My secret weapons for winter immunity!

I have a secret during the winter. I don't give my family medicines. Instead, I use natural methods to boost their immune systems and then use certain supplements to sooth symptoms as they pop up.

Here is my best vitamin cabinet advice for winter immunity:

Take a good multi-vitamin (with iron for women of child bearing age)
-choose food based rather than synthetic
-do your homework to find out what a balanced multi should have
-make sure yours isn't cheaply made (low on biotin is a good test)
-drop it in water to see if it will dissolve

Take a regular immune supplement
-a natural interferon production booster is the best choice

Have an immune booster on hand at onset of illness or exposure
-an echinacea complex (including zinc)
-tablet forms can be swallowed or ground up in hot water for a tea
-can be ground and put into honey for a natural cough supressent

Vitamin C
-a chewable version is fabulous for sucking on when you have a sore throat
-take it regularly AND extra during an illness
-regular doses may help reduce allergy symptoms

Calcium Magnesium
-when taken in a chewable form can reduce heart-burn
-can help reduce of prevent restless or aches in legs
-regular calcium supplementation can decrease bone loss
-magnesium helps us absorb the calcium more efficiently

There you have it. My supplement recommendations for a healthier immune system and healthier winter! If you, like my area of the country, are experiencing some more severe winter weather right now, may you and your families be safe and healthy!

Happy Spring Break! Mr. Sun is right around the corner, and our winter blues can pass. Now you can be stocked up for the rest of this winter and on into ALLERGY SEASON!

Blessings,
:) Kaycee

New Year's Note

Now that the new year is here, I am enjoying many things about the year so far. 
 
I love that my children like school and enjoy going.
I like that my extended family are all healthy and living nearby (except my West Coast father).
I appreciate that my husband is just the right man for me.
I notice that even though the winter is incredibly cold this year, we still have plenty of sunny days.
I see that our dog--on her second year as a puppy--is getting more and more to be just the dog we wanted.
Even though I am without a new baby for the first time in 8 years, I love spending time with my toddler.  Just us.
It is amazing to have 2 boys and 2 girls.  I love that everyone gets to experience having a sister AND a brother.
I am so glad that I'm getting better and better at managing the house blessings (chores) part of my life.
I can see a light at the end of the financial tunnel called our money management.
I am going to turn 40 as a healthy and happy woman who has already lived so many of my dreams.
 
So, as we embark on this new adventure called 2009 together, may we have many blessings, but also many challenges because that is where the growth begins.
 
Happy New Year!
:) Kaycee

Book Bling Bookmarks - Christmas Gift Idea!

This year, I have been coming across some great and unique gift ideas. This one just happens to be my current favorite. It is made by a friend of mine (won't she be surprised to see my blog review!). But even if I didn't know and love the designer of this product, I'd have to say I'd love this one anyway.

So, as a book lover and avid reader at heart (even if my current mom-of-4-small-children role doesn't lend itself to very long reading sessions these days) . . . I will share this gift idea with you:

They are called Book Bling Bookmarks and they are made by Jessica Derksen.
They are basically jewels, stones, beads, charms and other nice things strung up on the end of a bookmark. You can put several together or use one at a time. You can have them customized or purchase one right from her store front. Here is her website for your shopping convenience:

www.bookbling.biz

I will try to get some pictures posted here for you soon. I couldn't figure out how to transfer them yet!

Blessings to you and yours this Advent Season!
Merry Christmas,
:) Kaycee