Guest Blogger! Becca Kaian from The Natural Dentist

I am so excited to announce our SECOND guest blogger!!! Her name is Becca Kaian and she is a blogger on the Natural Dentist! I am so excited she asked to be a guest blogger. She has some fantastic ideas and I hope you enjoy reading not only her blog, but will stop by The Natural Dentist and see what else you may learn! I love natural and I am SURE you will too! xoxo



It’s been said that the best accessory anyone could ever wear is their smile. But what if that smile isn’t as bright as you want it to be? What if you’re embarrassed or nervous someone will see the stains and plaque buildup on your teeth? Try these at home remedies for teeth whitening and follow the suggested tips for maintenance and you’re smile will be radiating in no time! Whitening: Achieving whiter teeth is often a large task on everyone’s to-do list, but busy parent’s don’t have time to schedule and attend regular whitening appointments. Try any of these quick and easy at-home remedies for a whiter smile:

• Baking soda can be used as a whitener in a number of ways. Try combining a table spoon of baking soda with a quarter cup of peroxide, applying the mix to your teeth, letting it sit for one minute before rinsing, and repeating daily for a week. Even simpler, you can put a bit of baking soda on your tooth brush, wet it lightly, and brush normally in the morning. Then at night, rinse your mouth with a cap full of peroxide. Both remedies will help in the whitening process.
• Make your own whitening tooth paste by mixing a tablespoon of standard toothpaste with one teaspoon of mouth wash, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and a dash of salt. Though very safe, it is important to only brush with this paste every two days, as baking soda will wear down the enamel of your teeth with repeated use.
• Another whitening mixture to try is half a teaspoon of baking soda with a full teaspoon of lemon juice. Use this to brush the surface of your teeth for one to two minutes, once every two weeks, and your smile will be whiter and brighter in no time.
• A natural at-home whitening solution is to rub the inside of a banana or orange peel over your teeth at least once a day. Doing so releases the peels’ natural minerals which include potassium, manganese, and magnesium. Those minerals are then absorbed into the teeth, helping them to look brighter and healthier. Similarly, mashing strawberries with a bit of baking soda and smearing the mix on your teeth allows the fruits’ acids to polish and whiten!

Daily Oral Care: Taking care of your mouth should already be part of your routine. Below are some reminders of proper oral hygiene:

• Thoroughly brushing your teeth at least twice a day will help to prevent plaque buildup, lessen stains, and ultimately maintain a cleaner, healthier mouth. In addition, flossing is important to remove plaque from those hard to reach places.

These at home remedies and general maintenance tips are the simplest ways to ensure a white smile that lasts. Remember, you only get one set of teeth, so take care of them properly! BYLINE: Becca absolutely loves finding natural and healthy remedies! When she’s not cooking or pinning new ideas, you can find Becca at The Natural Dentist, where she handles blogging.

Becoming an "Herbie"



In my adult years I remember my grandmother trying to heal herself with herbs. Honestly, I thought she was crazy. Lets be honest. I know half (or most) probably thought she was crazy. Now that I am older and have my own son, I think there is something to these herbs.

It started with my Elderberry syrup. 

Then it got out of control from there.

There is something rewarding about making your own healing concoctions that have come from the ground. (No I am not a hippie and yes I DO shave my arm pits.) Taking control of my own healthcare in every sense of the word. Making this side note: Because I feel COMFORTABLE knowing where my limits are. I am not saying I will NEVER take my family to the dr. I had to about a month ago because I thought my son needed stitches...sorry I am not breaking out the needle and thread and sewing my boy up...aint happenin. Let me add this other side note. These aren't my own concoctions. I am not a Certified Herbalist. Yet. (maybe someday soon) I spend probably hundreds of hours researching someone or something before I put it into my body and most definitely before it goes into my sons body. Just like prescription drugs herbs act and react to each other.  These plants can be used for so much. I love talking about herbs and researching a new remedy. It is so exciting.

My son and I recently caught a bug. I should have known it was coming because we finally got into our home and back on a semi-normal routine. Our bodies where WORN OUT. Lots and lots of late night, eating out and little sleep does not do well on a body. I don't care how healthy you are. Get around someone who might be a little sick and your immune system doesn't stand a chance.

The most annoying part of this illness we caught is the sore throat. I don't want to be over dramatic, but I want to say I think I would rather be throwing up than have a sore throat. Do you realize how much you swallow??? Even while you sleep. Its a lot. I cringe when I know the time is coming I have to swallow...and can you say DRAGON BREATH! YUCK. (or at least I feel like it)

I broke out my book called "Herbal Remedies for Children's Heath." by Rosemary Gladstar. The more I read her stuff the more I am in love with her. Her stuff is rather simple and easy to follow. In the front of her book she tells you the herbs you should have on hand if you have children and how they work. Thats my kind of lady. Don't just tell me a recipe...I want to know WHY  you are using these herbs. Right??

