Days of our lives...

Threw a 50's theme party in celebration of feeling a year younger ;) I was Lucy :) Suprised?!

50's theme party

More yarn on my needles...an owl hat for Haleigh

I've expanded my library....we are now Gluten-free....Health issues are forcing me to change my eating habits...I'm very sad as eating is a huge part of my experience traveling....haha

Green smoothies are the "norm" for breakfast now...they are actually delicious and filling.  I'm super happy the kids and hubby now love them as much as I do.
 

Avocado, Bananas, Spinach, Mangos, Flaxseed, Coconut water, Wheat Germ

This girl got new specs!!! :)

 

I'm at that point in winter where it doesn't matter what you wear out the house as long as it's warm and comfortable....so my attire has been the same hoodies, pants, chucks, beanies and quite frequently hair usually in some sort of messy bun, and glasses, which I find tend to hide the fact that you are not wearing any make-up...or maybe that's my imagination. This seems to be the longest winter in history.....or maybe I'm just itching to go to Paris this summer...

 

Nuremburg, Germany

 

The travel itinerary for the next few months includes, Hungary, Bulgaria, Morocco, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Scotland, Paris, & London.

 

I closed my piano studio for now...it was the right thing to do...I keep telling myself this.  It was getting to be too much with my health issues, homeschooling, traveling, ect, ect...I feel like I have my life back...like I can breathe and fly!!

 

Auf wiedersehen,

Aubrey

xo

birthdays smurfdays

Today I am 37.   The number looks so ooold. But I don't feel any older than 27.  I guess the saying is true...you're only as old as you feel.  Yesterday I wore my chuck taylors and ripped up jeans...denial.  I'm so loving life right now....and then I have to go and celebrate another birthday...another year older...nothing like putting a damper in your mood.  :/

My son came home last night with an ice cream cake, a valentine, heart-shaped cookie with MOM spelled out in red icing, and my favorite perfume. How is sweet is that? He will make a wonderful husband to a lucky girl one day....way in the future ;)

Recently I've developed a new hobby....painting.  I paint with acrylics for now...and I listen to Edith Piaf.  I found it so relaxing.  I have no education whatsoever in arts....but regardless it makes me happy. :)  I have signed my art as "Lucy"..

Have you tried anything new lately?   Am I the only one that has random hobbies? lol  I guess I just like to try new things.....see what's all the hype and excitement about.  :)   I also discovered recently ....lavender baths+french music+candlelit room= happiness

Aubrey

xo

Healthy sauteed shrimp and veggies

 

I made this shrimp dinner the other night. I’ve never liked shrimp…some people find that weird especially since I grew up near shrimping boat in the Carolinas.  But shrimp is a really good healthy food to eat and I’m really trying to put more seafood in our diet..at least 3 or 4 times a week is super wonderful for your body.  Let me just show you how healthy shrimp is and the sources of vitamins and minerals contained in this little creature :):

Trytophan- excellent

Selenium –excellent

Protein- excellent

Vitamin D – excellent

Vitamin B12 – excellent

Iron- good

Phosphorus- good

Omega-3-fatty acids – good

B3 Niacin – good

Zinc- good

Copper – good

Magnesium- good

The secret to cooking shrimp is to NOT cook it very long…it cooks SUPER fast.  Cook shrimp in 4 to 5 minutes.  The HEALTHIEST way to cook shrimp is to sautee in 3 tbs. of veggie or chicken broth. Cooking shrimp in oil can cause damage to delicate oils and potentially create harmful free radicals.

Shrimp promotes muscle-building protein, energy producing iron, bone-building vitamin D and sleep-promoting tryptophan. Zinc is necessary for keeping the immune system healthy, and copper is an antioxidant enzyme the eats up all those free radicals in the lungs and red blood cells.  Shrimp is heart healthy and noted for it’s anti-inflammatory effects and prevention of blood clots.

Back to my recipe:

I sauteed shrimp in veggie broth and added garlic for 4 minutes. In other skillet sautee pickled artichokes, green olives, black olives, and fresh cut tomatoes, (I just basically heated it through) Meanwhile cook whole wheat thin pasta.  Toss pasta with shrimp and veggies! Serve with toasted garlic bread!!

Aubrey

Tips on healing colds/flu

Taking care of three little sickies this weekend. Doesn't she look pitiful...she was trying hard :)

I may missed a trip to the gym today, but I think I'm getting my workout running hot tea up and down the stairs and running eucalyptus baths and disinfecting bathrooms ect.

I was asked to post what I do to manage fevers ect..... I'll try to remember..

I always use eucalyptus oil (about 3 drops) in bath water. If you want to know more about this essential oil, I have a whole post written under healthy living. I also rub a couple drops into their pillow...it is wonderful to help them breathe and kill germs at the same time when they sleep.

I also do ginger root baths. I boil several inches of ginger root peeled and toss the water and all in their bath. This helps them to sweat to break the fever as well as remove toxins from their body. I also have them drink ginger tea all day.

Eat lots of garlic...make garlic tea, make goop (garlic poultice) for chest and feet.

Good ole fashion vapor rub for chest and feet. It works well on the soles of the feet because this is absorbed faster.

Lots and lots of fluids....NO sugar...NO carbs....it's best to just juice veggies or fruit when they are sick rather than put more strain on the body to digest food when it is already working hard to kill the virus or bacteria.

Lots of sleep. I also do lavender in the baths and on the pillows to induce sleep. Keep the room dark and the house quiet...Read stories and do relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and lavender massages! :)

I make many pots of herbal teas to help speed recovery and boost the immune system.

Today I made this tea ( I don't have a name) I made it up and I thought it was pretty good. It contains herbs that help reduce fevers, congestion, ect.

These are loose leaf ingredients that I combine in a strainer and pour my water over, then let simmer for 3-5 minutes, before removing the strainer.

• yarrow (antiseptic, antibiotic, promotes sweating, sedative, antiinflammatory)
• cleavers (high in vit C, lymphatic detox)
• peppermint (decongestant, expectorant, tummy aches)
• chamomile (sedative, antispasmodic, nausea)
• ginger (for fevers, nausea, headaches, antiviral)
• honey (antibacterial, sweeten bitter tea)
• half a lemon(high in vit C, detox, for fevers)

These are just examples of herbs I have on hand that I used to make a "get-well tea" Any of these with or by itself are great! I do recommen using another tea with yarrow as it is bitter tasting, but sweetened with honey and lemon is tolerable. I sometimes also use licorice root which is excellent for sore throats, colds and flu!

Sore throats: gargle with sea salt and very warm water throughout the day, I also make a strong garlic water and gargle with it.

