Five for Friday - Natural Cold Remedies

Feel Better Naturally!

It's that time of year again... cold and flu season. Protecting yourself against the inevitable by getting enough sleep, eating right and reducing stress never seems like enough when you get sick... So I thought I would share five great natural remedies that will help you get by and make you feel better.



1. Boiron Oscillococcinum
Take Oscillo at the First Sign of Flu! Oscillococcinum (o - sill - cox - see - num) is safe, natural and easy to take. Oscillococcinum, an FDA drug - regulated, over - the - counter homeopathic flu medicine, is currently available in 43 countries. Oscillo is the #1 OTC flu medicine in France and the #1 homeopathic flu medicine in the United States. Clinical trials have shown that when taken at the first sign of flu, 63 percent of Oscillo users showed clear improvement within 48 hours; so keep a box on hand! (pssst... save 15% on this item by clicking on the image to the left and select Subscribe and Save!)


2. Ricola Cough Drops
Great tasting. Naturally soothing and refreshing. Ricola Sugar Free Lemon Mint throat drops combine refreshing, natural Lemon Mint and Ricola's delicious mixture of Swiss alpine herbs. For over 75 years, Ricola has been making pleasant tasting natural herbal products for natural relief of the discomfort due to sore throat and minor irritation due to coughs, hoarseness, dry throat, and loss of voice. Ricola is nature's way of calming coughs and soothing sore throats. This item is also 15% off when you select Subscribe and Save from Amazon - click the image

3. Bioron Chestal Cough Syrup
Chestal Cough Syrup is an effective homeopathic cough syrup that naturally brings relief to a wide array of coughs. Safe and natural, with no side effects, Chestal treats all kinds of coughs, does not interact with other medications, does not contain stimulants, non-drowsy, great honey taste, honey and sugar base soothes the throat.  I like it because it tastes great and works well!


4. Traditional Medicinals Tea
Nothing is more soothing than a cup of herbal tea - especially when you are sick.  Traditional Medicinals has an incredibly great line of organic teas that are highly effective, taste great and even are produced with solar power!  Try this sampler that includes Throat Coat, Echinacea Plus, Breathe Easy, and Gypsy Cold Care varieties.  This is also available by the case (of 6) with Subscribe and Save so click the image to save 15%.


5. Nature's Way Echinacea Supplements
Echinacea herb supports the Immune System and promotes general well-being in cold and flu season. Echinacea (comon name is Purple Coneflower) grows wild in the midwest, and was used by Plains Indians more than any other herb. Echinacea supplements are a great preventative measure to help boost your immune system before you get a cold, but it may also help during a cold as well.  (Please discuss this with your doctor before taking)  Amazon also offers this item through Subscribe and Save!

For more homeopathic children's remedies, check out my past post:
http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2010/06/top-5-homeopathic-natural-remedies.html 

Have a great weekend and Be Well!
~ Sprout

Five for Friday - 5 places to save some Green on Back to School Clothes

It's a new school year so it's that time again to shop for new clothes (new styles or new sizes!), shoes and gear...Back to school can be so expensive, but it doesn't have to be.  Most stores have to be competitive this time of year and the results are great deals, sales and special promos.  There are many places online to get children's clothes for a lot less whether it is through a daily deal site or using promo codes - I can usually find much better deals online than in the actual stores.
Here are my top 5 picks to save this school year:

1. Thredup - the only clothing swap site!
I discovered Thredup last year as a way to get rid of all the out-grown but still in great condition kids clothes that were piling up in the closet.  It was a very quick and easy way to give a box of clothes away  (and my boxes went really fast!).  Then I decided to try picking a few boxes for myself and found a few boxes that sounded great - when they arrived I was so excited!  And so was my 2-year old who jumped for joy then proceeded to try everything on... all at once!  This was WAY more fun than going to the thrift shop and digging through tables and racks covered with not-so-exciting used clothes.

Thredup is super easy to use... and it's FREE to sign up - and if you sign up with my link here  (http://www.thredup.com/CarmichaelNitzky69564) you will get a $10 credit.  All you'll  ever pay for basic swapping is $5 + ($10.95) shipping per box of kids clothes. At more than ten items per box, that's like $1.50 per item. No hidden charges. No recurring fees. And they will arrive in about 2-3 days!


