January 31, 2007
· Filed under Superbowl Snacks
On the Grill - Mini Pepper Poppers
You wil need: (use organic when possible)
- 16 sweet mini peppers
- 1 tomato - cored, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup of onion - finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 6 oz. of mild white cheddar or your choice of cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ceyenne pepper
- Get your grill started on medium heat, whether coal or gas.
- Rinse peppers and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and veins.
- Mix cheese, tomato, onion, cilantro, salt, and ceyenne pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon mixture into pepper halves.
- Place filled peppers, cheese side up, on grill.
- Grill peppers until slightly blistered on bottoms. (3 - 5 minutes)
- Remove from grill and top with a dab of sourcream.
Home Made Tortilla Chips with Chunky Salsa
For Tortilla Chips You will need: (use organic when possible)
- 1 package of white corn soft tortilla shells
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- garlic pepper seasoning
- Pre-heat oven to 350
- Dab tortillas lightly with olive oil
- Cut tortillas into fourths
- Arrange cut tortillas onto cookie sheet
- Sprinkle with garlic pepper seasoning
- Bake until crisp
For Chunky Salsa You Will Need: (use organic when possible)
- 1 white onion - chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic - chopped
- 3 vine ripend tomatoes - cored and seeded
- 1/4 cup cilantro - chopped
- 1 small can of chopped green chillies
- salt
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Add salt to taste
- Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Superbowl | Superbowl Appetizers | Superbowl Part Snacks | Organic Appetizers | Healthy Snacks | Grilled Mini Pepper Poppers | Home Made Tortilla Chips | Organic Chunky Salsa
January 27, 2007
· Filed under Skin Care
Astringents and Toners
Astringents work best for oily skin because they remove excess oil and will temporarily tighten the skin and enlarged pores.
Natural astringents include:
- peppermint -is refreshing and antibacterial
- witch hazel - mild and reduces excess oil from the skin
- sage - mild and fragrant
- cypress essential oil - mild and helps regulate the production of oil in the skin
- grapefruit essential oil - also mild and helps regulate the production of oil in the skin
Toners tend to be gentler and usually include natural soothing ingredients, such as:
- chamomile - soothing
- aloe - is a very soothing toner and a great natural healer and moisturizer
- rose water - soothes and heals skin
- lavender - cleanses oily skin without causing dryness and helps normalize oil production
Using astringents and toners after washing your face will help to restore a healthy pH to your skin, reduce oil production, and tighten pores.
Yogurt and Lemon Cleanser
You will need (use organic whenever possible - as I’ve mentioned in a previous post, your skin is your largest organ and absorbs 60% of any substance you apply to it):
- 1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 drop rosemary essential oil
- Mix all ingredients together
- With warm water dampen your face
- Apply mixture and massage into you skin for about a minute
- Rinse with warm water
Hope you all enjoy! This is my sister’s favorite and works really great for her oily skin.
~ Do It Yourself Naturally
oily skin | organic | organic skin care | natural skin care | organic skin care products |Yogurt and Lemon cleanser |organic yogurt |natural astringent | natural skin toner
January 26, 2007
· Filed under Getting Started
The other day I posted the information that I had found regarding Wal-Mart “Organics” and one of my readers, thegreenmommy, posted this great comment:
“…when articles tackle the subject of deceptive use of “organic,” it makes consumers doubt the entire organic food industry’s validity.“
So, what does “Organic” stand for?
- Integrity
- Trust
- Community
- Health
- Sustainable Living
- Renewable Resources
These are just a few words that define what”organic” means to me but for now, I want to talk about the formal definition of “organic” to clear the air after the Wal-Mart issue.
From the USDA:
“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.
Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.
Before a product can be labeled “organic,” a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.“
It isn’t only the government that is keeping “organic” strong but it’s also the people and communities of organic and natural living. It’s up t us to be the “watchdogs” and thankfully we have groups like The Cornucopia Institute and many others that are keeping things in check.
What does Organic mean to you?