Diarrhea: 1 tbs of Braggs raw apple cider vinegar (with the mother) in a glass of pure water till cramps and diarrhea cease.

The trick to healing is LOTS of fluid, LOTS of sleep, and continuing the natural remedies throughout the duration of the illness and then supporting your immune system thereafter. I usually do several baths a day, and get them to drink the tea and water ect all day.

If you're nervous about making teas ect....you can find many teas formulated for specific needs such as for sore throats, colds/flu.

There are many more natural remedies..these are just a few I've been using over the weekend and most that I have conveniently on hand.

Disclaimer:

This information is for education only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or prescribe for any disease or medical condition.

All information in this presentation is for reference purpose only and not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician or other licensed health care professional.

Do not use this information for treating a disease or to make a self diagnosis. Should any of the symptoms or signs noted and described in this presentation be present, seek the advise of your primary care physician for testing and diagnosis. A serious medical condition could occur if left unattended.

The Dirty Dozen

What do you do when the farmer's markets are closed for winter and it's hard to buy fresh in season????

Winter's in New York seem really long...I can buy som fresh produce from the Amish and Mennonite farmers, but not a whole lot of fresh organic fruit. Have you heard of the dirty dozen?? Here's a link to a list of fruits and veggies numbered from best to worst. The dirty dozen is the name given to those fruits and veggies that are the worst contaminated with pesticides, chemicals, ect. The ones that are rated the worst you should definitely be buying ORGANIC! For example, celery is among the worst, so I buy organic celery. You should read this to understand why you should be aware of the dirty dozen. Print a copy of the dirty dozen and take it with you when you grocery shop!

Least Contaminated: THE CLEAN FIFTEEN

The vegetables least likely to have pesticides on them are onions, sweet corn, asparagus, sweet peas, cabbage, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Over half of the tomatoes (53.1 percent), broccoli (65.2 percent), eggplant (75.4 percent), cabbage (82.1 percent), and sweet pea (77.1 percent) samples had no detectable pesticides.

Among the other three vegetables on the least-contaminated list (asparagus, sweet corn, and onions), there were no detectable residues on 90 percent or more of the samples.

Multiple pesticide residues are extremely rare on any of these least contaminated vegetables.

Tomatoes had the highest likelihood, with a 13.5 percent chance of more than one pesticide when ready to eat. Onions and corn both had the lowest chance with zero samples containing more than one pesticide.

The greatest number of pesticides detected on a single sample of any of these low-pesticide vegetables was five (as compared to 11 found on sweet bell peppers, the vegetable with the most residues on a single sample).

Broccoli had the most pesticides found on a single type of vegetable, with up to 28 pesticides, but far fewer than the most contaminated vegetable, sweet bell peppers, on which 64 were found.

The fruits least likely to have pesticide residues on them are avocados, pineapples, mangoes, kiwi, papayas, watermelon and grapefruit.

Fewer than 10 percent of pineapple, mango, and avocado samples had detectable pesticides on them, and fewer than one percent of samples had more than one pesticide residue.

Though 54.5 percent of grapefruit had detectable pesticides, multiple residues are less common, with only 17.5 percent of samples containing more than one residue. Watermelon had residues on 28.1 percent of samples, and just 9.6 percent had multiple pesticide residues.

Now how can you tell if a product claiming to be organic is REALLY organic...here's some information to help you understand what purely qualifies as REAL organic!

This label must be on the front of the package.

"To qualify for the organic seal, a farmer must follow detailed rules for how crops are planted and grown, how animals are raised, and how wastes are treated. The approach emphasizes sustainable farming, conserving soil, and encourages biodiversity. Animals are to be raised outdoors as much as possible and with access to pastures to ensure their welfare." (1)

If the label states "100% organic" the contents of the package will only contain organic ingredients and will bear the label as seen above.

Products that are labeled Organic, will contain 95% organic ingredients. These packages will also carry the label as seen above.

Products claiming "made with organics" must contain at least 70% percent of oganic ingredients, but will not carry th USDA Organic label.

Information regarding the National Organic Program can be found here.

Buying organic is great, it's even more important if you know where you're food is coming from and how it is produced/raised. I highly recommend this movie, "Food Inc." If you have netflix, you can watch this on instant play, or check your local library, or even rent it....it's very enlightening as to where your food comes from and the choices you can make to make a difference in how and where we get our food sources. If you do decide to watch the film I would love to hear your thoughts.

Read this post on wordpress for a highlight on the movie's contents. :)

Till next time~ Aubrey

Raw Juice Therapy

This baby is at the top of my Wish list this year! It's an electric juicer sold at COSTCO for $99.99! Expensive yes, but worth every penny as you will literally be "drinking to your health"! The reviews are incredible!





I thought I would share with you the health benefits of Juice Therapy. We've been discussing this in class (nutrition/holistic medicine).

The vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables are concentrated when made into juices. Second, juicing increases bioavailability of these micronutrients.

It is vital to extract juices and use them quickly to avoid unnecessary loss of minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.

Always use fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets can be good resources for fresh produce. You may also find organic farmers in your area who are happy to find a buyer for their imperfect produce, which is perfect for juicing.

You can make juices from single fruits and vegetables or combinations. Never mix fruit and vegetable juice together. Mixing them impairs digestion and assimilation, resulting in gas and only a partial assimilation of nutrients.

Try to savor each mouthful of the juice. This not only enhances your enjoyment, but also allows your saliva to begin the digestive process that usually occurs during chewing. Do not heat the juice at all, as this will also destroy nutrients. Do not use juice to replace your fruit and vegetable intake, as juicing removes most of the fiber.

Try to use organic fruits and vegetables in season, as this is when their vitamin and mineral content are highest.

Fruit Uses:

• Apple: General cleanser, fights infection, stimulates digestion.



• Apricot: Blood builder, constipation, skin problems.



• Grape: Energy boost, low blood pressure, anemia, and respiratory problems.



• Lemon: Gout, arthritis, laxative, and sore throats (always dilute).



• Pear: Mild laxative, constipation, and skin eruptions.
  

Vegetable Uses

• Beets :Dissolves calcium deposits, kidney problems, constipation, and nerves.



• Cabbage :Obesity, antiseptic, duodenal ulcers, constipation.



• Carrot :Fights infection in respiratory tract. Conjunctivitis, eye trouble.



• Cucumber :Diarrhea, blood pressure moderating, split nails, and hair loss.



• Celery :All arthritic disorders, builds blood, diuretic.

Watch this video on utube! She shows you how to work this amazing juicer and how fast and easy it really is to get your green juice!

I recommend these books for reading up on Raw Juice Therapy.

Raw Juice Therapy John B. Lust
The Uses of Juices C.E. Clinkard

Do you juice? What benefits have you noticed and what recipes are your favorite?

