Healthy Energy Snack Spread

Some people have difficulty eating coconut oil, but they want to enjoy its many benefits. I made up a little recipe for those people:

Healthy Energy Snack Spread

Into a small, jelly jar, add these items in equal parts, leaving room to stir:

• Chia seeds
• Natural nut butter (the kind you have to stir)
• Raw honey
• Coconut oil
• A pinch of love (I add this to all my recipes.)

Stir and refrigerate to solidify. You can use it as a stiff spread or warm it slightly and use as a dip. (Coconut oil will melt below 76 degrees.) 

I've been enjoying this snack on gluten free crackers, or rice cakes, or as a dip with celery, carrots or apples.

Just see if this little item doesn't make it easy to make coconut oil a regular part of your day.

~enjoy

Watch the video to learn more about energy foods.

Don't Leave Home Without...

If you have been a reader for a while, you know that I am a health nut. So you won't be surprised that I spent a month washing my hair with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar. Or that I swish coconut oil in my mouth for 20 minutes each morning. Or that I use a homemade deodorant. A recent experiment took my health nut status to a new level. Here is my story:

Click here for a free subscription to this fabulous online magazine!

A group of 3 blogger friends and I agreed to test three simple homemade personal hygiene recipes: shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant in order to report our findings to the editors of  From Scratch Magazine for a spread in the June-July issue. 

What is Oil Pulling? And Why would I do it?

While the other gals tried a homemade toothpaste recipe, I had already been cleansing my mouth and gums by oil pulling, followed by a good rinse and a brush and floss with baking soda, which is basically what the toothpaste was made of, so I kept up my regimen. Oil pulling is an ancient method of cleansing the teeth and gums, while killing bacteria and viruses. There are theories afloat that most disease begins with a bacteria or a virus. The thought is that destructive bugs find primary entrance into the body through the mouth. Oil pulling destroys them.

Here is how I do it. I keep a covered dish of coconut oil in my bathroom specifically for this purpose.  In the dish, I have a broken plastic spoon.  Each morning, I take a clump off the spoon and swish it in my mouth while showering and getting ready for the day, about 20 minutes. (Oil pulling is a solitary practice; do not try it when you think someone will ask you a question.) I discard the soiled oil into the trash and rinse with water. Then I dip my toothbrush into a little cup of baking soda, brush, floss and rinse.

THE RESULT: I can tell you that since I started oil pulling, I have noticed that my gums (that were previously receding) are healthy and growing back; and my teeth are stain-free and shiny.

Homemade Deodorant?

When I was asked to try homemade deodorant, I balked. I've avoided anti-antiperspirant because of the suspected link to breast cancer. The product I was using was great, though expensive. I must say, however, I am thrilled! The homemade version is a keeper.

The Recipe:  

1/3 cup coconut oil
2 Tbs baking soda
1/3 cup corn starch

10-15 drops essential oil ( optional) 

Desiring to try different scents, I put the mixture into several small containers. Since I had more than enough for the experiment, I shared two of the lavender-scented ones with my yoga buddies. One of the gals opened hers to smell, and it spilled. I literally had to "take it off her hands," giving new meaning to the oft-used phrase. Note: Since coconut oil changes from a solid to a liquid above 77 degrees, this recipe does not travel well. 

THE RESULT: I love the product, and will continue use.

Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner?

Washing my hair with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar for a month?  Yikes! That's what I use to clean the bathroom! Well, at least I didn't have to hunt for the supplies.  My first time rinsing with vinegar, I used my Bragg's unfiltered Apple cider variety and I thought I smelled like a salad. I confided my concern to the other participants, and my dear friend, Meredith quipped: "Don't leave home without dressing." Meredith...YOU CRACK ME UP! Thanks for the title. For the rest of the trial, I used distilled white vinegar.

THE RESULT:
After trying this shampoo for three weeks, I stopped.  Actually, I cheated at the end of the first week because I could not stand how my hair felt. Others have reported great success with this shampoo, however. Instead of sharing my recipe and process, I will direct you to the blogs of two of my friends: Katie, of Maple Grove; and Meredith, of Green Circle Grove.  By the way, Meredith has a line of homemade soap that she sells in her Etsy shop that I can't wait to try! And Katie has written a beautiful E-book called Pray - 30 days of Prayer, that includes a coloring book for children, to include the whole family. 

