The brownies you can't resist.

Ok I am officially caught up. Don't judge me.

I have set out on a mission to make things from scratch. Not because I am "Susie B Homemaker" but because I was tired of things not tasting delicious. I heard my Aunt Jane say once "That isn't even worth the calories I just ate." --So true, so true.

Adam and I both have a hard time eating out now or buying prepackaged foods because really they DONT taste the same. Honestly it doesn't take that much MORE time, just takes a little bit of planning. I thought I would share the BEST BROWNIES EVER. Don't believe me...try them.

I made these this morning...and doubled the batch. --Wait--Before you start making jokes about my pant size...Hear me out. My husband called me this morning and asked me to make some brownies for the bake sale at his work. Ladies!! If your husband is asking you to make something HE LOVES for a bake sale at HIS WORK, you KNOW he is proud. I did what any good wife would do...I made them. 

I have to admit I out did myself this time. Not going to lie. They were THE BOMB!

Here is what I did this time:

I double the batch.

 Turned the oven down 25 degrees and melted chocolate chips in with the butter and sugar. Here is the real recipe.

12 Tablespoons of REAL salted butter (don't cheat)

1 1/2 Cups sugar

2/3 Cup Cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 large eggs

1 Cup flour

**Here is the important part**

DO NOT USE A BLENDER!

Brownies do not like to be played with. (that one is for you mom)

Preheat oven to 350.

Grease an 8x8 pan

Melt the butter and sugar in a sauce pan. Low heat don't burn it.

meanwhile

Beat your eggs in a separate bowl.

After sugar and butter are creamed together. Remove from heat and add Cocoa.

Add eggs.

Add vanilla

Fold in flour.

I love the way none of it really sticks together...its so cool to watch.

Make for about 30 minutes. (I say about because some of you don't like them soft. I DO!)

Enjoy. They are even better with a little bit of ice cream.

Let me know what you think when you try them.

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