LEARN AND LIVE WELL

ITALIAN SEASONING, TACO SEASONING & SAUSAGE MADE SIMPLE

2011-07-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

These blends are ones that I use in recipes that call for Italian or taco seasoning. At the end of this post is a recipe you can use to make your own sausage in just a few minutes. Enjoy!

ITALIAN SEASONING
Italian seasoning herbal blend isn’t difficult to make. Just toss these few herbs together into a small jelly jar and store with your other kitchen spices. You can use this as a substitute for the herbs in the sausage recipe as well as for seasoning in other dishes such as spaghetti, homemade pizza and chicken. I don’t add salt and pepper to this blend, preferring to add it during the cooking process.

3 Tbsp oregano
2 tsp thyme
2 tsp marjoram
2 tsp parsley
2 tsp basil
1 tsp sage

Makes a generous ¼ cup
Keep in small glass jar with tight fitting lid

TACO SEASONING BLEND
Have you tired of adding maltodextrin, monosodium glutamate, sugar, malic acid, silicon dioxide and soybean oil to your tacos? There’s a cheaper and easier way to get the taste you want without those chemicals. Make your own using 8 ingredients:

4 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
*2 tsp onion powder
*2 tsp garlic powder

Mix thoroughly and place in a small glass jar with tight fitting lid. Keep in a dark area to preserve flavor. Use for any meat that needs seasoning, including blackened fish. Usually 2 tbsp of this mix is enough for 1 pound of meat.
*Note: I often make this mix without the garlic or onion powder. I season my dishes to taste and add fresh garlic and onion when cooking.

HOMEMADE SAUSAGE
Homemade sausage is an easy way to avoid nitrates, nitrites, chemical preservatives, artificial coloring and flavorings. Not only that, it just tastes better! Ground turkey, beef, pork and chicken are available in many retail outlets or you can grind your own. It isn’t necessary to stuff the seasoned meat into casings. I think that making sausage patties gives you more flexibility when using them in meal preparation.

To make your own sausage, combine:
1 pound beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, peeled & finely chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
¼ tsp each: fresh ground pepper, cumin, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano & ginger
1/2 tsp each: basil, thyme, sage & sea salt

(Italian sausage option: Substitute 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for the herbs listed.)

I roll these into 2 Tbsp patties and press them to about ½ inch thickness. This allows me to be sure they are cooked completely and not underdone inside. I prepare mine in a heated cast iron pan wiped with olive oil. They can be served in a variety of ways to suit your own taste.

WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES, NO MILK, NO EGGS

2011-06-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

These pancakes are a filling and nutrient dense breakfast to feed your family when the pantry is looking a little bare. They are light, fluffy and delicious enough to be a special treat.

The night before blend 4 cups of fresh ground whole wheat flour with 3 to 3 1/2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Allow this to sit overnight or for 4 to 7 hours.

Wipe a cast iron pan with coconut oil and heat it to a medium high temperature on the stove top. (I keep a shallow saucer of coconut oil nearby and wipe the pan between batches of pancakes.) Meanwhile, blend 4 tablespoons of ground flax seed into 1 cup of filtered water. Let this sit and add the following to the soaked flour mixture:

3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla

Mix this thoroughly and then add the flax seed and water, blending again. This batter may be very thick. Add more water if needed.

Check the heated pan. It is ready when a few sprinkles of water will dance on its surface.

Use an ice cream scoop to measure the batter onto the pan. When a bubble of air breaks the surface and remains open, flip the cake to cook on the reverse side. To keep the finished pancakes warm, they can be placed in a tortilla warmer or on a cookie sheet placed in an oven warmed to its lowest temperature.

How to Make Your Own Facebook Banner

2011-05-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

There are many applications that allow you to create banners on the new Facebook Profile. However, each application comes with limitations in your ability to customize or create. If you'd prefer to make your very own banner, it takes just a little time following a few guidelines.

The 'banners' that you see on people's profiles are actually images that are tagged with that person's name. The order that those images appear in are related to WHEN those tags were placed. The images appear in order from the most recently tagged to the 5th oldest one.

In order to create your own banner, you'll need to find an image that is horizontally oriented, or one that can be cropped to be oriented in this way. Once you have this image on your hard drive, you'll need to size it properly to begin creating your banner.

Using your picture editor, size your banner to 490 pixels wide by 68 pixels high. These overall dimensions can be divided into 5 equal segments that will fit together like puzzle pieces that create your banner. To divide your banner, select the upper left hand corner of your image and draw a box that is 98 by 68 pixels. Copy this selection and paste it as a new image and label it 'imageA'. Return to your original image and draw another box that is 98 x 68, position it's starting point at the 98th pixel from the left border of your image. Copy this section and paste it as a new imaged named 'imageB'. Return to the original image and repeat this process three more times.

Here are the starting pixel positions of each 98 x 68 segment of your 490 x 68 original:

98
196
294
and
392

Once you've created all five images, go to your social networking page and upload these five images. Place them in a folder together. Tag each photo in that folder with your own name moving from the last to the first. If the images are lettered A, B, C, D & E, then you will need to tag with your name in the order of E, D, C, B, and A. View your profile page or wall to see how the images look. If they are out of order, you may need to remove the tags and go through the process once more, saving after each tag. If you tag them without saving your work between each tag, the order can sometimes be mixed.

There you have it! You now have your own customized banner without having to share your information, current email address or friends list to acquire it.

If you'd like to use the banners I've made for my own Facebook page, feel free. Just add Kay Morrison to your friends list, browse through my photos and use any banners that you enjoy.

GET RID OF TAB MARKS IN PASTED TEXT

2011-05-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take the time to post a short note about something I found to really make my life a little easier. I enjoy sharing tools that make life easier!

If you've ever had to copy and paste text into a word processing application, you may find that there are numerous tabs scattered throughout your copy. Removing them can be tedious -- especially if you are working with a lengthy document!

I've found a handy way to solve that problem. Pull up your find/replace feature and type ^t into the 'find' text box. The “^” symbol is made by pressing the shift button while striking the 6 key on most keyboards. Follow this with a lower case letter “t”. In the 'replace' box hit the space bar. Activate the find/replace and the tab keystrokes will be replaced with a space.

After this, you may have too many spaces in your document. You can use the find/replace feature to correct this by placing two spaces in the find window and a single space in the replace window. Repeat find/replace until you no longer have a string of spaces making gaps in your document.

Easy Peasy!

ADDITIONAL HELPS:

Too many returns

To get rid of too many returns in your document, type ^p into your find box. Leave the replace box blank. Be sure you are using the replace option. For the first search click on the button 'Find Next.' If it finds one of the stray returns you wish to eliminate, click 'Replace.'

Continue to use the 'Replace' button throughout your text. In this instance, using the 'Replace All' button doesn't work well. You do have to move through the document and deal with each paragraph mark individually, but the search/find option makes it go a little quicker.

How can I tell where there are tabs and paragraph marks in my document?

There is a way to see what keystrokes have been made in your document. In order to see them, press the Ctrl key while you strike the * symbol. To get the *, you will have to hold the shift key and press the 8 key at the same time.

This is a toggle feature. That means that if you want to see the keystrokes in your document, you can press Ctrl+* and if you wish to turn the feature off, you simply hit Ctrl+* once more. I work with this feature on so that I can tell what is creating blank space in my document.

NATURAL ANTISEPTICS

2011-04-22T15:52:00.001-07:00

I’ve gotten some inquiries about natural antiseptics. Basically, an antiseptic is something that inhibits the growth of ‘bad’ organisms. Substances that kill pathogenic organisms internally are classified as antibiotic. Substances that accomplish this in surface applications are called antiseptic.A ‘bad’ organism would refer to those that are parasitic, meaning they rob the host of vital resources in order to reproduce. As the pathogen’s numbers multiply, the host’s resources are further taxed resulting in disease conditions. These organisms can be microscopic or large (like fungi). Some can live on inanimate surfaces for a time. Others thrive in living tissues.
An antiseptic will usually work by either killing the organism or preventing its growth or reproduction. Some antiseptics work primarily on bacteria while others target viruses. The benefit of natural antiseptics is that they are often more full spectrum in their action. In other words, natural antiseptics are often both antiviral and antibacterial.It gets a little complicated when you try to formulate a short list of natural antiseptics. The good news is that natural antiseptics are found all around you in many household foods, spices and pantry items. It would be difficult to find a home that did not have some natural antiseptic substance. The bad news (for me) is that it makes the topic VERY difficult to pare down for a short article.So, I’ll offer a brief overview. Keep in mind, these lists are by no means exhaustive. Some things I prefer to use more than others. These preferences are the result of research, availability, cost and my mood at the moment.Antiseptic foods you might have on hand include lemons, honey, pineapple, cabbage, carrots, onions and radishes. Spices and seasonings that are considered antiseptic include cinnamon bark, cloves, garlic, carob powder, ginger, horseradish, sage and thyme. For the antiseptic properties to be beneficial, most of these items should be used raw. Several of the seasonings can be utilized in the dry form.Herbals which are considered antiseptic include: myrrh, mullein, aloe, Echinacea, lavender, eucalyptus, St. John’s Wort, sweet clover, goldenseal, juniper, grapefruit seed extract, and tea tree oil.The third category of natural antiseptic is one I’ve named ‘other household items.’ Technically, these are substances that result from natural ingredients subjected to simple processes. However, in a pinch, and with some controlled conditions, you could produce your own version of them. They include activated charcoal, baking soda, vinegar, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver and molkosan.Of course, the simplest and easiest way to keep the skin free of pathogenic bacteria is by using clean, filtered water and well-made lye soap. Your skin is host to vibrant communities of bacteria, not all of them bad. There is a constant war being waged between the bad guys and the good guys. By regular hand washing, you help give the good guys an edge to keep your skin safe from disease caused by the bad guys. Pathogenic bacteria often feed on dirt. Soap removes the food source and helps depopulate the area of pathogens.Do avoid anti-bacterial soaps. Why? Because just as synthetic antibiotics can destroy beneficial flora in the human digestive tract, the result can be the same when used on the skin. Pharmaceutical antibiotic applications don’t just destroy the bad guys, but they kill the good also.This is an important consideration whether you are cleaning a wound or cleaning a counter top. Killing ALL bacteria means that you wipe the surface clear of even the beneficial organisms that help keep the bad in check. This leaves the area vulnerable to a renewed attack of pathogens as it has been stripped of its first line of defense: beneficial bacteria. Using natural antiseptics means that you help maintain a healthy balance just as you would by removing weeds from your garden while letting the cultivated plants remain. If you were to completely clear the ground without putting something in place of the weeds, the seeds from the weeds would soon sprout and take over the now vacant ground.

This video demonstrates how
plain soap & water effectively fights pathogens:

CABBAGE LEAVES RELIEVE PAIN AND SWELLING

2011-04-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Cabbage isn’t just for slaw and sauerkraut – although those are wonderful uses! Cabbage leaves also have a proven history as a treatment for wounds and swellings.

An old Irish blessing reads, "May the leaves of your cabbage always be free from worms."

Ancient armies carried cabbage for use not only as a food, but as a wound dressing that fought infection. The explorers of the 17th and 18th centuries carried Vitamin C rich cabbage with them as a natural preventative of scurvy. On one of Captain Cook's voyages sailors injured in a storm had their wounds bound with cabbage to help prevent gangrene.

Cabbage leaves act as a diuretic, and they contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Cabbage juice is rich in lactic acid, a known anti-bacterial. Applied to the skin, these compounds are remarkably effective at relieving swelling and the pain associated with it.

There’s not a simpler remedy for engorged and painful breasts than the application of raw cabbage leaves. Bruise a couple of cabbage leaves. Cap a leaf over the affected breast. Use a bra to hold the leaf in place next to the skin. Wear it for a few hours. Noticeable relief can be detected by the following day.

The leaf of the cabbage is an effective treatment for the pain of swellings due to sports injuries and strains. Apply ice and elevate the injured limb to curb initial swelling. Then apply the cabbage leaf compress two or three times daily until pain and swelling subside. You may want to hold it in place with a cloth bandage. If you’ve been slow to recover from a sprained ankle, this remedy is worth a try.

Arthritis sufferers can often reduce the amount of medication they must use or eliminate it completely with the application of a cabbage leaf dressing. The cabbage leaf helps eliminate waste products from the body.

Use leaves as a poultice on other skin conditions such as psoriasis, burns and ulcers. Flatten layers of cabbage leaves with a rolling pin. Wrap leaves around affected areas of skin until the leaves turn yellow. Change the leaves and repeat until the wounds heal. Between reapplications, clean and dry the wounds.

To apply a cabbage leaf dressing:
Use clean leaves and – if at all possible – ones that have been grown organically. Peel off the outer layers of cabbage and remove the hard stem. Bruise them slightly with a rolling pin or other hard cylinder. Use gauze or other cotton cloth to hold the leaves in place. An additional layer of plastic wrap can be applied, unless you are dressing a burn. Keep the cabbage wrap on the area for two to four hours. You may want to repeat the process, using new leaves. Some people apply the leaves at bedtime and keep the poultice on overnight.

If you are interested in reading more about how to use leaves as dressings, I highly recommend the book, COMFORT FOR THE BURNED AND WOUNDED by John W. Keim. At the time of publication, the author of this book had over 20 years of experience in treating wounds with natural dressings. In this small book, he details case histories and the results of various treatments. I have found his recommendations regarding the use of plantain leaf to be very valuable as a first aid application in various circumstances. He doesn’t claim to be a doctor, nor is he medically trained. However, this is a fascinating read whether or not you are in the medical field.

THE EASY WAY TO COOK PERFECT BROWN RICE

2011-04-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Brown rice is a staple food which is rich in soluble fiber and can be combined with nutrient rich beans to create a complete protein. When money is tight and every calorie counts, knowing how to cook brown rice helps make sure you get enough nutrients to maintain your health.

Brown rice is less expensive when purchased in bulk. In addition to a lower price, you’ll also find that the overall quality of the rice is better. Bulk grains are often fresher. You will notice the difference in the intensity of the sweet smell when a large bag is opened. For storage, food grade buckets with tight lids are fine. My preference is to store it in a chest freezer. The cold keeps bugs away. A few bay leaves tossed into your grain bucket will help repel insects also.

For years, I had cooked brown rice using the absorption method. This involves placing rice into a pot of salted boiling water and cooking it for 45 to 50 minutes. Twice as much water as brown rice is used. This works well enough, but it is a bit of an art to get rice that isn’t too mushy because (as mentioned above) the moisture content of the grains can vary. Many people use rice cookers to automate this process, but the result is the same. Another drawback is that this process has the potential to create burnt rice if you lose track of the time or miscalculate the water to rice ratio.

There is a simpler way!

Because it is a grain, I soak brown rice. This isn’t as important with rice as with other grains, but I like the texture that soaking produces. To soak brown rice, measure double the amount of water as grain into a stainless steel or glass container. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for every cup of grain you use. Let this sit overnight or 24 hours. In a pinch, this time can be reduced without hurting the final product.

Once I’m ready to cook the rice, I strain it using a large strainer set inside a larger bowl. I repeatedly rinse the grain until the water runs relatively clear. You may notice little flecks and bits floating to the surface. Throw those away. You may not want to examine them too closely.

Here is a demonstration on how to rinse rice.
The cloudy water that you pour off of it can be used to water your plants.
I would skip using the rice cooker!

Re-fill your pot with clean filtered water, using twice as much as the measurement of soaked rice. Season the water with sea salt and any other flavorings you prefer. I like to use chicken broth. Bring this to a rolling boil and then add the soaked rice to the pot, giving it a single stir. Boil this uncovered for about 20 minutes if the grains have been soaked, 30 minutes if they are dry. Remove the pot from the heat and strain the rice from the hot water. Let the rice drain for ten to fifteen seconds. Return the rice to your empty pot and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice sit, absorbing the water that remains on the grains for ten or 15 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and serve. The rice will be fully cooked without mushiness.

SARA SUE LEARNS TO YELL AND TELL, a Children's Book About Safety

2011-03-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

When we buy read-to-me books for our children, we look for colorful images, fun text and characters our kids will love. You'll find all of that and more in Debi Pearl's latest book in her yell and tell series: SARA SUE LEARNS TO YELL AND TELL.

The 'more' is the important lesson that SARA SUE brings. She tells kids that sometimes there is a very good reason to YELL AND TELL. When I was a little girl, we learned about fire drills and earthquake safety at school. Long before we were allowed to go by ourselves, we were taught how to cross a street. We weren't even allowed to play with matches, nor did we live near a forest, but a big bear assured us that only WE could prevent forest fires. All of these lessons were delivered with catchy phrases and colorful images. Eventually, when these challenges presented themselves, we were prepared.

That's what SARAH SUE LEARNS TO YELL AND TELL does for children. This book takes the topic of child predators and breaks it down into manageable information for children. There's nothing graphic or overwhelming for small ones to process. Rather, everything is broken down into terms a young child can easily comprehend. The text is delivered in a rhyming verse that makes it fun for children to chime in and read along.

What a wonderful gift for your children to give them the gift of preparation and information. We really do live in a different world. It's a fact that crimes committed against children are on the increase. Society is more and more tolerant of evil. Child predators have easy access to awful images that feed their imaginations -- and they've become better at hiding their crimes. They know how to develop trust and distract adults. They prepare themselves for just the right opportunity. . .

That's why its SO important for our little ones to be KNOW what to do when someone approaches them in a wrong way. What a GREAT gift to give children: to let them know that THEY can do something to put a stop to the things bad people do! SARA SUE LEARNS TO YELL AND TELL helps drive away the fear and hopelessness that can come and reminds children that they can stand for what is right. They can YELL AND TELL.

Click the button to order:

I think it's wonderful that this grandmother took the time to create a tool that wouldn't just help keep her own grandchildren safe, but helps keep ALL children safe.

MEAT FOR HUMANS MAY SOON BE GROWN IN LABORATORY

2011-02-18T05:16:00.000-08:00

Disembodied meat grown from cells in a laboratory may sound like something out of a freakish science-fiction plot. It isn't fiction. This technology is real. Bioengineered meat could soon be found on a dinner plate near you.

Developmental biologist and tissue engineer, Dr. Vladimir Mironov had some difficulty finding financial backing for his research. Two US government agencies declined to fund his project. For a short time, NASA provided capital for the research. The money needed to continue the project was finally provided by a well known animal rights organization. This prompted estimates that laboratory cultured meat products might be available for public consumption as early as this fall.

The process harvests embryonic animal cells -- often from bird eggs -- which are then bathed in a growth serum made from bovine material. As the cells multiply and bind together, electric shocks are administered to stimulate the formation of muscle tissue. The resulting tissue is then ground and fortified with supplemental vitamins and nutrients. Depending upon consumer preference, the food could be designed with varying texture and taste. According to Dr. Mironov it is all perfectly safe for human consumption.

Dr. Mironov is also one of the primary researchers in a separate $20 million project. This project is utilizing the same technology to culture donor organs from human stem cells.

Recent events, however, may cause both projects to have an uncertain future. Dr. Mironov has been suspended from the Medical University of South Carolina and his laboratory closed pending an investigation of allegations of unacceptable behavior. This latest development could mean that estimates for fall release of test tube meat could be delayed.

Personal scandals and projected timetables aside, there are larger health issues to be considered. Logic dictates that food from animals made sick by their environment and contaminated food is a bad choice for human consumption. It is puzzling to see that investment dollars are being directed towards attempts to develop a substitute food rather than towards farmers who raise livestock in humane and healthy conditions.

