Sinuses are such fun! I am so glad we have them, but when they are all plugged up or are giving me a headache, it sucks. So I decided to spend $14 and listen to Dr. Oz (just love that guy) and try the Neti Pot. If you haven't heard of it, let me explain: You fill this little plastic tea pot thingy with luke warm salty water and you put the spout in one nostril, tilt your head and pour the water into your sinuses. (Yes, it feels wierd, but it doesn't hurt.) It eventually fills your sinuses and the water trickles out through your other nostril. You do both sides and gently blow your nose.

So the basic idea is that the salt water kind of flushes things out and moisturizes the mucus membranes. It is pretty nifty and not harmful so you can do it a couple of times a day if you need to. Many people out there swear by this and it is pretty low risk, so I will add my recommendation.

A few things to note:
- Don't inhale
- Have some tissue ready, it can be messy
- It takes a few tries to get the hang of it
- Follow the directions in the box
- Yes, it really will come out the other nostril

Labels: Neti Pot, remedy, sinuses

Free tickets to a Bad Religion concert makes for a very interesting evening. There were definately some interesting people in attendance, including the 2 couples that were pushing infants in strollers through the skate park. Hrm.

Some random quotes from the evening:

- "Just take the skateboards and give me the baby!"
- "When is the after-party?" "Duh? Like after the concert??"
- (To a man in uniform)"Are you like the Red Cross for beer?"
"No, I'm a medic."
"Oh, like if I have a seizure or something?"
"Yes, but if you don't have seizures often, I wouldn't worry about it."

This crowd rivaled the group that we encountered at the Jack Johnson concert in August (Read about it Here or
Here), but somehow it is more acceptable to be a punk at a punk concert. No, really. :)

Labels: Bad Religion, concert, quotes

Most dogs need flea meds, and the ones in the grocery store are useless (at least in my experience). So I started our little pooch on FrontlinePlus from the time she was about 8 months old. Then I changed vets and the new vet carried Advantix, so we switched. Perhaps in the 6 years that have passed, my dog has also developed allergies that make her itchier than she was before. But I have to say that I think FrontlinePlus works much better. The dose is more medication, and it just seems to keep the fleas away for longer. In fact, there were times I would apply the FrontlinePlus less frequently than recommended, since the fleas were staying away. With the Advantix I was noticing fleas on her before the month was up. Not good.

I've also been on the hunt for itchy dog remedies and found the following recommendations: fish oil pills, oatmeal baths, soap-free shampoos, food that does not contain corn or wheat, spinach, and omega 3 & 6 vitamin supplements.

Anyone have input on the flea meds? Or itchy skin?

Labels: Advantix, dog, flea meds, FrontlinePlus, itchy, remedy

I have always been plagued with canker sores. (For anyone that may not be as blessed as I am, canker sores are almost any sore you get on the mucous membranes of your mouth. They are white-ish craters and hurt like hell.) I have tried many rememdies for these in the past, like: rinsing with salt water, peroxide, listerine, dabbing on numbing medicine like Campho-Phenique or Zilactin (which is good for temporary relief) and even down to the holistics of sucking on a black tea bag. Nothing is really fool proof.

But I have found a great remedy that seems to cut the pain and promote healing...baking soda. Pack baking soda right on the sore at first sign. It will sting but try to leave it on for about 5 minutes before rinsing. This has been a wonderful find for me. I read that it has something to do with balancing the pH in your mouth, turning it from acidic to basic which helps the sore to heal.

Let me know if it works for you, or if you have a remedy to share.

Labels: baking soda, canker sores, heal, remedy

Tonight while we were at the Farmer's Market, the hubby asked if I was going to get any fruits and veggies. I said I'd go look, but I wasn't planning on buying anything. As it turns out, the produce was so unbelievable that I had to buy some. First were the plump and firm grapes, then I couldn't pass up the biggest plums and reddest nectarines I have seen all year. Then I saw them...figs!! Fresh figs are something that I have not eaten for at least 20 years.

My grandparents used to have a fig tree and my cousin Aaron and I used to climb the tree and see who could pick the sweetest fig.

They was a wonderful treat and just as I remembered.

Labels: farmer's market, figs, fruit

Six years ago today, my husband and I said our "I-do"s and I think it was the best decision I ever made. I am quite lucky to have found the perfect person for me. I love you, babe. Looking forward to 99 more great years :)

Labels: 6 years, anniversary, husband, marriage

I got my stitches out from my biposy yesterday. (All good news by the way, nothing serious.)

I signed in, they called me back and then came the dreaded words, "Okay, now we just need to get your weight. Please step on the scale." I just have to say, what the hell? I was at the dermatologist. Really?? To look at my skin, you need my weight?? Is nothing sacred anymore?? I am beginning to enjoy my visits to the dentist, because they are the only medical professionals that don't make me stand on a scale.

For crying out loud, people!

Labels: dermatologist, doctor, scale, weight