tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69699382789575127092024-03-05T20:19:54.675-05:00A Step into HealthThe best way to get healthy and stay healthy is a step at a time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-84155751095839482462012-02-18T12:14:00.000-05:002012-02-18T12:14:49.231-05:00The Caffeine 18-wheelerSo you want to know how to get rid of a caffeine withdrawal headache?<br />
Let me tell you how. It doesn't start the way you think!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh3Wmizkcp6UQgh8vVljVP_ksGI5yTWDORjmWwl-cVLZOb0WmC_-eFyQQuBz3simcyk3S2GZbVazu-m6VswBD3PEPjrceo34GkLX3ZxbpQm_VBVDiFOQzyGcIe4afKqDHoRjPrz6xT6k/s1600/1360636_food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh3Wmizkcp6UQgh8vVljVP_ksGI5yTWDORjmWwl-cVLZOb0WmC_-eFyQQuBz3simcyk3S2GZbVazu-m6VswBD3PEPjrceo34GkLX3ZxbpQm_VBVDiFOQzyGcIe4afKqDHoRjPrz6xT6k/s200/1360636_food.jpg" width="200" /></a>Step 1... Listen to your innate (the intelligence within your own body):<br />
If what you are putting in (eating/drinking) makes you tired, LISTEN! DO NOT EAT IT! This means you have to pay attention to what you eat and how you feel afterwards... be a mindful eater.<br />
<br />
My energy sucking food is wheat. It zaps the energy right out of me. What comes next?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhueiI3po8qAdbBVIBdXPgFV_LSSTzVM6pVmdYp_F6T2OBc7uu1V7LK1hI6RgIrPEmA-MQFD6_qqFYyBbn-D6adHCUpmFmoFj3SwlON8Wa-WFRVDeS21JncPsvVS3lBI7JRu2qxmPPhg/s1600/618653_54310841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhueiI3po8qAdbBVIBdXPgFV_LSSTzVM6pVmdYp_F6T2OBc7uu1V7LK1hI6RgIrPEmA-MQFD6_qqFYyBbn-D6adHCUpmFmoFj3SwlON8Wa-WFRVDeS21JncPsvVS3lBI7JRu2qxmPPhg/s200/618653_54310841.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The hunt for caffeine, of course! <br />
<br />
We want ENERGY. <br />
We NEED energy. <br />
We LOVE energy.<br />
<br />
And since the food didn't give it to you, caffeine it is.<br />
<br />
Pick your poison, coffee, sweet tea, energy drinks....<br />
And we feel GREAT!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dTNk-C70WdWyBHVCVx7uOFlWPRg3HEDNhqZUxh-biEsCR_HtdfYDVAJc3zrYnZnG15MxT7h2oErL9rP3Gg_ANULEy1gjSglpJrcQWSGX2LeipMwJlxE_OtNuXuCy1Tj014vqrHkA_Og/s1600/425487_camels_relax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dTNk-C70WdWyBHVCVx7uOFlWPRg3HEDNhqZUxh-biEsCR_HtdfYDVAJc3zrYnZnG15MxT7h2oErL9rP3Gg_ANULEy1gjSglpJrcQWSGX2LeipMwJlxE_OtNuXuCy1Tj014vqrHkA_Og/s1600/425487_camels_relax.jpg" /></a></div>Then... CRASH! The energy high wears off.<br />
<br />
It makes me feel like I've been walking for days on end through the desert, and my body can't take... another... step! I cannot lift my arms, they feel so heavy. <br />
<br />
MUST. SLEEP...<br />
<br />
Fight the vicious cycle, and give your body some energy AND nutrients (what it is REALLY looking for).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Eat some food that doesn't make you exhausted, drink plenty of water, and consider this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9zT6j5UdLSvwOgqQzWMSUhwIGYoeNsJi0HN4zNlPvs2CNQo9xVAyOts2OL_EaIUX4XvToShJRf5xG3OXI-LeaLfcy_asPczlll99yxvKTRwNWe2g5tG11LZNOBmFkMr-HOSF6ZT1bEM/s1600/Photo+on+1-29-12+at+7.51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9zT6j5UdLSvwOgqQzWMSUhwIGYoeNsJi0HN4zNlPvs2CNQo9xVAyOts2OL_EaIUX4XvToShJRf5xG3OXI-LeaLfcy_asPczlll99yxvKTRwNWe2g5tG11LZNOBmFkMr-HOSF6ZT1bEM/s320/Photo+on+1-29-12+at+7.51+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jane, from <a href="http://www.blenditandmendit.com/">www.blenditandmendit.com</a> has a web site full of ideas for getting that energy up in a healthy way. <br />
<br />
We are HOOKED on her "Beauty Waters". It is our preferred way of drinking water now, and I've noticed they keep the caffeine withdrawal headaches away. <br />
<br />
BONUS!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Is there something you are putting in your body that makes you exhausted? Have you tried eliminating it from your diet, and has it made an improvement in your life? I'd love to hear about it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-20159307768022832562012-02-18T11:42:00.000-05:002012-02-18T11:42:01.346-05:00Natural Gel-Type Deodorant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd like to thank Jennifer Taggert, from <a href="http://thesmartmama.com/">The Smart Mama</a> for inspiring me to make an all-natural deodorant that works for my family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This simple video show how easy it can be to make an all natural gel-type deodorant with simple ingredients from your kitchen.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hi, I'm Melanie from the blog Step into Health and today we're going to make a simple, natural deodorant from products you probably already have at home. Last month I was reading about natural crystal deodorants and the affects of aluminum in our bodies. There were some recipes mentioned, but with the amount we travel in the summer nothing had quite peaked my interest enough to make it, as some were dusting baking soda on the armpits and others required the refrigerator.<br />
<br />
I liked the idea of a solid deodorant, since it is traditional, but I'm a fan of olive oil over any other and that would mean I probably needed it to be liquid. That led me to thinking about the gel deodorants, and how I could use that type of container to hold and dispense an all natural deodorant I liked. I first tried just plain olive oil with baking soda, and while it worked, within an hour of putting it on my underarms had rashes. Not great. Baking soda needs to be dissolved in water to have that smooth feel and still be effective, so our first ingredient is... you guessed it! <b>WATER</b>. Boiling the water, or using distilled water is a good idea.<br />
<br />
I want you to understand: our body makes baking soda naturally as a buffer to acid. We all know how effective it is at absorbing odors, and it is very cleansing. In fact, we use baking soda dissolved in water as a quite effective shampoo! That's why our second ingredient is going to be <b>baking soda</b>! Just mix some in until the water is cloudy and it is all dissolved. If you have some extra baking soda fall to the bottom, you used too much! That could make your deodorant scratchy, and we don't want that.<br />
<br />
When experimenting with making salad dressings, I learned a little <b>thickener</b> can go a long way. My children eat gluten free, so I had some <u><i>xanathan gum</i></u> on hand. There are plenty of other thickeners people use in baking. If you don't have xanathan gum, try guar gum or other starches like cornstarch or potato starch (see update at bottom before substituting, please!). We are going to put 1 tablespoon (noting that I rarely measure anything and am using a soup spoon) of xanathan gum into our baking soda water mixture.<br />
<br />
Put the lid on your magic bullet cup and <b>blend</b>, or stir with a wire whisk if you like until a thicker product is formed... dare I say, like a gel? If you would like a little bit of a moisturizing feel to your deodorant, adding a little <b>olive oil</b> to the mixture isn't a bad idea. Just make sure you add it after the baking soda is dissolved in the water. You could also add a drop or two of an <b>essential oil</b> you like, either for it's antimicrobial properties, or for the smell. Lavender does both, so today I'll use a drop of that.<br />
<br />
The last step is to pour it into your empty and sanitized gel deodorant container. Don't forget to un-wind it if you used the container already so there is lots of room. Put the lid on securely, and you now have an all natural deodorant ready to use that is practical for any time of year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the 2 minute version - How to make all </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">natural, gel-type deodorant in minutes.</div><br />
<br />