This remedy although for children it still works on adults.

*Not to be taken if pregnant*

There are some people who want to keep their remedy's a secret. That's fine. My dream is to have more people taking control of not only their heath by eating better, but by becoming more comfortable with remedies that have been used for centuries. They work. We just need to learn to use them correctly. Give our healing back to our bodies.

I am selling these little bags of goodness for the cost of the herbs and the cost of shipping. The time I spend putting these babies together is my gift to you. All the herbs are bought from certified organic companies. I do not grow my own. It comes with everything you need minus the honey (It needs to be local and raw...please don't give it to children under 1) and filtered water.

One last thing.

I usually want to include a "smell check" and a "taste check" with all the remedies I share. Here goes.

Smell: My husband looks for the dog poop every single time he comes in the house and I am making one of these. I HONESTLY don't think its THAT bad. Really. Do I think it smells yummy like Elderberry syrup. Nope. No where in the same universe. Have your windows open and a vent going. If it didn't work...I probably wouldn't be making this again. When it has cooled down and is in the fridge it smell like a very strong spiced cider. When you add the honey its not nearly as bad, but its strong.

Taste: Its strong. Its a very bitter spicy remedy. The first couple spoonful's took my breath away, but the results are worth going back for more. Anything that makes the pain of swallowing go away...I am all for it.

Cough and Sore throat be Gone:

2 Parts Slippery Elm Bark

2 Parts Valerian

2 Parts Wild Cherry Bark

2 Parts Licorice Root

4 Parts Fennel Seeds

1 Part Cinnamon Bark

1/2 Part Gingerroot

1/8 Part Orange Peel

I will break these down in my next post and why it works. Again. This isn't MY PERSONAL concoction. When I bought everything to make this it came to about $80. Its a lot of money to invest if you only get sick once a year. I just want to share the goodness.

Not all milk comes from Mammals



Living in a Whole 30 world you learn a lot of different ways to cook. Living in a world that you have become obsessed with reading labels...you get turned off with almost anything you pick up at the store. When I read the ingredients on the back of the Almond Milk by silk I wasn't impressed.

When I got home from the grocery store I decided to see how difficult it was to make almond milk. It seemed easy enough....so.........

Like any good house wife I had to try it.

They started out like this. No big deal. After a few hours of soaking the water started turning white. I thought "Alright!" this maybe the easiest milk substitute ever!

That right there is one 8 oz bag of almonds in the funnel. I think I got 8 dips. My heart sank. Then the squeezing and the twisting and the "milking" began. Ever tried to milk an almond? Ever seen teets on an almond? I rest my case.

See that crazy mess all over my counter? I had to cut cheese cloth 5 times in this process because each time I DEMOLISHED it! The bowl you can barely see on the right was full to the brim from left over almonds from the "milking" process. The apples on the top were cut for my son in the middle of this process and then he decides he doesn't want "apples shapes". Fine. Whatever. (When did he become so picky?) That used paper towel on the left was one of many in this process. --Don't tell my crunchie friends I still use paper towels. (yikes)

Total time into this entire process???

THREE HOURS!

 Was it good? Yes. It had a very clean taste.
 Did I enjoy drinking it? Yes.
Will I be making this all the time? NO! Why you ask?

1. I have learned that I do not enjoy milking almonds.
2. Entirely way to messy
3. All that time I think I could have been playing with my son.

**I honestly ended up throwing it away because I couldn't stand the thought of drinking it after all that work I put into it. I know that sounds ridiculous.**

Sorry. I hope I didn't disappoint anyone.



Confessions from a new "Label Reader" part two

Several blog posts ago I wrote about food labels. Hopefully some of you are looking at what you are putting in your tum tum after you read that. If you aren't I encourage you to do so. In that post I said something about not being able to find the Velveeta ingredients online so I FINALLY went to the store and took some pictures. BTW no store really WANTS you to take pictures of their stuff. Unless you are a professional don't try this at home.

There she is. In all her "Melts better and 45% less fat" glory. I think the commercials calls it "liquid gold" doesn't it? (wait isn't that suppose to be breast milk that is liquid gold)

First of all let me clarify something. I HAVE eaten this and on occasion I do CRAVE my mothers queso dip. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Its true.

