Primal Pudding

There is just something comforting about chocolate pudding.  If you are an emotional eater you know what I mean.  For me it is a texture thing. 
This pudding is super quick and easy to make.  The best part about it is that I can feed it to EVERYONE I love.  It is primal, vegan, gluten free, casine free and sugar free so everyone is happy. The next time you have a family party think about serving this for dessert. 

Ingredients:
1 banana
1 avocado
1 can coconut milk  (full fat not lite)
1 big scoop coco

*I know avocado seems weird.  Trust me it makes all the difference in the world in the texture.  You never see any green and all you taste is the chocolate.

Blend using an immersion blender or the food processor till it is nice and creamy.  Chill it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes so it sets up a bit.  Serve as is or over berries.  mmmmm......   This is also really good frozen into a popsicle if you have little ones.

Natural Sunburn Relief

It is the time of year to be outside.  There are lots of garden projects to do and hiking trails calling my name.  It is great that it is finally warm enough to get out there in the sun. 

A little bit of sun is a wonderful thing.  Not only does it feel fantastic on your skin and give you a pretty glow, it helps your body produce vitamin D3 and boosts your immune system.  Too much sun on the other hand can be a really real pain.  About 15 to 30 minutes of sun a day is going to be good for you and after that you need to cover up.

Prevention is the Key.  By all means, avoid getting a sunburn.  However, if it does happen, here are some natural remedies that really work.

Avoid further sun exposure until your symptoms have subsided.  Sunburns can continue to develop 12 to 24 hours after exposure.

After being in the sun, take a cool shower.

Place a cool moist towel over any areas that got too much sun, and take a rest.  Do not apply ice.  It can take several hours for a sunburn to become apparent.

Drink plenty of water and peppermint tea to keep you hydrated and to cool you from the inside out.

Sun Soak
1 C. apple cyder vinegar
1 C.  dry oatmeal
1 C. baking soda
7 drops peppermint oil

Mix ingredients into a tepid bath and soak for 30  minutes.

Sun soak 2
make a tea of chamomile, black and green tea.  Pour it in your bath water and soak.  Alternately you can take the moistened tea bags and place them directly on the burn.

Burn pultice
1 C. regular yogert
1 grated raw potato
1 grated raw cucumber

Apply mixture to your skin and let set for 20 to 30 minutes. 

Aahhh  Aloe Sunburn Spray
1 C. aloe juice
20 drops lavender oil
10 drops rosemary oil

Apply to burn with a spray bottle or a cotton ball.  Keep in the fridge and use within 4 to 6 months.

Sunburn Spray 2
1/4 C. distilled water
2 T. aloe vera gel
1 T. witch hazel
6 drops lavender oil
1 drop chamomile oil
1 drop tea tree oil

Mix the essential oil with the witch hazel.  Add the distilled water and aloe.  Store in a spray bottle.   Shake well before using.

After sun Skin Conditioner
1/2 t. sweet almond oil
1/2 t. aloe vera gel
1/8 t. liquid lecithin
12 drops evening primrose oil
1 drop tea tree oil
1 drop carrot seed oil

Using a whisk mix the almond oil,primrose oil, and liquid lecithin together.  Add the aloe gel and mix.  add the essential oil and mix again.  Gently massage into skin.  Store any leftovers in a jar with a lid.


Check out sun kissed skin cream!

Greek on the go

It is spring time and this little appetizer just hits the spot.  It is fresh, easy and light.  I sprung these on my family last week at the family party and they went over really well except for one aunt who wanted to know EXACTLY what the white stuff was.   "Because if it is the Tofu, I refuse to try it!" she says.  Gotta love her.

Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes (get the smallest ones you can find)
1-2 cucumbers, sliced
1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 block of Feta, cubed

1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. olive oil
1 t. oregano
Fresh pepper to taste

Use a toothpick to skewer the tomato cucumber olive and feta in that order.  Use the cube of Feta as a base to make it stand up.  Continue till you have used all the ingredients.  These bite sized Greek salads will keep in the fridge for a while.

Put the oil, lemon, oregano and pepper in a jar and shake it like it lied to you.  =)  Drizzle it over you little kebobs immediately before serving.  

Baked eggs in avocado

This is another very simple and easy breakfast idea.  It is perfectly Primal and has the feel of something really special with out any mess or fuss.

