seeds. It's not genetically modified, right?" "That's right. You won't find none of that here." 

Okay, time for the next question: "Is it organic?"

"It's good corn."

"I'm sure it is," I affirmed. "But do you use any pesticides?"

"Yeah. We have to... 'cause of the worms, you know. But we use [he pronounced two pesticides I wasn't familiar with and can't remember the names of] and they're the safest ones."

I thanked him and hung up. 

In order to be organic, there cannot be any toxic pesticides used AND the produce must be free of any genetic engineering. 

So, the bottom line is... if you're concerned about pesticides and GMOs, stick to organic, which may or may not have the Non-GMO Project Verified label.

If you're mostly concerned with GMOs, look for labeling that indicates there are none (whether it simply includes the words "No GMOs" or has the actual Non-GMO Project Verified label.

And don't forget, when it comes to the PLU number on fresh produce, it's important to look at the first digit. If it's a 4, that means it's conventional. An 8 means it's genetically modified. And a 9 means it's organic. 

Keep an 8 

off your plate, 

bite into a 9 

which is perfectly fine. 

 


 

Just remember:

A new adventure

Today I embarked on a new adventure. I attended my first "faculty" meeting at Carnegie Mellon University. The word "faculty" is in quotes because I'm not actually on the faculty of CMU, but I am part of a distinguished group of individuals over 50 who will be teaching older adults through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the university. And I'm thrilled, simply because I love teaching. 

From the Osher at CMU website

In a few weeks, I'll begin my first course -- Fictional Characters Anonymous, a workshop conducted much like an AA meeting... except everyone there will be a fictional character. It's a fun way for authors to discover the nuances of characters from their novels so they can fine tune them. The workshop is both enjoyable and scary for me. It's scary because I never know what characters I'm going to be up against. Nor do I know how varied their "lives" are -- from a 13-year-old Babylonian to a 15th century dragon. My challenge is to somehow make them all blend into a therapy group who supports and challenges each other. 

In November, my Inspiring Others workshop begins. In this 4-week course, I will help writers transform their true tales into stories worthy of appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul. With my 8th story due out in less than a week, I love teaching others the winning formula to their own publishing success.

C.S. Lewis wrote, "You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." That seems to be the overriding attitude of the Osher program. Like me, these older adults are embarking on new adventures whenever they sign up for a new class. Many of them discover latent talents and that opens up a whole new world for them.

I am honored and excited to be part of this and highly recommend you check it out for yourself (if you're over 50) or encourage your parents or in-laws to participate if there is a program near you. There are 119 campuses across the country where you'll find Osher classes. Here in Pittsburgh, we're fortunate that there are Osher programs at both University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. Unfortunately, there are approximately 1,000 people on the waiting list to join the group at CMU.  I'm unsure of what the availability is at Pitt.

The important thing, for all of us, is that we never stop learning and never stop growing. For me, being involved with Osher at CMU is just another step in that process. I can't wait!

What about you? What are you doing to feed your brain and your soul?

My thoughts on personal loss, ISIS, and Robin Williams

I'm sad. 

On Sunday, we received news that one of my husband's friends died suddenly of a heart attack. Rich was 44. That evening, we had Bill's brothers and their wives over for a cookout. Missing was his brother, Tom, who died on June 4th. His son, John, accompanied his widow. It was the first time we've all gathered for dinner since Tom's passing. It was a hurdle we had to face... and it was tough.

Personal tragedies are never easy. Turn on the TV and suddenly there are global tragedies to add to the personal ones. Sadness multiplies and some days, it's hard to cope.

Seeing the images and hearing the stories about the Christians in Iraq being persecuted beyond what you or I can even imagine nearly stops my heart. Children beheaded. Men crucified. Women's throats slashed. No. No. No. I don't know how to process thoughts of this personified evil. I don't know how to respond. Is it okay for me to go on with my life, experiencing both sadness and joy, struggle and triumph, failure and success? Is it okay for me to laugh? To drink wine with my husband while we enjoy a movie? Am I being selfish? Like I said, I don't know how to respond while mommies across the world are helplessly watching as their babies are slaughtered.

One of my personal favorites of his

Then, last night, more sadness overtook the world when we lost, what to appears to be, one of the finest human beings in the entertainment industry. Robin Williams battled with something so many of us are familiar with... the merciless curse of depression, the biological twisting of our brains, the insidiousness of mental illness. No. No. No.