Note:
I asked my hairdresser about the baking soda / vinegar idea.  She said that baking soda would remove product build-up and some mineral build-up, but over time would dry the hair. She suggested using it no more than once every few weeks. For the time being, I am using shampoo and conditioner. Guess what? It has coconut oil as an ingredient! I bought it here: Vitacost.com.  The very same place where I buy my coconut oil.

Finally, I can't say enough how much I enjoy using coconut oil on my skin.  If you take nothing else from this post, please try coconut oil! Read all about it HERE.

Click HERE on the link to read about our experiment in the June-July issue of "From Scratch."

~Blessings!

Sharing this post with the lovely Deborah Jean's Dandelionhouse Farmgirl Friday Blog-Hop

She Called and Said This:

"How can I help you spend your money? "

My frugal daughter, and partner in DIY, is on a spending freeze this month in order to save for a family vacay. I wanted to be helpful in any way I could.  So when she called one Saturday morning, asking me how she could help me spend my money...

"Well..." I said, smiling. "We could look for  bedside tables."  

She knew that I've been wanting to update our 1980's, skirted night tables for a while. I'd already collected some clearance paint in a lovely, Spring Rain blue that I picked up at ACE a few months ago; and I had some knobs I found on clearance at Marshal's that have been waiting for a new home.

We were off within the hour to snoop the acreage of a resale shop called Annabelle's Attic.  Annabelle had some great stuff, but it was too expensive for this project and not just-the-right size.  On our way home, Kelly spotted a store called "The Girls' Estate Sales and Shop.  We spun the car around, while bribing our 3 1/2 year-old passenger with the promise of a tasty snack. The 5 space car lot was full, so we parked next door, in front of the brightly colored and fun looking daycare center, assuring our little friend that the obviously kid friendly "store" was closed, but the one with the furniture outside on the sidewalk was open.

And there it was, right inside the door.  Well, a bit further in, somewhere past the giant lions that were right inside the door.  It was old and tired and abused (and I discovered later that its drawer was a tiny bit stinky)but its size and shape were perfect. And the price, at $20 bucks and 25% off! Even for someone with buyer's remorse (who, me?) this was a no-brainer.  The shop surprised us with an adorable snack bar, plentifully stocked with brownies and cookies and cold lemonade for the hungry child in tow.  I love how the little shops are bringing back some old fashioned personality and hospitality!

All my little night table needed...I thought...

was some love, some sanding, some paint and some knobs. And notice the hands of the person that did all the messy prep. work...yup, my prince!

The next weekend Kelly and I went to Goodwill, where I found a new lampshade -- never used!  I repainted the shiny 1980's brass lamp base and added my grandmother's "lovely lady bust" my books, a few pretties, as well as some hand-smoothing coconut oil in the drawer, along with a few dryer sheets.


At this point, the table on the other side of the bed cried out for an update as well, so the following weekend we stained its legs, pulled a color out of the bedding for the top; found a roll of ribbon for the table's edge at the craft store for 99 cents, and added a wicker hamper from the guest closet to hide the lamp cord and provide book storage. ( I dislike seeing cords.)

It turned out pretty cute...

don't you think? And the best part is the satisfaction of the conquest...so little spent -- about $25, total!

Now my prince is inspired to make a headboard...Kelly, what are you doing next weekend?  Oh, one last thing...we also found a use for the old lampshade...

Joining the fun, once again, at the Farmgirl Friday blog hop

Affordable Healthcare / Steps to Wellness

Who isn't tired of listening to all the "talk" about health care?  I am. And I'm mostly frustrated with the ability of people to ignore some simple truths. If everyone implemented the practices below, the issue of health care and health insurance would resume its proper position in our national conversation.  Today I was inspired to share some of the things that I KNOW will help to build good health. I would suggest that you read through the post before clicking on links. Here goes:
Our bodies ask for what they need, but they can only order from the MENU they have been served.  Serve the good stuff.

Shop the perimeter of the grocery store: buy fresh food.

Make water your primary drink. To de-chlorinate water, leave it in a glass pitcher overnight.  I've started leaving a pitcher of water and a glass on my kitchen counter.  We drink and refill often.  After you start to adequately hydrate, your body will tell you to drink.

Build meals around simple foods, with few ingredients.  If you can't pronounce it easily your body can't easily decode it.

If you are struggling with illness, try avoiding bread for a few weeks and see what happens to your diet and your body. Much is being said about topics like gluten intolerance , and wheat belly. There are reasons for this!  

Refined Sugar, unfortunately, is the enemy.  Eliminate it, as much as possible, and you will live to discover its appeal is far less formidable, and that "regular foods" taste good.  

