Super Easy Homemade Cereal

When it comes to breakfast, we usually prefer fast and nutritious. Of course, it needs to be delicious for the children to eat it!

Most cereals are filled with sugar and are not usually healthy, even the organic brands. Remember organic does not mean healthy, it means not produced with GMO's or heavily sprayed with chemicals. Most organic brands do however, leave a lot of processed ingredients out!

Here are a few ingredients on organic cereals:

Choco Chimps ingredients include: Whole grain corn meal*, corn meal*, cane sugar*, fair traded cocoa*, natural flavor, sea salt.

Puffins ingredients include: Yellow corn flour, corn bran flour, unsulphured mosasses, whole oat flour, expeller pressed high oleic oil (canola and/or Sunflower), sslt baking soda, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols to maintain freshness)

 Now let us be honest and look at the counterparts of these cereals, the conventional brands.

Cocoa Puffs ingredients include (Sugar, Whole Grains (Corn, Oats, and Rice) and Corn Flour, Modified Corn Starch, Cocoa, Canola and/or Rice Bran Oil, Corn Syrup, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel and Beet Juice Concentrate Color, Tricalcium Phosphate, Trisodium Phosphate, Zinc and Iron, Artificial Flavor, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B1, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Wheat Starch, Vitamin E and BHT to preserve freshness.)

Captain Crunch ingredients include: Corn Flour , Sugar , Oat(s) Flour , Sugar Brown , Coconut Oil , Salt , Niacinamide (Vitamin aB) , Yellow 5 , Iron Reduced , Zinc Oxide , Yellow 6 , Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) , BHT ( Preservative ) , Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (HCL) , Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) , Folic Acid (Vitamin aB)


Besides all the additional ingredients added, they also contain GMO's

The organic boxed cereals still have some quality's that does not make it a healthy breakfast, better than conventional, but not healthy! Plus, give my kids one box and they eat it in one sitting and will still be hungry, they are not very filling.

What is the solution?

Get up early and spend time in the kitchen cooking fresh grassfed eggs and cutting up vegetables and fruit.

Or give them cereal! Here is my recipe for Super V Muesli (aka cereal)!

1 cup of  buckwheat grout grits
1 cup of  hemp seeds
1 cup of  chia seeds
1 cup of  dried coconut
1 cup of flax seed (not pictured, I used the last of it and forgot the picture)
  you can use less or more if you like of these:
1 1/2 TABLEspoons of cinnamon (ceylon)
1 teaspoon of nutmeg (or your other favorite spices)
1 cup of raisins, dates, figs or other dried fruit
You can also add a variety of chopped nuts

Mix everything up well and store in an air tight container.

When it comes to making it

Just add some to a bowl (like normal cereal)
Add a little honey or maple syrup if you would like and
add milk of your choice or yogurt!

For a chocolate fix add a little bit of raw cacao (notice it does not say cocoa).

***I want to add, this is just a basic recipe. Feel free to explore and find your own take on it! ***
 

I hope you enjoy this as much as we do.

Please excuse my photos. I am still working on taking fantastic photos....I have not quite mastered it!

Would love to hear your comments and if you add anything additional!!!

Fermented cabbage = Sauerkraut

Fermented cabbage = Sauerkraut, we all know that right?! 

Here is how cheap and how easy this can be done. 

I came about this recipe  the kitchn. 
Here are my thoughts on the process and taste.

What you need:

1 Cabbage 
1.5 TABLEspoons of Sea Salt
Mason Jar or very large container
Smaller container (that can fit inside the larger one)
Piece of cloth 
String 
Mixing bowl 
Cutting board and knife


What to do:

Clean the cabbage then slice it. If you have a food processor great, if not, just slice it!

Place the sliced cabbage in the mixing bowl then add the sea salt. 

Here is where it gets hard and painful. Massage the mixture for several minutes until the cabbage becomes watery and limp. This was painful for me, I suppose I do not have strong hands.

Then pack everything including any juice into the mason jar.

I used a small mason jar (that fit inside the larger one) filled with water to weigh down the cabbage. This can also be obtained with weights or anything else you can think of.

Cover it with clothe and use the string to secure it.

Let it sit for 3-10 days. I let mine sit for about 4 days, I have a warm house. I tried it and it was great, so I placed in the fridge.

So was it worth the time? Was it delicious? Was it worth the cost?