Love to hear what you have to say - leave a comment
~ Be the change you want to see.
organic | organic defined | USDA | Wal-Mart organics
January 24, 2007
· Filed under Organic in the News
Wal-Mart is up to their old tricks and muddying the label of Organic.
Shown above - Natural Sugar is labeled as “organic” by this in-store signage at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Tomah, WI. This mislabeling was identified on January 14, 2007. This photo was taken along with many others by The Cornucopia Institute, one of the nation’s largest organic watchdog groups. See more photos.
The Cornucopia Institute is leading an investigation on Wal-Mart and their misleading labels.
They have even filed legal action with the USDA against Wal-Mart. To read more visit their site.
Also, MSNBC has written a great article about this topic.
To read more about the USDA certified organic label visit my earlier post.
~ Be the change you want to see.
Wal-Mart “Organics” | USDA Organic Label | The Cornucopia Institute
January 18, 2007
· Filed under Dogs
Garlic isn’t only good for you but good for your dog as well.
Garlic strengthens your dog’s immune system and helps them fight harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Garlic also helps their cardiovascular system and some people find that it helps keep fleas at bay.
- Add a quarter clove of finely minced garlic per 10 pounds of dog weight to your dog’s daily diet.
Garlic Dog Treats
You will need:
- 2 cups of whole wheat flour
- 2/3 cup stone-ground cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Mix the flour, cornmeal, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs with the milk. Add the chicken broth, olive oil and garlic to the egg and milk mixture. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mix until you have a firm dough.
- Let dough stand for 15 minutes.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch and cut into your dog’s favorite shapes.
- Beat the third egg and brush the treats with the egg.
- Put the treats on a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 - 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the treats to cool before giving to your dog. Store in a sealed bag or sealed container for later use.
My dogs loved these treats and I found that it helped their breath as well.
~ Do It Yourself Naturally
Garlic and Healthy Dogs | Natural Immune System Booster for Dogs | Natural Flea Repelant for Dogs | Garlic Dog Treats | Homemade Dog Treats | Dog Breath | Do It Yourself Naturally
January 18, 2007
· Filed under Healing Foods, Skin Care
Honey is a Natural Healer
Honey has been used for centuries in cultures all over the world as a natural skin healing agent. Honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, that when combined with water, produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. In addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme, honey also contains antioxidants and *flavonoids that may function as antibacterial agents. Honey also has the ability to moisturize the skin with out making it oily.
With these properties, honey is a great natural skin cleanser and moisturizer.
Some Favorite Honey Facial Recipes
Honey and Yogurt Facial Scrub
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon finely ground almonds
- 2 teaspoons finely ground oats
- 1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients together, dampen your skin with warm water and then gently massage the scrub on to your damp skin. Rinse your face with warm water.
Honey and Lavender Facial Mask
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the ingredients, dampen your face with warm water, and smooth on the honey and lavender mixture. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
- Can be used on all skin types
- The yogurt contains skin-smoothing lactic-acid
- Honey is moisturizing and healing without making the skin oily
- Finely ground almonds and oats add gentle exfoliation
- Lavender essential oil is balancing for all skin types
*Flavonoids -
- Act as antioxidants
- Have direct anti-tumor effects
- Have immune-enhancing properties
- Sources:
- Honey, fruits, particularly darker fruits such as berries, cherries, and citrus fruits; also tomatoes, peppers, and greens.
~ Do It Yourself Naturally
Natural Facial | Honey Facial Scrub | Honey Facial Mask | Healing Powers of Honey | Honey | Raw Honey | Flavonoids | Do It Yourself Naturally
January 14, 2007
· Filed under Just for Fun
January 10, 2007
· Filed under Dogs
Meet Duke. He’s my 4 year old red blood hound and he is prone to getting food, water, dirt, mud, anything at all really all over his ears and face. It’s a regular routine around here to be wiping him down with a wet rag. But today I discovered something about Duke that your dogs may love.
When I got home today his face and ears were covered in a white-ish sticky goo. I think it’s safe to say that he had a lot of fun while I was at work. Even though it was a mystery to me what the goo was, I had to clean him up before he was set free inside my house. So I walked him in and had him lay down in his spot while I got a wet rag.
