Did you know there is a super hero in your pantry? It's vinegar, and it's time to get it out and put it to use. First of all, vinegar is a super hero household cleanser known to be very effective at slaying the bad guys like bacteria, bacteria, and those icky germs (due to it's acidity). Toss out the harsh chemicals your (environmentally) friendly super hero is here to take their place!
Here's a great site (http://www.vinegartips.com) preaching the wonders of vinegar, like:
To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.
Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.
Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.
To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.
To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.
To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.
Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.
Get stained white socks and dingy dishcloths white again. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.
Remove soap scum and clean the hoses of your washing machine with white distilled vinegar. Periodically run the machine with only a cup of white distilled vinegar in it—nothing else added to the wash cycle.
Stop insect stings and bites from itching by dabbing them with a cotton ball saturated with undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Soothe sunburn with a spray of white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar will feel even better, and may prevent blistering and peeling.
For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.
Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.
Preserve cut flowers and liven droopy ones by adding 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water in a vase.
Get rid of the water line in a flower vase by filling it with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar, or by soaking a paper towel in white distilled vinegar and stuffing it into the vase so that it is in contact with the water line.
Remove berry stains on your hands by rubbing them with white distilled vinegar.
Remove unwanted decals and bumper stickers by covering them with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, or by repeatedly spraying them with full-strength white distilled vinegar. They should peel off in a couple of hours.
Rid the windshield wipers of road grime by wiping them with a white distilled vinegar-soaked cloth.
Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.
Kill fleas by adding a little white distilled vinegar to your dog or cat’s drinking water.
Cats hate the smell of vinegar. If you have a cat that is marking its territory around your house, spray the area with white distilled vinegar then rinse with a hose.
Check out the link above for more helpful hints and tips!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
For He is far more capable....
{Evangeline (4 mo. 3 weeks.) & Nolyn (1 day shy of 6 years!)}
I'll be honest; this parenting thing is hard. There are times in the middle of the night, when I'm totally running on fumes and the wick of my patience it's far too short, that I begin the question whether I have what it takes to raise four children (and possibly more, God-willing).
And then the answer comes so clear.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
See, raising my children for the glory of God on my own strength and power, well.. that's impossible. Sometimes I forget that the God has given us the Holy Spirit. I have a wonderful and mighty captain at the wheel, but so often I find myself shoving Him aside, and tossing a, "Hey, I can do this myself, thanks!" over my shoulder.
I'm working on putting my full trust in him. I am often frustrated with myself... why do I hold back areas of my life and my trust from God? Afterall, haven't I proven to myself time and time again that He is far more capable than I am?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Essential Soil
Do you realize how important dirt is? It's where life begins (didn't God create man from the dust of the earth?), and it is where life is nourished (food, animals, etc). It is an essential ingredient in the circle of life.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A birthday brings reminiscing
I am convinced time flies faster when you have children. Where have the last six years gone?
I recall that late night when, while preparing for bed after a nice long bath, I realized my water had burst. Soon, we'd have our first son. Soon, our little Merika would have a sibling.
The contractions were swift and strong as we made our way to the hospital, but once we arrived, and I settled into a sterile room, things began to settle. After a intense labor, Nolyn was born the following morning (around 6 am, I believe) to a weary set of parents. This would be our second and last hospital birth (so far). Our following two children would be much easier, simpler home births.
Our first child was a shock. We were accustomed to the get up and go lifestyle, and now there had to be planning and consideration for a little person. Just as we had become familiar with life with one child (a child who was very mind-mannered and naturally well-behaved), in stormed Nolyn.
Nolyn was a spunky little baby. He was very alert and loud. He didn't stay in the baby stage for long. He quickly figured out how to get around- usually by repeatedly lunging forward in a move that looked like a painful belly flop. And he was in to everything.
He was a sturdy child- the chubbiest of all of them so far- and his eyes were two different colors. They've since evened out for the most part, but are still very intense. He's always been the sort to explore and ponder. So much like his father, so much like his mother. This kid didn't stand a chance!
