Liquid Sunshine from Vermont Soap Co - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My husband and I have been using Liquid Sunshine for all of our cleaning (indoors, outdoors, cars etc) and for our hand soap for about 8 years now and we love it!

 

I have no allergic reactions since we've been using Liquid Sunshine.  My eyes don't tear, my sinuses don't get inflamed, no headaches, no congestion, no breathing problems, and my skin doesn't get dry, crackly and itchy even after many uses.  

 

We buy Liquid Sunshine in the 5 gal drum because it's much more economical. It can used as is (concentrated) or it can be diluted in various degrees and made into window cleaner, all purpose cleaner and foaming hand soap. Liquid Sunshine has so many uses.

And now there's Liquid Sunshine ZERO-VOC (Volatile organic compounds). VOC's affect air quality and can be hazardous to our health esp those prone to lung problems.

 

The Vermont Soap Company also offers many other organic and natural products for babies and children, adults, animals and the home.  

Try it and then let us know how you like it!

 

Here's to healthy cleaning!

 

Does Acid Reflux keep coming up?

While away recently in Dayton, PA visiting our cousins, a friend of my cousin told us about a natural remedy for acid reflux that works for her and others she knows.  I can't say if this remedy works because I don't have acid reflux.  So anyone who try this, I'd love to hear your comments and results so please post them.  Here's the recipe - I recommend using raw honey and organic ingredients:

1 quart filtered water
1/2 cup raw honey
1 organic lemon, cut up in chunks
2 inches of fresh organic ginger root, unpeeled

Directions:  Boil all ingredients together for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Using a strainer, transfer mixture to glass jar and refrigerate.  Drink 1/2 to 3/4 cup each day.  This can be taken on a full or empty stomach any time of day or night.

The Beautiful Truth

Is there really a cure for cancer and other diseases?  Does mainstream medicine have all the answers?  Is the American Cancer Society really interested in finding a cure for cancer?

The Beautiful Truth is a “must see” documentary featuring a teenage boy who uncovers what lies beneath.



You don’t need to have an open mind. You just need to be willing to see the truth and accept it for what it really is.

Thank you, Rich for finding this movie!

Easy beauty treatments from the used and infused

Are you getting your money's worth?

Try these easy beauty treatments that reuse

items you would normally throw away.

GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit is among one of the highest fruits in antioxidants.  High in vitamin C it also contains phytonutrients called limonoids, which are tumor inhibitors.  It contains pectin, a soluble fiber which has been found in animal studies to slow down progression for atherosclerosis (heart disease).  It also helps to prevent kidney stones and protects against colon cancer.  

Try this:

Take a grapefruit and peel off the skin in wedges.  I like to use the Pampered Chef Citrus Peeler (only $1.00) to peel my citrus fruit.  Now, eat the grapefruit and then apply the peel all over your face (white pithy part to your skin).  Keep the peel in each spot for at least ten seconds (it may stick to your forehead - I unloaded a few grocery bags while it was on my forehead)!  Let dry and wipe off any pith.  So refreshing and good for your skin!

TEA BAGS are easy on the eyes.
It's been proven that the tannin in tea bags (green or black) reduces inflammation (puffiness) and dark circles under and around the eyes. Caffeinated tea works best as it has a higher anti-inflammatory property and green tea works even better because it contains EGCG, an additional anti-inflammatory.

If you have puffy eyes or dark circles, give this a try:

First, make my favorite iced tea recipe below.  Save the tea bags and place them in the refrigerator in a glass jar or container or place on waxed paper in the freezer until cold but not frozen (if they are too dry add some water just to make them damp).  Pour some of the iced tea you just made, place a tea bag over each eye and sit and relax for 10-15 minutes in peace and quiet.  Remove tea bags and throw them away (or you can reuse them if you like).  Store the tea bags in the refrigerator and repeat daily or as often as you like.  

MINTY LEMON GREEN TEA RECIPE
Makes 1 gallon

6 Organic green tea bags
6 Organic mint tea bags or a bunch of fresh organic torn mint leaves (I prefer peppermint)
2 Large Organic Lemon, cut in quarters
Organic Agave Nectar or raw unfiltered honey, to taste, optional
Ice, to fill a gallon pitcher half way plus extra


Add enough warm-hot water (not boiling) to fill the Pampered Chef Classic Batter Bowl. Add tea bags and steep for 5-10 minutes.  Do not squeeze the green tea bags or the result may be a bitter tasting pitcher of iced tea.  The mint tea can stay in as long as you like depending on how minty you like it.  If you have the time, allow to cool completely.

