Bloated, Tired, And not So sexy!

So I finally just finished a movie that I had set out months ago to watch. No It didn't take me that long to watch it, It took me that long to get it.
Some people have Netflix. I have Blockbuster, (Blockbuster will be the next Hollywood Video.) That statement is only relative to my Californian Readers....(HWV is outta business because they act alot like BB does.) I ordered the movie months ago and it turned from, Available to short wait, to Long Wait. I waited so long that when it came in the mail I was shocked and had totally forgotten about it.

I know the anticipation is killing you. Its Called.....

"Fat Sick and Nearly Dead". Now I had seen clips, trailers, youtube recipes, etc. But everything in between was missing.

My point is that it was a great movie and I cant wait to start Juicing.
Bypassing the texture and weight of the fruit in your digestive tract and just consuming the juices gives you more intake of your Daily 5 and does amazing things for your body. It allows your body to help heal itself from the inside out.

My dad, who has health issues due to cancer and a handful of botched surgical procedures and removals..(Thank you Zion Hospital, ((in San Diego Ca))......... Watched the movie after I did, And has already ordered his Juicer in hopes of losing weight, dropping all the meds, and looking twenty again. lol. (funny joke dad)

Now I know if you're like me, You look at this whole Juicing idea and think, Oh great, PREVENTATIVE MEASURES cost too much.  I cant afford to juice 3 times a day, organic fruits and veggies,....!!!

Thats why Im not going that route. Im going to replace 1 meal a day, and my coffee.....maybe......hopefully........(We'll see). And instead of buying all organic Im going to stick with the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.
If you're wondering what that is, you can find it in one of my previous post.

The machine we've decided on is the Jack Lalanne Ultimate Juicer. Its 99 Dollars and has a lifetime warranty. That's about the going rate at Walmart except those arent crafted as beautifully. And Im told you get 30 percent more juice with this baby!!! Then a recipe book that tells you how to turn your pulp into muffins.

My dad already ordered his and I cant wait to try some Juice, Just as soon as I get mine Ill update you all on the delicious amazing goodness I will be drinking.

I suggest you all watch the movie...

Loving the most out of your clothes*

Good Morning OGIK Readers,
Update:
I wanted to update you all on the homemade deodorant from last week.
I am excited to say that I love love love it! It works great!!!
My armpits are super soft and I have had no odor whatsoever. Also not much sweating. Unless of course its warm outside and im doing my spring planting. (lol) But even then, its not much and like I said NO ODOR!
I encourage you to try this or maybe just go buy a small bottle of Toms of Maine.
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/deodorant


Now that we have that out of the way, Today I want to talk to you about Washing and Drying your clothes!

As you all know, I use a DIY (do-it-yourself) Laundry detergent. Im still working out the bugs, but am for the most part satisfied. My detergent is part Dr. Bronners Castile Soap (Shout out to Escondido, CA...), Lavender water, and borax or Baking Soda. It washes the clothes well, Its super inexpensive to make, and a small jar is lasting about 2 dozen good sized loads, And the clothes smell clean, but not as fragrant as I would like.

So while Im still trying to find the perfect ratio of "this and that" to perfect my detergent, Ive decided to take another approach to the fragrance of my linens, and such.

Im having a hard time not running out and getting a huge bottle of Gain, and some Snuggle Softener and some static cling fabric sheets. The thing Ive noticed with Baking Soda in my detergent and in my hair, Is that Im battling a tad bit with the much hated and feared STATIC!!!
It really is a pain in the butt. I have to fight off things like frizz and fly aways out here in the middle of humidity hell, You'd think the Natural/Green/Tree Hugging fairies could cut me a break!!*(lol, ok, so theres no such thing, But it was better than the alternative of cursing my luck on a public site)

So after a little inspiration and a lot of thinking,...I have come up with two great ideas.

DIY Fabric Softener & DIY Dryer Sheets!

I know right, Super great idea. Why I waited so long is beyond me.
******************************************************

I love the way my clothes smell with that faint scent of Lavender on them. If I could intensify that smell I would. But the only way I could think to do that is add Lavender Essential Oil to the washer. Not only would that be ridiculously costly, but it might damage some of the materials in there. So
ex-nay that idea. Maybe I could just toss the lavender right into the wash, but then I may clog it up and would be pulling lavender petals out of My unmentionables all day.
I read some other blogs and did some research online as to how others are doing it. I seen some great ideas, and took notes. I also seen some that just wouldn't work for me.
I don't want chemicals in the laundry or on my children's skin.
However, It was a great idea for a home-made cheap softener.

You take and mix up a cup of vinegar to a gallon of water and add into it a half bottle of cheap conditioner. They mentioned using Sauve. A fragrance you love.
You put all this into a stockpot and simmer on low heat just enough to break down the binding compounds and incorporate the conditioner so its not a chunky mess floating through out the water,
Then just put in back into the gallon jug and use about a half cup in each load.


That would cost you approximately 3 dollars to make and would last an average of 30+ loads.
A 2 gallon bottle of Snuggle is over 50 dollars.

(I prefer to use a very fragrant organic conditioner, Or Tates Miracle Conditioner because it has no dyes, parabens, and chemicals in it.)(This costs about 2 dollars extra per batch if using an organic conditioner)

Then after using my Natural Homemade Fabric Softener, theres nothing better than hanging the clothes on the line outside. The sun naturally bleaches my whites, Keep my towels and linens fresh, and adds the smell of sunshine, and spring flowers to my clothes.

I understand that there are those of you without a clothesline, or who have too many neighbors and not enough privacy to feel comfortable hanging their skivvys out for the neighbors to see. So for you I have a great idea to reap the same benefits using the dryer.


When the weather was crappy, wet, windy, overcast, stormy, etc.I wanted a way to have soft clothes thats were less static clingy and smelled just as good as blowing in the breeze. I researched several ideas....
I thought about buying dryer balls to throw in, but don't feel comfortable with the idea of hot plastic in the dryer. So I pondered. The concept of something heavy that beats your clothes is do-able. What next...
Smell, Hmmm. Something pleasant and calming. Without the dyes, commercial fragrances, and the cost....(Who doesn't want to smell amazing right :-)But how can I do it without having to prep a new batch every week, .....

And last but not least....Static. I was ready to give up fleece and silk inevitably!!

But then, A miracle,....Here's what I came up with,.........
Its simple and cheap. And you can do it in minutes!!!