We lived in Indiana when he was born, in a small two-bedroom apartment. We spent our days walking to Trader Joe's, roaming the parks, and gathering with other families with young children. Of course, there were many difficult times as well, as Brandon and I were still young, immature, and probably not entirely ready to be married, not to mention become parents (although, we did not realize that at the time- obviously we had deceived ourselves into thinking we were quite wise). However, I know God used our children to bring forth growth and maturity, and I'm grateful for that. I only wish that our children did not have to go through the things they did while my husband and I sorted through our issues. But, to God be the glory, since all things eventually worked together for good. I always say it's a good thing most children do not remember about their first few years of life!
I do not remember a lot from those days- only bits and pieces. Thankfully, the majority of those bits and pieces are warm fuzzies, or at least little funny moments, like when Nolyn managed to dig in his diaper during nap time and not only smear poo all over his crib, but his body as well. That was one clean-up that had me gagging the entire time. When I remind him of this story, he laughs uncontrollably. Funny how some things are not even the least bit humorous during the moment, but are incredibly hilarious later on.
Nolyn has always seemed a bit mature for his age, and, as a mentioned, he didn't stay a baby for long. He was quickly walking and talking- keeping his mother very busy! Thankfully I had a little girl who loved mothering her younger brother. The two of them have been best of friends and enjoy doing everything together.
He's such a smart little fellow. He asks hundreds of questions a day. He loves pirates, indians, Garfield, Legos, and helping his dad "build stuff". He likes to play karate with his mama, ride his bike, and dig holes in the front yard (which Dad doesn't really care for). He has millions of inventions and ideas floating around in that head of his and he'll gladly share them with you. His favorite piece of clothing is a pair of hand-me-down Air Jordans. He doesn't know that Air Jordans are kind of a "big deal". He just loves them because they are his older friend's... so they've got to be cool, right?
He's not big on school. He's sort of an Einstein in my opinion. School stuff seems to boring to him. I feel like he's way ahead, but I've got to teach him the basics before he can really make sense of all the facts he's got in his head. He's a sponge- more than most kids, at least- and he soaks up everything he sees and hears. This is wonderful and frightening all at the same time.
He loves making his own PB&J sandwiches and his favorite foods are fruit salad, hamburgers, rice, hotdogs, ketchup, zucchini, bananas, bacon, and fish. Actually, I think it'd be easier to mention the foods he doesn't like (which would be broccoli and potato salad).
He's a sweet-heart. He loves to help, although he often gets distracted. He tries to be thoughtful, and he's cute as can be.
He's grown so much. I feel like I'm constantly saying (in regards to all our children), "What happened to my baby?" Sometimes the days seem long, but the years are most definitely short.
Happy Birthday Nolypie! :)
I recall that late night when, while preparing for bed after a nice long bath, I realized my water had burst. Soon, we'd have our first son. Soon, our little Merika would have a sibling.
The contractions were swift and strong as we made our way to the hospital, but once we arrived, and I settled into a sterile room, things began to settle. After a intense labor, Nolyn was born the following morning (around 6 am, I believe) to a weary set of parents. This would be our second and last hospital birth (so far). Our following two children would be much easier, simpler home births.
Our first child was a shock. We were accustomed to the get up and go lifestyle, and now there had to be planning and consideration for a little person. Just as we had become familiar with life with one child (a child who was very mind-mannered and naturally well-behaved), in stormed Nolyn.
Nolyn was a spunky little baby. He was very alert and loud. He didn't stay in the baby stage for long. He quickly figured out how to get around- usually by repeatedly lunging forward in a move that looked like a painful belly flop. And he was in to everything.
He was a sturdy child- the chubbiest of all of them so far- and his eyes were two different colors. They've since evened out for the most part, but are still very intense. He's always been the sort to explore and ponder. So much like his father, so much like his mother. This kid didn't stand a chance!