The concept of cultured meat seems to promote the illusion that water, soil, food and air can all be contaminated without any real consequences. After all, meat is just something that can be grown in a laboratory, right? These technologies seem to diminish the importance of caring diligently for the natural resources we have by suggesting that we can easily create a man-made substitute. Plants and animals provide us with immediate feedback on whether they have good food, water and living conditions. A disembodied meat patty grown in a laboratory wouldn't be expected to do the same.

Still, assurances are offered that the consumption of artificial food artificially fortified with artificial and isolated nutrients is capable of producing healthy humans.

Efforts to pass legislation to label genetically modified produce have been thwarted. The argument made by opponents is that an apple is an apple, no matter its genetic makeup. With such a precedent as this in place regarding fruits and vegetables, one can only wonder how/whether/if the general public will be informed about what they are actually purchasing from their local butcher.

I, for one, am not willing to risk the health and development of my children, grandchildren and generations to come on this 'science.'

NASAL SPRAY FLU VACCINE EXPOSES POPULATION TO LIVE VIRUS

2011-01-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

A nasal spray influenza vaccine is being offered as an alternative to injections. This cultivated live virus is so concentrated that the person receiving it can infect others with the flu virus for three weeks after getting the vaccine. Once a person receives this spray, that person begins to shed flu virus cells. In practical terms, any time you are around someone that has received this form of vaccine -- at the grocery store, at the local pharmacy, at school, at work or other social gathering -- you risk being exposed to an artificially introduced and powerful form of the flu virus. Even if you haven’t been around a person that is sick with the flu, you could become ill from such an exposure.

Large portions of the population do not receive the flu vaccine and, in doing so, avoid having antifreeze, carbolic acid, formaldehyde, aluminum, mercury, and things grown in monkey, chicken, guinea pig, calf or embryonic cells injected into their system. Unfortunately, the administration of live virus in the form of an intranasal influenza vaccine is capable of contributing to an increased incidence of the flu among the general population.

Families with persons that are immunocompromised need to be very alert to this danger. The vaccine manufacturer warns recipients of the spray to avoid being around immunocompromised individuals. This may seem like a simple matter until you realize that immunocompromized individuals include: people with eczema, cancer, organ recipients, or people with (possibly undiagnosed) HIV or AIDS. Add to this number those individuals that are on medications such as corticosteroids that suppress immune response. These include medications given for allergies, asthma, emphysema, eczema, Crohn’s disease, herniated spinal discs, multiple sclerosis, acute muscular pain or any type of rheumatoid or autoimmune disease. A very large percentage of the population can be considered chemically immunosuppressed.

Some people have concluded that the real danger to the population is that unvaccinated people become sick when exposed to those who receive this nasal spray. Their belief is that the entire population should be willing to have annual injections or sprays in hopes of avoiding a flu strain which they most likely wouldn’t have been exposed to if it weren’t for this spray. This is a form of logic to which I cannot adhere.

Admittedly, I’m no doctor and don’t pretend to be one, but here is an evaluation of the introduction of this live virus into the population by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny:
http://drtenpenny.com/flumist.aspx

If you wish to avoid public places that are offering the flu vaccine, you can use this widget to see where those places might be located near you.

http://www.flu.gov/widgets/vaccinelocator.html

Following are three videos that show medical professionals speaking about the nasal spray vaccine.

Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz DMD, MA, MPH

offers this advice regarding the intranasal influenza vaccine.

This video is a portion of a presentation made 10/15/09

by a Registered Nurse working in Nashville.

He begins to address the intranasal vaccine at about 1:34.

Dr. Kent Holtorf, an infectious disease expert, is interviewed

about the safety of the flu vaccine.

He explains his reasons for not vaccinating his children.

DVD Review: MAKING HERBS SIMPLE VOLUME 2

2010-12-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

This video is great by itself and even better as a compliment to volume 1. MAKING HERBS SIMPLE VOLUME 2 has all of the features I enjoyed in volume 1 and more.

Once again, Shoshanna takes you into the wooded areas around her home and introduces you to a variety of herbs in their natural habitat. Art projects, syrups, yummy teas, and healthful remedies are all part this video. Shoshanna teaches viewers how to make a healing salve. You'll learn about a herb that can be used as a laundry detergent and cleanser. Debi, a retired midwife, returns to discuss nutritive herbs that boost female reproductive health. Kristen testifies to the effectiveness of a home remedy for poison ivy.

You'll want to watch it from start to finish when it arrives. However, this isn't a DVD to be left sitting on a shelf. It's segmented into topical chapters and bonus features that are easily accessed from the menu, helping you review portions as needed. This video is highly entertaining, but also very educational! It would be a great compliment to a more indepth study of each of the herbs.

For added convenience, Bulk Herb Store has also included a handy pocket guidebook printed on heavy stock and in full color. This means that you will have images that help you identify the plants as well as printed recipes for the applications mentioned in the video. There's even a hardiness zone map with corresponding information on each featured herb. It's nice to see that Bulk Herb Store continues to look for ways to give more information to their customers.

MAKING HERBS SIMPLE VOLUME 2 would be a great gift for anyone that wants to find inexpensive ways to incorporate herbs into every day life. . . . That is, if you don't just decide to keep it for yourself!

FOR A LIMITED TIME, Bulk Herb Store is making BOTH volumes 1 & 2 available for one low price. FOLLOW THIS LINK for more information.

Below, find an excerpt from the DVD MAKING HERBS SIMPLE, VOLUME 2

GINGERSNAPS WITH FRESH GINGER

2010-12-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Few people remember the taste of REAL gingersnaps. If you’ve taken the time to read the label on a bag of gingersnaps, you’ll know that the genuine article just isn’t available in most stores. Not only that, but most recipes don’t even use fresh ginger root.

Now’s the time to fill the house with the smell of genuine homemade gingersnaps!

KAY’S GINGERSNAPS

NOTE: You will want to take the time to use fresh ginger root and coconut oil for this recipe. Coconut oil will give your cookies a snappy crunchiness that will make them quickly disappear. These can be frozen for serving later. . . . Otherwise you might find that they are gone before you get a chance to share them!

In a large bowl mix the following ingredients:

• 4 cups finely ground whole wheat flour
• 1 Tablespoon Arm & Hammer baking soda
• 1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• 2 cups sucanat
• 6 Tablespoons (or as much as ½ cup) finely ground fresh organic ginger root
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 large eggs

In a small pan gently melt (don’t heat or cook) 1 ½ cup coconut oil and ½ cup unsulfured blackstrap molasses. Add this to the ingredients in your bowl. Make sure the oil is not too hot or you will cook the eggs!

Mix until completely combined. Cover and place the bowl into the refrigerator overnight.

TO BAKE:
Place your oven racks on the lower and middle level. Preheat the oven to 350°F
Line 3 or 4 cookie sheets with parchment paper. You can use pizza pans.

Make balls out of the cookie dough that are the size of one level tablespoon. The dough is stiff, so you may need to measure the first one and use a sturdy spoon to dig out the rest in sizes that match the first. Roll the dough between your hands. Use coconut oil on your hands to help keep it from sticking badly, but expect to get some on your hands.

Roll the balls in more sucanat and place onto the cookie sheets.

Rub some coconut oil onto the flat bottom of a glass. Use this to mash the balls of cookie dough down flat. Reapply a bit of coconut oil to the glass after pressing each cookie. Space the cookies 1 ½ to 2 inches apart on the parchment paper.

When one pan is ready, place it onto the lowest shelf in your oven and set the timer for 7 minutes.

After 7 minutes, move the pan from the bottom shelf to the upper shelf and place another pan on the bottom.

Set the timer for another 7 minutes.
When the timer goes off, remove the upper pan (the one that has been in the oven a total of 14 minutes) and set it aside to cool. Move the lower pan to the upper shelf and place the next pan of cookies on the lower shelf.

As each pan is removed from the oven, let it rest a minute and then move the cookies to a cooling rack. Let the pan cool, re-using the parchment paper for the next batch.

In this way, you’ll have 100 cookies cooling within an hour. Actually, the recipe makes a few more than 100 cookies, but by the time you finish taste testing, you SHOULD have 100.

Below find a short video on Ginger Root's benefits.
Also read BENEFITS OF GINGER ROOT.

THE BENEFITS OF GINGER ROOT

2010-11-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ginger is a valued ingredient in recipes around the world. This herb is found as a seasoning in a variety of foods including cakes, cookies, breads, beverages, sauces, fruit dishes, and Asian cooking.

More than just a spice, Ginger Root is a powerful weapon in your arsenal against sickness. This potent root protects the stomach and is useful in the treatment of bowel disorders, cleansing the colon. In treating stomach upsets, it is strong enough to relieve the nausea of chemotherapy patients and gentle enough to ease morning sickness associated with pregnancy or colic in an infant. Ginger can help relieve diarrhea along with indigestion, motion sickness and vomiting.

Ginger reduces spasms and cramps, making it an effective treatment for muscle pain and the pain associated with menstruation. Because it helps stimulate the circulatory system, it can also help relieve poor circulation.

These qualities combine with Ginger Root’s anti-inflammatory properties to make it a good selection when dealing with osteoarthritis. Ginger has been beneficial in dealing with the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. Studies suggest that this herb may lower cholesterol levels and prevent the blood from clotting. Further studies have found that ginger may have some anticancer activity.

A strong antioxidant, effective antimicrobial and an anti-viral: Ginger Root helps fend off pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Additionally, these qualities make it a good choice for healing poultices applied to wounds.

Taken internally, this herb helps protect the liver and cleanse the kidneys while moving excess toxins from the body. It is traditionally used to treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches and other pains.

It’s no wonder this herb is found in many traditional tonics and herbal cleansing blends. In our family, we like to use it in a tea at the first sign of congestion and love the flavor it adds to stir fry dishes. Look for ways to incorporate this beneficial herb in your daily living today.

CONGESTION CLEARING TEA
1 Tbsp fresh minced ginger root
1 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Honey to taste

Place ingredients in a mug and add 8 ounces of boiling water. Cover, and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the bits from the liquid, enjoy.

MORNING LIVER TONIC SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Have this first thing in the morning before eating.

In a blender, puree the following until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 apple, chopped small
• ½ small beet, diced
• 1 stick celery, chopped small
• a few sprigs of parsley, chopped small
• 1 cup filtered water

The apple cider vinegar helps the oil and water emulsify. Garlic will lose its potency once it’s cut. For these reasons, it is best to drink this tonic before it separates.

If you want to intensify the effects of this tonic, increase the number of tablespoons of olive oil and the number of garlic cloves over a few days. For example, on the 2nd day use 2 Tbsp oil and 2 cloves, on the 3rd day use 3 Tbsp and 3 cloves and so forth, but don’t go beyond five tablespoons and cloves.

Blend and enjoy!

TAKE NOTE: Information and ideas presented here are for the reader’s use and enrichment. This is not offered in lieu of solid medical advice. The opinions and ideas expressed are fallible and that of the author. Readers are encouraged to be well-informed and draw their own conclusions.

Here’s a video of another variation of the “liver flush.”

Here is a CBS news segment about a mother and daughter who bake ginger snaps for cancer patients.

DVD Review: MAKING HERBS SIMPLE VOLUME 1

2010-11-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

MAKING HERBS SIMPLE takes the viewer into the woods of Eastern Tennessee. Shoshanna locates nine herbs in their natural habitat and gives the viewer tips on how to recognize them. Later, she joins her friend Kristen to demonstrate how to dry herbs for storage and how to use them to make poultices and simple tinctures. Along the way, you learn interesting tips and tidbits about the properties and uses of each plant.

If you've ever wondered about other ways to use the herbs growing around your home, you'll be glad you watched this. This video isn't just for wildcrafters. Hints for how to incorporate packaged dried herbs are discussed. It's nice to see what the plants look like growing wild, even if you normally use them dried.

That's not all! There's a segment featuring the herbalist's herbalist, Debi Pearl. Shoshanna and Debi discuss how to preserve herbs and create your own remedies to meet your family's unique needs.

I appreciated the way the DVD is segmented into topical chapters. If you need to review some information, just go to the menu and select the desired subject -- no need to fast forward through other footage! This feature is great for teachers who might want to reinforce botanical lessons with short video clips.

Bonus features include a demonstration of how to use Bulk Herb Store's BEAUTIFUL HAIR herbal blend. These scenes are humorous at points as you discover beauty can be a messy business! The DVD comes with a booklet that gives you summary information and full-color pictures of the featured herbs. The companion guidebook is sturdy and pocket-sized so that you can easily take it with you to help identify these plants in your own backyard or keep it handy as a quick reference for selecting just the right ingredients for cooking, teas and other uses.

MAKING HERBS SIMPLE makes a sometimes overwhelming subject fun. It's an encouragement to people on all levels of expertise to enjoy getting creative with preparations and applications. It's a reminder that herbs can be simply and joyfully incorporated into daily life.

Whether you are interested in natural medicine, herbs, or plant identification, MAKING HERBS SIMPLE is great to own or give as a gift.

Available at Bulk Herb Store.

Click on the image to order.

DVD Review: HOMESTEADING FOR BEGINNERS

2010-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

HOMESTEADING FOR BEGINNERS is just the video for those who are considering the possibility of moving to the country. This video gives a delightful overview of life on a small family farm. Erin and Mark Harrison invite the viewer into their home to learn and laugh with them and their five children through the many adventures of homesteading.

You gain insight into all that it takes to get a REAL chicken dinner onto the table from the ground up – literally, from seed to supper. All of the scenes are filled with a beautiful rural setting and happy, healthy, helpful children keep popping up into almost every scene.

Learn how to make butter and cheese using kitchen tools you likely already have on hand. See how this family raises and harvests chickens and eggs. Get an introductory demonstration on wood splitting, building a simple chick pen, learn how to start seeds and tend a low-maintenance garden. Mama takes the time to show you how to freeze and can your produce and meat, gives you the recipes, and then shows you how to prepare the meal. Pamper your inner flower-child and learn how to make a wild-flower crown to adorn your head. If you watch carefully, you might spot Mike and Gabriel Pearl giving a knife-throwing demonstration.

The attentive viewer may even pick up some tips on how to incorporate child training and education throughout the busy day. Washing eggs becomes a math and chemistry lesson taught by a curly blond-headed little girl that needs a step-stool to reach her mama’s kitchen sink. It’s one of my favorite scenes in the film. A take-charge big brother is happy to demonstrate how to use scraps of wood to make signs for the garden. Listen carefully as Papa patiently explains how to milk a cow while little voices comment on the condition of the barn floor (you’ll have to rewind here as your laughter might drown him out).

Grandpa and Granny loved watching with us as little ones stole scene after scene. Grandpa said, “I can see now, if I wanted to homestead, I’d have to find some little helpers.”

HOMESTEADING FOR BEGINNERS should come with a warning label for parents that are used to children sitting peacefully in front of the television all day. After viewing this video, those children could be inspired to go enjoy the great outdoors more often. They might begin asking for some chickens or a cow of their own . . . possibly even some pigs to ride!

Available at Bulk Herb Store.

Click on the image to order.

Review an excerpt from the video here:

CRUCIAL DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

2010-11-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

While the US medical system is one of the most advanced in the world, it is fallible. Health care workers have the same human weaknesses as the rest of us.

Regardless of their personal beliefs about the best course of care, many health care professionals are limited in the practice of medicine by treatment protocols which have been established by their medical practice, liability insurance coverage or the hospital where they have privileges. These guidelines can even restrict whether they are able to discuss alternative courses of treatment with you -- even if they believe these courses to be safer or more effective. Rather than freely administering treatments they deem best, doctors must abide by these protocols or jeopardize their employment.

Understanding the limits of medicine and medical professionals is never more important than when you are deciding upon a course of treatment for your little ones.

According to a CNN Health report, the US has the second worst newborn mortality rate among developed nations. It is more likely that a newborn will die within the first month of life in this country than babies born in Japan. US babies die at a rate 2.5 times higher than those born in Finland, Iceland and Norway. We have more neonatologists and neonatal intensive care beds than Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Even so, the United States’ infant mortality rate is tied with Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia at five deaths per 1,000 births, near the bottom of the rankings of industrialized nations. Only Latvia has a higher death rate than the US at six deaths per 1,000 live births. This is according the 2006 annual State of the World’s Mothers report.

Infants in the US are injected with three times the number of vaccines to prevent childhood illness and death than other first-world countries. After the implementation of the Center for Disease Control’s mass vaccination programs, this country fell from 2-3 on the international infant mortality list to 41-42.

According to the CDC’s 2010 report, autism affects 1 in 110 children. Two years ago, the rate was 1 in 150 children. Medical authorities continue to insist that they cannot locate a link between this cluster of neurological symptoms and the increased volume of vaccines being injected into children. This epidemic is robbing children of their intellectual potential and our nation of its brain trust. The US government openly acknowledges that approximately 13% of the children in our nation have a developmental disability. Where else in the world is there an instance of a population with more than 10% of its children developmentally impaired?

Being proactive in the preservation of good health is far better than depending upon a flawed medical system to restore it once it has been lost. It’s time to look critically at the cost of relying upon recommendations that are dictated by something other than a calling to promote healing.

I’m of the opinion that decisions regarding our health should be made with an understanding that life is a gift and our bodies are magnificently designed. Take the time to become as informed as possible about ALL of your options before deciding upon a course that hasn’t taken these things into account.

Below, Michael Pearl discusses how his family dealt with a health care crisis after one of his children was vaccinated. His account of his experience begins at the 6:20 mark.

The video below is the story of Adam and Lana. They tell of their experience with their son and his recovery from a stroke. Conventional therapies offered them little hope for improvement and disrupted family life.

ABC News 20-20 1999 report on Hepatitis B vaccinations offered to children Part 1

ABC News 20-20 1999 report on Hepatitis B vaccinations Part 2

HOW TO CREATE EXTRA STORAGE

2010-10-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

There are many techniques to finding the space to store needed items. Whether you are just downsizing or struggling to create a pantry in a house with no closets, here are a few ways to find a place to put your stuff.

USE SPACE BENEATH FURNITURE
Skirted Storage
A skirted table can hide a myriad of things in almost any room of your house. Secure a plywood top over a base such as a small bookcase, low filing cabinet or an upside down trash container. Drape a decorative cloth over the board that is long enough to reach the floor. Beneath the skirt there is storage space for books, boxes, craft supplies, television, etc.

Beds, Tables, Chairs
Storage can be created using plastic boxes or baskets. Place baskets under tables and in open cabinets for miscellaneous storage. These are great for shoes, out-of-season items, sports equipment, etc. Place a label on the end of the box, listing the contents. If your bed is too low, it can be made higher by "building" taller legs with plumbing pipes or ready-made bed risers.

REPURPOSE ITEMS
Doors
Storage can be found on the back of every door. Hanging shoe bags, shelves, or racks can be used for everything from toiletries, to office supplies.

Closets
Two-drawer filing cabinets easily fit into most closets, and the top can be used as a shelf. The space remaining above can be used to hang short clothing.

Lidded Furnishings
Choose a bench with a hinged lid for the end of a bed, under a window, or table seating. Lidded cubed ottomans can also provide extra storage as can a chest used in place of a coffee table. Use the space to store blankets, sheets, dishes, linens, out-of-season items, or toys.

REPURPOSE SPACE
Look Up
Few people utilize space higher than 5 feet. Consider installing shelves 12" to 18" below the ceiling. Mount shelves above the windows of the room. Use this to display things you don't use regularly but love to look at such as plants, hats, or photos. Use museum wax to anchor your collectibles in place.

Hooks
Hooks mounted on walls can be used to hold buckets and bags for everything from laundry to tools and toys.

Shelves
Make sure your shelves are spaced properly. If all the shelves are arranged at 18" but stored items are 8" high, you're missing out on about 10" of storage space. Reorganize this by adding shelf supports and new shelves.

