9 Ways to Control Your Blood Sugar

 

By Heather Williams

If you suffer mood swings, bouts of fatigue and ongoing cravings, the culprit could be your blood sugar, so try to implement some lesser known ways to control your blood sugar to offset this problem. Many of us know that reducing refined sugars, refined carbs and eating a clean diet can help us control our blood sugar, but these aren’t the only things that can help. If you suffer high levels of stress, lack of sleep, hormone fluctuations, and inactivity, these may be reasons your your blood sugar levels are off. Or, it could be possible you're not eating the right balance of foods, which can alter your insulin output, the blood sugar hormone, which affects your blood sugar levels. Incorporate the following proven ways to control your blood sugar and see if you notice a difference. I found that once I used the following tips on a regular basis, my blood sugar is never out of whack anymore. Just remember to eat regularly. Skipping meals will mess up your blood sugar levels more than anything will. Plus, when your blood sugar is low, you're cranky and no one likes a cranky person, so eat up and take care!

1. Take a Walk

Sometimes, just getting up to move a little can be one of the best ways to control your blood sugar. Sometimes when we’re bored, stiff, or inactive, our bodies get confused and make us think we need to eat for stimulation and energy. In reality, we don’t need to eat, but move! Take a 20 minute walk and more than likely your craving for that donut or cookie will be gone and you’ll feel more energized. Walking has been proven to reduce insulin production, fat storage and reduce blood sugar levels throughout various studies and the beauty is, most anyone can do it!

2. Go for a Run

Exercise, like regular movement, is one of the best ways to reduce your blood sugar. Running actually increases the production of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are the body's natural drug, which act like an opiate that enhances your mood and reduces cravings. You’ll notice that after intense exercise like running, you aren’t really that hungry and this is why. Running, lifting weights and high intensity exercise that produce opiates in the brain, aid in reducing blood sugar levels significantly. Now, lace up your shoes and get going, girly!

3. Eat Some Healthy Fats

If you’re not eating enough healthy fat, which is probably more than you think, then you’ll suffer from low blood sugar, leaving you tired, depressed and hungry! If most of us would increase our healthy fats and decrease our starchy carbohydrate intake, we would almost immediately see our blood sugar levels and cravings reduced. I make sure to get my daily dose of healthy fats through three servings a day each of chia seeds, hemp seeds and flax seeds. I also eat nutritious wild fish, raw coconut shreds and even raw cacao and unsweetened chocolate. By eating healthy fats, you’re providing your body with the fuel it needs and powerful medicinal therapy. Eating healthy fats has been proven to reduce sugar cravings and won’t cause weight gain when you avoid added sugars and starches.

4. Supplement with Magnesium

Did you know the important mineral magnesium can drastically reduce your sugar cravings, lower your blood sugar and reduce insulin output in the body? Most women, and most people in general, are magnesium deficient due to the tap water we drink that depletes natural levels, toxins we encounter, stress we encounter, exercises we perform, and other environmental factors. Low magnesium will result in low energy, poor mood, headaches, PMS symptoms, constipation and out of whack blood sugar. Magnesium can even help you sleep better and aid in muscle repair after exercise. I recommend supplementing with about 400-800 mg a day if you’re not taking a multivitamin and then starting with a 400 mg supplement if you are taking a multivitamin. If you have concerns, talk with a medical professional you trust first.

5. Drink More Water

Sometimes we think we’re hungry when our blood sugar drops, but we’re actually just thirsty! In fact, not drinking enough water can increase your blood sugar levels and create cravings. Be sure you’re drinking enough and try to sip at least a little water each hour. Also, start each morning out with some water, and if you want, add the famous lemon water into your routine.

6. Try Green Juice

I know many people are skeptical of juicing, but I’m a firm believer in the benefits of rich and nutritious vegetable juice for reducing blood sugar levels. Green juice that is made when juicing raw greens is the most alkalizing way on the planet to reduce your blood sugar. I drink one glass each morning and one glass each afternoon when I can, and it greatly reduces sugar cravings, gives me energy, and balances my blood sugar on a regular basis due to the high nutrient composition green juice gives the body. I personally love it for getting rid of a headache in minutes! Green smoothies are a wonderful second alternative, and something I eat twice a day as well.

7. Eat The Right Fiber

There are two types of fiber found in different foods: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both forms are important, but soluble fiber is actually better at reducing your blood sugar levels than insoluble fiber is. Why so? Soluble fiber is soaked up with water in the intestines, and slows down digestion. In the long run, it helps excrete wastes from the body, just like insoluble fiber, but does so on a much slower basis, keeping your insulin stable for longer. Insoluble sources of fiber such as coconut, nuts, leafy greens and raw vegetables should always be eaten and can be great for aiding constipation, but they literally shoot right through you, which can cause your stomach to empty sooner and leave your blood sugar to rise again quicker.

Incorporate soluble fiber more into your routine, which comes from winter squash like pumpkin, butternut and acorn squash, sweet potatoes, oats, wild rice, quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, apples, pears, carrots, figs and prunes. I prefer to eat a soluble source of fiber with an insoluble source of fiber for the most filling benefit and the most digestive friendly option. A perfect example? Chia seed pudding with some coconut shreds and some walnuts tossed in. Or, how about a spinach salad with some tomatoes and roasted butternut squash? These are both great examples of a healthy mix of soluble and insoluble sources of fiber to balance blood sugar levels longer.