We lived in Indiana when he was born, in a small two-bedroom apartment. We spent our days walking to Trader Joe's, roaming the parks, and gathering with other families with young children. Of course, there were many difficult times as well, as Brandon and I were still young, immature, and probably not entirely ready to be married, not to mention become parents (although, we did not realize that at the time- obviously we had deceived ourselves into thinking we were quite wise). However, I know God used our children to bring forth growth and maturity, and I'm grateful for that. I only wish that our children did not have to go through the things they did while my husband and I sorted through our issues. But, to God be the glory, since all things eventually worked together for good. I always say it's a good thing most children do not remember about their first few years of life!
I do not remember a lot from those days- only bits and pieces. Thankfully, the majority of those bits and pieces are warm fuzzies, or at least little funny moments, like when Nolyn managed to dig in his diaper during nap time and not only smear poo all over his crib, but his body as well. That was one clean-up that had me gagging the entire time. When I remind him of this story, he laughs uncontrollably. Funny how some things are not even the least bit humorous during the moment, but are incredibly hilarious later on.Nolyn has always seemed a bit mature for his age, and, as a mentioned, he didn't stay a baby for long. He was quickly walking and talking- keeping his mother very busy! Thankfully I had a little girl who loved mothering her younger brother. The two of them have been best of friends and enjoy doing everything together.
He's such a smart little fellow. He asks hundreds of questions a day. He loves pirates, indians, Garfield, Legos, and helping his dad "build stuff". He likes to play karate with his mama, ride his bike, and dig holes in the front yard (which Dad doesn't really care for). He has millions of inventions and ideas floating around in that head of his and he'll gladly share them with you. His favorite piece of clothing is a pair of hand-me-down Air Jordans. He doesn't know that Air Jordans are kind of a "big deal". He just loves them because they are his older friend's... so they've got to be cool, right?
He's not big on school. He's sort of an Einstein in my opinion. School stuff seems to boring to him. I feel like he's way ahead, but I've got to teach him the basics before he can really make sense of all the facts he's got in his head. He's a sponge- more than most kids, at least- and he soaks up everything he sees and hears. This is wonderful and frightening all at the same time.
He loves making his own PB&J sandwiches and his favorite foods are fruit salad, hamburgers, rice, hotdogs, ketchup, zucchini, bananas, bacon, and fish. Actually, I think it'd be easier to mention the foods he doesn't like (which would be broccoli and potato salad).
He's a sweet-heart. He loves to help, although he often gets distracted. He tries to be thoughtful, and he's cute as can be.
He's grown so much. I feel like I'm constantly saying (in regards to all our children), "What happened to my baby?" Sometimes the days seem long, but the years are most definitely short.
Happy Birthday Nolypie! :)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
M is for Magnficent Muffins! (healthy & delicious!)
In attempt to provide healthy and wholesome snacks for the munchkins (and myself), I poked around the fridge and pantry searching for items to make into.. something. I settled on muffins as they are great portable little hunger-solving devices and wonderful little carriers for a variety of super duper healthy ingredients like (ground) flax seed.
I should just call this the Kitchen Sink Muffin, because otherwise the title would be something like...
Honey Cinnamon Apple Cacao Nib Flax Seed and Spelt Muffins
2 cups organic whole grain spelt flour
3 TBSP ground flax seed (you can skip this if you don't have it)
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon natural sea salt (or table salt, if that's all you have)
1 1/4 cup almond milk (rice or hemp milk will do as well)
1/3 cup oil (whatever you have on hand... I only had vegetable oil left)
1 egg
1 apple, peeled and chopped finely
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 TBSP cacao nibs (depending on how you like it- you can also skip this if you don't like cacao nibs).
