What did you put on your family’s dining table during the Thanksgiving Celebration? Well, obviously, lots of delicious and wonderful dishes which, of course, should include the traditional turkey. However, how safe are the foods that you prepared for your family? How sure are you that it is not loaded with too much preservatives which have been found to be toxic in our body? I am referring to those so called toxic GMO foods.

What is GMO? It is defined in Wikipedia as:

A genetically modified organism (GMO) or genetically engineered organism (GEO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. Transgenic organisms, a subset of GMOs, are organisms which have inserted DNA that originated in a different species. GMOs are the constituents of genetically modified foods.

Where can we possibly find these GMO foods? It could be on the soy and other seasoning products that you are using as flavoring for your meat. Perhaps you will find them on gravy that you have bought from the market. You can also find it on the pre-made crust or fillings for your dessert. And obviously, you can find it on cranberry relishes that contain corn syrup, salad dressings with canola, corn or soy oil and a number of added preservatives or flavor enhancers, canned soups, margarine and soft drinks.

So, how can we get rid of those toxic GMO food products? The answer is fairly simple. Go for organic food products. Better yet, prepare food from scratch, and avoid those instant preservative-loaded garnishes or any flavor- enhancers on your menu. If you didn’t do it last Thanksgiving, you may want to consider having a GMO-free Holiday Feast this year.

It seems strange in the heat of August to be talking about the coming fall season. But like so many of us, you will turn around and it will be here before you know it. You will ask yourself what happened to summer. So every year when football preseason starts, it’s time to discuss one thing that is a must do this time of year; get your chimney inspected and cleaned.

If you live in a house, condo or apartment that has a chimney of any kind, please make sure that whoever is in charge knows that now is the time to get your chimney serviced and taken care of. It really is a matter of life and death but we don’t think about that when it’s cold and we want to have the warmth of a roaring fire.

However, every year we hear about someone who was or almost killed from a chimney fire that started sometime after they had gone to sleep and you don’t want it happening to you and your family. The quick answer is simple, call a chimney services company in your area and schedule your annual maintenance before you actually want to use your fireplace. It’s amazing how many people just forget to take care of this every year. It’s easy to forget because it’s that old “out of sight, out of mind” thing.

Another way to find a company is to go to Google and type into the search bar something like “chimney sweep Charleston” and see what companies come up. Take the time to visit each company’s websites to see what their reputation is because all chimney companies are not the same. Some simply use sight to examine your chimney walls while others use cameras they run up the chimney to exam the mortar joints and see the creosote buildup that can be a main cause of fire. You wan the company that has the cameras because it costs the same amount of money and you deserve the best technology can give you.

The most important thing is to not put this off. There’s been to many people who have said after the fact, “I meant to…” Please don’t take the chance of being one of those people.

There are a growing number of young families that are getting into the chicken keeping business, if only to insure their family is getting quality meat and eggs. It’s really amazing how the information age has played a huge part in this current phenomenon. If we had never learned about what is going on in the more traditional chicken houses all over the country with the overcrowding and “fattening up” of the birds we might not be having this conversation. Adding insult to injury they also pump the animals with steroids and antibiotics so many families are looking for a better way to get chicken products to their tables.

If you are interested in raising chicken in your backyard in an urban setting you must first find out if you are able to do so under the current laws of your city, county and state. Once you have determined that you are legally able to have chickens in your backyard or current setting, it’s good to check with your neighbors to make sure they are on board. Letting them know you are willing to share a few eggs from time to time can go a long way on getting them on your side. Also know that you don’t have to have roosters in order for your hens to lay eggs. I would invest in a few things before making the final decision such as a good book on general practices for raising birds for meat, eggs or both as well as blueprints or plans for various chicken coops so you can get an idea of the space you need and the design that you like.

There is a lot of information on the internet and in books so you won’t ever feel you are doing it alone. Another great source is forums on raising chickens. You will discover what it takes to raise the birds organically and determine if you are ready for that challenge. You will also find out if you have the room to “free range” your chickens and all that entails. However, what you will know in the end is where your chickens come from, how they have been fed and that they were treated well by you and your family. You will have better health because of it and will be able to teach your children valuable lessons from where their food comes from to appreciating all life.

Have a great experience and let us know how your chicken raising experiences go.

Massage therapy is one of the most relaxing ways you can alleviate pain and reduce stress in your body. Most of us hold stress in our bodies and don’t realize it. Massage therapy, when used regularly, can remove this harmful stress in our body and help our bodies move easily and with more flexibility.

Getting a regular massage is a great way to relieve soreness from work strains, manual labor, exercise and other daily activities that can damage our bodies. Many people feel that regular massage also releases toxins that become trapped in our body. From deep tissue to sports massage, there are also different types of massages that are specifically tailored to your needs. Some people prefer to get massages to physical therapy and other more mainstream forms of medicine because it is less invasive and is more affordable. As healthcare costs increase, people are searching for alternative forms of medicine. Determine if massage therapy is an appropriate way for you to relieve pain in your life, or simply enjoy the occasional massage to relax your body and ease your stress.

Now is the time for gorgeous spring vegetables. While they may not be available in your own garden just yet, you may be able to find many spring vegetables at your local farmer’s market. Take spring’s bounty home with you and enjoy wonderful spring salads.