What have you tried that has worked for you? Does this sound like something easy enough to try for yourself? What variations are your favorite? I'd love to hear any comments/suggestions.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: Originally, I suggested that any thickener <i>should</i> work. If you are trying to use cornstarch (which we don't use, but someone tried) and it is successful, please share the recipe so others can easily benefit. Otherwise, substituting equal parts cornstarch for xanathan gum has been reported NOT to work. I also used guar gum in a batch later on (for kicks) and while it was much thicker, it had a scent (stench) I did not appreciate. I switched back to the xanathan gum, and that is that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-52808989992267286362012-02-16T23:30:00.001-05:002012-02-16T23:51:13.434-05:00Gluten Free Oatmeal BreadI have been playing around with gluten free oatmeal bread for about a week now. It's gone GREAT! The problem I have is that I'm lazy... and cheap! If I run out of flour, I'll grind oatmeal I have on hand into flour before running to the store, and I buy what is on sale so the same flours are never on hand. And I LOVE Gluten Free Bisquick. That stuff kicks butt, and if I make something with it, it always turns out awesome. So tonight I made some gluten freedom cupcakes (not my recipe) and decided to make a double batch of oatmeal bread (cause we don't have enough for tomorrow, and I don't want to go to the store, of course!) Told you I was lazy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcCobg-1ptgH8DUxIjBcRxYjDy2d_6gj_J3rhtWM7p4nsRNnb5CesCVDtmgkqp8RokU_KGiLo8af1Tfoys5HeEf3CqlkfDz_TSe62Mr8r8oo4-poaBWqEJpuxvWh0V-Y5cV6bsbW4c5Q/s1600/100MEDIA_IMAG0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcCobg-1ptgH8DUxIjBcRxYjDy2d_6gj_J3rhtWM7p4nsRNnb5CesCVDtmgkqp8RokU_KGiLo8af1Tfoys5HeEf3CqlkfDz_TSe62Mr8r8oo4-poaBWqEJpuxvWh0V-Y5cV6bsbW4c5Q/s320/100MEDIA_IMAG0182.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Double Oatmeal Bread<br />
<br />
<br />
2 cups water<br />
4 tbsp. flax seeds<br />
6 eggs<br />
4 tbsp. molasses<br />
2 tbsp. vinegar<br />
<br />
3 cups oat flour<br />
1 cup millet<br />
1 cup gluten free bisquick<br />
1 cup tapioca starch<br />
4 tsp. baking powder<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. sea salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 and grease your bread loaf pans with coconut oil. Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, and let sit for a few minutes. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl on the lowest setting so it doesn't blow up in your face, of course! Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the mixing bowl and mix well. Pour into bread pans in equal amounts (unless you like one loaf bigger than the other) and bake for 35 minutes or until it comes out clean with a toothpick.<br />
<br />
Let the bread COOL before taking it out of the pan or it will FALL APART! Cut gently with a bread knife (I read somewhere electric knifes work great for thin slicing). I tend to get at least 20-24 slices out of each loaf, which makes it perfect for lunches ALL WEEK!!!!<br />
<br />
Told you I was lazy. One hour of baking for a week's worth of kids lunches.<br />
<br />
What's healthy about this, you ask? First of all, look at the ingredients. Did you see a ton of sugar in it, or fat? No. No chemicals, either, and it's gluten free and dairy free! And if you are smart enough, you could probably make it VEGAN if you used egg replacer (a liquid kind is advised).<br />
<br />
Good luck, and let me know if you try it or modify it to rock even more. My family LOVES LOVES LOVES this bread!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-7907074368243380712012-02-14T18:30:00.000-05:002012-02-14T18:30:31.219-05:00Vegan Creamy Pasta SauceI made a creamy white pizza sauce for the Super Bowl, and it turned out awesome. So tonight, I'm trying a new recipe (I made up because I didn't have the ingredients) for white... ok pale green, pasta sauce:<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
2-3 tbsp virgin coconut oil<br />
2-3 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 cup freshly made (and poorly filtered) almond milk<br />
3-4 large cloves of garlic (we LOVE garlic)<br />
small handful of parsley (fresh, great source of iron)<br />
dried basil and oregano to taste<br />
sea salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
Put it all in the vitamix and blend for a few minutes until it's toasty warm, and pour over freshly cooked pasta!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-92213657942876589452012-01-31T21:35:00.000-05:002012-01-31T21:35:10.618-05:00Trick my kids into eating flaxThat's right, I am tricking my children. I got a stand mixer on my son's 12th birthday, to soften the blow of him being too old to be seen with me. What a GIFT! Lately, I've been experimenting with making some gluten free, vegan baked goods.<br />
<br />
When I ran out of my gluten free bisquick (my ultimate fave for baking), I ended up getting some ground flax and arrowroot flour at the store. So I've been mixing those two with some sorghum flour and making goodies. Cupcakes... DELISH! Chocolate chip cookies... DELISH! And tonight, I made a vegan snicker doodle recipe with 1/3 part each, and they are AWESOME!<br />
<br />
My kids LOVE them, and once they cool they are stored in the freezer. Ingenious, because they last longer in there and the kids can grab one in the morning and they are thawed perfectly by lunch.<br />
<br />
They also get a cookie for dessert. So awesome!<br />
<br />
How do you get your kids to eat things they wouldn't eat otherwise?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-32145163812089576342012-01-29T19:53:00.000-05:002012-01-29T19:53:21.079-05:00Dear Vitamix, please switch to glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFZ4Vm66H8sMNJm2Y5Ktan0LFV8aIEoHXnwUh7enUIQZP7Z1qYfxJxQbHbbNmBAb2uLVDqQINvVvCBIZ4n1VBeVYC886Mq0d4dbgAXV5tzZrx-sueom441zMIV1xFuiaz0Y7eXs5_9m4/s1600/Photo+on+1-29-12+at+7.51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFZ4Vm66H8sMNJm2Y5Ktan0LFV8aIEoHXnwUh7enUIQZP7Z1qYfxJxQbHbbNmBAb2uLVDqQINvVvCBIZ4n1VBeVYC886Mq0d4dbgAXV5tzZrx-sueom441zMIV1xFuiaz0Y7eXs5_9m4/s320/Photo+on+1-29-12+at+7.51+PM.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Let me start by saying that I LOVE LOVE <b>LOVE</b> my <a href="http://vitamix.com/">Vitamix</a> blender. I actually have the Vitaprep, which is the commercial version of the Vitamix 5200. It's AWESOME, does everything I want it to, and even fits under our counters (without the lid on it if I tilt, so it counts).<br />
<br />
The one thing that REALLY bothers me about these high tech, high power blenders... the PLASTIC pitchers. With my daughters aversion to petroleum-based products, I think twice before using it around her. It doesn't take much for her to have a reaction, and although the pitcher seems to hold up pretty well... I feel like I'm playing Russian Roulette on this one.<br />
<br />
And YES, there are other blenders that have glass pitchers. I have had them, including the Kitchen Aid 5 speed blender. It just didn't compare to Vitamix or Blendtec in smoothness of ice creams and nut butters. That, and the way the blades separated from the pitcher, we've had a few unwanted spills!<br />
<br />
So PLEASE Vitamix! I know I'm not the only one who would like this, but please switch to GLASS!!! Or even stainless steel. I don't care if I can see my stuff - I just want a safe, non-leaching, pitcher for long term use. And... I PROMISE not to drop it.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
Your Faithful ConsumerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-66640093079035016132011-11-30T17:51:00.000-05:002011-11-30T17:51:44.942-05:00Steps in the right directionLately, I've been feeling kinda depressed. Boo hoo, cry me a river. Wait! Maybe I should go on some antidepressants. Those fix everything... not.<br />
<br />
So here's what I've been doing about it, instead of continuing to let it get the better of me:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrAGh64nynW8EvvEHr31dOFFJd9gb-lH0Uj440pRaLaI0qMkgh7BGOq65GWhb-AX2ib_nuSA7Q2Zud87MCdrK1SYDWtuJFwNm2uKraXYZlfJt3lYVeV1zxuEJuD9fyCAjWBsP56aA-QM/s1600/Photo+on+11-30-11+at+5.49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrAGh64nynW8EvvEHr31dOFFJd9gb-lH0Uj440pRaLaI0qMkgh7BGOq65GWhb-AX2ib_nuSA7Q2Zud87MCdrK1SYDWtuJFwNm2uKraXYZlfJt3lYVeV1zxuEJuD9fyCAjWBsP56aA-QM/s320/Photo+on+11-30-11+at+5.49+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinking my Rick Style Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li>told someone (not everyone in cyberspace. I told the person closest to me, and MAN I felt better just getting it off my chest.</li>