You could take old wash cloths, drench them with your home made Softener,(above) wring them out, and throw that in the dryer as a dryer sheet.

~~~~> Or you can take pebbles, stones, or marbles,...

For now, I used Pebbles as I have a garden full of them. The husband is working in Savannah Georgia right now and will be bringing home Beach Rocks for me. (They are wonderful because they are infused naturally with Sea Salt which helps with static and softening.)

Then Take an old sock, or some Cheese Cloth,.....



Unfold it partially, but keep it double layered, Then add the pebbles to it. It shouldn't be super heavy, Just enough to throw its weight around. About as heavy as an apple.

I then added a handful of lavender. You can add whatever you like. Flower petals, potpourri, essential oils,  Orange And Lemon peels works great!!! Fresh or Dried!!! The heat draws out the oranges' natural oils. Or get a little crazy and combine several scents.

Then make a knot in the top of your sock or gather your up your cheesecloth. Make small incisions in your cloth and tie some yarn through it or a zip tie. Something that wont break. I say make the incisions like your sewing the bag closed so that tie wont slip off while its beating around it the dryer. Or you can find Milk Nut bags and Drawstring Cheesecloth bags like this one at your local health food store...

Throw it in every dryer load. It should be good for quite some time. When you want a fresh & strong smelling batch, Take out the pebbles and add them to a new bag with fresh lavender.... The great thing is you can hang the old batch in your closet. It helps ward off moths that may ruin your clothes. So you're reusing/recycling and it smells way better than moth balls.
And thats it, Easy Peesy Lemon Squeezy. :-)

Im so excited for you all to try this and cant wait to hear about what you thought.
Please leave your comments..... Let me know if loved it, hated it, shared it,....etc.

And let me know if theres anything youd like to learn more about.

Sincerely <3 Miranda from OGIK.

Homemade Deodorant ...

So as promised I went out into the world And made great things.
(Or into the kitchen to make deodorant)
Either way, I feel good about myself.




I put the Coconut Oil in a pot of hot water to melt it without destroying the content or reaching a smoking point. (this took about 2 minutes)

I used 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1/4 cup of Baking Soda, And 5 tbsp of Coconut Oil.

Lou Anns Pure Coconut. Im not sure if this is refined or not, however, refined oils or non virgin oils are bleached and tormented so they lose there values.

Look for pure and unrefined.

The mixing process, Melting the oil first helped to incorporate the dry ingredients easier.

Mix, Mix, Mix.

(this took about 3 minutes)

Then I added 8-10 drops of Sweet orange and 5 drops of Lemon Essential Oils.
Lemon is an antifungal and Antibacterial. And the orange is calming and soothing.

As it cools youll notice the consitency begin to change.

Once it thickened to the texture of a warm frosting, I began to drop it in. If it was any thinner it would run out the bottom.

After about 5 minutes this is how it looked.

I then stuck my deodorant in the freezer to completely cool it. 

And here is the finished product. It came out great, set wonderfully, and I am super freakin proud of me.

WaHlah!!

Enjoy. And comment to let me know if you try it, or have any changes, or ideas.

<3 You OGIK.

My under arms are irritating the hell out of me.

Ok, So Im turning out to be the worst blogger ever, It seems almost easier to take a picture of my newest venture and post to my wall on Facebook, along with a little caption that says, "Look what I did".

I dont imagine that this blog has changed anyones life or that anyone actually trys to walk down this path of sheer craziness with me. I do however believe that this is where my wonderful California friends come to read about my newest crazy scheme, lol, or people stumble upon this blog while bored.
I do it all the time, blog surf, when Im bored...:)

But Ill continue to do this, Because I believe someone, somewhere, someday will read a post, try it, and BAM....they will be forever changed. And maybe it'll be this post...

Im not shy. Ill usually talk about anything! Best part is you cant see me typing this, and you i don't have to face anyone while their face turns beet red. lol

My armpits are irritating the hell out of me. I hate dislike deodorant. I hate dislike the way it feels when im hot, I hate dislike the way it rubs on all my shirts and leaves that annoying white streak or potential deodorant stain, I hate, dislike, NO...I hate the way I have had to change brands a hundred times because supposedly my pH balance had altered due to tiny humans being created in my girly organs. Didn't see that one coming. I expected hemorrhoids, heartburn, & stretchmarks, But to still be having armpit trouble 5 years later....Come on.

Ive tried and tossed,
*Soft & Dry
*Secret
*Degree
*Teen Spirit
*Suave
*Dove
*Sure
*Right Guard

They work for about a month and then Id start sweating again. So Id change brands yet again or go back to an old one. (I currently have 4 different sticks in the drawer.) And no matter what I used, I always felt like a horse looks, you know when you remove the saddle and saddle pads and under all the harnesses they have that frothy white sweat,....Mmmmmmm.
Little did I know that the aluminum in deodorant is bad for you and that my pores were being clogged, which is why I was sweating more and more. (Girls dont sweat, they glisten)Right?!


Wait Ladies,...Do we eve know whats in Deodorant????
Ok class, Pay attention.

There are 7 ingredients to avoid(that are in your deodorant)

Aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly or any aluminum compounds. Aluminum is absorbed through the skin and accumulates in the body and in the blood stream. ewwww. It has been suggested that there is an association between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease.

Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, benzyl and butyl), are all derived from toluene, a toxic petrochemical derivative. Toluene is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. (These Parabens are in almost everything in the beauty world, Your perfumes, Shampoo, Soaps, Bath Oils.) It is also harmful in contact with the skin. There is some evidence that repeated exposure to toluene may cause reproductive harm. Since 2000, 13 research studies have shown that various types of parabens act like estrogen in animals and in tissue culture. Estrogen is known to drive the growth of cancerous cells.

Especially in BREASTS, Ladies. And where does the deodorant sit all day??? One inch from your breast. Scary huh. Whats even more scary,.... You've been using it since 5th grade sex ed class. Remember when you got that first tiny bottle. You took it home with your STD packet and your single use condom.?.... Awesome, I don't think I had even sweat yet,... Or had sex. Way to go school system. (Thats a whole nother blog lol)

Well, we have been wearing it since that day. For me that's been 16 years.

Plus- Have you ever noticed if you get deodorant on your hands and it ends up in your mouth it leaves your tongue numb?!?! Wth.

Here's another CUTE FACT: Parabens never leave your body. Every time you squirt, or drench, your skin in those perfumes and body sprays, the parabens and chemicals seep into your blood stream, and they never leave. And yet, hours later you need more. Hmmmm. Point being, These chemicals damage us.

And just some food for thought: Every bit of the blood in your body runs through your heart and lungs and is filtered by your liver. So imagine your blood traveling around, leaving deadly chemicals in your arteries, and a few in your lungs, and a few more in your liver. These toxins build up over the years, Until ....finally.....you get cancer and die.

True Story. :-) End of story.

So Back to the blog,
The more deodorant I used the worse I sweat.
I decided to go off of it for a while. No deodorant!!
I mean why not, I quit using shampoo. Might as well be gross all around. LOL. Just joking. And PS, I use an Organic Gluten free Shampoo now. Its freaking amazing....

So The first few days I noticed I sweat. A little more than I would like. Then after about 3 days, I quit. I didn't sweat at all. And when i did "Glisten" I didn't get that sticky wet feeling. And best of all, My B.O. was gone. Not that I had BO before, but this new exciting form of sweat didn't have a bad smell.