I've been there. I've felt the tug... the lure... the lie of "it would be so much easier if I were gone." Death tempts and taunts as the weight of depression crushes those of us in its grips. It teases us with promises of relief. That's all we're looking for when suicidal thoughts come out to play. Relief.

My friends, if ever... EVER... you are tempted to visit that playground, please... PLEASE... tell someone. If you can't trust anyone or there's no one around to listen, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. People care. They do. Even if Death shouts in your ear that no one does, that is a LIE. A lie. You matter. You are valuable. And you are the light in someone else's world. If your light goes out, their world becomes dark. And that would be yet one more tragedy in this world of far too many tragedies and far too much sadness. 

And guess what? It is okay to be happy amid such misery. Misery has always been with us. But the amazing thing is, the human spirit is resilient and can rise above it. That doesn't make us wrong or selfish. It just makes us human. The way we were created to be.

So shed some tears and say some prayers, then go play with your children or your grandchildren, your nieces or your nephews. Take your dog for a walk. Visit your elderly neighbor. Buy flowers for the widow in your office. Smile at the checkout clerk. Be KIND. 

Robin Williams taught us a vital lesson: you never know what voices are shouting loudest behind the masks someone wears. A mask is just a mask.

To seek to know what is true -- Weekend Quote

Image by Maliz Ong

We cannot know the 

whole truth,

which belongs to 

God alone,

but our task 

nevertheless

is to seek to know 

what is true.

And if we offend 

gravely enough

against what we know 

to be true,

as by failing badly enough 

to deal 

affectionately 

and 

responsibly

with our land 

and 

our neighbors,

truth will retaliate with

ugliness,

poverty,

and 

disease.

The crisis of this line of thought

is the realization

that we are at once

limited

and 

unendingly responsible

for what we know 

and do. 

~Wendell Berry    

IOTUT -- 5 Reasons to Ditch Tissues for Good

It's time for Friday's Instead of This, Use This and today we're talking hankies. Hankies? Yes, hankies.

A few from my collection

I made the switch from tissue to hankies a few years ago, and I'm never going back. I'm hoping you'll do the same. Here are the reasons why:

• Hankies are eco-friendly. Let's face it, when you use tissues from companies like Kleenex and Puffs, you're using paper products from trees that are bleached with dioxin. Both water and energy use is high in the production process. (At least brands such as Seventh Generation, 365, Green Forest, Trader Joe's, and a few others, use 80% or more recycled paper content, which cuts down on the tree factor, but still requires water and energy to produce). According to NDRC.org, we could save 163,000 trees if every family skipped out on buying just one box of virgin fiber facial tissues each year. That's nothing to sneeze at!

• Hankies are cool. You can pick up some really swell vintage hankies at resale shops. Then, every time you blow your nose or wipe tears from your eyes, those around you will see how eco-hip you are. 

• Hankies are kind to your skin. Hankies get softer and softer with each wash. Ahhh. That's a welcome change from tissue when you're down with a cold. Unless, of course, your nose is used to a lotion-based tissue, but then don't you worry about what's in that lotion? Yikes.
  

• Hankies are cost effective. I have a dozen or so hankies (all purchased at thrift stores), plus a couple of super soft HankyBooks. That's plenty to keep my nose happy. I actually have a couple drying on the line right now. And I don't have to buy boxes of tissue anymore, although I do keep a box here for company.

• Hankies further demonstrate my commitment to living a life focused on leaving the world a better place for my grandchildren. Less in the landfill is less in the landfill. Period.

That's my advice for this week's IOTUT. I hope you'll take it to heart. 

Keeping it green by keeping it out of the landfill,

Rum Punch $100 Giveaway!!

 

Welcome to the Rum Punch 

$100 Gift Card Sweepstakes

Sponsored by Rum Punch

Hosted by Mom Powered Media &

Conservamom

Rarely am I as excited to introduce a new product to you as I am today. This giveaway that features a fun new line of clothing perfect for every green-minded parent who has just a touch of funk to their personality! 

 

Rum Punch is a unique line of Organic, Sustainable & Designer Lifestyles Goods for the whole family. This company focuses on a love of life, respect for nature, the spirit of adventure, excitement for the unknown, and the belief that giving is just as important as receiving.This gorgeous line of clothing is the design of Sybile Kohn-Deutschman a world traveler and artist who brings her knowledge of years working as a wardrobe stylist and world travels to an AMAZING line of clothing. This colorful clothing with inspirational messages for kids makes you believe anything is possible. 