It is very normal for me to have an avocado and a cup of tea for my breakfast.  The other day I cut one that I was sure would be the perfect texture and sadly, it way to hard for my liking.

Jim ask if we could try "that egg thing" with it.  He is a big fan of eggs cooked in something.

The avocado is not good to me so why not?

Ingredients:
1 avocado
2 eggs
spices and toppings of your choice    We tried red pepper, cheese, salt, and bacon.  Jim said it would be great just plain and topped off with salsa.

Pre-heat the oven to 425.  Slice the avocado in half, take the pit out and situate the two halves cut side up on a baking dish so that it doesn't tip over.  If it is giving you trouble just stick a couple tooth picks each side to stabilize it. 

Crack the egg right into the middle of the avocado.  Make sure to get the yolk in the hole where the pit was or the egg will slide off.

Add what ever spices you want to the top.

Place in the oven and cook till it is as done as you like your eggs.   Its just that easy!  

Life - the Owners manual

My friend Becca emailed me this list and I just love it!   (I'm not sure if she wrote it or not.... but thanks either way!)

I hope you find as many pearls of wisdom and some absolute truths in here.  Enjoy!

~ Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully ~

~ Memorize your favorite poem ~

~ Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want ~

~ When you say, "I love you", mean it ~

~ When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye ~

~ Be engaged at least six months before you get married ~

~ Believe in love at first sight ~

~ Never laugh at anyone's dreams ~

~ Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely ~

~ In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling ~

~ Don't judge people by their relatives. "NO KIDDING" ~

~ Talk slow but think quick ~

~ When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?" ~

~ Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk ~

~ Call your mom ~

~ Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze ~

~ When you lose, don't lose the lesson ~

~ Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions ~

~ Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship ~

~ When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it ~

~ Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice ~

~ Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, his/her conversational skills
will be as important as any other ~

~ Spend some time alone ~

~ Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values ~

~ Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer ~

~ Read more books and watch less TV ~

~ Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time ~

~ Trust in God but lock your car ~

~ A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home ~

~ In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past ~

~ Read between the lines ~

~ Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality ~

~ Be gentle with the earth ~

~ Pray. There's immeasurable power in it ~

~ Never interrupt when you are being flattered ~

~ Mind your own business ~

~ Don't trust a man/woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss them ~

~ Once a year, go someplace you've never been before ~

~ If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth's greatest satisfaction ~

~ Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck ~

~ Learn the rules then break some ~

~ Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other ~

~ Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it ~

~ Remember that your character is your destiny ~

~ Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Natural head lice treatment

I am interrupting my regular scheduled blogging for a public service announcement.

Please, If you want your hair stylist to keep you as a client,   Do not come to my house at 8am, unannounced, on a Sunday with a pack of kids with head lice. 


It is against the law for me to let them in the salon and I certainly will not let them set on my sofa.


Head lice are insect parasites that are found on the scalp.  Infection with head lice is called pediculosis.  It is pretty common for kids to bring home lice from school and daycare.  They are so contagious that they sweep through just like wild fire.

Contrary to popular belief,  lice like clean people better than dirty ones.  They don't have to work so hard to get their food source.

Suspect lice if your child is scratching her head and has red rashes on her scalp and the back of her neck.  Look closely at the back of the neck and you can see the nits, tiny tear-drop shaped lice eggs, that attach to a single hair.  The color can be anything from clear ones that are just laid all the way to dark brown ones that are not viable any more.

You may have to treat you child several times before you get it all.  Even when you have taken care of it keep checking for a few weeks if your child attends public school. 

Reduce the chances of a re-infection by cleaning the house really well.  You my want to consider tossing out all combs and brushes that you child has used and replace with new ones.  It may be a good idea to let them have their very own brushes.   Anything like pillows and stuffed animals that can be tossed should be.  Wash all bedding on hot (with bleach if you can) and dry on the hottest setting for 2 hours.  This includes your child's coat and back pack.   If there is no way to wash something you need to put it in a sealed garbage bag outside or in the garage for 3 days to a week.   Vacuum the furniture and rugs really well and then toss out the vacuum bag.   Wipe all hard surfaces down.  Use bleach where you can.  use citrus oil on you wood.  Instruct your child not to place their coat and backpack next to the other coats and backpacks.  Hang them on the back of their chair.  If your little girl has one of those cute coats with the fur around the hood... check it for nits. 