If conventional medicine has let you down, consider seeing a naturopathic doctor or integrative medical doctor; they will view your body as a whole, your symptoms as signals to listen to, rather than disease to cover up.

Use coconut oil in your cooking and on your skin; Also switch to coconut or palm-based soaps. 

My last tips: not the least tips:

Find an exercise program that you can follow and enjoy. It is never too late to start: even my 87-year-old stepfather is discovering how much exercise helps.

Develop thankfulness.  A thankful heart is light.

Laugh.  Laughter is good medicine 

Pray, respect God, and practice humility: Proverbs 3: 7-8 " Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth."  

Give the gift of your unique self to those around you, especially to your family; but also to your neighbor, friend and co-worker.

My love to you!

~Becky

Note: the links in this post are solely for information to my reader. I derive no benefit from any of them.

Bone Broth, By Any Other Name...

Jim has been asking all week long what I'm doing ...and when will I be done? I've been telling him," It is an experiment."  And each morning, Libby has barked and wagged, expectantly, as I ladled the steaming essence of life onto her Blue Buffalo kibble from my simmering pot.

I've been making Bone Broth.

What is BONE BROTH?  Merely bones and veggies, water and a jalapeno, simmered for a long time! So long, that the nutrition is pulled out...so long, that the bones become soft enough to crush between your fingers.  So soft, that they can end up here:

Encouraged in my experiment by a fellow blogger, I've sipped the broth  for breakfast with a dollop of coconut oil, while rolling my eyes with delight!  

       

....BONE BROTH...

Our adult children would prefer another name for this new fascination of mine, I've suggested a few alternative titles: bone stock, bone soup...but bone is the objectionable word, I think.  Just as well -- it is the best name for something that used to be trash at my house.

I used to throw all sorts of things in the trash that I now see as treasure!

I found out that kitchen scraps don't go down the disposal...they now go here:  as treats for the flock of 7 chickens that nest and play behind a 30' span of our 15' tall Oleanders. 

 ( And , no...the Oleanders have not poisoned the birds...They didn't poison the kids, the dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks or the goat... either.)

I've learned in the past year --raising chickens, recycling, and composting -- how wasteful our modern society has become.  A "ton" (literally) of stuff that I used to throw away has been recycled.  If it doesn't go to the Hen Pen,  It goes into one of two compost bins, along with grass clippings, weeds, leaves, dryer lint, newspaper, chicken droppings.  And it gets turned into this: 

Thus, the essence of life continues to  be a blessing in places like this:

Kelly and I planted a veggie garden last year in her backyard that went crazy! We learned what to plant and what to plant less of, namely spaghetti squash!

I'm showing a small fraction of our squash. All from a few small seedlings!  Much of it was given away.  Some was fed to the hens.  

Hens, who gave us these.

After our eggs are boiled and peeled they go all sorts of places.  By now, I think you can guess at least three locations for the shells.  

Here is one of my favorite uses of the edible parts of our eggs.  

Now more of my story about bone broth. Last week I discovered another 2+2=__.

The eggs that I collected went right into the broth.  And after simmering 40 minutes, I ate them, rolling my eyes again with joyous delight...because they tasted like jalapeno and soup!  Guess where the jalapeno came from?  Yep...the garden.  This basket is full of bounty from our backyard...all produced by the very items in the basket...life!  

And that is what Bone Broth is!  A bowl of life!  

Try some. 

Next time you have a roast chicken, or ribs or steak ... plop it into your crock pot, add water and simmer  your brew for days and days...add herbs if you like, veggies in the freezer too long?...Plop them in...?  Sure!  Add water as the week progresses.  Spoon some broth onto your pet's food.    

Then strain.  If you don't have chickens, you will have to throw away the bones. So sad...  

But you will still be able to enjoy a cuppa...

BONE BROTH with a dollop of coconut oil! 

In fact, here is my breakfast!

YUM!

And here is a link to more from my teacher: (http://butterfliesandbumblebees.org)  Blessings upon you!

"I Like Them, Sam I Am. I Like Green Eggs and Ham!"

The day I ate Green Eggs and Ham...

... was one of those days:  cool morning breezes, doves busily gathering twigs for their nests.  I decided to harvest my spinach before getting to work in the office. And my life came together in a flash!

My generation began and grew to maturity between two very different times in US history: WW2 and Vietnam.  We are the baby boomers --  grandchildren of the initiators of modern technology and modern society; we are the children of the generation that saved freedom through sacrifice; the first to watch world events on TV, talk on the phone from our car, send a letter across the country in a second.  We are the baby boomers, the rebels.  We said " no"  to convention and then became convention.  And now we are the generation talking about the good ole days, when things were simple.