<li>started moving (his action steps, not my idea actually). Today I went to the gym we joined yesterday and did the elliptical for 30 minutes. That was enough to work up a sweat and come home.</li>
<li>garbage in... garbage out. I started putting better foods into my body again. Last night I had a smoothie, and after my workout today, I made another one. Recipes below.</li>
<li>gratitude - the one thing my body told me is that I needed to write down all the blessings in my life. I just didn't feel like getting out of bed at the time. So I'll start here, and tonight I'll bring my journal back to bed (I shared what I was thankful for with the kids the other day so it moved from my bedside) where I can write before I go to sleep.</li>
</ul><blockquote class="tr_bq">I am thankful for my family, and getting to see them again this Christmas. I am thankful for my sister, who always knows what to say and how to kick my butt into gear again. I am grateful for my loving, wonderful parents, who are supportive and kind and always love me whether they agree with my decisions or not. I am so blessed to have my lover and partner, who is by my side helping pick me up when I am down and who is there to laugh with me. I am thankful for our wonderful, intelligent, kind, and loving children. I am grateful they know and understand what love really is, how it should be, and how to act with kindness. I am blessed to be on my chiropractic journey, and discover the things I will and will not do in my office one day. I am blessed to be challenged every day, especially on who I am, so I can stand firm in that without compromising and still shine. I am thankful God is present in our lives each and every day, and I am thankful our children can see that. I am thankful to have good food to eat and share with my friends and family. I am blessed to live in a safe place, with caring friends and neighbors. I am thankful for hugs and kisses, smiles, and laughter. They make the world a better place.</blockquote>I am sharing this today because it is important to realize that everyone takes steps backwards sometimes. The best thing to do is to ask for help when you need it, and keep on taking one step at a time into the direction you want to go.<br />
<br />
I almost forgot! Smoothie recipes!!<br />
<br />
<b>Grapefruit Goodness</b><br />
1 grapefruit, peeled<br />
2 kale leaves<br />
1 stalk of celery<br />
<div>some parsley, fresh</div><div>some fresh mint</div><div>water, to desired thickness</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Rick Style Smoothie</b></div><div><i>My boyfriend likes the thicker, less sweet smoothies and this suits him just fine. I don't think it's too bad - has a bit of a lemon taste which I like.</i></div><div>1 lemon, peeled</div><div>5-6 cherry tomatoes</div><div>2 stalks celery</div><div>2 leaves of kale</div><div>1/3 cucumber</div><div>fresh ginger to taste</div><div>1 ripe avocado</div><div>water, to desired thickness</div><div><br />
</div><div>I use the Vitamix for my smoothies, but any blender will do (really!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>What do you do to get out of a funk?</div><div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-86452128171486992952011-11-26T18:14:00.000-05:002011-11-26T18:14:11.271-05:00Petroleum free Christmas dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8fJBZUNmopgXQWeaUHG4HGmgclKSyOUXYY792qDoZH38c2oL67LaIRi9JTROgV1az99du37sXL6RH1Os81j1pTdS8pLAqpP-yfgFmJpMFwUQE-uyiwDnkRDKwD94j-1LQc8aZm7J3as/s1600/Photo+on+11-26-11+at+6.12+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8fJBZUNmopgXQWeaUHG4HGmgclKSyOUXYY792qDoZH38c2oL67LaIRi9JTROgV1az99du37sXL6RH1Os81j1pTdS8pLAqpP-yfgFmJpMFwUQE-uyiwDnkRDKwD94j-1LQc8aZm7J3as/s320/Photo+on+11-26-11+at+6.12+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My daughter and petroleum products don't get along. Liquids in plastic bottles, petroleum jelly, and even polyester. That makes for difficult dressing at times, and in the past has led to hospital visits and surgeries.<br />
<br />
Last year, I made her a coat that was cotton and wool. We were lucky enough to have found a 100% cotton corduroy Christmas dress last year at Goodwill - and that was a blessing!<br />
<br />
This year, I went to Joann's fabric to pick out something I could make that would be a little more her style (total princess that she is). I got some white cotton fabric with white embroidered snowflakes and circles on it, some dark red duponi silk, white muslin cotton, and a pattern.<br />
<br />
I made her a dress that is gorgeous, fits her, and won't whack her out or make her look like she's sick (due to the dark under eyes, red itchy eyes, runny nose, etc.)<br />
<br />
The only thing left to do is sew the zipper, but I can't find my zipper foot so that is on hold for now.<br />
<br />
What kinds of things do you do for your children to keep them happy and healthy?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-12476689438004524752011-11-25T13:49:00.000-05:002011-11-25T13:49:12.828-05:00Healthy HolidaysThis was the first year I hosted Thanksgiving, and my boyfriend is the one who kinda had the idea. At first I was not thrilled, and then I thought about all the things we don't have to worry about - like food allergies. I could make food everyone could eat and not have to worry about what might be in something, hurting feelings by refusing the food, and the crazy children that came from eating something either on purpose or by accident.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD4pBFNYOFBbh4LFU_cqXcf475LPJdDB9dKPH5ilzGHYk4NnOdF2zs4ZvRxTNH97wDKZjBViLkF14JMUL-IcaSHigF3_KCA7-t0lAVf3AwBmdR68FarqJGK142IZuJe1Ou4nbbRgA5iM/s1600/Photo+on+11-19-11+at+4.59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD4pBFNYOFBbh4LFU_cqXcf475LPJdDB9dKPH5ilzGHYk4NnOdF2zs4ZvRxTNH97wDKZjBViLkF14JMUL-IcaSHigF3_KCA7-t0lAVf3AwBmdR68FarqJGK142IZuJe1Ou4nbbRgA5iM/s320/Photo+on+11-19-11+at+4.59+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluten free stuffing with fresh onions, leeks, celery, and herbs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My kids have the idea in their heads that this meal was somehow "healthy" compared to the rest of the world. Let's take a look, shall we?<br />
<br />
<ul><li>No dairy (allergies)</li>
<li>No high fructose corn syrup (no corn at all, due to allergies)</li>
<li>No gluten</li>
<li>No artificial flavors or colors</li>
<li>Less than 5 tsp. of salt were used</li>
</ul><div>Does that mean healthy? Let's see:</div><div><ul><li>I used about 45 oz. of coconut oil for the entire feast.</li>
<ul><li>That is a lot of fat, although a better fat with 0 cholesterol, still that's a lot.</li>
</ul><li>Sugar: I used almost an entire bag of sugar for this festive charade.</li>
<ul><li>Normally, a bag of sugar would last an entire year.</li>
</ul></ul><div>Other factors to consider:</div></div><div><ul><li>We still have a ton of food left over, including the pies</li>
<li>Cravings didn't happen later on in the day. We were all still satisfied from our early meal!</li>
<li>I don't have a bunch of wild, crazy, irritated children running around. I, on the other hand, am jumping for joy!</li>
<li>The food was moist, delicious, and our "normal" food eating guests couldn't tell the difference.</li>
<ul><li>These guests had heaping seconds of my gluten free stuffing!</li>
</ul></ul><div>What did I really learn about a HEALTHY, happy, Thanksgiving?</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Make foods that taste good to everyone, that are of the best quality you can afford, and people will eat like they should. You don't have to skip sugar altogether, and you don't have to "give in" and buy the crap your kids are allergic to because you want them to enjoy it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We all enjoyed it, and will continue to, for the next week while we finish all the leftovers!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I also learned to slow cook the turkey and inject FRESH herbs and spices into it for the most moist and delicious bird I've ever had. Seriously. Didn't even NEED gravy or cranberry sauce.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My recommendation: repeat for Christmas, but scaled back because really? Who needs 6 pies?!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-28356204392486067572011-11-18T00:16:00.000-05:002011-11-18T00:16:54.352-05:00SubluxationSub station? WHAT!? Subluxation. The chiropractic term which many have tried to define over the years. There are two things ALL definitions have in common:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>misalignment of a vertebra upon another</li>