Iron

Iron (blood mineral)

Iron builds up the blood and increases resistance to disease. It promotes the metabolism of protein.

Iron deficiency symptoms: Anemia, pale skin, fatigue, constipation, hemorrhages, nosebleeds, lusterless brittle nails, difficult breathing, and a tendency to skin eruptions. Infections and peptic ulcers may also lead to anemia. It is common in young girls and pregnant women.


Who is at risk for iron deficiencies:

Infants (particularly pre-term and low birth weight infants), young children and teenage girls: Because they are growing so fast
Women of child-bearing age: Because iron is lost during menstruation
Pregnant women: Because they are supplying iron to the growing infant (Note supplement cautions during pregnancy below)
People who eat diets that are low in iron (for instance some vegetarians)
People with renal failure, especially those undergoing routine dialysis
People with gastrointestinal disorders who do not absorb iron normally

Sources of iron:
Liver (although, being a detoxifying organ, liver is a potential source of pollutants), oyster, heart, lean meat, green leafy vegetables, brewers yeast, molasses, prunes, apricots, peaches (dried also), bananas, eggs, whole grains, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds, kelp Fucus vesiculosus, parsley, soybeans, lentils, and almonds.
Vegetarians or people who choose not to eat red meat, which is the best source of dietary iron, should include plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans, and whole cereal grains in their diet. A vegetarian diet is often high in vitamin C, which helps aid iron absorption.

Animal sources of iron are better absorbed than vegetable sources because it is in the heme form. Red meat is helpful and a good non-meat source is blackstrap molasses.

Sources of Heme Iron[3]
Chicken liver, cooked, 3½-oz, 12.8-mg
Oysters, breaded and fried, 6-pieces, 4.5-mg
Beef, chuck, lean only, braised, 3-oz, 3.2-mg
Clams, breaded, fried, ¾-cup, 3.0-mg
Beef, tenderloin, roasted, 3-oz, 3.0-mg
Turkey, dark meat, roasted, 3½-oz, 2.3-mg
Beef, eye of round, roasted, 3-oz, 2.2-mg
Turkey, light meat, roasted, 3½-oz, 1.6-mg
Chicken, leg, meat only, roasted, 3½-oz, 1.3-mg
Tuna, fresh blue fin, cooked, dry heat, 3-oz, 1.1-mg
Chicken, breast, roasted, 3-oz, 1.1-mg
Halibut, cooked, dry heat, 3-oz, 0.9-mg
Crab, blue crab, cooked, moist heat, 3-oz, 0.8-mg
Pork, loin, broiled, 3-oz, 0.8-mg
Tuna, white, canned in water, 3-oz, 0.8-mg
Shrimp, mixed species, cooked, moist heat, 4-large, 0.7-mg

Sources of Nonheme Iron
Ready-to-eat cereal, 100% iron fortified, ¾-cup, 18.0-mg
Oatmeal, instant, fortified, prepared with water, 1-cup, 10.0-mg
Soybeans, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 8.8-mg
Lentils, boiled, 1-cup, 6.6-mg
Beans, kidney, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 5.2-mg
Beans, lima, large, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 4.5-mg
Beans, navy, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 4.5-mg
Ready-to-eat cereal, 25% iron fortified, ¾-cup, 4.5-mg
Beans, black, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 3.6-mg
Beans, pinto, mature, boiled, 1-cup, 3.6-mg
Molasses, blackstrap, 1-T, 3.5-mg
Tofu, raw, firm, ½ cup, 3.4-mg
Spinach, boiled, drained, ½ cup, 3.2-mg
Spinach, canned, drained solids ½ cup, 2.5-mg
Black-eyed peas (cowpeas), boiled, 1-cup, 1.8-mg
Spinach, frozen, chopped, boiled ½ cup, 1.9-mg
Grits, white, enriched, quick, prepared with water, 1-cup, 1.5-mg
Raisins, seedless, packed, ½ cup, 1.5-mg
Whole wheat bread, 1-slice, 0.9-mg
White bread, enriched, 1-slice, 0.9-mg

Iron Tea
1-oz yellow dock Rumex crispus root
1-oz dandelion Taraxacum officinale root
1-oz nettle Urtica dioica
1-oz watercress Nasturtium officinale
1-oz parsleyPetroselinum crispum

Blend the dandelion and yellow dock roots together and weight out half an ounce of the blended roots. You may need to coarsely chop or even grind the roots depending on how whole they are. Use half an ounce of the blended dandelion and yellow dock roots and half a pint of water to prepare a decoction.
Blend the nettle, watercress, and parsley and weight out half an ounce of the blended herbs. While the dandelion/yellow dock decoction is still hot, pour it over half an ounce of the nettle/watercress/parsley blend and infuse for 10 minutes. Store for no more than 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Drink one-half cup two or three times a day. If these measurements will make too much tea, you can use one teaspoon of herb or root to one cup of water to prepare each component. This will leave you with just under two cups of finished tea.





References:
See http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.asp#en1 for more information.
[2] Looker AC; Dallman PR; Carroll MD; Gunter EW; Johnson CL. Prevalence of iron deficiency in the United States. JAMA, 1997 Mar, 277:12, 973-6
[3] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2003. USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp. Note that the preparation methods noted are those used by the USDA researchers. They are not necessarily the best preparation method for nutrient preservation.
[4] Institute of Medicine National Academy of Sciences. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadiam and 2001, 2002. Accessed at www.nap.edu
[5] CDC Recommendations to prevent and control iron deficiency in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep 1998;47:1-29.
[6] Ziaei S, Norrozi M, Faghihzadeh S, et al. A randomised placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with haemoglobin > or = 13.2 g/dl. BJOG. 2007 Jun;114(6):684-8.
[7] Natural Standard Research Collaboration: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com.
[8] Corbett JV. Accidental poisoning with iron supplements. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 1995;20:234.
[9] Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.
[10] Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001
[11] Institute of Medicine. Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2001.

Dry Skin Brushing

Part of my education in Holistic Medicine also includes taking care of your body's largest organ, which is the SKIN!

Autumn rushing into winter here and my skin is already turning dry. To prevent the discomfort that comes winter skin, try Dry skin brushing (also known as body brushing) .

"It is an old European self-care technique that is not only a great way to maintain healthy skin, but also helps you to maintain a healthy body. It helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells and helps stimulate the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins."

Not only is Dry Skin brushing so incredibly healthy for your skin and lymphatic system, it just plain feels good and who doesn't want healthy, young skin? So I thought I'd share in healthy living what dry skin brushing is.