So I started studying. The aluminum actually makes your pits sick and confused, And the deodorant clogs your pores. You have very important Lymph-nodes in your armpits, And shoving a cancer causing and clogging chemical up in there is not a good idea. Once your pits get clogged they sweat even more to try and drain the crap out of there. So you pack on more. Endless expensive cycle.
In fact, when I stayed with my daughter in the hospital last week, They kept the temp so low I would freeze, then we'd get it warmer and Id sweat. I was stressed and living in a sweater and jeans in a reclining chair. So I decided to try my deodorant just once, and within 20 minutes I was sweating and my pores were stinging and burning, Needless to say I had to wash it out.

Now Ive decided I am going to experiment and try to make my own. I technically dont have to wear it at all anymore. Granted Ive only gone through the cooler months without it, But i hardly sweat at all anymore.
I am going to try this so Im prepared for the summer. And for you of course.


~I have everything I need at home to make a simple deodorant.
I would like to use beeswax in it because its amazing for your skin and keeps it solid passed 76 degrees, so later on If i decide to add it, Ill just remelt the deodorant, add it, then resolidify.

You'll need-
5-6 Tbsp Coconut oil
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
And 1-2 deodorant bottles.

Combine equal portions of baking soda & arrowroot powder/cornstarch. Then slowly add coconut oil and work it in with a spoon/fork until it maintains the substance you desire. (Coconut Oil is solid until it reaches 76 degrees, So you need to take a fork and mush these ingredients together.) It should be about the same texture as the store bought kind, solid but able to be applied easily. You can either scoop this into your old dispensers(make sure that its empty and cleaned, And twisted all the way down) or place in a small container with lid and apply with fingers with each use.
Im also going to be adding about 10 drops of sweet tangerine essential oil for a sweet clean calming scent...And may refrigerate it after its made to really solidify it.
After applying the product, you can just rub the remains into your hands as a lotion! Yeah!

This recipe lasts about 3 - 6 months.

I will take pictures and document it later when I make it so u can have a step by step guide. :-)
Thanks for reading OGIK, time to get busy, Ill see you later.

Ps TGIF!

Yours Truly, Miranda

The month of february!

Sorry it's been a few weeks. So much has happened in my. Crazy hectic life. My 4 year old was sick, twice. My son turned 7, and had some tests run. And my 8 yr old is currently soaking in a tub. My husband at some point this week said ,"when it rains, it pours"!
What a true statement. It seems like if it could happen to us it did.

Let me start out with, I missed you guys so much. Every corner that held something new was a moment I thought, dang, I need to share this with OGIK!

Ok well it all started about three weeks ago when my youngest got sick. I tried everything to make her better. Turned out she had bronchitis! She had to go on breathing treatments and medicine to keep her from having breathing attacks. Just so happens this awful week my husband was trucking through The lower U.S. And could be of no assistance. I did what I could with eucalyptus oil as a topical oil on her chest, which really helped open her lungs when shed have a spasm, and peppermint oil for her temps, and after 8 days it finally went away. It was a long process in which I lost my job because I requested a day off to care for my child. I won't name names or point fingers because, I'm nicer than that, but if I wasn't, I say this particular company employees it's share of jack asses any how:-) And I am better off :-)
anyways....


My baby went back to school for a total of 4 days. On Day 4 she came home with a temperature of 102. I took her home, gave her a cool cloth, and let her sleep. She was so tired. She slept all that day, and most of the next. She would eat then sleep, and wake up for an hour, then go back to sleep. Around 2 pm that day she spiked a fever that registered 103.8 under the arm. I immediately took her to her doctors where she was admitted to the hospital. She spent a week in a croup O2 tent. Meds around the clock every 3 hours, over 1100 ml of heavy duty antibiotics and 2 IV's. She was dehydrated and they couldn't figure out what was wrong. They said RSV. Swine flu, seasonal flu, pneumonia etc. Turns out she had pneumonia, sinal bronchitis and the flu. Happy to say she's now home and well.

Unfortunately the rest of the family caught her flu bug including my poor dad who may be hospitalized because of it. Please pray for him.

My son had a strange spot form over night on his scalp four weeks ago. We were concerned with the possibility that it may be cancerous, so our amazing family doctor took a sample of it. I'm please to say that it is just a mole.

Now we are semi caught up to date, the whole family is sick with the flu, and
My oldest child is on antibiotics for her throat. She had been on them 4 days when me and the baby came home from the hospital. (did I meantion I managed to avoid all sickness until the day she was declared better and was released, then I became ill) Anyways, the day after I got back I noticed some red dots on my oldest daughter. The next day she was covered. Every inch of her. If I tried to play connect the dots,....I'd have been there a long time. Turns out she's allergic to the penicillin family.


See, I told you it was a long few weeks.
I officially hate public schools with there germ ridden children. Hey um... Parents, if you're child is sick, man up and stay home and take care of your child. Don't send them to school for someone else to babysit. Eventually they sneeze or cough, then those water droplets infused with death float around in the air until they make contact with someone's mucus membranes and BAM!!! I have a sick kid. Obviously I'm from California where the PTA just gangs up and kicks your butt, however, here I'd have to kick alot of butts. So to spare me from losing friends, lol please keep your kids home.


Anyways, here's a few things I found to help..
I sponge bathed my rash baby with chamomile tea and after two baths, the rash got lighter. I'll continue to do this until it's gone.
Lavender tea(to drink) calms you inside and out and helps with infections, colds, and stomach aches.
And coconut oil, (which my amazing family doctor told me about) is great on eczema and dry skin. I'm still finding uses for it so I'll let you know as I find them.

I challenge you to venture out and see what amazing things hide in your spice cupboard.

Yellow Zucchini Casserole

As promised, here is the recipe for last night.


I Boiled about 16 oz of spinach pasta in a stock pot while i made the sauce.

In a separate skillet, I drizzled about 2 TBS of Sun roasted tomato Olive Oil. Into the oil I added 1 red onion chopped small. 2 pearl onions, and 3-4 cloves of garlic.
I seasoned with oregano, sea salt, and pepper.

(NEXT TIME IM GOING TO ADD BELL PEPPER)

After a few minutes I added 3 yellow zucchini's, slices about 1/4 inch thick.(I peeled and washed it first.)

I let them all saute for about 5 minutes.
Then I added 1 can of diced tomatoes with peppers in it.

After that I stirred in 1 jar of tomato sauce.
And 1 lb of cooked hamburger meat. You can do it with Mutton, or Turkey.
I also chopped up a handful of fresh Parsley and a small clump of fresh Cilantro.

Then I let it all cook together for ten minutes. Add a pinch of Paprika and a little more Sea Salt and Pepper.

It was already so good by this point!!! The Zucchini takes on any flavor you want it to.

Then I added the Pasta to the Pan. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.



I used a hand full of cheese, but you can use more or less. Or substitute with cream cheese or ricotta.

Then I pored my sauce on top of this and added another handful of cheese.

YUM!!!

Cook it at 350- for about 10-15 minutes just to melt the cheese and heat the pasta through.

Serve with an Organic, fresh Salad & a homemade vinaigrette..

Mine has honey, vinegar, Olive oil, Dijon, And agave.

AND ENJOY. SUPER SIMPLE....CHEAP. AND HEALTHY!



Laryngotracheobronchitis

So the much dreaded, feared, and unruly monster in the night has finally reached my home.