<li>nerve interference</li>
</ol><div>I've been adjusted for many years (approximately half my life) and after seeing several awesome changes in my life and of those closest to me, I decided to become a chiropractor. It just made sense!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Chiropractic doesn't fix anything. Chiropractic is about one thing: subluxation (finding and removing it). When there is less interference from brain to body, your body functions better. That's just a fact. When we remove subluxation, it allows for your body to heal itself. Quite honestly, we don't even do that! We put a very specific force into the body, and the BODY adjusts itself and then goes on to heal itself.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So I came across a post tonight on Facebook. I know the chiropractor personally, have been to his office, and know he must have been thrilled to have shared:</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq">Had a 12 year old patient with Leukemia. Last week had a blood test by oncologist. WBC count a 2 (non existent immune function) came to me we cleared atlas. 6 hours later had a count of 13 (oncologist stunned)</blockquote></blockquote><br />
This guy isn't just any chiropractor. He is an upper cervical chiropractor, and works at clearing subluxation at the top of the neck where the brainstem is located.<br />
<br />
This isn't an example of chiropractic healing cancer. This is a prime example of a body without nerve interference healing itself!<br />
<br />
THIS is why I decided to become a chiropractor. The body is pretty amazing! It can put to shame a pharmacy in terms of drug creations, and it can create human life with the introduction of ONE cell from another person. We don't have to think about how to beat our hearts, we don't have to think about how to grow a baby or divide cells. We don't have to think about breathing while we sleep... it just happens! You can't say the brain does it, because a dead person has a brain, too. The heart doesn't do it - dead people have hearts. What dead people don't have that living people have... is LIFE.<br />
<br />
You can't deny that there is some force doing all these amazing miracles every second of our lives. I certainly can't.<br />
<br />
My job isn't to cure you of everything under the sun, and it certainly isn't to be your chiropractic aspirin. I'm going to adjust your subluxations, and let your body heal itself!!!<br />
<br />
And that is the miracle of life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-83307398514473180142011-11-09T17:08:00.000-05:002011-11-09T17:08:47.518-05:00Natural Deodorant RevisitedAfter having made a second batch of gel-type deodorant using guar gum instead of xanathan gum, I am going back to the xanathan. Here's why:<div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>it turned a brownish color</li>
<li>it has a scent to it - and I don't like it</li>
</ul><div>That said, I may have accidentally used too much guar gum so it's not fair to say it stinks in comparison to xanathan (but I'm going to say it anyway!)</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>I just made a new batch today using xanathan gum. What I love:</div><div><ul><li>it's a creamy white color, which I like</li>
<li>it smells good (I added a drop of lavender and peppermint EOs to the batch)</li>
</ul><div>Added notes:</div></div><div><ul><li>if you add too much baking soda to the water, it won't stay mixed in and it might feel scratchy.</li>
<ul><li>Fix: add more water or use less baking soda next time</li>
</ul><li>if it's too runny, put it into a roller bottle or add a little bit of xanathan gum</li>
<li>if you don't like the wet feel of putting a gel-type deodorant on, use the recipe The Smart Mama had on her site that uses coconut oil as a mixture, and pour it into a regular stick deodorant container.</li>
</ul><div>Also, I didn't end up liking the gel for shampoo in my case - I'm quite happier using the no poo recipe instead. But my kids use the gel, as it is much easier to use.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>What have you found works for you? Do you like this recipe, and have you used it for your hair or just as a deodorant?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-39678329633614699832011-06-10T13:59:00.000-04:002011-06-10T13:59:51.135-04:00Journaling for GoodYesterday was a wonderful day! We found out my boyfriend's son came several grade levels in one year, and that was a huge accomplishment. We both cried actual tears of joy... for him, for each other, for our family. We were already proud of how far he has come, and all of us were cheering for him. It was just extra wonderful to know he accomplished what all the school professional said was impossible.<br />
<br />
My son, however, had a difficult day and he showed it. Apparently the day got worse as it went on, and we had a talk about it this morning. I asked what happened, and he said bad things kept happening. I asked him if he journaled yesterday before bed and he said, "No." He hadn't done it for a while. His last entry was approximately a month ago.<br />
<br />
I looked over his journal entries with him, and they went something like this:<br />
<blockquote>5 things I'm thankful for:</blockquote><blockquote>1. boobies</blockquote><blockquote>2. The Hork-bajir chronicles</blockquote><blockquote>3. plants</blockquote><blockquote>4. toys</blockquote><blockquote>5. food</blockquote><blockquote>6</blockquote><br />
So I shared with him my gratitude journal. It went a little something like this:<br />
<blockquote>I am thankful for my loving, caring boyfriend who is my best friend, lover, and partner. I am thankful to have a wonderful family, and amazing children who care for each other and the world. I am thankful for my ex-husband, who is in Afghanistan for our country so we all are safe. I am grateful that he calls every week to talk to the kids, and that he sent videos to them so they can still see his face. I am thankful for hugs and kisses, joy and laughter. I am grateful for the beautiful vegetable gardens that are flourishing, and for help watering them every day. I am thankful we have plenty of good food on our table every day, and that we are all happy and healthy. I am thankful we have a great home, and a bed to rest our heads on at night. I am thankful for all the blessings God has given us, and continues to give us.</blockquote>I asked him what the difference was. He said, "mine is just things I like." I explained to him that he can be grateful for the things he has that he likes, but there are many other things in the day to be thankful for. Great moments, people we might take for granted, and other normal things in our lives that we don't really tend to think about sometimes.<br />
<br />
I explained that using a sentence, and stating that you are thankful, grateful, or happy about something every time you mention something new allows you to re-experience that great thing in your mind as you write it. A list is good, and sometimes that is a great way to get people started! But as I switched from writing a list to writing sentences, I found it easier to write more things that were great in the day and my life.<br />
<br />
Andrew got it. He took the journal from me, and started writing (without me telling him to). He decided to start writing one thing in the morning, some other things in the middle of the day, and the rest at night before he goes to bed.<br />
<br />
Any bets on who is going to have a great day, even when a few rough things happen in the midst of it?<br />
<blockquote>Andrew!</blockquote><br />