This clothing is for the adventurous soul. That person who goes against the grain and is ready to tackle adventure yet is ready to help those in need. Someone who is ready to show their adventurous side, yet has conviction and the ability to live life to the fullest.

Rum Punch's unique line only uses super soft fabrics made from sustainable, organic Hemp and Bamboo with colors inspired from exotic places. Though the inspiration comes from all over the world, the goods are mindfully made in their very own back yard!

Rum Punch is excited to announce its launch beginning with their kids' line, Petit Punch. This gorgeous line is made of clothing that is both colorful and inspirational, ideal for the spirit of inspiration and adventure this line embraces. Because children often humble us with powerful messages of clarity and pure insight, it was only fitting to launch Rum Punch with Petit Punch.

Ready to try this amazing line for yourself? Enter below for your chance to win a $100 Rum Punch Gift Card. 

Join the Rum Punch Life movement and live! 

Embrace life and Live the Life you love! 

Giveaway ends on 8/23 at 11:59pm. 

Open World Wide.

Entry-Form

wardrobe stylist for

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact Elia@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

A must see video

You think it won't happen to you. Or to your teenager. But it might... if you're foolish enough to text while driving. Please, please share this post with every teen and young adult you know. It's that important.

The benefits of tea tree oil

This is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for the possibility of a review. The views expressed are my own.

For years, I've heard wonderful things about tea tree oil. However, until recently, I'd never tried it for myself. As with all products sent to me for review, I check them out with an open mind. I'm picky about what I review, so it's rare when I actually don't like something.

I'll tell you right now, I really like the Australian-harvested tea tree oil I received from Apothecary Extracts. Seriously. I also loved the downloadable "recipe" book, 54 Uses for Tea Tree Oil, that accompanied the oil and was amazed at the number of things tea tree oil can be used for. I must admit, it reminded me a bit of vinegar in its multiple uses, but it certainly smells better. 

Even though I am not a medical professional, I could go on and on listing the positive attributes of tea tree oil, but I'm going to simply focus on a few. Because of its antiseptic properties, it is both medicinal and disinfecting, which makes it the perfect choice for treating:

• acne
• cold sores
• dandruff
• fleas
• gout
• jock itch
• psoriasis
• ringworm
• toenail fungus
• yeast infections
• and more

It can be used to make household cleaners, detergents, and bathroom/kitchen disinfectants. And it's the perfect choice for homemade personal care products such as:

• body wash
• facial cleanser
• lotion
• shampoo
• soap
• and even toothpaste!

I do want to note that melaleuca tea tree oil should only be used externally. It is not to be used internally or by anyone who has an allergy to tea tree oils. That should go without saying, but I wanted to stress the point that those who are allergic should avoid all contact.

This past Friday, I mentioned how tea tree oil can be used to treat head lice and I included a recipe for tea tree oil shampoo, so I won't repeat it here. If you want to check out the recipe, click here.

While I haven't yet tried the shampoo, I did use the 100% pure Australian tea tree oil I received from Apothecary Extracts to rinse my hair and I can't tell you how much I loved the result! I added couple of drops to a pitcher of warm water and poured it over my freshly washed hair. Once dry, my hair was shiny, tangle-free and amazingly soft. I just might use tea tree oil more often than I use apple cider vinegar as a rinse (shocking, I know!). 

If you have a daughter with long hair, you probably have wanted to take a razor to it at one point or another. It seems tangled hair is inevitable with little girls. Tea tree oil to the rescue! 

Detangling Tea Tree Oil Conditioner

What you'll need:

• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar (of course)
• Clean spray bottle (make sure it's never had any chemicals in it)
• 1 cup distilled water

Mix the oil, vinegar, and water and then spritz onto damp hair and comb through. Yea! It's time to skip the tears.