If you have little boys giving them a "buzz" hair cut or a military high and tight is the fastest way to be done with the lice as it leaves no place for the lice to hide.

If you have girls it is a lot harder to shave their heads so you are going to have some work to do.  There are plenty of over the counter head lice treatments.  Some of them are really harsh and full of chemicals that strip the hair not only of the lice but of the cuticle too!  That is going to make the hair break and split.  The following are natural and conditioning formulas that kill the lice.

Baby lice oil 
 Ingredients:
1/2 C. olive oil
30 to 40 drops of eucalyptus oil  
20 drops tea tree oil

Combine oils in a jar and use enough to cover the whole head and hair.  Don't get this in the eyes.
 This is best for children 3 years old and younger. 

Strong lice oil 
 Ingredients:
1/2 C jojoba oil
4 T. coconut oil
15 drops chamomile oil
30 drops tea tree oil
30 drops oregano oil

In a small sauce pan heat the coconut oil just till it is melted.  Remove from the heat and add the jojoba oil followed by the essential oils.  This will keep in a sealed container for 2 to 3 weeks.


Tea tree shampoo
 Ingredients:
4 ounces of natural shampoo
10 drops tea tree oil
10 drops oregano oil

Mix the oil into the shampoo right before you use it.


For both oils you cover the entire head and hair.  Massage it in really well and cover with a shower cap.  leave it on overnight or for 12 hours.  Wash it out with the tea tree shampoo.  Then take the nit comb and go through the hair.  I recommend going to a place where you have direct sunlight so you can see the nits better.  Start at the nape of the neck and work your way up in small sections.  If the nit comb doesn't work you may have to use your fingers to pluck them.


Repeat this daily till you no longer see any new nits.  Good luck!

 

Pomegranate Kiss

If you are planning on smooching your sweetheart this Valentines day you my want to make a special potion for your lips so they are sure to be soft and juicy.

We have already talked about sweet lips and how to make minty coco kisses.  Now its time for one more lip smacking recipe!

The color of passion and oh so fragrant and juicy Pomegranates are the perfect ingredient for lip color.

 Ingredients:
1 t. coconut oil
1 t. shea butter
1/2 t. aloe gel
pomegranate juice
essential oil of your choice

(I made a triple batch here)






In a small sauce pan or a double boiler melt the coconut oil and the shea butter over medium/low heat.

 At this point you have a decision to make.  If you are just adding a small amount of juice you can remove the oil from the heat and mix in the aloe, pomegranate, and essential oil.  If you are going for a darker version with more juice add the aloe and the juice and keep it on the heat till it is cooked down a bit.  5 to 10 minutes will be fine.  Make sure you stir it constantly.

 Add the essential oil last after you are finished with the heat.   I used lemon and it turned out just Luscious.

Place the mixture in an ice bath and whisk it till it is about the same thickness as creamy peanut butter.



This step is Supper Important!  If you don't emulsify this all the color will sink to the bottom of the container and not be pretty at all.


When you are done whisking the mix, spoon it into clean containers and place in the freezer for 5 minutes.  Any container will work.  I save my old eyeshadow containers and they work perfectly!  Other ideas for containers are old lipstick tubes, pill boxes,  film containers, tiny tupperware and tins like altoids come in.  Really you can use what ever you dream up.  I like to have something that seals tight to keep it from going bad.

Note:  If you are worried about it going bad you can add 1 or 2 drops of citrus seed extract as a natural preservative.

Isn't this beautiful?  I played around with the color a little.  I like both the lighter and the darker color.

If you want to make this mix more "man friendly"  don't add any color and pick an oil like mint or cinnamon.

When this is all set it turns opaque because of the shae butter.  Don't worry, your lips will not look like bubble gum.

This lip balm melts the instant it hits your lips and makes them feel amazingly moisturized with just the right amount of color.

I LOVE this one!

((KISS))

Chicken, olives and tomatoes

Jim has been getting a little tired of the same old simple food, so we decided to try a new recipe.  I checked out my betty crocker cook book and figured out how to make this recipe "Primal Friendly".  I think it turned out really good.   It takes a tiny bit of prep time but not bad.