8. Ease up on The Coffee Refills

Excess caffeine, especially through coffee and energy drinks, can make your blood sugar levels worse. Even though they may give you a boost of energy, once the caffeine leaves your system, your blood sugar will drop and you’ll crave sugar to pick it back up again, or more coffee, which can create vicious cycle. One or two cups of coffee or tea in the morning have been proven to reduce insulin, so you don’t need to cut it out, but you do need to reduce the amount you drink all day. My rule is I don’t have any extra coffee after breakfast, unless I’m out for coffee with a friend, when I always order decaf instead of regular. Whatever you do, don’t use sugar in your coffee either. Go for stevia and unsweetened almond milk or skim milk.

9. Eat a Balanced Plate

Most importantly, when you eat, be sure you’re eating a balanced plate. Get your carbs from healthy sources like non-starchy vegetables or small amounts of starchy veggies, lean protein from quality sources, a little healthy fat, and tons of leafy greens and green vegetables. Eating this way will keep your blood sugar levels stable, even and increase your mood health too.
I’ve been down the road of suffering low blood sugar and it is no fun! I can tell you that these tips will make a huge difference in your overall sense of well-being and your blood sugar levels. I rarely ever get cravings anymore, and if I do, I know something is out of balance and needs to be corrected. Do you suffer low blood sugar?

 

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7 ways to Throw a Party That No One Will Forget

 

By Jannifer Gilligan

Who doesn't love a good party? Unfortunately, throwing a party isn't as much fun or as easy. Looking to host an amazing party? Why not use guest contributor Jennifer's pointers.

There's a lot of work that goes into throwing a great party, so every host aims to throw a party everyone will remember. This is particularly true for special occasions or holidays, when many other parties are happening at the same time. And it gets easier after you throw one truly unforgettable party. Make it memorable, and you'll have no problem getting guests to show up to your next gathering.

1. Plan Ahead

Start planning a month or more ahead of time, and send out invitations a few weeks ahead of time. Even if it’s an informal, casual get-together, give your guests at least two weeks to arrange their schedules and plan to attend. Think about who your guests are and what their lifestyles are like. Some people prefer to have less planning, and like to fly by the seat of their pants. Others like to plan things way ahead of time. Consider your guests and plan accordingly.

2. Arrange for Food And Drinks

Even the most casual of get-togethers should have adequate refreshments. Finger foods like mini muffins and vegetable trays are good for mingling. Another option is to encourage your guests to bring their own dishes, and have a potluck. Adding a participation aspect to the invitation will make folks more likely to attend, since they’ve committed to bringing a dish.
Whether you organize a potluck, cater in a full brunch, or make finger-foods at home, don’t leave out this essential party element.

3. Insist on Costumes

Make your next party a costume party. This should be fairly easy, because people are always looking for reasons to don Halloween costumes and act silly. The most successful costume parties are the ones with fun themes like medieval times or movie star look-alike contests.
If you want your party to be particularly memorable, invest in a prize for the most creative costume. If the prize is significant enough, you'll get costumes that people will never forget.

4. Hire a Band

The average party will just have a stereo playing a mix of music that the host prefers. But if you want to throw truly special party, hire a DJ to come in and spin music while creating some original beats.
A good DJ knows how to get people moving and dancing, which adds to the atmosphere as well. But if you want a really unforgettable party, hire a full band that people can dance to and interact with. For extra points, hire one of the more outrageous local bands to add flair to your gathering.

5. Give Out Party Favors

If you're planning an evening party, whether it will be indoors or outdoors, use glow sticks to make your party memorable. There are sticks small enough for people to safely put in their mouths and there are also glow necklaces that come in a variety of colors.

6. Put a New Spin on Tried-And-True Favorites

A group of adults may not think that hitting a piñata is much fun, but there are a lot of ways to make it interesting. For twenty-something guests, you could turn hitting the piñata into a drinking game, or you could put some unique prizes in the piñata. Whether you keep it family friendly or not is completely up to you.

7. Use Customized Accessories

Customization can be your friend when it comes to throwing a really unforgettable shindig. If you offer custom-printed beer koozies or unique party napkins, for example, you'll add a unique factor to your party.
Some other accessories to customize include drink coasters, streamers and even confetti. Even though they're disposable, it’s these little things that add up to create a memorable event.

When you put the time and effort into having a party, you want it to be something that people will remember. The party host with a unique approach is the host who never has a problem getting people to attend his gatherings. Try some different ways of spicing up your next party, and never be afraid to be creative.

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7 Ways to Love Your Self Before You Can Love Someone Else

 

By Amber Oliver

I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying “You can’t love someone without loving yourself," and even if you haven’t, you should really look into the reasons and ways to love yourself before you can ever love another in a healthy, communicative relationship. You need to know what you love about yourself first. Whether it’s your perfect fashion sense, glossy hair, or hilarious sense of humor, you should love and be comfortable in your skin before anyone can love the same great things about you. So, I’ll start you off with a few different reasons and ways to love yourself!

1. Admire Your Quirks

Do you like to put ketchup on your pizza? Or have a dislike for matching socks? Or are you (like me) so fluent in sarcasm that people can’t tell if you’re serious or not? Well, those are the things that make you, you! The little weird quirks are a big part of you, and if you learn to love them as one of many ways to love yourself, you definitely won’t be embarrassed or ashamed of them if your lover sees them for the first time. And, if it turns out he or she doesn’t like them, then it’s their loss. See, loving yourself first helped you dodge a major bad relationship bullet!

2. Adore Your Intelligence

You don’t ever want to have to play dumb to get the guy or girl you want. If he or she doesn’t like the fact that you have a good head on your shoulders then he’s definitely not the one for you! Improving your education and knowing that you can accomplish what you want in life because you’re smart and well-rounded are all good ways to love yourself. You know that you’re not someone who can easily be taken advantage of. So, love your intelligence, and someone worthy of your knowledge will surely take notice.