3-4 heaping tablespoons organic raw honey (I do not use a measuring spoon for this, I use the big tablespoon used to eat cereals, soups, or whatever)
Preheat oven to 400*F
Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, flax, and sea salt together. Add milk, oil, and egg and stir (by hand) until lightly moistened. Add chopped apple, walnuts, cacao nibs, and honey and stir again. (DO NOT USE A MIXER, DO BY HAND!) Taste the batter and make sure it's sweet enough (you may even want to make it slightly too sweet because the sweetness will mellow once baked).
Bake @ 400*F for 18-20 minutes (Test by inserting a knife in the top. If it comes out clean, it's done.) Let them cool a bit before enjoying. Remember, they will continue to bake just a bit as they cool, so don't over-bake!) Drizzle a bit of raw honey on top of them while they are hot!
These are similar to the recipe up above, but with blueberries (frozen or fresh), and I used used 1/4 cup pure apple juice (and subtracted 1/4 cup milk). I also left out the cacao nibs.
You may need to add more (or less) milk. I tried to keep track and measure out things, but there are times when I just "play it by ear".. or by sight and taste in this case. I figure these measurements are pretty close.
I should just call this the Kitchen Sink Muffin, because otherwise the title would be something like...
Honey Cinnamon Apple Cacao Nib Flax Seed and Spelt Muffins
2 cups organic whole grain spelt flour
3 TBSP ground flax seed (you can skip this if you don't have it)
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon natural sea salt (or table salt, if that's all you have)
1 1/4 cup almond milk (rice or hemp milk will do as well)
1/3 cup oil (whatever you have on hand... I only had vegetable oil left)
1 egg
1 apple, peeled and chopped finely
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 TBSP cacao nibs (depending on how you like it- you can also skip this if you don't like cacao nibs).
3-4 heaping tablespoons organic raw honey (I do not use a measuring spoon for this, I use the big tablespoon used to eat cereals, soups, or whatever)
Preheat oven to 400*F
Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, flax, and sea salt together. Add milk, oil, and egg and stir (by hand) until lightly moistened. Add chopped apple, walnuts, cacao nibs, and honey and stir again. (DO NOT USE A MIXER, DO BY HAND!) Taste the batter and make sure it's sweet enough (you may even want to make it slightly too sweet because the sweetness will mellow once baked).
Bake @ 400*F for 18-20 minutes (Test by inserting a knife in the top. If it comes out clean, it's done.) Let them cool a bit before enjoying. Remember, they will continue to bake just a bit as they cool, so don't over-bake!) Drizzle a bit of raw honey on top of them while they are hot!
These are similar to the recipe up above, but with blueberries (frozen or fresh), and I used used 1/4 cup pure apple juice (and subtracted 1/4 cup milk). I also left out the cacao nibs.
You may need to add more (or less) milk. I tried to keep track and measure out things, but there are times when I just "play it by ear".. or by sight and taste in this case. I figure these measurements are pretty close.
(Btw, my kiddos absolutely loved them! I'm trying to hold back some for their breakfast, but not sure that will happen!)
The Marketing of Madness (video)
Several of my friends and I were discussing this subject the other day- and then I found there's actually a wonderful documentary on it!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Lanolin: not just for nursing mothers
Most women probably think of Lansinoh's popular brand used for chapped nipples (due to breastfeeding) when lanolin comes to mind, but lanolin has other uses as well. I remember watching my mom massage lanolin into her hands when I was a wee whippersnapper (knee-high to a grasshopper, ya'know).
Lanolin is non-toxic and contains no carcinogens so it's safe to put on your body (and your baby).
It's great to use on leather (or even vinyl)- perfect for shining up shoes that have lost their luster! It can also be used to protect metal surfaces from the elements. Smoothing it over metal outdoor furniture will keep it from rusting.
Oh, and the packaging is great for gnawing on. At least Evangeline Rose thinks so! :)
What is Lanolin?I have found lanolin to be a wonderful lip balm, diaper rash treatment, and moisturizer for super dry areas like the heels of my feet.