Dry skin brushing:
Is a simple way to keep the skin soft, smooth, and healthy, as it stimulates the sweat and oil glands (which decrease production with age, resulting in mature skin often being dry) and stimulates the connective tissue and collagen in the skin

• Exfoliates the layers of dead cells to enhance skin's appearance (skin's ability to shed the outermost layer of cells decreases with age)
  



• Stimulates the skin circulation to improve elimination
  



• Stimulates the lymphatic system, accelerating filtration from the intercellular spaces to the lymph vessels, the emptying of lymph vessels to the nodes, and the flow of lymph through the nodes (remember that the lymph does not have its own pump like blood, so relies on muscle movement and manual stimulation such as that through massage and skin brushing)



• Tones the muscles, stimulates the nerve endings, and relaxing the muscles
  Redistributes fatty deposits by improving circulation and avoiding lymphatic congestion
  



• Can help break up areas of cellulite and prevent further cellulite by avoiding lymphatic and capillary congestion
  



• Increases and stimulates circulation, especially of the small capillaries under the skin
  

Important:

Never wet the brush: Dry skin is important as water acts as a lubricant and the beneficial affects of the friction are lost

Always dry brush BEFORE getting into the shower!

Use a natural bristled brush, preferably a long handled bath brush. Note that it must be of natural bristles - nylon tears the skin and disturbs the electro-magnetic balance of the skin

Take your brush and start in small circles brushing all over the body on bare skin (note that the photos above showing brushing over clothing are for demonstration only)

As you move through each area, it may assist lymphatic flow to begin in the lymph node for that area, then work from the outer extremities towards that lymph node.

Begin at the feet and work towards the heart to stimulate venous circulation

Do not brush the face or any tender or inflamed areas

Do brush the soles of the feet

The brush may feel very rough to begin with so just use gentle pressure until you become used to the sensation. Increase the pressure as needed

Dry skin brush at least once a day for best results

If desired, you can follow your dry skin brushing with a simply hydrotherapy technique: a shower that alternates hot then cold shower. The hot and cold temperature further stimulates the circulation but is not vital. If this is too traumatic for you, just finish off with a shower at usual temperature

It can be helpful to follow dry skin brushing with a salt rub (use half a cup of sea salt or Epsom salt, add sufficient olive oil (you can also use sweet almond oil) to made a paste. Add a few drops of essential oil if you wish). Rub all over the body, avoiding the eyes, mucous membranes, and any broken skin. Then rinse off in the shower.

If you can dry skin brush consistently over a period of a few months, you will notice the benefits.

Do you skin brush? What benefits have you noticed?

I'm off to take my tests~ Aubrey

References:

www.achs.edu

www.bellaonline.com

fevers, garlic, and ginger root.

Super long stressful day yesterday. A friend of mine has a little boy who became very ill in the last three days with really high temperatures. He was on Amoxicillin for a viral infection...how about that? (note sarcasm) I came over to help, as she was beside herself what to do...poor thing was miserable and mom was willing to try anything.





Long day, long story short...after 5 ginger root baths, garlic enemas, garlic and Vit C shots, ect...his fever broke in the middle of the night. She thinks he may have strep, but the doctors tests all came back with no sign of mono, strep, or anything else...just viral.


Ginger happens to be very good for colds and fevers...it makes you sweat. It also makes a warming tea and soothes the throat and nausea. Ginger also provides superior relief from pain in swelling in arthritis patients, because it provides a powerful anti-inflammatory protection. It is a concentrated source of magnesium, vitamin B6, and potassium, as well as free-radical-scavenging manganese and copper.




I gave him garlic for infection and also for fever. The garlic enemas I only do when the fever is terribly high. He gargled all day with garlic and sea salt.

Eucalyptus rub was given to rub on his neck and chest for infection and breathing. Eucalyptus is excellent at killing strep...it is very TOXIC so it is not used internally, so only in aromatherapy here.


All that garlic chopping and boiling ginger was watering my appetite for Chicken Adobo and rice, so I went home long enough to make a huge pot and took it over to my friends.





I'm sharing the recipe for this amazing filippino dish here:





Chicken thighs/legs skinned


1 cup soy sauce


2 cups water


1/2 cup vinegar


2 bay leaves


tbs of fresh grated ginger


one tea ball of pickling spice


1 tbs of sugar


paprika


5 cloves of garlic...chopped.





Brown chicken in oil and sprinkle all pieces with paprika. Then add remaining ingredients. Simmer for 45 minutes. Remove tea ball and bay leaves before serving. Serve over rice.





Tip on garlic: to get the most health benefits from Garlic, let it sit for a minimum of five -ten minutes after chopping to allow the health-promoting allicin to form...before adding it to cooking or eating.





Tidbit about me: My dad is half Filippino. Most of my dad's family still lives in the Philippines except for his immediate family and a few uncles and an aunt.








XOXO


Aubrey

Fall and Lentils

The world around me is a fury of orange, reds, and yellows. Fall has to be the most gorgeous time of the year in the Adirondacks.



Today is Columbus day{we got a library book about this holiday}. We did some school work and are heading to the Black River for some fall hiking with our friends. I don't normally take off for this holiday, but it is a gorgeous day..cool, crisp, sunny, and it would be plain torture to keep my kids locked inside for school on a day like this{another reason why I homeschool}....And sadly, I will not be here for another Fall season in the beautiful Adirondacks!







Lentil Soup in the crockpot...for supper!





1 cup dried lentils
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup water
8 teaspoons tomato sauce
Directions
In a 3 1/2 quart or larger slow cooker combine the lentils, celery, carrots, onion, garlic and ham. Season with basil, thyme, oregano, the bay leaf and pepper. Stir in the chicken broth, water and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on Low for 11 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 222 Total Fat: 6.1g



Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and folic acid.



Lentils, like other beans, are rich in dietary fiber, both the soluble and insoluble type. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract that snares bile (which contains cholesterol)and ferries it out of the body. Insoluble fiber not only helps to increase stool bulk and prevent constipation, but also helps prevent digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Lentils are excellent in lowering cholesterol, they are of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.Lentils also provide good to excellent amounts of six important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein-all with virtually no fat.

History:
Lentils are believed to have originated in central Asia. They are one of the first foods to have ever been cultivated. Lentil seeds dating back thousands of years have been found at archeological sites in the Middle East. Lentils were mentioned in the Bible both as the item that Jacob traded to Esau for his birthright and as a part of a bread that was made during the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people.

I think I would LOVE to try this:
Moroccan lentil soup is easy to make. After cooking lentils, add diced vegetables of your choice and season with tamari{soy sauce}, coriander, cumin, turmeric and cayenne.

Off to go hiking~

Aubrey

Dear Diary...sprouting!