It would seem only fit that after 8 years of no major childhood illnesses, other than the few self inflicted, that I would feel comfortable assuming that most of those things we dread as early or new parents,....Would finally happen to me. Ive had quite the week of ailments. Last week I found a spot on my sons head that is thought to be Scalp Nevus. Its a random mole and his 2 mini mole buddies that just decided to make a home of my child's scalp. As a parent let me tell you, The Internet is either your best friend or your worse enemy, but never both at the same time. Moms.....We cant be doctors. There is no PHD being given away on Wikipedia. The first thing I thought was possible birthmark, a late bloomer that decided to pop up. Or maybe a mole that I missed that has been growing over time. Then I went online and started to read and find pictures of the same thing that turned out to be a carcinoma, and skin cancers. Or brain tumors finding their way to the surface. I started thinking about what have i fed him, have one of those BPA filled cans with the dent in it contaminated his food in the past. Is it cancer. Will I have a bald son? Will they cut his head? Tubes? Chemo? Radiation? AM I going to lose my only son at 6?

So I made him a doctors appointment. Ok now I just want to clarify that I am a damn good mom looking for safer healthier alternatives for my kids....That doesn't mean that I wont take them to conventional hospitals with conventional medicines and over paid doctors. So that what I did. His doctor, Believe it or not,. Just so happens to think exactly like I do. So she was amazing! She measured it, Reassured me that She didnt think it was cancerous and said to come back in one month. Which I will.

Now theres the other scary monster, the one I was talking about to begin with...

Laryngotracheobronchitis!

Otherwise, Better known as the much feared Croup.

Cheyenne woke me up tonight, Barking like a seal. Its distinctive. I always wondered what it would sound like and if I would know....And Yep...Sure enough. You KNOW!
I made her a cup of respiratory health tea. Added some honey for the antibacterial properties, and added some agave nectar for xtra sweetness.

Then I sat down. Hello Best Frenemy. It seems to be the first place I go. Thank the good Lord Im a fast reader, Because seriously theres to much on the Bing. lol

I know from all the time in Nursing schools, that with Croup she should have Stridor, Or a harsh sounding in her lower lungs. So I broke out the stethoscope and listened....

Just as I suspected. Stridor, So loud on inhalation that I had to ask her if she was doing that on purpose.
What A God Awful noise to have coming out of your child's lungs.

I read some more about it, It can be very dangerous. If your child has it, or gets it, you need to decide for yourself the best method of tackling this little pest. If you notice excessive drooling, or a hard time swallowing, with your child's croup, You should seek medical attention immediately or call 911.

For me, I weighed the odds. It can be crucial for a child aged newborn-2. Because their lungs are so tiny! And there airways can be easily closed off. However its usually gone by 5, never to be seen from again. After age 5, CROUP, this much feared haggler of the night, Becomes what us mothers know better as the common cold, the flu, or just simply that junk in their lungs(Mucus).

By 5, the kids are more developed, the lungs and airways are bigger, and you have considerably less to worry about.

Although, as I sit here on the couch with her tiny feet in my lap and that horrible barking cough at the other end, I pray that God will heal her and help me to make all the right choices.
Cheybug is 4 so her lungs are healthy and otherwise grown adequately. She gets tons of fresh air, daily, and is very active.

Croup can be managed until its gone. Most children get it 2-6 days after being exposed to a sick kid. It used to be that kids would get the deadly bout of croup from measles and the plague and junk like that, But with the all the shots most kids dont get that stuff now adays. Unlucky for me Chey is non immunized. She cant handle them, or couldn't when she was a baby. Watching your 2 month old struggle for air beneath her Cyanotic distended abdomen is an awful thing.

Anyways, hopefully she doesn't follow this up with the measles.

Like I was saying, Croup doesn't have to be hospitalized until its out of control or not taken care of. I always like to rebuttal with this argument when people tell me how Im an awful mom for not pricking my kids with The "governments secret, animal tested, poison formulas" that supposedly control all the death causing disease but don't affect your body negatively....

If you know your CDC guides on Immunizations like I do, You'll clearly see where the CDC, Center for Disease Control, writes that simple immunizations have worse possible side effects than if your child was to actually get sick.

I am not one of those moms that sends my kid to school sick. I don't ignore little sniffly noises, I immediately spring into action....... See Below.............

(Except my boobs don't look that perky. lol.) I Make soups, and get out the oils, and make midnight tea, and force raw fruits.

So I have a few little suggestions for any moderate cases of Croup....

Mom, you can do this. Stay Calm. Croup is not as bad as we thought. Unless your child is very small and very new. (PS... This is not an advice column on how to ignore the doctor, If your child is too young or under developed get your butt to the hospital) Otherwise, if its manageable. .... Theres no medicine for it anyway unless u need O2 treatments, so they will just monitor it or give you a cough suppressant. Cough suppressants are NEVER good ideas. Don't mask your child's sickness, Deal with it.!!

Anyways,

Invest in teas.  Talk to your local Health food store to see what is in season and in stock.

Wash the bedding extra this week, (But dont go crazy with products like LYSOL and harsh chemicals and aerosols. Some hot water and soap will do the trick. Even squeeze some fresh lemon onto a rag and wipe down furniture.

Moist Air.....Hot bathrooms, Steaming kettles....Cold brisk air outside.

Honey.. A spoonful of honey is an antibacterial, antimicrobial and has amazing healing properties.

Vitamin A,.....

Kali.mur is something that Ive read alot about but Im not sure what it is. Ill find out and let you know.

Also, Eucalyptus Oil. 4 drops mixed with a carrying oil and rubbed on the chest will open the lungs and make breathing easier. Or drop a few drops into a bowl of steamy water.

Peppermint Oil is also effective.

I rubbed a few drops of her chest after her cup of tea and she fell right to sleep breathing easier and not coughing.

I suggest that before you reach for that cough medicine or assume its just another winter bug, Do some research and find out how to naturally, safely, and effectively treat your child. And keep in mind that not all those scary bumps in the night that we've spent years praying to avoid, are really that big of a monster, More like not necessary hype to scare parents into shots and drugs.

The best thing about Naturopathy, is you're not bogging down your kids natural fighters, & filling them with a sluggish poison that prevents their bodies.."God given duties" from doing their jobs. You're also allowing them to build healthy immunities that will be able to fight off illness if it does come your way.

Ill keep you updated, thanks for reading.

 

This blog has no title. :-)

Hello Blogging World, And Devout Readers/ (Over-Begged and Indulgent Friends)
lol

Well, My blogs are certainly becoming further apart. I think the excitement of being able to say, "yeah I have my own web page" has worn off. I do love doing it though. I found that as I go through my day I catch myself saying,"Oh I cant wait to blog about that"!!!

I Usually do and then I get off on some overly passionate tangent. I just think that if someone takes the time to explain to you all the dangers of your home, food, etc.... Why wouldn't you want to change. At least one thing.

Ok, See there I go. :-)

Well, This week we tossed the Microwave. Im proud to say its been a whole week and nobody died. My husband did have an accident one cold night where he craved some Taco Lasagna after I fell asleep... He later confessed to plugging in the microwave in the laundry room. lol.

It seems like it would be difficult at first but its really not to bad. If you figure the only thing you need to microwave are frozen dinners, popcorn in a bag, something processed, and leftovers....And we don't eat anything with an ingredient list. I just pop in the leftover casserole for 10 minutes and its hot again.