Lanolin is a greasy, yellow substance extracted from the fibers of sheep’s wool. This substance is secreted from the skin of sheep and gets trapped in the sheep's wool, giving the sheep protection from rain and moisture. This natural secretion is very similar to the oils we naturally secrete from our own skin. Lanolin’s chemical composition is chiefly a mixture of cholesterol and the esters of several fatty acids. If you add water to Lanolin it forms an emulsion. As a waste product in wool processing, it is known also as wool wax, wool fat, or wool grease. Lanolin is thick like petroleum jelly. When it is applied to the skin, Lanolin seals your body’s moisture in and protects it from dry air. Lanolin is considered a ’heavy duty’ moisturizer and emollient that can be used on dry, rough, and chapped skin. It is also used as a lubricant, and it is found in some hair conditioners to lock in moisture and soften hair. (http://www.herbalremedies.com/lanolin-information.html)
Lanolin is non-toxic and contains no carcinogens so it's safe to put on your body (and your baby).
It's great to use on leather (or even vinyl)- perfect for shining up shoes that have lost their luster! It can also be used to protect metal surfaces from the elements. Smoothing it over metal outdoor furniture will keep it from rusting.
Oh, and the packaging is great for gnawing on. At least Evangeline Rose thinks so! :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Gerson Therapy
I have really enjoyed looking deeper into the Gerson Therapy and the life of Dr. Gerson (as well as his daughter). You can watch Food Matters online at Netflix. But first, give these two videos a quick looksee!
A lifestyle change
It's been a while since I've really updated. We've been on a "journey to healthiness". I had been having headaches, feeling very sluggish, and having asthma issues as well. This was not surprising as I had a major addiction to sugar and was consuming it in large amounts.
I also found that any time Keagan drank sugary drinks (tea, soda, juice) or cow's milk his digestive system was messed up for days, even weeks, and could only be "righted" by drinking lots of water and fresh fruit/vegetable smoothies. We replaced cow's milk with hemp, almond, and rice milk. (There is usually a sale on at least one of them, so I buy whichever is cheapest.)
A little over a year ago, I was eating a 95% raw vegan diet (fresh, whole plant-based foods) and feeling so much better. My migraines disappeared, I had loads of energy, and, even though I had several miscarriages (after a year of hoping and praying for a baby), my body healed quickly.
I knew I needed to get back on track with my health and my family's as well. My husband and I also wanted to lose weight and get within a healthier range for our size.
I had become severely addicted to junk food, especially fast food, since having the baby. We were eating at McDonald's at least twice a week, and I would always feel ultra-crummy afterward. After coming down with food poisoning twice in one month (once from Sonic, then from McDonald's), I was pretty much turned off of fast food. Researching the processes and ingredients in the foods I was eating regularly put the nail on the coffin. GMO's (Genetically modified organisms/food), bleached flours, refined sugar..... I was poisoning my body. Not only was I loaded with toxins, but, because I am nursing, I knew my baby was not getting the optimum nutrition. I had eaten so healthfully during my pregnancy, but afterward, I had gone absolutely bonkers on junk food. Something had to change.
Researching and getting down to the basics really helped. When I saw how the meat I consumed was mistreated, pumped full of hormones, antibiotics, and improperly fed (more on that to come), I knew we needed to change our source of meat. We began purchasing organic, grass-fed beef along with other organic, naturally raised and fed meat (chicken, lamb, deer). We also cut down the portion size of our meat and included more fresh foods (usually a large salad).
We found that we really loved Greek food (and Mediterranean food in general). I'm not a seafood person, but I've actually found myself enjoying a tuna steak here and there.
[Pictured: Greek Pasta Salad]
We try to buy mostly local, seasonal, organic produce (although we do consume some things out of season) and I shop around for the best prices (because, let's face it, sometimes organic is greatly over priced).