Ingredients:

6 chicken breasts

1/4 black pepper
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. dried thyme
 1/4 t. dried basil

2 T. butter
2 T. olive oil

3 T. butter
1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can chopped tomatoes, drained

12- 20 ripe olives, pitted
12- 20 green olives, sliced
salt and pepper to taste

Mix the spices together and rub on both sides of the chicken.  Wrap it in plastic wrap and let stand for 30 minutes.  You could even do this in the morning and keep it in the fridge till you are ready to make dinner.

Melt 2 T. butter and 2 T. olive oil in a frying pan over high heat.  Add the chicken and cook till it is golden brown.  That should take about 5 minutes on both sides.  Transfer it to a plate and set aside. 

In the same skillet, over medium heat, add 3 T. butter and the onion.  Saute it till it is nice and tender.

Add the garlic and tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the olives and cook for 5 more minutes.  Serve over the top of the chicken breast and garnish with fresh basil..

I thought this tasted better the next day after the flavors had a chance to mingle more.

Cheesecake stuffed strawberries!

It is February.... and that means LOVE!  Not only is it valentines day, four of my family members have birthdays this month.  Yes, one of them is my Sweetheart.

So the theme of the month is Sweet Love! 

Starting with cheesecake stuffed strawberries!   These are really easy to do and I promise that who ever you share these with will loooove you. 

Ingredients:

1 large package of fresh strawberries

8oz  package of cream cheese, softened

2-4 T. powdered sugar  -depending on how sweet you like the filling.

1 t. almond extract

gram cracker crumbs or nuts


First take your strawberries and wash them really well.  Cut the stems off and then use a knife to hollow out the berry.  I found that a lot of the berries already had a hole in the middle so it didn't take much work.

Mix up the filling in a bowl.  It should be soft and creamy.  I scoop mine into a Ziploc bag and snip one corner off to make a make-shift piping bag.  A real piping bag is fine too.

Fill the berries with the cheesecake filling.  If you want them to stand up better on the plate cut the end off of the berry.

Dip them in nuts or gram cracker crumbs and your done.  Next time I do this I think I'll add some dark chocolate shavings to the crumbs.    

Note*  These taste best the same day you make them.  They will keep in the fridge for a couple of days...if you hide them in the back.

Luscious Lemon scrub

It is the time of year for chapped lips and rough elbows.  If your skin is in need of a little TLC try this scrub.  You will be so happy you did.  This scrub is one of my favorites.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 t. olive oil
1 T. raw honey
3 T. sugar
1/4 fresh lemon
This makes enough to do your face.

Mix everything in a small bowl and use your fingers to scoop up the scrub and rub it into your skin.   Rub in a circular motion till you see that the skin is nice and pink.  You are going to want to let it set on the skin for a minute or so before you wash it off so just set back and enjoy the refreshing sent. 

This should leave you feeling polished, pampered and moisturized.

Other scrub ideas.

T cups

I think the best food is simple and natural.  It is better for your body and somehow it always tastes better when you know what it is.

Tomato cups are a favorite in our house because they are quick and easy.  You can fill them with anything your little heart desires and they will still taste great.  They are also really pretty and that is just as important to me.

I came up with a new recipe this week when looking at what was in my bountiful basket and it was worth sharing.

Ingredients:
6 medium tomatoes
1 small cucumber, chopped
2 celery sticks, minced
3 green onions, chopped fine
1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
1 t. fresh mint, minced
1/2 cup pinenuts
1 T. lemon juice
1T. olive oil
tamari to taste (optional)

With a sharp knife, cut the tops off the tomatoes and save them for a garnish if you want.  scoop out the middle of the tomatoes and add the pulp to the other ingredients and mix well.  fill the tomatoes and place to tops back on. 

 Other ideas we love are to fill the T cup with all the ingredients for a taco, seafood salad or  Tabbouleh.

Try this one!  You will love it if  you let your imagination go.

All day curls with no heat!

I do hair for a living so I am always interested in new products or techniques that will make my life easier or my hair healthier.  Here is one that will do both!  It gives you bouncy curls and beautiful waves with almost no work and no heat.  Amazing!

I have tried this 3 times now and gotten amazing results.  I found that if I put a tiny bit of spray gel in to the hair before I roll it up and don't brush it out, like she does on the video,  It will stay perfect all day and still looks nice the next day!

Sadly, I can't take credit for the idea but it is awesome and worth sharing.  Everyone who has long hair and is a little short on time take a look at this!  (I just think this girl is the cutest.)