2. Cookie's Kids - the #1 source for school uniforms
If your kids go to a school that requires a uniform or a set dress code, then Cookie's Kids Department Store is the best place to find incredible deals!  They even make it easy for you to get the right uniforms with their School Locator Link - you can search for your school and they will provide you with a list!  Cookie's Kids also sells a great selection of brand name regular clothes, play clothes, accessories, shoes, backpacks and even toys.  At CookiesKids.com, you’ll always be able to find the latest children’s fashion and great gifts for any occasion. The clear product pictures and descriptions ensure you’ll always know what you’re getting. They will even help you find matching outfits with the click of a button. They also have very frequent online promotions, deals and giveaways so you'll save even more! Check them out and make sure your kids have all the essentials and more to go Back to School!


3.  Totsy...Where the savvy mom shops!
Totsy offers moms on-the-go and moms-to-be access to brand-specific sales, up to 70% off retail, just for them and the kids, ages 0-7.  Totsy lists great deals on top name brands of clothing, gear, toys, books and everything young kids and moms need and each sale lasts 48-72 hours.  It's a members only site so if you aren't a member already, sign up now here
Totsy is the first company in private sales to take on sustainable and socially responsible initiatives in all areas of business. With every purchase you make through Totsy, they will plant one tree in the name of your child to help reduce the effects of deforestation.

4. Zulily - Daily Deals for Moms, babies and kids
Zulily  is another great limited time deal site that I Love! It's a new online store offering daily sales events on top-quality apparel, gear and other goodies for moms, babies and kids. They carry the best brands at the lowest prices and have many sales events every day so you have more to choose from. Members enjoy savings of up to 90% off retail prices.  They have several deals every day and each deal lasts 72 hours.  The savings potential is huge so check them out now:  http://www.zulily.com/invite/jnitzky353



5.Amazon.com's Back to School department
Check out Amazon's Back to School Page for the latest deals and promotions for all things needed for Back to School.  They have some great buys on brand name clothes plus they have everything else - backpacks, books, supplies, shoes, accessories, lunch boxes, lunch food items... the list goes on and on!  (Also see my post on current grocery deals from Amazon... http://sprout5.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-grocery-savings-at.html )

Hope you will check out these deals and other deals also found in my left sidebar ad blocks or find coupon codes here: http://www.couponchief.com/users/sprout

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Green Five for Friday: Staycation ideas for NYC

 This summer we are trying to save some green by spending our weekends doing and seeing great new places in and around our own town, NYC.  It's no wonder that New York is one of the top tourist destinations - there is just so MUCH to do and see here!  And you don't even have to spend a lot of money if you don't want to... there are many FREE things to do! Even in a city as dense and built up as NYC, Here are my top Five for Friday destinations that are greener places to go to get some fresh air:

1. Central Park: if you visit NYC or live in the area, Central Park is a must! Central Park has 843 acres of diverse landscapes, attractions and retreat from the bustling city life!  It has 20 different playgrounds including several "adventure" playgrounds with modern play experiences, unique designs and themes - all set amongst the natural scenery of one of the nation's greatest parks.  For the kids the Central Park Conservancy hosts their free Sandbox Programs, the Conservancy's longest-running series of programming - now in its 22nd consecutive summer! Featuring dance, music and stories, these Sandbox Programs happen in different playgrounds all over Central Park Monday-Thursdays at 11am and 2pm and Fridays at 11am. For the full schedule and to find out which playground the events take place, go to: http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/family-community/sandbox-program.html
Central Park's 250 acres of lawns and 136 acres of woodland offer a multitude of landscapes, trails and pathways for everyone from the serious hiker to the recreational stroller.  You can go hiking and rock climbing on the many outcroppings of native Manhattan Schist rock (mostly on the western and northern areas of the park), go for a nature walk along the loch in the North Woods or Ramble, bike ride along 7 miles of interior roads (closed to vehicular traffic) or spread a picnic blanket on the Sheep Meadow, Great Lawn or North Meadow for a relaxing afternoon.  for more on what to see and do in Central Park, go to: http://www.centralpark.com/guide/attractions.html

