I'm Such a Hobbit!
In a room, in the corner
of the basement, lived a teenage girl full of dreams and aspirations.
foxfire on a limb
Foxfire: Bioluminescent Fungi
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Here's a Raw Tossed Salad Tip
Here's a Raw Tossed Salad Tip
I learned this tip years ago from my friend Carol. She, like
me, is a salad lover and eats salad at least 4-5 times a week. Here is her
tip...
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Why I Juice?
Why I Juice?
When my Dr. told me she
wanted 70% of my diet to be raw (see my post Trust Your Gut: Diagnosed with Candida) I thought to myself...I got to get a juicer.
My Four "ole Greenie Meanie" juice recipes
I have been juicing now for over 4 months. These are my favorite green recipes. I think you will like them.
Banana Chia Seed Pudding
It is such a challenge for me to find raw recipes that I really like but I REALLY LIKE this simple recipe.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Dry Brushing and Rocking Your Lymphatic System
Dry Skin Brushing
In my post, Trust Your Gut: Diagnosed with Candida, I talk about the healing journey I am on and on that journey I learned about the importance of stimulating my lymphatic system.
Why Have a Lymphatic Massage?
 |
| lymphatic system chart |
Why Have a Lymphatic Massage?
I have felt like I was walking around in a fog for years and have just recently, through diet, massage, herbs, oil pulling, and rocking felt clear.
Oil Pulling Helps in Detoxing
I started oil pulling on September 1, 2012 because I was desperate to rid my body of toxins. As I stated in my post, Trust Your Gut: Diagnosed with Candida, I have been on an extensive health journey. I have been using organic coconut oil but plan to switch over to organic sunflower oil next pay period. It is an easy process and makes total sense to me. Here is a video explaining the benefits from this ancient technique.
I ran across this site that I found very informative. http://www.oilpulling.com/
Homemade Pineapple Vinegar
I was amazed at how easy it is to make Pineapple Vinegar. I will never be able to compost pineapple scraps again without thinking about the vinegar I could make.
Homemade Kombucha Tea
Kombucha tea a wonderful alternative to soda. I like the sour fizziness. I got to say that the thought of drinking something made from a Kombucha mother or as my friend Tater says, a scoby, kind of creeped me out but once I tried it I was hooked. You can find a recipe for Kombucha from the book "Wild Fermentation" by Sandor Ellix Katz.
A Kombucha mother is a gelatinous colony of bacteria and yeast. It ferments the sweet tea and then reproduces itself which allows the brewer to make double the batch the next time around. Excellent live culture food source. The following is a video I used to learn how to make it and where to buy a Kombucha mother (if you don't have a friend who has one to give you).
Healthybratt's Kimchi
Healthybratt's Kimchi is another great way to introduce a fermented food to your diet. I love hot, and this is! You can easily adjust the heat to your perference. I love the way she put links to help in purchasing the ingredients. I got to admitt I didn't even know what some of them were until I made this for myself. It is a nice condiment on meats. I hope you give it a try.
Making Your Own Yogurt and Yogurt Cheese
Yogurt is a great way to introduce live cultures into your diet. By making your own you side step pasteurized store bought yogurts. Pasteurization kills the useful bacteria that you want to gain from this food. You can find a recipe for making your own yogurt in the book "Wild fermentation" written by Sandor Ellix Katz. Here is a link to the website: or you can do what I did and learn from this video. Either way, yogurt is a fermented food that is a great tool in rebuilding and maintaining good gut health. Cultures for Health is where I purchase my live cultures for the homemade yogurt.
I have made this yogurt cheese which has a consistancy of cream cheese many times. It is so easy to make and I love to add different herbs for flavorings. Yummy stuff!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Fairies, Thimbles, and Paper Hats
 |
| Look in Mom's eyes, you will see her joy of play. |
Every mother has a memory of something her child said that will
stick with her through time. My mom has
shared one of those kinds of memories many times in family gatherings about
me. She said I would often say, “Let’s
‘tend.” So as you can already pick up,
pretending for me came natural. (However,
that character trait didn’t always bring about good memories for my siblings,
hehehe…later).