I'm totally enjoying my nutrition class. The information is at times a bit overwhelming but I'm taking tidbits of what I can use and incorporating them into everyday life so that it will become a lifestyle. I am also teaching my kids these important lifestyle habits so that they will use them naturally when they are grown and on their own. We are having fun with the experiments meanwhile. We did some sprouting this week. We started with chickpeas, as I had plenty on hand, but I think my favorite will be alfalfa sprouts. Here is a utube on how to do it....you'll need to turn off the music on my playlist before listening :P



Here's is lil' girl trying her hand. She rinsed them this morning and she'll do so again tonight. I will get a pic of her face when she sees the sprouts!! :D

 
 
 
Sprouts

Sprouting seeds, beans and grains for increased nutrients and energy is not a modern invention. In 2939 BC, the Emperor of China recorded the use of "health giving sprouts" in a book about plants.



Sprouts can be grown from a diverse range of beans and seeds. They are an easy, economical, and nutritious way of providing you and your family with fresh organic greens all year round. Research into the changes that occur when a seed or bean is sprouted shows an incredible increase in the protein, mineral, and vitamin content, plus they are a rich source of chlorophyll.

Broccoli Sprouts

In a study at Johns Hopkins University[1], researchers discovered that broccoli sprouts contained as much as 50 times more of the anti cancer compound antioxidant sulforaphane than fully-grown broccoli. The sprouts were most concentrated at three days old, when the tender shoots are topped with two baby leaves.

Sulforaphane is found in broccoli, cauliflower, and some other vegetables prompting the body to make an enzyme that prevents tumors from forming. A study in 1994 indicated a 60 to 80% reduction in cancer development in lab animals fed sulforaphane from broccoli. The study found that eating two pounds of broccoli a week provided enough sulforaphane to cut the risk of colon cancer in half. Levels of sulforaphane, however, varied greatly between broccoli, and it was impossible to tell which was high in the compound. Sprouts, however, were shown to be uniformly high in the compound. Sprouts are also more palatable as they are do not have the sharp tang of mature broccoli and they can be used in salads or sandwiches.

Alfalfa

Sprouted alfalfa seeds are considered the queen of all sprouts. They contain vitamins D, E, K, and C, a wide range of minerals, and 35% protein. However, alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called canavanine, which is a natural toxin. An excess of this toxin can cause Lupus-like symptoms. Canavanine is thought perhaps to be the alfalfa sprout's natural defense against animals that might eat them. A small amount will not harm you, but it is safer to eat broccoli sprouts, which do not contain Canavanine.

Other seeds or grains can be used. Try sunflower seeds, fenugreek, mung beans, lentils, buckwheat, chickpeas, and soybeans. Never use chemically treated seeds.
Most health food stores stock organic seeds and beans and there is the added advantage that your product has not been sprayed or contaminated in any way. It is possible to have a sprout garden in your kitchen with very little equipment or space. There are many sprouting kits available at health food stores or home stores, or you can try the method below.

To Sprout

Bean sprouting tops can be bought at your health food store or you can make one from some muslin, cheesecloth or gauze and a preserving ring or rubber band.

Put two to three tablespoons of beans, seeds, or grain in a screw top jar and half fill the jar with warm water;

Leave to soak overnight;

Pour off the water (you can use this to water your houseplants, but it is best not to drink it as it may contain phytates, which bind the minerals in the body);
Rinse once or twice and stand upside down until the water drains out completely;

Keep the sprouts in a dark area or cover them with a kitchen towel until you see they are germinating;

At this stage, bring them into the light to develop their green tips that contain chlorophyll;

Rinse twice daily until the sprouts are at least 3-cm long or have two baby leaves;
Do not leave the sprouts standing in their water, as they will quickly rot. Do not try to sprout too many seeds at once, as they increase their size rapidly. Wash the jar thoroughly between sprouting.

Sprouted seeds, beans, and grains will keep crisp for up to a week if stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. However, it is best to use them as fresh as possible, so only prepare as much as you can use in two to three days.

How to Use Sprouts

Sprouts are delicious raw in salads, sandwiches, or added to soups and casseroles at the end of cooking. They can be blended with drinks or added to desserts. Sunflower sprouts can be dried in the oven, ground, and added to baking or granola.

Sprouts are particularly useful during the winter months when the supply of garden fresh vegetables is low. Children in particular marvel at the miracle of sprouts and are more likely to eat them when involved in their production!

.

How will this affect your recommendation to include sprouts in the daily diet?

Sprouting Chart

The following chart will give you an idea of the variety of seeds and grains you can use and specific instructions for each one.


Type of seed

Initial Soak Time

Rinse & Drain

Av. Time Until Harvest

Some Suggested Uses



Alfalfa

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salad, sandwiches, juices, on breakfast



Barley

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Stir fry, casseroles, bread, and patties



Buckwheat

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salad, juices, pancakes, stir-fry



Corn

8 hours

Twice daily

2-4 days

Vegetable casseroles, tortillas, soup



Cress

None

Mist with water 3 times daily

3-5 days

Salads, sandwiches, breads. Can mix with other seeds



Dill

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salads, sandwiches, juices



Fenugreek

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salads, snacks, on breakfast



Flax (or linseed)

None

As for Cress

3-5 days

Salads, juices, on breakfast



Garbanzo (chick peas)

8 hours

Twice daily

3-4 days

Vegetable casseroles, stir-fry, soups



Lentils

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Vegetable casseroles, salads, soups, juice



Millet

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Casseroles, juices, soups, salads, stir-fry



Mung beans

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salads, soups, Chinese dishes, omelets, snacks, and on breakfast



Mustard

None

Twice daily or as for Cress

3-5 days

Salads, juices



Oats

8 hours

Twice daily

2-3 days

Essene bread, stir-fry, snacks, and granola



Peas-blue

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salads, soups, stir-fry, snacks, and omelets



Pumpkin kernel

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Salads, snacks, breakfasts, stir-fry



Radish

8 hours

Twice daily

3-4 days

Sandwiches, salads, juices



Rye

8 hours

Twice daily

2-3 days

Breads, granola, and snacks



Sesame

8 hours

Twice daily

2-3 days

Breads, granola, snacks, and porridge



Soy beans

24 hours, change every eight hours

Twice daily

3-5 days

Chinese dishes, stir fry, salads, casseroles



Sunflower seed

8 hours

Twice daily

3-5 days green 5-7 days

Salads, snacks, breakfasts, stir-fry



Wheat

8 hours, drink soaking water

Twice daily

2-3 days wheat-grass 5-7 days

Essene breads, breads, snacks, granola, pancakes, breakfast and stir-fry




Footnotes

[1] See http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/1997/SEPT/970903.HTM


Learn well. Live well.