In the beginning, it seemed very pricey. Afterall, we were trying new things and figuring out what we liked and didn't like. Now that we have figured out what the staples are in our organic diet (and found the cheapest place to purchase these items- most of which comes from a Phoenician market in Houston or Whole Foods), it's not as expensive. We also buy some things in bulk from Sam's like Bolthouse Farms beverages, Feta cheese, organic yogurt, and grape tomatoes. I am not a big fan of Wal-mart companies, but with a growing family and a limited budget, it's often the best choice, especially since my kids consume a 32 ounce container of grape tomatoes in less than 24 hours and our family can empty out a large container of Greek yogurt just for breakfast.
I began making our breads instead of buying them from the store. It helps to make things yourself and know exactly what is in it, even if it's not always cheaper to do so. (Honestly, we know that the 99 cent bread at the grocery store is not usually the healthiest choice.)
A friend of mine, hearing that we were doing a complete lifestyle change, asked if I had watched certain documentaries. I watched Food Matters, Food Inc, Tapped, The Gerson Miracle, Fuel and loads of other great eye-opening documentaries on Netflix and realized our health extended far beyond what we were eating.
We already cloth diaper (Evangeline) which has been a great money saver. Seeing the impact our garbage has on the environment made me realize we needed to make other changes as well. I made up more cloth napkins and towels to use instead of paper products. I stopped purchasing bottled water. I try to use cloth grocery bags or ask for paper bags instead (which we can use for all sorts of things and then recycle when we are done). I became more aware of how we were using electricity and such.
I know it sounds like we went absolutely crazy, but I began to realize that God has made us (man) steward over the earth, and we are greatly abusing it. We have become very wasteful people, not appreciating what we have. We are a disposable nation- we want quick, cheap, and easy... yet we fail to realize the true cost and impact such things have on the earth (and our bodies as well).
A friend once told me, "When you start changing your lifestyle, people will hate you for it. They will debate you on every issue." A while back, I had a long discussion with someone who did not care for our choice in (home) schooling our children. She was greatly offended, yet I had to remind her, "I'm not judging your choices. My husband and I are responsible for our family." I truly believe that in the end, I'll have to stand before God and give account for how I raised them. You aren't accountable for my children... I am. We do what we do because we believe it is our calling and our duty for our children, for our family. Obviously we believe it is what is best for our family or we wouldn't do it, but I am not claiming we are better than anyone else because of our beliefs or practices. It is not my place to place restrictions and rules upon others and say, "This is what you must do." (Or even, "This is what you must do to be saved or loved by God.") I do, however, believe it is what we (my husband and I) must do in response to what God has revealed to us (not to "earn" His grace, but because we love the Lord and want to be good stewards of all the blessings He has bestowed upon us).
I have hesitated to post about this, but it's such a large part of our life and, well, it is my blog. However, I know such subjects seem to be highly controversial, and some people may twist my words (especially those who like to stir the pot and argue for the sake of arguing).
This is something I will be talking about quite a bit on my blog (posting recipes, links, videos, information, etc) so if this is not something you care to consider, then I suggest you stop reading this blog, or ignore such entries. Quite frankly, I'm not interested in debate for debate's sake and will not entertain it. That being said, I do enjoy researching and digging deeper (and I always look at both sides of the coin), so feel free to share your own research with me!
I also found that any time Keagan drank sugary drinks (tea, soda, juice) or cow's milk his digestive system was messed up for days, even weeks, and could only be "righted" by drinking lots of water and fresh fruit/vegetable smoothies. We replaced cow's milk with hemp, almond, and rice milk. (There is usually a sale on at least one of them, so I buy whichever is cheapest.)
A little over a year ago, I was eating a 95% raw vegan diet (fresh, whole plant-based foods) and feeling so much better. My migraines disappeared, I had loads of energy, and, even though I had several miscarriages (after a year of hoping and praying for a baby), my body healed quickly.