Yes, Yes and Yes! I paid only .50 cents for the organic cabbage at a farmers market, I do use an expensive grey sea salt, but it is only a small amount. This batch cost maybe $1.00. I have about a half of a gallon.
This is full of nutrients and it was easy. This is going to be an added staple into our kitchen, goodbye to store bought kraut!!!

Chocolate Cupcakes made fantastic!

Have you been searching for the perfect recipe for chocolate cupcakes? Well, here it is!

It really is quite easy, they came out fabulous, moist and flavorful. I found the original recipe at Cupcake Project. Of course, I had to make a few substitutions that fit our particular dietary wants. We try to add wholesome and real ingredients, things that are not as processed and always organic!

Ingredients 

1/4 cup  unsalted organic butter at room temperature (I prefer raw homemade butter)

1 cup organic sucanat

sucanat

sucanat

2 ounces of your organic favorite chocolate bar (I perfer the Green and Black 70% Organic Chocolate Bar)

2 large eggs at room temperature (organic, grassfed)

2 large egg yolks at room temperature (organic, grassfed)

1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon coconut oil (organic, pure, cold pressed; I get mine at Costco)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Homemade Organic Recipe)

1/3 cup organic yogurt

1 cup whole wheat all-purpose flour (until I find the right recipe for freshly milled all-purpose flour, I use 1/2 cup of organic whole wheat flour from the store and 1/2 cup of fresh milled organic soft white wheat flour).

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (Grey Celtic Sea Salt or Makia Celtic Sea Salt)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon of  ceylon cinnamon 

1/2 cup organic cocoa powder or better yet raw cacao powder

1/2 cup of room temperature organic brewed coffee (I use what I have from the morning)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Mix the butter and sugar together for about 1 minute, it should look like wet sand.
3. Grate the chocolate bar.
4. Add the chocolate bar into the butter/sugar mixture for about 2 minutes.
5. Mix in eggs and egg yolks.
6. Mix in oil, vanilla, and yogurt.
7. Mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and cocoa powder into a separate medium-sized bowl. 
8. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in slowly, mixing until just combined after each addition.
9. Mix in coffee.
10. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and put in the oven at 350 F for 5 minutes then turn down the oven to 325 F for 15 minutes. 
11. Check to be sure they are done with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
12. Immediately remove cupcakes from the cupcake tin and place on a cooling rack. They will be very soft, so be gentle with them. They are still done, just make note it is normal for them to be soft! 

Once they are cool, then add frosting or simply enjoy! 

 I have an amazing homemade frosting that we call toostie roll frosting. It has a familiar taste of a toostie roll as well as texture.

Tootsie Roll Frosting

I was trying to come up with a rich taste frosting for my chocolate cupcakes. I came up with the wonderful frosting. By accident it has a familiar taste of tootsie rolls. 

 

Frosting Recipe 

1/4 cup organic (preferably raw) softened butter

1/4 cup of softened organic coconut oil (not liquid and not hard, similar to soft butter) 

3-5 cups homemade powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons organic milk (or raw)

1/4 teaspoon ceylon cinnamon 

0.5 oz grated organic chocolate bar 

2-3 teaspoons of organic maple syrup

 1/2 cup organic cocoa powder (or better, raw cacao powder)

1/2 tablespoon of organic brewed coffee

1. Mix together butter and coconut oil with 3 cups of powdered sugar.
2. Add the vanilla, milk, cinnamon, chocolate bar and maple syrup (depending on how rich you would like it). 
3. Mix in the cocoa powder and coffee.
4. You may need to add a little more powdered sugar into the mix, to make it think and soft. It should look like frosting! 
5. Add to your pastry and enjoy. 


 Hints: Keep in a cool place, due to the coconut oil it may melt a bit if it gets too hot.  

Homemade Organic Powdered Sugar

Easy Homemade Powdered Sugar

It is so easy, you are going to be mad that you have been spending money on powdered sugar at the store.

What you need:

Sugar (I use raw organic sucanat)
Blender (I have a vitamix)

1. Add enough sugar to fill the canister about half way.
2. Turn on the blender to high.
3. Wait a few minutes, you will soon see the sugar turn into powdered sugar.
4. Turn it off and enjoy :D

Yes that easy!!!

Cheap Organic Vanilla Extract

Do you know how expensive real vanilla extract is? It is usually $9+ for a 4 ounce bottle! Yes, that is expensive when almost every recipe in the day calls for it!

Do you realize how easy it is to make?
Pretty darn easy!! Two ingredients is all you need!!

