tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7117074787051427392024-03-12T23:20:08.702-04:00Natural and Organic LifestyleOrganic mom dishes on natural and organic living with tips, tricks, and recipes.
Because living organically is more than just organic produce.Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-50262671186733663792015-07-08T11:22:00.000-04:002015-07-11T12:45:57.192-04:00Lavender essential oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lavender essential oil is probably my favorite oil of all. It smells heavenly. I remember being pregnant with #2 and deeply breathing it in on the wall of my shower. It was so soothing and comforting. I did the same thing while in labor. I've diffused it in kids rooms to help them sleep better. I put it in a rollerball bottle as a blend with other oils to promote sleep. I love adding it to lotion and deodorant recipes just because I LOVE the smell. My five year old loves it on her pillow at night. It's my "windex" when it comes to skin issues. Have you ever seen the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? He puts windex on everything. I put lavender on everything! Cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, irritations, etc. I also mix it with frankincense and melaleuca for an "owie" mix. Post labor I used it for the after pains. Did you know after pains increase with each baby??? I sure didn't! Oww!<br />
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Some of the many uses are:<br />
Agitation<br />
Allergies<br />
Anxiety<br />
Appetite Loss<br />
Arrhythmia<br />
Atherosclerosis<br />
Bites and Stings<br />
Blisters<br />
Boils<br />
Soothes Breasts<br />
Burns<br />
Calming<br />
Cancer<br />
Chicken Pox<br />
Club Foot<br />
Concentration<br />
Convulsions<br />
Crying<br />
Cuts<br />
Dandruff<br />
Depression<br />
Diabetic Sores<br />
Diaper Rash<br />
Diuretic<br />
Exhaustion<br />
Fever<br />
Gangree<br />
Gas<br />
Bug repellent<br />
Grief<br />
Hay fever<br />
Hyper activity<br />
Impetigo<br />
Inflammation<br />
Insomnia<br />
Itching<br />
Jet Lag<br />
Mastitis<br />
Menopause<br />
Mental Stress<br />
Mood Swings<br />
Pain<br />
Parkinon's<br />
Physical Stress<br />
Poison Ivy/oak<br />
Post labor<br />
Rashes<br />
Relaxation<br />
Rheumatoid Arthritis<br />
Sedative<br />
Seizure<br />
Dry Skin<br />
Sleep<br />
Stress<br />
Stretch marks<br />
Sunburn<br />
Teeth Grinding<br />
Teeth pain<br />
Tension<br />
Thrush<br />
Ticks<br />
Ulcers<br />
Varicose Veins<br />
Vertigo<br />
Worms<br />
Wounds<br />
Wrinkles<br />
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Try lavender today! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me, I'd be happy to help you.<br />
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I am not a doctor. I am not intending to cure, prevent, or treat any disease. Please contact your doctor before embarking on any health journey.Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-43901238449090316682015-03-14T15:33:00.000-04:002015-07-11T12:49:39.261-04:00Lemon essential oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Essential Oil</span></div>
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I love love love lemon essential oil. It smells amazing! It has wonderful properties and is very uplifting. I use it in my "flu bomb" blend, which I actually use for any sickness, we've never had the flu. I like to diffuse it with onguard. I have added it to a spray bottle with purify and water to freshen the interior of my car (which always has a "smell" we can't figure out with five kids) This freshens the interior and gets rid of random "mystery" smells. I put a drop in my water to detoxify. I add a drop to salad dressings. I use it in chicken marinade. It can replace lemon juice in any recipe. </div>
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It takes 3000 lemons to produce one kilo of oil!!! Wow! Potent stuff. If applied to skin, it can be applied without dilution (neat) if desired, but do avoid sunlight for 12 hours.</div>
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There are sooo many uses for lemon essential oil, including:</div>
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Air pollution</div>
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Anxiety</div>
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Atherosclerosis </div>
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Bites/Stings</div>
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Blood pressure regulation</div>
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Blood sores</div>
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Colds</div>
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Concetration</div>
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Disenfectant</div>
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Dry throat</div>
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Dysentery</div>
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Energizing</div>
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Exhaustion</div>
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Fever</div>
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Flu</div>
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Furniture Polish</div>
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Gout</div>
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Greasy or oily hair</div>
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Grief/sorrow</div>
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Gum/grease removal</div>
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Hangovers</div>
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Hearburn</div>
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Intestinal Parasites</div>
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Kidney Stones</div>
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Lymphatic Cleansing</div>
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MRSA</div>
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Overeating</div>
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Pancreatitus</div>
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Physical Energy</div>
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Postpartum Depression</div>
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Purification</div>
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Relaxation</div>
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Skin toning</div>
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Stress</div>
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Throat Infection</div>
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Tonsillitis</div>
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Uplifting</div>
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Varicose Veins</div>
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Water Purification</div>
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Wow!!! So many uses for lemon essential oil! It is such a universal oil. I love it and I know you will too. Make sure you are ordering a pure essential oil. The fda only requires an essential oil to be 10% pure oil to list it as 100 % pure. The oils I use ARE 100% pure and are sourced from the best possible place for the particular plants to grow. </div>
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Because the fda doesn't like anyone making claims they haven't "approved"</div>
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I am not a doctor. The information I have provided is purely informational and not intending to treat any disease. Please consult with your doctor before embarking on any treatment.</div>
Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-90536703303265377322015-01-30T15:16:00.000-05:002015-01-30T15:16:26.398-05:00Super Bowl Menu IdeasSuper Bowl is this weekend! Those that don't care about the game are generally just watching for the commercials and the food, right? Make it a Non GMO and organic menu and you'll feel good about your all game grazing!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dslEjqOyaiM/VMvlk7AaVWI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Aw8IpjtZ_gc/s1600/super%2Bbowl%2Broundup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dslEjqOyaiM/VMvlk7AaVWI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Aw8IpjtZ_gc/s1600/super%2Bbowl%2Broundup.