Natural Antibiotics- part 2

I am finally getting around to posting the rest of my list of natural antibiotics.  Sorry it took so long.   The first part of the list is Here.



Echinacea

Immune stimulant, anti inflammatory, antibacterial, cell normalizer.

Active against: Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp, mycobacterium (tuberculosis), abnormal   cells (with direct application)

Echinacea is exceptionally useful for:
Abnormal Pap test.  whenever echinacea is placed directly on the cells they return to normal rather quickly as long as the treatment is assertive and consistant.

Strep throat.  Direct contact with the back of the throat with a tincture of ecinacea is a great remedy for strep throat.  It actively stimulates the saliva and numbs the tissue it comes in contact with, making it perfect for this condition or any sore throat.

Onset of cold and flu.  It should be used at the very earliest onset when you very first feel the symptoms.   When taken after the full onset of the flue echinacea is not effective.

External wounds.  because of its capacity to correct tissue abnormality echinacea is perfect for this application.

Venomous stings. Echinacea has a long history of being effective against all kind of venomous stings and bites, from bees to scorpions.

Blood infection.  Echinacea is good for this because of its proven ability to stimulate the white blood cell count.

For internal use.  take 30 drops of tincture as often as desired  but not less than once an hour until symptoms stop.

External use.  
For Bites- mix equil parts tincture and water. Apply every 30 minutes.
Wash-    Boil 2 oz. ground herb with 8 oz. water for 1 minutes.  Let steep for one hour, strain and then wash wounds.
Powder- powder dried seed heads or root as fine as possible and sprinkle over wounds.  best herb combination is with goldenseal, usnea, oak or worm wood.

Side effects-   do not take if you have autoimmune disease or are allergic to any of the daisy family.




Eucalyptus
Generally the essential oil is used but the whole plant is effective.  the bark and leaves can be harvested any time of year.  Use the younger, less sickle-shaped leaves and young branches.

Actions  Antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, antipyretic, antiseptic, stimulates the mucous secretions, diaphoetic.

Active against:  Malaria, staphylococcus, shigella dysenteriae, haemophilus influenzae, enterobacteria, E coli, psudomonas aeruginosa, candida albicans, klebsiella pneumoniae, samonella spp, helicobacter pylori.  The essential oil is effective against just about every microbe.

Eucalyptus is excreted from the body through the lungs and urine.  It is therefore especially useful for upper respiratory and urinary tract infections.   One major advantage of using it is that it has a pleasing smell that lifts the spirit and comforts the sick.

The leaf can be prepared as a tea, powder, tincture, gargle, nasal spray, steam, smoke or douche.  The essential oil is used as an inhalant for aroma therapy.

Tea- Use externally as a wash for infected wounds.  Use internally for colds, sore throat, bronchial congestion, fevers and chills.

Powder- Dust on infected skin, wounds, and ulcerations as needed.

Tincture- fresh herb 1:2 with 95% alcohol, dried herb 1:5 in 65% alcohol ; 10 to 30 drops in water for the same conditions as tea.

Gargle- 30 drops tincture (or 5 drops essential oil) in one oz water.   Mix up nasal spray the same way.

Steam-  Boil 3 to 4 oz herb in one gallon of water. remove from heat and inhale steam.

Side effects-  drinking too much tea can cause intestinal cramps.  The essential oil can be toxic if taken more than 5 drops at a time.  The oil can irritate the skin if used with out a carrier oil.




Goldenseal
 The roots should be harvested only after  the seeds have ripened and only from plants that are 3 years or older.

Note!  Use alternatives when ever possible because goldenseal is an endangered plant.

Actions-  Antiseptic, antibacterial, antihemorrhagic,  antifungal, antiamebic, astringent, expectorant, diaphoretic, mucosal anti-inflammatoryand stimulant.

Active against- Staphylococcus, vibrio cholerae, streptococcus, pyogenes, shigella spp, candida, E coli, klebsiella pneumoniae, samonella,  corynebacterium diphtheriae, tuberculosis, giardia lamblia, trichomonas vaginalis and many others.

With this herb more than any other, it is possible to find conflicting information and perspectives.  some consider it to be an amazing immune stimulant and some do not.  For now I won't go into it. I will just say that  I am a believer when it comes to my own husbands sinus infections.