Eucalyptus Oil

I use several essential oils, but this is one of my favorites because it is so versatile! It's also one of the more inexpensive oils too. I used to pick up a bottle from GNC for 3.99! You're only using a few drops so it lasts a long time.

If you are allergic to the plant, you definitely don't want to try the oil.

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from fresh leaves of the tall evergreen eucalyptus tree.

Eucalyptus can be toxic if taken internally! I only take cough drops with eucalyptus!I haven't tried it internally. I've heard the gargle is great, but I would seek professional advice on the dosage.

Here are some remedies for using Eucalyptus:


Eucalyptus essential oil is effective for treating of respiratory problems including cold, cough(whooping cough), runny nose, sore throat, asthma, nasal congestion, bronchitis and sinusitis.

Eucalyptus oil is antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti inflammatory and decongestant.

Eucalyptus oil is used for healing wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, abrasions and sores, insect bites and stings.

What do I use Eucalyptus oil for:

I put a few drops on a cotton ball and rub into the pillow. This helps the sick person sleep and is a natural cough suppressant. It will open up your sinuses allowing them to breathe easier. It also kills the bacteria, which allows you to not have to wait for an antibiotic to kick in.

Sometimes I put a few drops on their shirt or a cloth to wear during the day to give them relief from a runny nose and persistent cough. I will also put several drops in the bath water with really warm water to help open sinuses or break up chest congestion. I do this also in a pot of hot water and breathe in vapors to open sinuses.

If you have a vaporizer, you can put a few drops in the water. Does wonders to clean the air too! Yes it smells like vick vapor rub, probably even stronger, but it WORKS! I have been using this remedy every winter since my children were toddlers and I never once had to take them to ER for a serious cold or cough. It kicks butt! :P




During muscle and joint pains, massaging eucalyptus oil on the skin surface helps in getting relief from the pain.

Eucalyptus oil is analgesic and anti inflammatory so it is often recommended to patients suffering from rheumatism, lumbago, sprained ligaments and tendons, stiff muscles, aches, fibrosis and even nerve pain.

Massage in circular motion on affected areas.


The following information, I found through research and have not tried myself. As with any natural remedy, always seek your physician's advice or natural doctor's advice. I am not a doctor so please use caution and seek professional advice if you are unsure how to use any natural remedies.

Mental Exhaustion: An important reason why people like using eucalyptus oil is that it provides a cooling and refreshing effect. Normally people suffering from any disorder are down. Eucalyptus oil, which is stimulating, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It is also effective in treating stress and mental disorders.

Dental Care: Eucalyptus essential oil is very effective against cavities, dental plaques, gingivitis and other dental infections due to its germicidal properties.

Skin Care: Eucalyptus oil is often applied topically to treat skin infections.

Diabetes: Eucalyptus oil when taken internally controls blood sugar.

Fever: It is also used for treating fever and reducing the body temperature. Therefore it is also called fever oil.

Intestinal Germs: Eucalyptus oil is a vermifuge and is used to remove germs in the intestine.



For a natural cleaner: mix 50 ml (1.6 oz) of eucalyptus oil with a liter (quart) of water. That's it - you can store it as you would a normal disinfectant.

- Eucalyptus oil can be used to remove sticker/decal residue from glass.

- Add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of eucalyptus oil to your load of washing for a fresh scent along with the anti-microbial benefits, also I do this in a load of sheets or blankets as it repels dust mites.

- Use the oil neat to help remove paint, grease and ink from clothes

- Half a teaspoon mixed with half a liter of water makes for a good bug repellant for plants. I also have rubbed this oil on backpacks and shirts hiking in the swamp as a bug repellant!

- Use it as a stainless steel cleaner.


Please feel free to leave comments on your experience good or bad in using eucalyptus oil. This will help my followers and readers as they try these natural remedies.

Make sure you are buying 100% eucalyptus oil as some may have a percentage of camphor extract included.

Hope this was helpful and you are staying healthy and well. I'm off this weekend to pick up some oil for myself, as I feel a cold virus lurking! Meanwhile I shall sip on ginger/garlic/honey tea:)

Composting!!!! Recycle!

Update on slow year.

Going well. I can't remember the last time I purchased retail, which is a good thing, right?

Even my thrifting has SLOWED way down. It's amazing how much "junk" I've found on the side of the road for free since starting my slow year! I guess you open your eyes a little wider to opportunities and goodwill!

I was overjoyed this past week to make a new friend who just so happens to live on a dairy farm! How about that? And she is going to "give" me raw milk, as much as I want whenever I come out to the farm...which happens to be where I live..Hooray!!! Wow, I'm so thrilled! We've been making do with oat milk..which isn't that great if you're used to the real thing!

Our current project of the slow year is building a compost bin so in the spring we can put in a nice garden. Here's what I would love to get...we had one in Washington.



I LOVED my compost bin in WA...I watered once a week...turned the compost a couple times...and viola...I had the perfect soil for the best veggie garden...what a harvest!

These bins are about 15 to 20 bucks! Not feasible right now for a slow year. So I'm constructing mine out of chicken wire. I figured it's got a way to breathe this way and can keep it contained enough to do the trick..then also it won't be too much trouble to take it down to use for our garden. Plus how cheap can you get with chicken wire and some scrap wood! Especially if you can barter your farmer friend for some scrap chicken wire! :)

Here's a rough sketch of what mine will look like!


So I found something interesting I thought I would share! There's soooo much you can actually compost! Imagine that! I doubt I'd hardly use the trash can anymore with all the things I can compost, considering most things are in plastic and I am trying to be good at alleviating plastic altogether. Feel free to copy, paste, print this on your refrigerator, or if you've chunked that ;), tape to your door to remind you to compost and recycle!!!!

Coffee grounds and filters
Tea bags
Used paper napkins
Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
Plain cooked pasta
Plain cooked rice
Stale bread
Paper towel rolls
Stale saltine crackers
Stale cereal
Used paper plates (as long as they don't have a waxy coating)
Cellophane bags (be sure it's really Cellophane and not just clear plastic—there's a difference.)
Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
Old herbs and spices
Stale pretzels
Pizza crusts
Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
Wine corks
Moldy cheese
Melted ice cream
Old jelly, jam, or preserves
Stale beer and wine
Paper egg cartons
Toothpicks
Bamboo skewers
Paper cupcake or muffin cups



From the Bathroom


Used facial tissues
Hair from your hairbrush
Toilet paper rolls
Old loofahs
Nail clippings
Urine
100% Cotton cotton balls
Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks



Personal Items


Cardboard tampon applicators




From the Laundry Room


Dryer lint
cotton clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces
wool clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces



From the Office


Bills and other documents you've shredded
Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
Pencil shavings
Sticky notes
Business cards (as long as they're not glossy)
Receipts



Around the House


Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
Subscription cards from magazines
Leaves trimmed from houseplants
Dead houseplants and their soil
Flowers from floral arrangements
Natural potpourri
Used matches
Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit



Party and Holiday Supplies


Wrapping paper rolls
Paper table cloths
Crepe paper streamers
Latex balloons
Raffia
Excelsior
Jack o' Lanterns
Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
Natural holiday wreaths
Your Christmas tree. Chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one...)
Evergreen garlands



Pet-Related


Fur from the dog or cat brush
Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
Feathers
Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
Rawhide dog chews
Fish food
Dry dog or cat food

Do NOT compost cat terds! Yep, I checked! Ha.ha.