Did you know that this stuff comes in unrefrigerated? (I worked for a grocery retailer I know. I have seen it come in on pallets off a HOT NASTY truck and it didn't melt. Wait...it just said it melts better than cheese) That should speak volumes. I am not sure why they put it in the refrigerated section. Maybe to make you feel better? I think in some places it is just on the shelf.

I am not going to bust this down and link up every single ingredient like I did in my first post, but what I do want to do is link the ones I can't pronounce or know what it is without a science degree....anyone have one of those?

Sodium Phosphate--After looking this one up I remembered what it was. It sounds delicious.

Modified Food Starch--My favorite part of that article " the word "food" in its description interjects some ambiguity into the mix" What in the CRAP are we eating???

Calcium Phosphate-- Do you ever suffer from any kind of stones? There is your culprit!

Maltodextrin-- FILLER

Sodium Alginate--comes from brown algae. Very salty.  

Sodium Citrate--Check out the side effects

Apocarotenal--That explains why velveeta is yellow.

Things I just learned from writing this:

1. I now understand why we all have health issues. This isn't food. Healthcare starts with the food we put into our bodies. Not treating the symptoms later.

2. Why are we demonizing cheddar cheese? Not all fats are created equal!   The Dr who came up with the "Low Fat/No Fat" diet...died of depression. No lie. Your body and BRAIN need fat to survive.

3. I may possibly never buy that again. I need to find another way to make my moms cheese dip.

Now for the "No preservative" Ketchup.

When I first saw that I was like "YEAH! Good Job Hunts for stepping up and making a healthy option for moms like me". First of all...Its NOT refrigerated. Red FLAG! Second...That ketchup is good for TWO YEARS! excuse me? Anyone leave a tomato on your counter for a few weeks? Yuck! What did they do to those tomatoes that they are good on the shelf for TWO YEARS! They aren't tomatoes folks. That's all I am saying.

Then I read the label:

I love that they used vined ripened tomatoes...I guess its better than getting the green ones. How else do tomatoes grow?

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP! Ok, so maybe that ISNT technically a "preservative" but excuse me...you are taking advantage of people who think are making a "better choice".  Smashing that on the very top of your label makes you, in my book, a LIAR!

There is that Natural flavors again...why are they so afraid of telling us what that is exactly??

Is anyone else bothered by companies selling us food that is making all of us sick?! Don't believe me? Go back and read the side effects of the ingredients I just showed you. Don't believe me still?? Do a little research.

People!!!!! its.our.food.

I went and spent over $100 on real food at the grocery store a few weeks ago and the food went bad faster than I could eat it. I am not used to that. I am all about shopping 1 time a month. Real food goes bad FAST. That's how you know its real food. We HAVE to change the way we look at food. Your families health and your children's health depend on you.

Make it happen momma!



Living with essential oils.

Its Wednesday. I am actually writing this on Tuesday! SAY WHAT! I know. I am on a roll today.

I have lovingly name them "The Ladies"

I was first introduced to essential oils at a Party through DoTerra. The lady that did the class was talking about what all these oils did, but I really didn't GRASP the concept of them. I heard what she was saying...I just wasn't really LISTENING. Does that make sense? It wasn't until I met my "Crunchie" friend that it really SANK in. Sometimes you need to be exposed to something a few times before you accept it.

In my Journey of learning about food I really watch what kinds of things I bring into my home. I know it sounds crazy. I know how it sounds. TRUST ME...I know. My mother chuckles a little bit.

I started with the Honest Company. Although I liked their stuff....I hated spending the money on something I could make myself. If I am going to have things that are "Chemical" free...CLEARLY I can make it in my home...right?

I am a DIYer...I can't help it.

Then I watched Food INC.

Then I started looking at food labels.

Which the obvious next step is to look at my cleaning chemical labels...YIKES. Close that cabinet will ya.

Then something else occurred to me. What are these chemicals doing to my body? OR to my baby?! I have cancers that run in my family...I know...you are rolling your eyes. I can feel them rolling. Everything has chemicals! BABY LOTION has chemicals. Will the madness ever end??

There is the background...Here is the good stuff.

I bought a few basic oils. I loved them. I seriously use them for everything.

Caden has a runny nose?

Bath, Epsom Salt, Eucalyptus oil

Bug Bites?

Lavender

Daddy's Back hurts?

Cinnamon

Sink needs a little disinfecting?

Peppermint or tea tree or lemon, or grapefruit...The possibilities are ENDLESS.

The list goes on and guess what? Oils are relatively safer than chemicals. True story. I say "Safer" because Eucalyptus CANT be ingested.