Do you journal? If you do, is it all the things that tick you off in the day, or the good things? How do you feel about journaling? Good/bad/ineffective/awesome? I'd love to hear your thoughts!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-10139018788232963992011-05-23T18:06:00.000-04:002011-05-23T18:06:16.001-04:00Raw food cleanseI have been trying to get out of the junk food snacking and back into healthy snacks again. By healthy, I mean whole foods! Fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, and seeds. Stuff like that! Two days ago I had pineapple for breakfast. Later in the day I had a green smoothie with spinach, strawberries, and water and it was refreshing. Then I had cherries for a snack, and some fried foods for dinner (jalepeno poppers and onion rings). It was supposed to be our last feast before starting healthier diets.<br />
<br />
Today I started out on the right track. I had a green smoothie, this time with spinach, aloe vera gel, strawberries, a kiwi, date, and some water. It was pretty good. I also packed green beans, cherries, and almonds for snacks. It was quite a refreshing lunch!<br />
<br />
Then came the phone call a few hours later... "Mom can you pick me up from school? I have way too much stuff to carry home on the bus." So off I went, and as I drove by Zaxby's I was hungry! When I picked up Andrew, I decided to treat <i>him</i>. You know I really didn't go for <i>myself</i>, right? Ok, so I used him as an excuse to get chicken fingers, fries, and a half-sweet half-unsweet tea. And it was gooooood!<br />
<br />
Rather than beat myself up over it, I decided to stop eating it halfway through. Now I'm onto cherries and some aloe/lemon water. I must admit, I never realized all the benefits of using aloe internally (but I'll save that for another day).<br />
<br />
I don't know why I expected myself to be able to go back to eating nothing but raw fruits and veggies again cold turkey, but I did. Lesson of the day: ONE STEP AT A TIME.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-77886690859058127692011-03-25T00:02:00.000-04:002011-03-25T00:02:48.186-04:00Baking Soda Deodorant RevisitedYesterday I posted a video blog about creating a gel deodorant that's all natural and aluminum-free. We already use the "no poo" recipe, which is baking soda dissolved into water, and use that to wash our faces. It's been working nicely. The drawback... how much are we wasting?<br />
<br />
Using a little xanathan gum (thickener) to create a gel or creme consistency to dissolved baking soda makes what could potentially be used, not only as a deodorant, but as a base for toothpaste, facial wash, or even a creamier type of shampoo! The possibilities are pretty neat.<br />
<br />
This was an accidental finding, you know! One day I used a little too much xanathan gum trying to thicken a dressing I used for the kids (to make it less pourable) and it was too thick! Just the right consistency for this, apparently.<br />
<br />
I will be trying the remainder of the deodorant recipe I made yesterday as facial wash tonight. I did add a few extra drops of lavendar essential oil. Be sure to stay tuned to see how it turned out! Next on the list is toothpaste. I am not a fan of fluoride toothpaste, but I AM a fan of a clean mouth. That's a blog for another day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-14800834919219448402011-03-24T00:03:00.004-04:002012-02-18T11:43:11.478-05:00All Natural Gel-Type Deodorant<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Learn how to make all-natural, aluminum-free, gel type deodorant in two minutes!</span><br />
</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxNTFkMx8o_9UbvHEuPT9cpuUqwbajUCrbBg4IQ5zc2T6h-Wcci5gQj6Vigetlgv-MLd-iR4CSXNS5RCCg0Ng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hi, I'm Melanie from <a href="http://AStepIntoHealth.com/">AStepIntoHealth.com</a> and today we're going to be making all natural, gel-type deodorant from products you probably already have in your home. Last month, I read an article on <a href="http://TheSmartMama.com/">TheSmartMama.com</a> titled "What's Wrong with Natural Deodorants? You may be surprised to find aluminum." Aluminum is a known neurotoxin, and your skin is very absorbant. Jennifer Taggert recommended several aluminum-free alternatives, and inspired me to create a deodorant that was right for me and my family. This all natural gel type deodorant requires only water, baking soda, and a thickener like xanathan gum or cornstarch. <br />
<br />
First, take 1/2 cup of water, which should be boiled or distilled, and pour it into your magic bullet cup or blender. Next take 1 soup spoon/tablespoon full of baking soda and dump it into the container with your water. Stir until the mix is completely dissolved. There should be NO precipitate (extra baking soda) at the bottom of your cup, and once the water settles it will be clear. Take 1 soup spoon or tablespoon of xanathan gum or other thickener of your choice, and dump it into your baking soda/water mixture.<br />
<br />
At this point, your mixture is ready to be blended but if you'd like you can add a few specialties like seential oils (for fragrance or antimicrobial properties) or a little olive oil if you would like to add an extra moisturizing property to your deodorant. Make sure if you add any oils you add it after the baking soda is dissolved. <br />
<br />
Now we're ready to blend. Just put on the lid securely and blend. The mixture gets thicker the more you blend (a hand wire whisk can also be used). Take off the lid, and inside we have a nice gel type consistency deodorant. The last step is to use an empty, clean, and unwound gel-deodorant container. (I recommend using protective gloves to clean it out. Placing the container in boiling water could also be done for sanitizing purposes.) Remove the lid, pour in the mixture to the top, and pop the lid back on nice and tight (so it is secure).<br />
<br />
This is Melanie from <a href="http://AStepIntoHealth.com/">AStepIntoHealth.com</a>. Remember the best way to get healthy and stay healthy is a step at a time!<br />
<br />
What is your favorite deodorant recipe?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-64531950206035200922011-03-15T19:52:00.001-04:002011-03-24T22:13:29.411-04:00The No Dairy, No Soy, Downright Delicious Butter AlternativeIf you are like the growing number of people who cannot consume cow dairy products, it might aggravate you when visiting the grocery store. Especially if you are looking for a non-soy alternative!<br />
<br />
Here are a few simple alternatives:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaEUcSaqcSZOaVwLr5eS0butLOE3Yrl-Ew537Tv7emox0FMIeBkzREpSOoQBuAD7okIKO2W9dW-ayILmg_bjxcsY079HAUsxGWq4TvkvLtaTc7Uho80_7WOMa55REDaaqmO7qvpyi36I/s1600/Photo+on+2011-03-15+at+19.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaEUcSaqcSZOaVwLr5eS0butLOE3Yrl-Ew537Tv7emox0FMIeBkzREpSOoQBuAD7okIKO2W9dW-ayILmg_bjxcsY079HAUsxGWq4TvkvLtaTc7Uho80_7WOMa55REDaaqmO7qvpyi36I/s200/Photo+on+2011-03-15+at+19.43.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 parts olive oil, 1 part coconut oil <br />
with spices and a pinch of sea salt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ol><li>Olive oil - in some restaurants, you can get bread with herb infused olive oil on the side for dipping. No fuss! Just pour some olive oil into a jar with some herbs you like, and use a little as a dip when needed.</li>
<li>If you like your butter alternative a little easier on the knife, put the olive oil in the fridge!!! It will solidify. There is a catch, however. You'll have to use it quickly after taking it out because it goes liquid again in a few minutes. Wanna fix that?</li>
<li>Mix olive oil with a little palm or coconut oil. Add herbs and/or a little sea salt, and stick it in the fridge. </li>
</ol><br />
By the way, palm and coconut oil have NO cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in animal products, not plants. Yes, there is saturated fat, but that is not a bad thing. Our bodies need a little saturated fat to make various important things in our bodies. I'll save the boring science for another day.<br />
<br />
Good herbs/spices to put into your dairy-free, soy-free and downright delicious spread:<br />
<ul><li>garlic</li>
<li>onion</li>
<li>chives</li>
<li>paprika</li>
<li>turmeric</li>
<li>old bay</li>
<li>basil</li>
<li>oregano</li>
<li>thyme</li>
<li>your favorite herb blend (mine is garlic, turmeric, and paprika)</li>