Here are the basics in a nutshell, though simplified for easy understanding. A raw foodist is someone that eats 75-100% live, nutritionally-dense organic uncooked and unprocessed food (and drinks pure, live water), enjoying delicious meals that optimize your health by alkalizing your body. At that rate your elimination system can get rid of the toxins created when you cook. But when you eat more cooked food you are consuming acidic toxins faster than your body can eliminate them so they back up, disrupting your body's delicate acid/alkaline balance, a major cause of excess weight and disease. Heating food above 118 degrees F. causes the chemical changes that create acidic toxins, including the carcinogens, mutagens and free-radicals associated with diseases like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. Cooking also destroys the live enzymes that aid in digestion and health.
(Rawfoodlife.com)
I knew I needed to get back on track with my health and my family's as well. My husband and I also wanted to lose weight and get within a healthier range for our size.
I had become severely addicted to junk food, especially fast food, since having the baby. We were eating at McDonald's at least twice a week, and I would always feel ultra-crummy afterward. After coming down with food poisoning twice in one month (once from Sonic, then from McDonald's), I was pretty much turned off of fast food. Researching the processes and ingredients in the foods I was eating regularly put the nail on the coffin. GMO's (Genetically modified organisms/food), bleached flours, refined sugar..... I was poisoning my body. Not only was I loaded with toxins, but, because I am nursing, I knew my baby was not getting the optimum nutrition. I had eaten so healthfully during my pregnancy, but afterward, I had gone absolutely bonkers on junk food. Something had to change.
Researching and getting down to the basics really helped. When I saw how the meat I consumed was mistreated, pumped full of hormones, antibiotics, and improperly fed (more on that to come), I knew we needed to change our source of meat. We began purchasing organic, grass-fed beef along with other organic, naturally raised and fed meat (chicken, lamb, deer). We also cut down the portion size of our meat and included more fresh foods (usually a large salad).
We found that we really loved Greek food (and Mediterranean food in general). I'm not a seafood person, but I've actually found myself enjoying a tuna steak here and there.
[Pictured: Greek Pasta Salad]
We try to buy mostly local, seasonal, organic produce (although we do consume some things out of season) and I shop around for the best prices (because, let's face it, sometimes organic is greatly over priced).
In the beginning, it seemed very pricey. Afterall, we were trying new things and figuring out what we liked and didn't like. Now that we have figured out what the staples are in our organic diet (and found the cheapest place to purchase these items- most of which comes from a Phoenician market in Houston or Whole Foods), it's not as expensive. We also buy some things in bulk from Sam's like Bolthouse Farms beverages, Feta cheese, organic yogurt, and grape tomatoes. I am not a big fan of Wal-mart companies, but with a growing family and a limited budget, it's often the best choice, especially since my kids consume a 32 ounce container of grape tomatoes in less than 24 hours and our family can empty out a large container of Greek yogurt just for breakfast.
I began making our breads instead of buying them from the store. It helps to make things yourself and know exactly what is in it, even if it's not always cheaper to do so. (Honestly, we know that the 99 cent bread at the grocery store is not usually the healthiest choice.)
A friend of mine, hearing that we were doing a complete lifestyle change, asked if I had watched certain documentaries. I watched Food Matters, Food Inc, Tapped, The Gerson Miracle, Fuel and loads of other great eye-opening documentaries on Netflix and realized our health extended far beyond what we were eating.
We already cloth diaper (Evangeline) which has been a great money saver. Seeing the impact our garbage has on the environment made me realize we needed to make other changes as well. I made up more cloth napkins and towels to use instead of paper products. I stopped purchasing bottled water. I try to use cloth grocery bags or ask for paper bags instead (which we can use for all sorts of things and then recycle when we are done). I became more aware of how we were using electricity and such.
I know it sounds like we went absolutely crazy, but I began to realize that God has made us (man) steward over the earth, and we are greatly abusing it. We have become very wasteful people, not appreciating what we have. We are a disposable nation- we want quick, cheap, and easy... yet we fail to realize the true cost and impact such things have on the earth (and our bodies as well).