I also was telling you how we cut the grocery bill in half,..... That's proving to be quite the stress reliever. Its amazing how many veggies and fruits I put on the conveyor belt now. In fact: I completely bypass all the center isles, end caps, and frozen section at the store. No lunch meats, frozen foods, margarine, artificial anythings. That's alittle harder. But I feel relieved and like some kind of incredible super mom when i see that I shopped the outer ends of the store and have no ingredient list.

Lets see,....... What else... Oh the NO POO challenge. I have had some difficult moments, I wont lie. If I screw up and use to much b.soda, I fight to get it silky again. If I scrub really good, I have no oily hair for at least 4 days. But that I have some agitating tangles near the roots. Its been touch and go this week. I found that fresh squeezed Lemon is fricken magic. lol. The bottled stuff is not considerably...."A JOKE"
I will be heading to another larger health food store this week, Hoping to find an organic all natural shampoo. And maybe a conditioner, Fingers crossed. Dont get me wrong, my hair is super clean and I love the shine and the way its self lightened two shades, But Im tired of trial and error. At least for a while.

Ummm, what else. .....



I have come up with some amazing recipes this week.
Instead of cinnamon rolls with icing. I made Strawberry Jam Rolls with a fresh lemon glaze.. It was amazing.


2 cups Jiffy Mix
2/3 cup milk...

Mix til it forms a dough, Then kneed 20 or so times. Roll into a 15x9 rectangle.
Spread with a homemade strawberry Jam or An organic spread.
A dash of cinnamon, Then roll Lentghwise.
Cut into 1 inch strips and place on a prepared baking sheet.

350- for 10 minutes.

After ten minutes, remove them from the oven and drizzle your icing on top. Then put back in for 5 minutes. Enjoy!

For the icing

Honey, Agave, (Or powdered sugar)
1/2 of a lemon zested.

Make a thin liquid to your desired sweetness.




I think that's it for now. I will post later this week, First can I share with you guys something.
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 I know nobody wants to hear the girl that preaches Natural, Healthy, Simple, Sustainability, Say that she is not heaklthy... But seriously. Not so much.

I think that why I finally decided to go all in with this. Force my children and husband to jump in.

3 years ago I found out I had a tumor. There was 8 or 9 different medical opinions, from Doctors, and Surgeons, and even the Xray Techs.  What was a small issue that could be cut out or seared, then became a mass, which was then possibly cancerous, then it was benign, then it was my hormones. Then I was a 23 yr old with the possibilty of menopause, and screwed up hot FLASHES.

Now Im a 26 yr old with No answer., Why!?!? Because after all those opinions and not one damn diagnosis and 3 small babies to raise, I never went back. I didnt return the phone calls or reevaluate the surgery options, or the drug treatments.  No body could agree, no body knew what the hell they were looking at.....So i gave up... Yup. I figured it would go away. But it didnt.

Now I live with excrutiating pain at least 10 days a month and manageble pain the rest. I have hot flashes and bone aches, and I am ALWAYS nauseus. I am always sick. And I am ALWAYS tired. The tired never ends. I feel tired usually within ten minutes of waking up. And then i am fatigued all day. All day Everyday of my life. It sums up to constant pain, nausea, exhaustion, mood swings, and hot flashes every day for the last three years. It makes everyday a challenge. EVen simple things like walking to the bus stop, Talking on the phone, Making dinner....Even moving off the couch,..... a horrible inconvenience, sometimes, I cant even remember what pain free is like. My tolerence to pain has become so high that childbirth would be a breeze....seriously!

 Why you would want to know that is beyond me, But I needed to vent...(Mostly because after only a 5 hour day at work) I am completely torn down, Laying in bed,....fighting back the constant urge to vomit.) I am hoping along the way I will find the answer my body needs to fight this....Whatever "THIS" is and to prevent my children from being sick like this....


Anyways, The hubbers has yet another comforting bath going, So Ive gotta go but well catch up on a better day this week. Thanks for reading...

Ok, so I know its been a few days. But trust me I needed a little vacation. The husband is home from being on the road, and I got some much needed down time.
I knew when my head achieved a complete 360 degree rotation, that it was time to go into hiding.

But It opened some awesome doors. I got to spend grown up time having grown up conversation with some real live grown ups. (Score) I went to work, I grocery shopped....(You'll be happy to know, That not only did I not buy anything with an ingredient label, But I also cut my grocery bill in half!!!)

True Story!!

I also went to the library to check out some amazing books, I HIGHLY recommend

"Super Natural Home" by Beth Greer.

The first chapter is incredible. The first page is Incredible. I was totally hooked after the first line.

I suggest you check it out.!!

So, After The library, the bank, the Grocery store and a lunch date with friends, Me and the hubbers, Drove to the Trading Post. The Trading Post is a store run by two of the most lovely people Ive met here in Kentucky.
Betty Yoder showed me some amazing herbs, took me into her herb room, and taught a few valuable things.

Needless to say I will be back!!

I picked up almost a half pound of Lavender flowers, Some Chamomile flowers, Peppermint Oil, Lemon Oil, Castile Soap, And some tea.

I cam home, Put away all my organic foods:-) And made some Laundry soap and shampoo.

Did I mention that the reason I went was for my stomach bug ridden child....

Betty Gave me some Peppermint oil to rub on Cheyennes tummy which, combined with Lavender bath, (Boil the lose flowers in a tea pot then strain the water into the bath, Otherwise the flowers stick to you and the walls...)
And the Chamomile and Fennel seed tea made her feel 100 times better. (Fennel seed is a common kitchen spice.)

(I rubbed the peppermint right on her tummy and it subsided her aches, Then I stirred her tea with my finger which put the peppermint oil in her tea. You really only need to tip of a tooth pick dipped in oil for the tea. This Essential Oil is incredibly strong. It can be rubbed on the bottom of feet for temperatures, and rubbed on the temple for a head ache.)

(Chamomile soothes Pain in the stomach as does Fennel Seed.)

And I was amazed at how a sickness that ran its course of 7 painful days on me, Lasted only 2 days on her.

I also used some of those lavender flowers along with the Castile soap to make Laundry detergent that smells good and cleans!

The laundry soap was
1/2 cup castile soap.
1/2 cup borax or baking soda.
A fresh squeezed lemon.
And fill the remainder of the container with lavender water.

I use 1/4 cup of the detergent in a full load. To soak your whites use borax and make a pate to rub on them, Let the stain sit for an hour or so, then wash.

And hang your clothes in the sun to naturally and harmlessly bleach them.

 These are my Lavender flowers. Just a 1/4 cup in a tea pot makes for a wonderful bath soak. (Great for cranky kids, or tired moms)

Here's my Hoosier, with the body soap, and hair conditioning rinse, and Laundry detergent that I so proudly made.

I know that as a nation we have become so dependant on the finer things in life also being the convenient and easier things in life, But knowing what I know now, I could never put these things into my children's bodies, or into our homes without feeling horrible. Without knowing exactly what I was doing. By continuing to live the was we have, Im saying to my kids, "Hey its a gamble, of course, but Im going to willing let you get childhood leukemia, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer, cavities, lower your I.Q, and possibly watch you die before me." "why, Because Chef Boyardee, is easier and less time consuming, Fruit Loops is easier than Fresh Fruit,... Mc Donald's gives you a toy.... And that's just the food friends.

Did you know conventional non organic popcorn lists 33 insecticides, 38 herbicides, 5 fumigants, 15 fungicides, and 4 misc chemicals in the Popcorn Boards 2008 AGRI CHEMICAL HANDBOOK.

That's crazy!!! Why not just top your BUTTER-O-MATIC with some spray paint. And they say feeding yourself nonorganic fruit is like buying fruit and then spraying roach spray on it and taking a big ole bite...Why? Why would we continue to live and eat like this if we are aware.

I am changing my home. You can change yours.

*Try Buying foods that have NO INGREDIENT LIST, or a small ingredient list, with words you understand.