3. Cherish Your Confidence

Though not everyone is super confident, I believe we all have it in us to look past the negative notions about ourselves, and focus on the positives. Are you a good cook? Can you figure out ridiculously hard math equations? There is always something--even if you have a hard time believing so--that you are proud of. Use that to fuel your confidence. Other people can sense insecurity and will prey on it. Don’t give them that chance! Be confident and love who you are, then there's a good chance you won’t become someone's doormat in the future.

4. Appreciate Your Appearance

While it’s true that family members resemble each other, no two people look exactly alike. And guess what? You should be proud of that! No one could have the same petite nose, full lips, bountiful bosoms, or long legs as you, and that’s something you have to realize. No, you’re not going to be absolutely in love with every single feature on your face, or every crevice on your body. But, it’s important to be comfortable in it! Any person you think you’re going to fall in love with or have a relationship with obviously loves the way you look, but you have to see that too. Or again, you’d end up in a position where the other person has power because of your insecurities.

5. Treasure Your Creativity

Do you enjoy writing poems or short stories? Are you a DIY maven, ready to take on any project? Are you a fearless, fierce performer? Try to think of ways in which you exhibit your creativity. Creativity is such an amazing thing because it lets you see how others’ minds work. You get to see how unique your creativity is and spread that wonderfulness to the world. Appreciate and love that uniqueness! I’m pretty sure that special someone would be impressed by it!

6. Pursue Your Passion

Have you always wanted to do something, but everyone around you told you that you couldn’t? Well, don’t let that nonsense get to you! Follow your passion, because most often, it is the deepest, truest part of you. If you pursue your passion, you’re doing something you truly enjoy. It’s so fulfilling and definitely helps you love yourself because you’re doing what’s best for you and makes you happy. No one else should dictate that!

7. Reflect on Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. I don’t think anyone is immune to them. But, the key to not being a repeat-offender is to reflect on what went wrong. If you assess what happened, and learn from it, you’ll have less regrets, and less reasons to feel bad about yourself. The goal is to love every part of you, so even loving the lessons you learned from mistakes is a good thing! If you are comfortable and honest with the mistakes you made, chances are your significant other won’t mind much either.
 

That popular saying is nothing less than the truth. Loving yourself before you get into a relationship is the only surefire way of you knowing your own self-worth and what you mean to the world. Hope these tips/reasons and ways to love yourself have been helpful, y’all!

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7 WONDERFUL TIPS FOR GETTING A GOOD SAT SCORE

 

By Vladlena Lee

We all know the SAT can be stressful, since it plays a big role in your college admissions, which is the main reason why it’s important to be aware of all tips for getting a good SAT score. When you are competing with people all over the world, you can’t let yourself cram for the exam a day before the test. As laborious as it can be, getting a good SAT score requires months of work in advance! In order to make your preparation easier, here are 7 tips for getting a good SAT score.

1. Practice Months in Advance

One of the most common mistakes students make is that they begin their SAT prep a couple of days before the test. Although you might be able to wing some of your school tests and achieve a good score, the SAT is not the same. It requires hard work months in advance! That’s why one of the first tips for getting a good SAT score is to prepare in advance, because after all practice makes perfect!

2. Use Real SAT Questions

Although there are many prep books with useful tips and tricks, it’s important to practice with real SAT questions that come from College Board. It’s the only way you can analyze the questions and think of a plan of attack! If you wanted to learn how to drive a car, you wouldn’t practice with a bike, right?

3. Study Vocabulary

Although it is impossible to learn all of the vocabulary in the world, it would still help to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary that shows up most frequently on the test. Some of the best ways to do it is to purchase vocabulary cartoon books that provide images along with definitions. The images stick in your mind better than the definition itself so it’s easier to remember!

4. Read More Books

If you are not already a book worm, start reading! It’s the best way to become accustomed to proper grammar and learn new vocabulary. It’s not as strenuous as SAT prep but has an equal value for score improvement. Not only that, but you can actually use some of the literature for your essay! That's killing three birds with one stone!

5. Make a Schedule for Yourself

When it comes down to it, getting a good SAT score all depends on your work ethic! If you don’t work hard enough, none of these tips and SAT prep courses are going to help. That’s why it’s crucial that you design a schedule for yourself and dedicate at least an hour each day for SAT prep.

6. Practice Writing

The first section of the test is the essay, which is why writing skills are fundamental for this test. It’s important to know how to use all of the tools in your brain in order to comprise a good essay that can bump up your writing score. One of the best ways to do that is to train yourself with different essay prompts!

7. Build up Your Stamina

The SAT test consists of 10 sections and it lasts 4 hours long! The only way you can manage to get a desired score on this exam — and not fall asleep in the middle of it — is if you build up your stamina. The best way to do it is to time yourself as if you are taking the test and try to manage your time during each section. This goes back to practicing, every day, months in advance!
Hopefully these tips take your one step closer to that 2400! Remember the only way to get your desired scores is to work for it.

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12 Tips for Starting Your Own Business

 

By Talia Scatliff

Starting a new business can be quite harrowing! But follow guest contributor Talia's tips to make this process easier and succeed...

1. Keep An Idea Log/journal

Make sure you keep something close to you that you can constantly use to jot down your business thoughts and ideas throughout the day. You're going to have lots of questions and ideas going through your head. It's important to be logging all of this daily.