Halls
Install shelves or hooks along one side of a wide hallway or above door height. If you have space at the end of the hall, use it to house a small desk and chair. Add shelves above the desk for supplies or books.

Unused Corners
Corner cabinets and shelves are great for unused space such as on a stair landing. A corner can also house a file cabinet. Since most file cabinets are also metal, take advantage of strong magnetic holders and hooks for storage on the exposed sides.

Beneath Stairs
An assortment of wooden nooks, hooks, cubbies, drawers and shelves can be custom fitted to suit your needs. This can be finished with cabinet doors or curtains.

Between Wall Studs
Shallow recessed shelving can be created between wall studs. In most homes, studs are spaced 16 inches apart. These shelves average about 3 ½ inches deep.

Here are included a couple of short videos with additional tips on finding ways to create storage with limited space.

EASY BATHROOM CLEANUP TIPS

2010-09-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

When you don’t have time to wash a tile floor, baking soda is a quick, easy, non-abrasive floor cleaner and polisher. A homemade scouring powder made with a mixture of baking soda and Borax is also a good choice with the additional benefit that it discourages bugs.

Sprinkle baking soda onto the tile and grout lines. Push it with your broom into corners and crevices. Sweep the soda into your dust bin. Toss the soiled baking soda into the bathroom wastebasket where it will continue to help fight bathroom odors.

The baking soda will turn dark with the debris it picks up. This even works well on dried on stains and bits of hair. The baking soda clings to all of it and dries even oily residues so that they can be swept away. If you’re tired of reaching around the base of bathroom fixtures to get hard-to-reach areas, this makes things much easier.

One of my readers was dealing with stubborn black stains in the grout lines of her bathtub wall tiles.

Those stubborn stains are most often caused by mold, mildew and hard water. Baking soda addresses all of these issues as it is a water softener and it releases carbon dioxide from the surface, killing organisms that thrive in an anaerobic (without oxygen) environment.

Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the grout with an old toothbrush. For really stubborn areas, make the paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Let it sit for a while. Come back later and rub the toothbrush over the area and rinse it clean. An effective rinse is to mix vinegar and water. The acid in the vinegar further activates the sodium bicarbonate in the baking soda. Wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth.

The vinegar and water also adjusts the pH to a level that discourages mold and mildew from reforming. You can use this as a general surface spray between showers and baths.

Another help is to keep the tub and shower areas free of soap, toiletry bottles, washrags, towels and other items. Store these outside of the tub/shower area. The soap residue provides a place for mold and mildew to grow. The bottles and their storage racks hold water against walls and horizontal surfaces. With these removed, you’ll be better able to hit all of the nooks and crannies when you spray the shower/tub area with your diluted vinegar.

For convenience, use small plastic crates to hold needed supplies. Assign a storage area on a nearby shelf. Then, when someone uses the shower, he/she can just bring along the toiletry box and contents, rather than trying to manage an armload of assorted products.

EASY LACTO-FERMENTED DILL PICKLES

2010-09-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Lacto fermentation is a method of preserving foods that does not require hot processing. The food is preserved by lactic acid which inhibits the growth of bad bacteria.

In general, you will want to have enough salt suspended in a liquid to keep mold from forming while the lactobacillus (the organisms that produce lactic acid) take hold and begin to multiply. This salt and liquid mixture is called your brine. Lacto-fermentation enhances the digestibility of the food so that your body can better assimilate nutrients. As with other cultured foods, consuming foods preserved in this manner will help replenish the digestive tract with beneficial enzymes that help aid digestion and fight harmful bacteria.

The seasonings within the jar can be adjusted to suit the individual’s taste and used for many other types of fresh produce. Feel free to experiment with green beans, carrots, corn, beets and other vegetables. I prefer to use pint jars so I don’t have an opened jar sitting for a long time in my refrigerator until it is used up. If I need more, I just open another jar.

Ahead of time:
Boil your jars, rings and lids in water for 3 minutes. Sometimes, I just bring the water and jars to a simmer, turn off the heat, and cover the pot with a lid while I work on other projects. When you are ready to begin, remove the jars from the water and dry thoroughly.

To make about 5 pints:
Dissolve 3 tbsp sea salt in 2 quarts of warmed, distilled water. You can heat the water on the stove, but you don’t want it too hot. Make sure it has cooled to at least 100°F before you use it so that the lactobacillus in your whey is not killed.

When the water and salt mixture is cooled, place the following in your sterilized jars:

1 ½ tsp mustard seeds
1 tbsp dried dill weed
¼ tsp dill seeds
½ tsp cracked peppercorns
1 tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp minced garlic
1 tsp Grape leaves (this helps keep things crisp)
2 tbsp whey
3 to 4 Tbsp of the distilled water & sea salt brine

Use a chop stick or the handle of a wooden spoon to stir and mix the seasonings.
Wash and dry enough cucumbers to fill the jars (3 to 5 or so) and slice them ¼ inch thick.
Pack jars tightly, stopping 1 inch below the rim of the jar. I just stop at the point the threads begin on the neck of the jar.

Add enough distilled water/salt brine to cover the cucumbers. This should leave at least ¾ of an inch between the brine and the inside of the lid. The cucumbers shouldn’t float if they are tightly packed.
Cover the jar securely with the lid and rings. Shake the jar to mix the seasonings into the brine. Sometimes, the jar’s contents may shift and rise above the water level. Repack and add more brine if needed.

Loosen the ring only slightly – just enough to let any gas escape, but not enough to let air inside.
Let the jars sit for 3-4 days at room temperature.
Transfer to cool storage.
If the taste is not as strong as you’d prefer, you may leave them at room temperature for a little longer.
The fermentation process produces its own vinegar taste that is pleasant without being overly harsh.

Here's a video demonstration of another variation of lacto-fermentation. This particular method takes longer and runs more of a risk of mold as it does not utilize a whey starter. However, if you wished to make a large crock of pickles, rather than just pint jars, you could do so and just add about 1/2 cup of whey (for a gallon-sized crock).

HEALTHY HYDRATION – HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK?

2010-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Many factors determine the amount of water needed for optimal hydration. Humidity and altitude will increase the need for water as will physical, mental and emotional stress. Water lost through perspiration will need to be replaced. In the event you consume 6 ounces of alcohol or caffeine, an additional 10-12 ounces of water will be required to keep your body hydrated.

The simplest way to know you’ve consumed enough water is to note the color and odor of your urine. If your urine is not neutral in both its color and odor, you lack adequate hydration.

Rather than drinking water throughout the day and visiting the bathroom frequently, you can take scheduled water breaks. In this way, your bladder will be able to eliminate excess fluids after each session. The first dose of water should occur shortly after you awake, before any other beverages and at least a half hour before breakfast. The second and third water breaks should occur 1/2 hour before lunch and ½ hour before your evening meal. The last break should take place about 2 hours before bed time in order to allow enough time to empty your bladder before retiring for the night.

There are some additional advantages of taking in quantities of water during these sessions. This accelerates hydration by completely filling your empty stomach with water. There will be a temporary feeling of bloating as the water is forced past your stomach and into the small intestine. From there, it is pushed to the large intestine where your body can absorb the needed fluids. This flushes the digestive tract to give you a bit of a mini-cleanse, which helps relieve constipation. Another benefit is that you will be giving your stomach a full sensation just prior to a meal which may help you better regulate food consumption.

So, how much water SHOULD you be drinking? A standard guideline for years was that you should drink 8, 8-oz glasses of water per day. This translates into 64 ounces of water per day. Another rule of thumb is that people should drink 2 to 3 1/2 quarts of water per day. However a single amount doesn't take into account the varying needs of different body types. One way to allow for this is to divide the number of pounds an individual weighs in half. The answer is the number of ounces of water that person should drink daily. Of course, heavy physical activity, stress, or the consumption of diuretics will require drinking even more fluids.

If you find that water doesn’t suit your taste, be sure you are drinking the purest water you can find. It is also possible that your sense of taste might be masked. Consuming sugary drinks can contribute to this condition. Consider cutting back or avoiding them completely. As your water intake increases, your body will be better able to rid itself of toxins. This also helps keep the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth moist, which can enhance the sense of taste and smell. As the taste receptors in your mouth are no longer impaired, you will find the taste of water is not objectionable. More likely, you will begin to enjoy it.

Remember, the need for water varies depending on body size and other factors. Watch the color and odor of urine output to determine whether or not you are well hydrated.

The following video has a lot of good information on the benefits of drinking adequate amounts of water daily. I do not endorse the web sites or recommend the products that she discusses towards the end of the video.

HOW TO MAKE WHEY

2010-08-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Whey is a valuable addition to any diet. It can be an added ingredient to enhance many sauces, foods and beverages. It is also a key ingredient in lacto-fermented foods.

A quick internet search will reveal that many people cover their jars with cloth or a coffee filter when making whey. I don’t. The reason I don’t do this is because I am not trying to capture bacteria from the environment. Raw milk comes perfectly packaged with the right blend of digestive enzymes and bacteria needed to cause separation to occur. You needn’t expose it to the elements for this to happen. As a matter of fact, if you left raw milk in your refrigerator long enough, separation into curds and whey would eventually occur within the sealed container at cooler temperatures. Leaving it on your countertop simply places the milk at temperatures where this happens sooner.

To make whey, pour raw milk into a clean glass quart jar. Cover the jar with a plastic lid (or coffee filter, or clean cotton cloth) and allow it to sit undisturbed for 2-3 days until separation occurs. You will know the milk has separated when you see white solids floating in a yellowish clear liquid. The liquid is whey. The white solid is cream cheese – also known as curds.

Line a strainer with an unbleached coffee filter or clean cotton cloth (such as a freshly laundered t-shirt).

Pour the liquid and solids into the strainer, catching the liquid in a glass bowl. When the dripping stops, transfer the whey into a lidded jar labeled with the date. The whey will keep in your refrigerator for about 6 months.

The cream cheese can be seasoned to suit your taste and used in your favorite recipes.

If you have yogurt, the yellow or clear liquid that floats to the top is whey. You can pour this off and use it in food preservation.

STAIN REMOVAL & WHITENING SOAK

2010-08-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

My family has elevated sweaty grimy greasy stains to an art form! This, combined with a limited budget for replacing clothing, has motivated me to find an all in one stain removing system that is easy and effective. I’ve used this recipe on jeans, brightly colored clothing and whites. I’ve not used it on many delicate fabrics, but if the garment was unusable because of an unsightly stain, I would give it a try. On the occasion that a stain is so firmly set that it will not be removed, I either dye it a darker color or send it to the scrap bin.

You will need two 5-gallon buckets with lids.

Combine the Following:
°2 cups borax
°2 cups washing soda
°1 cup OxiClean®
°1 cup Cascade Complete All-in-1 Gel
°1 cup hydrogen peroxide
°2 cups vinegar
°1 to 2 gallons of HOT water

Gradually add 1 to 2 gallons of HOT water while stirring the mixture. Be sure to stir well or the powder will clump into hard lumps. If this happens, you should be able to smash the clumps against the side of the bucket with a wooden spoon. Place the garments you wish to soak into a separate 5 gallon bucket. If I have a lot of items, I sometimes use 2 buckets, one for whites and another for colors. Pour the liquid over the fabric in the bucket. If using 2 buckets, equally divide the solution among them. Add more hot water so that the fabrics are immersed. Cover the bucket and allow it to soak overnight.

The next morning, dump the contents of the bucket into your washing machine (or wash tub) and send them through a rinse and spin cycle. Then, wash the clothes as you would normally. This works great for socks, dingy undershirts and linens. It would even be a good tool to use on yard sale finds.

This formula has evolved over time. Feel free to adjust it to suit your own needs.

WHY YOU SHOULD LEARN TO START A FIRE

2010-07-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you are like most people who live with modern conveniences, you may never have considered learning how to start a fire. There are lots of articles written on the methods and tools that can be used to start a fire, but it is also important to know some reasons WHY you would want to take the time to learn this skill. It really is more than just a trick to show off to your buddies. Knowing how to start a fire can help you in several ways.

There is the psychological advantage to being able to start your own fire. The principal reason for that would be that this is a learned skill that few people in technologically advanced cultures possess. Plus others in your group will quickly realize that you are a valuable member to keep around – especially as night falls and you provide the single source of light.

Fire will help you avoid hypothermia by regulating your body temperature. Many will object that this isn't as important in warmer climates and seasons. Certainly that is a valid objection. However you will need to consider that fire can dry any wet clothing, which can contribute to a drop in core body temperature. Additionally night can bring cooler weather, even in warm regions. Cooler temperatures coupled with sweat-soaked clothing can bring on hypothermia, even in the summer season.

Smoke from a fire can be used for personal hygiene. This is valuable when water may be scarce, or if you are trying to avoid hypothermia by staying dry. Standing in the smoke of a fire can help neutralize body odor and rid the skin of harmful microbes. Additionally, smoke from a fire helps repel biting insects!

The smoke from a fire can be used as a signaling device, whether to make contact with others at a distance or to signal for rescue. Distant neighbors can know all is well when they see the smoke from your cook fire at the beginning of the day.

Of course, for cooking and disinfecting water, fire quickly establishes its value.

Naturally the time to learn this skill is BEFORE you find yourself without other means of needed heat. Even with matches or a lighter, experience is required to skillfully and efficiently start a fire. Not only that, it’s actually hard work! So, before you NEED it, NOW is the time to learn how to start a fire.

HOW TO MAKE DEODORANT WITH BAKING SODA

2010-07-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Making deodorant at home is not a complicated endeavor. Why would you want to make your own? Because making your own deodorant will help you avoid aluminum toxicity.

Some form of aluminum is found in nearly all commercial deodorant and antiperspirant products. This ingredient is used because it helps block the pores and neutralize odor. However, once in the body, aluminum is a neurotoxin (brain poison) that has been linked to breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative diseases.

Crystal deodorant stones are considered to be a safer alternative. These contain a different compound known as potassium alum or potassium aluminum sulfate. These molecules are natural salts and believed too large to be absorbed by your skin. Often, these are recommended to cancer patients for use as an alternative product as they are urged to get rid of toiletries containing aluminum.

However, there is a cheaper and safer alternative than this. You can make your own deodorant for pennies from items you likely have in your cupboard. Even if you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, you will need such small quantities, that it is VERY economical to secure them. This simple natural recipe will also benefit your health by helping you avoid aluminum.

You will need: ½ cup or a little less of Coconut oil, 4 tablespoons of baking soda (Arm & Hammer contains no aluminum), 4 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, 2 tablespoons of grated beeswax and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional).

Note:
Coconut oil will help fight odor causing bacteria while nourishing and moisturizing your skin. Essential oils can help eliminate odors, but be careful that they are not processed with harsh chemical extraction methods that could irritate the skin. Tea tree oil, lavender, frankincense, and citrus oils all have properties that can help eliminate odors.

Directions:
1. Gently warm the coconut oil and beeswax to a liquid state.
2. Blend the baking soda & arrowroot powder with a fork.
3. Slowly add the baking soda & arrowroot powder to the coconut oil and wax, working it in with a fork until completely mixed.

Your deodorant will have a firm paste-like texture, almost like commercial deodorant. The paste will continue to firm as it cools. More arrowroot can be added if it seems too wet or mushy. The beeswax will help it hold its shape even in warmer climates. If it becomes very stiff from cooler temperatures, you can place the container in a pocket for a few minutes to warm for ease of use.

Store this in a screw-top wide-mouth container. I use ones found in the ‘travel container’ section of most pharmacies. This permits each family member to have an individual jar.

This recipe yields about 1 cup and can last several months for one person with daily use.

The following video shows a variation of this recipe using a dry method of blending:

EGGSHELL POWDER AS A CALCIUM SUPPLEMENT

2010-06-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

A popular pharmaceutical taken for bone loss can actually lead to broken bones 3 to 4 years after beginning the prescription. How is this possible? While the bones become thicker, they do so because the natural rate of bone loss is slowed by the drug. Just as with skin, the human body is designed to lose and rebuild bone cells throughout a lifetime. So, while a medicated individual may have thicker bones, these are the result of old bone that is retained, not an increase in the production of new, strong bone. This old, thickened bone is actually brittle and weaker, leading to breaks that occur during relatively gentle bumps and stumbles.

Another possible contributor to decreased bone density is pasteurized milk and milk products. Calcium contained in pasteurized dairy products is not bio-available to the human body, and may be linked to some degenerative diseases.

There ARE alternative ways to increase bone density AND strength naturally.

The first method is to participate in weight bearing exercise. These are often low-impact activities that include stretching and balance exercises, walking, dancing and weight-lifting.

The second method is by using an eggshell calcium supplement. Eggshells are about 95% calcium carbonate crystals and contain 27 essential microelements which are bio-available (absorbable) in the human body. One study showed that eggshell powder taken in combination with vitamin D3 improved bone mineral density without increasing blood calcium levels. A teaspoon of powdered eggshell (about one whole egg) offers nearly 800 mgs of calcium and other microelements including magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese and others. There are over 27 elements available in an eggshell which is similar in composition to that of human bones and teeth.

To make your own calcium supplement, you will need to use shells from organically fed, free range birds. Chemicals and antibiotics given to birds are bound in the shells of their eggs. Free range birds produce eggs that have a greater mineral content.

1. Wash empty eggshells in warm water until all of the egg white is removed. Don’t remove the membrane because it contains important nutrients for the joints which helps arthritis.
2. Immerse empty shells into boiling water for about 5 minutes to kill any pathogens.
3. Let them air dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
4. After they are dry, grind them in a coffee grinder.
5. Store the powdered eggshells in a covered glass jar. Store in a dry place.
6. Take ½ teaspoon each day. This powder can be added to your favorite beverage or sprinkled on your favorite food.

This article is presented for information purposes only and not intended as a substitute for trained medical care. The reader assumes all liability, should be informed, and exercise common sense when incorporating these methods.

CREAMED DANDELION CHICKEN RECIPE

2010-06-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a way to incorporate dandelion into your regular meals, a good rule of thumb is to simply substitute it for spinach in a favorite dish. If you find that dandelion leaves are bitter when harvested, remember to harvest young leaves for optimum taste. Additionally, the older leaves lend themselves more to stews and finished cooked dishes rather than teas or salads.
Here’s one of my favorite dishes.

CREAMED DANDELION CHICKEN
Serves 4 or 5

Heat 2 cups of homemade chicken stock in a large pan

Add cut chicken pieces, ½ cup finely chopped onion, ½ cup finely chopped celery, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt & pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a simmer for 30 minutes.

In another pan, heat and make a paste of 3 tbsp olive oil with 3 tbsp flour. While stirring, add a dash of nutmeg, ½ cup cream and ½ cup chicken stock. Stir until combined.

Add 3 or 4 cups chopped young dandelion leaves.
Stir until leaves are coated, wilted and contents of pan are heated through.

Pour over chicken still simmering in the first pan & stir. Cover and continue simmering for 30 more minutes and/or until chicken is done (a thermometer inserted into the meat will read 180 degrees Fahrenheit and juices will run clear when chicken is pierced).

Serve plain, over homemade sourdough bread or over brown rice.

SOURDOUGH BREAD RECIPE

2010-05-14T06:21:00.001-07:00

Each time I make a loaf of Sourdough bread, I am reminded that our daily bread comes about as a result of processes God set into motion at creation. I recall the poor widow that fed the prophet Elijah during a time of drought (I Kings 17). From her dwindling supply, she had to contribute enough water and ground wheat to feed her starter and keep it viable even though she and her son were facing great lack. She must have understood the importance of reserving enough to invest in an increase. I can only imagine how her bread must have tasted.

ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
What follows is a recipe that uses traditional ingredients and methods. This recipe will yield 3 small loaves or 2 large loaves. If you are still learning to bake bread and maintain a sourdough starter, I recommend that you use half of this recipe and practice by making a single loaf each day until you have achieved the results you desire. A healthy sourdough starter is sufficient to raise your bread. You will notice that the rising times are different than what is found in recipes using commercial yeast.

You will need:
• 2 cups kefir
• 2 cups starter
• ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ cup Honey
• 2 ½ tsp sea salt
• 6 cups whole wheat flour

Place the first 5 ingredients into a large glass, plastic or wooden bowl and mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time, blending completely between each addition. Use a plastic dough scraper to scrape bits of flour off of the side of the container and incorporate into the dough.

Once mixed, let the dough rest for 5 minutes or so. This is especially important with fresh ground flour as it takes longer to absorb the liquids. Fresh ground flour can utilize more liquid than retailed flour. Giving it time to rest allows the liquid to be incorporated into the dough. This dough can be a bit damp and may require more flour if you aren’t grinding your own wheat berries.

Knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes on a cutting board, pulling the dough and then folding it over with your hands to develop the gluten. When the dough is well-developed, it should be light and not heavy or hard.

Once kneaded, place the dough back into the plastic bowl and cover tightly with a lid. Allow to sit overnight (8 to 10 hours). In the morning, punch down the dough and lift it out of the bowl, scraping any bits off of the side with your dough scraper. Lightly knead the dough and cut into 3 equal portions.

Lightly oil your loaf pans with olive oil.

To shape my dough into loaves, I flatten the dough into a rectangular shape and roll it along the longest side (like a jelly roll). With the seam side down, curl the ends under. Place this into your oiled bread pan and brush the top with olive oil. I make 3 small loaves with this recipe.

Put the pans into a covered, draft-free space for 4 to 6 hours. I use my oven (not turned on!). Try to position your pans so that they do not crowd each other. When you bake your loaves, you’ll want the heated air to be able to circulate fully around each pan.

When the dough has risen an inch or so over the top of your pan, simply turn on your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown. When the bread sounds hollow as you thump the bottom of the pan (wear oven mitts!) it is done. If your bread does not bake in this amount of time, do not increase the temperature; just allow it to bake a little longer. Increasing the temperature could cause the outside of the loaf to finish baking before the inside of the loaf has had enough time to finish cooking.

NOTE ABOUT KNEADING:
Use a work surface that is even with the level of your hip joints. This level will be more comfortable when kneading bread. If your bowl or cutting board tends to slide, place a damp dish towel between it and the table or countertop for traction. If your dough is difficult to work and requires a lot of muscle, you’ve added too much flour and need to increase the liquid content. When developed, your dough should be light and not readily stick to the surface of your cutting board.

A WORD ABOUT GLUTEN DEVELOPMENT:
With your hands, it is nearly impossible to overwork the dough. If you use a machine, too much kneading will stretch the gluten too far and cause it to break. Gluten in the flour is like bubble gum. If it is not kneaded (chewed) enough, there will not be enough stretch to it to hold the structure as the yeast activity expands the dough. If it is overworked, the gluten will become fragile and break as the bread rises. Either of these extremes could leave you with crumbly bread that will not hold its shape when sliced.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are new to sourdough bread making, you may be interested in reading more about the process here:
SOURDOUGH BREADMAKING GUIDELINES

THREE DAY PROMOTION FOR PREPARING TO BE HIS HELP MEET

2010-04-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

Preparing To Be A Help Meet is a VALUABLE reference! If you know a young person that is ready to embark on the adventure that comes as adulthood looms, you'll want to have an extra volume on hand. There is a restlessness that can tempt a young girl to adopt society’s measures of worth, romance and selection in order to feel that she is moving towards the goals of marriage, home and family. Preparing To Be A Help Meet is a book that will allow you to share its wisdom as a gift, or conduct your own Bible study.

Purchase your book from Amazon on May 11th, 12th or 13th and you’ll benefit from deep discounts with select retailers. Just follow this link to Amazon books, place your order on one of these three days and forward your dated receipt to mcohen@nogreaterjoy.org in order to receive your discount coupon codes.

ADDITIONALLY, for those that purchase TWO copies of Preparing To Be A Help Meet, you’ll receive The Vision Ebook as a FREE GIFT!

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HOW TO QUALIFY FOR DEEP DISCOUNTS:

ON MAY 11TH, 12TH OR 13TH 2010 follow THIS LINK to Amazon and place your order
Forward your Amazon receipt to mcohen@nogreaterjoy.org to receive your coupon codes.
NOTE: All coupon codes expire on 5/17/10 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

For additional details, follow this link.

BEGINNING A SOURDOUGH STARTER

2010-04-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Place 6 tablespoons of ground, whole grain flour into a wide-mouthed glass container and mix this well with 4 tablespoons of water. Filtered water is recommended as chlorinated water from the tap will be harmful to the bacteria you are trying to culture. Stir this to make sure the water and flour are well-incorporated, scraping any residue down off of the sides of the container. Secure a cover on the jar loosely. This will keep out unwanted pests and protect the new starter from drying. A loosely fitting lid also allows gases (which result as the cultures multiply) to escape without breaking your container.

GIVE IT A GROWING START
Allow your new starter to sit for 12 hours and check it to see whether there are any bubbles by looking at the side of the glass. If you don’t see any bubbles, stir the starter vigorously and re-cover it loosely. Check it again in 12 hours. The presence of bubbles will tell you that there are enough organisms growing to thrive in your starter. Feeding the starter before you see bubbles could dilute the strength of your starter by separating the organisms that need each other to thrive. This happens more commonly in cooler climates

If you still aren’t seeing bubbles after two days, discard the starter and begin again with bottled spring water and a different brand of whole wheat flour.

FEEDING AND MAINTENANCE
When your starter begins to make bubbles, it will be ready for regular feedings. A feeding consists of 6 tablespoons of flour and 4 tablespoons of water. Feedings should take place every 12 hours. I feed mine each morning and evening. The starter should double itself a few hours after being fed. Place a rubber band around your glass jar to mark the level of your starter. This way, you can see how much it rises and how long it takes the starter to double. The rising time of your starter is a good indicator of how much time you will need to allow your dough to rise.

A well-fed, healthy starter will have a stable colony of microbes that will produce enough carbon dioxide to cause your dough to rise nicely. Just as you would with a garden, the key to having a healthy Sourdough starter is to give it a good environment in which to grow. In the absence of proper food, yeast and the lactobacilli will die, leaving your starter to be taken over by bad bacteria that thrive on decay. This is something that definitely WON’T enhance your bread!

When the quantity of your starter reaches 2 cups, discard half of it at each feeding. This provides the starter enough room to continue growing and keeps it from becoming too large to manage. If you wish to bake a large batch of bread at one time, you can continue feeding the starter without discarding any until you have the necessary amount. Just be sure to stir the starter vigorously at each feeding. This shuffles the microbes and allows them to access more food. They don’t have the ability to migrate to better food sources on their own.

Your new starter will be ready to make bread when it accomplishes two things. The starter should be at least 4 days old as this is the length of time required to produce an established colony of microbes. Your culture should produce bubbles and double in bulk between feedings.

If you find that your starter is not doing well, you can add a couple of tablespoons of Kefir to the mixture as a booster shot. The day before I bake a loaf of bread, I feed my starter three times: morning, noon and evening.

TIPS
If your glass container becomes coated, your starter can be poured into another clean jar. I place the food mixture in a clean measuring glass and stir vigorously. Then I add the contents of my starter jar to the food, blending the entire contents well. I clean and dry the (now empty) starter container, return the newly fed starter to the jar and replace the lid loosely.

If you find that you wish to take a break from baking or will be out of town, feed your starter and place it into the refrigerator. When you wish to use it again, remove your starter and feed it. Once you see bubbles, feed it 3 times in one day. After this, it should be ready to use again.

SUBSTITUTING SOURDOUGH IN A RECIPE
The rising times for a recipe made with sourdough will be different than with commercial yeast. Remember to watch how your starter rises to determine the amount of time your converted recipe will require.

A cup of healthy Sourdough starter should equal one package (2 ¼ tsp) of yeast in its ability to rise. To convert a recipe, reduce the amount of liquid by ½ cup and reduce the flour by ¾ cup for each package of yeast you replace with a cup of sourdough starter. You may have to adjust the amount of water and flour to get the proper consistency to your dough.

WATCH FOOD INC. FREE, 7 MORE DAYS

2010-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Please take the time out of your busy schedule to watch Food, Inc. This movie is being offered for free viewing now through April 29th. That's 7 days from this posting. If you've ever wondered where your food is coming from and why this blogger encourages you to learn how to make your own meals from basic ingredients, this documentary will offer you a LOT of those answers.

Here is an interview by Bonnie Hunt with Robert Kenner, director of "Food, Inc.,"
He explains some of his reasons for making the movie. This is the 3rd part of a 3 part interview:

I am including the following link to the movie, but this stream will only be good for 7 more days.
Please click on the image to follow the link to the page where you can view the entire film. FOOD, INC.

Or click on this link: FOOD, INC (streaming through April 29, 2010)

THE SYMBIOSIS OF SOURDOUGH

2010-04-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

WHAT’S IN A SEED?
Each unaltered grain of wheat contains elements required to perpetuate life. The outer wrapper of the seed (bran) protects the seed and provides fiber and nutrients. The bulk of the interior of the seed is a starchy substance called the endosperm. The endosperm provides the germinating seed with the nutrients it needs until a root system matures and can sustain the plant. The germ is the tiny embryo of another plant. When wheat is commercially milled into white flour, the nutritious germ and bran are removed, stripping the resulting flour of the minerals and vitamins that are naturally present. Manufacturers are required by law to add 3 or 4 artificial vitamins back into commercial white flour which is then called ‘enriched.’ At least 16 vitamins and 11 minerals exist in an intact grain of wheat.

WITHIN THE SEED – A COMPLETE PACKAGE
The intact wheat berry arrives with strains of microorganisms that live well on grains. A single gram of flour has around 13,000 yeast cells. The yeast that are prominent in your starter will be those that have a taste for (and reside with) your grain. A starter needn’t be exposed to the surrounding air to ‘capture’ wild yeast. Leaving the lid off only attracts insects and unwanted pests.

Sourdough starter is a balanced culture of yeast and lactobacillus bacteria growing in a water and flour mix. The ratio of lactobacillus to yeast at room temperature is well balanced, with yeast reproducing at a slower rate. When refrigerated, the lactobacillus reproduction slows. Generally, you’ll want to maintain your starter in an area where the temperature remains between 65°F to 85°F. If your home is normally cooler than this, your starter may be happier sitting near a light bulb, on top of a refrigerator, on a warm hearth or in an insulated box. If your home is too warm, setting your starter’s container in a bowl of cool water will help protect it from overheating.

A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP
Baker’s yeast is an isolated strain of yeast and has no lactobacillus while a healthy Sourdough starter has BOTH Yeast and Lactobacilli. These two microorganisms are designed to work together in a symbiotic relationship. Lactobacilli are anaerobic organisms which live off of carbon dioxide. Yeast lives off of the starch in the endosperm and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This enriches the Lactobacilli colonization which then prevents growth of harmful bacteria.

Sourdough starters are simply containers that host this process and (in return for regular feeding) give the bread maker a natural leavening agent.

SOURDOUGH BREADMAKING GUIDELINES

2010-04-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

A loaf of sourdough bread begins about 18 hours BEFORE the bread is baked. You won’t need to be in the kitchen the entire time. Rather, you’ll need to remind yourself to schedule a few breaks in your day to give the dough some attention. This post is not a detailed recipe but an overview of the tasks and the order in which they are performed to produce sourdough bread.

While learning, it is a good idea to bake only one loaf at a time so that any failures will not deplete your supplies. Initially, baking one loaf per day will give enough practice to perfect your technique and adjust your recipe to your preferences. Your family will greatly enjoy the aroma of a fresh baked loaf each day. Loaves that you do not wish to serve can be repurposed into salad croutons or crumbs for birds.

Make a note of rising times, ratio of water to flour and the resulting taste when you adjust the measurements of your ingredients. When the written instructions are memorized, you will be ready to increase your recipe to produce more loaves with each batch of dough.

You will need an acidic liquid (I prefer Kefir) and freshly ground whole wheat flour. Add the liquid to your flour and mix well with a fork. The mixture may appear somewhat dry. Allow it to soak overnight.

In the morning, add a portion of your sourdough starter to your soaked flour along with honey, sea salt and olive oil. Knead the dough until elastic.

When finished, place the dough in a greased bowl. I use a lidded casserole dish for this rather than covering with plastic wrap which can stick to the dough. Put your dough into the bowl upside down and turn it to rub the sides of the dish. Turn the dough over and set it bottom side down. This oils the surface of your dough and keeps it from drying, forming a skin and binding your dough during the rising process. Cover with the greased lid of the casserole dish.

Turn your oven on for 1 minute and then turn it off. This will briefly warm the oven and allow you to set your container of dough into this insulated warm box to rise. Allow the dough to rise 4 to 5 hours or until doubled in bulk.

Gently punch down and knead the dough. This second kneading moves the yeast to a new area in the dough, allowing it to have access to new food, raising the dough a second time.

Shape the dough and place into (or onto) a greased baking container. This will be either a bread pan, baking pan, or baker’s stone. Gently brush the top of your loaf with oil.

Allow the dough to rise in a briefly warmed oven (as described above) for ½ the time that was needed for the first rise.

Remove the dough from the oven. Place a small cake pan on the lowest shelf of your oven. Heat a kettle of water to boil on your stove while you preheat the oven. When the water boils, pour it into the small pan in the oven. Shut the door and allow the oven to preheat for ten minutes. When ready, quickly place your bread pan of dough into the oven and shut the door.

In about 45 minutes, your bread will be ready. Check for doneness by tapping onto the bottom of the pan with an oven mitt. The bread is ready when this thump produces a hollow sound. Turn the pan over onto your gloved hand and allow the loaf to fall out. Turn your bread pan upside down and let your loaf rest on top of the pan. Coat the hot loaf with butter to allow the crust to be a softer, chewy consistency instead of thick, crunchy and hard.

Allow the loaf to cool before slicing. Use a serrated-edged knife for ease of slicing. A handy way to speed the cooling of your bread is to remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool while standing on end. My husband saw this one day while passing through the kitchen and remarked, "Stonehenge?"

CAST IRON BUILDUP REMOVAL

2010-03-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Cast iron cookware can become encumbered with gunk and rust. Thankfully, cast iron is very forgiving and with a little time can be stripped and refinished to its former glory. The method for removal is simple. The stripped metal gives you a good starting point to re-season your pan with a no-stick finish.

GET AS MUCH OFF AS YOU CAN BEFORE STRIPPING
Use hot water and vinegar to rinse after using salt and baking soda to clean as much of the debris off of your pan as possible. Dry the pan and place it into your oven, face down. You may want to line the bottom shelf with foil to catch drips. Set the temperature to 500 degrees, open a window and turn on an exhaust fan. Leave it baking for 1 hour, turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool inside your oven. This helps melt the excess grease off of your pan by taking it beyond its smoke point.

I include this step because if you have pans with a LOT of buildup, you will want to reduce the amount of oil left on the pans before you actually strip them down. In cooking applications, you wouldn’t want to heat oil past its smoke point because that releases free radicals (which are carcinogens). However, to get the oil off your pans, you will need to do this. Keep the room WELL ventilated.

Technically, this step could be skipped, but pans that have a thick layer of grease could catch fire. I recommend reducing the buildup first in order to decrease the likelihood of a grease fire BEFORE you subject the pan to the heat of a self-cleaning cycle -- during which the oven door will be automatically locked.

When the pan has cooled, remove it, wash and dry.

STRIPPING YOUR COOKWARE
Self-cleaning ovens are a convenient tool with which to strip your cast iron because they heat to approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482 degrees Celsius). Such high temperature cycles burn off all food and oil debris. A safety feature keeps the oven door locked and closed during and immediately after the high-temperature cleaning cycle, which lasts approximately three hours, to prevent possible burn injuries. Usually, the door can be opened after the temperature cools to approximately 600 °F (300 °C).

You could actually skip the 500 degree baking and go straight to the self-cleaning step, but pans that have a thick layer of grease could catch fire. I recommend reducing the buildup as much as possible BEFORE you subject the pan to the self-cleaning cycle.

Many people leave their wire racks in the oven for this step, but it will strip and blacken your racks. Additionally, the consumer handbooks recommend removing the wire racks when using the self-cleaning cycle. I’ve found an alternative. Ceramic coffee mugs have already been kiln fired and can easily withstand the high temperatures. Simply position old mugs around the wire heating elements and perch the cast iron on top of them. Don’t use old bricks or stones, as these haven’t been glazed and may have water trapped inside, which would cause them to explode in the hot oven.

Keep the room well ventilated using an exhaust fan and an open window or door.

A RUSTIC ALTERNATIVE
If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven and have access to a fire pit, there is another alternative. Build a hot fire with hard wood. Soft, resinous woods will leave a blackened film on your pans. Once your fire is roaring hot, put your pan in the hot coals of the fire. Keep feeding the flame for a couple of hours. Allow it to die down and cool naturally. Remove your pan and scrub it clean.

RUST
You may find that there is a film of rust remaining on your cast iron. If this is the case, scrub this clear with coarse salt and baking soda. Rinse with hot water and dry carefully.

Follow safety precautions when working with heated metals, kitchen appliances and/or fire. This article is for information purposes only. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these methods.

ARE THERE HEALTH CONCERNS WITH MICROWAVE OVEN USE?

2010-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Microwave ovens have been used in US homes for more than forty years. As long as the manufacturer’s procedures are followed, the FDA guidelines state that these are safe.

The War Department of the United States had detailed research on microwave ovens years before they were made available to the public. At the end of the second World War, this research was acquired. In search of an efficient way to provide meals to troops invading Russia, the Nazis had developed the first microwave ovens. The War Department of the United States held the Germans’ documented research for later study.

The Russians also acquired some of the German microwave ovens for biological testing. As a result of that testing, the Soviets issued international warnings about the health and environmental hazards of using microwave ovens and outlawed their use in Russia. Strict environmental limits were urged by Eastern European scientists who agreed with the Russian findings.

Thousands of workers that had been exposed to microwaves during the development of radar in the 1950s were tested by the Russians. It was determined that just being exposed to the energy field was enough to create health difficulties. The findings of the Russian scientists led to industry guidelines that limited exposure for industry workers to 10 microwatts and for civilians to 1 microwatt.

Adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, cancer, cataracts, dizziness, eye pain, hair loss, headaches, high blood pressure, inability to concentrate, irritability, ischemic heart disease, memory loss, nervous tension, an increased incidence of appendicitis, reproductive problems, sleeplessness, stomach pain, and chronic stress were found to be symptoms of microwave sickness experienced by those exposed to microwave radiation. Such symptoms would suggest inflammatory issues.

Russian teams of forensic scientists also studied the effects of microwave cooking on foods and the effect those foods had on people that ate them. Their findings were that ALL foods cooked in microwave ovens were damaged molecularly. Meats had destroyed and destabilized proteins and contained cancer-causing agents. Fruits and vegetables (chiefly root vegetables) cooked in a microwave formed free radicals. The basic substances found in fruits and vegetables had lowered levels of metabolic activity which interfered with digestibility and nutrient absorption. Subjects that ingested these items experienced digestive disorders caused by the inconsistent catabolism of micro-waved foods. This included an elevated number of intestinal cancers and cellular degeneration of peripheral tissues. Testing confirmed changes in the immune system and blood. Cancer cells were found elevated in the blood and were accompanied by malfunctions of the Lymphatic system which caused degeneration of the immune system.