Have a lovely week!

Crabapple Butter

Wouldn't you know I had everything I needed to build our solar oven and it decides to rain three days in a row!

Well, we didn't let a little rain keep us for foraging for more edible plants! This week we went hunting for crabapples. I knew they would be in season and I thought I had spied a tree near a sidewalk on the way to the park the other day. So basket,plant journals, and camera in hand, we set off to find that crabapple tree!

Crabapples are typically used as ornamental trees. I don't think a whole lot of people really figure them for eating, 'cept us! tee hee

Well, geez it was on our list of edible plants, so we were going to try it.

You're most likely to find crabapple trees in parks, along driveways, sidwalks, or decorating a front lawn. They are really beautiful trees...we actually planted one in our front yard back in South Carolina. It was a gorgeous pink one!
Well, I did not take this pic, but I had to show you these beautiful pink appleblossoms. The tree we found though was white.




This is a closeup of the crabapples...the ones we found resemble a cherry! They are hard and very sour. So we don't eat them right off the tree. Help yourself though if you love lemons! ;)



We were headed up to the guy's front porch to ask if we could pick some, since technically the tree was in his yard although the branches hung over the sidewalk :/
Then we realized he had cut off several branches and set them by the road for the trash crew to pick up the next morning. Well these branches were LOADED with these crabapples...so we went to pickin' :)


I decided I would make applebutter with these. I had found a recipe and I loved applebutter anyway as a kid, so I made some. Quite delectable I must say! The fruit has high levels of natural pectin in it anyway so it makes great applebutter without the fuss of canning for freezer or shelf! It will keep for a couple weeks in the fridge.

I soaked my crabapples in water for awhile. The worms and debris will float to the top. You might do this a couple times. Then I cut the fruit in half and removed the stems.



Discard the rinse water. Then I measured how much fruit I had and then added water to equal half the fruit I had. So like I had 2 cups of fruit I added one cup water. Boil for a good 15 minutes, the fruit and the water.

Then strain seeds and skin by pushing the fruity pulp through a strainer along with the water...maybe you'll find an easier way. It's so soft anyway after you boil it, I didn't mind having some skin in the mix...I made sure I took out seeds though.

After straining the pulp, put the same water and fruit back in the pot and simmer on low for about 2 hours to get a nice soft applebutter... I actually didn't even do mine that long. It's all in how thick and smooth you want your applebutter.

Then add 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice or cinnamon and 1 or half cup of sugar. Then simmer again for about 10 or 15 minutes. It's really easy and like I said it will keep in the fridge for several weeks.

I made just enough to fill a canning jar, it was sooo good I think I will be back to pick more! :)

Red Clover

The last few days we have ventured into more hands-on science for school! We have gone out into the world to explore and have discovered some pretty cool stuff! :)

Oh and we did stop for a picnic while we read up on our edible plants!:)






On our hike yesterday, we picked quite a bit of red clover...I thought it would be all gone, but we found a whole meadow of it! No, it's not a red flower, as you can see in the picture above, it's quite purple! And that's exactly what it looks like...you will also recognize the clover leaf pattern of three leaves growing around the red clover...low to the ground,but you will definitely spot it! We also found lots of white clover...and it is white. :)

For science we are researching and learning about edible plants..and we have a whole list to uncover:) This is my kinda teaching! I love hands-on classroom and so do the kids:) I take red clover capsules from time to time, but we were wanting to experiment with picking the flowers for tea!

It makes a delicious hot tea with honey and a wonderful, yummy summer iced tea! You just pluck the flower blooms off and steep a cup of them for 10 minutes...then serve with honey hot or iced! DO NOT pick if the flower heads are BROWN or turning BROWN they will be bitter. The brighter the color the better!

I suppose we were lucky to find so many this late in the summer up north.

The kids LOVED the tea. We dried the rest of the flower buds to save for winter when we will be warming up with our red clover hot tea!


Oh my! There are so many wonderful benefits to drinking this tea!

Red Clover has long been used as a blood purifier! It is used for symptoms of high cholesterol, menopause, menstrual cramps,ostioporosis, cardiovascular blood flow(blood thinner),and diabetes. Because it contains high levels of insoflavones (estrogen-like qualities) it is said to be excellent for menopausal women. Insoflavones reduce bone less and increase bone density. Because these insoflavones help good cholesterol, it is said to be good for cardiovascular health. Red Clover may help reduce plaque in the arteries, reduce the risk of blood clots, and prevent gout!

Women with breast cancer or in remission should NOT take red clover because of it's estrogen-like qualities. Likewise if you are pregnant, nursing, or have been diagnosed with endiometriosis, or taking birth control pills as they contains hormones. Because Red Clover is a natural blood thinner, you should NOT take this if you are already on a blood thinner medication.

We are heading out tomorrow to pick some more of these beautiful flowers for drying! Oh! and in case you didn't know you can throw these flower heads raw in your salad for a S-W-E-E-T addition! :)

Please note this information as not been approved by the Food and Drug administration (nor do I care)...;)

Introducing SKIN DEEP

My slow year is progressing as we are experiencing new things and making adjustments in our daily living. We are learning to be self-sustainable and learning the real meaning of "wants" and "needs". In understanding this, our life is becoming more simple and stress-free, without the pressure or worry of keeping up with everyone else!

Some new changes recently:

1. cancelled our cell phones. Using only our prepaid phone for out of town trips or emergencies. We're now saving 80.00 a month!

2. Up to 5 no-spend days! Easy to do if you keep errands to one day a week,and meals are planned for the week (I have to do 2 weeks at a time).

3. Not using the dryer or dishwasher! I'm cutting back MEGA kilowatts now! whoo-hoo and with fall weather here, my clothes are drying super fast on the clothesline!

4. showers in the morning so no lights are being used(we have a bathroom window)!