2. Be Organized And If You're Not, Start to Be

In order to keep stress levels down when starting (and later on running) a business organization is key. Documents need to be filed. Meetings need to be scheduled. None of this should be unattended to.

3. Keep Your Smart Phone Close

Notice that I said smart phone. It's a good idea to have a smart phone on you so that you may always have access to your e-mails, internet, bank accounts and more. This will keep you at the top of your game and is important for communication purposes.

4. Start Communicating

Things can not be left up in the air or you will lose business and potentially staff. Be clear about what you want for your business and how you're going to manage everything. Details go a long way. The last thing you want is for your clients and employees to be confused about their role. If you don't have good communication skills make sure you either have or hire someone that can work closely with you and can send out information for you or be the face of your new business.

5. Figure Out a Unique And Great Way to Market Your Business

Unless you have a ton of connections already, it is possible that you may need a plan to market your business. Do some research and find out what works best for you. There are a ton of great blogs on how to use social networking applications. There also might be a local magazine that you can advertise with to start.

6. Know Your Numbers

Make sure you have a system to keep track of accounts meaning all incoming and outgoing expenses. Depending on what type of business it is there will be a system that works best for you. Depending on the size of your company as well, you may need to hire or contract an accountant.

7. Start Having Fun with It

It's important to love what you do. If you're not having fun with what you're doing then I can guarantee you that you will not be working at your full potential and won't be as successful.

8. Find Your Business's Niche

Find out what is at the heart of your business and what aspect of it is going to draw attention. When you've figure that out, run with it. Think about what you want to be known for and make it happen.

9. Be Ethical And Have a Mission Statement

Make sure you know what the overall vision of your new business is and create a mission statement to communicate this with others. Know that ethics are important for the survival of your business and never compromise another person's rights. There will be moments when you will have to choose between what is easy and what is right. Choose what is right. Your choices will determine the future of your business far beyond your ability.

10. Work Hard

Be prepared to work hard and work through tough times. A great quote to remember is: «Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference,» - Nolan Bushnell. You're not going to get anyways without action. As powerful as your mind is, action is needed for business.

11. Take Time for Yourself

Health is of upmost importance if you want to perform at your best. Make sure you are sleeping enough, eating right and taking time to yourself to de-stress and relax. Everyone needs moments of peace and quiet in their life, make sure you are getting yours.

12. Take Time for Friends And Family

Even though this is last on my list, it is one of the most important things to do. Your true friends and family will always be there for you. They are the ones that believe in you and will remind you to believe in yourself. Make sure they are always a priority in your life and you are spending quality time with them. Not only will this make you a better person but it will keep you young and keep love in your life and I believe that love conquers all. Thank you for reading.

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13 Natural Remedies for The Ant Invasion

 

Kimi Harris

Ants are making their way into homes this time of year. Thankfully there are natural pest control methods to help you cope with and eliminate the problem. Plus, many of the solutions use what you already have in your cupboard!

Little tiny ants have been spotted in our new home, and many people are suffering the same fate across the country. As much as I love spring, I don't like bugs — especially bugs that can infest a house. Last week I asked for some advice in how to deal with ants naturally as I hadn't time to research it myself since I moved this last weekend. I got such good advice, I had to share it with the readers here at MNN as well. 

Some of these measures are deterrents. That is, they deter the ants from coming in your house. This seems to work well for those with a mild problem. Others found that they needed to use a method that kills the whole colony of ants. I've compiled the comments and suggestions by category, allowing you to compare the different methods a little more easily. 

1. Lemon juice 

Teresa: We just spray around the openings with pure lemon juice … and it always works for us … something about the acid messes up their sense of tracking…

2. Cinnamon 

Shayla:We use ground cinnamon around where there are coming it. It works really well.

Peggy: We spray cinnamon essential oil all around the doors, windowsills, floors, etc. keeps them from coming in. I put the sugar water and borax OUTSIDE!

Letia: Another vote for ground cinnamon. Easy to clean up afterwards and worked great for us!!!

Jean: Cinnamon and cloves. Makes your house smell nice and the ants just hate it sprinkled right in their path.

Patricia: We also use cinnamon oil. We draw borders around everything with a Q-tip dipped in it. They won’t cross it.

3. Peppermint 

Heather: My mother-in-law has success with peppermint essential oil around windows and doors (any entries). Plus her house then smells awesome.

Julie: Dr. Bonner’s liquid soap in the mint aroma. Mix 1 to 1 with water in a spray bottle. Spray on the ant invasion and watch them suffer.

4. Borax, water and sugar 

Kristi: We use borax, sugar, water and a touch of peanut butter. It takes a couple of weeks but really works. We used it last year in our old house and are implementing it again this spring in our new house. Pesky ants! Here is the site where I found the recipe:http://naturalantkiller.blogspot.com/

Christy: I second Diana’s comment about borax and sugar. I’ve made a thin paste before with water, sugar and borax, then spread it on little pieces of thin cardboard or stiff cardstock and placed them near where it seems they are coming into the house. They’ll eat it and take it back to their colony (just like the 

Terro liquid you can buy). The paste will dry up in a couple days, so you’ll have to make more. But I think I only had to do it twice before they were gone.

Chookie: What worked for us was a mixture of borax and sugar in water. Several years ago, we lived in a house where there was an ants nest in the walls. Removing it would have meant virtually demolishing the entire front wall of the house (not practical!), so instead, after a year or two of having flying ants swarm into our bedroom every year we decided to go on an ant killing spree. Conventional ant killers didn’t work. Borax and powdered sugar didn’t work. But adding water to the borax and sugar mix to make a thick sugary borax-y syrup DID work…. the worker ants took it back into the nest and it positioned the queen – result = no more flying ants. OK, so borax does need to be kept away from pets and small children, but it is relatively safe beyond that as it is only toxic if you eat it. my solution was to put it somewhere where the kids and the cats would not reach it but the ants could.