In the Family Size Quick Stir Pitcher (yes, from Pampered Chef), add ice and the tea mixture and stir. Add more ice if necessary.  Squeeze lemons in the pitcher only if you will consume it shortly after.  If not, squeeze a nice size lemon wedge into a glass and fill with the tea.  If you like some sweetness, add some Agave Nectar or honey, to taste.
To make a half gallon pitcher, cut ingredients in half and use the Small Batter Bowl and the Quick Stir Pitcher.

For more ideas for how to use used tea bags, go to:   
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/reuses-tea-bags.html 

Did you know?

• Green tea has lots of antioxidants.
• Peppermint relieves IBS symptoms, sick stomach and colic thru breast milk.
• Fresh lemon has vitamin C and is alkalizing in your body. 
• Lemon water alkalizes your body, cleanses your liver and kidneys and aids in digestion. 
• Each morning when you wake up, squeeze half of an organic lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and drink. 

Vitacost.com has FREE shipping in February

FREE Shipping

in February at Vitacost.com

If you've never visited Vitacost.com February is the month to try it.  Enjoy discounts on so many products like organic products, food, organic teas, vitamins/supplements including whole food supplements, body and hair care products, food, organic teas, detergents, and just about anything you can think of.

Shipping is usually $5 for any size order which is still a great deal.  Orders are usually shipped within a day or so after ordering and receipt of the order is about five days or less!  They are very efficient!

To give you an idea of what Vitacost offers, I've listed below some of the products I've ordered from them.  But check out their website and see for yourself.  Just type in a product in the "search" box to see if they have what you're looking for.  Or you can shop by category.

• MegaFoods Whole Food Supplements
• KidGreenz Vitamins
• CoQ10 Energizer supplements
• Liquid Vitamin C
• Milk Thistle capsules
• Prince of Peace organic green tea (box of 100)
• Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap
• Giovanni hair products
• Power Smile Toothpaste
• Naturally Fresh Deodorant
• Dessert Essence Lip Rescue lip balm
• Dr. Bronner's lip balm
• Organic Fiji Peppermint lip balm
• Spry Gum (100 pieces)
• Thayers Witch Hazel
• Burts Bees products
• Greenies for Cats

Take advantage of Vitacost's FREE shipping offer this month.  It's like trying it out for free!

A Heated Debate Over Strawberries

Berries, in general, are known for their antioxidant and nutritional properties. Eaten raw, they can be instrumental in improving our immune system and fighting disease, like cancer. But not all berries are equal. For example, one cup of conventional strawberries (halved) have approximately 149% of vitamin C, 29% of manganese, 3 grams of fiber and numerous pesicides! While some pesticides will wash off, not all will because many pesticide residues are found on the inside of fruits and vegetables.

Recently there has been some controversy over a new pesticide for strawberries.  Apparently methyl idodide, the new chemical pesticide in question, is causing a "bitter disagreement" between California's State Department of Pesticide Regulation and a scientific review committee.  It's true that we all want to profit from our food, though in different ways.  Those who sell it want to make as much money as they can and those who consume it want it to keep themselves healthy.  Therefore, it's not surprising that this new pesticide is causing such a stir.  Click here for the NY Times article.

By the way, strawberries are on the dirty dozen list.  What's the dirty dozen list?  It's a list of fruits and vegetables that, after being tested, have very high pesticide residues which washing will not remove.  Therefore, it is recommended to consumers that if they are going to buy items on the dirty dozen list, they should choose only those that are certified organic.

So keep on eating your fruits and vegetables and beware of those toxic pesticides!

~ Lisa

Resource:
http://envirocancer.cornell.edu/FactSheet/Pesticide/fs24.consumer.cfm

Organic Pumpkin Lasagna

Making fresh pumpkin puree is so easy.  But the best part is that the finished product has a delicious smooth pumpkin flavor, one you can't get with canned pumpkin.  Canned is good in a pinch but if you want that extra special flavor, you'll have to read further.  In my opinion, the difference between fresh and canned pumpkin is too noticeable to disregard.  

Making fresh pumpkin puree is not time consuming or difficult.  It freezes very well so you can make it way ahead of time and defrost it before you use it.  Click here or on the title for You-Tube instructions on making puree.  The only part on the video I would change is the oil.  There really is no need to put oil on the flesh when you bake it with the rind up.  However, I do thinly coat the bottom of the pan with organic, extra virgin Coconut Oil.  