Trying to hang on to the simple things in life is what my generation is going to do next. We're the ones going green, raising chickens, planting gardens, turning a cynical eye toward the politics of our day.  We remember walking to the corner store to buy a candy bar for 5 cents. We remember when everything was closed on Sunday and, milk came in glass bottles with cream on the top. 

I lived in the safety of America during the Cold War while the U.S. became a superpower.  This morning I read about some of the daughters of my generation, women who leave their babies at home and go serve our country in the embattled Middle East.  They go so their children may grow and enjoy the same freedom I cherish.

You might ask what all this has to do with Green Eggs and Ham.

Everything! 

The day I ate Green eggs and ham, I made perfect photocopies of a Bible that was printed in 1878, sent them off to New York, Texas, &  California; they were ready to view in under a minute.

The day I ate Green Eggs and Ham journalists were talking about terrorism, the demise of a major terrorist leader, and the "certain" retribution  we should expect anytime, anywhere.  But I was harvesting homegrown spinach and using it to make a delicious, healthy smoothie and a wonderful omelet!  I was listening to bird songs while offering a bath to the little feathered soloists who know or care nothing of the past or the future of the world.  They simply do what is before them, they carry out the task at hand. They eat, they drink, they raise their young in carefully prepared nests--come what may around them, they do it all the same.  They sing.

  Why? Because my Father in Heaven has the whole world in his hands.
 Generations of people and birds come and go.  Life is today, now, where we are.  The task to do is the task at hand.  I am thankful for the men and women whose task is to risk their lives to secure freedom. I am thrilled that I can easily send a photo of an ancient Bible across the country in a  couple of seconds.  


Because of  the dreams, sacrifices, and efforts of generations before me, the hopes of the generation following, and because God is faithful,  I can stop to enjoy a spinach smoothie, topped with fresh mint. (recipes below)

(And just look at the beauty of those leaves.  Intricately designed, organized with veins of life- giving substance, endowed with heavenly scent and usefulness.)

Because of the arduous days soldiers have spent training and sweating and bleeding,  I have the freedom to fill a bath for the birds who build their nests in my backyard.

I really never thought this meal would end up tying my whole life together but it did. It made me notice the creative plan of God, the beauty and simple intricacy of the natural world that continues while man struggles and strives.

The day I ate Green Eggs and Ham something as basic as gardening and eating shared space with the past and the future, it was as though all of time existed in one single moment.  And it was good.

FRESH GREEN SMOOTHIE
To start the day healthy and green: Blend 1 banana, 1 cup unsweetened coconut (or almond) milk, 1 big handful of washed spinach, 4-5 strawberries (I use frozen) 1/2 ripe avacado...YUM!

GREEN OMELETTE
Blend 2 fresh eggs with a handful of chopped spinach, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, and a splash of milk or half and half.  Heat pan, add 1 tsp virgin coconut oil. Cook gently.  After turning the egg mixture, add your choice of filling.  I used cooked bacon and grated sharp cheddar.  Enjoy!

Nut Report

It has been awhile since my last coconut post. I thought I would share some highlights and experiences. 

Jim and I have used the oil on our skin and in our food. We are addicted. 

I have placed low, wide-mouthed jars (actually glass sugar jars sold at Walmart) in our bathrooms. These jars are used by everyone who visits our home. Almost all of our family members are also using it on their own. Recently I have heard the following reports:

RL loves it on her face.  She was afraid of it causing blemishes at first.  It doesn't. 

JL loves it on his lips and up his nostrils.  I gave him a little plastic jar about the size of a lip balm container (also sold at Walmart) to use at the office.  He also took one for his bedside.  He claims he uses VCO on his hair and even took off the  everpresent baseball cap and had me feel for myself.  Not sure if he was joking or not, but I assure everyone it is GREAT for hair.

IQ asks for it on all her boo boos.  This reminds me of my childhood.  My mother put Nupercanol on all my boo boos.  Once, in kindergarten, I got my finger caught in a door and was wailing "I want NUPES!"  The teacher had to call my brother out of his 6th grade class to ask him what nupes was.  Tee Hee...Nupes was comfort!

 KF puts it on chapped hands and IQ's chapped legs.

ML said it gave him energy.