BeverlyC: We live in China and had a HORRIBLE ant problem in our house. Tried cinnamon, black pepper, vinegar, etc. etc. We were concerned about the borax because we have guests in and out regularly and the little children are often, well, naughty and undisciplined. When someone suggested Terro liquid ant bait and we found it was just Borax and sugar, we asked someone to bring us some. We could pick the traps up and put them away when company came and put them back out after they left. They worked wonders!!

5. Boiling water and dish soap 

Jennie: We make sure all of our food is sealed up. The honey jar is usually the biggest ant magnet, so it gets a thorough washing and then is placed on a small water-filled saucer in the cupboard. We use a spray bottle filled with water and a squirt of liquid dish soap (I use Seventh Generation) to kill any visible ants. I also look around outside to try to find their hill; pouring a kettle of boiling water on it solves the problem.

Christy:  I’ve done what Jennie mentioned too – boiling water will destroy an ant colony, or weeds popping up between sidewalk cracks or in mulch. It’s an easy, purely natural way to kill things that we don’t often think about.

6. Diatomaceous earth 

Karen: Yes … diatomaceous earth (DE) works well … use food-grade not swimming pool DE. It should be sprinkled around the perimeter of your new home and you can also safely sprinkle it inside where you see them. Do not wet the DE or it will not work. DE isn’t an instant kill but should resolve the problem within a week or so.

Jami: I have a pretty serious any invasion at my house too. When I moved in last April they had already made themselves at home. I did the cinnamon thing last year and worked ok, but they just kept finding new ways in. My ants weren’t attracted to sugary things, but protein, especially the dog food. This year I made some borax cookies and put them in the old fireplace where I noticed the ants returning a week ago. I also sprinkled DE around the perimeter of my kitchen and that seems to have worked better than anything so far for immediate results.

7. Chalk  

Natalie: Oh! And they will not cross a line drawn in chalk. I drew a line around my window where they were coming in and it kept them at bay. 

Anali: My grandparents has really good results with the line of chalk, they used powder that you can get at home improvement stores. It comes in a squeezey bottle so it’s easy to lay down a line with.

8. Baking soda and powdered sugar 

Jennifer: Ants carry an acidic substance with them always for protection. I do a mix of baking soda and powdered sugar in a plastic lid set in strategic places. I think a little volcanic science experiment happens inside their bodies. Over the course of several days it has made a huge difference.

9. Coffee grounds

Lea: I have had success with used coffee grounds, I did know where their entry was, after putting it in the cracks they never returned. I also do know it doesn’t kill them, it just makes them move homes, (we have put them on beds outside and we just see them pop up a small distance away.

10. Cornmeal

Jill: One more thing to add to this. I saw somewhere to use corn meal. Well, it worked out since some moths got into my cornmeal, and I felt bad wasting it. That’s when I saw the idea and tried it. I sprinkled a little bit just off the back porch. Every day I would check and every day the same trail of ants was still there. Then I forgot about it. My daughter found another ant nest further out in the yard, and it made me remember to check the last trail. It was gone, completely gone. So, I sprinkled it on the new nest, and less than a week later, it is gone. If you google it there are a ton of places where it mentions it. Here’s just one link, and if you scroll to the Tip there is still another idea using molasses. Although if cornmeal will work I think it’s cheaper, and safer around kids and pets. http://www.ehow.com/how_6395566_kill-ants-corn-meal.html

11. Cream of Wheat 

Rebecca: Cream of wheat! They eat it & it expands & they explode! Ha! I used it in my garden for ant problems. Kind of makes you wonder what it does to our insides when we eat it too

12. Vinegar 

Kristie: Vinegar! Since we switched to using a vinegar/water solution for mopping the floors and cleaning the counters, our ant problem has vanished.

Mysty: Vinegar is the one sure solution, but you need to pour it where the ants have their nest, not just to where they walk around. If you find their nest just pour about 0.5-1 L of white (cheap) vinegar. I never had ant problems but my grandparents sometimes has as they has a big farm and there is always an ant problem is some corner of the farm 

Cath: We used a mixture of vinegar, washing up liquid (ecover) and peppermint oil last year. Tracked them back to their nest and syringed it into the cracks. They never came back.

13. Equal 

Tea Leaf: We killed our ants by mixing Equal packets with apple juice. It is a neurotoxin to the ants. Scary that people put these in their coffee.

Little tiny ants have been spotted in our new home, and many people are suffering the same fate across the country. As much as I love spring, I don't like bugs — especially bugs that can infest a house. Last week I asked for some advice in how to deal with ants naturally as I hadn't time to research it myself since I moved this last weekend. I got such good advice, I had to share it with the readers here at MNN as well. 

Some of these measures are deterrents. That is, they deter the ants from coming in your house. This seems to work well for those with a mild problem. Others found that they needed to use a method that kills the whole colony of ants. I've compiled the comments and suggestions by category, allowing you to compare the different methods a little more easily. 

1. Lemon juice 

Teresa: We just spray around the openings with pure lemon juice … and it always works for us … something about the acid messes up their sense of tracking…

2. Cinnamon 

Shayla:We use ground cinnamon around where there are coming it. It works really well.