A Christmas With Ma'mee
 |
| If you look close you can see that her brooch is a picture of Pa'pee. |
There was a lighted wreath hanging
on the door adorned with colorful lights that marked the birth of Grandma’s
Savoir. It was our last stop on our
Christmas journey. We had left Camden County
to drive to Dade to be with family, then on to Dallas
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Maker's Diet by Jordan S. Rubin
Jordan's faith based journey from near death to vital health bears witness to the power of pure food prepared in simple, traditional ways that reveal the true spirit of culinary and cooking experiences. Chefs everywhere, Heal thyself with The Maker's Diet !... Charles H. Halliday President, Florida Culinary Institute
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon & Mary Enig
Nourishing Traditions
This well-researched, thought-provoking guide to traditional foods
contains a startling message: Animal fats and cholesterol are not villains but
vital factors in the diet, necessary for normal growth, proper function of the
brain and nervous system, protection from disease and optimum energy levels.
Sally Fallon dispels the myths of the current low-fat fad in this practical,
entertaining guide to a can-do diet that is both nutritious and
delicious.
Fried Chicken Backs and Feet
 |
| Granny feeding her chickens. |
Mom and I were talking today about the way things were. She was born in 1941 and raised in
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Why I stopped Couponing
Why I Stopped Couponing
After I was diagnosed with Candida last August 2012 I decided
to stop couponing. You can’t find
coupons for fresh or organic food. I
still believe that many of my previous postings for couponing are helpful so I
will leave them. Please have that “old
way determination” and put up food, or build your pantry. I can’t express enough how many times it has
been a blessing that we have. You never
know when bad times, a loss of a job, or illness can hit your pocket books. Preserve…build up!
Fat Sick and Nearly Dead
100 pounds overweight, loaded up on steroids and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross is at the end of his rope and the end of his hope. In the mirror he saw a 310lb man whose gut was bigger than a beach ball and a path laid out before him that wouldn't end well— with one foot already in the grave, the other wasn't far behind. FAT, SICK & NEARLY DEAD is an inspiring film that chronicles Joe's personal mission to regain his health.
http://www.hulu.com/#!watch/289122
Food Fight
FOOD FIGHT is a new documentary that takes a look at how American agricultural policy and food culture developed in the 20th century, and how the California food movement rebelled against big agribusiness to launch the local organic food movement. It features Alice Waters (Chez Panisse), Wolfgang Puck, Michael Pollan and other big names involved with food.
http://abc.go.com/watch/abc-news-specials/SH559036/VD55142027/primetime-nightline-food-fight
Gerson Miracle
Gerson Therapy offers cancer victims a non-invasive alternative to chemotherapy, using the body's own immune system to battle the deadly disease.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=gerson+miracle+movie&view=detail&mid=B7742D6E5AB9BCED8DD1B7742D6E5AB9BCED8DD1&first=0
Beautiful Truth
Raised on a wildlife reserve in Alaska, 15-year old Garrett was interested in the dietary habits of their animals. After the tragic death of his mother, Garrett s father decided to home-school his son and assigned a book written by Dr. Max Gerson that proposes a direct link between diet and a cure for cancer. Fascinated, Garrett embarks on a cross-country road trip to investigate The Gerson Therapy. He meets with scientists, doctors and cancer survivors who reveal how it is in the best interest of the multi-billion dollar medical industry to dismiss the notion of alternative and natural cures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvzDHGLEUyw
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Food Matters
Food Matters
Food Matters is a film that takes a closer look at the fundamental problems we face in our current healthcare system. We have a pill for every ill. The theme of this film can be summed up by Hippocrates - "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food." Nutritionists and world renowned physicians, including Charlottle Gerson, share their knowledge about how the nutrients in organically grown produce can cure and prevent everything from common illness to late stage cancer.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4DOQ6Xhqss
Food, Inc.
Food Inc
Food Inc. is a great place to start because it steps back and presents a complete picture of our food system. This documentary explains how large corporations like Monsanto have done a complete overhaul of agriculture and farming. Their primary focus is efficiency rather than quality of food. This way of thinking has created problems that didn't used to exist. The corporations then solve these problems with high tech fixes which in turn cause their own problems. It's a vicious cycle that takes us further and further away from nature's design. From GMO's to fast food to the FDA, this film covers it all.http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=food+inc&view=detail&mid=1DAD4FF34AF2B9A903DB1DAD4FF34AF2B9A903DB&first=0
Supersize Me
One man’s experiment to see just how toxic and dangerous eating a diet of fast food for 30 days is. You will never want to eat McDonald’s again after watching this. Lots of data about what fast food does to our bodies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z74og9HbTM
Ingredients
I definitely wanted to move to Portland, Oregon after watching this one. Explore how people have fallen back in love with caring about the ingredients that make it onto our plates. From farmers to chefs – this film will leave you hungry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF05b7MbR7s
Dirt
“This movie takes a humorous and substantial look into the history and current state of the living organic matter that we come from and will later return to” – from film website.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKPcuwOOGqY
King Corn
Go behind the scenes with 2 young guys who take up farming corn for this documentary. Curious about why corn is literally in everything we eat, these guys do the research themselves and find out the unpleasant truth about this massive monocrop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr5HQrgg9mM
The Future of Food
This documentary is largely about genetically modified foods and the role the government plays in all of this. It follows the corruption of the Big Ag Business and Big Government and how that screws over the small farmers of America.