Even here in sunny Phoenix, AZ the tap water is cold during the winter and when I tried to clean his gooy face the goo wouldn’t come off. So, I thought about it for a second knowing I didn’t want to resort to soap because that would turn into a bigger mess than I wanted to deal with at the time. I decided to just try warm borderline hot water. And the goo came off but that’s not the discovery.
While I was cleaning Duke’s face and ears he began to act odd, like nothing I’ve seen him do. His eyes rolled back, his body went limp, I had to prop his head up with my knee so I could get into the wrinkles; he was in heaven. It had to be the warm water, I thought. So I went back into the kitchen and got a bowl of hot-ish water, sat on the floor with him and wiped his face and ears down with the warm water. He loved every minute of it and his 85 pounds of dog weight had turned into goo in my lap.
Duke isn’t the only one.
I tried the warm water on Harley, my 8 year old border collie/basset hound mix and also Oliver, my 5 year old beagle/basset hound mix. They loved it as well and my bet is so will your dog(s).
pampered pooch | mystery goo | green dogs | natural dogs | dogs
January 8, 2007
· Filed under Dogs, Pet Care
Green pets? I must be joking right?
No, not really and here’s why…
What we domesticate is our responsibility for life.
We bring home the cutest, the cuddliest, the warmest and the most loving little critters and because of our choices, they are now completely dependent upon us for just about everything. For starters, they need a healthy and nutritious diet so let’s start here.
Let’s get smart about our pets
Dogs - a man’s best friend and so true this is. But would you give your best friend a plate of food chuck full of pesticides, nitrates, lead, synthetic preservatives, artificial flavorings and colors and say, “Eat up Buddy, I love you.”??? Same goes for all the cat lovers out there. Dry cat food has been linked to kidney problems, especially if they don’t drink enough water.
What you can do.
- When shopping for a commercial dog or cat food look at the ingredients. The first ingredient listed is your target. It should be a high-quality meat product for both cats and dogs; chicken, lamb, fish, beef. (Not soy products, these are hard on their digestive system.) Avoid foods that contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors and colorings.
- Use only stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls. Plastics can leach toxic plastic molecules into food and water.
- Establish a regular feeding schedule. Twice a day - in the morning and early evening.
- Supplement your pet’s diet with raw foods. Organic is best especially with raw meats.
- Dogs -
- Carrots, apples (no core), dark green lettuce, and broccoli. Grate or chop these and add a couple tablespoons per 10 pounds of dog weight.
Start with small amounts to give your dog’s stomach time to adjust to his/her new diet. Too much can cause diarrhea.
- Raw meat! They will love you! If you have access to a local butcher ask him/her if they will set aside any scraps for you. Most will be happy to do this for you and if not, just take a little chunk from your dinner. In general, mix approximately 2 ounces of raw meat per 10 pounds of dog weight. Give your dog’s stomach time to adjust and start off lightly.
- Raw eggs for a brilliant coat. Eggs are a rich source of protein and minerals for a healthy coat. Add 1 raw egg yolk as often as every day, if you wish. Careful with the whites. They are high in protein. Only add egg whites once a week to keep your dog’s protein balance in check.
- Cats -
- Raw beef, fish and poultry. Also grated carrots and zucchini. Half a teaspoon total of raw food mixed in with their normal food. Start out light to allow their stomach to adjust.
- Raw egg yolk for a thick healthy coat. Add raw egg yolk to your cat’s diet 3 to 5 times a week. Do not feed your cat the egg whites. Egg whites can throw off the protein balance and create nutritional deficiency.
- Add fiber to help digestion. A healthy fiber supplement like wheat bran will aid in cleaning your cat’s digestive system and keep it healthy.
As with any change, monitor your pet carefully and adjust their diet accordingly. For example, with my dog Duke, carrots give him gas. So, I don’t give him anymore carrots.
Always consult with your vet before changing your pet’s diet.
