Find the reason behind nail biting online

If you are spending money on solutions to put an end to nail biting, it could pay to instead get to the bottom of WHY you are doing it! Nail biting is associated with anxiety, because the act of chewing on nails reportedly relieves stress, tension, or boredom. People who habitually bite their nails often report that they do so when they feel nervous, bored, lonely, or even hungry. For more information, visit this link:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/onychophagia-nail-biting

DIY 'Cryovac' seals your food at home for free!

My savvy DIY food sealing method has saved me a fortune and is so easy! I like to organise meals ahead of time, and have at times thrown out food due to serve freezer burn. I researched Cryovac machines, but priced at anywhere from $400 - $500, not to mention constantly buying bags, it was out of the question. So I came up with a solution! I fill up a container, or the kitchen sink, and when I have the meals prepared in bags and ready to go, I slowly lower it into the water until it is almost level with the top of the bag. Then I just seal it shut. The water forces the bag together and pushes out the air. It works a treat and I have saved hundreds not having to buy a machine, replacement bags and also power!

Natural sanitiser

I have been receiving your fabulous emails for ages and I thought I'd share a favourite saving hint of my own.
 
My naturopath gave me a tip which saves money and is better for our health too. She said that most hand sanitisers contain chemicals and antibacterial properties that not only kill bad bacteria but also kill off essential good bacteria. The good bacteria on our hands helps to fight off infections and acts as a barrier, so hand sanitisers can compromise our ability to protect ourselves.
 
My naturopath gave me a natural alternative. She told me to buy some small atomisers and a bottle of water-soluble tea tree oil from the chemist. I would then pour about 20 drops of oil into each atomiser, and fill with water – that's all it takes to make your very own antiseptic.
 
These natural sanitisers are cheap, effective and have a lovely scent. An atomiser easily fits into a handbag, and is very handy if the kids get scratches and scrapes after playing – a quick spray on the affected area is all it takes.
 
Tea tree oil really is the best antiseptic around and there are so many uses for it. Happy natural sanitising!

Make baby fruit gels at home

If your baby or toddler enjoys Heinz fruit gels, you can easily make your own at home. The benefit is that you know exactly what you are feeding them and it costs you a lot less! You will need:

2 cups of fruit juice (apple, blackcurrant or whatever you choose)
1/2 teaspoon Agar powder (you can buy this from health food shops; don't be put off by the cost as it will last a long time). You need to measure the ingredients exactly to get the right consistency, otherwise the gel will be either too firm or too runny.

Put the juice in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Then sprinkle the Agar over the top and let simmer for about 30 seconds. Pour into jars or containers and let set in the fridge. This should make around eight serves depending on the size of the containers. Unlike gelatin, Agar will stay firm if the gel is taken out of the fridge. You can also mix pureed fruit like apple, and it won't affect the recipe. For toddlers or older children you can mix two fruits and it is just like the jelly fruit cups you buy in the supermarket.