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2013/05/cheese-stuffed-baby-peppers.html" target="_blank">Stuffed baby peppers</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/layered-bean-dip.html" target="_blank">Layered bean dip</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/organic-spicy-queso-dip.html" target="_blank">Spicy queso</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/copycat-baja-salsa.html" target="_blank">Copycat Baja Salsa</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/10/guacamole-egg-rolls.html" target="_blank">Guacamole eggrolls</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-off.html" target="_blank">Baked jalapeno poppers</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/01/veggie-sushi-rolls.html" target="_blank">Veggie Sushi Rolls</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/check-out-my-guacamole-football-field.html" target="_blank">Guacamole football field</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/mango-guacamole.html" target="_blank">Mango guacamole</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/whole-wheat-crackers.html" target="_blank">Whole wheat crackers</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/sour-cream-and-onion-kale-chips.html" target="_blank">Sour cream and onion kale chips</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/raw-onion-energy-crackers.html" target="_blank">Raw onion crackers</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/sweet-and-spicy-nuts.html" target="_blank">Sweet and spicy nuts</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/organic-homemade-granola-bars.html" target="_blank"> Granola Bars</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/chocolate-sunflower-butter-krispy.html" target="_blank">Chocolate sunlower butter krispy treats</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/banana-crumb-mini-muffins.html" target="_blank">Banana crumb muffins</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/03/three-bean-vegetarian-chili.html" target="_blank">Vegetarian chili</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/fresh-mozzarella-pesto-grilled-cheese.html" target="_blank">Fresh mozarella pesto grilled cheese</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/texas-cheeseburgers.html" target="_blank">Texas cheeseburgers</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/11/vegetarian-nachos.html" target="_blank">Nachos</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/10/tacos-make-your-own-taco-night.html" target="_blank">Tacos</a><br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/ricotta-stuffed-hot-peppers.html" target="_blank">Stuffed hot peppers</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the game!</span><br />
<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-36525734623973266212015-01-28T17:29:00.000-05:002015-07-11T13:02:53.254-04:00Essential oils and me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Essential oils seem to be all the rage lately. At first I really couldn't get into it. I mean, I'd been using a few essential oils for more than a decade but didn't really "know" a lot about any others. I used lavender in the shower, it was heavenly. I used tea tree oil in my cleaners as well as to treat wounds. I also used eucalyptus in the shower if someone was sick. I occasionally bought a few others for scents in <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2013/04/super-silky-lotion.html" target="_blank">lotion</a>. But really, that was about it. About a year ago, a friend of mine really started getting into "oils". I appreciated that she was switching to a more natural way of life. I think that's wonderful, obviously. But have you ever had an ailment of some sorts and there's that person that says "You should use an essential oil". Uh, sure, what oil? And how? That's what I always thought. For years I just wanted to scream "I don't know what you mean by use an essential oil". Granted, I never took the time to look into it or pick up a book about it. After awhile, my friends enthusiasm rubbed off on me. I really wanted to learn more about oils. So I had her come over and teach a class to me and my friends. I knew I wanted to learn how to use them. So I purchased a kit. I bought into a wholesale account right away. It's nice when you purchase this kit as your enrollment purchase. You get tons of oils and you can immediately start purchasing at a wholesale price. Not to mention you can also start earning points for free products with your future purchases. So I got my kit in the mail and just kind of stared at it. Every once in awhile I'd find something to try the oils on but most things weren't really working for me. That was about a year ago. I now have a 2 month old baby (the reason for my HUGE hiatus, baby #5!!!!) I now look back and realize that my body was all out of whack and pregnant and I'm not sure anything would have worked on me. Granted, some pregnant women love using oils and it helps them a lot. Digestive blend is great for heartburn. I did use lavender a lot to help me sleep and it worked wonders! Now that I'm not pregnant and I have a lot more oil information in my brain, I'm finding more and more things are working for me. I use Joyful blend for a happy burst of energy. I use lavender on my self and my whole family. I even use it on the baby, diluted of course, when she is refusing to nap all day. Last time I did it she went down for a 3 hour nap!!! It was amazing! I have been using protective blend in our diffusers often. I have a rollerball of it for the kids to put on their feet. I have to say, this is the first winter that we haven't been taken down with some kind of sickness. Generally we are extremely healthy but atleast once over the winter (usually by now) we all get hit with something hard. I think between the protective blend and bone broth we've been consuming daily, that's kept us nice and healthy. Another example, suddenly felt really ill on two occasions and both times he put digestive blend on his belly and drank a drop of peppermint in water. Within minutes he felt so much better. That's what sold him =)</div>
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So all that being said, I would like to take some time here on this blog and help some of you out there to learn what the heck these "oils" are about. It is very intimidating at first. There are SO many of them. What do you do with them, where do you apply them, what if they don't work? I'll still be bringing you yummy recipes and health tips, but I will be adding in some information on oils too. </div>
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Let me start with protective blend and tell you how we've been using it. It has many uses, but the way we've been using it is to stay healthy this winter. I run it most days for a few hours in our diffusers. I also diluted it in a glass rollerball bottle for application to everyone's feet. So far this is working great for us! I also add a drop to coconut oil when we oil pull (Yes I said "we", even my kids oil pull!!!) This is supposed to help "heal" cavities. I don't know yet if that works, I'll report back. But if nothing else, I imagine that the oil is absorbing into our bodies for an extra dose of healthiness. </div>
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If you'd like to learn how to get some great oils at a wholesale price, please contact me!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Please feel free to comment here with any questions or if there's a particular oil you'd like me to feature.</div>
Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-44604054968706362922014-01-23T13:14:00.001-05:002014-01-23T13:14:36.648-05:00FREE online conferenceThere is an FREE online conference called GMO: What You Need to Know going on soon. 4 more days to register for FREE. I encourage all to sign up and listen. We all need to be informed about what we are eating. Please sign up:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.entheos.com/GMOs-What-You-Need-to-Know?c=Friends-of-the-Earth" target="_blank">http://www.entheos.com/GMOs-What-You-Need-to-Know?c=Friends-of-the-Earth</a><br />
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From the website:<br />
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January 27-30, 2014</div>
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Join Stacy Malkan and 15+ leading
scientists, farmers, medical doctors, business leaders, advocates, and
wellness experts to learn about the genetic manipulation of our food
system, how to avoid GMOs, and why this matters for the health of your
family and future generations. Your choices today will decide the future
of our food!<br />
</div>
Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-29482057813372459822013-07-25T11:47:00.001-04:002013-07-25T11:47:47.638-04:00Pictures from our gardenI apologize for my hiatus but we've been busy enjoying the summer, beach vacation, amusement parks, purging the house (a late spring cleaning), family visiting, and last of all purchasing a house which is requiring tons of repairs to be done, taking up tons of time! For the first time EVER we have a successful garden. I have always had the brownest thumbs and plants just die when I look at them. This year I enlisted the help of the kids with weeding, planting, and watering and we have success! In addition to our planted garden, our berry patch is bursting with berries! It's all very exciting around here ;)<br />