 1/4 pound (about 20-24) of Vanilla Beans 
A bottle of organic vodka (yes a bottle, about 36 ounces worth).
Also get a quart sized Mason jar

Here is the hard part of this wonderful recipe:
1st cut the vanilla beans into about half inch sections
Fill the Mason jar up with Vodka
Let it sit for about a month!

Shake it often to stir the ingredients and  it helps pull the paste out of the beans.

The best thing about this is how cheap it is!! I can get amount 36 ounces of homemade organic extract for about $30 vs store bought extract 36 ounces for over $80.

Wait, how did I get 36 ounces of extract if I only fill 24 ounce Mason jar??
This is such a great way to expand your extract, once you start to use about 1/4 of the extract, add in the additional vodka!! Yes, seriously people! I have been adding vodka for over a year now!

For a richer, deeper flavor use half vodka and half bourbon. This is what I am using now, its not bad, its richer in flavor for sure!
In addition, the longer it sits the better it gets, well to a point! I wouldn't let is sit longer than a year. It can stay for couple of years in a dark, cool place. 
I have started two mason jars now. One that is its "sitting" phase while the other is readily available. We use a lot of vanilla. 

These also make great holiday gifts.

Be sure to read more information about the variety of Vanilla Beans!!
 

Homemade Organic Ricotta Cheese

I absolutely love ricotta cheese! It is wonderful in many Italian recipes and a substitute for cottage cheese. Here is a a few recipes from Bon Appetit, in addition to the mundane add-in for lasagna or calzones.

The best thing about ricotta cheese, besides the wonderful flavor, is how fast and easy it is to make! There is only 4 ingredients for a basic ricotta.

4 cups of organic or raw whole milk
2 cups of organic heavy whipping cream or cream from raw milk
1 TEAspoon of organic salt or Celtic Sea Salt
3 TABLEspoons of Organic White Wine Vinegar or Organic Lemon Juice (or fresh squeezed)

 First, I would get your cheese clothe prepared. Dampen the cheese clothe and place in sieve or fine mesh strainer. You can also you coffee filters in a fine mesh strainer.

Next, add the milk, heavy cream and salt into a stainless steal pot. Bring the mixture to a FULL boil on MEDIUM heat, stir occasionally. Once you reach the full boil, turn the heat off and add the vinegar.

Let the mixture set for a few minutes to allow for curdling. The curds and whey (just like Little Bo Peep) should begin to separate. Finally, pour the mixture into the cheese clothe mechanism from the first step. Allow it to drain the remaining whey for about 20-30 minutes. The longer it sits, the thicker it will become. If the liquid whey begins to touch your sieve or strainer, pour it in another bowl (keep your whey)!

After it is done sitting, pour the finished ricotta in a bowl. I like to add dried Italian herbs to mine for a savory flavor or honey and cinnamon for a sweet flavor! If you do not want to use immediately, place in a covered bowl inside the refrigerator. It should last for about 5 days.

Yes, it is that simple, that fast and oh so delish!
Enjoy!!

Am I too intesense?

     I often wonder if I am too intense on some important matters to me. I come on strong, I am like a storm passing a small ship in the middle of the ocean, I want people to hear me. No, I don't want them to hear me, I want them to understand the importance of what I am saying to them.

    My husband tells me, "You talk too much, you are too much for people to handle." Perhaps, just perhaps, he is correct. Yet, when you have so much passion, so much rage for this matter; and so much concern for the neighbor down the street, or the young mother, or even a complete stranger; how do you hold it in? What is this, in which I talk about? Our food, our way of living, our health, and our freedoms.

    I use to think that eating locally is the best thing to do. Then I learned about this powerful product called GMO's. Wow, was I wrong. The more I learn, the more I question, the more I begin to understand. I feel like I am single handily fighting a battle to save everyone from this horrible monster. In some ways, I am.

    The thing is, Americans are lazy. Yes, I said it! We can not be "inconvenienced" to cook our own meals, to read labels, to fight for what is important. After all, American Idol is on. We don't care about what is in our food, as long has it taste good. After all, it is not affecting me, I am fine. Yes, that is the attitude of so many people I know!

    But it does affect you, it affects everyone! Do you have a friend or loved one that cannot have a baby due to infertility issues? What about cancer, has that touched someone you know? Liver disease? Leaking gut? Mental issues? Weight gain? Allergies? Do you still think it doesn't affect you? Now think of the health cost associated with all of these issues. What about the environment?