http://www.thefutureoffood.com/onlinevideo.html
Fast Food Nation
This documentary sheds light on the nasty truth behind the fast food and meat industry. If you still eat fast food, or know someone that does – this will give them all the motivation they need to quit. Open those eyes people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5hA3PN0uic
Forks over Knives
A documentary about 2 doctors who explain just how important eating a plant based and whole grain diet is. Lots of tips that could save your life and prevent diseases like cancer and diabetes.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=forks+over+knives&view=detail&mid=F7510B181DB664D39098F7510B181DB664D39098&first=0
Fresh
Fresh
This documentary features many stand out speakers. One of which is Joel Salatin, a farmer that has defied the flawed principles of monoculture and corporate farming. His farm consists of varied species of plants and animals, all of which thrive together in harmony as nature intended. He clearly speaks from a lifetime of experience as he eloquently depicts the flawed logic behind the centralized and industrialized food system. Joel is also featured in the documentary Food Inc. Fresh really drives home the idea that the more a food substance is processed the less nutritious it becomes.http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fresh+documentary&view=detail&mid=B28E7A7FC0C2A5C808F0B28E7A7FC0C2A5C808F0&first=0
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Green Pharmacy
The Green Pharmacy
A book of natural remedies from James A. Duke, Ph.D. who is a leading authority on healing herbs. A must have for anyone interested in healing organically.
Wild Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
Wild Fermentation
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in adding fermented foods to their diets. Fermented foods add much needed live-cultures that help heal and build a strong gut.
Pickling Spice
Recipe
for
Pickling Spice
Ingredients:
2
|
Cinnamon sticks broken
|
1 T
|
Mustard seed
|
2 t
|
Peppercorns
|
1 t
|
Cloves
|
1 t
|
Allspice
|
1 t
|
Juniper berries
|
1 t
|
Mace
|
1 t
|
Dill seeds
|
4
|
Bay leaves
|
1 t
|
ginger
|
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight
container.
Hummus with Olives
I love this with homemade whole wheat pita bread chips...hmmm! It keeps for days in the fridge and is a great source of fiber. I have also toasted Ezekiel Bread, cut it into sqaures, and spread the Hummus onto it. Mmmm...good stuff!
Recipe
for
Hummus with Olives
AMOUNT: 2 cups
Ingredients:
1 can
|
Garbanzo beans
|
¼ cup
|
Green Olives
|
½ cup
|
Black Olives
|
¼ cup
|
Red Onion
|
2 cloves
|
Garlic minced
|
¼ cup
|
Olive Oil
|
Directions:
- drain beans and add to food processor
- add olives, onion, garlic, and oil
- process until creamy
Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe
Part of my health journey has been changing over to healthier products for my family. Not only is this healthier for us it is cheaper! I made this in November 2012 for $25.00!
Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe
this recipe makes approximately 2.5 gallons of dried soap6 bars of Ivory soap
1 box of Borax 76 oz.
1 box of washing soda 55oz.
2 cups of baking soda
2 containers of Oxyclean
1-2 containers of fabric softener crystals (this is optional, don't use if you have sensitive skin)
use 2 tablespoons per load. For front loaders: put it directly in with the clothes instead of using the dispenser!
Homemade Recipe Box
I wanted a recipe card box for my recipes so I dug around my closet and found this little file box.
Double Coconut Granola
Double Coconut Granola: you will love this recipe! It reminds me of my mom and fills the house with yummy smells of youth. It will stay fresh over a week in this glass jar and it is easy to dip into for snacking. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
1 scant cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup clover honey
1/6 cup virgin coconut oil (half of a 1/3 cup measure)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (I used almond because I was out of vanilla)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
optional: I toasted another 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to add in for sweetness, but that was before I’d tasted the cooled batch. It’s probably unnecessary.
Directions:
Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine oats and shredded coconut in a large bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt until just simmering.