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Here are some pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADS3TB2OP94/UfFFsMh3wCI/AAAAAAAAAg0/kNicdJIgc34/s1600/DSC_0819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ADS3TB2OP94/UfFFsMh3wCI/AAAAAAAAAg0/kNicdJIgc34/s320/DSC_0819.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny strawberry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echinacea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn is getting big!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil! My fav fresh herb!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tomatoes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQAiR7Jfjsw/UfFFzdc7ukI/AAAAAAAAAhk/KRHHVO7qUCs/s1600/DSC_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQAiR7Jfjsw/UfFFzdc7ukI/AAAAAAAAAhk/KRHHVO7qUCs/s320/DSC_0825.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tons of tomato plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHzzOODE5JU/UfFFzcYfYTI/AAAAAAAAAho/Xsj6PD-bPAY/s1600/DSC_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHzzOODE5JU/UfFFzcYfYTI/AAAAAAAAAho/Xsj6PD-bPAY/s320/DSC_0826.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k74HuXnt8Jo/UfFF0szrp2I/AAAAAAAAAh0/BOYg5cWXfhQ/s1600/DSC_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k74HuXnt8Jo/UfFF0szrp2I/AAAAAAAAAh0/BOYg5cWXfhQ/s320/DSC_0827.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumbers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQcg1LgWaps/UfFF3FwOHAI/AAAAAAAAAiE/J6bA7JL1uHk/s1600/DSC_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQcg1LgWaps/UfFF3FwOHAI/AAAAAAAAAiE/J6bA7JL1uHk/s320/DSC_0829.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright green frog camping out in our pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbDX5-uG7Is/UfFF2P8sgcI/AAAAAAAAAh8/dZcUz6fuK_8/s1600/DSC_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbDX5-uG7Is/UfFF2P8sgcI/AAAAAAAAAh8/dZcUz6fuK_8/s320/DSC_0834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SLEAwr8Wj4/UfFF3-ie7NI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Y_DFW4wYrJ0/s1600/DSC_0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SLEAwr8Wj4/UfFF3-ie7NI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Y_DFW4wYrJ0/s320/DSC_0835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squash. Picked two today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FgxVTt1h3g/UfFF78qpSAI/AAAAAAAAAik/_2BLUkcBnfM/s1600/DSC_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FgxVTt1h3g/UfFF78qpSAI/AAAAAAAAAik/_2BLUkcBnfM/s320/DSC_0836.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQDlBnFgCiA/UfFF7dT0x8I/AAAAAAAAAiY/lK9xF5m6514/s1600/DSC_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQDlBnFgCiA/UfFF7dT0x8I/AAAAAAAAAiY/lK9xF5m6514/s320/DSC_0837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep in the berry patch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V90reHlfqBc/UfFF7aKkF2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/EDWIl5VcJIU/s1600/DSC_0838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V90reHlfqBc/UfFF7aKkF2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/EDWIl5VcJIU/s320/DSC_0838.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, there's a little girl growing in the garden!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DhL5pbx0bNc/UfFHXvSejeI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v6RDdV34UWE/s1600/DSC_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DhL5pbx0bNc/UfFHXvSejeI/AAAAAAAAAi8/v6RDdV34UWE/s320/DSC_0818.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of peppers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyYF6RFyt80/UfFF-XyaYqI/AAAAAAAAAis/5J28HLPdutg/s1600/DSC_0840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SyYF6RFyt80/UfFF-XyaYqI/AAAAAAAAAis/5J28HLPdutg/s320/DSC_0840.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jailed himself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-29961829175517271482013-05-17T09:45:00.002-04:002013-05-17T09:45:58.378-04:00Strawberry shortcake monkey bread cupcakes recipe review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytn1FONePAk/UZTw4dbFA5I/AAAAAAAAAgU/OYAw7LRuAio/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytn1FONePAk/UZTw4dbFA5I/AAAAAAAAAgU/OYAw7LRuAio/s320/DSC_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Strawberry Shortcake Monkey Bread Cupcakes...wow, that's a mouthful! A mouthful of yumminess! These "cupcakes" are gluten free and grain free, and can also be made sugar and dairy free!!! You would absolutely never know these are gluten free. They are just that good. The whole recipe can be found over at <a href="http://realsustenance.com/strawberry-shortcake-monkey-bread-glutengraindairysugar-free/" target="_blank">Real Sustenance</a>. I made some very minor changes and I'll tell you what I did but go over and check out her blog because it's great! Especially if you are gluten/grain/dairy/sugar free!!! I've made these twice now (in the same week) and everyone is requesting I make them again. <br />
<br />
The recipe says it makes 10 "cupcakes" (though I don't really find these to be very cupcake like, more muffin like) but I used a regular muffin tin and was able to get 12. It would be great to be able to double the recipe (which I haven't tried yet) but almond flour is not cheap my friends. Which brings me to the next thing...<br />
<br />
The second time I made them I used flour I made from grinding up sunflower seeds in my vitamix. These still came out GREAT with a slightly different taste since you can really taste the sunflower seeds. I also have heard that mixing sunflower seed flour with baking powder or soda at a certain ratio can turn it green. When these first came out of the oven they were not green. After sitting for a little while they maybe had a slight green tinge, but was only noticeable because we were looking for it.<br />
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I used 1/2 ts of salt both times instead of 1/4 ts. 1/4 ts just didn't seem like enough. They were not at all salty, so I highly recommend that.<br />
<br />
I used butter and cane sugar but there's options in the original recipe for not using either if that's something you avoid.<br />
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The second time I made them I forgot the powdered sugar glaze and it wasn't missed, so skip it if you like.<br />
<br />
Overall these were great and I will continue to make them. Thank you <a href="http://realsustenance.com/strawberry-shortcake-monkey-bread-glutengraindairysugar-free/" target="_blank">realsustenance.com</a> for this amazingly healthy recipe.<br />
<br />
I think I may try blueberries next time...though that completely changes the name of them ;)Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-31576273235626979702013-05-16T10:37:00.000-04:002013-05-16T10:37:46.841-04:00Cheese Stuffed Baby Peppers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54H_YmVFOR0/UZTuRrCE3EI/AAAAAAAAAgE/iJ8_TMjlUc0/s1600/DSC_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54H_YmVFOR0/UZTuRrCE3EI/AAAAAAAAAgE/iJ8_TMjlUc0/s320/DSC_0659.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<br />
These little baby peppers are so delicious and easy to make. Thanks to our long time family friend, Lori, for the great idea! This is a very versatile recipe. You can use any combination your heart desires. My favorite is mozzarella, Parmesan, and jack. I've also used cheddar. You just toss the cheese with salt, pepper, fresh chopped garlic (though I've used dried minced garlic when I didn't feel like chopping) and any other herb you would like. Great appetizer, snack, or side dish! My kids gobble these up! They can be made on a grill or in the oven with a pepper rack, or in the oven packed in a oven safe dish (I've used round pyrex dishes and packed them in there so they can all stand up. You just want to make sure the sides of the dish are taller than the peppers. The pepper rack is really awesome for this, highly recommended.)<br />
<br />
<u><b>Cheese Stuffed Baby Peppers</b></u><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
<br />
1 lb baby bell peppers, organic<br />
Approximately 1 lb of cheese, any combination you like (parm, moz, jack, cheddar, etc)<br />
3 cloves of garlic, minced, organic<br />
Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 ts)<br />
Pepper to taste (again I use about 1/2 ts)<br />
TS or to taste of any herb you like, I've used thyme, parsely, and basil<br />
<br />
Shred cheese and toss with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Slice the tops off of the peppers and remove seeds. Stuff with cheese to the top and place in pepper rack or oven safe dish. Repeat for all the peppers. If using a pepper rack and your pepper is too small for the hole (also keep in mind they will get soft when cooking and will squish a little) stick a toothpick through the pepper across the hole to keep it in. Place on grill and cook until cheese is melted. Or place in oven at 350 degrees (though 400 works too if you're cooking something else at the same time, very forgiving) for 10-20 minutes until cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, the cheese will be hot, then serve!<br />
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I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-22090179483955293462013-04-26T10:44:00.001-04:002013-04-26T10:44:35.775-04:00GMO: crops to avoid, companies to avoid, and companies to supportOf course, the best thing to do to avoid GMO's is to stay away from packaged foods and avoid whole foods that are currently gmo'd. Cook from scratch. Grow and preserve your own food. Join a local organic CSA.<br />
<br />
According to the <a href="http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/what-is-gmo/" target="_blank">Non-GMO</a> project, the following crops are the highest risk crops of being gmo:<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Alfalfa</strong> (first planting 2011)</li>
<li><strong>Canola</strong> (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)</li>
<li><strong>Corn</strong> (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)</li>
<li><strong>Cotton</strong> (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)</li>