*Also, Try cleaning your home with organic natural cleaners or homemade ones out of white vinegar and baking soda.

*And shop the Shoppers List of fruit and veggies. By the Dirty Dozen organic. You find this list in a  previous blog.

Just by changing those 3 things you've already improved your child's life and your own greatly.

Before I go, I wanted to update you on the NO POO challenge. I have been washing my hair without conventional shampoo for almost 2 weeks.  I noticed the color has gotten much lighter, and it smells great. Ive only had to wash it 3 times. And that's pushing it. I could probably get away with washing it once a week. The oil has diminished greatly, it shines and sparkles.

I had an issue on the second wash where I used to much baking soda and it was kinda dry/crunchy feeling, so I got in the bath and just washed it with a honey rinse. Problem solved. All hair types are different. And we've spent our whole lives putting these chemicals on it, so there is a period where your hair goes through changes, Just like your body does during a pregnancy. If you cant hold out during these changes and experiment with your hair, than try a natural organic chemical free shampoo from the Health Food Store.


Thanks for reading everyone. If you have any questions let me know,

I hope you are one step closer to Organically Washing your House of its over chemically run lifestyle.

:o)

My gratitude to someone special.

I was sitting here thinking, and I had a small flashback. I rememeber the very first time I was introduced to this more natural way of living. To Homeopathy and Natural Medicine.
I was on a road trip with a very good friend, and I came down with a horrible cold/flu and just remember feeling awful. Sore throat, headache, crappy feeling all over.
Anyways, she stopped off at a small store and bought some Echinacea spray, Echinacea lozenges, and chewable Vitamin C.

She took care of me on the road til I felt good as new.

She taught me how to ride horses bare back, and taught me to care for their health, and their foals, and how to imprint them. She taught me to pick wild berries. And to appreciate nature and the world around me, From the creation of a life, to the most peaceful flutter of a butterfly. She taught me to travel, and to love the road. (Which is something that to this day I cannot control,......... the need to be on the road or discovering somewhere new.) She taught me to drive. She gave me solitude and a place to hide when the world was rough. She showed me how a simple seed could grow into something beautiful and vibrant with love........

She had a big impact on my life. She helped shape parts of me. Taught me to love and trust, and to live natural and simply and peacefully. Most important, she taught me that sometimes you have to let it go if its not healthy for you.

Since I was 15, she has always been an inspiration to me. And always will be.

                                                                    ~*~

A best friend to me, A Big Sister to me. And Someone I will always, no matter what look up to.

 So, Thank you to you for shaping me,...

Sincerely,

Essentially Healthy Aromatherapy, (Essential Oils)

When I was in college for nursing, I learned a great many things. Things that have influenced my life now, The way I raise my kids. Going thru those classes and semesters of different medical Approach,...showed me things I would have never known. I studied Chinese Medicine, Accupuncture/Accupressure, Hollistic Medicine, Herbs, And Essential Oils.

The Oil part of my education was based on the use of them in therapy. Therapy for the body or Mind, Sports, Physical, Occupational, Speech. It didnt matter the cause, The outcome could all be greater than Science gave it. Greater Than doctors, and labcoats, tweeking our medication. Giving us an injection for this pain, and a cream for that pain, and a sedative for something else, and then 5 more medications because they needed to mask the side effects of the injection and cream. I refuse to subject my children to that. "Heres a flu shot that may or may not prevent you from getting ill. And the side effects will be unknown for now because we are slowly poisoning you with mercury and antifreeze. But please bring your kid back next year to get another one"

PARENTS- DID YOU KNOW THAT EVERY YEAR THE FLU CHANGES, EVERY SINGLE YEAR THE FLU MORPHS INTO A NEW STRAIN.
WHEN YOU GO INTO THE DOCTORS TO GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT YOU ARE GETTING A SHOT THAT HAS 3 DIFFERENT STRAINS IN IT.

ITS 2012 AND YOURE ABOUT TO RECIEVE AN INJECTION THAT HAS THE LIVE CULTURES OF 1975, 1983, AND 2001.

Does this make sense? Would you go in and let them put unknown (to you) things into your body, when you're not even really protected.

Have you ever takin the time to read the CDC's list of possible outcomes, and actual side effects before you innoculated your kids?

Anyways, Im getting off course here.

So in Nursing School I learned that Essential Oils, Which are the natural oils derived from natural plants, are actually quite amazing.
They help with so many things, headaches, nerves, pain, nausea, etc....


Take a look below for some examples.

Is there anything you smell that just takes you somewhere else entirely??
For me its Chocolate... lol, Just kidding.

Its the rain. I can smell a storm coming a mile away. I love that smell of fresh rain in the clouds. To me, It smells like heaven. Like all that water is pushing the surface of those clouds, building up, and just waiting to explode onto the earth. Its clean, It fresh, .... The whole world around becomes my own little day dream. When I smell Rain coming, I for some reason have to drop my head back, close my eyes, and just inhale. It changes my mood, it fills my lungs, and then I usually get the urge to put on as little clothes as possible and work in it. I love the way rain feels on a Hot summer day, bouncing off your cheeks and legs.

For me, it would be the rain,....
(PS It just started raining)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well Essential Oils have the ability to do that also.

Did you know that many Doctors will tell you not to waste your money on Baby Shampoo. Johnson and Johnson (sorry J&J)... Your new baby doesnt need to be cleaned with conventional soaps. They already smell Heavenly for no apparent reason, when theyre born. And they cannot walk or crawl, So why wash them with a bunch of chemicals and perfumes. Your pediatrician will tell you to just wipe them down with a warm cloth.

Now if your like me I had to have the Wash with Lavender and Chamomile. I swore it made the babies sleep better. And if they slept,.... That meant Mommy Slept. And if Mommy slpet, well than the world didnt stop turning. ( This was before college, and the apparent educated decisions)

When I had my 3rd child in 2007, I learned could give her the same bath, only better, healthier, and cheaper. So instead of baby wash and perfumes, I went and bought Oils. I ran her little newborn bottom a bath, (after the belly button healed of course) And added a few drops of Lavender to her tub. Thats it. You thought J&J smelled good, well the real thing is even better. And she slept even better. In fact when she was fussy Id do it to. The Lavender calms and soothes,  Basil takes away migraines, Stops them in their tracks, Eucalyptus prevents flea from attacking your pets, and is very useful when you have a head cold or bronchitis. So is Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint, & Cedarwood Myrtle.(For Lung issues.)

Essential Oils have so many uses. (Dont Eat them unless directed,) In that case you would put your oil into a tincture which would be in a base drink, water, juice, etc. And take as instructed by your doctor or an herbalist. Or if youve studied and have knowledge of the oils compounds and effects.

Your oils can be used in Diffusers too.

Oil are used to prevent flus, to be an antibacterial, antifungal, or anti microbial...

Heres a great recipe for Hand Sanitizer.

Homemade Hollistic Hand Sanitizer.

You'll need
*Unscented basic lotion from Health food store.
*E.O-Melissa, Thyme Thujanol, Lavender.

Pour lotion into a bowl

Add 1 drop of "Melissa Oil" (antiviral)
Add 5 drops of "Thyme Thujanol Oil" (antibacterial)
Add 6 drops of "Lavender Oil" (antifungal)

Blend with your stirring stick.
Put your lotion in a ziploc bag and cut the tip off. Squeeze into the bottle. And enjoy.
You now have an alcohol free hand sanitizer that is healthy and easy on your hands. 

The blend of essential oils in good for your body, your skin, and has a wonderful scent.





Heres another Recipe. This calms the nervous system and changes an upsetting mood