    Monstato, a chemical company responsible for PCBs, Agent Orange, bovine growth hormones, Aspertame, petrochemical plastics, herbicides and now your food with GMO's. If you think your food is not contaminated, think again.

    Go into your cabinet, pull out a box of anything. If it has any form of corn, canola, soy, cotton, sugar, dairy, meat, or yeast, it is most likely a GMO. Yes, meat and dairy. If the animal was fed GMO crops it does not break down, it will be in your diet. Studies find newborn babies with GMO's in their blood.

   So, yes, I get extremely passionate about this discussion. Everyone should! EVERYONE!!!

  I become irate when my children are fed GMO's. Do you see why I get crazy when my child is poisoned! I no longer trust anyone with my children, (well a few selected people, who are like me). I will go out of my way to feed them GOD's food, not mans!

   Also, when did it start being ok to offer children crappy poisoned food; yet when a parent does the right thing, by offering healthy foods, its wrong? Seriously!! I do not "abuse" my children, or not let them be children, due to the fact I feed them non-GMO foods. No, it should be the other way around. If you stuff a child with fast food, boxed foods and candy all day, without anything healthy, that parent is "abusing" them. It is causing harm to their bodies, to their minds and is setting them up for failure to recognize the importance of nutrition.

    Most people would not dare to give sugar water to their car instead of gas. The car needs the right "nutrition" to run. It is the same thing with humans, we need our right "nutrition".

    Now go to youtube and search GMOS, watch the various videos. Learn, understand and become passionate.

     You can still enjoy life without GMO's, you will become healthier without GMO's, you will make a difference! Become passionate like me, get a belly full of fire for the important issue at hand.

Here is a shopping guide. Just because they are local, does not mean they are GMO-free. Ask if they use GMO seeds, if they use pesticides, ask what they feed their animals, ask away. The more you inquire the more they will consider.  Once you find a GMO-free farmer, buy from them all the time and tell your friends. Support your local organic farmer, they need it the most.

I love this cookbook. It has pictures, easy to read with wonderful foods.

Encouraging Reading is Easy!!

Do you  have a child that does not want to read, or has trouble reading?

I am not an expert, by any means on teaching reading. I have taught only two children. Tyger was easy, at the age of 4, he started to read. He wanted to learn and nearly taught himself.

On the other spectrum is Sissy. She is the one that needs encouragement, there are days where she refuses to read and will even state she does not know the letter sounds. She is almost six, and yes she can sound out letters; however, she has no use for reading, she can get Tyger to read her anything!

So, how did I encourage her? I spoke to other mothers and they said to do a reading log with a prize. I did! I am sharing it with you. This is how we are doing ours. As the child reads a book, start at the top left box and work your way down the column. At the end is a trophy with a 10 on, that symbolizes that the child has read 10 books and gets to choose a prize out of the prize box. Then you would start on the next column, at the end it has a 20 trophy, and so forth. Once the child reaches 100 they get a big prize!

For Sissy, we are asking her to read the book aloud to us, these books are very simple. We are using the Hooked On Phonic books (we don't use the program), to help her gain confidence. Tyger, has to write a one paragraph report on the  book to get his. This is mostly because he is reading the Magic Tree House Books and reads about two to three a day.

What about the prizes? We put a variety of items of fun things in the prize box. We have some organic candy, cheap bracelets, "coupons" for 20 minutes of TV, etc. For the big prize we are going to let them choose a fun activity for the family, such as going for a hike, picnic, etc. Do what fits best with your family. Each child has a different motivation factor.

You can use it how you would like, make it fun, encourage your children and read with them! Get involved in your local library and for goodness sake turn OFF the TV and video games!!!

Just go to this link to download your reading log! 100 Book Reading Log.
 

Outings while GMO Free......

       As a mother that is beyond concerned with what I allow my kids to eat, I have placed a large sign on my head that yells "helicopter mom". In my particular area, we are considered as being weird. This is ok with me! I would rather be labeled weird and know the truth about what I am eating!

       I admit we are not 100% perfect! By any means!! We do, at times slip into eating chemicals. I am DETERMINED to get better and to be closer to 100% no chemicals, no junk food, no fake food, only real food that feeds and helps our body.

       As I stated earlier, in my current area, it is hard to eat and live the way we do; much different from Austin. It is somehow not normal to eat what God has provided us, it is not normal to limit sugar and junk. I know people who let their kids live off macaroni and cheese, fries and pizza! Of course, they do not eat much better themselves.