You may have arugula in your backyard garden, and if you don’t it is easy to find at the farmer’s market. Take arugula and radishes and chop them up with some lemon juice for a refreshing spring salad. Another refreshing salad is to slice some snap peas, carrots, and onion and toss them in a light vinaigrette for a light and healthy take on coleslaw. Many fresh herbs are starting to grow, including chives, basil and parsley. If you have these herbs in your backyard garden, be sure to add them to all your spring salads for a bright flavor that’s fresh and natural. Feeding your family great salads that are good for them all spring long is easy when you take advantage of all the vegetables and herbs available in the spring.

Fall is an earthier time of year, where root vegetables and colorful leaves take the place of pools and lemonade stands. Cook wonderful, healthy meals for your family by taking advantage of fall’s bounty and healthy fall vegetables.

Beets are deep colored root vegetables that are great in salads and stir-fry, as well as pickled. Beets are high in folate and Vitamin C, making them a great choice for a healthy diet. Also in season during early fall is cauliflower. Cauliflower has a bad reputation because of its strong smell, but is great roasted and served over pasta, or breaded and fried! Cauliflower is also a great source of folate and Vitamin C, as well as fiber. Apples and pears are great fall harvests, and great fruits to bake with. Both are great raw, and both are known for their abundance of fiber and Vitamin C. Don’t forget the pumpkin! Pumpkin can also be roasted and served for a great source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Take care to feed your family the best nutrition this fall season. As the colder months approach, cook warm and hearty meals with these great fall fruits and vegetables.

Wooden Herb Garden

Whether you eat them fresh, dry them for cooking, or use them in your favorite soaps, herbs are a great way to live naturally and take advantage of all that nature has to offer. If you’re considering starting your first herb garden, there are a few things you need to learn. Afterwards, you will be enjoying wonderful herbs for many months.

If you’re starting your herbs from seedling, don’t overwater them. When the soil feels dry, give your herb garden a little water. It is also important to have proper drainage in your herb garden. If you want to give your herbs room to grow, as well as provide ample drainage, add crushed rocks or gravel to the bottom of the herb garden. If you are starting your herb garden in separate pots, place rocks on the bottom, and then place soil on top. Recommended herbs for your first herb garden include chives, rosemary, basil and thyme, as these are heartiest and easy to grow. Make sure these herbs have plenty of sun, healthy soil, and the appropriate amount of water to enjoy growing, and cooking with these herbs.

This time of year always tries my patience. It is hard for me not to run out to my tomato plants on a daily basis and try to find the first ripe one to eat; after all these are the heirloom tomatoes that are so good! I know it sounds a little crazy and I just might be but there is nothing like a freshly ripened tomato out of the garden. They just taste better than the store bought variety.

Though we are getting many things out of the garden that you could say the same thing about there is something different about the tomato. Maybe it’s the potential flavor of tomatoes that makes them a different kind of fruit (yes, they are a fruit). Some of them can be tart while others are as sweet as berries. Some beckon you to eat them like an apple while others are perfect for slicing and eating on sandwiches or with your breakfast eggs. All I know is once they start to come in I will be eating them with every meal as long as they last and I can hardly wait!

We all know that the best cure for a sore throat is a cup of tea with lemon and honey.  But, recently honey has been stepping into the spotlight as a natural, miracle cure-all.  From honey, to bee pollen, to beeswax – the buzz is all about the bees.  So, how can honey help you?

Skin Care – Honey is a great natural way to moisturize your skin.  Just mix a couple tablespoons of honey with a tablespoon of sugar, stir, and apply generously to your face.  Lightly exfoliate with circular motions, then let it sit for about 20 minutes.  Rinse with warm water, and viola!  You’re skin with be smooth and soft, with a radiant healthy glow.

Allergies – adding honey to your diet has been proven to boost your immune system, and help relieve allergies.  But, make sure it’s local honey, as the bees who made it pollinated the local plants and flowers you’re probably allergic to!  Take a spoonful before bed, add it to your favorite hot drink, or drizzle it on fruit.  It’s the easiest medicine you’ll ever take.

Energy – It started as a Hollywood fad, but there are thousands who now swear that taking bee pollen gives you that quick burst of energy we all need at the end of a long day.  It’s available in pill or powder form at your local natural grocery.

There are hundreds of ways these little guys can make your healthier – just avoid the stings!

I enjoy tea. I like all kinds but my favorite type of tea by far is green tea. It tastes so good to me. It also tastes good with pretty much every other food. It also tastes wonderful when it is iced and even better if you add sugar or honey. This makes it like green sweet tea. Surprisingly it goes very well with ice cream too. The cold and sweet ice cream just blends so perfectly with the warm or hot beverage that has a slightly bitter taste.

Green tea is also surprisingly good for your health. Green yes helps prevent diabetes and arthritis and it also kills cancer cells. One can easily increase the length of their life by simply drinking green tea everyday. Green tea also has caffeine so it can be used instead of coffee every morning. One Chinese proverb goes “Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”

So green tea is one of the best things that you can put into your body. If you can make it a habit then you will immediately be living a healthier life.