Pour honey mixture over the oat mixture, stirring well with a wooden spoon until fully combined. Spread this mixture out over a large sheet pan, place in oven, and bake for 10 minutes before stirring the granola. Repeat 10 minute baking time, followed by stirring, until granola is well-toasted (takes about 4 cycles, or about 40 minutes).
Cool the granola on the baking sheet, stirring occasionally. When cooled, you can store granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few weeks, or at room temperature for two.
Nutritional Info: Serving size: 70 grams (about 1/2 cup) Calories: 233, Fat: 12g, Sodium: 122mg, Carbs: 32g, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 4.5g (NOTE: I’d use half a serving if I were combining the granola with bran flakes in my cereal)
Monday, December 17, 2012
Fried Crappie
Fried Crappie
Mom's recipe is very simple. Fill a large skillet half way with vegetable oil. Set the temp on medium high, salt each fillet and then put it into a bag with cornmeal (and just a bit of flour), place fillets one at a time into the hot oil, brown and then put them onto a platter lined with paper towels. Yum...makes me hungry just thinking about them.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Trust Your Gut: Living the “Life Style Change”
September – October 2012
During this part of my journey I
became so discouraged (def: to deprive of courage, hope, or
confidence; dishearten; dispirit). There
were many days that I didn’t leave the house for fear of having
Friday, August 31, 2012
Trust Your Gut: The Journey Begins
Trust Your Gut: The Journey Begins
August 2, 2012My journey to understanding Candida opened a wide door of ventures, and opinions. Let alone stretched my knowledge of alternative treatments and nutritional terms I am still trying to learn. For me it boiled down to a trust issue. I had to trust.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Trust Your Gut: Diagnosed with Candida
Diagnosed with Candida
Before I started my journey with healing the gut I ran
across a documentary that would forever change my views on health.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Baked Kale Chips
Dr. Terry Wahls was the one to show me the power in eating kale. I was convinced after listening to her the benefits of this leafy green veggie. What is in one cup of kale? 36 calories,
5 grams of fiber, 15% daily calcium and B6, 180% daily Vitamin A, 200% daily Vitamin C, and 1020% Vitamin K. Wow, what a punch of nutrition!
Recipe
for
Baked Kale Chips
6-8 C
|
Kale (remove
stems)
|
2 T
|
Olive oil
|
1 t
|
Cider vinegar
|
½ t
|
Garlic Salt
|
Directions:
1.
place
the rack on the lowest shelf
2.
in
large bowl mix all ingredients thoroughly
3.
place
on baking sheet evenly
4.
bake
for 10 minutes, it should be crispy to the touch
Friday, May 4, 2012
A Butterfly Quilt and Memories
I interviewed Marie on May 4th, 2006. I wanted to meet someone who could tell me more about the life along the Niangua River for a book that I was working on. The historical society in Buffalo told me that Maire would love to share information with me. When I contacted her she said, "come on over". I did with a small tape recorder in hand. When I arrived at her home she meet me at the door and invited me in. She was working on a quilt made with hankies she had recieved in a hankie exchange during WWII. I went home later and tried to the best of my weak abilities to capture that conversation exactly as she spoke...
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sour Dough Bread
Recipe
for
Sour Dough Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/3 C
|
Lukewarm water divided
|
1 C
|
Sourdough starter
|
1 t
|
Active dry or instant yeast
|
3 2/3 C
|
Bread flour
|
½ t
|
Coarse salt
|
1 ½ T
|
Cold milk
|
1 ½ T
|
Olive oil
|
Directions:
1.
place 1 C water, sourdough starter, yeast, and
flour in bowl and stir until moisten
2.
mix the dough for 6 minutes
3.
let rest for 20 minutes
4.
add salt and mix or 2 minutes
5.
place milk, oil and remaining water in small
bowl and stir
6.
add liquid to dough slowly
7.
mix for 4 minutes
8.
cover for 2-2 ½ hours until double
9.
place dough on floured surface and form into a
rough oval, then put dough on parchment paper 12 x 16
10. cover
and let rest 20 minutes
11. shape
8 x 10 inch oval 1 ½ inch thick
12. dimple
dough every 2 inches, sprinkle with
flour and cover for 2 hours
13. place
baking stone on lowest rack in a 500°
oven for 20 minutes before baking bread
14. spritz
the over with a spray bottle and close door
15. slide
dough on parchment paper onto baking stone
16. reduce
to 450° spritz oven 2 more
times
17. after
15 minutes remove parchment paper and bake another 5 minutes, flip and bake
another 5
18. bread
should sound hollow when done
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