        I was speaking to a 17 year old, the other day; he said he is not concerned with what he eats. I told him what GMO's can do your body, he simply said, "I have lived this long without problems, I am sure I will be fine." That my friends, is how so much of our nation thinks; if it has not happened yet, then I am good.

       I often think of how this is going to affect all of us. We as a large group of people are not fighting for our right not to be experimented on by large moneymaking bullies. We can ban together and fight it!       

     In 60 countries and counting, GMO's are restricted and banned. Just recently, China has rejected GMO US corn, that is 908,800-tonnes since November. They have decided to use Ukraine's non-GMO corn totally 479,758-tonnes since November and 77,936-tonnes non-GMO corn from Thailand (reuters.com).

     Therefore, I wonder, why are Americans not standing up and fighting. I know a lot of us are, I know the movement is happening, but why not more. Here is what I think:

1. Americans care too much about what people will say about them (being the "weird" ones).

2. Americans are too concerned with what they like, they don't want to get rid of the diet coke (even though its killing them).

3. Americans have forgotten to stand up and fight!! (not sure how this one happened, we are a very young country, we have always fought for what is right).

4. Americans trust these bullies and counterparts.

5. Americans believe studies these bullies come up with, instead of trusting the studies from universities, other countries and peer reviewed journals.

6. Americans do not care about their health in general.

I do not mean to sound pessimistic and when I say Americans I do not mean every single person, I am talking about us as a group.

    So what can we do as a group of non-GMO, organic, loving the earth people?!  We can help them see the importance of changing.

1. Tell people all the time about the importance of buying non-GMO food.

2. Write to congress, senate, and any politician you can.

3. DO NOT eat GMO foods, DO NOT buy it and DO NOT support it, in any way.

4. Sign petitions Take Action Now.

5. DO NOT support local farmers that use GMO or other chemicals.

6. Start a garden.

7. Buy meat that is grass fed only. If they have had other foods them make sure it was organic foods (such as pigs and chickens, they usually eat scrapes).

8. Start an organic group in your area, especially if there are not a lot of resources in your area.

9. Continue to research and educate yourself about it.

If you make a mistake and eat GMO's or non-organic food, then get back on track, fast!

It is hard to go to gatherings, birthdays, and even out to dinner without messing up. I know this all too well. Just last week, we went to a birthday party. My kids were hungry and wanted to participate with all their friends. I gave in. I felt horrible while they ate, I felt sick after we came home then guilty the next day.

Can I say this is somehow wrong to feel these emotions, it is as if I was allowing my kids to indulge in a drug, but I guess in some sense it is. It is not good for their body, it can be addictive and it should be illegal. In addition, after my kids eat that stuff, they become as though they are on drugs. They do not concentrate, they whine, they do not listen, and they bounce off the walls, later they feel ill and a detox is needed! It really is not worth it!!

I called a friend and told her what I did, asked what she does in times like that. She said she stuffs her kids before they leave home, gives them snack on the way there and reminds them that they cannot have the food and would allow them to have a small slice of cake. I think that is good advice. I think what we will try to do, is to leave before the food part next time and maybe I will make cake or cupcakes to take with us.

I would love to know what your family does to avoid these situations and how you support the non-GMO movement!

Her are some great sites for further reading:

GMO Facts 

Institute for Responsible Technology

One Green Planet

No Poo Shampoo...my reality...

Have you ever heard of No Poo? You probably automatically thought, you don't poop?! or is this a diet?!
That is what I thought several months ago when I first heard of it.
What it actually is: Not using shampoo. Now I know you are thinking...gross! Who does that, right?!
I usually buy some organic, everything free shampoo and conditioner. I really do not wish to have chemicals on me or my kids.

1/2 cup bentonite clay powder

1/2 cup aloe vera gel

5 drops Rosemary essential oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- See more at: http://www.homemademommy.net/2013/10/does-the-no-poo-method-actually-work.html#sthash.l40tGY1P.dpuf

 

So, why would you want chemical-free everything in your hair? 

1. Besides the fact I do not wish to be around chemicals

2. It makes your hair oily and 

3. Your hair is so much better without it!

The thing with the ultra healthy shampoos, is that they are expensive, in some regards. Sure, you can get the $0.97 cheap chemical shampoo's and you can get the $50 ones. The organic, chemical-free shampoos can run from about $8 and up.