</ul><div>Be creative! Have you tried an alternative like this before? If so, what are your favorite herb blends? What special blend would you be interested in trying?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-45358842838086432562010-07-23T23:09:00.000-04:002010-07-23T23:09:30.432-04:00Social Devolution Part 1: Turn the Power on, Turn it up, and Recycle<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">My plan for the community is a whopper! Here is what the first part looks like and why I'm doing it:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiBZNF7X7KvZZW7Jx6lHvEZ3wn-Uw012zynH86MWuVo_Lr5buYr3WhPJGsXMLKZSw_Q0Uy8RDxIm9tgO645JQZoj1-R5Q96H0Q_bgsGxuARudw5BpXi5C9uFzW_rJvZLYkcPro7Oahpw/s1600/chiropractic-energy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiBZNF7X7KvZZW7Jx6lHvEZ3wn-Uw012zynH86MWuVo_Lr5buYr3WhPJGsXMLKZSw_Q0Uy8RDxIm9tgO645JQZoj1-R5Q96H0Q_bgsGxuARudw5BpXi5C9uFzW_rJvZLYkcPro7Oahpw/s320/chiropractic-energy.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">All types of stress (chemical, emotional, physical) can manifest in the body the same way. Your nervous system controls everything in your body, and all the systems of the body are closely intertwined, so it is important they are all functioning optimally for greater health.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">If there is a miscommunication or lack of messages from the brain to the body, and the life energy that runs our bodies cannot flow from above down, inside out - you would expect the body to not function the way it should. Our nervous system sends messages to every part of our body! Skin, muscles, organs (your heart, digestive tract, eyes, ears, etc.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I will be opening a chiropractic office in my community where we help people's life energy, and all the messages that flow from the brain to the rest of the body remain free and uninterrupted. We will teach people how to take responsibility for their own health, and move them step by step to a higher level of health. Each patient will go as high as they want to, and have the tools and support they need along the way!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Why would we want a body free from interference? Well, why wouldn't you? Think about it. When the body has blockages or misinterpreted signals in it, the ability to handle stresses decreases. That means less ability to handle emotional issues, deal with loved ones and others who might be more difficult to handle, less ability to handle the nutrients we put in our bodies, and less ability to handle the physical demands we put on ourselves every day. Bodies with free flowing energy have a higher threshold for dealing with stress than bodies without it. It's science, it's simple, and it's awesome!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">This office will be adjusting patients and be a place people want to come... not only for the great adjustments, but also for the positive, loving energy. We will be turning the power ON... well, more like UP! And we'll be recycling it by giving back to the community with a portion of the profits (and service).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I'd like to setup an account where a portion of the profits is invested in the rest of my huge project. What exactly IS the rest of my huge project? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">Stay tuned! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';">I'll be writing soon to talk about <b>Social Devolution Part 2: The Community Garden</b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-50224735959887814102010-06-07T00:13:00.000-04:002010-06-07T00:13:42.211-04:00The "L" word - and health. Prove it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pONGhFX3O1OStdikGgd5TlwYTxaHb5CJyaSTL0EBl1pPRBpKr21ZD67HXjC4xWWURV0psrrGzqvTe0LwVYvK26nhbhZkVgpeDzl0-Oij3jjqE4MGzC4leuNRw_nDdY50Y93wNTDttpA/s1600/Dad-me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pONGhFX3O1OStdikGgd5TlwYTxaHb5CJyaSTL0EBl1pPRBpKr21ZD67HXjC4xWWURV0psrrGzqvTe0LwVYvK26nhbhZkVgpeDzl0-Oij3jjqE4MGzC4leuNRw_nDdY50Y93wNTDttpA/s200/Dad-me.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">When I was growing up, my Dad would ask us "Have I told you I love you today?" or "Have I told you how much I love you lately?" Sometimes remember being annoyed by this as a child, because he told us he loved us a lot. I just didn't get what the big deal was all about! But sometimes he wouldn't say it as often, and I'd wonder, and then he'd ask those questions and I'd be reassured. His point was simple: don't assume people know you love them. Tell them!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Now that I am an adult and a mother, I find those things my Dad said often to be exactly one of the things I want my children to know, and one of the things I still find important in my relationships with others.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">My goal is to tell them EVERY DAY that I love them, how special and wonderful they are, how proud of them I am, and how much I love them. Often I get eye rolling from one or both of them, telling me "I know! You tell me all the time!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Today I got a text from my daughter, who is away on vacation. She texts me:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I love you mom so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so much"</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write back with:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"That still isn't even CLOSE to how much I love you and your brother. Not in a million years sweetheart!"</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She writes me back.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"ok mom prove it."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PROVE IT! I am several hours away from her right now, and she wants me to prove how much I love her? This from the same little girl who eye rolls me for reminding her of my love for her because she already knows? Ok. I'll prove it. I wrote:</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"I prove it every day my love. When I feed you good food and water, hug and kiss you, tell you how special you are, and help you when you are afraid. I blow you kisses even when you are not here! And I ALWAYS think about you. I would even die to save you. There is NOTHING in the world that could EVER make me stop loving you two."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After my conversation today with my daughter, I felt uplifted and relaxed and happy. So did she. I could hear it in her voice when she called to talk.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">How does this even remotely relate to health? Check out this <a href="http://www.nel.edu/pdf_/26_3/260305A13_15990734_Esch--Stefano_.pdf">article</a>, suggesting that Love counters stress and promotes health! LOVE is important in relationships. UGH I said the L word and relationships in the same sentence... how dare I! I'll tell you how. Everyone, whether they tell you or not, needs love. They need to give it AND they need to receive it. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Don't make that vital mistake of assuming people know you love them - like your children, your partner, your siblings, or your friends. You know what they say about assumption, right? They say a lot - and none of it is great.</span></span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">My health tip for today is simple... make sure the people you love... know it. </span></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-27776046174838178762010-05-29T23:17:00.000-04:002010-05-29T23:17:15.148-04:00Potato Salad - without the mayoLast summer I was missing my Mom's potato salad big time, and after I'd cooked everything I realized I didn't have mayonnaise. And you know what? I really didn't want to BUY any either. I'm not a fan of soybean oil and my friend Jackie and I had a conversation a few weeks prior about how simple it is to make things when you run out.<br />
<br />
So I made olive oil mayo (olive oil 1 or 2 raw eggs, a tbsp. lemon juice, pinch sea salt - blend) and used that in my potato salad instead of store bought mayo. My Mom's potato salad tasted the same! Mmmmm! When I told my one sister about it, she said her husband still wouldn't eat it since he doesn't like mayo. She wondered if it could be made without it.<br />
