Seven innovative and economical uses for cosmetic bags: beyond cosmetics

Most women have a cosmetic bag, that they keep in the bathroom and then put in their purse as a traveling touch up kit. While cosmetic bags are marketed strictly as cosmetic containers, they come in so many sizes, they're an inexpensive alternative for other such like objects you want to have handy, all in one place. Here we've got seven innovative ways to use these inexpensive bags, performing the same objective as their more expensive counterparts. They are compact and travel easily. For certain purposes, the see through cosmetic bag makes for a quick identification of the contents, useful in emergency situations.

1.A clear plastic cosmetic bag is a perfect container for an emergency first aid kit. Those first aid kits made of a blue plastic box emblazoned with a red cross usually carry a price that doesn't warrant the price of the contents. Buy the first aid supplies you want to have on hand and then buy a bag to fit. Stuff yours with antibiotic cream, band-aids, gauze pads, a snake bite kit, charcoal or whatever your situation demands. You're sure to save 50% over the ready-made kit. Use a permanent marker to draw a big red cross across the bag for easy ID.

2.If you take vitamins or medicines on a daily basic, the handy cosmetic bag is a good alternative for those specially tooled boxes made for the purpose. Keep them in your purse, so you never forget a dose.

3.Larger sized bags are a great storage solution for road maps. Take out the one you need and when you're done, just stash it back inside the bag. This allows you to easily find the map when you need it and prevents the map from ending up on the floor where it soon become torn, dirty and tattered, or lost.

4.How many times have you stopped in at the fast food drive-through, requesting extra mayo, mustard or ketchup for your food, only to discover they forgot? By this time, you're a mile down the freeway. Fill a small cosmetic bag with those little packets of condiments, salt and pepper and a few plastic forks, knives and napkins.

5.Here's another great use for the little bag. I discovered this one when I got tired of searching through my hand bag for my week's worth of receipts, so I could transfer the data to my spreadsheet. The receipts didn't fare well, especially those from the grocery which seem to be printed with disappearing ink! The drugstore, zippered cosmetic bag solved this problem, once and for all!

6.When you're at work and lose a button or tear a hem, do you have an emergency sewing kit at hand? All you need is a couple of needles, a few neutral thread colors, a pair of mini scissors and a few sizes of buttons and you're in business. It's not a bad idea to include an extra pair of stockings, rolled into a plastic bag.

7.Our last handy use of the humble cosmetic bag is that of an emergency tool kit container. One each flat head and Phillips screwdriver, a pair of pliers and an eyeglass repair kit is my version. Quite useful in a variety of situations.

Who would have thought that the cosmetic bag had so many other uses besides holding cosmetics? You'll be quite the organized person!

Seven natural remedies for arthritis that reduce pain and inflammation, while improving your overall health!

Tens of millions of people in the U.S. suffer from arthritis. This disease comes in two basic categories. Osteoarthritis is a condition described as a simple wearing out of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which affects the immune system.

Osteoarthritis is a good news, bad news condition. While it typically gets worse with time, it does not progress as rapidly or painfully as rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, there are no pharmaceutical treatments. All your doctor can do is prescribe a pain killer. On the other hand, there are medications available for rheumatoid arthritis that can slow progress of the disease, as well as pain killers to ease those painful joints.

In both cases, conventional medicine does not offer much, besides some relief of pain. However, you can make use of time-tested natural remedies for arthritis that can actually improve your condition and reduce the need for pain medications. It's also easy to integrate these foods and herbs into your daily routine.

Bing cherries are a terrific anti-inflammatory. Fresh cherries in season work best, but canned cherries will still offer significant help.

Capsaicin creams are one of the most useful of the natural remedies for arthritis when used as a topical on the affected areas. During cold and damp weather, you'll find substantial relief from pain and inflammation. The effect can be enhanced by wearing nylon gloves and socks, which help hold the heat.

Turmeric, taken in capsules or prepared in curry dishes is a marvelous addition to your natural remedies for arthritis, that is found to be as effective as cortisone in alleviating symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Additional benefits include improvements in digestion, reduction of cholesterol and lowers blood sugar, a boon for diabetics.

Alfalfa is another inexpensive and time tested of the natural remedies for arthritis. The best form is the dried powdered leaves. You can buy this at health food stores in capsules. Alfalfa is packed with nutrients and is good for respiratory problems too.

Next in our lineup of natural remedies for arthritis is the Omega-3 fatty acids, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, found in fish. Sardines, salmon, tuna and herring contain high quantities of the Omega-3's. Alternatively, you can take gel caps from the health food store. As a bonus, taking this supplement reduces your risk of heart problems, reduces bad cholesterol while raising the good cholesterol.

One especially tasty spice in your repertoire of natural remedies for arthritis is ginger. Ginger is anti-inflammatory. Make a habit of drinking ginger tea three times a day. Ginger is also beneficial to your heart health.

You've probably heard of Evening Primrose oil, but did you know that this plant oil is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents discovered to date? Several double-blind studies have demonstrated that the pain experienced by arthritis sufferers was typically reduced by 50%!

If you put all of these natural remedies for arthritis to work for you, you'll be feeling better soon. Always discuss using any of these with your physician. Good luck!