I bought a store brand from Amazon called "Aura Cacia" the organic ones. I researched for hours....and hours...and hours about which ones to buy. I don't jump into things any more, to many terrible-BAD-decisions in the past. (Timeshare being a HUGE part of that) I read countless articles. Read research papers. When I tell you I was obsessed with making sure I got the right ones...I WAS. --Thank you babe for putting up with me.--

I decided I was going to start small. I didn't want to invest in anything OUTRAGIOUS if I hated them...right?

I haven't "Decided" on a brand I will stick with. I am usually a dedicated brand kind of person. Please don't give me the speech about Young Living or DoTerra. Trust me...I will give you about a 1,000 reasons why I don't use either one of them. Not because they aren't good...just personal choice.

Going with a name that works "The Ladies 2"

 I found a blog that I am totally head over heels in LOVE with. I am serious. Head over right now and check her out! ---Well wait until your done reading.  She is simple. Breaks it down. Gives a girl a little confidence you know what I am sayin? I am new at this.

I read one of her posts about blending oils. It made it simple.

I think I love reading her stuff because she doesn't promote any specific BRAND of essential oils. LOVED that about her. (Nothing worse that reading about something and they are CRAMING a brand of oil down your throat. You just lost me) She used the Eden Garden brand for a few things around the house so I ordered a few.

I was a little nervous at first, but I am really surprised my first three blends turned out so well. I may change the laundry scent a little bit (Not a huge fan of that) but it will do for now. If you never try it...You will NEVER KNOW!

This is the Laundry Mix. (obviously) I made labels so I would know in the future if I liked them I could REmake them. That lie we always tell ourselves "Oh I will just remember" HA! I went ahead and made sure I wouldn't forget.

Fantastic Cleaner. Mix with vinegar

This is AMAZING. I am Positive its worth its weight in GOLD. Around here in this part of the world where all creepy things bite, and ALL bug sprays do NOT work. Sometimes you just want to go outside and don't want to wait two hours for your Chlorophyll to work. We tried it yesterday to go play in the pool...and you know what. NOT ONE BITE. Gotta love all things natural. Let me know if you have any questions. I may not know, but I can find out.

Hope you enjoyed it.  



Whole 30 Sweetness and a little comedy.

Notice those nails? I just did them that morning.

In the process of moving towards the Whole 30...we are changing our eating habits. I don't want this to be just a "Diet" but a way of life...right? What's the point of getting healthy if you don't maintain it. Its about changing habits. So I thought I would share the recipe and a little something I learned about myself.

For the record this is GREAT! I am serious. I am a lover of chocolate. All things chocolate. Especially a sucker for my homemade creamy brownies...need to change the subject...now I want some.

You know after a healthy meal your body says..."I NEED CHOCOLATE" almost like a monster inside of you? Well  mine did that yesterday. Thank goodness it was late and my husband wasn't going to wait for brownies because I WOULD have made them.

So I did a little pinterest search and I found this.

Whole 30 "Milk" Shake

About 50 ice cubes

1/2 Tablespoon of  cocoa powder

half a can of coconut milk.

4 bananas

a few pinches of unsweetened shaved coconut

*My husband suggested we add almonds next time.

**Although everything in this is compliant, its not recommended you drink your food OR you have something that gives your mind a good item that is representative for bad food...make sense?

I served those bad boys up in a glass mason jar and called it a night.

Here is the funny part.

My lips started to swell...my tongue started to burn. Then my eyes started to swell. Oh man. This girl is allergic to bananas! Who KNEW! We searched the entire house for Benadryl...nothing. So off we went to find me some. I thought my eyes were going to pop out.

After 2 Benadryl and a drive to the ER (we never went in the Benadryl worked) I have decided this may not be a recipe I will make again. I hope you enjoy it.

I totally understand now...Rough night. 

Whole 30. Results already? I haven't even started.

We haven't' started yet. Still in the "prepping stage" getting rid of everything that is not "compliant". Although I am not one to just throw food away...I am either using it or giving it to the dogs if they can eat it.

In moving more towards Whole 30 I have not eaten 1 bean. Which for me is a BIG DEAL...I LOVE pinto beans. Could eat them EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

I have had 3 cups of milk. Two of which were in organic cereal. Not that the organic matters so much.

One small hand full of cheddar cheese. On eggs. I later regretted it.

Three bowls of noodles. I am a Noodle girl. I think I was born with noodles in my mouth. Really.

What I have noticed just in two weeks and I haven't even officially started--

My stomach isn't bloated. I can almost feel my hips again. WHO KNEW! Almost introduced myself.

I am more...um...hmm...how do I say this nicely..."regular"...by that I mean 3-4 times a day. TMI I know but its true.