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My verdict... YES!<br />
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Potatoes, boiled and strained<br />
(optional: eggs, boiled and chopped)<br />
fresh onion (chopped)<br />
Bacon (optional - last year I didn't use bacon. This year, I burnt it)<br />
olive oil<br />
Spicy mustard<br />
Paprika<br />
Sea salt<br />
Pepper<br />
Parsley<br />
<br />
I would tell you how much of everything I used, but it was all to taste. Cook the potatoes (and eggs/bacon if you are using them). Add some mustard and mix it around in the bowl. You don't need much olive oil at all. Maybe a table spoon or two. If you like it creamier, add more - but I'd add it after you add the paprika, sea salt, parsley, and pepper. All to taste.<br />
<br />
What I've found - you don't need as much spicy mustard to make it taste the same, as the mayo would counter it a bit. Keep in mind the only real difference between mayo and what I use in this recipe is an egg or two and some lemon juice (which you can add if you want, I just don't have any on hand).<br />
<br />
It was good! Next batch I'd use less spicy mustard than I did this time - hence the note about using less. It was still creamy and tasty like Mom's potato salad. It was more colorful (I think the mayo dulled the color a tad), and I think it's worth making again.<br />
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If you leave the eggs and bacon out of it, it's vegan potato salad, and cholesterol free. Remember cholesterol is something only found in animals... plant based oils have ZERO cholesterol in them. :) Mix it up a little. Try converting your favorite recipe using olive oil instead of mayo and let me know how it goes!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-81359449697414276872010-05-28T02:09:00.000-04:002010-05-28T02:09:23.945-04:00Everything in Moderation: High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)While I was waiting to meet a friend today I found myself thirsty and without my #1 favorite drink... water. All the water bottles in the car were empty. I couldn't decide what I wanted to drink, but I wanted something cold and refreshing with how hot it was outside today!<br />
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So I was talking to a girlfriend of mine and decided nothing at Starbucks peaked my interest. It was inside the Kroger grocery store, so I moved on to the drink coolers by the checkout stands. I found something I have never seen down south before... Turkey Hill Iced Tea!!! Oh my surprise! Turkey Hill is a nothern company, and I must say I've missed their ice cream... my favorite being the all natural mint chocolate chip variety. It's super creamy and minty and Mmmmmm! Seeing their iced tea in a store hundreds of miles from home made me smile UNTIL I looked at the label (habit these days) and saw one of the top ingredients: high fructose corn syrup.<br />
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I was so BUMMED! Now we all know there are numerous studies out on how this stuff is not good for you. And my friend understood how I felt about the item, stating "well, everything in moderation, ya know!" And she is right. Everything in moderation... but IS there moderation these days with HFCS? Not so much, but that is about to change.<br />
<br />
Well, I opted instead for Snapple Natural Peach iced tea, which came in glass and used sugar instead of HFCS. And when I met my friend, he had purchased ketchup to go with the burgers we planned on cooking out with later. My son LOVES burgers with his ketchup, haha, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw on the label that the ketchup on sale had a label stating No High Fructose Corn Syrup! SWEET! It was good, too. Still in plastic, which is not the greatest - but I was proud of the baby step away from HFCS.<br />
<br />
This stuff is in practically everything! Moderation is difficult to do if you aren't making your own food, condiments, etc. and staying away from sodas (and other beverages). How much does the average american consume each year? Approximately 40 lbs. per year. Not really in my book as moderate. Various studies have been done on this stuff, and it really isn't great for you. Do your own research, and then consider transitioning to a HFCS free household. Your body will thank you for it!<br />
<br />
Step into Health Tip: consider replacing products with HFCS with products that do not have it. One step at a time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-21165431086110052392010-05-24T15:20:00.001-04:002010-05-28T02:11:26.745-04:00Convert from Plastic to Glass... recycling!Compared to most people, my conversion from plastic for food and beverage storage has been kinda quick. I got rid of as much plastic as I could and purchased a glass pitcher, glasses which could double as food containers due to lids on top, etc.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>For a while I was using a bunch of old Nestea and Tang jars, which someone was selling at a yard sale for pennies. Little did they know they were perfect for us and our want to carry water with us while outside the home.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Most recently, and embarrassingly late in the game, I figured out I could save jars I had already purchased and reuse them. I've been to the store several times and just could not bring myself to purchase canning jars. And I don't really need to!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The next time you clean out your fridge, or are at the store, consider purchasing glass and re-using those jars instead of purchasing plastic and using it. Note: glass can be used in the freezer for storage, fridge, etc. It is also able to be recycled! So if you drop one, grab the dust pan and put it in the recycle bin. No reason to get upset over it! In our house, we also don't get upset over spilled water... I simply remind my children "It's okay. It was an accident. It's water, and water dries." Then we clean it up.</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>Peanut butter jars - Skippy natural is sold in 26 oz. jars (also smaller size) in various stores. GO skippy for putting your natural peanut butter in something other than plastic!<br />
<br />
I made almond butter in the blender by adding olive oil and a little raw honey to the mix. It is GREAT, and the kids love it. Can you guess what I'm storing it in? That's right! The 26 oz. glass peanut butter jar we finished off.<br />
<br />
Other ideas for that jar: storing leftovers. Mashies, corn, smoothies, etc.<br />
<br />
Take your jar with you to the store and fill it up with fresh ground peanut butter. Places like Whole Foods have great machines that allow you to do this.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Jelly - I realize children tend to touch the jars for peanut butter and jelly, but really? What are the odds of them dropping (and breaking) a jar? Not that great. My kids cling to these jars like dropping it would mean someone else gets their favorite foods. It's not gonna happen! Even so, it's not that hard to clean up if they break a jar. Just saying!<br />
<br />
Making your own jelly is easy! I make it without pectin, and with the use of a blender since my kids hate big pieces of fruit in their jelly sandwiches. Take 1 cup of water, 1.5 - 2 cups of fruit (strawberries, blueberries, mixed berries - your choice), and a little sugar (we like less sugar (a few tablespoons). I blend the mixture in the blender, then cook it down while stirring it for 20 minutes. When it stays in fork tines I'm done cooking it and pour it into a clean jar while it's hot. Put the lid on and stick it in the fridge. Wanna hear something cool? It seals itself when I do that. <i>Note: this is probably not the correct way to can something long term, but our jelly goes kinda fast so I'm not really concerned. If you want to can things, please read up on how to do it properly.<br />
<br />
</i></li>
