Sniffles and Stuff

This past week we've had a bit of the crud. I was sad to miss my book study, but we stayed home so as not to share the yukkies. On Monday Emma had a head cold and Mayda had the stomach bug. I always keep everyone home 24 hours after they are better, to keep the germs from spreading. Plus, I don't want them to catch anything else while their immune systems are down.

What does your family do when they are sick? We have a few favorite go-to tricks. We love Emergen-C packets, and use them daily during cold season. My girls like the citrus flavored ones in hot water with a little honey.

Also, when the sniffles hit, I only buy tissues with lotion. Although for the worst drippy nose, nothing is more soothing than an old fashioned handkerchief. :) Another favorite tip, is to rinse your sinuses with salt water. My friend Nicki suggested this, and my friend Brooke reminded me of it. I didn't like the idea of it at first, but they talked me into it, and I'm sold.

I'm amazed how much less frequently my colds become sinus infections, and how quickly they pass by. There is no cure for the common cold, but this sure helps! Be sure to read this very important safety information from the FDA before putting anything up your nose. :) And of course, sharing my experiences should never replace medical advice, so run any treatments by your health care provider before trying them. My mom is a nurse, and it's handy to have her on speed dial.

Very simply, I boil a mug of water and add  1/2 tsp of salt (kosher). Let it cool until room temp, and use a bulb syringe to irrigate my sinuses while leaning over the sink. I do both sides twice, then gargle with any remaining salt water. Then blow my nose thoroughly  Be sure to use distilled water, and to thoroughly boil it. Also, be sure to sterilize your mug and syringe in boiling water as well.


If you're a research buff like me, these studies will encourage you to try it:

• Radomized Trial
• A comparision with nasal spray.

So, what are your favorite home remedies? Leave me a comment! I'd love to add your tip to my bag-o-tricks. :)



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Dairy Free: Ham and Potato Chowder

Ham and Potato "Chowder" (Dairy Free)

I love winter for all the soups and stews it affords, but chowders are my favorite. Unfortunately, several in my family are intolerant to dairy. They usually suffer through my obsession with milk and cheese, but this was my attempt to make something a bit kinder. I had some leftover ham from Christmas, and I wanted to make my favorite ham and potato chowder, but this time without the dairy...

You'll need:

• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 quart frozen home-grown sweet corn (or two cans creamed corn)
• 4 cups chicken stock (divided)
• 2 cups diced ham
• 6-7 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• dried parsley
• dehydrated onion (or one small onion diced)
• salt and pepper to taste

In a large stock pot add the diced potatoes to boiling water and cook until tender and then drain. Meanwhile, in a large dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium high heat and then add flour and cook until you have a nutty colored roux. Don't over cook! Have corn and chicken stock ready to add immediately, so when it gets to that peanut butter color you can add them. Add corn and 2 cups chicken stock to the roux, and return to a boil. Add seasonings and onion at this time as well. Once it boils it will thicken, then add the rest of the chicken stock and the ham. You can also add the cooked diced potatoes at this time. Return to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Enjoy!

Today I'm joining a blog hop over at:

I hope you get over to see all the fun recipes!