Peggy: We spray cinnamon essential oil all around the doors, windowsills, floors, etc. keeps them from coming in. I put the sugar water and borax OUTSIDE!

Letia: Another vote for ground cinnamon. Easy to clean up afterwards and worked great for us!!!

Jean: Cinnamon and cloves. Makes your house smell nice and the ants just hate it sprinkled right in their path.

Patricia: We also use cinnamon oil. We draw borders around everything with a Q-tip dipped in it. They won’t cross it.

3. Peppermint 

Heather: My mother-in-law has success with peppermint essential oil around windows and doors (any entries). Plus her house then smells awesome.

Julie: Dr. Bonner’s liquid soap in the mint aroma. Mix 1 to 1 with water in a spray bottle. Spray on the ant invasion and watch them suffer.

4. Borax, water and sugar 

Kristi: We use borax, sugar, water and a touch of peanut butter. It takes a couple of weeks but really works. We used it last year in our old house and are implementing it again this spring in our new house. Pesky ants! Here is the site where I found the recipe:http://naturalantkiller.blogspot.com/

Christy: I second Diana’s comment about borax and sugar. I’ve made a thin paste before with water, sugar and borax, then spread it on little pieces of thin cardboard or stiff cardstock and placed them near where it seems they are coming into the house. They’ll eat it and take it back to their colony (just like the Terro liquid you can buy). The paste will dry up in a couple days, so you’ll have to make more. But I think I only had to do it twice before they were gone.

Chookie: What worked for us was a mixture of borax and sugar in water. Several years ago, we lived in a house where there was an ants nest in the walls. Removing it would have meant virtually demolishing the entire front wall of the house (not practical!), so instead, after a year or two of having flying ants swarm into our bedroom every year we decided to go on an ant killing spree. Conventional ant killers didn’t work. Borax and powdered sugar didn’t work. But adding water to the borax and sugar mix to make a thick sugary borax-y syrup DID work…. the worker ants took it back into the nest and it positioned the queen – result = no more flying ants. OK, so borax does need to be kept away from pets and small children, but it is relatively safe beyond that as it is only toxic if you eat it. my solution was to put it somewhere where the kids and the cats would not reach it but the ants could.

BeverlyC: We live in China and had a HORRIBLE ant problem in our house. Tried cinnamon, black pepper, vinegar, etc. etc. We were concerned about the borax because we have guests in and out regularly and the little children are often, well, naughty and undisciplined. When someone suggested Terro liquid ant bait and we found it was just Borax and sugar, we asked someone to bring us some. We could pick the traps up and put them away when company came and put them back out after they left. They worked wonders!!

5. Boiling water and dish soap 

Jennie: We make sure all of our food is sealed up. The honey jar is usually the biggest ant magnet, so it gets a thorough washing and then is placed on a small water-filled saucer in the cupboard. We use a spray bottle filled with water and a squirt of liquid dish soap (I use Seventh Generation) to kill any visible ants. I also look around outside to try to find their hill; pouring a kettle of boiling water on it solves the problem.

Christy:  I’ve done what Jennie mentioned too – boiling water will destroy an ant colony, or weeds popping up between sidewalk cracks or in mulch. It’s an easy, purely natural way to kill things that we don’t often think about.

6. Diatomaceous earth 

Karen: Yes … diatomaceous earth (DE) works well … use food-grade not swimming pool DE. It should be sprinkled around the perimeter of your new home and you can also safely sprinkle it inside where you see them. Do not wet the DE or it will not work. DE isn’t an instant kill but should resolve the problem within a week or so.

Jami: I have a pretty serious any invasion at my house too. When I moved in last April they had already made themselves at home. I did the cinnamon thing last year and worked ok, but they just kept finding new ways in. My ants weren’t attracted to sugary things, but protein, especially the dog food. This year I made some borax cookies and put them in the old fireplace where I noticed the ants returning a week ago. I also sprinkled DE around the perimeter of my kitchen and that seems to have worked better than anything so far for immediate results.

7. Chalk  

Natalie: Oh! And they will not cross a line drawn in chalk. I drew a line around my window where they were coming in and it kept them at bay. 

Anali: My grandparents has really good results with the line of chalk, they used powder that you can get at home improvement stores. It comes in a squeezey bottle so it’s easy to lay down a line with.

8. Baking soda and powdered sugar 

Jennifer: Ants carry an acidic substance with them always for protection. I do a mix of baking soda and powdered sugar in a plastic lid set in strategic places. I think a little volcanic science experiment happens inside their bodies. Over the course of several days it has made a huge difference.

9. Coffee grounds

Lea: I have had success with used coffee grounds, I did know where their entry was, after putting it in the cracks they never returned. I also do know it doesn’t kill them, it just makes them move homes, (we have put them on beds outside and we just see them pop up a small distance away.

10. Cornmeal

Jill: One more thing to add to this. I saw somewhere to use corn meal. Well, it worked out since some moths got into my cornmeal, and I felt bad wasting it. That’s when I saw the idea and tried it. I sprinkled a little bit just off the back porch. Every day I would check and every day the same trail of ants was still there. Then I forgot about it. My daughter found another ant nest further out in the yard, and it made me remember to check the last trail. It was gone, completely gone. So, I sprinkled it on the new nest, and less than a week later, it is gone. If you google it there are a ton of places where it mentions it. Here’s just one link, and if you scroll to the Tip there is still another idea using molasses. Although if cornmeal will work I think it’s cheaper, and safer around kids and pets. http://www.ehow.com/how_6395566_kill-ants-corn-meal.html

11. Cream of Wheat 

Rebecca: Cream of wheat! They eat it & it expands & they explode! Ha! I used it in my garden for ant problems. Kind of makes you wonder what it does to our insides when we eat it too

12. Vinegar 

Kristie: Vinegar! Since we switched to using a vinegar/water solution for mopping the floors and cleaning the counters, our ant problem has vanished.