<li>Pickles - these jars are large enough to store a bunch of foods, even meat, after you are done a meal. Just wash them out. No, I don't have a pickle recipe just yet. If anyone knows of how to make pickles without buying stuff at the store to do it, I'm game for trying the recipe with my garden cucumbers this year.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Metal/glass cannisters - I am kinda against storing my ice cream in glass jars, only because it is difficult to get it out sometimes. I purchased stainless steel cannisters a long time ago, and use these for storing the ice cream we make throughout the year. If you have a super blender like the Vitamix or Blendtec, making ice cream in an instant is easy! If not, use a regular blender or mixer and an ice cream maker to get that soft serve consistency. Mmmmm! Ice cream in whatever flavors you want. I personally LOVE the <a href="http://ourgaggleofgirls.com/recipes/2007/12/07/coconut-milk-ice-cream/">Coconut Milk Ice Cream recipes</a> at <a href="http://ourgaggleofgirls.com/recipes/2007/12/07/coconut-milk-ice-cream/">Rachel's Recipe Box.</a> Consider making your own ice cream! It is fun and rewarding!<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Butter/Margarine - consider that butter comes from a milk rendering animal like a cow or goat. I have to buy goat's milk butter since my daughter is allergic to cow's milk products. It tastes the same, but is white in color. Buy one of those glass butter containers to keep it in. If you like butter not hard, leave it out of the fridge for a while before your meal (or all the time like I do). OR, you could try making your own butter spread. <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-olive-oil-spread/">Olive Oil Spread</a> looks like a great idea! I could imagine putting a little bit of sea salt and/or herbs in the mixture and spreading it on things instead of butter.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Juice - we don't drink juice! We drink water... some high quality H2O, and we love it! If you need to drink juice, or your children like it - consider getting some in a glass jar rather than plastic (see your health food section or apple juice/cider comes in large glass jars). Or better yet, get a juicer and make your own. At least then you know where it comes from! If you buy 1 or 2 of the glass juice jars, when you use a juicer guess where you can put the juice you don't drink? Ah... genius!<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Milk - almost all milk comes in some sort of plastic container, or a cardboard one lined with plastic. Bummer on that! Fortunately for us, my daughter's allergies have enlightened us to alternative milks, which we don't drink for thirst <we>. We use alternative milks <almond,> for thinks like cereal - or for making ice cream, or in a recipe that calls for milk.<br />
<br />
This alone makes it worth buying one of those super blenders. The ability to whip up a 1/2 gallon of milk in a minute or less, pour it into our glass pitcher, and store it on the fridge door. But you don't need a super blender for this. I've been making banana milk for 7 years now in a regular blender. 1 or 2 bananas, fill cannister to water line and blend! It's sweet, looks like milk, and tastes great on cereal.<br />
<br />
If you HAVE to have cow milk or goat milk - how about bringing a glass pitcher or two to a local dairy and asking them to fill it for you? I bet they'd do it if you explained you don't want their products in plastic. What a great change we'd make! I'll bet it tastes a lot better, too!<br />
<br />
</almond,></we></li>
<li>Ketchup - you can buy ketchup in the glass bottles still, I think! If not, consider using an old olive jar! Make your own. It can't be that hard, right? Here is a <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Heinz-Ketchup-copycat-version-28412">ketchup recipe</a> I plan on tweaking (to remove the corn syrup and use fresh tomatoes) and pour into a jar for when we have fries or a burger and want some ketchup.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Mustard - I've seen mustard sold in glass jars, and that would make for a great container after it is gone. You could just buy another one, OR make your own. Spicy mustard also comes in jars.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Mayonnaise - blend up some olive oil, a little vinegar or lemon juice, and an egg or two and blend. There you have it! Soy free artificial flavor/color free mayo that is great! Put it in a jar and stick it in the fridge.</li>
</ul><div>If you catch the theme here, it's really not that hard to make your own stuff... and I am NOT a cook. I once made spaghetti sauce the cats wouldn't even eat! My family changed the rules on our family cooking schedule because of it. Most of the things you eat are very SIMPLE to make!</div><div><br />
</div><div>My point: DON'T THROW AWAY YOUR GLASS JARS! Keep them, REUSE them, and maybe save a little money trying to make some of these things on your own. What a great feeling! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Note: my reasons for not using plastic are different than most people. <a href="http://fakeplasticfish.com/">Beth Terry</a>, from <a href="http://fakeplasticfish.com/">Fake Plastic Fish - Live life with less plastic</a> does it for the animals in the oceans who are mistaking our plastic waste for food. Whatever your reason - saving money, allergies, the environement, the ocean's ecosystem - I hope you try it.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969938278957512709.post-66707930521833705742010-05-22T14:46:00.001-04:002010-05-28T02:13:01.602-04:00Step into Health!Welcome to my blog! It has come to my attention that some of the things I post on my facebook for friends, or just out of plain excitement, should be shared with the rest of the world. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Melanie, and I'm a single Mom to 2 beautiful, wonderful children.<br />
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</div><div>Over the years, I have had some major problems with my daughter's health. Although an allergy is considered by the medical community to be an IgE mediated response, I consider an allergy to be an incompatibility (permanent or temporary) between two things. Make that a person and a food, person and a chemical, dog and a cat.... I was checking to see if you were really listening there. Glad you're here!</div><div><br />
</div><div>One of the things that took the longest for me to figure out is that my daughter is highly sensitive to petroleum products... including plastic. She had an anaphylactic reaction after ingesting water stored in plastic, and even is so sensitive she cannot wear 100% polyester sweaters due to red itchy swollen eyes and behavioral changes.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Whether the exposure to plastic for so many years after she was weaned made her more susceptible to other things, or allergies to other foods made her more sensitive to petroleum I don't know. But I do know that they can't even test for this type of allergy! So they dismiss it, which is not acceptable and kept leading us in circles.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In the process of discovering her "allergy" to plastic (petroleum being the culprit, thanks to two good friends) my family has gradually stepped into health. I say it that way because this is the way it SHOULD be - unless you are born into a family that doesn't eat or live the way the average (note: average is NOT equal to normal) American family does.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This blog is dedicated to my children, and other people who want to make their lives healthier and happier. I hope it is easy and enlightening! We will learn together along the way... health is a process.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Health, to me, is the ability of the body to handle stresses without manifesting them inside the body. There are several types of stressors... chemical, physical, and emotional. Studies have shown any type of stress manifests itself the same way in the body. And we all know what that feels like, right?</div><div><br />
</div><div>My goal is to help myself, my children, and as many other people as possible to be able to better handle stressors by taking baby steps along the way. Feel free to join me in this journey!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09776633780263650908noreply@blogger.com2