MH used it on his hands because all the lotions in the house smelled "girlie."  He liked it, except for the slippery palms.  I showed him how to rub a paper towel between his palms to take care of this issue.  You don't need to do this when putting it on before bed.  Your skin will drink it in.

EN gave her little purse stash to a co-worker who burned herself with hot coffee.

I feed it to our cats, our dog, and recently used it on my chickens. It  also smothered a gross parasite that was in the dog's skin - overnight!

Jim eats it every day on his toast with peanut butter.  We've used it to make popcorn, brownies, corn muffins, and garlic bread. Jim and I also drink coconut milk that I buy at Sunflower Market, made by So Delicious. I prefer the unsweetened. I mix it half and half with milk for Jim.

I make a daily smoothie for myself with 1 cup coconut milk, 1 banana. 1/2 tsp (approx) cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1 handful frozen blueberries, 1 handful frozen strawberries, 1 handful raspberries, and a handful of spinach.  YUM!  It must be consumed with a straw for the full effect.  The grand kids love it too.

Note:  I sometimes add unflavored protein powder.

If you would like to know more...

According to Bruce Fife, here are just a few things that coconut oil can prevent and treat:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke,
• Diabetes,
• Develop strong bones and teeth,
• Promote healthy weight loss,
• Kill viruses that cause mono, flu, Hep C,
• Relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and stomach ulcers,
• Relieve pain of hemorrhoids, protect from breast, colon and other cancers,
• Prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay
• Prevent premature aging and degenerative disease
• Relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)
• Reduce epileptic seizures
• Prevent liver disease ,
• Protect against kidney disease and bladder infections,
• Kill bacteria that cause pneumonia, earache, throat infectious, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dozens of other diseases
• Kill fungi and yeast that cause candida, jock itch, ringworm , athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections,
• Defend against parasites
• HIV
• Reduce symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis,
• Relieve dryness and flaking,
• Prevent and heal damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun, such as wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots,
• Control dandruff
• Increase energy and metabolism
  ( from The Coconut Oil  Miracle , by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D)

I am sharing this link for anyone who wants to read more about the healthful uses of virgin coconut oil.
http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

Nuts for Coconut

I long to pass on my interest in Coconut products to anyone who will "listen."

God made coconuts for many good reasons!  In a nutshell, (pun intended) coconut oil is a fantastic skin healer, protector, and rejuvenator.  I have been rubbing it on my skin -- all of it -- for about 7 weeks and have found it to make skin soft and supple; it has reduced deep wrinkles and has added a youthful softness to my hair as well.  If you are interested in having great, soft and healthy skin, give it a try.  Put a small amount in a short, wide-mouth container and place in the bathroom.  Below 76 degrees, it will be solid, like butter.  Draw your fingertips across its lovely whiteness and rub into your skin.  It will seem oily at first, but the skin absorbs as it actually FEEDS your skin.  You can also use it as a daily, leave-in hair conditioner.  Draw a very small amount through towel-dried hair; comb and finish getting ready as usual. 

There are many other healthful properties if it is eaten.  I would need to write a book to tell about them.  So I am going to share the link to a website.  It contains all of the information found in a book I've read, called  The Coconut Oil Miracle, by Bruce Fife, C.N., N. D. It also contains many testimonials from other users.  Here is the link : Coconut Research Center .

According to Bruce Fife, here are just a few things that coconut oil can prevent and treat: (from T.C.O. M. ,above.)

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke,
• Diabetes,
• Develop strong bones and teeth,
• Promote healthy weight loss,
• Kill viruses that cause mono, flu, Hep C,
• Relieve symptoms of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and stomach ulcers,
• Relieve pain of hemorrhoids, protect from breast, colon and other cancers,
• Prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay
• Prevent premature aging and degenerative disease
• Relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)
• Reduce epileptic seizures
• Prevent liver disease ,
• Protect against kidney disease and bladder infections,
• Kill bacteria that cause pneumonia, earache, throat infectious, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, and dozens of other diseases
• Kill fungi and yeast that cause candida, jock itch, ringworm , athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections,
• Defend against parasites
• HIV
• Reduce symptoms associated with psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis,
• Relieve dryness and flaking,
• Prevent and heal damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun, such as wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots,
• Control dandruff
• Increase energy and metabolism

Reading this list of the things that coconut oil can prevent and heal, my nephew, Paul, said it best. He was  "trapped" at my kitchen table with my new book about coconut oil before him.  With a smile on his face, he quipped:

"I'd be interested in reading a list of things it doesn't cure."

Mind you, that list is short!