A friend once told me, "When you start changing your lifestyle, people will hate you for it. They will debate you on every issue." A while back, I had a long discussion with someone who did not care for our choice in (home) schooling our children. She was greatly offended, yet I had to remind her, "I'm not judging your choices. My husband and I are responsible for our family." I truly believe that in the end, I'll have to stand before God and give account for how I raised them. You aren't accountable for my children... I am. We do what we do because we believe it is our calling and our duty for our children, for our family. Obviously we believe it is what is best for our family or we wouldn't do it, but I am not claiming we are better than anyone else because of our beliefs or practices. It is not my place to place restrictions and rules upon others and say, "This is what you must do." (Or even, "This is what you must do to be saved or loved by God.") I do, however, believe it is what we (my husband and I) must do in response to what God has revealed to us (not to "earn" His grace, but because we love the Lord and want to be good stewards of all the blessings He has bestowed upon us).
I have hesitated to post about this, but it's such a large part of our life and, well, it is my blog. However, I know such subjects seem to be highly controversial, and some people may twist my words (especially those who like to stir the pot and argue for the sake of arguing).
This is something I will be talking about quite a bit on my blog (posting recipes, links, videos, information, etc) so if this is not something you care to consider, then I suggest you stop reading this blog, or ignore such entries. Quite frankly, I'm not interested in debate for debate's sake and will not entertain it. That being said, I do enjoy researching and digging deeper (and I always look at both sides of the coin), so feel free to share your own research with me!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Story of Stuff: Bottled Water Edition
A friend sent me this link yesterday evening and I have to pass it along!
If you have the time, rent (or watch instantly) TAPPED on Netflix! It's an issue near and dear to my heart! Let's be good stewards of what God has given us! I don't know why people think the "green movement" is just for liberals and hippies! We should all care!
If you have the time, rent (or watch instantly) TAPPED on Netflix! It's an issue near and dear to my heart! Let's be good stewards of what God has given us! I don't know why people think the "green movement" is just for liberals and hippies! We should all care!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year
Hey folks,
I apologize for the lack of blogging. So much has been going on in our little part of the world, a lot of which I can't exactly write about on a public forum.
I will say, and I hope my brother doesn't mind, but last year, I had the joy of witnessing such a miraculous transformation of my sibling as He began to understand the Truth of Christ. I have long prayed that God would bring my brother and me into a closer friendship and fellowship, just as I have long prayed that he would have saving belief in Christ. It has been so amazing to have deep spiritual conversations with him and to see God turn around his life.
The last year was full of many mixed emotions. We had many roller coaster moments as we watched our oldest child struggle to learn and retain information due to a swelling, inflamed mass on her brain. Our merciful Father healed her just as He healed our baby Evangeline while she was still in the womb. And that sweet little Evie-Rose was our second homebirth, born just days before Keagan's third birthday. We watched each of our little children grow and flourish. We experienced the joys of parenting along with the struggle of wisely disciplining and correcting. Our marriage was strengthened by the trials and victories, bonding us closer together.
I have so many hopes for this year, and I know God has something amazing planned. I feel like I so often underestimate God's incredible greatness. I know I do.
I am so thankful for Jesus. I have often had to remind myself of the good news of the Gospel. I have struggled under guilt and sin this past year, while God has continued to assure me, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed."
Isn't it amazing that, as believers, we have been set free, yet we drag our ball and chain along with us wherever we go? Isn't it crazy that we KNOW the war has already been won, yet we still live such defeated lives?
I know the devil has certainly used these last few months to poke and prod at me. I have been experiencing a bit of post partum depression which has appeared in the form of spiritual warfare. I am so grateful to have such an amazing fellowship of friends within the body of Christ who have prayed for me and with me. There are times when I feel the pressure within ease and I instantly know someone has prayed for me. It's really an amazing feeling.
So, this seems a little ramble-y, but I wanted you all to know I'm here... :) And I love you!
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