Martha Doornink M.Ed. The Mind-Body Chronic Pain Coach

Late summer and early fall set SPIDERS on the move, as temperatures at night cool a bit. I do NOT like bites from insects, and last night I found a 2" Jumping Spider, OHMYWORD, out on the porch. These crawly-creepies will try to come inside your home looking for warmth, or after a rain seeking your dry environment. Well, yikes!!

So here is an easy recipe for an all-natural Spider Repellent (it does not kill the spiders, but repels them). Just trying to encourage these guys to stay outside, where they can keep outdoor bugs in check.

All-Natural Spider Repellent

-3 cups filtered water
-1 tsp dish soap
-1 tsp essential oil (or 1 Tbs extract) of mint, lemon, orange, citronella, or lavender
(spiders don't like any of these smells)
Mix in the bottle, and spray areas where spiders might come to call.

Fending off a funky mood, kinks in your concentration, or just feeling frazzled and out of focus? Water may be the simple solution!

Scientifically speaking - Researchers have found that mild dehydration is a mood killer. According to studies conducted by University of Connecticut and Tufts University researchers, a water loss of just one to two percent made test subjects more tense and anxious. Those same studies have also found that people who are de-hydrated suffer from lack of focus. Some subjects who didn’t drink enough water suffered from confusion and memory difficulties.

When enough is enough - The rule of thumb is to drink one-half your body weight in ounces per day, minimum. True, if you consume large amounts of fresh, raw vegetables and fruit, that will fulfill some of your water intake requirements. However, that is not most of us! One gallon =128 ounces or 16-8oz glasses of water. It's quite likely you are not drinking close to that much, and quite likely we are all walking around dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of (see above, and think now of your kids) dehydration! It's a very good thing the fix is so simple.

S'bucked - Everyday beverages like coffee, black tea and alcohol all are diuretic, causing water to be removed from your system rather than adding it. Who would have thought that double espresso at 4 PM is really a double negative for your hydration!?

Flight Plan - If your day calls for air travel, best estimates are to add 8-10 oz. of filtered water for every hour of travel time. Experienced travellers forego alcohol in the air, and add extra glasses of water both the day before and the day after travel to counter the dehydrating effects of flying. Humidity truth – desert-dry cabins hover at 10-20% humidity as compared to 65-100% humidity on the ground (so do moisturize your skin early and often, also).

But when and how? Avoid water intake during meals, as it will dilute precious digestive stomach acids. Instead, drink around your meals. Measure out a quart of water to drink during your morning routine. Fill 2 quart-sized bottles for during the work day. In the evening, sip a final cup or three of water as hot tea, with calming flavors like after-dinner mint, chamomile, or lavender for relaxation. See how choosing hydration effectively can help you unwind, create a less hectic lifestyle for you and yours, and feel better 💗

Don't toss 'em -- Swiss Chard stems make amazing hummus, with tons of Vitamin C and fiber. Plus delicious!
CHARD STEM AND RED POTATO HUMMUS
10-12 large Swiss chard stems, 2 small red fingerling potatoes, 1/4 cup organic tahini, juice of half a lemon, 1 large clove garlic, 1 tsp cumin, sea salt. Chop the stems and potatoes into 3/4" slices and steam in 1" of filtered water in a covered medium saucepan. Add remaining ingredients to food processor work bowl, and add the veggies when just tender. Pulse until desired smoothness, and check seasonings. Serve with red pepper and cucumber strips and/or toasted pita triangles. 2 Servings.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 434 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 156
Calories from Fat 147
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16.4g25%
Saturated Fat 2.3g, 11%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 764mg32%
Potassium 1568mg45%
Total Carbohydrates 43.8g15%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g40%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 12.3g
Vitamin A 1% • Vitamin C 82%
Calcium 15% • Iron 25%
Nutrition Grade B+
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutritional Analysis
No cholesterol
Low in sugar
High in dietary fiber
High in potassium
Very high in vitamin C

Sign the Petition: We Have a Right to Know What We're Eating Big Food is up to its dirty tricks again, pushing legislation through Congress that would limit your right to know what you're eating. Sign the petition and tell Congress you demand the right to know what you're eating!