I have already lost weight. Those 5 pounds I am SURE has nothing to do with the previously mentioned sentence.

I sleep so much HARDER than before. If there was such a thing. As a child I could sleep through a tornado siren that was in our backyard on Ft Rucker. True story.

I can not wait to see the results of 30 days! Now back to meal planning.

xoxo

A new Start. Would you like to join us?

I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Lets be honest. Its a bunch of people trying to be someone they want to be. Although we all know each other and we all know how we are in REAL life. Its the ones that have their profiles set as public that kill me. Its ok. I wont judge you.

Since I've started to blog I have filled my newsfeed with helpful things that will either uplift our family or give me ideas to teach my son. Its been a total different experience. I am a much happier reader.

In the last few months I have also tried to surround myself with "friends" that will do the same. Do we have a common interest. Can we help and up lift each other?? I have a new found friend, that I met through a friend, who has become an answer to prayer more than once. That is probably the only part of Facebook I love...networking.

Our conversation started out just talking about her recent Stitch fix! I loved what she got. I had been really wanting to try and get a "Fix", but money has been really tight. That and I have a hard time spending real money on clothes. When she told me she lost 17 pounds I was immediately jealous! I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Probably because I love all things that come from potatoes. Its not that I am genetically fat...I just eat the wrong things. We are all adults here...its the truth.

When I asked her what she did to loose 17 pounds she told me her and her family went on a Whole 30. I was all ears. Until she said:

No sugar
No legumes
No milk
No grains

Um...hmmm...That is my ENTIRE diet. Stick a fork in me I am done.

I just kept listening (well reading we were on Facebook) and then she told me she had more energy. She has six kidos! (she homeschools, has a farm AND she has her own little Herb business...I just love that) Even with my ONE I could still use extra energy. Who couldn't!!! She told me her and her husbands joints stopped hurting...She saw the belly bulge disappear. My light went on. I have a battle of the bulge going on. Some times I have a muffin top. Other times I feel like a busted can of biscuits in spandex. Got a nice visual do ya...its real. I haven't seen or felt my hips since they pulled Caden out via C-Section...and I was laying down. He is almost 3. I am pitiful.

Its not about a "Diet". Diets are for people who are to lazy to work....right? Kind of like getting a free sample from the grocery store. Ill try it but I am in NO WAY going to commit to buying anything.

Its a change of HABIT.

Making better choices.

Learning to feed and fuel your body.

I started reading for myself. Pinterest and I have become best friends. What CAN I eat because I really don't want to focus on the CAN NOT's. Most of everything I am seeing seems pretty eat able. (not to be confused with edible...a grasshopper is edible. Unless I was struggling to survive would I eat a grasshopper)

 I still have food in my cupboard from my last grocery trip so I can't just jump right in. We need to eat what we have...so here goes nothing.

I want everyone to know I am a real person who has real cravings. Those chocolate peanut butter m&m's have left a permanent impression on my thighs. I worked hard to earn those. Now its time to say goodbye.

Who says broccoli isn't for breakfast?? Those eggs have fresh mushrooms, onions and a dash of garlic powder. May I add they were very filling.

Those pancakes are NOT, let me repeat, ARE NOT on the list. Like I said. We are prepping. They are Pumpkin spice pancakes with rolled oats and made with whole wheat flour. Real pumpkin. Spices added by me. The sweetener is stevia...which is also not on the list.

Thank you for stopping by

xoxo

sniffle, sniffle, sneeze. Cough....repeat!

I have seen, more like read, hundreds of people on Facebook suffer this year with seasonal allergies. 'Tis the season right?  I know all about them. I too suffer TERRIBLY from allergies. I have been clinically diagnosed with being allergic to trees and grass. (I live in Alabama...not the best place for me to live) My list of prescriptions from Dr's every single, year would grow...and grow....and grow. Every year it was different ones because I would build up an immunity. THEN half way through the year I would get a sinus infection. Never understood why I stayed so sick...then came the headaches...then came the migraines...Terrible cycle.

Until I met my "Crunchy" friend. Thanks Jaclyn. xoxo

To make a long story short I have not had to go to the Dr this year for allergy medicine. Nope not once. I have not had 1 single migraine. (knock on wood) Nor have I had a sinus infection. I think this is the first year I have been able to breath out of BOTH nostrils this time of year...no joke. What am I doing you ask? Its pretty simple are you ready? Got your paper out?? Write this down and stick it in your purse and run to the grocery store...

This is from Dollar General I think it was $3. I have the one from Walmart, but I like this one better.

Local honey. This local  RAW honey is grown in my backyard...can't get any more local than that. That local and RAW part is really important.