The Burnout Prevention Blend!

You'll need
*Empty Bottle from Oils section & A Carrier Oil...

4 drops of Basil into bottle. (Shifts Brain Wave activity)
5 drops of Lemon. (helps even out Blood Sugar)
6 drops of Cypress, (Its an evergreen from the mediteranean)

*Carrier Oil- Apricot Kernal Oil. (You could use, Olive, Jojoba, Sweet Almond Oil.)

Fill the remainder of the bottle with your carrier oil, and roll your bottle to mix.

Enjoy your uplifting body oil. Rub on and inhale when you feel low, anger, or irritated.

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Used in defuser, Oils can fill your home with soothing fragrance and Aromatherapy.
Used in lotions or Carrier Oils, They can be rubbed into your skin to heal ailment, and pains.

Herbs and oils are the base ingredient in most of our pharmacuetical drugs, They are in our soaps, and detergents, and in our yard. They grow wild everywhere.
I suggest you find your favorites, keep them on hand or plant them outside to have whenever you need.

Thank you for listening, I hope you learned some amazing things and that you might venture out and try aromatherapy or Essential Oils.

Thanks for Reading, I Pray you get the oppurtunity to Organically Raise Your Family...

Everyday Kitchen

Heres a few things I did yesterday.

Just want to share.

I love going grocery shopping. I love coming home with fresh produce, and aromatic herbs. Or soft breads.

What I dont love is how after a week, my produce is already obtaining bruises, and growing eyes, and becoming slightly discolored or displaying a bit of a soft five o clock shadow.

It seems like everything is getting more expensive and the quality is becoming crappier.

Apples-Bruised within 3 days,

Grapes, squishy within 7 days,

Bananas- black withing 5 days,

Strawberries- Guaranteed when i get them home to wash them there will be a moldy one in the middle,

Celery-limp and Browning with 7 days, (TRICK-give it an ice bath before using, it will stiffen)

Potatoes- About 1/2 down the bag they have tentacles.

Baby Carrots- Within a week and a half they have a slimy coating.

So I decided after having to throw out a batch of sh!%%y produce from a crappy store,....

(insert me rolling my eyes and exhaling strongly)

That it was time to resolve my costly dilemma.

I took a bag of potatoes and diced some for frying with onions and rosemary.

Made a bag of potatoes sliced for Potatoes Au Gratin.

And a couple bags of Potatoes Chunked for mashed Potatoes.

I diced up 2 bags of celery for cooking, and 1 with the leaves and heart for stews and stock.

I diced the onions.

And I froze the unused baby carrots...

I also Found new ways to use FLAX SEED and WHEAT GERM...

Pancakes! Yum, Who doesn't love Pancakes, especially when Your kid had a sleep over, And You want to play Perfect Mommy/Host,...

Well ditch the cereal, Forget Pop Tarts...(who even feeds their kids those anymore) And whip up your favorite batch of pancakes.

Add a palm full of wheat Germ,

A Palm Full of Flax Seeds,

a teaspoon of Cinnamon,

Teaspoon of vanilla extract,

And a pinch of Nutmeg,

AMAZING TOPPING IDEAS...

Homemade whipped cream.

Honey.

Yogurt.

Jam.

or the ever popular Maple Syrup,...... And maybe serve with a side of Chicken and Sage Sausage, or some Eggs.

Then There was the ever popular, TRIPLE BERRY BREAD WITH STRUESEL TOPPING.

Make your favorite coffee cake recipe, Add blueberries, Strawberries, and Cranberries.

Then Top with Home made struesel.

Hiding the good stuff in your kids food is a great way to get them to take in vitamins, spices, and herbs they wouldn't normally want.

Flax seed is a wonderful way to get them Omega 3's. I don't know about you but my kids only wanted that omega gummy once. They said the fish taste was nasty and that was the end of that. lol


How do you sneak in your vitamins???

Dirty House, Deadly Cleaners.....

I used to be a major clean freak. I bleached everything. Scrubbed and scoured for hours and hours a week. I would wash cabinets so they remained white. I polished the faucets, and buffed the metal knobs. Used a toothbrush on the grout and the edges of sinks, windows, I would wash the walls to get rid of finger prints. scrubbing crayon marks.

The more kids I had, the harder it was to keep up with..On top of the death defying stunts I pulled each day in tackling the ever dangerous germs that could potentially creep in like a thief in the night, and take over my home..... (Uh HUM- Clearing throat and nervously tapping the table) My husband would tell me not to work so hard. Finally a friend told me that It was ok to have a house that was "lived in". Whether it be baby toys on the floor, finger prints on the fridge, or a dust bunny hiding somewhere.

That I didn't have to go overboard because it took away time I could be using to enjoy the kids, or cuddling on the couch with my husband. So I chilled.
The point of that was, I spent hours everyday with chemicals. Lysol, Mr.Clean, Bleach, Wood Soap, Disinfecting wipes, Magic Erasers, Pine Sol, Scrubbing Bubbles, Windex, and Soft scrub.
And after those hours, my fingers were dry, my skin was irritated, and i tasted bleach and metal when I drank water. I would get nauseous and dizzy and have to open windows and turn on fans,....And then I would continue scrubbing the floors with bleach. Especially when I was nesting.

I wish I knew then what I know now....

Did you know that the average house hold has 63 different hazardous chemicals.

That doesnt include whats in your food, on your produce, in your body care products, or in your home.

Most of the cleaners found on the store shelves, and under your sink, obtain cancer causing chemicals.
Did you know household cleaners are illegal to throw in the trash or pour on the ground, Just like engine oil. And some cleaners have the same things you'd find in a nuclear plant....crazy.

Its like "San Onofre" and an Ax-Murderer living under your Kitchen sink.
With little succulent chocolate cupcakes, trying to lure your kids into his death trap.
Anyone thirsty?? How about an eye wash?

Also theres that whole "ant" problem in summer, You know,......Those pesky little black demons that rampage your sugar bowl, that small annoying drip in the sink, the cereal up high in the cupboard....So why not get that bug spray.
Go ahead,...spray the counter, the floor, the doors and window sills.

I guess someone should tell you how a single granule of the household insecticide's main ingredient "Diazanon", can kill a bird. Whats it do to your pets?
Imagine what it could do to a child.


Natural Bug Repellent.
Safe for children, pets, and the home.

Fill a squirt bottle with water.
Add a dash cinnamon
A pinch of red pepper flakes
A few shakes of hot sauce
Shake,Spray and Wipe off.

This will remove their scent trail and repel them from coming back. Or you can use Borac Acid.



Then I found out that the main ingredient in glass cleaner "glycol ethers" can damage your unborn child, kidneys, blood, and your liver. (just by skin absorption or inhalation)

You can clean your windows effectively and streak free with vinegar and newspaper or rubbing Alcohol.

And toilet bowl cleansers, burn your skin, and cause hormonal imbalances, infertility, and female organ diseases. Think about that when you or your girls are going potty......
Baking Soda can effectively removed hard water stains, soap scum, and the ring in your toilet.

If you prefer to buy your cleaners instead of make them, (Which only comparatively costs pennies on the dollar) Look for Labels that say..
*WATER BASED
*CITRUS BASED
*NO DYES
*NO PERFUMES


Here's a few house hold tips.

*When burning a candle, Use one made from beeswax. Paraffin is toxic when burned.

*Try enzymes for spot removal or live with the spot. Spot Cleaners are extremely hazardous and contaminate the air.

*Indoor Herbs can disinfect the air in your home naturally.



Also take some time to check out these websites.
And the Veria channel . 218 (dish)

www.chec.org
www.ewg.org
www.care2.com
http://www.veria.com/tv/show/what-a-relief



Feel free to comment and please share the blog with your friends....

I know One mom can make a difference in her family and home,

But What if every mom that read this changed just one thing about there families habits and home,,.....

Wed have alot of greener families being organically raised by a natural mom.


Thanks for reading.


PS-

Food for Thought: Did you know?.... That Pizza wrapping, candy bar wrapping, popcorn bags, and other junk foods contain cancer causing ingredients.

No more Poo?!

                                                                          

                                                     