So besides pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll, pumpkin bread and muffins, what else can you do with pumpkin puree?  Try this delicious Pumpkin Lasagna recipe for a change that your taste buds will love:

ORGANIC PUMPKIN LASAGNA

1 lb organic whole grain Lasagna noodles
Grapeseed oil, to coat pan and to sauté vegetables (organic, if possible)
1 clove organic garlic
14.5oz finely chopped, equal portions of organic celery, onion & carrot (I use a scale to weigh)
30 ozs of fresh cooked organic pureed pumkin or two 15oz cans organic pumpkin
½-cup organic whole raw milk
1 organic, free range egg
2 T chopped fresh organic sage
1 ½ cups organic raw sour cream (if possible)
2 T organic chives, chopped
8oz organic grated raw cheese combo:  Mozzarella, Asiago, Provolone and Chevre cheeses, or any combination (it's difficult to find raw Mozzarella, Asiago and Provolone; authenic Reggiano Parmegiano is a raw cheese)
Celtic sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground organic pepper, to taste

Directions:

• Grease lasagna pan with oil (use size of pan to fit noodles).
• Cook noodles until al dente.
• Sauté celery, onion and carrot in oil until golden. 
• Mix together pumpkin, egg, milk and vegetable mixture with sage.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Place layer of noodles on bottom.
• Top with a layer of pumpkin mixture, then layer of cheese.
• Repeat with remaining lasagna, pumpkin and cheese.
• End with noodles on top.
• Mix sour cream with chives and spread on the top layer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
• Eat and enjoy!  Great left over , too!

Taste tested at Trader Joe's in Media, PA about 4 years ago.

Super Bugs vs Antibiotics: What's the story?

As a child, I remember quite well that I ate plenty of junk food (that's what Mike's Market was for) knowing it wasn't healthy for me.  But I don't remember all the talk about hormones in milk and antibiotics in our food.  And pesticides were present, but they were not used to the extent they are today.

This article posted and commented on by Dr. Mercola, Deadlier Than AIDS:  Why is this Travesty Allowed to Continue in the U.S.?, examines the reasons why super bugs are gaining momentum and why antibiotic drugs can't keep up. 

More and more people are coming to the realization that diet plays a huge role in our health, though there are many who disagree including many "health professionals."  But the fact is that in order to avoid the need for drugs and antibiotics, we must keep our immune systems healthy and strong.  So get started by adding these to your diet:

• Lots of fresh, raw organic vegetables and some fruit
• Raw organic nuts and seeds (make your own trail mix)
• Lots of pure water (not tap water)

With winter coming it's important to strengthen our immune systems and stay healthy.  This is a time, as we all know, where germs spread much more quickly because of being indoors with the heat on.  In case you weren't aware, heat is a conduit for germs.  Just being in the same room with a person who is coughing or sneezing can cause havoc in someone's else life if their immune system is already compromised and not functioning properly.

Please bring this article and Dr. Mercola's article referenced above to the attention of your doctor and pass it on.  It is we, the people, who have to be educated in this area so that we no longer need others to translate or decipher for us what we should understand and know ourselves.  Our health, spiritually and physcially, is our own responsibility.  It's time we all begin treating our bodies with proper care and respect, not taking for granted that which God has created and designed.

~ Lisa

To be or not to be...healthy. That is the question.

Being healthy takes a lot more than just eating fruits and vegetables.   But for the sake of this article, the topic is fruits and vegetables! 

It's All Relative

When someone says they eat fruit and vegetables, what exactly do they mean?  Do they mean that they eat canned or cooked, frozen, dehydrated or fresh, organic or conventional, home-grown or store bought?  As you can see, it's not black and white. 

When I talk about eating fruits and vegetables, I mean fresh, organic produce, preferrably home-grown or from a farm.  There are many reasons why I believe that organic produce is best.  Here are some of the reasons I've found to be the most important:

• They are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and sewer sludge (and who knows what else).  Not many people realize the impact that these have on our bodies and that they are cumulative.  Please note:  Pesticides etc... can run (when it rains) and blow over (from the wind) from non-organic farms which just can't be helped.
• They are more flavorful. This is not just my opinion. It's a fact.  And when food tastes good, you want to eat it.  Also, there's no need to add anything when it's flavorful, though adding fresh sqeezed lemon juice or nuts to create a new dish (just a couple of examples) adds more nutrition and taste.
• They have more nutritional value because they are picked, distributed and sold much more quickly than conventional because they are picked when they are ready to be eaten.  They have no processes to go through.  In other words, many conventional fruits and vegetables are picked long before their time and are put through a process to give it the appearance of being ripe when it's really not.  This is why it's not as flavorful as its organic counterpart.  However, it is always important to know where the produce is coming from and the time frame in which it's picked to the time it gets to the store and on your table.  This is why home-grown is best.  The less time in between picking the fruit or vegetable and eating it, the more flavor and nutrition it has.
• Eating fresh organic produce, as opposed to canned or cooked, provides necessary enzymes our bodies need to help us digest our food and absorb the nutrients.  If you eat all or mostly cooked foods your body must produce the enzymes for you.  After time and as you age, this process slows down and your body cannot produce the enzymes needed.  This can result in disease.
• Besides having a positive effect on your physical well being, they also have a physiological effect on you.  Just knowing you're feeding your body truly healthy food elevates your mood.

I know I've said this many times before, but organic produce is not a cure-all and is no guarantee for good health.  Here's another thing to consider:  If your body is not absorbing nutrients, then there's a bigger problem that should be addressed with a Naturopath who can discover the underlying problem(s).  A medical doctor, unless they also practice integrative or natural medicine or unless they are well versed on natural healing, is not equipped to help in this instance.

Here's to opening our eyes to the truth!

Lisa

Green paper towels and napkins really aren't green

It's not just about saving trees...when I think about eco-friendly paper towels and napkins, you know, the brown ones, it's what were they're processed with, too that's disturbing.  I read in a book (also a cookbook), I think it was Recipes for Life from God's Garden by Rhonda J. Malkmus (her husband, George H. Malkmus, wrote the book, Prescription for Nutritional Healing) that we shouldn't dry fruits and vegetables with towels, paper or cloth, that have been bleached or chemically treated.  Makes sense to me. 

Here's an article called Greenest Paper Towels and Napkins.  It really makes you think, and thinking is a good thing!

Leave a comment if you like...

From the TODAY SHOW: Food for Thought - Understanding Labels

What's behind common food labels? 


This is a great video from the Today Show.  Their guest, Urvashi Rangan, the director of technical policy at the Consumers Union, is right on.  Two things she explains is the difference between "All Natural" and "Organic" and the truth about trans fat labeling. 

Sewer Sludge?  Find out how this is used in non-organic food.


Watch this quick and very informative video.

Not Just Cooking classes are forming!

Not Just Cooking classes are forming now.  Classes will include a presentation, printed materials and/or a CD, ingredients for recipes, prepared snacks and drinks to be taste tested by participants.  You will also be privy to Pampered Chef specials (see below)!

All snacks, drinks and ingredients will be organic and/or in their natural state, raw, free-range, free of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, unheated (or heated only up to what is still considered raw) and/or unfiltered (exceptions may apply if an item is not available though the highest quality I can find will be used).  Classes may be tailored to fit the person or group though there will be an extra charge for this due to the extra time it will take to prepare for it.

Here are some examples of what you can expect in the classes:

• The Immune System
• Reading Food Labels
• Organic and Sustainable Farming
• Pesticide-Free and Certified Organic
• Hormones and Antibiotics in Animals
• Free-Range
• Juicing and Enzymes
• Fiber
• Raw Foods (Dairy, Honey, Nuts, Seeds etc...)
• Raw Food Diet
• Vegan vs Vegetarian
• Benefits of Coconut Oil
• The Diet that is Destroying the Health of our Pets
• and more!

Because many people are afraid of what they don't understand, I will periodically host an OPEN HOUSE to display Real Food products from Gluten-Free to Vegan (this encompasses Non-Vegan/Vegetarian, Vegetarian and Raw food items)!  This way skeptics can see and taste for themselves how delicious real food is and how it's meant to be.

In addition, because I will be using Pampered Chef products in the classes and to make it convenient for class participants, I will be offering Pampered Chef products in case anyone would like place an order.  I have been using Pampered Chef products for many years.  They are excellent products, a great value, and I highly recommend them.

Finally, to round all of this out, I have a list of resources which includes local natural food markets and co-ops, books, videos/DVD, and Natural and Integrative Practicioners in PA and NJ who I have either been a patient of, met or have come highly recommended.  This list will be given to all class participants.  If you find that you need or are looking for a natural practioner other than what is on my list of resources, please let me know and I'll be happy to try and find one for you.

Here's to a disease-free and healthy life,

~ Lisa Small
   Contact me at:
   Phone:  (610) 532-6594
   Email:  lisasmall@rcn.com

Also, visit http://www.kitchencousins.blogspot.com/ for upcoming events!