School has started and with that comes the possibility of getting lice, however small that possibility might be. But do you ever think about getting mange, something we think about animals getting in their fur and skin? Can people even get mange from their pets?  Yes, they can, and the most common type of mange is called scabies.  OK, now most of us have probably heard of scabies even if we don’t know what it is.  Although it’s not real common, it does happen that people catch scabies from animals they are in close contact with.  So, if one of your pets gets mange then you need to look at mange remedies.  And be sure to wash all of your pet’s things thoroughly!

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By the way, for those of you who don’t know what scabies is, it’s often been referred to as the “Seven Year Itch.”  It is a contagious skin infection caused by a tiny mite which is hard to see.  It burrows under the skin and makes a person miserable with itching (an allergic itch).  Archeological evidence shows that scabies was around in 494 BC, so it’s nothing new.

Many people are having a lot of trouble with their allergies this year.  Actually, mine started last fall and I think most people’s allergy problems got worse then, too.  There are several things to do to help minimize the effects of allergies such as using allergy bedding which encases pillows, mattresses, box springs,  and comforters in order to keep out dust mites.  There are also allergy resistant mattress toppers available.

There are all sorts of herbal treatments for just about anything such as a colon cleansing herb. I’ve been having seasonal allergies really bad this spring, and so I’ve been checking into herbs that are good to help treat allergies.  Stinging Nettle (that sounds like something I’d want to stay away from), horseradish, and fresh garlic (uncooked) are supposed to be very helpful.  As miserable as I am from sneezing, eyes watering, and runny nose, I am seriously planning to try these!

Here is where you can get a $1 coupon for “method” cleaning products.  Their slogan is “method. creates products for people against dirty.”  And the great thing about their products is that they are safe and non-toxic, developed by two former roommates who were exposed to toxic material.  Their experience resulted in these non-toxic products.  The one product we have tried works great.

These are the locations where you can purchase Method products:

• Babies R Us
• Bed, Bath, & Beyond
• Costco
• Lowe’s
• Safeway
  
• Staples
• Target
• Toys R Us
• Whole Foods

Target is one of my favorite places to shop (my daughter knows that – it’s one of her favorites, too) and while I was going down the cleaning products aisle I noticed this tub ‘n tile bathroom cleaner that said “Method” on the front of the bottle.  What caught my attention on the label were two things:

• “Non-Toxic”
• “No Harsh Fumes”

I had been using another cleaner with such horrible fumes that I had to leave the bathroom.  One time my college-age son asked me what it was that smelled so bad.  That’s how bad it was.  The fumes made me wonder what toxic chemicals were in the cleaner.  So…I was thrilled when I saw this cleaner at Target.  We tried it and think it’s GREAT!  My husband really likes it, too, and is using it to clean a bunch of things.  It’s awesome because:

• Smells great!
• Does an awesome job of cleaning!
• We don’t have to worry about toxins!
• It’s biodegradable!
• Cleaners are plant-derived!
  

Plus…when I first bought it, it happened to have a coupon on it.  I like to use coupons and save money when I can, so I thought I’d give the product a try since it had a coupon.  Now, we’re sold on that product and want to try more Method brand products.   And guess what!  I found another Method coupon!!

The organic comforter from Happy Planet looks so soft and cozy.  However, I couldn’t keep a white comforter in our bedroom because I put things on our bed everyday such as my purse, the mail, plus I fold laundry on it.  So it would have to have a duvet cover on it.  We actually do have a soft comforter with a cover, but it is not organic.  This one would be great for people with allergy problems or anyone who did not want chemicals on their comforter.

Organic cotton sheets from Happy Planet look like they would be soft and comfortable.   These sheets are made from organic cotton which does not contain harmful chemicals.  Have you ever had new sheets that had an odor before they were washed?  That makes me wonder what kind of chemicals were used to make the sheets and possibly what pesticides were used on the cotton. Organic cotton takes away those concerns.

The winner of the Swiffer 360 Duster from MS&L is….Christi.  I will be notifying her by email.

(Remember if you leave a comment for a contest in the future, you need to leave your first name and your email address.)

If you would like to try your chance at winning a Swiffer 360 Duster, all you have to do is go to the CONTEST post and leave a comment.  I’m enjoying my Swiffer 360 Duster, thanks to MS&L.  And there are coupons available online that you can use to buy refills.