When I use the organic shampoos, my hair still seems to get oily. I just figured that was because I have oily hair, I have had it my whole life!

Well, I decided to become a little more granola, I would try it! 

The first time I used only baking powder, it was weird! I didn't feel clean, it didn't lather, or really do anything. However, my hair looked amazing!!! 

I decided to try a few recipes out. I mixed pure castile liquid soap with baking powder, I did like that!

It gave me a little more lather. The hair still looked pretty good. Yet, it was still a bit expensive, I am frugal! 

I played around with many recipes, then I realized, my hair didn't look as good as the 1st time I tried it. Finally, I went back to just baking soda. My hair feels clean, smells clean, looks clean and it is super cheap! That makes me super happy!

I did try going back to the organic shampoo for just a few times before realizing my hair was getting oily again!

The ingredients strip your hair of your natural oil, making your body produce more oil, thus oily. I also noticed, I was breaking out when I went back to the shampoo. Needless to say, I love the no poo, my hair is pretty rocking! Its healthier than I have ever seen it!! 

For a rinse use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), if you wish you can add Rosemary essential oil (EO). This will help with dandruff and smells great. 

Deep conditioner: Use an oil such as organic coconut oil, or even a mashed avocado. You want to apply to your hair or just the ends if you have oily hair, then wrap it in a warm wet towel for 30 minutes, finally rinse. 

A few ideas for no poo: 

Liquid Castile Soap

baking soda

Bentonite clay 

aloe vera gel

Apple Cider Vinegar

Oil (jojoba, kukui nut, coconut, castor, etc)

essential oils  

My recipe was usually 3 parts dry (baking soda/bentonite), 2 part soap, 1 part oil and a few drops of oil. 

An example would be 3 TBSP of baking soda, 2 TBSP of Castile soap, 1 TBSP Kukui Nut and about 5 drops of essential oils.

The best part is that you get to play around with it, you get to see what works for you and find the right consistency for your liking. In the beginning I started with a paste. 

Also, I recently read that diluted honey is great as well! So I think I will try it and see how it works!! Of course use, raw honey because it has the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

1/2 cup bentonite clay powder

1/2 cup aloe vera gel

5 drops Rosemary essential oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- See more at: http://www.homemademommy.net/2013/10/does-the-no-poo-method-actually-work.html#sthash.l40tGY1P.dpuf

1/2 cup bentonite clay powder

1/2 cup aloe vera gel

5 drops Rosemary essential oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- See more at: http://www.homemademommy.net/2013/10/does-the-no-poo-method-actually-work.html#sthash.l40tGY1P.dpuf

1/2 cup bentonite clay powder

1/2 cup aloe vera gel

5 drops Rosemary essential oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

- See more at: http://www.homemademommy.net/2013/10/does-the-no-poo-method-actually-work.html#sthash.l40tGY1P.dpuf

The Perfect Natural Organic Mositurizer

       I have tried so many lotions, oils and  anything that promises healthy skin without chemicals!
Of course it also has to be in my price range. I have tried coconut oil, yet it was just too oily on my face. I do use it on my body after I shower, especially after I shave! I have also tried a combination of tea tree oils, lavender oil and even olive oil. Nothing seemed to work with my ultra sensitive face until I came upon a product that I am in love with!
     Organic Kukui Nut is very beneficial to the skin and offers essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic). It's also great for eczema, psoriasis, dry skin and overall skin health. It does not have any harmful chemicals and is not greasy. It comes from the Candlenut Tree found in Hawai'i and other Pacific Islands. Find more information at How Skin Works.
       I was able to get a huge 16 oz bottle of Organic Kukui Nut cold pressed at amazon from Dr. Adorable for $30.99, plus I was able to get free shipping with Prime. You only need a couple of drops each time on your face. I use about 1/4 teaspoon for my two kids and myself. It really goes a long way! I highly recommend it!!

Spinach-Kale Smoothie with Sunrise Muffins

     I love food, (I think we all can say that)! I especially love to nourish my body with food. There is a huge difference in eating and eating to nourish! Which, is one of the biggest reasons I love being a consultant with Pampered Chef. I have the opportunity to create and share what I love.
     This morning my children wanted to munch on some muffins. Therefore, we came up with a fabulous muffin that I am calling the Sunrise Muffin! This muffin has ton of flavor, as well as gluten free, ovo-vegetarian and diabetic friendly. 
     We decided to add a Spinach-Kale Smoothie to our breakfast! This turned out delightful and even my hypersensitive taste-bud daughter loved it! I have to admit, I do not measure when I make smoothies, I just go with what taste good and has a smooth texture!