Golden seal seems best used for these purposes:  active infection, inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, active infectionof the sinuses, vaginal infection, as a general tonic for the mucous membrain.

Powder- apply to cuts scrapes,and wounds.

Tincture-  1:2 in 90% alcohol.  15 to 30 drops 4 times a day.

Tea- use for a wash for viral or bacterial eye infection.

Snuff-  3 times a day for up to 7 days.

Side effects-  never use during pregnancy.




Grapefruit seed Extract

Actions- Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiparisitic.  Of all the herbs, it is perhaps the only True "antibiotic", the literal meaning of which is "antilife".  this is the only thing that has helped my daughter with her candida overgrowth that was caused by pharmaceutical antibiotics.

Most of the the studies on GSE have been done in a lab and not on human beings so I am not going to list everything it is active against (that is everything... EVERYTHING)

Grapefruit seed extract and garlic are the two most powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics available for use.  In descending degrees of potancy, they are followed by eucalyptus, juniper, usnea, cryptolepsis, and wormwood.  GSE also is better at healing yeast, fungi, and organisims than garlic because only small doses are needed.  

Dosage- 3 to 15 drops in a glass of water.  2 to 3 times a day. 

Side effects-  GSE will  kill off intestinal bacteria so you must take care to replace it with fermented foods and probiotics.



Juniper
Gather the berries and needles any time of year. 

Actions- antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, carminative, anticatarrhal.
Active against- staphylococcus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella dysenteriae, streptococcus spp, E coli, candida, samonella.

These evergreens have been used in every culture on Earth for purifying and cleansing: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  It represents "Incorruptibility" and has been used for preventing decay for millennia. It has been used in saunas and sweat lodges by nearly every culture to help prevent or cure illness.

The berries are used to treat Urinary tract infections.  The berries and needles are used for upper respiratory infections.

Tincture- 5 to 30 drops up to 3 times a day.

Tea-  can be used as a general tonic, for food poisoning, or for upper respiratory infection.  Also use as a wash for wounds.

Berries-  1 to 5 berries per day for two weeks for gastric problems.  2 berries before and after administering to a person who has an air-born illness.

Powder- used as an incense and to cure infection of the skin.

Food- crumble berries or dice needles and cook into food.

Steam- 4 oz. of herb in 1 gallon of boiling water.  remove from heat and inhale the steam.

Essential oil- 8 to 10 drops in 8 oz of water.

Side Effects- High doses can irritate the kidneys.





Licorice
Not available in the wild in north america.  (buy it commercially)
Active against- malaria, tuberculosis, bacillus subtilis, staphylococcus, streptococcus sobrinus, S. mutans, samonella, E coli, candida, vibrio cholera, trichophyton mentagrophytesm T. rubrum, toxocara canis.

Don't confuse this herb with the candy of the same name.  The candy contains no herb in it any more because there were some overdose problems. 

Generally licorice is a immune stimulant with antibiotic properties.  the distinct advantage of licorice is its sweetness. Fifty times sweeter than sugar, licorice, when added to herbal concoctions helps to brighten the bitterness of some herbs.  Licorice helps to strengthen the adrenals and bring the body back to a state of vitality.  There is also quite a bit of evidence that it strengthens the thymus gland, one of the most important organs in the immune system.   It is best taken with other herbs to enhance their effect on the body.

Drink in a tea up to 3 cups a day.


Wormwood
grows through out the world.  Collect the above ground plant at any time of year.
Actions- antibacterial, antimalarial, antifungal, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antihepatoxic, euphoriant, antiamoebic, antipyretic, gastric stimulant, coleretic, bitter tonic, smooth muscle relaxant.
Active against- malaria, staphlycoccus, naegleria, candida, klebsiella pneumoniae, intestinal worms, any amebic organisms, most microbes.

Extremely effective against hot , sore infections of the throat and lungs.  It numbs the pain of the infection and is very cooling.

Tea- steep overnight and drink for up to 7 days.

Side effects- some herbalists feel that wormwood is too dangerous to use because of the thujone that is present.  It has been used in folk medicine for many years with no sign of adverse reactions.  I say that it is a strong herb that should be treated with respect.

Pore "strip" Mask

As promised here is a Milky beauty potion.

