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.

I've Been Grounded

Sometimes, just sometimes, all lines intersect.

It happened yesterday when I was given a free pair of shoes...not just any shoes...

These shoes.

I wrote about them for my garden blog and have decided to reproduce the post here: My apologies to those of you who read both blogs. BUT...

It isn’t every day that a girl wins a free pair of leather shoes, and not just any leather shoes. My new saffron yellow flats are “like no other shoes on earth.”

They are grounded.

Yes, a healing technology  - older than dirt –  has been rediscovered.

According to the grounding discovery, when we walk barefoot on the earth there is a current of free electrons that flows throughout our body, creating an antioxidant effect, bringing:

relaxation,

stress relief,

calming heart rhythm,

improved sleep,

hormonal balance, especially thyroid

pain reduction,

improved glucose function,

and reduced inflammation.

Do you remember what it is like to walk barefoot on the wet sand or on a cool, dewy lawn?  If not, I highly recommend you try it again, paying attention to how it feels throughout your entire being.

When you put your shoes back on, be mindful that you essentially disconnect from the earth’s current because it is interrupted by synthetic materials like plastic and rubber, which is what most modern footwear uses for soles.  Common flooring materials, like wood and carpeting also rob us of the connection to the flow of free electrons that is so beneficial for our health.

Pluggz technology will allow me to walk stylishly grounded through a conductor embedded in the soles of my shoes, absorbing earth’s  energy whenever I walk on grass, sand, soil, concrete or tile. So, whether hanging jeans on the line, or admiring our garden in bare feet, or walking around my local garden center, I’m going to be grounded!

I suppose by now you can understand why I’m excited about my new shoes.

Plants can’t have ALL the fun.

For more information about grounding (also known as earthing) check out the following links:

Mercola.com

Discussion with Dr.James Oschman about earthing

*Note: the benefits of grounding are rapid and can increase the effectiveness of certain medications, including thyroid medications and blood thinners.

~Blessings to you!

My Probiotic Laboratory

kraut, kombucha, kefir cheese and whey

 In my kitchen, on any given day, you will find me growing healthy bacteria and yeast...

...using old fashioned methods and simple tools.

experimentation and creativity...

...to make delicious things to eat and drink 

...breakfast smoothies

... kefir cheese dips

 ...sharing SCOBYs with family and friends

(symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)

...making health-promoting food that also tastes good

...with superior ingredients

...organic beet kvass

...homegrown jalapenos

... fermented organic carrots

 

This looks yummy, does it not?

ya das ist gut 
(German for yummy)

They call me Dr. Frankenstein.

 More to come....

Sharing with:
Cultures for Health.com Weekly-Cultured-Gathering
Deborah Jean's Dandelion House Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop

Healthy Snacking

Becky's Healthy Banana Bites

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas  
¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 small handful raw walnuts
3 squares semi–sweet chocolate, shaved, or 3/4 oz
2-3 tbsp coconut oil, softened, but not melted.
1 sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper
Wooden toothpicks
1 pinch of love (I add this to all my recipes.)

The Process:
Finely chop or process seeds and nuts in a food processor.
Shave and add chocolate (I use a  knife on a cutting board). 
Put semi-soft coconut oil in the bottom of a bowl. 
Cut banana into bite-sized pieces and roll in oil, then in nut/chocolate mixture.
Arrange bananas on waxed paper on a plate.
Stab with tooth pics.
Freeze, then move to a sealed container and keep frozen.

~Enjoy~

Health Benefits of the Ingredients:

Bananas  

Pumpkin seeds

Walnuts

Coconut  oil

If you like, you can create a print-friendly copy of this recipe, with or without photos, by clicking the print friendly button below. 

(Not available if reading this post via e-mail, MOM)

Sharing this post with:
Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth; The Art of Homemaking
Deborah Jean's Dandelion House Farmgirl-Friday-Blog-Hop

{Easy} Ways to Get More Sunshine

Exposure to the sun is not only good for you, it is essential.  (At the end of this post, follow the link to read about many of the proven health benefits of sunshine.)

Here are some easy ways to get more sunshine.  

Plant some flowers or start a veggie garden, it will draw you outside every day.

Hang some laundry in the sun to dry, only don't do it when the sprinklers are set to come on!

Walk the dog.

Hike a trail. Or just drive somewhere and get out of the car to enjoy your surroundings.

