Save on Scrapbooking

For all of you out there that have been thinking about digital scrapbooking, you can now get the scrapbooking program that I use--My Memories Suite--for 10% off. To take advantage of this, just click on the ad in the lefthand column, and use GMC10off as your coupon code. It's already a really good price for digital scrapbooking software, but an extra 10% is a nice perk. When I started with this program, I had to wait for the software to get shipped to me. But now you can just download it and get started today! You can check out their store, too, because they have some pretty cute new designs in the store!

Note: I am an affiliate with My Memories Suite, so I do get a small percentage of each sale, but I only promote products that I really believe in, and as you have seen previously on my blog, I really love this scrapbooking software! Actually, I even designed my blog background with MMS!

Check It Out!

I'm so happy to let you know that I am a new guest contributor on one of my favorite blogs--Keeper of the Home. The Keeper of the Home blog was one of the blogs I read a lot when I was first trying out a more natural approach to life. So I feel blessed to get the opportunity to contribute. You can find my article there today!

We're Sick Again

photo credit Glisglis

When I have spare time, one of my favorite things to read about is natural living. I particularly enjoy learning about natural remedies for illnesses. I find it so fascinating that God has given us so many plants and berries and herbs for our healing. I admit I am a novice when it comes to natural remedies, but there is one remedy that I have tried and am very excited about--black elderberries or sambucus nigra.

I first learned about this wonderful berry last year, just as the "swine" flu was sweeping the nation. Black elderberries--usually sold in syrup form--have a strong antiviral quality to them, which makes them great for fighting off colds and the flu. They also are packed with antioxidants, which are very beneficial in staying healthy. Here are two great resources:

• Click here for good information about the special properties of the black elderberry.
• Below is a good video on how to make your own elderberry syrup, which is much more cost effective than buying it. I might have to try this next year!

Well, to make a long story short, last October, I actually got the swine flu. So, I pulled out the elderberry syrup and took it several times a day. Within just a couple of days, I was all better. I was truly amazed, but at the same time, I wondered if it was the elderberry syrup or if I was just at the end of my sickness. But when my two year old daughter started getting really sick, I gave her the syrup as well, and by the next day, she was already getting better. At that point, I became a believer. I love that the syrup is safe to give to little ones, and it tastes pretty good, too, so my kids are willing to take it.

Okay, so you may be asking yourself why I am posting this now, even though cold and flu season is almost over. There are two reasons:

First of all, I have a cold now, so eldberry syrup is on my mind. My kids and I have managed to stay very healthy this winter (except for the flu in October.) But we all are sick now. So, as soon as I press "publish" on this article, I'm headed to the store to buy some elderberry syrup!

Second, you heard about it in the video, and it is also in the article I linked, but elderberry syrup is a great way to STAY well. With all the antioxidants, flavanoids, and antiviral properties, eldberries are awesome for staying healthy. You can just take a little each day for an antioxidant boost. This would be great to try as a daily supplement if you made your own syrup, since it is far more cost effective.

So, I'm wondering...do you take elderberry syrup daily as a supplement? Have you ever made your own syrup?