2. Governor's Island: This little island off the southern tip of Manhattan really packs in a full day's worth of activities and events on summer weekends!  It's a perfect escape from city life and has something for everyone.  It starts with the refreshing (and free!) ferry ride to the island - there are no cars so the only transportation is either on foot or by bike, which is hugely popular on the island.  You can bring your own bike (recommended) or rent bikes on the island - getting there early helps because as I said, biking is popular and even though there are many bikes to rent, they can go fast on nice weekends. Once there, you can choose from many arts, cultural and recreational activities for all age groups - there's an interactive, sustainable sculpture garden, Children's Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program, Added Value’s three acre organic fruit and vegetable farm, Big Apple Circus Family Fun Fest events (learn to juggle, spin plates on a stick...), Trapeze School of New York lessons, art exhibits, concerts, food, historical tours and reenactments, picnic grounds, and so much more!  This summer there is a participatory, free minigolf course, with an inspired twist to the unknown and fascinating world of bugs... Sponsored by FIGMENT, the Minigolf Course is "bug" themed this year   and free for the public to play. For more information, visit www.figmentproject.org/minigolf.  

We took a trip down to Governor's Island last summer, spent the entire day there and had a blast!  There is just so much more happening on the island this summer - for more info on events and to plan your trip go to: http://govisland.com/html/visit/calendar.shtml

3. Beczak Environmental Education Center, Yonkers, NY:  On weekends from May through September, families with children ages three and up can head to Beczak Environmental Education Center (35 Alexander St; 914-377-1900, beczak.org. Free), and discover what’s hiding in the Hudson River. Get the lowdown on the art of seining (net fishing), and then troop down to the rocky beach, don a pair of waders, scoop up creatures with the net and sort the catch. The prize of the day could be an American eel, known for outsmarting captors. Cap off the outing at the Science Barge (99 Dock St; 914-375-2151, groundworkhv.org. $3 suggested donation, children under 11 free), where kids can feed fish, pick basil and touch worms aboard a solar-and-wind-powered floating museum and sustainable farm.  August 13 is Summerfest - a full day packed with activities, exploration and music for the whole family!  You can paddle a kayak or take a canoe ride, enjoy Catch of the Day Seining, hot dogs, hamburgers, roast marshmallows around a campfire and more - all FREE! (2-8pm)
For more info go to: http://beczak.org/home.htm

4. Queens County Farm Museum:  The Queens County Farm Museum's history dates back to 1697; it occupies New York City's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland and is the only working historical farm in the City. The farm encompasses a 47-acre parcel that is the longest continuously farmed site in New York State. The site includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. The farm animals and the tranquil agrarian environment provide the opportunity to leave the hectic daily pace behind for an enjoyable visit to a farm without leaving the City.

The Queens County Farm Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. The Farm Museum is open year-round 7-days a week from 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays tours of the historic farmhouse and hayrides are available from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Animal Feed may be purchased daily in our gift shop to feed our sheep and goats. General Admission is free (except on special event days and for all group visits at all times).  for more info and to see their list of special events (not always free but usually very inexpensive), go to: http://www.queensfarm.org/

5.  Coney Island:  For a fun day at the beach with lots of waterfront activities, head to Coney Island!  This southern Brooklyn waterfront park has over 2.5 miles of beach and oceanfront complete with just about everything to please the whole family.  Although many things at Coney Island do cost money, the beach is free and so is the scenery!  There are 2 marine-themed playgrounds with water play, sandy beaches, and lots of boardwalk games and food.  If you are looking for carnival rides - Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and the new Luna Park offer numberous different rides for kids along with daring rides for older kids and adults like Lynn's Trapeze - the flying carousel! Check out the new rides, events calendar and buy your ride tickets in advance for less online (they also have group savings!): http://lunaparknyc.com/index.php

No trip to Coney Island would be complete without a ride on the famous Cyclone (for the older kids/adults), a Nathan's Famous hot dog and other traditional boardwalk food - it might not be the healthiest food by a long shot, but on this special trip, it's just worth it!  You can also catch a cheap ballgame at MCU Park where the Brooklyn Cyclones minor league plays.  The stadium is small but very open so it is perfect for the whole family and is great to watch the sunset on a warm summer evening!  For more info on the Brooklyn Cyclones, go to: http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/home/

This Saturday, Aug. 6, at Coney Island is the great Sand Sculpting Contest from 12-5pm

 near West 10th Street on the beach.  It is so amazing to see how detailed the sand creations can be!  Check out this video from last year's contest: http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/122629/hundreds-hit-the-coney-island-beach-for-fun-in-the-sun

Enjoy the last weeks of summer!
*~ Sprout