Last but NOT least...My elderberry syrup.

Packed with allergy CRUSHING ingredients!

The problem I had with allergy medicines was it wasn't helping me It was making things worse. I am sure you notice that too. After that allergy medicine wears off you are good for nothing. Am I right?? Then you are either miserable until bed time or you are scrambling to find your next hit. STOP THE MADDNESS!!! I think last night I had an "episode" and it was probably because I had forgotten to take it, problem solved. I took the Echinacea and a spoonful of honey and within 20 minutes I was back on track. No terrible side effects. Seriously folks!

 My allergies are A.W.E.F.U.L. I was willing to try anything. Aside from drinking my own urine. (I have read that too) I went with all three and they have worked. For fear of it being a combination I haven't let off any of them. I will just continue with what works. Try it. Seriously what do you have to loose!

 Ever walk outside and you can physically FEEL the pollen attack you? Feel it flying up your noes laughing all the way? This is the first year I say "Bring it on"...you aren't bringing me down this year!

BAM!

My son takes this, my husband takes this. It works. All of this is good for more than just allergies. Look it up.

Good luck. Let me know how it works for ya!

xoxo

A better me.

I consider myself to be a "modern mom". There are a few modern things I can't live without.

1. Mr. Pibb

(I've tried. Its just not worth killing someone over)

2. Mary Kay

3. My iPhone

4. Running HOT water

The other stuff in there I could possibly learn to live without. (obviously I NEED my family--not to be confused with good friends, they aren't family. Friends are necessary for a complete life yes, but they aren't family. )

Here recently we have been making a shift to a friendlier healthier way of cleaning our home, eating and feeding our bodies. Its been a challenge and the more I learn the more eager I am to fix and change our way of living.

I think the first thing I wanted to "try" was making my own cleaner. How hard is THAT? Since citrus is an AWESOME germ fighter I started with some fresh grapefruit and put it in vinegar and let it sit for a week. (a little longer because I wanted to use the cleaner I had)

So today I put it into a spray bottle and let me tell you what I am BLOWN AWAY by how yummy it smells and how fantastic it cleans.

This picture was taken after I cleaned it with nothing but the citrus cleaner! I am always having to sparkle it, but it looks pretty good without it.

My next "to try" I wanted was a toothpaste. I have always struggled with yellow teeth. So I found on pinterest where I can whiten my teeth with lemon juice and baking soda. I have been doing this about 2x a week for about a month. I have extremely sensitive teeth since I have had braces twice. I am sure you can do it more often, but not me.  

So for the first time last week someone made a comment on how white my teeth looked. I am still gleaming. Is it yummy? Nope! Not gunna lie. Its pretty nasty, but my teeth feel great and my gums feel very clean after words. I keep this in an air tight container and I clean it often. I am still trying to find a "natural" toothpaste. -stay tuned for that

The other one I have made and really like is my homemade dishwashing detergent.

I have been using cascade for as long as I can remember. I would deviate and go to the cheaper brand but always would hate myself for it later. After using this I am positive I wont be going back. I did try it without borax (since it is technically a chemical) but I was less than pleased with the outcome. I do not rinse my dishes...I am lazy. I do not have a problem with dishes coming out of the dishwasher dirty. I have an entry level dishwasher...its all about the soap. It is cheaper and takes seconds to make when I run out. I don't have time for hassling a bunch of crazy instructions.

1Cup Borax

1Cup Washing Soda

1/4 Cup Epsom Salt

1/2 Cup Sea Salt

1 1/2 Cup Lemi-shine

*Use vinegar instead of jet dry

**combine this in an AIR TIGHT container**

Use approx. 2 tsp per load.

I hope you enjoy the suggestions.

xoxo







Taking care of colds and flu's quickly and naturally! I promise.

Maybe some of you know that Caden was sick a few weeks ago and I cured him naturally without taking him to the dr. I am still pretty proud of myself. I ordered some herbs with a friend and decided I would make my own elderberry syrup. Its cheaper and I can add what I want to it. Thought I would share the recipe and the ins and outs of it all. xoxo enjoy!

Lets start with

"What is an Elderberry?"

Great question!

Elderberries contain organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitaman A and B and a large amount of vitamin C. They are also mildly laxative, a diuretic, and diaphoretic. Flavonoids, including quercetin, are believed to account for the therapeutic actions of the elderberry flowers and berries. According to test Elderberry's are powerful antioxidants and protect cells against damage. Elderberries were listed in the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs as early as 1985, and are listed in the 2000 Mosby's Nursing Drug reference for colds, flu, yeast infections, nasal and chest congestion, and hay fever. In Israel, Hasassah's Oncology Lab has determined that elderberry stimulates the body's immune system and they are treating cancer and AIDS patients with it. The wide range of medical benefits (from flu and colds to debilitating asthma, diabetes, and weight loss) is probably due to the enhancement of each individual's immune system.