Mysty: Vinegar is the one sure solution, but you need to pour it where the ants have their nest, not just to where they walk around. If you find their nest just pour about 0.5-1 L of white (cheap) vinegar. I never had ant problems but my grandparents sometimes has as they has a big farm and there is always an ant problem is some corner of the farm 

Cath: We used a mixture of vinegar, washing up liquid (ecover) and peppermint oil last year. Tracked them back to their nest and syringed it into the cracks. They never came back.

13. Equal 

Tea Leaf: We killed our ants by mixing Equal packets with apple juice. It is a neurotoxin to the ants. Scary that people put these in their coffee.

Little tiny ants have been spotted in our new home, and many people are suffering the same fate across the country. As much as I love spring, I don't like bugs — especially bugs that can infest a house. Last week I asked for some advice in how to deal with ants naturally as I hadn't time to research it myself since I moved this last weekend. I got such good advice, I had to share it with the readers here at MNN as well. 

Some of these measures are deterrents. That is, they deter the ants from coming in your house. This seems to work well for those with a mild problem. Others found that they needed to use a method that kills the whole colony of ants. I've compiled the comments and suggestions by category, allowing you to compare the different methods a little more easily. 

1. Lemon juice 

Teresa: We just spray around the openings with pure lemon juice … and it always works for us … something about the acid messes up their sense of tracking…

2. Cinnamon 

Shayla:We use ground cinnamon around where there are coming it. It works really well.

Peggy: We spray cinnamon essential oil all around the doors, windowsills, floors, etc. keeps them from coming in. I put the sugar water and borax OUTSIDE!

Letia: Another vote for ground cinnamon. Easy to clean up afterwards and worked great for us!!!

Jean: Cinnamon and cloves. Makes your house smell nice and the ants just hate it sprinkled right in their path.

Patricia: We also use cinnamon oil. We draw borders around everything with a Q-tip dipped in it. They won’t cross it.

3. Peppermint 

Heather: My mother-in-law has success with peppermint essential oil around windows and doors (any entries). Plus her house then smells awesome.

Julie: Dr. Bonner’s liquid soap in the mint aroma. Mix 1 to 1 with water in a spray bottle. Spray on the ant invasion and watch them suffer.

4. Borax, water and sugar 

Kristi: We use borax, sugar, water and a touch of peanut butter. It takes a couple of weeks but really works. We used it last year in our old house and are implementing it again this spring in our new house. Pesky ants! Here is the site where I found the recipe:http://naturalantkiller.blogspot.com/

Christy: I second Diana’s comment about borax and sugar. I’ve made a thin paste before with water, sugar and borax, then spread it on little pieces of thin cardboard or stiff cardstock and placed them near where it seems they are coming into the house. They’ll eat it and take it back to their colony (just like the Terro liquid you can buy). The paste will dry up in a couple days, so you’ll have to make more. But I think I only had to do it twice before they were gone.

Chookie: What worked for us was a mixture of borax and sugar in water. Several years ago, we lived in a house where there was an ants nest in the walls. Removing it would have meant virtually demolishing the entire front wall of the house (not practical!), so instead, after a year or two of having flying ants swarm into our bedroom every year we decided to go on an ant killing spree. Conventional ant killers didn’t work. Borax and powdered sugar didn’t work. But adding water to the borax and sugar mix to make a thick sugary borax-y syrup DID work…. the worker ants took it back into the nest and it positioned the queen – result = no more flying ants. OK, so borax does need to be kept away from pets and small children, but it is relatively safe beyond that as it is only toxic if you eat it. my solution was to put it somewhere where the kids and the cats would not reach it but the ants could.

BeverlyC: We live in China and had a HORRIBLE ant problem in our house. Tried cinnamon, black pepper, vinegar, etc. etc. We were concerned about the borax because we have guests in and out regularly and the little children are often, well, naughty and undisciplined. When someone suggested Terro liquid ant bait and we found it was just Borax and sugar, we asked someone to bring us some. We could pick the traps up and put them away when company came and put them back out after they left. They worked wonders!!

5. Boiling water and dish soap 

Jennie: We make sure all of our food is sealed up. The honey jar is usually the biggest ant magnet, so it gets a thorough washing and then is placed on a small water-filled saucer in the cupboard. We use a spray bottle filled with water and a squirt of liquid dish soap (I use Seventh Generation) to kill any visible ants. I also look around outside to try to find their hill; pouring a kettle of boiling water on it solves the problem.

Christy:  I’ve done what Jennie mentioned too – boiling water will destroy an ant colony, or weeds popping up between sidewalk cracks or in mulch. It’s an easy, purely natural way to kill things that we don’t often think about.

6. Diatomaceous earth 

Karen: Yes … diatomaceous earth (DE) works well … use food-grade not swimming pool DE. It should be sprinkled around the perimeter of your new home and you can also safely sprinkle it inside where you see them. Do not wet the DE or it will not work. DE isn’t an instant kill but should resolve the problem within a week or so.

Jami: I have a pretty serious any invasion at my house too. When I moved in last April they had already made themselves at home. I did the cinnamon thing last year and worked ok, but they just kept finding new ways in. My ants weren’t attracted to sugary things, but protein, especially the dog food. This year I made some borax cookies and put them in the old fireplace where I noticed the ants returning a week ago. I also sprinkled DE around the perimeter of my kitchen and that seems to have worked better than anything so far for immediate results.