<li><strong>Papaya</strong> (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)</li>
<li><strong>Soy</strong> (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)</li>
<li><strong>Sugar Beets</strong> (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)</li>
<li><strong>Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash</strong> (approx. 25,000 acres)</li>
</ul>
The following crops are at risk for contamination:<br />
<ul>
<li>Beta vulgaris (e.g., chard, table beets)</li>
<li>Brassica napa (e.g., rutabaga, Siberian kale)</li>
<li>Brassica rapa (e.g., bok choy, mizuna, Chinese cabbage, turnip, rapini, tatsoi)</li>
<li>Curcubita (acorn squash, delicata squash, patty pan)</li>
<li>Flax</li>
<li>Rice</li>
</ul>
At this time, the following companies are companies that either have products that contain gmo's and/or donated a significant amount of money to defeat the labeling of gmo's:<br />
List provided by <a href="http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/11357-blacklisted-12-food-companies-to-avoid.html" target="_blank">http://eatlocalgrown.com/article/11357-blacklisted-12-food-companies-to-avoid.html</a><br />
<h3>
Campbell’s - $250,000.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Healthy Request</li>
<li>Wolfgang Puck Soups</li>
<li>Pace Foods</li>
<li>Pepperidge Farms</li>
<li>V-8</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Cargill, Inc - $202,229.36</h3>
<ul>
<li>Truvia Natural Sweetener</li>
<li>Shady Brooks Farms</li>
<li>Diamond Crystal Salt</li>
<li>Liza</li>
<li>Nature Fresh</li>
<li>Peter’s Chocolate</li>
<li>Wilbur Chocolate</li>
<li>Honeysuckle White</li>
<li>Rumba Meats</li>
<li>Good Nature</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Coca Cola - $1,164,400.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Vitamin Water</li>
<li>Smart Water</li>
<li>Dasani</li>
<li>Nestea</li>
<li>Minute Maid</li>
<li>Honest Tea</li>
<li>Odwalla</li>
<li>Vitaminenergy</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Con-Agra - $1,076,700.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Orville Redenbacher’s Organic</li>
<li>Hunt’s Organic</li>
<li>Lightlife</li>
<li>Alexia</li>
<li>Healthy Choice</li>
<li>Hebrew National</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Dean Foods - $253,950.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Horizon</li>
<li>Silk</li>
<li>White Wave</li>
</ul>
<h3>
General Mills - $908,200.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Nature Valley</li>
<li>Fiber One</li>
<li>Cheerios</li>
<li>Cascadian Farm</li>
<li>Muir Glen</li>
<li>Lärabar</li>
<li>Gold Medal Organic</li>
<li>Food Should Taste Good</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Heinz/Hains Celestial - $500,000.00</h3>
(Hains is actually owned by Heinz, Phillip Morris, Monsanto, Citigroup, Exxon-Mobil, Wal-Mart and Lockheed Martin)<br />
<ul>
<li>Earth’s Best</li>
<li>Spectrum Organics</li>
<li>Garden of Eatin’</li>
<li>Casbah</li>
<li>Rice Dream</li>
<li>Soy Dream</li>
<li>WestSoy</li>
<li>TofuTown</li>
<li>MaraNatha</li>
<li>Mountain Sun</li>
<li>Walnut Acres</li>
<li>Fruiti di Bosco</li>
<li>Health Valley</li>
<li>Bearitos</li>
<li>Bread Shop</li>
<li>Celestial Seasonings</li>
</ul>
<div class="right">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Kellogg’s - $632,500.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Kashi</li>
<li>Muslix</li>
<li>Nutrigrain</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Bear Naked</li>
<li>Morningstar Farms</li>
<li>Gardenburger</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Kraft - $551,148.25</h3>
<ul>
<li>Snapple</li>
<li>ReaLemon</li>
<li>Triscuit</li>
<li>SnackWell’s</li>
<li>South Beach</li>
<li>Boca</li>
<li>Back to Nature</li>
<li>Nabisco</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Nestle - $1,169,400.00</h3>
<ul>
<li>Pure Life</li>
<li>Pelligrino</li>
<li>Perrier</li>
<li>Poland Spring</li>
<li>Gerber</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>California Pizza Kitchen</li>
<li>Tribe Mediterranean</li>
<li>Sweet Leaf Tea</li>
</ul>
<h3>
PepsiCo $2,249,661.61</h3>
<ul>
<li>Miss Vickie’s</li>
<li>Sun Chips</li>
<li>Aquafina</li>
<li>SoBe</li>
<li>Harvest Crunch</li>
<li>Dole</li>
<li>Ocean Spray</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tropicana</li>
<li>Miranda</li>
<li>Tazo</li>
<li>Quaker</li>
<li>Naked Juice</li>
<li>Mother’s</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Unilever – $467,000 <a href="http://vtdigger.org/2013/01/08/ben-jerrys-corporate-parent-unilever-spent-467000-against-gmo-labeling-in-california/" target="_blank">(source</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Salada</li>
<li>Knorr</li>
<li>Ben & Jerry’s</li>
</ul>
Here is a list of companies that are GOOD options:<br />
<ul>
<li>7th Generation</li>
<li>Amy’s Kitchens</li>
<li>Apple and Eve</li>
<li>Applegate</li>
<li>Azumaya</li>
<li>Blue Diamond</li>
<li>Bob’s Red Mill</li>
<li>Bossa Nova</li>
<li>Cal Organics</li>
<li>Cedarlane</li>
<li>Cell-nique</li>
<li>Choice Organic Teas</li>
<li>Clif Bar/ Nectar Fruit</li>
<li>Coombs Family Farmers</li>
<li>Cosorzio All Natural</li>
<li>Country Choice</li>
<li>Crystal Geyser Alpine Water</li>
<li>Doctor Kracker</li>
<li>Dr. McDougall’s</li>
<li>Dr. Praeger</li>
<li>Eat Raw</li>
<li>Echo Farms</li>
<li>EcoMeal</li>
<li>Eddie’s Pasta</li>
<li>Eden Foods (The only company NOT using harmful plastic in the lining of their cans as bonding agent!)</li>
<li>Edward and Sons</li>
<li>Endangered Species Chocolate</li>
<li>Ener-G</li>
<li>EnvironKiz</li>
<li>Fantastic Foods.</li>
<li>Giving Nature</li>
<li>Golden Temple</li>
<li>Go Naturally</li>
<li>Greenway Farms</li>
<li>Harvest Bay</li>
<li>Hawthorne Valley</li>
<li>Ian’s Natural Foods</li>
<li>Koyo Organics</li>
<li>Lakewood</li>
<li>Lesser Evil</li>
<li>Let’s Do…Organics</li>
<li>LifeStream</li>
<li>Living Harvest</li>
<li>Lundberg Family</li>
<li>Madhava</li>
<li>Murray’s Chicken</li>
<li>Nasoya</li>
<li>Native Forest</li>
<li>Natural by Nature</li>
<li>Nature Factor</li>
<li>Nature’s Path</li>
<li>Newman’s Own Organic</li>
<li>Organic Prarie</li>
<li>Organic Valley</li>
<li>Pacific Naturals</li>
<li>Pamela’s</li>
<li>Peace Cereal</li>
<li>Petalumi</li>
<li>Rapunzel</li>
<li>Real Foods</li>
<li>Republic of Teas</li>
<li>Road’s End Organics</li>
<li>San J</li>
<li>Sensible Foods</li>
<li>Seven Star Farms</li>
<li>Sunergia</li>
<li>Tasty Bite Indian</li>
<li>Terra Nostra</li>
<li>Texmati</li>
<li>Theo chocolates</li>
<li>Think Organic</li>
<li>Turtle Island Tofurky</li>
<li>Vermont Mystic Pie</li>
<li>Vitasoy</li>
<li>Vita Spelt</li>
<li>Vivani Chocolate</li>
<li>Wizard’s Saucery</li>
<li>Woodstock Farms</li>
<li>XOXOXO chocolate</li>
<li>Yogi Tea</li>
<li>Zija</li>
<li>Zoe’s Granola</li>
</ul>
<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-91568984796083343392013-04-06T17:46:00.002-04:002013-04-10T14:02:48.351-04:00Super Silky Lotion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a super silky, hydrating lotion. Caution: when it goes on it looks very shiny (which is why I've hesitated on posting this) BUT it soaks in rather quickly and the shine goes away. This is a wonderful lotion I've been making for quite awhile and our whole family loves it. I was able to order all these items from Amazon, so that's an option if you can't find them locally.<br />
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<u><b>Super Silky Lotion</b></u><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
<br />
1/2 cup organic coconut oil<br />
1/2 cup organic grapeseed oil<br />
1 cup raw organic shea butter<br />
Optional: Essential oil for fragrance, I use about 10 drops<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients together in a blender. Store in an airtight container. Makes 2 cups.<br />
Slather on =)<br />
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<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-5193193161860425192013-04-06T17:30:00.000-04:002013-04-06T17:30:19.386-04:00I'm brewing kombucha!Don't know what kombucha is? Well I'll tell ya...<br />
Kombucha is a fermented tea which has been consumed for thousands of years, an ancient elixir. Though the benefits of kombucha are completely based individually, some benefits it's known for are improving digestion, clearer thinking, and increased energy.<br />
Here is a list of some other benefits from <a href="http://www.kombuchakamp.com/" target="_blank">Kombucha Kamp</a> website:<br />
<br />
*Probiotics – healthy bacteria<br />
*Alkalize the body – balances internal pH<br />
*Detoxify the liver – happy liver = happy mood<br />
*Increase metabolism – rev your internal engine<br />
*Improve digestion – keep your system moving<br />
*Rebuild connective tissue – helps with arthritis, gout, asthma, rheumatism<br />
*Cancer prevention<br />
*Alleviate constipation<br />
*Boost energy – helps with chronic fatigue<br />
*Reduce blood pressure<br />
*Relieve headaches & migraines<br />
*Reduce kidney stones<br />
*High in antioxidants – destroy free-radicals that cause cancer<br />
*High in polyphenols<br />
*Improve eyesight<br />
*Heal excema – can be applied topically to soften the skin<br />
*Prevent artheriosclerosis<br />
*Speed healing of ulcers – kills <em>h.pylori</em> on contact<br />
*Help clear up candida & yeast infections<br />
*Aid healthy cell regeneration<br />
*Reduce gray hair<br />