Many US cooks decried the use of microwave ovens when first introduced. There were hot debates on whether tampering with the molecules in foods would make them unsafe for consumption. The results of the Russian research raised concerns that were shared by other countries which also banned microwave ovens. In the United States, citizens were assured that microwave ovens were safe for food preparation.

Perestroika arrived in 1987 and Russia removed the restrictions on microwave ovens.

Dr. Mark Vinick explains how microwaves cook violently,
changing and damaging foods and the nutrients they provide.

By 1991, the assurances of safety had reached the surgical staff of Hillcrest Medical Center located in Tulsa, OK. A successful hip replacement procedure had been performed on Norma Levitt, and she was still in the operating room. Because the blood warming device was not working that day, a unit of her own blood was warmed by placing it into a microwave oven located in the employee lounge. Within minutes of receiving this blood, a blood clot killed Norma. The hospital defended its actions saying that Norma’s death had nothing to do with her micro-waved blood; the FDA published warnings against use of a microwave oven when warming blood products.

Before Norma’s demise, scientific studies were being conducted by Dr. Hans Ulrich Hertel on the effects of micro-waved foods on humans. People that ate foods on an empty stomach submitted blood samples before and after eating. Comparisons were made between the blood of persons that ate raw foods, foods cooked conventionally and micro-waved foods as well as to the samples taken before eating. There were considerable variances in the blood samples of the volunteers that ate micro-waved foods. Dr. Hertel’s findings showed that eating micro-waved foods generated changes in the blood that mirrored the cancer’s pathology.

It was determined by Dr. Hertel that definite risks to health were associated with foods prepared using a microwave oven. He further stated that eating foods subjected to microwave cooking would have cancerous effects on human blood. In December of 1991, the Journal Franz Webber published his findings along with an article about Dr. Hertel.

Trade laws and the Swiss court were used by manufacturers of microwave ovens to silence Dr. Hertel, threatening him with personal ruin if he disclosed his findings. Dr. Hertel was prohibited from further publication of his studies and found guilty of “interfering with commerce” in March of 1993. This judgment was overturned August 25, 1998 in Strasbourg, Austria. The Swiss government was ordered to compensate Dr. Hertel.

Regulatory agencies, retailers and manufacturers insist that these appliances pose no health risks. These assurances however, are contradictory to the findings of published studies that find otherwise. It is worth it to take the time to judge not only how best our foods should be farmed and collected, but how those foods should best be readied to grace our table.

ALICE WATERS is interviewed for a 60 Minutes segment by Leslie Stahl.
In the clip below, Leslie asks, "Where’s your microwave?"
Alice: "I don't have a microwave."
Leslie: "How do you live without a microwave?!"
Alice: "I don’t know how you'd consider to live WITH one."

BEFORE YOU USE ASPARTAME, THINGS TO KNOW

2010-02-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

Aspartame is a chemical food additive that has been deemed safe for human consumption by the FDA. However, Aspartame presents many difficulties when ingested.

When stored for a long time, Aspartame breaks down into the chemical Diketopiperazine. This chemical can also occur after Aspartame is eaten. In both animals and humans, Diketopiperazine has been shown to cause cancer, especially in the form of brain tumors.

Once ingested, Aspartame breaks down into three primary components.

PHENYLALANINE
It is difficult for the human body to metabolize and get rid of Phenylalanine. At high levels, it builds up in the brain and can cause neurological problems such as schizophrenia, depression, and seizures.

ASPARTIC ACID
Nearly half of Aspartame is Aspartic Acid. Aspartate is another name for Aspartic Acid. High levels of Aspartic Acid in the brain can over-stimulate cells and cause them to die. Over time, this can damage neurons and lead to Parkinson’s, memory loss and many other neurological conditions.

METHANOL
Methanol in Nature
Methanol exists in nature in fruit. However the methanol in fruit is bound to pectin. The human body lacks the enzyme to split methanol off from pectin, so this is passed through the body without doing any damage (when consumed as naturally occurring in fruit).

Methanol As a Component of Aspartame
In Aspartame, 10 percent of the substance is unbound Methanol. Unbound Methanol is a poison. The human body’s attempt to deal with unbound Methanol produces results in formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a cumulative toxin that is stored in the human body indefinitely.

Another way that Methanol is released is by storage in conditions warmer than 86 oF. This can also occur when cooking with aspartame. Some speculate that Desert Storm Syndrome’s symptoms can be attributed to formaldehyde poisoning that resulted from heavy consumption of methanol in aspartame sweetened drinks stored in hot conditions. Some of the symptoms of methanol poisoning include depression of the central nervous system, blindness, dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, loss of coordination, and in very large doses, unconsciousness and death.

For a more extensive list of possible side effects of Aspartame consumption, type ‘aspartame side effects’ into your internet search engine.

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
* Remove all sugar-free products with Aspartame from your diet.
* Use natural sweeteners like honey (in moderation) and stevia leaf.
* Keep a record of health changes. Don’t ignore symptoms.
* Detoxify.
* Exercise to help move toxins out of your system.
* Restore depleted nutrients by consuming nutrient dense foods.
* Get uninterrupted rest in a DARK room.
* Drink plenty of the purest water you can get.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. It is the responsibility of the reader to carefully consider all options and weigh the risks of decisions that could affect health.

ASPARTAME: SWEET MISERY A POISONED WORLD

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS AT HOME

2010-01-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Before the shaking starts, there are some steps you can take that will help make your home safer in the event of an earthquake.

STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENTS
If you live in a home built before 1940, the structure may not be able to withstand the force of an earthquake. Some of these buildings are not bolted to the foundation. Consider having the structure inspected. If you use gas utilities, consider installing an automatic gas shutoff valve. Water heaters can be strapped in place at the top and bottom of the tank. Chimneys can be secured by strapping them to the roof of the house.

FURNISHINGS
Large pieces of furniture should be bolted to studs in the wall. This includes free standing cabinets and bookcases. Your local hardware store should have the appropriate strapping and hardware necessary. This is also an appropriate safety measure for homes with small children. In the event that a large furniture piece is climbed, these straps can keep them from falling onto and crushing a little one. Some manufacturers include these straps with the furniture.

CABINETS & DRAWERS
Install child safety latches to keep your cabinet doors and drawers from flying open in the event of a tremor. Computers, monitors and other electronics should be secured into place with Velcro straps.

SHELVING
Bookshelves should be moved away from beds so that objects cannot fall on sleeping persons. For breakables on display, use museum wax to fix them securely to a shelf. This is used by museums to secure breakables. Adding a lip to the edge of shelving can keep books & other items from sliding off and causing injury during smaller tremors.

AS ALWAYS
This article should be used as a guideline. The reader assumes all liability when utilizing these measures.

DEALING WITH A CYTOKINE STORM

2010-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

A healthy immune system is your best defense against a multitude of illnesses. Once you’re sick however, some illnesses can actually use your powerful immune system against you. This is known as a Cytokine Storm.

WHAT IS A CYTOKINE STORM?
Messengers in your body that regulate your immune response to sickness are called cytokines. When cytokines over-stimulate your immune system to produce an exaggerated response to a pathogen, a Cytokine Storm has begun.

Cytokine storms can cause great physical harm. High fever, inflammation and redness along with nausea and weakness are symptoms of a cytokine storm. If the storm is located in the lungs, the combination of overwhelming mucus and inflammation could block airways and cause death. Many believe that the cytokine storm response was what caused the deaths of so many young adults in the 1918 influenza pandemic.

AVOID IMMUNE BOOSTERS DURING A CYTOKINE STORM
At the first sign of serious viral infection, herbs and foods which boost the immune response should be avoided. These include herbs such as Echinacea, Elderberry, Pau d’arco, Aloe vera, and Oregano which offer temporary relief followed by more severe symptoms. Additional foods that increase cytokine production (and should be avoided during a Cytokine Storm) include: Sambucol (Elderberry juice), Spirulina and Chlorella algae, Honey, Chocolate, and Kimchi. These foods are good for treatment of less severe colds and flu, but should be avoided when symptoms become severe.

USE ANTI-VIRALS TO ATTACK THE PATHOGEN
Include herbs which are classified as anti-viral or antipathogenic in order to fight back severe viral infections. These include Garlic, Olive leaf extract, Grapefruit seed extract, Ginger, Mullein, Pine needles, Eucalyptus (inhaled) and Apple Cider Vinegar.

USE IMMUNOMODULATORS TO HELP BALANCE IMMUNE RESPONSE
Select herbs and foods that are known as immunomodulators. These help to balance the immune system and bring the immune response back into normal parameters. Herbs and foods known as immunomodulators include Ginseng root, Chamomile, and Olive Leaf Extract.

TREAT THE SYMPTOMS
If you are dealing with a Cykotine Storm which has resulted in bronchial inflammation and lots of mucus, you will want to utilize herbs which are anti-inflammatory and help expel the mucus, reducing the symptoms. Eucalyptus (inhaled), Ginger, Mullein, Curcumin (extract of Turmeric), Pine Needles, Apple Cider Vinegar, Onions, Marshmallow, Mustard, Plantain, Pleurisy Root, Red Clover, Yarrow and can help with these symptoms.

APPLICATIONS
Most of these herbs can be administered in an herbal tea or in tincture form. Many herbs and Apple Cider Vinegar (diluted with water) can be heated to a simmer in water using the steam as a medicinal vapor. Mustard and onions can be applied via a plaster to the chest. Onions can also be given as an ingredient in a soup. Another effective way to administer these herbs is by applying a low heat and breathing the resulting smoke (incense).

Lots of liquids and rest will also help as the patient recuperates. Monitor symptoms closely and seek additional help at the first sign of a life-threatening condition.

LISTEN TO MY DREAM BY DEBI PEARL – A TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

2010-01-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the subject of Debi Pearl’s latest book, LISTEN TO MY DREAM. The poetic text is filled with colorful illustrations produced by Debi and her husband, Michael Pearl. This book is one that is well suited to reading aloud to little ones. A summary of the Civil Rights movement and Dr. Kings leadership in it is included at the end of the book.

During the 1960s, Debi Pearl lived near Memphis, Tennessee. She observed how Jim Crow laws dictated how people could treat each other based on the color of their skin. She listened to the speeches, heard the arguments and knew the turmoil and upheaval that occurred when Dr. King was assassinated. She was there to see the ‘Whites Only’ signs disappear. Debi knew what life was like before Dr. King led the way to change; she had lived it.

When she had children of her own, she told them about what she had experienced and the children wanted to know more about this man. These children had never encountered the restrictions that had been Debi’s reality. These children had not encountered the widespread hatred she described. For all his work, the local library was only able to produce one children’s book about this man. Because of this lack, Debi wrote LISTEN TO MY DREAM for her own children more than 20 years ago. After an attempt to publish the book that went awry, the book was placed in storage where last year another child found it and began to ask some of those same questions she’d heard years ago. This time, Debi determined the book would be published, and this newest generation of children would hear about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

But there was more to Dr. King than his work to change society. He was a preacher, a husband, a father and a man. Michael Pearl, Debi’s husband, is a preacher also. “What will you say,” I asked her, “If someone points out areas of faith where you disagree with what Dr. King taught? How do you offer this tribute to a man that questioned things your husband preaches are basic, foundational truths?”

Debi replied simply, ‘My issue is that things changed because he spoke out. This man wasn’t perfect. He was used by God to change history. He made a difference. Children need to know what a difference one man can make.’

And that is a timely reminder for all of us, whether or not we are children.

Now is the time to order your copy of LISTEN TO MY DREAM during the AMAZON BLITZ, JANUARY 5th, 6th and 7th. With your proof of purchase from Amazon.com, you’ll receive a 25% off discount code on merchandise from these high quality retailers: www.AncientHealingOils.com, www.BulkHerbStore.com, www.CFishClothing.com, www.KingstoneMedia.com, www.MoreThanAlive.com, and www.NoGreaterJoy.org.

Additionally, you’ll receive the following free ebooks: Herbal Alternatives (More Than Alive), African American Faith in America. For those that order in quantities of 8, 16, or 24, additional free gifts will apply.
See www.DebiPearl.com for details.

Email your dated receipt from Amazon to Mel Cohen to receive your coupon codes. Your book must be purchased January 5th, 6th or 7th in order to qualify for this special offer. All coupon codes expire 1/11/10 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

2010-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

More than 25 years ago, a friend gave me a decorative ceramic tile for my kitchen. The tile is a trivet that protects the counter from hot plates and pots. This little tile has survived several moves, been glued back together and lost the loop on its back for hanging, but it remains in a place of honor.

On the face of the tile are two lines from the end of a poem called “The Art of Living.” Even today, these words touch me deeply because there is something precious in being able to give something to those we encounter. I remember loathing occasions where I was expected to bring something to share because I always focused on my lack. I reached a turning point when I started looking at what I DID have.

TIME
The gift of time is a most precious thing. It takes very little in material wealth to be able to make someone else feel special. One of my children still has memories of the week that he fell asleep each night listening to the sound of a used sewing machine chugging along. He was surprised with a super-hero costume, complete with a cape. A couple of months ago, I was organizing a closet and found where he had kept the mask and a shirt I’d made him those many years ago.

SKILLS
My grandmother used to spend several weeks each year crocheting treasures that were given to her dear ones at Christmas. She was never rushed or pressed and she made creative use of the materials she had.

THINK CREATIVELY
Creativity requires me to first be grateful for what I DO have and then ask myself how I might share it. Only then can I focus on the possibilities. Used and free items can be given a second life by personalizing them with a coat of paint or other decorative items. How many kids do you know that would love a custom-painted bicycle or a hand-stenciled chair? Because creativity requires a little planning, you’ll have to train yourself to look for opportunities. What skills do you have? Can you get a small item and add to it? Are there some materials on sale in the off season that can be used later? Is there someone that would benefit from your extras? Do you know someone that would love to give their old craft items, sewing supplies or tools a good home?

PASSING IT ON
As I’ve gotten older, it has been my goal to not just make the special moments happen for my children, but to involve them in the preparation so that they too enjoy the gift of giving. While I might be learning a particular craft/skill, my children are helping design labels and packaging and then enjoying the fun of sharing those gifts with those we encounter. Often, we make items with no particular person in mind. We might spend a couple of hours baking cookies while we enjoy trying to guess who will cross our paths that we might bless.

We’ve found that it is great fun to give things to people that weren’t expecting it. . . . and I believe that you become richer in the process.

Oh, the poem? Here it is. I’ve not been able to discover the author’s name.

THE ART OF LIVING
To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it;
To woo and tempt and count a bliss, and not attain it;
To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly;
To watch the sunset in the west without regretting;
To hail its advent in the east, the night forgetting;
To smother care in happiness, and grief in laughter;
To hold the present close, not questioning the hereafter;
To have enough to share, to know the joy of giving;
To thrill with all the sweets of life -- that's living.

AMAZING LOVE!

2009-12-23T08:16:00.001-08:00

HOMEMADE DISHWASHER POWDER

2009-12-09T21:22:00.001-08:00

There are a LOT of recipes for dishwashing soap. I don’t claim to have the best recipe, but I will share what works for me.

WHY NOT USE SOAP?
For dishwashers, you need cleaning power, not soapy suds. If you were to place regular soap flakes into a dishwashing machine, your kitchen floor would soon be filled with lots of bubbles. For a dishwasher, the detergent needs to break down grease, disinfect and rinse clean without leaving soap spots.

ESSENTIAL OILS?
I don’t use essential oils in my dishwasher powder. Very hot conditions will neutralize the scent of an essential oil. Good quality essential oils are pricey, so I prefer to use them in applications where they won’t be diminished. Feel free to add essential oil if that is your preference.

KAY’S DISHWASHER POWDER:
Mix together 2 cups Borax, 2 cups Baking Soda, ½ Cup salt and 1 cup citric acid.
This makes enough powder to just fit inside a quart sized zippered freezer bag. I place this inside a larger gallon sized zippered bag. This is to seal moisture out. The citric acid and baking soda will absorb moisture from the air and clump if the bag is not sealed. I use a DRY kitchen spoon to place a couple of tablespoons of powder in my machine per load. Using this, I’ve never had to use any spot-free solutions for the rinse/drying cycle.

This powder can also be used to wash dishes by hand. Vinegar in your rinse water is helpful for containers that have greasy residue.

A HANDY TIP:
I keep a soap dish next to my kitchen sink. The bottom of this dish has drainage holes. I place a sponge beneath these holes so that when the bar soap is used, it drains onto the sponge. If I need to spot clean a dish or a soiled surface, I simply moisten this sponge and use it.

This article is for information purposes only. Utilize these methods at your own risk and using your own discretion.

SCOURING POWDER & SPRAY CLEANERS

2009-12-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

Grandma managed to keep her home clean long before there was an aisle in the grocery store devoted to perfumed products that promised to make her job easier. Dependence on retail cleaners can leave you wondering if you aren’t spending WAY too much on the latest chemical goo.

The good news is that you can keep more of your hard-earned money AND get your house clean without lots of toxic chemicals. Here are four simple products that you can make to clean several areas of your home.

SCOURING POWDER
This is a nice, non-abrasive cleaner that can be used by applying it to a wet sponge and rubbing in a circular motion. You can use Baking Soda alone, but for extra water softening and germ-fighting I use 1 part Borax, 2 parts Baking Soda and ½ part salt. This will take care of some stubborn stains without scratching delicate surfaces. I keep mine in a wide-mouthed container with shaker holes beneath a closeable lid.

ALL PURPOSE SPRAY/RINSE
Used as a rinse for the homemade scouring powder, this will create a foaming action. Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. Place your solution in a pistol-grip sprayer. Spray surfaces you’ve used the scouring powder on, wipe with a damp sponge and rinse. It leaves a gleaming shine. The vinegar cuts the grease and also has anti-bacterial properties. By itself, this is also useful to wipe down tables, counter tops and clean glass and windows. If you use this as an after shower/bath spray it will also discourage mold on your grout.

HARD SURFACE, GLASS & DISINFECTANT/CLEANER
Mix 1 part rubbing alcohol with 1 part water. For every 2 cups of solution, add 3 tablespoons of white vinegar. Place into a spray container and use to clean hard surfaces that you want germ and streak-free. I like to use this to wipe down metal surfaces as it quickly dries without leaving spots. I also like to use it on light switches, doorknobs, and other surfaces that have a multitude of little hands on them.

SOAP SCUM & MOLD TREATMENT
Hard water causes soap to cling to surfaces in the shower and tub. This can lead to a problem with mold. A spray-on treatment for this is to use one part Hydrogen Peroxide and two parts water. Place it into a spray bottle and spray onto the surface. Let it sit for an hour and then clean with scouring powder.

This article is for information purposes only. Utilize these methods at your own risk and using your own discretion.

LISTEN TO MY DREAM BY DEBI PEARL

2009-11-20T09:06:00.001-08:00

History shows that some men have the ability to call to others to rise, stand and be counted for something greater than self. These are the purveyors of hope, individuals that spur others on to a higher calling, a nobler purpose. These are they which inspire and cause us to believe in possibilities, to dream of more.

Such was the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He stands in stark contrast to those that grasped at the spotlight for the sake of prominence and fame. He didn’t just push for change in the laws that governed access and opportunity; he pressed for hearts to be moved to do the right thing. He encouraged others to live their lives in pursuit of excellence.

It should not be surprising then that a grandmother in a rural community of Tennessee found Dr. King a fitting inspiration for her tribute: LISTEN TO MY DREAM.

This is Debi Pearl’s first venture into children’s literature. With her husband, Michael Pearl, as illustrator, Mrs. Pearl has managed to produce a work that continues the call of Dr. King to the next generation. The book will be available starting December 15, 2009 and was made possible with the cooperation of the Heirs of the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Watch for more details here so that you can reserve your copy of LISTEN TO MY DREAM by Debi Pearl.