If you've been following Green Grandma for long, you know how I feel about fabric softener (hint: I hate it!). While our family sticks to distilled white vinegar in the wash and wool dryer balls in the dryer, I know some of you are resistant to change. You like the scent dryer sheets leave behind on your clothing, towels, and sheets. You do know it's toxic, right? That's why I was thrilled to see the following recipe in the book that accompanied my tea tree oil:

Tea Tree Oil Dryer Sheets

What you'll need:

• Old t-shirts, flannels, or towels cut into 5"x7" rectangles
• Container with airtight lid
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar (see, I don't divert much from my first love!)
• 8 drops tea tree oil
• 4 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil

Place cloths in airtight container, stacked against each other. Pour vinegar into large glass bowl and whisk in oils until blended. Pour mixture over the cloths until saturated and seal container. Pull out one sheet at a time to add to your laundry as you throw it in the dryer. Make sure you save each "sheet" and whip up a new batch as needed, using the same cloths over and over again.

How's that for an eco-friendly solution to your dryer sheet needs? 

Here's one more recipe from the book that I'd like to share:

Topical Tea Tree Oil Treatment

What you'll need:

• 10-15 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 TBSP coconut, grapeseed, or jojoba oil
• Plastic or glass container 

Add tea tree oil to liquid oil (heat up coconut oil if it's solid) and store in container. Use cotton ball or swab to apply to affected areas to treat acne, toenail fungus, pain associated with sciatica and rheumatism, etc.

With my husband's recent bout with gout, in addition to drinking tart cherry juice, he started using the topical tea tree oil treatment and massaging his foot and elbow (yeah, he had a double bout with it) twice a day. It provided significant relief.

You can always Google more uses for tea tree oil, but if you want the 54 Uses for Tea Tree Oil book, you just need to purchase the Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil. Then you get the benefit of both! 

While this seems like a glowing review, there are some downsides I want to point out. I added 5 drops of tea tree oil to a warm bath on 2 different nights. Both times I had to get out of the tub because my thighs started burning. It wasn't bad enough that I had to follow up with a shower, but it was too uncomfortable to stay in the tub. Obviously, I have some kind of sensitivity to the tea tree oil. 

The other downside isn't about the oil itself; it's about the booklet that accompanies the oil. While I loved the wide array of recipes, I was a little bummed out that most of them call for additional essential oils, most of which I do not have on hand. That means I couldn't take advantage of the recipes without spending more money. That was disappointing. Also, the .pdf file includes lots of color photos, most of which are irrelevant and are simply used as fillers. Because of the photos, it is totally impractical to print the guide and I am one who likes printed copies of things. I simply don't like storing things on my computer. If I want to check a recipe, I don't want to turn on my desktop to find it. 

So, it's not all good, but it's pretty darn close.

Reviewing it for you,

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Living in Liberty... because people like YOU care

I spent the majority of Saturday cleaning out a closet. I'm almost ashamed to say I got rid of 24 purses and still have some left! I've had some of the purses for 30 years, however, so I don't feel too badly. And most of them were purchased at thrift stores or garage sales. I also rid the closet of 40 items of clothing -- mostly suits, dresses, skirts, and blazers. The fact is, I rarely wear professional clothing anymore and it was time to make room. I kept about 10 skirts and a couple of jackets and blouses, which I simply transferred to another closet. Then I moved some bookshelves into the closet and found I had room for my rolling computer bag and two suitcases. Sweet. It feels so good to have completed this task.

This afternoon, my husband and I took all the clothing, purses, and some miscellaneous household items to an awesome resale shop here in the north hills section of Pittsburgh. If you are in the area, you really need to check out this place. Why? If for no other reason, because of its mission.

Repurposed is a thrift store located in Northway Mall on McKnight Road in Ross Township. They sell donated items, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, housewares, etc. and all the proceeds go to an organization called Living in Liberty. Living in Liberty's goal is to eradicate human trafficking one life at a time. It is a safe place for healing and restoration and, quite honestly, my husband and I cannot think of a worthier charity to donate our used clothing and household goods to.

According to their brochure, they offer hope and a future for those rescued from a life of slavery by providing a safe and loving environment for women as they heal and rebuild their lives. While residing in one of their homes, these women receive comprehensive services tailored to their needs. How amazing is that?!

Did you know human trafficking is a $32 billion business? $32 BILLION! It is the world's third largest illegal market and America's second largest illegal market -- second only to drugs. Every 13 seconds in America, a human being is trafficked. Stop for a moment and count to 13. Every.13.seconds. Tick tock.

Currently, there are between 600,000 and 800,000 humans trafficked each year. 

...I'll give you a moment to let those numbers sink in...

At least 100,000 American children fall victim to sex trafficking every single year. 100,000.

Of those, approximately 1%... one percent... are rescued. 

This breaks my heart. 