*Lower glucose levels – prevents spiking from eating<br />
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I'm not saying it will do any of these things for you, but it might. None of these statements have been approved by the FDA (haha, all the more reason to try it!) and I am not a medical doctor #disclaimer =) <br />
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Brewing kombucha is something I've wanted to do for quite awhile. I never started because I couldn't find a bottle of plain flavored kombucha locally, never really thought of ordering a bottle online. Well, I finally ordered a case, and then they sat in the fridge for awhile. FINALLY I did some research and decided to start brewing. I didn't have a SCOBY to start with though. I found instructions on how to grow my own, but apparently that is no longer recommended since the strength of kombucha that's allowed to be sold retail is not able to grow it itself. So I was stuck. No one I know brews is so I couldn't snag one from a friend. Finally I decided to order one from <a href="http://www.kombuchakamp.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kombuchakamp.com/</a> They seemed very reputable and there are tons of articles and how-to's on brewing kombucha. I highly recommend visiting their site if you have any interest in brewing. I was very excited when it arrived and wanted to start brewing right away! But somehow I failed to notice you need a gallon sized container (How did I miss that???) So I ordered one because I couldn't find one locally. I was itching to start and everytime I tried something was missing!!! FINALLY the jar came and I was able to start brewing. Here's a picture of my brew on the first day:<br />
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Today is day 8 and I took my first taste of the brew. You're supposed to take a straw and put it under the SCOBY and take a sip. Yeah, I kind of looked at it for a minute thinking "I really have to drink something with that thing floating on top???" I did it though. It tasted great! I think I'm going to give it a few more days of brewing though since this is my first time. I want to see how it tastes if you go longer. Not sure what my preferred "kombucha taste" is.<br />
Here is a picture of it today:<br />
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The SCOBY multiplies every time you brew and a new one is formed. I think this is a really cool process. Next I need to figure out how I'm going to flavor it!!! So exciting! I know...I'm a dork.<br />
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And, by the way, I actually tried to grow my own SCOBY even though it was doubtful it would work:<br />
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Uh, yeah, a month later and nada. So save yourself the time and buy one! Or if you're local to me, I'd be happy to pass one on. Like I stated above, each time you brew a new SCOBY is formed. Fun stuff!<br />
<br />
There is an initial cost to brewing your own kombucha, but over a few batches you'll make it back in what you would have spent if you bought bottled, and you'd have a far superior product. I think I spend $25 on the SCOBY and $10 or so on the gallon size jar. Considering a bottle in the store can range anywhere from $3-5, you'll make back that money quickly. <br />
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More later on my adventures with kombucha!<br />
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If you've tried brewing kombucha I would LOVE to hear about it!<br />
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<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-24845584903644489872013-04-06T17:04:00.000-04:002013-04-06T17:04:18.806-04:00Hot Tonic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was just making a fresh batch of this and it occurred to me I've never shared this recipe here before. This tonic is so good for many ailments. It was developed by a naturopathic physician. The ingredients have been used for centuries with powerful antioxidants and disease fighting properties. It's been known to help people with arthritis as well as many other ailments. It clears the nasal passages which makes it powerful for colds and flu.<br />
<br />
Note that this is very spicy. You can mix it in water or with honey to make it easier to take. Though, my kids take it straight on a spoon, so pull your panties up and try it ;) Do not take it on an empty stomach. <br />
<br />
For a three week cleanse:<br />
Week 1: 2 TB a day with each meal<br />
Week 2: 3 TB a day with each meal<br />
Week 3: 4 TB a day with each meal<br />
After that 2 TB a day is a good maintenance.<br />
<br />
In a blender, blend up: (organic ingredients are highly recommended)<br />
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1 bulb garlic (not a clove, a whole head), peeled</div>
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1 small yellow or red onion, peeled and cut in 1 inch chunks</div>
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1 piece of fresh horseradish (about the same size as the onion) peeled and cut in 1 inch chunks</div>
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1 or 2 fresh, small hot red peppers,<b> seeds removed </b>and cut in 1 inch pieces</div>
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1 piece of fresh ginger (about the size of the onion) peeled and cut in 1 inch chunks</div>
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apple cider vinegar to cover (about 2 cups)</div>
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<br /></div>
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This will last 2 weeks at room temperature or months refrigerated. Shake before use.</div>
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Makes about a quart.</div>
<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-53600327183984940202013-03-26T15:34:00.001-04:002013-03-26T15:34:44.344-04:00Delicious Baked Potato Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is good, so good! Now that I'm looking at the picture I'm wondering why it's been so long since I've made it! This is a hearty casserole that can serve as a main dish or side dish, or bring it to a potluck! Very versatile!<br />
<br />
Also, apologies for the lack of posting for the last month. I find as we near spring and the end of the school year there isn't as much time for writing and posting. I have many articles and recipes in the works, so those will be coming in the future. We like to wind down our school year by mid-May to allow for a much needed long summer. Not to mention, it's SO hard to concentrate when it's been so cold for so long and it's warm again!<br />
<br />
Enjoy this recipe! <br />
<br />
<u><b>Delicious Baked Potato Casserole</b></u><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
<br />
3 lbs organic potatoes (6-8 depending on size)<br />
1 cup organic milk<br />
1/2 cup organic sour cream<br />
2 cups organic shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1/2 - 1 ts of good salt, or to taste<br />
Pepper to taste (I like about 1/4 ts)<br />
1/2 ts organic garlic powder <br />
1 lb organic turkey bacon, cook and crumbled, divided<br />
Green onions to garnish<br />
<br />
Boil or bake potatoes until tender. Once potatoes are done, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 baking dish. With a hand or stand mixer, beat potatoes with milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in half the bacon and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-79618895364481679702013-02-24T13:36:00.001-05:002013-02-24T13:36:53.950-05:00Broccoli Cheese Rounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These little gooey rounds are a great appetizer, lunch, or side dish. These are a great way to get veggies into picky eaters. Lucky for me I really don't have to get fancy with broccoli to get my kids to eat it thanks to the "broccoli monster" game my hubby created when our oldest was one or two. It consists of the kids eating the tops off the broccoli and then the broccoli monster gobbles up the stem, complete with loud sound effects. It was really great, all the kids LOVE broccoli and eat a ton of it now. Unfortunately for hubby, they still expect him to play the game, 8 years later (aside from our oldest who always declares that he eats his own stems now). They even save the stems for the broccoli monster if he's not home in time for dinner. Nothing like cold, slimy broccoli stems wrapped in a napkin waiting for you when you walk in the door ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to these rounds. Luckily for the broccoli monster the stems are all incorporated in and it would be really hard to save stems from these. Though I do have to say our three year old did find a way to liberate a stem. These taste great on their own or dipped in just about anything. And I do mean anything, lol. I think last time we had them there was a variety of dipping going on consisting of ketchup, mustard, ranch, and blue cheese. All were a success with the dippers. Please don't take my word on that and blame me if you gag after dipping them in blue cheese or something, I only dipped them in ranch =) I can't vouch for the sanity of my kids dipping pleasures.<br />