PARENTAL PREPAREDNESS

2009-11-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

Parents want to protect their children when surprising circumstances arise. Being prepared helps whether the electricity is out or you’ve been stranded unexpectedly.

PREPARED, NOT PANICKED
The temptation to panic is dangerous when in an emergency (reference: RULE OF 3'S TO SURVIVE). Young ones will mirror your feelings. Your efforts to be prepared will give you the confidence you need to reassure your children.

RELEVANCE OF ROUTINE
Look for creative ways to implement a daily routine for the sake of your children. This is comforting and offers a sense of stability from the parent to the child.

PASTIMES
Amusements help pass the time when you are unable to travel. It is unlikely that you will have access to a source of power to operate electronic games. Craft supplies are wonderful to have on hand; this includes play dough, scissors, paper, tape, markers, glue and other assorted items. Take the time to introduce your children to board games, dolls, toy cars, blocks, puzzles and reading in order that they will be welcomed ‘old friends’ should they need entertainment. It is also wise to keep educational materials stocked (items such as work books, flash cards, pencils, reference books, etc.) in the event you find organized schooling is no longer an option.

HEALTHY ON PURPOSE
While access to remedies and treatments are available, utilize them to maintain your dental and overall health. It is far better to meet unexpected events with well-maintained health rather than ailments worsened by neglect. Stock any medicines required by your family members. Get into the habit of observing the sleeping, eating and toilet patterns of your family members so that you will detect illness early and be able to deal with it proactively. Train yourself to be observant of the impact circumstances are having on your loved ones. Otherwise, it will be easy to remain focused on your own challenges to the exclusion of others.

AVOID FAKE FOODS
The foods you consume today will affect your health tomorrow. Without proper training children could refuse to consume proper amounts of nutritious foods. Taste buds can be trained to appreciate a variety of tastes and textures available in real foods, but this can be difficult if the pallet has been compromised with processed foods and sugars. Take time to introduce new foods gradually in the diet. Learn about nutrition and basic food preparation -- and teach your children about these things also.

INFANTS & BABIES
A baby doesn’t require lots of gadgets for proper care. Just as yesterday’s mothers didn’t require music players, pacifiers, disposable diapers, bouncy seats, carriers, cribs and other accoutrements for infant care, neither are they necessities today. Babies need to be kept fed, clean, dry and warm.

Nursing an infant is a skill that can be learned. Breastfeeding is worth the time investment as it is beneficial to both mother and infant. This can help insure that the smallest family member has a ready supply of nourishment. For bottle-fed babies, you will need to keep formula in stock.

Infants require protection from extremes of cold and heat as their bodies aren’t yet able to regulate temperature. Babies need to be shielded from the summer sun. Umbrellas are useful for this application. Layering clothing in the winter will help protect little ones from the cold. Zippered fleece sleepers can be placed over long thermal underwear for nighttime warmth. Two or three persons sharing a single bed helps to retain warmth during the night. Wool socks, hats and zippered fleece jackets can keep babies warm during the day.

SANITATION
During cold temperatures or when water is scarce, there is no need to expect that baths will be a daily occurrence. Select the warmest area you can find and show children how to quickly wash their face, hands, genitals and feet each day. Become diligent about washing hands before meal preparation and before eating. This becomes even more important when conditions are primitive. Take the time to teach older children about latrine construction, placement and proper disposal of waste.

USEFUL ABILITIES
Learning life skills gives children more confidence in uncertain circumstances. Teaching your children how to shop, stock a pantry, pitch a tent, build a camp fire, sew, repair small engines, perform CPR, first aid, garden and swim is an investment. Understanding what to do during a fire drill, how to fend off an attack and having practiced other scenarios are real confidence builders. Prepared children aren’t as likely to fall apart emotionally.

When preparedness is made part of your daily living, your children will be better equipped to deal with emergencies. Rather than be fearful, your young ones will understand what is necessary to manage a crisis. Strengthen your family today with these measures.

HICCUP REMEDIES

2009-11-05T00:04:00.001-08:00

The easiest way I’ve found to stop hiccups is to take a small spoonful of honey. It has worked every time for my family and usually within five minutes.

A very full stomach can cause hiccups and these usually go away on their own. Things that contribute to hiccups include eating too quickly, swallowing too much air, changing the stomach’s temperature by drinking a cold and then a hot beverage or emotional excitement.

The reason that honey works to stop hiccups is that it helps to increase the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Other remedies include taking a teaspoon of maple or agave syrup, eating a teaspoon of sugar, taking a teaspoon of peanut butter, holding your breath while counting slowly to 10 or higher, drinking a cold glass of water, or breathing into a paper bag.

While hiccups are not often painful, they can be a nuisance. It’s nice to have simple and effective remedy.

NOTE: This article presents ideas and information designed to enrich the reader. This is NO substitute for personalized professional care. The opinions and ideas expressed are fallible and that of the author. Readers are encouraged to be well-informed and draw their own conclusions.

BUY THE VISION & SAVE!! -- TWO DAYS ONLY

2009-11-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

Readers of this blog will be glad to know that the publishers of THE VISION have partnered with 6 companies to help promote the new novel by best-selling author Debi Pearl. THE VISION has been on the Amazon’s Top 100 a total of 5 times since its release on 7/1/09 and has earned the right to be called an Amazon Best Seller. Now you can be part of the push to reach #1 on Barnes and Noble.

When you to order THE VISION from Barnes and Noble on 11/3 or 11/4, SIX companies will offer a 25% discount off of merchandise purchased from their web store (no other discounts apply). This is just in time for the Holidays!

As a thank you for your purchase of THE VISION, it is possible to save hundreds of dollars, depending on the products you decide to purchase. In addition to the savings, the purchase offer includes free downloadable EBooks. **

Now is the time to start your Holiday Savings! Follow the links to visit these fine merchants prior to receiving your coupon codes. REMEMBER: the purchase date must be 11/3 or 11/4 to qualify for 25% off savings and free EBooks. **

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER!
Order THE VISION by Debi Pearl from BarnesandNoble.com on November 3rd or 4th, 2009 (offer good on these days only) and you will receive coupon codes from the following companies offering 25% discounts from their webstores. Discounts cannot be combined with other discounts.

1. Ancient Healing Oils
2. The Bulk Herb Store
3. College Plus!
4. More Than Alive
5. No Greater Joy
6. The Mission Ball

PLUS! You will also receive free downloadable ebooks and bonus gifts from Gary D. Foster Consulting (see details below).

HERE’S HOW TO ORDER!!
On November 3rd or 4th...
1. Visit www.DebiPearl.com
2. Click the Barnes & Noble link to place your order.
3. Email your receipt immediately to Mel Cohen to receive your coupon codes.
Coupon codes expire on 11/9/09.

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You will discover how herbs can be used as healthy alternatives. This book provides “How To” directions for numerous home remedies for adults and children. Discover the use of herbs as; Antibiotics, Tinctures, Oil Extracts, dosages and more. Learn to make your own Salves and Ointments. The secrets of building immunity in your children are reveled. This is a MUST READ!

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MAKE YOUR OWN SALVE

2009-10-26T00:17:00.000-07:00

With a few simple ingredients you can make your own salve as a substitute for petroleum jelly, lip balm, a skin soother and other applications. I prefer to never place petroleum products on the skin.

BASIC SALVE RECIPE
The basic recipe for a salve is to warm 2 ounces of oil on a LOW heat and add 2 tablespoons of grated beeswax. Stir this until completely melted and blended with the oil. Pour your mixture into a small, shallow glass jar. When it cools, it will be solid. Mixing small amounts allows you to use the salve without needing to add preservatives for long term storage.

VARIATIONS
This basic recipe can be varied using oil infused with your favorite soothing herbs. I like to use infused olive oil and coconut oil in combination. This reduces the amount of beeswax required as coconut oil solidifies as it cools to room temperature (that is, if your room temperature isn’t very warm). Coconut oil also has some anti-microbial properties.

After you’ve added your beeswax, you can consider adding other ingredients.
• A capsule of vitamin E oil increases the beneficial properties of your salve for the skin. Pierce the capsule and squeeze the contents into your blended oil and beeswax.
• One half teaspoon of raw honey will act as a preservative and is also soothing to the skin.
• You may add your selection of essential oil for fragrance. However, read labels carefully to be certain the oil is approved for skin application.**
• About seven drops of tea tree oil will act as a preservative. Be mindful of the strength of your tea tree oil. Some are stronger than others and can be irritating, so don’t overdo. **

Really, it is as simple as that. You can create your own wonderful combination. Fill small baby food jars for thoughtful gifts, adding your own decorative touch to the jars. These salves are versatile and can be used as everything from a lip balm (with added flavorings) to a muscle relieving rub. I prefer to use herbal blends that are limited to 2 to 4 ingredients. I look for herbal qualities that work well in concert with each other.

KAY’S MUSCLE & SKIN SOOTHING SALVE
Infuse extra virgin olive oil with dried goldenrod using the heat method. Let oil heat in a double-boiler over simmering water for 3 to 4 hours or longer. I use about 2 cups oil to 1 cup dried herb. When removed from heat, strain herbs, retaining the oil in a mason jar and add about 1 more cup of coconut oil, blending well.

The next day, infuse this oil (the blended olive and coconut oil) with another cup of goldenrod and a cup of dried plantain, allowing this to heat over simmering water for another 3 to 4 hours or more.

Again, strain the herbs off of the oil. Place a 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a small jar (generous tablespoons if you are using a larger, jelly jar), 1 to 2 capsules of vitamin E oil (pierce the capsules and squeeze out the contents into the jar) and a ½ teaspoon of raw honey. Then add your infused oil, stir until the wax and other ingredients are well blended and melted. If the wax does not melt, you can set the closed jar back into the water you used earlier for infusing the oil and warm it gently.

Once blended, allow this to cool. It will harden into a nice salve texture. Plantain has styptic properties which mean it helps stop bleeding, eases inflammation, itching and pain. Goldenrod acts as an antiseptic and soothes strains, sprains and sore muscles. I love the smooth texture of this salve and how nicely it penetrates the skin. Because of the basic ingredients, I would use this on baby’s bottom, chapped lips, blemishes and scrapes or rashes. This remedy can be applied repeatedly and liberally for tired, inflamed muscles.

TROUBLESHOOTING
If the salve is too hard, warm it again and add more oil, blend and allow to cool. If the salve is too soft, warm the salve and add more beeswax. Once cooled, check the salve to see if it is satisfactory.

**AN AMAZING DEAL**
** If you are interested in receiving a 25% DISCOUNT on aromatherapy pure essential oils and carrier oils, order THE VISION by Debi Pearl from Barnes & Noble on November 3rd or 4th 2009. In addition to enjoying quality oils at a DEEP discount from Ancient Healing Oils, you’ll receive a wealth of herbal information in Debi’s latest best-seller, THE VISION. Email your dated proof of purchase to melcohen@hughes.net where you will then receive your coupon code. In addition to this discount, your purchase will qualify you for a free gift and additional 25% discounts off purchases from The Bulk Herb Store, No Greater Joy Ministries, More Than Alive, The Mission Ball, and College Plus. This is your advance notice to get ready to make your purchase November 3rd or 4th.

HOW TO INFUSE OILS

2009-10-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Infusing oil with your choice of herbs is a simple process that can be done using either a hot or cold method. In either method, I recommend using pressed oil of food grade quality. Olive and sesame seed oils are both made using this method, but check your labels. Many oils are made with chemical extraction and contain petroleum byproducts. When using topical applications, be mindful that human skin is permeable and some constituents and trace elements can penetrate.

HOT INFUSION – This can be used with either dried or fresh herbs.

Use a double boiler or a metal bowl resting over a pan of simmering water. Place a generous 1 ½ cup measurement of herbs crumbled, minced or chopped into the bowl. Add to this about 3 cups of oil. Generally, you will want to have twice the measure of oil as dried herb. Gently simmer the mixture for about three hours. Be sure that the oil doesn’t boil. You don’t want to burn or fry your herbs as this will cause them to lose their beneficial properties. Strain the herbs by pouring the oil through a clean cloth, reserving the oil in a clean glass jar with a lid.

COLD INFUSION – This is for use with dried herbs.

Place enough dried herbs into a jar to fill it within an inch of the jar’s rim. Be sure that your herbs have been completely dried or the water content will lead to rancidity. Add enough oil to cover the herbs. Cover with a clean lid and set into a sunny spot for 2 to 6 weeks time. I prefer 21 days in the summer sun. The heat from the sun will release the plant constituents into the oil. Once the oil has had a chance to infuse, filter the oil through a clean cloth. Store the infused oil in a clean glass bottle.

Infused oils are best used fresh, but will keep for about a year.

HOW DO I USE INFUSED OILS?

MEDICINALLY, infused oils are soothing carriers of the beneficial properties of herbs. A good selection of herbs for this purpose would be those with high tannin content which are soothing to the skin and/or muscles. Goldenrod is one herb which is used to benefit muscle aches and pains.

FOR CULINARY USE, olive oil is often infused with ingredients such as zested lemon peel, oregano, rosemary and peppercorns. The dried herbs should be bruised and/or crushed using a mortar and pestle. Fresh herbs should be finely chopped. For a decorative look, the oil can be placed in a decorative glass bottle with bits of the ingredients immersed in the oil and sealed with a cork. These oils can be used as salad dressing and for dipping breads.

IN SOAPMAKING AND TOILETRIES infused oils can offer the color, aromatic, and medicinal properties of the herbs to your favorite beauty recipe. Lavender, Rosemary, and Catnip are a good choice for mosquito repellant oil. Consider fragrant plants and herbs for your beauty lotions and creams made with infused oils.

In the book THE VISION by Debi Pearl, a local herbalist makes a gift of several herbs and booklets to a pregnant woman. This may seem an inappropriate gift to give a woman facing busy motherhood, but the gift of information is one which continues to grow. As with most things herbal, your creativity increases with the doing. Make a simple infused oil today, and you’ll likely find a dozen other ways to use it tomorrow. Order your copy of THE VISION to read about more examples of herbs used in daily living.

MAKE YOUR OWN WIPES

2009-09-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

I began making personal wipes as a way to save money on baby wipes. However, the usefulness and economy of these wipes have outlasted diapering and potty training adventures. They are great for freshening up when camping or traveling.

My babies went without rashes from chemical additives, fragrances and preservatives used in commercial wipes. I have found that the anti-fungal additives and preservatives are only needed if the bucket is not cleaned with a vinegar rinse between uses and/or if tap water is used instead of filtered or distilled water.

The recipe I use is simple. There are recipes that call for adding lotions, oils and various preservatives. I don't use them and my wipes stay fresh. ~ I avoid all of those and have wipes that remain fresh.

You will need a gallon-sized plastic bucket with a snap-on lid. Cut a small hole in the center of the lid. Clean the bucket carefully with hot water and soap. Rinse with vinegar and water. This will keep mold from forming. If mold forms the wipes will have an unpleasant odor and can contribute to diaper rashes.

Use a roll of Bounty Big Roll select-a-size paper towels. You can find cheaper paper towels, but they will fall apart. Cut the paper towel roll in half. A long serrated knife works best for this. One roll will supply wipes for two buckets.

Add two tablespoons of hypoallergenic baby bath soap to two cups of filtered or distilled water (not from the tap). Stir this well and pour into the bucket.

Remove the cardboard center from one of the half-rolls of paper towels. Place the half-roll, cut side down, into the bucket, threading the first sheet from the center of the roll through the hole in the lid and then snap the lid closed. In about 5 minutes, the towels will have soaked up the water and will be ready for use.

The ratio of 2 tablespoons baby bath soap to 2 cups water doesn't leave a yucky residue on baby’s skin. Using hypoallergenic liquid baby bath soap (or homemade), my babies didn’t have a problem with rashes. The pediatrician thought it was magic. I think it’s just because I had an economical and easy way to make sure my babies were clean and dry. I saved even more money by not needing additional lotions and potions to treat irritated bottoms. As a bonus, wipes can be used in place of hand sanitizers and makeup remover wipes.

WHAT IF THE BUCKET IS TOO BIG FOR MY BAG?
Just pull several wipes from your bucket dispenser and place them into a water tight, clean re-sealable container. This can be a zippered bag or a snap-tight sandwich container. As with the bucket, clean these containers between uses with a vinegar and water rinse and dry them.

CAN I MAKE MY OWN LIQUID SOAP?
Grate a 4 to 6 ounce bar of homemade soap (or Fels-Naptha). Warm about 4 of cups of filtered (or distilled) water to boiling. Gradually add your grated soap and stir in each small handful so that you don’t have a clump of soap and the flakes have time to melt. When the soap is melted, blend this with enough filtered or distilled water to make a gallon. This will thicken as it cools. Use in place of baby bath soap in your wipes. It will also serve as a refill for your soap dispensers.

ALTERNATE BABY OILS
If your baby does get a rash, I recommend applying coconut oil to clean, dry skin. Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties and hasn’t any of the fragrances or petroleum products that are found in many over the counter products. Extra virgin olive oil is another nice oil for baby’s skin.

This article is for information purposes and designed for the reader’s benefit. Utilize these methods at your own risk, using discretion. Readers are encouraged to be well informed and draw their own conclusions.

POISON OAK, POISON IVY & POISON SUMAC

2009-09-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac all have the ability to cause severe allergic skin reactions in the many individuals. All of these plants contain urushiol which is a penetrating oil that binds to cells deep in the skin. This oil is released from bruised or broken leaves and stems. To avoid a painful rash, learn to identify the plants in order to avoid them.

POISON OAK
Poison oak grows as a shrub and is often found in areas where oak and pine trees grow. It is common in sandy soils. In the spring and summer, the leaves are deep green. Hanging clusters, yellowish green flowers display in the spring and turn to clusters of greenish white berries. In the fall the leaves can turn red, yellow, orange or reddish black. Native Americans once used the plant for black dye. Poison oak has no leaves in winter or early spring. The stems are grayish to light brown and can be up to five feet tall.

The leaves grow in threes off of one stalk. Two of these grow at a 90 degree angle off of the stalk and the third is attached to the end of the stalk. The leaves have randomly lobed edges that resemble leaves of the white oak tree, often ending in a rounded tip. Sometimes, the plant will have as many as five leaflets on a stalk, but three is most common.

POISON IVY
Poison ivy most commonly grows as a vine but also has some shrub varieties. As with Poison Oak, the leaves grow three to a stem, but can have as many as 5 to 7 per stem. The leaves are not lobed, but can be angularly notched and they taper to a point at the tip.

POISON SUMAC
This plant loves swampy areas and can grow 15 to 20 feet high. A single leaf will have a reddish stem which produces 7 to 30 green leaflets that have smooth edges. Sweet-smelling flowers are produced in the spring that produce bunches of cream-colored berries. In the fall, these leaves turn bright red and yellow.

Your next line of defense is to prevent contact with the plant. Wear gloves and clothing that covers arms and legs – shoes that cover feet when moving through brush or working around plants. Avoid crushing stems and leaves with your hands or scrubbing against them with your body.

Don't go near any burning brush pile. If there's poison oak, ivy or sumac in the pile, the oil takes to the air and can get into your lungs. You can develop serious lung inflammation as well as a rash over your entire body. The lung inflammation can sometimes be deadly.

CONSIDER USING SKIN BARRIER CREAMS
There are topical creams* on the market that can be applied prior to exposure. Some contain bentoquatam, a type of bentonite clay. These topical claylike lotions, which are available over the counter, form a protective barrier that guards skin against urushiol and keep it from binding to the skin’s natural oils. Before going out, rub some outdoor cream on exposed skin.

