Feeling stressed? One of the best ways to manage stress may be waiting for you just outside your back door.

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I'm trying, along with two of my friends and neighbors, to grow an organic food garden. Until we can harvest, I buy mostly organic produce to avoid residual pesticides and GMOs harm the environment and could be compromising to human health as well. And I've been researching the methods behind the concept.

Options for pest control include physical barriers such as netting as well as natural concoctions to replace chemical pesticides. These options aren't very glamorous or aesthetically pleasing. I realize we're growing food, but I'm a sucker for eye-pleasing landscapes. That's why I was thrilled to learn that incorporating flowers into our food garden could be an effective method for pest control.

Marigolds and lavender are among a long list of components that can be used as part of companion planting, which, as it turns out, has been a standard method used by organic gardeners for some time. Other bloggers over at Green Daily have covered it as well. It's too soon to tell if it's working in our garden, but it sure looks pretty. And that works for me. For now.

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Would you consider your job stressful? Do you blame your career for any of your skin problems and signs of aging? Are you having a hard time finding a skin routine that really works?

I realize that stress comes from all different areas in life, but I swear that 90% of mine has always come from my work. I'm 30 years old and just started to finally get really serious about skincare, and I would love to know just how many of my wrinkles were first formed somewhere back in my employment history. I just know that those 12-hour nursing shifts and that boss who used to turn bright red while yelling out commands must account for at least half of them!

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• Fresh, locally grown veggies -- Fresh vegetables are key for a well-balanced diet. Get them local -- grow them in your back yard, even -- and ditch all pesticides too. Your body will thank you.
  
  

• May flowers -- Are there health benefits to flowers? You betcha. Flowers offer restoration and respite from mental stress. And they help us connect with the natural world. Want more? Visit this post.
  
  

• A dog's little wagging tail -- Dogs are feel-good pets who love us unconditionally. They can also help curb kids' allergies and can even assist on your next fitness hike.
  
  

• Picking up the mail and finding an old-fashioned letter -- Time to turn off your computer and get back to basics -- like reading a real letter, written on real paper. If one doesn't turn up in your mailbox, find an old note you've saved. Or better yet, write one and mail it to a loved you. You'll boost your recipient's spirits and your own too -- journaling and writing have definite soothing qualities.
  
  

• Iced coffee -- Nowadays, coffee is more health food than hazard food. It contains antioxidants and the power to rev your metabolism too.
  
  

What healthy habits make you happy?

My mom is one of those hard-to-buy-for types. She and my dad are, thankfully, in a position where if they need or want anything, they can go out and get it. But when birthdays and holidays like Mother's Day roll around, it leaves my siblings and me with very few options. This year, I think I'll try to give my mom something in keeping with her healthy lifestyle. If you're thinking along the healthy lines for Mother's Day gifts too, here are some ideas to consider:

• A day at the spa. Moms rarely take time for themselves. Give your mom a gift certificate for the spa and help her relax.
• Skin care. Whether you give a face mask, moisturizer, hand lotion, or cleanser, skin care gifts are always appreciated.

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It amazes me sometimes how technology is always searching to create new chemicals and compounds to help us look younger and take better care of our skin when sometimes the best products are based on the most natural things.

Have you ever considered lily extract for soothing and balancing out problem skin? I admit I haven't, or at least hadn't until I read this article over at Natural Health. Most commonly used for its fragrance, lily extract also has antioxidant and antiseptic properties that make it a natural for skin care. It moisturizes, softens, clarifies, and even minimizes pores.

Look for for "lily extract" or "tincture of lily flower" on the label.

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They had a segment on Daffodil Days on my local news this morning. I had never heard of daffodil days before, but as this long winter drags on and on any sign of spring is welcome. I know I can't wait to see the daffodils poking up in my garden. They're a sign of spring, renewal, and change.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) holds an annual fundraiser called Daffodil Days. Every donor receives daffodils as a thank you and as a sign of hope. In the past 13 years, Daffodil Days has raised more than $200 million for the ACS.

To learn more about Daffodil Days in your community, contact your local office or call 1-800-ACS-2345. You can also check this map to find Daffodil Days programs near you.

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