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Plus I made these grain-free! Other recipes I've seen all incorporate bread crumbs, which you could do, but I used almond meal.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Broccoli Cheese Rounds</b></u><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
Makes about 20 rounds (about 2 inches wide)<br />
<br />
2 heads of broccoli<br />
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese<br />
4 large eggs, beaten<br />
1/2 ts good salt<br />
1/4 ts ground pepper<br />
1/2 ts garlic powder<br />
1 1/2-2 cups almond meal, start with 1 1/2 cups and if your batter ends up to gooey you can add more (you could use bread crumbs here if you want)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Chop the broccoli real small and steam until tender. If it's small enough it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to steam it. Let it cool for a few minutes. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. With your hands, form into patties, I make mine about 2 inches wide but you can do any size you want. Place patties on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes and then flip them and bake for another 15 minutes or until a nice golden brown. Let cool a little before serving. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-5834227812192803132013-01-24T16:40:00.000-05:002013-01-24T16:40:51.170-05:00Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Aioli Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Up until I made these, I hated brussels sprouts with all my being. I'd gag my way through eating them occasionally but generally we wouldn't eat them because I couldn't stand the taste or smell, and I'm the cook, so that's my choice =) I love aioli sauce though so I thought I'd give this recipe a whirl. I figure aioli can make anything good right? Turns out these are good even without the aioli! I have to say though, my oldest kid decided he loved them with honey mustard...weird, but whatever, he eats a ton of them and asks me to make them again and again!<br />
This is a recipe I found on pinterest (though I modified it), and I think this is the original: <a href="http://annacostafood.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/crispy-brussel-sprouts-with-a-garlic-aioli/" target="_blank">Costa Kitchen</a> She uses canola oil and I do not recommend that. I understand why she did, but no one should consume canola, for any reason. It is an unhealthy oil and is one of the top genetically modified foods. So I used olive oil, though I don't totally agree with cooking with olive oil, it doesn't withstand high heat very well. I thought coconut oil would be a little weird. If anyone tries any other oil I would love to hear about it! <br />
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<u><b>Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic Aioli Dip</b></u><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
<br />
1 lb brussels sprouts, organic is preferred<br />
A couple tb organic olive oil, or oil of choice<br />
Good salt, to taste<br />
1/4 ts organic ground pepper<br />
1/4 ts organic garlic powder<br />
<br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/make-your-own-mayonnaise.html" target="_blank">mayonnaise</a><br />
1 ts organic crushed garlic<br />
pinch of dried parsley<br />
Salt to taste<br />
Juice from half a lemon<br />
<br />
Toss brussels sprouts with oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Spread on a parchement lined cookie sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until they are just browned.<br />
<br />
While the brussels sprouts are roasting, whip together your aioli sauce. Mix together mayo, garlic, parsley, salt, and lemon. Serve alongside your brussels sprouts in a ramekin.Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-44366484173710110562013-01-17T14:26:00.000-05:002013-01-17T14:26:52.971-05:00Natural Watercolor Paints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was part of one of our unit study lessons and thought I would share it. I thought it was a neat idea. Not only do the kids get to participate in the cooking of the paint, then they get to paint with it. I would say there isn't anything my kids love more than painting. They would paint at any moment in any day if I let them.<br />
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How we did it:<br />
Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil<br />
Drop in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries<br />
Simmer until water is very dark, about 20 minutes<br />
Strain<br />
Let cool<br />
Paint!<br />
This can be stored in the fridge for a week<br />
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We also did spinach. As you can see above it did not come out green. It came out yellow :/ I "think" that if I had processed the spinach in the food processor before boiling it might have been more green.<br />
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From what I've read you can also do raspberries, red cabbage, blackberries, cherries, and more.<br />
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Just thought it was a neat idea. I really liked the way it dried on the paper. It actually darkened as it dried.<br />
So go for it, make your own watercolors!Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-73931600263777479022013-01-09T15:51:00.002-05:002013-01-09T15:51:39.525-05:00Lemon Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This recipe is super exciting to me. When I was a kid I used to make these, from a box. Every holiday I would take some to my grandparents house, and like clockwork, my step grandpa would snatch them up and not let anybody have any. So I started making two batches, one just for him, and one for everyone else. Then he would try to steal the second batch...it was hopeless ;)<br />
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I stopped eating these ten years ago when we became enlightened on healthy eating. Those bars from the box do not equal healthy eating. Disclaimer: I am not at all claiming this recipe is healthy, there is a lot of sugar, BUT there are a minimal amount of ingredients, and you can pronounce them all =) So, on to these delightful little treats. These are a great "special occasion" or occasional treat. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lemon Bars</b></span><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
Inspired by <a href="http://www.mommybistro.com/meyer-lemon-bars-9th-day-of-cookies#more-871" target="_blank">Mommy Bistro</a><br />
<br />
1 cup softened organic butter<br />
2 cups organic whole wheat flour (pastry flour would be great here if you have it)<br />
1/2 organic powdered sugar<br />
1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 4 Meyer lemons)<br />
Zest from 2 lemons<br />
1-2 cups organic sugar (using sucanat would make these healthier than regular pure cane sugar. Original recipe calls for 2 cups, I think that's a bit much.)<br />
4 organic eggs<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor (or by hand with a fork) mix together softened butter, flour, and powdered sugar until well combined. With wet hands, press dough into a 9x13 baking dish, evenly. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are starting to brown. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Pour over hot crust and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool on the counter and slice with a wet knife. Dust with more powdered sugar if you desire, makes it pretty =)<br />
Dig in! Or...place neatly on a plate to serve to guests, hmph....and hide some for later.<br />
<br />Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-43034028420879133002013-01-08T08:33:00.000-05:002013-01-08T08:33:56.628-05:00FDA to approve first Frankenfish<h5 class="uiStreamMessage uiStreamHeadline" data-ft="{"tn":":"}">
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<a data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=13341879933" href="https://www.facebook.com/organicconsumers?ref=stream">Organic Consumers Association</a></div>
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_50eb742e880207f12426752">
<span class="userContent">The
FDA has cleared the way for approval of the first genetically
engineered animal for human consumption - a GMO salmon gene-spliced with
an eel - despite mounting concerns that it's likely hazardous for
humans and poses a threat to the wild salmon population. </span><br />
<span class="userContent"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent">The
FDA’s own testing revealed that “Frankenfish” causes increased allergy
risk in humans. “Frankenfish” grows twice as large, twice as fast as the
average wild salmon. If it escapes into the wild, it could threaten the
entire wild salmon population.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Click Here To Tell the FDA: NO FRANKENFISH!</span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/ocaactions.cfm?actionnum=9142" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.organicconsumers.org/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ocaactions.cfm?actionnum=9142</a><br /> <br /> Learn more about Frankenfish here:<br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_26811.cfm" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>www.organicconsumers.org/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>articles/article_26811.cfm</a></span></span></div>