(*i.e.: Ivy Block Lotion, Hylands' Ivy Block Lotion, Enviroderm Ivy Block)

Urushiol is an oil that penetrates the top layer of skin and binds to cells deep in the epidermis. Bonding can take place in as little as 3 minutes, but on average is often closer to 30 minutes. Any solvent or soap will remove urushiol oil from the skin prior to bonding.

WHEN YOU'VE BEEN EXPOSED
Once you’ve come in contact with urushiol (or suspect that you have), immediately rinse with plain water.

Use a fine grit dry soil – not coarse, but the kind you’d find on a footpath -- as a powder on your exposed skin. The fine soil tends to absorb the oil. Use it to gently pat off the urushiol. Be sure to pat this as rubbing could spread the oils.

Wash the affected area as soon as possible with cool-to-warm water and a properly made lye soap. Lye soap is best because it does not strip the skin of its own protective oils. Other soaps will remove this protective coating from the skin and could help increase the rate of allergic response. Be sure to wash your hands and nails carefully. If urushiol remains on your hands then you can spread the oils to any other body parts you touch. Then lather again and let the area air dry.

Organic solvents can be used such as mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel. And never, never ever use petroleum derivatives (kerosene, gasoline, etc) on one's skin after one has been exposed to urushiol. Such products only damage one's skin and enhance the toxic oils ability to penetrate.

TREATING THE ITCH
There are at least four methods of treating the urushiol allergic rash: bath soaks, paste applications, topical liquid applications and poultices. Scratching does not spread the rash unless you still have urushiol on your hands. However, scratching WILL increase the itch response and make your recovery more unpleasant.

BATH SOAKS
Oatmeal -- Take a warm bath to which you've added a few tablespoons of plain oatmeal ground in a blender. The oatmeal will help dry a rash that has started to blister, and also relieves the itch. Use a wire strainer or cheesecloth to cover the drain and keep the oatmeal from clogging your pipes. Be careful when getting out -- oatmeal makes the tub very slippery.

Epsom salt -- to dry out the rash, relax in a bath containing Epsom salt. Follow the label directions.

PASTE APPLICATIONS
Pastes can be made with various products that will help draw the fluid from the blisters, reduce inflammation and speed healing while reducing the itch.

Plantain (Plantago major) is a common weed that works wonders as an itch and pain reliever. It is very healing to the skin. Grind up leaves and stems into a paste (either using a blender or even chewing them in your mouth), apply to skin.

Goldenseal root (Hydrastis Canadensis) have anti-inflammatory properties. Grind them into a paste and apply to affected areas. Some people add aloe vera gel to this application.

Jewelweed (Impatiens aurea) is often found near places where poison ivy grows. The leaves and the juice from the stem of Jewelweed are used by herbalists as a treatment for poison ivy, oak and other plant induced rashes, as well as many other types of dermatitis. Jewelweed works by counter-reacting with the chemicals in other plants that cause irritation. When you are out in the field and find you have been exposed to poison ivy, oak, or stinging nettle you can reach for the jewelweed plant and slice the stem, then rub its juicy inside on exposed parts. This will promptly ease irritation and usually prevents breakout for most people. Jewelweed leaves don’t dry well for keeping because of the high moisture and oil content of the leaves.

An alternative way to store jewelweed is to brew the chopped leaves in boiling water until you get a dark orange liquid. Yellow Jewelweed will not yield orange color and may not be effective. Strain the liquid and pour into ice cube trays. When you have a skin rash, rub it with a jewelweed cube onto the skin to benefit from its healing properties. It will keep in freezer up to a year. Use the fresh leaves as an ingredient in soap. Do not make alcoholic tinctures from Jewelweed because some people have had a bad reaction using jewelweed with alcohol.

Baking soda (and alum) mixed with water to form a paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Add Alum to this paste to increase its styptic effect.

TOPICAL LIQUID APPLICATIONS
White vinegar -- Use a vinegar compress to dry the rash and relieve itching. Mix a half-cup white vinegar with 1½cups water. Chill in the refrigerator. When you need cool relief, moisten a cloth in the solution and press it onto the rash.

Additional liquid ingredients that can be added to this include:

Lemon juice
Honey suckle leaves, steeped in HOT water until cooled to room temperature

Witch hazel -- using a cotton ball, treat your rash with witch hazel, which has a great reputation as a skin soother. The kind that comes in an alcohol solution cools your skin as it evaporates.

Cold milk -- soak a cloth in cold milk and hold it against your skin. Cold milk is more soothing to itchy skin than cold water. Exactly why milk relieves itching is unknown, but perhaps it's the milk fat.

POULTICE
Tea bags -- Moisten a plain old tea bag (black or green, it doesn't matter) and apply it to the itchy skin. The tannic acid in tea, which is astringent, helps contract inflamed tissue and relieve the itching.

OTHER TREATMENTS
Calamine lotion can be dabbed onto the rash. This remedy helps relieve itch and will help dry up blisters. If you find the lotion too runny, just mix in a little cornstarch.

Whatever method(s) you use, prompt treatment is always prudent. This article is for information purposes only. Utilize these methods at your own risk and using your own discretion.

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2009-09-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

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DAISY CHAIN EDUCATION

2009-09-10T15:47:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be great to have an activity to do with your children that is always new, but reinforces learning skills with repetition? How about having a good reason to sit and relax while tying heart strings and making memories?

You can do all of this by making flower garlands and chains. If you have a son, tell him you are teaching him an important skill so that he can make his wife feel pretty one day. A daughter will feel like a princess with a crown upon her head.

For this project, you will need flowers with sturdy stems. Many wildflowers work well for this project, including asters, bachelor buttons, black-eyed Susan, chrysanthemum, daisies, dandelions, globe amaranth, marigolds, red clover, tithonia, and zinnias.

Practice counting skills as you collect 25 to 30 flowers. Once you have them in a bunch, let your child help you sort them into equal piles. Sort them by colors or size.

Other learning opportunities are identifying the plants and flowers. Which ones are edible? What are other uses? What are the parts of the flower? Where are the pistil (made up of the stigma, style and ovary) and the stamen? What are their functions? You get the idea.

Picking the flowers requires your child to use fine motor skills as he or she learns how to grasp the stem and pull firmly but gently. Reaching for the gently bobbing flower heads requires eye-hand coordination.

Sit together with your child and show him how you use your thumb nail to gently pierce the stem just below the flower’s head. Place the stem of a second flower through this hole. Then pierce a hole into the second flower’s stem, below the flower’s head. Let your child help place the third stem through the second flower’s stem. Again, you are developing fine motor coordination.

Continue this process until you’ve created a chain of flowers long enough to encircle your wrist, neck or head. On the last flower’s stem, make a slit long enough to allow the first flower’s head to slip through. Then you can knot the stem and either trim the ends of the remaining stems or braid them into the wreath.

Place the finished wreath upon your head or upon your child’s head and exclaim, “Won’t Daddy be so proud!”

When someone asks your child what you did that day, they might hear about how you taught them to wear flowers, make bracelets, or that you just sat outside and had fun. You’ll know that you practiced fine motor skills, while learning about botany, counting, color identification, sorting and how to sit still to see a task to completion. All of these are valuable learning tools that every child needs, but your child will gain them while hearing you teach him songs, tell him funny stories and wonder at God’s creation.

Page 224, THE VISION by Debi Pearl

"We lay there together, our heads close and our fingers intertwining. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she handed me a long-stemmed clover and ask me to teach her how to weave a crown for her head. . . . .
“She ran about picking clover to bring to me. I poked my thumb nail into the stems to make tiny holes in order to threaded another stem through it until I had made chains of red and white clover to wind around her head."

How To Make a Daisy Chain on Howcast

HOW TO MAKE CANDLE WICKS

2009-08-25T13:36:00.001-07:00

You may have seen a candle-making demonstration where participants are invited to dip strings into hot wax and then cool them in cold water. The finished product often looks more like a bent pepper than a candle. Should you decide to make usable candles, you’ll first want to know how to fashion wicks.

A WICK’S PURPOSE
Wicks aren’t just pieces of string in the center of a candle. The flame of a candle is not made by the wick. Rather, the heated wax creates a vapor which ignites as the flame is carried to the candle’s body by the wick. The flame you see is the vapor being consumed.

To produce a brightly burning, reliable candle, you will require a well-made wick. Use 100% cotton yarn or thread without any dye or bleach. Any thin cotton string, found in some craft or garden supply stores, will suffice.

Wire-core wicks are available commercially and are rigid, but these can contain lead and other metallic toxins that release vapors into the air when a candle is burned. I strongly advise against using these. It is better to have a wick stiffened by proper priming.

SOAK YOUR COTTON
Section at least three pieces of cotton yarn or string. If you are dipping candles, you will want the length of your twine to equal twice the height of your finished candle plus another twelve inches. The reason for this is that a single wick will have a candle formed at each end. If you prefer to make a single candle, cut the wick to equal the height of your candle plus another six inches.

Let the cotton soak in one these solutions all night:

1st Solution
One Tbs salt, two Tbs boric acid (makes the flame deep red), and 1 c. warm water

2nd Solution
2 Tbs salt, 4 Tbs Borax (makes the flame yellowish green) & 1 ½ cups warm water

3rd Solution
Two and a half tablespoons of salt with five and a half tablespoons of Borax in two cups warm water.

OPTIONAL CHEMICALS
Choose one of the following for a different color flame:

A tsp of calcium burns reddish orange.
A tsp of table salt brings a yellow flame.
A tsp of Borax has a yellowish-green appearance.
Add a teaspoon of potassium sulfate or saltpeter (potassium nitrate) for a purple flame.
A tsp of Epsom salts burns white.
A tsp of alum burns green.

The next morning, take the string from the solution and hang until dried completely – for as long as five days.

Braid the dried strands together as tightly as possible.

BRAIDS USED FOR WICKS
Use a flat braid for candles that are tapered. This flattened braid will have a slight curl when it burns. If the wick is matched properly to the size of the candle, the natural curl of the flat braid will reduce the carbon buildup and make the wick self trimming. The ply of a wick refers to the number of strands used to create it. A wick’s ply will tell you if the candle should be a larger or smaller size.

Block candles (without a tapered end) require a square braided wick. Block candles are formed by pouring wax into molds that can be round or square. The square braid is braided in the round and is not flat.

Whichever braid you select, it should be bound tightly. A candle will burn longer and brighter with a quality wick. A loose, poorly constructed wick will shorten the life of your candle.

HOW TO PRIME A WICK
Priming a wick helps to insure that your candles will light more easily. Your primed wick will burn more consistently. Additionally, the wax makes your wick water-resistant. Cotton wicks would easily absorb water otherwise.

Dipping your wick into hot wax until it is thoroughly saturated will prime your wick. When you see bubbles, you will know the wax is saturating your wick. To protect your fingers, you should use a small clip to hold the braid as you dip it. Take the wick out of the wax, tug it taught, lower it into water and then lay it onto waxed paper. Use a paper towel to dab off any excess water. Allow as least 30 seconds for each wick to dry. To encourage stiffness, repeat this process several times. When you are finished, primed wicks can be stored in rolled newspapers.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY
If wax boils, it is flammable. Baking soda or a fire extinguisher should be used to stop a fire involving wax. Water will just cause the wax (and the fire) to spread; don’t use it.

Use a double boiler to heat wax; it shouldn’t be placed directly on the heat source. Make your own by placing water at a 3-inch or so depth in a large pot. Put something (i.e. old tuna can or metal cookie cutter) onto the bottom of this pot to act as a barrier between it and the wax container. Bring the water to a boil. Place the wax into a can and lower this onto the barrier in the pot of boiling water.

It is best to work with hot wax while children and pets are away.

Hot wax should never be discarded down a drain. When the wax hardens, it will clog your pipes.

FEATURED VIDEO

How to Make a Candle Wick

HEALTHY INFANT SIGNALS

2009-08-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Knowing when an infant is ill can be a challenge for new parents. Sometimes a parent's concerns can be treated as a casual inquiry by medical workers who are accustomed to soothing new-mother nervousness. Rather than trust her own instincts, a mother can begin to doubt herself.

It will come as a relief to know that there IS a way to objectively measure a baby's health.

WEEK ONE
From the start, newborns will need to nurse for no less than 15 minutes, 8 times per day during the first week of life. A mama can hear her baby swallow milk during feeding. Baby's first bowel movement will be a black paste called muconium. The texture and color will change from a blackish green to a brownie batter consistency. The color will appear yellow by the 4th or 5th day. Within 48 hours after birth, the baby will have wet diapers. The number of wet diapers will increase to two or three each day be the end of the week.

An ill baby will show definite physical signs of his condition. Nursing for less than fifteen minutes fewer than 8 times per day, showing no desire to eat and having a sucking reflex that is week are all signs for a parent to be concerned. Signs that something is wrong can include a clicking sound when the baby nurses, cheeks that pucker inward and dimple when the baby sucks, or the inability to stay awake for a full 15 minute feeding. It is outside of a healthy range if the baby's stools haven't changed and there is no urination two days after the birth. Such symptoms persisting for two days mean your child should be seen by a health care provider.

THE FIRST FOUR WEEKS
Signs of a healthy baby will be similar for the first month. Each day a healthy baby will nurse for eight sessions and produce 2-4 yellow bowel movements. Track your baby's wet diapers. You should see between six and eight of them each day with clear urine, not yellow. Along with observing some milk and hearing your baby swallow during nursing, you should see a strengthening of the suck reflex. Your baby will grow both in weight and alertness.

Continue to monitor anything out of the ordinary in weeks 2 to 4 -- infrequent or bright yellow urination, stools that are small or too seldom, fewer than 8 feedings per day. Your baby should gain weight and grow longer. A baby that has a weak suck, doesn't make swallowing noises during nursing, becomes sluggish and lacks quick responses and doesn't sleep between feedings, is a reason for concern. If you observe these behaviors for more than two days in a row, contact a health provider for assistance.

THE 5TH THROUGH THE 10TH WEEK
A baby may change from 8 to 7 feedings per day during this time. This is due to your growing baby's ability to hold more food. Bowel movements will continue to change and will settle into a pattern of either several small stools in a day or a large bowel movement every 2 days. This isn't unusual in breastfed babies as they assimilate much of the milk. Check the wet diapers to make sure the urine isn't bright yellow; there should be six to eight wet diapers daily. You should notice that your baby is increasing in his awareness, has a stronger suck, audible swallowing and a little milk dripping at feeding time.

There may be reason for concern if a baby fails to produce the right amount of wet diapers without bright yellow color, or if the baby doesn't nurse at least seven times daily. Length and weight should increase for baby. Babies that can't be heard swallowing and have a weak suck are not likely to be getting enough nourishment. Seek medical assistance if your baby becomes lethargic, slow to respond or unable to sleep between nursing sessions. A couple of days in a row of these indicators mean that something is not well with your baby.

HOW TO KEEP UP WITH IT ALL
A well-rested person would be hard-pressed to know when and how often an infant ate. It can be overwhelming to expect a new mother to know this with reduced sleep. Have note paper and a pencil near the baby's bed. Write down the time of each feeding and changing along with your notes. One example of an entry might be: "10:00 a.m. -- BIG BM, brownish green, nursed 30 minutes." Start with a clean sheet each day. Write the date at the top of the page.

Your detailed list will be of great value to you and your doctor should your little one become ill. Your notes can also help you bond more effectively with your little one. By looking over her list, even a weary mama can tell at a glance if the crying is due to hunger (too long between feedings) or constipation (hasn't moved his bowels). This tool helps a mama learn to identify the different cries of her newborn. This list will then encourage a mother to trust her instincts as she learns to identify her baby's different cries and meet those needs.

Yet, BEST advice is often the most common advice, and it comes from the not-so-new mothers. Don't take for granted any of those first weeks. Other things can wait while you take the time to get to know your baby. They aren't little for long.

HOME GROWN TERRORIST CELLS??

2009-08-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

What do Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN and Raleigh, NC all have in common? Each of these locations has been the home of United States citizens convicted of terrorist activity.

In southwestern Portland, Oregon seven individuals formed a group called Katibat Al-Mawt, or squad of death. This group studied material on jihad and trained in weaponry and martial arts prior to the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Following the 9-11 bombings, the United States began its offensive against the Taliban in Afghanistan October 7, 2001. This same month, the six men of Katibat Al-Mawt traveled to China and tried several times to cross into Pakistan. Failing because of visa problems and heightened Chinese security, they returned to Portland.

The lone female of the group is the ex-wife of one of the men. On September 26, 2003 she pled guilty to six counts of money laundering. She admitted to transferring money from the U.S. to an outside country for the purpose of helping her then husband supply services to the Taliban.

The following November of 2003, a federal judge sentenced the ex-husband and another member of the Oregon group to 18 years in prison. They pled guilty to charges of seditious conspiracy the previous month.

In February 2004, the remaining three members of the Oregon group were sentenced to eight and ten years in prison. The oldest man agreed to testify against the other two (who are brothers) in exchange for a reduced sentence.

On October 29, 2008, a United States citizen killed himself as a suicide bomber in northern Somalia. He had traveled there from his home in Minneapolis, MN for that purpose. Reportedly, he had recruited as many as 20 other young men who also traveled to Somalia. More than a dozen of those were men of Somali descent that vanished, leaving their families here to worry as Federal officials searched.

The resulting investigation has led to the arrest of two more Minnesota men. Both are US citizens and both pled guilty to terror related charges that stemmed from traveling to Somalia and joining forces with Islamic Militants. Of the remaining missing men, at least 3 are thought to have been killed.

Monday, July 28, 2009 found eight more individuals pleading guilty to charges related to terrorist activities. Of those eight, one was from Minnesota. The remaining defendants resided in Raleigh, NC. The North Carolina men – three of which were a father and his sons – were charged with plotting jihad (holy war) and participating in military training for attacks abroad. All of these men, except for one legal resident are United States citizens.

What does any of this have to do with the inhabitants of a tiny rural community in eastern Tennessee?

If you’ve read the first few pages of The Vision, you’ll know that these events parallel eerily with best-selling author Debi Pearl’s plot. Pleasantville, Tennessee is where Debi resides with her husband Michael Pearl. Neither Debi nor Mike could have known how current events would come together to give her book an added credibility at the time of publication. It is apparent however, that this couple has a grasp of world events as seen through their deep faith. In November of 2008, Michael Pearl wrote about a potential for upheaval in our nation in a No Greater Joy Magazine article entitled Hard Times Coming. No Greater Joy is the Pearls’ ministry. No Greater Joy Magazine is offered free online or with a subscription at www.nogreaterjoy.org. Check it out for a view of current events from a perspective beyond today’s headlines.

DELIGHTING IN THE DESIGNER

2009-07-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Investigators of nature are glad to be able to learn about a portion of the processes that are part of the daily orchestra of nature. Pieces of an intricate puzzle fit precisely into place and result in breathtakingly beautiful sunsets or the dazzling display of a rainbow. These students are not just passive observers of nature. Rather they are connoisseurs whose understanding brings a depth to their experience and appreciation that is profound. The more nature is comprehended, the more a careful observer can see the fingerprints of God.

Too often, it seems that believers are at odds with science and a pursuit of knowledge. There is a contingent that fears the underpinnings of their faith will be removed if they examine the facts too closely – like staring at the sun too long could rob you of your sight. Sadly, these have traded their faith for superstition; a fearful belief that is anchored in ignorance.

It is refreshing to encounter a seeker – someone that delights in learning how things are designed – someone that sees nature as a testament to God’s creative genius. It is this perspective that can look at the intricate detail of cellular structure or the grandeur of the universe and be compelled to sing praises. Nature truly does declare the glory of God!