7. Chalk  

Natalie: Oh! And they will not cross a line drawn in chalk. I drew a line around my window where they were coming in and it kept them at bay. 

Anali: My grandparents has really good results with the line of chalk, they used powder that you can get at home improvement stores. It comes in a squeezey bottle so it’s easy to lay down a line with.

8. Baking soda and powdered sugar 

Jennifer: Ants carry an acidic substance with them always for protection. I do a mix of baking soda and powdered sugar in a plastic lid set in strategic places. I think a little volcanic science experiment happens inside their bodies. Over the course of several days it has made a huge difference.

9. Coffee grounds

Lea: I have had success with used coffee grounds, I did know where their entry was, after putting it in the cracks they never returned. I also do know it doesn’t kill them, it just makes them move homes, (we have put them on beds outside and we just see them pop up a small distance away.

10. Cornmeal

Jill: One more thing to add to this. I saw somewhere to use corn meal. Well, it worked out since some moths got into my cornmeal, and I felt bad wasting it. That’s when I saw the idea and tried it. I sprinkled a little bit just off the back porch. Every day I would check and every day the same trail of ants was still there. Then I forgot about it. My daughter found another ant nest further out in the yard, and it made me remember to check the last trail. It was gone, completely gone. So, I sprinkled it on the new nest, and less than a week later, it is gone. If you google it there are a ton of places where it mentions it. Here’s just one link, and if you scroll to the Tip there is still another idea using molasses. Although if cornmeal will work I think it’s cheaper, and safer around kids and pets. http://www.ehow.com/how_6395566_kill-ants-corn-meal.html

11. Cream of Wheat 

Rebecca: Cream of wheat! They eat it & it expands & they explode! Ha! I used it in my garden for ant problems. Kind of makes you wonder what it does to our insides when we eat it too

12. Vinegar 

Kristie: Vinegar! Since we switched to using a vinegar/water solution for mopping the floors and cleaning the counters, our ant problem has vanished.

Mysty: Vinegar is the one sure solution, but you need to pour it where the ants have their nest, not just to where they walk around. If you find their nest just pour about 0.5-1 L of white (cheap) vinegar. I never had ant problems but my grandparents sometimes has as they has a big farm and there is always an ant problem is some corner of the farm 

Cath: We used a mixture of vinegar, washing up liquid (ecover) and peppermint oil last year. Tracked them back to their nest and syringed it into the cracks. They never came back.

13. Equal 

Tea Leaf: We killed our ants by mixing Equal packets with apple juice. It is a neurotoxin to the ants. Scary that people put these in their coffee.

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7 WAY TO TEACH YOUR DAUGHTER TO BE A LADY

 

Jordin Keim

Each mother should know a few ways to teach your daughter to be a lady, even if you are raising a tomboy! There is nothing wrong with a little girl who likes to rough it up outside just like the boys do, but at the end of the day, she is still a girl. Here are a few ways to teach your daughter to be a lady just in case you would like to maintain a sense of femininity for your daughter, and train her to have the best of both worlds!

1. Set An Example

Perhaps the most powerful of all ways to teach your daughter to be a lady is to lead by example. Children are like sponges; they soak up everything around them. If your daughter sees you behaving and dressing like a lady, chances are good that she will follow in your footsteps. Be sure that your words and actions always line up, because children will do and repeat everything they see or hear around them!

2. Words Matter

Part of being a lady includes watching the words that come out of your mouth. And that doesn’t mean just swear words! Unkind, hurtful and mean gossip is something you don’t want your daughter to take part in. Even just talking down to or about authority or those around you is something to be avoided. Habits form quickly at young ages, so try to keep words positive and uplifting!

3. Pay Attention to Her Clothes

These days I go clothes shopping, and I am appalled by what I see in the little girls' section. Clothes for little girls have lost their charm and modesty! I would never want to dress my own little girl in some of the things I see on the racks nowadays, because I don’t think it will encourage femininity. Pay attention to what your daughter wears when you go out of the house.

4. Encourage Femininity

I believe a woman can be strong, independent, and confident while maintaining her femininity. Lack of charm and grace in a woman just feels distant and strange! Encourage your daughter to be sweet and graceful in her manner, and if she likes pink and bows, go crazy with them! Even a tomboy can be feminine in her own way, it’s up to you to find that balance and help her walk that line.

5. Work on The Attitude

An attitude is everything. Most small children show attitudes from a young age, so if you start to see one forming, don’t wait until it’s too late to nip it in the bud. A little girl can be as cute as a button, but if her attitude is bad, no one will notice the cuteness!

6. Avoid Tearing Her down

The quickest way to melt a little girl’s spirit is to tear her down. There is a difference between scolding and tearing down. Scolding is a necessary parental duty, but tearing down will not help your daughter build the confidence she needs to succeed in life. A lady needs to be taught character, so start with affirming words and positive attitudes!

7. Actions Are Always Important

Do you notice your little girl throwing temper tantrums? Twisting around words that you or someone else tells her? Does she mistreat her toys or lie to you? Remember that actions matter, and if you don’t make sure she understands that actions have consequences from a young age, she may face a hard road ahead of her. Teaching your daughter to be a lady means making sure she knows how to control her actions!

Teaching your daughter to be a little lady may take some time and dedication on your part, but in the end you will be glad you put forth the effort! Having a polite, well-mannered daughter will leave your friends wondering how you did it! And if she leaves a bow in her hair, that’s bonus points.

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