So, today, I did my small part. I donated a lot of stuff... good stuff... to Repurposed. And then I bought a few things. And then I left and I wept. 

What can you do? 

• Donate goods, or if you're not in the area, money.
• Shop at the store and invite your friends to join you.
• Share this blog post to raise awareness.
• Volunteer. They're always looking for people to give of their time.
• Sponsor and/or participate in the upcoming Liberty Golf Classic on Monday, Sept. 29, 2014 at Treesdale Golf & Country Club. Contact Mindy Camp for more info at melindalcamp@gmail.com or register online at www.livinginliberty.org. 

 None of us can solve the problems of the world. We simply can't do everything. But... each of us can do something.

Sharing more of my passion,
 

 
 

Kalorik Digital Kitchen Scale Giveaway!

Hosted by:  

Queen of Savings, 

Joan's 5 Star Reviews, 

Intelligent Domestications, 

Chronically Content & 

Moms and Crafters

Sponsor: Kalorik

Who's up for a dandy kitchen gadget giveaway? Wouldn't you love to have one of these handy scales gracing your countertop? I sure would. 

Take the guesswork out of new recipes with the Kalorik Electronic Measuring Cup Kitchen Scale. Items can be easily measured in volume or weight, by using one of five modes including grams/pounds, or one of the preset modes for milk, water, flour, or oil. The unit also features a handy tare function, which enables you to reset the scale to 0.0 when using an empty container or adding new ingredients! The hygienic and easy to wash stainless steel bowl allows you to measure all of your liquids without the messy clean up or build-up of bacteria. This scale is sure to add some flare to your kitchen with its stylish design and easy-to-read, backlit LCD display. Other features include an extra-large capacity of 1.5 quarts, auto shut-off and auto reset functions, and a conveniently large handle for easy pouring.

Prize: Kalorik Digital Kitchen Scale with Volume Calculation

Dates: 8/2-8/16

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. 

Good luck!

 

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Green Grandma did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

 

Vinegar Friday -- Head lice and avoiding the Britney look

TGIVF!! 

I can't believe it's August already! Where did this summer go? Is anyone else wondering the same thing? 


 
With school right around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to prepare you for the possibility of head lice. Yikes!

The bad news is that lots of kids get them. The good news is that vinegar can help you out if it happens in your family! No need to go the Brittney Spears route! There are a few more desirable options for you. 


ONE -- Plain ol' vinegar and water. Add a cup of distilled white vinegar to a large pitcher of water. Pour the mixture over the scalp, being careful not to get it in your kiddo's eyes. Once the scalp is drenched, use a nit comb and comb those suckers away. Be prepared to do this more than once.

TWO -- A much greasier solution. Mix one cup DWV with one cup of mineral oil. Saturate the scalp and cover securely with a shower cap. Now here's the tricky part. Somehow get your little one to keep the shower cap on overnight as he/she sleeps (yeah, good luck with that one). In the morning, wash your child's hair and follow up with a good combing with the nit comb. Again, you might have to repeat the process for a couple of nights or so until the lice are completely gone.

THREE -- Here is a more pleasant option. Use shampoo with tea tree oil to wash the hair, following with a 50/50 apple cider vinegar and water rinse. Heed my previous warning about avoiding the eyes! There are a few options for tea tree oil shampoo here.

• Buy shampoo with tea tree oil already in it. Made From Earth Tea Tree and Protein Herbal Shampoo is one option.
• Add 10 drops essential tea tree oil to 8 oz. of your regular shampoo. Make sure to mix it well before applied it to your child's scalp. Never put undiluted tea tree oil directly on the scalp or skin.
• Mix up a batch of your own tea tree oil shampoo following this recipe:

• 1/2 cup pure Castile soap (Earth Mama Angel Baby, Dr. Bronner's, Trader Joe's, etc.)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 12 drops essential tea tree oil

Using both tea tree oil and vinegar gives the lice a double whammy and keeps dangerous chemicals off your children's scalps. Of course, tea tree oil shampoo is good year round, not just during lice outbreaks, as is an ACV rinse. I'll be singing the virtues of tea tree oil on Wednesday, so make sure you drop in to read my review.

In the meantime, here's wishing you an itch-free school year. To be honest, I'm getting itchy just thinking about the need for these awesome remedies!

Keeping it green and lice-free with vinegar,

For more vinegar tips, check out my book, now on sale for only $6.99 on Amazon!