Debi Pearl’s latest book, THE VISION is the type of book that speaks of just such a wonder and curiosity about nature as it reflects God’s workmanship. THE VISION takes readers on a tour of nature that marvels at God’s handiwork. Debi Pearl writes of the human body, human nature and even plant and animal life with the perspective of one that delights in knowing the Maker of them all. Refreshingly, she does not portray characters without flaws or circumstances free of difficulty. She portrays life and relationships as fragile and sometimes tenuous. Yet in their very weakness, she writes of characters that reach out to their one sure Source of strength and hope.

Debi Pearl writes of the extraordinary as though it is common, and she writes of the ordinary as though it is miraculous. Her characters are very human, assailed with flaws and worries, but they approach life in a way that speaks of their faith and challenges the reader to do the same, searching for the answers.

Throughout the volume, Mrs. Pearl seems to be taking her readers on an educational stroll. It’s as though she has said, “Let’s walk a while; there’s something I’d like to show you.” While weaving her tale, she tosses in tidbits of useful information and current events that leave you hungering to know more. THE VISION educates without mindless drills. THE VISION doesn’t just deliver information, it encourages investigation. Debi Pearl has managed to produce a work that whets the appetites of readers for the next in the series. Get your copy of THE VISION today.

Click below to enjoy a music video that echoes this theme:

ONE DAY SPECIAL – PUBLISHER OF THE VISION GIVES AWAY BOOKS WITH PROOF OF AMAZON PURCHASE!

2009-07-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Fans of best-selling writer Debi Pearl who have been waiting for just the right time to purchase her new book THE VISION will be glad to know that the right time is TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009!

Purchasing THE VISION from Amazon.com on Tuesday, July 21st will qualify you to receive two more copies of the book from the publisher. Your proof-of-purchase will also qualify you to receive a 25% discount coupon towards your next Bulk Herb Store internet purchase! Don’t wait to buy your copy of THE VISION!

Qualify for your free gifts by meeting these simple requirements:

1. Follow the link on this page to visit Amazon on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. There, place your order for THE VISION by Debi Pearl.

2. Email your Amazon order confirmation receipt to Pearl Books at melcohen@hughes.net or by fax (931) 593-2494. Take the time to ensure that your entire shipping address and email address are included.

3. For each copy of THE VISION you’ve ordered from Amazon, Pearl Books will ship you two free copies. Additionally, the Bulk Herb Store will email you a discount code that qualifies you for 25% off of any Bulk Herb Store internet order July 22 through July 31, 2009.

4. This offer is limited only to orders of THE VISION made on Amazon.com, Tuesday, July 21, 2009. Receipts will not be accepted after July 31, 2009. Offer ends midnight August 1, 2009. Where prohibited, offer is void.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the Amazon blitz for THE VISION – ONE DAY ONLY! Then enjoy your 25% online discount at Bulk Herb Store July 22-31!

THREADTREE MAKES DEBUT IN THE VISION

2009-07-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

The internet is becoming an information lifeline to more and more people. The World Wide Web offers users the ability not only to retrieve information, but to interact with others and ask questions. This flexibility has resulted in the forming of virtual communities, more popularly known as social networks. These are groups of people with common interests that exchange ideas and information, forming relationships between persons that may not meet face to face.

Author Debi Pearl introduces an internet community called ThreadTree in her new book The Vision. Using ThreadTree, two of the main characters make first contact. Rather than a fictional element of Debi’s story, ThreadTree, it turns out, is very real (http://www.threadtree.com/). This is just ONE of the fact-based elements woven into the plot of The Vision (ISBN: 978-0981973708).

James and Shoshanna Easling, owners of the Bulk Herb Store (www.bulkherbstore.com), are the originators of ThreadTree. The site seems to have found a niche. It promises to be popular as it has more than tripled its membership in July. This, while still in its infancy.

ThreadTree (http://www.threadtree.com/) is targeted toward individuals who are interested in herbal remedies, natural health and self-sustaining life skills. However, ThreadTree is flexible enough to include other side-interests for its participants. Members have the capability to customize their own page, write blogs, join groups and engage in discussions. Additionally, there are plans to incorporate extensive database functions where members can research various herbs and health conditions.

In The Vision, Debi Pearl has managed to weave a story that often leaves the reader wondering where fiction ends and reality begins. Get your copy of The Vision by Debi Pearl today, and check out ThreadTree.

READERS OF THE VISION LEARN HOW TO PREPARE HERBS

2009-07-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

Debi Pearl writes about how a medicinal brew is concocted from berries and herbs in her latest book, The Vision. The methods used are real although the story is a work of fiction.

Nutrient contents of plants and fruit, whether organic or wild-crafted, can be preserved by fermentation. The naturally occurring alcohol acts as a nutrient and enzyme preservative. The medicinal and beneficial properties of herbs and other fruit preserved in this method can be stored at room temperature for long periods.

It is important that all of your utensils and equipment are very clean when you make your own elixir. Distilled water (or the purest water you have access to) is a good choice for this process. Clean equipment and jars with boiling water. A chlorine bleach solution may be used to clean surfaces -- five gallons of water to one capful of bleach -- but this must be thoroughly rinsed. Take care in rinsing; even a small amount of chlorine will ruin your brew, leaving it tasting and smelling foul.

1. Choose a blend of herbs and berries. Place one cup of this mixture into your cleansed blender.
2. Grind this into a pulp. Add a few drops of distilled water, if necessary.
3. Pour the contents of the blender into a CLEANED quart jar with three fourths of a cup of honey.
4. The jar should be filled with distilled water leaving a space of about 3 inches at the top.
5. Stir the contents of the jar three times each day for a week, moving the pulp from its resting place on the jar's bottom.
6. In order to keep out flying pests, cover the jar with a clean cloth secured tightly with a rubber band.
7. In a matter of days, you will observe the liquid starting to bubble.
8. The bubbling action will slow when a couple of weeks have passed.
9. In 21 days, it will be time to store your brew. Pour the liquid off of the sludge (leaving it behind) into a new clean storage jar.
10. An ounce each evening is a tonic dose.

You will have a bit less than 32 ounces of liquid. Read The Vision by Debi Pearl to get her recipe for Berry Herbal Brew. It yields a gallon.

Click on the video below to preview The Vision

MAKE YOUR OWN LYE

2009-06-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Soap is a combination of three ingredients: fat, water and lye. In addition to use in soap recipes, lye can be used to clean containers where oil or protein-based deposits have adhered. It is a common ingredient in oven cleaners. It can be used as a paint stripper, but on wood it will raise the grain. Lye solutions have long been used as drain cleaning agents because they decompose soap and hair.

How is this different than the stuff I buy in the store?
Wood ash lye has a different chemical makeup than commercially produced lye. Lye made from wood ash is potassium hydroxide. Lye made commercially is sodium hydroxide. These two products are not interchangeable. The amount of lye you use in a recipe varies based on which product you are using.

What's the best ash to use?
The best ash to use to produce lye (sodium hydroxide) is from hardwoods like oak or maple or fruit trees like apple. Avoid using wood from pine trees or evergreens. The wood must be burned at high temperatures with lots of oxygen so that the wood is completely consumed leaving white, paper thin ash, not chunks of charcoal.

Collect enough hardwood ash to fill a waterproof non-metal bucket to within 3 or 4 inches of its top edge. This container may be as small as a five gallon plastic container or as large as a wooden barrel.

CONTAINERS
You will need two non-metals containers for your project. One bucket will hold the ash, the other container will catch the runoff. Drill a small hole near the bottom of the ash container. This hole should be small enough that it can be stopped with a non-metal object like a small cork, toothpick or dowel.

In the bottom of the ash container, place a layer of clean river gravel. On top of this, place about 4 inches of packed straw, hay or grass. Fill the remainder of the bucket with wood ash (stop 3 to 4 inches below the top) and tamp it down firmly.

WATER
Collect 5 or more gallons of soft water. Soft water is water with little or no mineral content. This water can be acquired by use of a specialized filter, or from peat or, sandstone or lava rock sources like granite. Another alternative is to distill the water you have. However, the simplest way to acquire soft water is by collecting rainwater.

WORKSPACE
Put your ash container in a secure location away from high traffic areas or places that children or animals might bump, or knock it over. The container you will use to catch the runoff can be glass or even an enamel surfaced pan. Metal containers will react to the lye which could eat holes in the container. Find a position for this catch container that is close enough to the ash bucket to prevent unnecessary splashing during drainage.

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS
Lye may cause blindness. If swallowed it can be fatal. Potassium hydroxide (lye) is caustic and can burn anything that it touches, especially fats and oil on skin. This reaction creates salts which can cause severe chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring. Lye burns can be so severe as to cause nerve damage, so you may not feel the burn right away.

It is necessary to take safety precautions before you begin the process. Work in a well ventilated area. Have contact information for emergency and poison control on hand. Dress appropriately. Wear rubber gloves (the big yellow kind), long sleeves, have your legs covered and wear safety goggles. Keep vinegar nearby in order to neutralize any skin burns. Do NOT wash with water following contact with this substance as this will merely exacerbate the corrosive affect.

THE PROCESS
Use a broom handle or dowel to create an indentation in the packed ashes. Bring 1 gallon of your soft water to a boil. Carefully pour this into the ash bucket. The water will react with the ash by bubbling, spitting and splashing. When this action calms, slowly add another gallon of water to the ash bucket. If the level of the ashes sinks, add more ash to the bucket. Continue to add water until the ashes are covered. Place a lid over the top of the ash container.

Remove the stopper from the hole at the bottom of the ash bucket and allow the runoff to drip into your catch container. This can take a whole day.

Repeat this process on days 2 and 3 by pouring the runoff through the ashes again. This will add to the strength of your lye.

An alternative method is to add the water to the ash container while the stopper is still in place. Cover the container and allow the water to sit for about 3 days. Make sure it is in an area where it can't get spilled. After three days, remove the stopper and drain.

TESTING STRENGTH
The resulting liquid is lye water (potassium hydroxide). To test its strength place a fresh egg (still in its shell) into the liquid. It should float on top with a nickel-sized or quarter-sized area exposed above the surface (2 cm to 2.5 cm diameter). If the egg sinks, the lye water is too weak for soap making. If the egg bobs on top of the surface, the lye is too strong and needs diluting with more rainwater. Be sure to dispose of the egg after use.

If the lye water is too weak, heat it to reduce the amount of liquid. Enamel finished pans are safe for this as long as they are never again utilized in cooking foods. Be careful when heating lye as it can be scorched. The solution is strong enough when a chicken feather touched to the heating lye starts to dissolve. Remove the lye water from the heat to cool.

STORAGE
Store lye water in jars with plenty of head room to allow for safety in pouring. Keep in a cool, dark place in tightly sealed containers, away from curious children.

Dispose of the old leached ashes in a hole dug away from high traffic areas. Allow this to cool thoroughly before re-filling the hole.

MAKING CRYSTALLIZED LYE -- POTASH
If you wish to dry your lye into potash crystals, place the water into a lye-safe container. Glass is a good choice for this application. Leave the container uncovered in the sun until the water evaporates. Follow the same storage precautions with potash crystals as you would the lye water.

Here's a video I found on YouTube that shows a Living History interpreter explaining how settlers used to make their own lye from ashes using an ash hopper. The sound level is low, but the information is good.

MAKING BEDS, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE?

2009-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I admit that my beds are not always made neatly. I further admit that there is more than one way to make a bed. What follows is the result of research and listening to people who make beds for a living and take care of patients for a living, not my own personal bias.

There's more to making a bed than just having something that looks nice. Standard nursing care has long recognized the importance in having wrinkle-free, smooth bedding to aid in the recuperative sleep of patients and as a preventative against bed sores. In cancer patients, sleep disorders are common. Along with lowering the noise level and dimming the lights, making sure that the bedding is dry and wrinkle-free is part of creating an environment where the patient can get the rest needed to be able to regain health.

Learning how to make a bed properly, even luxuriously, will not only prove useful if you are hosting guests, you will also find it helpful if you are caring for a sick loved one. Most importantly, you will find that when there isn't time to do any of the other things you might like to do for self-care. This is ONE thing you CAN do that won't cost you anything and will help you get the rest you need . . . . PLUS it should impress your husband. Who says you have to stay at a fancy hotel before you can enjoy the luxury of a finely made bed?

Before you make the bed
One way to make this chore easier is by folding your bedding in half lengthwise after laundering -- this means matching the sides and corners and smoothing out all of the wrinkles. This will create a crease in the center of your sheet that will serve as a guide when you are trying to center sheets on your mattress. This is a major help when making a large bed.

Hospital Corners, a solid foundation
The most common complaint about hospital corners is that this method of securing sheets does not allow for movement. However, the bedding can be loosened to accommodate the comfort level of the person using the bed when he or she gets into the bed. Having bedding in place keeps the legs from becoming entangled in the sheets and restricting movement during sleep.

In addition to contributing to a good night's sleep, hospital corners can save you money. Knowing how to fold hospital (or mitered) corners means that you can purchase flat sheets or make your own without being bothered with elastic binding. Also, this tight pleat will anchor your bedding without fraying the edges like some other methods.

Making hospital corners is a skill that takes time and patience to learn. Knowing how to make a bed tightly will ensure that there are no wrinkles when it's time for bed. I've watched lots of footage on how to make a bed.

Best Video for Hospital Corners
It should come as no surprise that none of them come close to the precise detail as one made by Sgt. Shane Medders. I highly recommend that you follow this link to see his video.
http://video.about.com/usmilitary/How-to-Make-Military-Corners.htm

The runner-up for instructional videos is an instructional video of a man demonstrating to nursing students the proper way to make a bed. He credits the U.S. Navy with his training in bed making.

This site has good photos with written instructions to show the process:
http://www.organization-makes-sense.com/how_to_make_a_bed.html

Once the Sheet is on . . . Then What?
This depends upon your resources and your needs. There are two separate categories for this. The first category is for regular household use.

REGULAR HOUSEHOLD USE
What follows is the order that bedding is placed onto the mattress. This list is a loose consensus of several sites.

1. A foundational sheet is placed over a mattress which has already been covered with a mattress protector. This foundation sheet can be fitted or flat.
2. A second sheet is placed over the foundational sheet -- Optional
3. A flat sheet -- the first top sheet
4. A thin blanket. Optional
5. Another flat sheet. Only necessary if you've added the thin blanket
6. A bedspread or comforter
7. Any additional quilts or blankets folded at the foot of the bed. Optional

Numbers 1 through 5 are anchored with hospital corners.
Numbers 1 and 2 are tucked on the sides as well as the ends.
Numbers 3 through 5 are tucked 3 quarters of the way up the sides of the bed and turned down for ease of access.

CHILDREN'S BEDDING -- CARE OF BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS
For this bed, you will need:
1. rubber sheet/pad
2. Bottom Sheet
3. Draw sheet/pad (for bedridden patients)
4. Top sheet
5. Pillow w/ pillow case
6. Blanket (use to cover bedridden patients while changing the linen)
7. Hamper (this is for your convenience when changing soiled linen)

When making a bed for bedridden patients or children that have difficulty with bed wetting, a waterproof mattress protector is a tremendous help. On top of this, you can then place another waterproof pad. Other items can be used in place of waterproof pads such as flattened garbage bags or even disposable plastic or vinyl table covers.

Helpful Hint:
You can save a little time when initially making the bed to make 3 or so layers of alternating plastic and bottom sheets. This way, when you must change the bedding, you can remove the topmost layer from the bed and have the lower layer already in place, ready to go.

Why a draw sheet?
Bedridden patients will require a draw sheet. A bedridden patient will need to be repositioned every few hours to prevent bedsores. A simple tool, draw sheets protect both the caregiver and the patient from injury. A draw sheet enables the caregiver to move the patient either from one side to another in the bed, or to reposition the patient higher or lower in the bed. To make a simple draw sheet, take a top sheet and fold it in half, matching the top and bottom edges. Position this on top of the bottom sheet between the chest level and knee level of the patient. Tuck the overhang underneath the mattress, smoothing out any wrinkles. A draw sheet also helps you turn the patient to one side when making the bed.

Making An Occupied Bed
Pull up the soiled bottom sheet and plastic liner and tuck it next to the patient's back in the center of the bed. Place the clean linen onto the stripped half of the bed and tuck the clean sheets onto that half. Turn the patient over the top of the soiled linen onto the opposite side and onto the newly made side of the bed. Remove the soiled linen and flatten out the clean linen, making the other side of the bed.

Click the video below for an example of how to make an occupied bed.

RENDERING FAT

2009-06-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Fat has many uses. It can be used as a mechanical lubricant, in salves and ointments, in food preparation and baking as well as in soap production. Modern manufacturing processes may cause you to be cautious about using processed fats from your local grocer. One way to know what goes into your product is to produce it yourself.

Rendering fat is the process used to remove meat and particles from the fat of an animal. This must be done in order to store fat for later use. Bits of meat left in fat will cause it to become rancid in storage and unfit for use. Rendering is also a process that can be used to save grease left over after cooking. Leftover cooking grease will go rancid without being rendered or refrigerated because of the bits of food left inside. This cleaning step removes unwanted odors and colors from the fat.

Fat can be rendered from many meats. Fat rendered from pork is called lard. Fat rendered from beef is called tallow. You can use venison, bear meat, chicken, duck or any “hard fat” from animals just as you would beef tallow or lard.

Use a sharp knife to remove the pockets of fat from the meat, collecting the fat into a container. In many animals, the fat is encased inside of a protective membrane. If it is large enough, you can strip the fat from this membrane. Use your knife to further slice the chunks into small bits. Some people prefer to run this through their meat grinder to expose more surface area. This will make rendering go more quickly. If you aren't able to render the fat right away, it can be kept in a freezer. Don't leave it at room temperature if it hasn't been rendered.

RENDERING

Heat the collected fat gently in an over sized pot. If the fat is heated too quickly, bits of meat can remain locked in the fat and burn, giving your final product a burnt scent and possibly a burnt flavor. This is a smelly process. If you have several pounds of fat to render, you may find this is easier (and safer) to do outdoors. Moderate amounts can be managed on a kitchen stove. Small amounts can be done in the oven.

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
Do not leave the pot unattended at any point in this process. If the pot were to boil over onto your stove, the fat would burst into flames in a grease fire that would be difficult or impossible to contain.

CLARIFYING
A final step is called clarifying your fat. This will further ensure the purity of your fat and protect it from becoming rancid by removing any remaining bits of meat from the fat. To clarify your fat, place equal amounts of your rendered fat and water into a large pot. Leave lots of space between the contents and the top of the container. Heat the contents to a simmer. Turn of your heat at this point. The residual heat of the pot will cause the fat and water to come to a gentle boil. Allow the pot to sit undisturbed while it cools.

Clarifying liquefies the fat and releases the bits of meat and impurities. When allowed to cool, the impurities settle to the bottom of your pot, the water becomes a middle layer or barrier and the fat rises to the top and solidifies. This top, solid layer is your clarified fat. Scrape any bits that remain off of the bottom of this layer. This can be stored in glass jars or covered containers for later use.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVER BITS
The leftover bits of very crunch meat are called cracklin. Cracklins can be used as flavoring in salads and corn bread. They can also be mixed with peanut butter and beef suet to make a treat for the songbirds in your yard. Dab this mixture between the prongs of a pine cone. Attach a string and hang from a nearby tree where the birds have easy access.

This video shows the how the fat looks during clarifying.
It is a bit long (over 8 minutes). At the 4:45 mark you will see how the contents of the pot appear when they are ready to be removed from the heat.

This video shows how the contents of the pot appear after cooling.

For Further Reading:
Colonial Soap Making. Its History and Techniques
How to Render Duck Fat
How to Render Lard And Why I Do It

EXAMPLE OF KITCHEN RENDERING WITH PICTURES
How I Rendered My Own Lard