5. Now on a fifty dollar a week food budget! Yes it can be done! I can get stuff tons cheaper from the farmers here! Eat leftovers for lunch. Pack hubby's lunch.

6. Now giving all hubby and two sons haircuts. Saving 32.00 a month! They like to wear high and tight so it was getting pricey at the base barber.

NOW one thing I'm starting this week....

We are building a solar oven this week!!!! Which means I will be saving lots of $$$ and kilowatts. Well, at least until winter comes....then I pretty much only use my crockpot!!!

I wanted to reccomend this website to you. It's called SKIN DEEP! We have chunked a lot of cosmetics that were "all natural". Yeah, you can't believe everything you read! They will put ANYTHING on labels to make that extra buck!!!!! Oh yeah, and all those exfoliants you pay lots of $$$$ for....they are NOT pumice stone, walnut shells, avocado ect....they found that almost every single one on the shelf had microscopic PLASTIC beads in them!!! That's what's exfoliating your skin girlfriend! Then of course these pretty little beads go down the shower drain into the water/ocean back into the water we drink, and all the sea creatures bellies...yeah...they found their little bellies full of these plastic beads!!! (oh and I don't like beanie babies!)How do they do it? Well, of course they're not going to write "PLASTIC" on the label....but the plastics ARE there people, in the name of... micro-fine polyethylene granules, polyethylene spheres or beads, or plain old polyethylene. Check the labels, honey!

Anyways, the whole point of my ranting was to let you know that Skin Deep lists pretty much every cosmetic form on the market, even eye care products, and gives you the rating from low hazard, moderate hazard, and high hazard!!! Yes there are products out there with 0 hazard...meaning that it didn't kill the lab rats, give the hamster a tumor,or grow fur on the lizard! Mainly that it won't give YOU cancer or other illnesses, or allergens. Select the link at the top of the webpage, like hair care and it will start with the list of least hazardous to the highest. It may freak you out! It will tell you WHY it's rated high hazard too! Very informative! European authorities on their cosmetic industries will not allow over a thousand chemicals to pass for manufacturing in their products...American cosmetic authorities ONLY band 11!!! hmmm....J' utilise francais le savon!!!!!!

You can use SKIN DEEP as a guide to help you purchase cosmetics that are TRULY safe for your family!! I hope this is a help to you!

Have a wonderful, safe week!:)

The simple pleasures in life and Kombuca:)

I've been so encouraged to have so many people helping me along in my slow year. Thank you for the emails, advice, and inspiration!

I have found the benefits so far to be very rewarding. I do find I'm in the kitchen a lot. ;) but I'm going to be getting a schedule together so there are only certain days I'm having to bake and cook stuff for the week. My creativity has grown in all areas of my homemaking! :) It has caused me to read more, research things I ordinarily would have taken for granted because someone else did it for me... and I'm learning a lot about myself and how important the little things in life are. In addition, my kids are learning to form good habits while they're young, and are also learning to appreciate the simple things in life! They're realizing that while a new toy is fun, it is temporary until another new thing comes along...they have instead sought pleasure today in exploring the outdoors with nothing but jars, paper,and rubber bands!They are learning that material things aren't everything, and happiness can be found in the simplest things in themselvs, each other, and even in their own backyard:)

My dear friend LeAnn sent me a "live" goodie box today! I was so excited! Thank you so much girl! It had my sourdough starter, Kefir grains, and my beloved Kombucha...I am so addicted to this stuff! But that's alright, because it is very good for you and to you! Nature's live elixir....

In case you haven't heard of Kombucha...I posted some info on it, including some health benefits and also how to make your own. I'm also offering to send you a kombucha of your own to start if you leave a comment:)


Kombucha is a probiotic which is a live bacteria that helps populate the large intestine with friendly bacteria known as gut flora, which dissolve harmful micro-organisms and cholesterol. Kombucha contains high concentration of probiotic-rich acids that can provide a powerful energy boost, and detoxify and cleanse the blood of disease-causing toxins, allowing the body to alleviate a wide spectrum of ailments and conditions; from the mildest indisposition to the most serious diseases.

Health benefits you may experience in drinking Kombucha may include relief for: arthritis pains, intestinal problems, digestive disorders, kidney stones, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, asthma, bronchitis, migraine, eczema, headaches, constipation, diabetes, rheumatism, anxiety, dizziness and insomnia. Problems associated with advancing years, such as high blood pressure, poor eye sight, arteriosclerosis and gout may also be helped by Kombucha's anti-aging properties.

Kombucha is made using green tea or black teas. I brew the tea and add sugar. The Kombucha mushroom(not really) feeds on the sugar and then end result is enzymes, minerals and vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and B15.



It's very simple to make...fun to use as a science project with your kids:) You just have to remember a few important rules because it is live culture and you don't want to kill it! So I've listed some instructions below for you.



DIRECTIONS:

1. Wash all the utensils, the jar, and your hands VERY WELL. Everything needs to be extremely clean so the culture doesn’t get contaminated.

2.Brew 3 to 5 tea bags in water that is not contaminated with chlorine ect...well water is okay

3. Add the cup of sugar and stir well with the wooden spoon.

4. Let the mixture sit until room temperature (important, because if you add the culture while it’s hot, the culture will die.)

5. When it’s at room temp,pour your tea in a clean, non-colored jar, then add the kombucha starter and mushroom.

5. Cover with the napkin, secure with a rubberband. Or a coffee filter works great on jars.

6. FInd a warm place to put your kombucha...I put mine on the counter or on top of the fridge.

7. You will need to let it sit for about a week– you can test it periodically to see if it’s ready. When it’s done, it should not be sweet, but instead tangy and slightly effervescent. (the first batch might take a bit longer than a week to fully mature.) It will smell sort-of vinegar-y when it’s ready. Mine is usually ready in a week.

8. When it’s ready and tastes to your liking, pour the finished kombucha into glass bottles, jars, or a pitcher. I like mine very fizzy as it becomes naturally carbonated. I also flavor with ginger, or whatever flavoring you opt to have. Put them in the fridge to leave the taste as is (the fridge stops the fermentation process), or leave the bottles of kombucha out– the fermentation will continue in the bottles and change the taste– it’s definitely worth experimenting, to see how it tastes best to you.

9. Leave about an inch or so of kombucha in the sun tea jar with the culture, to serve as a starter for the next batch.

10. When you’re ready for batch #2, pour the sweet tea into the sun tea jar with the inch of kombucha from the first batch, and then you may start a second jar or give the "baby" away, as each batch will form an additional mushroom. Good way to start a friend on Kombuca...you may find you have to aquire a taste for it...also depends on how long you ferment it, but I have grown to love it as well as the way it makes me feel...great! My kids love it as well. If you have further questions, please feel free to ask.:)