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Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-34135752159848026622013-01-07T16:32:00.000-05:002013-01-07T16:32:00.784-05:002012: Top ten most viewed posts!I'm happy to announce this list of the top ten most viewed posts from 2012! Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/making-kimchi-korean-sauerkraut.html" target="_blank">Kimchi </a><br />
This will make my hubby happy =)<br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/homemade-natural-carpet-cleaner-spot.html" target="_blank">Homemade carpet cleaner</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/compost-crackers-fail-and-natural-odor.html" target="_blank">Natural Odor Eliminator</a><br />
Along with my compost cracker fail, haha. <br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/raw-date-balls.html" target="_blank">Raw Date Balls</a><br />
About to make these right now! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/reuse-your-green-onion-ends.html" target="_blank">Reusing your green onion ends</a><br />
Still love this idea. Tried it in dirt too, worked for a few times and then just stopped growing. <br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/09/ricotta-stuffed-hot-peppers.html" target="_blank">Ricotta Stuffed Hot Peppers</a><br />
Made these last night! Ate the rest for lunch today =) <br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/03/baked-chicken-parmesan-casserole.html" target="_blank">Baked Chicken Parm Casserole</a><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/organic-spicy-queso-dip.html" target="_blank">Queso Dip</a><br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/mom-rules.html" target="_blank">Mom Rules</a><br />
One of my fav's too =) If you haven't read this it's a must read!<br />
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<a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2012/10/non-gmo-awareness-month-2012.html" target="_blank">Non GMO awareness month 2012</a>Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-74760791903492486792013-01-05T17:35:00.001-05:002013-01-05T17:35:07.575-05:00Onion cutting at its best!<p>We eat a ton of onions around here. That means a lot of onion cutting, and crying, and fear of cutting my fingers off because my eyes were tearing so much I couldn't see. I've tried the freezer method. I've tried the spoon in mouth (which works sometimes but when it doesn't its miserable). I've tried cutting them as fast as I can like Rachel Ray suggests. Still a miserable experience. Suddenly I got this great idea! I dug through our box of summer stuff and snagged a pair of my kids goggles! It worked perfectly!!! I later was informed that"onion goggles" is a real thing that already existed, go figure. But hey, if you have swim goggles laying around, don't spend the money on fancy smancy onion goggles :)</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nGj_v4hq-uI/UOiqmbjMppI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/AxVs7728yBs/s1600/2013-01-05_17-18-13_981.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nGj_v4hq-uI/UOiqmbjMppI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/AxVs7728yBs/s640/2013-01-05_17-18-13_981.jpg' /> </a> </div>Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-57849964901731459632013-01-05T14:56:00.000-05:002013-01-05T14:56:28.207-05:00Cranberry Carrot Juice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRKfG6g88po/UOiDoYN_m1I/AAAAAAAAAb4/xY_I5tfAK-4/s1600/DSC_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRKfG6g88po/UOiDoYN_m1I/AAAAAAAAAb4/xY_I5tfAK-4/s320/DSC_0229.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
I love this vibrant refreshing juice! My kids? Not so much! In the juices defense, I think it was the ginger they couldn't handle. My three year old took one sip and coughed like crazy...so I drank the rest of hers. The boys liked it but couldn't handle too much of it. Which is actually pretty strange because they love ginger. I guess when it's juiced it burns more. The funny thing is, I added half the amount of ginger, tasted it, and then added the rest, seemed fine to me. Oh well, oops. So my suggestion, if you are serving this to kids, only put about half the ginger in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cranberry Carrot Juice</b></span><br />
by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
Inspired by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VegVivaciously?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">VegVivaciously</a><br />
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Makes about 48 ounces<br />
<br />
5 lbs organic carrots<br />
8 oz organic cranberries (mine were frozen and still juiced well)<br />
3 large organic apples<br />
1 inch piece of ginger (or to taste)<br />
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Process through your juicer and stir. Enjoy! Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-29088544320863101212013-01-03T11:19:00.000-05:002013-01-03T11:19:57.077-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone is looking forward to a healthy and happy 2013. I'm not one to make new years resolutions because I'm more of a "I want to do it NOW" kind of person. So if I'm feeling like I need a change regarding diet and exercise, I generally get started right away. But I do happen to have some current changes I would like to make, and it just happens to be the new year! I'll share those with you in a minute.<br />
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It's been a busy month and I feel we've gotten off track on a lot of things. We've been buried in snow, the picture above was after our first snow, our snow people family =)<br />
This picture is after a foot of snow the following week...<br />
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As a friend said "Now they're wearing blankets." =)<br />
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I do feel like in the last month diet and exercise has definitely gotten off track for our whole family. Checking my log, I haven't ran in 3 weeks. It's so darn cold out there, and the ice and snow scare me a bit. I'm not a huge fan of running on the treadmill, it used to be the opposite. So I am resolving in the next couple weeks to explore some new (to me) indoor exercises. I will add some treadmill time in there so I don't totally loose the running bug, but mostly some fun indoor stuff. I have a stationary recumbent bike I use sometimes, but it's not all that exiting. I often do JM's 30 day shred dvd, and some random yoga ones, but it's been awhile. It'll be fun to try some new routines. If it ever thaws, I'll get out there and do some running, but until then I'll be in my warm cozy house burning some calories.<br />
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Food. There aren't a terrible amount of things I want to change but there are old habits I would like to bring back and some other minor changes. Every morning we used to have smoothies and freshly juiced juice. Now it seems it's one or the other. I've played with the idea of doing one at breakfast and one at lunch but then that means hubby loses out. Though, we do have a Green Star juicer and it has the longest "shelf life" for retaining vitamins and minerals in the fresh juice. So I could do it at lunch and save it for him when he gets home. That's an option. But I also know with homeschooling, lunch often needs to be quick and easy, like I'm talking minutes to prepare, haha. So I'm thinking back to how I used to do it. I would throw all the ingredients for the smoothies into the blender the night before and throw it in the fridge until morning. Generally the frozen fruit doesn't thaw completely, so it will still be smoothie consistency, if not, add a little ice. Then all I have to do in the morning is pull it out of the fridge and blend. This saves me about ten minutes in the morning, give or take. I also used to prepare the veggies for the juice the night before. Generally it was just carrot juice, so I would wash and cut the ends off the carrots. Then I would place them in a baking dish covered in water, cover the dish, and place in the fridge the night before. This also would save me about ten minutes, not to mention I could usually recruit a kid to juice it for me in the morning. So there's another ten minutes saved. I love starting the day with smoothies and juice because it makes me feel we've given ourselves a great start to the day. No matter what we eat the rest of the day, I know we've already started with some good nutrition. So if all I give my kids for lunch is pasta, I don't feel so bad =)<br />
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So there's the other thing. I'm really thinking, at least for myself, but I think two of my kids would also benefit greatly, to eliminate wheat and all gluten. I went a couple months with no grains at all and felt really good. Now, when I do eat a wheat product, I feel bloated and can feel it sitting in my belly. I really feel that if a food doesn't make you feel good, then you shouldn't eat it. By far this is much harder for me than eliminating meat ever was. I used to be vegan and vegetarian, but added raw organic dairy and organic pasture raised meat/poultry into our diets about seven years ago. Granted, we do eat a good amount of non-raw cheese, but that's more of a cost issue. It's hard to eat perfectly on a budget. I just try to do the best we can. I feel if that's the worst thing we eat, then we are doing okay. I have greatly decreased the amount of packaged food I buy. Though, we weren't buying/eating as much as the average American on the standard American diet, I did feel like we had too much. I now bake my own bread, granola bars, cookies, crackers, muffins, tortilla chips (flavored and not), nut clusters, dried fruits (my kids can plow through some dried apples),and many other snacks. If I have these snacks on hand it generally stops my kids from going and grabbing a packaged granola bar. I do hope to add more to this list and eventually not buy anything in a box. <br />