And the easiest way?... catch 10 winks somewhere out in the open.

~~~~~~~~~~

I guess you might say it is a "duh," post.  It is not that I'm sharing something that every mom didn't tell us. How many times did we hear the phrase, "Go outside and play!" Right?  Every mom used to instinctively know that fresh air and sunshine was good for her kids.

But in the past several decades, our culture has gone from being outside a good portion of each day, to being insulated under cover of buildings and cars. In addition, we've been told to slather sunscreen on our skin, and not just for when we are planning on being exposed for long periods!

All of these factors are depriving our bodies of an easy source of vitamin D. Researchers are discovering the extent of that deprivation.

And there is more to the story. It is not just vitamin D we are missing:

"Besides the benefits derived from increased vitamin D, the sun also provides relief from a wide variety of health problems from mechanisms separate from vitamin D. For a comprehensive overview, refer to our {Mercola.com} previous article on the sun’s benefits, but here are just a few:

• Improved mood and energy levels through the release of endorphins

• Better melatonin regulation and synchronization of your biorhythms

• Suppression of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis

• Treating skin diseases (including psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma) and antibiotic-resistant infections, such as MRSA

• Treating tuberculosis, neonatal jaundice, and possibly T cell lymphoma"

~Mercola.com 

For more information, here is the promised link:
Sun Exposure is not only good for you, it is essential!

About 31 days of EASY: 

So many things in life are hard.  And some of those hard things are necessary. But why make things harder than they need to be?  For 31 days, I'll be writing about ways to bring ease.  I would be honored if you came along on my journey.  Pack light. 

If you want to know more about the 31 Day Blog Challenge, click here:
Nesting Place: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
or here: Why 31 days?

Many Blessings to you.

{Easy} Homemade Deodorant

Earlier this Spring I was part of a personal hygiene experiment.  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. I like the deodorant so much, I can't go back to store-bought. 

Today I made my third batch.  It took about 5 minutes, possibly less time than that.  Why do I like this so much?  It is natural.  It smells wonderful. It is inexpensive. It is pure and healthy. And it works!  I have linked each ingredient to a web page explaining some of its known health benefits ~ simply click on the link to find more information.

Homemade Deodorant
1/3 cup coconut oil

2 Tbs baking soda
1/3 cup corn starch

10-15 drops lavender essential oil ( optional) 

Instructions:

Add dry ingredients to wet and stir for a minute or so.  Spoon into a shallow container and refrigerate until firm.  FAIR WARNING.  Due to the fact that coconut oil melts above 76 degrees, this will not travel well.  

While it might be easier to buy deodorant, this product works so well and is so simple to make, it is near the top of my favorite household tasks. Try it and just see if you don't wear your shirts an extra day or two. 

Pssst:  ~ It is EASY to print a copy of the recipe by selecting the Print Friendly button at the bottom of the post.

About 31 days of EASY: 

So many things in life are hard.  And some of those hard things are necessary. But why make things harder than they need to be?  For 31 days, I'll be writing about ways to bring ease.  I would be honored if you came along on my journey.  Pack light. 

If you want to know more about the 31 Day Blog Challenge, click here:
Nesting Place: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
or here:
Why 31 days?

Many Blessings to you.

I am linking this post with the delightful HomeAcre Hop where you can find LOTS of information on: "Homesteading, livestock care, gardening, environmentally friendly farming, self sufficiency, preparedness, off grid living, healthy recipes, home remedies and herbal concoctions, green living, homeschooling, food preservation, environmentally friendly crafts and home decor, photo posts of natural living and homesteading subjects!"

{EASY} Turmeric Turkey and Potatoes

Welcome to Day 2 of 31 days of EASY.

Simply put: a healthy body is one that is free of dis~ease. In order to remain at ease, the body must sustain or heal itself using air, water, food, and rest. Knowing this, it is easy to see that wholesome meals are essential to maintain good health.

I developed the following recipe using everyday foods that work to support the body's needs. The turmeric, celery, onion and garlic -- especially. Ingredients like these are what I call Affordable Health Care Providers of the Food Specialty. Each ingredient is referenced with a link to its known health benefits.

Turmeric Turkey and Potatoes

Ingredients:
½ lb. ground turkey

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can Rotel tomatoes (Mexican Lime and Chile)

1 small or one large baked potato, or cooked rice 

1 TBSP ground turmeric

1TBSP ground cumin

Salt (I use Himalayan) and ground pepper

Easy Instructions: 

Brown meat and remove from skillet.

Melt 1-2 TBSP butter and sauté celery and onion.

Add minced garlic, cooked potatoes, and Rotel

Add meat and spices.

Add about ½ can of water.
If you are planning on freezing some to use later on, don't cook it very long the first time around.  If you are going to use it up on the first "heat", go ahead and let the flavors blend in your skillet, or keep warm in a crock.

This mixture is tasty in a lettuce wrap, a crepe, on a warmed tortilla, or mixed with rice.

I make a batch and separate it into three portions -- one to use, and two to freeze.  My Prince likes to heat some in a frying pan in the morning, and at this point he cracks an egg in the middle.

FAIR WARNING: Though turmeric is an up-and-coming star on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stage of Affordable Health Care Providers, it stains everything it touches a bright, daffodil yellow.  For this reason, I always wear an apron when I use it.

Pssst:  ~ It is EASY to print a copy of the recipe by selecting the Print Friendly button at the bottom of the post.

About 31 days of EASY: 

So many things in life are hard.  And some of those hard things are necessary. But why make things harder than they need to be?  For 31 days, I'll be writing about ways to bring ease.  I would be honored if you came along on my journey.  Pack light. 

If you want to know more about the 31 Day Blog Challenge, click here:
Nesting Place: It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
or here:
Why 31 days?

Many Blessings to you.

I am linking this post to the lovely HomeAcre Hop, where you will find lots of information on: "Homesteading, livestock care, gardening, environmentally friendly farming, self sufficiency, preparedness, off grid living, healthy recipes, home remedies and herbal concoctions, green living, homeschooling, food preservation, environmentally friendly crafts and home decor, photo posts of natural living and homesteading subjects!"

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

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!