Have you ever tried those Biore' Pore strips?  They are a little sticker you put on your face and then rip off after about 15 minutes and everything that was hiding in your pores goes with it.  Gross right?  and also really wonderful if you happen to have problem prone skin.

The only down side is they come in ((little)) pre-shaped  strips and a box is going to cost $12 to $15 each time.

The good news is you can make your own mask that will work the exact same way that can cover as much or as little of your skin as you want.  It is quick, easy and costs almost nothing.


You have to apply this VERY quickly so wash and dry your face before you start to mix this up.

Ingredients:

1T. unflavored gelatine
1 or 2 T.  milk or cream

In a disposable container measure out the gelatine.  Mix in the milk till you get a chunky/grainy texture.  Add more milk if you are uncomfortable with the chunks.

Put it in the the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.  It should be a bit creamier when you take it out.  Give it a quick mix.   Use a Popsicle stick or a disposable spoon to Immediately spread it on your face. (or any other place you want)


It sets up quick so go super fast!

Let it set for 15 to 25 minutes depending on how thick you applied it  You will know when it is ready because you won't be able to move your face at all with out the feeling that you are going to break something. 

Start at the edge and peel it of quickly.  You should feel almost hairless and squeeky clean when you are done.  I always follow up with a dab of coconut oil on my skin because I have 30somthing skin and I need the extra moisture.  A toner afterwards would be nice too.

*** Warning- Do NOT put this mask on your  lips, eyelids or the delicate skin around your eyes.

Happy New Year!

It is 2012!  I'm sure if I take a deep breath and blink twice it will be 2013.  As I get older the days and years seem to be flying by.

This time of year we make new year resolutions and set goals for our self.   It is a really great feeling not to have "loose weight" at the top of my list this year.   With out that old stand by I am having a hard time knowing what to put.  

I have decided that my big picture goal is to be more balanced and organized.  I plan for making that happen is small little steps so it is doable and becomes integrated in my life in such a way that I don't even notice.

The following are the little steps.  I do not promise to do all of them every day but I do promise to do at least one each day.  Join me if you want!

1. De-clutter one thing each day.  Example:  magazines, DVDs, bathroom, closet...
2. Put things back where they go... every time.  Make sure everything has a place.  If I don't have a place for it then I don't need it.  (donate those things to wabi sabi)
3. Fix all the little annoying things like light bulbs that are burned out and color shelf that needs painted.
4. Keep a journal and write down 5 to 10 things I am grateful for or that made me happy each day.
5. Make a list of 20 things that make me happy and try to do one each day.
6. Laugh out loud as much as I can.
7. Always have a book to read.
8. Learn one new thing each day.
9. Stop complaining.
10. Feed my mind with thoughts, words and actions that are more consistent with who I want to be.
11. Create a spending plan.
12. Don't buy things I don't need.
13. For really big purchases sleep on it for a few days first.
14. Turn off the TV.
15. Turn off the computer.
16. Go outside and play.
17. Make a list of all the social things I have on the schedule and cross out anything that does not give me joy.
18. Eat more Greens.
19 Drink more water.
20. Make a list of 20 easy to make meals and keep the ingredients on hand.
21. Make a list of 10 Primal snacks that can go with me if they have to.
22. Move my body everyday for fun as well as exercise.
23.  Do more reps with the weights than I think I can.
24.  Master chin ups and pull ups.
25. Ware the pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps.
26. Meditate and pray every day... remember to be grateful.
27. Think of something positive about my husband and daughter every day and write it down.
28. Make a scrap book of the things we did and the positive things that happened this year and then give it to Jim.
29. Tell people that I love them.
30. Give more hugs.
31. Really listen to people with out thinking about what I am going to say or add.
32. Go for a walk with my family each night.
33. Talk to strangers.  Put myself out there to meet new people.
34. Take a class on something I don't know anything about.
35. When some one upsets me... say so and reset the boundary  instead of cutting them out of my life.
36. No judging until I hear both sides of the story.
37. Do a kind dead every day.
38. Make a point to give praise and approval to those who deserve it.
39. Allow others to have a different point of view and don't take it personally.
40. No comparing anyone to anyone else.  (myself included)
41. Place the best possible interpretation on the actions of others.
42.  Remember everyone is doing the very best they can with the tools they have.

That what I have for now.  I may add to it later.

Jim says I need to put not swear in front of out daughter but I am not going to promise anything on that one.