I know right! Who knew?

This stuff is powerful and it doesn't have the nasty reactions as most drugs. I also am in favor of anything that is God given.

So here we go.

Here are the herbs. They are from Bulk Herb Store and they have had pretty much anything I have looked up. If not, they have an option where you can sign up to be notified when they are back in stock. LOVE that option.

This is the mixture. The colors are so beautiful.

Brought to a boil and then simmered uncovered for 20-30 minutes.

 After its done cooking you strain the mixture through cheese cloth. SQUEEZE that juice out!

Add some raw honey...and there you go! Its the best flu syrup you can get! promise!

Here is the recipe:

1/4 cup dried Elderberries

2 Tablespoons dried Rose Hips

2 Tablespoons dried Echinacea

3/4 Teaspoon dried ginger root

1 cinnamon stick

1 Cup filtered water

1/2 cup local raw honey.

Bring first six ingredients to a boil, then let herbs simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. The water will reduce by half. Pour mixture through a mesh strainer or cheese cloth. Press the mixture to squeeze juice out. Discard the herbs. Let syrup cool until you can touch it. Then add honey.

Note: for children younger than 1 year, honey isn't recommended. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.

Dosage: Children take 1-2 tsp a day. Adults take 1-4 tsp a day.

Enjoy!

xoxo

Because I haven't heard Herbs have a recall....EVER!

This post isn't about demonizing Dr's or Nurses who spend long hours being away from their families taking care of sick people. This isn't about that. This is about people taking CHARGE of their health. Hang on to your panties, its about to get serious up in here.

I have been reading articles from Dr's who have moved from using traditional medicines to exclusively using herbs. They are getting better results and longer lasting results with LESS side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. True. Why is this not being discussed in our Dr visits?? Dr's make money when you come back. (Personal opinion, sorry its true.)

Are there things that need a SPECIALIST. Yes. Cancer probably is one of those things.

Adam had a back surgery 7 years ago that still bothers him to this day. Shots are an every other year Dr appointment. Just to tolerate pain. These medicines don't HEAL anything they just numb the pain.

 Pain is your bodies way of telling you something is wrong. Ignoring pain is bad.

Covering pain up. Is worse.

Doing research on herbs that will help Adam with his pain and this is what I have found.

There are three types of pain:

1. Nerve pain

2. Muscle pain

3. Inflammation

Congratulations. You are now a educated.

All three are serious and should be HEALED not covered up. Otherwise you will just continue to reinjure yourself.

So I found these bad boys. There are several ways you can do you herbs.

In a tea. In a tincture. As a glycerin. As an infused oil. or As a capsule.

There is a time to use all of those methods. For Adam this is what I am doing.

Did you know that St Johns Wort actually HEALS nerve damage? It also restores damaged cells. It is also an anti-inflammatory. (amazing herb)

Prickly Ash helps with the shooting and searing pain. They have had cases where the nerve pain wasn't helped AT ALL with pharmaceutical drugs and Prickly Ash took the pain away altogether.

Kava Kava is a very effective remedy for relaxing tension, and it works both on the mind and the muscles. (retail is extremely tense)

Jamaican Dogwood is a very effective and unique remedy for pain.  It has an action on both muscular and nerve pain.

Most of these are in a tincture. Mostly because I don't have time to make a glycerin right now. (Don't worry its coming) I got this so we can test it out for ourselves before I do our own formula. Just like pharmaceutical drugs a "one size fits all" doesn't fit all.

A trip to the Chiropractor is Monday. If your spine is out of whack aint nothing right.

Vitamins are important too. Check and check.

The thing you must understand herbs WONT do the job for your body. They HELP it. Our bodies have become so reliant on pharmaceutical drugs our bodies have forgotten how to fight off everything.

Think of it as welfare if  you must. The less you do for yourself. The more you depend on something or someone else to do it for you. 

AND

Lets me honest. When was the last time you turned on the radio and heard...."Do you know a loved one that has taken St. Johns Wort and died of lung cancer? Call Michael Johnson to see if you qualify for the class action lawsuit." Nope. Not gonna happen.

xoxo

No I haven't TOTALLY lost my mind. Yet.

