Workouts for the family

To keep your whole family fit and healthy this fall, try these easy and accessible workouts.

Yoga

Practicing yoga is great for all ages and levels of flexibility—and you can do it anywhere! Take your mats to the park or the beach for a fun day outside, incorporating fitness and family time.

Dance

Dance is another perfect activity for children and adults of all ages. Zumba gets you into high gear while the kids can just dance around and have fun! You don’t need to actually attend a zumba class, just blast some music and let loose around the house!

Stroller Run

If you still have children in strollers, try running while pushing them around the park. This workout targets your core as well as your arms and legs. Rather than running the whole time, try doing intervals; this will push your body even harder..

The key? To have fun!

Five ways to contribute to your community

1. Plant a tree

Planting a tree is a great way to contribute to your community.  You will be helping  the environment as trees release oxygen into the atmosphere—and you’ll also enjoy watching it grow!

2. Promote Local Businesses

Another way to contribute to your community is by buying locally-grown product and purchasing from independent local stores.

3. Fundraise to bring awareness for a cause

Starting a fundraiser is an effective way to (a) increase awareness of problematic issues and (b) get the ball rolling in the search for solutions.. Does your local library need some help, or does your recreation park need revamping? You can help out by raising money for something meaningful in your neighborhood.

4. Clothing Drive

We all have clothes in our closets and drawers that we never  use. What better way to recycle them than hosting a clothing drive? Donating clothes is a great way to free up wardrobe space as well as giving to those less fortunate.

5. Prepare and Serve Meals

Preparing meals for needy neighbors brings people together. Gather a group of friends and make easy meals to pack up and deliver to neighbors who, because of illness, age, crisis or many other reasons would benefit from your help.

Using Herbs Instead of Salt

Herbs can add to the overall flavor of a meal while helping you  control sodium intake.  Because of their more intense concentrated flavor, dried herbs can be substituted for fresh herbs at a ratio of 1 to 3.

Here are some easy-to-find herbs that will boost the flavor of your menu choices without adding salt:

Basil – This bold herb can be used in everything from salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta and pizzas for a classic Italian flavor.

Chives – From the leek family, chives often flavor foods such as potatoes, soups and meats. Great in omelets and lovely used as a fresh garnish.

Cilantro – A very distinctive “colorful” flavor—fresh and green. Used in Mexican and Southwest cooking, it’s perfect when paired with lime in salad dressings.

Dill – A fresh, light-flavored herb often paired with salmon, sweet roasted carrots or creamy new potatoes to add flavor with less salt.

Oregano – Used in many Italian dishes, oregano has a very distinctive aroma. Works well on grilled fish and in soups, salads and tomato sauces.

Parsley – Flat leaf or curly, parsley is the most versatile of herbs, imparting a subtle flavor that mixes well with other herbs. Used in salads and with vegetables, fish and meats.

Rosemary – This herb is commonly used in Mediterranean cooking and is often found in breads and pork dishes to add flavor.

Sage – Often used in winter recipes, especially with roasted meats and winter squashes. Sage leaves can be flash fried for a delicious garnish, especially over pasta dishes.

Thyme – There are several varieties, including lemon and spicy orange.  Thyme is a good addition to  roasted vegetables and chicken dishes, as well as salads and fish.

Experiment with these herbs; you’ll be surprised  how much flavor they bring to your favorite foods and you’ll not miss salt at all!

Relaxing Beauty Tips

Whether you’re coming home from a long day at work, or you’ve just spent the day chasing after the kids, everyone can use a night in to take a break from their hectic lives.. Sometimes it’s nice to stay home and partake of  little in-house beauty treatments, so try some of these simple suggestions.

Use Tea Bags for Tired Eyes:

Tired and puffy eyes? Brew yourself  a nice pot of tea, then put the used tea bags on your eyes for 5-10 minutes while you sip and relax.  It’s an easy, effective, and soothing way to refresh both yourself and your eyes..

De-Stress with a Chamomile Bath:

There are few things as relaxing at the end of the day as a classic bubble bath. A few minutes in the tub can quickly clear the mind of stress and anxiety’ The best way to maximize the effects of your bath is to include a shower gel that will ease the senses—and Herbacin’s Herbal Shower Gel Camomile & Green Tea is the perfect option. Chamomile is known for its muscle-calming properties, as well as its ability to promote a great night’s sleep. It can’t get better than that!

Lather Yourself in Lotion:

After your bath, be sure to retain the moisture in your skin by sealing it in with a good moisturizer. By locking in the extra hydration, you will be saving yourself from dry and flaky skin, and will be sliding into bed feeling spectacularly silky!

She Sheds – The great escape!

She Sheds—the ultimate getaway from the everyday stress of work, family, and even social drama – are growing in popularity. Just as men have their “man caves,” women now have their own ways to escape as She Sheds are redefining backyard bliss.

Typically constructed in a backyard nook, these tiny structures are perfect for women who want down time for reading, writing, creating, gardening, lounging, napping or hanging out with a couple of good friends. There are no rules for building a She Shed, they can be anything you want them to be-- a converted garage, a conservatory, a gazebo, or a mini-cottage. The possibilities are endless.

Here are some of our favorites for inspiration!

A potting shed re-imagined.

                                      

A “shabby chic” retreat

                                     

A colorful hideaway

                                    

A gardener’s paradise

                                            

A charming oasis of peace and quiet.

 

A rustic, elegant sanctuary