Ok, so I recently heard of this quickly spreading "No Poo" Challenge. I was so intrigued by the title that I had to follow up on this. (I think I secretly hoped it was some new wave fad that meant no more fiber)
So many people are trying this and from what Ive read, heard and seen....The results are well worth it.

Let me ask you something ladies...What is the first thing people notice when you walk into a room.
(Personally Im kind of a freak, So I tend to make friends with their shoes first) lol

However, You may have great legs, and Nice eyes, Fabulous curves or a killer smile, But Guaranteed if your hair has enough grease to fry my Thanksgiving Turkey,...Chances are No body's gonna take a second look.

Me, I have incredibly, fine, pin-point straight as a needle, long, blonde hair.

And I couldn't make this hair hold a style, a curl, a braid if my life depended on it. In fact when it gets to be below my scapula, (that's my shoulder bone for all you wondering.) I tend to hate it.Seriously....!!! Hate is an understatement. If there was a word that mimicked me screaming and yanking at these torturous locks, that would be the word i use.

Thats usually when I make a huge mistake and wack of more then should be allowed...Remember the Kate haircut. MmmHmmm. I did that. I also failed it, But I did it.

Bottom line. It gets long, stringy, dull, flat, and tends the get greasy alot quicker. My average every other day washes become twice a day .....

Ive bought expensive heat curls, Spent ridiculous sums of money of expensive shampoos, even more of conditioner. I bought plasma tubes, fancy brushes, leave in creams, gels, 3 kinds of mousse, hairspray, plat irons, teasers, etc...

But at the end of the day, its just boring.
Im not exaggerating friends, Seriously, I went into get a perm 3 years ago. I wanted some beautiful small curls...Bad Idea. I loved my curls, (Hated the smell) But loved my hair. Went home, Danced around in the mirror like an Herbal Essence commercial, And went to bed. Woke up in the morning.

GADZOOKS!

When i woke up 7 hours later my hair from the part to my ears was curly, Just barely...And from my ears to my mid back was straight. Not even a kink. She said my hair was so fine and virgin that she needed to do it again. So, I got 2 perms within 12 hours of each other... The frizzy untameable mess on top of my head is what 3 months later led to the Kate Gosselin cut. And lots of Afro creams.


Sorry lost track.....



Not too mention, Shampoo has proven Cancer causing, and Nerve Damaging chemicals in every wash. Have you ever noticed that film that tends to grow in the bottom of one of those counter top dish drainers.....That's the residue left over from your dishes...AFTER you've already rinsed the soap off... So imagine how much is in your hair, inside your body. They say you are what you eat, well they also say If you wouldn't eat it, you shouldn't put it ON your body.

(I guess this means, no Caviar baths for me.ha ha)

What the No Poo challenge is, Is taking Shampoo and conditioner out of your shower.

Instead Wash your hair with baking soda. (1tbsp per cup of water) Make a paste out of a slowly massage into your crown, then your part, then the length of your hair and last the side burns and bangs.
The massage promotes hair growth. The baking soda cleans your hair and strips away all the chemicals and build up, leaving your hair fresh and clean. For the conditioner, Use 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar to a cup of water and dip your tips/ends into this solution. You can also use Honey and water mixture for the conditioning. Or try some jojoba oil on your tips.

                                            

Remember there is a transition period. Although it is different for everyone, don't let this discourage you. Its about a week, to a month.


• If your hair becomes frizzy, try using less baking soda or leaving it on for a shorter period of time. Try the honey trick.

• If your hair becomes greasy, try using less apple cider vinegar, switching to lemon or lime juice, leaving out the honey, and/or using a comb instead of a brush. Also, make sure you’re applying the apple cider vinegar just to the ends of your hair.

• If your scalp itches, try the following essential oils; tea tree, lavender, rosemary. If your hair becomes dry, try a tiny bit of oil (any oil, I use olive) smoothed on bottom of hair.

The best thing about this, is its all natural, puts life back into your hair, keeps your natural color vibrant and shiny, and its cheaper than chemically altered soaps.


                                                  Even Baby Shampoo is horrible.
Laboratory tests on Johnson’s baby shampoo revealed that it contained 210 parts per million of formaldehyde. About two dozen other products, out of 48 tested, had similar or higher levels.
Example Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo (as listed on cosmeticsdatabase.com):
Ingredients in this product are linked to:

• Cancer
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity
• Violations, restrictions & warnings
• Allergies/immunotoxicity
• Other concerns for ingredients used in this product:
  Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Miscellaneous, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards

Ingredients from packaging: WATER, PEG-80 SORBITAN LAURATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, SODIUM TRIDECETH SULFATE, GLYCERIN, LAUROAMPHOGLYCINATE, PEG-150 DISTEARATE, SODIUM LAURETH-13 CARBOXYLATE, FRAGRANCE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, TETRASODIUM EDTA, QUATERNIUM-15, CITRIC ACID, D&C YELLOW 10, D&C ORANGE 4.
Directions from packaging: Wet hair, apply shampoo, lather, and rinse,Repeat.
Warnings from packaging: Keep out of reach of young children.

Ill be posting throughout my challenge, so keep following me to see the results of my No Poo.




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Day 1

Okay, When I set out to do this little experiment I decided not to wash my hair for 3 days, Usually I wash it every 2 days, but this time I let it go an extra day. When I got in the bath today My hair was not horrible, Ive seen worse. But I definitely wouldn't go out in public. It couldn't even be redeemed with the ever popular messy bun.

I took en empty mason jar and started with 1 tbsp of soda, and about 2 cups of water. It dissolved very quickly and looked like nothing was added to it. So I put another tbsp. Still clear. I added one more, which turned my water a cloudy white. I decided that I was convinced there was baking soda in it and poured this rinse over my hair. I began massaging in soothing little circles, first on top then underneath, the sides, and then the length. I took a little pinch of dry soda and rubbed it with both hands into the long part of my hair from my ears down. then  rinsed very well. I could immediately tell that after all that massaging how clean my hair felt. I'm not kidding,

Id be skeptical too if I was you, I mean who actual does these home gimmicks, right. Just Hippies and crazy people You know...... Wrong. Mothers who have been educated and informed, People who take the time to find better ways to live there life, and take care of their families, That's who.
Me.... I did it.

Anyways, I rang my hair out the best I could then took 1 tbsp honey mixed in a cup with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 cup hot water and set the length of my hair down in it.
Then after I took my hair out of the cup(about 30 seconds - 60 seconds later) I poured the rest of it over the remainder of hair. Then Rinsed. The sweet taste trickled down my forehead and onto my lips And I was pleasantly surprised and extremely proud at that moment that what I just washed my hair with was safe enough to eat.

When I got out I wrapped my hair in a towel for 5 minutes then brushed it. It was easy to brush, Not as easy as if I had drenched it in conditioner, But easy enough. It was clean, I'm talked squeaky clean. It felt lighter and softer. Once It dried I was amazed, It has body!!!! And it doesn't smell bad. It smells like hair, with a suttle hint of honey.

Like seriously, it bounced. It shiny and silky and I'm fricken impressed.


I watched alot of you tube and read alot of reviews and It was 50/50. Some people seen instant results, and some took a couple weeks to get there, I think it depends on hair dying, perms, damages etc.


The Gods Honest truth, My hair feels like I just got a hair cut and a salon wash job. And I used No Poo. Ill continue to update. Ill probably wash again in 2-3 days.

SUPER SHINY AND SOFT...DAY 1