~ They depend on you …be the change. ~
This is a shout out to Stitch! The coolest dog in the world!
green dog | dogs | green cat | cats | green pets | healthy pets | pets | commercial pet food | artificial flavor | preservatives
January 7, 2007
· Filed under Getting Started
In our grocery stores we see such labels as natural, home-free, free-range and others but these terms don’t mean they are organic. These claims maybe true but they aren’t interchangeable with organic.
So how do we know what is or isn’t organic?
We start with looking for a label whether it’s a single-ingredient food such as fruits and vegetables or multiple-ingredient foods such as pasta sauce or bread.
- The label we are looking for is the USDA Organic Label, as shown bellow. This ensures that the product is at least 95-100% organic. This is applied to both single and multiple-ingredient foods.
- If there isn’t a USDA Organic Label but the product states “organic” on the front of the box or package then it is ensured that the ingredients are at least 70% organically produced.
- If there isn’t a USDA Organic Label or the word “organic” on the front of the product, then we look at the side panel. Here companies can list specific ingredients that are organically produced but they may not make any claims of “organic” on the front of the package.
For more information or to read further in-depth about these labeling rules, I suggest reading this consumer brochure produced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
organic | organic labeling | USDA
January 7, 2007
· Filed under Skin Care
60 % of any substance applied directly to your skin is absorbed into your body.
This is a scary thought when we think of the chemicals in commercially available skin care and cosmetic products. Most of these chemicals are toxic or we know little to nothing about the long term effects on our bodies. For example, lip stick is one of the most toxic cosmetic products because it contains harmful chemicals such as, PVP, saccharine, artificial colors and artificial fragrances. But what also makes lip stick harmful is that it is applied to such a thin layer of skin making it so easily absorbed.
So, let’s take this 60% absorption and move it into a more natural light. You can begin by looking in your refrigerator or pantry for some amazing and wonderful skin care treatments. Some options include:
- Plain organic yogurt: can be used as a daily skin cleanser. Gently apply to your skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
- Organic apple cider vinegar: used for skin tone. Apply lightly with a cotton ball and rinse with water. (Organic apple cider will still have the mother in it and should be specified on the container.)
- Vitamin E capsules: for softening and smoothing the skin under your eyes. Cut the tip off and apply in the morning or at night.
One of my favorite skin care recipes is the Avocado Facial. I found this recipe and a lot of other great information in a book my mom gave me called, “The New Guide to Natural, Safe, and Healthy Living” by Rosamond Richardson.
Avocado Facial
You will need: 2 Tbsp of avocado, 1 tsp of thin honey, and 3-4 drops of cider vinegar.
(use organic products if possible)
1. Cut the avocado flesh into small 1/2″ cubes and put in a bowl. Stir in the honey and add the vinegar.
2. Mash the ingredients with a fork until you have a paste. Apply to your face, avoiding the area around your eyes and lie down for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe off with a damp, soft cloth and rinse gently with warm water.
These are great treatments and are worth trying even just for fun but we aren’t limited to our kitchens for great natural skin care. These days there are natural products readily available in natural and organic grocery stores or online. Even with lip stick there is an organic alternative made with ingredients such as beeswax, mineral pigments and essential oils.
~It all starts with you…be the change.~
skin | organic | organic skin care | natural skin care | organic skin care products |avocado facial |organic yogurt |vitamin E
January 4, 2007
· Filed under Getting Started
Do it yourself naturally. It all begins with you and maybe a bit of information from this little blog.
Natural and healthy living takes more than a New Year’s resolution but it’s enough to get started. It was my 2006 resolution and here I am a year later still enjoying the benefits of natural living.
Natural living is a life style change that will change your life. There are few things better than getting up in the morning and taking a shower with all natural bath products. It gives me a sense of wellbeing knowing that I’m doing my best to take care of my body. Afterall, your skin is your largest organ and absorbs most of the nutrients or toxins you put on it. So what will you choose? Nutrients or toxins?
Stay tuned…I plan to share my experiences, knowledge and research I have gained over the last year as well as all the new stuff I find worthy enough to write about.
~It all starts with you…be the change.~
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