Sunrise Muffins

       Dry:

1/2 cup of Coconut Flour (diabetic friendly, gluten-free)

1/2 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice

pinch of sea salt

3 Tablespoons of shredded coconut

1 whole carrot shredded 

        

         Wet:

4 eggs

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/2 cup of melted coconut oil

1/2 cup of real maple syrup (diabetic friendly)

1/4 cup of raw honey (you can opt out and add more maple syrup)

1/2 fresh squeezed orange

lemon zest

1/4 cup of chopped walnuts

          

 Directions

Heat oven to 400F. Line the muffin pans (12 regular sized or 24 mini)

Mix dry ingredients together. Beat the eggs then add the other wet ingredients. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture until well blended. 

Scoop the mixture into the pan and sprinkle with walnuts (optional).

Bake for 12 minutes, test with a cake tester or toothpick. 

Like I stated earlier, I do not measure my smoothie ingredients. Here is the list of things I added to my Spinach-Kale Smoothie.

 About a handful of fresh spinach (I buy organic fresh when on sale, then freeze)

 About 2-3 whole kale stalks (I got from my Bountiful Basket)

 1 whole carrot

 1/2 orange freshly squeezed

 About 5-7 frozen bananas (I buy them brown and discounted, peel them and freeze them)

 About 1/2-1 cup of  the milk of your choice (raw, organic, almond, coconut, etc.)

 About 1 teaspoon of maple syrup (this is just to help cut the bitterness of kale out)

I blend it in my Vitamix blender, until smooth. I taste it as I go along to be sure it will pass the hypersensitive taste buds! 

The best part about smoothies, is you can really get creative! 

I hope this gives you a helpful hand on a healthy breakfast or snack!

Cutting your expenses while shaving your legs!

     My husband has been asking for an old style razor set for years! I finally gave in for our anniversary and bought him the oils, lathering brush and soap. It was expensive! Then for Christmas I bought him the safety razor handle and razors, which was cheap!

      I decided to try it out on my legs! I was using the Gillette Mach 3, which worked great with my super sensitive skin. However, it is very expensive, not a budget friendly item. The cheaper razors are horrible on my legs and often produced rashes.

      The first time I tried was an experience. You have to hold the razor at an angle and be much more attentive. You can cut yourself with this razor! I took a bath to let the hair get soft; I did not use shaving gel (because I am allergic). I also did one leg with the safety razor and one with the Mach 3. It took longer to shave with the safety razor, but it was much closer and smoother. I did have a couple of nicks as well. I did notice throughout the week my leg shaved with the safety razor was much smoother and the shave seemed to last longer.

       The next time I shaved with the safety razor I decided to add about a tablespoon of coconut oil to the water as I soaked. I also added a little to my legs before I shaved. I felt as that shaving went by faster and much smoother, even in the bikini area. The best part about using coconut oil as a shaving cream is that it does not come off when you get your legs wet, so no reapplying. In addition, it is a great barrier, lotion and if you nick your leg, it will help the healing process!

      Afterwards my legs were extremely soft and smooth without nicks or rashes. I have also noticed I need to shave a lot less. With the Mach, I needed to shave every 4-5 days or so with the safety it is over a week! I would recommend using a safety razor to everyone! My husband loves it; he also saves his head with it. It is a win-win in my book and we are going to keep it! Do not feel like you have to buy the expensive oils and lotions.

Here is the breakdown of cost:

       I choose the Merker because of the high reviews on several sites. Merker Double Edge Razor from Amazon is about $32.50 (free shipping with Prime), this is the handle and you will keep it, it is not disposable.

I decided to try a variety of the razor blades, since we were so new to it all. I bought a 100 pack of variety of double edge razors for $24.99.

       That translates into about 0.25 cents per shave if you want to add the handle into it and give it a lifespan of 100 uses, your still looking about $0.58 cents per use. I use to pay around $3.00 per razor from Sam’s, which was the cheapest I could find! Talk about saving! Moreover, we are doing less damage to the environment! They can be recycled.

      I found this great idea! You get a can of broth to make a blade bank! This way when it goes into recycling you do not have to fear about anyone getting hurt!

I hope this helps you cut some of your wasteful cost with razors! I absolute love this!