Good morning! Its Wednesday! I am actually looking forward to blogging now that I have a day I have put aside to blog. It doesn't feel so over whelming. Plus it gives me a little time to think about what I am going to blog about. Then if I feel the URGE to write another post...its just a bonus for you. :) I hope you enjoy todays blog. xoxo

I have always considered my way of life "modern" yet "conservative". We are Christian Republicans. Although I do have friends of all walks of life, this is what works best for our family. I WASNT about "alternative" medicines and thought my "organic" friends had LOST THEIR MINDS! How can food be bad. Its a French Fry. How bad can it really be? Then I met Jaclyn. She calls herself a "crunchie" mom. I thought that was funny. Then we started talking about Oils and Herbs and the things that work for her family. Not sure why, but I was like "That makes sense! Why have I not thought about that?" Then the pinnacle in the relationship happened when I watched Food INC.  My life as I knew it...would never be the same.

There are several turning points in a persons life where they can't turn back. Where a chapter ends and another begins. No matter how hard you try you wont ever be the same. That for me was when I watched Food INC. It was that serious for me.

I belong to this private group on Facebook called "Moms Helping Moms". Its a group where moms can come together and ask questions about just life and we all give advice and encouragement. Its been such a blessing. Its private so we feel comfortable asking questions with people they know. ANYWAY. There are a lot of moms on there that are "Crunchie" and talk about natural remedies with oils and herbs. I jumped on the ban wagon. YES I DID! One that has been the topic of discussion has been Elderberry Syrup. (no not for pancakes) Its flu and cold season.

Caden got sick at church when a mother decided to bring her two daughters to church with a cough and nasty runny noses. Caden caught it. SHOCKER! So instead of taking him to the Dr I decided to do the "Crunchie" mom way and test it out. (keeping in mind I know where my Dr is if I can't fight it myself and knowing where I feel my boundaries ARE. After all I am THE MOM and I know when that point is.) After a week of just being slightly ill. We are 100% over the flu. No sign of a cough, a fever and or a runny nose. Seriously. AND what is even BETTER about all of this. The next time Caden comes into contact with something with someone who is sick, he will have a stronger immune system to help fight it off FASTER and BETTER than last time. Keep in mind. ALL prescriptions have about 100 side effects. Deciding whether to take them and get better and deal with what comes along with the side effects OR do the natural way and not deal with the side effects. That's all I am saying. Do you research. Do what is best for you! Here is what we used.

The Herbs

My grandmother was all about Herbs. Especially Horehound. We all thought she was crazy. Until I looked up this herb for myself. Horehound if you have mucus is THE single most important thing you need. I am not kidding. It makes your cough PRODUCTIVE. Who wants to cough to just cough? If I am going to cough I want to get the crap out! Well this stuff helps do that. I went through an entire bottle of this stuff in a week. Everything Caden drank had this stuff in it.

Got this from our local health store. It is very yummy. It is not your imagination when you use this and 10-15 minutes later they feel better. You do have to use it often. That's the only down fall with herbs. However I think that is a great downfall. No side effects.

This stuff is POWERFUL. I will be making my own next time and adding a few things that are better like Echinacea. Echinacea is like the natural antibiotic! I am super excited about making my own. I will blog about it later PROMISE.

Essential oil

No its NOT doTerra or Young Living. I had this from when I was pregnant with Caden. I put him in the bath twice a day with Epsom salts and let it pull the poison out of his body and the eucalyptus helped with his breathing. This is going to sound strange but the water was always a dingy color when we emptied it. I really feel like the Epsom salt was doing a good job.

I am not sure I will ever have a specific "Brand" I stick with.

The Big Guns.

I have always used the Hyland's brand. We started using it with Caden when he started teething and well. I am a believer. So anything they put out I give a try and if it works for Caden I keep it on hand always.

 Don't let the night time fool you. This didn't make Caden "Sleepy it has a calming effect that made him peaceful. The sleepy time medicines usually WIRE him to the max. This didn't do that. Helped with the cough also. I sometimes gave it to him during the day. I found that it helped day and night with out him being groggy.

Oh sweet mother! This stuff was my favorite! Speaks for itself! Love it.

And I have been looking for Vitamin C tablets and finally found some. Thank you Hylands for being consistent. HOWEVER Caden wont eat these. I have to sneak them into his juice. We went a little overboard on Vitamin C. Your body doesn't store it and if you get to much...it gets tossed out. So bulk up baby!

I know that seems like a lot, and it was really a small pharmacy on my counter top, but you know what he was a champ and told me when it was time for more medicine. He knew it worked for him and knew he felt better when he took it. I am a believer. Children don't lie. They can't by nature unless they are taught.

Look forward to more posts about natural things we will be doing around here.

Thanks for reading. Tell me what you think.

xoxo