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I also have some new fun ideas for this blog for the future. I'm really excited about it! So stay tuned.<br />
Please feel free to share your ideas for a healthy new year in the comments. I feel it's very helpful to put it out there so you are more accountable. Let's do this together!Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-16293356763476042492012-12-11T11:19:00.002-05:002012-12-11T12:34:51.697-05:00Happy Hanukkah!For those that celebrate Hanukkah, I found this great link with 25 crafts to do with your kids during Hanukkah. Just thought I'd share =)<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2011/12/05/handmade-hanukkah-25-hanukkah-crafts-to-make-with-kids/" target="_blank">http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2011/12/05/handmade-hanukkah-25-hanukkah-crafts-to-make-with-kids/</a><br />
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If you're looking for me I'll be the one scarfing down matzoh ball soup all week =) Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-7574562603677184442012-10-25T17:26:00.000-04:002012-10-25T17:42:08.076-04:00Non GMO candy optionsMost if not all commercial candies are filled with non-organic and GMO ingredients. So what is a person to do for Halloween candy? Or just a stash of candy for snacking? Or pinatas? Or rewarding for potty training (haha, that's me this week)? Aside from making your own, which I've actually been working on (!!!) I have compiled a list of great options for non-gmo candy. Here I will post a list with links and a fun graphic! Read, share, tweet, and pin! Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PSihflBXFw/UImrI1W15cI/AAAAAAAAAaU/cpZhy5DvnfM/s1600/Non+GMO+Candy+Graphic+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PSihflBXFw/UImrI1W15cI/AAAAAAAAAaU/cpZhy5DvnfM/s320/Non+GMO+Candy+Graphic+copy.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BCF7d0IXXc/UImgKnYA-RI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Al-C2t6c_JQ/s1600/DSC_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BCF7d0IXXc/UImgKnYA-RI/AAAAAAAAAZE/Al-C2t6c_JQ/s200/DSC_1460.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
Surf Sweets Jelly Beans<br />
Buy <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B001HTG6E2" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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They also make gummy worms, bears, etc. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC8kF40BHJk/UImgjR0JEhI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/XUQiwTgA_fg/s1600/DSC_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AC8kF40BHJk/UImgjR0JEhI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/XUQiwTgA_fg/s200/DSC_1458.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Envirokidz Chocolate Crispy Rice Bars<br />
My grocery store sells mini versions of the full size bars in a big bag.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9HyDnGeTrA/UImgoLVMCjI/AAAAAAAAAZY/Ia_qLuxK6dU/s1600/DSC_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9HyDnGeTrA/UImgoLVMCjI/AAAAAAAAAZY/Ia_qLuxK6dU/s200/DSC_1461.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Organic fruit wraps (These are from Trader Joes).<br />
Don't have a TJ's, there are many other brands.<br />
Check your grocery store, bet they have them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9ndOoR-Bjw/UImgsu-_UpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/JhVrpEhXYuc/s1600/DSC_1462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9ndOoR-Bjw/UImgsu-_UpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/JhVrpEhXYuc/s200/DSC_1462.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
YummyEarth Organic Lollipops<br />
Buy <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B000HDK0DC" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
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Or try their gummy bears <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B0023V64N6" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPFTZu9P1DM/UImgx0K8iBI/AAAAAAAAAZo/X1dlSzs4n44/s1600/DSC_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPFTZu9P1DM/UImgx0K8iBI/AAAAAAAAAZo/X1dlSzs4n44/s200/DSC_1464.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
Annie's organic bunny fruit snacks<br />
Buy <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B001PICX42" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Or try the cracker bunny packs <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B00196P9QO" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyRz9Mz9EUc/UImgzeb8NvI/AAAAAAAAAZw/J0Kex0W0D1g/s1600/Endangered+Species+Chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyRz9Mz9EUc/UImgzeb8NvI/AAAAAAAAAZw/J0Kex0W0D1g/s200/Endangered+Species+Chocolate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Endangered Species Chocolate Bug Bites<br />
Buy mint <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B000LKWWGY" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Dark Chocolate <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B000LKX286" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Milk Chocolate <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B000LKYVZE" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQEqCzkou-A/UImgz0oX5PI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/5aBs-UGI9Fo/s1600/raw_chocolate_divine-mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQEqCzkou-A/UImgz0oX5PI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/5aBs-UGI9Fo/s200/raw_chocolate_divine-mint.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Righteuosly Raw mini chocolate bars.<br />
Check out their website <a href="http://www.righteouslyrawchocolate.com/divine_mint_raw_chocolate.php" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Mmm, now I want chocolate....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp9aqLYgqgA/UImxjQ6_dnI/AAAAAAAAAas/3BTU4S0IWzI/s1600/candycanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp9aqLYgqgA/UImxjQ6_dnI/AAAAAAAAAas/3BTU4S0IWzI/s200/candycanes.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
And check out these organic non-gmo candy canes <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/naturalando0c-20/detail/B004AEKJ6M" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
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If anyone else has some options to share please help out us candy lovers and post it in the comments!Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-711707478705142739.post-22139660593530817752012-10-24T14:16:00.000-04:002012-10-24T14:16:11.880-04:00French Toast with Strawberry Butter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is another yummy recipe from the kids cook book that my kids have been enjoying. It may not look super great in the picture but boy is it tasty! My kids made this entirely by themselves, with me standing by twiddling my thumbs. So, kids, roll up your sleeves and wash your hands, lets get cooking! Moms-you want to stand by to supervise the stove. My older kids (8 and 6) can cook on the stove pretty safely, but I still like to be standing by.<br />
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<u><b>French Toast with Strawberry Butter</b></u><br />
Adapted from KidsCooking - A very Slightly Messy Manual<br />
Brought to you by Amanda @ <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Natural and Organic Lifestyle</a><br />
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Serves 6<br />
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6 organic eggs<br />
6 slices of bread <br />
1/4 cup organic milk<br />
1/2 <a href="http://naturalandorganiclifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/10/make-your-own-vanilla-extract.html" target="_blank">vanilla extract</a><br />
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3/4 stick organic butter, softened, plus extra for greasing pan.<br />
1 cup organic strawberries (stems removed)<br />
1/4 cup organic sugar<br />
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For butter: In a blender, mix together butter, strawberries, and sugar. Set aside.<br />
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Heat your pan to medium heat. In a wide bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. Melt some butter in your pan. Place one slice of bread at at time in your egg mixture and let them get good and wet, don't need to soak them. Add to pan and cook on each side until just brown. Repeat with all the bread.<br />
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Top each slice of french toast with a dollop of strawberry butter. Dig in!Amanda @Natural Organic Lifestylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01984515087863752401noreply@blogger.com0